Best Kristen Brun Sharkey And Mike Podcasts (2025)

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We're Taking a Baby Break - But We'll Be Back 2:25

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22d ago2:25

2:25

A brief update: we're taking a hiatus through the end of summer to welcome our newborn son. While we had hoped to have new content during parental leave, life had other plans. We want to reassure you that we're committed to the podcast and will return with fresh episodes soon enough. In the meantime, there are 43 episodes to explore, and we welcome…

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Leadership Book Club: The Advice Trap by Michael Bungay Stanier 1:23:22

28d ago1:23:22

1:23:22

Mike and Kristen dive deep into Michael Bungay Stanier's The Advice Trap, exploring why our natural instinct to give advice actually makes us worse leaders. This episode reveals the uncomfortable truth: your advice isn't as good as you think it is, and constantly offering solutions is damaging your team and overwhelming your schedule. The hosts get…

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Leadership Book Club: The Go-Giver Leader by Bob Burg and John David Mann 1:11:41

2M ago1:11:41

1:11:41

Kristen and Mike explore The Go-Giver Leader by Bob Burg and John David Mann, a parable that flips traditional command-and-control leadership on its head. Through the story of Ben, an ambitious M&A executive who discovers that true influence comes from yielding rather than forcing, listeners will learn why the best leaders don't take leadership - t…

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Leadership vs Management: Why You Need Both 40:08

2M ago40:08

40:08

You've probably heard "leadership versus management" debates many times, but Kristen and Mike break it down in a way that actually makes sense. This isn't about which one is better - spoiler alert: you need both. Instead, they explore how these distinct skill sets work together and why understanding the difference can transform your career. From Co…

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Buzzword Breakdown: Psychological Safety 28:32

3M ago28:32

28:32

Kristen and Mike kick off their new Buzzword Breakdown series by tackling psychological safety, a term often referenced in leadership discussions without clear explanation. Created by Harvard professor Amy Edmondson, psychological safety is the belief that you won't be punished for speaking up with ideas, questions, or concerns. Research shows it's…

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ENCORE: Leading Through Turbulent Times with Megan Romano, LMFT 54:07

3M ago54:07

54:07

We originally aired this episode in October prior to the election, and are sharing it again today because we find it more relevant than ever! Leaders today face a unique challenge: supporting their teams' mental wellness during a very high-stress period. In this episode, Kristen and Mike explore this timely topic with licensed therapist Megan Roman…

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Leadership Book Club: How To Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie 1:32:01

3M ago1:32:01

1:32:01

Kristen and Mike dive into Dale Carnegie's classic "How to Win Friends and Influence People" - a book that's approaching its 90th anniversary yet remains powerfully relevant. Mike reveals he's read (or rather, listened to) the book nearly 10 times, often before starting new jobs to ground himself in core leadership principles. The couple explores w…

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Decoding 2025's Top Workplace Buzzwords 42:20

3M ago42:20

42:20

Kristen and Mike get into the fascinating world of workplace buzzwords that are trending in 2025. From "anti-perks" to "coffee badging," these terms reveal a lot about our current work culture and employee-employer relationships. The couple unpacks these buzzwords with their characteristic humor and practical insight, examining what each trend reve…

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Leading Multicultural Teams with Andrea Fleischfresser 47:31

4M ago47:31

47:31

Kristen and Mike sit down with Andrea Fleischfresser, an executive coach with over 20 years of experience in HR and coaching. Andrea shares her journey from working in Italy to building her coaching practice in the US, where she discovered that cultural backgrounds significantly influence leadership styles and workplace dynamics. Through her work w…

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Building a Culture of Innovation That Works 42:20

4M ago42:20

42:20

Is your team more afraid of sharing a bad idea or missing out on a great one? In this episode, Mike and Kristen dig into what truly makes a culture innovative - and it's probably not what you think. Most companies claim to value innovation, but few actually design their culture to support it. Through a framework Kristen calls the "Improvation Matri…

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Leadership Book Club: Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara, Part Two 1:06:06

4M ago1:06:06

1:06:06

In the second part of their deep dive into Will Guidara's Unreasonable Hospitality, Mike and Kristen explore the leadership lessons that transformed Eleven Madison Park into the world's best restaurant. From breaking traditional fine dining rules to creating moments of surprise and delight for guests, Guidara's approach proves that true hospitality…

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Leadership Book Club: Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara, Part One 58:34

