Coffee & Change: Recent Episodes
Bill Kirst
Bill Kirst, an organizational change consultant, supports clients navigating change in order to thrive, to overcome personal obstacles and to reach their full potential. Bill's blended approach has been cultivated over many years by consulting with individuals and offering leadership in military service.
In his podcast, Bill talks with a diverse set of guests on the topic of leading change in today's ever-changing world. Brew up a cup of coffee, or tea, and enjoy the listen.
*Disclaimer: Any views and opinions expressed in this podcast are personal and belong solely to the podcast owner and do not represent those of people, institutions or organizations that the owner may or may not be associated with in professional or personal capacity.
that follow publishing something honest.David Pearlman spent roughly 23-24 years across Great Plains Softward and Microsoft, moving through about sixteen roles — people strategy, product, and large-scale fielding — with his last 18 years focused on the public sector: healthcare, K-12, and higher education. Along the way he served as chief of staff and spent time in the Army, active duty and reserves. He's currently at Adobe, working at the intersection of education, healthcare, and AI. Lead by Design is his first book. Visit: www.thedavidpearlman.com to order his book.
ResourcesBook — Rethink Resistance: linktr.ee/theneurologicalnomadTravis's Website: travishahler.comBook Page: travishahler.com/bookPodcast Snippets: travishahler.com/podcastLinkedIn — The Neurological Nomad: linkedin.com/company/the-neurological-nomad
available on AmazonConnect with Jeffrey S. Ton:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jtonindy/Website: jeffreyston.com
Todd LeMieux is an artist, art director and graphic designer based in Springfield, MA, with a career spanning multiple decades across agencies, corporate environments, higher education, and independent practice. He specializes in logos and branding, with deep experience in music industry work — including album reissues for major labels and a logo for a Warner Music digital imprint that was cast in metal and embedded in the floor of their Midtown Manhattan offices. He has taught graphic design at the college level, been published in books and magazines, and received industry recognition for his work.Portfolio: Todd LeMieux on BehanceLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/toddmlemieuxI met Todd at a celebration of life — a fitting origin point for a conversation about work that endures. Todd reflects on a career that began in traditional agency environments and evolved through every major wave of technological change in the design field. His perspective is grounded: he loves the work, has watched tools come and go, and holds a clear-eyed view of where human skill still matters.The episode closes on the question of where human designers will continue to thrive. Todd's answer: the humanity is already in the question.
What if the resume — that document we've built our entire hiring process around — is the wrong place to start? Jason P. Carroll makes a compelling case that it is. Drawing on research from the 1980s and 90s, he points out that prior skills, experience, and formal education have almost zero predictive value for success in a new role. Add AI-generated resumes to that picture, and the traditional hiring process starts to look like a relic.Jason's company, Aptive Index, approaches the problem differently. Rather than measuring what someone has done, it measures what drives them — motivators, emotional resonance, internal activation, cognitive style. The platform pairs that psychometric data with Aria, a behavioral AI that knows your team's profiles and can guide everything from hiring decisions to conflict resolution to job description writing.The conversation takes some unexpected turns. Jason shares stories of clients using Aria as a personal growth tool — including two CEOs who credited it with saving their marriages. He talks about a CEO forum where Aria identified, in real time, that one member felt like an outsider in the group — and was right. And he opens up about a B2C mental health companion product he's developing but hasn't launched yet, and why he's looking for the right co-founder to help bring it to life.Running through all of it is a theme that fits squarely in the Coffee and Change ethos: self-awareness as the foundation for change — in how we hire, how we lead, how we relate to the people around us, and ultimately how we understand ourselves.Curious what Aptive Index would reveal about you? Jason has set up a dedicated link for Coffee and Change listeners to take the assessment and get a preview of Aria:https://assessment.aptiveindex.com/s/sH5bgSZVQVy0 The assessment takes about ten minutes. At the end, you'll get a preview of Aria and the chance to ask her a few questions based on your results.Connect with JasonAptive Index: aptiveindex.comB2C / Mental Health Companion (coming soon): aria.com — Jason is actively looking for a co-founder with B2C experience. If that's you, reach out.
Celebrating the Power of Inner Knowing and Witnessing: A Commencement ReflectionIn this episode, Bill Kirst shares a deeply personal story stemming from his own journey of trusting inner knowing, the significance of witnessing others’ moments of achievement, and the profound impact these experiences have on our lives. If you've ever hesitated to step into your purpose or doubted your ability to influence others positively, this episode offers clarity and inspiration.In this episode:Bill’s reflective story from his time as a student and how a gut instinct shaped his futureThe importance of trusting inner guidance even when it defies logic or societal expectationsHow the act of witnessing others’ joys and struggles can transform our own perspectiveThe significance of showing up with heart, especially in moments of celebration and transitionLessons on leadership and presence during meaningful stages like commencementsThe call to listen to your inner whisper, no matter how small or unconventional it seemsWhy sharing your story can be a gift to others, fostering connection and changeThe legacy of honoring memories and passing the torch of purposeTimestamps:00:00 - Introduction: Reflecting during graduation season00:05 - A personal story: trusting my inner knowing at Johns Hopkins University01:08 - Childhood memory of making a bold decision based on intuition02:09 - The emotional power of trusting your internal guide03:27 - The impact of witnessing a significant event through graduation04:24 - Being tapped to represent alumni and what it felt like05:09 - Preparing with heart versus perfection for a commencement speech06:13 - The importance of leading with authenticity and compassion07:19 - Walking through graduation; reliving a 26-year-old memory08:17 - The experience of being on stage and the significance of presence09:02 - The emotion of graduation: pride, tears, and shared achievement09:49 - Wondering about peers and their journeys since graduation10:10 - Connecting beyond the stage—shared human experience11:03 - Witnessing tears, pride, and bittersweet emotions12:26 - Reflecting on the journey from a student to a speaker13:25 - The emotional power of honoring dreams and memories14:25 - Encouragement: Seize opportunities to speak and inspire14:32 - Celebrating the class of 2026 and embracing inner whispers
Enjoy the listen and let me know what comes up in you as you reflect, listen and discern. Here is to the messiness of being human.
Links:Culture First: 9 Leadership Practices That Build Elite Teams (Pre-order April 1, Release May 15) Official book website with assessment tools and insights: culture-first.org
There is a film that Adrian Nuno and I both saw for the first time on a big screen as kids. Same film, different theatres, different states. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. Neither Adrian or I knew it then, but that movie quietly did something to us. It planted somewhere deep in our chest, the idea that a story told with honesty and heart could make a complete stranger feel less alone in the world. It was never hope, mistaken for a naivete. The connection was magical. That was, in fact, the whole point. We were living through a moment that is testing that belief. And I think the people best equipped to help us find our way back to our humanity are the ones who never stopped making things filmmakers, storytellers, authors, poets, all artists who refuse to look away. Adrian Nuno is one of those people, and I'm so glad I got to have this conversation with him. Enjoy the listen.
Trish Shankar is a fellow Third Culture Kid and joins the podcast to share an understanding of what that means in today's world. Trish is a Marketer at Microsoft and also happens to be a neighbor. We have gone for walks and had great dinners and unpacked all the connections and power of community in our worlds of change. The world is smaller than we think and this conversation captures the mosaic and mystery of change. Enjoy the listen.
Change, host Bill Kirst takes a thoughtful look back at Season 9, exploring the transformative conversations that shaped the year. Through intimate dialogues with diverse guests, the season delves into themes of human connection, authenticity, and the courage to ask meaningful questions. Bill shares personal insights and highlights the power of listening as an act of stewardship, inviting listeners to consider where they are still waiting for permission to be their true selves. A quieting before launching into Season X of this podcast in 2026.
In this engaging episode, Bill Kirst and Shannan Scarselletta delve into the art of improvisation and its profound impact on personal and professional growth. They explore how improv fosters creativity, adaptability, and authentic communication, drawing parallels between improv and leadership in uncertain times. Shannan shares her journey from a structured corporate environment to embracing the spontaneity of improv, highlighting its role in navigating life's unpredictability. The conversation is rich with anecdotes, humor, and insights into how embracing uncertainty and maintaining a playful mindset can lead to transformative experiences.
We live in a world where everything is designed to be faster, easier, and more automated. We order groceries without speaking to a clerk. We message colleagues without ever looking them in the eye. And more and more, we move through our days without noticing the people who hold us up along the way.Today’s episode is about noticing.Levi Spires has given over fourteen thousand rides as an Uber driver. But what’s striking isn’t the miles he’s logged—it’s the humanity he’s witnessed. For a few minutes at a time, his car becomes a rare space where people lower their guard. A place where someone can unburden, confess, or simply sit in silence without judgment.Levi reminds us that in an era obsessed with efficiency, it’s these small, inefficient human moments that matter most.This conversation is a challenge: to move differently in a world already saturated with automation and disconnection. To choose presence over convenience. To remember that being human isn’t about how quickly we get from A to B—it’s about who we see along the way.
Today’s guest knows what it means to lead when the stakes are high. Nate Amidon spent 15 years guiding people and programs across the U.S. Air Force, Microsoft, Boeing, and Alaska Airlines. He’s an Air Force C-17 evaluator pilot with more than 3,200 flight hours—including 800 in combat—and over 1,500 hours as an instructor teaching young pilots how to fly, make decisions under pressure, and lead crews on global missions.When he transitioned from active duty, Nate brought that same discipline into technology—consulting as a Project Manager, Scrum Master, and Scaled Agile Framework coach on enterprise software programs. He went on to found Form100 Consulting, where he helps clients apply military-tested leadership practices to build strong, high-performing teams that endure.In our conversation, Nate and I talked about how hard that transition actually was. Even with a degree from the Air Force Academy and an MBA, landing his first role at Microsoft wasn’t simple—and it showed him how untapped the veteran talent pool really is. That frustration was the spark for Form100, where he now connects veterans with organizations desperate for alignment, communication, and trust.We also dug into why veterans are uniquely equipped for tech: they’re trained to see the whole mission, not just their own slice. They know how to drive clarity in chaos, how to align teams across silos, and how to solve problems with urgency but also with care. Nate reminded us that in technology, speed without alignment is just drift. Veterans bring the perspective to check the vector, build relationships, and keep the team moving in the right direction.Nate holds a Management degree from the U.S. Air Force Academy, an MBA from the University of Nebraska, and certifications spanning PMP, CSM, SPC, Lean Six Sigma, and DevOps. He also continues to serve as a reservist C-17 pilot with the 313th Airlift Squadron.
In its Greek root, Mentos means “intent, purpose, spirit and passion.” It was with intent, purpose and passion that this special episode came to life. It is a rare occasion when one can get together with their mentor, and their mentor’s mentor for a conversation anchored in three generations of mentorship, leadership and friendship. This is one of those conversations. My special guest, the mentor of my mentor is Admiral Bob Inman. I flew to Austin to meet up with him in person and record this incredible testimony of history and leadership and lifelong service. Admiral Inman was born in April 1931 in East Texas and went on to become a highly decorated United States Navy Officer and Intelligence Leader. His career and service had a profound impact on America’s national security architecture. During his 31-year military career that spanned the world and included some of the most sensitive national security posts in the Government, the Admiral earned a bipartisan reputation as one of the Nation’s finest intelligence officers of a generation. Journalists used to refer to him as “simply one of the smartest people ever to come out of Washington or anywhere.” Regarded as a superstar in the intelligence community he grew his career in Naval Intelligence serving on carriers, cruisers and destroyers…not to mention the hallowed halls of the Pentagon. The Admiral went on to serve as the Director of Naval Intelligence, Vice Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency and Director of the National Security Agency. He was nominated to be Deputy Director of Central Intelligence and served in that role until his resignation in 1982. It was during that time Admiral Inman became the first naval intelligence specialist to earn the rank of 4 Star Admiral. Admiral Inman went on to serve on numerous boards including CalTech’s Board of Trustees and held the LBJ Centennial Chart in National Policy at the University of Texas at Austin Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs. In every capacity the Admiral has always focused on mentorship and leadership and sharing wisdom for the next generation. When we sat down to speak with the Admiral he had recently celebrated 67 years of marriage with his dear wife. At 94 years of age he is still motivated by selfless service and paying it forward to the next generations of leaders. This conversation counts as one of those gifts. So, sit back and listen to this incredible story of change and mentorship and leadership from a nation’s patriot, a renowned thinker and educator and all around incredible guy. And stay tuned at the end of the episode for a follow on reflective discussion with Rob Shook, my mentor who made this all possible. Together we discuss our insights and takeaways from this inspiring afternoon with the Admiral. Thanks for listening.
Excited to connect on this reunion episode with Lisa Manning Cassidy who I met over 15 years ago at IBM where we worked together to forge corporate history with Social Business anchored in selfless service to our country. Lisa spent over 15 years at IBM and led transformational work for government agencies and for IBM's global workforce. She and I both answered the courageous calls for paying it forward and today I am excited to reconnect with her and hear about her latest walks across the bridges of change. Thanks for listening. You can find Lisa and her great work on LinkedIn.
My guest on this special episode of Coffee & Change is Patrick "Sledge" Mullins, a former Air Force Fighter Pilot who flew F-15s for years and has certainly seen his fair share of change and challenge. On this powerful episode we discuss the flight path of his incredible life and the arc of change, community and connection that kept him going and growing. And while he got his call sign from being known as the Sledgehammer, the only thing he is breaking these days is the cycle of trauma. His healing journey is one that should be echoed far and wide, especially for men moving through the toughest stages of life. Patrick's story will remind you to keep going, never give up and always find the light inside you that makes you you. The world needs you and you are worthy...of love and forgiveness. Happy listening. You can find Patrick on LinkedIn as well as Instagram to follow his journey in healing and helping others. Thanks a Veteran today.
