The Leadership Vision Blog & Podcast Archive
Executive Leadership Strategy: Why Presence Matters More Than Performance
Executive strategy isn’t just about plans and performance metrics. It begins with presence. In this episode of the Leadership Vision Podcast, we explore how executive leaders grow not by doing more, but by seeing more clearly. When leaders cultivate presence, they become aware of the real opportunities for growth within themselves and their teams. And when they shift from a scarcity mindset to recognizing the abundance of resources around them, they create forward momentum that sustains change. Presence, growth, and resources form a powerful leadership cycle — one that strengthens culture, sharpens decision-making, and builds resilient, emotionally healthy teams. Listen now!
“Yes, And”: A Leadership Practice for Building Trust, Momentum, and Culture
Great leadership doesn’t start with having the right answer—it starts with how we respond to people in the moment. In this episode of The Leadership Vision Podcast, Laura Johnson and Nathan Freeburg explore the leadership power of “Yes, and,” a principle borrowed from improvisation that helps leaders build trust, maintain momentum, and foster psychological safety. Rather than shutting ideas down or rushing to solutions, “Yes, and” invites leaders to acknowledge people first and then move the work forward. This conversation offers practical language shifts and mindset changes leaders can use immediately to strengthen team culture—even in fast-paced, virtual environments. Listen now!
How dreams, identity, and borrowed courage shape the journey of becoming
In this reflective conversation, Nathan Freeburg sits down with Dr. Linda Schubring and Brian Schubring to explore the prelude and postlude of Unfolded: Lessons in Transformation from an Origami Crane. Together, they unpack how dreams shape identity, why borrowed belief matters, and how our personal “maps” can never be erased—even when they’re marked by struggle or uncertainty. Listen now and learn how to live Unfolded!
Sturdy Leadership: Building Systems That Work Without Losing Your People
“Being nice” isn’t the same as being human—and it’s often not good leadership. In this episode of The Leadership Vision Podcast, Dr. Chip Kimball reflects on 37 years of leadership and shares why great leaders refuse to separate systems and people, why hard conversations are an act of care, and how belief, challenge, and clarity create the strong foundations teams need to do hard things—and do them well. Leaders will come away with a clearer sense of how to hold people and performance together when navigating change, uncertainty, and growth. Listen now!
Applying Unfolded: Finding Agency in the Middle of Change
Change is inevitable—but agency is optional. In this episode of the Leadership Vision Podcast, Nathan Freeburg is joined by Brian and Dr. Linda Schubring to explore how leaders can apply the principles from Unfolded: Lessons in Transformation from an Origami Crane when change isn’t chosen, planned, or convenient. Through reflection, story, and practical insight, this conversation invites leaders to rediscover their capacity to grow, adapt, and lead with intention—even in uncertainty.
Why “Trying” is the Secret to Organizational Growth
Trying isn’t weakness—it’s the path to growth. In this episode of The Leadership Vision Podcast, Dr. Linda and Brian Schubring explore what it means for organizations to create a culture of “try.” From overcoming fear and resistance to celebrating small experiments, the conversation highlights how intentional practice leads to innovation and resilience. Listen in to discover why trying isn’t about failing—it’s about finding the courage to adapt, refold, and move closer to your shared vision.
Unfolded: Why “Trying” Is the Courageous Middle Step Toward Transformation
Trying isn’t about perfection—it’s about movement, resilience, and the courage to keep going even when the voices of doubt grow loud. In this episode of The Leadership Vision Podcast, we dive into Chapter 3 of Unfolded: Lessons in Transformation from an Origami Crane with Dr. Linda and Brian Schubring. Discover why “try” is more than practice—it’s the messy middle where dreams are tested, self-doubt signals growth, and courage is built one intentional step at a time.
How Susan Inouye is Transforming Leadership Through Human Connection
What happens when leaders truly see their people—not just for what they do, but for who they are? In this powerful episode of the Leadership Vision Podcast, we talk with Susan Inouye, executive coach and author of Leadership’s Perfect Storm. She shares the transformational impact of Sawubona Leadership, a method rooted in the Zulu greeting “I see you.” Along with co-hosts Dr. Linda and Brian Schubring, we explore how identifying people’s innate gifts—especially the ones hidden behind “bad behavior”—can shift culture, increase performance, and create lasting belonging. Listen in and reflect on what gifts might be hiding in plain sight on your team.
