Lead with Levity: Recent Episodes
Heather Walker, Ph.D.
Feeling the pressure? This podcast will equip you with the tools you and your team need to rise above it. If you want to create the kind of work environment that your team can get excited about, where people feel valued and connected, then this is the show for you. Tune into interviews with bestselling authors, executive coaches, consultants, and managers in a league of their own. Extending research to the workplace, Dr. Heather Walker sheds light on the power of levity at work. "Join me in my journey to find workplace solutions that improve work climate, the culture, and that support a positive employee experience. I talk to leaders across industries to find out what they do to improve their work environment through levity, better management, and survey insights."https://www.leadwithlevity.com
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Ever wonder if the way you're showing up online is truly reflecting your strengths, or secretly holding you back? In today's hybrid workplace, first impressions are made digitally – through LinkedIn headlines, Zoom profiles, and even email signatures. Dr. Heather Walker, award-winning organizational psychologist, challenges you to audit your digital presence and make intentional choices about how you show up in virtual spaces.
In this episode, you'll learn:
- How to quickly audit your LinkedIn profile to reflect your real value
- Common digital habits that damage professional credibility
- Small, strategic changes that make you memorable (in a good way!)
- How your everyday emails shape your professional reputation
Plus, Dr. Walker shares practical insights from the Career Currency Roadmap, helping you align your online presence with the confident, impactful professional you’re becoming.
👉 Grab your copy of the Career Currency Roadmap so when your name comes up, it’s followed by: They’re making moves.”
https://leadwithlevity.samcart.com/products/career-currency-roadmap-a-quiet-professionals-guide-to-getting-ahead
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What would happen if your name came up in a budget meeting tomorrow?
Would they fight to keep you or quietly move on?
In this episode, Dr. Heather Walker asks the tough question every professional should be prepared to answer: Can they (your manager and others) clearly explain your value in just a few words?
Whether you’re aiming for promotion or just job security in a tough market, this episode is your call to get visible, get intentional, and start advocating for yourself in ways that actually resonate.
👉 Grab your copy of the Career Currency Roadmap so when your name comes up, it’s followed by: “We need them.”
https://leadwithlevity.samcart.com/products/career-currency-roadmap-a-quiet-professionals-guide-to-getting-ahead
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Ever feel like your hard work is hiding in plain sight? You're delivering great results, but somehow, you're still not getting the recognition or opportunities you deserve?
In this candid episode, Dr. Heather Walker shares her personal journey from being overlooked to standing out online. You'll discover why traditional advice like “keep your head down and do your job” isn't always the path to recognition and growth. Learn practical strategies to elevate your digital footprint, optimize your online presence, and navigate the AI gatekeepers that shape today's hiring and promotion landscape.
Ready to get noticed for the incredible work you do? Tune in and learn how to leverage your online presence to open doors.
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Layoffs are tough whether you’ve been personally affected or you’re supporting someone going through it. In this episode of Lead with Levity, we unpack the 10 most common challenges people face after a layoff and 10 hidden opportunities. You'll also find practical advice on how to support friends or loved ones experiencing job loss with empathy, respect, and real care.
For deeper support, check out the Career Currency Roadmap. It's a powerful bundle of tools designed to help you rebuild clarity and confidence in your career journey.
https://leadwithlevity.samcart.com/products/career-currency-roadmap-a-quiet-professionals-guide-to-getting-ahead
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Layoff anxiety is real and so very common right now. In this episode of the Lead with Levity Podcast, Dr. Heather Walker offers grounded guidance for professionals who are still employed but feeling the pressure of uncertainty.
If your workload has doubled, your role has shifted, or your instincts are telling you something isn’t right, this episode is for you.
You’ll learn to recognize the early signs of layoffs, understand how survival mode hijacks your decision-making, and explore whether it's time to stay, shift, or step into something new. We wrap with a personal mantra to carry you through moments of doubt, and a powerful resource to help you reclaim your clarity.
Want to take the next step with intention? Grab the Clarity Compass inside the Career Currency Roadmap here.
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Ever felt like the more you grow, the more people pull away? Like your rise somehow makes you “too much”?
In this final episode of our 4-part series on building the support you deserve, Dr. Heather Walker breaks down the “Pet to Threat” phenomenon and what to do when excellence starts to isolate you.
Learn how to turn the tension into trust, shift perception without shrinking, and build relationship equity that protects your power. You’ll walk away with practical conversation starters, a reflection exercise, and a pact to move forward with integrity, clarity, and connection.
And, when you're ready to map out your support system, grab the Career Currency Roadmap Bundle to get the Support Network Map and more tools designed to help you rise with people, not in spite of them.
Email info@leadwithlevity.com or follow us on Instagram @leadwithlevity for details
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Have you ever walked into a meeting fully prepared, only to realize the decision was already made without you?
You're not alone.
In this episode, we're pulling back the curtain on the hidden dynamics of workplace power plays. You'll meet Rachel, a talented leader blindsided by decisions made behind closed doors, and Jack, who feels invisible despite putting in the work.
Together, we'll break down why simply doing good work isn't enough and how you can proactively shape conversations and secure buy-in before the meeting even starts.
You'll learn:
- Red flags you're being shut out of important conversations
- How to identify and connect with key influencers early
- Practical steps for securing allies and building your inner circle
- How to position your ideas so they're impossible to ignore
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What if leadership wasn’t about your title, but about the energy you bring into every room? In this episode, Dr. Heather Walker sits down with Tonya Kay Herb -- CEO, coach, and founder of Outspoken - to explore how redefining leadership starts with reclaiming kindness, starting with yourself.
Tonya shares her signature BIKE framework (Be You, Insight, Kindness, Engage), a soulful and science-backed approach to showing up with purpose and presence in every area of life. You’ll hear how a forgotten bicycle turned into a powerful coaching tool - and why the voice in your head might just need a hug.
If you’ve ever struggled with imposter syndrome, burnout, or that nagging inner critic, this episode offers the tools - and the mindset shift - you didn’t know you needed.
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Ever feel like you're doing everything right at work but still not getting the recognition, resources, or results you deserve? You’re not alone—and you’re not crazy.
In this powerful kickoff to a 4-part series, Dr. Heather Walker breaks down the 5 types of people every professional needs in their corner to grow, thrive, and finally stop operating in isolation. You’ll also hear Heather’s personal story of stepping into leadership without the support she truly needed—and what she wishes she had known earlier.
This episode is for you if:
- You find yourself having to figure things out on your own.
- You lead a team but feel disconnected or under-supported.
- You want to get ahead without losing yourself in the process.
Stay tuned for Part 2: “Hidden Power Moves Happening Behind Closed Doors (That You Can’t Afford to Ignore).”
Mentioned in this episode:
- Why high performers still get shut out
- How to evaluate your current network
- The real reason some people seem to “coast” into promotions
- How to stop playing the game alone
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What if the biggest barrier to inclusion isn’t policy—but pride?
