Evoke Greatness Podcast

Send us a text🎧 Episode 183: The Dance of Head and Heart: Recalibrating Your Leadership VisionLeadership is a reflection… but what happens when the image looking back at you is distorted? In this episode, I explore how vision gets skewed, the red flags to watch for, and what it takes to recalibrate when you’ve drifted off course. Through personal stories, psychology insights, and practical recalibration tools, I unpack how great leaders balance both the head and the heart to stay aligned with their vision—and inspire their teams to do the same.We explore:The subtle ways vision gets distorted: tunnel vision, echo chambers, busyness disguised as progress, and external pressuresA personal story of when I had the vision and the people… but the numbers weren’t there—and the hard leadership calls that followedFour red flags that signal your leadership reflection may be warpedThe psychology behind why leaders miss distortion: confirmation bias, Dunning-Kruger, and availability heuristicHow imposter syndrome skews your personal reflection and bleeds into how you show up as a leaderPractical ways to recalibrate: stepping back, returning to values, inviting honest mirrors, redefining success, and practicing radical reflection🔑 Key takeaways:Distorted vision doesn’t scream at you—it whispers, until suddenly you’re miles off course.Great leadership is a dance between the head and the heart: too much on the business and you lose people, too much on the people and you lose results.You are worthy of where you are, and worthy of where you dream to be—but you must unpack the internal doubts or they will resurface in damaging ways.Good leaders notice something is off. Great leaders recalibrate quickly, transparently, and courageously.A rising tide raises all ships, and I invite you along on this journey to Evoke Greatness!Check out my website: www.evokegreatness.comFollow me on: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonnie-linebarger-899b9a52/ https://www.instagram.com/evoke.greatness/https://www.tiktok.com/@evoke.greatness http://www.youtube.com/@evokegreatness

Send us a text🎧 Episode 182: Rewilding Your Life and Leadership with Aubrey Morgan Yee (Part 2)In Part 2 of this conversation, futurist, systems thinker, and storyteller Aubrey Morgan Yee goes deeper into the wisdom and practices that help us lead with clarity and integrity in a world that often demands speed and urgency.Aubrey shares why slowing down can actually accelerate transformation, how the “goo” of metamorphosis mirrors our own growth, and why rewilding and clearing our lives of mental pollution are essential for living with joy and purpose. She also gives us a glimpse into her upcoming book Our Beloved Futures, which calls us to remember our role as powerful co-creators of what’s next.We explore:Why slowing down is the key to deeper clarity and better leadershipThe butterfly and the goo—what transformation really requires of usPractical ways to rewild your daily life when you feel stuck or disconnectedHow clearing “mental pollution” creates integrity, joy, and freedomAubrey’s coaching programs—Chrysalis and Interbeing—designed for people in transitionThe non-negotiable morning rituals that keep her grounded and creativeWhat swimming with wild dolphins taught her about presence and wonderThe single piece of wisdom she would leave with the world🔑 Key takeaways:Urgency requires us to slow down—not speed upTransformation often looks messy before it looks beautifulClearing mental and emotional clutter opens space for new possibilitiesLeadership rooted in integrity and presence ripples outward💡 Quotes to remember: “Times are urgent… we must slow down.” “The goo is the only way through.” “Integrity brings joy—when you’re clear, you’re free.” “We are co-creators of our beloved futures.”📚 Resources mentioned: ✨ Learn more about Aubrey’s work:www.ourbelovedfutures.com📲 Connect with Aubrey: Instagram – @aubrey.morgan.yee Podcast – Beloved FuturesA rising tide raises all ships, and I invite you along on this journey to Evoke Greatness!Check out my website: www.evokegreatness.comFollow me on: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonnie-linebarger-899b9a52/ https://www.instagram.com/evoke.greatness/https://www.tiktok.com/@evoke.greatness http://www.youtube.com/@evokegreatness

