Becoming Unshakable - podcast cover

Becoming Unshakable

Heather R. Younger, J.D.heatheryounger.com
Becoming Unshakeable is the podcast for leaders, creators, and changemakers who know that true leadership starts from within. Hosted by bestselling author and keynote speaker Heather R. Younger, JD, each episode explores what it takes to lead with resilience, compassion, and purpose—without pretending to be perfect. Through candid conversations with executives, frontline leaders, coaches, and everyday heroes, Heather uncovers the real stories behind growth, setbacks, and transformation. From navigating change to creating emotionally safe cultures, Becoming Unshakeable reveals how self-leadership and caring leadership can shape people—and workplaces—that cannot be shaken. Whether you're leading a team, a company, or simply leading yourself, this podcast will help you stay grounded, lead boldly, and thrive in every chapter of your journey.
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Episodes

303: This Caring Leader Transformed Pain into Purpose

In this compelling episode of the Leadership with Heart Podcast, Maureen Leahy, Chief Clinical Officer at Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice, shares her profound journey as a seasoned healthcare professional and a resilient individual. From pioneering hospice services in the U.S. to her impactful role at SSRCH, Maureen's path has been marked by accolades, personal losses, and a commitment to compassionate care. Having cared for her father battling cancer, her mother with dementia, and experi...

Dec 19, 202335 minEp. 303

302: Where Are You on The Art of Active Listening Journey?

In this engaging episode, Heather guides you on an exploration of "The Art of Active Listening." Join her as she unveils a diverse array of products, content, and services tailored to individuals at every stage of their journey. Whether you're a solo employee or the leader of a thriving enterprise, Heather has curated resources that cater to everyone, empowering you to enhance your listening skills and become a more effective communicator. Tune in to discover valuable insights and practical tool...

Dec 12, 20235 minEp. 302

301: Reflecting on the past 300 Episodes

Join Heather on this powerful episode where she reflects back on the last 300 episodes and the journey that has been Leadership with Heart. From the inaugural episode to the latest installment, she revisits pivotal moments that have shaped this podcast. Join her in this concise reflection on the evolution of the podcast, and her favorite episodes along the way.

Dec 05, 202333 minEp. 301

300: What Happens When Compassionate Leadership Intersects With Purpose - An Interview With John Crowley

In this riveting episode, we unravel the extraordinary story of John F. Crowley, Executive Chairman of Amicus and former CEO from 2005 to 2022. When two of his children were diagnosed with Pompe disease in 1998, a severe neuromuscular disorder, John's life took a profound turn. Leaving his role at Bristol-Myers Squibb, he became an entrepreneurial force as the Co-founder, President, and CEO of Novazyme Pharmaceuticals, steering groundbreaking research that ultimately saved his children's lives. ...

Nov 28, 202341 minEp. 300

299: Framework for Success: How to Guide Change Effectively

Welcome back to another episode of the Leadership with Heart podcast! I've always believed that culture is the beating heart of any organization. It's what drives behaviors, shapes attitudes, and determines the way we work together toward a common goal. So, the question is: How do we transform that culture for the better? Well, it's all about having the right support in place. I’ve worked with so many leaders and organizations who are eager to make a positive change in their organization's cultu...

Nov 21, 20233 minEp. 299

298: Helping People Live Full Lives: Mosaic's Heart-Driven Leadership

Welcome back to the Leadership with Heart podcast! Today's episode is an interesting one with two leaders from Mosaic; Mosaic is a dynamic whole-person healthcare organization that focuses on allowing people to live full lives. Mosaic listens and learns about the unique needs of the clients they serve and builds a tailored approach that creates a life of real possibilities. Their approach to leading is definitely one with heart and I know you will learn so much from them. Enjoy.

Nov 14, 202342 minEp. 298

297: My Full Circle Moment

My Full Circle Moment My career journey began on LinkedIn when I started sharing content that truly mattered to me. Over the years, I've seen significant growth. Notably, last year, I had the incredible opportunity to collaborate with LinkedIn for the first time. Now, I'm eagerly anticipating the release of my third LinkedIn Learning course. This experience has brought me full circle and imparted some valuable lessons that I'd love to pass on to you.

Nov 07, 202313 minEp. 297

296: Your Work, Your Way: Software's Role in Tailoring Employee Communication

In this episode, we explore how innovative software, inspired by AI learning similar to Netflix's recommendation algorithms, is revolutionizing employee communication. The CEO and Founder of Cerkl, Tarek Kamil leads a team of talented engineers, designers, and marketers who are passionate about using AI and big data to transform how organizations communicate, engage, and understand their audiences. Tarek is a tech enthusiast and entrepreneur, striving to create innovative solutions that positive...

Oct 31, 202343 minEp. 296

295: Your Brother's Keeper

In this episode, Heather asks, "Are you your brother's keeper?" Her answer is a resounding "yes." Through personal experiences and a commitment to promoting caring leadership, she emphasizes the importance of extending empathy and compassion to all, transcending divisions and affiliations. She shares her struggle with anxiety and helplessness in the face of global conflicts but underlines the power of projecting unity, interconnectedness, and love into the world. Heather urges her listeners to g...

