This podcast is about the changing organization and our relationship to it -- how we enter, thrive and exit. Each episode is meant to be thoughtful, funny, and applicable. Stories, insight, and "words to say" come from Dr. Celina's experience with over two and a half decades of listening, learning from and leading conversations in hundreds of companies. Each episode will explore a new theme about life arriving in, interacting with and leaving the workplace.
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Celina Peerman Podcasts
Virtual Speakers Association International is proud to present the inaugural podcast Unpolished Stories: Speaking Beyond the Spotlight. This series explores the professional speaker’s life beyond audiences and the stage to uncover the stories we learn from. Each episode will include hosts Chantelle Both of Southern Africa and Celina Peerman of the United States and feature a renowned guest speaker who shares their stories and lessons learned. From minor hiccups to major surprises, learn how ...
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Send us a text Priorities only matter if people can see and understand them. In this episode of The Workplace Chameleon, Dr. Celina Peerman explores how priorities that feel crystal clear to a leader can remain completely invisible to everyone else — and why that invisibility comes at such a high cost. She explains the common ways priorities fade i…
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Send us a text Flow is one of the best feelings at work — that magic zone where you’re so focused and immersed that time disappears, distractions fade, and the work feels almost effortless. But too often, we treat flow like a lucky accident instead of something we can actually design. In this episode of The Workplace Chameleon, Dr. Celina Peerman e…
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Send us a text Drift doesn’t happen all at once — it sneaks in quietly, a degree at a time, until suddenly you’re far off course. In this episode of The Workplace Chameleon, Dr. Celina Peerman explores how leaders can spot and call out drift before it becomes a costly detour. She defines drift as the gradual, often unnoticed shift away from origina…
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Send us a text Saying yes feels generous, positive, and full of possibility — but every yes comes with a price tag. In this episode of The Workplace Chameleon, Dr. Celina Peerman explores the hidden costs of commitment and why intentional leaders pause to check the tag before swiping yes. She unpacks the three main currencies you spend with every a…
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Send us a text Your brain is prime property, but too often we let distractions, interruptions, and clutter take over the space meant for our best ideas. In this episode of The Workplace Chameleon, Dr. Celina Peerman explores how to protect your “mental real estate”, your attention, focus, and cognitive energy, from being drained by constant pings, …
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Episode 11: Make Your Own Luck with Carolyn Strauss
32:39
32:39
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32:39Send us a text Former CEO, sales expert, and powerhouse speaker Carolyn Strauss joins Celina and Chantelle to go beyond the spotlight—from 500+ live TV appearances to rebuilding after setbacks, grieving on stage, and reinventing her brand. Carolyn shares why speakers need backup plans, communities, and constant iteration, and how “making your own l…
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Send us a text “Yes” feels positive, open, and full of possibility. But every time you say it, you’ve swiped a card—whether you realize it or not. The bill shows up later in the form of stress, late nights, or missed opportunities. In this episode of The Workplace Chameleon, Dr. Celina Peerman explores why every yes costs you something—and how to m…
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Send us a text “Yes” feels positive, open, and full of possibility. But every time you say it, you’ve swiped a card—whether you realize it or not. The bill shows up later in the form of stress, late nights, or missed opportunities. In this episode of The Workplace Chameleon, Dr. Celina Peerman explores why every yes costs you something—and how to m…
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Episode 10: The Shoemaker’s Blind Spot with Antoni Lacinai
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37:49Send us a text In this candid conversation, global keynote speaker and communication expert Antoni Lacinai joins co-hosts Celina Peerman and Chantelle Botha to share the stories behind his speaking career—the wins, the painful lessons, and the values that guide his work. From navigating the challenge of a name that’s often mispronounced to realizin…
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Send us a text If multitasking really worked, we’d be caught up on email, folding laundry, and finishing a podcast all at the same time. But in reality, multitasking isn’t doing two things at once—it’s rapid task-switching. And every switch comes with a cost. In this episode of The Workplace Chameleon, Dr. Celina Peerman unpacks why the myth of mul…
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Episode 86: Work Arounds for Work Arounds
16:25