Send us a text🎧 Episode 181: Rewilding Your Life and Leadership with Aubrey Morgan Yee (Part 1) In Part 1 of this conversation, futurist, systems thinker, and storyteller Aubrey Morgan Yee shares her journey from reluctant entrepreneur to rewilding advocate and narrative-shaping leader.Aubrey opens up about the breakdowns that became breakthroughs, what she discovered when she stopped numbing, and how ancestral wisdom and rewilding practices can transform the way we live and lead. Her insights invite us to slow down, reconnect, and remember what we’ve forgotten in a world that desperately needs more grounded leadership.We explore:The pivotal “gut punch” moment that shifted her path foreverWhy breakdowns often hold the seeds of our biggest breakthroughsHow numbing keeps us from both deep pain and deep joyWhat rewilding looks like in nature, relationships, and leadershipThe Hawaiian wisdom of pono and aloha as frameworks for self-awareness and alignmentThe role of story and ritual in transforming culture and leadership🔑 Key takeaways:You can’t feel the big joy without facing the hard emotionsLeadership starts with recalibrating yourself before guiding othersStory isn’t just entertainment—it’s the blueprint for culture and changeThe future of leadership is deeply human, grounded, and interconnected💡 Quotes to remember:“Breakdowns are often the birthplace of breakthroughs.” “If you can’t feel the hard stuff, you also can’t feel the big joy.” “Leadership is an inside job—alignment has to start within.” “We are always storying the world into being.”📚 Resources mentioned:✨ Learn more about Aubrey’s work: www.ourbelovedfutures.com📲 Connect with Aubrey:LinkedIn – Aubrey Morgan YeeInstagram – @aubrey.morgan.yee Beloved Futures PodcastA rising tide raises all ships, and I invite you along on this journey to Evoke Greatness!Check out my website: www.evokegreatness.comFollow me on: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonnie-linebarger-899b9a52/ https://www.instagram.com/evoke.greatness/https://www.tiktok.com/@evoke.greatness http://www.youtube.com/@evokegreatness

Send us a text🎧 Episode 180: The AI-Ready Customer Experience Playbook with Ty Givens (Part 2)In Part 2 of this conversation, Ty Givens, founder of CX Collective and CX Collective Advantage, goes deeper into the human side of customer experience leadership—where imposter syndrome, self-trust, and resilience collide with the demands of scaling in the age of AI.Ty shares openly about her own battles with feeling “not ready,” what it really takes to trust yourself as a leader, and why sometimes the best CX strategy isn’t about speed or automation—it’s about empathy and meeting customers where they are.We explore:The emotional cost of being promoted before you’re ready—and how to overcome imposter syndromePractical strategies to build self-trust and resilience as a CX leaderHow to balance metrics like efficiency and speed with empathy and well-beingThe most common help desk “patchwork” problems—and the simplest fix to stop losing ticketsThe evolving skill set CX leaders need to thrive in 2025 and beyondThe truth no one talks about: there’s no single “right” way to do CXTy’s one piece of wisdom for leaders everywhere: you’re enough🔑 Key takeaways:Self-doubt doesn’t disqualify you—it can fuel growth if you let itTrust is built not by being perfect, but by being transparent about mistakesThe best customer experience is the one that fits your company, not someone else’s modelGreat CX leadership today requires mastering processes, knowledge management, and AI—not just people management💡 Quotes to remember:“I only make mistakes on days that end with Y.” “The best customer experience is the one that’s right for your business.” “You’re enough.” “Efficiency without empathy isn’t customer experience—it’s customer neglect.”📚 Resources mentioned:✨ Learn more about Ty’s work:www.cxcollective.comwww.cxcollectiveadvantage.com📲 Connect with Ty: LinkedIn – Ty Givens YouTube – CX Collective Advantage ChannelA rising tide raises all ships, and I invite you along on this journey to Evoke Greatness!Check out my website: www.evokegreatness.comFollow me on: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonnie-linebarger-899b9a52/ https://www.instagram.com/evoke.greatness/https://www.tiktok.com/@evoke.greatness http://www.youtube.com/@evokegreatness