Welcome back to Coffee & Change. On this special two part episode, under the banner number 151, I am flipping the script. After inviting and engaging in 150 conversations, I have the unique opportunity of being hosted by my friend and former guest, David Watson. He digs deep, asks the big questions, and puts me on the spot as I reflect on recording 5.68 days—that’s 8,186 minutes—of content. To put that in perspective, if you started listening to every single episode of this podcast back-to-back, it would equate to listening to Taylor Swift’s entire discography 6.5 times. (That’s a lot of storytelling… or a lot of heartbreak anthems!) And I guess it is then only appropriate to title this episode Charting the Arc of Change Across the Eras.Enjoy the two part episode and reach out if you have any follow on questions.
This is the Part 2 Discussion continuation from my powerful conversation with David Watson. This story, my story, continues to evolve, and I want to thank you each for walking alongside me on this journey. Your listening, the very act of listening, changes the story. I appreciate you all.
Welcome back and thanks for listening. This week, we’re diving into a topic that’s reshaping the way we think about change: the intersection of Artificial Intelligence and Change Management. You may recall an episode with my guest titled The Art and Science of Change back in May of 2023. I was excited to welcome him back to explore this highly debated topic with than someone who has dedicated his career to understanding and guiding change — Tim Creasey, Chief Innovation Officer at Prosci. The last time Tim was on the podcast, we had an insightful conversation about the art of change and how not to lose that amidst all this innovation and excitement around AI. But as we have seen, its hype has never slowed down. And with the rapid advancements in AI, organizations, leaders, and change practitioners are facing new challenges—and new opportunities—in how we manage, adopt, and sustain change.So, grab your coffee, settle in, and join us as we unpack how AI is influencing the world of Change Management, what it means for the future of work, and how we, as humans, can adapt, lead, and thrive in this ever-evolving landscape. Make sure to check out Tim's latest research and give the Prosci AI tool a spin at www.prosci.com Tim's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/TimCreasey/Evolution of AI Capabilities: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/expanding-world-generative-ai-capabilities-timeline-tim-creasey-n9rgc/AI Integration Framework: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/unlocking-adoption-ai-integration-framework-tim-creasey-0aupc/ Prosci's Kaiya: https://www.prosci.com/kaiya-ai-tool
The Polish word for friendship is "przyjaźń" (pronounced pshih-yah-zh-n).When I think of the Polish people, my time living there, and the memories made, this is the word that comes to mind, everytime. Friendship. From the first days of my arriving in Poland in 1990 to my recent return and reunion nearly 35 years later, the spirit of friendship has always guided me, as it does the people of Poland. On today’s episode we hear from one of those friends - Grzegorz Leseniewski. Grzegorz is an attorney at law and a managing partner at Leśniewski Borkiewicz Kostka & Partners, where he helps clients navigate the complex and dynamic legal landscape of new technologies, CyberSec, FinTech, e-commerce, and M&A. Enjoy this conversation and reunion. Dziękuje za słuchanie. - Thanks for listening.🇵🇱
On Episode 150 we welcome back our guest from Episode 1 and Episode 50. Shawna Saffle Rasmussen was probably my first listener in addition to being my first guest. How the world, our worlds, have changed since then, 8 years later. A friendship going on a decade, this was such a joy to sit down together in a great setting and stop time in its place. Together we reflect and seek refuge in a deep discussion about the next chapters in change in both of our lives.
On this episode I welcome back Chris Lovett. Author, Writer, TEDx Speaker, Award-Winning Leader, Executive Coach & Simplicity Expert - as someone who lives and breathes a less is more lifestyle, Chris feels it's his responsibility to help employees improve their relationship with work by simplifying. His work has been read, seen and heard in 65 countries and he's spent years coaching CEOs, exec talent, senior leaders and teams through this stuff. Chris used to be a radio DJ, coached an x-factor winner, and is a proud music geek and loves to take Mondays off. Join for this reunion conversation as we talk about what makes us Relentless. And keep an eye out for his second book later this year.
On today's episode I interview Kristie K. Jones, a seasoned sales leader, sales enablement coach and best-selling author of "Selling Your Way In." Kristie is known for her Kristie-isms and her no nonsense approach to sales, leadership and life.She is focused on empowering sellers to not just meet their goals, but crush them. During this episode we talk about life, challenges, dreams, hopes, aspirations and more. Enjoy the listen!
On Episode 147 I welcome Lindsay Yellin. She is a sought after, dynamic leadership coach spearheading Yellin's transformative approach. With over a decade of experience in advertising account management, Lindsay proved her determination & impact by climbing the ranks to VP before turning 30. But her lasting legacy lies in her role as a team builder and culture shifter, leaving an enduring impact on the teams & clients she served.Lindsay dedicates herself to transforming self-doubting execs into possibility-driven leaders who inspire engagement & performance through meaningful connection. Lindsay's unique strategy centers on connecting leaders back to themselves first to unlock clarity & confidence to intentionally expand their leadership impact.Her curated coaching journey is a values-driven approach that empowers leaders to bust through success blockers & overcome self-limiting beliefs while building a toolkit of resources to accompany them throughout the rest of their career journey.
Jonathan Bardzik is a storyteller, chef, and author. He believes that life can and should be filled with joy, abundance and agency. His story is one that mirrors a beautiful culinary journey. Be sure to visit www.jonathanbardzik.com!Author of three cookbooks, he's given over 900 live appearances over the past 9 years and appears regularly on local television networks. You can also find his at farm markets and creating experiences for private clients including businesses, organizations, and homes. His television series, Jonathan's Kitchen has so much joy. Jonathan knows how to curate experiences and make moments into memories. In preparing food and sharing our stories, we spark connection and communication, bringing us closer together. Be sure to reach out to Jonathan about his work, retreats and books if you’re interested in learning more.
Today’s featured guest is Rafael Zhansultanov. Rafael has over 10 years of experience working at the nexus of global economics, geopolitics, international development and financial markets in emerging and developing countries. Rafael has studied and worked in the U.S., U.K. and Eurasia and possesses a multicultural, multilingual outlook and first hand understanding of business and customs around the world. Rafael is a Chevening Scholar and a U.S. Edmund S. Muskie Scholar having been awarded these prestigious scholarships only given to a small percentage of applicants from around the world. It was an honor to reconnect with Rafael and talk about the importance of words.
Matt VanFossen is an award winning independent artist and currently holds a well earned spot on both my Apple Replay and Spotify Wrapped of 2024. And if it wasn’t for an Instagram story I almost missed, I wouldn’t have heard his music at all, much less have had this healing conversation with him on the importance of forgiveness, the power of heartbreak and the future of country music. You all are in for a treat in this conversation, with a man who IS the future of country music. After hearing his story and wisdom you will want to hear every one of his songs. Thanks for listening.
On Episode 143, I welcome back Kevin Walling for his third appearance on the show. Because who doesn't love a good trilogy? You might call it Return of the Electoral Jedi. Kevin is a political strategist and political media consultant who has run for office and supported candidacies for numerous leaders elected to office. Having known Kevin now for over a decade, I consider his stoicism and political pragmatism to be a salve on the wound that keeps getting reopened in the experiment that is democracy in the United States. Nearly four years to the day since we last recorded, Kevin joined me to talk about how much has changed since the 2020 election, which was supposed to be the most consequential election of our lifetimes. That is, until this one. Thanks for listening and please get out and vote.
Kesem is a national nonprofit whose mission is to support children through and beyond their parent’s cancer. Kesem does year-round programming like care packages, birthday cards, and Friends and Family Days, but the flagship program is a week-long summer camp that is completely free for all families. Kesem serves children aged 6-18 and recruits families from the local area by each chapter.Kesem at JHU is the JHU chapter of the national organization, and this year, they held camp from August 12-16th at Sandy Hill Camp & Retreat Center in North East, Maryland, about an hour away from the JHU Homewood campus. Kesem is run by passionate student volunteers who work to fundraise, plan programming, and recruit families and volunteers to the chapter. Kesem at JHU served 83 campers this past summer and fundraised $52,042.75 this year to support their families.Episode Guests:Maggie “Mochi” Yang is a Fall ‘23 graduate of Johns Hopkins University, where she studied Molecular/Cellular Biology and minored in Psychology. Sandra “Happy Feet” Fahmy is a Spring ‘24 graduate of Johns Hopkins University, where she studied Chemistry and Neuroscience.Both having joined Kesem at JHU in their freshman year, Maggie and Sandra have both served on the coordinator board since sophomore year and just finished up their senior year as co-directors of the chapter. They just got back from camp last month in August, which was their fourth time at camp (third in-person). They are now both living in Boston during their gap year while they apply to medical school. Maggie is currently working as a clinical research coordinator at Massachusetts General Hospital, and Sandra is a medical assistant at Brigham and Women’s Hospital.
Jothy Rosenberg has a powerful story of overcoming adversity as a cancer and disability survivor, tech founder, and thriver. After facing immense hardships, he has distilled his experiences into inspirational keynotes that educate and uplift audiences.Jothy speaks on topics like motivation, entrepreneurship, and startup growth strategies. His inspirational keynotes based on his TEDx talk and his books resound with audience and readers of all ages. His story will motivate you to keep going and never give up in the face of adversity. Enjoy the conversation and the inspiring story from Jothy.
I am excited for you to meet my next guest, Kristin. We were introduced about a year ago by a former podcast guest and his wife. Kristin's story is one we know all to well, whereby we feel there is a call to do more, be more and answer that faint ping of purpose.Kristin is a disruptor, thought rebel and possibilitarian who struggled finding her path. She felt misguided and misunderstood despite the incredible opportunities in building a career, she continued to feel unfulfilled.Her journey inward took Kristin through therapy, coaching and meditation leading her to unplug from the outdated systems that stopped us from seeing our own greatness. Imagine an alchemical unplugging and unraveling that lets us play outside the box and feel truly liberated. It is not as far away as you would imagine. Enjoy the interplay and imagine the possibilities on, with, at, for...
I cannot wait for you to meet Derek Mitchell. His origin story will have you remembering your own childhood, and the teachers and parents in your life that changed your world.Derek is the CEO of Partners in School Innovation. Partners in School Innovation has been on a mission to transform teaching and learning in the most challenged U.S. public schools so that every student thrives. Their vision: A thriving system of public schools that have an unwavering focus on results and are vibrant places to teach, learn, and grow.To achieve our mission and vision, Partners works alongside schools and districts collaboratively, with an assets-based mindset, with a systems perspective, and in ways that allow us to constantly learn and improve.Derek is a true Change Agent leading an army of other Change Agents focused on changing the world...for the better. Enjoy the listen.
What do Madonna and Microsoft have in common? Turns out more than you think. I posed this question to Copilot and learned a few things. And in this episode I meet the personification of many of the characteristics of success shared by a pop star and a software company. Get ready to meet Heather Cook, Joyful Warrior and Community Connector changing the world one courageous conversation at a time.
Pardon the interruption. But this is something we all need to hear. After a recent interview I noticed had great impact on those who listened it felt important to share this in the form of a solocast of sorts. What follows is a blend of poetry, philosophy and a cautionary tale to an ever-changing industry. You might say it’s an unrequited letter to humanity asking us all “How we can hold on to Our Humanity in the Age of AI?”
Drake Jensen is a different kind of country. An early pioneer and a man whose music helped me at a pivotal time in my life. Drake sings with an open heart and that still gives some in this world some heartburn. And that suits him just fine. Drake and I first met back in 2011 when I reached out to him to thank him for his music and for being the courageous pioneer and trailblazer who was the first out, gay country artist with a Top 40 hit. That was on terrestrial radio, so that was an even bigger deal back then. In a campaign of gratitude after the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell I made sure to thank Drake for the soundtrack he was creating for many servicemembers who could relate to his songs. Drake has never been one to conform, to any style, trend, box, or label. And in the arch of his career so far, he's proven himself to be a unique voice, an admirable activist and wise elder. From his rural upbringing in Nova Scotia to the sometime unwelcoming and celebrated stages of Nashville, his story is one that inspires countless unsung heroes, writers, producers, artists and performers to keep going. This producer and creative included. I really enjoyed this conversation and reunion with Drake and cannot wait to hear his newest material due out soon. Keep an eye and ear out for his latest single, "Lovers in a Dangerous Time."
Each year, around this time, I like to feature a story in an episode I refer to as the PRIDE Edition. It is in this annual episode I feature an inspirational story of one human’s endeavor to authenticity and journey to joy. As many of us know, that is often a lifelong journey and one that comes with inordinate amounts of heartbreak and hopefully, equal parts healing. My guest for this special episode is Brian Johnson. And my connection with Brian reminded me that life is a gift and living is a choice. It is in his story I reacquainted with my own story and the stories of so many more like us. And it is in the echoing of those stories we remember we are not alone. Many of you will be moved by Brian’s story and I hope you come away renewed with the power of community, storytelling and most importantly…healing. It is a timeless thing, healing. There is no start clock, no stop watch and certainly no past due date. And in some cases, as Brian and I learned together, there may be matching birth dates. Enjoy the listen.
Yes, you're the understudy to the Tortured Poet…you just didn’t know it.I had nearly forgotten about the event of the season arriving in the overnight hours to our digital devices. And this morning, as I prepare for my first public poetry reading, I have to smile, because the universe always has a way of showing us “a way.” I have been thinking about this solo podcast episode for a while now. Knowing I have wanted to tell the story of a Tortured Poet and the path of putting ink to paper, and paper to print, and print to publish. And now publish to public reading. While I didn’t plan it this way, I am happy that the word “poets” is being spoken into existence and resonance from arenas to amphitheaters today.I can’t imagine a better walk on song for a new poet to have as he prepares for his first public reading. Thanks for listening and supporting.
On this episode we meet multi award winning Sales Leader and All Around Luminary, Carson Heady. Carson is a bestselling author of five books in addition to being one of Microsoft's most influential Directors and #1 Social Sellers. He is a Global Sales Trainer, a podcast host and 🏆 award-winning mentor to many teams and talent. You will love this conversation between two former peers and self published authors...and fans of Queen's Greatest Hits.
