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Welcome back to The Executive Coach Podcast and our JuneCareer Series! Today, I have an important question for you: Have you ever looked around your workspace—whether it's a boardroom, management table, or executive suite—and thought, They just have that thing... and I don’t? That sense of belonging, confidence, and natural authority that makes leadership look effortless?

You’re not alone. Many of my clients share this exact feeling, as if there’s some kind of unwritten rulebook that they were never given access to. A secret formula for executive presence that some people just seem to get while others feel like they’re always playing catch-up.

In today’s episode, we’re diving into these unwritten rules—what they are, why they matter, and how you can master them to break through the glass ceiling. This is the second pillar of my coaching framework, and it’s a game-changer. Whether you’re aiming for the C-suite or simply want to elevate your presence in leadership, understanding and applying these principles will shift everything for you.

And here’s the thing—I’m not here to tell you that the glass ceiling doesn’t exist. In fact, we’re going to acknowledge the systemic factors at play while also equipping you with the tools to navigate them with confidence and ease.

The Unwritten Rules of C-Suite Success

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Welcome back to The Executive Coach Podcast! This is Part 2 of my fascinating conversation with Stephen Shapiro, author of Goal-Free Living: How to Have the Life You Want Now.

If you haven’t yet listened to Part 1, go back and start there — we focused on you as an individual and your personal relationship with goals.
Today, we’re zooming out — and I’d love you to put your leadership hat on.

Grab a copy of  Goal Free Living, how to Have the Life You Want Now, ⁠here⁠*

This episode is especially for you if you're a busy leader at work or at home wondering:

• Is there a better way to motivate and retain your team?

• Why do your most creative or innovative employees sometimes seem disengaged — or even leave?

• How do you balance the need for structure and systems with the freedom and flexibility that spark innovation?

• Could your goal-driven culture be doing more harm than good?

If you’re tired of endless targets and want to energize your team without burning them out, this episode is a game changer.

Stephen brings research and real-world insight to help you rethink your approach to leadership. And while it might feel counterintuitive at first, loosening your grip on traditional goal-setting could be the key to unlocking greater creativity, longer-term performance, and deeper engagement.

Let’s dive in.

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This episode is an absolute treat. I’m joined by the brilliant Stephen Shapiro, author of Goal-Free Living: How to Have the Life You Want Now.

If you’ve ever achieved a big goal — one you poured blood, sweat, and tears into — only to feel a fleeting moment of “Great… what’s next?” rather than true satisfaction, this conversation is for you.

Stephen and I explore how we can redefine our relationship with goals in a way that truly aligns with who we are, not just what we think we should want.

This episode is all about alignment over achievement — and creating success that feels good now, not just in some far-off future. Grab your copy of  Goal Free Living, how to Have the Life You Want Now, here*

*affiliate link