Lead with Spark | Authentic Leadership for Women, Executive Presence & Career Confidence

She used to walk into work with her shoulders squared and her ideas ready to go. She loved her job. She was good at it. People counted on her to figure it out, hold the line, and deliver.   And then something shifted. Not all at once. In small increments over months. A comment in a meeting that landed harder than it should have. A decision made about her without her. A version of events she knew was not quite right but did not know how to challenge. The quiet realization that instincts that had served her brilliantly for years were now being treated as inconvenient.   By the time she finally left or started seriously planning to leave, she did not just need a new job. She needed to learn how to trust again.   If you know her, this episode is for her. Or maybe it is for the friend you are about to send it to.   In this episode of Lead with Spark, Lynsey Mulder names something most career advice completely misses: the trust tax. That invisible erosion that a difficult reporting relationship leaves behind. The second-guessing of instincts that used to come easy. The hedged opinions. The disproportionate reactions in the new role that no one at the new place caused and no one can see.   And she gives you the path forward. A three-layer trust rebuild framework that you have to work in a specific order: trust in your own read, trust in discernment over defensiveness, and then trust in another leader. Skip a layer and the next one will not hold.   This episode is for any high-achieving woman who has come out of a hard reporting relationship and is doing the quiet, daily, invisible work of getting herself back.   Together We Will Talk About What the trust tax actually is and why career advice almost never addresses it Why leaving a difficult boss is the beginning of the rebuild, not the end of it The three layers of trust that a difficult manager erodes and why they must be rebuilt in a specific order The 30-day practice for rebuilding trust in your own instincts The one question that separates healed discernment from protective defensiveness Why high-achieving women tend to skip directly to layer three and why that backfires What rebuilding actually looks like in daily, real life Why you do not have to be fully healed before you move forward The BANK framework and how understanding your communication code is one of the fastest ways to quiet the noise from the last environment   One Line to Take Away with You "The rebuild is not a prerequisite for moving forward. The rebuild is something you do while you move forward."   Listener Reflection Prompt Of the three layers, trust in your own read, trust in discernment over defensiveness, and trust in another leader, which one is the most fragile for you right now? That i

What if the most powerful leadership move you could make right now had nothing to do with adding something new to your life, and everything to do with quitting something that has quietly been draining it?   Lynsey Mulder just finished a book about a group of friends who made a pact. They called themselves the Quitters Club. And the concept stopped her cold, because every single woman she has ever coached has needed one. She just did not know she was allowed to join.   In this episode of Lead with Spark, Lynsey makes the case for quitting on purpose, not your job, not your marriage, not anything dramatic, but the smaller, quieter things you have been doing on autopilot that are slowly draining the life out of you while you pretend they are important. She shares six things she personally quit after reading the book, three signs it is time to quit something in your own life, and a surprisingly simple tool from the end of the book that will tell you how you already feel about any decision you have been agonizing over.   Because quitting did not shrink Lynsey's life. It expanded it. And it might do the same for yours.   Together We Will Talk About Why high-achieving women are often the last to give themselves permission to quit anything The difference between quitting as giving up and quitting as giving in to who you actually are now Six things Lynsey personally quit and what each one made room for instead The three signs that something is ready to be let go of, even if it used to matter deeply The sunk cost trap and why continuing to drain yourself never earns back what you already spent The emotional labor women carry for everyone else and what happens when you finally put it down The coin flip tool that bypasses your overthinking and exposes what you already know Your homework: three things to write down and what to do with them How to get support if you know you are ready to quit something but have no idea what comes next   One Line to Take Away with You "Every quit is a yes to something else. When I quit that networking group, I said yes to ninety minutes back in my week. When I quit comparing myself, I said yes to my own life. Every quit is a yes."   Connect with Lynsey If this episode landed for you and you are ready to figure out what is on your list and what comes after it, book a collaboration hour with Lynsey. It is one conversation, just you and her, to sort through what you are ready to put down and what to build next. The link is in the show notes at lynseymulder.com. Book a collaboration hour Website: LynseyMulder.com Facebook: @LynseySMulder<

Every woman Lynsey Mulder has coached in the last sixty days who is in the middle of a pivot has said the same thing, almost apologetically: I just feel like I should have figured this out sooner.   Sooner than what? Sooner than the body breaking down? Sooner than eighteen months of broken trust with a manager? Sooner than the blood pressure reading that finally told the truth about the calendar?   In this episode of Lead with Spark, Lynsey unpacks what the word pivot actually means, and why the way most professional women have been using it is keeping them stuck. A pivot is not a sign that you got it wrong. A pivot is a sign that you finally got honest. And there is a massive difference between those two things.   Lynsey walks through the foundation she uses with every coaching client in the middle of a pivot, including three specific signs that it is time to make a real move (not a panic move), two clarifying questions to separate discomfort from genuine misalignment, and why sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is stop, take a break, and let clarity find you.   If you are sitting in the middle of a pivot right now and feeling like you should have seen it coming sooner, this episode is for you.   Together We Will Talk About Why the story we were all told about changing direction is quietly keeping brilliant women stuck The difference between a reversal and a recalibration, and why that distinction changes everything Three signs that it is time for a real pivot (not a panic move) Why your body will pivot before your professional identity is ready to admit it The question to ask when you are defending a decision you would not make today What it means when the version of you that is emerging can no longer fit into the container you built How to tell the difference between running from discomfort and honoring a truth Two questions that have changed the paths of more of Lynsey's clients than almost anything else she has asked Why taking a break is sometimes the most strategic thing you can do in the middle of a pivot How to make micro-movements toward what is next without having to know the whole plan   One Line to Take Away with You "A pivot is not a sign that you got it wrong. A pivot is a sign that you finally got honest."   Connect with Lynsey If this episode sparked something in you, Lynsey wants to hear about it. Share your pivot with her so she can celebrate with you. And if you are ready for a real conversation about what your next season looks like, reach out at lynseymulder.com. Website: LynseyMulder.com Facebook: @LynseySMulder LinkedIn: <a href='https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynsey-mulder/

There is a gap in leadership development that almost no one is talking about. The higher you climb, the less support you get. Senior managers, directors, and VPs are running multimillion-dollar budgets, leading complex teams, and navigating organizational politics, all while figuring it out largely on their own. Sound familiar? In this episode, I sit down with Lori Lalonde, a leadership development expert with 30 years in the tech industry, including senior roles at Microsoft partner organizations. Lori noticed the same gap I did: the training gets thinner the higher you go, and women in the messy middle of management are often the ones carrying the most weight with the least runway. So she built a program to fix it. We talk about her 12-week leadership development program for women, how she is weaving AI fluency into every module, and why she believes women are positioned to be the most credible thought leaders in AI right now, not despite their hesitation, but because of it. We also get into the real talk: how to actually start using AI without feeling overwhelmed, where hallucinations can burn you if you are not paying attention, and why the fear that AI will take your job is the wrong thing to be afraid of. This one moves fast and it goes deep. Let us get into it.   Together We Will Talk About Why leadership development disappears at the senior manager and director level, and what that costs organizations The messy middle of management: what it is, why women feel it hardest, and what to do about it Lori's 12-week leadership program designed for women in senior manager to VP roles The skills the program builds: strategic leadership, financial acumen, AI strategy, board readiness, and crisis leadership Why women are slower to adopt AI, and why that actually positions them to lead responsibly How to start using AI today without technical expertise, starting with the tasks you hate most AI hallucinations, fact-checking, and how to evaluate AI outputs instead of accepting them The environmental cost of AI infrastructure and why it matters for how we use it How to use AI to communicate better across different personality types and cultural backgrounds   One Line to Take Away with You "If this program doesn't exist for us, I'm just gonna build it."   Connect with Lori Lalonde Web: herexecutiveascent.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lorilalonde Substack: https://herexecutiveascent.substack.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/her_executive_ascent Leadership Recalibrated Podcast Spotify: <a href='https://

Picture your week. Not the highlight reel, not the version you would put on social media, but the real one. The walk you skipped because someone moved a meeting. The lunch you ate at your desk for the third day in a row. The text from a friend you keep meaning to answer and still have not. Now ask yourself one question: was the reason all of that happened actually urgent? Or was it just loud? In this solo episode of Lead with Spark, Lynsey Mulder tackles one of the most common patterns she sees in the women she coaches right now: we have gotten really good at responding to loud and really bad at protecting what actually matters to us. And she is not here to sell you a calendar overhaul, a new app, or a five o'clock morning routine. She is here to help you find the fifteen-minute pockets that already exist in your life and start making different choices in them. This episode walks you through a practical three-part framework: a simple audit to see where your time, money, and energy are actually going, a comparison to your real top priorities so you can find the gaps, and a way to protect what you reclaim with small, specific, durable decisions that do not require permission or flexibility from anyone else. Plus, Lynsey breaks down the one question you need to ask every time something comes buzzing at you, and what the honest answer to that question actually means for how you respond. Together We Will Talk About Why the gap between what you say matters and how you actually live is not laziness or poor planning, and what it actually is The three-part audit that shows you exactly where your time, money, and energy are going right now How to compare your real priorities to your actual calendar and find the pockets you did not know existed What a genuine decision looks like versus a wish, and how to tell the difference The two things that must both be true for something to actually qualify as urgent Why small, consistent decisions are more durable than dramatic overhauls How to communicate what you are protecting before the collision happens, and what to actually say The one question to ask yourself every time something makes your shoulders rise toward your ears One Line to Take Away with You "The life you say matters most to you is built in the 15-minute pockets that you choose to protect." Connect with Lynsey If you are sitting there thinking you do not even know where to start anymore, there is a free coaching conversation waiting for you at lynseymulder.com. No pitch, no pressure, just a real hour to get clear on what is loud, what is urgent, and what is actually yours. Website: LynseyMulder.com Facebook: @LynseySMulder LinkedIn: <a href='https://www.linkedin.com

