Podcast · Business

Love and Leadership

by Kristen Brun Sharkey and Mike Sharkey · English · Business

The Love and Leadership podcast is hosted by Kristen Brun Sharkey and Mike Sharkey - a couple of leadership nerds who also happen to be a couple. Kristen is a leadership coach and facilitator and Mike is a senior living and hospitality executive. This podcast weaves together the hosts' past and pres

New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 49 min
Latest: 6 Mar 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

6 Mar 2026 · 42 min

Can AI Replace Leadership?

Kristen and Mike tackle one of the most pressing questions facing leaders right now: can AI actually replace you? The short answer is no. But the longer answer is more interesting and more useful. Kristen breaks down exactly where AI can make leaders sharper and more efficient, and where human leadership is still irreplaceable. If you've been wondering how to position yourself in the age of AI, this episode will give you a clear, practical framework. Highlights Leaders whose authority is buil...

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

E47 · 19 Jan 2026 · 1 hr 18 min
Leadership Book Club: The Gap and the Gain by Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin Hardy
Why do some incredibly successful people feel like failures? In this episode, Kristen and Mike break down The Gap and the Gain by Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin Hardy - a book Mike has read five times because it fundamentally changed how he measures success. They explore why so many high achievers are miserable despite their accomplishments, and introduce a simple mental shift that can transform how you experience progress in both your career and life. Through personal stories about new parent...
E46 · 29 Dec 2025 · 38 min
ENCORE: Design Your Best 2026 With a Personal Annual Review
Kristen and Mike are re-airing one of their favorite episodes just in time for the new year. The week between Christmas and New Year's offers something rare: permission to slow down and reflect. In this special episode, Kristen and Mike share their personal annual review process—a ritual Kristen has practiced for years to close out one year and set intentions for the next. This isn't your typical goal-setting exercise. Instead of diving straight into what you want to accomplish, they walk thr...
E45 · 14 Nov 2025 · 32 min
Buzzword Breakdown: Servant Leadership
In this Buzzword Breakdown episode, Kristen and Mike tackle one of the most talked-about—and misunderstood—concepts in modern leadership: servant leadership. But here's the twist: Mike admits he actually hates the term. What follows is a candid conversation about why this popular leadership philosophy makes us uncomfortable, why the language we use around leadership matters more than we think, and how some leaders use this term to avoid accountability. The discussion explores the problematic ...
E44 · 23 Oct 2025 · 38 min
We’re Back: Reflections on Newborn Parenting and Leadership
After a hiatus, Kristen and Mike return to Love and Leadership with a new tiny co-host in tow. They pull back the curtain on what the past few months have really been like—from an unplanned C-section to navigating the gaps in U.S. parental leave policies. They share what they've learned about partnership under pressure, why their pre-baby work on fighting better has paid off, and how they're managing to show up for each other when sleep is scarce and stress is high. If you've ever wondered wh...
2 Jul 2025 · 2 min
We're Taking a Baby Break - But We'll Be Back
A brief update: we're taking a hiatus through the end of summer to welcome our newborn son. While we had hoped to have new content during parental leave, life had other plans. We want to reassure you that we're committed to the podcast and will return with fresh episodes soon enough. In the meantime, there are 43 episodes to explore, and we welcome content suggestions at [email protected]. Podcast Website: www.loveandleadershippod.com Instagram: @loveleaderpod Follow us on Linke...
E43 · 27 Jun 2025 · 1 hr 23 min
Leadership Book Club: The Advice Trap by Michael Bungay Stanier
Mike and Kristen dive deep into Michael Bungay Stanier's The Advice Trap, exploring why our natural instinct to give advice actually makes us worse leaders. This episode reveals the uncomfortable truth: your advice isn't as good as you think it is, and constantly offering solutions is damaging your team and overwhelming your schedule. The hosts get painfully honest about their own advice-giving habits while breaking down the three personas of the "advice monster" - Tell It, Save It, and Contr...
