What if the key to real leadership, better teamwork, and sustainable performance isn’t a new strategy — but reconnecting with what makes us human?
In this powerful, heart-opening episode, I’m joined by Mel & Sabrina, co-founders of Ally, a coaching company helping leaders and teams thrive by working with their biology — not against it.
They’ve supported global companies, startups, and remote teams with a radical yet simple message:
Empathy isn’t soft. It’s strategic. And it changes everything.
You’ll learn:
- Why your nervous system might be your biggest leadership tool
- How to build trust in remote, hybrid, or cross-cultural teams
- What “agility” really means — and why most companies get it wrong
- How emotions, energy, and even sleep affect your performance
- What it looks like to lead with both clarity and care — in real life
This episode is grounded, practical, and refreshingly honest.
If you’re a leader, coach, HR partner — or just someone who’s tired of pretending at work — this conversation will remind you that you can work differently.
More presence. More trust. More truth. Less noise.
🕒 Timestamps
00:00 – Meet the guests: Mel & Sabrina in their own words
05:04 – The story behind Ally: from friendship to co-founding
11:00 – Why the name “Ally” — and what almost happened instead
15:35 – What “agility” really means — and how biology plays a role
18:00 – How human performance & energy cycles affect leadership
24:00 – HRV, stress, and the physiology of decision-making
30:00 – What it means to lead with empathy and clarit
36:00 – Emotions at work — and why they belong there
42:00 – Culture, language & feedback across global teams
49:00 – How remote teams can build real connection
54:00 – Rituals that create trust in hybrid environments
60:00 – Why slowing down makes you a better leader
65:00 – What they believe makes real change possible today
—
👂 Want more episodes that speak to the human side of work?
Follow the podcast. Share it with someone who’s ready for real change.
This isn’t just another leadership conversation.
It’s the one that reminds you who you are — and how you want to show up.
🌐 About the Guests
💛 Mel Lang – Co-Founder of Ally
Agile & leadership coach with 20+ years of experience helping people and teams thrive — by reconnecting with the body, building trust, and working with natural energy cycles.
🔗 Connect with Mel on LinkedIn
💡 Sabrina Hauptman – Co-Founder of Ally
Expert in global team collaboration, culture transformation, and human-centered coaching. Sabrina is known for her intercultural fluency and ability to bring clarity into complexity.
🔗 Connect with Sabrina on LinkedIn
🌀 ALLY – Coaching for Empathy, Agility & Growth
Ally supports leaders, teams, and organizations in creating real, lasting change — with a focus on psychological safety, sustainable performance, and agile leadership.
🎙️ About the Host
🎧 Jorma Schneider – Podcast Host, Co-Active Coach
Coach, moderator, and founder of the JORMAZIN’ podcast. He supports individuals and organizations in leading with more presence, reflection, and humanity.
🔗 Connect with Jorma on LinkedIn
📚 Resources & Links
📘 Mentioned in the Episode
The Culture Map by Erin Meyer
Dr. Srini Pillay – on leadership, learning & the brain