This episode explains why vulnerability is a foundational leadership skill and how leading well begins with self-leadership, self-awareness, and the courage to be human. You’ll learn what vulnerability actually means in a leadership context, why it strengthens trust rather than weakening authority, and how leaders can practice vulnerability in practical, appropriate ways that support their teams and work. Key takeaways Why leadership does not require perfection How vulnerability builds trust and credibility at work The difference between vulnerability and oversharing in leadership Why self-leadership and self-awareness come first How owning mistakes strengthens leadership effectiveness Timestamps 0:00:00 Leadership Paradox: Humanity vs. Perfection 0:01:05 Essential Leadership Mindsets Introduced 0:02:14 Self-Leadership and Vulnerability Defined 0:03:50 Story: Leadership Mistake and Vulnerability 0:07:08 Examples: Vulnerability in Practice 0:08:52 Vulnerability Enables Caring Leadership 0:09:35 Navy SEAL Story: Trust Through Vulnerability 0:11:20 Vulnerability as Bravery, Not Weakness 0:12:38 Closing: Podcast Support and Future Topics Keywords vulnerability in leadership human-centered leadership self-leadership leadership trust leadership mistakes emotional intelligence at work caring leadership leadership authenticity leadership development workplace trust

Looking ahead: The comfy chairs becomes The Well-Led Podcast In this final episode of the year, Kate returns with a clear, simple update about the show’s evolution. On January 6th, the comfy chairs will officially relaunch as The Well-Led Podcast, beginning a year-long journey focused on the four essential domains of leadership: Demonstrating Care, Providing Support, Leading with Grace, and Staying Focused on Action. Kate revisits what’s changing, what remains steady, and why this new structure matters. Listeners will hear about the monthly theme model, the “Notes on Leading Well” format, and the practical tools that will anchor each week. She also previews January’s theme—vulnerability—and how it sets the tone for leading well in the months ahead. This episode closes the chapter on one season of the podcast and gently opens the door to what’s next. It’s a moment of gratitude, clarity, and optimism for leaders who want to step into the new year with intention.

Culture Keepers: A conversation about managing versus leading. In this conversation, Kate sits down with Layci Nelson, founder of the Transcend Leadership Collective, to explore a deceptively simple question with big implications: What’s the real difference between managing and leading? Together, they unpack why effective leadership isn’t about choosing one or the other—it’s about integrating both. Layci emphasizes that leaders need fluency in two domains: the operational competence that keeps work moving and the visionary clarity that keeps people aligned and inspired. They dig into the value of understanding project management basics, paying attention to the details that shape team experience, and staying close enough to the work to remove friction meaningfully. Layci also shares a compelling story of a CEO who transformed his leadership approach by reconnecting with his employees—ultimately improving alignment, engagement, and satisfaction across the organization. The conversation also returns to core values: how they anchor decision-making, guide behavior, and keep leaders steady when things speed up, slow down, or veer unexpectedly. Connect with Layci on LinkedIn Learn more about her business Listen to the Confessions of a Terrible Leader podcast www.one23ltd.com https://www.instagram.com/one23ltd/ Music by Geoff Harvey from Pixabay

Revisit & enjoy: Early, direct, and well-structured conversations As we near the end of the year, we’re resurfacing one of the most practical and personal conversations we’ve shared on the comfy chairs. In this rerun, Kate sits down with her dad, Charlie—a leader with decades of experience in higher education, the military, and church governance—to talk about why early, direct, and kind confrontation is one of the most underrated leadership skills. This episode explores: Why confrontation isn’t the same as conflict—and why waiting almost always makes things worse How leaders can prevent conflict by addressing issues early and with clarity The role of feedback, decision-making, and lifelong learning in building healthy teams Why love—phileo, connection, shared purpose—is at the heart of great leadership If you’re avoiding a hard conversation (or carrying one into the new year), this episode is a steady reminder that clarity and kindness aren’t opposites—they’re partners. Additional resources mentioned during our conversation: The Fearless Organization, by Amy Edmondson The 5 Dysfunctions of a Team, by Patrick Lencioni The Sum of All Fears, by Tom Clancy www.one23ltd.com https://www.instagram.com/one23ltd/ Music by Geoff Harvey from Pixabay

Revisit & enjoy: Making sense of leadership, management, and the feedback we’d rather avoid As we wind down the year, we’re resurfacing one of the most downloaded comfyHQ episodes—a listener favorite about three things leaders wrestle with all the time: feedback, the leadership/management divide, and the workplace words we toss around without checking for shared meaning. In this rerun, we explore: How to respond to feedback you don’t agree with (and why “thank you” is still the best first move) Why separating “leadership” from “management” can limit our growth, and what changes when we see them as two sides of the same role Six Big Idea words—mission, vision, culture, and more—that shape how we work, but often mean different things to different people If you’re navigating end-of-year reviews or gearing up for planning season, this episode offers a practical reset: clearer language, steadier leadership, and a healthier way to think about feedback. Music by Geoff Harvey from Pixabay

