Comfy Chairs (onetwentythree ltd )
Explore every episode of Comfy Chairs
| Pub. Date | Title | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 31 Dec 2024 | Tell me more | 01:08:34 | |
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 experimentation, and create psychological safety. From curiosity check-ins at meetings to celebrating both successes and failures, Kate and Tatyana highlight practical strategies to integrate curiosity into everyday leadership. They also delve into the connection between curiosity and joy, explaining how embracing the unknown can spark creativity and strengthen teams. Whether you're a seasoned leader or just starting your journey, this episode will help you embrace curiosity’s power to unlock potential in your team, your organization, and yourself.
Additional resources:
Got something on your mind? A tricky situation at work? A leadership topic you’re curious about? Share your questions here: https://www.one23ltd.com/comfyhq https://www.instagram.com/one23ltd/ Music by Geoff Harvey from Pixabay | |||
| 27 Feb 2024 | We are wired to connect. | 00:54:53 | |
A conversation about connections.
You can connect with Josiah on LinkedIn here and visit his business website here. Read Josiah’s LinkedIn article I referenced, The Costly Impact of Sarcasm.
And here are links to the various authors, books, resources, and thought leaders we mentioned during our conversation:
https://www.instagram.com/one23ltd/
Music by Geoff Harvey from Pixabay
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| 16 Jul 2024 | Continue to grow & change | 01:10:29 | |
Continue to grow & change: A conversation about self-assessment. Celebrate the Comfy Chairs podcast’s 1st birthday with us! Onetwentythree ltd is offering a complimentary Everything DiSC® assessment for one listener. Here’s how to enter: 1) Leave a review of the podcast. 2) Share your email at the onetwentythree ltd website. Everyone who completes these two steps between July 16 and August 13, 2024, will be entered in a drawing. The winner will be notified no later than August 23rd. Thank you! https://www.instagram.com/one23ltd/ Music by Geoff Harvey from Pixabay | |||
| 16 Jul 2023 | Please don't take away my super hero cape! | 00:51:56 | |
The first episode of Comfy Chairs covers key leadership topics, including responsibility, coaching, and delegation. Here's a link to the article we discussed: https://hbr.org/2019/09/coaching-for-change Check out more about the Conscious Leadership Group here: https://conscious.is/ Music by Geoff Harvey from Pixabay | |||
| 09 Apr 2024 | It's a very personal process. | 01:00:39 | |
It's a very personal process. A conversation about workplace spirituality and purpose. Connect with Peggy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peggy-mark-80358b24/ Resources we referenced:
https://www.instagram.com/one23ltd/ Music by Geoff Harvey from Pixabay | |||
| 28 Jan 2025 | The right amount | 01:04:31 | |
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 the circumstances at hand. Kate and Paul also tackle the challenges facing leaders today, such as finding the courage to speak up and dealing with constant change.
Additional resources:
Got something on your mind? A tricky situation at work? A leadership topic you’re curious about? Share your questions here: https://www.one23ltd.com/comfyhq https://www.instagram.com/one23ltd/ Music by Geoff Harvey from Pixabay | |||
| 25 Feb 2025 | Explore, Define, Align | 01:00:37 | |
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 crafting to help you identify what matters most and build a career you’re proud of. Tune in to learn how clarity, purpose, and self-leadership can support your journey.
We discussed Root Cause Analysis. Learn more about what it is and how it can be done: https://www.6sigma.us/etc/what-are-common-root-cause-analysis-rca-tools/ Got something on your mind? A tricky situation at work? A leadership topic you’re curious about? Share your questions here: https://www.one23ltd.com/comfyhq https://www.instagram.com/one23ltd/ Music by Geoff Harvey from Pixabay | |||
| 27 Aug 2024 | Honoring your word | 01:13:19 | |
Honoring your word: A conversation about accountability and trust. Visit Wayne’s website: https://www.uglymugmarketing.com/ Connect with him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fireyourself/ Mentioned during our conversation: Information from Crucial Learning defining the fundamental attribution error: https://cruciallearning.com/glossary/#fundamental-attribution-error | |||
| 17 Dec 2024 | Envision a leader | 01:18:33 | |
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 conversation goes to the heart of what challenges leaders: how to foster trust, admit mistakes, and create safe environments for growth. The episode calls on organizations to rethink their leadership development strategies and asks: How can we equip leaders to be lifelong learners and empathetic builders of culture? If you've ever questioned the systems that shape leadership today or sought a more human-centered approach, this episode will help you imagine a new kind of leadership.
