In this powerful episode of This Is Your Job Now, host Wendy Wollner sits down with Dan Bolger, a foreign policy and development expert, and Matthew Weiller, a retired Department of State leader, to explore what it really means to lead through the tough stuff.

Together, they dig into why great leaders today can’t afford to hide behind “it’s not my job.” They break down how to balance IQ and EQ, how sidebars and real check-ins build psychological safety, and why the root of crankiness, disengagement, or poor performance is often not work-related at all.

Wendy, Dan, and Matthew share practical examples — from hidden medical conditions to fertility challenges — that show the urgent need for workplaces where employees feel safe to bring their whole selves. If you want to know what compassionate leadership looks like in practice, and why you should never let a good crisis pass you by, this conversation is for you.

TakeawaysLeadership in 2025 means seeing the total individual, not just the role.EQ is just as critical as IQ when building resilient, trusting teams.The best leaders create “sidebars” — safe, private check-ins that help people open up.Most issues that cause conflict or crankiness at work originate at home.Leaders must be willing to have courageous conversations about sensitive topics like medical struggles or fertility.Compassion, curiosity, and clear questions help unlock what employees really need.Good leadership is fair, honest, engaged — and willing to make space for real life to happen.
Why It Matters

Real leadership happens when you show up for your people in their hardest moments. Never Let a Good Crisis Pass You By is a reminder that your team’s wellbeing is your business. In a world where silence is not neutral, how you lead — and listen — makes all the difference.

Resources:

Matt Weiller LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-weiller-b13b9115/

Dan Bolger https://www.linkedin.com/in/danpbolger/

Matt's Great Example of a Leader, Anthony Fauci https://www.niaid.nih.gov/about/anthony-s-fauci-md

Stanley McChrystal https://www.mcchrystalgroup.com/about/our-team/team-member/executive-leadership-team/stan-mcchrystal

Listen and Subscribe

Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/balancing-lifes-issues/id1672656705

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7tWLpw7lhT3kd4aBFcOwLV

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@balancinglifesissuesinc.8501?sub_confirmation=1

Connect with Us

Follow Wendy Wollner on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendywollner/

Subscribe to Balancing Life’s Issues on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@balancinglifesissuesinc.8501?sub_confirmation=1

Or stream wherever you listen: https://pod.link/1672656705

Visit: www.balancinglifesissues.com

Keywords

leadership, emotional intelligence, EQ vs IQ, workplace culture, psychological safety, supporting employees, compassionate leadership, employee wellbeing, crisis management, fertility challenges at work, difficult conversations, leadership resilience

#Leadership #EmotionalIntelligence #PsychologicalSafety #WorkplaceCulture #ThisIsYourJobNow #BalancingLifesIssues #CrisisLeadership #EQ #CompassionateLeadership