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16:25Send us a text Workarounds can keep things moving—but stack enough of them, and you’re not solving problems, you’re covering them up. In this episode of The Workplace Chameleon, Dr. Celina Peerman digs into the hidden cost of “bandages on bandages” at work: the quick fixes we layer on top of each other instead of addressing the real issue. From add…
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Episode 85: Decision Fatigue & Chicken Pill
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14:52Send us a text In this episode of The Workplace Chameleon, Dr. Celina Peerman tackles the hidden toll of decision fatigue—and what it’s really costing leaders. From the “chicken pill” codeword that saved dinner debates to the daily drag of micro-decisions, this episode explores how mental overload, misalignment, and too many unclear expectations qu…
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Send us a text In the rush of meetings, pings, deadlines, and distractions, how do leaders hold their ground on what truly matters? In this episode of The Workplace Chameleon, Dr. Celina Peerman explores what it really means to hold the line—to protect priorities, maintain focus, and lead with clarity when everything feels urgent. You’ll learn why …
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Send us a text In the rush of meetings, pings, deadlines, and distractions, how do leaders find what truly matters? In this episode of The Workplace Chameleon, Dr. Celina Peerman explores the difference between noise—the things that keep us busy—and signal—the clarity that guides us. You’ll learn how to filter out what’s urgent but unimportant, tun…
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Episode 9 - Walk the Talk with Ingrid Lotze & Gavin Moffat
32:14
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32:14Send us a text In this episode of Unpolished Stories: Speaking Beyond the Spotlight, co-hosts Dr. Celina Peerman and Chantelle Botha sit down with globetrotting speaker duo Ingrid Lotze and Gavin Moffat—TEDx speakers, scuba divers, communication strategists, and partners in both life and business. From trading in a traditional home for a nomadic li…
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Episode 8: Mastering Moments with Eytan Segev
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37:40Send us a text In this episode of Speaking Beyond the Spotlight, we sit down with Eytan Segev—international speaker, master profiler, and expert in face reading and body language—to uncover the hidden signals that shape our connections and communication. With decades of experience helping leaders, teams, and entrepreneurs understand the unspoken la…
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Episode 7: Love you, Bye Authenticity with Brent Lindeque
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21:58Send us a text In this episode of Speaking Beyond the Spotlight, we sit down with Brent Lindeque, South Africa’s Good Things Guy, to explore the power of storytelling, authenticity, and resilience. From turning a viral act of kindness into a global movement to navigating the highs and lows of being in the public eye, Brent shares his journey of spr…
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Episode 6: The Inner Journey with Subheer Ramnoruth
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34:55Send us a text In this episode, we dive deep into the journey of Subheer Ramnoruth, a powerhouse in leadership, strategic management, and personal transformation. As a sought-after speaker and consultant, Subheer has shared the stage with icons like Robin Sharma and Dr. Kevin Gaskell, and his book, The Guru & His CEO, has shaped boardroom discussio…
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Episode 5: Blaze Your Own Trail with Lorraine Jenks
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32:23Send us a text In this episode of Unpolished Stories, we dive deep into the inspiring journey of Lorraine Jenks, a trailblazing advocate for sustainability and award-winning professional speaker. With a career spanning five decades, Lorraine shares how her passion for protecting the environment and championing underdogs led her from the world of pr…
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Episode 4: High Stakes Leadership with Traci Ruiz
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40:01Send us a text In this inspiring episode, hosts Chantelle Botha and Celina Peerman talk with Traci Ruiz, a high-stakes leadership expert and one of the highest-ranking Latina police officers in the United States. With over 25 years in law enforcement and nearly two decades training officers in combat and de-escalation, Traci shares powerful stories…
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Episode 3: Be Celebrated with Rikki Arundel
42:25
42:25
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42:25Send us a text In this episode of Unpolished Stories, we explore questions and stories with Rikki Rikki is a preeminent keynote speaker and diversity advocate, renowned for their expertise in LGBTQ+ inclusivity, with a focus on transgender and non-binary issues. Their work has directed multinational corporations toward embracing diversity and foste…
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Episode 2: Finding Your Voice with Julian Mather
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33:34Send us a text In this episode of Unpolished Stories, we dive deep into the journey of Julian Mather, a man who has seen the world through many lenses—literally and figuratively. From his days as an army sniper and globe-trotting cameraman for ABC, National Geographic, and the BBC, to his transformation into a professional speaker and magician, Jul…
