Listen to Lead
Episodes
Fostering Our Peaceful Natures with Anthropologist Douglas Fry
04 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Douglas Fry has spent over 40 years studying humanity through an anthropological and cross-cultural indigenous lens. His books — The Human Poten...
Alexandra Phillips on Owning Your Alchemy
04 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Alexandra Phillips (Founder, Copper Owl Group) resists categorization. A coach and trainer bringing together witch work, business expertise, and scien...
Teaching English in a Society at War with Dr. Roxanna Senyshyn
01 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
"How can I help?"This is what Penn State University Success Circle alum and Ukrainian citizen Dr. Roxanna Senyshyn (Assc Prof Applied Lingui...
Choosing Your Fight with Erin Renzas
30 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Erin was killing it as a global marketing executive when she lost motivation. At the same time, she was learning to box. What she learned in the ring ...
Making the Workplace the Best Place with Jaime Klein
20 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Jaime Klein, CEO of Inspire Human Resources, joins us for an energizing conversation about creating exceptional workplaces. Jaime shares her ...
Healing Organizational Conflict with Sarah Watson
18 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
There's gold in the conflict you're avoiding.Sarah Watson (advertising exec turned advisor and coach) shares her journey from conflict-avoidan...
Being a Creative Force with Melanie Hoopes
13 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A vital conversation on reconnecting to our creativity—and humanity—as a revolutionary act against forces working to disconnect us. Melanie Hoopes...
"Passion Isn't Enough": David Rhode's Practical Guide for Nonprofit Leaders
25 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, our guest David Rhode, author of "Passion Isn't Enough," offers practical strategies and game-changing perspectives for...
The Art of Followership & The Status Dance
15 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Brilliant leadership requires mastering both leading AND following to dynamically share status. We explore how to shift from unconscious status games ...
Observer Mode
24 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How switching from "doing" to "perceiving" transforms your leadership presence.We explore: The neuroscience behind observer mode W...
Lessons on Conflict Management from a Preschool Teacher
07 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Lucia shares what she’s learned in her part-time work as a preschool teacher to help you lead your team from conflict to resilience.Learn:The Three ...
Make the Most of Big Conferences
06 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Most conference interactions are 2-3 minutes long, and most of them go no where. Be the outlier.Define your metric of successKnow your ask/offerHonor ...
How to be a Dolphin in a Shark Tank
29 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We train leaders to be dolphins—communication masters working within pods of positive reciprocity.But what happens when you're working with sharks—...
Relaunch Mini Episode: From Stuckness to Action
16 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Lucia breaks down the A.C.T. model to move from stuckness to action. Grab a journal or take this on a quiet walk.💗 Hit follow & review! ☀️ ...
Winter Solstice Reflection & Your 2025 Manifesto
20 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This episode is an invitation to pause for the darkest day of the year. There's magic here. For individual and group connected leadership coaching...
Wintering: Timeless Wisdom from Next Level Leaders
08 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Weaving together voices from Next Level / Leaders on navigating loss, grief, death, and rebirth. Visit us at www.the-next-level.com for the many way...
Lead Like a Neuroethicist with Dr. Laura Cabrera
15 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This is an essential conversation for a divided world. How to call all in to create a world we want to live in. 🌳🧠💭 Dr. Laura Cabrera is a S...
Sarah Koestner on Highly Sensitive Leadership
03 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
After 36 years of thinking something was wrong with her, Sarah Koestner now believes highly sensitive people are going to save the world. Roughly 30% ...
Robert Adolph on Wise Leadership
18 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Robert Adolph's a retired U.S. Army Special Forces Lieutenant Colonel and U.N. Chief Security Advisor. Bob shares hard-earned wisdom on humility, ...
Shae Lambert on a Multifaceted Life of Service
11 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Shae Lambert is many things, including Miss District of Columbia for the America’s Most Beautiful System, a Senior Policy Analyst for Vulnerable P...
Host in the Hot Seat!
02 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Lucia Brizzi on the future of leadership. With guest host Evelyn Espinal. For all things connected leadership, visit us at www.the-next-level.com H...
Louisa Johnson on Connected Communication
26 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Louisa shares practices to bring more "you" to your communication. Louisa's taught communication to STEM professionals, journalists, p...
Claire Woolner on Creative Co-Creation
11 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A raw, real, and true conversation on creative co-creation with performance artist/ clown/ freak/ genius and a true love of mine, Claire Woolner! &quo...
Evelyn Maria Espinal on DEI Leadership
03 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This conversation could not come at a better time or with a better guest. Evelyn boasts a 35-year tenure working for equity in the Fortune 50. Havin...
Beth Anstandig on Natural Leadership
29 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We're joined by cowgirl, poet, and Natural Leadership expert, Beth Anstandig for a conversation on coming back to ourselves time and time again ...
