<p>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.</p><p></p><p>&nbsp;• The origin story behind Faced with Grace and why it exists (02:36)<br>• When an unhealthy workplace crosses into dangerous territory (05:46)<br>• What toxicity actually looks like, microaggressions, unclear expectations, and leadership silence (13:18)<br>• What to do when you cannot leave, including allyship, boundaries, and leading from within (17:43)<br>• How culture really shifts through small human moments, emotional intelligence, and patience (21:15)<br>• What great leadership feels like in practice, presence, time, and being heard (25:39)<br>• Rebuilding confidence and self advocacy through reflection, reframing, and rebuilding (31:39)<br>• Separating facts from feelings, intuition, and the open eyes, open minds, open hearts approach (38:13)<br>• The role of stillness, boredom, and creativity in reinvention (44:32)<br>• Why women focused empowerment creates ripple effects (47:21)<br>• How to work with Kaitlyn, mentorship offerings, and the upcoming book Grit to Grace (56:02)</p><p></p><p><b>Where to get a hold of our guest<br></b>Website<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://www.facedwithgrace.org"> www.facedwithgrace.org<br></a> Email <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a><br>Book Grit to Grace releasing February<br>Nonprofit Faced with Grace<br></p><p>Mentorship and leadership development programs</p><p>If 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 <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a>.</p><p></p><p>"The Connectors" podcast is hosted and produced&nbsp; by Jolyn and Quinten. Marketing, sound and technical work thanks to the Design Coop and our theme tune thanks to the amazing @hypnotyst&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>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.</p>