In this episode, Justin Jones-Fosu, CEO of Work Meaningful and author of “I Respectfully Disagree,” joins me for a brutally honest, career-shifting conversation on what it really takes to lead inclusively.
We go beyond the checkboxes and get into the messy middle—where unconscious bias meets real-time growth. Justin opens up about a personal moment of bias that still shows up for him and walks us through how he rewrites the story with curiosity, empathy, and humor.
We talk about:
🔹 Why inclusion must go beyond race, gender, and identity
🔹 The leadership habit that’s more effective than the “open door” policy
🔹 How childlike curiosity builds better teams
🔹 The role of therapy in staying grounded under pressure
🔹 What to do after the bias shows up
This episode might just change how you show up—at work and in life.
If this hits home, DM me on Instagram @leadwithlevity or LinkedIn https://linkedin.com/in/leadwithconfidence
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Ever find yourself buried in work that technically isn’t even your job anymore? You know you should delegate, but somehow, it feels easier (or safer) to just do it yourself. Sound familiar?
In this episode, we’re flipping the script on delegation. Because real leadership isn’t about doing everything—it’s about making sure everything gets done.
We’ll cover:
✔ Why delegation feels so hard (and how to get over it)
✔ The #1 mindset shift that makes letting go easier
✔ How to ask the right questions before delegating
✔ What to do when your team is junior, stretched thin, or error-prone
✔ Why mistakes will happen—and why that’s actually a good thing
If you’re tired of being overwhelmed and ready to step into true leadership, this one’s for you.
If this hits home, DM me on Instagram @leadwithlevity or LinkedIn @ https://linkedin.com/in/leadwithconfidence
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What if the thing that brings you joy… is the thing you’re most afraid to try?
In this special International Humor Month episode of the Lead with Levity Podcast, Dr. Heather Walker sits down with UK-based comedian Stea to talk about the courage it takes to chase joy—even when the odds (and audience) feel stacked against you.
What’s in this episode:
- How Stea overcame self-doubt to step on stage for the first time
- Why your “weirdness” might be your greatest strength
- And how to find your people by being yourself
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If you've ever played it safe during a job offer—or stayed silent when you knew you deserved more—this episode is your wake-up call. Dr. Heather Walker sits down with salary negotiation expert John Gates, founder of Salary Coach, to reveal the insider strategies companies use to save money... at your expense.
With decades of recruiting experience and over 75,000 job offers under his belt, John shares how you can negotiate more money, more flexibility, and a bigger title—without risking your offer or your relationships. From navigating the application box that asks for your salary expectations, to the under-the-radar power of political sponsorship, John breaks it all down with precision and empathy.
Whether you’re aiming for a raise, a new role, or a seat at the leadership table, this episode delivers the clarity and courage you need to stop playing small and start commanding what you’re truly worth.
🎧 Listen in to learn:
- Why negotiation starts before you even apply
- How to position yourself as the obvious choice (even in a saturated market)
- The exact moment to ask for a raise—and when it’s too late
- How to make yourself promotable without begging for it
- What most onboarding programs miss (and how to reverse-engineer your first-year success)
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What makes a high-performance team actually work? In this episode, Dr. Walker sits down with INSEAD professor and leadership expert Henrik Bresman, co-author of X-Teams and co-founder of xLEAD. Henrik shares what elite organizations like Microsoft and the Museum of Modern Art are doing differently—and how you can apply those lessons right now.
Dr. Walker and Henrik talk about leading through uncertainty, breaking out of rigid team structures, and the uncomfortable truth about why some teams soar while others stall.
If you've ever felt like you're carrying the weight of your team while secretly wondering if you're doing it right, this episode is for you.
They cover:
- What high-performing teams do differently
- How to lead when you’re the new face in a high-stakes environment
- Ways to encourage innovation without losing control
- Why most leadership advice misses the mark—and what to do instead
If you're ready to lead with clarity and courage—without burning out—tune in now.
Follow @leadwithlevity on Instagram for tools to level up your leadership game.
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Greg did everything right—or so he thought. After serving his country with honor, he returned home, took an entry-level job, and spent five years quietly showing up, working hard, and checking all the boxes. But no one was checking for him.
If you’ve ever felt invisible at work—like your talent is being overlooked and your potential is stuck in neutral—this episode is for you.
In this powerful episode, Dr. Heather Walker shares:
- A raw, emotional story of her own journey from invisible to influential
- The 3 myths that keep smart, capable people stuck in the shadows
- Why hard work alone will never get you noticed (and what will)
- A 4-part system that helps you get recognized, respected, and rewarded
- An inspiring reminder that you don’t have to play politics—you just need a plan
Remember: You are capable. You are worthy. You deserve to be seen.
💡 Ready to invest in yourself? Learn more about my course here: https://bit.ly/leadwithlevity
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In the latest episode of the Lead with Levity podcast, Dr. Heather Walker sits down with Dr. Jenny Powers, a chemical engineer turned author, to discuss the pressures of high achievement and how to find true balance in life.
The Myth of Having It All
Dr. Powers shares her deeply personal journey of chasing success—first as an athlete, then as a scholar—only to realize that relentless striving often leads to burnout rather than fulfillment. Her story challenges the belief that we must “do it all” to be worthy.
Key Takeaways from the Conversation:
- Achievement vs. Well-Being – Society glorifies overachievement, but constant striving can disconnect us from what truly matters.
- Recognizing the Disconnect – Many struggle because modern life ignores fundamental human needs like rest, social connection, and self-reflection.
- Small Steps to Change – Transformation isn’t about drastic leaps but making intentional choices that align with personal values.
- Building a Support System – Community, spirituality, and creative outlets—like writing—help redefine purpose and fulfillment.
- Redefining Success – True success isn’t about meeting external expectations but about creating a life that feels meaningful and sustainable.
A New Path Forward
Dr. Powers’ journey illustrates that stepping away from the traditional definition of success can lead to a more fulfilling and authentic life. By weaving in self-care, creativity, and connection, anyone can break free from the high achiever’s trap.
Want to hear more from Dr. Jenny Powers?
Follow her work and explore her co-authored book, On the Origin of Being
Instagram: @ontheoriginofbeing
Tune into Lead with Levityfor this powerful conversation and start creating a life that truly aligns with you!
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Meetings can be a productivity killer when poorly managed. Many professionals, like Jordan, find themselves stuck in unnecessary, unproductive discussions that drain time and energy. Common meeting mistakes include domination by one speaker, lack of real collaboration, going off-topic, constant postponements, micromanagement, and meetings that should’ve been emails.
To fix this, leaders must run meetings with clear goals, structured agendas, and a focus on efficiency. Simple strategies—like keeping discussions on track, using an agenda as a guide, and capturing off-topic ideas separately—can make meetings more productive and engaging.