Jim Fielding, a proud Ohio native and Indiana University Hoosier, started his career on the department store floor. Over the next 30 years, he would lead some of the world’s most beloved media and retail brands, including The Gap, Disney, Claire’s, Dreamworks, and 20th Century Fox. Jim is known for his ability to combine storytelling and product merchandising into unforgettable consumer experiences. As culture builder and talent spotter, he has recruited and trained global leaders in a variety of disciplines and at all levels.Today, Jim spends his time and talents on independent media, entrepreneurship, higher education, and philanthropy. He’s a Partner at Archer Gray, an independent media company inspiring change through storytelling and innovative brand collaborations. Jim has also been active in philanthropy for over 25 years and is a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights.Read more at allpridenoego.com
Honored to welcome back Becky Morrison for the third time to the podcast. This time we talk about something powerful, simple and profound...HUMAN DESIGN. You are going to love this conversation. Reach out to Becky if you would like to learn more at untanglehappiness.com
Prepare for a powerful conversation of healing and rediscovering your legacy with the one and only, the incredibly inspiring Qiana Sanders. Qiana and I met in the newly minted hallways of a corporate office and in that first meeting we somehow knew we would be longtime friends and champions of change along the way. Qiana's story is one rooted in the power of rediscovering your legacy. And we all deserve to rediscover our legacy...that is when the healing begins.Happy listening!
Excited to welcome the first guest of 2024 with Brooke Hatala. Brooke is a rising star as a singer/songwriter in Nashville. "The North Carolina native’s penchant for honest storytelling with a tinge of rocking energy makes Hatala a perfect fit for Nashville’s new era.” And while she is not the only one in in the town of Nashville, she is certainly one of the ones with After attempting to connect and record in 2023, weather and technology got in the way. We we finally able to reconnect in early 2024 for this great conversation. Make sure to listen to Brooke's new single, "Not the Only One in This Town" out Jan 26th. Follow Brooke on Instagram: brookehatalaFollow Brooke's music instruction and tutorial series on YouTube and listen to her music on all your favorite music platforms.
Be kind. This episode might be one of my first solo episodes that I recorded at length after much reflection going into 2024. And believe it or not, I was nervous every time I got in front of the mic. It is not perfect, but it is real. And it is me. It is probably indicative of the energy many of us went into 2024 with - slightly nervous and holding breath. Happy 1.11 after a year that ended 123.123. It was 555am when I recorded this episode to kick off the 2024 Season of the Coffee & Change Podcast. And in about a week, this podcast celebrates its 8th year of connection, content, curation and production. Happy Early Birthday Coffee & Change Podcast. It feels a bit strange saying that to be honest. And when I hear it in my head, I hear the trebled timeless words of Jimmy Stewart playing George Bailey running through the streets of a snow blanketed Bedford Falls. Something to the tune of “Merry Christmas you old Bailey Building and Loan.” I guess you could say I am grateful to be here. As a podcast host, newly published author, and ever curator, I am leaving this takeaway for anyone listening: “Create your own distinct, compelling content.” Thank you again for joining me on this journey. I’d love to hear from you on who you’d like to hear from on this podcast. Who inspires you. Whose story would you like to grow from? You can always reach me via the Podcast’s LinkedIn page or on Instagram. Just search for Coffee and Change and the Instagram handle is coffee.and.change I am looking forward to your recommendations and reviews as we celebrate another year of stories in change. Till next time. Be well.
On Episode 128, we reunite with Paul McCarthy, who has been on quite the journey as he authored and published The F.I.R.E.D. Leader, the leadership and disruption playbook for the next generation. And on the heels of the most operatic firing of the world's most famous tech talent and leader - Sam Altman, Paul's book is proving to be a must read. In fact, I bet Sam could have used it last Friday. Paul has been consistently asking for over five years, "Are we firing the type of talent we need with the types of leadership qualities we will need to navigate ongoing disruption?" We clearly are seeing the answers to that question played out at this tipping point. The world has been asking that question loudly this past week with the events of OpenAI. We unpack the key events in our discussion while also welcoming Sam Altman and Greg Brockman to the emerging tribe of F.I.R.E.D. Leaders shaping the future. You can listen to Paul's origin story on Episode 68 and you can now order his new book at this following link with a special discount for Coffee & Change Listeners:https://practicalinspiration.com/book/the-fired-leaderDiscount Code: FIREDLEAD30
When was the last time you set a boundary? You know the ones you set for your sanity, your solitude and your serenity? Well, what if I told you that no matter how hard you worked to integrate mindfulness and meditation into your life and workday, you could be missing the biggest offender to your peace of mind which we encounter daily. Yes, those digital notifications that pop up in pretty much every Microsoft product, each of our social networking apps and even the app you are using to listen to this. I apologize in advance as I may even be part of the offense if you got a notification of this episode being published today. But, the good news is my guest today is here to help us get back those boundaries. Ståle Hansen hails from Norway and is the Founder and CEO of Cloudway. I first heard Ståle speak on a Webinar on Digital Wellbeing at Microsoft this past year and was empowered to make some instant changes for my sanity. Ståle speaks to many companies and teams about the importance of using our Digital Tools in a way that makes wellbeing not only a possibility, but a reality. And the good news is it is finally being built into one of the most underrated modules right at our fingertips…Microsoft Viva. Ståle and I could have gone on for hours nerding out about all the tactics to take back control of our tech and we didn’t even touch on the ever growing popularity of Copilot and Generative AI Technology. That we saved for a future episode. Enjoy this conversation and make each day a day where you adjust those notifications for your peace of mind. Thanks for listening.
One of the most enjoyable and rewarding aspects of hosting and running a podcast is when a guest you have just interviewed feels seen, heard and believed. And it is from that place of belonging that he or she so enthusiastically says, “Oh, you know who you should have on your show…” And another bridge is built to another human I wouldn’t have met otherwise. Well, this past week, I got to meet one of those incredible humans. David Watson, a former guest once said to me, “You have to interview Tim Seelig for the podcast.” And boy, was David right. This is one of those stories I didn’t know I needed to hear to heal. Tim Seelig is the former Director of the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus and has lived and witnessed historic change in his personal and professional life. Tim is a father, grandfather, author, a speaker, a performer, a conductor, a mentor, a coach and most importantly a friend and lifesaver to a great many humans on this Earth. Tim even won an Emmy for Best Documentary titled After Goodbye: An AIDS Story. This hour flew by and it was so what my heart and soul needed. It was a true honor to spend time in the presence of a modern elder and mystic who reminds us of the power of creativity and connection, and how it saves lives. Thank you, Tim for joining the show and thank you David for the connection.Links to Performances:- Testimony, written by Stephen Schwartz: https://youtu.be/-XZRNL9ZnyM?si=XZET-dmKFe3CUpGOTim Seelig: Farewell Concert Opening: https://youtu.be/CUnnglbG2nY?si=naZwFMdDqLeW0KWGStephen Schwartz Acceptance Speech mentioning Tim: https://youtu.be/nNeuQ-6yv6U?si=PtW-wm7z8N913nXh-
My next guest opens the aperture to untapped potential, illuminates lifelong purpose and captures possibility for healing, all from the most complex canvas on earth…the human face. Jon Meadows is a high-end headshot photographer and expression coach whose work changes lives. He builds up his subjects teaching them how to present themselves on camera and get the best out of them. His results speak for themselves, found in the faces of powerful humans who unite with themselves from a place of healing and happiness, all captured in a shot. Join me in this fascinating discussion with Jon as we talk about how expression, representation and healing all happen in front of and behind the camera. Enjoy the conversation.
Welcome back to Coffee & Change. After a much needed summer break, we are returning to kick off the Fall 2023 Season. This season we will be connecting with many creatives and hearing their stories in change. Thanks for listening and I hope you enjoy the upcoming Fall lineup of guests, starting next week.
Such an honor to join Isis Latham and the Evolution Business Development Podcast with a few fellow hearts, each along their journey in storytelling and change making.
🎧 As a podcast host and storyteller, I encourage all who listen...consider ways to find your voice and discover your roots. The transformative power of telling your story with these goals in mind can change your world. That is when the healing continues.
💝 And this work in healing through change begins with finding your purpose.
✍ When you write your personal purpose and vision statement add an ellipsis to it rather than a period. It will never be done...
🎙 And if you are ready to share your story, I am here to help. And this advice is for you.
"Not every Podcast / Host / Journalist is for you. It is like a 2-way job interview, and you get to decide. Never let anyone dim your light."
In Part 4 of this Limited Audio Series exploring Generative AI, we discuss the power of and importance of Altruism in the arena of policy setting for Generative AI. Every gesture counts. If we are going to find out humanity in these technologies, then every gesture counts.
Part 3 of a Limited Audio Series on Leading Change in the Era of AI. A reflection on all the testimony on the topic of Generative AI.
Limited Audio Series: Leading Change in the Era of AI - Part 2. Are we sleepwalking through technology? What role has AI played in increasing our technology somnambulism? How do we wake up to what is happening all around us? Thanks for the listen.
Limited Audio Series on Leading Change in the Era of AI. This is an audio accompaniment to a LinkedIn Newsletter with the same title authored by the host, Bill Kirst. Enjoy the brief listen and deep reflections from each in this series.
Before taking the summer off to restore, rejuvenate and research new guests, I wanted to share a brief interlude to thank all the loyal listeners around the world. We've reached a milestone with 50,000 full episode listens from people around the world. Remember to keep chasing your dreams, no matter what. Perseverance, resilience and passion matter more than ever. Look forward to returning with more stories in change in the Fall Season 2023. Till then, have a relaxing and memorable holiday.
Tim Creasey is the Chief Innovation Officer at Prosci, the research-based organziation focused solely on change management. Tim is a change expert, researcher and author who focuses on achieving change success with and through people. His work forms the world’s largest body of knowledge in change management.Tim's role as Chief Innovation Officer at Prosci means bringing new perspective and understanding to the world of change management. Tim has built a career that’s steeped in a foundation of unparalleled insight from the challenges and trends to a vision for the future. Using his economics background, Tim brings a data-rich, analytic perspective to give organizations powerful, actionable insights into change success. Speaking to audiences around the globe, Tim is authentic, knowledgeable and unassumingly funny, creating memorable experiences that leave his audiences prepared, energized and ready to bring about positive change.Learn more about Tim and Prosci at http://www.prosci.com Enjoy the conversation.
Mark Rowe is southern born actor who grew up in Tennessee. He spent a decade in New York City as a stage actor, and, since 2012 has lived in LA, Atlanta and New York, working in film, television, commercials and theater. Today in conversation with Mark we will hear about his change journey that took him from “You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown” all the way to “Stranger Things Season 4” with a few stops along the way starring in a memorable and profitable Superbowl Budweiser commercial, a particularly moving role in “The Resident” and most recently a film called “Campfire” that I cannot wait to hear more about as a Veteran. Enjoy the conversation and learn more about Mark at https://www.markroweactor.com/
Emily Falvey is a Nashville-based singer/songwriter. She is an alumna of Belmont University's Curb College, graduating in 2018 with a B.A. in Songwriting & a B.B.A. in Music Business. Falvey signed an exclusive, worldwide publishing agreement with Shane McAnally's publishing company, SMACKSongs, in April 2018. The single she penned for Big Loud artist MacKenzie Porter, “Seeing Other People,” recently reached #1 on the Canadian country airplay chart. Falvey has other recent & upcoming releases with artists such as Walker Hayes, Carly Pearce, Tiera, Josh Kerr, Jake Scott, and more. Falvey is a member of the AIMP Songwriter Series class of 2019, was voted "Favorite Songwriter" by Young Entertainment Professionals (YEP), & was named to the inaugural Nashville Briefing 30 Under 30 List.Enjoy the conversation!
Remember back to the days of pandemic lockdown, when so many of us tapped into the well of mindfulness, meditation and mental wellness apps? Perhaps you dusted off the Headspace app in your phone or maybe you discovered an app called Insight Timer, discovering audio treasures and tracks including music to help us heal amidst our unyielding grief. In those early days, when it was hard to breathe, even scary to breathe, I stumbled upon an artist page in the Insight Timer app. It was one breathtaking photo of the Cliffs of Moher that caught my eye. And with one tap further, I dove into a track called Ireland. And it changed everything for me. It was in that moment, my grief danced with a duo of souls using the power of intention and frequency to resonate new levels of healing. Matt Bingham and Andrew Hamby make up the duo The Light Meeting. Matt on Guitar and Andrew on Cello. And their creations became my soundtrack for serenity, solitude and stability when all around us was falling apart. On this episode I have the pleasure of hearing Matt’s story of change and thanking him personally for the countless souls he has stirred on this earth with his creations. This is one of those episodes where I got lost in conversation and connected to my younger self. Healing comes in many forms, and for some, there is always music involved. Enjoy the listen.
Over a decade ago I had the opportunity to meet and mentor two incredible consultants, who were just starting out in their careers at IBM in Washington, DC. Together we created a family-like environment, and worked like we were in a startup, always having each other’s back and hyper focused on the mission our daily work supported. That mission was to protect the U.S. joint warfighter and the military’s digital infrastructure around the world. In this episode you will hear from Matt Hennessy and Kristen Mullery, two inspirational humans whose commitment to service has grown to benefit Veterans and global communities around the world. It was an honor to take a walk down memory lane with these two guests and echo their story of change in the world.