Next Level Visionaries
17 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ooooweee, this is a special one. Clips from conversations with Next Level VISIONARY leaders. Join us Friday July 19th, 2024 for Next Level Vision, a ...
Notes from the Camino de Santiago! Days 21-40
26 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Next Level Leaders, I'm walking the 40 day Camino de Santiago! Join my “digital-pilgrim era” as we support your connected leadership from the ...
Notes from the Camino de Santiago! Days 11-20
28 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Next Level Leaders, I'm walking the 40 day Camino de Santiago! Join my “digital-pilgrim era” as we support your connected leadership from the ...
Notes from the Camino de Santiago! Days 3-10
20 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Next Level Leaders, I'm walking the 40 day Camino de Santiago! Join my “digital-pilgrim era” as we support your connected leadership from the ...
Notes from the Camino de Santiago! Days 1-2
10 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Next Level Leaders! I'm walking the 40 day Camino de Santiago, the French route. Listen along for updates from the journey. For all things conne...
Solo Sunday: Being Liberated to Lead
05 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
WANT A LEADERSHIP MINDSET? Replace this one word 🎯 Season 4 is the Liberated to Lead series! Lucia breaks down how swapping out one little word ca...
Jet Eveleth On Effervescent Presence
27 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Season 4 is the Liberated to Lead series, conversations with people who've liberated themselves to become leaders for others. We couldn't h...
Joe Lazer On Leadership Storytelling
08 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Joe Lazer (head of marketing at A.Team & author of “The Storytelling Edge”) joins to talk about the power of storytelling and practices you ca...
Sundays From the Blog: Being Willing to Walk
07 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This is a conversation on being willing to go, but much more essentially, on being committed to growing. Read on the blog. For all things connected ...
Sunday's from the Blog: The Talent Show
24 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
When we see each other, we love each other. Read on the blog. Learn about Coaching Success Circles Membership Sig...
Kel Haney On "Ick" Free Asking
18 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Kel, fundraising expert, helps me tackle my greatest fear: asking people for money. If you're challenged to ask in any way, this conversation'...
Sundays From the Blog: Center / Stage
17 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
On finding center inside ourselves for connected leadership. Read on the blog. Learn about Coaching Success Circles Membership S...
Connected Leadership Through Change JAM SESSION
13 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
How can the change process strengthen community? Crisis management and communication expert Dr. Surabhi Sahay is BACK to jam on our upcoming workshop,...
Sundays from the Blog: Breaking Good Student Syndrome
10 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Read on the blog. Learn about Connected Leadership Coaching Success Circles Membership Sign up for our newsletter: http://eepurl.c...
Samar Issa, Ph.D. on Radiance Through Change
08 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Just out of undergrad, Samar boarded a boat with her family to escape the war in her home country, Lebanon. Upon meeting, our founder Brigid saw deep ...
Sundays from the Blog: Great Pause Moments
03 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Read on the blog: https://www.the-next-level.com/blog/2023/11/21/great-pause-moments For all things connected leadership, visit us at www.the-next-lev...
Sundays from the Blog: The Island
25 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Want to realize your power? My otherworldly journey. Read on the blog: https://www.the-next-level.com/blog/2024/2/24/the-island Ready to realize your...
Connected Leadership Through Change with Dr. Surabhi Sahay, Crisis Management Expert
20 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This conversation with Dr. Surabhi Sahay, crisis management and communication expert, sparked a workshop offering! If this conversation inspires, join...
Sundays from the Blog: The Garden
19 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Every Sunday, I'll be reading pieces from the Next Level/ Leadership blog to reflect on together. Visit www.the-next-level.com for all things conn...
Ethical Institution Building with Nick Leveans
11 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We're joined by co-owner of Black Heart and ethical institution building consultant, Nick Leveans. We discuss his transition from CEO to a distrib...
Brigid Moynahan: Next Level/Leadership Founder on Letting Go
05 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In Pieces Part 3: Letting Go, from the process of leadership evolution A mother-daughter and founder-owner conversation thirty-six years in the makin...
Mini-Training: Friends at Work
01 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What makes your work magnetic? Friendship. Grab a journal & dive into this free community training exploring friends at work. Applications are no...
Catalyzing Change with Stephanie Velegol, Chemical Engineer
26 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In Pieces Series, from the process of leadership evolution Part 2: Catalyzing Change with Stephanie Velegol, Chemical Engineering Associate Department...
The Workquake with Dr. Suzy Scherf
17 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In Pieces Series, from the process of leadership evolution Part 1: The Workquake with Dr. Suzy Scherf, Assoc. Prof of Psychology, Penn State Universit...
