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

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Music by Geoff Harvey from Pixabay

We're making another visit to the comfy chairs archive with this episode, where Kate is joined by a very special guest, her husband, Nate.

Kate and Nate explore the practical considerations of high-reliability organizations and what we can all learn from a balanced approach to excellence and understanding.

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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Music by Geoff Harvey from Pixabay

You own it: A conversation about career growth.

In this episode of the comfy chairs, Kate Johnson sits down with Jamie Chambron, Chief Coach at the Career Agility System, to talk about what it really means to own your career. From portfolio careers to personal branding, Kate and Jamie unpack how professionals can approach their work with intention and curiosity—especially in a changing, unpredictable market.

They explore the co-created nature of employment, the role of values in decision-making, and why assessments like StrengthsFinder and DISC can help you understand your unique value. Whether you’re just starting out, deeply tenured, or in the middle of a career pivot, this conversation is a practical, empowering reminder: your career is an investment, not an inheritance.

Listen if you’re curious about:

• How to build a career that reflects your values and strengths
• Practical ways to market your skills and accomplishments
• Balancing ambition with authenticity and self-care

Connect with Jaime on LinkedIn.

Learn more about Career Agility System™️.

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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Music by Geoff Harvey from Pixabay

Join us for a trip in the Way-back Machine! We're headed to where and when it all started for the comfy chairs. Enjoy this “Tuesday Time Capsule” replay of Episode One: Please don’t take away my superhero cape!

Kate's colleague and friend, Angela Wale, joined her for the inaugural recording to talk about some timeless leadership topics. Whether you want to learn more about responsibility, delegation, accountability, imposter syndrome, or compassion, this episode has it all.

Have a listen and then consider taking one of the following little actions to enhance your leadership practice:

• Reflect on the distinction between accountability and responsibility, and how to strike the right balance as a leader.
• Identify opportunities to delegate more effectively, while still providing coaching and support.
• Continue having open and vulnerable conversations with trusted colleagues to support personal and professional growth.

Have a question for comfyHQ? Share your questions.

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Music by Geoff Harvey from Pixabay

Tiny conversations: A conversation about workplace gossip.

Workplace gossip has a reputation problem — but what if we’ve been looking at it all wrong?

In this episode of the comfy chairs, Kate Johnson sits down with Rebecca Taylor, co-founder of SkillCycle and host of HR Confessions, to explore the nuance behind “tiny conversations.” They define gossip, unpack its role in shaping culture, and discuss how leaders can use it as a powerful source of insight rather than just a source of frustration.

Together, they look at how power, proximity, and trust influence what people say behind closed doors — and how leaders can respond with empathy, not ego.

• Connect with Rebecca on LinkedIn.
• Follow SkillCycle on LinkedIn and visit their website to learn more.
• And be sure to listen to the HR Confessions podcast!

Books and other resources we mentioned:

• You Didn’t Hear This from Me, by Kelsey McKinney
• Normal Gossip podcast

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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Music by Geoff Harvey from Pixabay

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Enjoy this rerun of "What, why, how: A comfyHQ Q&A"

In this bite-sized episode of the comfy chairs, we’re diving into two essential leadership questions:

How can you delegate effectively without micromanaging?

What’s the best approach to giving constructive feedback?

Join me as we break down common misconceptions about micromanagement, explore how clarity is the key to delegation, and discover the “what, why, how” of delivering impactful feedback.

These shorter episodes are designed to spark reflection and build your leadership toolkit. Have a question for comfyHQ? Share it with us here: https://www.one23ltd.com/comfyhq

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Music by Geoff Harvey from Pixabay