Are you living to work, or working to live? In this episode of Legendary Leaders, Dr. Rana Al-Falaki joins host Cathleen O'Sullivan to share her incredible journey from being a successful but stressed professional to finding true joy and authenticity. She opens up about overcoming trauma, breaking through unhealthy patterns, and discovering genuine self-love - all while building a thriving career helping others find balance and fulfilment. Dr. Al-Falaki explains the critical difference between "being" versus "doing". She reveals how understanding your unique stress response can transform your resilience, and offers you strategies for creating sustainable success without burnout. Tune for a conversation that will help you shift from external validation to internal peace while still performing at your highest level.

Episode Timeline:

00:00 Introduction

11:19 Accessing your intuition when you're truly busy

16:21 Overcoming fears with holographic thinking

25:14 The benefits of living with authenticity

35:23 Defining human energy: what does it mean?

46:19 Living with a false mask and learning how to trust

51:32 Dr. Al-Falaki's life-altering diagnosis transformational journey

01:13:10 Empowerment through self-reflection

01:20:07 Navigating menopause and personal growth

Key Takeaways:

• Dr. Al-Falaki emphasises the importance of creating silence in your life to access intuition. During busy and hectic times, prioritising silence helps in making more conscious and effective decisions.

• Both Cathleen and Dr. Al-Falaki discuss how the definition of success evolves over time. In their experiences, it shifted from external validations and material achievements to internal peace, joy, and self-love.

• The conversation touches on how trust and empathy are foundational for effective leadership and creating a high-performing team. Vulnerability is about expressing true needs and emotions, which fosters a healthy, open, and supportive work environment.

ABOUT Dr. Rana Al-Falaki

Dr Rana Al-Falaki openly talks about her past life struggles and traumas and is passionate about making an impact on every person she meets. She claims this as her purpose and gives meaning to all events in her life. She describes her first 40 years of life as OUTWARDLY SUCCESSFUL BUT INWARDLY STRESSFUL. Having perfected how to reach a state of flow where everything happens - laser focus, high productivity, financial wealth, powerful leadership, loving relationships, high energy, motivation, feeling at ease, in peace, joyful and present - she works with professionals and teams to do the same, be that through coaching, speaking or training.

Connect with Dr. Al-Falaki:

Website: https://nail-it.uk/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-rana/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rana.alfalaki

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nailit_drrana

Connect: 


Find | Cathleen O’Sullivan

Business: cathleenmerkel.com

Email: cmc@cathleenmerkelcoaching.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathleen-merkel/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/legendary_leaders_cathleenos/

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Are you ready to transform your approach to customer success and discover how aligning your leadership with customer needs can drive sustainable growth? In this captivating conversation on Legendary Leaders, Cathleen O'Sullivan sits down with Thomas Voigt, founder of TV Consulting and the Customer Success Academy. Thomas shares his remarkable journey from corporate leadership to entrepreneurship. Tune in for an episode filled with inspirational insights and practical strategies for driving success and growth.

Episode Timeline:

07:50 Struggled with solopreneurship, returned to employment at GWI for five years.

13:50 Learning from discomfort enhances leadership and personal growth.

16:15 I questioned what truly sparked joy beyond societal expectations of success.

27:37 Career ambitions thwarted by poor job market; led to self-reflection and acceptance.

33:55 Embraced entrepreneurship for freedom, launched TV consulting and Customer Success Academy.

48:58 Practicing daily routines like breathing exercises helps manage stress and maintain wellness.

53:28 Leverage fear and joy to drive ambition on LinkedIn by consistently engaging and adding value, fueled by a love for routine and exploration.

56:03 Embrace life's challenges, prioritise values over achievements.

01:10:23 Outsourcing customer success can work if teams are properly onboarded.

01:11:34 AI enhances customer success by streamlining admin tasks and enabling efficient outsourcing, with AI Copilots improving work processes.

Key Takeaways:

• The power of understanding and accepting your inner critic (whom Thomas named "TED") rather than trying to silence it completely

• How implementing a human-first approach to customer success can transform business relationships and drive sustainable growth

• Practical insights on integrating AI and technology in customer success while maintaining the human element

ABOUT Thomas Voigt.

