401 | Donna Zajonc | The Power of TED* (*The Empowerment Dynamic)

Ever find yourself stuck in drama, reacting before you think, or feeling powerless in situations you care about? 

In this episode of The Greatness Machine, Donna Zajonc dives deep into the Drama Triangle and its positive alternative, The Empowerment Dynamic (TED). She and Darius explore how cultivating awareness, clarifying intention, and practicing self-compassion can turn automatic reactivity into conscious leadership and personal growth. Donna shares practical strategies for recognizing when we fall into victim, persecutor, or rescuer roles, and how to shift into creator, challenger, or coach roles that empower both ourselves and others. Whether in family life, friendships, or at work, these tools offer a roadmap to more meaningful, effective, and empowered interactions.

In this episode, Darius and Donna will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction to the Empowerment Dynamic

(02:35) Donna Zajonc's Journey and Background

(05:34) The Drama Triangle Explained

(08:26) The Empowerment Dynamic Framework

(11:23) Understanding the Roles in the Drama Triangle

(14:15) Shifting from Drama to Empowerment

(16:50) The Importance of Awareness and Choice

(19:59) Leadership and the Empowerment Dynamic

(22:39) Challenging vs. Persecuting Roles

(27:29) The Power of Words and Personal Growth

(29:12) Understanding the Drama Triangle

(31:07) Shifting from Persecutor to Challenger

(33:06) The Role of Intention in Communication

(34:54) Curiosity as a Tool for Growth

(37:00) Navigating the Rescuer Role

(38:53) Empowerment Dynamics in Leadership

(40:57) The Importance of Self-Compassion

(42:50) Tools for Personal and Professional Growth

(44:37) Creating a Culture of Empowerment

Donna Zajonc, MCC, is the Director of Coaching at the Center for The Empowerment Dynamic, where she designs and facilitates coaching programs based on the TED* framework (The Empowerment Dynamic). A Master Certified Coach since 2013 and recipient of Washington State’s Excellence in Coaching Award in 2017, Donna has been dedicated to professional coaching since 2001. Alongside her business partner David Emerald, she helps coaches and leaders move from the Drama Triangle to the empowering roles of Creator, Challenger, and Coach. Donna lives in the Pacific Northwest, enjoying beach walks, good books, dark chocolate, microbrews, and time with her children and grandchildren.

Connect with Donna:

Website: https://theempowermentdynamic.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donna-zajonc-mcc-612455/ 

Connect with Darius:

Website: https://therealdarius.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariusmirshahzadeh/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imthedarius/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Thegreatnessmachine 

Book: The Core Value Equation https://www.amazon.com/Core-Value-Equation-Framework-Limitless/dp/1544506708

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