Got something on your mind? A tricky situation at work? A leadership topic you’re curious about? Share your questions here: https://www.one23ltd.com/comfyhq https://www.instagram.com/one23ltd/ Music by Geoff Harvey from Pixabay | |||
| 23 Oct 2023 | Permission to not be perfect | 00:41:16 | |
Find Kate on LinkedIn: Visit her website: Check out Things I Wish I Knew for Kate’s chapter on taming the inner critic: Other books and resources we discussed:
https://www.instagram.com/one23ltd/ Music by Geoff Harvey from Pixabay | |||
| 30 Jul 2024 | Connection that fulfills | 01:05:56 | |
Connection that fulfills: A conversation about belonging. Connect with Colleen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colleen-saringer-phd/ Visit her website: https://www.colleensaringer.com/ Check out her bi-weekly program, We Built a Bridge, live on YouTube every other Thursday: https://www.youtube.com/@WeBuiltABridge Additional resources and information:
https://www.instagram.com/one23ltd/ Music by Geoff Harvey from Pixabay | |||
| 04 Jun 2024 | We all have one. | 00:45:49 | |
We all have one.: A conversation about stories and identity. Content warning: Please be aware that this episode contains brief references to childhood experiences of abuse.
Additional resources mentioned during our conversation: Visit Brené Brown’s website Watch a short video about the skill of “Mastering My Stories” Start to educate yourself about child labor in clothing production https://www.instagram.com/one23ltd/ Music by Geoff Harvey from Pixabay | |||
| 20 Dec 2023 | Context Matters. | 00:58:38 | |
Part 2 of 2 about clear communication for leaders. Erin’s Recommended Resources, in her own words Stephen King, On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft I think learning comes from all sorts of places. This book is about writing, not business communication. But there are a lot of great points about clear communication, about striving and even about not taking something too seriously. And, a great suggestion to read. If we want to communicate well, we have to read other people’s communication! Some of the better quotes:
Hidden Brain, podcast hosted by Shankar Vedantam. Explores human behavior and has a lot to teach us about how we interact. Excellence in Business Communication, John V. Thill & Courtland L. Bovee. https://www.pearson.com/store/p/excellence-in-business-communication/P200000009814/9780137869664 I’ve had mine so long they’ve done eight more editions! The American Management Association Lots of communication classes and certificate programs – and it’s the AMA so companies might pay. https://www.amanet.org/training-topics/communication-skills/ Find Erin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-omara1/ I made a few statements about women’s representation in the workforce and the outcomes achieved by female leaders. Here are sample articles about this information and research. Gender Equality, dealt a blow by COVID-19, still has much ground to cover (Deloitte, Jan 21 2022) https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/insights/economy/impact-of-covid-on-women.html Women More Effective Than Men in All Leadership Measures (Forbes, Mar 31 2023) https://www.forbes.com/sites/kevinkruse/2023/03/31/new-research-women-more-effective-than-men-in-all-leadership-measures/?sh=3f0f3d46577a And this one, published the day I'm preparing to publish this episode! Return to the office mandate are a disaster for working mothers (The Wall Street Journal, Dec 15 2023) https://www.wsj.com/lifestyle/careers/return-to-the-office-mandates-are-a-disaster-for-working-mothers-bf57a071?mod=hp_featst_pos3 https://www.instagram.com/one23ltd/ Music by Geoff Harvey from Pixabay | |||
