The Connectors

This conversation felt like a remembering. Not a how-to on collaboration, not a leadership checklist, but a return to something deeply human. We sat down with Kelly Dowd to explore collaboration as a way of being, not a business strategy. What unfolded was a layered conversation about existence, philosophy, belief systems, and why leadership that ignores connection eventually collapses.Kelly brings a rare and grounded perspective as a designer, systems architect, and author. Drawing from Buddhism,and timeless philosophical reflections, this episode centers on one undeniable truth. Humans are not meant to exist, lead, or build alone. Collaboration is not optional. It is foundational.We talked about how meaning is created through relationship, how systems either support or fracture human connection, and what happens when leaders design for control instead of contribution. This conversation invites a rethinking of leadership, integrity, and collaboration as something lived and practiced, not performed.Chapters and themes 00:00 Introduction to connection and collaboration 00:32 Self leadership and leading others 08:10 Why humans are not meant to exist alone 14:45 Philosophical perspectives on existence and relationship 22:30 Collaboration as a leadership responsibility 30:05 Designing systems for people, planet, and purpose 38:20 Belief systems, Buddhism, Christianity, and shared human values 46:10 Moving from individual effort to collective intelligence 54:40 What collaboration really asks of leadersWhere to get a hold of our guestKelly Dowd Email [email protected] Website https://kellydowd.ai FIDA Design https://fidadesign.com Why These Matter https://whythesematter.com Instagram @thekellydowd LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/thekellydowdWe want to hear from you!! If you have a story you think our growing audience needs to hear, please email us at [email protected]."The Connectors" podcast is hosted and produced  by Jolyn and Quinten. Marketing, sound and technical work thanks to the Design Coop and our theme tune thanks to the amazing The Hypnotyst @hypnotyst  PODCAST DISCLAIMER This podcast is for informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of The Connectors. The information presented in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, therapist, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast. The Connectors makes no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the podcast or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained in the podcast for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk. Kisses and hugs.

This conversation leaned into the emotional reality of leadership when it stops being theoretical and starts living in the body. We spoke with Dr Kaitlyn Rios about toxic workplace dynamics, confidence erosion, and the quiet moments where people realize something is no longer sustainable. We explored what healthy leadership actually feels like, how self advocacy gets rebuilt after being worn down, and how grace and grit can coexist when you are choosing yourself without burning everything down. • The origin story behind Faced with Grace and why it exists (02:36)• When an unhealthy workplace crosses into dangerous territory (05:46)• What toxicity actually looks like, microaggressions, unclear expectations, and leadership silence (13:18)• What to do when you cannot leave, including allyship, boundaries, and leading from within (17:43)• How culture really shifts through small human moments, emotional intelligence, and patience (21:15)• What great leadership feels like in practice, presence, time, and being heard (25:39)• Rebuilding confidence and self advocacy through reflection, reframing, and rebuilding (31:39)• Separating facts from feelings, intuition, and the open eyes, open minds, open hearts approach (38:13)• The role of stillness, boredom, and creativity in reinvention (44:32)• Why women focused empowerment creates ripple effects (47:21)• How to work with Kaitlyn, mentorship offerings, and the upcoming book Grit to Grace (56:02)Where to get a hold of our guestWebsite www.facedwithgrace.org Email [email protected] Grit to Grace releasing FebruaryNonprofit Faced with GraceMentorship and leadership development programsIf this conversation stirred something familiar in your own becoming, share it with someone who lives in the same quiet growth, and if you feel called to sit with us in a future episode or if your story belongs in this circle, reach us anytime at [email protected]."The Connectors" podcast is hosted and produced  by Jolyn and Quinten. Marketing, sound and technical work thanks to the Design Coop and our theme tune thanks to the amazing @hypnotyst  PODCAST DISCLAIMER This podcast is for informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of The Connectors. The information presented in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, therapist, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast. The Connectors makes no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the podcast or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained in the podcast for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk. Kisses and hugs.

