In this special update, Kate shares an important announcement about the future of the podcast. Beginning in January 2026, the comfy chairs will officially become The Well-Led Podcast—a show dedicated to helping leaders stay grounded, self-aware, and effective in the moments where professionalism meets imperfection.

Kate walks through what’s changing, what’s staying the same, and why now is the right time to transition into a more intentional, structured model. She also introduces the new monthly and quarterly format, a year-long leadership curriculum, and an expanded set of voices and conversations.

Plus: exciting news about the show joining the WRKdefined Podcast Network in 2026.

Pull Them Close: A Conversation about Grief

As we move into the holiday season—a time that can amplify both joy and tenderness—we’re revisiting one of our most meaningful conversations on the comfy chairs. In this encore episode, host Kate Johnson welcomes Justin Clifford, CEO of Bereave, for a heartfelt exploration of how workplaces can better support employees navigating grief and loss.

Together, Kate and Justin unpack the critical role of compassionate bereavement practices—especially during a season when grief can feel sharper, and the need for understanding grows. Justin shares actionable insights for managers and leaders, from building empathy through intentional training to crafting inclusive policies that honor the diverse realities of modern families.

This revisit also highlights the transformative power of vulnerability in leadership. Justin underscores the importance of modeling self-care and creating spaces where employees feel seen and supported through life’s hardest seasons. He offers tools and resources to help organizations build cultures of care—reminding us that supporting grief at work isn’t simply about resilience; it’s about honoring our shared humanity.

• Connect with Justin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinclifford2/
• Learn more about Bereave: https://www.bereave.io/

Additional resources mentioned during our conversation:

• Liesel Mertes, empathy coaching: https://www.lieselmertes.com/
• A single platform for practical support resources and tools: https://www.supportnow.org/
• Family support for estate and other matters after the death of a loved one: https://www.full-circlecare.com/
• Supporting employees after the loss of a child: https://www.hopeworkshere.com/
• Employee leave management platform: https://www.cocoon.com/

Got something on your mind? A tricky situation at work? A leadership topic you’re curious about? Share your questions here: https://www.one23ltd.com/comfyhq

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Inviting Input: A conversation about co-creating the workplace.

In this conversation, Kate sits down with Patrick Farran, PhD—co-founder and CEO of Ad Lucem Group—to explore the leadership practices that help teams move from compliance to genuine engagement. Patrick introduces appreciative inquiry as a strengths-based discipline built on better questions: ones that draw out what’s already working and create the conditions for more of it.

Together, Kate and Patrick unpack why purpose matters so deeply in leadership (and what happens when leaders drift away from it), how co-creation honors human dignity, and why people support what they help build. They swap practical examples—from job crafting to “input windows” during times of change—and name the tension leaders often feel between offering clarity and inviting shared ownership.

Patrick also offers a preview of his forthcoming book, The Intentional Executive, including the research behind it and the frameworks leaders can use to practice purpose-driven, strengths-aligned leadership.

• Connect with Patrick on LinkedIn
• Learn more about his business
• Check out early information about The Intentional Executive

Additional resources and researchers mentioned during our conversation:

• Dr. Marjolein Lips-Wiersma
• Dr. Amy Wrzesniewski
• Dr. Amy Edmondson
• Dr. Viktor Frankl

Got something on your mind? A tricky situation at work? A leadership topic you’re curious about? Share your questions here: https://www.one23ltd.com/comfyhq

www.one23ltd.com

https://www.instagram.com/one23ltd/

Music by Geoff Harvey from Pixabay