| 30 Nov 2023 | Words matter. | 00:56:49 | |
Part 1 of 2 devoted to the topic of communication—specifically clear communication for leaders. Look for a list of resources with part 2! Find Erin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-omara1/ https://www.instagram.com/one23ltd/ Music by Geoff Harvey from Pixabay | |||
| 21 Jan 2025 | What, why, how | 00:20:49 | |
What, why, how: A comfyHQ Q&A In this bite-sized episode of the comfy chairs, we’re diving into two essential leadership questions:
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 feedback. These shorter episodes are designed to spark reflection and build your leadership toolkit. Have a question for comfyHQ? Share it with us here: https://www.one23ltd.com/comfyhq https://www.instagram.com/one23ltd/
Music by Geoff Harvey from Pixabay | |||
| 08 Apr 2025 | Experiment with me | 01:10:17 | |
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 between meeting organizational goals and tending to the well-being of their people. Rachel shares her definition of human-centric leadership: prioritizing the growth and development of individuals while still delivering results. She offers pragmatic examples, from crafting meaningful team values to rethinking the way we structure time off. Kate and Rachel explore why self-awareness is the bedrock of leadership, why metrics need human interpretation, and why small, people-first decisions ripple outward in powerful ways. If you’ve ever wondered whether there’s room for kindness in strategic planning—or how to create a team culture that says “I’ve got you”—this episode is for you. Listen in and explore:
Additional resources mentioned during our conversation:
Got something on your mind? A tricky situation at work? A leadership topic you’re curious about? Share your questions here: https://www.one23ltd.com/comfyhq https://www.instagram.com/one23ltd/ Music by Geoff Harvey from Pixabay These notes contain affiliate links to Bookshop.org, a site dedicated to supporting independent bookstores. As an affiliate, I will earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. | |||
| 19 Mar 2024 | That person you can go to. | 00:51:01 | |
That person you can go to: a conversation about friendships at work
Here are the articles we referenced:
Check out the Adobe Creative Type self-assessment: https://mycreativetype.com/ https://www.instagram.com/one23ltd/
Music by Geoff Harvey from Pixabay | |||
| 11 Feb 2025 | Kindness is an act | 00:58:53 | |
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 noticing kindness is just as important as practicing it. Sarah shares practical ways to cultivate kindness in our daily lives—starting with ourselves. Feeling overwhelmed by the world? This episode is a reminder that kindness is always within reach, and it has the power to transform the way we lead, work, and live. 🎧 Listen now and take a moment to notice the kindness around you. Then, pass it on.
Got something on your mind? A tricky situation at work? A leadership topic you’re curious about? Share your questions here: https://www.one23ltd.com/comfyhq https://www.instagram.com/one23ltd/ Music by Geoff Harvey from Pixabay | |||
| 23 Apr 2024 | It’s cool to be you. | 00:39:37 | |
It’s cool to be you.: A conversation about authenticity Connect with Ingafay:
Information about Julia Cameron and Morning Pages: https://juliacameronlive.com/basic-tools/morning-pages/
Read more about authenticity and emotional intelligence:
https://www.instagram.com/one23ltd/ Music by Geoff Harvey from Pixabay
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| 04 Mar 2025 | Elements of style | 00:19:02 | |
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 presence that is both authentic and effective.
These shorter episodes are designed to spark reflection and build your leadership toolkit. Have a question for comfyHQ? Share it with us here: https://www.one23ltd.com/comfyhq
https://www.instagram.com/one23ltd/
Music by Geoff Harvey from Pixabay | |||
| 24 Sep 2024 | Greater than myself | 01:12:49 | |
Greater than myself: A conversation about purpose. Connect with Chase on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chase-friedman/ Visit his website: https://vanquishmediagroup.com/ Additional resources about overthinking and/or mentioned during our conversation:
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| 27 Mar 2024 | Creavity, Baby! | 00:59:14 | |
Creativity, Baby!: A conversation about creativity. Find Thu on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tn-empowered-pharmd/ Connect with her podcast, reels, and other content: https://linktr.ee/empoweredpharmd https://www.instagram.com/one23ltd/ Music by Geoff Harvey from Pixabay | |||
| 19 Nov 2024 | Intended for fun | 01:13:03 | |
Intended for fun: A conversation about team-building. What does it really mean to build a high-performing team? Spoiler: it’s not about icebreakers or quick-fix trust exercises. In this episode of the comfy chairs, we tackle the art and architecture of team building with Jeremy LaDuke, owner of Epic Nine Marketing Outfitters. We dive into the essential mindsets and practices that help leaders create thriving teams, focusing on what truly matters: fostering one-on-one connections, celebrating successes, addressing unspoken tensions, and embracing vulnerability as leaders. Whether you’re inheriting a team with a complex history or building one from scratch, this conversation will inspire you to think differently about team building. Join us for a thoughtful discussion on what it takes to lead teams to success! Connect with Jeremy and learn more about this business: Additional resources mentioned during our conversation: Books!
Sorry, but you have to die (How the 16 personalities would communicate your execution) A basic overview of Malcolm Knowles’ Adult Learning Theory https://www.instagram.com/one23ltd/ Music by Geoff Harvey from Pixabay | |||
| 14 Jan 2025 | Pull them close | 01:08:08 | |
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 shares actionable insights for managers, from fostering empathy through training to crafting inclusive policies that honor modern family dynamics. He challenges leaders to rethink how they approach grief—not only as a moral imperative but as a smart business strategy. With unaddressed loss often leading to burnout and turnover, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The episode also explores the transformative power of vulnerability in leadership. Justin underscores the importance of modeling self-care and cultivating a workplace where employees feel seen and supported during life’s toughest moments. He highlights practical tools and resources to help organizations build a culture of care, reminding us that addressing grief at work isn’t just about resilience—it’s about creating a workplace that values humanity. This episode is a must-listen for leaders ready to shape compassionate, resilient workplaces that prioritize both people and performance. Connect with Justin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinclifford2/ Learn more about Bereave: https://www.bereave.io/ Additional resources mentioned during our conversation:
Got something on your mind? A tricky situation at work? A leadership topic you’re curious about? Share your questions here: https://www.one23ltd.com/comfyhq https://www.instagram.com/one23ltd/ Music by Geoff Harvey from Pixabay | |||
| 07 May 2024 | I’m now leading myself. | 01:01:59 | |
I’m now leading myself: A conversation about supporting managers. Connect with Brian on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bwalch/ Visit his company website: https://www.shiftfocus.com/ Check out these articles, written by Brian:
Reference these additional articles and reports:
https://www.instagram.com/one23ltd/ Music by Geoff Harvey from Pixabay
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| 22 Aug 2023 | This is what a Millennial is? | 00:50:49 | |
In episode three, we tackle questions about managing different generations in the workplace. Here are some handy reference links, including the articles we mention and an overview of the Eisenhower Matrix. https://fortune.com/2023/06/17/pew-research-gen-z-millennials-generational-framing/ https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/people-and-organizational-performance/our-insights/gen-what-debunking-age-based-myths-about-worker-preferences https://www.eisenhower.me/eisenhower-matrix/ Music by Geoff Harvey from Pixabay | |||
| 30 Jan 2024 | We’re talking about change. | 00:44:53 | |
