What does a leader look like? Who are leaders choosing to develop? Many organizations still rely on assumptions about ability, and about who looks like a leader, unintentionally overlooking people whose experiences may have developed exactly the skills modern leadership requires.

In this conversation on the Leading with Instinct podcast, Katie Navarra-Bradley, Professional Facilitator and Leadership Coach with Katie the Coach, and Ginny Telego, President of Collaboration Partners, explore a question that began with a challenge: How can equine-assisted leadership programs become more inclusive for people with different physical abilities?

his episode is a deep examination of leadership pipelines, workplace assumptions, and who gets invited into opportunities for growth.

Drawing parallels between herd dynamics and human organizations, they discuss how horses assess safety without judgment and why humans often default to assumptions rather than curiosity. The strongest leaders pause long enough to question assumptions, ask better questions, and create space for people to contribute in ways that align with their strengths.

Takeaways

— Leadership potential is often hidden behind assumptions about capability.

— Curiosity is more valuable than certainty when evaluating people.

— Inclusion begins with conversation, not accommodation.

— Horses respond to authenticity before appearance.

— Quiet leadership qualities are often overlooked.

— Discernment requires pausing long enough to question assumptions.

— Value does not disappear simply because someone contributes differently.

The Leading With Instinct Podcast is brought to you by Collaboration Partners and KatieTheCoach.com.

Chapters

00:29 Introduction

02:04 Inclusion of Employees with Disabilities

06:05 Disabled Horses in the Herd

10:56 Creating Opportunities

18:09 Making Assumptions

21:47 Developing Partnerships

25:58 Shifting Perspectives and Perceptions

28:18 Rethinking Inclusion Options

32:19 Takeaways and Final Thoughts

Helpful Links:

Katie Navarra-Bradley, Katie The Coach: https://katiethecoach.com/

Ginny Telego, Collaboration Partners: https://www.thecollaborationpartners.com/