Key Takeaways
✔ Keep Meetings Collaborative – Avoid one-person monologues and ensure everyone’s input matters.
✔ Stick to the Agenda – Prevent discussions from derailing by consistently referencing meeting goals.
✔ Make Decisions, Not Delays – Ensure meetings lead to actionable outcomes rather than endless postponements.
✔ Respect People’s Time – If it can be an email, don’t make it a meeting.
✔ Encourage Trust & Efficiency – Avoid micromanagement during check-ins to keep morale high.
Take Action
Before scheduling your next meeting, ask yourself:
✅ Is this necessary?
✅ What’s the goal?
✅ Could this be an email?
🔹 Join the conversation! Share your worst meeting experiences in the comments. Let’s fix workplace meetings together!
🔹 Follow me on Instagram and LinkedIn for more leadership insights and workplace productivity tips!
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In the latest episode of the Lead with Levity podcast, Dr. Heather Walker sits down with Eric Malka, the visionary co-founder of The Art of Shaving, to explore his remarkable path from humble beginnings to building a multimillion-dollar brand.
The Art of Starting Small
Eric’s journey began in a small kitchen, where he and his wife crafted high-quality shaving products with a simple yet powerful mission—elevate the shaving experience. What started as a passion project quickly grew into a thriving business, eventually catching the attention of Procter & Gamble, which later acquired the brand.
Lessons from the Trenches
Throughout the conversation, Eric shares invaluable insights on entrepreneurship, emphasizing the power of starting small and learning through experience. Some of his key takeaways include:
- Build a passionate team – Surrounding yourself with the right people can make all the difference.
- Embrace the process – Success isn’t just about the destination; it’s about enjoying the journey.
- Know when to let go – Understanding when to step away or pivot is crucial for long-term success.
Redefining Success & Paying It Forward
While financial success is often the focus of entrepreneurship, Eric highlights the importance of redefining success beyond money. Today, through Strategic Brand Investments, he dedicates his time to mentoring and investing in the next generation of entrepreneurs, helping them turn their big dreams into reality.
Want to hear more from Eric Malka?
Tune in to the full episode of Lead with Levityfor a deep dive into his inspiring journey and expert insights!
Connect with Eric at https://ericmalka.com
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Let’s be real—the world feels like a lot right now. Between global crises, political tension, and personal stress, it’s hard enough to stay focused, let alone lead a team. If you’re feeling the weight of it all, you’re not alone.
In this episode, we’re tackling one of the toughest questions leaders are facing: How do you show up for your team when you barely feel grounded yourself?
I’ll break down:
✅ Your Role as a Leader – What it really means to create belonging in times of uncertainty
✅ Guiding Principles for Tough Moments – How to keep your team on track without overstepping
✅ The Right Way to Check In – Simple, powerful ways to support your people without forcing uncomfortable conversations
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"I didn't get the promotion. What gives?”
Amanda did everything right—at least, that’s what she thought.
She worked hard, followed the advice she was given, and waited for her moment… but when promotion time came around, she was passed over. Again.
Sound familiar?
If you’ve ever felt stuck, overlooked, or frustrated because your hard work isn’t translating into career growth, this episode is for you.
We’re breaking down:
✅ A silent trap that keeps high performers stuck
✅ Why waiting to be noticed is a losing game
✅ One simple habit that makes your achievements undeniable
Most people assume that if they work hard, their work will speak for itself. But work doesn’t speak—people do. And if you’re not tracking your wins, your manager probably isn’t either.
🎧🔥 Listen now and to grab your free ‘Wins Log’ poster and documentation e-guide.
Because never again should your hard work go unnoticed.
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Do you feel safe enough to play at work?
What if the secret to better leadership, breakthrough ideas, and stress-free decision-making was as simple as playing?
In this episode of Lead with Levity, Dr. Heather Walker sits down with high-performance coach Tracy Clark to explore how intense curiosity, radical open-mindedness, and proactive experimentation can shift leaders out of stress mode and into their most creative, strategic thinking.
Tracy shares how two simple words—"Let's play"—can break through tension, unlock fresh solutions, and create a culture where teams thrive. We also dig into the Multiplier Mindset, why so many leaders unknowingly stifle innovation, and how small shifts in the way you ask questions can lead to massive breakthroughs.
If you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure how to unlock the full potential of your team (or yourself), this episode is for you.
🎧 Tune in now to discover:
✅ How to turn stress into possibility
✅ Why play isn’t just for kids—it’s a leadership superpower
✅ The mistake leaders make when trying to encourage creativity
✅ How to gamify your team meetings (without it feeling forced)
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In this episode of the Lead with Levity podcast, we dive into the tricky dynamic between Scott, a hands-off manager, and Nora, a high-performing but overzealous team member. When ambition meets unclear direction, things can get messy!
Who’s Really to Blame?
Whether you're a manager like Scott or a driven performer like Nora, learn how to align your goals, manage your energy, and celebrate your successes.
Tune in for practical insights to boost both your leadership and performance!
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In this episode, we get into what can happen when you step into a high-stakes leadership role that you’re qualified for but aren’t given the right support to succeed in.
I’ll show you a simple strategy to map your boundaries so you can build the right connections and set yourself up for success.
Whether you’re feeling like a fraud or just looking for ways to thrive in your new role, this episode has practical advice and encouragement you can put into action today.
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Do you trust people upfront—or do they have to earn it first? And what does that say about you as a leader?
In this episode of Lead with Levity, I sit down with Charles Feltman, executive coach and bestselling author of The Thin Book of Trust, to break down what trust really is (hint: it’s not just reliability). We tackle the trust spectrum—why some people extend trust automatically while others make you jump through hoops—and what that means for your leadership, relationships, and success.
🚨 If you’ve ever been burned by trusting the wrong person or struggled to earn trust from your team, this episode is a must-listen. 🚨
We’ll cover:
✔️ The four dimensions of trust (and where most leaders go wrong)
✔️ The biggest mistake people make when trying to rebuild trust
✔️ Why some leaders struggle to trust their teams—and how that backfires
✔️ How to balance healthy skepticism with open-hearted leadership
Trust is one of the most valuable currencies in leadership—but are you handling it wisely? Tune in to find out.
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Avoiding tough conversations might feel safe, but it’s costing you and your team more than you realize.
In this episode, we dive into why unresolved conflicts grow into bigger problems, how avoiding them damages trust, and the hidden toll it takes on your confidence and leadership. Learn simple steps to stop avoiding difficult conversations, rebuild trust, and create the clarity your team needs to thrive.
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In the inaugural conversation of 2025 for the Lead with Levity podcast, hosted by Dr. Heather Walker, Therman Trotman, CEO, and lead trainer of the SharePoint Help Desk, shared his journey of finding purpose through positivity and passion. In this enlightening discussion, Therman reveals how his life experiences have shaped his mentality and led him to thrive in his own business.
