Quest 2 the C.O.R.E.

In this season finale of Quest 2 the CORE, Simone and Jonna turn the lens inward and unpack how hosting the podcast became their own leadership lab. They revisited key episodes (from thought traps and emotional agility to courage, delegation, and empowerment) and share where their inner narratives, vulnerabilities and partnership stretched them most. Along the way, they explore what it means to move from chasing "mastery" to developing real fluency in self-awareness and leadership. They close with an invitation: choose one element of CORE and make it a simple practice during the break, so you step into season two...

Delegation shows up in every leadership book and meeting and still manages to feel harder than it looks. In this episode, Jonna and Simone dig into why handing work off can trigger anxiety, hesitation, and even a sense of personal risk. They explore the neuroscience behind our instinct to hold on, how identity and past experiences shape our approach, and why many high-potential leaders unintentionally slip into "accidental dictator" mode. The episode wraps with practical insights for building trust, elevating capability, and using delegation as a catalyst for stronger leadership, not just more efficiency.

In Episode 25 of Quest to the CORE, “Adaptability: The Skill Every Leader Needs,” Simone and Jonna unpack what separates steady leaders from those who get stuck when everything shifts. Adaptability isn’t about staying calm—it’s about staying curious. They reveal how the most effective leaders read the moment, reset quickly, and model growth in real time. This episode challenges listeners to stop clinging to plans and start leading through change with clarity, courage, and CORE.

True courage in leadership isn't about bold moves or fearless control; it's about letting go. In this episode, Simone and Jonna unpack professional courage, the discipline to trust others, face fear with clarity, and lead through vulnerability. They explore how courage and vulnerability work together to build safety, drive transformation, and strengthen both team and relationships. Whether at work or at home, this episode challenges leaders to ask: do you trust the system you built enough to step back and let others rise?

Empowerment isn't something leaders hand out, it's something they create. In this episode, Jonna and Simone reframe empowerment from a transfer of power to a condition leaders build through clarity, trust, and space. Using real examples from work and life, they show how removing barriers and fostering safety allows people to step confidently into ownership, creativity, and growth.

Leadership today moves too fast for development to happen only the classrooms or annual reviews. Growth has to unfold in real-time. Jonna and Simone explore what it really means to coach in the flow of work in ways that shape confidence and capability. Using the CORE framework, they show how small, intentional conversations can spark big shifts in how leaders show up for their teams.

Leadership that unlocks growth starts with connection.

In this episode Jonna and Simone explore what it really means to meet people where they are - and why it's not about lowering expectations, but about calibrating direction and support so others can rise to meet them.

They discuss how judgment short-circuits trust, how connection transforms feedback into fuel, and how leaders can adapt their coaching style without compromising standard. Filled with practical questions and real-world examples, this episode helps you lead with empathy, accountability, and precision - meeting people where they are so they can grow...

Are you operating in the right horizon for your role (today, this quarter, long-term)? We break down how to realign your focus, set up scaffolding (metrics, shared language, etc.) and keep it going with small, repeatable habits. Then we map it to the CORE Framework (Curiosity, Openness, Reflection, Embrace) and leave you with one question: if you could replay one moment form this week for alignment, what would you do differently?

Misalignment steals results. In this episode Jonna and Simone introduce the Strategic Leadership Alignment Model (SLAM), a simple way to ensure your daily work matches your role's real horizon. They unpack the 3 time horizons for leadership work (near-term, mid-term, long-term), what "good" looks like at each level, and the misalignment patterns that create bottlenecks, micromanaging, and trust erosion. How do you know if you are ahead or behind?

Simone and Jonna revisit the CORE framework - Curiosity, Openness, Reflection, and Embrace - and share how their understanding has evolved. What began as simple concepts has become a living practice for leading with depth and authenticity.

Sometimes the hardest part of leading isn't the market, the strategy, or the team - it's you. In this episode of Quest 2 the CORE, Simone and Jonna explore the paradox of leadership: how the very drive and habits that once fueled your success can quietly turn into roadblocks.

They unpack why leaders often become their own bottleneck, how inner narratives shape behavior more than we realize, and what it takes to step aside without stepping back. Expect practical strategies to shift from control to clarity, from overdoing to intentional being - so you can unlock growth for...

Leadership isn't about shutting down emotions - or being ruled by them. In this episode, Simone and Jonna explore the concept of emotional agility: the ability to pause between what we feel and how we respond.

Words are only one tool of communication; leaders have an entire toolbox. In this episode, Simone and Jonna reveal how word choice, cadence, structure, and presence shape trust, creativity, and impact. Learn how to reframe everyday language and design communication that truly connects.

You can fake a lot in leadership - but never listening.

Listening goes far beyond staying quiet, it's the leadership skill you simply can't fake. In this episode, Simone and Jonna explore why listening often breaks down, how to spot it in the moment, and what it takes to create the kind of connection where people feel truly heard.

Good intentions don't always equal positive impact. Simone and Jonna explore why communication breaks down, how intent can get lost in translation, and what leaders can do to close the gap and build trust.