Hey there, I am Thomas! I'm passionate about helping scale up businesses and unravel the mysteries of creating the perfect product/market fit. My adventure kicked off in advertising in Germany, where I honed my skills and guided media companies and advertisers in decoding consumer insights. I helped build new TV channels targeting high-value viewers, generating 8-digit revenue in their first years. In 2011, I moved to London to help Discovery Inc. understand its global audiences, set up intelligence tools, and build its digital businesses. After this, I took a sharp turn and dove into growing revenue for scale-up companies, scoring 140% net retention and building Customer Success teams that generated 8 digits in annual recurring revenue. Fast-forward to today, I'm a revenue leader and consultant, steering companies into their customers' loving arms and fine-tuning their revenue engines for sustainable growth.

Connect with Thomas:

Website: www.tvconsulting.net

Social Media Links:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-voigt/

Connect: 


Find | Cathleen O’Sullivan

Business: cathleenmerkel.com

Email: cmc@cathleenmerkelcoaching.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathleen-merkel/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/legendary_leaders_cathleenos/

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Have you ever wondered what it takes to lead effectively in an uncertain, ever-changing world? Your host Cathleen O'Sullivan sits down with Graham Wilson, a distinguished leadership expert and author of Wabi Zugi: The Art of Resilience for Everyday Warriors. Together they uncover the essential strategies and ideas that will help you thrive as a leader in complex environments. Learn why embracing uncertainty and fostering a culture of experimentation is vital for modern leadership. Let's explore how moving beyond traditional management can empower your teams and spur innovation. We'll be rethinking performance management to create a more empowered, innovative workplace. As you listen, consider reflecting on your own leadership practices. Are they helping your team to adapt and thrive, or are they holding them back? Tune in and get ready to transform your approach to leadership!

Episode Timeline:

07:22 Authentic and context-driven leadership skills

18:03 Challenging traditional education norms

22:28 Military Training vs. Corporate Standards

28:40 How values guide behaviours

40:06 Success doesn't require a degree, it requires work

43:25 Dedating research-based leadership in an ever-changing world

59:06 Focus on simplifying work by guiding essential skills and daily actions

01:11:57 Why authenticity and individuality drive success

01:24:22 Empowering and motivating teams

Key Takeaways:

Embracing Uncertainty in Leadership: Graham emphasises the importance of leading without having all the answers. Embracing uncertainty and fostering a culture of experimentation is essential for leaders navigating today's unpredictable environments.

Moving Beyond Traditional Management: Traditional micromanagement and rigid structures stifle innovation. Graham explains that leaders need to empower their teams by focusing on inclusivity and collaboration rather than controlling every detail.

Rethinking Performance Management: Graham highlights that many organisations are over-managed and under-led, and he advocates for focusing on what truly adds value to the customer and the business.

ABOUT Graham Wilson

Driven by the conviction that today’s turbulent business landscape demands extraordinary leadership, Graham Wilson crafts bespoke programs that empower leaders to achieve unparalleled results from both themselves and their teams and drive profound organizational change. At the heart of Graham's approach lies a deep understanding of the evolving nature of leadership in the modern world. By decoding the essence of effective leadership and championing a paradigm shift away from 'over-management', Graham equips leaders with the tools and mindset necessary to navigate complexity with confidence. Graham's passion for peak performance was cultivated during his military service and global corporate career and culminated in the founding of SuccessfactoryTM.

Connect with Graham:

Website: https://www.thesuccessfactory.co.uk/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SuccessfactoryTraining/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leadershipwizard

Buy his book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Wabisugi-resilience-everyday-warriors-Leadership/dp/0993139027

Connect: 


Find | Cathleen O’Sullivan

Business: cathleenmerkel.com

Email: cmc@cathleenmerkelcoaching.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathleen-merkel/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/legendary_leaders_cathleenos/

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Join us to discover how to build a fulfilling encore career with purpose and adaptability. Cathleen is joined by Dr. Michelle Prince, a global leadership coach, human capital consultant, and author of "Creating Your Encore Career." Dr. Prince and Cathleen uncover the unique challenges and opportunities of navigating family-owned businesses, challenging generational stereotypes, and redefining retirement. You'll hear about the emotional aspects of career transitions, the necessity of personal branding, and the dual responsibility between job seekers and employers in overcoming biases. Whether you're considering an encore career or looking to challenge biases in hiring practices, this episode is full of advice to help you create purpose and impact, regardless of age. So, tune in, and let's make your next chapter legendary!

Episode Timeline:

01:02 Why creating purpose beyond retirement is crucial.

09:29 Dr. Prince helps leaders excel and coaching encore careers.

23:06 How to challenge stereotypes and practice self-discovery.