In 2020 over 18 million students applied to go to college. And 17.7 million of those students applied for financial aid. Applying for financial aid can be a daunting and emotional process for students and families. In my research for this episode, I learned that in 2020 the number of submitted applications of the FAFSA, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, fell by 50,000 applicants. Guiding students and families along that journey is a global community of Financial Aid Directors and Counselors who are committed to simplifying the complexities and easing the pathway to graduation for the next generation. This episode is dedicated to these unsung heroes, these keepers of all those forms and even some of the memories. Those makers of dreams. With their focus ever on the next generation pursuing higher education and newfound purpose, their work is seldom heralded. And while the statistics and metrics are all too easily cited, we rarely hear of the stories behind the numbers. Nor do we get to meet the people whose lives have been changed forever by the work of a Financial Aid counselor, like David Carnevale. In this episode I bring two of those stories to light. Told nearly 20 years later, this story of change is a reunion between a young student and the counselor who helped him find his path to independence and eventually graduation. Thank you to David and Brian for joining the podcast and trusting this platform to echo their stories while championing the next generation of changemakers.
Welcome back. And pardon the interruption. It is a time of reflection in the times we are in. And as such, my partner in composition, a man I am fortunate to call a friend, has scored a new seasonal anthem for the podcast. You may reflect back on his previous seasonal scores, or even his powerful story shared in Episode 72, Playing it Through with Jason Latham. And as with any co-creation, it often leaves us inspired and gifted with words to accompany the silence between the notes. And so, on this interlude episode, I will share with you, the listeners, the very words that came to the composer as he beautifully scored, composed, mixed and produced this masterful piece, aptly titled, “ALL THE KING’S HORSES” followed by an full, uninterrupted listen of the movement of the music that inspired his words.Enjoy and thanks for listening and sharing.
Sydney is journalist turned strategist with a unique blend of experience in diversity & inclusion, management consulting and people strategy. Her superpower is th ability to connect and influence - With a knack for leaning into hard and uncomfortable conversations with employees of all levels. She is anchored in doing work that is meaningful and directly impacts and uplifts historically excluded communities. From scrappy pre-IPO startups to public Fortune 50 companies, Sydney has honed her skills in building diversity recruiting strategies, D&I programs, policy and product inclusion, guiding teams through change management, and educating and empowering senior executives to build, sustain and lead more diverse and inclusive teams, companies and environments.When not at work, she's trying a new recipe, traveling to and exploring a new place, listening to Stevie Wonder (or trap music) on full blast, reading Black American fiction and sippin' something bubbly. Enjoy the conversation!
My guest on Episode 117 is Beth Banks Cohn, PhD. As President of ADRA Change Architects, Beth helps individuals and organizations reach their full potential. She uses a highly developed organizational intuition to help them see what others might have missed. All efforts are focused on giving the business results they desire.With over 25 years of business experience in the Pharmaceutical and Healthcare arena, Beth brings time in IT, Sales & Marketing and Operations and combines it with degrees in Organization Development and Human and Organizational Systems as well as a Certificate in Positive Psychology to bring a unique and proven approach. Beth knows that change and transformation isn't easy for individuals or organizations, no matter what the business drivers are. But it's amazing how much easier it can be when they can align their people and strategy - and look forward to seeing them all grow.Learn more about Beth at adrachangearchitects.comEnjoy the listen.
My next guest could write an opus on what it feels like to lead and live in change. I first heard Drew Wilkinson’s story on a the Powered by the People podcast at Microsoft, and instantly found myself drawn in to learn more about his story, most intriguingly the path that led a modern day poet to go from the stage life as the lead singer of a hardcore punk band to one of the world’s preeminent technology companies leading corporate activism and communities of passion for sustainability. If you look up Drew Wilkinson, you will find a quote that fits his change story, and reads almost like a lyric from his days as the front man of his band, RUN WITH THE HUNTED. “We don’t give up easily. No, doesn’t intimidate us.” Those are the words of a changemaker. Those are the words of a punk rock veteran. And those are the words of an activist, working to leave the place better than he found it. It was an honor to record in person, capturing Drew’s incredible story and listening to the music his band put out into this world. It speaks to the inner songwriter in me, and the quiet rebel in all of us. Enjoy the listen.Learn more about the community in this short video Microsoft Sustainability Connected Community - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2rjDLpGdVs8 Or by reading pages 9-10 of Microsoft’s 2021 Environmental Sustainability Report | Microsoft CSR: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/corporate-responsibility/sustainability/reportYou can also reference Drew’s previous blogs on this topic @ Make Sustainability Part of Everybody's Job (microsoft.com): https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/green-tech-blog/make-sustainability-part-of-everybody-s-job/ba-p/3146718And connect with him on LinkedIn Drew Wilkinson | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewmartinwilkinson/
I met my next guest sailing somewhere in the waters of the Eastern Caribbean in 2014. Canaan Cox began his career singing on Cruise Ships and is now one of Nashville’s fastest rising Independent artists. A true entertainer, Canaan is what some in the industry might consider a triple threat. Actor, singer, dancer…and now he has director and producer credits under his belt too. Having been a fan since the first time I heard him sing so many years ago, it was my honor to welcome Canaan to the show and hear stories of change as an independent artist. Learn more about Canaan at http://www.canaancox.com
Brandi Olson believes that you shouldn’t have to choose between doing good, important work, and your own humanity. An expert in organizational design and agility, she teaches leaders how to solve problems and adapt fast with high-performing teams. Brandi is a best-selling author of Real Flow: Break the Burnout Cycle and Unlock High Performance in the New World of Work. Her work has been featured in Fast Company, Forbes, and Inc. Magazine. She is the founder of Real Work Done and lives in Minnesota with her kids, dog, chickens, and garden.You can learn more about Brandi at www.realworkdone.com
Coach GARY WATERS spent 11 seasons (2006-2017) as Winningest Coach in Cleveland State University’s Program History. With over two decades of experience in coaching, Waters has seen many changes within the profession over the years, and has worked tirelessly to instill a core of values and integrity, both on and off the court. Together, we talk about the imperative and life changing role an Athletic Coach can play in the lives of others, past, present and future. We also talk key moments in sports history that left us both changed. Enjoy the listen! Learn more about Coach Waters at https://www.coachwaters.com/
My guest on Episode 112 needs almost no introduction. Scott Kelly is a former military fighter pilot and test pilot, an engineer, a retired astronaut, and a retired U.S. Navy captain. A veteran of four space flights, who has commanded the International Space Station on three expeditions and was a member of the yearlong mission to the ISS. In October 2015, he set the record for the total accumulated number of days (520 days) spent in space, the single longest space mission by an American astronaut. I am honored to welcome Scott Kelly to the podcast to launch the 2023 season. This conversation was a true honor and a dream come true. You can find more about Scott Kelly at: scottkelly.com and support his cause to help Ukraine and their citizens at donorbox.org/scottkelly
Our final episode of 2022 is a unique episode for me. My guest, Thomas Mallon, is an author whose work is special in my life. His novel “Fellow Travelers” created a lasting bond and memory for me and my husband, and is a gleaming gemstone in the mosaic that is our relationship. We used to talk of how great it would be to someday invite Thomas Mallon to dinner and thank him for his work, stories and characters. After reading so many of his works, it feels like Thomas is an old DC friend, with his stories intertwined with our life and the city where our love story began.This conversation, recorded in DC on a beautiful winter morning, reminds me of the power of a friendship that exists through his characters and the pages of his stories…a friendship that spans 14 years. And yet we hadn’t personally met until the morning of this podcast recording. In this very special episode we hear his story and have a conversation with Thomas Mallon. We discuss his novels and how the changing stories in our lives unfold, not only through the characters on the pages, but also in the lives we lead in change. We also hear more about his soon to be released novel “Up with the Sun.” Enjoy the conversation and Happy New Year! Learn more about Thomas at thomasmallon.com
Imagine being able to go back and have a conversation with your 12 year old self. Imagine being able to share all the things you had learned along the way, to celebrate your unwavering resilience, to honor your fortitude and most importantly admire your compassion for change. While it may not seem achievable, this next conversation with Rory Woonsue did just that, for both the host and the guest. See, I met Rory when I was 12 years old and we were both in the 7th grade in Warsaw, Poland. It was a historic time - Gulf War, Reunification of Germany, the fall of the Soviet Union. All this was taking place around us while we were trying to salvage our childlike wonder, and hold on to our innocence.The world around us was changing fast, and we had no choice but to try and find our way in the world, in a post communist country, while navigating adolescence behind the Iron Curtain. This conversation was a salve on a wound I didn't know I had been ignoring for multiple decades. It was in this connection, reignited from a place of forgiveness and laughter, grace and gratitude, that allowed us both to heal and pay it forward for the next generation. As they say in Polish, Sto Lat! (100 Years!) Here's to friendship, no matter what.
On Episode 109, I welcome a long overdue conversation with Dele Down Kooley. Dele and I met on a panel for the Women in Tech Regatta in Seattle. We both hit it off sharing our backgrounds in the military and as fate would have it, we would be working together a year or so later. Her story is one that will remind you the power and importance of the pivot. And most importantly, the pivot to joy. Enjoy the listen. Learn more about Dele and her new book at: https://delekooleycoaching.com/
Edward Cleaves is the author of Kind Soul, Closet Maniac: A Memoir – a tale of a kid trying to escape a horrible past and navigate an uncertain future. All the while never giving up, and eventually coming to terms with life. Ever vigilant and ever hopeful. This is a powerful story rooted plainly with purpose and perseverance in prose. Learn more about Ed at: https://www.edwardcleaves.com/
On Episode 107, we meet Bryan Komornik. Bryan is a Partner at West Monroe where he leads and focuses on Healthcare Management and Health Strategy Solutions. Bryan is also an Executive Board Member at Trilogy Behavioral Healthcare, a non profit that provides integrated care that enables people in mental health recovery to build meaningful and independent lives.
Bryan is a frequent author of articles and publication on topics of navigating the future of healthcare and the transformative power of connected care. Bryan also wrote a very powerful article on Progressology.com in 2019 on his personal journey while becoming a father to twin boys and redefining his understanding of work-life balance, and how it is an erroneous myth.
Read Bryan's article here: https://progressology.com/articles/2019/02/26/throw-out-the-work-life-scale-a-father-of-twins-journey-to-imbalance/
Learn about Trilogy Behavioral Healthcare here: https://www.trilogyinc.org/
Welcome back and thanks for listening. As we approach the Thanksgiving Day Holiday here in the United States, I want to extend my gratitude and thanks to all the listeners that keep this show vibrant, relevant and growing.
One of the many gifts I get to experience from this platform built on a passion for both storytelling and story listening are the connections, recommendations and suggestions that former guests share with me for future shows. Today’s guest came to me that way as well, and from one Steven to another. My guest on Episode 106 is Steven Jaggers, founder of Somatic Breathwork.
Steven’s purpose in life is to liberate people from the stress & overwhelm that lies unprocessed in our bodies so that we become free in our mind. As we discuss in this episode together, Steven believes there is an exact correlation between our physical vitality and mental health. If we want to improve the quality of our lives we MUST address both…and that begins with breath.
Living and practicing out of Sedona, Arizona and Austin, Texas Steven helps people from all over the world align their Minds & Bodies through somatic breathwork, energetic bodywork and a deep reconnection to nature. Enjoy the conversation and feel into your breath as you listen.
You can find more about Steven and his great work at: https://www.somaticbreathwork.com/
To listen is to practice... To listen is to prompt... To listen is to love.
Thank you for joining me in and adventure in attunement and an alongside listen.
New Seasonal Theme music composed by Jason Latham. Poetry and words written by Bill Kirst and Jason Latham.
Landon Kissinger is a Manager at West Monroe and a member of the firm’s Customer Experience practice, where he focuses on High Performance Contact Centers, Salesforce CRM and Customer Experience Strategy.
With a technical background and an unmatched passion for people Landon continues to work on his pedigree with his uncommon blend of technology and business acumen. He earned his Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Computer Science from Gonzaga University’s School of Engineering and Applied Science, focusing in database management and data-structures. (GO ZAGS)
Landon also has a background in Ethical Philosophy and Psychology, Integration Technologies, and social media and marketing strategy. Oh, and I am not done yet folks…Landon has 6 certifications that he has earned with passion and perseverance in a digital first world: - He is a Certified Product Manager, earned from the Product School - A Certified Scrum Master, earned from Scrum Alliance - A Salesforce Administrator – that is not easy to earn and highly sought after in this market - He has both an Amazon Connect and Amazon Technical Certification – also highly in demand - And if that wasn’t enough, he is a certified Call Center Manager.
And somehow Landon has mastered the ability to bend time and space, because in addition to his full time job and family life, he is also a Master Set King, knowing all things possible about Pokemon, Pokemon Go, Dota 2, Clash Royale and more.
Yep, Landon is an active gamer and streamer with a large well-earned following on Tik Tok, Twitch, Twitter, YouTube, Disqord, Ebay and Instagram, where you can find him under the handle @jentilakgaming, always reminding his audiences to “Choose Happy.”
I bring you the gentle giant, my friend and proud mentee, Mr. Landon Kissinger. Enjoy the conversation.
Jon Becker has spent his life’s work making sure that those in uniform – all uniforms – are all secure. Spanning nearly four decades of service to law enforcement and military special operations units around the world, Jon’s commitment and expertise has influenced the innovation and application of tactical equipment for operators from around the world serving in top law enforcement and military units.
After founding Aardvark Tactical when just 17 years old, Jon has gone on to grow his company into one of the largest providers of tactical equipment in the world, while also becoming an attorney with a focus on civil rights and police litigation.
Jon attributes his success and remarkable journey to those who came before him, to those who invested in him, and to those who taught him the importance of compassion, care and commitment in developing his craft. His craft is saving lives. Each and every day. And that craft continues in the lost art of oral tradition, with his podcast called The Debrief.
On his show Jon and his guests help countless families, communities, protectors, leaders, and warriors with what seems to be a near mission impossible. Healing. True healing begins when we can tell our stories, and free ourselves, if only for a moment, from the unyielding grip of trauma and loss, Because we all have the right to heal.
