Your Next Clear Move

What would change in your leadership if you could see the hidden labels running your decisions? That's the powerful question at the heart of this transformative episode on how the stories we tell ourselves shape our professional journey.

The most influential factor in your leadership isn't your experience or skills—it's your identity. Those quiet beliefs about who you are ("I'm the fixer," "I'm the strong one," "I'm just lucky to be here") function as unconscious instructions to your mind, filtering what information you allow in and determining how you show up in professional settings. These identity-level be...

Ever wonder why you haven't taken that next step in your leadership journey despite knowing you're smart, capable, and full of potential? The answer might surprise you. It's rarely about needing more credentials or another course. The real barriers are often invisible – inherited beliefs, unquestioned patterns, or that persistent inner voice whispering "not yet."

The Clarity Compass, a powerful filtering tool I share in this episode, offers a refreshing approach to leadership readiness. Instead of focusing on external achievements, it guides you to align with your authentic self through four cardinal directions: your why (what truly matters to...

Have you ever felt that persistent tug—that whisper telling you it's time to step up, even while doubt holds you back? That's not hesitation speaking. It's readiness in disguise.

The truth about being ready for your next leadership move is that it rarely feels like having all the answers. Instead, it manifests as five distinct signals that most of us misinterpret as reasons to wait. As a clarity coach who's guided countless leaders through this terrain, I'm pulling back the curtain on what genuine readiness actually looks like.

From the evolution of your questions to...

Leadership readiness is often misunderstood as a checklist of skills and experience, but true readiness comes from internal qualities like mindset, willingness, and belief in oneself. We keep promoting people based on technical expertise and external traits, then wonder why they burn out when they haven't connected to their deeper purpose for leading.

• Shifting from waiting for external validation to trusting yourself is a key turning point in leadership development
• The Clarity Compass tool helps align leadership with personal values through four key dimensions: Why, What, Who, and How
• Leadership preparation should start with identity and pu...

What if everything you've been told about "getting ready" for leadership opportunities is actually holding you back? This thought-provoking episode challenges the fundamental notion of readiness and reveals how many of us have been ready long before someone else told us we weren't.

I share a pivotal moment from my own corporate career when I felt that internal hum saying "you're ready," only to have others dismiss my readiness with a polite brush-off. The mistake I made? Trusting their assessment more than my own inner knowing. This experience—one many leaders face—reveals how readiness isn't something best...

Leadership demands confidence, especially when certainty feels impossible to achieve. Yet many of us fall into the trap of waiting for perfect information before making important decisions. This paralyzing need for certainty isn't just ineffective—it actively undermines our leadership potential and organizational momentum.

The key lies in understanding the critical difference between clarity and certainty. While certainty demands complete information and guaranteed outcomes, clarity focuses on what matters most right now and taking appropriate action based on what we know. This distinction transforms how we approach leadership challenges. Drawing from Neuro-Linguistic Programming principles, confident leaders embrace a...

Life disruptions signal a need for realignment rather than a reason to pretend everything is fine. When unexpected challenges arise, the Readiness Reset framework provides a path to find your next clear move through honesty and clarity.

• Pretending to be okay drains energy and leads to hitting the wall
• "Bouncing up" rather than "bouncing back" acknowledges what's happened
• Disruption isn't failure—it's a signal that realignment is needed
• The Readiness Reset framework provides flexible guidance in five steps

• Step 1: WHY - Connect to your motivation and what truly matters now
• Step 2: WHAT...

Ever walked into a leadership meeting and thought, "Do I really belong here?" That nagging sense of doubt—the fear someone will "find you out"—is imposter syndrome, and it thrives among high achievers like you.

Leadership readiness has little to do with titles, degrees, or external validation. These traditional metrics create a dangerous illusion that you must continuously earn your voice before using it. The revolutionary truth? You don't need to earn your right to lead—you need to own it. The shift from seeking approval to cultivating self-belief is what separates spinning in self-doubt from steppi...

Leaders who feel drained and overwhelmed don't need a vacation – they need a five-minute habit reset to interrupt burnout patterns and reclaim their energy. It's not about time management but about leadership energy management, with small intentional pauses that help you return to what matters most.

• Overwhelm builds gradually through a slow leak of energy that we often don't notice until we're completely drained
• Signs you need a reset include rereading emails multiple times, snapping at others, avoiding decisions, and waking up already tired
• The five-minute reset includes naming what you're avoiding, physically changing your state, r...

What's truly standing between you and your next leadership breakthrough? Contrary to popular belief, it's not another certification, more experience, or endless preparation—it's your fundamental belief in yourself.

