<![CDATA[The Unspoken Mindset]]>Most leadership development teaches you what to do. This podcast is about who you have to become.

The Unspoken Mindset of Leadership is a podcast for aspiring leaders, the ones who are hungry for real conversations, not polished corporate talking points. Hosted by Joyce Conley-Hemmings, school leadership strategist and author of The Unspoken Mindset: What No One Tells You About School Leadership. Each episode goes into the internal shifts, invisible mental models, and mindset work that most leadership programs skip entirely.

Whether you're stepping into your first leadership & management role, navigating the identity shift that comes with a new title, or leading a team and still wondering why no one warned you about this part, you've found your people.

Through solo deep dives and long-form guest conversations, Joyce unpacks what it actually feels like to lead from the inside out: the self-doubt, the relationship rewiring, the quiet moments when you realize the rules have changed and you're the one who has to figure it out.

Every episode leaves you with a mindset shift, not just a to-do list.

New episodes drop every two weeks. Subscribe so you don't miss a conversation.

Connect with Joyce:

www.theunspokenmindset.com

LinkedIn

]]>www.theunspokenmindset.comRiverside.fm (https://riverside.com)Wed, 01 Jul 2026 06:41:50 GMTSat, 06 Jun 2026 13:56:38 GMT60Joyce Conley-Hemmings<p>Most leadership development teaches you what to do. This podcast is about who you have to become.</p><p><i>The Unspoken Mindset of Leadership</i> is a podcast for aspiring leaders, the ones who are hungry for real conversations, not polished corporate talking points. Hosted by Joyce Conley-Hemmings, school leadership strategist and author of <i>The Unspoken Mindset: What No One Tells You About School Leadership</i>. Each episode goes into the internal shifts, invisible mental models, and mindset work that most leadership programs skip entirely.</p><p>Whether you're stepping into your first leadership &amp; management role, navigating the identity shift that comes with a new title, or leading a team and still wondering why no one warned you about <i>this</i> part, you've found your people.</p><p>Through solo deep dives and long-form guest conversations, Joyce unpacks what it actually feels like to lead from the inside out: the self-doubt, the relationship rewiring, the quiet moments when you realize the rules have changed and you're the one who has to figure it out.</p><p>Every episode leaves you with a mindset shift, not just a to-do list.</p><p>New episodes drop every two weeks. Subscribe so you don't miss a conversation.</p><p></p><p>Connect with Joyce:</p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://www.theunspokenmindset.com" target="_blank">www.theunspokenmindset.com</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/joycehemmings/" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a></p>episodicJoyce Conley-Hemmingsalveprosubbox@gmail.comno<![CDATA[Ep. 5: Silence, Discomfort, and the Space Where Leaders Grow]]>Most leadership development tells you to do more, learn more, consume more. This episode makes the opposite case. In a culture that treats stillness as unproductive, Joyce challenges school leaders to reconsider what they're avoiding — and what they're missing because of it. Drawing from her own experience of almost drowning quietly in her first year as an assistant principal, Joyce unpacks why the most important growth you'll ever do as a leader happens not in the noise, but in the spaces between it.

Key Topics:

  • Why leaders become addicted to input — and what it costs them
  • The grief nobody warns you about when you step into leadership
  • The mindset shift that changes everything: discomfort is data, not danger
  • The critical difference between holding space and carrying weight
  • The five-minute pause practice and why it's a leadership skill, not self-care fluff
  • How the Unspoken Mindset Leadership Academy builds integration into leadership development — not just information

Keywords: school leadership mindset, assistant principal advice, new leader burnout, emotional regulation in leadership, leadership identity, psychological safety, first-year principal, leadership development podcast, discomfort and growth, mindfulness for leaders, school administrator podcast

RESOURCES

Grab the book: The Unspoken Mindset: What No One Tells You About School Leadership - https://a.co/d/026ENlpo