I believe it is a powerfully shared purpose and passion for storytelling, heartbreak and healing that brought Jon into my ecosystem on July 12, 2022. What followed was a series of conversations, what is being born is a kinship for a common end state…that is healing through learning, sharing and meeting one another in our own uninhibited humanity.
Enjoy the conversation and tune in to the Debrief at TheDebrief.live to hear more harrowing stories from Jon and his guests.
On Episode 102, I am joined by Rudy Hunter who shares an incredible story in grief, loss, love and healing. Rudy is a unique healer, teacher and author who has worked with people and animals for 30 years to help them heal. Rudy's customers and clients have shared such sentiment as "If teddy bears could speak, they would sound like Rudy Hunter." Rudy's unique gift is meeting people where they are at in their pain and trauma journey and guiding them to a place of wholehearted joy and comfort. This was a fascinating conversation and one I hope you enjoy!
My guest on this episode is Andrew Bartlow, who brings 25 years of Human Resources and Talent Management experience to share in stories, wisdom and insights earned while supporting organizations of all sizes, stages and complexity. He is the co-author of “Scaling for Success: People Priorities for High Growth Organizations. He also leads Series B Consulting which helps businesses articulate their people strategy and accelerate their growth while navigating change. Andrew founded the People Leader Accelerator, a preeminent development program for startup HR Leaders. I hope you enjoy this discussion with Andrew who invites you to to reach out to him via LinkedIn to connect and learn more. And if you do, feel free to mention you heard his story on Coffee and Change, and he will send you a full length workbook of one of his People Leader Accelerator guides for free. Enjoy the discussion and happy listening.
On episode 100, I took time to sit with the resounding questions and reflect on the answers that formulated from a place of deep listening, raw vulnerability and heartfelt appreciation after having hosted 99 conversations with changemakers and guests. During the Summer of 2022, I went back to relisten and reacquaint myself with all the stories in change this platform has echoed out to over 295,000 unique listeners across six continents. Enjoy the listen. Here's to the next 100.
On Episode 99, I welcome back a former guest who holds the accolade of being the most listened to and most shared episode of this podcast. You may remember Julio from Episode 74 where he shared with us the importance of working on a kinder, healthier world. A year has passed since we had Julio on the podcast, and it is an understatement to say a lot has changed this past year in the world. Julio shares his growth and we even chat about the latest renaissance of music from Beyonce and the role it plays in our narrative in change emerging around us. Happy listening!
*Reminder, I will be taking a summer break to reflect on all 99 episodes of this podcast and write the 100th episode. Look forward to reconnecting with you in the Fall of 2022.
On Episode 98, I seized the opportunity to meet with a friend for the first time near one of my favorite places on the planet. If you have visited the Presidio, Fort Mason and Chrissy Field in San Francisco, California, then you know the magnetism and majesty of that part of the world. Amidst the radiant reflection of the Golden Gate Bridge, once described as “possibly the most beautiful, certainly the most photographed, bridge in the world,” my friend and guest, David Watson helped me snap a few selfies and then found a spot to sit and record a conversation that was a few years in the making. I first heard David’s origin story in September of 2020 and afterward reached out to him to thank him for sharing it. I have had the pleasure of benefiting from David’s incredible work, his passion and his calling…giving voice to the unvoiced. And at a time when the rights and voices of so many are being silenced it is more important than ever that we voice the unvoiced and echo it to the boundless potential for healing. Enjoy the conversation.
Fabiana Claure is my guest on this episode. Fabiana lies at the intersection of some of my favorite topics…music, business and technology. As the founder of the Musicians Profit Umbrella, Fabiana works with musicians to develop strategies to build financial and artistic freedom with prosperity. As you will hear in her story, she is passionate about empowering fellow musicians to build the life they dream of…on their own terms. Conversations like this, capturing wisdom to share, is important in the times we are in. Artists, now more than ever seek to stand on their own authority and in their own power of creativity. I hope this conversations inspires you to take that next steps toward creating and owning your craft. Enjoy the listen.
You can find more about Fabiana at her website: https://fabianaclaure.com/
On this episode I interview Lindsey Caplan of The Gathering Effect. Gatherings are like gateways...they take us to another plan as humans. We express, inquire, engaged, grieve and celebrate best when gathered. Without our togetherness we may have never known the fullness of friendship or the fathoms of love fulfilled. By its very definition gathering is another kind of awakening, because suddenly one's scene changes, as as the Spanish poet, Antonio Machado says, "you are now in a different world." And as the Irish mystic John O'Donohue reminds us, "that sense of difference and otherness is always what makes us wonder." My guest on this episode helps organizations and leaders wonder about the gathering effect. Her expertise is in scripting experiences in gathering to help boost morale, engagement, and retention for the long term.
From her beginnings as a comedy writer in Hollywood on shows like "Curb Your Enthusiasm" to her days an Organizational Psychologist and Head of Talent for successful Silicon Valley companies, Lindsey's journey in change has brought her to a place where she can help others gather to make change stick. Enjoy the conversation and learn more at http://www.gatheringeffect.com
Liz Kislik is a management consultant and executive coach, and a frequent contributor to Harvard Business Review and Forbes. Her TEDx “Why There’s So Much Conflict at Work and What You Can Do to Fix It” has received more than a quarter of a million views. She specializes in developing high performing leaders and workforces, and for 30 years has helped family-run businesses, national nonprofits, and Fortune 500 companies like American Express, Girl Scouts, Staples, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, and Highlights for Children solve their thorniest problems. You can learn more about Liz at: https://lizkislik.com/ Liz's free ebook: How to Resolve Interpersonal Conflicts in the Workplace: https://lizkislik.com/resolve-conflict/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizkislik/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/LizKislik
On today’s episode, I had the pleasure of meeting and speaking with Dr. Barry Borgerson. Barry is a pioneer in developing a comprehensive theory to understand and manage our many hidden mental mechanisms including those that create involuntary habits (auto-behaviors) and automatic thought patterns (auto-contexts) that control "soft" success factors in business. On this episode we touch on the outlines of 2Selfs Theory, which Barry developed when his old interest became an object of intense study. His intense study became a passion and eventually he became convinced he had to share his insights into how to maximize the effectiveness of our automatic activities, and decided to retire early from a lucrative executive career to pursue creating 2Selfs Theory. Enjoy the discussion. Learn more at: https://www.2selfs.com/
Contend. This is a word that keeps coming up in my psyche as of late. C-O-N-T-E-N-D. Contend. And for those of you having flashbacks to the spelling bees of our youth, I know you want me to use it in a sentence. So, here it goes. I contend to learn in every conversation I have and host on this podcast. Yeah, see what I did there?
Perhaps it is because I am enjoying the great work of a fellow podcaster, Erick Godsey, who in his latest episode encourages listeners to go back to understand the definition of the word, the origin of the word CONTEND. And so I did. In its Latin root, it means “with stretch, or with strive” and to stretch with or strive with is one of the things I love most about meeting new people and hearing new stories. My guest's story on this episode came to me, and us, because we were both in a time of great stretch and strive personally and professionally. For me, I was attending my first work dinner in almost two years, and frankly I was nervous to be in a restaurant to meet new colleagues in a new job. And so, I stretched myself, and that led to a great conversation with a fellow human across a table, who also stretched himself. And so began a friendship and a kinship when we learned we had more in common than others may realize. Heck, we even surprised ourselves a bit in our ability to stretch and grow. It is joy to share Shannon Dickens' story and inspire him to capture stories of his own with a fishing pole, a lot of faith and family first. Enjoy the listen.
As I am editing a few upcoming episodes, I thought I would take a moment to provide an interlude and tip my podcast hat to a great source of inspiration, who is going through a lot of change at this moment.
As some of you may know, when asked who might be a dream guest to have on this podcast, I often cite the journalist, author and host, Krista Tippett. Krista is the host of my favorite podcast, On Being, which she created in 2014 after a long run of her show “Speaking of Faith” broadcast on American Public Media beginning in the early and mid 2000s. Now, after nearly 20 years of broadcasting and executive producing, change is ahead for Krista, her team and her loyal listeners. Let's unpack it together on this interlude episode.
Imagine you had a great friend who you met in your twenties when you lived in the big city. For six years you and this friend and her friends were pretty much inseparable. You made memories together, experienced heartbreak together and at some point life happened and you went your separate ways, keeping memories, but no longer together. Well, now imagine after nearly 20 years, you get a text from that friend to let you know he or she was in town for a few nights and wanted to see you. What would you do? Would you thumb through the rolodex of old times and try and book that favorite spot you used to go for dinner? Perhaps you would try that coffee spot you loved, if it was still open. Do you dare pull out that old dress to see if it still fits? See, Nostalgia sometimes get the best of you, and just like that, we are reminded that people change…and that is okay. Or is it? My guest on this episode returns to Coffee and Change to join us as the co- host of Coaching Carrie, a podcast that explore the rewatching of Sex and the City and inquires on how things might have gone if only Carrie had a personal coach. And then, flash forward nearly 20 years and we are at it again…only this time, I couldn’t help but wonder…was I the only one who felt this way about a revival?
On Episode 90 I welcome Steven Fielding, who I call the Talisman for Change. I first heard Steven's incredible story and journey in change on Erick Godsey's Podcast - The Myths That Make Us. I felt a resonance right away and knew I wanted to reach out to not only meet him, but also have him on as a guest on my podcast. Together we talk about archetypes of manhood, men's work, healing and hope for the world in times such as these. This conversation was recorded in a space that Steven is creating and curating to host retreats and workshops to re-connect and re-member who we are as men, as myth makers and marauders of the soul.
I guess grief is like fissures. They are like cuts in the earth to allow the pressure to release on this journey everward.
Learn more about Steven on IG at @steven.fielding or @stonewitchtalisman_
On today’s episode, I am honored to welcome David Nour. David has an incredible story rooted in resilience, co-creation and lasting change. David is not only the CEO of The Nour Group, a business he built after 20 years of professional practice, but also a great citizen, father, husband, son and storyteller. We delve into some of his story in this episode, and uncover the many tales we share in common as well as explore the new reality of the world around us both. David has written 11 books and is working on his 12th while rewriting some of his early work to reflect today’s challenges in building relationships and the importance of understanding the indelible imprint moments that make us who we are. I want to extend David a big thank you, or SEPAS, MERCI as they say is Persian, for his generosity and time in joining on the podcast. You can find out more about David at http://www.nourgroup.com
Today’s conversation is one that the universe brought to my inbox and my attention when the world is thinking and wondering about peace in our time. Just this week you have probably heard or read headlines that seem to jump from another era, right out of the pages of our history books. Negotiations, summits, talks, strained diplomacy, war games and alliances tested, it all leaves us with an ever evolving understanding about peace and conflict in our world. And my guest today is someone who thinks a great deal about peace in our time.
Steve Killelea is a global philanthropist and founder of the Institute for Economics and Peace. Steve’s work lies squarely in the intersection of policy, philanthropy and purposeful public discourse. His research looks at the golden thread between business, peace and economic development and what he calls “Positive Peace” - a model that embraces the attitudes, institutions, and structures required to create and sustain peaceful societies in our world.
Steve’s work has been recognized by the United Nations, the World Bank, the Dalai Lama, Desmond Tutu and Jimmy Carter. Steve is the creative force behind the Global Peace Index Study, launched in May of 2007, a fascinating report everyone should read to learn where the world’s nations and regions rank in peacefulness. I hope you enjoy this captivating discussion with a man of many talents and passions from surfing, to entrepreneurship and lifelong learning and paying it forward.
On Episode 87 we meet Shani Magosky, Founder of the LeaderSHIFT Project. Shani works with companies to help their leaders become better people. After decades of experience in the corporate arena, Shani decided to take some big shifts in her life toward purpose, joy and legacy. Enjoy the discussion and learn more about Shani at http://www.theleadershiftproject.com
A little out of order, but that is basically what life is these days, so I figured better late than never.
I wanted to share with you all the 2022 Season Preview for the podcast. Thank you for listening. I hope to bring you another season of inspiration, hope and reflection - all rooted from a place of intention and vision.
Thanks for allowing me to do what I do and share in something I love - storytelling and connecting. Here's to another great season together.
As always, I welcome your feedback, ideas and recommendations at: http://www.coffeeandchange.co IG: coffee.and.change LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/coffee-change
Welcome back and thanks for listening. I am excited to kick off this season with our first guest in 2022 who will inspire you to pursue your passion and chase your dreams across the country and down the slopes. Jane Coughlin is a Change Management Consultant turned Certified Ski Instructor whose story showcases the importance of taking risks, listening to your heart and manifesting joy in your life. Sometimes finding joy means reconfiguring everything you have worked toward and built around you, and Jane reminds us there is always time to make a change and listen to that small voice in your head. Join me in this conversation with a courageous leader and generous heart as we learn how to navigate the turns, twists and jumps in this one wild and precious life. The day we connected for this conversation, Jane had just received her Level 1 Certification as a Ski Instructor. Thank you to Jane for joining to share this story.
And just like that we are at the last episode of the 2021 Season! On this episode, I am honored to speak with Tom Cridland - singer, songwriter and podcast host of "The Greatest Music of All Time." His is a podcast you should definitely add to your New Year's listening resolutions. Tom connects with some of the world's best artists and captures the story behind the story of their music, songwriting and creative process. It was a joy to connect with a fellow music lover and lifelong student of songwriting and song. Enjoy the listen and Happy Holidays! Look forward to connecting again in the 2022 Season of Coffee and Change.
As we reflect on yet another the year of grief, growth and gathering, I want to thank all the guests this year for your courageous sharing and storytelling that helped listeners around the world grow in change. In this brief episode, before preparing to record a final interview for 2021, I share a look back and reflection alongside a poet-philosopher's quote and usher in our continued wintering with "The Beautiful Haunt" - the latest composition from the one and only Jason Latham. This beautiful piece of music will be the opening theme for the podcast in 2022. Thanks for listening!
