Leadership & Life Essentials

A Radio Show

A weekly show that delivers concise, actionable insights on effective leadership

Listen

Current Episode:

Sound Sugar Radio

Monday - Friday @ 11:00 am

(repeats approximately every 90 minutes)

Past Episodes:

Apple Podcast

Spotify

(or listen from the show page)

Jacquie Surgenor Gaglione Jacquie Surgenor Gaglione

Episode 27: The Trust Factor: Building Stronger Teams & Relationships

Trust is the foundation of every great team, but it doesn’t happen by accident. Explore how to build, maintain, and rebuild trust—whether in leadership, teams, or personal relationships. Tune in for practical strategies and real-world insights to strengthen trust in your workplace and beyond.

Read More
Jacquie Surgenor Gaglione Jacquie Surgenor Gaglione

Episode 26: More than a Gold Star: The Lasting Power of Recognition

Recognition isn’t just a childhood reward—it’s a powerful leadership tool that drives engagement, retention, and team success. From small shoutouts to formal programs, acknowledging effort and achievement builds trust, strengthens culture, and boosts performance. Explore why recognition matters, common barriers, and simple ways to make it a daily habit in your leadership.

Read More
Jacquie Surgenor Gaglione Jacquie Surgenor Gaglione

Episode 25: Unlocking Your DISC Report: Turning Insights into Action

Your DISC report is packed with insights—but how do you actually use them? Learn how to leverage your strengths, stay motivated, and adapt to different styles for better communication and teamwork. Plus, I’ll share personal examples of how DISC has helped me navigate work and relationships.

Read More
Jacquie Surgenor Gaglione Jacquie Surgenor Gaglione

Episode 23: Core Values That Stick: From Empty Promises to Everyday Actions

Core values shouldn’t just be feel-good statements—they should shape every decision in your organization. In this episode, we’ll explore why core values often fail, how to define them in actionable terms, and what it takes to build a culture where values are lived, not just listed.

Read More
Jacquie Surgenor Gaglione Jacquie Surgenor Gaglione

Episode 21: Best Day, Worst Day: Using DISC to Understand and Manage Motivation

Explore how understanding your best and worst days can help improve motivation and productivity using the DISC model. Learn how each DISC style thrives and struggles in different environments, and discover practical tips for managing each type. Tune in to cultivate more "best days" and build stronger, more effective teams.

Read More
Jacquie Surgenor Gaglione Jacquie Surgenor Gaglione

Episode 20: Leadership and Life Bookshelf: Unlocking Success with Atomic Habits

Dive into James Clear’s Atomic Habits, exploring how small changes can lead to remarkable personal and professional growth. Learn about the four laws of behavior change—Make it Obvious, Attractive, Easy, and Satisfying—and how to apply them to build lasting habits. Whether you’re looking to improve your leadership skills or daily routines, this episode offers practical tips to create meaningful, sustainable change.

Read More
Jacquie Surgenor Gaglione Jacquie Surgenor Gaglione

Episode 19: Beyond SMART Goals: A Reflective Approach to Achieving More

Goal-setting isn’t just about creating SMART objectives—it’s about reflecting, adapting, and celebrating along the way. In this episode, we’ll explore how to break down big goals, embrace setbacks as learning opportunities, and align your goals with what truly matters. Whether you call them resolutions, intentions, or aspirations, let’s make them work for you this year!

Read More
Jacquie Surgenor Gaglione Jacquie Surgenor Gaglione

Episode 18: The Case for Quiet Leadership: The Power of Listening

Quiet leadership isn’t about saying less—it’s about hearing more. By stepping back and creating space for others to contribute, we empower our teams, foster innovation, and build trust. Take a small step today toward listening more intentionally, and you’ll be surprised by the impact it has—not just on your leadership, but on your entire organization.

