In this episode of Dominate Your Day, I sit down with executive leader Juli Primeaux for a conversation about what leadership really looks like in today's fast-changing, distracted workplace. Juli shares what it means to lead through organizational change and uncertainty while staying grounded in who you are. We talk about the connection between CliftonStrengths, self-awareness, and authentic leadership, and why understanding your strengths can become a true "cheat code" for navigating tough decisions and leading people well. From practical strategies for managing stress to insightful lessons on leading across generations, this episode is full of wisdom every leader needs right now. And trust me, you'll want to hear Julie's unforgettable advice about "not loading bombs on planes." Top 3 Takeaways: 1. Your strengths are powerful but only when you understand how they show up under stress. Self-awareness helps leaders recognize both their superpowers and their blind spots. 2. Authenticity builds trust. Teams don't need perfect leaders; they need real leaders who communicate clearly, stay grounded, and model vulnerability. 3. Well-being isn't optional for leaders. Taking pauses, creating small wins, and intentionally refilling your bucket are essential for sustainable leadership. Episode Minutes: Minute 12: Developing a personal mission and connecting core values to leadership purpose Minute 17: The importance of self-care, taking pauses, and refill strategies Minute 31: Emotional recognition and self-regulation techniques for stress management Minute 39: Advice for leaders facing chaos and disconnection with their teams Links + Resources from This Episode: Connect with Juli Primeaux on LinkedIn Take the free 3-minute Authentic Imprint™ Assessment  Get a copy of Dana's book, The Internal Revolution: Lead Authentically and Build Your Personal Brand from Within Learn more about The Strengths Journal

What if one of the most powerful things you could do for your team takes only five minutes? In this episode, I explore why relational energy may be the most overlooked factor in leadership wellbeing especially during seasons of rapid change. I share a simple but powerful shift that helped a high-performing team feel more connected, seen, and energized, and why small moments of recognition can have a bigger impact on team resilience than most leaders realize. Top 3 Takeaways: 1. Relational energy is a critical leadership resource. Beyond physical, emotional, and mental energy, relational energy fuels trust, connection, and belonging. When it's strong, teams communicate openly and stay engaged; when it's depleted, work can quickly become transactional. 2. Fast-moving change often erodes connection first. During busy or high-growth seasons, leaders naturally prioritize deliverables and deadlines. But when recognition and human connection disappear, team resilience begins to weaken even if performance still looks strong on the surface. 3. Small moments of recognition create lasting impact. Asking one simple question "What's one win from this week?" can restore visibility, reinforce progress, and strengthen team connection. Sometimes the smallest leadership practices create the biggest cultural shifts. Episode Minutes: Minute 3: Managing Emotional States Minute 5: Protecting Relational Energy Minute 6: Introducing wins to boost relational energy Links + Resources from This Episode: Take the free 3-minute Authentic Imprint™ Assessment Get a copy of Dana's book, The Internal Revolution: Lead Authentically and Build Your Personal Brand from Within Learn more about The Strengths Journal

This summer on Dominate Your Day, we are returning to the episode vault to bring back experts to discuss each of Gallup's five essential areas of wellbeing: Purpose, Social, Financial, Physical, and Community. Today we explore Career Wellbeing  what Gallup defines as liking what you do every day and having a sense of purpose in your work. Only 20 percent of people globally say they are thriving in this area. This episode is for the other 80 percent. Gina Riley  executive career coach and author of Qualified Isn't Enough shares why your authentic story is your greatest career asset. Angela Burgess  founder of Broad Oaks Consulting describes what it feels like when your values stop aligning with your work, and what happens when you find the courage to go a different path. Georgie Enthoven author of Work That's Worth It talks about the 90,000 hours every leader has and the questions we need to start asking. Michelle Merritt Chief Strategy Officer of D&S Executive Career Management explains why 85 percent of opportunities come through people and how to work that truth intentionally. Episode Minutes: Minute 5: The Developer Strength Story Minute 8: Success is not Linear Minute 15: Introverts Make The Best Networkers Links + Resources from This Episode: Learn more about Gina's work at www.ginarileyconsulting.com Learn more about Angela's work at www.broadoaksconsulting.com Learn more about Georgie's work at www.georgienthoven.com Connect with Michelle Meritt on LinkedIn Take the free 3-minute Authentic Imprint™ Assessment Get a copy of Dana's book, The Internal Revolution: Lead Authentically and Build Your Personal Brand from Within Learn more about The Strengths Journal

