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A podcast about leadership, one animal at a time.
Join executive coaches Kari Sulenes and Natalie Rothfels as we uncover what humans can learn about leadership from the animals all around us.
On each episode of INSTINCT, we choose an animal and learn about the strange, surprising, sweet, and (oft) suspicious ways it operates in the wild. Then, using our own experiences operating and coaching leaders in the startup world, we discuss how we can morph these instinctual animal behaviors into intentional leadership choices.
Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur, a first-time founder, or a caring middle manager, we're here to help you explore and define leadership on your own terms. Join us to find out what manatees, hummingbirds, newts, and more have to teach us about different ways to connect and lead.
In the season finale of INSTINCT, we plunge into the ocean's depths to uncover the secrets of the anglerfish. Renowned for its adaptability, leaders can learn from the resilience of this deep-sea dweller. Anglerfish are maste...
In today’s episode of INSTINCT we dive into the world of newts. These small salamanders showcase a remarkable blend of might and tenacity as they fiercely protect themselves in the wild. Discover the art of outmaneuvering riv...
In today’s episode of INSTINCT we explore the world of elephants. These elegant creatures, with their complex social structures and behaviours, offer a treasure trove of insights for aspiring leaders and team builders. Despit...
In today's episode, we’re chasing the cheetah’s secrets! From inspiring the "Move Fast and Break Things" mantra in business to their exceptional adaptability and unwavering determination, cheetahs teach business leaders the a...
In today’s episode of INSTINCT, we step into the world of a unique creature close to Kari’s heart. Not too long ago, Kari received a stuffed squirrel as a symbolic gift representative of her character. Initially taken aback, ...
In today’s episode of INSTINCT, we chill out for a moment to explore the peaceful and laid back vibes of the manatee. “Manatees and leadership?!” you might say. Well these marine mammals are surprisingly good at forming strat...
Hummingbirds share more traits with startups, entrepreneurs, and business leaders than you might imagine. Despite being perceived as elegant and peaceful creatures, hummingbirds are relentless forces of nature that have evolv...
In the first episode of INSTINCT, we dive into the world of Wolves to uncover lessons on leadership. Despite the misguided reputation of the ‘lone wolf’, wolves are practitioners of fluid leadership, knowing when to step forw...
Natalie Rothfels is an executive coach supporting co-founders to build, deepen and repair their relationships. She is deeply committed to helping people create meaningful partnerships. Natalie is trained in Co-Active Coaching and in Internal Family Systems therapy. She graduated from the University of Chicago with a degree in Linguistics before moving to Turkey as a Fulbright Scholar. Before focusing on coaching work, Natalie spent a decade+ working as a product leader in the education space, first at Khan Academy, then at Quizlet, and then at Reforge. In Fall 2023, she launched The Ripple Deck, a card deck to explore our relationships to power.
Dr. Kari Sulenes is the founder and CEO of Pilea, an integrative leadership group supporting coaches, startups, and VCs. She has worked with hundreds for CEOs to build a society full of companies and leaders who create healthy, sustainable, and responsible cultures that support employees, consumers, the earth and our society. Kari's early work and education is in Clinical Psychology and Organizational Behavior conceptualized through Gestalt, Yoga and Integral lenses. She now integrates a number of systems-centric and body-aware therapeutic techniques with individuals and organizations.