Send us a text🎧 Episode 179: The AI-Ready Customer Experience Playbook with Ty Givens (Part 1)In this conversation, Ty Givens, founder of CX Collective and CX Collective Advantage, shares her journey from corporate leader to entrepreneur, and how she’s helping companies transform customer chaos into streamlined, scalable operations.With more than 25 years of experience leading customer support teams at See’s Candies, Thrive Causemetics, Shoedazzle, and Herbalife, Ty has seen firsthand what it takes to balance operational wins with the very human side of leadership. She opens up about the reality of scaling with AI, the emotional cost of self-doubt, and the frameworks she’s built to help leaders rise with clarity and confidence.We explore:Why “AI doesn’t solve chaos, it scales it”… and what to fix before automatingHow Thrive Causemetics cut resolution times from 10 hours to 4 minutesThe LOOP Method, and how leaders can turn concepts into actionable playbooksThe emotional toll of being promoted before you feel readyHow to build self-trust and combat imposter syndrome in leadershipWhy meeting people where they are matters more than pushing shiny techThe overlooked role of empathy in scaling customer experience🔑 Key takeaways:Broken systems can’t be automated into excellence, fix the foundation firstEfficiency without empathy is a short-term win but a long-term lossSelf-doubt is part of growth, it’s what you do with it that mattersGreat leadership is equal parts process and people💡 Quotes to remember:“AI doesn’t solve chaos. It scales it.” “You can’t make people fit the technology, you make the technology fit the people.” “Self-doubt isn’t a disqualifier. Inaction is.” “Every great leader was once unprepared for their first big role.”📚 Resources mentioned:✨ Learn more about Ty’s work:www.cxcollective.comwww.cxcollectiveadvantage.com📲 Connect with Ty: LinkedIn – Ty GivensA rising tide raises all ships, and I invite you along on this journey to Evoke Greatness!Check out my website: www.evokegreatness.comFollow me on: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonnie-linebarger-899b9a52/ https://www.instagram.com/evoke.greatness/https://www.tiktok.com/@evoke.greatness http://www.youtube.com/@evokegreatness

Send us a text🎧 Episode 178: Coaching Yourself – 5 Questions to Unlock the Next Level of Your PotentialIn this solo episode, I share the five most powerful coaching questions you can ask yourself to move beyond your current limitations and step into the leader you’re meant to be.If you’re a director aiming for VP, or a VP preparing to step into the C-Suite, these questions will help you break through self-imposed barriers, sharpen your mindset, and embody the presence required to lead at the next level.I talk honestly about the stories that hold us back, why mediocrity creeps in so quietly, and the bold moves that too many leaders avoid. You’ll also hear neuroscience-backed insights on rewiring your thinking and practical reflection prompts you can use immediately.If you’ve ever felt like you’re capable of more but don’t know what’s standing in your way, this conversation will give you clarity, courage, and a clear path forward.We explore:Why your greatest obstacle is usually yourselfHow to rewrite the stories you’ve been telling yourselfThe simple visualization technique that rewires your brain for the role you wantWhere mediocrity hides in your leadership, and how to eliminate itHow to embody executive presence that attracts opportunityWhy bold moves and fear always travel togetherA weekly framework to self-coach and accelerate your growth🔑 Key takeaways:Your thoughts shape your reality, challenge them before they limit youActing “as if” rewires your brain to lead from your future identityWhat you tolerate, you endorse, raise your standards first in yourselfOpportunities are attracted to who you’re becoming, not just what you knowThe bold move you’re avoiding is usually the breakthrough you need💡 Quotes to remember:“Your next level isn’t waiting for permission, it’s waiting for you to start asking better questions.”“Growth and fear always travel together.”📚 Resources mentioned:📕 Download the free Listener Workbook Journal Prompts: Coaching Yourself Workbook PDFA rising tide raises all ships, and I invite you along on this journey to Evoke Greatness!Check out my website: www.evokegreatness.comFollow me on: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonnie-linebarger-899b9a52/ https://www.instagram.com/evoke.greatness/https://www.tiktok.com/@evoke.greatness http://www.youtube.com/@evokegreatness