E42 · 29 May 2025 · 1 hr 12 min
Leadership Book Club: The Go-Giver Leader by Bob Burg and John David Mann
Kristen and Mike explore The Go-Giver Leader by Bob Burg and John David Mann, a parable that flips traditional command-and-control leadership on its head. Through the story of Ben, an ambitious M&A executive who discovers that true influence comes from yielding rather than forcing, listeners will learn why the best leaders don't take leadership - they give it away. Mike brings his signature tangents, while Kristen keeps things grounded with practical insights. If you've ever wondered why ...
E41 · 14 May 2025 · 40 min
Leadership vs Management: Why You Need Both
You've probably heard "leadership versus management" debates many times, but Kristen and Mike break it down in a way that actually makes sense. This isn't about which one is better - spoiler alert: you need both. Instead, they explore how these distinct skill sets work together and why understanding the difference can transform your career. From Confucius to Navy SEALs, they share practical insights on when to lead people versus manage systems, common myths that trip up even experienced profe...
E40 · 7 May 2025 · 29 min
Buzzword Breakdown: Psychological Safety
Kristen and Mike kick off their new Buzzword Breakdown series by tackling psychological safety, a term often referenced in leadership discussions without clear explanation. Created by Harvard professor Amy Edmondson, psychological safety is the belief that you won't be punished for speaking up with ideas, questions, or concerns. Research shows it's the #1 predictor of high-performing teams - more important than who's on the team. Despite its importance, many misconceptions exist around what p...
E39 · 30 Apr 2025 · 54 min
ENCORE: Leading Through Turbulent Times with Megan Romano, LMFT
We originally aired this episode in October prior to the election, and are sharing it again today because we find it more relevant than ever! Leaders today face a unique challenge: supporting their teams' mental wellness during a very high-stress period. In this episode, Kristen and Mike explore this timely topic with licensed therapist Megan Romano. They discuss how leaders can navigate the emotional minefield of turbulent political times, from recognizing their own triggers to creatin...
E38 · 23 Apr 2025 · 1 hr 32 min
Leadership Book Club: How To Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
Kristen and Mike dive into Dale Carnegie's classic "How to Win Friends and Influence People" - a book that's approaching its 90th anniversary yet remains powerfully relevant. Mike reveals he's read (or rather, listened to) the book nearly 10 times, often before starting new jobs to ground himself in core leadership principles. The couple explores why this 1936 bestseller has sold over 30 million copies and continues to influence modern leadership thinking. Unlike most leadership books, Carneg...
E37 · 16 Apr 2025 · 42 min
Decoding 2025's Top Workplace Buzzwords
Kristen and Mike get into the fascinating world of workplace buzzwords that are trending in 2025. From "anti-perks" to "coffee badging," these terms reveal a lot about our current work culture and employee-employer relationships. The couple unpacks these buzzwords with their characteristic humor and practical insight, examining what each trend reveals about the evolving workplace. Whether you're dealing with "quiet hiring" at your organization or considering a "lazy girl job" for better work-...
E36 · 9 Apr 2025 · 48 min
Leading Multicultural Teams with Andrea Fleischfresser
Kristen and Mike sit down with Andrea Fleischfresser, an executive coach with over 20 years of experience in HR and coaching. Andrea shares her journey from working in Italy to building her coaching practice in the US, where she discovered that cultural backgrounds significantly influence leadership styles and workplace dynamics. Through her work with clients from diverse cultures, Andrea has observed how deeply ingrained cultural norms affect everything from communication styles to feedback ...
E35 · 27 Mar 2025 · 42 min
Building a Culture of Innovation That Works
Is your team more afraid of sharing a bad idea or missing out on a great one? In this episode, Mike and Kristen dig into what truly makes a culture innovative - and it's probably not what you think. Most companies claim to value innovation, but few actually design their culture to support it. Through a framework Kristen calls the "Improvation Matrix," they explore how openness to new ideas and commitment to execution create the foundation for genuine innovation. Plus, Mike takes a delightful ...
