Habit Over Why
This podcast is about real people, real journeys, and the often messy HOW behind personal and organizational transformation. Join us as we share personal stories, interview inspiring guests, and explore the methods—not just the motivations, but the actions —that fuel growth, leadership, and resilience.
This isn’t just a podcast. It’s a movement for the doers, the learners, and the comeback stories. Now, let’s tell them why and show them how!.
Episodes

Jun 7, 2026
Jun 7, 2026
27 min
In this episode we discuss building relationships and people to your organization. How do you get the right people on the Bus to make your organization , focused and aligned!
Introduction (01:18)
Hiring for Culture Over Technical Skill (02:48)
Using Family and Upbringing to Reveal Values (04:51)
Sports, Resilience, and Character (07:43)
Following Up With Better Questions (10:53)
Culture Fit and Conflict Questions (12:54)
Hiring for Community School Context (15:57)
Using Tools and AI to Support Interviews (18:58)
Final Takeaways and Closing (24:05)

Feb 8, 2026
Feb 8, 2026
40 min
#LeadershipTips #TeamGrowth #ReadinessMatters #GrowthMindset #ChangeLeadership
keywords readiness, leadership, change management, team dynamics, personal development, organizational culture, communication, psychological safety, adult learning, professional development
summary In this episode, Jeevan and Claudio explore the concept of readiness in leadership, discussing its importance in facilitating change and team dynamics. They share personal experiences and strategies for assessing readiness within teams, emphasizing the need for open conversations and understanding individual readiness levels. The conversation also touches on the challenges of dealing with resistance and the significance of creating a supportive environment for growth and change.
takeaways
Readiness is the state of being fully prepared for something.
Understanding readiness is crucial for effective leadership.
Not everyone is ready to accept change at the same time.
Conversations are key to assessing readiness levels.
Resistance can be a sign of low readiness, not just negativity.
Building trust and psychological safety is essential for readiness.
Focus on solutions rather than problems to foster readiness.
Readiness can be gauged through language and behavior.
Mentorship can help individuals move along the readiness continuum.
Some people may never be ready for change, and that's okay.
titles
The Importance of Readiness in Leadership
Navigating Change: Understanding Team Readiness
Sound Bites
"Not everyone is ready to accept change."
"Conversations reveal readiness levels."
"Focus on solutions, not problems."
Chapters
00:00Introduction to Readiness
01:24Understanding Readiness in Leadership
03:22Personal Experiences with Readiness
06:12Strategies for Assessing Readiness
13:14Research Foundations of Readiness
17:28Conversations as a Tool for Readiness
22:31Dealing with Resistance and Sabotage
30:39Wrapping Up: Key Takeaways on Readiness

Jan 28, 2026
Jan 28, 2026
36 min
In this episode of Habit Over Why, hosts Jeevan Dosanjh and Claudio Bortolussi explore the transformative power of humility in leadership. They discuss the importance of social emotional skills, the process of humble inquiry, and how vulnerability can build trust within teams. The conversation emphasizes that humility is not just a workplace trait but a vital aspect of personal growth and relationships. Through personal anecdotes and insights, they highlight the significance of checking one's ego and being open to feedback as essential components of effective leadership.
takeaways
Humility is defined as the freedom from pride or arrogance.
Humble inquiry involves asking open-ended questions to foster understanding.
Building trust requires vulnerability and active listening.
Leaders should practice humility both at work and in personal life.
Mistakes are opportunities for growth and learning.
Cultural trust is built through psychological safety in conversations.
Effective leadership involves checking one's ego and being open-minded.
Vulnerability is a key component of humility in leadership.
Understanding individual backgrounds is crucial for effective communication.
Humility can lead to deeper connections and more meaningful conversations.
titles
The Power of Humility in Leadership
Building Trust Through Vulnerability
Sound Bites
"How do you lead?"
"You have to check your ego."
"It's okay to make mistakes."
Chapters
00:00Introduction and Personal Updates
03:29Understanding Humility
06:51The Journey of Humility in Leadership
12:30The Role of Inquiry in Humility
18:00Building Trust Through Humble Leadership
22:55Vulnerability and Humility
27:52Real-Life Applications of Humility
33:07Conclusion and Key Takeaways