What if the reason you feel depleted as a leader has less to do with working too hard and more to do with misdiagnosing what's actually draining you? In this episode of Dominate Your Day, I unpack a powerful coaching conversation about leadership burnout, the hidden cost of too many open loops, and why traditional advice like "just rest more" often falls short. I also introduce a framework that has helped leaders better understand how their energy is being spent so they can lead with more clarity, focus, and intention especially in seasons of rapid growth and constant change. Top 3 Takeaways: 1. Not all burnout is physical diagnose the right type of depletion. Feeling exhausted doesn't always mean you need more sleep or rest. Leaders operate from four energy currencies physical, emotional, mental, and relational—and sustainable recovery starts with identifying which one is running low. 2. Mental depletion often comes from too many open loops. High performers can become overwhelmed not from lack of motivation, but from constant context switching, competing priorities, and work that feels never-ending. One of the most effective antidotes is creating focus and reducing cognitive overload. 3. Make the work feel completable. A focused 90-day window helps transform an overwhelming long-term vision into actionable priorities. By clarifying what matters most right now and intentionally setting aside what doesn't leaders can reduce stress, regain clarity, and lead with greater energy and purpose. Episode Minutes: Minute 2: The high-performing leader's burnout concern Minute 4: Introduction to the four energy tanks Minute 7: Practical self-inventory for energy assessment Links + Resources from This Episode: Take the free 3-minute Authentic Imprint™ Assessment Get a copy of Dana's book, The Internal Revolution: Lead Authentically and Build Your Personal Brand from Within Learn more about The Strengths Journal

This summer on Dominate Your Day, we are returning to the episode vault to bring back experts to discuss each of Gallup's five essential areas of wellbeing: Purpose, Social, Financial, Physical, and Community. Today we explore Physical Wellbeing an area that leaders often try to ignore and "push through" the discomfort for the sake of productivity. In this episode, Dr. Gloria Salvo (listen to episode #258) talks about how unhealed trauma affects the body on a physical level, and shares her confidence that healing is available for everyone. Cardiologist Dr. Alan Rozanski (listen to episode #214) tells us about the researched connection between purpose and heart health. Shelley Loving (listen to episode #162) shares the story of her husband's heart attack scare and the life-saving importance of proper nutrition. This is an important episode for all leaders! Episode Minutes: Minute 4: How Stress Lives In The Body Minute 9: How Mental Stress Affects The Heart Minute 25: Changing Your Mindset about Food Links + Resources from This Episode: Visit www.returntowholeness.com to learn more about Dr. Gloria Salvo's work Read research articles from Dr. Alan Rozanski on PubMD Learn more about Shelley Loving's work at www.shelleycanhelp.com Take the free 3-minute Authentic Imprint™ Assessment Get a copy of Dana's book, The Internal Revolution: Lead Authentically and Build Your Personal Brand from Within Learn more about The Strengths Journal

Instead of measuring success by tasks completed or constant busyness, what if we measured it by whether or not we made choices that were in alignment with our authentic identity, strengths, and values? In this episode, I introduce a practical framework for intentional daily design: starting the day with a clear intention, focusing on the three most meaningful actions tied to personal strengths, and ending the day with reflection rather than mere completion. This is a must-listen for any leader who is successful on paper, but feeling "off" on the inside. Top 3 Takeaways: 1. True productivity is about alignment, not output. Being busy or efficient does not necessarily mean living or leading in a meaningful way. Sustainable leadership comes from aligning daily actions with personal values and strengths. 2. Intentionality not your task list should guide the day. Starting the day with a clear intention helps leaders make decisions that reflect who they want to be, rather than simply reacting to demands. 3. The worth of your day is more than productivity alone. Asking questions like "Am I satisfied with how I showed up today?" creates a healthier and more authentic definition of productivity than checking off tasks alone. Episode Minutes: Minute 2: What it means to Dominate Your Day Minute 5: Intentional Daily Design In Practice Minute 8: Are You Satisfied With How You Showed Up Today Links + Resources from This Episode: Take the free 3-minute Authentic Imprint™ Assessment Get a copy of Dana's book, The Internal Revolution: Lead Authentically and Build Your Personal Brand from Within Learn more about The Strengths Journal

This summer on Dominate Your Day, we are going back into the episode vault to bring back experts to discuss each of Gallup's five essential areas of wellbeing: Purpose, Social, Financial, Physical, and Community. Today we explore Financial Wellbeing the area leaders are least likely to talk about openly. For this episode, Linda Grizely financial educator and creator of the Me Money concept talks about why money mindset comes before money management. And Annie Margarita Yang millennial finance guru and author of The 5-Day Job Search shares how your personal brand and your financial future are more connected than you think. Listen in! Episode Minutes: Minute 6: Me Money Minute 11: Internal Blocks Minute 15: Affirmations Links + Resources from This Episode: Learn more about Linda Grizely's work at www.lindagriz.com Take the quiz: "What blocking you from financial confidence?" Explore free financial resources from Linda Learn more about Linda's courses and coaching services Learn more about Annie Margarita Yang's work at www.anniemargaritayang.com Get a copy of Annie Margarita Yang's book, The 5-Day Job Search Take the free 3-minute Authentic Imprint™ Assessment Get a copy of Dana's book, The Internal Revolution: Lead Authentically and Build Your Personal Brand from Within Learn more about The Strengths Journal