The Power of Positivity
Therman opens up about his secret to always feeling great: gratitude. He emphasizes the importance of waking up each day with a sense of thankfulness, celebrating the small victories like having the freedom to enjoy life's simple pleasures. This mindset has become the icing on the cake of his life, helping him navigate through challenges with a positive outlook. Therman acknowledges that while life presents decisions and obstacles regularly, he chooses to enjoy the journey.
Learning from Life's Challenges
Therman's story isn't just about positivity; it's also about resilience. He shares an anecdote about a woman he met online who maintained a positive attitude despite battling breast cancer. This story prompted him to reflect on his own attitude toward others' experiences, realizing the importance of reserving judgment and instead, focusing on empathy and support.
A Journey of Self-Discovery
Therman's life journey took a significant turn when he joined the army at 18, a decision he credits as the best of his life. It was there he was gifted the book "Rich Dad Poor Dad," which introduced him to a new way of thinking: replacing "I can't" with "How can I?" This mindset shift laid the foundation for Therman's future success, teaching him that solutions exist for nearly every problem if approached with the right mentality.
The SharePoint Help Desk: A Passion-Driven Business
Therman's passion for SharePoint was sparked when he discovered its potential for automation, which aligned perfectly with his desire to make work processes more efficient. This excitement for technology and its applications led him to start the SharePoint Help Desk, focusing on teaching others how to leverage SharePoint's capabilities. He emphasizes that his motivation stems from the joy of solving real problems and witnessing firsthand the transformation in how businesses operate.
Cultivating Business Success through Passion
Therman advises entrepreneurs to focus on what excites them, as this energy naturally draws people in. His decision-making criteria are simple yet effective: does this make life fun, and does it reduce stress? By aligning his business with these personal values, Therman ensures that he remains passionate and driven, a lesson that high performers and aspiring business owners can learn from.
Conclusion
Therman Trotman's journey is a testament to the power of positivity, resilience, and passion-driven success. By sharing his insights and experiences, he inspires others to embrace gratitude, pursue what excites them, and leverage technology to enhance organizational culture. As we step into 2025, let Therman's story be a reminder that life's challenges can be transformed into opportunities for growth and fulfillment.
Connect with Therman
If you're interested in learning more about Therman Trotman and the SharePoint Help Desk, visit SharePoint Freebie or connect with him on LinkedIn for updates and insights directly from Therman himself.
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As we find ourselves at the cusp of a new year, it's hard to believe how quickly 2024 has come to an end. Whether you're wrapping up gifts or just seeking a moment of peace during this hectic holiday season, I'm truly grateful that you're here with me today. Thank you for being a part of this journey.
A Year of Intention and Growth
Back in October 2023, I conceived a powerful idea. What if I dedicated 2024 to mastering 12 areas of focus, which I would consider my personal "superpowers"? These guiding principles would shape my life and business, transforming aspects like clarity, levity, and even traditions. And let me tell you, this year tested my resolve repeatedly.
Today, I want to take you through an overview of how this idea played out, sharing both the triumphs and the lessons I learned.
Discovering Clarity
One of the standout superpowers this year was clarity. As an industrial-organizational psychologist, I’ve worn many hats over the years, but this year I reaffirmed my true passion—helping people find joy in their work. This focus on clarity shifted everything for me and propelled my commitment to workshops, coaching, and programs focused on career joy and direction. Remarkably, Lead with Levity earned two Brandon Hall Excellence Awards, recognizing our efforts in talent management and HR.
Embracing Levity
Levity was another area I explored deeply, realizing it’s not just a nice-to-have but a fundamental need. Facing personal and professional challenges, I relearned how to find joy in small moments and prescribed myself laughter as a remedy for stress. It’s amazing how powerful a simple laugh can be in combating stress and encouraging resilience.
Breaking Tradition for Growth
Breaking tradition was an unexpected theme of the year. After losing my voice for a month, my family and I decided to embrace change by living in Costa Rica for a while. This break allowed us to unplug from our routine, reminding us how simplicity aids growth. Little adventures like climbing volcanoes and road trips brought fresh excitement and deepened our appreciation for life’s experiences.
The Wonders of Technology
This year, technological advancements in AI and virtual reality captured our imagination and educated us on responsible usage. From VR’s immersive experiences to AI's ethical challenges, these innovations remind us to leverage technology for good while maintaining mindfulness about its impacts.
Wrapping Up with Levity and Gratitude
As we conclude this year, let’s infuse our holiday gatherings with levity and gratitude. Allow yourselves moments of laughter and don’t shy away from innovation—even using tech discussions to divert heated holiday table talks! This season, let’s cherish connections, be present with loved ones, and take moments to appreciate the meaningful interactions we experience every day.
Setting Intentions for 2025
Looking ahead to 2025, I encourage you to lean into one superpower that resonates with you. Remember, progress is often imperfect and sometimes messy, but it’s still progress. Reflect on what makes you unique and harness this to lead with joy and connection. Thank you for an incredible 2024. I’m excited for the adventures and growth awaiting us in 2025. Until then, keep leading with levity and celebrating the moments that bring us together.
From Creative Drought to a Year of I
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Welcome to the Lead with Levity podcast, where we explore the complex world of leadership and the nuances that come with it. Hosted by Dr. Heather Walker, today’s episode delves into the delicate balance many leaders strive to maintain—particularly in the face of burnout and overwhelming expectations. Joining Dr. Walker in this discussion is Dr.Mira Brancu, a clinical psychologist and expert in leadership dynamics, especially for women.
Understanding the Leadership Juggling ActDr. Walker introduces the metaphor of juggling different types of balls—rubber ones that bounce back and glass ones that shatter. This metaphor captures the essence of challenges faced by leaders, where knowing which "balls" can be dropped temporarily without dire consequences is crucial. Dr. Mira Brancu adds to this imagery by addressing the invisible hurdles women encounter in leadership roles.
The Leadership Landscape: A Gender Perspective
Dr. Brancu shares her observations about the gender disparities in leadership roles. Highlighting how structural disparities and biases often leave women, especially women of color, at a disadvantage when it comes to accessing information and opportunities. She emphasizes the importance of mentorship from those in power to bridge this gap—an experience she was fortunate to have, even if it’s not universal.
Breaking the Glass Cliff Phenomenon
A significant focus of the conversation is the "glass cliff" phenomenon, where women are placed in leadership roles during precarious times, setting them up for failure without adequate support. Dr. Brancu speaks candidly about the emotional labor and burnout women face as they struggle to prove themselves in environments not designed for their success.
Developing Leadership Identity
Dr. Brancu introduces her Strategic Leadership Pathway Model, which helps leaders face uncertainty, develop their identity, and align their roles with their genuine selves. This involves understanding personal strengths and passions, mapping out strategic goals, and navigating organizational dynamics without losing oneself in the process.
