Redefining Leadership: David McLaughlin on Mindfulness, Emotional Intelligence, and the Modern Workplace

On this episode of The Gaslight Effect Podcast, host Dr. Robin Stern welcomes David McLaughlin, M.Ed, SHRM-SCP, CWMF, founder of Pendulum Coaching, host of The Modern Leader podcast, and author of Modern Leadership: Leaving Vintage Leadership Behind for a timely conversation about how emotional intelligence and mindfulness can transform modern leadership.

Drawing from his extensive experience in organizational development and his podcast, David offers a fresh take on what leadership should look like in today's workplace. Together, David and Robin examine the subtle ways gaslighting can show up in professional settings—often disguised as "just business"—and how leaders can unknowingly perpetuate harm through outdated, control-based models.

Listeners will gain actionable tools to recognize toxic leadership behaviors, foster psychological safety, and lead with greater self-awareness and empathy. Whether you're navigating workplace dynamics or working to become a more emotionally intelligent leader yourself, this conversation is a compelling reminder that integrity and clarity are foundational to lasting influence.

Key Moments:

• Recognizing gaslighting behaviors in professional environments

• The power of mindfulness in leadership and self-regulation

• How emotionally intelligent leaders build safer, more resilient teams

• Why abandoning "vintage leadership" is essential for the future of work

To read the full transcript of this episode, head over to robinstern.com.

Don't forget to subscribe to The Gaslight Effect Podcast on your favorite podcast platform, and be sure to leave us a review to let us know what you think. Until next time, remember: healing is a journey, and you don't have to walk it alone.

Dr. Robin Stern's Social Media Links:

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/drrobinstern/

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Twitter (X) - https://twitter.com/RobinSStern

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/robin-stern-220b403a

Dr. Robin Stern's Books:

The Gaslight Effect

The Gaslight Effect Recovery Guide

Emotional Intelligence for School Leaders

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed on The Gaslight Effect Podcast do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast. Any content provided by our guests, bloggers, sponsors or authors are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, group, club, organization, business individual, anyone or anything.