E34 · 19 Mar 2025 · 1 hr 6 min
Leadership Book Club: Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara, Part Two
In the second part of their deep dive into Will Guidara's Unreasonable Hospitality, Mike and Kristen explore the leadership lessons that transformed Eleven Madison Park into the world's best restaurant. From breaking traditional fine dining rules to creating moments of surprise and delight for guests, Guidara's approach proves that true hospitality extends beyond simply serving excellent food. His philosophy challenges leaders to build strong teams, empower staff through trust, and create aut...
E33 · 12 Mar 2025 · 59 min
Leadership Book Club: Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara, Part One
In this first part of a two-part series, Mike and Kristen dive into Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara. While it might not seem like a traditional leadership book at first glance, it's packed with lessons for anyone serving customers or managing teams. Mike brings a unique perspective to this discussion, having spent 17 years in the restaurant industry before transitioning to senior living. He shares personal insights about the intense world of restaurants, where excellence isn't just e...
E32 · 5 Mar 2025 · 44 min
Leadership Lessons from Space with Shelli Brunswick
Kristen and Mike talk with Shelli Brunswick, a leader in the space industry whose career spans from the US Air Force to her current role as CEO of SB Global LLC. Shelli shares how space technology impacts our everyday lives in ways we don't even realize—from the smartphone in your pocket to the blueberries in your breakfast. She explains how leadership lessons from the space industry, particularly around risk management and innovation, can help professionals in any field. If you've ever wonde...
E31 · 26 Feb 2025 · 42 min
The Truth About Motivating Employees
What really motivates people at work? Is it money, recognition, or something deeper? In this episode, Kristen unpacks three of the most influential motivation theories that can transform how you lead your team. Mike adds his real-world perspective as they explore why fear can be a powerful motivator, why a raise alone won't keep your employees engaged long-term, and how trust plays a crucial role in whether your team will go the extra mile. Whether you're struggling with unmotivated team memb...
E30 · 19 Feb 2025 · 22 min
Imposter Syndrome: From Self-Doubt to Self-Trust
International Women's Day is coming up on March 8th! In this special episode Kristen shares her 2024 IWD talk from Google's Women Techmakers event on tackling imposter syndrome through improv techniques. While 75% of women executives report experiencing imposter syndrome, Kristen reveals how her journey from tech leader to improv performer helped her develop practical tools to manage self-doubt. She breaks down the five types of "imposters" and shares specific exercises anyone can use to buil...
E29 · 12 Feb 2025 · 1 hr 39 min
Leadership Book Club: The First 90 Days by Michael Watkins
Ever wonder why some new leaders hit the ground running while others stumble? Kristen and Mike break down Michael Watkins' essential guide The First 90 Days - a book The Economist called "the onboarding bible." Whether you're stepping into your first leadership role or you're a seasoned executive making a change, this episode will help you avoid common pitfalls and set yourself up for success. Mike shares his recent experience applying these principles in his new role, while Kristen draws on ...
E28 · 5 Feb 2025 · 51 min
People-First Leadership with Marketing Exec Candice Hahn
Ever wonder why some leaders seem to effortlessly build thriving teams while others struggle with constant turnover? In this episode, guest Candice Hahn, a veteran marketing agency executive with over 25 years of experience, shares her refreshing take on leadership in the fast-paced agency world. Candice opens up about why working for good people has been the guiding force in her career and reveals her unique approach to developing talent. She explains why there's "no such thing as a marketin...
E27 · 29 Jan 2025 · 40 min
Let’s Get Critical: How to Receive Tough Feedback
Most leaders know feedback is essential for growth, but let's be honest - receiving it can be uncomfortable, even painful. In this episode, Kristen and Mike get real about their own struggles with feedback and share practical strategies to make the process less daunting. Whether you're dealing with a 360 review or an unexpected comment from a team member, you'll learn how to stay composed, listen effectively, and use feedback to become a stronger leader. Plus, discover why comparing different...