In this episode of The Connectors Podcast, we continue our Redefining Leadership series with operations consultant Darryl Howard, who helps startups and established teams build structure that supports both performance and people.Darryl shares how grace has become his guiding value in leadership—how empathy, clarity, and accountability can coexist when we lead with intention instead of impulse. From defining roles to delegating with confidence, this conversation explores what it means to lead through both structure and soul.In this episode, we explore:• The difference between abdication and delegation—and why it matters.• Grace as a leadership value that builds trust and connection.• How documentation and clear processes create freedom, not restriction.• Why clarity fuels confidence and culture within teams.• The power of balancing systems, empathy, and accountability.Darryl also shares personal stories from his corporate-to-consulting journey, how he built his business around helping others succeed, and why leading with grace is the ultimate strategy for long-term growth.Where to get a hold of our guest - https://www.linkedin.com/in/darryl-w-howard/We want to hear from you!! If you have a story you think our growing audience needs to hear, please email us at [email protected]."The Connectors" podcast is hosted and produced  by Jolyn and Quinten. Marketing, sound and technical work thanks to the Design Coop and our theme tune thanks to the amazing The Hypnotyst @hypnotyst  PODCAST DISCLAIMER This podcast is for informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of The Connectors. The information presented in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, therapist, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast. The Connectors makes no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the podcast or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained in the podcast for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk. Kisses and hugs.

In this episode of the Connectors Podcast, we sit down with Janic Gorayeb for our Redefining Leadership series. Janic shares her journey from the corporate world into entrepreneurship and talks about why self leadership is one of the most important skills for solo business owners. She opens up about navigating decision fatigue, imposter syndrome, and the comparison mindset, and how values can anchor you during tough seasons of growth.She also highlights the importance of community and mentorship, building relationships based on clarity and communication, setting expectations, and celebrating small wins along the way. This episode is an honest look at the mindset work behind business growth and a reminder that progress matters more than perfection.TakeawaysSelf leadership is a foundational skill for solo entrepreneursValues help guide clear and aligned decision makingCommunity and mentorship create support that keeps you moving forwardComparison pulls you out of your own lane and slows down growthCelebrating small wins builds confidence and momentumTrial and error is part of the processSetting expectations prevents confusion and frustrationReflection helps you grow as a leaderCourage is required to put yourself out thereProgress matters more than perfectionWhere to get a hold of our guest - https://www.rippleeffectleadership.ca  https://www.instagram.com/rippleeffectleadership/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/janicgorayeb/  https://www.youtube.com/@RippleEffectLeadershipWe want to hear from you!! If you have a story you think our growing audience needs to hear, please email us at [email protected]."The Connectors" podcast is hosted and produced  by Jolyn and Quinten. Marketing, sound and technical work thanks to the Design Coop and our theme tune thanks to the amazing The Hypnotyst @hypnotyst  PODCAST DISCLAIMER This podcast is for informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of The Connectors. The information presented in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, therapist, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast. The Connectors makes no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the podcast or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained in the podcast for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk. Kisses and hugs.

In this episode of The Connectors Podcast, Jolyn and Quinten sit down with Ashley Cox, founder and leadership coach at SproutHR, to explore how the stories we tell ourselves shape the way we lead, and how rewriting them can unlock a more human, heart-centered form of leadership.Ashley brings over 17 years of experience helping women leaders and entrepreneurs build inclusive, people-first workplaces that thrive on empathy, trust, and authenticity. She shares how her own journey from self-doubt and burnout to alignment and confidence taught her that the traits we often try to hide are the very ones that make us powerful leaders.You’ll hear about:• How to transform your inner dialogue into a tool for confidence and connection• Why emotional intelligence and compassion are the new leadership superpowers• The Triangle of Trust framework and how it builds stronger teams• Why assuming positive intent can turn conflict into clarity• What to do when leadership feels lonely and how to stay grounded in purposeAshley reminds us that leadership is not about perfection or control. It is about courage, vulnerability, and creating space for others to shine.And the moment that changed everything came when she realized that the stories holding her back were not true, they were simply unedited.Where to get a hold of our guest - Website: www.ashleycox.co | LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyncox | Instagram: www.instagram.com/ashleycox.co | Facebook: www.facebook.com/ashleycox.coWe want to hear from you!! If you have a story you think our growing audience needs to hear, please email us at [email protected]."The Connectors" podcast is hosted and produced  by Jolyn and Quinten. Marketing, sound and technical work thanks to the Design Coop and our theme tune thanks to the amazing The Hypnotyst @hypnotyst  PODCAST DISCLAIMER This podcast is for informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of The Connectors. The information presented in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, therapist, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast. The Connectors makes no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the podcast or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained in the podcast for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk. Kisses and hugs.