Make It Happen

Episode Summary In today’s episode, I’m diving into something that affects every leader—broken trust. We all know trust can snap in an instant, but rebuilding it? That takes real intention. I’ll walk you through the Trust Reset framework I’ve developed to help leaders repair relationships and reengage their teams without blame or burnout. Here’s what you’ll take away from this episode: Why trust erodes so quickly and how to rebuild it faster The 4-step Trust Reset framework for one-on-one or team settings How a clear commitment and plan leads to higher employee engagement Real-world examples from corporate leadership missteps and repairs Why trust is a productivity multiplier in high-stakes environments If you’ve ever asked yourself, “How do I rebuild trust when things feel off?”—this one’s for you. Let’s stretch together without snapping. Time Stamps 00:00 Introduction to Trust and Organizational Culture 00:46 Personal Corporate Experience and Trust Challenges 03:33 Modern Trust Issues in Remote

Episode Summary Burnout gets a lot of attention in the workplace, but what about boredom? In this episode, I explore the other reason high performers quietly leave organizations they once loved: underutilization. I’ll walk you through real stories from leaders I’ve worked with, share insights from my national research, and break down the Stretch Capacity™ framework to help you create growth opportunities without overwhelming your team. You’ll learn: Why “not feeling stretched” can lead to disengagement and turnover How leaders can provide challenge, autonomy, and advancement (even during tough times) The link between trust, innovation, and stretch Whether you lead a team of two or two thousand, this episode will help you rethink how you support and retain your top talent.

Episode Summary: What if the reason you feel stuck isn’t your circumstance—but your comparison? In this episode, I share a story about racing my young son—a moment that unexpectedly revealed how comparison can distort our vision and derail our growth. I unpack the dangers of comparison, the surprising results from my Leadership and Engagement study, and what PTSD studies taught me about the power of belief.  You'll hear why so many people feel stuck at a “5,” and what it really takes to build the emotional strength to move forward—regardless of what life throws your way. Whether you're a leader, a parent, or someone navigating burnout, this episode will challenge you to stop looking sideways and start investing in the one skill that matters most right now: resilience. Because you’re not in a race—you’re on a mission.   00:00 Stretch Capacity Story: Racing My Son 01:16 The Comparison Trap 03:06 What Leadership Research Reveals 05:39 The Danger of Measuring Against Others 07:13 The PTSD Insight That Changes Eve

Which generation claims to be the happiest at work? How does leadership style impact resilience across different age groups? In this episode, we reveal surprising stats from the 2025 Leadership and Engagement blueprint and explore what truly drives well-being on multi-generational teams. Tune in to find out what matters most to Gen Z, Millennials, and Gen X—and why your approach to authenticity and adaptability as a leader could make all the difference. 00:00 Introduction to Generational Leadership 00:22 Key Findings from the 2025 Study 01:10 Generational Happiness and Emotional Well-being 02:23 Impact of Management on Resilience 03:19 Leadership Traits Valued by Different Generations 05:08 Balancing Authenticity and Adaptability 06:00 Final Thoughts and Statistics Stay Connected:  If you’re ready to cultivate better connections within your multigenerational team, start the conversation today.  Tune in next week for more insights on leadership and productivity.  And don’t forget to Download the Workplace Rese

Episode Overview:  How does social media affect your well-being? Can reducing screen time boost your happiness and strengthen connections? In this MiniCast episode, I share data-backed information on the relationship between social media usage and personal happiness. I conducted a personal month-long experiment, blending research insights from my Happiness Research with actionable strategies to reduce screen time and create intentional, meaningful moments offline and I share my findings of that.  Whether you're aiming to reclaim your time, foster better connections, or just learn how to balance social media and real life, this episode is packed with tips, reflections, and action items to improve your relationship with social media and your personal happiness.   00:00 Introduction and Background 00:20 The Research on Social Media 01:15 Personal Screen Time Reduction Journey 01:46 Daily, Weekly, and Monthly Goals 02:21 Tracking Happiness and Connection 02:30 Challenges of Social Media Comparison 03:04 Social Me

