The Michelle McCullough Show

In today's episode, I'm diving into something that affects every leader—broken trust. We all know trust can snap in an instant, but rebuilding it? That takes real intention. I'll walk you through the Trust Reset framework I've developed to help leaders repair relationships and reengage their teams without blame or burnout.

Here's what you'll take away from this episode:

• Why trust erodes so quickly and how to rebuild it faster

• The 4-step Trust Reset framework for one-on-one or team settings

• How a clear commitment and plan leads to higher employee engagement

• Real-world examples from corporate leadership missteps and repairs

• Why trust is a productivity multiplier in high-stakes environments

If you've ever asked yourself, "How do I rebuild trust when things feel off?"—this one's for you.

Let's stretch together without snapping.

Time Stamps

00:00 Introduction to Trust and Organizational Culture

00:46 Personal Corporate Experience and Trust Challenges

03:33 Modern Trust Issues in Remote and Technological Environments

04:58 Steps to a Trust Reset

06:54 Example of a Trust Reset in Action

08:45 Final Thoughts on Trust Reset

09:53 Conclusion and Further Resources

If trust feels a little shaky on your team right now—you're not alone. Whether it's been chipped away by shifting goals, remote work, or miscommunication, it can be rebuilt. Start with the Trust Reset.

Ready to restore confidence and reengage your team? Let's keep this conversation going.

Episode Summary

Burnout gets a lot of attention in the workplace, but what about boredom?

In this episode, I explore the other reason high performers quietly leave organizations they once loved: underutilization. I'll walk you through real stories from leaders I've worked with, share insights from my national research, and break down the Stretch Capacity™ framework to help you create growth opportunities without overwhelming your team.

You'll learn:

• Why "not feeling stretched" can lead to disengagement and turnover

• How leaders can provide challenge, autonomy, and advancement (even during tough times)

• The link between trust, innovation, and stretch

Whether you lead a team of two or two thousand, this episode will help you rethink how you support and retain your top talent.

🎧 Listen in and ask yourself: are your people truly burned out… or just bored?

00:00 Introduction to Stretch Capacity

00:27 Understanding Stretch Capacity Zones

00:46 The Importance of Stretching Even in Burnout

01:14 Real-Life Examples of Stretching at Work

02:12 The Consequences of Not Stretching Employees

03:44 Encouraging Innovation and Growth

04:19 Personal Stories of Seeking Growth

05:08 Final Thoughts on Stretch Capacity

06:16 Conclusion and Call to Action

Ready to help your team grow without burning out—or fading out?

If you're seeing signs of disengagement, turnover, or missed potential, it might not be burnout—it might be boredom. The right kind of stretch could make all the difference.

Episode Summary:

What if the reason you feel stuck isn't your circumstance—but your comparison?

In this episode, I share a story about racing my young son—a moment that unexpectedly revealed how comparison can distort our vision and derail our growth. I unpack the dangers of comparison, the surprising results from my Leadership and Engagement study, and what PTSD studies taught me about the power of belief.

You'll hear why so many people feel stuck at a "5," and what it really takes to build the emotional strength to move forward—regardless of what life throws your way. Whether you're a leader, a parent, or someone navigating burnout, this episode will challenge you to stop looking sideways and start investing in the one skill that matters most right now: resilience. Because you're not in a race—you're on a mission.

00:00 Stretch Capacity Story: Racing My Son

01:16 The Comparison Trap

03:06 What Leadership Research Reveals

05:39 The Danger of Measuring Against Others

07:13 The PTSD Insight That Changes Everything

08:34 You Are Not Your Circumstances

10:46 Resilience Is Essential

12:26 When Your Resilience Reserves Are Low

14:16 You're Not in a Race

15:59 Own Your Emotional Wellness

17:06 Make Resilience a Habit

18:25 Resilience Education Starts with You

20:03 Emotional Intelligence in the Age of AI

21:18 Final Thoughts & Challenge

Ready to build resilience that lasts?

If you're looking to strengthen your team's capacity to thrive through change, handle pressure, and stay engaged—resilience training is the next right step.

Let's talk about how I can support your organization through a keynote, workshop, or leadership retreat. I'll bring research-backed strategies that help your team stretch without snapping—and perform at their best.

Prefer to start with a resource? Download my Leadership and Engagement Blueprint—a practical guide to help leaders increase performance, trust, and emotional intelligence in today's fast-paced workplace.

Which generation claims to be the happiest at work? How does leadership style impact resilience across different age groups? In this episode, we reveal surprising stats from the 2025 Leadership and Engagement blueprint and explore what truly drives well-being on multi-generational teams. Tune in to find out what matters most to Gen Z, Millennials, and Gen X—and why your approach to authenticity and adaptability as a leader could make all the difference.

If you're ready to cultivate better connections within your multigenerational team, start the conversation today.

Tune in next week for more insights on leadership and productivity.

Episode Overview: