Welcome to Leading with HEART—the podcast redefining leadership from the inside out.
Hosted by Sara Valentine, HR executive, leadership strategist, and creator of the HEART Leadership Principle, this show is your weekly guide to leading with Hear, Empathy, Acknowledge, Respond, and Thank.
Each episode explores how real leaders bring humanity back into the workplace—through honest conversations, practical insights, and powerful personal stories.
Whether you’re a CEO, a new manager, or someone just trying to lead yourself better, this podcast will challenge you to show up with purpose, connect more deeply, and create impact that lasts.
Because leadership isn’t about control—it’s about connection.
And when we lead with HEART, we give others permission to do the same.
Leading with Love: A Conversation with Dr. Robert “Navy Bob” Roncska
Send us Fan Mail What does love have to do with leadership? According to Dr. Robert “Navy Bob” Roncska—quite a lot. In this episode of the HEART Leadership Podcast, Sara Valentine sits down with Navy Bob, retired U.S. Navy Captain, former nuclear submarine commander, leadership expert, and author of Beyond the Sea, for a powerful conversation about what it really means to lead with love. Drawing from his experiences in the Navy, the White House, healthcare, and beyond, Bob shares why the stro...
10 Jun 2026
Leading Through Connection: Marketing, Collaboration & Influence with Sheryl Brown
Send us Fan Mail What if the secret to great leadership isn't having all the answers—but building meaningful connections? In this episode of the HEART Leadership Podcast, Sara Valentine sits down with marketing leader and relationship advocate Sheryl Brown to discuss leadership, collaboration, influence, and the power of putting people first. Together, they explore: 💗 Why listening is a leadership superpower 💗 Building trust through authentic relationships 💗 The role of empathy in business su...
19 May 2026
Helping Leaders Rise: A Conversation with Dr. Karen Hills Pruden
Send us Fan Mail What does it truly mean to lead with confidence, authenticity, and purpose? In this empowering episode of the HEART Leadership Podcast, Sara Valentine sits down with leadership expert, executive coach, and author Dr. Karen Hills Pruden for a conversation about growth, courage, and stepping fully into your leadership voice. Together, they explore: 💗 The power of authentic leadership 💗 Why listening and empathy matter more than ever 💗 Building confidence in leadership and life ...
15 Apr 2026
Leadership, Legacy, and Letters from War with Dr. Mark Hertling
Send us Fan Mail What does leadership look like when the stakes are life and death? In this powerful episode of the HEART Leadership Podcast, Sara Valentine speaks with Dr. Mark Hertling, retired U.S. Army Lieutenant General, professor of leadership, and author of If I Don’t Return. Dr. Hertling shares the deeply personal story behind his book—letters he wrote to his sons while deployed in war. These letters were never intended for publication. They were written in uncertainty, responsibility...
18 Mar 2026
The Heart of People Leadership with Katie Pfingsten
Send us Fan Mail What does it really mean to lead people well? In this episode of the HEART Leadership Podcast, Sara Valentine sits down with Katie Pfingsten, Vice President of People & Culture and Executive Director of the IAAPA Foundation, to talk about the kind of leadership that truly builds strong teams and cultures. As two HR leaders, Sara and Katie explore the human side of leadership—what it looks like to lead with authenticity, humility, and appreciation for the people around you...
11 Feb 2026
The T in HEART- GRATITUDE
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the HEART Leadership Podcast, Sara explores the final letter in the HEART framework — “T” for Thank — and why gratitude is the thread that holds leadership, culture, and connection together. Gratitude isn’t a feeling; it’s a leadership practice. In this episode, Sara reflects on the people who helped shape her journey — mentors, colleagues, HR professionals, leaders, and the people she has had the honor of leading. She also shares what happens when gratitud...
19 Jan 2026
The R in HEART
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the HEART Leadership Podcast, Sara unpacks the “R” in HEART — Respond — and why action is the true test of leadership. When someone comes forward with a concern, request, or disclosure, silence is still a response — and often the most damaging one. Sara explores why timely, sincere responses build trust, while inaction erodes credibility, engagement, and culture. Drawing from real-world HR experience, this episode addresses the reality that while HR can rec...
20 Dec 2025
The A in HEART — Appreciate, Acknowledge, and Apologize
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the HEART Leadership Podcast, Sara unpacks the “A” in HEART — Appreciate, Acknowledge, and Apologize — and why these three leadership behaviors are essential to building trust, credibility, and healthy workplace cultures. Sara explores why great leaders never take credit for their team’s work, why appreciation and recognition must be personal (not one-size-fits-all), and why the most powerful words a leader can say are, “I screwed that up.” Drawing from rea...
24 Nov 2025
The E in HEART: Why Empathy Changes Everything
Send us Fan Mail Empathy is the leadership trait that separates managers from true leaders. In this episode, Sara explores why empathy matters, how it strengthens accountability, and why it is essential for giving feedback, navigating conflict, and building trust. She also honors the memory of Chris Andrews — a former leader who mentored her during one of the most defining seasons of her career. His empathy, courage, and faith shaped the way she leads today. This episode is a heartfelt invita...
8 Nov 2025
BONUS EPISODE: Her Voice, Her Vision, Her Victory – Live from the 2025 Sister Leaders Conference
Send us Fan Mail In this special bonus episode of Leading with HEART, Sara Valentine shares her keynote address from the 2025 Sister Leaders Conference in Portsmouth, VA. This raw, powerful message weaves together her personal story of resilience with the HEART Leadership framework—inviting listeners to reclaim their voice, step boldly into their vision, and redefine victory through faith, compassion, and purpose. This isn’t just a speech—it’s a testimony of what it means to lead with HEART w...
5 Nov 2025
H is for Hear: The Leadership Skill We Forget First
Send us Fan Mail In this powerful episode, Sara Valentine explores the first pillar of the HEART Leadership framework: Hear. True leadership starts with listening—not just to what's said, but to what’s unsaid, uncomfortable, and sometimes hard to hear. Sara shares personal stories, including a pivotal conflict with a union rep, and reflects on moments in her HR career when she failed to truly hear those who needed it most. She also challenges leaders to examine how well they’re listening—to t...
26 Oct 2025
Episode 2: Interview with Cynthia A. Howell
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Sara sits down with purpose-driven HR leader Cynthia A. Howell to explore what it truly means to lead with faith, integrity, and compassion. From her early days in retail management to senior roles in human resources, Cynthia shares how empathy, listening, and a heart for others have shaped her leadership journey. Together, they discuss the power of authenticity, the importance of inclusive leadership, and how putting people first can transform workplaces fro...
1 Oct 2025
Trust on Training Wheels
Send us Fan Mail In the very first episode of Leading with HEART, Sara Valentine shares her story of being brand new to HR — green, eager, and learning through mistakes. With the guidance of her first boss and mentor, she discovered the power of trust, grace, and leadership that builds people up instead of tearing them down. Through personal stories (including one unforgettable “lesson in humility”), Sara shows how leaders can transform lives when they choose to Hear, Empathize, Acknowledge, ...
12 Sept 2025
Leading with Heart Trailer
Send us Fan Mail Welcome to Leading with HEART, a podcast about bringing humanity back into leadership. I’m Sara Valentine, and I believe leadership isn’t just about strategies or titles—it’s about people. HEART is a framework to Hear, Empathize, Acknowledge, Respond, and Thank. These simple yet powerful steps can transform the way we lead, build trust, and create meaningful connections. In this trailer, I’ll share the vision for the podcast, why HEART matters, and what you can expect from up...
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