Helping Leaders Embrace Authenticity and Purpose at Work with Dr. Jaime Goff

Episode Recap

This week on the podcast, I sat down with Dr. Jaime Goff — executive coach, therapist, and author of The Secure Leader. Our conversation goes deep into something many leaders feel but rarely explore: how our early attachment patterns quietly follow us into the workplace. 

 

Dr. Jaime breaks attachment theory down into something extremely practical for leaders. At the core are two questions we all carry: 

• Am I worthy of connection?
• Can I trust others to show up for me? 

Our answers tend to show up at work in three ways. One of those ways is that of a “secure leader”: Grounded, steady, and empowering — the hallmark of modern servant leadership. 

Leaders who do the inner work of a Secure Leader create workplaces where people can flourish. 

 

Guest Bio

Dr. Jaime Goff is the founder of The Empathic Leader, LLC, where she specializes in helping leaders unlock their full potential through executive coaching, insightful workshops, and thought-provoking keynotes. Jaime holds a PhD in Couple and Family Therapy from Michigan State University and a graduate certificate in executive coaching from Southern Methodist University

 

Quotes: 

• “We are not prisoners to our previous patterns, because we all have the power to become more secure.” 

• “Your leadership is shaped long before you ever enter a leadership role.” 

• “To love others well as a leader, you first have to believe you are worthy of love yourself.” 

• “Emotional regulation is the first step toward showing up as a secure and present leader.” 

• “All behavior makes sense in context, especially when you understand your story.” 

 

Takeaways: 

• “We are not prisoners to our previous patterns, because we all have the power to become more secure.” 

• “Your leadership is shaped long before you ever enter a leadership role.” 

• “To love others well as a leader, you first have to believe you are worthy of love yourself.” 

• “Emotional regulation is the first step toward showing up as a secure and present leader.” 

• “All behavior makes sense in context, especially when you understand your story.” 

 

Timestamps: 

00:02 Intro and podcast milestones 

05:12 Meet Dr. Jaime Goff and her personal story 

07:21 The “latchkey kid” upbringing and over-independence 

10:55 Why she wrote The Secure Leader 

13:26 Attachment theory explained 

15:21 How unworthiness shapes controlling or approval-seeking leadership 

18:50 Jaime’s aha moment as a young leader 

21:34 Gaining awareness and deconstructing your story 

24:07 Avoidant, anxious, and secure leadership styles 

28:44 Trauma, triggers, and past patterns repeating at work 

32:18 The cost of skipping inner work 

37:49 First steps to becoming a secure leader 

40:06 Where to take the Secure Leader style scan 

41:37 Speed round 

45:52 Jaime’s hope for more secure leadership 

48:31 Leading with love and building self-worth 

50:56 Final takeaway on moving slow to move fast 

52:57 How to connect with Dr. Jaime Goff 

 

Conclusion: 

As we close this inspiring conversation, remember that real leadership begins within. When you commit to self-discovery, you build the foundation to lead others with empathy, purpose, and resilience. Growth is a lifelong journey where each step forward helps you make a positive impact on those around you. Lead with clarity, nurture meaningful connections, and watch your influence create ripples of transformation in your team and beyond. 

 

Links/Resources: 

Website (take the assessment)- https://drjaimegoff.com/  

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjaimegoff/  

Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Secure-Leader-Discover-Leadership-Story/dp/B0FBZ39H8Y/  

Email Dr. Goff: jaime@drjaimegoff.com