Jan 27, 2026
Jan 27, 2026
38 min
keywords
leadership, social-emotional skills, AI in education, communication strategies, belonging, conflict resolution, emotional intelligence, trust building, creativity, future of AI
summary
This episode of Habit Over Why explores the intersection of social-emotional leadership and artificial intelligence. The hosts discuss the importance of belonging, effective communication strategies, and the role of AI in enhancing leadership practices. They delve into the benefits and challenges of using AI in educational settings, emphasizing the need for authenticity and trust in leadership. The conversation also touches on the implications of AI on creativity and the future of education, providing practical insights for leaders looking to leverage technology in their organizations.
takeaways
Social-emotional leadership is crucial for fostering belonging.
Creating an environment of trust enhances team dynamics.
Authenticity in leadership builds stronger connections.
Probing questions can lead to deeper understanding.
AI can be a valuable tool for communication and support.
Balancing personal and professional values is essential.
AI has the potential to enhance creativity but also poses risks.
Educators should explore AI tools to optimize their practice.
Continuous learning about AI is necessary for effective leadership.
The future of AI in education requires thoughtful implementation.
titles
Harnessing the Power of Social-Emotional Leadership
AI in Leadership: Opportunities and Challenges
Sound Bites
"How do you lead?"
"Building trust with people."
"It's about being authentic."
Chapters
00:00Introduction to AI: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly
13:41Using AI in Education and Leadership
21:06The Balance of AI and Human Creativity
30:29Navigating the Future of AI in Our Lives

Jan 27, 2026
Jan 27, 2026
34 min
keywords leadership, emotional intelligence, organizational culture, learning organization, personal growth, compassion, trust, professional development, effective leadership, social emotional skills
summary In this episode, the hosts explore the transformative power of emotional intelligence in leadership, discussing how to build positive organizational cultures, create learning organizations, and lead with compassion and humility. They share personal practices that enhance professional growth and emphasize the importance of understanding organizational values and history before implementing changes.
takeaways
Emotional intelligence is crucial for effective leadership.
Building trust is essential for organizational success.
Understanding the culture of an organization is key before making changes.
A learning organization prioritizes continuous improvement and development.
Personal practices can significantly impact professional effectiveness.
Compassionate leadership fosters a supportive work environment.
Values and mission statements guide organizational behavior.
Effective leaders seek to understand before implementing changes.
Creating a positive culture requires intentional actions and strategies.
Humility in leadership allows for better relationships and collaboration.
titles
The Power of Emotional Intelligence in Leadership
Building Trust and Culture in Organizations
Sound Bites
"Let's get started."
"I am good. I am smart."
"Lead with compassion."
Chapters
00:00Introduction to Culture in Leadership
03:04Understanding School Culture
11:09The Trust Betrayal Model
12:05Creating a Learning Organization
20:23Cultural Norms and Relationships
31:00Humility and Nurturing Skills

