Evoke Greatness Podcast

Send us Fan Mail🎧 Episode 167:  Leading Through the Hard: What Defines a Real Leader In this episode, Sonnie kicks off by going straight into the fire, unpacking what it truly means to lead through hard times. Whether you’re navigating chaos at work, managing internal doubts, or facing unforeseen challenges in life, this episode is the rally cry you didn’t know you needed.We're reminded that leadership isn’t about avoiding difficulty, it’s about who you become in the midst of it. We dive deep into:Why calm is contagious (and how your team mirrors your energy)The power of doing it scared and showing up steady—even when you're not confidentHow fear masks itself as leadership and how to call it outPracticing radical responsibility and separating fact from fearThe honest questions every great leader must ask when things go sidewaysHow to model trust, resilience, and real leadership cultureThis episode isn’t just a pep talk...it’s a practical, vulnerable, and empowering masterclass on how to be the kind of leader people choose to follow.💥 Because mediocre people don’t listen to Evoke Greatness—and you’re not here for surface-level inspiration.🎧 What You’ll Walk Away With:A proven mental framework for navigating adversity without spiralingA leadership mirror to check your tone, energy, and presence in tough momentsA reminder that growth isn’t in the easy, it’s forged in the fireTools to create psychological safety and trust on your teamThe boldness to rise, not just survive, the hard🔗 Connect:🎤 Leave me a voice message with your biggest takeaway from this episode: https://evokegreatness.com/contact-me 💌 Share this episode with someone in the thick of it ⭐ Rate & review if this lit something up in you!A rising tide raises all ships, and I invite you along on this journey to Evoke Greatness!Rho Discount Code: https://rhonutrition.com/SONNIE15Check out my website: www.evokegreatness.comFollow me on: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonnie-linebarger-899b9a52/https://www.instagram.com/evoke.greatness/https://www.tiktok.com/@evoke.greatnesshttp://www.youtube.com/@evokegreatness

Send us Fan Mail🎧 Episode 166: Smart Power and Authentic Leadership with Dr. Sylvia Rhode-Liebenau (Part 2)In Part 2 of our conversation with Dr. Sylvia Rhode-Liebenau, we go deeper into the embodied aspects of leadership and explore what the future holds for effective decision-making in an AI-driven world. Sylvia shares practical techniques for internal alignment, reveals the most dysfunctional "organ" in today's leadership ecosystem, and discusses her provocative new book "Who's in Charge?"We explore:The ABC technique for embodied leadership: Awareness, Balance, and Core relaxationWhy setting clear intentions transforms every interaction and meetingWhat power-hungry leaders consistently misunderstand about true influenceThe "heart" as the most neglected vital organ in organizational leadershipHow to distinguish between genuine intuition and "pseudo-intuition" in decision-makingThe multiple layers behind the question "Who's in Charge?" in our chaotic worldWhy the future of leadership depends on creativity vs. reactivity with AIEssential human skills that AI can never replace in leadership🔑 Key takeaways:The ABC Practice: Use Awareness (feel your whole body), Balance (find your center), and Core relaxation (release tension) to get present before important interactionsIntentional Leadership: Always clarify your purpose before meetings - Do you want to influence, gather information, or create connections?Control vs. Influence: Power-hungry leaders fail because they try to control everything instead of building influence through relationship and trustThe Heart Dysfunction: Organizations suffer when leaders believe emotions don't belong in the workplace, missing the fact that most decisions are emotional first, then rationalizedTrue vs. Pseudo-Intuition: Real intuition assesses capability objectively; pseudo-intuition is just favoritism disguised as gut feelingSovereignty in Chaos: Being truly "in charge" means self-awareness and sovereignty, not external controlHuman-AI Partnership: The future belongs to leaders who use AI as a tool while maintaining creativity, critical thinking, and human connection💡 Quotes to remember:"When I relax, I can be even more present because where I'm tense, I'm not really present.""The heart, the emotions don't have a place, whereas they have a very important place... most of our decision makings are actually emotional. And then afterwards we rationalize what's going on.""It's really just the distinction between creativity and reactivity... I can remain in creativity to first be a creative human being to say, what is the purpose? What do we want here?"Final wisdom: "Feel the gratitude of life each moment and every day - it makes such a difference."📚 Resources mentioned:Book: "Who's in Charge?" by Dr. SylviaA rising tide raises all ships, and I invite you along on this journey to Evoke Greatness!Rho Discount Code: https://rhonutrition.com/SONNIE15Check out my website: www.evokegreatness.comFollow me on: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonnie-linebarger-899b9a52/https://www.instagram.com/evoke.greatness/https://www.tiktok.com/@evoke.greatnesshttp://www.youtube.com/@evokegreatness

