Lead Well! with Christine Schickinger

I recently spent six and a half hours waiting for surgery, including ninety minutes right outside the operating room. And to my own surprise, I wasn't nervous or impatient. I was remarkably calm.

In this episode, I share what helped me, from practicing the physiological sigh to connecting with the nurse who stayed beside me, and why I believe regular micro-resilience exercises made a difference.

I also talk about the extraordinary kindness I experienced from hospital staff, the difference between surrendering control and giving up responsibility, and a moment several days later when some of my old health anxiety unexpectedly...

AI can offer useful answers, but what do clients value beyond them? I reflect on my own use of AI and why warmth, feeling heard, and support in difficult moments still matter in my coaching work. As demand for expertise changes, what do people seek from you that goes beyond an explanation?

What happens when something you’ve always imagined doing “someday” becomes something you can no longer do?

Since turning 60, I’ve been noticing how getting older changes my view of the future. Some opportunities are closing, and some goodbyes carry more weight. At the same time, I’m learning to become a dog trainer, returning to the piano after about 40 years, and spending time with kittens at an animal shelter.

In this personal episode, I reflect on aging, relationships, loss, and the possibilities that remain. I also explore a question that matters at any age: Is something truly no longer possible,...

What happens to your judgment when you feel you have to prove that you belong in the room?

Consultant and author Alan Weiss joins me to discuss self-worth, confidence, and leadership under pressure. He shares the story of a decisive meeting with a CEO and explains why he believes fear, stress, and guilt can mask our talent. We also explore how to recover from setbacks, whose feedback to trust, and what accountability looks like when a leader has limited authority. I ask him about the cost of unpopular decisions, and what to do when pressure makes your mind go blank....