Cy Wakeman's Recent LinkedIn Posts

In this intimate conversation, Charlie Pleasant, LCSW, LCSW and I, dive into the messy beauty of being human in today’s challenging environments — exploring how we navigate fear, uncertainty, and the complexity of our inner worlds. From the transformative power of anger to the importance of boundaries and truth in relationships, we unpack how Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy can be integrated into everyday life. At the heart of it all? A deep call to self-care, love, and community. Every pinpoint is a portal for your own evolution. If you are wondering what the invitation of your current discomfort and stress might be: it is to go inside and emerge evolved by your current situation. Whether you're familiar with IFS or just curious about emotional healing, this episode offers rich insights for anyone seeking grounded, reality-based leadership — both within and without. To benefit from Charlie and her work, check her out on IG @charliethattherapist and https://hubs.ly/Q03gQnnY0 Watch here: https://hubs.ly/Q03gQdm60 Listen here: https://hubs.ly/Q03gQt3r0

In the keynote clip, Alex Dorr, VP of People Evolution at Reality-Based Leadership, shows an audience of 800 leaders how to walk the fine line between empathizing with someone's frustration and ensuring the conversation doesn't spiral into the despair of staying stuck and complaining. But simply knowing about this concept isn't enough, it's crucial to know how to intentionally shift the conversation back to the 'real two options' available that are pathways to better results and more happiness: impact it or let it go with grace. Learn how to skillfully coach through this situation when it comes up in your career, by clicking the link bleow. Begin the Course Now; https://lnkd.in/gaia8WiM

Over the past few years, the most frustrated people in their careers that we hear from have revealed a new concept we’re calling the predictable pattern of 'stuck'. When this mindset pattern takes over someone’s day-to-day work, it can be a heck of a challenge to move beyond it. The good news? Once you recognize this predictable pattern, there are simple, quick techniques to break someone free of it. As with any interference involving drama, the first step is always identifying when you or your teams are falling into it, which is exactly what this video below helps you do. Once you can spot when the pattern is trying to take over and drift you into drama, you’ll need a couple of quick tools to recenter yourself and your teams to move past it. Watch the video from Alex Dorr to see where this predictable pattern of “stuck” comes from (hint: it's probably not what you think), then choose one of the two tools below to get easily unstuck when it happens. Tool #1 watch here: https://lnkd.in/g2uHTxHA Tool #2 watch here: https://lnkd.in/g_NRY7sN

The best leaders ask twice as many questions as they give answers. Making this single shift in your approach will transform you from doer and fixer to coach, leader, and facilitator faster than any other leadership skill. Learning to resist the temptation to jump in and solve problems for your team isn’t just nice-to-have development, it’s the most impactful thing you can do to modernize your leadership quickly and escape the exhausting trap of over-managing and under-leading. When it comes to Reality-Based Leadership, there are four essential questions that every leader should master and use daily, if not hourly. What would great look like? What could you do to help? What do you know for sure? What could you do to add value? When you, your team and leaders across your organization consistently use these four simple questions, something remarkable happens: drama disappears, accountability becomes norm, and teams naturally shift from complaining to ‘how we could’ thinking. In other words, people working in their highest self becomes the norm. Your challenge for the week: Watch the video below to discover these four game-changing questions and write them down to keep close by. Then notice your very next interaction where you’re tempted to give the answer, solve it for someone, or fix it. Take a pause and ask the one question that most resonates with you - you’ll be amazed at what happens next. Be sure to stick around for the end of the video, where Alex Dorr shares a snippet about how using these questions with the wrong motive can completely backfire on you. This bonus tip will ensure these questions actually work in your favor instead of against you. Go be great this week.

What if 79% of your workforce is essentially sleepwalking through their jobs? Gallup’s latest numbers are sobering: 79% are disengaged 17% are actively disengaged Only 32% say they’re thriving at work At Reality-Based Leadership, we see these stats not as abstract data, but as a call to action. The truth? Engagement isn’t something that happens to you—it’s something you choose, especially in tough times. Every frustrating situation is a decision point: will you lean in, or check out? In this short clip, Alex Dorr explains how recognizing the pull of disengagement is the first step to reclaiming your power and impact at work. Also, check out this podcast episode from the archives with several quick examples and scripts from myself on how to lean into your own engagement over the next few weeks. Listen here: https://lnkd.in/g7iAUhAm