Send us Fan Mail🎧 Episode 165: Smart Power and Authentic Leadership with Dr. Sylvia Rhode-LiebenauIn Part 1 of this insightful episode, we explore the transformative concept of "Smart Power" with Dr. Sylvia Rhode-Liebenau, founder of the Smart Power Method and leadership expert with over 30 years of experience. From her academic background in international relations to her 17-year tenure at the European Investment Bank, Sylvia brings a unique perspective that integrates artistic expression with executive coaching for organizations like UNHCR, European Central Bank, and Amazon.We dive deep into:Redefining power beyond force and controlThe three pillars of Smart Power: purpose, collaboration, and authenticityWhy showing emotions at work makes leaders more effective, not lessThe concept of "grounded leadership" in volatile timesHow to express emotions professionally without "polluting" the workplace environmentThe connection between physical presence and leadership resilienceLessons from Viktor Frankl on purpose-driven leadership during chaos🔑 Key takeaways:True power comes from inspiring others toward a shared purpose, not from controlling themCollaboration creates exponential results - "one plus one equals eleven"Authenticity requires showing up as your healthy self, not your unfiltered selfLeaders who hide their emotions lose trust and connection with their teams"Speak out but don't act out" - use emotions as signals, not weaponsPhysical presence and breath awareness enhance emotional and mental stabilityPurpose provides resilience during unprecedented change and complexity💡 Quotes to remember: "When we are grounded in a purpose, something that is really important to us, then we are more resilient and therefore also more powerful.""Speak out but don't act out. You can use some of your emotion to express that, but you will not pollute the environment with your unfiltered expression.""Authenticity doesn't mean I always say everything that just comes or I'm my unfiltered self... It means to show up fully, to be really present, to be open, but in the healthy way of being myself."https://www.smartpowermethod.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/sylvia-rohde-liebenau-phd-b51b0328/A rising tide raises all ships, and I invite you along on this journey to Evoke Greatness!Rho Discount Code: https://rhonutrition.com/SONNIE15Check out my website: www.evokegreatness.comFollow me on: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonnie-linebarger-899b9a52/https://www.instagram.com/evoke.greatness/https://www.tiktok.com/@evoke.greatnesshttp://www.youtube.com/@evokegreatness

Send us Fan Mail🎧 Episode 164: Lead Beyond Limits: Thriving with a Hidden Disability with Jennifer Koster (Part 2)In this second part of our conversation with Jennifer Koster, we talk through the deeper spiritual dimensions of her journey with HEDS and how her experiences have shaped her approach to leadership, vulnerability, and community. Jennifer shares powerful insights about overcoming internalized ableism and offers wisdom that extends far beyond those living with chronic conditions.We explore:The integral role of faith during both challenging and good timesThe importance of not underestimating yourself or your teamBalancing energy management with ambitious goalsThe power of vulnerability as a leadership toolRecognizing and addressing internalized ableismBuilding supportive communities that understand practical needsLeaving a meaningful legacy through presence and service🔑 Key takeaways:Sometimes we experience the most growth in our faith during the most difficult timesLeaders often underestimate both themselves and their teams - limiting vision limits possibilitiesEnergy management requires clarity about vision and values to know when to say "no"Vulnerability might feel uncomfortable but can be a powerful tool for connectionAddressing internalized ableism starts with identifying limiting beliefs and replacing them with empowering onesSupport comes in many forms - practical help can be just as valuable as emotional encouragement💡 Quotes to remember: "Sometimes I listen to my body and sometimes I tell it because if I listened all the time I wouldn't be making any progress toward any goals." - Jennifer Koster"Don't underestimate what you're capable of." - Jennifer Koster"We're built for community. We're built to be there for one another and try our best to understand and have a sense of belonging for people." - Jennifer Koster"My disability can't be thought away... I can't just wish my disability away. I can't take a vacation from it... it's always there as an undercurrent and all of us have undercurrents." - Jennifer Koster🌟 Featured Insights:The transformative power of reframing limiting beliefsHow the EDS community demonstrates exceptional resilienceThe importance of showing up for others even when you don't know what to sayFinding purpose through connecting leadership principles with personal challengesBalancing practical and emotional support for those facing difficulties📚 Wisdom to Remember: Focus your vision beyond the day-to-day struggles, love yourself and others, and build your community. If we leave our family, workplace, faith community, and friends better because of our presence, we create a lasting legacy.A rising tide raises all ships, and I invite you along on this journey to Evoke Greatness!Rho Discount Code: https://rhonutrition.com/SONNIE15Check out my website: www.evokegreatness.comFollow me on: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonnie-linebarger-899b9a52/https://www.instagram.com/evoke.greatness/https://www.tiktok.com/@evoke.greatnesshttp://www.youtube.com/@evokegreatness