In this special update, Kate shares an important announcement about the future of the podcast. Beginning in January 2026, the comfy chairs will officially become The Well-Led Podcast—a show dedicated to helping leaders stay grounded, self-aware, and effective in the moments where professionalism meets imperfection. Kate walks through what’s changing, what’s staying the same, and why now is the right time to transition into a more intentional, structured model. She also introduces the new monthly and quarterly format, a year-long leadership curriculum, and an expanded set of voices and conversations. Plus: exciting news about the show joining the WRKdefined Podcast Network in 2026.

Pull Them Close: A Conversation about Grief As we move into the holiday season—a time that can amplify both joy and tenderness—we’re revisiting one of our most meaningful conversations on the comfy chairs. In this encore episode, host Kate Johnson welcomes Justin Clifford, CEO of Bereave, for a heartfelt exploration of how workplaces can better support employees navigating grief and loss. Together, Kate and Justin unpack the critical role of compassionate bereavement practices—especially during a season when grief can feel sharper, and the need for understanding grows. Justin shares actionable insights for managers and leaders, from building empathy through intentional training to crafting inclusive policies that honor the diverse realities of modern families. This revisit also highlights the transformative power of vulnerability in leadership. Justin underscores the importance of modeling self-care and creating spaces where employees feel seen and supported through life’s hardest seasons. He offers tools and resources to help organizations build cultures of care—reminding us that supporting grief at work isn’t simply about resilience; it’s about honoring our shared humanity. Connect with Justin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinclifford2/ Learn more about Bereave: https://www.bereave.io/ Additional resources mentioned during our conversation: Liesel Mertes, empathy coaching: https://www.lieselmertes.com/ A single platform for practical support resources and tools: https://www.supportnow.org/ Family support for estate and other matters after the death of a loved one: https://www.full-circlecare.com/ Supporting employees after the loss of a child: https://www.hopeworkshere.com/ Employee leave management platform: https://www.cocoon.com/ Got something on your mind? A tricky situation at work? A leadership topic you’re curious about? Share your questions here: https://www.one23ltd.com/comfyhq www.one23ltd.com https://www.instagram.com/one23ltd/

Inviting Input: A conversation about co-creating the workplace. In this conversation, Kate sits down with Patrick Farran, PhD—co-founder and CEO of Ad Lucem Group—to explore the leadership practices that help teams move from compliance to genuine engagement. Patrick introduces appreciative inquiry as a strengths-based discipline built on better questions: ones that draw out what’s already working and create the conditions for more of it. Together, Kate and Patrick unpack why purpose matters so deeply in leadership (and what happens when leaders drift away from it), how co-creation honors human dignity, and why people support what they help build. They swap practical examples—from job crafting to “input windows” during times of change—and name the tension leaders often feel between offering clarity and inviting shared ownership. Patrick also offers a preview of his forthcoming book, The Intentional Executive, including the research behind it and the frameworks leaders can use to practice purpose-driven, strengths-aligned leadership. Connect with Patrick on LinkedIn Learn more about his business Check out early information about The Intentional Executive Additional resources and researchers mentioned during our conversation: Dr. Marjolein Lips-Wiersma Dr. Amy Wrzesniewski Dr. Amy Edmondson Dr. Viktor Frankl Got something on your mind? A tricky situation at work? A leadership topic you’re curious about? Share your questions here: https://www.one23ltd.com/comfyhq www.one23ltd.com https://www.instagram.com/one23ltd/ Music by Geoff Harvey from Pixabay

We're making another visit to the comfy chairs archive with this episode, where Kate is joined by a very special guest, her husband, Nate. Kate and Nate explore the practical considerations of high-reliability organizations and what we can all learn from a balanced approach to excellence and understanding. Got something on your mind? A tricky situation at work? A leadership topic you’re curious about? Share your questions here: https://www.one23ltd.com/comfyhq www.one23ltd.com https://www.instagram.com/one23ltd/ Music by Geoff Harvey from Pixabay

