6 powerful conversations on hope, healing, and human-centered leadership

As I sat down to write this week, I found myself revisiting fragments of conversations from last year—discussions about stress, trauma, and moral injury that feel more important now than ever. As I reflected, I realized many of those meaningful exchanges stemmed from my podcast, service without sacrifice—conversations on hope + healing.

With so many new folks in our community—and in light of the challenges we’re collectively navigating—I thought this might be a good opportunity to reintroduce the podcast in hopes that it provides some grounding, perspective, and a few tools for this moment.

Why Service Without Sacrifice?

When I was doing publicity for my book, one of my key talking points was this:

Being human is messy. Serving humanity is messier.

In the work of alleviating pain and suffering in the world, the mantra of “service before self” is often worn as a badge of honor. But without organizations integrating holistic, human-centered duty of care into their policies and practices, individuals in these sectors frequently find themselves on a path marked by vicarious trauma, compassion fatigue, moral injury, and burnout.

I wrote my book, Tell Me My Story, and created this companion podcast to shine a light on the very real—and all too common—challenges faced within the helping professions.

I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to have had raw, unfiltered conversations with incredible leaders across service-based sectors. We brought our stories and our expertise to the table in an effort to challenge the myth of self-sacrifice—and to explore what it could look like to serve others without abandoning ourselves in the process.

My hope is that you’ll find these conversations powerful, honest, and useful.

🎧 The Six-Part Series

Click each title to listen on your favorite podcast platform.

1. Part 1 | Shaping - Featuring Shana HormannIn part 1 I sat down with organizational consultant and professor Shana Hormann to discuss the narratives that shape our identities and actions. We explored the impact of generational trauma on individuals and workplaces, emphasizing the importance of creating brave spaces where vulnerability and courage intersect. Shana's insights shed light on how organizational trauma can perpetuate harmful cycles and how we can foster healthier work environments.
2. Part 2 | Surviving - Featuring Kristin CoxKristin Cox, Behavioral Health Coordinator for the Seattle Fire Department, joined me to dive deeper into the unsustainable nature of compartmentalization as a coping strategy for first responders and others working in fast-paced, high stress environments. We talked about the impact of compartmentalization both on a personal and organizational level. Our conversation highlighted the necessity of self-compassion and the role of leaders in creating conditions that support healing and resilience.
3. Part 3 | Seeing - Featuring Kay Adams and Melissa PalmerKay Adams and Melissa Palmer joined me to explore the concept of "seeing"—the practice of shifting from autopilot to a more mindful and intentional way of living. Between the two of them they have extensive experience in geriatric, hospice, and palliative care and mental health. We talked about strategies for overcoming burnout and moral distress, the importance of self-compassion, the challenges posed by systemic expectations, and the need for organizations to prioritize holistic, human-centered care.
4. Part 4 | Shifting - Featuring Gemma HouldeyIn part 4, Gemma Houldey, an amazing human and humanitarian with a background in international NGOs and civil society groups, joined me to talk about how we can continue to show up in challenging times and do the work the world needs. We explored the act of "shifting"—moving from autopilot reactions to intentional responses—and the role of vulnerability, connection, and empathy in this process. Our conversation also touched on the transformative potential of grief and the importance of creating brave spaces within organizations.
5. Part 5 | Sharing - Featuring Dr. Yvonne AtorDr. Yvonne Ator, founder of Thriving Physicians and Thriving Idealists, shared her personal experiences with compassion fatigue and burnout in the medical sector. We discussed what it meant to grow up as third-culture kids, and the power of sharing our stories in community to foster empathy, connection, and healing. Our conversation also addressed the culture of shame and lack of psychological safety within mission-driven organizations, emphasizing the need to break through isolation and prioritize self-compassion.
6. Part 6 | The Manifesto - Featuring Steve WileyIn part 6, executive coach and president of CEEK LLC, Steve Wiley, joined me to talk about the inherent tension between achieving results and fostering relationships within organizations. We explored the importance of creating brave spaces, the role of storytelling in addressing trauma, and the necessity of prioritizing employee well-being to build human-centered workplace cultures.

🎙️ Bonus Episode

Service Without Sacrifice—A Humanitarian Manifesto

As a special addition, I share "A Humanitarian Manifesto," an excerpt from my book Tell Me My Story. This recording is dedicated to all who have devoted their lives to serving others, emphasizing the need to prioritize our health and well-being to continue the work we love and that the world needs now more than ever.

If you’re looking for insight, connection, or just a moment to exhale—
this series is here for you.

Each conversation offers a unique lens on what it means to care, to lead, and to keep showing up without losing ourselves along the way.

And if you enjoy the podcast, I’d be so grateful if you left a review or shared it with others. Every little bit helps get the show in front of more people who might need it.

toolkit for sustainable service

If you’re feeling exhausted, disillusioned, or overwhelmed by the weight of serving others, you’re not alone. The challenges faced by those working in service—vicarious trauma, compassion fatigue, burnout, moral injury, and institutional betrayal—aren’t just individual burdens; they’re collective struggles that require collective solutions. Service should not come at the cost of your well-being.

The Rooted + Resilient Toolkit is a free resource designed for those working in service of others—educators, healthcare professionals, nonprofit leaders, civil servants, social justice advocates, attorneys, and mission-driven leaders and professionals navigating this moment with moral courage and collective care.