A conversation about adaptability, Part 2 Content warning: Please be aware that this episode contains conversation about the loss of a loved one due to cancer. Following her death, Melissa’s family established a scholarship to honor her passion for education. The Melissa Ortiz-Bebbington Memorial Scholarship is awarded to Wright State Latino Students who are involved in giving back to the Latino community and/or work with the disabled population. Learn more about Wright State’s Latino Center: https://www.wright.edu/inclusive-excellence/culture-and-identity-centers/latino-center/scholarships Donate to the scholarship fund: Fund ID: ES__511536 https://was.wright.edu/onlinegiving/give/fund/RS__551536 This August, Greg will be participating in Pelotonia for the 10th consecutive year to raise funds in Melissa’s memory. Pelotonia is an endurance bike ride, with routes ranging from 20 to 180 miles, hosted annually in Columbus, Ohio. Monies raised for this event support cancer research at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute. Beginning in March 2024, you can donate to Greg’s individual fundraiser by searching “Bebbington” here: https://www.pelotonia.org/give (You can also use this link at any time to give to the cause as a whole…) Learn more about these classic change management theories:
Explore the concepts and principles of Situational Leadership: https://situational.com/situational-leadership/#:~:text=Situational%20Leadership%C2%AE%20is%20a,needs%20of%20those%20being%20influenced. Do yourself a favor and listen to the unplugged version of Take on Me: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-xKM3mGt2pE https://www.instagram.com/one23ltd/ Music by Geoff Harvey from Pixabay | |||
| 29 Sep 2023 | It's the longing. | 00:42:39 | |
In episode five, we continue the conversation about, Bittersweet, by Susan Cain. Learn more about the book: https://susancain.net/book/bittersweet/ Want to show your love with lasagna? https://lasagnalove.org/ And here’s the link to the Compassion Lab: https://www.compassionlab.com/ Music by Geoff Harvey from Pixabay | |||
| 25 Mar 2025 | Connect to perform | 01:03:35 | |
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, reflect on your leadership team's energy, and ask yourself: are you leading on purpose?
Here are links to explore the books and other resources we mentioned:
Got something on your mind? A tricky situation at work? A leadership topic you’re curious about? Share your questions here: https://www.one23ltd.com/comfyhq https://www.instagram.com/one23ltd/ Music by Geoff Harvey from Pixabay These notes contain affiliate links to Bookshop.org, a site dedicated to supporting independent bookstores. As an affiliate, I will earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. | |||
| 07 Jan 2025 | Manage your own actions | 00:13:49 | |
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 takeaways to apply at work (or in life), this episode is for you. Get comfy, because today we’re answering these hard questions:
Got something on your mind? A tricky situation at work? A leadership topic you’re curious about? Share your questions here: https://www.one23ltd.com/comfyhq https://www.instagram.com/one23ltd/ Music by Geoff Harvey from Pixabay | |||
| 08 Oct 2024 | You don’t have to fake anything | 01:14:56 | |
You don’t have to fake anything: A conversation about listening. Deepen your understanding and expand your language about what works best when it comes to listening. In this episode, we focus on how to learn more about the interplay of thoughts, actions, and emotions that occur when we speak and when we listen. With guest Bailey Massey. Connect with Bailey on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bailey-massey/ Visit her website: https://baileymasseyglobal.com/ Additional resources and information:
https://www.instagram.com/one23ltd/ Music by Geoff Harvey from Pixabay | |||
| 22 Oct 2024 | Opening up opportunities | 00:52:47 | |
Opening up opportunities: A conversation about advocacy and stories. In this episode, I am joined by Thomas Wilson, owner and CEO of R&H Creative Advocacy, to discuss the power of shared storytelling and its role in creating psychological safety and celebrating neurodiversity. Thomas shares his passion for using sensory-friendly settings and inclusive storytelling to empower underserved communities. We unpack the mission of R&H Creative Advocacy, which focuses on advocacy through shared narratives that embrace mental health and cultural acceptance. Our conversation explores practical steps organizations can take to design event spaces and experiences that accommodate diverse sensory, physical, and emotional needs. We also devote time to the importance of empathy in leadership and the shared responsibility we all have in building more compassionate, accessible spaces. This episode offers valuable lessons for leaders looking to foster psychological safety and celebrate the unique perspectives within their communities.