What does it actually take to lead at a high level without burning out? In this solo Lead with Spark episode, Lynsey Mulder shares a powerful reflection from a recent leadership panel centered around one question: what does it really take to lead well without losing yourself in the process? Drawing on her own experience in corporate leadership and decades of coaching, Lynsey unpacks the truth about burnout, the difference between activity and impact, and the leadership shifts that lead to sustainable success. She walks through four key areas: redefining high performance, protecting your time and energy, building habits that sustain you, and leading others without losing yourself. If you are a high-performing leader who feels constantly busy, stretched thin, or quietly exhausted, this conversation will challenge how you think about leadership and give you a clearer, more grounded way forward.   Together, we will talk about Why burnout often shows up quietly, not dramatically The difference between activity and impact in leadership How identity gets tied to productivity and performance Why boundaries must be visible, not just internal The importance of energy management over time management How non-negotiables create clarity and sustainability Why leaders set the cultural thermostat for their teams Practical habits that sustain long-term performance   One line to take away with you You do not need to do more to lead better; you need to lead with more clarity, intention, and sustainability.   Connect with Lynsey Website: lynseymulder.com LinkedIn: Lynsey Mulder Instagram: Lynsey Mulder Facebook: Lynsey Mulder

What happens when two women leaders sit down like old friends over coffee and talk about what is really shaping work and life right now? In this candid Lead with Spark conversation, Lynsey Mulder is joined by strategy and operations leader Rebekah Brandmeyer to unpack busy versus aligned living, leadership boundaries, culture, AI at work, career growth, personal ethics, and the choices that help women lead with more clarity and less noise.  Together they explore what it looks like to protect your energy, model healthy leadership for your team and family, use AI as a tool without losing the human side of work, and stay rooted in values when the workplace gets complicated. If you are an ambitious woman in leadership who wants more alignment, stronger boundaries, and a smarter way to navigate business and life, this episode will feel like a seat at the table.   Together we will talk about Busy versus aligned, and why more activity does not always equal more impact How small boundaries, like protecting Friday afternoons or planning joy first, can change your energy and leadership What healthy workplace culture really looks like, and why people shape culture more than posters on a wall How AI can support strategy, marketing, operations, and decision-making without replacing emotional intelligence Why ethics, reputation, and self-advocacy still matter deeply in a fast-moving, tech-heavy workplace What women leaders can model for the next generation about work, life, courage, and values One line to take away with you "Busy is not the goal. Aligned leadership happens when you protect your energy, honor your values, and choose what matters on purpose." Connect with Rebekah Website: Elevated Strategies LinkedIn: @rebekah-brandmeyer360 Connect with Lynsey Website: LynseyMulder.com Facebook: @LynseySMulder LinkedIn: @Lynsey-Mulder Instagram: @LynseyMulder

Have you ever walked into a room you absolutely earned the right to be in, and still felt like someone was about to pull you aside and say, we made a mistake? Have you landed the promotion, built the team, done the work, and immediately started wondering if it was all just luck?   Here is what most of the advice on imposter syndrome gets wrong: it treats the feeling like a problem to eliminate. Name it. Normalize it. Build a smile file. And while those strategies have real value, they are only part of the story.   In this episode of Lead with Spark, Lynsey Mulder offers a reframe that could change the way you think about self-doubt entirely. What if imposter syndrome is not a confidence problem? What if it is an alignment signal? What if the discomfort is not about what you are lacking, but about what does not fit?   Lynsey breaks down the difference between imposter syndrome as a growth signal and imposter syndrome as a misalignment signal, the three most common forms of misalignment she sees in women leaders, and three questions to help you figure out what your inner voice is actually trying to say. This episode is for the woman who has done all of the right things and still feels like she is performing a version of leadership that is not quite her.   Together We Will Talk About Why the most common advice on imposter syndrome is incomplete The difference between imposter syndrome as a growth signal and as an alignment signal Three specific ways misalignment shows up in women leaders Why your inner compass gets louder the further you drift from your authentic self Three powerful reflection questions to decode what your self-doubt is actually telling you What it looks like to lead from your real gifts instead of someone else's expectations Lynsey's own story of stepping into a role that looked great on paper but felt completely off   One Line to Take Away with You "Imposter syndrome is not always proof that you are not enough. Sometimes it is proof that you are not quite yourself yet. And that is a very different problem with a very different solution."   Connect with Lynsey If this episode stirred something in you, let us keep the conversation going. Head to lynseymulder.com to book a free coaching session. We will talk about where you are, where your inner signals might be pointing, and what it would look like to lead in a way that feels like you. Website: LynseyMulder.com Facebook: @LynseySMulder LinkedIn: @Lynsey-Mulder Instagram: @LynseyMulder

In this powerful conversation on Lead with Spark, Lynsey sits down with international speaker, USA Today bestselling author, and empowerment coach Simone Knego to unpack one of the biggest hidden struggles women in leadership face: self-doubt. If you have ever looked successful on the outside while quietly second-guessing yourself on the inside, this episode will feel like a deep exhale. Simone shares how confidence is not a personality trait you either have or do not have. It is a skill you build. Together, Lynsey and Simone talk about the pressure women feel to appear polished, the exhausting habit of performing confidence instead of living it, and the quiet damage caused by the toxic relationship many women have with themselves. You will hear Simone’s practical framework for building REAL confidence, the mindset shift behind her Control Alt Delete reset, and the honest truth that leadership is shaped in messy moments, not just polished ones. This episode is especially relevant for ambitious women leaders, executives, entrepreneurs, and high-achieving professionals who want to lead with more truth, courage, and alignment. Together we will talk about: why high-achieving women still wrestle with self-doubt why confidence is a skill and how to build it in real life how negative self-talk quietly chips away at leadership presence the danger of performing confidence instead of living it how women can stop comparing, stop waiting, and start taking action Simone’s REAL Method: Respect yourself, Embrace your failures, Ask yourself what you want, Live without limits why modeling matters more than managing how authenticity, boundaries, and self-respect change the way you lead One line to take away with you: “You do not need to become someone else to lead powerfully. You need to change the way you see yourself.” Connect with Simone:  Website: https://simoneknego.com Real Confidence Book: https://realconfidencebook.com/ Free Audiobook: https://extraordinary.simoneknego.com/book Facebook: @SepakerSimoneKnego LinkedIn: @SimoneKnego Her Unshakable Confidence Podcast Connect with Lynsey: Website: LynseyMulder.com Facebook: @LynseySMulder LinkedIn: @Lynsey-Mulder Instagram:

You are motivated. You are driven. You genuinely love what you do. And you are absolutely exhausted. And here's what nobody is telling you: those two things are not supposed to coexist.   In this episode, host and business coach Lynsey Mulder tackles the most searched topic for professional women in 2026 - burnout. Not the "take a bath" conversation. The real one. The one about why high-achieving women are the most vulnerable to burnout, what is actually causing it, and what recovering from it looks like when you are someone who cares too much to quit.   Backed by brand new Gallup data showing that professional women are reporting simultaneously higher engagement AND higher burnout than their male counterparts, this episode names what is really happening and gives you three concrete places to start.   TOGETHER WE WILL TALK ABOUT: Why high achievers burn out differently and why your internal warning system might be calibrated wrong The most underrated driver of burnout that nobody is talking about Why authentic leadership starts with yourself, not your team What recovering from burnout actually looks like (hint: it is not a weekend) A direct word for the woman who is not just tired but really, truly struggling   ONE LINE TO TAKE AWAY WITH YOU: "You got into leadership because you have something to give. Don't burn it all up before the world gets to see it."   CONNECT WITH LYNSEY: Schedule a free coaching session at LynseyMulder.com Follow Lead with Spark on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook Facebook: @LynseySMulder LinkedIn: @Lynsey-Mulder Instagram: @LynseyMulder If this episode resonated, share it with one woman who needs to hear she is not alone.