Dear Reality-Based Leadership Community,   We have some incredible news to share with you! After over 25 years of groundbreaking work building Reality-Based Leadership, Cy Wakeman has made the strategic decision to transition ownership of the company to Alex Dorr , who will serve as CEO moving forward.   Joining the RBL team in 2015, Alex quickly became a key part of the keynote and training delivery team as well as an advisor to the RBL and Cy Wakeman brand social media team, growing her following to 300,000+ fans across platforms.   As a partner and co-owner since 2023, Alex has been deeply involved in the company’s operations and strategic direction. Through this ownership transition, he now leads Reality-Based Leadership into its next chapter. Alex deeply understands the heart and soul of what makes Reality-Based Leadership so transformational for organizations worldwide.   This transition represents a natural evolution for our organization. Cy has spent years mentoring Alex and preparing him to carry forward the Reality-Based Leadership philosophy and methodology. As her handpicked successor, Alex is uniquely positioned to evolve and expand the Reality-Based Leadership impact for the next generation of leaders.   We’re incredibly grateful for Cy’s visionary leadership over the past 25 years. She built something truly special - a movement that has helped countless organizations eliminate drama and drive real results. Her pioneering research and insights have changed how leaders think about accountability, and that foundation will continue to be the bedrock of everything we do.   Under Alex’s leadership, you can expect:   - Continued innovation in Reality-Based Leadership research and methodology - Alex will be spearheading new developments and frameworks in our approach. - Fresh perspectives on workplace accountability - Building on Cy’s foundation with new insights and applications. - Enhanced content and learning experiences - Expanding how we deliver transformational results to your teams at all levels of your organization. - The same powerful philosophy you know and trust - Just with exciting new energy and direction.   Cy will continue to be available for speaking engagements through Reality-Based Leadership as her schedule allows, while Alex steps into the role of driving the company’s future vision, research, and day-to-day operations.   This transition is about growth, not change. The Reality-Based Leadership principles that have transformed your organizations remain at our core - we’re just expanding our capacity to serve you even better.   We’re thrilled about what lies ahead and grateful to have you as part of this journey.   Here’s to the next chapter of ditching the drama and calling our teams to greatness,   The Reality-Based Leadership Team

If you've ever read our newsletter, you've realized that reducing drama should be your core focus with your team. It is the biggest unlock for people and essential for achieving results, well-being, and a healthy culture. But when leaders set out to begin getting their arms around the drama they are now seeing, they often ask: Where do I even start? Here's what changes everything: Drama doesn't just randomly appear on a team. It has exactly three entry points - three roads into town, if you will. And once you see them, you can't unsee them. In this week's video with Alex Dorr, you'll learn about these three roads and how to spot which ones are open on your team right now. This is the lesson that makes drama suddenly visible and manageable. Watch the video, then share it with your team and ask: Which of these three roads do we need to close: or, at the very least, start working on?

Nearly 32% of workplace drama comes from one source... Ego. And it's costing each person on your team 45 minutes every single day. Ego-based behaviors show up as gossiping, score-keeping, endless venting, tattling and judging others. Here's the ego's predictable pattern: it takes the facts of any situation, adds a negative story, and distorts your team's view of reality. When this happens, it's like your team is wearing prescription glasses all day, but they're the wrong prescription. Every challenge, meeting, conversation gets this additional baggage that makes clarity and great decisions nearly impossible. Here's your two-step fix: First, help your team recognize when they're operating from ego (which is harder than it sounds because it can be difficult to catch at first). Second, learn to call a “timeout” when ego has you derailed. Doing so helps to interrupt the ego's pattern and supports in removing those foggy ego-glasses. In this clip, Alex Dorr shows you how to do both.

Ever notice how some people speak up in meetings and move things forward, while others seem to stop progress in its tracks: even when they’re raising the same concerns? The difference? Sharing opinions vs. expertise. Here's what is often happening: Opinions focus on why something won’t work. They highlight problems without solutions and can shut down momentum and innovation. Expertise focuses on how something could work. It acknowledges the risks ahead while offering pathways forward to still achieve the goal. Same concerns. Completely different impact. Watch this 90-second video where Alex Dorr breaks down why input in the form of expertise is what organizations value, and why team members who feel “unheard” might actually be offering opinions instead. If you've been thinking about bringing in one of our speakers, now's the time. Click here to hire a speaker:https://lnkd.in/gGaa5ZQR