Reflection and Recalibration for Leaders
In closing, both Dr. Walker and Dr. Brancu stress the importance of self-reflection for leaders. It's about taking the time to evaluate personal goals and how they align with your leadership journey. Dr. Brancu’s parting advice emphasizes the transformative power of reflection as a tool for accelerating success and happiness in leadership.
Whether you're currently in a leadership role or aspiring to one, embracing these insights from Dr. Mira Brancu and Dr. Heather Walker can help create a more authentic, balanced, and effective approach to leadership.
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In today's rapidly evolving workforce landscape, understanding the unique needs and perspectives of Generation Z is crucial for fostering a harmonious and productive work environment. In a recent episode of the Lead with Levity podcast, hosted by Dr. Heather Walker, Hannah Dannecker, a Gen Z advocate and founder of the Better Together Group, shared her insights on connecting with Gen Z employees, dispelling misconceptions, and the importance of communication between generations.
Understanding Gen Z in the Workplace
One of the key topics addressed in the podcast was the common misconception that Gen Z is lazy. Hannah challenges this stereotype, explaining how Gen Z has adapted to a digital world, significantly influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic. She stresses the importance of understanding the context behind Gen Z's behaviors and the need for employers to communicate and empathize with their experiences.
Building Connections: Overcoming Barriers
Hannah underscores that connection is where "magic happens." She offers strategies for employers to bridge the gap by understanding generational differences and fostering an environment of mutual respect. By appreciating the technological comforts that Gen Z is accustomed to, such as remote communication tools, employers can better engage this generation's talents.
Strategies for Effective Communication
Hannah provides practical advice on how to address the challenges of incorporating Gen Z employees into traditional work settings. She encourages managers to have open dialogues, sharing the value of in-person collaboration while being receptive to Gen Z's preferences. The key is a combined approach that appeals to both parties' realities, fostering a more cohesive workplace.
Dealing with Authority and Constructive Feedback
A crucial aspect Hannah discusses is the relationship between authority and Gen Z. With a wall built from experiences with influencers and authority figures, Gen Z may approach authority differently. Hannah highlights the importance of constructive feedback delivered through a lens of empathy, understanding, and patience, encouraging managers to engage in active listening.
Empowering Young Job Seekers
For young job seekers, especially those from Gen Z, Hannah offers guidance on navigating the job market. She recommends leveraging platforms like LinkedIn to build professional networks and skills. Her advice focuses on being comfortable in uncomfortable situations and recognizing one's value as a candidate. With resources available through her organization, she provides young individuals with the tools to succeed.
Bringing Levity to Job Hunting
Hannah advocates for a balanced approach to job hunting, reminding candidates that finding the right job is as challenging as employers finding the right employee. By maintaining confidence and treating job hunting like a mutual selection process, young job seekers can approach the task with less stress and anxiety.
Conclusion and Future Endeavors
As the podcast concluded, Hannah excitedly shared news of her upcoming book series, Wonder Workshop, aimed at inspiring young minds about future careers. Her continued work aims to motivate both employers and employees to embrace open communication, understanding, and growth.
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In a world where the only constant is change, navigating personal and organizational transformation is a skill that requires resilience and adaptability. This theme resonated throughout an insightful conversation between Dr. Heather Walker and Malti Bhojwani on the "Lead with Levity" podcast. Their dialogue highlighted the challenges and triumphs of embracing change, and how personal growth and organizational success are intricately linked.
The Power of Personal TransformationOne of the key takeaways from this conversation is the profound impact personal transformation can have on our lives and those around us. Malti Bhojwani, a senior advisor for McKinsey's Abercan Change Leadership Partners and an accomplished author, shared her journey of self-discovery that began 20 years ago. Her early life was characterized by linear expectations—education, marriage, and a family—until life threw unexpected challenges her way. Malti had a pivotal "moment of truth" at age 26 when she found herself divorced, penniless, and overwhelmed by life's uncertainties. It was then that she realized the importance of taking responsibility for her life and choices, leading her to a transformative acceptance that she could indeed create a different future.
Organizations Transform Because People DoMalti emphasized that organizations do not transform on their own—it is the people within them who drive change. This philosophy underscores the importance of leadership involvement in ensuring a successful transformation journey. The conversation shed light on a common pitfall in organizations: a lack of persistent leadership engagement throughout change initiatives. Leaders are encouraged to tell compelling stories that resonate with their teams' values, ensuring that every member understands their role in the larger narrative.
Communication: The Heart of ChangeA crucial element in facilitating change is effective communication. Malti highlighted the need for leaders to remain actively involved, share a compelling narrative, and consistently communicate their vision in varied formats. It's about creating an environment where everyone feels connected to the organizational story, much like the inspiring story of a NASA janitor who saw his work as integral to sending people to the moon.
Finding Joy in Everyday LifeMalti also shared personal stories, including dealing with the passing of her father and the challenges of midlife, which inspired her book "Mastering Your Life." This book celebrates the realization that life is meant to be enjoyed, not just endured. She encouraged embracing joy, music, scents, food, and the people around us. Her message was clear: life is about the journey and the joy found in everyday moments.
ConclusionThe insightful conversation between Dr. Heather Walker and Malti Bhojwani served as a powerful reminder of our capacity for personal and organizational transformation. By embracing change, communicating effectively, and finding joy in the journey, we can navigate life's challenges and create meaningful change for ourselves and the organizations we lead.
For those seeking to delve deeper into Malti's teachings, her book "Mastering Your Life" is available on Audible and Amazon, offering further guidance on embracing joy and mastering one's path. This conversation encourages us all to find our own positive potatoes and rocks—symbols and reminders of the joy and levity that can guide us through life's inevitable changes.
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Welcome to the world of leadership and career exploration as we embark on a journey with Dr. Heather Walker and her remarkable guest, Alisha Fernandez Miranda. In this episode of the Lead with Levity podcast, Heather introduces us to Alisha, an author, entrepreneur, and former CEO who dared to ask, "What if?" The inspiring conversation takes us beyond conventional career paths and explores the immense potential within all of us when we choose to step outside our comfort zones.
A Leap into the Unknown: Alisha's JourneyAlisha’s story is a testament to courage and curiosity. Despite having a successful career as the CEO of a consulting firm, she decided to spend a year interning in various roles, completely diverging from her professional norm. This bold move was a response to an internal realization that the life she meticulously built was no longer fulfilling her.
Heather and Alisha discuss the fears and societal pressures of making drastic changes in one's career, especially when everything on paper seems perfect. Alisha’s journey is about choosing passion over predictability and following one's authentic path.
The Power of Exploring New PathsThroughout the conversation, Alisha emphasizes the importance of listening to your internal desires, even if they contradict societal expectations and the life plan you thought you always wanted. She encourages creating time and space for dreaming as a critical first step in discovering one’s passions.