The Both/And Thinker: Marianne Lewis, Coauthor, Both/And Thinking
27 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Marianne Lewis, co-author of Both/And Thinking: Embracing Creative Tensions to Solve Your Most Pressing Problems and Dean of the Lindner College of Bu...
The ReConnector: Regan Stacey, Forest Therapy School
11 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Regan's mission is to reconnect humans to nature for the wellbeing of all. We explore how the natural world can nurture, enliven, and guide us on ...
The Curious Revolutionary: Amanda Janoo, Policy Lead, Wellbeing Economy Alliance
06 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Amanda stands for building economic systems for the betterment of our world. She invites us to question assumptions, trust ourselves, and find allies ...
The Empowering Evangelist: Kelly Huang on Being Boardroom Ready
28 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Season 3 Premier! No matter where you are on your leadership journey, coach Kelly Huang (Boardroom Ready, Forbes Coaches Council) tells us it’s not ...
Connecting Beyond Barriers: Status
04 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Strategic Webbing is Next Level’s radically different approach to traditional networking, based upon building an authentic, values-aligned web of c...
Catch the Success Circles Wave: Envision Success
16 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Next Level Leaders, The greatest resource we have to achieve our goals is one another. And, together there's a collective flow that can take us ...
Friday Feels: 4 Min to Tap Into Childlike Joy!
29 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Watch, then find me on LinkedIn at Lucia Brizzi to join the game : )
Bored at work? Raise the stakes!
28 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
My 3 min tip for big inspiration. To up-level with executive coaching and peer coaching programs, visit us @ www.the-next-level.com #advancement #p...
Rising Together Success Circles Kickoff
26 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
A sneak peak inside our exclusive alumni kickoff event, launching our new partnership with DEI pioneer Sally Helgesen! With Sally, Lucia, and original...
Two Surface Answers that Pack Coaching Gold
25 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The quality of our conversations is the quality of our questions. . And... responses can be underwhelming. . In this mini Listen to Lead episode, I s...
Sarah Zappe on Leading with Courageous Empathy
24 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We're joined by Success Circles grad, Sarah Zappe, Assistant Dean of Teaching and Learning at Penn State's Leonard Center. . As we prepare to...
#8 Attraction: Rising Together Success Circles 8 Trigger Kick Off Countdown
19 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We rise together by both normalizing healthy attraction at work and speaking up about unhealthy power dynamics. . We're counting down to Sept. 2...
#7 That's Not Funny: Rising Together Success Circles 8 Trigger Kick Off Countdown
15 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Why jokes-jokes often fail-fail, and how we can get humor right at work. Watch to the end for a workplace appropriate bit you can start using right aw...
#6 The Grapevine vs The Network: Rising Together Success Circles 8 Trigger Kick-Off Countdown
13 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
If your inner teen is triggered by networking... this one's for you! With a special shout out to my improv training partner and born-inclusive lea...
#5 It’s Not Fair: Rising Together Success Circles 8 Trigger Kick-Off Countdown
10 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The truth is, it’s not. Let's take on this trigger – and take a stand for culture change. We're counting down to Sept. 21st Rising Togeth...
#4 What Are You Trying to Say?: Rising Together Success Circles 8 Trigger Kick Off Countdown
09 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Let's talk about communication-style triggers. We're counting down to kick-off Rising Together Success Circles with Sally's 8 most commo...
#3 Confidence & Competence: Rising Together Success Circles 8 Trigger Kick Off Countdown
04 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
"True confidence is always rooted in our sense of our own abilities, along with our capacity- and our willingness- to learn."- Sally Helgese...
#2 Managing Perceptions: Rising Together Success Circles 8 Trigger Kick Off Countdown
30 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
If the Barbie movie made you cry too, this one’s for you. We're counting down to kick-off Rising Together Success Circles with Sally's 8 m...
#1 Visibility: Rising Together Success Circles 8 Trigger Kick Off Countdown
29 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We're counting down to kick-off Rising Together Success Circles with Sally's 8 most common workplace triggers! Rising Together Success Circles...
The Single Most Important Leadership Capacity
27 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Presence? Vision? Creativity? At root of all these: Positive mindset. In this solo mini-episode I talk about the why and how of cultivating a positive...
Introducing Rising Together Success Circles with DEI Pioneer Sally Helgesen
01 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We're thrilled to announce our partnership with DEI pioneer Sally Helgesen, putting her latest book, Rising Together, to work via our signature Su...
Be Woolfson: The Art of Being
20 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Be is a coach and ceremonial space holder. Be embodies her teachings, living a life of surrender to what she calls “the energy of love.” In doin...