Oct 24, 20235 minEp. 295

294: Mastering Multitasking: How to Balance Productivity and Focus

In this episode, Heather guides you through the intricacies of mastering the art of multitasking while maintaining a genuine and focused connection with the person right in front of you. In today's fast-paced world, the ability to balance productivity and interpersonal connections is a leadership skill worth cultivating. Whether you're a manager, a team member, or simply seeking to enhance your interpersonal skills, learning how to become a more effective and compassionate leader can redefine th...

Oct 17, 202310 minEp. 294

293: Going Back to the Basics

Today, we're taking a step back to revisit a fundamental concept in leadership: teamwork. As the saying goes, "Teamwork makes the dream work," and it couldn't be more true. Our host, Heather, reflects on the importance of teamwork in their own life, especially as they navigate multiple ongoing projects. The power of teamwork becomes evident when individuals in a team understand their roles and responsibilities clearly, and this synergy is essential for success. This episode serves as a reminder ...

Oct 10, 202311 minEp. 293

292: The Humble Leader's Guide to Success

In this episode, we'll uncover the transformative power of humility in building trust within organizations, sharing real-world examples and actionable insights from Walt Rakowich. He is a leadership speaker and former executive of Prologis, a global real estate company that was near collapse when he took over as CEO in 2008. During the economic downturn, the Prologis stock had dropped from over $70 per share to approximately $2 per share in 10 months, making it the third-worst performing company...

Oct 03, 202343 minEp. 292

291: An Unexpected Lesson from a Family Trip

In this episode, Heather talks directly to her listeners about a leadership lesson she actually learned from her son on a family trip. This lesson included a canoe and learning how to work as a team with his dad to get back to shore. It's an interesting and funny little story that can be applied in the workplace too. Take a listen.

Sep 26, 202311 minEp. 291

290: How to Achieve Your BIG Goals

Kathryn Bleeker is the Director of Marketing for Ziggi's Coffee. With over a decade of experience working with a variety of B2C and nonprofit teams in-house, with an agency and as a freelancer, she has built expertise as a strategic marketing and communications leader within the industry. Kathryn is passionate about storytelling and reaching key stakeholders in new and innovative ways, and specialize in developing and executing integrated marketing and communications initiatives that not only ai...

Sep 19, 202318 minEp. 290

289: Provide Space for Input

Heather speaks directly to her listeners about a crucial aspect of leadership: providing space for people to give their input. This is not just about listening but creating an environment where voices are encouraged, valued, and heard. In our fast-paced world, leaders often find themselves in positions of authority, expected to make decisions and drive their teams forward. However, the most effective leaders understand that their role is not just about issuing orders but fostering collaboration ...

Sep 11, 20238 minEp. 289

288: Understanding What Your Employees & Customers Need

In this episode, Heather sits down to chat about what Employee Fanatix, her consulting firm, is and what they do. She speaks specifically about one of her biggest clients, a regional bank called First Bank. She walks you through the process that they went through and shares tips on how to implement some of this process yourself. Take a listen.

Sep 05, 202312 minEp. 288

287: Check Your Pulse Before You Check Someone Else's

Welcome back to the Leadership with Heart Podcast! I'm your host, Heather Younger, and today, I'm thrilled to have Mike Chanat as my guest. With over 35 years in emergency services, Mike's expertise ranges from the NYPD to working with numerous police and fire departments through volunteer and paid work. We'll dive into his journey, learn from his mistakes, and hear a bit about his values of communication, growth, empathy, and making work fun. Get ready to be inspired!

Aug 29, 202326 minEp. 287

286: Innovation Starts with the Willingness to Listen

Heather introduces the Certified Art of Active Listening Facilitator Program. In this episode, she shares why this can truly transform the way people connect and communicate at work. How it has the power to help ANYONE transform organizations from the inside out! Heather has worked with countless organizations helping to improve their workplaces, improve employee retention, improve customer experience, and so much more. All of those things led her to uncover the Art of Active Listening. It's not...

Aug 22, 202331 min

285: Leadership 101: How to Communicate Goals Instead of Dictating Approaches

Welcome back to "Leadership with Heart," the podcast that delves into effective and caring leadership strategies with Heather Younger. In this episode, Heather chats with Megan Gluth-Bohan, the owner and CEO of TRInternational, a prominent US-based chemical distributor, as well as the Owner of Chemblend of America, a cutting-edge chemical blending and tolling facility, brings her wealth of experience to our discussion. Notably, TRInternational stands as one of the largest certified women-owned s...

Aug 15, 202334 minEp. 285

284: The Role of HR in Psychological Safety

Today's episode focuses on the role of HR in fostering psychological safety. I'm your host, Heather, author of The Art of Caring Leadership and The Art of Active Listening, and today, we're joined by Sherry Martin, an HR Business Partner and true advocate for building thriving workplaces. Join us as we uncover Sherry's insights on nurturing psychological safety and embracing leadership with heart.