This episode challenges the conventional wisdom about leadership readiness, revealing how internal barriers create more obstacles than external qualifications ever could. I share striking research from Hewlett Packard showing that women typically wait until they're 100% qualified before applying for positions, while men confidently step forward at just 60%. This confidence gap creates real-world consequences, giving quicker movers a significant competitive advantage regardless of actual preparedness.

Leadership readiness is...

Ever feel like you're sprinting on a leadership treadmill that's only getting faster? You're not alone. 

The relentless hustle culture has convinced us that leadership success means constant availability, perpetual action, and an always-on mentality. But high performers are hitting walls they never saw coming – and that old "push through it" reflex isn't grit, it's a straight path to depletion. What if your real leadership edge isn't about doing more, but moving with greater intention?

In this illuminating episode, we unpack the concept of sustainable momentum – the steady, repeatable energy of forward motion without self-sacrifice. This...

Have you ever felt like something was off in your professional life, despite outward success? You're hitting deadlines, showing up where decisions are made, but inside, something feels missing. This creeping disconnect is what I call "professional drift" — and it might be the biggest unrecognized threat to your leadership impact today.

Professional drift isn't burnout. You're still functioning, but you're not flourishing. You're engaged but not energized, producing but not progressing. It's that slow, almost imperceptible slide away from purpose that happens when we become untethered from what truly matters to us. For high-achievers, this drift can go...

Discover how small, intentional shifts can create powerful momentum in your leadership and life. The most effective breakthroughs often come not from dramatic changes but from quiet shifts in perspective and simple micro moves that bring clarity.

• Clarity doesn't require a full life overhaul or detailed five-year plan
• Real momentum comes from doing the right things for the right reasons
• The four forces for clarity: resetting direction, clearing focus, protecting energy, and taking action
• Micro moves for momentum: pause and prioritize, get into action with feedback, anchor with one word
• There is no failure, o...

Debbie Peterson introduces the Clarity Compass, a customized tool that helps leaders navigate their careers with purpose and intention instead of constantly doing more. This powerful framework centers on four key forces for clarity—direction, focus, energy, and action—serving as your personal GPS when feeling off track or overwhelmed.

• The Clarity Compass puts intention back at the center of your career decisions
• Without clarity, even successful leaders can drift and lose their sense of purpose
• Your "why" forms the north position of your compass, anchoring you during uncertainty
• Define your next growth opportunity specifically...

Ever found yourself stuck in place despite knowing exactly what to do? Your clarity problem might not be your overflowing inbox or packed calendar—it might be your beliefs.

This eye-opening episode dives into the five sneaky mindsets that silently sabotage your leadership clarity and momentum. From perfectionism that keeps you planning instead of doing, to comparison that clouds your judgment, to the false belief that you must handle everything alone—these thought patterns create the mental noise that prevents decisive action.

Leadership clarity isn't about having all the answers. It's about cleaning out the ment...

Success should feel fulfilling—not like something you're barely surviving. Yet how many of us take another step in our careers only to find ourselves running on empty? For emerging leaders, especially women, we've been handed the message that growth means doing more, getting ahead means proving more, and success requires sacrificing more. This harmful programming leads straight to overwhelm and burnout.

What if leveling up didn't mean burning out? When clarity becomes your compass, growth transforms into something sustainable and energizing that feels authentically like you again. This isn't just about personal wellbeing—it's smart leadership stra...

Leadership demands clarity, not perfection. For new leaders especially, the pressure to make flawless decisions can lead to overthinking, hesitation, and ultimately, decision paralysis. But what if the solution isn't more time or even more confidence, but simply greater clarity?

When you're unclear about what truly matters, every decision feels urgent and high-stakes. This episode unpacks how clarity functions as your decision-making superpower, enabling you to move forward with purpose even when the path isn't completely certain. We explore two powerful mindset shifts: first, understanding how your values and priorities create a natural filter for decisions; and...

Have you ever felt like you're frantically running on a hamster wheel in your career—checking all the boxes, doing everything right, yet still going nowhere? That frustrating sensation of stuckness doesn't mean you're doing something wrong. More likely, it means you're missing clarity.

Motivation doesn't evaporate because you lack ambition. It disappears when you lose sight of what you're working toward and why it matters. This episode tackles how to stay motivated when your professional path feels foggy or uncertain. We explore why your personal clarity—not just generic advice—is the critical ingredient that reconnects you to...

Feeling stuck? You're not alone. Career plateaus happen to everyone—even the most ambitious leaders. That moment when progress halts, motivation wanes, and you question whether you've reached your peak can feel isolating, but it's actually an extraordinary opportunity for growth.

