The Power of ME in Murmuration: Awareness, Beliefs, and Connection - with Dr. Kathy Hagler and Robin Graham

Kathy Hagler and Robin Graham return to explore the “ME” in their ABCs of Murmuration framework—where awareness, beliefs, and connection lay the foundation for leaderful collaboration.

In this episode of the Engaged By Design Podcast, Dr. Vernon Smith and Dr. Michael Cottam welcome back Dr. Kathy Hagler and Robin Graham, authors of The ABCs of Murmuration.

They unpack the “ME” in their leadership framework—showing how awareness, beliefs, and connection create the foundation for authentic collaboration.

Kathy and Robin share powerful metaphors about starlings, symphonies, and marching bands, as well as the story of Mozart’s Starling.

Robin also shares a moving personal reflection from Durango, illustrating how awareness and connection transform grief into leadership presence.

Key Topics

• Why leadership begins with “ME” before “WE” or “US”
• The ABCs of ME: Awareness, Beliefs, Connection
• Lessons from starlings, symphonies, and marching bands
• Robin’s Durango story: grief, awareness, and connection
• The dance steps of leaderful collaboration: step up, step back, step together
• The ABCs of Murmuration (available on Amazon)
• Manifesting Murmuration Workshop — ABCsOfMurmuration.com
• Viktor Frankl, Man’s Search for Meaning (inspiration on choice and awareness)

Reflection Question

Here is your reflection question for this week:

What small step can you take today to connect more authentically with yourself and others?

Call to Action

👉 Visit EngagedByDesign.com to learn more, explore coaching opportunities, and download resources from MACRO Leadership.

💬 Comment on the YouTube episode, share your reflection, and subscribe for more leadership insights.