Bonnie Collura: Sculpting Spaces for Creative Agency
07 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Bonnie's a sculptor, Professor of Art at Penn State University, and Success Circles alumni. Through Together Tacit, Bonnie's empowering creati...
Eni Adedokun: Planting Seeds of Greatness as a Leader in Pharma
07 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Takeda Success Circles grad Eni Adedokun (Head of Quality Services and Improvement) joins for a deep-diving conversation on heart-centered leadership....
Sally Helgesen: World's Premier Expert on Women's Leadership on "Rising Together"
01 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Best-selling author Sally Helgesen joins L2L to discuss her new book "Rising Together," the practice of inclusion, and bringing grace to wor...
Alexandra Staub: An Architect's Approach to Change Leadership
09 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We're joined by Penn State Success Circles '21 graduate, Alexandra Staub, professor of architecture. We explore applying the principles o...
Levi Barker: Plant Medicine on the Leadership Development Journey
02 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We're joined by Levi Barker, head of Iboga Wellness, Costa Rica. Levi shares how finding the Bwiti tradition of iboga plant medicine helped him fi...
Let's Talk Religion with Stephanie Winkeljohn Black, Ph.D.
12 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Stephanie stands for curiosity over conflict. The 1st in our Success Circlers series, we're joined by a '22 graduate of our Changing the...
Navigating Doubt: Tips from Success Circles Leadership Panels
05 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This is a powerful one! In this bonus episode we share some brilliant tips from recent Success Circles leadership panels on navigating doubt on our ca...
Monthly theme: April is take action
03 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Grab your journal for a micro-coaching moment. Then, take action. www.connectwithlucia.com IG @ConnectLeadership
Jennings Brown On Coercive Leadership
29 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Jennings Brown is an investigative reporter on high control groups and the leaders who lead them. His work includes The Gateway podcast on Teal Swan, ...
Success Circles Q4 Meditation
27 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This meditation is for our Success Circles community- and anyone with an inspired vision! To prepare- Circles, fill out a 5 questions sheet. If you...
Judy Francolini on Integration for Leadership Development
22 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This L2L episode is FOUNDATIONAL. Judy Francolini is a founding mother of our signature Success Circle peer coaching methodology, developing it back i...
Loving Connected Leadership Meditation
21 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
A short & sweet guided meditation to generate more love for all you serve. www.connectwithlucia.com
Welcome to Listen to Lead from Connect Training & Coaching
12 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Conversations on leadership for the now. Visit www.connectwithlucia.com for all things connected leadership.
Sara Armour on Astrology for Leadership Development
12 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Sara's a comedian, coach, and astrologer who approaches life and leadership with radical acceptance. www.connectwithlucia.com
Julie Golden Rose Healing on Stepping Into Spiritual Leadership
10 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We "go there" on this one! Julie's a spiritual healer and mentor here to help all of us share our unique contribution. Learn more about Julie: w...
David Razowsky on "A Subversives Guide to Improvisation" --- and life and leadership!
07 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
David Razowsky’s a master improviser and teacher, former artistic director of Second City Hollywood, and philosopher in action. We discuss his new b...
Carol Lempert on Acting for Leadership Presence
27 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Carol Lempert's here to demystify leadership presence- sharing her "mechanics of presence" to support our shine. Carol's a trainer and speaker bringin...
Monika Navandar on fostering a global perspective
21 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Monika is an energizer— bringing her infectious curiousity– and joy– to DEIB transformation. We discuss owning our perspectives as we call...
Fre-fre-fre-fre-fresh take on boundaries
21 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Feel like a broken record? Become DJ boundaries on the track & live your no 9pm Zoom dream. www.the-next-level.com
You are not your role.
14 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
You're so much more. A solo episode & journaling prompt on giving our gifts beyond roles. . www.the-next-level.com
Holly Mandel on improv for leadership
02 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Holly’s an up-leveler- the kind of person whose integrity is so right, you can't help but get right in her presence. As a corporate improv trainer, ...
Journaling & Meditation Practice: Inner Wisdom Counsel
26 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
A simple practice to act in accordance with your inner wisdom. Grab a journal and a place to sit to dive in.
Guided Meditation: Embody Your Next Level Leadership
04 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
A guided visualization to be the leader you are becoming, today. Note, this was recorded in the beautiful Brooklyn NYC, so you will hear some str...
Amy Johnson on core values
30 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Amy is an integrator- supporting individuals, organizations, and teens(!) to integrate their core values into every aspect of their lif...
Stella Strazdas on the Enneagram for next level leadership
22 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Stella brings a sense of the mythological to leadership development, helping us connect to our essence to contribute something essential to the world....
Melanie Hoopes on leadership storytelling
21 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Melanie is the person I go to when I have a story to tell. In this conversation, she shares her wisdom on listening for and telling great stories to b...