In this episode of Culture by Design, I’m joined by executive coach Diana Lowe for a thoughtful conversation about the inner work of leadership. Diana blends positive psychology with cognitive behavioral coaching to help leaders uncover the beliefs and patterns that shape how they show up at work.
We explore why self-awareness is such a critical leadership skill, how outdated leadership paradigms are shifting, and why leaders need a “village” of support to grow and thrive.
Diana also shares how hidden beliefs that are often formed early in life, can influence leadership behavior, and how developing greater awareness can help leaders build healthier cultures, stronger teams, and more sustainable success.
Diana Lowe is an executive coach, speaker, and the Founder and CEO of Blue Light Leadership, where she helps organizations retain top talent by transforming how leaders show up. Diana has experienced firsthand the emotional toll of working under technically brilliant but emotionally unskilled leaders—an experience that shaped her mission to change workplaces from the inside out.
With a Master of Science in Positive Psychology and Coaching Psychology and credentials as an ICF Professional Certified Coach (PCC), Diana blends research-based coaching, Positive Psychology, Neuro-Linguistic Programming, and Mental & Emotional Release (MER) to address one of the most pressing challenges in business today: the human cost of bad leadership. She has coached leaders from many Fortune 500 organizations and is the bestselling author of Hard to Handle: A High Performer Paradox, a practical and compassionate guide for HR leaders and executives navigating difficult leadership dynamics while striving to protect culture and performance.
Listen to the full episode to hear:
- Why self-awareness is the foundation of effective leadership
- How unconscious beliefs can shape leadership behaviors like micromanagement
- Why today’s leaders need to break away from the “know everything” leadership model
- The role of feedback, vulnerability, and reflection in modern leadership
- How energy management and personal values impact leadership effectiveness
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What is Culture By Design?
Meet business owners and executives who recognize that employee culture is too important to be left to chance. Each week, we dive into how companies like yours transform accidental norms into purposeful strategies that accelerate growth while enabling employees to thrive. If you're eager to turn culture into a competitive advantage for your small or mid-sized business, Heather Smith, CEO of Talent Elevated, will give you practical strategies for designing culture with intention and unlocking employee potential. Find the clarity, focus, and actionable insights to build a workplace where your team is invested in their work, their colleagues, and the company mission—even when business priorities feel overwhelming.