You own it: A conversation about career growth. In this episode of the comfy chairs, Kate Johnson sits down with Jamie Chambron, Chief Coach at the Career Agility System, to talk about what it really means to own your career. From portfolio careers to personal branding, Kate and Jamie unpack how professionals can approach their work with intention and curiosity—especially in a changing, unpredictable market. They explore the co-created nature of employment, the role of values in decision-making, and why assessments like StrengthsFinder and DISC can help you understand your unique value. Whether you’re just starting out, deeply tenured, or in the middle of a career pivot, this conversation is a practical, empowering reminder: your career is an investment, not an inheritance. Listen if you’re curious about: How to build a career that reflects your values and strengths Practical ways to market your skills and accomplishments Balancing ambition with authenticity and self-care Connect with Jaime on LinkedIn. Learn more about Career Agility System™️. Got something on your mind? A tricky situation at work? A leadership topic you’re curious about? Share your questions here: https://www.one23ltd.com/comfyhq www.one23ltd.com https://www.instagram.com/one23ltd/ Music by Geoff Harvey from Pixabay

Join us for a trip in the Way-back Machine! We're headed to where and when it all started for the comfy chairs. Enjoy this “Tuesday Time Capsule” replay of Episode One: Please don’t take away my superhero cape! Kate's colleague and friend, Angela Wale, joined her for the inaugural recording to talk about some timeless leadership topics. Whether you want to learn more about responsibility, delegation, accountability, imposter syndrome, or compassion, this episode has it all. Have a listen and then consider taking one of the following little actions to enhance your leadership practice: Reflect on the distinction between accountability and responsibility, and how to strike the right balance as a leader. Identify opportunities to delegate more effectively, while still providing coaching and support. Continue having open and vulnerable conversations with trusted colleagues to support personal and professional growth. Have a question for comfyHQ? Share your questions. Subscribe to the “as easy as” newsletter from onetwentythree ltd. www.one23ltd.com https://www.instagram.com/one23ltd/ Music by Geoff Harvey from Pixabay

Tiny conversations: A conversation about workplace gossip. Workplace gossip has a reputation problem — but what if we’ve been looking at it all wrong? In this episode of the comfy chairs, Kate Johnson sits down with Rebecca Taylor, co-founder of SkillCycle and host of HR Confessions, to explore the nuance behind “tiny conversations.” They define gossip, unpack its role in shaping culture, and discuss how leaders can use it as a powerful source of insight rather than just a source of frustration. Together, they look at how power, proximity, and trust influence what people say behind closed doors — and how leaders can respond with empathy, not ego. Connect with Rebecca on LinkedIn. Follow SkillCycle on LinkedIn and visit their website to learn more. And be sure to listen to the HR Confessions podcast! Books and other resources we mentioned: You Didn’t Hear This from Me, by Kelsey McKinney Normal Gossip podcast Got something on your mind? A tricky situation at work? A leadership topic you’re curious about? Share your questions here: https://www.one23ltd.com/comfyhq www.one23ltd.com https://www.instagram.com/one23ltd/ Music by Geoff Harvey from Pixabay These notes contain affiliate links to Bookshop.org, a site dedicated to supporting independent bookstores. As an affiliate, I will earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.

Enjoy this rerun of "What, why, how: A comfyHQ Q&A" In this bite-sized episode of the comfy chairs, we’re diving into two essential leadership questions: How can you delegate effectively without micromanaging? What’s the best approach to giving constructive feedback? Join me as we break down common misconceptions about micromanagement, explore how clarity is the key to delegation, and discover the “what, why, how” of delivering impactful feedback. These shorter episodes are designed to spark reflection and build your leadership toolkit. Have a question for comfyHQ? Share it with us here: https://www.one23ltd.com/comfyhq www.one23ltd.com https://www.instagram.com/one23ltd/ Music by Geoff Harvey from Pixabay

Seek understanding: A conversation about questions and learning. Questions can unlock more than answers ever will. In this conversation, Amber Johnson, PhD, joins Kate to explore the power of great questions in leadership and learning. They talk about curiosity, empathy, and why a playful mindset matters just as much as a strategic one. Connect with Amber on LinkedIn Learn more about her business Subscribe to her Substack Find her on Instagram Additional resources mentioned during our conversation and from Amber's Substack: Dialogue: The Art of Thinking Together, by William Isaacs The Center for Creative Leadership The Drexler-Sibbet Team Performance Model A Playbook for Humble Questioning Integrative Questions Why Questions Matter Got something on your mind? A tricky situation at work? A leadership topic you’re curious about? Share your questions here: https://www.one23ltd.com/comfyhq www.one23ltd.com https://www.instagram.com/one23ltd/ Music by Geoff Harvey from Pixabay These notes contain affiliate links to Bookshop.org, a site dedicated to supporting independent bookstores. As an affiliate, I will earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.