Send us a text🎧 Episode 177: How to Rise, Lead & Heal After Workplace Toxicity with Kaitlyn Rios (Part 2)In Part 2 of this heartfelt and transformative conversation, Faced With Grace founder Kaitlyn Rios returns to explore the role of mental wellness in overcoming workplace adversity, why asking for help can be the scariest step, and how to build a future of healthier, more inclusive workplace cultures.We talk openly about the stigma surrounding mental health, the shame that often keeps women silent, and why advocacy, both for yourself and for others, is non-negotiable. Kaitlyn also shares her long-term vision for equipping the next generation of female leaders with the tools, awareness, and confidence to recognize and avoid toxic environments before they begin their careers.If you’ve ever felt unseen, unheard, or unsupported at work, this conversation will challenge and inspire you to take action, starting with yourself.We explore:Why asking for help is often the hardest and most pivotal stepThe hidden cost of ignoring mental health at workHow generational stigma still impacts conversations around therapy and wellnessPractical ways leaders can create safe spaces for vulnerability without becoming a therapistThe Grit and Grace Collective: Kaitlyn’s vision for mentoring young women before they enter the workforceHow to be a “luminous leader” and make a difference where you are right nowWhy leaving a toxic job isn’t always the only solutionKaitlyn’s most surprising lesson since launching Faced With GraceThe one piece of wisdom she would share if it were her last day on earth🔑 Key takeaways:You are not alone in your struggles, support exists if you’re willing to reach for itMental wellness is as critical as physical health and should be addressed openlyLeaders have the power to reduce stigma by creating space for honest conversationsPreparation and self-awareness can help the next generation avoid toxicity altogetherAdvocacy for yourself is not selfish, it’s essential💡 Quotes to remember:“Never stop advocating for yourself, because you matter.”“If your gut says something isn’t right, it probably isn’t.”“Your journey with mental wellness doesn’t end, it evolves.”📚 Resources mentioned: ✨ Learn more about Faced With Grace: www.facedwithgrace.org 📧 Email Kaitlyn: connect@facedwithgrace.org 🎟️ Register for the August 25th Virtual Speaker Summit: Event Page📲 Connect with Kaitlyn: LinkedIn – Kaitlyn RiosA rising tide raises all ships, and I invite you along on this journey to Evoke Greatness!Check out my website: www.evokegreatness.comFollow me on: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonnie-linebarger-899b9a52/ https://www.instagram.com/evoke.greatness/https://www.tiktok.com/@evoke.greatness http://www.youtube.com/@evokegreatness

Send us a text🎧 Episode 176: How to Rise, Lead & Heal After Workplace Toxicity with Kaitlyn Rios (Part 1)In Part 1 of this powerful conversation, Faced With Grace founder Kaitlyn Rios shares her deeply personal journey from surviving a toxic work environment to building a mission-driven organization that empowers women to rise above adversity with confidence, poise, and purpose.We dive into the signs of workplace toxicity, how to recognize them early, and the first small but impactful steps you can take to protect your mental and emotional well-being. Kaitlyn also reveals why purpose is the core value that anchors her mission and the tools she uses to help women transform pain into power.If you’ve ever questioned your worth because of a toxic workplace—or wondered how to turn hardship into meaningful change—this episode will resonate deeply.We explore:The moment that sparked Kaitlyn’s mission to create Faced With GraceHow past workplace trauma can unknowingly follow you into new rolesPractical ways to spot toxicity before it escalatesThe role of mentorship and coaching in navigating and healing from adversityHow to prevent support spaces from becoming complaint sessionsThe five core values that guide Faced With GraceSmall, actionable steps to lead positively—no matter your title🔑 Key takeaways:Toxicity has many faces—learning to spot it early is key to self-preservationPurpose can transform even the lowest moments into a catalyst for changeMentorship provides validation, perspective, and a roadmap forwardLeadership isn’t about titles, it’s about the example you set daily💡 Quotes to remember:“You are not alone. You have a support system here built in.”“Purpose is the anchor that keeps me moving forward, even when it’s hard.”“We can’t always erase trauma—but we can use it to create something better.”📚 Resources mentioned: ✨ Learn more about Faced With Grace: www.facedwithgrace.org📲 Connect with Kaitlyn: LinkedIn – Kaitlyn RiosA rising tide raises all ships, and I invite you along on this journey to Evoke Greatness!Check out my website: www.evokegreatness.comFollow me on: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonnie-linebarger-899b9a52/ https://www.instagram.com/evoke.greatness/https://www.tiktok.com/@evoke.greatness http://www.youtube.com/@evokegreatness