On this bonus episode I share the audio from a November 12, 2021 webinar where I spoke to three students who co-founded the "What in the Health" Podcast and shared insights and my journey in podcasting. “What in the Health?” is a student-led podcast founded by Eric Lynch, Rina Helt, and Fateha Zannath, three undergraduate students at Johns Hopkins University. The goal of this initiative is to help young adults make empowered choices about their health through the dissemination of credible information. By interviewing experts in all topics related to public health (i.e. COVID-19, patient safety, skincare, etc.), the goal is to create content that is easy to understand, relatable, and engaging. You can follow and listen to their podcast on all major platforms and YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuHRfY587thBe56fcI_ohxQ
Today’s conversation is one that stemmed from an idea from a former guest. The one and only WonderMama, Kacie Linegar, who you may remember from Episode 32, approached me at a time of great change in my life and asked if she could interview me to capture learning, insights, observations and nuggets of growth. Why at this time? Well, as I embark on a new journey and new chapter, the timing seemed right. So, with care and trust, I jumped at the chance to be in the hot seat and have the tables turned and be interviewed by Kacie, who is a career-long transformation expert. She is currently a Principal at a company called ALULA, which specializes in business transformation through effective leadership. Through her career, she has partnered with public and private sector leaders such as the Department of Defense, Department of Justice, Chevron and Total, helping them diagnose barriers to individual and team success. She is passionate about working with leaders to change the way they lead to enable them to realize their goals. It was an honor to have Kacie on the show again and I look forward to the follow up in the future. Enjoy the discussion.
Today’s story comes from Joseph Julian from Mount Vernon, Indiana. Joseph attends Wabash College where he is a Senior majoring in Philosophy and minoring in Political Science. I had the pleasure of meeting with Joseph on a beautiful fall day on his campus where we talked about a recent speech he delivered to his community on the topic of Queer History, Past, Present and Future. Alongside and amidst three fellow student leaders and alumni, Joseph shared from his heart and in doing so moved a community further along in the journey of inclusion and belonging. You can find the talk and speech on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ZCpDbhCoDvw.
I encourage you to go listen to it in its entirety, and remember that words make worlds. And I think these men left the world a little better place for the words they spoke in honor of LGBT History Month. Enjoy the listen.
There is a word in the Irish language that holds great reverence and importance in Celtic Culture. While I am sure my pronunciation will not do it justice, my guest on this episode certainly does. That word is Seanchai and it means Storyteller.
Storytelling is part of the Irish DNA and it comes to life in the words and wisdom of a man you will meet in this next hour. That man is Irvine Nugent. Irvine originally hails from the town of Ballymagorry in Northern Ireland, where he grew up as a Child of the Troubles. His tales of adversity, resilience, rebuilding and healing laid the foundation for a great storytelling and wisdom sharing, all that was collected in a book he published in September of 2020.
Titled “Leadership Lessons from the Pub,” I read this book cover to cover one afternoon and couldn’t stop thinking about the undiscovered commonalities of our human journeys. I was honored to have Irvine join me for a nourishing and generous conversation that felt a little bit like two old friends meeting up after a long time away.
You can learn more about Irvine’s work, writings and wisdom at IrvineNugent.com. Enjoy the conversation.
Our story today comes from Chris Lovett the founder of Less is Progress, and author of Discovery of Less. His platform has been created to support individuals, families and teams be more successful, with LESS. Chris believes that life is complex and we are always on the go. We are consumed by countless distractions, constant comparisons and too much stuff can make us lose focus on what's important.
Having a minimalist mindset can help design a better lifestyle that works for you in any context of life. Remove the things that no longer add value to make room for unlocking the best version of you.
This is one man’s story of how he did just that. I really enjoyed the conversation, reading and discussing his book, and even taking a few detours and footpaths through a few musical throwbacks for some added joy. I definitely look forward to having Chris on for a part 2 at some point to continue the camaraderie in change.
Enjoy the listen and make sure to check out Chris’s work at LessIsProgress.com
Today’s story comes to us from Shae Sterrett. Shae is the founder and owner of The Spark, a Yoga Therapy and Healing Arts boutique based in New Hampshire. The Spark is a virtual and in person health and healing arts collective that serves clients from around the world.
Shae’s work is centered on helping men and women struggling with trauma, post traumatic stress, chronic stress and pain and persistent anxiety.
At The Spark Shae works to provide customers with innovative, personalized, and transformative experiences to help others master self-care and proceed on a lifelong healing journey. Enjoy the listen.
Learn more at: https://shaesterrett.com/the-spark-boutique
Today’s conversation and story is shared by Colin McLetchie. Colin is the owner and founder of Five Ways Forward, and partners with individuals, managers, leaders and executives to evolve, grow and thrive as human beings.
As we hear in this discussion with Colin, everything he does comes from what he believes in and what he sees in others. And what that belief and sight looks like is:
Lives worth living, leaders worth following, and teams/organizations worth being a part of... all of which create communities and a world worth living in.
Colin plays many roles in this life, as a coach, consultant, trainer, facilitator, speaker and more. I am also honored to get to call him a friend along this journey. No matter the hat he is wearing, Colin is concretely focused on helping people and teams think, feel, and believe differently so they can do differently to increase their impact on the mission and the world.
I trust this discussion and the insights explored with Colin will find a way to help you take a new step, a courageous step and a lasting step for yourself. Thanks for listening and enjoy the discussion.
You can reach out to Colin at http://www.fivewaysforward.com
On Episode 77, I take the podcast on the road, and into a studio where magic happens. Matt Schimelfenig and Augusta Koch make up the band Gladie. They were kind enough to invite me to the Ponono Mountains in Pennsylvania where they have built their own studio where they record their own music and also that of other bands and artists. Together in the perfectly creative curated space called The Bunk, we discuss how the pandemic has changed the lives of artists and the craft of music making, editing and producing. There are so many gems of inspiration from this discussion, so let your inner artist and creative listen deeply. You can find out more about Matt and August on their website at www.atthebunk.com or look for their music on your favorite platform. Thanks for listening!
Today's story features Paul Shepherd, a Sydney based entrepreneur and creator of a unique system that helps leaders to live a life of purpose and meaning through a holistic 360-degree approach that nurtures the mind, body, and soul. Prepare for a dynamic conversation with this incredible human being. Enjoy the listen. You can find out more about Paul at http://www.paulbshepherd.com
Nadine's mission is to ambitiously push human potential and humanity forward by empowering others to clarify the highest vision of their future and fulfill that by optimizing their performance and wellbeing, enabling them to lead with purpose and activate systemic change.
Nadine has worked with elite athletes and high-performance coaches across all sports in Ireland for over 8 years as well as with C-level executives, senior leaders and leadership teams in national, international and Fortune 500 companies. As a change facilitator and innovator, Nadine is passionate about activating systemic transformation and has led multiple projects at national level in Ireland to create systems change in education, youth leadership, society and in the wellbeing curriculum at post-primary level. Nadine also supports entrepreneurs globally through her signature online program, The Celtic Leader, to take their big-hearted vision to purpose-driven mission.
Nadine's unrelenting focus on leading an emerging future that serves us collectively, along with her steadfast belief in my clients’ strengths, resources and highest potential is the driving force in my work. Nadine utilizes pioneering tools and transformational techniques to educate and empower her clients and work with deep care, attention and privilege to serve. As Khalil Gibran, the Sufi poet said “work is love made visible,” and it is her honor to lead with love and purpose in all she does. And it is my honor to share Nadine's story.
Today's story comes from Julio Alvarez, a first-generation Ecuadorean American who has worked for the largest consumer brands, helping connect people to emerging new products in meaningful ways.
Over the last 12 years, Julio has created retail experiences as an Apple store leader, led Google’s annual Year in Search brand campaign, supported a luxury brand acquisition at Airbnb, created the PMM function at Tumblr, and championed Lyft’s ability to overcome strong COVID headwinds with leadership across two mission-critical areas: Health Safety and Self-Driving Rides.
Julio is passionate about mental health + sustainability and sees them as the most pressing opportunities of our lifetime, so he's taking time post-COVID to explore how he can best add value at-scale here.
Fun fact: Perhaps second only to Gayle King, Julio has watched all 4,563 episodes of the Oprah Show. These days, you might call that a Ph.D in storytelling! Enjoy the discussion.
On this episode we hear the story and journey of former gymnast champion now novelist, Scott Wilbanks. Scott's first novel, The Lemoncholy Life of Annie Aster was a book I couldn't put down. Now, five years later, I am re-reading the book for the third time and connecting with Scott to say thank you for listening to the inner voice that placed one sentence in his head and began his journey as a novelist and author. Enjoy the discussion.
Happy Summer and thanks for listening. Just as the seasons change, we too are changing things up a bit here on Coffee & Change. As we head into the summer season, as families begin to reunite, take road trips, make memories and celebrate moments together, we want to meet people where they are at, wherever they are listening. And my guest on this special episode makes that possible. The musical opening you are hearing is the summer season composition and score for this podcast, penned and played by none other than Jason Latham.
As art of our creative partnership, Jason wanted to bring our listening community a sound for summer. That sound captures the season and spirit perfectly, as I will be taking a few episodes of the podcast on the road this summer...meeting people where they are at.
So to kick off that special series, let’s hear from the composer and creator, who in his story reminds us of the power of playing in through, learning from the next generation, and listening to your heart while being pulled toward pathways and tidepools by the unbridled power of unconditional love.
Learn more about Jason and his craft at: https://www.facebook.com/harmony.toanz
Today’s story comes from Sharon Brewster. Sharon is the Chief Brand and Creative Officer at Brewster Branding, a creative agency specializing in helping businesses connect with customers. She is passionate about business innovation, growth, and entrepreneurship. Merging brand strategies, creativity, technology, and a psychologically-nuanced technique, Sharon collaborates with business owners and entrepreneurs to develop a personalized, purposeful and recognizable brand that some would consider their first true reflection in copy. Using web, social media, print, and audience segmentation, Sharon designs with a supportive and inclusive approach to help clients achieve their business goals and life goals. Enjoy the listen.
You can find Sharon at http://www.brewsterbranding.com/portal
Today’s story comes from Brendan McWeeney. Brendan is a User Experience Design Manager at LinkedIn. In November of 2018 Brendan wrote an article on Linkedin titled: “You May Not Be My Leader: My Personal Philosophy on Design Leadership.”
This year, as we emerge from the Pandemic our work has evolved in ways we never could have imagined, this article not only caught my eye, but spoke to my heart. I believe we are at an unprecedented crossroads in leadership - from design to development to delegation. The whole definition needs to be rewritten based on new ways of working to address the new challenges that can’t be solved with the tools we learned, in all those books we read, and courses we sat through. So where do we begin? Well, I am hoping for you, it may begin in the power of reading the words of Brendan McWeeney who courageously shared how he decided to construct his own Personal Philosophy of Leadership after completing a Masters in Information Design and Strategy. Brendan puts the power back in the hands of each leader to revisit the assumed methods and measures of leadership, and instead craft one that drives all forms of value innovation, casts a vision to inspire others to act, and creates new forums of empathic inclusion to lead alongside others in change.
Today’s story comes from Seth Adams, the Land Conservation Director for Save Mount Diablo. Thirty three years ago, Seth joined Save Mount Diablo as their first staff member. His passion brought him to the city by the bay, and as a resident of the East Bay he uses a powerful combination of passion, purpose and persistence to manage change admirably in a variety of focus areas. Seth has earned numerous awards and accolades for his work in advocacy, government relations, procurement and acquisitions, and educational and media programs rooted in changing hearts and minds to benefit the climate and the Earth. Among Seth's accomplishments are participation in the preservation of tens of thousands of acres of land as well as the creation of Urban Limit Lines all while supporting the raising of over a billion dollars in conservation funding. Seth is an avid hiker, and amateur historian. Enjoy the listening and the wisdom shared. Learn more at: https://www.savemountdiablo.org/
Today’s story comes from someone I admire and believe in and have had the chance to get to know these past few months. Paul McCarthy is the founder and author of the forthcoming book on FIRED Leadership.
I first heard Paul speak about his work and thought leadership on the Humans Now and Then Podcast with Rebecca Scott. While listening, I found myself stopping in my tracks as Paul posed questions that frankly, no one dared to say aloud before. At the heart of his inquiry is a purpose driven desire to understand why after almost $400 billion a year is spent on leadership development, it still isn’t working.
Paul speaks his truth and shares facts that many organizations do not want to admit. Plain and simple. And in his inquiry and investigation for even more truth in this industry, Paul helps us understand what some may consider an ongoing, unsolved mystery. Why is it, that after all this investment in top talent, organizations are continuing to fire their top talent.
As Paul asks each question in numerous interview this year, I find myself listening deeper and relating to his experience. Paul asks leaders, and you the listeners:
Are you courageous enough to have an honest conversation about what isn’t working in your organization's approach to leadership development?
Paul’s story and his work brings up a lot for me, and I know that many of us have similar and shared experiences. My hope and intention in sharing his story, my story and our stories, is that we each can individually and then collectively muster up the courage and integrity to start having different conversations and make change at the heart of the problem in leadership development today. This conversation is important. The implications are exponential. The need is pressing. The future generation of leaders depends on us to unsubscribe from a false narrative and author a new way forward that involves fresh thinking, inquisitive thinking, real and accountable conversations, expressive and challenging questions and direct and transparent conversation.
You can learn more about Paul on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulmccarthy73/
Today’s story comes to us from Sharon Laflamme. Sharon focuses her work and passion on helping others change and grow through what is referred to as somatic experiences.
In studying the power of the somatic, Sharon seeks to liberate people from the habits, traumas, and beliefs that are creating unhappiness, poor health, lack of fulfillment and stagnation in their life. Sharon empowers and teaches others the skills to create serenity and healing in our world, using own own energetic makeup. Enjoy the discussion.
