The Game Changer With Dr. Sharalyn

Lead differently. Influence deeply. Win big. If you're an executive, entrepreneur, or visionary leader ready to break the mold, this podcast is for you. Hosted by Dr. Sharalyn Payne—speaker, researcher, strategist, executive performance coach, and trusted advisor to high-level leaders—Game Changers delivers bold strategies, mindset mastery, and the frameworks used by the world’s most influential people to lead with power, clarity, and purpose. Each episode is designed to help you execute at the highest level—consistently, build unshakable influence that lasts, create a legacy that outlives your success. No fluff. No clichés. Just transformational leadership for those who don’t just want to play the game—they’re here to change it. Subscribe now—and get ready to lead at a level the world can’t ignore.

Behind the Scenes—The Real Life of a Change Agent 08/05/2025

Secrets of a Trusted Advisor: How to Influence Power, Lead with Integrity, and Shape Big Decisions 07/29/2025

Break the Mold: Rethinking Traditional Leadership Models for a New Era 07/22/2025

The 5 Things I Never Say to Insecure Leaders—And What I Say Instead 07/15/2025

The 5 Things I Never Say to Insecure Leaders—And What I Say Instead Episode Summary: Some leaders hold the title, but not the confidence. In this episode of The Game Changer with Dr. Sharalyn, we unpack the five phrases that can unintentionally trigger defensiveness, power plays, and shut doors with insecure leaders. More importantly, you'll get practical, emotionally intelligent alternatives that help you lead with influence—even when you’re not in charge. You’ll also take the Gamechanger Influence Audit™, respond to a powerful real-world leadership challenge, and walk away with scripts that help you navigate ego-driven leadership dynamics with clarity, power, and strategy. If you’ve ever had to manage up, deal with power fragility, or lead from the middle—this is your playbook. Key Takeaways: Words matter more than ever. The wrong phrase can shut down trust and get you sidelined by insecure power. Emotional intelligence is a power skill. Learn how to reframe your language to elevate—not agitate—those above you. Influence is preserved through strategy. Get 5 exact scripts to stay credible and respected when stakes are high. Audit your leadership voice. Use the Gamechanger Influence Audit™ to recalibrate how you show up. You don’t have to hold the title to shape the room. Influence is a choice—backed by skill, not permission. Links & Resources: Newsletter: The CREDIBLE™ Framework by Dr. Sharalyn Payne Connect on LinkedIn: Download- Your free toolkit to lead with clarity, power, and credibility. Related Episode: The Leadership Lesson That Almost Cost Me Everything Call to Action: If this episode shifted your thinking, don’t keep it to yourself. Share it with a leader who’s navigating power dynamics, managing up, or trying to stay influential in complex environments. Download the Game Changers Starter Kit—your strategic edge for leading with clarity, courage, and credibility: Leave a review to help other high-level leaders find this message. /episode/index/show/drsharalynpayne/id/37406735

Scandal-Proof Leadership: How to Protect Your Legacy Before It's Too Late 07/08/2025