Read More
Jacquie Surgenor Gaglione Jacquie Surgenor Gaglione

Episode 17: Under Pressure: Navigating DISC Styles in Stressful Situations

Under pressure, we often revert to our natural DISC style, which can unintentionally create challenges in communication and teamwork. By understanding how each style reacts under stress—both in ourselves and others—we can improve relationships, build empathy, and foster more effective collaboration. Awareness is the first step toward adapting our behavior and strengthening connections in any environment.

Read More
Jacquie Surgenor Gaglione Jacquie Surgenor Gaglione

Episode 16: Leadership and Life Bookshelf: Radical Candor – the Art of Giving and Receiving Feedback

Radical Candor by Kim Scott provides a powerful framework for giving effective feedback by balancing care personally and challenging directly. Through engaging stories and practical advice, the book helps leaders build trust, improve team dynamics, and foster growth. It’s a must-read for anyone looking to master the art of meaningful communication and guidance.

Read More
Jacquie Surgenor Gaglione Jacquie Surgenor Gaglione

Episode 15: Speak Their Language: Using DISC to Communicate with Impact

Effective communication requires adapting your approach to each DISC style. Avoid overwhelming Ds with details, skipping rapport with Is, rushing decisions with Ss, or being imprecise with Cs. By understanding these pitfalls, you can foster better connections and achieve more successful outcomes.

Read More
Jacquie Surgenor Gaglione Jacquie Surgenor Gaglione

Episode 14: Reflect to Lead: Unlocking Growth Through Consistent Self-Awareness

Reflective practice is a powerful tool for leaders, enabling them to learn, grow, and make better decisions. By setting aside regular time for self-assessment, leaders can celebrate successes, identify areas for improvement, and strengthen team relationships. Start small—consistent reflection builds resilience, deepens self-awareness, and fosters lasting growth.

Read More
Jacquie Surgenor Gaglione Jacquie Surgenor Gaglione

Episode 13: Feedback that Fuels Growth: Tailoring Your Approach for Maximum Impact

Effective feedback can be a game-changer for growth, but tailoring it to fit each team member’s unique style is key. Learn how to give feedback that resonates by understanding different personality types, creating a safe space for improvement, and transforming critiques into actionable insights. This episode explores practical steps to make your feedback meaningful and impactful.

Read More
Jacquie Surgenor Gaglione Jacquie Surgenor Gaglione

Episode 12: Mastering the Art of Delegation: Empower Your Team and Reclaim Your Time

Discover the keys to effective delegation, why it’s a critical skill for leaders, and how to overcome common obstacles that hold people back. Learn practical tips for delegating successfully, empowering your team, and freeing up your time to focus on what truly matters. Get ready to elevate both your leadership and your team’s potential.

Read More
Jacquie Surgenor Gaglione Jacquie Surgenor Gaglione

Episode 11: Leadership and Life Bookshelf: The Five Dysfunctions of a Team

Discover how to overcome common barriers to teamwork with insights from Patrick Lencioni's The Five Dysfunctions of a Team. This episode unpacks the essential elements that build a cohesive, results-driven team, offering practical tips for cultivating trust, accountability, and commitment. Tune in for a roadmap to help any team work better together.

Read More
Jacquie Surgenor Gaglione Jacquie Surgenor Gaglione

Episode 10: Beyond One-Size-Fits-All: Using DISC to Strengthen Your Leadership Approach

Discover how to tailor your management style using DISC insights! Learn practical ways to bring out the best in each personality type—Dominant, Influence, Steadiness, and Conscientiousness—by understanding their strengths and what they need from you as a leader. Build stronger, more effective teams with these actionable tips on communication and motivation.

Read More
Jacquie Surgenor Gaglione Jacquie Surgenor Gaglione

Episode 9: Tackle Your Tasks: A Simple Guide to Prioritizing with the Eisenhower Box

Dive into the Eisenhower Box, a powerful prioritization tool that helps you focus on what truly matters. Learn how to categorize tasks into four key quadrants—urgent, important, delegate, and delete—to reclaim your time and reduce stress. With practical examples and actionable tips, this episode is your guide to staying organized and productive!

Read More