Emotional intelligence (EQ) is often described as the “soft side” of leadership — but in practice, it’s the lever that turns leadership effort into real influence. In this episode of the comfy chairs, Kate Johnson unpacks the four dimensions of EQ: self-awareness, self-management, awareness of others, and relationship management. Along the way, she shares why empathy is the through line connecting them all. From giving feedback to navigating meetings, Kate shows how leaders can use emotional intelligence to avoid “bull in the China shop” moments, build trust, and foster connection. Whether you’re leading a team or just beginning your leadership journey, this episode will help you understand why EQ isn’t optional — it’s essential. 👉🏻 Have a question for comfyHQ? Share your questions. 👉🏻 Subscribe to the “as easy as” newsletter from onetwentythree ltd. www.one23ltd.com https://www.instagram.com/one23ltd/ Music by Geoff Harvey from Pixabay

Part of being human: A conversation about vulnerability and bias. Bias isn’t always intentional—it’s often unconscious, shaped by survival instincts and reinforced by daily habits. In this episode of the comfy chairs, Kate Johnson sits down with leadership coach and licensed clinical social worker Sarah Harris to explore how bias influences workplace culture, decision-making, and team dynamics. From confirmation bias to the “prove it again” bias, they unpack the ways hidden assumptions can derail inclusion and equity. Sarah shares practical strategies for increasing self-awareness, using feedback loops to reveal blind spots, and fostering psychological safety so that every team member can contribute meaningfully. Sarah also highlights insights from her book, The Culture Garden, offering a roadmap for leaders who want to create healthier, more inclusive organizations where people thrive. Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn. Visit Sarah’s website. Check out Sarah’s book, The Culture Garden. Resources mentioned in our conversation: Project Implicit Bias Interrupters’ Approach Got something on your mind? A tricky situation at work? A leadership topic you’re curious about? Share your questions here: https://www.one23ltd.com/comfyhq www.one23ltd.com https://www.instagram.com/one23ltd/ Music by Geoff Harvey from Pixabay These notes contain affiliate links to Bookshop.org, a site dedicated to supporting independent bookstores. As an affiliate, I will earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.

In this comfyHQ installment of the comfy chairs podcast, Kate explores two core leadership questions: How can I manage my insecurities while projecting confidence? We walk through practical steps for naming, containing, and balancing your insecurities with a clear-eyed view of your strengths. This isn’t about false bravado — it’s about cultivating honest self-awareness and healthy confidence. What qualities do all successful leaders share? Listen for five essential traits that define effective leadership: knowing the business, connecting people’s needs with results, practicing active emotional intelligence, recognizing leadership is about others, and keeping the future visible and concrete for the team. Packed with insights and encouragement, this episode reminds us that successful leadership isn’t perfection — it’s practice. 👉🏻 Have a question for comfyHQ? Share your questions. 👉🏻 Subscribe to the “as easy as” newsletter from onetwentythree ltd. www.one23ltd.com https://www.instagram.com/one23ltd/ Music by Geoff Harvey from Pixabay

In this episode of the comfy chairs, I sit down with Thom Dennis to talk about leadership mindsets and what it means to “rewild” corporate culture. Thom shares stories from his eclectic journey and how each stage has shaped his perspective on leadership. Together, we explore why mindset matters as much as action, the balance of masculine and feminine energies in leadership, and how trust, presence, and autonomy can transform organizations. This conversation is both grounding and expansive, touching on the need for empathy, self-awareness, and creating systems that reinforce—not erode—our shared humanity at work. Listen in for insights on: Why leaders need to experiment with full presence. How “rewilding” offers a new metaphor for corporate life. The role of courage, humility, and listening in leadership that lasts. Connect with Thom on LinkedIn. Visit the Serenity in Leadership website. Got something on your mind? A tricky situation at work? A leadership topic you’re curious about? Share your questions here: https://www.one23ltd.com/comfyhq www.one23ltd.com https://www.instagram.com/one23ltd/ Music by Geoff Harvey from Pixabay

In this comfyHQ episode of the comfy chairs,we tackle two common leadership struggles: how to set boundaries without seeming unavailable, and what to do when you catch yourself avoiding a tough conversation. With practical examples and reflective insights, Kate shows how both challenges come down to the same leadership essentials—clarity, care, and courage. 👉🏻 Have a question for comfyHQ? Share your questions. 👉🏻 Subscribe to the “as easy as” newsletter from onetwentythree ltd. www.one23ltd.com https://www.instagram.com/one23ltd/ Music by Geoff Harvey from Pixabay

We’re taking our first-ever Summer hiatus here at the comfy chairs! We’ll be back with all-new episodes on September 2nd. Until then, we've curated a few of our shorter, comfyHQ episodes for you to revisit and enjoy. So, this week, here's "make sense of things," where we provide answers to help you harness the power of stories as leadership tools and provide practical strategies for navigating ambiguity with confidence, clarity, and trust. 👉🏻 Have a question for comfyHQ? Share your questions. 👉🏻 Subscribe to the “as easy as” newsletter from onetwentythree ltd. www.one23ltd.com https://www.instagram.com/one23ltd/ Music by Geoff Harvey from Pixabay