Jan 27, 2026
Jan 27, 2026
55 sec
key words leadership, emotional intelligence, organizational culture, learning organization, personal growth, compassion, trust, professional development, effective leadership, social emotional skills
summary In this episode, the hosts explore the transformative power of emotional intelligence in leadership, discussing how to build positive organizational cultures, create learning organizations, and lead with compassion and humility. They share personal practices that enhance professional growth and emphasize the importance of understanding organizational values and history before implementing changes.
takeaways
Emotional intelligence is crucial for effective leadership.
Building trust is essential for organizational success.
Understanding the culture of an organization is key before making changes.
A learning organization prioritizes continuous improvement and development.
Personal practices can significantly impact professional effectiveness.
Compassionate leadership fosters a supportive work environment.
Values and mission statements guide organizational behavior.
Effective leaders seek to understand before implementing changes.
Creating a positive culture requires intentional actions and strategies.
Humility in leadership allows for better relationships and collaboration.
titles
The Power of Emotional Intelligence in Leadership
Building Trust and Culture in Organizations
Sound Bites
"Let's get started."
"I am good. I am smart."
"Lead with compassion."
Chapters
00:00Introduction to Culture in Leadership
03:04Understanding School Culture
11:09The Trust Betrayal Model
12:05Creating a Learning Organization
20:23Cultural Norms and Relationships
31:00Humility and Nurturing Skills

Jan 8, 2026
Jan 8, 2026
37 min
summary - In this episode, the hosts delve into the transformative power of emotional intelligence in leadership, focusing on the importance of feedback and the distinction between constructive feedback and criticism. They discuss the role of ownership in the feedback process, the significance of reflection for continuous improvement, and the challenges leaders face in fostering a culture of trust and open communication. Through practical examples and research insights, they emphasize the need for leaders to engage in meaningful dialogues that promote personal and organizational growth.
takeaways
Emotional intelligence is crucial for effective leadership.
Feedback should be constructive and aimed at growth.
Trust is built through open and honest dialogue.
Ownership in feedback helps clarify expectations.
Reflection is essential for personal and professional development.
Context matters in how feedback is perceived.
Leaders must navigate the challenges of criticism.
Feedback is a relationship-building tool.
Encouragement enhances the effectiveness of feedback.
Not everyone is ready for change, and that's okay.

Nov 18, 2025
Nov 18, 2025
33 min
Keywords leadership, personal growth, kindness, psychological safety, readiness, values, communication, belonging, continuous improvement, mentorship
Summary In this episode of Habit Over Why, hosts Claudio Bortolussi and Jeevan Dosanjh explore the multifaceted nature of leadership. They discuss the evolution of leadership styles, the impact of upbringing, the importance of kindness, and the role of values in effective leadership. The conversation delves into concepts such as readiness, psychological safety, and the significance of language in fostering collaboration and understanding. Ultimately, they emphasize the importance of continuous growth and the legacy leaders leave behind.
Takeaways
Leadership is about the application of ideas, not just the why.Kindness in leadership is a strength, not a weakness.Your upbringing shapes your leadership style and skills.Continuous learning is essential for effective leadership.Understanding readiness is crucial for implementing change.Listening is a vital skill for leaders.Values like compassion and kindness guide leadership decisions.Creating psychological safety encourages open communication.Language plays a significant role in leadership effectiveness.Legacy is about growth and making others feel heard.
Titles
The Essence of Leadership: A Journey WithinTransformative Leadership: From Theory to Practice
Sound bites
"Stay current, be relevant""Help me understand""Real leadership begins within"
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Leadership Conversations02:48 Jeevan's Leadership Journey08:05 Influence of Upbringing on Leadership12:47 Values and Vision in Leadership16:04 Understanding Readiness in Leadership22:16 Collaboration, Belonging, and Language27:41 Legacy and Future Aspirations

Nov 17, 2025

Nov 15, 2025
Nov 15, 2025
36 min
This conversation delves into the critical role of culture within organizations, emphasizing the need to understand existing cultural dynamics before implementing changes. It highlights the importance of relationships, trust, and belonging in fostering a positive work environment and driving effective change.
Culture is everything in organizations.
Understanding existing culture is crucial before making changes.
There are valuable aspects of existing culture that should be preserved.
Focus energy on the elements of culture that need change.
Organizations thrive on relationships and emotions.
Trust is essential for fostering positive change.
Belonging enhances workplace dynamics and culture.
People are at the heart of organizational success.
Effective change management requires a deep understanding of culture.
Positive change is rooted in trust and strong relationships.
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