In this powerful and thought-provoking conversation, Jenelle welcomes leadership coach and former CS leader Norma Serena to explore an often overlooked but crucial leadership question: Are you emotionally available for your team? Together, they unpack what it truly means to show up for your people, not just in body, but in mind, heart, and presence.

From defining the difference between being physically present versus emotionally engaged, to breaking down why so many leaders unintentionally disconnect, Norma and Jenelle dive deep into the reality of today’s hustle-driven workplace culture. They explore practical ways leaders can build trust, foster empathy, and regulate their own nervous system to create safe, empowering environments. The episode also offers tactical advice for individual contributors on how to advocate for their own needs when their leader isn’t emotionally available.

Key takeaways include:
✅ Why your team craves emotional presence, not just leadership checklists
✅ Simple practices to regulate your stress before 1:1s and meetings
✅ How reframing your mindset can align work with your personal values
✅ Practical breathwork tools to reset and refocus
✅ Tips for individual contributors navigating absent leadership

Whether you’re a seasoned manager, a new leader, or an individual contributor wanting more from your leadership experience, this episode will inspire you to bring more humanity, awareness, and connection into every interaction. As always, remember: transformation starts from within.

Resources

Connect with Norma: https://www.linkedin.com/in/normaserena/
Norma's website: https://intentionalleadership.ca/
https://intentionalleadership.ca/#freeResources
Link to book a 1h reset call with Norma: https://calendly.com/normahogan/intentional-leadership-adhoc-1-1
What people can expect: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/normaserena_if-you-were-looking-for-a-sign-to-take-a-activity-7336395767084982274-I99k)