What does a career plateau really look like? Sometimes it manifests as diminished enthusiasm for your role. Other times, you might feel overlooked for promotions or hit a salary ceiling with no upward movement in sight. The trajectory of your professional growth flattens, leading to questions about your value and purpose. The good news? This plateau is...

The leap from star performer to first-time manager can feel like entering uncharted territory without a map. What made you successful before—your technical expertise and individual productivity—suddenly takes a backseat to an entirely new set of skills. Your value is no longer measured by what you can do, but by how effectively you can lead others.

In this episode, I break down why this transition feels so challenging and introduce the Clarity Compass—a powerful framework designed specifically for new leaders. We explore the five critical areas where clarity makes all the difference: your leadership purpos...

Struggling with self-doubt in your leadership role? You're not alone, but you might be looking for solutions in the wrong place. In this illuminating episode, we tackle the crucial distinction that can transform how you show up as a leader: imposter syndrome isn't a confidence issue—it's a clarity issue.

When you don't have a solid understanding of your unique strengths, your specific value, and how these align with your role, self-doubt naturally creeps in. Many leaders try to overcome imposter syndrome by working harder or attempting to build confidence without addressing this fundamental clarity gap. The re...

Leadership presence isn't a mystical quality—it's a practical skill that transforms your effectiveness and impact. Through this episode, we explore why being fully present matters: it's not about simply occupying space in a room, but about bringing your complete focus and energy to each interaction with your team.

When you're genuinely present as a leader, everything changes. You make better-informed decisions because you catch subtle cues and gather more comprehensive information. You build deeper relationships as your team members feel truly seen and heard. Most importantly, you create a culture where people feel valued, leading to hi...

Engaging with the concept of "bore out" brings a fresh challenge to modern leadership. Unlike burnout, which is well-documented, bore out is a trap that many employees fall into when they feel underutilized and unchallenged at work. This episode explores how leaders can recognize and combat bore out before it affects team morale and productivity. 

We dive deep into the damaging effects of disengaged employees and highlight how clarity acts as a powerful antidote. Through the Clarity Compass framework, you can learn to connect your team's work to a larger purpose, co-create meaningful goals, and align individual s...

Step into a realm where negativity doesn’t dictate your leadership journey! In this insightful episode, we dive deep into the damaging effects of negativity in the workplace and explore practical strategies to shift your mindset. As leaders, it is essential to recognize how both external negativity—stemming from challenging colleagues and workplace politics—and internal negativity, such as self-doubt, can sabotage your potential. We’ll uncover how allowing negativity to influence your decisions impacts not only you but also your team and workplace culture. 

You’ll learn how vital it is to confront negativity directly. We discuss act...

Unlock the secrets to transforming your leadership approach by harnessing the power of clarity. Has decision-making ever felt like navigating through a foggy windshield? In today's episode of the Getting to Clarity podcast, I, Debbie Peterson, promise to guide you from uncertainty to a place of confidence and success. Clarity is not just an idealistic concept but a practical tool that helps leaders define their goals, values, and priorities, thereby fostering trust and inspiration within their teams. We examine the differences between leaders who inspire with purpose and those who leave their teams in the lurch by shifting priorities...

Ever find yourself caught in the snare of indecision, unable to move forward? On this episode of the Getting to Clarity podcast, I, Debbie Peterson, will guide you through breaking free from the chains of overthinking with what I call a "clarity edge." Discover how five simple yet profound questions can cut through the clutter of doubt and hesitation, aligning your choices with your true self. It's time to stop the cycle of misaligned decisions and start making choices that resonate with your core values and long-term goals.

Join me as we explore the crucial role of...

Discover how to transform the chaos of leadership into a beacon of clarity and effectiveness. Imagine a world where your to-do list doesn't control you, where emails and meetings don't overwhelm, and where distractions are nothing more than an illusion. Join me, Debbie Peterson, on the Getting to Clarity podcast as we tackle these common challenges and explore how clarity can be your greatest competitive advantage. I'll share insights into the essence of chaos, which stems from a lack of focus and direction, leaving you stuck in a reactive cycle that stifles productivity. By defining priorities and cutting through...

Learn how to achieve your goals step by step, whether it’s getting a promotion, launching a product, or staying focused all year. Discover practical strategies, tools, and real-world examples to turn aspirations into meaningful actions.

Feeling the weight of your new leadership role and unsure how to navigate the chaos? Discover how transforming overwhelm into clarity can elevate your leadership game. On this episode of the Getting to Clarity podcast, I'm Debbie Peterson, and I'll guide you through the Clarity Compass Framework, a tool designed to help you find your true purpose, prioritize effectively, and focus on what genuinely matters. We'll tackle the common pitfall of the busy mindset and explore how to cultivate trust within your team, push projects forward, and create vital space for strategic thinking—helping you lead with confidence and in...