E26 · 22 Jan 2025 · 1 hr 26 min
Leadership Book Club: Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss
Mike and Kristen break down Chris Voss's game-changing book on negotiation, Never Split the Difference. As a former FBI hostage negotiator, Voss brings street-smart tactics that work in real-world situations, not just theory. The couple explores how these techniques—from using the late-night FM DJ voice to mastering the power of "no"—can transform both business and personal interactions. Mike shares his experience applying these methods in restaurant management, while Kristen connects the dot...
E25 · 8 Jan 2025 · 55 min
Why Nice Is Not Enough with Amira Barger, EVP of DEI at Edelman
What does it really mean to be an ally in today's workplace? For Amira Barger, Executive Vice President of DEI Advisory and Health Communications at Edelman, it's about going beyond being "nice." Growing up as the daughter of missionaries in Guam, Amira learned early on about meeting people's needs and building community. Now, she's challenging leaders to move past surface-level actions and ask the critical question: "What do you need to show up as your chosen self?" In this powerful conversa...
E24 · 1 Jan 2025 · 55 min
ENCORE: The New Playbook for Leadership Presence
Love and Leadership is taking a break this week, but we're re-airing one of our favorite early episodes to help you set the tone for the new year! In this episode, Kristen and Mike dive into the evolving concept of leadership presence. They explore how traditional notions of executive presence are shifting, with a growing emphasis on emotional intelligence, authenticity, and inclusivity. Drawing from Kristen's improv-inspired leadership model, they discuss practical ways to enhance awareness,...
E23 · 25 Dec 2024 · 37 min
Design Your Best 2025: A Personal Annual Review Process
As the year winds down, Kristen shares her tried-and-tested process for conducting a personal annual review - a practice she's refined over 15 years. Whether you're reflecting on your career progression or contemplating personal growth, this episode offers a straightforward approach to evaluating your year and setting meaningful goals for 2025. Plus, Mike shares his perspective on performance reviews from his executive experience and why the Marine Corps' evaluation system stands out as a mod...
E22 · 18 Dec 2024 · 1 hr 24 min
Leadership Book Club: Start with Why by Simon Sinek
What makes some organizations inspire fierce loyalty while others just seem to exist? In this episode, Kristen and Mike dive into Simon Sinek's groundbreaking book "Start With Why," exploring how truly great leaders and companies create lasting success by focusing on their purpose rather than just their products. Through compelling examples from Apple to Martin Luther King Jr., they break down why people don't buy what you do - they buy why you do it. Whether you're building a business, leadi...
E21 · 11 Dec 2024 · 49 min
Building Leadership Teams That Get Results
Ever wonder what truly makes a great leadership team tick? Kristen shares insights from her recent team coaching certification program and breaks down the research-backed conditions that create outstanding teams. Drawing from Ruth Wageman and Richard Hackman's work on senior leadership teams, Mike and Kristen explore how the setup of a team accounts for 60% of its eventual success - far more than what happens once the team is already working together. Through analogies to orchestras and kitch...
E20 · 4 Dec 2024 · 50 min
Leading with Care Through Uncertain Times with Tushar Pandit, CPO at SPINS
Leadership isn't just about hitting the numbers - it's about how you get there. Through candid stories from his 25+ years in human resources, Chief People Officer Tushar Pandit challenges common misconceptions about workplace culture and HR. He explains why foosball tables and kombucha aren't company values (though he enjoys kombucha), why measuring employee engagement isn't enough, and what it really takes to build an organization where people want to stay and grow. This conversation dives i...

About Love and Leadership

Love and Leadership is a English business podcast from Kristen Brun Sharkey and Mike Sharkey. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: Kristen Brun Sharkey and Mike Sharkey
Language: English
Category: Business
New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 49 min
Latest episode: 6 Mar 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1757968042

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