Additional resources: Learn more about the Employment First Initiative: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/odep/initiatives/employment-first https://www.instagram.com/one23ltd/
Music by Geoff Harvey from Pixabay | |||
| 04 Feb 2025 | Make sense of things | 00:19:59 | |
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. These shorter episodes are designed to spark reflection and build your leadership toolkit. Have a question for comfyHQ? Share it with us here: https://www.one23ltd.com/comfyhq https://www.instagram.com/one23ltd/ Music by Geoff Harvey from Pixabay | |||
| 18 Feb 2025 | Don’t leave this to chance. | 00:18:57 | |
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 and a learning opportunity—you'll walk away with tools to strengthen your leadership approach. Join me as we explore how small adjustments can help you align daily efforts with the bigger picture—and how the best leaders don’t just recover from failure, they use it to drive their next steps forward. These shorter episodes are designed to spark reflection and build your leadership toolkit. Have a question for comfyHQ? Share it with us here: https://www.one23ltd.com/comfyhq
https://www.instagram.com/one23ltd/
Music by Geoff Harvey from Pixabay | |||
| 18 Jun 2024 | Constantly narrating your environment | 01:05:59 | |
Constantly narrating your environment: A conversation about storytelling and company culture.
Learn more about the personality and personal style assessments we discussed:
References and Resources:
https://www.instagram.com/one23ltd/ Music by Geoff Harvey from Pixabay | |||
| 23 Jan 2024 | It's a road that you take. | 00:52:36 | |
A conversation about adaptability, Part 1: “It’s a road that you take.” Content warning: Please be aware that this episode contains conversation about the loss of a loved one due to cancer. Following her death, Melissa’s family established a scholarship to honor her passion for education. The Melissa Ortiz-Bebbington Memorial Scholarship is awarded to Wright State Latino Students who are involved in giving back to the Latino community and/or work with the disabled population. Learn more about Wright State’s Latino Center: https://www.wright.edu/inclusive-excellence/culture-and-identity-centers/latino-center/scholarships Donate to the scholarship fund: https://was.wright.edu/onlinegiving/give/fund/RS__551536 Fund ID: ES__511536 This August, Greg will be participating in Pelotonia for the 10th consecutive year to raise funds in Melissa’s memory. Pelotonia is an endurance bike ride, with routes ranging from 20 to 180 miles, hosted annually in Columbus, Ohio. Monies raised for this event support cancer research at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute. Beginning in March 2024, you can donate to Greg’s individual fundraiser by searching “Bebbington” here: https://www.pelotonia.org/give (You can also use this link at any time to give to the cause as a whole…) Explore Seamus Heaney’s poetry and the specific gloss I quoted in this collection: https://www.amazon.com/Electric-Light-Poems-Seamus-Heaney/dp/0374528411 Study up on additive manufacturing: https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/engineering/additive-manufacturing#:~:text=Additive%20manufacturing%20(AM)%20is%20defined,From%3A%20Additive%20Manufacturing%2C%202021 https://www.instagram.com/one23ltd/ Music by Geoff Harvey from Pixabay | |||
| 05 Nov 2024 | A balance to strike | 01:06:14 | |
A balance to strike: A conversation about humor at work In this episode of the comfy chairs, host Kate Johnson sits down with Kim Minnick, an HR leader with a knack for weaving humor into the sometimes-rigid landscape of human resources. They dive into the power of humor in the workplace, exploring how it can be a bridge for connection, resilience, and even creativity in day-to-day interactions. Kim shares stories of navigating the challenging dynamics of an inherited team with limited management skills, balancing her HR responsibilities while often being the “paperwork enforcer.” She believes, though, that HR should be more than the enforcer—it should empower managers to lead effectively. From an employee’s crusade against sugary drinks to navigating the fine line between humor and professionalism, Kim and Kate discuss the role of laughter in easing workplace tensions and fostering inclusivity. With insights on using humor to connect meaningfully and improv techniques to enhance listening and response skills, this episode offers listeners practical ways to bring lightheartedness to work while maintaining respect and empathy. Tune in to discover how humor can shift perspectives, soften hardships, and, ultimately, bring a little more humanity to the workplace.