Unlock the secrets to impactful leadership without sacrificing your personal life, as we explore the power of SMART goals in guiding your leadership journey. Imagine steering your team with precision and purpose—how much more could you achieve? In this episode of the Getting to Clarity podcast, I, Debbie Peterson, promise to arm you with the insights needed to set clear, measurable objectives that not only align with your leadership vision but also drive genuine progress. Embrace the art of prioritizing and maintaining focus, ensuring you're not just busy but truly productive.

Join me as we embark on...

What if you could redefine your leadership vision and embark on a transformative journey in 2025? In this episode of the Getting to Clarity podcast, hosted by Debbie Peterson, we promise to equip you with the tools to do just that. We explore the significance of aligning your leadership vision with your core "why," ensuring that your path to success is impactful yet sustainable. Through the Clarity Compass framework, learn how to construct a meaningful roadmap that reflects your leadership purpose, avoiding the pitfalls of mere goal setting. Whether you're a veteran in leadership or new to the role, this...

Unlock the secrets of impactful leadership by reflecting on the pivotal lessons of 2024! Join me, Debbie Peterson, in a journey towards becoming a smarter leader in 2025. This episode of the Getting to Clarity podcast invites you to thoroughly assess what worked well last year and, importantly, to celebrate every success, big or small. By understanding these wins and the strategies behind them, you'll learn how to stop unproductive habits and start adopting new approaches to leadership excellence. We'll dive into the "Start, Stop, Stay" method, providing actionable insights for enhancing your leadership skills with minimal sacrifice.

Regular...

Can embracing gratitude truly reshape the way you lead and inspire your team? Discover the transformative impact of gratitude in leadership with me, Debbie Peterson, on the Getting to Clarity podcast. Embark on a journey where gratitude goes beyond mere politeness to become a critical tool in enhancing morale, boosting engagement, and developing a thriving work culture. Learn practical strategies like personalized acknowledgments, public recognition, and surprise time off to make every team member feel genuinely valued and appreciated. Together, we’ll explore how to infuse gratitude into your leadership style to fortify team bonds and revolutionize your workplace dy...

What if leading your team could be as rewarding and fulfilling as nurturing a vibrant garden? On the latest episode of the Getting to Clarity podcast, we will reveal how leaders can combat stress and cultivate impactful leadership. Tune in and discover how understanding the unique needs of your team can create a thriving work environment. We'll explore practical strategies that include setting boundaries to safeguard your energy, embracing mindfulness to maintain presence, and incorporating physical activity to build resilience. These insights are designed to help you manage stress effectively, creating not only a positive atmosphere for yourself but...

Unlock the secrets to resilient leadership by mastering the art of stress management. Join me, Debbie Peterson of Getting to Clarity, as we uncover the hidden stress triggers that can undermine your leadership success. From the pressure of avoiding mistakes to navigating conflict and unclear expectations, we'll explore the common stressors that leaders face and how they impact both personal and team performance. Learn practical strategies to recognize and manage these triggers, enhancing your clarity and steadiness as a leader. Through thoughtful reflection on past experiences and invaluable feedback from colleagues or mentors, you'll gain the awareness needed to...

Unlock the secrets to mastering your time and reducing stress as a new leader with this enlightening episode of the Getting to Clarity podcast. You'll learn how to reclaim your schedule using "The Way Forward to More Time" method, a structured approach that begins with a mental sweep known as a brain dump. Discover how to categorize your tasks into those with hard deadlines, those of critical importance, and those you can set aside. By differentiating between personal and professional responsibilities, we aim to help you achieve balance and focus. Our host, Debbie Peterson, guides you through streamlining your...

Feeling overwhelmed in your new leadership role? Discover the secrets to building a stress-busting support network that empowers your leadership journey. Join me, Debbie Peterson, as I reveal how surrounding yourself with the right people—those who resonate with you energetically—can make all the difference. Say goodbye to feeling isolated and learn how to cultivate relationships with mentors, peers, friends, and family who uplift and support you both personally and professionally.

In this episode of Getting to Clarity, we dig into why energetic alignment and chemistry are critical when choosing who to let into your inner circ...

Unlock the key to effective leadership as we explore the subtle art of balancing authority with approachability. Imagine guiding your team with the confidence of an experienced leader while remaining empathetic and open to their ideas. Join me, Debbie Peterson, as I draw from my own corporate journey to unravel the secrets of establishing credibility without losing rapport. Discover actionable insights on setting clear expectations, leading decisively, and fostering an environment where your team feels comfortable sharing feedback. This episode is especially vital for new leaders and women navigating the unique challenges of leadership roles.

Embark on...