Shine A Light with Christine Miles is a leadership podcast about the power of listening. Hosted by keynote speaker, bestselling author, and founder of The Listening Path, Christine shares practical tools and interviews with powerful communicators to help leaders ask better questions, listen to understand, and make people feel truly heard. When you shine a light, clarity emerges, culture strengthens, and performance follows.
The Leadership Skill That Changes Everything with Olga Yakimakho | #41
What if the most powerful thing a leader could do is stop talking and start listening?
In this episode of Shine the Light, host Christine Miles sits down with Olga Yakimakho, a global leader in organizational effectiveness, talent development, and leadership strategy, to explore how curiosity, empathy, and human connection can transform the way we lead. From growing up in the former Soviet Union to working across more than 30 countries, Olga shares how her global experiences—and the deeply personal challenge of navigating her young son's rare heart condition and transplant—reshaped her perspective on leadership, resilience, and what truly matters.
In this episode, you'll discover:
● Why active listening and curiosity are essential to leading people from different backgrounds and experiences.
● How vulnerability and life-changing experiences can reshape your leadership philosophy and priorities.
● Why the best leaders stay open to learning, challenge assumptions, and invest in the unique talents of others.
Leadership isn't about having all the answers or commanding the room. It's about seeing people as human beings, understanding their stories, and creating the conditions for them to thrive.
Tune in for a powerful reminder that the best way to lead others is to stay curious, listen deeply, and never stop learning.
Connect with Olga Yakimakho:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olga-yakimakho/
Connect with Christine Miles:
Website: https://thelisteningpath.com
7 Oct 2026
The Superpower of Reaching Out with John Doran | #40
What if the life you're looking for begins when you stop trying to control it?
What if the biggest thing holding you back as a leader isn't your ability—it's the authority you're unintentionally giving away?
What if one simple act—reaching out—could change the course of a life?
In this heartfelt conversation, educator and wellbeing advocate John Doran shares the lessons that have shaped his three decades in education, from a father who taught him about possibility to mentors who showed him the power of believing in others. He explores why genuine connection, emotional intelligence, curiosity, and gratitude may matter more than ever in a world increasingly shaped by technology and AI.
Together, Christine and John explore:
● Why reaching out is a superpower—and how a simple message or conversation can open unexpected doors.
● The power of emotional intelligence and listening, especially as young people prepare for a rapidly changing world.
● Why educators are "magic makers" who often plant seeds without ever knowing when—or if—they will see the impact.
● The importance of gratitude, and why we should give people their flowers while they can still smell them.
● How curiosity can break down barriers and help us find common ground with people who see the world differently.
John's message is ultimately about possibility: slow down, listen deeply, notice people, and have the courage to make the first move. You never know what ripple your words—or your kindness—might create.
Connect with John Doran:
Website: https://4schools.examcraftgroup.ie/author/john-doran
Connect with Christine Miles:
Website: https://thelisteningpath.com
30 Sept 2026
From Top Performer to Great Leader with Ashley Rudolph | #39
What happens when being great at your job is no longer enough to be great at leading others?
Ashley Rudolph went from individual contributor to VP in just five years, leading multimillion-dollar deals and teams of more than 250 people. But her fastest growth came with some of her hardest lessons, including learning how to lead someone who once outranked her, stop micromanaging, and shift from an executor mindset to an executive one.
In this episode, Ashley and Christine explore:
• Why being a high performer does not automatically make you a great leader
• How friction at work can be a signal that you are ready for growth
• Why relationships are the foundation of leading without authority
• How self-reflection can transform your leadership style
• Why the right role, industry, timing, and relationships can completely change your career trajectory
Your next level may not require working harder. It may require stepping back, listening differently, and getting honest about what you really want.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Spotify
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
Contact Shine A Light
Guest appearances
Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Host of Shine A Light?
Claim your podcast to manage its listing and keep your show details accurate.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
