45. Beyond Titles: Embracing Leadership at Kansas Leadership Center
Are you ready to rethink what it means to be a leader? What if leadership isn’t about titles or authority, but about the choices we make every day: in our families, our workplaces, and our communities? Join me and my COO, Kendra Moody, as we unpack our journey through the Kansas Leadership Center’s programs, share the lessons that changed how we lead, and explore how anyone can step into leadership, no matter their role.HighlightsThe difference between leadership and management—and why anyone can leadOur experience with the Kansas Leadership Center’s Path and Coaching IntensiveHow leadership is an activity, not a position or titleThe power of adaptive vs. technical challenges in business and lifeWhy giving the work back is so much more than delegationThe importance of slowing down to lead more effectivelyHow managed self and values shape our leadership choicesBuilding community and connection through KLC’s global reachEmbracing risk, imperfection, and curiosity as essential leadership skillsChapters0:00 – Welcome & Introduction0:42 – Partnership with Kansas Leadership Center1:12 – KLC Path and Certification1:41 – Coaching Intensive Experience2:15 – Leadership as an Activity3:43 – Leadership in Everyday Life4:49 – Global Reach of KLC6:00 – Adaptive vs Technical Challenges7:41 – Applying KLC Concepts in Business9:24 – Leadership is Risky11:44 – Asking Better Questions14:15 – Giving the Work Back17:38 – Slowing Down to Lead Effectively20:12 – Managed Self and Values22:17 – Final Thoughts and TakeawaysResourcesKansas Leadership Center: kansasleadershipcenter.orgBook: When Everyone Leads by Ed O’Malley and Julia Fabris McBride: LinkCovey Leadership Model: The Leader in MePriya Parker – The Art of Gathering: priyaparker.comIf you’ve partnered with KLC, taken their courses, or want to connect, reach out—we love hearing your stories and sharing this work!Want to learn more?The ThreadBe sure to follow me @audradinell on Instagram and LinkedInThis show is part of the ICT Podcast Network.Disclaimer: we may receive a small commission on any products purchased through the links used in this episode. I only recommend tools and resources I actually use and find valuable.
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44. When Goals Feel Chaotic
Are your goals inspiring you—or overwhelming you? Ever feel like your relationship with goals is more “complicated” than “motivating”? You’re not alone. Today, I’m sharing what I’ve learned about making progress when big ambitions feel heavy, and how the power of “quarter turns”—small, consistent tweaks—can transform your results in work, health, and life. If you’re ready to end the year strong without burning out, let’s talk about how to make your goals work for you, one simple step at a time.HighlightsReflections from the Global Leadership Summit and insights from John Acuff’s “All It Takes is a Goal”Real talk: how people describe their relationship with goals (spoiler: it’s not always positive)The concept of “quarter turns” and why small changes matter more than big overhaulsPersonal stories about family routines, health, and building better habitsThe difference between goals and results—and why focusing on effort is the real game-changerPractical tweaks for making progress, even when life feels chaoticEncouragement for anyone feeling overwhelmed as the year wraps upChapters00:00 – Welcome & gratitude00:23 – Why talk about goals? Global Leadership Summit recap01:15 – Partnering with the Global Leadership Summit & John Acuff’s influence01:51 – Community impact and the GLS Next Leader program02:42 – Group discussion: “Describe your relationship with goals in one word”03:12 – Why goals feel heavy (and why that’s normal)03:57 – The real challenge: systems behind the goals04:22 – Dreaming vs. executing on goals04:54 – What I’m learning: the power of “quarter turns”05:20 – The “quarter turn” metaphor from cycling and life06:12 – How small steps add up (and why I used to resist them)06:43 – Learning from my team: consistency over perfection07:10 – Family routines: the “nightly three” for smoother evenings08:00 – Health changes: using a blood test to make better choices09:00 – The surprising impact of one small dietary tweak10:00 – Focusing on effort, not just results11:00 – Separating goals from results: a writing example12:00 – Why your goals should be in your control13:00 – Final encouragement: finish the year with small, meaningful steps14:00 – Wrap up & see you next weekResourcesGlobal Leadership SummitJohn Acuff, All It Takes is a GoalSubstack (for building a writing habit)Want to learn more?The ThreadBe sure to follow me @audradinell on Instagram and LinkedInThis show is part of the ICT Podcast Network.Disclaimer: we may receive a small commission on any products purchased through the links used in this episode. I only recommend tools and resources I actually use and find valuable.
