What does it really take to build resilience—and how do you know when to push through or pivot?

In this episode of Decidedly, we’re joined by Dr. MH Pelletier, work psychologist and author of The Resilience Plan, to break down what resilience looks like in business, leadership, and life.

You’ll learn how to strategically build mental strength, recognize early signs of burnout, and make better decisions that align with your goals and values.

We explore:

✅ The difference between resilience, grit, and anti-fragility

✅ How to recover from stress without quitting your goals

✅ Daily habits that boost emotional and mental endurance

✅ Signs of burnout most leaders ignore

✅ How resilient teams function (and how to build one)

✅ Decision-making strategies during adversity

✅ Why self-awareness is the key to success

🎧 Whether you're an entrepreneur, leader, or anyone navigating challenge and change, this conversation will give you the tools to stay strong, focused, and grounded—no matter what life throws your way.

CHAPTERS

00:00 - Intro04:25 - What Is Strategic Resilience?08:30 - Grit vs Resilience: What’s the Difference?13:15 - How to Know When to Quit18:00 - The Hiking Analogy That Changes Everything24:40 - Is Resilience a Trait or a Skill?30:55 - Team Resilience: Building Psychological Safety36:20 - How to Prevent Burnout at Work44:00 - Hard Things That Build the Brain53:10 - Supporting Resilience in Others56:00 - Final Decision-Making Tips

CONNECT WITH US⁠⁠

www.decidedlypodcast.com⁠⁠⁠

Join us on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠: @decidedlypodcast

Shawn’s ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠: @shawn_d_smith

Sanger’s ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠: @sangersmith

SANGER’S BOOK: ⁠⁠A Life Rich with Significance: Transforming Your Wealth to Meaningful Impact⁠⁠

SHAWN’S BOOK: ⁠⁠Plateau Jumping: What to Change When Change Is What You Want⁠⁠

MAKING A FINANCIAL DECISION?

At ⁠⁠Decidedly Wealth Management⁠⁠, we focus on decision-making as the foundational element of success, in our effort to empower families to purposefully apply their wealth to fulfill their values and build a thriving legacy.

LEARN MORE: ⁠⁠www.decidedlywealth.com⁠⁠

SUBSCRIBE TO THE NEWSLETTER:⁠⁠ https://visitor.r20.constantcontact.com/manage/optin?v=001aeU_pPBHJPNJWJBdVbaci6bjGIuEJurH12xHBWDEVT_NxyCadMd7wLSZjcEZglkSjDjehuIbTHD8nABOIdV69ctfYpSzg24RCIytetBUrlIPPKgaGzjGZ8DkM0Wp1LMjbErcYUur7PbZGjeVo4gyXlz821AoJGZR⁠⁠

CONNECT WITH DR. MH PELLETIER

Website: ⁠https://drmarie-helene.com/

⁠The Resilience Plan: ⁠https://drmarie-helene.com/book/⁠

Instagram: @drmhpelletierLinkedIn: ⁠

https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmhpelletier/?originalSubdomain=ca⁠Dr.

MH Pelletier is a practicing work psychologist and trusted senior leader in clinical counseling and workplace psychology.

What if the key to better decisions, stronger relationships, and real leadership… isn’t having the right answers, but asking better questions?

In this episode of Decidedly, we sit down with Abigail Doust—coach, trainer, speaker, and lifelong student of communication—to unpack the underrated power of listening, how to navigate hard conversations, and why most people are asking the wrong questions in business and in life.

From her background in theater and pastoral care to coaching high-performing teams, Abigail reveals why great communication starts with self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and knowing what not to say.

If you've ever found yourself fumbling through a conversation, giving too much advice, or wondering how to actually connect—this one’s for you.

KEY TOPICS

• What most people get wrong about “good communication”

• How to ask open-ended questions that unlock real insight

• Practical coaching tools for entrepreneurs, leaders, and parents

• How to communicate with different personality types

• Why “Tell me more” is the most underused phrase in business

• How to create trust without saying much at all

• The psychology behind reflective listening

• Tips for navigating conflict with emotional intelligence

• When to use coaching vs. consulting in a conversation

CHAPTERS

• 00:00 Introduction

• 01:05 Embracing Uncertainty and Taking Risks

• 04:10 The Art of Asking Better Questions

• 04:56 The Power of Words and Communication

• 17:45 Understanding Personality Types in Communication

• 28:51 The Power of 'Tell Me More'

• 29:43 Understanding Different Perspectives on Freedom

• 31:22 Reflective Listening and Effective Communication

• 32:19 The Importance of Open-Ended Questions

• 35:36 Unpacking Intrinsic Motivation

• 38:46 Building Trust Through Deep Questions

• 50:37 The Value of Authenticity in Business

• 51:47 Decision-Making Tips for Business Owners

CONNECT WITH US

• www.decidedlypodcast.com

• Join us on Instagram: www.instagram.com/decidedlypodcast

• Join us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/decidedlypodcast

• Shawn’s Instagram: www.instagram.com/shawn_d_smith

• Sanger’s Instagram: www.instagram.com/sangersmith
  

MAKING A FINANCIAL DECISION?

At Decidedly Wealth Management, we focus on decision-making as the foundational element

of success, in our effort to empower families to purposefully apply their wealth to fulfill their

values and build a thriving legacy.

LEARN MORE

www.decidedlywealth.com

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR WEEKLY DECISION-MAKING TIP EMAIL

Join us every Wednesday for more strategies to DEFEAT bad decision-making - one episode at a time!

CONNECT WITH ABIGAIL

• Website: https://equippingforimpact.com/

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EquippingforImpact/

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/equippingforimpact/?hl=en

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abigail-doust-impact/

Abigail Doust is a certified coach, speaker, author, and trainer dedicated to equipping leaders to lead with impact. With a background in communication, theater, and pastoral care, she brings a unique blend of heart and strategy to her coaching and training. Abigail works with individuals, teams, and marriages to foster growth, deepen connection, and navigate meaningful change. She’s an ICF Associate Certified Coach, DISC Consultant, and passionate lifelong learner. When she’s not coaching, Abigail enjoys musicals, long walks, great coffee, and spending time with her husband and their four kids.