This episode dives into the real, often unspoken emotional terrain of caregiving, leadership burnout, and reclaiming joy at work through the power of play. Angela sits down with Corean Canty, a former media and advertising COO turned executive coach, TEDx speaker coach, and co-founder of Shift to Play. Together, they unpack how anticipatory grief affects caregivers, why so many leaders lose their sense of self, and how play can rebuild creativity, resilience, and connection at work.
You'll hear Corean's personal journey through corporate burnout, caring for her mother with dementia, rediscovering her voice, and helping leaders stop performing the "should self" and step back into authenticity. The conversation also tackles questions many people quietly Google but rarely discuss openly:
The discussion also tackles questions such as:
- What is anticipatory grief and how do you cope with it as a caregiver?
- How do you know you're burning out before your body forces you to stop?
- What does play actually do to your brain and why does it matter at work?
- How can you become a better storyteller even if you don't think you're creative?
- What's the difference between managing and leading in today's workplace?
- How do you resolve conflict when everyone's stuck in their assumptions?
- How do you find your true voice if you've spent years being who you "should" be?
This episode is part inspiration, part strategy, part wake-up call. Expect honesty, vulnerability, and real-world tools you can use immediately.
Learn More About Corean:
Mentioned in this Episode:
Produced by: The AGN Group
Host: Angela Gill Nelms
Producer: Katie Hart
Tagline: Be Brave. Be Badass.
Websites: www.theagngroup.com and www.AngelaGillNelms.com
About The AGN Group:
At The AGN Group, we believe every individual, team, and company can unlock their inner badass, one brave step at a time. www.TheAGNGroup.com.
Social Media Channels:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/badassleaderspodcast/
Twitter: https://x.com/BALeadersPod
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@baleaderspod
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/badass-leaders-podcast2
Want to be a Podcast Guest?
If you are interested in being a guest on the podcast, email brave@angelagillnelms.com.
Key Takeaways:
- Anticipatory grief is real and often hits caregivers long before a loved one passes.
- Burnout doesn't start in the workplace — it shows up in the body first. If you're overriding your own needs, your body will eventually force the pause.
- Play is not childish — it's neuroscience. It improves creativity, problem-solving, communication, and bonding within teams.
- Authenticity beats performance. Most people operate from their "should voice," not their real one.
- Storytelling is a leadership tool, not a trend. Humans understand meaning through stories more than data.
- Conflict stays stuck when everyone is clinging to assumptions. Curiosity is the exit ramp.
- Leaders aren't defined by title. Leadership happens anywhere someone is willing to speak vision, ask bold questions, and take the first step.
- You can't lead well if you're not living well. Life design and leadership design are inseparable.
Themes:
- Caregiving and anticipatory grief
- Leadership burnout and well-being
- Play as a professional development tool
- Creativity and innovation in the age of AI
- Storytelling as communication strategy
- Authenticity, identity, and voice
- Conflict resolution and curiosity
- Personal reinvention and life design
What is Badass Leaders Podcast: Brave Hearts, Brave Conversations, Badass Leaders?
Welcome to the Badass Leaders Podcast: Brave Hearts, Brave Conversations, and Badass Leaders. Industry experts join host Angela Gill Nelms for intimate and eye-opening discussions about the challenges and joys facing today's leaders. Listen in, and get ready to scale your company, grow your brand, and unlock your full badass potential. Guests include authors, CEOs, Fortune 500 advisors, serial entrepreneurs, heads of global marketing, nonprofit leaders, and educators. You'll discover new insights in every episode. Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss out!
If you are interested in being a guest on the podcast, email brave@angelagillnelms.com.
You can learn more about The AGN Group and its services on its website: www.TheAGNGroup.com. Learn more about the podcast at www.BadassLeadersPodcast.com.
About Angela:
Angela Gill Nelms is a trailblazer for building exceptional companies and teams. She is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of The AGN Group and Recovery Advocate Network. She has held the position of Chief Operations Officer at Aetos Imaging, RenovoRx, and Florence Healthcare. With a B.S. in Biomedical Engineering from Georgia Tech, she has mastered navigating the FDA, leading diverse teams, and ensuring that customers and patients are always the top priority.
Angela is a passionate advocate for mental wellness and diversity. She is the CEO and co-founder of Recovery Advocate Network, a 501(c)3 nonprofit. Through this organization, she addresses resource disparities for individuals with mental health disorders, trauma, and identity challenges. In addition, she hosts the Coffee and Conversation Podcast to educate the community and reduce the stigma around mental health and wellness.
She shares her lessons learned around the country in keynote speeches, coaching, and team-building workshops. Learn more about Angela at www.AngelaGillNelms.com.
About The AGN Group:
At The AGN Group, we believe every individual, team, and company can unlock their inner badass, one brave step at a time. We offer keynote and panel speaking, leadership and team-building workshops, fractional and management consulting, brand and storytelling services. Email us at hello@TheAGNGroup.com to connect. Learn more at www.TheAGNGroup.com.
#BeBraveBeBadass #BadassLeadersPodcast #BraveHeartsBraveConversationsBadassLeaders #TheAGNGroup
Social Media Channels:
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Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/badass-leaders-podcast-brave-hearts-brave-conversations/id1788987881
Audible: https://www.audible.com/podcast/Badass-Leaders-Podcast-Brave-Hearts-Brave-Conversations-Badass-Leaders/B0DS2CQL9V?source_code=ASSGB149080119000H&share_location=pdp
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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/badass-leaders-podcast2