Last week, Lynsey Mulder unsubscribed from over fifty email lists. Her favorite stores. Her travel blogs. Her daily news briefings. And somewhere around number thirty-seven, she realized this wasn't just an inbox problem.   In this episode, Lynsey takes the "unsubscribe" metaphor and runs with it, into the drama you never signed up for, the coworker who has made your time their time, the extra yeses you said out of guilt, and the noise that is quietly stealing your focus, your creativity, and your life. This is the episode for every professional woman who is working more and living less, and is not entirely sure how it got this way.   TOGETHER WE WILL TALK ABOUT: The inbox cleanup that became a life philosophy The drama subscription and how to opt out without burning everything down The coworker who has quietly made your time their resource Why every "yes" is a hidden "no" and who is paying for it The invisible subscription: the noise running in your background every single day   ONE LINE TO TAKE AWAY WITH YOU: "Your yes is valuable. Start treating it like it is."   CONNECT WITH LYNSEY: Schedule a free coaching session at LynseyMulder.com Follow Lead with Spark on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook @LeadWithSpark Facebook: @LynseySMulder LinkedIn: @Lynsey-Mulder Instagram: @LynseyMulder

What if one of your most powerful leadership breakthroughs came not from a boardroom, a conference, or a business book, but from a humpback whale looking you dead in the eye off the coast of Cabo San Lucas?   In this episode, host and business coach Lynsey Mulder shares a deeply personal story from a recent trip to Cabo and the four unexpected leadership lessons that followed her all the way home. Whether you are leading a team, building a business, or simply trying to find your spark again, this episode will remind you that your leadership impact is bigger than your inbox, your calendar, and your current view.   TOGETHER WE WILL TALK ABOUT: Why professional women tend to shrink their world down to the manageable instead of the possible The forgotten leadership skill of leading with joy and why it fuels everything else What a mama whale can teach you about protecting your team with presence instead of pressure How to stop missing the horizon when you are nose-deep in the day-to-day   ONE LINE TO TAKE AWAY WITH YOU: "The whale uses the whole ocean. So should you."   CONNECT WITH LYNSEY: Schedule a free coaching session at LynseyMulder.com Follow Lead with Spark on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook  Facebook: @LynseySMulder LinkedIn: @Lynsey-Mulder Instagram: @LynseyMulder Loved this episode? Leave a review and share it with a woman who needs to hear it today.

If you've been laid off, you're quietly job searching, or you've had that 'I cannot do this for the next 20 years' moment, this episode is for you. Lynsey sits down with Camille Fetter, a nationally recognized executive search expert and founder/CEO of Talentfoot Executive Search and Staffing, to share calm, practical strategies for making a confident career move in today's market. In this conversation, you'll learn how high performers stand out without burning out: make smart sideways moves into adjacent industries, translate your superpowers into measurable business impact, and show up to interviews ready to connect the dots. Together we will talk about: Why you do not need to jump industries to pivot - you can often move sideways into adjacent industries with similar business models. How recruiters scan resumes for measurable results and what to do if your resume reads like a job description. The 'impact story' inventory: how to capture your wins (numbers, scope, outcomes) so you never scramble during job searches or performance reviews. How to answer 'Tell me about yourself' in 90 seconds without turning it into a memoir (save the cat stories for after the offer). When it is time for your next step: the moment you stop learning is the moment you start plateauing. What top leaders have in common: they multiply results through teams and systems, not personal heroics. How AI is changing hiring - and how to use it as a thought partner so you stay relevant and stand out. One line to take with you: Your next role is not found by doom-scrolling - it is built with clarity, measurable impact, and a smart sideways move. About Camille Fetter Camille Fetter is a nationally recognized executive search expert and the founder and CEO of Talentfoot Executive Search and Staffing. For more than two decades, she has advised founders, private equity partners, and C-suite leaders on building leadership and go-to-market teams that drive growth and transformation. Camille believes the right job can change your life - and she has lived that truth. Connect with Camille: LinkedIn: @DigitalMarketingRecruiter1 Talentfoot Website Connect with Lynsey: Website: LynseyMulder.com Facebook: @LynseySMulder LinkedIn: @Lynsey-Mulder Instagram: @LynseyMulder Subscribe to Lead With Spark so you never miss an episode on confidence, career growth, and living with intention. If you want support defining your next move, connect with Lynsey.

Today’s episode is all about one of the biggest communication game-changers I’ve ever found, and it happens to be one of my most requested keynotes: Decode the Blueprint. Here’s the truth: you can have the right message and still not be heard… because different people speak different languages. And you don’t have to travel to Barcelona for that to be true - it happens every day at work, in sales conversations, in leadership, and at home. In this episode, I’ll walk you through Codebreaker BANK (Blueprint, Action, Nurturer, Knowledge) so you can spot what someone values, adjust your approach in real time, and communicate in a way that actually lands. Because AI can replace a lot of tasks… but it can’t replace the moment when two humans need to truly understand each other. Together we will talk about: Why miscommunication happens even when your intentions are good and how to “translate” so you can be heard. The 4 Codebreaker BANK communication styles (Blueprint, Action, Nurturer, Knowledge) and what each style values most. How communication styles impact sales, leadership influence, culture, and relationships. A real story of how a sale was lost in the first 3 minutes and how to win back trust fast. Quick “tells” you can notice in the first minute to adapt your message on the spot.   One line to take with you: People don’t resist your message, they resist the way it’s delivered.   Links & resources (add your links): Crack your Code: Rank your values and receive a free personality report as my gift to you. Your customer report is filled with detailed insights about your values, strengths, weaknesses, communication style and much more! Book a 30-minute connection call with Lynsey to talk about your team culture, your company all employee meeting, your next big event, or 1:1 coaching. Connect with Lynsey: Website: LynseyMulder.com Facebook: @LynseySMulder LinkedIn: @Lynsey-Mulder Instagram: @LynseyMulder

Ever walked out of a meeting thinking, “Well, that was fun… I said words, but I don’t think I sounded like a leader”? In this solo episode, Lynsey breaks down the real difference between executive presence and authenticity and answers the question so many women are searching for right now: Do I have to act like a leader to be taken seriously at work? You’ll hear three real-life stories (including a first executive team meeting that triggered instant second-guessing, a coaching moment that changed a senior leader’s impact, and a travel mishap that proves clarity prevents chaos). Then Lynsey gives you a simple, practical way to show up with presence, without pretending, using clarity, calm confidence, and consistency. Together we will talk about: Why executive presence is really about trust (not being loud, polished, or cold). How to speak up in meetings with clarity, without over-explaining or apologizing. How to be taken seriously at work while staying warm, relatable, and authentic. How to handle imposter syndrome at work by leading with strong, curious questions. A simple phrase that instantly helps you sound grounded and direct (without sounding fake). One line to take with you: Executive presence isn’t pretending — it’s communicating like you trust yourself. Connect with Lynsey: Website: LynseyMulder.com Facebook: @LynseySMulder LinkedIn: @Lynsey-Mulder Instagram: @LynseyMulder

If you have ever said "No problem" while your brain whispered "This is a problem," you are not alone. In this episode, Lynsey breaks down the People-Pleasing Tax - the hidden cost of always being the reliable one - and shares a simple, real-life way to set boundaries without guilt. You will learn how to stop people pleasing (especially people pleasing at work), how to say no without over-explaining, and how to protect your time and energy without losing your warmth or your leadership voice. Together we will talk about Why people pleasing at work looks like professionalism - and why it quietly leads to emotional exhaustion The difference between kindness and overfunctioning (and how to tell which one you are doing) How to set boundaries at work without sounding rude, cold, or "difficult" A simple 3-step refund plan you can use the moment someone asks for "one more thing" Scripts to help you say no professionally, protect your calendar, and build executive presence A quick challenge to practice one boundary this week (without turning into a new person overnight) One line to take with you Clear is kind. A clean no today is kinder than a resentful yes tomorrow. Resources Download the People-Pleasing Tax Refund Worksheet to spot your auto-yes moments, choose a boundary sentence, and protect your energy. If you want support applying this to your real-life situations, book a free coaching session using the link in the show notes. Connect with Lynsey: Website: LynseyMulder.com Facebook: @LynseySMulder LinkedIn: @Lynsey-Mulder Instagram: @LynseyMulder

