Feedback isn't a verdict - it's a mirror.

In this episode of Quest 2 the CORE, Simone and Jonna explore feedback as one of the most underused leadership superpowers. When delivered well, feedback doesn't just correct, it connects, clarifies, and accelerates growth.

They unpack:

• Why feedback is foundational to self-awareness
• The connections between emotional intelligence how we give and receive feedback
• Why not all feedback requires action
• The powerful distinction of using feedback as a mirror instead of a measure

With personal stories and practical takeaways this episode will help leaders build trust and elevate performance.

In this episode of Quest to the CORE, Jonna and Simone explore the deceptively simple yet transformative practice of asking better questions. As leaders, parents, and teammates, the questions we ask shape not only the conversations we have, but also the confidence and identity of those around us.

Together, they unpack the shift from being the "answer-giver" to becoming a more curious, reflective question-asker. You'll hear real-life stories, practical strategies, and a few surprising connections between leadership and parenting.

You'll learning:

• Better questions lead to better thinking
• How to build trust and empowerment through asking questions
• The difference between confidence-building and compliance-driving questions
• How to create psychological safety using curiosity
• One "pocket question" every leader should keep in mind

Whether you're leading a team, raising a child, or navigating your own growth, this episode will give you tools to elevate your impact, one question at a time.

Because when we ask better questions, we shape more than conversations - we shape culture.

In this episode of Quest 2 the CORE, Simone and Jonna explore the "R" in the C.O.R.E. framework: Reflection. Far from being passive pause, reflection is a powerful practice that refines instincts, strengthens presence, and builds leadership effectiveness from the inside out.

Simone shares a deeply personal story of uncovering hidden grief through reflection and how it reshaped her internal dialogue and energy. Jonna walks us through three types of reflective leadership -- goal-based, problem-based, and open reflection -- and explains why each is essential for growth.

Whether you journal, walk, talk it out, or sit in stillness, this conversation will challenge your assumptions about what it means to lead with intention. Because as Simone reminds us, "Reflection isn't a retreat from leadership. It's a return to it."

In this episode of Quest 2 the C.O.R.E., Jonna and Simple dive into the "zone of optimal learning," that sweet spot where curiosity meets challenge, and growth takes root. This space lives between not knowing and knowing, where confusion isn't a sign of failure but a signal that real learning is happening. Whether you're trying to level up, lead others, or create better learning experiences, this episode will challenge how you think about learning and why the messy middle is where the magic happens.

In this episode of Quest 2 the C.O.R.E., Jonna and Simone unpack one of the most misunderstood truths about leadership: it's not about what you do, it's about who you are. Through an honest and reflective conversation, they explore the internal journey of leadership, inviting listeners to consider the difference between being a leader and simply doing leadership tasks.

With themes of self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and presence, Simone and Jonna challenge the idea that leadership requires a title. Instead, they offer a more powerful lens: leadership is claimed from the inside out. Whether you're managing a team or leading by example in everyday life, this episode will help you reconnect with the essence of true leadership.

You'll walk away with:

• A deeper understanding of what it means to lead from your being, not just your doing
• Why presence, values, and self-reflection are central to effective leadership
• Practical questions to help you notice when you've slipped into "doing mode"
• A reminder that leadership can be felt - before it's ever formally recognized

In Episode 2 of Quest 2 the CORE, Simone and Jonna explore how great leadership depends not just on what we think, but how we think. Drawing from the HBR article "The 4 Types of Thinking Leaders Need to Practice - and Teach," they break down four essential thinking modes: Expert, Critical, Strategic, and Systems Thinking.

Each mode is paired with practical tools, real-life examples, and ties to the CORE leadership framework.

The hosts challenge listeners to reflect on their own thinking habits: "Which type of thinking do I rely on most - and which do I avoid?" Because how we think shapes how we lead. And expanding our thinking expands our impact.

Real leadership starts with the courage to see ourselves clearly. In this episode, we explore the gap between how self-aware we think we are and how self-aware we actually are. Drawing from research, leadership classics, and our own experiences, we dig into why self-awareness is the foundation of effective leadership. You'll learn why it's so hard to develop, why it matters more than we admit, and how reflection and curiosity can help you lead with greater clarity and intention.

Before we dive into the real conversations, this episode lays the groundwork. We share the story behind the podcast, why we called it Quest 2 the C.O.R.E., and what the acronym means to us. Think of this as the pre-work that sets the tone. You'll get a clear sense of what we're about and why this journey might just change the way you lead and learn. By the end, you'll know the heart behind the podcast and why C.O.R.E. is more than just an acronym.