27:21 What does a fulfilling encore career look like?

37:59 Emotional well-being after career transitions.

49:45 Exploring your identity, beliefs, opportunities, and open doors.

59:54 How can work boost emotional and physical health?

01:08:57 Curiosity and questioning foster lifelong learning.

01:17:55 Surround yourself with uplifting, influential people.

Key Takeaways:

Challenging Generational and Age-related Biases: Cathleen and Dr. Prince discuss biases related to age and career transitions, highlighting the importance of curiosity and open-mindedness. Demonstrating personal strengths, adaptability, and willingness to acquire new skills is important.

Redefining Retirement and Exploring Encore Careers: With increased lifespans, there is a pressing need to rethink retirement. Dr. Michel Prince emphasises the significance of planning an encore career that balances purpose and income, encouraging activities such as mentoring, freelancing, and volunteer work for personal fulfillment.

Embracing Continuous Learning and Adaptability: Dr. Prince highlights the role of curiosity in her career, particularly within human resources. Her journey to obtaining a doctorate, spurred by a desire for intellectual stimulation, reflects the non-linear nature of personal and professional growth.

ABOUT Dr. Michelle Prince

Dr. Michelle Prince is a global leadership coach, HR tech advisor, human capital consultant and author. A certified leadership coach since 2006 with a doctorate in management and organizational leadership, she helps professionals and organizations achieve transformational growth. Michelle has over 30 years of corporate HR experience and now runs her consulting firm, MPrince Consulting LLC. An advocate for sustainability and empowering people to thrive, she wrote the book Creating Your Encore Career in 2024 to inspire others to craft their own fulfilling Encore Careers.

Connect with Dr. Prince:

Website: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mprince-consulting

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-prince-dm

Buy her book: https://www.amazon.com/Creating-Your-Encore-Career-Prosperity/dp/1950336778

Connect: 


Find | Cathleen O’Sullivan

Business: cathleenmerkel.com

Email: cmc@cathleenmerkelcoaching.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathleen-merkel/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/legendary_leaders_cathleenos/

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Gain insights on how to be a mentally strong leader with your host Cathleen and her guest Scott Mautz. Scott is a former Procter & Gamble executive and renowned author, to explore the profound concepts of mental strength and resilience in leadership. Join them as they dissect the tools and strategies outlined in Mautz's latest book The Mentally Strong Leader, offering practical advice on overcoming self-doubt, managing negative emotions, and fostering a culture of authentic leadership. From the significance of self-assessment to the necessity of vulnerability, every minute is packed with actionable insights that can transform your approach to leading with mental prowess. Discover how mentally strong leaders can inspire confidence, drive organisational success, and leave an indelible positive impact on the world around them.

Episode Timeline:

05:32 Balancing authenticity and corporate expectations is challenging.

12:08 Chasing approval distorts identity and fulfillment.

20:38 Great leaders prioritise others over themselves.

26:58 Mental strength involves six key skills: fortitude, confidence, boldness, decision-making, goal focus, and positive messaging.

29:34 Self-regulation is crucial for resilience and confidence.

34:07 Quiz assesses mental strength through honesty.

42:27 Habits bolster confidence and resilience in vulnerability.

48:19 Use the "redirect rhythm" tool to manage emotions during setbacks and maintain effective messaging.

52:42 Mentally strong leadership drives organizational success.

55:58 Maintain supportive habits when confidence weakens.

Key Takeaways:

Self-Regulation Is Key: Scott Mautz emphasises that mental strength in leadership hinges on the ability to self-regulate emotions, thoughts, and behaviours, particularly in challenging situations.

Tool for Resilience: Mautz introduces "the 4 lenses of Adversity in Resilience," which includes the "perspective lens" tool, encouraging leaders to broaden their perspective to better understand and meet their resilience needs.

Authenticity Over Approval: Mautz advises leaders to "chase authenticity, not approval," stressing that true mental strength involves being genuine and focusing on personal growth rather than seeking external validation.

ABOUT Scott Mautz

Scott is the author of The Mentally Strong Leader and the founder and CEO of Profound Performance™, a keynote, training, and coaching company. Mautz is a former Procter & Gamble executive who successfully ran four of the company’s largest multi-billion dollar businesses, he is also the multi award-winning author of Leading from the Middle, Find the Fire, and Make It Matter. Mautz has been named a “CEO Thought-leader” by The Chief Executives Guild and a "Top 50 Leadership Innovator" by Inc.com, He is faculty on reserve at Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business for Executive Education and is a top instructor at LinkedIn Learning.