4M ago58:34

58:34

In this first part of a two-part series, Mike and Kristen dive into Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara. While it might not seem like a traditional leadership book at first glance, it's packed with lessons for anyone serving customers or managing teams. Mike brings a unique perspective to this discussion, having spent 17 years in the restauran…

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Leadership Lessons from Space with Shelli Brunswick 43:32

5M ago43:32

43:32

Kristen and Mike talk with Shelli Brunswick, a leader in the space industry whose career spans from the US Air Force to her current role as CEO of SB Global LLC. Shelli shares how space technology impacts our everyday lives in ways we don't even realize—from the smartphone in your pocket to the blueberries in your breakfast. She explains how leader…

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The Truth About Motivating Employees 41:42

5M ago41:42

41:42

What really motivates people at work? Is it money, recognition, or something deeper? In this episode, Kristen unpacks three of the most influential motivation theories that can transform how you lead your team. Mike adds his real-world perspective as they explore why fear can be a powerful motivator, why a raise alone won't keep your employees enga…

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Imposter Syndrome: From Self-Doubt to Self-Trust 22:19

5M ago22:19

22:19

International Women's Day is coming up on March 8th! In this special episode Kristen shares her 2024 IWD talk from Google's Women Techmakers event on tackling imposter syndrome through improv techniques. While 75% of women executives report experiencing imposter syndrome, Kristen reveals how her journey from tech leader to improv performer helped h…

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Leadership Book Club: The First 90 Days by Michael Watkins 1:39:21

5M ago1:39:21

1:39:21

Ever wonder why some new leaders hit the ground running while others stumble? Kristen and Mike break down Michael Watkins' essential guide The First 90 Days - a book The Economist called "the onboarding bible." Whether you're stepping into your first leadership role or you're a seasoned executive making a change, this episode will help you avoid co…

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People-First Leadership with Marketing Exec Candice Hahn 50:48

6M ago50:48

50:48

Ever wonder why some leaders seem to effortlessly build thriving teams while others struggle with constant turnover? In this episode, guest Candice Hahn, a veteran marketing agency executive with over 25 years of experience, shares her refreshing take on leadership in the fast-paced agency world. Candice opens up about why working for good people h…

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Let’s Get Critical: How to Receive Tough Feedback 39:32

6M ago39:32

39:32

Most leaders know feedback is essential for growth, but let's be honest - receiving it can be uncomfortable, even painful. In this episode, Kristen and Mike get real about their own struggles with feedback and share practical strategies to make the process less daunting. Whether you're dealing with a 360 review or an unexpected comment from a team …

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Leadership Book Club: Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss 1:26:29

6M ago1:26:29

1:26:29

Mike and Kristen break down Chris Voss's game-changing book on negotiation, Never Split the Difference. As a former FBI hostage negotiator, Voss brings street-smart tactics that work in real-world situations, not just theory. The couple explores how these techniques—from using the late-night FM DJ voice to mastering the power of "no"—can transform …

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Why Nice Is Not Enough with Amira Barger, EVP of DEI at Edelman 54:56

7M ago54:56

54:56

What does it really mean to be an ally in today's workplace? For Amira Barger, Executive Vice President of DEI Advisory and Health Communications at Edelman, it's about going beyond being "nice." Growing up as the daughter of missionaries in Guam, Amira learned early on about meeting people's needs and building community. Now, she's challenging lea…

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ENCORE: The New Playbook for Leadership Presence 54:33

7M ago54:33

54:33

Love and Leadership is taking a break this week, but we're re-airing one of our favorite early episodes to help you set the tone for the new year! In this episode, Kristen and Mike dive into the evolving concept of leadership presence. They explore how traditional notions of executive presence are shifting, with a growing emphasis on emotional inte…

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Design Your Best 2025: A Personal Annual Review Process 37:26

7M ago37:26

37:26

As the year winds down, Kristen shares her tried-and-tested process for conducting a personal annual review - a practice she's refined over 15 years. Whether you're reflecting on your career progression or contemplating personal growth, this episode offers a straightforward approach to evaluating your year and setting meaningful goals for 2025. Plu…

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Leadership Book Club: Start with Why by Simon Sinek 1:24:11

7M ago1:24:11

1:24:11

What makes some organizations inspire fierce loyalty while others just seem to exist? In this episode, Kristen and Mike dive into Simon Sinek's groundbreaking book "Start With Why," exploring how truly great leaders and companies create lasting success by focusing on their purpose rather than just their products. Through compelling examples from Ap…