We’re so lucky to have Danielle McGeough with us today! Honestly… when I grow up, I want to be Danielle. She’s a mom, professor at the University of Northern Iowa, certified Women-Centered Coach, and the host of one of the nation’s top podcasts, Plan Goal Plan. Danielle helps high achievers become as ambitious about their personal lives as they’ve been about their work—one bold goal at a time. In this episode, Danielle and I get real about what happens when you’re crushing it on paper… but still feel hollow, scattered, or stuck. We unpack the difference between habits (autopilot) and rituals (meaning + presence), and why rituals can be the missing link for leaders who want big results without losing themselves. You’ll hear practical, relatable examples—like how to shut off “work brain” when you walk in the door, why copying other people’s routines can quietly build resentment, and how to create micro-rituals that actually fit your life and your season. We also dive into goal-setting that doesn’t crush your soul: bold goals, “impossible goals,” and how sharing your goals (with the right people—or even just with yourself) helps your brain stay focused when life gets… banana pants. Together we will talk about: The real difference between habits vs. rituals (and why both matter) Simple transition rituals to move from work mode → home mode Why “doing more” won’t fix autopilot living Bold goals vs. impossible goals (and how they unlock new pathways) Danielle’s Balance Brief weekly ritual using her PACE framework: Protect, Anchor, Connect, Execute The surprising truth about sharing goals—and who to share them with One line to take with you: It’s so much easier to say no when you’ve already decided what you’re saying yes to.   Connect with Danielle: Website: Plangoalplan.com Stuck Self Leadership Assessment Plan Goal Plan Podcast LinkedIn Connect with Lynsey: Website: com Facebook: @LynseySMulder LinkedIn: @Lynsey-Mulder Instagram: @LynseyMulder

Every team has it: the steady one… and the energetic one. The calm processor… and the loud processor. The rule-follower… and the “let’s reinvent everything by Tuesday” person. In this episode of Lead with Spark, Lynsey shares two laugh-out-loud dog stories that turn into a surprisingly accurate leadership metaphor: how to lead mixed-energy teams without leaving “stuffing on the floor.” This isn’t a step-by-step episode. It’s a real conversation about what mixed energy actually means, what leaders often mislabel as “a problem,” and how great leadership channels energy instead of crushing it. You’ll hear anonymous client moments (the high performer carrying too much, the steady one becoming the container for everyone), plus Lynsey’s take on how this dynamic often shows up inside you during seasons of growth and reinvention. If you’re leading people in a fast-moving world—and you want to build trust, protect culture, and get the best from every style—this one’s for you. Together we will talk about: Why every workplace has “old dog / new chaos” energy (and why it’s normal) Mixed energy ages: same team, different nervous systems When “chaos” is actually an unmet need—not a bad attitude The shadow side of the steady, experienced teammate (and how innovation quietly dies) How great leaders channel energy instead of shaming it (and why culture matters) How this dynamic can show up inside YOU during growth and reinvention seasons One line to take with you: Channel the energy. Don’t shame it. Honor the steady. Don’t overuse it. Share this episode with: the “older dog” leader who needs to loosen their grip a little the “younger dog” leader who needs guardrails (not shame) the woman carrying the team… while quietly outgrowing her own chapter Connect with Lynsey: Website: LynseyMulder.com Facebook: @LynseySMulder LinkedIn: @Lynsey-Mulder Instagram: @LynseyMulder

Have you ever had a moment where you are doing the thing you are supposed to be doing... and a quiet thought shows up: Wait, is this it? In this episode of Lead with Spark, Lynsey normalizes reinvention and reframes it as a modern life skill. Not a crisis. Not a failure. Often, it is simply evolution. You will hear real stories from Lynsey’s own reinventions (from motherhood to leaving corporate) plus client moments that prove this is more common - and more courageous - than we admit. As our world moves faster, reinvention is happening more often in a lifetime. Even employers expect rapid skill shifts in the coming years. So if you feel the pull toward a new chapter, you are not late... you are paying attention. Together we will talk about: Why reinvention is normal (and increasingly necessary) in today’s fast-moving world Anchor Point 1: The Before - the nudge, the restlessness, and the quiet ‘there’s more’ Anchor Point 2: The Bridge - the messy middle where clarity becomes courage Anchor Point 3: The Becoming - coming home to yourself and trusting your voice again Real client examples: checking the boxes but not feeling alive, and finding confidence through truth + boundaries The truth women need to hear: you do not need a breakdown to justify a breakthrough One line to take with you: Reinvention is not starting over - it is starting from experience. Mentioned in the episode: World Economic Forum: many workers will need reskilling/upskilling by 2030 and core skills are expected to shift significantly Coaching invitation: If you are in a reinvention season (career, confidence, identity, what’s next), Lynsey coaches women through clarity and brave movement without needing certainty first Your next Action: Feeling the pull toward a new chapter? You do not have to figure it out alone. Connect with Lynsey to explore what reinvention could look like in your life and career.  Connect with Lynsey: Website: LynseyMulder.com Facebook: @LynseySMulder LinkedIn: @Lynsey-Mulder Instagram: @LynseyMulder

If you’ve ever said “yes” out of habit… then immediately felt annoyed, overwhelmed, or resentful — this episode is for you. In today’s episode of Lead with Spark, we’re talking about how to set boundaries without guilt, without over-explaining, and without feeling like you’re being “difficult.” Because here’s the truth: boundaries aren’t rude — they’re leadership. And if you don’t create boundaries, burnout will eventually create them for you… with way more drama. You’ll learn the simple framework I teach ambitious women and high-achieving leaders to protect their time, energy, and peace: ✅ Kind + Clear + Consistent We’ll break down why guilt shows up when you set boundaries, how to stop people-pleasing without turning into a robot, and what to say when someone pushes back. You’ll also get real-life scripts you can use at work and at home — including how to handle capacity limits, last-minute requests, meeting boundaries, and emotional energy drains. By the end of this episode, you’ll have: A boundary mindset shift that changes everything Scripts you can borrow word-for-word (no improvising required) A simple weekly boundary plan you can actually stick to 🎁 Grab the free Boundaries Without Guilt Worksheet (scripts + planner) so you can choose one boundary to practice this week and hold it with confidence. Because your time is valuable. Your goals matter. And your life is not a community donation. Next step: Choose ONE boundary and use ONE script this week — then celebrate the win (even if your voice shakes). Connect with Lynsey: Website: LynseyMulder.com Facebook: @LynseySMulder LinkedIn: @Lynsey-Mulder Instagram: @LynseyMulder

What if the story you have been telling yourself about your limits is complete nonsense? In this episode of Lead With Spark, Lynsey sits down with Saphira Howell, author of Impossibullshit: Break the Lies that Keep You Small and Do What You Believed You Couldn’t. Saphira went from early YouTube creator with tens of millions of views to Head of Marketing at a fast growing startup, self taught stock investor, jiu jitsu blue belt, ballroom dancer, and harp student. In other words, she is living proof of what happens when you stop believing the labels and start listening to the nudge. Together we talk about: Why the things you tell yourself you are “not ready” for are often the exact things you want most How to recognize the “nudge” and take the first tiny step instead of waiting to feel confident The “messy middle” of growth, also known as “the suck”, and why most of your real growth happens there Giving yourself permission to quit, pivot, or change dreams without making it mean you failed How Saphira turned big failures, including losing half her savings in the stock market, into a strategy that now outperforms the S&P 500 Leading when you have never done it before and building teams that feel safe to take risks and admit mistakes Why the most important person you cannot afford to disappoint is yourself If you have ever stood on the edge of something you really want and talked yourself out of it, this conversation will feel like a loving push forward. One line to take with you “Parts of you exist that you haven’t even met yet. Stop believing your limits and go say hi.” Saphira Howell Connect with Saphira: Grab Saphira’s book Impossibullshit on audiobook on audible, ebook or in print LinkedIn: @ Saphira Howell Instagram: @ SaphiraHowell Connect with Lynsey: Website: LynseyMulder.com Facebook: @LynseySMulder LinkedIn: @Lynsey-Mulder Instagram: @LynseyMulder If this episode nudged you, share it with a friend who needs a reminder that they are allowed to start, to grow, and even to change their mind. And as always, keep leading with Spark.

If you’ve started identifying your strengths but still hesitate to use them at work, this episode is for you. We’re diving into the real questions women professionals ask about unleashing their superpowers: how to talk about your strengths without feeling like you’re bragging, how to use strengths that don’t feel “work-related,” and how to bring your strengths to your leader in a way that actually changes your day-to-day work. Together we will talk about How to own your strengths without sounding arrogant or self-promotional The mindset shift that changes everything: strengths are tools to serve, not trophies to show off How to identify your superpowers when you feel unsure (and how to translate them into workplace language) What to say to your manager so you can use your strengths more intentionally at work How to prevent your strengths from turning into overload (boundaries that protect your gifts) Why strengths can backfire under stress and how to use the “dimmer switch” approach One line to take with you Downplaying your strengths does not make you humble. It just makes your gifts harder for others to benefit from. Try this today Pick one superpower and use it in service of someone else (one moment, one day). Use contribution language: “Here’s where I can add the most value…” Start a smile file: save feedback, thank-yous, and wins so your confidence has receipts. Connect with Lynsey: Website: LynseyMulder.com Facebook: @LynseySMulder LinkedIn: @Lynsey-Mulder Instagram: @LynseyMulder Sources referenced  Women in the Workplace 2025 (McKinsey and LeanIn.Org) State of the Global Workplace 2025 (Gallup)