Scandal-Proof Leadership: How to Protect Your Legacy Before It's Too Late Episode Summary: Even the smartest, most capable leaders can be blindsided by scandal—not because they lack ethics, but because they lack awareness. In this powerful episode, Dr. Sharalyn Payne exposes the nine hidden leadership blind spots that quietly erode trust, weaken culture, and jeopardize legacy. You’ll learn how to build ethical reflexes, install accountability systems, and make decisions that will stand the test of public scrutiny. This episode isn’t just protection—it’s preparation. Key Takeaways: Unchecked success creates entitlement. Scandal often starts with small compromises, not big failures. The 9 Blind Spots every leader must confront—from feedback avoidance to ethical drift. Feedback is your leadership mirror. No feedback = no foresight. You don’t need PR. You need principles. Build the character before the crisis. Scandal-proof leadership is legacy leadership. High trust. High standard. No excuses. Links & Resources: Newsletter: The CREDIBLE™ Framework by Dr. Sharalyn Payne Connect on LinkedIn: Download- Your free toolkit to lead with clarity, power, and credibility. Related Episode: The Leadership Lesson That Almost Cost Me Everything Timestamps: 1:00 – The storm that sinks most leaders 04:30 – Segment 1: The Seduction of Success & Power 08:20 – Segment 2: The 9 Blind Spots That Take Leaders Down 17:45 – Real Story: The Cost of Ignoring Feedback 20:00 – Segment 3: The Scandal-Proof Decision Framework™ 24:30 – Segment 4: The Real Cost of Scandal 25:00 – Segment 5: Living Legacy-Driven Leadership 26:00 – The Game Changer Leadership Collection overview 29:00 – Closing Charge Call to Action: If this episode challenged you, share it with a leader who values truth, trust, and transformation. Subscribe to The Game Changer with Dr. Sharalyn. Leave a review to amplify ethical, high-impact leadership. /episode/index/show/drsharalynpayne/id/37308715

The Inside Secrets of a Game Changer: How Transformational Leaders Think, Move, and Magnetize 07/01/2025

The Inside Secrets of a Game Changer: How Transformational Leaders Think, Move, and Magnetize Episode Summary What sets Game Changers apart isn’t just strategy—it’s how they see, how they lead, and how they inspire. In this powerful episode, Dr. Sharalyn Payne breaks down the 10 high-impact traits of transformational leaders who don’t just perform—they redefine the standard. If you’re ready to stop playing small, start commanding your space, and lead with magnetic influence, this episode is your leadership blueprint. Key Takeaways Visionary Intelligence is your competitive edge. Learn to see what others miss—and act on it. Strategic Agility wins. Master the ability to hold the big picture, short-term goals, and immediate needs at once. Game Changers don't perform—they lead. Discover how to elevate the standard and control outcomes without asking for permission. Credibility isn’t claimed—it’s built. Learn how systems, habits, and presence make you the go-to leader. Your influence is magnetic. Inspire others by becoming the leader who raises belief, not just performance. Links and Mentions Newsletter: The CREDIBLE™ Framework by Dr. Sharalyn Payne Connect on LinkedIn: Download Related Episode: The Leadership Lesson That Almost Cost Me Everything Timestamps 00:00 Opening "Game Changers don’t wait—they create. 01:30 The mindset of a Game Changer: Vision, strategy, agility 08:00 The moves: How to lead, elevate, and design outcomes 14:00 The magnetism: Becoming the go-to and leading with presence 19:00 Coaching: Reflection questions and declaration 23:00 Final challenge: Born to change the game 24:00 Download The Game Changer Collection Call to Action If this episode resonated with you, share it with a leader who’s tired of blending in and ready to break the mold. Subscribe to The Game Changer with Dr. Sharalyn on your favorite podcast platform. Leave a review to help more leaders find this message. Tag your Game Changer moment using #GameChangerMoves. /episode/index/show/drsharalynpayne/id/37101070

How to Change the Game When You Weren't Even Given a Seat at the Table 06/24/2025

