Episode 13: From Dance to Dynamic Leadership: The Resilient Path of a Joyful Leader

LeaderVoices by Sadhna Bokhiria

Join Dr. Sadhna Bokhiria on this inspiring episode of LeaderVoices, where she delves into the extraordinary journey of Nicole Van Valen. Nicole, a former cheerleader for high-profile teams like the Miami Dolphins and the University of Miami, has transcended the realms of dance to make profound impacts in healthcare and social services.

As the CEO of Keane Insights, Nicole integrates her rich background in psychology and organizational leadership to foster cultures of resilience, belonging, and inclusion.

This episode explores Nicole’s transition from the dance floor to the boardroom, her approach to building resilient teams, and her upcoming book, "The Joyful Leader." Whether it’s managing stress or enhancing organizational culture, Nicole’s insights are a testament to the power of embracing one’s full identity in leadership.

Dive into this conversation about resilience, professional authenticity, and the interplay between personal experiences and professional achievements.

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Episode Highlights:

Career Shift: Nicole Van Valen shares her transition from cheerleader for major sports teams to a leadership role in healthcare, emphasizing how her sports background influenced her management style.

Cultural Impact: Insight into Nicole’s work at KEANE Insights, where she promotes resilience, belonging, and inclusion to shape positive organizational cultures.

Authentic Leadership: Nicole discusses the importance of authenticity in leadership and the challenges of maintaining personal integrity in professional settings.

Book Preview: A look at Nicole’s forthcoming book, "The Joyful Leader," which focuses on combining joy and resilience to enhance leadership effectiveness.

Resilience Model: Nicole outlines her three-step resilience model—Ready-Set-Go—and its application in personal and organizational growth.

Identity and Professionalism: Nicole explores the complexities of professional identity and how personal experiences influence workplace dynamics.