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43. Crafting Your Ideal Week
Are you making time for what matters most, or are you letting the little things crowd out your biggest priorities? Discover how designing your ideal week can transform your productivity, boundaries, and sense of fulfillment. Today, I’m sharing practical strategies and personal stories to help you create a weekly schedule that actually works for your real life, not just your dream life. In this episode I think you’ll find actionable tips to reclaim your time and focus on what truly matters. And be sure to get my ideal week template in the resources below!HighlightsThe power of an “ideal week” and why it’s a game-changer for women leaders and entrepreneursHow to use the “big rocks” concept to prioritize what matters mostBalancing external requests with your own goals and boundariesReal-life examples of flexible scheduling (and why perfection isn’t the goal)Step-by-step ideas for building your own ideal week, from high-level blocks to daily routinesTips for managing the “little rocks” and gamifying your weekly to-do listEncouragement to experiment, adapt, and share your own ideal weekChapters[0:00] Welcome & Gratitude[0:48] Introduction to The Thread and Supporting Women Leaders[1:40] High Performance Habits Webinar Recap[1:44] The Ideal Weekly Schedule: What Is It?[2:10] My Experience with Ideal Weeks[2:33] Creating Your Own Ideal Week[3:28] Purpose of an Ideal Week[5:00] The Big Rocks Concept[6:23] Balancing Requests and Priorities[7:03] Handling External Requests[7:46] Flexibility in Ideal Weeks[9:19] Starting with Big Rocks[11:53] Medium Rocks and Morning Routine[12:55] Managing Little Rocks[14:04] Conclusion and Call to ActionResources MentionedIdeal Week Template - I put this together just for you to download: http://eepurl.com/jqro9EFull Focus Planner – Tool for mapping your ideal week: fullfocus.co/plannerHave you created your ideal week? Do you have tips or questions? I’d love to hear from you—let’s keep the conversation going!Want to learn more?The ThreadBe sure to follow me @audradinell on Instagram and LinkedInThis show is part of the ICT Podcast Network.Disclaimer: we may receive a small commission on any products purchased through the links used in this episode. I only recommend tools and resources I actually use and find valuable.
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42. The Art of Letting Go: Finding Freedom in Simplicity
Are you feeling overwhelmed as the seasons change and the holidays approach? What if the key to more joy and presence is letting go, not adding more? Today, I’ll share my personal journey of releasing self-imposed timelines, perfectionism, and traditions that no longer serve my family. Join me as I reflect on the power of loosening our grip on plans, expectations, and even beloved rituals to make space for what truly matters.HighlightsThe surprising freedom in letting go of self-imposed timelinesWhy the “perfect plan” can hold us back from real experiencesHow seeking validation from others limits our creativityRecognizing and breaking habits that don’t serve us (hello, revenge bedtime!)Embracing curiosity over rigid expectationsRe-evaluating family traditions to create more meaningful momentsPractical questions to help you decide what to release this seasonChapters00:00 — Welcome and Oregon road trip reflections00:53 — The theme: Letting go for a less overwhelming season01:56 — #1: Releasing self-imposed timelines05:26 — #2: Letting go of the perfect plan08:51 — #3: Releasing the need for validation10:47 — #4: Examining habits that don’t serve us13:28 — #5: Loosening expectations and embracing curiosity15:18 — #6: Rethinking traditions for a more joyful holiday19:51 — Recap and encouragement to let go21:15 — Closing thoughts and listener invitationWant to learn more?The ThreadBe sure to follow me @audradinell on Instagram and LinkedInThis show is part of the ICT Podcast Network.Disclaimer: we may receive a small commission on any products purchased through the links used in this episode. I only recommend tools and resources I actually use and find valuable.
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41. You Are Here
Are you exactly where you want to be, or does life feel like a map with a big red “You Are Here” dot and no clear path forward? Let’s pause together, take stock of our current “here,” and explore how to move forward with curiosity, honesty, and a little more joy. Today, I’m sharing four practical steps to reflect on where you are, embrace your insecurities, and enjoy the ride, even when the road is messy. Plus, I’ll share a powerful research-backed mindset shift and a favorite piece of advice from my dad.HighlightsThe power of acknowledging your current “here” without blame or victimhoodFour steps to reflect on your life’s current seasonHow insecurities shape our self-perception (and what to do about them)A story about family, foreheads, and embracing what you can’t changeThe surprising research on curiosity vs. positive self-talk for successWhy asking “Will I?” is more powerful than saying “I will”The importance of enjoying the process, not just chasing goalsA personal update: celebrating 15 years of marriage and entering a new decadeChapters00:24 – The “You Are Here” map and life’s journey00:56 – Accepting your current place—pride, regret, and questions01:50 – Setting aside victim stories and owning your starting point02:47 – Four steps to reflect on where you are03:22 – Step 1: What’s good, what’s messy, what brings joy?04:43 – Step 2: Insecurities—stories from childhood and family07:17 – Step 3: Curiosity and the “Will I?” mindset (research highlight)09:51 – Step 4: Enjoying the ride and embracing the process12:08 – Final encouragement and closing thoughtsResources MentionedBeginner’s Pluck by Liz Bohannonhttps://www.lizbohannon.co/bookKansas Leadership Centerhttps://kansasleadershipcenter.org/Want to learn more?The ThreadBe sure to follow me @audradinell on Instagram and LinkedInThis show is part of the ICT Podcast Network.Disclaimer: we may receive a small commission on any products purchased through the links used in this episode. I only recommend tools and resources I actually use and find valuable.
"A LOT with Audra" is the podcast for women juggling big dreams and full lives. Each episode, host, Audra Dinell, Midwestern wife, mom and neurodivergent multi-six figure entrepreneur encourages women to embrace their many roles holistically by living a values-based life with confidence and joy. Through candid discussions, practical strategies and inspiring stories, this podcast is your guide to designing and achieving success without losing yourself in the process.
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