New Year’s Eve can be exciting, but it can also create pressure to have your goals, your word of the year, and your entire plan for 2026 figured out by midnight. In this Lead With Spark episode, Lynsey gives you permission to pause. Planning is powerful, but rushing can turn hope into heaviness. Instead of a step-by-step framework, Lynsey shares real examples from her own end-of-year prep, including wins, memorable moments, big dreams, and the messy middle of figuring it out. You will hear how she reflects using her calendar and camera roll, how she dreams without getting stuck in the “how,” and why she is still waiting for her word of the year to rise to the surface. If you want to start 2026 with intention, clarity, and joy, this episode is your reminder that you are not behind. You just need a direction. Together We Will Talk About Why New Year’s Eve pressure can make intentional planning feel heavy How to reflect on wins and memorable moments without needing a perfect year Real examples of 2025 wins: travel, health progress, client results, and big career moments How to dream big without shrinking your vision into a “how” problem Why it helps to focus on who you want to BE and what you want to HAVE before what you need to DO The word-of-the-year practice, and what to do when your word is not clear yet How affirmations support identity-based growth and long-term momentum An invitation to start 2026 with spark, not stress One Line to Take With You You do not need to have it all planned. You just need to choose a direction. Connect with Lynsey Website: LynseyMulder.com Facebook: @LynseySMulder LinkedIn: @Lynsey-Mulder Instagram: @LynseyMulder Share this episode with a friend who is putting too much pressure on January 1. Then comment or email Lynsey with one dream you are carrying into 2026.

Christmas Eve can feel both magical and heavy. In this short episode of Lead With Spark, Lynsey shares a powerful 10-minute Christmas Eve reset plan to reduce holiday stress, quiet pressure, release perfectionism, and create space for meaning and gratitude. This reset is not just for home. Lynsey uses the same strategy at work before big team meetings, conferences, leadership events, and team building sessions where she cares deeply about the experience people have. You’ll also hear Lynsey’s Christmas Eve traditions and a few unforgettable holiday missteps that became the best memories, including floor cake, missing stockings, and reindeer sparkles that lasted until Easter. If you’re feeling holiday overwhelm and you want to enjoy Christmas instead of performing Christmas, this episode is your reset. Together we will talk about Why Christmas Eve can feel magical and heavy at the same time How perfectionism creates pressure at home and in leadership moments at work Lynsey’s Christmas Eve traditions and what they taught her about presence The 10-minute reset plan to protect your peace and reduce holiday overwhelm Boundary scripts you can use to prevent overcommitting How to choose one moment to be fully present on purpose One line to take with you I’m here for the people, not the performance. What to try tonight Take one slow breath in and out Say: “I want this to be meaningful, and I don’t need it to be perfect.” Answer the 3 clarity questions Send one boundary text if needed Choose one moment tomorrow to be fully present Set your 2-part intention and go to bed proud of how you led today Simple boundary scripts you can borrow “This year we’re keeping it simple. Here’s what we’re doing.” “I love you, and I’m not available for that this year.” “We can be there from ___ to ___. We’re looking forward to it.” Connect with Lynsey: Website: LynseyMulder.com Facebook: @LynseySMulder LinkedIn: @Lynsey-Mulder Instagram: @LynseyMulder

Feeling like the Grinch this year? Same. In this episode, Lynsey shares why the holiday spirit can feel harder during transition seasons, like the first Christmas when your adult kids are building traditions in their own homes. You will learn the Minimum Viable Holiday framework, a simple way to protect your peace, set realistic boundaries, and still create meaningful moments without burning out. You will walk away with a practical three-step plan: choose your holiday values, set two non-negotiables, and pick one “show up moment” you will do fully. Plus, Lynsey shares a powerful ornament tradition that brings the season back to what matters most: connection, memories, and meaning. What you will learn Why holiday blah feelings do not mean you are ungrateful How to create a Minimum Viable Holiday that is meaningful but not exhausting The 3-step framework: values, non-negotiables, and one show up moment Simple boundary scripts you can use with family and friends How to honor change when your kids are grown and your traditions are evolving Reflection questions What is changing in your holiday season this year? What three values do you want to guide your December? What two non-negotiables will protect your energy and peace? What is your one show up moment that you will do fully present? Scripts you can borrow “This year we’re keeping things simple. Here’s what we are doing.” “We can be there from 2 to 4, and we’re really looking forward to it.” “I love you, and I’m not available for that this year.” “I hear you, and this is what works for us this year.” Connect with Lynsey: Website: LynseyMulder.com Facebook: @LynseySMulder LinkedIn: @Lynsey-Mulder Instagram: @LynseyMulder Share it with a friend Know someone who is one Target run away from becoming the Grinch? Send them this episode.

When your workplace feels a little too spicy, who do you call? In this conversation, Lynsey sits down with Wendy Sellers, The HR Lady®, to talk about what it really takes to be a leader people will follow willingly, not just a manager with a title. Wendy is an HR consultant, speaker, mentor, and author of two boldly titled books: “Suck It Up, Buttercup: Be a Leader People Will Follow” and “How to Deal with Crappy Leaders and Jerks at Work”. With nearly 30 years of experience guiding companies from 5 to 5,000 employees, she has seen it all and is not afraid to tell the truth about leadership, culture, and accountability. In this episode, you will hear: Why the majority of problems at work are really communication problems How personality styles and traits (think DISC, introvert, extrovert, ambivert) shape every interaction Simple ways women in leadership can adjust how they communicate without being inauthentic What real active listening looks like when you are stressed, busy, and managing a full plate How to have hard conversations without crushing your team or losing yourself A practical “acting lesson” you can use to shift your style for 15 minutes and finally be heard Wendy and Lynsey get honest about being high D personalities, missing social cues, learning to “shut up and listen,” and how to repair relationships when communication has gone sideways. You will walk away with concrete steps you can use tomorrow to improve engagement, build trust, and lead with more clarity and confidence. If you are a woman in leadership who is tired of sugarcoated advice and wants real tools to navigate people, performance, and personality differences, this episode is for you. One line to take with you: “Adjusting your style for someone else is not being fake, it is being an effective leader.” Wendy Sellers Connect with Wendy Sellers (links coming soon): Website: thehrlady.com and Blog Books: Suck It Up, Butter Cup & The A-Hole Whisperer HR Empowerment Podcast LinkedIn: @WendyTheHRLady Mentor Program Wendy’s Cross Country RV Trip Connect with Lynsey: Website: LynseyMulder.com Facebook: @LynseySMulder LinkedIn: @Lynsey-Mulder Instagram: @LynseyMulder

In this episode of Lead with Spark, Lynsey borrows the phrase “love of the game” from sports and brings it straight into your career, leadership, and life. Instead of blaming yourself for a lack of motivation, you will explore why your drive always follows your why, and what it means if your “love of the game” has faded. Lynsey walks through four possibilities, right game wrong position, right game wrong team, right game right team but you have forgotten your why, or you are playing the wrong game altogether. Using her SparkLife framework of values, superpowers, and non negotiables, she helps you diagnose where you might be out of alignment and what that means for your next step. You will get powerful reflection questions to clarify why you are playing, whether you still love the game, and how to design a role, team, or season that actually sparks life. This is a must listen for women leaders, high achievers, and professionals who feel successful on paper but quietly wonder, “Is this really my game?” By the end of this episode, listeners will: Understand why drive always follows a clear, compelling why Recognize the difference between loving the game and just surviving it Identify whether they are in the right game, wrong position, wrong team, or wrong game entirely Use values, superpowers, and non negotiables as a lens for career alignment Walk away with reflection questions to realign their work with what truly sparks life One line to take with you When your why is misaligned, it is not a motivation problem, it is a game problem. Connect with Lynsey: Website: LynseyMulder.com Facebook: @LynseySMulder LinkedIn: @Lynsey-Mulder Instagram: @LynseyMulder

In this pre Thanksgiving episode of Lead with Spark, Lynsey explores the power of gratitude as more than a seasonal feeling. It is a daily leadership skill that shapes your mindset, your home, and your work. You will learn how gratitude supports an abundance mindset, reduces stress, strengthens relationships, and helps you stay grounded when life feels full and messy. Lynsey shares her family’s “Thankful Board” tradition, a simple mudroom practice that keeps memories, people, and joyful moments in front of them all year long. You will also hear examples of big and small gratitudes, from being thankful for breath on hard days to savoring a smile from the barista. The episode wraps with three practical tools you can start right away, a gratitude walk, a gratitude log, and your own version of a thankful board or wall. This is the perfect episode to reset your focus, lead with more intention, and carry a spirit of gratitude into the holiday season and beyond. Key learnings from this episode: How gratitude rewires your brain toward an abundance mindset instead of scarcity Why simple daily gratitude practices boost resilience, emotional health, and leadership How a “Thankful Board” can become a visual anchor for family and team gratitude Ways to practice gratitude on tough days when all you can name is breath or coffee Practical ideas to teach gratitude to your kids, your team, and yourself this season One line to take with you: Gratitude does not deny the hard, it simply refuses to hand it the microphone. Connect with Lynsey: Website: LynseyMulder.com Facebook: @LynseySMulder LinkedIn: @Lynsey-Mulder Instagram: @LynseyMulder