Alisha's internships in musical theater, art galleries, and hospitality offered her the profound experience of being a beginner, learning new skills, and reigniting her sense of curiosity. These experiences reinforced the belief that there is always time to follow your dreams and pursue what truly excites you.
Balancing Career Ambitions with Personal HappinessFor those at the beginning of their careers, Alisha offers invaluable advice: remain true to yourself by constantly questioning your "why." Understanding the purpose behind your actions can prevent you from living life on autopilot and ensure that your professional journey aligns with your personal values and passions.
Alisha's journey reminds us that very few life decisions are irreversible. Each step you take contributes to the person you are becoming and the life you wish to build. Her story is a powerful reminder that it’s okay to pivot if your current path no longer feels right.
Final Thoughts: Embracing Change with Confidence
Alisha Fernandez Miranda’s year of internships is a guiding beacon for anyone questioning their current path or yearning for more fulfillment in their career and life. Her story within the Lead with Levity podcast underscores the power of curiosity, resilience, and the willingness to embrace change. So, if you find yourself wondering, "What if?" don’t hesitate to explore the possibilities. Your most fulfilling life might be just one bold step away.
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In the latest episode of the Lead with Levity podcast, hosted by Dr. Heather Walker, listeners are invited to delve deep into the struggles and triumphs that often remain hidden in both political and professional arenas. This engaging conversation features Dr. Wendy Davis, a former candidate for the Utah House of Representatives, author of "The Fight You Don't See," and Chief Experience Officer for Agile Cloud Consulting.
Embracing Challenges on the Campaign Trail
Dr. Davis shares her firsthand experience of running for office in Utah, shedding light on the arduous, often unseen aspects of the political landscape. From the thrill of connecting with voters to the stress of scrutiny from donors and internal conflicts, she provides a raw look at what it's like behind the scenes. Her journey highlights the significant mental, emotional, and physical toll that campaigning can take, emphasizing the importance of having mental health support along the way.
Lessons from the Book: "The Fight You Don't See"
Dr. Davis's book, "The Fight You Don't See," captures her candid experiences. She wrote it to fill the gap in firsthand narratives by candidates, aiming to demystify the political process and encourage others to pursue their passion for public service despite inevitable challenges. She hopes that readers understand politics as both complex and rewarding and that perseverance in the face of defeat can be the most significant growth opportunity.
Workplace Challenges: The Silent Struggles
Transitioning to workplace dynamics, Dr. Davis discusses similar hidden battles that professionals face in their careers. She emphasizes the importance of career path planning, pay equity, and emotional intelligence. The workplace, much like political arenas, is rife with invisible power structures and challenges that can impede progress if not addressed openly.
The Importance of Emotional Intelligence
Reflecting on her earlier career, Dr. Davis underscores the need for emotional intelligence and self-awareness, recounting her experiences as a young consultant. Her insight into the necessity of checking one's ego and fostering a collaborative environment serves as a crucial reminder of how personal growth and team success are interconnected.
The Fight for Pay Equity
One significant yet often overlooked struggle Dr. Davis advocates for is pay equity. She passionately discusses the disparities in salaries, particularly between men and women, and how these reflect broader systemic issues in both workplace and societal structures.
Finding Joy Amidst the Chaos
Despite the challenges, Dr. Davis finds solace in nature, family, and simple joys like hiking and playing in the park with her grandchildren. These moments of levity and connection remind us of the importance of balancing ambition with personal well-being.
Dr. Wendy Davis's conversation with Dr. Heather Walker offers insightful perspectives on handling life's myriad challenges with grit and grace. Whether in politics or at work, it's the unseen battles that shape who we are and push us toward growth and understanding. Let her story inspire you to face your hidden fights with courage and an open heart.
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Welcome to a deep dive into the transformative power of humor in the workplace, as explored in the insightful discussion between Dr. Heather Walker, host of the "Lead with Levity" podcast, and Dr. Mike Cundall, a university professor, researcher, author, speaker, and humor philosopher. In this engaging conversation, Dr. Cundall shares his expertise on how humor can be strategically and thoughtfully used to build rapport, improve team dynamics, and create a more pleasant and productive work environment.
The Concept of Humor as a House
One of Dr. Cundall's standout contributions is his "Humor as a House" framework. This concept helps individuals understand the appropriate use of humor in various social contexts. The idea is simple: as you develop relationships, you metaphorically move through different rooms of a house. The deeper you go, the more personal the humor can be.
- Front Door: Basic, universal humor that is safe for new acquaintances.
- Living Room: Early stages of developing familiarity, still cautious but more personalized.
- Kitchen: Deeper connections, where more personal humor is shared.
- Backyard Barbecue: Full-fledged rapport, where almost anything goes.
This framework guides the appropriate deployment of humor based on the depth of the relationship, ensuring that humor fosters connection rather than creating awkwardness or discomfort.
Humor as Kindness
Dr. Cundall views humor as an act of kindness. When we share humor, we share joy and mirth, which can deepen connections and build a sense of community. Humor isn't just about laughs; it’s about creating shared positive experiences. People laugh more when they are with others than when they are alone, underscoring humor's role in social bonding.
Navigating Difficult Topics with Humor
Dr. Cundall also shares a personal anecdote from his teaching experience, emphasizing the importance of addressing sensitive topics with a touch of humor to ease tension. He often opens a conversation about race with humor, calling himself "melanin challenged." This light-hearted approach makes it easier to discuss serious, potentially uncomfortable topics.
Cultural Sensitivity and Humor
The conversation also touches on the cultural nuances of humor. Dr. Cundall underscores that humor must be sensitive to the cultural and individual contexts. For instance, self-deprecating humor may not always be suitable, especially for women and people of color in professional settings. Being aware of one's positional dynamics and the audience's potential sensitivities is crucial.
Conclusion
Dr. Heather Walker and Dr. Mike Cundall’s conversation is a comprehensive exploration of the role of humor in professional and personal settings. Through practical examples, philosophical insights, and thoughtful advice, Dr. Cundall provides invaluable guidance on using humor to build rapport, alleviate stress, and foster a positive work environment. For anyone looking to enhance their leadership skills with a touch of levity, their insights are a must-hear.
You can find out more about Mike Cundall and the company at www.mirthmanagement.co
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In the latest episode of "Lead with Levity," Dr. Heather Walker delves into these unspoken fears with senior executive coach Colleen Slaughter. Colleen's inspiring journey began at age 21 when she moved to Paris with no money, no plan, and no knowledge of French. Since then, she has worked with Fortune 500 companies and Nobel Peace Prize recipients, helping leaders overcome self-doubt and limiting beliefs. Let's explore Colleen's insights on embracing authenticity in the workplace.
The Challenge of Authenticity
In the introduction, Dr. Heather Walker poses several thought-provoking questions:
- Why do we avoid difficult conversations?