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Episode 1: Be Bolder Sooner with Charlotte Kemp
24:59
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24:59Send us a text In episode 1: Be Bolder Sooner, hosts Chantelle Botha and Celina Peerman talk with Charlotte Kemp - Futures Alchemist who shares her insights and stories from many years as a professional speaker with a global impact. Learn more about her lessons learned and tips for new and advancing speakers. Presented on behalf of Virtual Speakers…
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Send us a text As leaders, we have a responsibility to communicate with our team about why and how priorities are changing. However, it's crucial to strike a balance between sharing too much and not enough information. Dr. Celina provides useful tips for leaders to determine when to share updates and when to wait.…
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Send us a text Imagine a console with several levers, each having a handle that can be moved to achieve a specific goal. The question is, which lever should you move, and how much should you move it? Tune in to Dr. Celina's discussion on decision-making in situations where priorities need to be shifted. Learn how to move the levers with certainty a…
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Send us a text Have you had a moment when you know something, but you just can’t seem to pull it out of your memory? In this episode, we’ll look at the connection between change, recall, and focus. How does focus improve our recall? This episode explores these ideas and ways to improve focus and recall during rapid change on the job.…
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Send us a text Do any of our listeners enjoy making lists? How many of you write something on your list just to cross it off? Tune in to this episode to learn more about why it feels good to check something off your list. Dr. Celina reminds us that what we focus on matters, and that check mark means more than we may think.…
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Send us a text What frustrates you? Dr. Celina explores the topic of frustration during times of change and how it can lead to a loss of focus. She discusses ways to prevent frustration or recover from it, so it doesn't negatively impact progress. By listening in, you can discover new ways to apply your efforts effectively to the right tasks during…
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Send us a text In times of change, certain actions should be avoided. Dr. Celina discusses both individual and team behaviors that can help direct the necessary resources and attention toward the change by refraining from other activities that hinder progress. Please prepare a notepad or keyboard to jot down the list of "not now" items.…
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Send us a text During times of change, it can be challenging to know which areas require your attention the most. To ensure that you and your team are focused on the most important aspects, Dr. Celina has provided a review of key areas and reflection questions that you can use. It is crucial to remember that not all tasks are equally important, and…
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Send us a text Small wins give us a boost for what comes next. What can you celebrate in the midst of change? Even small improvements can be a win, especially if you are further than where you started. Dr. Celina will give you five key tips for making celebrations count when navigating the sea of change.…
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Send us a text Often, we describe change in steps and pace - three steps forward, one step back, four steps forward, --- but ideally, not eighteen steps backwards. What is your next best step? Dr. Celina will examine actions you can take to make that next move, no matter how big or small it is.By Celina Peerman, Ph.D., SHRM-SCP
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Send us a text No matter how much change is going on, there is always something that has not changed. When we only focus on what is changing, we often lose sight of what has not changed and that can be the anchor we need to navigate what comes next. Are you stuck and wondering what you could say next time you have to announce or support a change to…
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Send us a text The adjustment to change is not a smooth linear process. Have you ever asked yourself what to do if you were on board with a change, but now find yourself in a spot where it is not looking so good? What happens when everyone else is moving forward, yet you are feeling like you are stuck? Listen in and find out what to do when you hav…
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Send us a text Another thing. Oh, and another thing. And another one, too. Ever wanted to pump the brakes on a change? In this episode, Dr. Celina will focus on scheduling what you can and waiting for change that isn't priority right now. Dumping change after change does not work. What can you do to go a little easier with yourself on how much and …
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Send us a text How do some people just roll easier with change than others? What is that about? Dr. Celina will explore this mindset and our choice in how we respond, rebound, and adjust. Renew your commitment to adjusting to change better, knowing when, and how to, so we can accomplish the goals and challenges in front of us.…
