If you’re a leader, coach, or seeker who wants to create deeper meaning, comfort with vulnerability, and lasting personal growth through your connections—this episode is for you.
Welcome to Circle of Hope! I’m Valerie Hope, and in this episode, I reconnect with my fellow Berkeley Executive Coaching Institute graduate David Ooley for a transformative conversation about meaningful connection, authentic leadership, and navigating life transitions with grace and hope.
In our heart-to-heart, David and I break open what it truly means to move from self-doubt to self-assurance, and how the right circle of influencers and experiences can pull off the suit of old roles and reveal our authentic selves. Whether you’re pivoting in your career, looking for purpose-driven living, or curious about developing more emotional intelligence, you’ll find insight, warmth, and practical inspiration here.
Watch This If:
• You crave meaningful personal growth conversations that go below the surface of “small talk.”
• You’re in a life transition, feeling stuck, or seeking more purpose in your work and relationships.
• You want actionable insight into building lasting, hope-driven connections and community.
• You’re committed to developing authentic leadership and emotional intelligence in yourself or your teams.
• You need permission (and tools!) to step beyond your comfort zone and say YES to new possibilities.
Episode Highlights (with Timestamps):
• 00:00 – Introduction & Why this episode matters
• 02:13 – Our story: Reconnecting after years apart
• 06:00 – Facing fear, embracing risk & choosing growth (David’s journey to Berkley Coaching)
• 10:06 – Taking off the “corporate suit,” connecting to authentic self
• 16:00 – How childhood stories shape our sense of purpose & possibility
• 20:14 – The power of being seen, supported—and self-validated
• 27:00 – Navigating career pivots: When to listen and when to chart your way
• 32:00 – Building your unique “flavor” as a leader & creator
• 38:05 – Technology, distraction, & the discipline of managing your attention
• 44:01 – The transformative power (and challenge) of stillness and self-awareness
• 50:00 – Posting for meaning, not metrics: Authentic connection online
• 58:00 – Why generosity—towards self and others—is the core of community
• 1:01:11 – Closing reflections & next steps for hopeful leaders
What You’ll Learn:
• How to recognize (and step through) the invisible barriers holding you back from growth and connection.
• Why hope and resilience flourish through courageous vulnerability—and why it’s never too late to take a new risk.
• Strategies for cultivating emotional intelligence and authentic leadership, even if it doesn’t come “naturally.”
• Tools for detaching from outcome, self-validating, and toggling between being a student and a teacher in your own life.
• How to mindfully manage technology, distractions, and social media for connection—not depletion.
Resources:
• Book: “Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us” by Daniel Pink
• Book: “Reboot: Leadership and the Art of Growing Up” by Jerry Colonna
• Book: “The Creative Act: A Way of Being” by Rick Rubin
• The Daily Show with Jon Stewart
• Berkeley Executive Coaching Institute
Contact Information:
Guest: David Ooley
● Instagram: / davidooley_thehammock
● LinkedIn: / david-ooley
● Facebook: / david.ooley.thehammock
Host: Valerie Hope
● Website: https://www.valeriehope.com
● Instagram: / valeriehope
● LinkedIn: / valeriehope
● Facebook: / valerievhope
● YouTube: / @connecttojoy
#CircleOfHopePodcast #ExecutiveCoaching #LeadershipGrowth #Connection #Leadership
Know someone who’s nourishing their circle—or needs a reminder that growth starts with connection? Rate and share this episode to invite others into our Circle of Hope.
Join us in the conversation—drop a comment below if this story resonated, or share how you’re rooting your life in hope and resilience! Don’t forget to subscribe—your next breakthrough might be just one episode away.
Production Support: Lucy Hope - Podcast Editing, Copy, and Publishing.
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