Send us Fan Mail🎧 Episode 163: Lead Beyond Limits: Thriving with a Hidden Disability with Jennifer Koster (Part 1)In this powerful episode, we dive deep with Jennifer Koster, an inspiring leader who shares her 30-year journey living with HEDS (Hypermobility Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome), a connective tissue disorder that remained undiagnosed until 2022. From college athlete to advocacy champion, Jennifer's story illuminates how personal challenges can become a source of unique strength and leadership wisdom.We explore:The challenging path to diagnosis and validationTransforming limitations into pathways for empowermentThe grieving process of adapting to progressive physical challengesFinding community and building your personal "tribe"Overcoming internalized ableism and shameLeading with curiosity instead of judgmentBuilding resilient teams through diversity of experience🔑 Key takeaways:Receiving a diagnosis can be empowering rather than limiting - providing validation, community, and better healthcare outcomesReframing our challenges helps transform our relationship with themIntentional language choices can dramatically shift our perspective on disabilitiesLearning to ask "what if?" opens new possibilities beyond perceived limitationsLeadership lessons from living with a hidden disability include adaptability, resilience, and authentic team building💡 Quotes to remember: "I'm empowered for independence." - Jennifer Koster's personal mantra"I don't use that language anymore. I didn't hurt myself. I became injured because of my condition." - Jennifer Koster on changing self-talk"She didn't see me as weak and barely hanging on... She saw me as a survivor." - Jennifer Koster on the power of others' perspectives🌟 Featured Insights:How receiving a diagnosis after 30 years brought relief and communityThe importance of leading with curiosity over judgment in both healthcare and leadershipTaking feedback as data rather than personal criticismBuilding teams of people willing to learn and journey togetherPracticing essential self-care to prevent burnout📚 Resources: As May is EDS Awareness Month, look for Jennifer's planned 2025 campaign featuring fellow "zebras" (the symbol of the EDS community) Watch for Jennifer's talk: "Lead Beyond Resilience through the lens of a hidden disability"Connect with Jennifer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-koster-mba-sphr-shrm-scp-1a648810/A rising tide raises all ships, and I invite you along on this journey to Evoke Greatness!Rho Discount Code: https://rhonutrition.com/SONNIE15Check out my website: www.evokegreatness.comFollow me on: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonnie-linebarger-899b9a52/https://www.instagram.com/evoke.greatness/https://www.tiktok.com/@evoke.greatnesshttp://www.youtube.com/@evokegreatness

Send us Fan Mail🎧 Ep. 162 Time Poverty: Achieve More by Doing Less with Peggy Sullivan (Part 2)In this continuation, TEDx speaker Peggy Sullivan reveals the remaining two steps of her Busy Busting Process and shares how workplace transformations occur when we shift from busyness to intentionality.We explore:The four core values that drive fulfillment: Energy Management, Human Connection, Growth, and AuthenticityWhy "less is more" creates higher performance and deeper satisfactionHow micro-changes in email and meeting habits can reclaim 8+ hours weeklyThe unexpected connection between happiness rituals and workplace metrics🔑 Key takeaways:The ripple effect of busyness extends beyond you to everyone in your orbitDistinguish between micro-stresses (temporary) and macro-stresses (significant)The human brain cannot stay deeply engaged for more than 90 minutes without breaksWorkplace happiness rituals can improve metrics by over 30% in weeksTrue leadership requires moving beyond transactional relationships💡 Quotes to remember: "It's got this ripple effect... you've just really got to start to think about how you can be more effective and what is most important." - Peggy SullivanConnect with Peggy: Website: https://www.peggysullivanspeaker.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peggyasullivan/TEDx: "Eliminating Time Poverty by Doing Less" (2024) Book: "Beyond Busyness: How to Achieve More by Doing Less" https://www.amazon.com/Beyond-Busyness-Achieve-Doing-Less%EF%BB%BF/dp/B0DGMPZTBGA rising tide raises all ships, and I invite you along on this journey to Evoke Greatness!Rho Discount Code: https://rhonutrition.com/SONNIE15Check out my website: www.evokegreatness.comFollow me on: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonnie-linebarger-899b9a52/https://www.instagram.com/evoke.greatness/https://www.tiktok.com/@evoke.greatnesshttp://www.youtube.com/@evokegreatness