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Send us a text Have you ever heard the expression, "Change is good...you go first." Often we can see the potential, yet we don't want to be the first one to have to experience it. Dr. Celina explores what that's about and possible strategies we can take to undo the scary first step when it comes to change.…
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Send us a text In recent years, a dumpster fire has been a symbol of something in life that is fueled by many things and even more so of chaos. This depicted image has even been made into Christmas ornaments. In this episode, you'll get to listen to Dr. Celina's observation of a real dumpster fire and how it might have other lessons for us to learn…
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Send us a text "Chicken Little," of childhood story fame; isn't the only one to claim the sky is falling...in her work, Dr. Celina hears many employees make similar fateful statements. We are here to question, why is that? In this episode, we explore the why, especially during change, our brain may go to doomsday instead of hope.…
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Send us a text Have you ever said, "I didn't see that one coming." It is often an expression of bewilderment or angst because of some unforeseen ripple effect due to a decision or situation. While we know change is going to happen, is there anything we can practice or do to help see what the ripple effect is? Dr. Celina kicks off this discussion in…
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Send us a text When someone says, "that's not my job," what does it mean? Dr. Celina explores that phrase in this episode and digs deeper into what might be happening in that moment. Explore overload, role confusion, lack of motivation, and more in this episode. Hear the phrase with new insight and questions to ask next.…
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Send us a text When you step into a leadership role, you can't do all the work you used to do while taking on new responsibilities...well, you can, but you won't do either very well. In this episode Dr. Celina examines the reasons delegation is difficult. She reminds us that when we don't delegate to allow others to learn, we hold them back. While …
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Send us a text Focus and the discipline to select where you center your attention is renewable. In this episode, Dr. Celina connects focus and emotions to choices we make in where our energy goes. Every day we make choices about what we put effort towards. At work, it may be situations, people, emails, or deliverables that require you to choose to …
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Send us a text Leaders must navigate crisis situations with skill, precision, and resolve. This episode examines what great leaders do under pressure as well as what they prepare for before the emergency. Little or big issues, leaders can be ready by thinking ahead and having communication plans in place before they really need them.…
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Send us a text Pick a movie and consider the actor who finds themselves away from shore. If they are unprepared or unseasoned for sea life, it can be a panic stricken moment when they lose sight of land. There are many times as leaders or team members where we lose our line sight and may need to regain it. Dr. Celina explores this idea and what we …
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Send us a text Have you ever encountered a change and thought "that's interesting"? There are a few popular comments out there like, "didn't see that one coming" or "plot twist" when something unexpected happens. Dr. Celina explores these responses to give perspective on how to address the change and offers more insight on questions we can ask when…
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Send us a text Have you ever heard of quiet quitting? Or have you or someone you know felt disengaged on the job? The question we are addressing today is, why do employees disconnect from their team or organization, and what can we as a leader do about it? Dr. Celina explores signs to watch for and steps to take in this episode to help address and …
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Send us a text What can you share? Transparency is important in healthy relationships, it can include sharing the why, telling the truth, being upfront, and more. Dr. Celina pushes on her own boundaries of how much is too much, and shares some recent lessons learned about her own learning in this area. Tune in to understand and find out how to be t…
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Send us a text What is the difference between positivity as a choice and toxic positivity? Dr. Celina explores the choices we make about our mindset at work and how feelings impact that. What can a leader do to be positive but not to the point where so much of it is too much? Listen in and learn more.…
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Send us a text Why does defensive behavior show up in teams at work? What can be done to recognize and turn it around? Dr. Celina shares examples and strategies to overcome those moments where defenses go up, walls are built, or attack mode is in gear. Listen in to not only understand your own response but the responses of your team better.…
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