Preserving History & Building Opportunity on San Antonio’s East Side

In this episode of The People Playbook, Coach Cora sits down with James Nortey, CEO of SAGE (San Antonio for Growth on the East Side), to discuss how economic development and cultural preservation go hand-in-hand. Together, they explore servant leadership, small business grant programs, and why tru…

Individual Talent vs. Collective Capability: How Leaders Transform Groups into High-Performing Teams

In this Halloween edition of The People Playbook, Coach Cora is joined by Houston recruiter Katy to unpack the spooky truth about workplace dynamics: why putting talented individuals together doesn't automatically create a successful team. The duo explores the fundamental differences between leadin…

Unlocking True Leadership: What Real Coaching Conversations Look Like

In this episode of The People Playbook, Coach Cora and guest Chris Rodriguez unpack the true meaning of workplace coaching, moving past mere performance reviews to explore how leaders can foster genuine growth and accountability. By focusing on curiosity, asking powerful questions, and shifting con…

Why "Being Heard" Is an Essential Leadership Skill

In this episode of The People Playbook, host Coach Cora reconnects with special guest Chris Rodriguez to explore the fundamental human desire to feel valued, heard, and respected in the workplace. Together, they discuss why listening isn't just a soft skill but an active leadership behavior that dr…

Breaking Barriers in Education: How Communities in Schools Empowers San Antonio Youth

In this episode of The People Playbook, Coach Cora speaks with Jessica Weaver, CEO of Communities in Schools of San Antonio, about how embedding dedicated site coordinators into Title I schools removes personal and non-academic barriers to help students succeed. Weaver outlines how whole-child supp…

What to Do When Your Leader Isn't Leading

When faced with a lack of direction from above, waiting for clarity or feedback can leave high performers feeling stalled and frustrated. On this episode of The People Playbook, Coach Cora talks with guest Anny about how to practice self-leadership, manage up, and proactively partner with your mana…

Closing the Communication Gap: 3 Steps to Ensure Your Message Is Actually Heard

Communication isn't measured by what you intend to say, but by what the other person hears, understands, and does with it. In this episode of The People Playbook, Coach Cora breaks down three practical strategies—clarifying your desired outcome, adapting your message for the listener, and confirmin…

Finding Alignment: Balancing High Performance and Personal Values

In this episode of The People Playbook, Coach Cora speaks with high-performing leader Maryland from Wisconsin about navigating the constant tension between ambitious career goals, family commitments, and personal faith. Together, they explore how to prevent burnout by aligning daily behaviors with …

Empowering Education: Inside the Northside Education Foundation with Teri Diaz

In this non-profit spotlight episode of The People Playbook, host Coach Cora speaks with Teri Diaz from the Northside Education Foundation to explore how community partnerships drive success across San Antonio's largest school district. They discuss the vital role of foundation grants, upcoming giv…

Escaping the Drama Triangle: How Leaders Can Shift to the Empowerment Dynamic

In this episode of The People Playbook, Coach Cora reveals how workplace drama erodes trust and drains productivity through the reactive roles of the Drama Triangle. She breaks down the Empowerment Dynamic framework, providing three vital questions to help leaders shift out of toxic patterns and tr…