Connect with Scott:

Website: www.scottmautz.com.

Social Media Links:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottmautz

X: https://x.com/scott_mautz

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ScottMautzPP/

YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCESjWJrnWegel9lAlhXDS3A

Connect: 


Find | Cathleen O’Sullivan

Business: cathleenmerkel.com

Email: cmc@cathleenmerkelcoaching.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathleen-merkel/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/legendary_leaders_cathleenos/

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How important is workplace well-being to you? Kelly Mackin, co-founder of the Motives Met platform and author of "Work Life Well Lived," joins Cathleen to talk about human-centred work environments. Kelly shares her understanding of unconscious commitments and the critical need to align our work motives with personal well-being. Drawing from her own challenges in toxic work environments and inspired by her mother's experiences as a pioneering female executive, Kelly emphasises that well-being is a right, not a privilege. Join us as we uncover the "No BS Solution" to workplace well-being, discuss the importance of psychological safety and emotional health, and learn how to design meaningful and human-centred work environments. Don't miss it!

Episode Timeline:

07:20 Only 16% of people are thriving at work, let's change that.

15:27 Reflecting on ambition, needs, success and the burnout cycle.

23:47 Create action plans by considering: goals, support, mindset, boundaries and growth.

30:10 Equip leaders with questions to boost trust and foster safety.

40:06 5-step pathway to thriving in a people-first culture.

54:39 Unconscious commitments often undermine work-life harmony.

01:04:14 Witnessing my mom's work journey taught me the highs and lows of work.

01:13:14 Balancing work, quality time, and freedom.

Key Takeaways:

• Kelly discusses the concept of unconscious commitments, highlighting how individuals consciously striving for work-life balance, might unknowingly overcommit to work to prove their worth.

• Kelly and Cathleen emphasise that well-being is a right, not a privilege. Kelly shares her personal journey from experiencing burnout in a toxic work environment to prioritising her well-being through meditation and cognitive coaching.

• Kelly introduces the "5 Step Motives Met Pathway" to help leaders understand, evaluate, and meet these needs in the workplace by fostering a culture of psychological safety.

ABOUT Kelly Mackin

Kelly Mackin is the author of Work Life Well-Lived: The Motives Met Pathway to No-B.S. Well-Being at Work and cofounder and CEO of the Motives Met Platform and Human Needs AssessmentTM which empowers people to create their best work life and workplace. Kelly’s journey from ill-being to well-being at work ignited her passion and dedication for helping people create health and happiness in their lives through a unique blend of skills. Her expertise spans quantitative research in human behavior to fostering psychological safety, from guiding individuals in mind management coaching to imparting the practice of mindfulness meditation both in and outside of work. As a researcher, she gains insights into significant parts of our lives like values, stress, and emotions to develop frameworks to better understand the world and ourselves to make positive change.

Connect with Kelly :

Website: https://www.motivesmet.com/

Social Media Links:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-mackin-52793110/

Connect: 


Find | Cathleen O’Sullivan

Business: cathleenmerkel.com

Email: cmc@cathleenmerkelcoaching.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathleen-merkel/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/legendary_leaders_cathleenos/

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Meet Dr. Chris Fuzie, a law enforcement professional turned consultant and educator. Today on Legendary Leaders, Cathleen sits down with Chris to learn about his transformative journey and his commitment to self-education and personal growth. With experience ranging from homicide investigations to hostage negotiation, Chris delivers us a vivid look into leadership dynamics within law enforcement. As you listen, you'll discover Chris's approach to overcoming career setbacks, the importance of stepping out of comfort zones in learning, and the invaluable role of followership. Whether you're keen on leadership theories, fascinated by law enforcement, or want to explore new ways to elevate your career, this episode packs a wealth of wisdom and actionable advice.

Episode Timeline:

08:21 Chris on becoming a police leadership instructor.

15:38 Law enforcement emphasises empathy in action.

20:36 Open-minded police see that people are fundamentally similar.

24:08 Unexpected prison advice on body language effectiveness.

31:20 Leading and following simultaneously in transitional space.

34:23 Leadership is about actions, not titles.

48:12 Teaching young proper policing behaviour and discipline.

59:57 Concerns about workplace contention and authority imbalance.

01:04:20 Organisational culture and cohesion are essential.