Trust can be built or broken in a moment - and leaders set the tone. In this episode, we unpack what it means to extend trust as a deliberate leadership act, not just a reaction to someone's performance. We explore the trust formula, share real-world examples, and reveal how presence, tone, and energy often speak louder than words. You'll walk away with practical ways to build psychological safety, strengthen relationships, and lead with authenticity.

Your leadership doesn't end when the meeting ends. In this episode, we explore how your inner narrative shapes your outer impact, and how that impact echoes far beyond your words. From the emotional tone you carry to the culture you create, your leadership leaves a lasting imprint.

Join Simone and Jonna as they unpack how unseen forces like mindset, self-talk, and emotional presence influence how others feel around you. Whether your inner story brings calm or chaos, it sets the stage for trust, connection, and growth. Or confusion or disengagement.

They explore how to examine...

Our inner narrative, the silent story we tell ourselves, shapes how we show up in every room, conversation, and decision. In this episode, Simone and Jonna explore how these narratives are formed, why they matter in leadership, and how to shift them when they hold us back. Through personal reflections and grounded research, they offer strategies to notice, name, and reframe your inner dialogue so it aligns with the leader you want to be. Because the most powerful leadership doesn't begin with action, it begins with awareness.

In this episode, Simone and Jonna explore what it really takes to lead when the path ahead is unclear. From letting go of the illusion of control to embracing curiosity as a leadership superpower, they offer practical ways to lead with confidence, not certainty. The conversation also touches on resilience, emotional intelligence, and how to create clarity and trust when nothing feels stable.

In this episode, Jonna and Simone explore the pause as a powerful leadership tool. The "pause" in leadership is a moment of intentional stillness supports clarity, presence, and more thoughtful decision-making. They discuss how pausing in conversation can sift communication from reactive to reflective, allowing space for others to feel seen and heard.

They also share how silence strengthens emotional intelligence and contributes to a leader's presence. This is not presented as a tactic but rather as a meaningful practice to lead with greater focus.

Feedback isn't a verdict - it's a mirror.

In this episode of Quest 2 the CORE, Simone and Jonna explore feedback as one of the most underused leadership superpowers. When delivered well, feedback doesn't just correct, it connects, clarifies, and accelerates growth.

They unpack:

With personal stories and practical takeaways this episode will help leaders build trust and...

In this episode of Quest to the CORE, Jonna and Simone explore the deceptively simple yet transformative practice of asking better questions. As leaders, parents, and teammates, the questions we ask shape not only the conversations we have, but also the confidence and identity of those around us.

Together, they unpack the shift from being the "answer-giver" to becoming a more curious, reflective question-asker. You'll hear real-life stories, practical strategies, and a few surprising connections between leadership and parenting.

You'll learning:

In this episode of Quest 2 the CORE, Simone and Jonna explore the "R" in the C.O.R.E. framework: Reflection. Far from being passive pause, reflection is a powerful practice that refines instincts, strengthens presence, and builds leadership effectiveness from the inside out.

Simone shares a deeply personal story of uncovering hidden grief through reflection and how it reshaped her internal dialogue and energy. Jonna walks us through three types of reflective leadership -- goal-based, problem-based, and open reflection -- and explains why each is essential for growth.

Whether you journal, walk, talk it...

In this episode of Quest 2 the C.O.R.E., Jonna and Simple dive into the "zone of optimal learning," that sweet spot where curiosity meets challenge, and growth takes root. This space lives between not knowing and knowing, where confusion isn't a sign of failure but a signal that real learning is happening. Whether you're trying to level up, lead others, or create better learning experiences, this episode will challenge how you think about learning and why the messy middle is where the magic happens.

In this episode of Quest 2 the C.O.R.E., Jonna and Simone unpack one of the most misunderstood truths about leadership: it's not about what you do, it's about who you are. Through an honest and reflective conversation, they explore the internal journey of leadership, inviting listeners to consider the difference between being a leader and simply doing leadership tasks.

With themes of self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and presence, Simone and Jonna challenge the idea that leadership requires a title. Instead, they offer a more powerful lens: leadership is claimed from the inside out. Whether you're managing...

In Episode 2 of Quest 2 the CORE, Simone and Jonna explore how great leadership depends not just on what we think, but how we think. Drawing from the HBR article "The 4 Types of Thinking Leaders Need to Practice - and Teach," they break down four essential thinking modes: Expert, Critical, Strategic, and Systems Thinking.  

Each mode is paired with practical tools, real-life examples, and ties to the CORE leadership framework.  

The hosts challenge listeners to reflect on their own thinking habits: "Which type of thinking do I rely on most - and which do I avoid?" Because h...

Real leadership starts with the courage to see ourselves clearly. In this episode, we explore the gap between how self-aware we think we are and how self-aware we actually are. Drawing from research, leadership classics, and our own experiences, we dig into why self-awareness is the foundation of effective leadership. You'll learn why it's so hard to develop, why it matters more than we admit, and how reflection and curiosity can help you lead with greater clarity and intention. 

Before we dive into the real conversations, this episode lays the groundwork. We share the story behind the podcast, why we called it Quest 2 the C.O.R.E., and what the acronym means to us. Think of this as the pre-work that sets the tone. You'll get a clear sense of what we're about and why this journey might just change the way you lead and learn. By the end, you'll know the heart behind the podcast and why C.O.R.E. is more than just an acronym.