You know that moment in a presentation when someone raises their hand and asks that question, the one that makes everyone lean forward because they were thinking the exact same thing? Those are special moments when we as speakers come alive and take it to the next level. While Alex Dorr and I deliver powerful keynotes and training sessions, some of our best moments happen when the microphone gets passed to the audience. No script and tons of vulnerability, just real leaders asking tough questions and getting answers that cut straight to the heart of what they are dealing with. In this video, I drop a truth bomb about why leadership is no longer about your position, but about your ability to be an influencer at work. I reveal the three critical questions your team is silently asking you to answer every day to build real trust. Watch this viral video clip from one of Alex's keynotes and let us know your take! Watch here: https://lnkd.in/geSJb5gh

Check out this cool graphic from a recent session of mine with Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA). To hire one of our speakers for an event at your own organization, visit this link: https://lnkd.in/g79eqeHv

I’m packing my suitcase for #WHLive2025! Can’t wait to join a powerhouse lineup of speakers diving into the future of work, recognition and what really drives culture. There’s still time to register – but not much! Save 20% today using my code:WHL25-CWAKEMAN #MountainLife #ExploreColorado #EmpathyInLeadership #LeadershipEmpowerment Workhuman

In this video, I share why I'm still shouting from the rooftops (or in this case, the stage!) about the critical importance of making space for daily self-reflection moments with your team. I also reveal why workplaces and leaders are having so much trouble unlocking the power of self-reflection and most importantly, what you can do about it to take your team to the next level! At Reality-Based Leadership, we ask leaders and employees out on the road, “How much time do you spend in self-reflection during your workday?” The answers are shocking. Most people say, “zero” or “Are you kidding? There's so much work to do, I barely have time to think!” If your team is overwhelmed, reactive, or stuck in constant doing, this one's a must-watch. Click here to receive our FREE email training series: https://lnkd.in/gMhECUXv

Imagine a workplace where drama is minimized, and everyone pulls in the same direction. Our upcoming Reality-Based Leadership Certification course offers just that—a chance to transform your team's mindset and performance from the inside out. This two-day virtual course will be held from March 20-21, 2025 with our VP of People Evolution, Alex Dorr. The program will introduce you to the ins and outs of how to successfully deliver the Reality-Based content to those inside your own organization. By joining us, you’ll not only dive deep into our Reality-Based tools, but you’ll learn to implement these strategies with your teams, fostering environments of engagement and innovation. It’s time to shift from managing to leading, from problems to possibilities. Don’t miss this opportunity to lead with less drama and more joy. Sign up today and become the change catalyst your organization needs. Register here: https://lnkd.in/gpm7FJZA

The Reality-Based Leadership team is excited to announce two incredible opportunities coming up this year for leaders who want to bring a shared language to their organization for addressing drama and building accountability on their teams. Reality-Based Leadership Certification equips you with the content, practical tools, and materials to prepare you to train your teams in the principals of ditching the drama at work. In the short video below, Alex Dorr shares what certification is, who it’s for, and what you will walk away with once you complete it. If you are curious about certification, use the link in the comments to learn more.

What if breakthrough success isn’t about doing more — but about building the right team? In Reality-Based Leadership, we call this building dream teams — not through favoritism, but by cultivating people who ditch the drama, stay accountable, and ask “How can we?” every day. As leaders, our real job: Create environments where these mindsets thrive. Protect the standards that keep teams exceptional. Avoid righteousness that judges instead of helps. The secret isn’t just in who you hire — it’s in how you lead. In this short clip, I break down how to build dream teams that actually work — and why so many leaders get it wrong.

What if one of the biggest workplace "no-nos" is actually key to great leadership? We're talking about playing favorites — but not in the way you think. The truth? The market plays favorites. So do your clients, candidates, and top talent. As leaders, we should too — based on accountability, effort, and mindset. At Reality-Based Leadership, we’ve found that top performers want differentiation. They want leaders who invest in those leaning into excellence — not drama. ✅ Favor those who are coachable, accountable, and committed. ✅ Don't spend equal time on unequal effort. It's not about exclusion — it's about calling people up, not just cheering them on. Watch this video with Alex Dorr as he explains how to introduce this idea to your teams, and why it might be the most important conversation you have this quarter.

