Comfy Chairs

Beyond the obvious: A conversation about questions.

In this episode of the comfy chairs, Kate talks with leadership development consultant Amber Johnson, PhD, about the power of questions in leadership and everyday conversations. Amber shares how the best leaders don’t just have answers—they ask better questions. From sparking “uncommon insight” to building emotional safety, they explore how questions shift dynamics, foster deeper c...

In this comfyHQ episode of the comfy chairs, we’re talking about what it really takes to build strong, adaptable teams—starting with two foundational leadership questions:

• How do I foster a culture of continuous learning?
• How do I develop resilience and mental toughness as a leader?

We explore the mindsets, habits, and frameworks that help leaders grow alongside their teams—and show up with steadiness, curiosity, and compassi...

Experiment with me: A conversation about human-centric teams.

What does it mean to lead in a truly human-centric way—and what gets in our way when we try?

In this episode, Kate is joined by Rachel Anderson, owner of Pivot Studies, a fractional CMO, and leadership coach who invites us to experiment with a different kind of leadership—one rooted in curiosity, courage, and care. Together, they unpack the tension leaders often feel betwe...

In this comfyHQ episode, we’re looking at three everyday leadership challenges: when your team over-relies on you, when you don’t have the answers, and how to make it safe for people to ask questions. These moments are common—and fixable. We explore practical ways to shift patterns, build trust, and lead with clarity, even in uncertainty.

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Connect to perform: A conversation about developing leadership teams.

What makes a leadership team truly great? In this episode, I sit down with James Madison, CEO of On Purpose Life, to explore the traits that elevate leadership teams—starting with purpose, alignment, and trust. From personal vision statements to the power of humility and relational health, this conversation is a masterclass in intentional leadership.

Listen in, ref...

We hear it all the time: “Managers manage, leaders lead.” But is that really true? In this episode of comfyHQ, I explore the distinction between leadership and management—why we tend to separate them, why that might be a mistake, and what actually matters when it comes to guiding people and work.

We also tackle two other big topics: workplace language and feedback. Some leadership buzzwords—like mission, vision, and strategy—get thr...

The 25 problems myth: A conversation about problem-solving.

In this episode of the comfy chairs, I sit down with Jamie Flinchbaugh to unpack the complexities of leadership problem-solving. We challenge the conventional “bring me solutions” mindset, exploring why real leadership requires both structure and imagination. Jamie shares insights on the power of coaching, the necessity of sponsorship, and why problem-solving is less about ...

Leadership isn’t a one-size-fits-all role—so why should your leadership style be?

In this episode, we explore how to identify your strengths, recognize how they shape your leadership, and intentionally refine your approach to align with your values and your team’s needs. We’ll break down the five key elements of leadership style—communication, relationships, structure, development, and failure—and explore how to craft a leadership p...

Explore, Define, Align: A conversation about values.

In this Comfy Chairs episode, Dr. Benjamin Ritter and I explore how relying on your core values can lead to fearlessness and career fulfillment.

Drawing from his book Becoming Fearless, Dr. Ritter provides a step-by-step guide to exploring, defining, and aligning your personal values with your professional goals. We discuss practical approaches like calendar audits and team craftin...

Don’t leave this to chance.

How do you balance long-term vision with short-term goals? And when setbacks happen (because they will), how do you recover with resilience?

In this comfyHQ (comfy chairs, hard questions) episode, we’re diving into practical strategies for keeping your leadership balanced and adaptable. From making short-term goals more purposeful to developing "double vision"—the ability to see failure as both a challenge...

Kindness is an act: A conversation for leaders about kindness.

Kindness isn’t just nice—it’s a force for connection, well-being, and even workplace success. In this episode, I sit down with Sarah Browning, founder of Time for Kindness, to explore how small acts of kindness ripple outward, shaping healthier teams and stronger communities. We dive into the science behind kindness, its impact on productivity and mental health, and why ...

How do great leaders use storytelling to inspire and motivate? And how can you lead effectively through uncertainty when you don’t have all the answers?

In this comfyHQ Q&A episode, we explore the power of stories as leadership tools and practical strategies for navigating ambiguity with confidence, clarity, and trust. Tune in for insights that will help you connect, communicate, and guide your team—no matter the circumstances.

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The right amount: A conversation about leadership styles.

In this episode, Kate Johnson and guest Paul Thornton explore leadership styles: the practical application of different leadership behaviors and how they impact people and organizations.

The discussion covers the three primary leadership styles – directing, discussing, and delegating – and how effective leaders adapt their approach based on the needs of their team members and ...

What, why, how: A comfyHQ Q&A

In this bite-sized episode of the comfy chairs, we’re diving into two essential leadership questions:

1. How can you delegate effectively without micromanaging?
2. What’s the best approach to giving constructive feedback?

Join me as we break down common misconceptions about micromanagement, explore how clarity is the key to delegation, and discover the “what, why, how” of delivering impactful feedba...

Pull them close: A conversation about grief and loss

In this episode of The Comfy Chairs, host Kate Johnson welcomes Justin Clifford, CEO of bereave, for a heartfelt conversation about the critical role of workplace bereavement practices. Together, they delve into how employers can compassionately support employees navigating grief and the profound ripple effects this has on retention, productivity, and workplace culture.

Justin shar...

Welcome to comfyHQ! New from the comfy chairs.

In this first comfyHQ installment of the comfy chairs, we’re answering some of your burning questions and introducing a new format: shorter, focused episodes packed with practical advice.

This episode explores what it means to lead with intention, offering actionable insights for leaders who want to make an impact—without overcomplicating things. If you’re looking for quick, meaningful t...

Tell me more: A conversation about curiosity and joy

What if the secret to joyful, innovative, and resilient leadership lies in a single quality—curiosity? In this episode, Kate sits down with Tatyana Sanikovich, HR consultant and executive coach, to explore how curiosity transforms leadership and team dynamics. Together, they unpack the true meaning of curiosity and offer actionable insights on how leaders can build trust, foster e...

Envision a leader: A conversation about humanity in leadership.

What if leadership wasn't about perfection but about embracing humanity? In this episode of the comfy chairs, Kate Johnson sits down with Mandee Bowsmith to explore a new vision for what it means to lead. Together, they take aim at outdated leadership models and champion an approach rooted in psychological safety, emotional intelligence, and authenticity.

The conversati...

Natural to the human mind: A conversation about fear.

In this episode of the comfy chairs, Kate sits down with Utkarsh, a coach and consultant, to explore fear as both a challenge and a catalyst for growth. Together, they unpack how fear shapes leadership and personal growth, from navigating rejection and failure to embracing vulnerability with resilience.

Utkarsh shares his journey of transforming fear into action and highlights the...