- What are we afraid of?
- How can we show up authentically when professionalism seems like a shield to hide behind?
These questions set the stage for a deep and meaningful conversation with Colleen Slaughter.
Colleen's Journey to AuthenticityColleen recounts her daring move to Paris and how it shaped her career. Working with leaders worldwide, she noticed a common theme: the reluctance to speak up and the internal struggle between professional expectations and personal integrity.
Heather shares a similar experience with the language barrier during a trip to Paris, highlighting the universal challenge of connecting authentically despite external pressures.
Culture and Authenticity
Colleen explains how different cultures perceive authenticity at work. For example, leaders in France and Germany often face hierarchical barriers, whereas Dutch professionals tend to be blunt and direct. She emphasizes that genuine brainstorming and co-creation require leaders to build trust and create an environment where team members feel safe to express their true thoughts.
The Role of Trust
Trust is fundamental to authentic leadership. Colleen stresses the importance of understanding the different aspects of trustworthiness, such as reliability, intimacy, credibility, and low self-orientation. Leaders must strive to be trustworthy across all these dimensions to foster a genuine and open workplace.
Courageous Conversations
One of the key strategies Colleen discusses is the need for courageous conversations. She encourages leaders to set boundaries and express their true feelings respectfully. This approach not only builds trust but also ensures that team dynamics are honest and constructive.
Key Takeaways
- Small Changes Make a Big Difference: Colleen encourages making small, intentional changes to bring more joy and authenticity to everyday life.
- Practice Self-compassion: Being gentle with oneself creates the foundation for authentic behavior and better relationships.
- Embrace Courageous Conversations: Honest and respectful dialogue is crucial for building trust and fostering a harmonious workplace.
Stay Connected with Colleen
For those interested in learning more about Colleen's work and receiving weekly insights, visit https://www.boldermoves.com
ConclusionAuthenticity in the workplace is not an overnight achievement. It demands intention, courage, and a commitment to personal growth. By embracing these principles and fostering an environment of trust, leaders can create a more genuine and productive workspace.
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Public speaking can be terrifying, whether you’re addressing a conference of hundreds or presenting to your colleagues. Dr. Heather Walker recently explored this topic on her Lead with Levity podcast, hosting Fern Chan, a presentation coach, speaker, and author of the best-selling book, "How Not to Suck at Presentations." Fern shared her invaluable insights on the common pitfalls in presentations and how to overcome them, ensuring you deliver interesting, memorable, and impactful messages.
1. The Importance of Practicing:
“You'd be surprised how many people don’t practice,” Fern says. Many believe they can wing it with their slides, resulting in unorganized thoughts and a lack of smooth transitions. Preparing your content, practicing aloud, and ensuring a compelling call to action are essential to crafting a successful presentation.
2. Engaging Your Audience from the Start:Fern advises starting with a hook that grabs your audience’s attention. “Begin with something unorthodox like a story, a shocking statistic, or a provocative question,” she explains. This strategy keeps your audience engaged and eager to hear what comes next.
3. Using Visuals Effectively:Fern advocates for using arresting images that complement your story. “A picture is worth a thousand words,” she states. Rather than cluttering slides with text, a powerful image can be a powerful storytelling tool.
4. Storytelling with Data:When presenting complex data, tie it to relatable stories. Fern illustrates this with her work: “Share the transformation stories behind the numbers—how individuals' lives were impacted positively by your data.”
5. Proper Preparation Prevents Poor Performance:Fern emphasizes the 5 Ps: Proper Preparation Prevents Poor Performance. This means rehearsing your presentation out loud multiple times, timing yourself, and ensuring you know your content so well that you can pivot easily if technology fails.
ConclusionBecoming a great presenter requires practice, preparation, and a willingness to be vulnerable. As you develop your skills, remember to engage your audience by making your content relatable and using powerful visuals. For more insights from Fern Chan, check out her book “How Not to Suck at Presentations” and visit her website for free resources and webinars.
Final Thoughts
Whether pitching an idea to your team or speaking at a major event, these key strategies can help you improve your presentation game. Remember, we’re all on this journey together, and with practice, you can master the art of delivering compelling and impactful presentations.
For more resources and coaching from Fern Chan, visit her website fernchan.com, and follow her on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook.
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Welcome back to another enlightening episode of the Lead with Levity Podcast, where we explore how to build 12 superpowers to live and lead a life full of joy, success, and authenticity. Hosted by Dr. Heather Walker, today's episode delves into the journey and wisdom of Dr. Shaan Patel, the founder and CEO of Prep Expert. If you've ever wondered how to transform an average performance into something truly extraordinary, this episode encapsulates the highlights of Dr. Patel's in-depth discussion about leadership, education, and human potential.
The Power of Delayed Gratification and Discipline
He attributes his success to developing skills such as delayed gratification, self-control, hard work, and effective time management, which were crucial not only for his academic achievements but also for his entrepreneurial success. The ability to set internal goals rather than being driven by external pressures, like parental expectations, was crucial for his sustained motivation.
Transforming Education and Business Leadership
Dr. Patel revealed his methodology of turning disappointment into motivation. When his SAT prep book was turned down by publishers, he used the same material to offer SAT courses, leading to the founding of Prep Expert, which has now helped thousands achieve higher test scores and win over $100 million in college scholarships.
Balancing Productivity with Well-being
One issue Dr. Walker and Dr. Patel discuss is the challenge of maintaining peak productivity without burning out, especially in remote work settings. Dr. Patel stresses the importance of delineating work from personal time and offers tangible tips like starting your day with a "morning power hour" dedicated to tackling your most challenging tasks. He shares that achieving the hardest task first makes the rest of the day more manageable and productive.
How Fun and Levity Play a Role
Dr. Patel explains the significance of integrating fun and levity into the work culture. Remote work does not organically offer the same opportunities for camaraderie, so his team makes a conscious effort to log into meetings early to chat or even schedule in-person gatherings when possible. Regular breaks and creating a friendly work environment contribute to a more productive and happier team.
Real-life Applications: Evaluating Team Capabilities
Dr. Walker poses an insightful scenario about a new manager trying to evaluate his team. Dr. Patel recommends assigning small, manageable projects to team members to gauge their skills, work ethics, and how they handle deadlines. This approach reveals much about each individual's strengths and areas for improvement.
Conclusion
Dr. Shaan Patel’s insights offer valuable lessons on perseverance, internal motivation, and the balance between productivity and well-being. Whether you’re a student, parent, or business leader, his advice is both practical and inspiring, offering strategies to unlock your own potential and lead a more successful, fulfilled life.
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In our fast-paced world, productivity has become a buzzword everyone is chasing. We often hear about to-do lists, task managers, and productivity apps, all designed to help us manage our time better. But what if we've been approaching time management all wrong? What if the secret to being productive is not about adding more tasks to our list but actually taking some away?