Do you look like a successful, high-achieving woman from the outside, but inside you are battling doubt, overwhelm, or emotional whiplash from one hard conversation or email? In this episode of Lead with Spark, Lynsey breaks down the connection between identity, emotional intelligence, and leadership so you can stop letting your feelings run the show and start leading from a grounded, confident center. You will hear how your brain creates an identity story from everyday triggers, why stuffing your emotions or spiraling in them both lead to inaction, and what it looks like to respond as an emotionally intelligent leader instead. Lynsey walks you through her SPARK process so you can recognize your emotions, realign with who you truly are, and choose actions that match the woman and leader you want to be. Whether you are navigating imposter syndrome, decision fatigue, or just a season where life feels heavier than usual, this episode will help you reclaim your identity, reset your self-talk, and build work life alignment that actually feels sustainable. In this episode, you will learn: The difference between your true identity and your current feelings How emotional intelligence helps you notice, name, and navigate emotions in real time The SPARK framework to move from emotional reactivity to intentional response How to use identity statements and a daily voice memo to retrain your inner dialogue Why curating your inputs (people, content, environment) is critical for your mindset and leadership This is your invitation to stop freestyling your emotional world and start designing it on purpose so you can lead with confidence, clarity, and your full spark. Line to take with you, “You are not your worst thought on your worst day. Your emotions are real, but they do not get to define your identity.” Connect with Lynsey: Website: LynseyMulder.com Facebook: @LynseySMulder LinkedIn: @Lynsey-Mulder Instagram: @LynseyMulder

Leaders don’t just manage tasks, they design the environment where people and ideas thrive. In this conversation with Gina Brown (MAGNIFY Innovation & Leadership), we break down what neurodiversity really means, how executive function shows up at work (focus, working memory, transitions), and practical ways to build cultures of empathy, clarity, and curiosity, without lowering the bar. If you’ve ever felt “successful despite yourself,” this one gives you language, tools, and grace. Connect with Gina: Website: Magnify Innovation Group LinkedIn: @Gina Hibbard Brown Facebook: @Gina.Hibbard Episode Highlights Neurodiversity ≠ diagnosis only: Why every team is cognitively diverse and how leaders can design for it. Executive function in real life: Working memory, transitions, and focus. Simple scaffolds that actually help. Reframe “performance issues”: Move from what’s wrong? to what’s strong? and watch capability rise. Meeting & brainstorm design: Fast ideators vs. deep processors, how to make both shine. Language shift that matters: Swap “I’m sorry” for “Thanks for your patience—here’s what I’m doing next.” The cost of brilliance: Giving grace when great ideas and small misses arrive as a package deal. Leader’s role: Empathy + clarity + curiosity = an environment where people and innovation thrive. One line to take with you: "Understand your brain, ditch the shame, and up your game." Directly from Gina's signature framework. Connect with Lynsey: Website: LynseyMulder.com Facebook: @LynseySMulder LinkedIn: @Lynsey-Mulder Instagram: @LynseyMulder

When the “official lane” looks safe but feels small, it’s time to rethink fit. Inspired by the classic Put Me in the Zoo (Seuss-adjacent), this episode explores how we chase titles and conformity when our strengths are actually asking for a different stage—more authentic, a little bold, and genuinely useful. I share the family story behind a 1967 inscription, a quick overview of the book, and a practical path to test-and-try your way into rooms where your gifts breathe: tiny experiments, stretch assignments, job crafting, and feedback that acts like a flashlight (not a verdict). If you’ve been pressing your face to the wrong gate, this is your gentle nudge to stop knocking and start showing. Episode highlights Why fit beats fancy: belonging is a function of stage, not worth Demonstrate, don’t beg: make value visible with tiny tests Conformity vs. authentic presence: how to lead without shrinking Micro-moves: stretch assignments, job crafting 20%, shadowing, serving A script to ask for a stretch—with guardrails “Picture this” moments you can use this week (open the meeting, turn a status into a decision, design your next chapter) One line to take with you "Stop knocking at the wrong gate—start showing what fits."   Work with Lynsey Ready to find the stage that fits? I offer 1:1 coaching for women leaders and business coaching for founders and executive teams—practical, momentum-focused, tailored to you. Start here: LynseyMulder.com   Connect with Lynsey: Website: LynseyMulder.com Facebook: @LynseySMulder LinkedIn: @Lynsey-Mulder Instagram: @LynseyMulder

Feel stuck defending a role that drains you because “the benefits are good”? This episode tackles corporate Stockholm syndrome, not the clinical diagnosis, but the mindset where fear and comfort have us protecting the very systems that keep us small. We unpack F.E.A.R. (False Evidence Appearing Real), share current career trends (shorter tenures, cooled quits), and give you five practical ways to rebuild momentum without torching your paycheck: call fear by name, try micro-shifts before macro moves, redefine loyalty, build portable stability, and measure what really matters at the end of a career and a life. Episode highlights The gut-check: 3 questions that reveal quiet loyalty to the wrong things FEAR → make it show its math (stop treating guesses as facts) Five ways out (no quitting required): stretch assignments, job crafting, shadowing, skills-for-service volunteering, and decision memos that return time Portable stability: skills, references, and runway so you can choose from strength Why tenure is shorter, quits cooled, and what that means for brave but sane career moves “Picture this” moments: saying yes to a stretch (with guardrails), turning a status meeting into a memo, and designing your next chapter on purpose One line to take with you “You don’t have to quit to be brave, just stop defending what’s dimming you.” Work with Lynsey Ready to turn these into habits? I offer 1:1 coaching for women leaders and business coaching for founders and executive teams. Practical, momentum-focused, and tailored to you. Start here: LynseyMulder.com. Connect with Lynsey: Website: LynseyMulder.com Facebook: @LynseySMulder LinkedIn: @Lynsey-Mulder Instagram: @LynseyMulder Episode Citations:  Median employee tenure (Jan 2024) U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: overall 3.9 years; private 3.5, public 6.2. Bureau of Labor Statistics+1 Employee engagement (2024/2025) Gallup: U.S. engagement ~31% in 2024 (10-year low). com Quits rate (2025) BLS JOLTS: quits ~1.9%, little changed in August. Bureau of Labor Statistics End-of-life regrets Bronnie Ware’s “Top five regrets of the dying.” Bronnie Ware+1

Feel stuck in your head? Spinning, second-guessing, or riding waves of frustration and doubt? This episode reframes emotional intelligence as a daily, doable practice rooted in identity. You’ll learn why feelings are real but not always reliable, and how to treat them as data, not directors, so you can calm the noise and move the needle. We walk through simple tools you can use this week: a 60-second morning recording that trains your brain, clarity breaks that turn emotion into motion, the Notice → Name → Normalize → Next framework for in-the-moment regulation, “draft hot, send cold” for heated emails, and a three-line evening close that links identity to action to rest. Faith-friendly language is included (and optional), plus practical breathwork cues for anxiety and overthinking. Designed for women leaders navigating the double bind—warm but not “soft,” clear but not “cold.” If ruts, storms, or stretch seasons have been testing your confidence, this is a steady, humane playbook. You’ll learn How to lead your emotions without suppressing them A quick morning routine to set direction and reduce reactivity The clarity break method for better decisions and focus A simple script to handle tough meetings and fiery emails Breathwork tips to regulate in real time How to take the next best step when motivation is low Episode highlights Why feelings are data, not directors and how that reframes identity + EQ A 60-second morning recording to train your brain Clarity breaks: turn emotion into motion in 20 minutes The in-the-moment tool: Notice → Name → Normalize → Next Draft hot, send cold: a smarter play for heated emails (tone-safe for women leaders) Breathwork that actually helps: three slow breaths to downshift anxiety “Picture this” moments: opening a tough meeting, editing a hot email, lifting a gray day The Evening Three: one truth, one release, one seed—link identity → action → rest One line to take with you “Let feelings inform you, then let identity direct you.” Work with Lynsey Ready to make this muscle memory? I offer 1:1 coaching for women leaders and business coaching for founders and executive teams—practical, momentum-focused, and tailored to you. Start here: LynseyMulder.com. Connect with Lynsey: Website: LynseyMulder.com Facebook: @LynseySMulder LinkedIn: @Lynsey-Mulder Instagram: @LynseyMulder 🗣 Bring SparkLife to your team or event — speaking & workshops