Episode Summary:  Should businesses offer remote work, hybrid options, or require employees to return to the office? This week, I’m sharing research and offering insights for managers and business leaders to consider the answer to this question. While research shows that office-based employees often feel happier and more resilient, the desire to have a choice in work environments remains significant. Join today’s conversation as I discuss connection and collaboration across remote and hybrid teams, emphasizing the importance of intentional team-building activities.  00:00 Introduction to Remote Work Debate 00:08 Research Findings on Employee Happiness 00:44 Importance of Team Connection 01:13 Practical Steps for Team Building 01:37 Case Study: Remote Sales Team 02:25 Connection Questions 03:24 Learning Clubs and In-person Meetings 04:03 Conclusion: Importance of Connection Stay Connected:  If you’re ready to cultivate better connections within your team, start the conversation today.  Tune in next week for mo

Episode Summary  Let’s explore the critical roles of coaching and mentoring in the workplace and their impact on both personal and professional growth in today’s mini episode. Drawing on findings from the United States Happiness Report, I discuss how these practices can foster happier and more resilient employees. In this episode, I share personal stories and unique examples of coaching initiatives, as well as actionable advice for integrating coaching and mentoring into your organization. Whether you're a leader or an aspiring mentor, this episode offers valuable guidance on building stronger, more successful teams. 00:00 Introduction to Coaching and Mentoring 00:15 Research Findings from the United States Happiness Report 00:35 Roles of Coaches and Mentors in Organizations 01:24 Personal Experience as a Coach 02:06 Unique Approaches to Coaching and Mentoring 03:05 Balancing Physical and Emotional Wellness 05:06 Early Career Experience with Coaching 06:50 Employee Engagement and Retention 08:15 Training Mana

Episode Summary:  How can you attract and retain top talent in a competitive job market? In this episode, let’s discuss the connection between emotional intelligence, workplace happiness, trust, and resilience in creating a strong company culture. How do you get the right people to work for you and how do you keep them for a long time? Join me in today’s episode for actionable strategies, data-driven insights, and advice on creating an environment where employees thrive and choose to stay long-term.  This episode is packed with essential resources for leaders and HR professionals aiming to elevate their organizational culture and boost talent management.  00:00 Introduction and Key Statistics 00:15 The Role of Happiness and Resilience 00:58 Beyond Food and Fun 01:56 Importance of Emotional Intelligence 03:13 Building Trust 04:29 Organizational Solutions 05:47 Resources and Closing Remarks   Resources Mentioned:  United States Happiness Report - Volume 1 & 2: Gain insights into emotional wellness, happin

Episode Summary What role does emotional intelligence play in workplace productivity? Turns out, it’s a big one! In today’s episode, I share how emotional intelligence—along with happiness and resilience—impacts innovation, teamwork, and overall performance. All insights come from my happiness research report. In this episode, I share actionable tips for leaders to implement emotional intelligence trainings and foster a positive, more productive work culture for their teams. Tune in to learn how you can create a happier, high-performing team!  00:00 Introduction 00:13 The Importance of Emotional Intelligence 01:36 Practical Applications and Solutions 04:02 Leadership and Empowerment 04:45 Conclusion and Resources Download the Happiness Research Report  Loved this episode? Don’t forget to rate and review the podcast. Your feedback helps the show grow and share more actionable content with amazing listeners like you!  Find me on social media for more everyday content! Instagram @speakmichelle & @bethehappyi

Episode Summary: In today’s episode, Karen McCullough, a renowned generational diversity expert, joins me as we discuss the complexities and opportunities of multi-generational workplaces. We discuss the challenges leaders face when managing different age groups and the impact of changing communication styles, work-life balance perspectives, and technology. Karen shares insights drawn from years of experience working with top organizations like NASA, McDonald's, and World Bank, offering practical advice for thriving in workplaces powered by generational diversity.  Whether you're a leader striving for adaptable leadership or an employee navigating cross-generational interactions, this episode delivers actionable tips for bridging the divide and fostering a positive, collaborative workplace.  Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to the Episode  00:34 - Karen's Journey into Generational Studies  01:17 - Generational Dynamics in the Workplace  04:23 - Generational Stories and Work Ethics  09:42 - Adapting