Burnout is caused by having too much work... or is it? Research shows that most leaders today are exhausted not from workload, but from constant cognitive overload endless context switching, reactive decision-making, and operating on autopilot. In this episode, I share the concept of the "Daily Revolution," a practice of leading intentionally from one's authentic identity rather than from stress or habit. I give you three practical tools to help you pause, reconnect with your values and strengths, and make more conscious choices throughout the day. Top 3 Takeaways: 1. Burnout is more about reactivity than workload. Leaders are often drained not because they have too much to do, but because they spend most of their day reacting without intention. 2. Awareness of your leadership identity reduces decision fatigue. When leaders operate from a clear understanding of their strengths, values, and mission, everyday decisions become easier and more aligned. 3. Small intentional practices can create major shifts. Simple tools like pausing to breathe, asking reflective questions, and using strengths-based affirmations can interrupt autopilot behavior and help leaders respond more intentionally under pressure. Episode Minutes: Minute 2: Reframing burnout: From simplification to intentional living Minute 3: The daily revolution: Living from your authentic self Minute 5: Pivoting with questions: From reactive autopilot to design Links + Resources from This Episode: Take the free 3-minute Authentic Imprint™ Assessment Get a copy of Dana's book, The Internal Revolution: Lead Authentically and Build Your Personal Brand from Within Learn more about The Strengths Journal

Joining us for today's episode is Meg Hinkley, a volunteer leader with Texas Search and Rescue who has served on more than 130 deployments over the last 13 years. From leading teams during devastating Texas Hill Country floods to helping families navigate the unimaginable pain of missing loved ones, Meg shares what it means to lead with empathy, trust, and integrity. She reminds us that leadership must be flexible, rather than ego-driven sometimes you are leading the mission, and sometimes you are following the person with the right expertise in the moment. Her stories about working overnight in floodwaters, supporting grieving families, and managing the emotional toll of search and rescue show the power of staying grounded in purpose while remaining adaptable under pressure. In the episode, we also explore how Meg's strengths  Empathy, Adaptability, Communication, Positivity, and Woo  shape her leadership style both in the field and in life. Beyond search and rescue, Meg has spent decades teaching women's self-defense through her company Athena Strategies, helping others understand preparedness, confidence, and personal safety. She believes that preparation reduces fear. Her perspective on service, teamwork, and using your unique strengths to help others is something every leader can learn from. Top 3 Takeaways: 1. Leadership requires flexibility, not ego. Great leaders focus on outcomes over titles and are willing to let others lead when they have the right expertise. Teams perform better when leadership is flexible, collaborative, and built on trust.  2. Mission-driven teams build trust and resilience. People stay engaged and committed when they clearly understand the mission behind their work. Leaders who connect daily tasks to a larger purpose create stronger, more resilient teams. 3. Soft sills are essential leadership skills. Empathy, communication, and emotional intelligence are critical in high-pressure environments. Leaders who manage emotions well and build strong relationships create safer, more effective teams. Episode Minutes: Minute 3: The mission of Texar and what motivates Meg in volunteer rescue work Minute 11: The balance of empathy, communication, and trust in leadership Minute 22: Meg's core values: faith, family, and service Minute 36: Balancing family, faith, and professional service Links + Resources from This Episode: Learn more about the work of Texas Search and Rescue at www.texsar.org Take the free 3-minute Authentic Imprint™ Assessment Get a copy of Dana's book, The Internal Revolution: Lead Authentically and Build Your Personal Brand from Within Learn more about The Strengths Journal

What if the problem isn't your schedule but your energy? In this episode of Dominate Your Day, I challenge the traditional focus on time management. Many leaders spend their days optimizing calendars and workflows, yet still end up drained. Why? Because time is neutral it's alignment that determines whether an activity energizes or depletes you. When your work taps into your strengths, values, and mission, it creates energy. When it doesn't, even a short task can leave you exhausted. The key to managing energy is emotional recognition your ability to read how different activities impact you in real time. Treat your emotions as performance data, using them to identify what fuels or drains you. Listen in to learn simple practices to help you shift from operating on empty to leading with sustainable energy. Top 3 Takeaways: 1. Time management won't fix burnout alignment will. It's not about how long you spend on tasks, but whether those tasks align with your strengths, values, and mission. 2. Your emotions are your most accurate energy data. Paying attention to what energizes or drains you provides real-time insight into how to adjust your leadership for better performance. 3. Sustainable leadership requires intentional energy design. Simple actions like tracking energy patterns, protecting your peak hours, and building in recovery help you lead with consistency, clarity, and endurance. Episode Minutes: Minute 4:00 - Developing emotional awareness as a leadership skill Minute 6:00 - Patterns in energy drainers: misalignment, value compromise, mission disconnect Minute 9:00 - Action item recap: energy audit, prime window, authentic assessment Links + Resources from This Episode: Take the free 3-minute Authentic Imprint™ Assessment Get a copy of Dana's book, The Internal Revolution: Lead Authentically and Build Your Personal Brand from Within Learn more about The Strengths Journal