Episode 10 - Leadership & Long Covid

How do you lead when your energy, focus, or health isn’t at 100%? In this honest and deeply moving episode, host Sarah Hempel sits down with Michael Stafford, owner of Chapter Coach and Blanchard associate coach, to explore leadership through the lens of living with long COVID.

Michael shares what it means to move between survival, living, and thriving—and why he doesn’t use the word “resilience.” Instead, he leans into “bounce-back ability,” honest connection, and staying future-fit, even in uncertain seasons.

In this conversation, Michael opens up about:

• What it’s really like to live (not suffer) with long COVID

• How invisible illness shapes leadership and coaching

• The power of naming your energy level—and being okay with a 5 out of 10

• Creating team cultures where leaders can thrive, even when they’re not at full speed

• Why psychological safety starts with leaders sharing first

• Practical tools for finding your rhythm, managing your energy, and building your support network

This episode is for anyone facing a challenge—visible or not—and wondering how to keep showing up, lead well, and stay human through it all.

Feeling seen? Come be part of the conversation.
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