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Building Leadership Teams That Get Results 48:56

7M ago48:56

48:56

Ever wonder what truly makes a great leadership team tick? Kristen shares insights from her recent team coaching certification program and breaks down the research-backed conditions that create outstanding teams. Drawing from Ruth Wageman and Richard Hackman's work on senior leadership teams, Mike and Kristen explore how the setup of a team account…

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Leading with Care Through Uncertain Times with Tushar Pandit, CPO at SPINS 49:37

8M ago49:37

49:37

Leadership isn't just about hitting the numbers - it's about how you get there. Through candid stories from his 25+ years in human resources, Chief People Officer Tushar Pandit challenges common misconceptions about workplace culture and HR. He explains why foosball tables and kombucha aren't company values (though he enjoys kombucha), why measurin…

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Leadership Book Club: It’s Your Ship by Captain Michael Abrashoff 1:26:21

8M ago1:26:21

1:26:21

When 36-year-old Mike Abrashoff took command of the USS Benfold in 1997, he faced a demoralized crew that openly jeered their departing captain. Instead of sticking with the Navy's traditional command-and-control leadership style, Abrashoff decided to revolutionize how he led. His radical approach? Trust his crew, listen to their ideas, and make th…

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How Great Leaders Make Smart Decisions 45:37

8M ago45:37

45:37

What if you could make better decisions with less stress? Kristen and Mike go deep into the science of decision-making, exploring why it's such a crucial leadership skill and sharing practical frameworks to help you decide with confidence. They reveal surprising research showing that leaders make around 35,000 decisions daily and that 85% of leader…

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7 Unconventional Leadership Principles with Hubspot’s Rebecca Yang 48:58

8M ago48:58

48:58

In this guest interview episode, Rebecca Yang, Director of Engineering at HubSpot, shares her unconventional journey to tech leadership and reveals seven uncommon leadership principles that have shaped her success. From her early days in client services to leading a 50+ person engineering team, Rebecca opens up about how embracing authenticity and …

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Leadership Book Club: What Got You Here Won’t Get You There by Marshall Goldsmith 1:22:26

9M ago1:22:26

1:22:26

Kristen and Mike break down Marshall Goldsmith's influential book "What Got You Here Won't Get You There." While they praise the practical advice and behavioral frameworks in the book, they also challenge some of its core assumptions and discuss how leadership development has evolved since its 2007 publication. Through their analysis, they reveal h…

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The 6 Core Skills of Emotional Intelligence 50:26

9M ago50:26

50:26

What's the real difference between a manager and a leader? While technical skills and industry knowledge matter, emotional intelligence often makes or breaks leadership effectiveness. In this episode, Kristen breaks down the Genos six key competencies of emotional intelligence and how they show up in leadership, while Mike adds his perspective (usi…

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Leadership Book Club: Dare to Lead by Brené Brown, Part Two 1:25:08

9M ago1:25:08

1:25:08

In part two of their deep dive into Brené Brown's Dare to Lead, Kristen and Mike explore shame, empathy, and trust through both personal and professional lenses. Through vulnerable stories - including Mike's nerve-wracking experience of saying "I love you" first and Kristen's college final exam mishap - they break down how shame shows up in leaders…

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Leading Through Election Stress with Megan Romano, LMFT 53:07

9M ago53:07

53:07

As the 2024 US presidential election looms, leaders face a unique challenge: supporting their teams' mental wellness during a high-stress period. In this episode, Kristen and Mike explore this timely topic with licensed therapist Megan Romano. They discuss how leaders can navigate the emotional minefield of election season, from recognizing their o…

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Leadership Book Club: Dare to Lead by Brené Brown, Part One 1:16:18

10M ago1:16:18

1:16:18

Join Kristen and Mike as they explore the world of courageous leadership through Brené Brown's groundbreaking book Dare to Lead. In this first part of a two-episode series, they unpack the myths surrounding vulnerability, the power of clear communication, and the importance of embracing discomfort in leadership. From discussing the "armory" we use …

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Breaking Barriers and Fostering Inclusion with Melissa Jurkoic, CXO at Thynk 57:48

10M ago57:48

57:48

Kristen sits down with Melissa Jurkoic, a tech industry veteran and champion for diversity in leadership. Melissa's journey from junior software engineer to Chief Experience Officer is a testament to the power of resilience and authenticity in leadership. She shares candid insights on navigating male-dominated spaces, the importance of sponsorship,…

