Episode 39: “Lead Like a Whole Human: Alignment 360, Wellbeing 360, and Flourishing Leadership” with Ilene Schaffer

 What if flourishing leadership isn’t found in doing more—but in aligning your values, wellbeing, and relationships during times of change? 

Change can shake us—or shape us. In this episode of the Flourishing Leaders Podcast, Dr. Scott Parsons and Jason Viyar sit down with Ilene Schaffer, CEO of Silicon Valley Change, executive leadership coach, speaker, and host of the What’s Possible podcast.

Ilene shares a refreshingly human take on flourishing leadership: it’s not “work life vs. personal life.” It’s wellbeing 360—alignment with your values, your relationships, your purpose, and the life you’re actually living.

You’ll learn:

• Why alignment with values is the foundation of flourishing (not just performance)
• How one phrase—“not yet”—builds growth mindset and self-compassion during transition
• How Ilene integrates PERMA (Seligman) and Carol Ryff’s wellbeing model in coaching
• Ilene’s STAR model for thriving through change: Self-care, Thoughts, Adaptability/Acceptance, Relationships
• The surprising leadership power of walking: calm, creativity, metaphor, and better decisions
• Why Ilene created What’s Possible: making leadership and wellbeing tools accessible beyond paid coaching

Whether you’re stepping into a new role, navigating a life transition, or trying to lead with more clarity and calm—this conversation offers both warmth and practical tools you can use immediately.

Listen now—and ask yourself: What’s possible?

Guest: Ilene Schaffer

Ilene Schaffer is the CEO of Silicon Valley Change (SVC), host of What’s Possible podcast, an executive leadership coach, and speaker. Leveraging her graduate degrees in positive psychology and life transitions counseling, Ilene helps her clients thrive in the midst of constant personal and professional change. Greater confidence, enhanced relationships, improved communication skills, and overall life flourishing are some of the gains her clients report.

Connect / Learn More

• Silicon Valley Change (SVC) Executive Coaching 
• Ilene Schaffer
• What’s Possible Podcast with Ilene Schaffer

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Hosted by Dr. Scott Parsons, this podcast explores how character, virtue, wisdom, and purpose can shape a more flourishing life and leadership journey.

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Flourish with us—because leadership rooted in character changes everything.