Desi's Blogs

In this episode of The Energized Leader Podcast , I sit down with David Bossou for a powerful conversation on leadership communication, workplace connection, employee engagement, and valuing people . What begins as an interview quickly becomes an energizing co-host conversation filled with practical leadership insight, memorable stories, and real strategies for building a stronger workplace culture. Together, we explore why connecting with people is one of the most important

In this episode of The Energized Leader Podcast , Desi Payne sits down with leadership coach and community leader Hollie Tometich for a powerful conversation about authentic leadership, energized workplace culture, professional development, coaching, humor in leadership, and how leaders can recharge during tough seasons . Drawing from years of leadership experience in healthcare and community development, Hollie shares practical insight on what it means to lead with authentic

In this inspiring episode of The Energized Leader Podcast , Desi Payne interviews speaker, coach, and American Ninja Warrior finalist Hoan Do  about leadership, resilience, mindset, and the power of personal growth. Hoan shares how one life-changing speaker inspired his path, how he went on to work with Tony Robbins, and how he built a speaking career focused on helping people unlock their potential. Hoan also takes listeners behind the scenes of his American Ninja Warrior jo

Hi friends, A new episode of The Energized Leader Podcast  is out, and you are going to love this one. I interview Dustin James, America’s Corporate Energizer , and we dig into what it takes to lead with intention and build everyday excellence. Dustin shares his Four E’s framework : Experience, Energy, Emotion, and Education , plus simple tools you can use right away to strengthen connection, show up with better energy, manage emotions on tough days, and keep improving withou

This week, I’m releasing two brand new episodes of The Energized Leader Podcast featuring two powerhouse leaders from Springfield, Missouri and the similarities are seriously impressive. Both guests are U.S. Navy veterans, and both lead organizations recognized as Biz 417 Best Places to Work winners. You’ll hear leadership secrets from:  ⚓  Thomas Douglas , CEO of JMARK (Managed IT Services and Cybersecurity Services)  ⚓  Richard Ollis , CEO of Ollis/Akers/Arney (Insurance an

A positive workplace culture does not happen by luck. It happens by choice. Here are five simple, high impact ways to lift morale and create a workplace people actually enjoy. 1) Set the tone with your energy Your attitude is contagious. Show up steady, encouraging, and solution focused. People follow the tone you set. 2) Make appreciation a habit Notice effort. Celebrate wins. Say thank you often and be specific. Recognition fuels motivation. 3) Build real connection Check i

Last week, I officially launched my brand new podcast, The Energized Leader , and I could not be more excited. This podcast is for leaders who want practical ideas they can use right now to strengthen culture, boost morale, and lead with more energy and confidence. Each episode features real conversations with leaders and experts who share what is working in the real world, not just theory. To kick things off, I am sharing three powerful guests who set the tone for what The E

I am beyond excited to officially share this news. My brand new leadership podcast, The Energized Leader , is launching, and I cannot wait for you to hear it. If you are a manager, business owner, educator, team leader, or an aspiring leader who wants practical ways to build a stronger culture, boost morale, and lead with more confidence, this show is for you. What Is The Energized Leader Podcast? The Energized Leader Podcast  is a leadership and workplace culture podcast cre

Leadership sets the ceiling. In John Maxwell’s Law of the Lid , he reminds us that an organization (or team) can only rise to the level of its leadership. If your leadership lid is a 6, your team will never perform at a 7. The good news? Lids can be lifted. When we grow, our teams grow. When we develop our skills, mindsets, and capacity, we raise the ceiling for everyone we influence. Small growth creates big impact. Here are six examples of what you can do. So today, ask yo

✨ I absolutely love speaking at association conferences!  ✨ There’s something special about walking into a room full of professionals who want  to be there — people who are passionate about their industry, eager to learn, and excited to connect with others who “get it.” As a keynote speaker, that kind of energy is contagious! I get to help attendees recharge, laugh, and walk away with fresh motivation to take back to their teams and workplaces. Every association conference I

Here are the last 12 traveling hacks in my three-part series for you to have a more enjoyable experience when traveling. 1. If you find...

Last week I gave you 12 Traveling Hacks, Part One. Let’s dive into 12 more to help reduce stress while traveling. 1. If you have a...

Do you get stressed out when you think about traveling for business or even pleasure? If that answer is yes, then I have some great...

As a keynote speaker, I’ve spoken at many venues throughout the country. But this last weekend in Crawfordville, Indiana, with a...

Happy Birthday to John C. Maxwell this week, who is celebrating 76 years. Ironically, his birthday falls on February 20, which is also...

Making connections with other people is vital to have a thriving business. In fact, it will set you apart from your competition. This...

As I prepare for my next keynote speech on “The Magic of Connecting,” I love what my mentor and friend, John C. Maxwell, says in his book...

Wrap your Christmas tree in plastic! Before I tell you about that, I hope you had a wonderful holiday with friends and family. It’s...

October is breast cancer awareness month (LOL, I almost wrote breast awareness month). As a breast cancer survivor this year, I want to...

Managing stress includes being intentional about doing anything that will help you relax. One of my favorites is a DIY avocado face...