Episode Overview Let’s focus on the vital role of employee engagement and emotional well-being in today’s MiniCast episode. In this episode I share the research findings on ways bosses, leaders, and managers can enhance the happiness and productivity of their teams and employees.   Episode Breakdown 00:00 Introduction: The Cost of Low Employee Engagement 00:27 Staggering Statistics: The State of Workplace Happiness 01:15 Actionable Strategies for Improvement 01:57 Promoting Open Communication Channels 02:44 Emotional Intelligence: A Top Priority 04:26 Conclusion: Implementing Emotional Wellness Training   Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review this podcast, and join the conversation on social media @speakmichelle I'd love to hear your thoughts and stories about resilience!   And if you’re curious about what else affects happiness at home and in the workplace? Check out more of the 2024 State of Happiness Report here.

Episode Overview Let’s talk about the critical topic of leadership and its impact on team productivity in today’s MiniCast. In this short episode, I share five toxic leadership traits that can undermine team resilience and productivity. Whether you're a seasoned leader or new to the role, this episode offers valuable insights and practical advice to help you refine your leadership skills.   Episode Breakdown 00:00 Introduction 00:18 The Importance of Resilience 01:01 Leadership Traits to Avoid 01:06 Trait 1: Lack of Support 01:27 Trait 2: Dishonesty 01:55 Trait 3: Unreliability 02:14 Traits 4 and 5: Selfishness and Laziness 03:02 Conclusion   Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review this podcast, and join the conversation on social media @speakmichelle I'd love to hear your thoughts and stories about resilience!   And if you’re curious about what else affects happiness at home and in the workplace? Check out more of the 2024 State of Happiness Report here.  

Episode Overview With life's constant challenges, building up your resilience reserves can make all the difference. In today’s MiniCast, I share my 3 favorite strategies to boost your mental and emotional strength which will aid you in tackling issues like overwhelm, fear of failure, lack of confidence, and mental health struggles. Don’t miss it. Key Segments 00:00 Introduction 00:41 Real-life Example 02:25 Statistics and Overwhelm 05:06 Fear of Failure 05:19 Lack of Confidence 11:05 Mental Health Struggles 11:56 Conclusion and Encouragement   I hope this episode gives you the tools and inspiration to start building your resilience reserves today. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review the show, and join the conversation on social media @speakmichelle I'd love to hear your thoughts and stories about resilience! And if you’re curious about what else affects happiness at home and in the workplace? Check out more of the 2024 State of Happiness Report here.  

Episode Overview In this mini episode, I talk about the pressing issue of why your employees aren’t sticking around. This working pandemic affects businesses across the globe and in just 4 minutes I share effective strategies to reinvigorate your workforce. I talk about understanding the emotional commitment employees have towards their organization and why it is crucial in fostering a productive and committed team. High engagement in employees not only enhances productivity, but it also boosts morale, retention rates, and innovation. Tune in as I discuss practical tips for leaders to create a thriving workplace culture. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction: The Current State of Employee Engagement 00:22 Challenges Affecting Employee Engagement 01:35 Impact of Mental Wellness and Sense of Purpose 02:05 Actionable Tips for Leaders 02:46 Benefits of Live Events and Mentorship 03:13 Importance of Managerial Influence 03:42 Additional Research Insights 04:00 Closing Remarks Curious about what else affe

Episode Summary Join me in today’s episode where Lois Creamer, a renowned speaker and consultant in the speaking industry, and I have a conversation on the art of monetizing your message and the strategies that can transform speaking engagements into lucrative opportunities.  Lois dives deep into current trends affecting the speaking industry, emphasizing the importance of video content and virtual presentations, Lois's early interactions with the National Speakers Association (NSA) and her direct approach in helping speakers find their niche. This episode is packed with valuable insights. She also shares highlights from her newly updated book, “Book More Business: Make Money Speaking” which provides crucial advice on navigating modern market challenges. Key Takeaways 00:00 Introduction to Lois Creamer 00:17 Initial Meeting and Insights on Positioning 01:01 Lois Creamer's Direct Approach 01:48 Transition to Helping Speakers 02:54 Importance of Niche Audiences 04:45 Current Trends in Speaking Industry 07:44 V