Aug 08, 202326 minEp. 284

283: How to Establish Trust with Consumers in 2023

How do you establish trust with consumers at a time when people feel like they are constantly marketed to? My guest today, Paige Velasquez Budde, is Partner and CEO at Zilker Media, an Austin-based agency building people-driven brands. Their strategy is to focus on the people within the companies that can represent the organization by educating and entertaining, not just selling. By doing this, Paige argues that consumers establish trust more quickly with brands and will be the key differentiato...

Aug 01, 202330 minEp. 283

282: Slowing Down to Speed Up

In this episode of the Leadership with Heart Podcast, Heather reflects on her recent experiences and shares an important lesson she learned: "slowing down to speed up." Over the past nine days, Heather has been on a hectic journey, traveling for a keynote in Houston, attending the National Speakers Association convention, and recording LinkedIn Learning courses in California. Amidst her fast-paced life, she realized the significance of slowing down to connect with people, find inner calm, and ob...

Jul 25, 20234 minEp. 282

281: Leading Global Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging at a Fortune 500 Company

Today, we are revisiting an episode I did with Dr. Yetta Toliver, the Global Head of Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging at Xerox, that never made it onto the podcast. Yetta is the mastermind behind Xerox's DIB strategy, and I know you all will learn so much from this conversation. So get comfortable; we're about to dive into a discussion with Dr. Yetta Toliver that will leave you inspired and ready to embrace diversity like never before.

Jul 18, 202324 minEp. 281

280: Being Addicted to Distractions

In this episode, I share a personal experience where my son pointed out my addiction to distractions in today's world. I dive into the overwhelming presence of distractions that surround us and explore how they can become addictive and what I have done to help minimize this. I offer practical strategies and tips to regain control over our attention and find a healthier balance. Here's how I confronted my "distraction addiction" and how I rediscovered how to be present in my personal life.

Jul 11, 20235 minEp. 280

279: The Power of Partnerships: How Strong Collaborations Fuel Leadership Success

On this episode of Leadership with Heart, we dive into the fascinating story of a company that values deep relationships and creates a nurturing environment for its employees. Meredith Monday Schwartz, discuss balancing the needs of the company and individual employees, the importance of psychological safety, and the power of curiosity in resolving conflicts. Tune in to hear about the CEO's personal journey and the lessons learned from past mistakes. Join us as we explore how this company hires ...

Jul 05, 202330 minEp. 279

278: Defining Success and Showing Up as Your Authentic Self

On this episode of Leadership with Heart, my guest and I discuss the importance of leading with heart in both personal and professional relationships. My guest, Ayanda, shares a bit about her personal journey of self-exploration and the importance of being authentic as a leader. She dives into dealing with tough decisions, such as firing a friend, and the importance of being empathetic towards employees in challenging times. These tough topics show the importance of creating safe psychological s...

Jun 27, 202338 minEp. 278

277: Art of Active Listening Builds Trust and Inspires Greatness with Stephen M.R. Covey & Heather R Younger

Welcome back to the Leadership with Heart podcast! Today, we have a treat in store for you. For today's episode, I decided to revisit a captivating webinar I did a couple of months ago with the incredible Stephen M.R. Covey! In this episode, we'll delve into various topics, ranging from leadership to personal growth to workplace culture and so much more. Stephen M.R. Covey is a renowned author and speaker. In this episode, he shares his wealth of wisdom and insights, many of which are passed dow...

Jun 20, 20231 hr 1 minEp. 277

276: Breaking the Mold: How Antonio McBroom Became a Franchisee Extraordinaire

What does it take to own a franchise? That's the first question I had in mind when I sat down with Antonio McBroom... and then I was shocked when he told me he bought his first franchise before even finishing college. Antonio McBroom began as a franchise developer of Ben & Jerry’s throughout the US. While attending college, he began his journey with Ben & Jerry’s in 2004, “scooping his way up” from minimum wage scooper to shift leader to shop manager. In 2008, he seized the opportunity t...

Jun 13, 202333 minEp. 276

275: Exploring Kristi Turner's Journey

Welcome to another episode of Leadership with Heart! Today's guest, Kristi Turner is a true embodiment of leadership with heart - she not only leads by example, but as you'll hear throughout this episode, she is someone that is truly grateful to be able to lead others and takes pride in doing it the best way she can. Get ready to be inspired as she shares her insights on leadership throughout her leadership journey.

Jun 06, 202342 minEp. 275

274: The Home Care Business: Navigating Senior Care & Entrepreneurship

Have you ever thought about what other senior care options there are other than senior housing? Many people get to the age where their parents, in-laws, or other family members need professional help and don’t know where to turn to. My guest today, Connie, has over 20 years of experience in senior care. As an adult caregiver herself, she is passionate about helping other adult caregivers manage the many challenges which come with the aging process. Take a listen.

May 30, 202335 minEp. 274
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