Dive into the science and soul of leadership in this inspiring episode of the Leading Below the Surface podcast! Host LaTonya Wilkins welcomes Megan Dittman, Co-Founder of Front Goose Wellbeing®, to explore what it really means to lead with wellbeing—and why this summer is the perfect time to reset.
Episode Summary
Megan brings over 20 years of corporate HR experience and a deep foundation in holistic wellness to this powerful conversation. Together, she and LaTonya explore the burnout epidemic, the shortcomings of traditional leadership models, and how the most resilient leaders today are turning inward.
Discover how Megan’s RISE model (Response, Intention, Service & Evolution®) provides a roadmap for thriving in today’s unpredictable world, and why companies that prioritize human-centered leadership will rise to the top.
Key Insights:
- Traditional management models are no longer sustainable for performance or wellbeing
- Megan’s RISE model reframes leadership through a lens of self-awareness and intention
- Corporate cultures that ignore wellbeing are at a disadvantage in innovation and retention
- Leaders must learn to care for themselves to lead others authentically
- This is the critical moment for organizations to evolve—or risk being left behind
If you’re craving a more grounded, human approach to leadership and success, this conversation will resonate deeply.
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More About Megan
MEGAN DITTMAN, is Co-founder of Front Goose Wellbeing®; a leadership development organization that translates practices of holistic wellbeing into performance and human-centric leadership skills necessary for today’s modern leader. With over 20 years of Corporate HR experience in her toolbelt before starting Front Goose, Megan learned first-hand what is needed for corporations to not only survive, but to thrive. Megan personally realized that ‘you cannot pour from an empty cup.’ The consequences of old-school management tactics, where leaders squeeze as much as possible from team members with no regard to their wellbeing and its impact on personal performance is clear. Creativity is severely limited, short-term thinking becomes the norm, and people revert to survival instincts damaging effective teamwork. Megan knows there is a better way and believes that today’s work environments are on the cusp of extremely positive change. She believes we are at a critical juncture where strong companies will be separated from the weak, and companies that lead with a human-centric focus will grow & prosper. Companies that cultivate the holistic wellbeing of their workforce will RISE to the top and lead with RISE – Response, Intention, Service & Evolution ®. Megan holds a Master of Industrial Labor Relations from Cornell University, and a BBA in Accounting from the University of Notre Dame. She spent four years in public accounting before pivoting to a 20-year career in corporate human resources. She is a certified Brain-Based Coach from the Neuroleadership Institute, a Certified Health & Wellbeing Coach and Primordial Sound Meditation Instructor from the Chopra Institute and holds the esteemed board certification from the AMA & NBHWC in health and wellness coaching (NBC-HWC). In addition, she is a 200-hour certified yoga teacher and is working towards her 500-hour certification. An avid reader, and lifelong learner, Megan continues to grow in her own wellbeing and leadership practices daily. All these experiences have shaped her passions and expertise in Talent Development, Corporate HR Strategy, Wellbeing, and Leadership.
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Podcast Summary Transcript:
[00:00] Introduction and welcome to the podcast
LaTonya Wilkins welcomes listeners and introduces the theme: creating a Summer of Wellbeing. She shares why this conversation is timely and introduces Megan Dittman as a guest who brings a rare blend of corporate HR and holistic leadership expertise.
[01:15] Meet Megan Dittman and her journey from corporate HR to holistic wellbeing
Megan shares her personal and professional journey, from public accounting to 20+ years in corporate HR. She discusses the turning point where she realized leaders—and organizations—were burning out and needed a more sustainable approach. This led to the founding of Front Goose Wellbeing®.
[04:38] Why wellbeing is more important than ever in today’s leadership landscape
Megan and LaTonya reflect on the post-pandemic leadership crisis and the rising demand for workplaces that support the whole person. Megan explains how wellbeing is no longer a “nice to have” but essential to leadership performance and retention.
[08:10] Burnout, performance pressure, and the old management mindset
They explore how the pressure to “do more with less” continues to erode creativity and drive short-term thinking. Megan talks about witnessing firsthand how top-down tactics are unsustainable in modern organizations.
[11:23] What is Front Goose Wellbeing and the RISE model?
Megan introduces her company’s core methodology: RISE — Response, Intention, Service & Evolution®. She explains how each principle helps leaders reset and shift away from reactive, burnout-driven leadership.
[15:49] Response, Intention, Service & Evolution as core leadership practices
A deeper dive into the RISE framework. Megan outlines how leaders can use these practices to show up more mindfully, make decisions with clarity, and build deeper trust within their teams.
[20:36] How corporate leaders are embracing holistic leadership models
Megan shares stories from organizations beginning to embrace holistic practices like coaching, mindfulness, and wellbeing strategy—not just as benefits but as cultural foundations.
[24:18] Megan’s advice for leaders navigating stress and uncertainty
She offers practical takeaways for listeners, including simple daily rituals and reframing techniques that build resilience. Megan emphasizes that the inner work leaders do can ripple out powerfully across organizations.
[28:05] Why human-centric companies will lead the future
The conversation pivots to long-term strategy. Megan explains why companies that don’t invest in wellbeing will fall behind, while those that foster human-centric cultures will retain talent and outperform peers.
[32:12] Final reflections and where to find Megan Dittman’s work
LaTonya and Megan wrap up with reflections on how to create space for your own wellbeing this summer. Megan shares where listeners can connect with her and learn more about Front Goose Wellbeing.