The Key Strategies That Make “The Good Stuff” Come Out In The Workplace with Rachael Kelly
June 25, 2025
In the AI-driven, economically volatile world of today, one thing is clear - we are all, mostly, in a permanent fight-or-flight mode. And, a workplace cannot thrive in this state. It takes radical empathy, unending patience, and key strategies to reset organizational culture and, as a result, its people. In this thought-provoking episode of Mindful Management, host Shenandoah Chefalo welcomes Rachael Kelly, visionary HR leader and Founder & CEO, Lead Consultant at HiveSmart Consulting, to explore how leaders can build psychologically safe workplaces while driving results. From navigating team tensions to fostering brain capital through diverse perspectives, they unpack practical strategies for creating trauma-informed cultures that unleash human potential.
The struggle of toxic workplace behaviors has reached an all-time high. And, this conversation reminds us that a large focus on small moments of repair can transform team dynamics.
In the AI-driven, economically volatile world of today, one thing is clear - we are all, mostly, in a permanent fight-or-flight mode. And, a workplace cannot thrive in this state. It takes radical empathy, unending patience, and key strategies to reset organizational culture and, as a result, its people. In this thought-provoking episode of Mindful Management, host Shenandoah Chefalo welcomes Rachael Kelly, visionary HR leader and Founder & CEO, Lead Consultant at HiveSmart Consulting, to explore how leaders can build psychologically safe workplaces while driving results.
What You'll Learn:
- How to lead by prioritizing human connection over task completion
- Why investing time in emotional safety produces better business outcomes
- The "Brain Capital" framework to enhance team innovation and performance
- How to establish and maintain healthy boundaries while fostering psychological safety in politically charged environments
- Why addressing toxic behavior quickly is crucial for maintaining cultural health and team performance
- How to embed wellness practices into daily operations without sacrificing efficiency
- The critical importance of authenticity in leadership, while growing
- How to create structured repair processes that build trust and psychological safety after conflict
Rachel Kelly is a visionary HR leader and the Founder, CEO of HiveSmart Consulting and HiveStrong, bringing over two decades of experience in scaling organizations for both financial and social impact. With expertise in strategic planning, team development, and organizational culture enhancement, she has emerged as a transformative force in creating healthy workplace environments. Her entrepreneurial approach combines practical HR solutions with a deep understanding of trauma-informed leadership, helping organizations build resilient teams and nurture award-winning workplace cultures.
Resources:
Resources:
- Rachael Kelly’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachael-kelly-7452194?trk=public_post_feed-actor-image
- HiveSmart Consulting Website: https://www.hivesmartllc.com/about
- Shows she recommended:
- The Pitt on HBO: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt31938062/
- Shen’s New Book: https://www.chefaloconsulting.com/best-bunny
- Get in touch with Shen: https://www.chefaloconsulting.com/contact
- Have us talk at your event: https://www.chefaloconsulting.com/speaking-events
Mindful Management: Creating a Trauma-Informed Work Environment is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so