Key Takeaways:

• Chris introduces the concept of "liminal leadership," which emphasises the fluid interplay between leading and following. He argues that effective leadership isn't solely about hierarchy or position, but understanding when to lead and when to follow.

• The discussion highlights the importance of focusing on specific desirable behaviours rather than formal titles in creating effective leaders and followers. Chris's approach suggests that nurturing these traits is more impactful than traditional mission statements.

• Chris’s personal journey highlights the importance of persistence and resilience in professional development. Despite facing multiple setbacks and rejections, he has maintained a focus on growth and personal improvement which actually advanced his career.

ABOUT Dr. Chris Fuzie

Dr. Chris Fuzie, Ed.D., is an expert in leadership and followership with a distinct focus on behavior-based approaches to personal and professional development. He is an author, educator, and consultant known for his work in reshaping traditional leadership paradigms through his innovative concepts and models. Dr. Fuziee's professional contributions are particularly influential in areas where leading and following are seen as interconnected and dynamic processes.​

Professionally, Dr. Fuziee is dedicated to reshaping traditional leadership paradigms, blending academic insights with practical, behavior-based approaches. His books, like "Liminal Space: Reshaping Leadership and Followership," reflect his commitment to helping individuals and organizations navigate complex interpersonal landscapes.

​As a trainer and mentor, Dr. Fuziee is known for his engaging and approachable style. He is direct yet empathetic, combining deep theoretical knowledge with practical applications. His background in education and real-world experience equips him to connect with diverse audiences, making complex concepts accessible and actionable.

Connect with Chris :

Website: https://www.cmfleadership.com/

Social Media Links:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-chris-Fuziee-ed-d-m-a-ol-37587934/

X (Twitter): https://x.com/CMFLeadership

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090255232861

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisFuziee/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/cmfleadership/

Connect: 


Find | Cathleen O’Sullivan

Business: cathleenmerkel.com

Email: cmc@cathleenmerkelcoaching.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathleen-merkel/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/legendary_leaders_cathleenos/

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Imagine reclaiming 20% of your time every week—time you never knew you could have but desperately need. In this episode of Legendary Leaders, your host Cathleen and her guest, the insightful Andy Brown, explore the transformative power of effective delegation and the hidden costs of emotional overdraft. Andy, a seasoned business advisor and author of the bestseller Emotional Overdraft, shares his journey from corporate stress to meaningful change and the impactful lessons he learned along the way. Join us for a compelling conversation on recognising and addressing the invisible costs of leadership, and empowering yourself to delegate for a healthier, more fulfilling life.

Episode Timeline:

09:35 Emotional costs impact business profitability significantly.

12:38 Recognise and address your emotional overdraft.

19:34 Create a personal board of supportive advisors.

26:48 Prioritise important tasks over easy ones.

40:29 Market dictates a business's true value.

44:19 Delegation frees time for strategic business growth.

01:01:26 Don't sacrifice happiness for business success.

01:08:10 Limiting clients to maintain quality and health.

01:11:52 Fully recharge to effectively manage and delegate.

Key Takeaways:

• Andy highlights the importance of delegating tasks that others can handle, allowing leaders to focus on high-value activities that only they can perform.

• The concept of "emotional overdraft" is crucial for leaders to understand and manage. Recognising behaviors that contribute to emotional exhaustion and addressing them can prevent burnout and improve overall well-being.

• Andy and Cathleen emphasise the significance of structuring a business to allow for personal time and family involvement.

ABOUT Andy Brown

Andy has over 30 years’ experience as an award-winning adviser and coach for people-based businesses. He’s also a podcast host and the author ofAmazon #1 best seller, ‘The Emotional Overdraft: 10 simple changes for balancing business success and wellbeing’ a book for entrepreneurs, leaders and founders that articulates the often overlooked mental and physical costs of leadership.

Connect with Andy :

Website: https://emotionaloverdraft.com/

Buy the book in the US: https://www.amazon.com/Emotional-Overdraft-balancing-business-wellbeing/dp/1788605136/

Buy the book in the UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Emotional-Overdraft-balancing-business-wellbeing/dp/1788605136/

Social Media Links:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andybrownprofile/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andybrownauthor/

Connect: 


Find | Cathleen O’Sullivan

Business: cathleenmerkel.com

Email: cmc@cathleenmerkelcoaching.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathleen-merkel/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/legendary_leaders_cathleenos/

FOLLOW LEGENDARY LEADERS ON APPLE, SPOTIFY OR WHEREVER YOU LISTEN TO YOUR PODCASTS.