Awesome books we mentioned:
https://www.instagram.com/one23ltd/ Music by Geoff Harvey from Pixabay | |||
| 21 May 2024 | There is no perfect path | 01:03:29 | |
There is no perfect path: A conversation about career journeys. Connect with Frank on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frankesawyer731/
While I couldn’t find the 5 Whys video I mentioned, here’s a short introduction to this concept: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_56GhHgGU2U https://www.instagram.com/one23ltd/ Music by Geoff Harvey from Pixabay | |||
| 10 Sep 2024 | It’s your signature | 01:16:15 | |
It’s your signature: A conversation about character. Connect with David on LinkedIn Visit the Edge Leadership Academy website Subscribe to the Finish Friday newsletter Additional resources mentioned during our conversation:
https://www.instagram.com/one23ltd/ Music by Geoff Harvey from Pixabay | |||
| 01 Apr 2025 | Not all-knowing | 00:23:13 | |
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. 👉🏻 Have a question for comfyHQ? Share your questions. 👉🏻 Subscribe to the “as easy as” newsletter from onetwentythree ltd.
https://www.instagram.com/one23ltd/
Music by Geoff Harvey from Pixabay | |||
| 29 Dec 2023 | 1st impressions mean a lot. | 01:05:01 | |
Let’s end the year with a super-sized episode of the Comfy Chairs! I’m joined by Maggie, my friend and fellow Xavier University alumnae, for a conversation that includes thoughts on the reality TV survival show “Alone,” red carpet appearances, and artificial intelligence. Which obviously means we are talking about how new employee onboarding drives engagement. Read the article, “Employee-Employer Relationships Are on Thin Ice" https://www.td.org/talent-development-leader/employee-employer-relationships-are-on-thin-ice See a summary of the Gartner report, “Where HR Will Focus in 2024” https://www.gartner.com/en/articles/where-hr-will-focus-in-2024 Want to watch “Alone”? https://play.history.com/shows/alone/season-1 Learn more about the concept and principles of design thinking: https://www.instagram.com/one23ltd/ Music by Geoff Harvey from Pixabay | |||
| 06 Sep 2023 | What exactly are we grieving? | 00:29:13 | |
Episode four introduces the first in a 3-part series discussing the book, Bittersweet, by Susan Cain. Learn more about the book: https://susancain.net/book/bittersweet/ We talked about Maslow’s Hierarchy. Here is an outline of this theory: https://www.simplypsychology.org/maslow.html Gain more insight into the psychology of sadness in the movie, Inside Out with this article: Inside Out: Behind-the-Scenes Science with Dacher Keltner, PhD https://www.psichi.org/page/203EyeSpr16aCannon#.VudMTOnJvFI?platform=hootsuite Music by Geoff Harvey from Pixabay | |||
| 12 Feb 2024 | Focus on what's right. | 01:08:08 | |
Focus on what’s right: A conversation about strengths. Everyone is good at something. And leading is more fulfilling—and fun!—when you help people use their strengths. Connect with Stephanie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanielemek/ https://linktr.ee/stephanielemek CliftonStrengths website: https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/252137/home.aspx Books we mentioned and recommend:
https://www.instagram.com/one23ltd/ Music by Geoff Harvey from Pixabay | |||
| 13 Aug 2024 | Is it useful? | 01:03:32 | |
Is it useful? A conversation about overthinking. Connect with Kim on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberly-witten/ Visit her website: https://www.witten.kim/ Subscribe to her newsletter: https://www.witten.kim/subscribe Additional resources about overthinking and/or mentioned during our conversation:
https://www.instagram.com/one23ltd/ Music by Geoff Harvey from Pixabay | |||
| 21 Nov 2024 | Coming in 2025: comfyHQ! | 00:01:50 | |
Get ready for comfyHQ, a bite-sized series where your leadership and learning questions take center stage. Submit your hard questions for the comfy chairs here: https://www.one23ltd.com/comfyhq Subscribe to the comfy chairs today and get ready for comfyHQ. The work may be hard, but the chairs here are comfy. So, be on the lookout for the first comfyHQ answers, coming January 7th. | |||
| 16 Nov 2023 | Event, Experience, and Effect | 00:59:26 | |
Find Stephanie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanielemek/ Visit her website: https://linktr.ee/stephanielemek Other resources we discussed: https://hbr.org/2023/10/4-forces-that-are-fundamentally-changing-how-we-work https://www.instagram.com/one23ltd/ Music by Geoff Harvey from Pixabay | |||
| 05 Oct 2023 | Acknowledgement of the onion | 00:48:23 | |
Episode six wraps up the conversation about Bittersweet, by Susan Cain. Learn more about the book: https://susancain.net/book/bittersweet/ Michele mentioned the Cleveland Clinic’s video about empathy.