Even the strongest leaders need guidance from time to time. Join me, Hamza Khan, and Navin Jain on Thursday, March 27 at 12 p.m. ET for a live discussion about the future of leadership – where we see it headed, tools to navigate its evolving challenges, and tips on how you can help your people and their performance thrive. Register now: https://hubs.ly/Q037dBJL0

What if being low drama is the new ‘smart’ and the fastest way to becoming a high-performer? What if retaining top talent was less about traditional retention strategies and more about creating a drama-free workplace for high-accountable mindsets to thrive? These are a couple of the intriguing questions that Alex Dorr, our VP of People Evolution, tackled during a recent keynote in front of 1,200 leaders, and his answers will challenge everything you think you know about high-performance and building teams of the future. Whether you’re trying to move the needle on team wellbeing, employee engagement, retention of top talent, or actually determining what high-performance looks like in an ever-changing workplace, there’s one concept that impacts all of these challenges more than you might realize. The cost of drama. In this clip, Alex weaves together our research on emotional expensiveness (drama) and how it is linked to the top challenges today's leaders are faced with to reveal new approaches to get the most out of the talent in your organization. Ready to see your biggest leadership challenges through a completely new lens? Watch the extended clip here: https://lnkd.in/gTf2uXEV

In a recent chat I took part in, I share the importance of modernizing your leadership and the powerful concept of using “mulligans” in your day-to-day approach as a leader – the idea that you can begin again when you miss a coaching moment. This is particularly relevant as you navigate complex work environments where challenges come from everywhere, and the stakes are often high. Whether you are 'new' to drama-ditching or have been holding yourself back in getting started with Reality-Based Leadership, the video below will help you more easily begin your journey! Want to be the first to receive these videos and exclusive bi-weekly content from RBL? Make sure you're signed up for our newsletter! https://hubs.ly/Q03mRtVY0

#WHLive2025 is just around the corner, and I’m so excited to meet everyone! To kick things off, here’s my Workhuman style signature -- complete with a few fun tidbits about me. Looking forward to learning, connecting, and elevating. See you in the Rockies! #MountainLife #CultureBuilding #BurnoutPrevention

Alex Dorr will be keynoting Vanderbilt Health's Virtual 37th Annual Respiratory Care Symposium on May 15th. If you are a respiratory care professional or know any respiratory care professionals who would be interested, please share or tag them in this post. This is a can't-miss event that offers the latest insights and networking opportunities for respiratory care professionals. They are anticipating close to 1000 attendees, and you'll be able to get an hour session of the Reality-Based Leadership content you love along with 7.0 hours of AARC CRCE credits! Secure your spot at this online event with Alex, where he will dive into the core concepts of ditching the drama. Register here:

It was an honor joining Jacqueline Brooker CSP with the Speaker Driven Business podcast. In this episode, I share how I turned a groundbreaking discovery into a thriving career on the world’s biggest stages—while staying true to my mission of cutting through noise, inspiring transformation, and delivering impact. This isn’t just a chat about speaking. My approach to prioritizing transformation over transactions will inspire you to rethink your strategy and tap into the true power of your voice. Listen on Apple: https://lnkd.in/gGE-gSed Listen on Spotify: https://lnkd.in/gBfnRX7j

So many of you in my circle of influence are concerned about burnout – yours and that of your team members. While that isn’t a topic I traditionally speak on, I have a great resource for you that I would highly recommend from my friends at Coaching.com. Check out this live, complimentary Burnout Coaching Masterclass with Coaching.com that turns burnout science into moves you can use in one session. In 75 minutes, you’ll get practical language, sequencing, and a tool you can apply the same day. You will learn: -A simple map to separate performance gaps from energy drains so you pick the right intervention -Cues to spot looping worry and convert it into a first next step that sticks -How to coach recovery as a strategic lever leaders respect, not a last resort You will also get instant access to the Burnout Decoder Tool when you register, so you can prep with the same questions we will use live. Register here: https://lnkd.in/gGZxS-KS  #Burnout #CoachingDotCom

I loved joining • John Register, CSP®️, CPAE, PLY on the Amputate to Elevate Success podcast. We talked about why leaders must stop arguing with reality, toggle people to greatness, and facilitate self-reflection. If you want practical ways to ditch drama and lead with impact, this is for you. #AmputateToElevate #RealityBasedLeadership Watch the episode here: https://hubs.ly/Q03Gg1-c0