Send us Fan Mail 🎧 Ep. 161 Time Poverty: Achieve More by Doing Less with Peggy Sullivan (Part 1) In this powerful episode, TEDx speaker Peggy Sullivan reveals her journey from "busyness addict" to creator of the revolutionary Busy Busting Process. Discover how to escape the hamster wheel of constant activity and reclaim hours of your week through research-backed strategies.We explore:The shocking truth about time poverty and why 94% of professionals feel trapped by busynessHow the average person wastes one-third of their day on low-value activitiesThe first step of the Busy Busting Process: SubtractionWhy micro-steps create sustainable change when massive overhauls fail🔑 Key takeaways:Busyness triggers addictive dopamine responses, creating harmful cyclesUsing the Busy Barometer tool identifies your specific time-wasting patternsSmall, consistent changes yield massive results (5-7 hours gained weekly)Breaking the busyness addiction starts with subtracting low-value activities💡 Quotes to remember: "I'm a busyness addict in recovery... This busyness is controlling me, and I'm not controlling it." - Peggy Sullivan"90% of people who take on this process get an average five to seven hours back per week." - Peggy Sullivan"94% of the population is over-the-top busy, wants to be less busy, but they are clueless on how to add more meaning and value to their life." - Peggy Sullivan🌟 Success Stories:How an executive slashed daily emails from 800 to 56 through simple process changesA VP single mother transformed her productivity with just 20 minutes of strategic self-care dailyConnect with Peggy: Website: https://www.peggysullivanspeaker.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peggyasullivan/TEDx: "Eliminating Time Poverty by Doing Less" (2024) Book: "Beyond Busyness: How to Achieve More by Doing Less" https://www.amazon.com/Beyond-Busyness-Achieve-Doing-Less%EF%BB%BF/dp/B0DGMPZTBGA rising tide raises all ships, and I invite you along on this journey to Evoke Greatness!Rho Discount Code: https://rhonutrition.com/SONNIE15Check out my website: www.evokegreatness.comFollow me on: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonnie-linebarger-899b9a52/https://www.instagram.com/evoke.greatness/https://www.tiktok.com/@evoke.greatnesshttp://www.youtube.com/@evokegreatness

Send us Fan MailWhat does it truly mean to be bold? For Sonnie Linebarger, boldness begins not with action but with "exploration of what's possible for ourselves"—a mindset shift that transformed her life journey from CNA to CEO.In this powerful conversation from The Bold Lounge podcast, I share my personal evolution through healthcare leadership, entrepreneurship, and my current role as CEO of Cadre Hospice. The path wasn't linear—it included corporate burnout, a period of recalibration as an entrepreneur, and ultimately finding a leadership position aligned with my deepest values.The turning point in my journey came at age 35 when I discovered personal development and realized I wasn't limited by my circumstances. Growing up with a single parent in poverty, I had accepted a fixed mindset about what was possible for my life. That mental breakthrough unleashed possibilities I never imagined existed.One of the most valuable lessons I learned was identifying my non-negotiables—especially prioritizing family alongside professional ambition. This shift required redefining success itself, moving beyond titles and compensation to measure my impact and fulfillment in both professional and personal realms. Success became less about climbing ladders and more about creating meaningful change while honoring my core values.For anyone contemplating their own bold moves, start by exploring those "wild thoughts" you'd never say aloud. Write them down in present tense, take small steps outside your comfort zone, and watch how these micro-actions build momentum. Remember: "You're only confined by your own limitations, by what you think in your own mind."Ready to explore what's possible in your life? Listen now and discover how changing your thoughts can transform not just your career, but your entire future.A rising tide raises all ships, and I invite you along on this journey to Evoke Greatness!Rho Discount Code: https://rhonutrition.com/SONNIE15Check out my website: www.evokegreatness.comFollow me on: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonnie-linebarger-899b9a52/https://www.instagram.com/evoke.greatness/https://www.tiktok.com/@evoke.greatnesshttp://www.youtube.com/@evokegreatness

