Send us Fan MailWhat if the key to better leadership, stronger teams, and healthier workplace culture starts with one thing—self-awareness?In this episode, I sit down with Larissa Fitzhugh, founder of Diadem Solutions, to explore what it really takes to build workplaces where people can thrive—not just perform.Larissa shares how her journey in HR operations led her to focus on employee experience after realizing she couldn’t always answer one simple question honestly: “What is your culture really like?”From that moment, she chose to be part of the solution.In this conversation, we unpack:Why self-awareness is one of the most powerful career acceleratorsHow the DISC framework (Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, Conscientiousness) helps you understand how you show up under pressureThe two breakthroughs that change everything: relief and compassionWhy culture isn’t built through big initiatives—but in small, consistent daily momentsThe leadership gap around difficult conversations—and how to approach them without overthinkingWhy differences on teams are not a liability—but a necessity for growthWe also talk about the reality organizations are facing:AI is reshaping the workforce, but human understanding and emotional intelligence are more critical than everMany organizations know change is needed—but aren’t taking actionCulture and leadership development are often deprioritized due to time and budget constraintsThis episode is a powerful reminder:Leadership is not just about strategy—it’s about people.And the leaders who understand themselves—and others—will be the ones who shape the future of work.Connect with us:Larissa: www.diademsolutions.co | linkedin.com/in/larissa-fitzhughDawn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawnbutler1/Support the showHey, listeners and tech enthusiasts! 🌟 If you've been enjoying our podcast and finding value in the insights shared, we'd love your support. You can: Take a moment to share this podcast with someone. Submit the interest form if you’d like to be a guest.Let us know how we're doing. We’d love to hear from you. Leave a review on your favorite podcast platform.If you’re in a position to support financially, consider supporting via the Tip Jar, or Buy Me a Coffee.  This podcast is a self-funded and how we give back, especially to underrepresented voices in tech and cybersecurity.  Your support keeps us going and growing. Thanks for being part of this journey and our community!Stay connected! Sign up for the weekly newsletter, Courageous Circuits: https://tinyurl.com/wz8fepycLooking for mentorship? Let's talk about what you need and how I may be able to help: Mentor MomentsThe views and opinions expressed by the host and guests are personal and not reflective of any employer.