How to Change the Game When You Weren't Even Given a Seat at the Table Episode Summary What happens when you’re brilliant, bold, and qualified—but still not invited? In this high-impact episode, Dr. Sharalyn pulls back the curtain on how ultra-influential leaders rise, even in rooms that weren’t built for them. You’ll discover how to shift from being overlooked to becoming undeniable, not by waiting for a seat—but by creating tables that transform culture. This is not just a mindset shift—it’s a movement. Key Takeaways Recognize the difference between being tolerated and being valued. Stop fighting for access to rooms that drain your brilliance. Reclaim your narrative and lead without permission. You don’t need a title to have influence—just strategy, presence, and preparation. Reveal the gap and offer vision. Game changers bring data, foresight, and undeniable value. Reinvent the outcome. If the door is closed, build your own and create the culture others want to join. Believe in yourself, even when others don’t. Your uniqueness is not a liability—it’s your leverage. Timestamps 00:00 – Opening: Why the system isn’t broken—it was built to exclude 01:00 – The lies leaders have been told about access and hard work 02:30 – Framework: The 4 Pillars of the Game-Changer Identity™ 06:40 – What happened when I wasn’t invited 08:30 – The cost of hiding: masking, silence, and culture-covering 10:15 – Truth bombs, reframes, and belief work 11:39 – Coaching challenge + action 15:00 – Closing charge: You weren’t meant to play small Links & Mentions Newsletter: The CREDIBLE™ Framework by Dr. Sharalyn Payne Connect on LinkedIn: Download Related Episode: The Leadership Lesson That Almost Cost Me Everything Call to Action If this episode sparked something in you—share it with a leader who’s ready to stop waiting and start building. Subscribe to The Game Changer with Dr. Sharalyn on your favorite podcast platform. Leave a review to help more high-impact leaders find this message. Share this episode on LinkedIn or Instagram and tag @DrSharalyn. Visit for more tools to lead with clarity, courage, and conviction. /episode/index/show/drsharalynpayne/id/37100935

Protect the Asset: Boundaries that Build Your Power and Eliminate Mediocrity 06/17/2025

Protect the Asset: Boundaries that Build Your Power and Eliminate Mediocrity Episode Summary What if the real reason you’re exhausted isn’t your workload—but your lack of boundaries? In this transformational episode of The Game Changer, Dr. Sharalyn calls high-capacity leaders to stop leaking power in the name of professionalism. Learn how to establish boundaries that protect your peace, preserve your purpose, and elevate your leadership effectiveness. When you are the asset, protecting yourself is not selfish—it’s strategy. Key Takeaways Power without boundaries is a liability. Protecting your time, mind, and voice is essential for sustained impact and high performance. Mediocrity thrives in the absence of leadership standards. Every “yes” to misalignment is a “no” to your mission. Boundaries are not walls—they are gates of discernment. Learn Dr. Sharalyn’s Protect the Asset™ Framework to build powerful, enforceable standards. Dimming your brilliance to make others comfortable is a silent betrayal of your potential. Saying no is not a rejection—it’s a reallocation of power to what matters most. Timestamps 00:00 – 01:00 | Intro: Protecting the asset begins with you 01:01 – 06:30 | Opening monologue: Compromise, burnout & boundary myths 06:31 – 11:45 | Segment 1: The true cost of boundary breakdowns 11:46 – 16:00 | Segment 2: 7 subtle power-draining violations 16:01 – 19:00 | Segment 3: The power of one protected “no” (leadership vignette) 19:01 – 24:00 | Segment 4: The Protect the Asset™ Framework 24:01 – 28:30 | Segment 5: Power phrases to communicate clear boundaries 28:31 – 32:45 | Segment 6: Accommodated mediocrity and leadership misalignment 32:46 – 36:30 | Coaching moment + personal journal prompts 36:31 – 41:00 | Closing charge + final declaration: Protect the Asset Links & Mentions Newsletter: The CREDIBLE™ Framework by Dr. Sharalyn Payne Connect on LinkedIn: Download Related Episode: The Leadership Lesson That Almost Cost Me Everything Call to Action If this episode challenged or empowered you, share it with a leader who’s ready to lead with boldness and boundaries. Subscribe to The Game Changer with Dr. Sharalyn on your favorite podcast platform. Leave a review to help more high-impact leaders find this message. Share this episode on LinkedIn or Instagram and tag @DrSharalyn. Visit for more tools to lead with clarity, courage, and conviction. /episode/index/show/drsharalynpayne/id/37036385

The Leadership Lesson That Almost Cost Me Everything 06/10/2025

Unconventional Wisdom: The 7 Rules I Had to Break to Lead Well 06/10/2025

The Influence Gap – Why People Aren’t Following Your Lead 06/10/2025

The Game Changer With Dr. Sharalyn

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