When women lead, the room shifts. In this conversation with Dr. Ebony Stone—author, speaker, and coach— we unpack what it really takes to thrive as a woman in leadership today: grace over guilt, perspective over comparison, and “do it scared” over perfect timing. Ebony shares her PAUSE framework (Pause/Pray, Analyze, Understand, Strategize, Execute) and how it applies to real life—boardrooms, busy homes, and those messy in-between moments. We talk superpowers, why your presence is a competitive advantage, and how to reframe nerves as excitement so you can step onto any stage (or into any meeting) with intention. “You don’t have to be fearless. You just have to do it scared—until scared starts to look like excitement.” You’ll learn: How to give yourself grace without lowering your standards The PAUSE framework you can use for a meeting, a project, or a life pivot Why “do it scared” is the fastest path to confidence How to stop comparing and start leading with your unique superpowers A practical way to separate facts from limiting beliefs (at home and at work) Resources & Links: Ebony Stone LinkedIn @DrEbonyStone Facebook @DrEbonyStone Her book: The Power of Pause — use code $Spark2025$ at https://www.drebonystone.com/ for a listener discount Connect with Lynsey: Website: LynseyMulder.com Facebook: @LynseySMulder LinkedIn: @Lynsey-Mulder Instagram: @LynseyMulder 🗣 Bring SparkLife to your team or event — speaking & workshops

If your updates get lost, decisions stall, or you leave meetings exhausted from carrying the room, the problem isn’t just strategy. It’s how you show up. In this story-driven episode, Lynsey unpacks executive presence using three unforgettable rideshare moments from her latest trip to Destin, Florida: the disengaged “Mr. Earbuds,” the resigned “Miss Chaos,” and the intentional hostess with the mostess who changed the entire experience without changing the road. You’ll learn how to open strong (set purpose in the first 90 seconds), right the ride when things go sideways (steady agency over excuses), and close with care (clear next steps + visible credit). Same goals, same road, very different ride. What you’ll learn The simple, repeatable presence sequence: Open → Right the Ride → Close with Care How to set the temperature of a room in your first sentence (without theatrics) Practical ways to show steadiness under constraint: name reality, then create a pocket of agency Why follow-through is your leadership “aftertaste” (and how to make it memorable) How presence makes your values, superpowers, and non-negotiables visible so trust compounds Women-in-leadership insight: confident kindness that beats the “too cold / too soft” double bind Episode highlights The Destin rideshare test: same route, three experiences → presence by design “Earbuds energy” vs. “host energy,” what your team feels before you speak The 90-second open: purpose, outcome, next step. Mercy, not bossiness Righting the ride: constraints are real; agency is yours Closing with care: decisions, owners, dates and a grace note that sticks One line to take with you “Executive presence is the temperature you set. Calm the chaos, and the work moves faster.” Work with Lynsey Want a partner to accelerate this? Lynsey offers 1:1 coaching for women leaders and business coaching for founders and business owners. Practical, momentum-focused, and tailored to you. Start here: lynseymulder.com Connect with Lynsey: Website: LynseyMulder.com Facebook: @LynseySMulder LinkedIn: @Lynsey-Mulder Instagram: @LynseyMulder

What if the third most important day of your life is the day you start living your why, on purpose? In this episode, Lynsey breaks down intentional living as a series of tiny, faithful micro-movements (not cliff jumps) that add up to a life that feels like you. Drawing on John Maxwell’s take, “decide in advance who you will be and what you will give,”she connects it to the SparkLife formula: Values (your compass), Non-Negotiables (your guardrails), Superpowers (your natural edge), and Passion (purpose with traction). You’ll challenge three big myths (I should already know my purpose…it’s too late…I need perfect timing), learn why purpose is discovered in motion, and get practical prompts—a simple joy audit and a few starter micro-moves to begin this week inside your real life, job, and calendar. If you’re a woman leader craving authenticity, clarity, confidence, and better work-life alignment, this conversation will help you name the “tug,” shrink the fears, and take the next brave half-inch turn toward a life you’re proud of. In this episode, you’ll learn: How to uncover purpose when you’re not sure what your “why” is The role of values, boundaries, strengths, and passion in daily decisions Why waiting for “perfect timing” is an expensive delay Micro-moves to start living your purpose this week Ideal for: women in leadership, emerging leaders, entrepreneurs, purpose-driven professionals, and anyone ready to live intentionally—one micro-movement at a time. Connect with Lynsey: Website: LynseyMulder.com Facebook: @LynseySMulder LinkedIn: @Lynsey-Mulder Instagram: @LynseyMulder

Moving from “I’ll just do it myself” to true leadership is a skill, and delegation is the lever. In this episode of Lead with Spark, Lynsey shares a simple four-step handoff loop - Select, Scope, Support, Spotlight - that turns tasks into growth without letting anyone down. You’ll learn how to use the Eisenhower model (urgent vs. important) to decide what to delegate, how to give a clear, kind overview that sets people up to win, and how to coach without micromanaging so quality stays high. Lynsey gets real about the shift from individual contributor to leader, that awkward phase where yesterday’s peers are today’s team and why delegating isn’t “bossing people around,” it’s building people up. You’ll hear practical examples from work and home (hello, Kitchen CEO) and guidance for individual contributors who want to share work through pairing, internships, and strength-based task swaps. We’ll also name the common barriers like perfectionism, fear of losing control, speed addiction, peer discomfort and reframe them with tools that protect excellence and your energy. Finally, Lynsey ties delegation to Spark (values, superpowers, non-negotiables) so you lead intentionally, free up time for the highest-priority work only you can do, and strengthen executive presence through calm clarity and visible development. Perfect for women in leadership, managers, and high-performing ICs who want momentum without burnout and a team that grows because you do. Connect with Lynsey: Website: LynseyMulder.com Facebook: @LynseySMulder LinkedIn: @Lynsey-Mulder Instagram: @LynseyMulder

If you’ve ever wondered why “be more relatable” sounds obvious but feels impossible in real life, this conversation with author and keynote speaker Rachel DeAlto will be your masterclass. We dig into what relatable leadership actually looks like day-to-day—clear communication, active listening, and honest transparency—and why respect is the trait teams are craving most. You’ll learn Rachel’s simple Who–How–Why framework for sharper messages, how to bridge generational gaps without turning into the “back in my day” boss, and practical ways to re-energize remote/hybrid teams with better 1:1s, intentional touchpoints, and smart in-person moments. You’ll walk away with: A usable definition of relatable (it’s not oversharing - hallelujah). Micro-habits that signal respect and build trust fast. A plug-and-play cadence for effective 1:1s in remote/hybrid settings. A quick-start idea to survey your team and choose one behavior to improve now. Connect with Rachel & grab the book: Instagram: @racheldealto LinkedIn: @RachelDeAlto Book: The Relatable Leader: Create a Culture of Connection - Buy on Amazon Hit play, pick one skill, and start today. Future-you (and your team) will thank you. Connect with Lynsey: Website: LynseyMulder.com Facebook: @LynseySMulder LinkedIn: @Lynsey-Mulder Instagram: @LynseyMulder

Women in leadership are carrying too much invisible work; note-taking, scheduling, conflict smoothing, onboarding support, and the quiet “glue work” that keeps projects alive but rarely shows up on a dashboard. That hidden load stalls recognition, performance reviews, and promotion. In this episode of Lead with Spark, Lynsey shares a practical visibility playbook to end the invisible work tax without sounding salesy or braggy, and to do it in a way that strengthens executive presence, delegation, and prioritization. You’ll learn how to run a fast S-O-S scan (Stop, Optimize, Share) to cut or streamline low-value tasks and fairly rotate office housework. Then you’ll reframe activity into outcomes and impact so your real contribution is obvious: outputs → outcomes → business impact. Lynsey walks through the two-minute 3-3-1 Friday update, a simple cadence that makes work visible every week, plus a visibility ladder and a one-page, promotion-ready proof pack you can bring to managing-up conversations and performance reviews. You’ll also get kind, copy-ready scripts to rotate note-taking, close meetings with results, defend deep-work time, and say no with context. Developing habits that create psychological safety while keeping your energy focused on what matters. If you want momentum without burnout, and you’re ready to make your wins impossible to miss, this episode is your playbook to end the invisible work tax and advance your career with clear, credible evidence. Connect with Lynsey: Website: LynseyMulder.com Facebook: @LynseySMulder LinkedIn: @Lynsey-Mulder Instagram: @LynseyMulder

From the Grand Concourse to the boardroom, this leadership podcast episode turns the Iowa State Fair into a practical playbook for women in leadership. Lynsey Mulder weaves three generations of family tradition - Grandma’s one-section-a-day map, Grandpa’s steady hours in the livestock barns, and a new stop at Cowboy Bootcamp with her grandson - into ten blue-ribbon leadership lessons you can apply this week. You’ll learn how to set context before you move, ship a preview version to learn faster, define success upfront so your team has psychological safety, show up with stronger executive presence, protect deep-work priorities, delegate ownership (not chores), make smarter project tradeoffs, ask sharper problem/proof/first-move questions, run a weekly “Sky Glider” review to regain strategic altitude, and make work visible so wins actually get rewarded. If you lead a team, or just your calendar, you’ll leave with practical tools and language you can use immediately. The episode includes a quick “Fair Pass” exercise to choose your top three priorities, set two clear nos, and plan one visibility touchpoint. Perfect for women leaders, managers, and high-performing professionals who want less burnout and more momentum. Topics include executive presence tips, delegation strategies, project prioritization, boundaries at work, weekly review rituals, managing up, and values-based leadership. Listen in, grab your worksheet, and give your next week a blue ribbon. Connect with Lynsey: Website: LynseyMulder.com Facebook: @LynseySMulder LinkedIn: @Lynsey-Mulder Instagram: @LynseyMulder