Website - https://theunspokenmindset.com

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/joycehemmings/

]]>ea8a4c30-012a-4a05-b7ca-d5900f7c0384Sun, 28 Jun 2026 16:20:26 GMT<p>Most leadership development tells you to do more, learn more, consume more. This episode makes the opposite case. In a culture that treats stillness as unproductive, Joyce challenges school leaders to reconsider what they're avoiding — and what they're missing because of it. Drawing from her own experience of almost drowning quietly in her first year as an assistant principal, Joyce unpacks why the most important growth you'll ever do as a leader happens not in the noise, but in the spaces between it.</p><p></p><p><b>Key Topics:</b></p><ul><li>Why leaders become addicted to input — and what it costs them</li><li>The grief nobody warns you about when you step into leadership</li><li>The mindset shift that changes everything: discomfort is data, not danger</li><li>The critical difference between holding space and carrying weight</li><li>The five-minute pause practice and why it's a leadership skill, not self-care fluff</li><li>How the Unspoken Mindset Leadership Academy builds integration into leadership development — not just information</li></ul><p></p><p><b>Keywords:</b> school leadership mindset, assistant principal advice, new leader burnout, emotional regulation in leadership, leadership identity, psychological safety, first-year principal, leadership development podcast, discomfort and growth, mindfulness for leaders, school administrator podcast</p><p></p><p>RESOURCES</p><p>Grab the book: The Unspoken Mindset: What No One Tells You About School Leadership - <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://a.co/d/026ENlpo" target="_blank">https://a.co/d/026ENlpo</a></p><p>Website - <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://theunspokenmindset.com" target="_blank">https://theunspokenmindset.com</a></p><p>LinkedIn - <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/joycehemmings/" target="_blank">https://www.linkedin.com/in/joycehemmings/</a></p><p></p><p></p>no00:11:4115Ep. 5: Silence, Discomfort, and the Space Where Leaders Growfull<![CDATA[Ep. 4: What Stories Are You Telling Yourself?]]>The most powerful decision-maker in your leadership isn't your training, your title, or your experience. It's the story running in the background of your mind, and most leaders don't even know it's in charge.

In this episode of The Unspoken Mindset, Joyce breaks down the three types of stories every school leader carries: the origin story built from early experiences, the current story shaping how you see your team and your role right now, and the future story that's quietly enforcing your ceiling.

This isn't positive thinking. This is a framework for seeing what's actually driving your decisions, and rewriting it with intention.

🎧 Listen and then download the free Narrative Audit worksheet at theunspokenmindset.com to do the work for yourself.

SUMMARY

Episode 4 introduces narrative identity in leadership; the idea that the stories leaders tell themselves about their capability and ceiling are active decision-makers, not background noise. Joyce walks through a practical framework for identifying, tracing, and reframing the three types of limiting narratives leaders carry. Closes with a guided introduction to the free Narrative Audit worksheet.

KEYWORDS

school leadership podcast, assistant principal mindset, limiting beliefs in leadership, cognitive reframing for leaders, new school administrator, leadership identity, imposter syndrome school leaders, mindset for principals

KEY TOPICS

  • The three story types: origin, current, future
  • How limiting beliefs become invisible decision-makers
  • Cognitive reframing as a leadership discipline
  • The Narrative Audit framework
  • The story gap in district leadership pipelines

TAKEAWAYS

  • Your internal narrative is shaping decisions whether you're aware of it or not
  • Old stories feel true because they're old, age is not accuracy
  • The gap between capability and execution is almost never a skills gap, it's a story gap
  • The Narrative Audit worksheet walks you through the full process at theunspokenmindset.com

RESOURCES

Grab the book: The Unspoken Mindset: What No One Tells You About School Leadership - https://a.co/d/026ENlpo

