Leadership Unfiltered Convo

Few things test a leader’s character more than how they respond to accusations—whether those accusations are directed at them or happening around them in the workplace.

In this episode, Phillip Smith and I have a raw and honest conversation about one of the hardest realities of leadership: navigating accusations and harassment in the workplace.

We unpack: ✅ What leaders should do immediately when faced with an accusation—whether pe...

We’ve all seen it—or lived it: the boss who drains energy, stifles growth, and creates a toxic environment. The truth is, toxic bosses don’t just hurt individuals… they poison teams and stall organizations.

In this episode, we get real about: ✅ The red flags of toxic leadership—and why people often miss them ✅ How toxic bosses damage culture, performance, and well-being ✅ Practical strategies to protect yourself and your team if yo...

Let’s be real—networking often gets a bad rap. Too many people treat it like a numbers game. But the best leaders know networking isn’t about collecting contacts—it’s about building meaningful relationships that create opportunities, ideas, and growth.

In this episode, we break down what networking really looks like when done with authenticity and purpose.

We explore: ✅ The mindset shift from “What can I get?” to “What can I give?”...

Influence is the currency of leadership. Titles may give you authority, but it’s influence that earns trust, sparks change, and drives lasting results.

In this episode, we dig into what it really means to lead with influence instead of control. Because the truth is—leaders who master influence don’t just get compliance… they inspire commitment.

We explore: ✅ The difference between influence and authority (and why it matters) ✅ How ...

In Episode 20, we laid the foundation—exploring why mindful leadership and mental well-being are essential in today’s high-pressure world.

Now in Part 2, we’re going deeper—into the how.

We unpack practical strategies leaders can use to integrate mindfulness into daily leadership so they can protect their own mental well-being and create healthier, more resilient teams.

We explore: ✅ Daily practices that keep leaders grounded and p...

n the fast-paced world of leadership, the pressure to deliver can be relentless. But here’s the truth: you can’t lead at your best if you’re running on empty.

In this episode, we explore the intersection of mindful leadership and mental well-being—and why the best leaders prioritize both for themselves and their teams.

We discuss: ✅ How mindfulness strengthens decision-making, focus, and empathy ✅ Practical ways leaders can protect...

High performance doesn’t happen by chance—it happens by design. As leaders, we set the tone, the expectations, and the environment where people either thrive… or just survive.

In this episode, we break down what it really takes to build a culture where teams don’t just hit goals—they raise the bar every time.

We explore: ✅ The non-negotiables of a high-performance culture ✅ Why clarity, accountability, and trust are your foundation...

Let’s be honest—asking for help at work can feel risky. But smart, self-aware professionals don’t wait until they’re drowning—they ask early, and they ask well.

In this episode, we have a real conversation about how to approach your leader when you need help, clarity, or support—without damaging your credibility or confidence.

We get into: ✅ Why asking for help is a strength, not a weakness ✅ How to prepare for the conversation (an...

In this episode, Phillip Smith and Dayan Douse unpack how leaders can set meaningful, measurable goals that actually get done—for themselves and their teams.

We break down: ✅ Why vague goals lead to vague results ✅ How to align personal ambition with team accountability ✅ The difference between “goals you write down” and “goals you own” ✅ Simple frameworks to track progress, create buy-in, and celebrate wins

Whether you’re leading ...

In this episode, we get real about the core traits that separate good leaders from truly impactful ones. These aren’t just bullet points for a resume—these are the daily behaviors that inspire trust, build strong teams, and drive sustainable success.

We break down: ✅ The essential characteristics of effective leadership in today’s world ✅ The difference between leading with power and leading with purpose ✅ What people really rememb...

In this episode, we break it all down so you can stop using these terms interchangeably and start using them strategically to grow your leadership.

We unpack: ✅ The real role of a coach, mentor, and sponsor ✅ How each one shows up—and what to expect from the relationship ✅ Which one helps you grow, which one helps you learn, and which one helps you advance ✅ How to attract the right support for where you are and where you’re going

...

In this episode, we dig deep into one of the most misunderstood leadership traits: authenticity. Being an authentic leader isn’t about oversharing or playing it safe—it’s about leading with clarity, conviction, and consistency with who you truly are.

We explore: ✅ Why authenticity is your leadership superpower ✅ The difference between being “liked” and being trusted ✅ How to align your values, voice, and actions ✅ The risks—and the...

In this episode, we explore one of the most nuanced and critical leadership tensions: Instinct vs. Data. It’s the balance between experience and evidence, intuition and insight—and it can make or break your decision-making.

We dive into: ✅ Why relying too heavily on either can cost you time, trust, or results ✅ When instinct leads and when data must drive ✅ How high-performing leaders merge both to make confident, informed decision...

Dr. Dayan Douse, Founder and President of P.R.I.D.E Consulting, and Technology Executive Phillip Smith  deliver real-world strategies, unfiltered advice, and the tools you'll need to take your leadership to the next level.

Leaders face it every day: Do I wait until it’s perfect… or move forward with what I have?

In this episode, we dive into one of the most common and paralyzing leadership tensions: Perfection vs. Progress. And let...

Dr. Dayan Douse, Founder and President of P.R.I.D.E Consulting, and Technology Executive Phillip Smith  deliver real-world strategies, unfiltered advice, and the tools you'll need to take your leadership to the next level.

Let’s be real—most people avoid conflict. But great leaders? They lean in—because they know healthy conflict isn’t chaos… it’s a catalyst.

In this episode, we get into the uncomfortable (but necessary) truth abou...

Being “strategic” gets thrown around a lot—but what does it actually look like in practice?

In this milestone 10th episode, we pull back the curtain on what separates tactical managers from true strategic leaders. Spoiler alert: it’s not about titles or planning meetings—it’s about perspective, priorities, and purposeful action.

In this episode, we break down: ✅ How strategic leaders connect daily work to long-term value ✅ Why bei...

Let’s be honest: feedback can sting—even when it’s true, even when we need it. But how you receive feedback says more about your leadership than how you give it.

In this episode, we get real about the other side of feedback: 👉 What it means to truly listen 👉 Why defensiveness kills growth 👉 How to model the kind of humility and openness that builds trust

Here’s what we unpack: ✅ Why feedback is fuel—not failure ✅ The difference...

This week, we go deep on a topic that every real leader must wrestle with: What does it truly mean to lead with DEI at the core—not just as a program, but as a principle?

DEI isn’t about buzzwords. It’s about belonging, fairness, and representation—and it requires leaders to be intentional, courageous, and accountable.

In this episode, we explore: ✅ Why DEI is a leadership responsibility, not just HR’s job ✅ The real cost of perfor...

In this episode, we discuss the topic: Leading Without the Title – For Aspiring Leaders.

You don’t need a title to be a leader. You need influence, initiative, and impact—and in this episode, we break down how to build all three.

We are talking directly to the emerging leaders, the quiet influencers, the people who are already making waves before their nameplate says “manager” or “director.”

🎯 In this episode, we cover: ✅ What rea...