Send us Fan Mail🎧 Episode 159: BOLD by Design with Leigh Burgess (Part 2)In this continuation of our conversation with Leigh Burgess, founder of the Bold Women's Community and bestselling author of "Be BOLD Today," we dive deeper into redefining boldness, breaking free from perfectionism, and setting healthy boundaries. Leigh shares practical strategies for women to step into their authentic power while maintaining balance in both personal and professional life.We explore:How to redefine boldness in a way that feels authentic rather than aggressiveThe five myths of bold, including the misconception that boldness must be "big and loud"Breaking the cycle of perfectionism and its impact on productivityThe value of intentional calendar management and meeting effectivenessPractical boundary-setting techniques for both work and personal lifeThe role of community in supporting bold moves and authentic leadershipCurrent challenges and opportunities in women's leadership🔑 Key takeaways:True boldness is often found in quiet, personal moments rather than social media-worthy actionsProductivity should be measured by alignment with your vision, not by how busy you areThe "curse of the competent" - high performers often receive more responsibilities without additional resourcesEffective boundary setting begins with recognizing your own role in creating blurred boundariesWomen still struggle with apologizing for ambition and downplaying accomplishmentsSetting boundaries is not a passive act - it requires intention and consistent reinforcementBelieving in yourself is the foundation for any meaningful change or bold action💡 Quotes to remember: "The boldest moments really for me, and a lot of the women, are quiet ones... how they're talking to themselves or how they're talking themselves out of something." - Leigh Burgess"I used to be like, 'I'm in 12 hours of back-to-back meetings' and I thought that was something cool to say... but wow, what a cost." - Leigh Burgess"You cannot do one thing that doesn't affect the other. A lot of women think, 'I'm doing this over here, but it's not going to affect my personal life'... they absolutely are linked." - Leigh Burgess"I used to call that the curse of the competent, meaning, like, the better you do, the more you can do, the more you get." - Leigh Burgess"We still need to get better at sharing our wins. Don't apologize for being ambitious." - Leigh Burgess"You are the one that has to believe in you before anyone else... ultimately that is what should be driving your action, is your belief of what is possible." - Leigh Burgess🌟 Featured Insights:How to use the Vision Builder tool to clarify goals and identify first stepsPractical strategies for reclaiming your calendar and setting work boundariesWhy perfectionism often masquerades as productivityThe importanceA rising tide raises all ships, and I invite you along on this journey to Evoke Greatness!Rho Discount Code: https://rhonutrition.com/SONNIE15Check out my website: www.evokegreatness.comFollow me on: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonnie-linebarger-899b9a52/https://www.instagram.com/evoke.greatness/https://www.tiktok.com/@evoke.greatnesshttp://www.youtube.com/@evokegreatness

Send us Fan Mail🎧 Episode 158: Embracing Boldness with Leigh Burgess (Part 2)In this  conversation with Leigh Burgess, founder of the Bold Women's Community and national bestselling author of "Be BOLD Today," we explore how she's revolutionizing the way women show up in business and life. With over 20 years of experience in leadership development, Leigh shares insights on building authentic community, creating transformative spaces, and helping women design lives they love.We explore:The pivotal moment that sparked Leigh's mission to help women embrace boldnessThe BOLD framework: Believe, Own, Learn, DesignHow intentionally small, intimate communities create deeper connectionsThe importance of creating safe spaces where women can show up authenticallyWhy taking the first step toward change can inspire othersHow facing the "worst case scenario" mindset holds women backThe journey from corporate burnout to entrepreneurship and community building🔑 Key takeaways:The BOLD framework provides a structured approach to transformation: Believe, Own, Learn, DesignCommunity is essential for women making bold moves in their lives and careersSmaller, more intimate groups create deeper connections and more meaningful transformationsThe "Be BOLD Today" book guides readers to create their own bold blueprint for actionWomen often talk themselves out of action by focusing on worst-case scenariosYou don't have to go "all in" to make meaningful change—small steps matterYour bold moves can inspire others who are watching your journey💡 Quotes to remember: "I wanted to create a space where women could be themselves in a 360 degree way." - Leigh Burgess"Life is kind of a group project. There's different people that are going to support you and are going to be part of that journey." - Leigh Burgess🌟 Featured Insights:How the Bold Women's Community creates a "come as you are" environmentThe power of taking the first step rather than waiting for perfectionWhy small, focused gatherings lead to deeper connections than large networksHow Leigh's personal burnout journey informed her approach to helping othersThe importance of direct founder involvement in community buildingWhy women feel responsible to "get it right" on the first try📚 Connect with Leigh:https://leighburgess.com/Book: "Be BOLD Today: Unleash Your Potential, Master Your Mindset and Achieve Success": https://a.co/d/gPCC2wNPodcast: The Bold Lounge: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-bold-lounge/id1634458725A rising tide raises all ships, and I invite you along on this journey to Evoke Greatness!Rho Discount Code: https://rhonutrition.com/SONNIE15Check out my website: www.evokegreatness.comFollow me on: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonnie-linebarger-899b9a52/https://www.instagram.com/evoke.greatness/https://www.tiktok.com/@evoke.greatnesshttp://www.youtube.com/@evokegreatness