The Folds That Shape Us: Embracing Life’s Permanent Creases
In this episode of The Leadership Vision Podcast, Dr. Linda and Brian Schubring explore the metaphor of “folds”—those permanent creases in our lives shaped by early experiences. From work ethic to limiting beliefs, our folds tell stories that influence how we lead and live. Discover how to name them, embrace them, and even refold them into something new. Tune in to reflect on the folds that have shaped your own story.
Unfolded Maps: Discover Your Inner Landscape of Leadership
In this episode of the Leadership Vision Podcast, Dr. Linda and Brian Schubring explore one of the central ideas of their book Unfolded: the metaphor of maps. Our maps represent our inner landscapes—our lived experiences, values, and relationships—and they hold both the well-traveled roads of habit and the hidden folds where growth emerges.
Together, we discuss how reflection, not just action, can unlock meaning from our stories. We look at how origin stories shape leadership, why seasons of life matter, and how mentors and guides can help us read our maps with fresh eyes. Brian and Linda remind us that our maps are not something to hide but to honor—with dignity, compassion, and curiosity.
Whether you’re a leader navigating change or someone seeking personal clarity, this conversation invites you to pause and ask: What does your map look like, and what story is it telling about you?
Work That Shapes Us: A Labor Day Reflection on Purpose and Leadership
In this short Labor Day reflection, we share an unexpected leadership insight inspired by the Benedictine monks’ philosophy of work. Drawing on the ancient motto Ora et Labora—“Pray and Work”—this episode explores how viewing our work as sacred, balanced, and community-driven can transform the way we lead and build team culture.
Whether you’re running a team, leading a company, or simply reevaluating your relationship with work, this episode invites you to reframe work as more than just a task—it’s a shaping force.
How Your Strengths Shape the Way You Communicate
How do your unique Strengths shape the way you communicate? In this episode of The Leadership Vision Podcast, Nathan Freeburg, Dr. Linda Schubring, and Brian Schubring explore the deep connection between identity and communication. Drawing from decades of consulting experience and their book Unfolded, they reveal four shaping influences—family, culture, environment, and time in history—that define how we express ourselves and listen to others. You’ll hear real client stories, practical strategies for adapting your communication, and insights into why nonverbal cues matter just as much as words. Whether you’re leading a team, navigating relationships, or simply wanting to connect more effectively, this episode will help you communicate with greater clarity, empathy, and impact. Listen now and discover one change you can make in your next conversation.
Leading Through Uncertainty: How to Build Trust and Clarity in Unpredictable Times
In this episode of The Leadership Vision Podcast, Nathan Freeburg sits down with Dr. Linda and Brian Schubring to discuss how uncertainty is shaping team culture in 2025. From fractured trust to decision fatigue, the conversation explores the hidden consequences of ongoing disruption—and how great leaders are creating clarity and connection amid the chaos. One powerful reminder? You’re not responsible for eliminating uncertainty—but you can lead others through it. Listen now and then share your own experience.
Why Your Team Needs to Play: The Secret to Trust, Innovation, and Growth
What if “play” was the secret to building stronger, more innovative teams? In this episode of the Leadership Vision Podcast, Dr. Linda and Brian Schubring unpack Chapter 2 of their book Unfolded: Lessons in Transformation from an Origami Crane and explore how play functions as “practice in disguise” within teams. They share client stories, practical frameworks, and the risks of comfort culture when play becomes complacency. You’ll learn how to create intentional team playgrounds, celebrate learning, and use play to unlock trust and growth.
Listen in or click through to read the full blog summary and find actionable takeaways for your team.
The Power of Play: How Practice Shapes Our Dreams
What if play isn’t just fun—but practice in disguise? In this episode of The Leadership Vision Podcast, we unpack Chapter 2 of Unfolded with authors Dr. Linda and Brian Schubring. You’ll learn why play is essential for personal growth, how to identify the “playgrounds” in your life, and how to know when it’s time to move on to something new. Whether you’re chasing a dream, navigating a season of transition, or looking to reignite creativity in your work, this conversation will challenge and inspire you to rethink the role of play in your leadership journey.
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