Tools To Flourish: Play, Values, And Leadership
Manage episode 523371567 series 3537278
Burnout doesn’t fade because we work harder; it eases when we design our lives around values, play, and small, compounding wins. We unpack a realistic blueprint for thriving that starts with identity: not “What should I do this year?” but “Who do I want to become?” From there we map daily rhythms that honor sleep, movement, and connection—and we show why creative experiences lower stress and make growth stick.
We dig into the science and story behind play, including the rise of neuroaesthetics and how music, art, and aesthetic experiences measurably reduce stress. You’ll hear why a pizza party won’t fix burnout, how a simple “creative recess” can change your state, and what happens when teams swap passive perks for meaningful shared experiences. Middle managers get a candid playbook for leading without perfect conditions: set a rallying cry, translate strategy into near-term priorities, and create visible first steps your team can win this week.
Reflection runs through it all. We share how a word of the year can outperform brittle resolutions, from cultivate—therapy, boundaries, connection, and health—to flourish: growth with purpose, expand with joy, rise with confidence. If traditional journaling isn’t for you, try voice memos or a private AI workspace to name emotions, spot patterns, and turn insights into action. Make it tangible with visual cues: a desktop image of a blossoming tree or a Lego bonsai you add flowers to as you progress. Then keep momentum with habit stacking, monthly energy audits, and permission to pivot when priorities change.
If this conversation sparks a shift, help us reach more people on the path to leadership: subscribe, share with a friend, and leave a quick review telling us your word for the year. Which small step will you take today to thrive?
Follow us on LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/rhondajhale/ and https://www.linkedin.com/in/katieervin/
www.jolyean.com
www.katieervin.com
Measure what matters. Lead with purpose. Take the LEADERs Catalyst Index: https://katieervin.com/catalyst-score/
Theme music by Emma Jo https://emmajo.rocks/
Chapters
1. Welcome And Why Thrive Matters (00:00:00)
2. Vulnerability, Tough Weeks, And Intentionality (00:03:17)
3. Play As An Antidote To Burnout (00:07:02)
4. Cultivate: Therapy, Boundaries, And Health (00:12:52)
5. Using AI And Emotion Language To Reflect (00:20:47)
6. Thriving At Work For Middle Managers (00:26:12)
7. Leadership Sponsorship And Cascading Clarity (00:31:37)
8. From Survival To Growth Mindset (00:37:12)
9. Neuroaesthetics: Art, Music, And Healing (00:41:47)
10. Social Prescribing And Creative Field Trips (00:50:02)
88 episodes