Send us a text🎧 Episode 175: Passing the Baton – Becoming the You That You Were Meant to BeWhat if your old self wasn’t meant to come with you into your next season?In this powerful solo episode, Sonnie unpacks the concept of passing the baton—the idea that we must honor the version of ourselves that got us this far… but also recognize when it’s time to let her go.This isn’t about becoming someone else. It’s about remembering who you’ve always been, underneath the layers of fear, pressure, people-pleasing, and pain.If you’ve been stuck, restless, or quietly craving a new level of yourself—this is your moment.We explore:Why your old self deserves gratitude, not judgmentA live exercise to reconnect with the version of you who was on fireWhat’s keeping your greatness buried (and how to release it)The patterns that keep you on autopilot and how to interrupt themHow to shift from surviving to creatingWhy your 2.0 self isn’t a fantasy, it’s your truest self waiting to rise🔑 Key takeaways:The version of you that felt brilliant, bold, and confident is still youYour next level requires a new identity...not new credentialsShedding the old isn’t a loss, it’s a returnYou don’t have to hustle for your worthinessIt’s time to say yes to the version of you that’s been waiting💡 Quotes to remember:“Your old self got you this far. Thank her—and then pass the baton.”“You are not behind. You are not too late. You are ready.”“Stop dragging your old identity into a future that wasn’t built for her.”“Don’t let this be a slow burn. Let it be a blaze.”A rising tide raises all ships, and I invite you along on this journey to Evoke Greatness!Check out my website: www.evokegreatness.comFollow me on: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonnie-linebarger-899b9a52/ https://www.instagram.com/evoke.greatness/https://www.tiktok.com/@evoke.greatness http://www.youtube.com/@evokegreatness

Send us a text🎧 Episode 174: How to Build Executive Presence, Resilience, and Real Influence with Whitney Faires (Part 2)In Part 2 of this high-impact conversation, executive coach and leadership expert Whitney Faires returns to unpack the deeper barriers holding leaders back—and how to break through them with clarity, confidence, and courage.We dive into the real cost of unchecked ambition, how to coach even the most resistant high performers, and what it takes to develop executive presence in a noisy, distracted world.If you’ve ever struggled to slow down, stay present, or shift from proving to truly leading—this episode will hit home.We explore:How to redefine executive presence in the age of Zoom, distraction, and burnoutWhy imposter syndrome is more common at the top than you thinkThe keys to coaching high performers who are stuck in ego, resistance, or exhaustionHow ambition can sabotage your impact if left uncheckedWhy mid-level leaders are the most overlooked (and most important) tier in every companyOne daily gut-check Whitney uses to help leaders align with their valuesThe most powerful advice Whitney would give if it were her last day on earth🔑 Key takeaways:Executive presence starts with internal clarity—not external polishResistance isn’t a personality trait, it’s often unprocessed fearAmbition without awareness can hurt your leadership brandYou don’t need a title to lead, but you do need intention💡 Quotes to remember:“If you’re not feeling imposter syndrome, you’re probably not pushing yourself hard enough.” “Sometimes the greatest things we do are the ones only we believe we can do.” “Development doesn’t have to be expensive—it just has to be intentional.” “We’re not here to drift toward greatness. We have to choose it.”📚 Resources mentioned:✨ Learn more about Whitney’s work and coaching: www.whitneyfaires.com📲 Connect with Whitney: Instagram – @whitney_faires LinkedIn – Whitney FairesA rising tide raises all ships, and I invite you along on this journey to Evoke Greatness!Check out my website: www.evokegreatness.comFollow me on: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonnie-linebarger-899b9a52/ https://www.instagram.com/evoke.greatness/https://www.tiktok.com/@evoke.greatness http://www.youtube.com/@evokegreatness