Never seen the Folger’s Christmas commercial we kept talking about?
The versions of “Hallelujah” we mentioned:
And art that moves us:
https://www.instagram.com/one23ltd/ Music by Geoff Harvey from Pixabay | |||
| 03 Aug 2023 | You can't always win. | 00:56:45 | |
In episode two, a very special guest joins me in the Comfy Chairs to talk about high-reliability organizations. Here are the links to reference articles, shows, and other topics we discussed. The article we mentioned, with the pillars and practices of high-reliability organizations: https://blog.kainexus.com/improvement-disciplines/hro/5-principles A paper that delves into the relationship between submarine operations and high-reliability: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/236624304_Culture_and_High_Reliability_Organizations_The_Case_of_the_Nuclear_Submarine Some information about the USS Providence: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Providence_(SSN-719) Want to know more about whatever the Kobayashi Maru is? https://memory-alpha.fandom.com/wiki/Kobayashi_Maru_scenario Check out our favorite episode of “The Silent Service” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KUl3gS8vA8o Music by Geoff Harvey from Pixabay | |||
| 18 Mar 2025 | big idea words | 00:14:35 | |
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 thrown around constantly, but do we all mean the same thing when we use them? And when it comes to feedback—especially the kind we don’t want to hear—how can we handle it in a way that actually helps us grow? It’s all about clarity—whether in leadership, language, or learning from feedback. These shorter episodes are designed to spark reflection and build your leadership toolkit. Have a question for comfyHQ? Share it with us here: https://www.one23ltd.com/comfyhq
https://www.instagram.com/one23ltd/
Music by Geoff Harvey from Pixabay | |||
| 11 Mar 2025 | The 25 problems myth | 00:57:16 | |
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 quick fixes and more about an ongoing, intentional practice. Connect with Jamie and learn more about his business: Find his book here: People Solve Problems Got something on your mind? A tricky situation at work? A leadership topic you’re curious about? Share your questions here: https://www.one23ltd.com/comfyhq https://www.instagram.com/one23ltd/ Music by Geoff Harvey from Pixabay These notes contain affiliate links to Bookshop.org, a site dedicated to supporting independent bookstores. As an affiliate, I will earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. | |||
| 03 Dec 2024 | Natural to the human mind | 00:59:55 | |
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 power of anchoring ourselves in personal values like growth and love. Kate reflects on the role of joy as a counterbalance to fear, offering practical insights on how leaders can cultivate courage, seek feedback with grace, and find joy in everyday moments. This conversation delves into the cultural and societal pressures that magnify fear, the value of empathy, and how leaders can foster a growth mindset to ignite positive change. Tune in for a reflective dialogue about embracing change, staying grounded in your values, and living a life aligned with purpose and joy.
Got something on your mind? A tricky situation at work? A leadership topic you’re curious about? Share your questions here: https://www.one23ltd.com/comfyhq Additional resources about fear and/or mentioned during our conversation:
https://www.instagram.com/one23ltd/
Music by Geoff Harvey from Pixabay | |||
| 02 Jul 2024 | Energy in communication | 00:52:41 | |
Energy in communication: A conversation about communication and anxiety. Connect with Grace on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grace-cw-liu/ Visit her website: https://gracesoulutions.com/ GraceSOULutions on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GraceSoulutions Additional resources mentioned during our conversation:
https://www.instagram.com/one23ltd/ Music by Geoff Harvey from Pixabay | |||