Website - https://theunspokenmindset.com

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/joycehemmings/

]]>bcd285c4-c515-42b3-b8bd-27fc08dd545aSun, 21 Jun 2026 11:06:46 GMT<p>The most powerful decision-maker in your leadership isn't your training, your title, or your experience. It's the story running in the background of your mind, and most leaders don't even know it's in charge.</p><p>In this episode of The Unspoken Mindset, Joyce breaks down the three types of stories every school leader carries: the origin story built from early experiences, the current story shaping how you see your team and your role right now, and the future story that's quietly enforcing your ceiling.</p><p></p><p>This isn't positive thinking. This is a framework for seeing what's actually driving your decisions, and rewriting it with intention.</p><p>🎧 Listen and then download the free Narrative Audit worksheet at <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://theunspokenmindset.com" target="_blank">theunspokenmindset.com</a> to do the work for yourself.</p><p></p><p><b>SUMMARY</b></p><p>Episode 4 introduces narrative identity in leadership; the idea that the stories leaders tell themselves about their capability and ceiling are active decision-makers, not background noise. Joyce walks through a practical framework for identifying, tracing, and reframing the three types of limiting narratives leaders carry. Closes with a guided introduction to the free Narrative Audit worksheet.</p><p></p><p><b>KEYWORDS</b></p><p>school leadership podcast, assistant principal mindset, limiting beliefs in leadership, cognitive reframing for leaders, new school administrator, leadership identity, imposter syndrome school leaders, mindset for principals</p><p></p><p><b>KEY TOPICS</b></p><ul><li>The three story types: origin, current, future</li><li>How limiting beliefs become invisible decision-makers</li><li>Cognitive reframing as a leadership discipline</li><li>The Narrative Audit framework</li><li>The story gap in district leadership pipelines</li></ul><p></p><p><b>TAKEAWAYS</b></p><ul><li>Your internal narrative is shaping decisions whether you're aware of it or not</li><li>Old stories feel true because they're old, age is not accuracy</li><li>The gap between capability and execution is almost never a skills gap, it's a story gap</li><li>The Narrative Audit worksheet walks you through the full process at <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://theunspokenmindset.com" target="_blank">theunspokenmindset.com</a></li></ul><p>RESOURCES</p><p></p><p>Grab the book: The Unspoken Mindset: What No One Tells You About School Leadership - <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://a.co/d/026ENlpo" target="_blank">https://a.co/d/026ENlpo</a></p><p>Website - <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://theunspokenmindset.com" target="_blank">https://theunspokenmindset.com</a></p><p>LinkedIn - <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/joycehemmings/" target="_blank">https://www.linkedin.com/in/joycehemmings/</a></p><p></p>no00:12:4014Ep. 4: What Stories Are You Telling Yourself?full<![CDATA[Ep. 3: The Leadership Identity Crisis]]>That feeling of holding the title but not yet feeling what the title actually implies? It has a name. In this episode, Joyce breaks down the leadership identity crisis — the disorienting gap between when you step into a leadership role and when you actually feel like a leader. Through the story of Alex, a newly promoted Assistant Principal quietly struggling in ways no one around them can see, Joyce unpacks three patterns that show up when your old identity collides with your new role: imposter syndrome, over-proving behavior, and identity clinging. If you've ever looked around the room and wondered what everyone else has that you don't — this episode is for you.

Summary

Explore the leadership identity crisis, its manifestations, and how to navigate it effectively. Joyce Conley Hemmings shares insights on the internal struggles leaders face during transitions and practical strategies for growth.

Keywords

Leadership, Identity Crisis, Imposter Syndrome, Leadership Development, Personal Growth, Principal, Assistant Principal

Key topics

Leadership identity crisis

Imposter syndrome in leadership

Overcoming over-proving behavior

The concept of identity lag

Strategies for internal growth during leadership transitions

Takeaways

Recognize the leadership identity crisis as a normal part of growth.

Name the patterns of imposter syndrome, over-proving, and identity clinging.

Understand the concept of identity lag and its role in leadership transitions.

Ask yourself who you want to be in your leadership role, not just what skills to develop.

Processing the internal identity questions is crucial for authentic leadership.

Resources

Grab the book: The Unspoken Mindset: What No One Tells You About School Leadership - https://a.co/d/026ENlpo

Website - https://theunspokenmindset.com

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/joycehemmings/

]]>690fa877-1366-4ab6-a206-2bda6c54f6beSun, 14 Jun 2026 13:38:29 GMT<p>That feeling of holding the title but not yet feeling what the title actually implies? It has a name. In this episode, Joyce breaks down the leadership identity crisis — the disorienting gap between when you step into a leadership role and when you actually feel like a leader. Through the story of Alex, a newly promoted Assistant Principal quietly struggling in ways no one around them can see, Joyce unpacks three patterns that show up when your old identity collides with your new role: imposter syndrome, over-proving behavior, and identity clinging. If you've ever looked around the room and wondered what everyone else has that you don't — this episode is for you.</p><p></p><p><b>Summary</b></p><p>Explore the leadership identity crisis, its manifestations, and how to navigate it effectively. Joyce Conley Hemmings shares insights on the internal struggles leaders face during transitions and practical strategies for growth.</p><p></p><p><b>Keywords</b></p><p>Leadership, Identity Crisis, Imposter Syndrome, Leadership Development, Personal Growth, Principal, Assistant Principal</p><p></p><p><b>Key topics</b></p><p>Leadership identity crisis</p><p>Imposter syndrome in leadership</p><p>Overcoming over-proving behavior</p><p>The concept of identity lag</p><p>Strategies for internal growth during leadership transitions</p><p></p><p><b>Takeaways</b></p><p>Recognize the leadership identity crisis as a normal part of growth.</p><p>Name the patterns of imposter syndrome, over-proving, and identity clinging.</p><p>Understand the concept of identity lag and its role in leadership transitions.</p><p>Ask yourself who you want to be in your leadership role, not just what skills to develop.</p><p>Processing the internal identity questions is crucial for authentic leadership.</p><p></p><p></p><p><b>Resources</b></p><p>Grab the book: The Unspoken Mindset: What No One Tells You About School Leadership - <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://a.co/d/026ENlpo" target="_blank">https://a.co/d/026ENlpo</a></p><p></p><p>Website - https://theunspokenmindset.com</p><p>LinkedIn - <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/joycehemmings/" target="_blank">https://www.linkedin.com/in/joycehemmings/</a></p><p></p>no00:16:3813Ep. 3: The Leadership Identity Crisisfull<![CDATA[Ep. 2: Why Didn't Anyone Tell Me This?]]>You can learn every skill on the list, how to delegate, how to give feedback, how to run a meeting, and still feel like something isn't working. That something isn't a skill gap. It's an identity gap. In this episode, Joyce unpacks the shift that most leadership development never puts on the curriculum: the uncomfortable internal work of moving from doing leadership to actually being a leader. Through the story of Morgan, a high-performing new manager slowly realizing the strengths that got them promoted are now holding them back, Joyce makes the case that real leadership growth isn't behavioral. It starts at the identity level.