What does it take to lead with both curiosity and compassion? In this episode, I sit down with Malinda Shultice, professor at Iowa State University and Barcelona Executive Business School, licensed nursing home administrator, and founder of a consulting company dedicated to tackling high turnover in healthcare.   Malinda shares her bold career pivot from senior living to academia and entrepreneurship, and the lessons she’s learned about curiosity, compassion, and communication along the way. We dive into the challenges of leadership, the power of truly listening, and how to reignite curiosity when it feels like it’s burned out.   Whether you’re leading a team, navigating a career shift, or simply looking to connect more deeply with those around you, this conversation will spark new ideas and inspire you to lead with authenticity.   👉 Connect with Malinda on LinkedIn: Malinda Shultice   Connect with Lynsey: Website: LynseyMulder.com Facebook: @LynseySMulder LinkedIn: @Lynsey-Mulder Instagram: @LynseyMulder

In today’s episode, we tackle something that many women professionals struggle with. Saying no. Constantly overcommitting to work, family, and social obligations can lead to burnout and a loss of focus on what truly matters. In this empowering episode, I dive deep into the importance of setting non-negotiables in your life. Learn how to align your boundaries with your core values and priorities, and discover actionable strategies to reclaim your time and energy. We’ll explore how saying no is actually saying yes to your goals, and why setting non-negotiables is essential for leadership and personal fulfillment. You’ll hear practical tips, like: How to turn your non-negotiables into powerful affirmations that keep you focused. Using tools like the Non-Negotiables Alignment Pillars to evaluate where you need boundaries most. Download here. The mindset shift you need to make every time you say yes to something (because it’s really saying no to something else). Whether you’re struggling to balance work-life demands, lead effectively, or honor your personal priorities, this episode is packed with tips to help you regain control and lead with intention. Connect with Lynsey: Website: LynseyMulder.com Facebook: @LynseySMulder LinkedIn: @Lynsey-Mulder Instagram: @LynseyMulder

In today’s fast-paced, tech-driven world, the idea of “work-life balance” feels outdated and out of reach. In this episode of Lead With Spark, we explore the evolution from work-life balance to work-life alignment, a dynamic approach that helps you integrate your career, family, and personal goals in a way that fuels your well-being and success. Join Lynsey as she shares her personal strategies for setting boundaries, using technology to your advantage, and finding the harmony that works for you. Learn how to shift your mindset, prioritize what matters, and create space for what brings you joy, without feeling overwhelmed. Whether you're juggling family, career, or personal aspirations, this episode is packed with practical tips to help you achieve true alignment and keep your spark alive. Tune in now and discover how to align your life, reclaim your time, and thrive in both your personal and professional worlds. Connect with Lynsey: Website: LynseyMulder.com Facebook: @LynseySMulder LinkedIn: @Lynsey-Mulder Instagram: @LynseyMulder

Unleashing Your Superpowers: The Spark You’ve Been Missing What if the secret to more confidence, less burnout, and a life you actually love was already inside you? In this episode of Lead with Spark, Lynsey takes you step-by-step through the process of identifying and unleashing your unique superpowers, the strengths that make you brilliant, bold, and impactful. You’ll hear a heartwarming story about her grandson’s superhero costumes, learn the shocking stats about how few people actually use their strengths every day, and discover two powerful ways to uncover what’s been hiding in plain sight. Plus, you’ll see how using your superpowers daily can skyrocket your confidence, boost your mental health, improve motivation, and even increase team engagement by 600%. Whether you’re a leader, business owner, or simply ready to show up as your best self, this episode will inspire you to put your cape back on, and never take it off. Download your free SparkLife Superpower Playbook and start unleashing your brilliance today. Connect with Lynsey: Website: LynseyMulder.com Facebook: @LynseySMulder LinkedIn: @Lynsey-Mulder Instagram: @LynseyMulder

Are you secretly waiting for someone to find out you're not as capable as they think you are? You're not alone - in fact, studies show that 70% of people experience imposter syndrome at some point in their careers, and the number jumps even higher for high-achieving women in leadership. In this empowering episode of Lead with Spark, Lynsey breaks down what imposter syndrome really is, why it shows up (especially for ambitious women), and how to reframe it so it no longer holds you back. Through personal stories, relatable moments, and three practical, research-backed strategies, you’ll learn how to: Recognize the signs of imposter syndrome Quiet the inner critic and perfectionist pressure Replace self-doubt with truth, clarity, and confidence Celebrate your strengths and own your achievements unapologetically If you're tired of downplaying your success and ready to lead with authenticity and belief in yourself, this episode will meet you right where you are. Connect with Lynsey: Website: LynseyMulder.com Facebook: @LynseySMulder LinkedIn: @Lynsey-Mulder Instagram: @LynseyMulder

Are you living a version of success that doesn’t actually feel like your own? In this episode of Lead with Spark, Lynsey walks you through the very first step in the Discover Your Leadership Spark framework: identifying your core values. You'll learn why values misalignment can lead to burnout, stress, and disconnection and how clarifying what truly matters can help you lead with authenticity, restore your energy, and realign your work and life.   Download the Core Values Playbook and take the first intentional step toward living with purpose and spark.   Connect with Lynsey: Website: LynseyMulder.com Facebook: @LynseySMulder LinkedIn: @Lynsey-Mulder Instagram: @LynseyMulder

Are you leading, or just performing? In this powerful episode, Lynsey dives into what it really means to live and lead with authenticity, especially as a woman in leadership. If you’ve ever looked around your life and thought, “I’m doing everything I’m supposed to do, so why do I feel like I’ve lost myself?” This one’s for you. You’ll learn: Why ambitious women unknowingly drift out of alignment What it feels like to lead authentically (and how to know when you’re not) The five places to check when you feel off or burnt out How to stop performing and start leading from your values and strengths You’ll also hear a story from one of Lynsey’s coaching clients who went from overwhelmed and disconnected to confident and energized just by returning to her authentic self. Whether you're leading a team, a business, or your family, this episode will help you reclaim your spark and lead with confidence, without burning out. 🎧 Plus: Download the free “Authenticity Self-Check”  📝 Want more? Visit the blog for bonus reflections and stories from the episode. 💥 Apply for a free coaching session or book Lynsey for a keynote by visiting lynseymulder.com   Connect with Lynsey: Website: LynseyMulder.com Facebook: @LynseySMulder LinkedIn: @Lynsey-Mulder Instagram: @LynseyMulder

Today’s episode is all about unexpected inspiration, and it comes with wings. Join me on my front porch, chai latte in hand, as I unpack five powerful leadership lessons inspired by the fierce, focused, and surprisingly wise hummingbird. From building momentum with tiny actions to learning the strength of stepping back, we’ll explore how this little bird can teach us about energy, boundaries, curiosity, and rest. If you’re ready to lead with intention and spark, this conversation is for you. Whether you’re leading a team, a family, or just trying to lead yourself through a busy season, these tiny truths will help you fly with more clarity, courage, and power. 📝 Want more? Visit the blog for bonus reflections and stories from the episode. Connect with Lynsey: Website: LynseyMulder.com Facebook: @LynseySMulder LinkedIn: @Lynsey-Mulder Instagram: @LynseyMulder

Miscommunication is costing professionals more than they think, especially in leadership roles. In this episode of Lead With Spark, we explore two powerful strategies to help women leaders improve communication and elevate their executive presence. You’ll learn how to mentally prepare for high-stakes conversations, avoid common language traps (like “I know” and “actually”), and use a listener blueprint to match different communication styles. Whether you're leading meetings, presenting ideas, or building relationships at work, this episode will help you be heard and understood with impact. 🔗 Prefer reading or want to share this with your team? Read the full blogs, part 1 and part 2, of this episode here. Connect with Lynsey: Website: LynseyMulder.com Facebook: @LynseySMulder LinkedIn: @Lynsey-Mulder Instagram: @LynseyMulder

Confidence isn’t something you’re born with; it’s something you build. In this episode of Lead With Spark, Lynsey shares 3 practical strategies to grow your confidence, reframe your mindset, and use your strengths to take bold action. Whether you’re leading a team, presenting to leadership, or simply stepping into something new, this is your guide to creating confidence that sticks. 🔗 Prefer reading or want to share this with your team? Read the full blog version of this episode here. Connect with Lynsey: Website: LynseyMulder.com Facebook: @LynseySMulder LinkedIn: @Lynsey-Mulder Instagram: @LynseyMulder