In this episode of Promoted with Denise Harris, I’m joined by Dr. Marie-Hélène Pelletier, leadership psychologist, executive coach, and author of The Resilience Plan. With over 20 years of experience at the intersection of high performance and mental health, Dr. Pelletier challenges one of the most common leadership assumptions: that resilience is a fixed trait. Instead, she reframes it as a dynamic, strategic resource that must be actively built and sustained.

Our conversation explores what Dr. Pelletier calls the “resilience trap”—the belief that being capable, dependable, and strong means you don’t need to prioritize your own well-being. We unpack why high-achieving women are especially vulnerable to this mindset, how burnout quietly builds over time, and the subtle signals leaders often overlook. From declining focus to rising cynicism, she offers a clear lens on what running on overdrive really costs.

Most importantly, we discuss how to approach resilience as a leadership strategy. From setting boundaries to prioritizing energy through sleep, nutrition, movement, and relationships, this episode offers practical ways to sustain performance without sacrificing yourself.

Additional Links & Resources:

Book | The Resilience Plan
Free Resource | Free Book Worksheets

Connect with Marie-Hélène:

Website | Dr. Marie-Hélène Pelletier

Email | mh@drmarie-helene.com

Connect with Denise:

Website | Denise Harris Leadership

LinkedIn | Denise Harris Leadership

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/andrey-rossi/seize-the-day

In this episode of Promoted with Denise Harris, I’m joined by Susan Begalka, Founder and CEO of SkyLimit Leadership and a transformational executive leadership coach known for helping leaders turn insight into lasting impact. With deep expertise in CliftonStrengths®, neuroscience, emotional intelligence, and positive psychology, Susan brings a practical, human-centered approach to leadership development that resonates at every level.

Our conversation explores why strengths awareness is a strategic advantage, not a personality label. Susan explains how understanding what you do best—and how you do it—can transform the way you lead, communicate, and navigate career decisions. We discuss how strengths create clarity for leaders who feel successful yet uncertain about what’s next, and how using strengths-based language empowers women to advocate for themselves without feeling boastful.

We also dive into team dynamics, unpacking why no one is truly “well-rounded” on their own and how high-performing teams are built by intentionally leveraging collective strengths. This episode offers both reflection and practical guidance for leaders who want to move beyond working harder and instead lead with confidence, trust, and purpose.

Additional Links & Resources:

Book | Strengths Based Leadership by Tom Rath & Barry Conchie

Book | Multipliers by Liz Wiseman

Book | Trust & Inspire by Stephen M.R. Covey

Connect with Susan:

Website | Sky Limit Leadership

Email | sbegalka@skylimitleadership.com

Connect with Denise:

Website | Denise Harris Leadership

LinkedIn | Denise Harris Leadership

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/andrey-rossi/seize-the-day

In this solo episode of Promoted with Denise Harris, I explore a concept many high-achieving professionals experience but rarely name: messy success. It’s that moment when you reach a milestone—a promotion, a new role, a big life win—and instead of feeling fulfilled, you feel tired, disconnected, or quietly unsettled. If you’ve ever thought, “Why doesn’t this feel the way I expected it to?” this episode is for you.

Messy success isn’t failure, and it’s not underperformance. It often shows up because you’re capable, driven, and trusted. But when achievement outpaces intention, speed becomes a substitute for progress, leaving little room for reflection, integration, or joy. In this episode, I unpack how messy success shows up in careers and life, why it’s so common among high performers, and the hidden costs of always racing toward “what’s next.”

We’ll also talk about how to reclaim intention as a leadership skill—by slowing down, celebrating what you’ve already built, and redefining success in a way that’s sustainable and aligned. Because clean success isn’t perfect—it’s intentional.

Connect with Denise:

Website | Denise Harris Leadership https://www.deniseharrisleadership.com/

LinkedIn | Denise Harris Leadership https://www.linkedin.com/in/denise-harris

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter

License code: HXG0D7FFZD9A0U4L

https://uppbeat.io/t/kurtz-martin/untamable-love

License code: SF8GK3FTOXGD39EB

https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/great-things-to-happen

License code: DUFGY7M2AET3VXAU