Episode Summary To say that happiness requires an intentional pursuit isn’t new, but today I share insights from the 2024 U.S. State of Happiness Report that validates the idea that happiness requires you to be intentional. I discuss factors that influence happiness, while examining data on generational trends, that provide us with actionable steps to build connections and joy in everyday life. I share research that shows how Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X, and Boomers view happiness differently. It’s a good one!   Key Points Discussed in This Episode:  00:00 Introduction 00:05 U.S. Happiness Study 2024 00:57 Universal Happiness Factors 01:32 Generational Differences in Happiness 02:08 Building Connections and Relationships 02:16 Challenges in Adult Relationships 03:06 Work Environment and Happiness 03:25 Intentional Happiness Strategies 04:32 Creating Your Happiness List 05:32 Reflecting on Past Joys 06:09 Adapting Happiness Over Time 07:29 Daily Pursuit of Happiness 07:46 Weekly Challenge and Community Engagemen

Episode Summary In today’s episode, I’m sharing all there is to know about resilience and why it should be considered a critical skill in the workplace, not just a personal trait. I share how resilience impacts productivity, teamwork, employee engagement, and present research findings that debunk the myth that resilience is merely a 'soft skill'.   Key Points Discussed in This Episode:  00:00 The Rollerblading Tale 02:08 Lessons from Embarrassment 03:37 Resilience in Life and Business 03:45 Research Findings on Resilience 05:51 Recommendations for Organizations 07:36 Training Methods for Resilience 10:08 The Importance of a Resilient Environment 11:31 Final Words   To learn more about resilience and its role in your life, download the 2024 State of Happiness Report. This comprehensive report includes an infographic and a three-video series about why happiness is a business challenge, complete with strategies to foster a happier and more productive team. Get it all sent straight to your inbox!   And make sure

Episode Summary In today’s quick discussion, I take you back to my first taste of entrepreneurship as a kid. It was a fun experience that got me hooked on the idea of being my own boss. I learned some valuable lessons about money, happiness, and what gives life meaning—lessons that still resonate today. In this episode, I chat about how each of our financial situations affect our feelings, and the connection between a higher income and feeling more fulfilled. I answer the age-old question: “Can money really buy happiness?” with data I pulled from my 2024 State of Happiness Study.  Join me as I discuss ways you can create joy and satisfaction in your life, no matter where you stand financially. Key Topics Discussed 00:00 - Introduction: Childhood Money Memories 01:30 - Money and A Sense of Purpose 02:02 - Financial Stressors in Modern Times 03:08 - Income, Education, and Happiness 03:49 - Finding Purpose Beyond Money 06:39 - The Joy of Giving Back 07:07 - Conclusion: Control Your Happiness   To learn more abou

Today I’m talking about "stretch capacity"—an analogy comparing your ability to handle the stressors and challenges of daily life to the elasticity of rubber bands. Join me as l discuss how everyone has different limits and how these limits are tied to resilience.    Key Points Covered in This Episode:  00:00 Introduction to Stretch Capacity  01:08 The Importance of Resilience  02:50 Impact of Current Events 03:31 Building Resilience Reserves: Three Principles  03:50 Principle 1: Focus on Habits  05:57 Principle 2: Movement  07:36 Principle 3: Practicing Gratitude  11:52 Conclusion and Resources    Call to Action:  If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review. Share this podcast with friends or colleagues who could benefit from learning about happiness and resilience. For more resources, visit my website https://www.speakmichelle.com/research Follow Me on Social Media:  @SpeakMichelle @bethehappyist

In today’s episode, I’m tackling a pressing issue—why women aren't as happy as men and what we can do about it. In my recent Happiness Research Study I conducted, I uncovered some surprising statistics about the happiness differences between men and women. And in this episode I explore factors contributing to these differences including confidence, career choices, and sense of connection. If you feel your happiness is lacking to that of your male counterparts, this episode is for YOU.   00:00 - Men’s Happiness vs. Women’s 00:23 - Statistical Differences 01:09 - Factors Affecting Happiness 03:51 - The Role of Connection 06:36 - Call to Action   These findings were nothing short of fascinating, and I was thrilled to share more on these insights with Fox 13 The Place earlier this month. Give it a watch and let me know what you think!   And don't forget to subscribe to the podcast for more insightful episodes. If you found this discussion helpful, please share it with your friends and family. Your support helps