Ready to bring this mindset shift to your leadership? Let's Connect!

www.theunspokenmindset.com

Find the Book on Amazon

Join the Conversation on Facebook

Keywords
leadership, identity, self-awareness, mindset, development, growth, performance, internal work, leadership crisis, reflection

Summary
In this episode, Joyce explores the often overlooked internal shifts that accompany stepping into a leadership role. She emphasizes that true leadership is not just about acquiring skills but involves a significant identity transformation. Joyce discusses the importance of self-awareness and reflection in crossing the threshold from merely performing leadership tasks to genuinely embodying the role. Through the story of Morgan, a high-performing individual struggling with her new leadership identity, Joyce illustrates the necessity of doing the internal work to become an effective leader. The episode concludes with reflective questions for listeners to consider their own leadership identities.

Takeaways
Nobody prepares you for the internal shift in leadership.
Skills that once helped you may hinder you as a leader.
Leadership development often misses the inner mindset shifts.
True leadership is about being, not just doing.
Experience alone does not guarantee effective leadership.
Self-awareness is crucial for leadership growth.
Reflection helps in understanding one's leadership identity.
The behaviors of high performers can become liabilities in leadership.
Internal work is necessary for sustainable leadership.
Self-inquiry is essential for true leadership development.


The Unspoken Shift in Leadership Identity
Navigating the Inner Layer of Leadership Development

Sound Bites

"This is entirely about you."

"The gap between doing and actually being."

"It's not experience alone that matters."

"The solution is to do the internal work."

Chapters
The Unspoken Shift in Leadership Identity

The Inner Layer of Leadership Development

Crossing the Unspoken Threshold

The Role of Self-Awareness in Leadership

The Story of Morgan: A Leadership Case Study

Reflecting on Your Leadership Identity

]]>29775333-6cb5-4044-81ea-c6eb01237e76Mon, 08 Jun 2026 19:34:38 GMT<p>You can learn every skill on the list, how to delegate, how to give feedback, how to run a meeting, and still feel like something isn't working. That something isn't a skill gap. It's an identity gap. In this episode, Joyce unpacks the shift that most leadership development never puts on the curriculum: the uncomfortable internal work of moving from <i>doing</i> leadership to actually <i>being</i> a leader. Through the story of Morgan, a high-performing new manager slowly realizing the strengths that got them promoted are now holding them back, Joyce makes the case that real leadership growth isn't behavioral. It starts at the identity level.</p><p></p><p>Ready to bring this mindset shift to your leadership? Let's Connect!</p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://www.theunspokenmindset.com" target="_blank">www.theunspokenmindset.com</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://a.co/d/0h54kkJ8" target="_blank">Find the Book on Amazon</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/alvepronetwork/?rdid=01VJH7q4hi7fIxTI&amp;share_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2Fg%2F1Ck1gGVMvQ%2F#" target="_blank">Join the Conversation on Facebook</a></p><p></p><p><b>Keywords</b><br />leadership, identity, self-awareness, mindset, development, growth, performance, internal work, leadership crisis, reflection<br /><br /><b>Summary</b><br />In this episode, Joyce explores the often overlooked internal shifts that accompany stepping into a leadership role. She emphasizes that true leadership is not just about acquiring skills but involves a significant identity transformation. Joyce discusses the importance of self-awareness and reflection in crossing the threshold from merely performing leadership tasks to genuinely embodying the role. Through the story of Morgan, a high-performing individual struggling with her new leadership identity, Joyce illustrates the necessity of doing the internal work to become an effective leader. The episode concludes with reflective questions for listeners to consider their own leadership identities.<br /><br /><b>Takeaways</b><br />Nobody prepares you for the internal shift in leadership.<br />Skills that once helped you may hinder you as a leader.<br />Leadership development often misses the inner mindset shifts.<br />True leadership is about being, not just doing.<br />Experience alone does not guarantee effective leadership.<br />Self-awareness is crucial for leadership growth.<br />Reflection helps in understanding one's leadership identity.<br />The behaviors of high performers can become liabilities in leadership.<br />Internal work is necessary for sustainable leadership.<br />Self-inquiry is essential for true leadership development.<br /><br /><br />The Unspoken Shift in Leadership Identity<br />Navigating the Inner Layer of Leadership Development<br /><br /><b>Sound Bites<br /></b><br />"This is entirely about you."<br /><br />"The gap between doing and actually being."<br /><br />"It's not experience alone that matters."<br /><br />"The solution is to do the internal work."<br /><br /><b>Chapters</b><br />The Unspoken Shift in Leadership Identity<br /><br />The Inner Layer of Leadership Development<br /><br />Crossing the Unspoken Threshold<br /><br />The Role of Self-Awareness in Leadership<br /><br />The Story of Morgan: A Leadership Case Study<br /><br />Reflecting on Your Leadership Identity</p><p></p><p></p>no00:17:0812Ep. 2: Why Didn't Anyone Tell Me This?full<![CDATA[Ep. 1: The Readiness Illusion]]>You got the job. You signed the contract. You told everyone. So why didn't confidence show up with you on day one? In this episode, Joyce gets honest about the mindset trap that catches nearly every new leader off guard: the belief that the title will make you feel ready. Drawing from her own experience of almost walking away in her first year, Joyce unpacks why readiness isn't something you wait for, and how the leaders who push through aren't the ones who feel prepared; they're the ones who learn to lead through the uncertainty anyway.