You can learn more about Sharon at https://www.creatingserenitynow.com/
What if we saw unhappiness not as a problem, but as a puzzle.
When you start a puzzle, at first it can be daunting...lots of pieces, lots of sorting, lots of finding. This next story comes from someone who prides herself in helping others start putting those pieces together. Becky Morrison is the author of The Happiness Recipe published in the Spring of 2021. Having spent two decades in Big Law and Finance, Becky untangled her way into happiness and shares her tips and insights in her book as well as with her clients. Becky is also the co host of a podcast called COACHING CARRIE, where two lawyers turned coaches re-watch Sex And The City and can’t help but wonder: How would Carrie, Miranda, Charlotte and Samantha’s lives have been different if they’d just had a coach to help them along? Every Tuesday Kerry and Becky recap an episode of the show, ask coaching questions, and talk through the answers the characters - and listeners - might give. Learn a little about what coaching looks like and relive your favorite SATC episodes in one podcast!
Learn more about Becky at untanglehappiness.com
Have you ever met someone that could bring a whiteboard to life? You know the type of person who lights up when they grab that marker and start creating, and connecting new ways of living and working the world? All in that limited canvas with an unlimited imagination for improving and doing better. Our story today comes from one of those unique beings on the planet. Donald Van Dyke is a Change and Transformation Leader who I had the pleasure of meeting in an interview almost six years ago. And while the interview began in a traditional way, I knew there was more story ready to burst out of this exceptional candidate I was meeting for the first time. And so with that, I handed him a marker and let him take the whiteboard. In that moment began a great friendship, when the student became the teacher and the opportunities to influence change using one’s story just unfolded before us. And while we have replaced the whiteboard for long walks in this pandemic, his passion for learning and leading is still as fervent as it was the day I first met him. In today’s episode Donald shares his own story in change and talks about the power of Authentic Grit, a term he coined while searching to understand what has made his journey so successful, with so much more still ahead. Enjoy the conversation. You can find more about Donald and his take on Authentic Grit on his LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donaldvandyke/
After the year or two we have had, I would say it’s time to create a lifestyle revolution. And so would my next guest, Natalie Labonte. Natalie shares her story and passions to help others discover what happens when they let their body, their spirit and their spaces do the talking. With a blend of the ancient and the dynamic, Natalie’s talents bring the wisdom of feng shui and biophilic design to her clients, who often never think of the power of place and space the same again. Enjoy the discussion.
You can follow Natalie's work at NatalieLabonte.com and on Instagram at nataliejeanlabonte
Have you ever had that moment when you are listening to a podcast, and you stop and say to yourself, “It would be incredible to have a conversation with this person.” Well, today’s story and guest is a reminder to take those moments that move you, those words that inspire you and those risks that scare you, and go for it. Because you’ll never know, unless you go. And my go, just a few months ago, was to reach out to our next guest, Coach Matthew Hayes. After hearing Matthew as a guest on Clay Boykin’s Podcast called In Search of the New Compassionate Male, I felt called to reach out to Matthew directly, thank him for his insights and words, and ask him if he would share his story with you all...the listeners. What unfolded was equal parts respect, contagious regard and a resounding recognition of our common passions to help others on their journeys through change. I am still feeling this conversation and look forward to hearing how it resonates with you all. Enjoy the listen.
You can reach out to Matthew on Instagram at CoachMatthewHayes
On Episode 62 we hear from Donna Sovie, owner of Check and Balance Business Solutions. In sharing her origin story, Donna talks about how she took a lifelong learning approach to change and built the road to her dream retirement with her husband and family. Enjoy the listen.
On Episode 61 we hear the story of Nick Ferraiolo, a Certified Professional Coach and Energy Leadership Index Master Practitioner. Though Nick's journey he has faced many situations that were life altering. In this discussion he shares some of those stories and explains how he helps clients re-engineer their beliefs in change. Enjoy the listen.
This is part two of the story with Brian Kirst, who shares his journey in change while on an Ancestry Pilgrimage. Make sure to listen to Part 1 before jumping into this episode. You can find out more about Brian and the work he does to help others in Genealogy research and Ancestry Pilgrimage at http://www.ancestrypilgrimage.com
From the first time he felt the pull of ancestral language to the first time logging on to Ancestry.com to his first family constellation, Brian's path had taken him on a multi decade journey in self discovery aided by genealogy research. With 12 years of research completed and some life changing soul work to nudge him, Brian jumped without a net to make the biggest change of his life. And in the sacred movement, mystery and mysticism of an Ancestral Pilgrimage he found his calling, helping others heal their family soul. Learn more about Brian, his story and his calling to help families heal at http://www.ancestrypilgrimage.com
Today is March 11, 2021.
One year ago today, I took my last business flight home and as I sat alongside my fellow passengers, we must have held our breath collectively across the six hour journey home to Seattle.
I remember landing to an eerily quiet city and starting that evening and that next day, our lives would change forever.
As we think about all we have learned and grown through, our sense of home and who we are have become stronger in the isolation, anxiety and grief. This brief episode walks back to remember all we have learned and lived since that time of lockdown and lays the groundwork for a two part special on the power of home, belonging and discovery of heart and self along the journey.
On Episode 57 we hear from Amy Lynn Durham, the creator and author of Create Magic at Work. Amy is a certified coach and helps people discover their Spiritual Intelligence and combine it with Emotional Intelligence to navigate change and making lasting impact in the lives of others.
You can find more about Amy at https://createmagicatwork.net/
Enjoy this powerful, soul-stirring conversation.
Today's story comes from Robert "Bo" Brabo. Bo is a retired Chief Warrant Officer in the U.S. Army, a leadership-driven speaker and author and podcast host. During his time in the service, Bo was the Chief of HR Operations with the White House Communications Agency and Presidential Communications Officer for President George W. Bush and President Barack Obama. In sharing his story Bo provides lessons in leadership, grit, resilience and ingenuity. Enjoy the conversation. And make sure to tune in to The Bo & Luke Show Podcast to follow the great work these guys are doing with some amazing guests.
Today's story comes from Jaylene Wallick. Jaylene is a holistic potential catalyst and change management consultant who passionately helps people reach their truest potential while amplifying the chemical reactions of life. Jaylene is on an incredible journey personally and professionally. She coaches and helps leaders and teams move through the world based on their values, strengths, and what gives each of us energy.
Jaylene is also a practitioner of mindfulness and meditation and helps lead diversity and inclusion and belonging initiatives at her firm.
Sit back and brew up a cup of your favorite warm beverage as you take in the learnings and lessons from Jaylene, a future leader of change management.
There are a number of great resources Jaylene shared in this discussion.
Books mentioned: A Return to Love by Marianne Williamson A Year of Miracles by Marianne Williamson A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle Lost Connections by Johann Hari
Stay tuned for more insights shared post show.
Today’s story features Leyandra Pagan, a Human Capital Strategist and Candidate for Master of Science in Learning & Organizational Change at Northwestern University. Leyandra, like many students around the world, faced a new level of professional change in the summer of 2020. She never anticipated her internship experience in consulting to be fully remote, but as the pandemic raged on that became a new reality.
Leyandra joined the podcast to share her story, insights and passion for leading change while completing two internships in a fully remote world. Together we discuss her valuable insights and lessons learned on what it is like to fully onboard with a new company and only ever get to meet your teammates through a screen. As leaders, we should all listen closely, as there is a lot we can learn from the next generation of leaders like Leyandra. Enjoy the discussion.
On Episode 53, we hear the story of Brett Putter, the CEO of CultureGene.ai and author of two books, Own Your Culture & Culture Decks Decoded. In this discussion, Brett and I talk about the tidal change that has come to how we work and collaborate in a hybrid and remote first world and the importance of values and human centered design when thinking about corporate culture. This is a fascinating discussion and a must listen for leaders navigating the tides of change in today's digital world. Enjoy the discussion.
Opening and closing music composed by Jason Latham of Harmony Toanz Studios.
Today’s story features Kathleen Breault and Lorie Brew.
Both parents and educators, Kathleen and Lorie share their moving stories and valuable insights they personally have gained while navigating and leading change in the education and healthcare systems for families across the State of Pennsylvania.
When the world came to a sudden stop in March of 2020 due to COVID-19, both of these parents learned that their work and passion in advocacy and access became even more important in a remote world. Together, we talk about how parents and families are surviving in a pandemic and raising and educating their children at home, some who face intellectual and physical challenges. Let’s meet them both and learn together how we can support parents, educators, families and children in new ways.
Opening and closing music composed by Jason Latham of Harmony Toanz Studios.
On Episode 51, I met with Jesse Gould, the Founder and President of the Heroic Hearts Project, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that is pioneering psychedelic therapies for military veterans.
After being deployed as an Army Ranger in Afghanistan three times, Jesse founded the Heroic Hearts Project in 2017 to spearhead the acceptance and use of ayahuasca therapy as a means of addressing the current mental health crisis among veterans.
Together we talk about the journey of mental health for veterans and the recent decriminalization efforts and policy changes around psychedelics in the U.S. and Canada.
Driven by a mission to help military veterans struggling with mental trauma, Jesse shares his heart and his own inspiring battle with PTSD and his recovery through ayahuasca therapy.
For more information on the great work that Jesse and his team are doing to save lives and heal hearts, visit heroicheartsproject.org
Enjoy the discussion.
2021 is proving to be a year that will continue to teach us about the power of change. Listen to a preview of what is planned this year for the podcast as we welcome new beginnings and new changes. Happy New Year!
Shawna Rasmussen, our first guest on this podcast back in January 2017, returns for Episode 50, to reflect on four plus years of change. She also flips the script on me to ask me a few questions about the podcast, nearly five years into this journey as a creator. Enjoy the discussion.
On Episode 49, I speak to Kirk Miller, VP of Global Clients at Ariel Group. Kirk shares his experience and wisdom and speaks about an article he posted on LinkedIn after experiencing a furlough. That article is full of great tips and recommendations for anyone impacted by the challenging economy and job market in times such as these. Enjoy the discussion!
On Episode 48, I interview Errol Doebler. With over 20 combined years as a Navy SEAL and FBI Special Agent Errol believes that if leadership is not done correctly one of three consequences will be realized, all of which are unacceptable: mission failure, injury, or death. Errol also believes that the leadership exhibited during times of chaos and struggle should not be vastly different than the leadership exhibited during times of relative calm and accord. As Errol points out in our discussion and in his book, there is no, “Break glass in case of emergency” leadership playbook. The same leadership that is applied during chaos on the battlefield is the same leadership that should be applied in business and at home. From his experience and wisdom, Errol developed a leadership process that can be applied to all aspects of our lives in times of both chaos and harmony.
Errol is also a trained Wim Hof method leader, blending the power of breathing, cold exposure and mindset to achieve focus and sustained health. As you will here in this discussion, Errol soaks in an ice bath at least once every day. So, of course I had to title this episode Iced Coffee with Errol. Enjoy the listen.
The Presidential Election in 2020 may be one of the most headline making and historic campaigns of our time. Join me in this discussion with a former guest, Kevin Walling, as we break down the week leading up to Election Day in the United States, as well as what got us to where we are as a nation. Enjoy the listen!
On Episode 47, my guest is Tom Libelt. It is tough to summarize all the change that Tom has navigated in his life, and in our discussion we talk about the many dimensions of change that have made him who he is today. From his early years when he and his family escaped from Communist Poland to come to the U.S., to his hip hop career in New York City, to his documentary filmmaking and his success as a business man and entrepreneur. Our conversation naturally finds it way around the world and back again. We covered a lot of territory on change in this episode and I know already that I will have Tom back on for a part two in 2021. Till then, enjoy the discussion with Tom Libelt.
On Episode 46, I interview Andrew Ceperley, an Executive Coach, Consultant and Trainer who has circumnavigated the world of college and university campuses for over 30 years. In this discussion we talk about the myriad of changes that impact higher education as we have always known it, and the gifts we can gain from a world of volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity. Enjoy the listen!
On Episode 45, I speak with CAPT Gary Tabach. With nearly 30 years of service to his country, CAPT Tabach’s adventures took him all over the world, and back to Moscow from 1992-1994 where he served in the U.S. Embassy as a Member of the Prisoner of War Missing in Action Commission. Even in retirement CAPT Tabach continues his lifelong call to serve, supporting homeless Veterans and assisting with organizing transport and treatment for severely wounded Ukrainian Veterans. These days you can find CAPT Tabach providing political-military analysis on American, Ukrainian and Israeli TV and Radio stations. It was an honor to have him on the podcast as we talk about transformative personal change.
On Episode 44, I interview Adela Schoolderman, a Talent Acquisition expert, a Triathlete, a true connector and an all around amazing human being. Together we talk about traversing the talent market during a pandemic and how candidate experience and the gig economy are shaping the way talent is found, acquired, retained and grown in these changing times. Enjoy the listen.
On Episode 43, I speak with Julie Schaller, a career coach who is helping people navigate these times of uncertainty. In our discussion, we talk about how uncertainty is a choice and how you can take back your power with intention and attitude. Enjoy the discussion.
On Episode 42 I meet with Rockwell Felder, CFO and Co-Founder of Squadcast. SquadCast is about making it easier for you and your podcast guests to spend time having meaningful conversations without compromising quality in a remote conversation. And their mission is simple and elegant: "To amplify collaboration." In this interview, Rock and I discuss the ever changing ecosystem of podcasting and share in our appreciation for Human Design, stoicism and the importance of clarity and simplicity in today's busy and remote world.
On Episode 41, I speak with Kristen Kirst, Director of Strategic Communications and Engagement for Seattle University. In our discussion we talk about the importance of discernment and the ways of leading and balancing change for colleges and universities in the future and in the new next of a pandemic and a resounding call for social justice. Note, this episode includes a post interview production edit.