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How to Give Difficult Feedback Effectively 49:17

10M ago49:17

49:17

Giving difficult feedback is a crucial skill for leaders, but it's often dreaded. In this episode of Love and Leadership, Kristen and Mike Sharkey dive into the art of delivering constructive criticism effectively. They explore why the traditional "feedback sandwich" falls short and introduce a more impactful approach. Drawing from their personal e…

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Leadership Book Club: The Coaching Habit by Michael Bungay Stanier 1:04:14

10M ago1:04:14

1:04:14

Kristen and Mike dive into The Coaching Habit by Michael Bungay Stanier, a book that's transforming how leaders approach coaching. They unpack the seven essential questions that can revolutionize your leadership style, making you more effective and less overwhelmed. From learning to tame your "advice monster" to understanding the neuroscience behin…

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The Power of Authentic Leadership with Nicole Mashburn, CEO of Villa Marin 47:31

11M ago47:31

47:31

In this episode, Kristen and Mike sit down with Nicole Mashburn, CEO of Villa Marin, a Continuing Care Retirement Community in Northern California. Nicole shares her journey into senior living leadership and her philosophy on authentic leadership. With over 20 years of experience, Nicole offers valuable insights on fostering a collaborative team en…

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10 Ways Improv Makes You a Better Leader 47:28

11M ago47:28

47:28

Think improv is just for comedians and actors? Think again. In this episode, Kristen and Mike explore how the skills from improv theatre can actually make you a better leader. Kristen shares her experience using improv techniques in executive coaching, showing how these seemingly unrelated worlds collide in powerful ways. They discuss how improv ca…

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Leadership Book Club: Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink 1:02:08

11M ago1:02:08

1:02:08

Is extreme ownership the key to unlocking your leadership potential? In this episode of Love and Leadership, Kristen and Mike dive into "Extreme Ownership" by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin, a book that's been transformative for Mike's leadership journey. They break down the core principles of this Navy SEAL-inspired approach to leadership, discussin…

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A Leader’s Guide to Imposter Syndrome 45:49

11M ago45:49

45:49

Ever felt like a fraud despite your accomplishments? You're not alone. In this episode, Kristen and Mike dive into the pervasive phenomenon of imposter syndrome. They explore how it affects people across industries and experience levels, debunking the myth that it's just a "women's issue." The hosts share personal experiences, discuss the five type…

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Transforming Workplace Culture with Gianna Driver, CPO at Lattice 49:43

11M ago49:43

49:43

What does it really take to build a thriving workplace culture? In this episode, Kristen and Mike sit down with Gianna Driver, the new Chief People Officer at Lattice, to explore the human side of leadership. From her unconventional path into HR to her insights on transforming company cultures, Gianna shares candid stories and practical wisdom that…

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Introduction: Is Leadership a Learned Skill? 33:29

12M ago33:29

33:29

In this inaugural episode of Love and Leadership, hosts Kristen Brun Sharkey and Mike Sharkey introduce themselves and their unique approach to leadership development. Can leadership truly be learned, or are great leaders born? With backgrounds spanning from tech and improv to hospitality and classical music, Kristen and Mike offer fresh perspectiv…

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The New Playbook for Leadership Presence 50:23

12M ago50:23

50:23

In this episode of Love and Leadership, Kristen and Mike dive into the evolving concept of leadership presence. They explore how traditional notions of executive presence are shifting, with a growing emphasis on emotional intelligence, authenticity, and inclusivity. Drawing from Kristen's improv-inspired leadership model, the hosts discuss practica…

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Leadership Book Club: Boundaries for Leaders by Dr. Henry Cloud 1:03:16

12M ago1:03:16

1:03:16

In this episode of Love and Leadership, Kristen and Mike dive into Boundaries for Leaders by Dr. Henry Cloud, a book that's been transformative for both of their leadership journeys. They explore how setting the right boundaries can create an environment where people's brains can truly thrive, leading to better results and more fulfilled teams. Fro…

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Love and Leadership Podcast Trailer 1:28

1y ago1:28

1:28

Co-hosts Kristen Brun Sharkey and Mike Sharkey introduce their podcast Love and Leadership, which offers a unique blend of professional insight and personal chemistry. This leadership-focused show brings together Kristen's expertise as a leadership coach and facilitator with Mike's extensive experience as a senior living and hospitality executive. …