Let's Connect:

www.theunspokenmindset.com

Find the Book On Amazon

Join the Community on Facebook

Summary
In this conversation, Joyce Conley-Hemmings discusses the concept of readiness in leadership roles, particularly in education. She shares her personal experiences transitioning from a teacher to an assistant principal, emphasizing that readiness is often an illusion. Joyce highlights the importance of mindset and the need for ongoing training to develop both skills and mental resilience. She encourages aspiring leaders to lead with intention rather than waiting to feel ready, and to embrace discomfort as a sign of growth.

Takeaways
Readiness is often an illusion for new leaders.
Mindset is crucial for effective leadership.
Training should include both skills and mindset shifts.
Discomfort indicates growth, not failure.
Leaders must lead with intention, not wait for comfort.
The transition from teacher to administrator is challenging.
Personal experiences shape leadership readiness.
Clarity is different from certainty in leadership.
Ongoing support and mentorship are vital for new leaders.
Mindset shifts are necessary for successful leadership transitions.

]]>a1ba97a2-b842-41ed-b1ad-132fb5c893e3Sat, 06 Jun 2026 14:45:09 GMT<p>You got the job. You signed the contract. You told everyone. So why didn't confidence show up with you on day one? In this episode, Joyce gets honest about the mindset trap that catches nearly every new leader off guard: the belief that the title will make you feel ready. Drawing from her own experience of almost walking away in her first year, Joyce unpacks why readiness isn't something you wait for, and how the leaders who push through aren't the ones who feel prepared; they're the ones who learn to lead through the uncertainty anyway.</p><p></p><p>Let's Connect:</p><p></p><p>www.theunspokenmindset.com</p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://a.co/d/0f4RIse2" target="_blank">Find the Book On Amazon</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Ck1gGVMvQ/" target="_blank">Join the Community on Facebook</a></p><p></p><p>Summary<br />In this conversation, Joyce Conley-Hemmings discusses the concept of readiness in leadership roles, particularly in education. She shares her personal experiences transitioning from a teacher to an assistant principal, emphasizing that readiness is often an illusion. Joyce highlights the importance of mindset and the need for ongoing training to develop both skills and mental resilience. She encourages aspiring leaders to lead with intention rather than waiting to feel ready, and to embrace discomfort as a sign of growth.<br /><br />Takeaways<br />Readiness is often an illusion for new leaders.<br />Mindset is crucial for effective leadership.<br />Training should include both skills and mindset shifts.<br />Discomfort indicates growth, not failure.<br />Leaders must lead with intention, not wait for comfort.<br />The transition from teacher to administrator is challenging.<br />Personal experiences shape leadership readiness.<br />Clarity is different from certainty in leadership.<br />Ongoing support and mentorship are vital for new leaders.<br />Mindset shifts are necessary for successful leadership transitions.</p><p></p>no00:11:2211Ep. 1: The Readiness Illusionfull