On this episode, in honor of PRIDE Month June 2020, I speak with Steve Munnelly, a consultant, change maker and activist. Together we talk about the changes brought about by celebrating Pride during a pandemic and the recent news from the Supreme Court of the United States. We also talk about the power of music and media in shaping our journeys of coming along. Enjoy the conversation.
On this episode, I interview Gary Buckland, CEO and Board Director of Lexitas. Lexitas provides strategic litigation support through partnerships that furnish clients with best-of-breed services to inspire confidence, convenience and value in technology-driving solutions.
Together we talk about digital transformation in the legal industry and how mergers and acquisition methods have changed in the age of COVID-19.
On this episode I have a conversation with Shane Metcalf, Chief Culture Officer and Co-Founder of 15Five. Shane is a popular keynote speaker and a fellow creator, hosting the Best-Self Management Podcast. This was a conversation I didn't know I needed as much as I did, and came away feeling rejuvenated and reinvigorated by our ability to trust the change.
On this episode I interview Sophia Way, a fellow graduate of The Johns Hopkins University. Sophia graduated with a degree in Public Health in 2019 and shares her perspective on the importance of mind body health and mental well being during these trying times.
On this episode I interview James "Jay" Guilford, a man who actually ran away with the circus. Jay shares his lessons, insights and stories from his days of leading training and leadership development with Cirque du Soleil.
Jay strives to improve the way managers lead and team members interact. By doing so, he hopes to build a world where work is not just a means to an end, but a source of inspiration, transformation, and interpersonal growth.
Learn more about Jay at: https://www.coworkslead.com/team
Enjoy this inspirational conversation.
On Episode 36, I interview Dr. Michael Page who has over 30 years of experience in a variety of professional, academic, clinical, & surgical settings. His unique fusion of experience provides the background & setting for discussion & training, deeply rooted in the fundamental & critical aspects of leadership, workplace, & professional relationships. We talk about the importance of seeking self-awareness amidst a sea of change.
On Episode 34 I speak with Daniel Blue, Founder and President of Quest Education. Quest teaches financial education to Americans to help them understand how to save for the future, protect their assets, save money on taxes, get the funding they need, and eliminate debt.
Daniel and his team aim to empower people with resources and education to maximize control over their money and to provide clients with world-class service.
Daniel shared a powerful story of origin for his business as well as what it means to build a team that is focused on "quickly utilizing everyone's talents to welcome and assist you."
On Episode 33, I meet with a panel of parents who are navigating change as parents and educators during the global pandemic. They share their heartfelt, emotional and insightful stories, insights and perspective as educators, spouses, parents and citizens.
Special Thanks to Kevin, Jenna, Lauren and Janice!
On Episode 32, we talk with change experts and wonder mama, Kacie Linegar. Kacie is a full time working professional providing project management advisory and consulting services to Fortune 500 companies. She is a wife, business owner, and mother to three gorgeous daughters (ages 8 and 6 (identical twins)). She is an avid equestrian, and loves running, her two dogs, and reading on the back porch. Whenever possible, she enjoys escaping for long weekends “glamping” in the Texas Hill Country with her family.
Kacie is the Founder of WonderMama and the President of CK2 Consulting.
For more information and to reach out to Kacie point your browser to: WonderMama.life
Enjoy the discussion!
On Episode 31 I meet with Chris Marshall, Founder and CEO of CMAC, a virtual GPS for Alumni Relations. We talk about leading change in higher education advancement and alumni engagement in a digital first world amidst the COVID-19 crisis.
Learn more and connect with Chris at: https://www.cmac.me/
On Episode 30, I interview Meg Samaniego, Susan Abelein, and Leslie De Leonardis, three lifelong educators who share their perspectives as leaders in Catholic Education navigating the COVID-19 crisis and its impacts on families, students, teachers, principals, and parishes.
Meg Samaniego is the Director of Onward Leaders: https://www.onwardleaders.org/
Susan Abelien is an Education Consultant and Coach: linkedin.com/in/susan-abelein-ph-d-552858b
Leslie De Leonardis is the Director of STEM Schools Los Angeles: https://www.stemschoolsla.org/
On this episode, I connect with Ben Dueck, the founder of Cantera Leadership. Ben is focused on helping others increase their leadership capacity in times of change. Ben is passionate about developing leaders and helping them maximize their effectiveness amidst times of uncertainty. Ben is a certified Gallup CliftonStrengths Coach and has facilitated numerous workshops and enjoys helping others transform themselves through change.
My guests for this episode are Mark and Anne Lackey, husband and wife, business owners, renown Atlanta-based realtors, and the founders of HireSmartVAs.com.
Mark and Anne have coached and trained hundreds of US and Canadian realtors to be successful in a dynamic real estate industry. They have written multiple books and developed numerous educational programs to benefit companies and entrepreneurs around the world.
Turning challenges into opportunities is something Mark and Anne pride themselves on. And they have done just that for multiple decades and through multiple downturns.
In today’s conversation we will hear some great stories and insights on what drives them and how they stay focused and positive, always paying it forward.
When I booked Anne and Mark as guests on my podcast just a few months ago, I had no idea how much the concept of virtual working would be on the forefront of everyone’s mind. So, from my kitchen table in Seattle to their Home Office in Atlanta, we talked about the importance of this new way of working and how business was likely never going to be the same.
Moving from Overwhelm to Empowerment with Catherine Sherlock
On this episode of Coffee and Change, I interview Catherine Sherlock, whose work focuses on elevating the leadership conversation and transforming leadership from the inside out.
Catherine’s work at HigherMindfulness.com centers around Leadership Actualization, Unlocking Innate Creativity, Understanding Leadership Intuition and Emotional Intelligence. Catherine also focuses on what she calls, “disrupting mindfulness and meditation” with her knowledge of peak experiences and altered states of consciousness.
This interview was conducted on March 13, 2020 just hours after the U.S. declared a National State of Emergency to respond to the COVID-19 Global Pandemic.
On this episode of Coffee and Change, I interview Angela Mendoza, who after nearly 15 years in Operations, Sales and Call Center Management, decided to make a career change and pursue her passion for change management. In our discussion, Angela shares learnings and gives us a glimpse into her journey of how she became a Program Manager leading organizational change for a healthcare system. Enjoy the conversation.
On this special episode, I am interviewed by Brian Hampton of the ChangeNerd Community on a topic I am very passionate about...mindfulness. We talk about the different definitions of mindfulness and how to integrate it into your workplace and your working life.
On this episode I interview Sheevaun Moran, a consciousness and prosperity business coach, mentor, author and podcaster.
Some call her their Spiritual Warrior for Business Success and Growth while others call her a mentor/coach/secret ingredient for their success. She dives in to help folks on the path to become entrepreneurs and CEOs. When Sheevaun works with people she addresses their inner conflicts pertaining to part of their business or life and helps them align with the greatest result and calm.
Enjoy the discussion.
On Episode 23 I interview Kristen Crockett, Director of Learning & Development at PBS. Together we talk about Emotional Intelligence, Leadership Development and Growth Mindset, all three being key ingredients to success and happiness.
On this episode, I interview Jennifer Kochan, a Solution Architect in the Technology industry with nearly 25 years of supporting ERP and HR Transformations. During our discussion we share thoughts and insights on the importance of maintaining a customer's perspective and thriving in change with a learning mindset.
On this episode, I interview Kevin Walling, VP of Digital at HG Creative. A campaign operative by training, Kevin has advanced progressive policies on Capitol Hill, in state legislatures and the local level for over a decade. He brings a wealth of experience building targeted, comprehensive digital engagement campaigns to Hamburger Gibson Creative and HGC Digital. We talk about the changing landscape of campaigns, candidacy and cause politics in a digital first world. The discussion was timely and dynamic, as news broke right after our conversation that Mark Zuckerberg was meeting with President Trump in the White House.
On this special episode, I interview the founders of the #MeTooMilitary movement, a group of Military Sexual Trauma (MST) Survivors and supporters who are creating community together to heal. They organize and unite veterans, service members and supporters from all populations and all branches of the armed forces to share our experience and advice.
The #MetooMilitary movement unites survivors and supporters as a community. They connect survivors with resources and retreat information specific for MST. They are committed to researching, and supporting alternative therapeutic modalities to aide in recovery and inspire Post Traumatic Growth (PTG) among survivors of military sexual assault.
Sexual violence in the military has been a problem for decades stretching across all branches of military service and all populations. This is not an issue that is gender specific and now more than ever survivors of MST need your support for better access to alternative therapeutic modalities which foster recovery from trauma.
In this episode I interview Sky King, a Marketing & Advertising Manager at Aubrey Marcus. Sky has woven a fascinating path made up of conscious career changes that inspire, and he has become a mentor to me in the journey to start and create this podcast. In our discussion we talk about the choices we make in our consumption economy and how we can make more conscious decisions to achieve balance and pursue passion.
Enjoy the listen, and share with your friends.
On this episode I speak with Liz Hewson and Mark Lund, both Principals of Twin Lights Consulting, a company specializing in developing interpersonal communications and EQ in professional millennials.
Their approach nurtures a world where multiple generations successfully unite, collaborate and work cohesively to create exceptional corporate culture.
The discussion was a great one. Enjoy the listen.
On Episode 17, I interview Jonathan Raymond, founder and CEO of Refound, on the power and importance of people first development in a digital first world. Jonathan is also the author of the book, Good Authority. You can learn more about Jonathan at refound.com. Enjoy the listen!
In this episode, I speak with T.K. Herrin, a VP of HR at Medtronic. In his role he leads HR for the $2B+ global Brain Therapies business, comprised of the Brain Modulation, Enabling Technology and Neurovascular businesses. In this episode, we talk about the power of vision, mission and values in the ever changing world of healthcare.
On this episode we talk about the changing landscape of talent acquisition in a digital first world. We talk with two Talent Acquisition Specialists and gain their insights on the current trends and what is ahead for seeking and keeping talent.
In this special episode I was interviewed by the founder of the ChangeNerd, Brian Hampton, to talk about using podcasting to build a digital culture in your organization.
Brian and I have a great conversation about the power of podcasting, in work and in life. Enjoy the discussion.
On Episode 14, I chose to flip the script a bit. In this episode I am interviewed, in a long form podcast, by my colleague, Khalil Somani. Khalil is a Customer Experience Consultant and frequent listener who has been collecting and documenting timely and powerful questions along the way. We had the idea of turning his compelling questions into an opportunity to live those question and share the wisdom. Hope you enjoy the discussion.
In Episode 13 I interview William Peteroy, Security CTO at Gigamon and CEO and Co-Founder at icebrg.io. Will is a thought leader and deep expert in the cybersecurity space and together we talk about change and cybersecurity. We talk about the pace of change in the security industry as well as the culture change that is required to shift mindset, stay sharp and attract the best talent in the market. Enjoy the listen.
In this bonus episode(to make up for the gap in time since our last episode)I talk with Douglas Bushong about creating a culture of learning that embraces change. I truly enjoyed this conversation and learned a great deal myself throughout the discussion. I hope you enjoy the episode and share with your colleagues and fellow learning professionals.
In Episode 11, we talk with Sarah Cole, the Chief Financial Officer of Vera Whole Health. We discuss the changes that are occurring in the healthcare industry and the increased pace of acquisition and innovation that is disrupting the ecosystem and the patient experience.
In Episode 10, we talk with Charles Berardesco, the Interim CEO of NERC. We discuss the changes that are occurring in the power industry and the ever emerging and changing expectations of customers and constituents.
On Episode 9, I speak with Andrew Farrell, Vice President and National Sales Manager in the Retirement Division at Symetra Financial in Bellevue, WA. We talk about how Sales and Marketing has changed in his industry, as well as hear his lessons in leading change while implementing Salesforce.
On this special episode of Coffee and Change I talk with Roman Oleksenko, a Project Manager with Peace Corps Ukraine who leads Community & Economic Development Projects. We discuss the changing field of community and economic development, specifically through the lens of Peace Corps and its mission in Ukraine. This episode was recorded on site in Lviv, Ukraine. Special thanks to Denny Robertson, Country Director Peace Corps Ukraine, and Pilar Robledo, Director of Programs and Training, for all their assistance while I visited Ukraine.
On this episode of Coffee and Change we talk with Brian Smith, a Systems Engineer at the University of Washington who has over 20 years experience in the technology field. We discuss the changing expectations of IT stakeholders and emerging technologies that are changing our consumer and professional interactions and engagement.
On this episode of Coffee and Change we talk with Brandon Ray, a graduate student at the University of Washington who studies Marine and Environmental Affairs and International Studies. We discuss the importance of understanding stakeholders in managing change in environmental policy, specifically arctic policy.
On this episode of Coffee and Change we talk with Danielle Decatur, a Strategist at Microsoft who supports Enterprise Services Delivery. We discuss the importance of using change management to drive strategy. Danielle recently wrote a LinkedIn post on the topic and I was excited to sit down and gain her insights.
In Episode 4, I speak with James Casey, VP of Partner Engineering at Chef Software. We discuss the impact of automation and adoption of cloud on the way we work and the importance of always starting with answering "Why?"
In Episode 03 I talk with Adam Burtner, a recent graduate and the commencement speaker for the Class of 2017 at Wabash College. Adam talks about making change in communities and the changes to citizen engagement and talent management.
On Episode 2 of Coffee and Change, we speak with Julia Ko, a Customer Experience Strategy Consultant, about how mentoring is changing in 2017. Together Bill and Julia discuss and share insights on how to survive and thrive in change while not going at it alone, with the help of mentors. Brew up a cup of coffee or tea and enjoy the listen!
Episode 1: In this inaugural episode, we interview Ms. Shawna Saffle, a Manager at West Monroe Partners. Shawna sits down with us in a local cafe and shares her perspective on change ahead in 2017.
Our discussion covers insights and observations in a few industries experiencing an unprecedented amount of disruption and change, and how best to manage that change.