Introducing the Not-To-Do List
The concept of a not-to-do list is as simple as it sounds: it’s a list of things you commit not to do. This could include tasks, habits, or behaviors that don't serve your goals or well-being. The system is about starting from not-to-do lists before any to-do lists.
Why a Not-To-Do List?
Most of us have experienced the overwhelming feeling of looking at a long to-do list and realizing there’s not enough time in the day to accomplish everything. This often leads to stress and a sense of failure when we can’t check off all the boxes. By focusing first on what not to do, we can eliminate distractions and free up more time and mental energy for the tasks that truly matter.
Steps to Create Your Not-To-Do List
- Identify Time Wasters: Reflect on your daily routine and identify activities that consume your time but have no real value. This could be excessive social media use, endless email checking, or attending unproductive meetings.
- Understand Your Priorities: Clarify what’s most important to you professionally and personally. This will help you recognize which tasks and habits are not aligned with your priorities.
- Set Boundaries: List the things you decide not to do and commit to them. These boundaries will help you stay focused and reduce decision fatigue.
Benefits of a Not-To-Do List
- Increased Focus: By removing distractions, you can direct your attention to high-priority tasks.
- Reduced Stress: Fewer responsibilities mean less to worry about, which can significantly reduce stress.
- Better Time Management: Spending less time on low-value activities provides more time for meaningful work and personal activities.
Conclusion
Not-to-do lists are a powerful tool for managing your time and increasing productivity. When you start to prioritize by eliminating the unnecessary, you'll have more space and energy to focus on what truly matters. Give it a try, and you find that a not-to-do list is the key to unlocking your productive potential.
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In a world that constantly bombards us with challenges, deadlines, and multitasking, it's no surprise that many of us feel overwhelmed and burned out. This sentiment resonates deeply with our host, Dr. Heather Walker, and countless others, like us, seeking ways to navigate the chaos of life while maintaining balance and achieving peak performance. In the latest episode of the Lead with Levity podcast, Dr. Walker delves into these issues with esteemed guest Pam Marcheski, a peak performance coach with vast experience in senior executive roles at Fortune 500 companies.
The Overwhelm
Dr. Walker opens the episode addressing the common denominator in our hectic lives: feeling overwhelmed. From conversations with clients, friends, family, and community members, one thing remains clear—everyone is grappling with stress and fatigue. The feeling of being 'fried' and the desperate wait for the weekend is all too common. This episode aims to offer solace and practical strategies for those struggling to manage their energy and mindset in such a demanding environment.
Presence and MindfulnessOne of the key points Pam makes is the importance of presence—being truly aware of where we are, both in mind and body. In today’s hyper-connected world, we often find ourselves physically present but mentally drifting away. By practicing mindfulness and paying attention to what's capturing our focus, we can devise strategies to better manage our time and emotions.
Mindfulness in ActionPam's pivotal moment wasn't triggered by burnout but rather a desire to improve her interactions and presence. Her introduction to mindfulness came through Dan Harris's book "10% Happier," which taught her to focus on being present momentarily throughout her day and set intentions for her behavior and responses.
Finding Space and GracePam advocates for creating 'space' and 'grace' within our daily routines. This means recognizing that the long-gone natural boundaries need to be consciously replaced with intentional practices that allow us to disconnect, even momentarily, to recharge.
Facing the Modern Work DilemmaDr. Walker raises a familiar scenario—competing priorities and the overbooked calendar. Pam's advice is to get comfortable with discomfort and recognize the importance of prioritizing tasks. She encourages playing with the concept, experimenting with eliminating low-risk tasks to observe the impact, and being strategic about scheduling to enhance overall effectiveness.
Bringing Levity to WorkBringing fun and joy into our lives is essential to keeping the energy high and preventing burnout. Pam shares personal tips like listening to loud, uplifting music, dancing, and even engaging in creative exercises like improv to add levity and playfulness to her routine.
ConclusionThis episode of Lead with Levity podcast profoundly emphasizes the importance of mindfulness, presence, and intentional living. Pam Marcheski’s insights offer valuable takeaways for anyone struggling with the pressures of modern-day life. From busy executives to overwhelmed parents, there's something in her message for everyone. Take a step back, breathe, and remember—mindful leadership can make all the difference.
To learn more about Pam Marcheski and her work with M Peak, visit her website at intentact.com or connect with her on LinkedIn. Let's take the first step towards balancing our lives and leading with levity!
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In this episode, Dr. Heather Walker delves into the fascinating world of facilitation with Dr. Myriam Hadnes—a behavioral economist and self-proclaimed facilitation evangelist. This conversation uncovers the essence of facilitation, its impact in various environments, and practical strategies to enhance group interactions. If you're a leader, project manager, or simply someone interested in understanding the dynamics of group facilitation, read on as we pull back the curtain on this 'Wizard of Oz’ of workplace skills.
The Core Skills of Facilitation
Facilitation requires a strategic blend of skills:
- Sensitivity to group dynamics
- Communication proficiency
- Idea synthesis
- Behavioral observation and response
Dr. Walker shares her own experiences with facilitation, debunking the myth that effective facilitation is a natural-born talent. Instead, she emphasizes that it is a skill honed through practice and critical reflection.
Facilitation in the Workplace
Facilitation is not limited to designated roles; it’s a daily practice for many, even without their realizing it. From team leaders fostering collaborative atmospheres to project managers synchronizing team efforts, facilitation is integral. Dr. Hadnes explains that facilitation skills overlap significantly with leadership skills, like asking insightful questions, active listening, and encouraging participation from quieter team members.
Creating Psychological Safety
A key takeaway from the discussion is the importance of psychological safety in facilitation. Originating from Amy Edmondson's research, psychological safety is shown to distinguish high-performing teams from mediocre ones. Facilitators must cultivate environments where team members feel safe to share, question, and challenge without fear of retribution. This safety promotes authenticity, vulnerability, and ultimately, better communication and collaboration.
The Journey to Becoming a Facilitator
Dr. Hadnes’s personal journey into facilitation was indirect—the realization of her facilitative role came much later. Her background in academia and her experiences with organizational change positioned her uniquely to embrace and advocate for facilitation. Her story resonates with many who find themselves facilitating without initially identifying as a facilitator.
Case Study: Transforming Sarah's Leadership
A case study in facilitation involves Sarah, a manager in a manufacturing plant who struggles with workplace dynamics. Dr. Hadnes advises beginning with empathy, emphasizing the importance of sharing burdens and encouraging team ownership. Effective meeting management and fostering open communication are key strategies to transforming Sarah’s leadership style.
Conclusion
Facilitation is a powerful tool in fostering effective communication, collaboration, and psychological safety within teams. Dr. Myriam Hadnes’s insights provide a valuable blueprint for anyone looking to enhance their facilitation skills, whether in the workplace, academic settings, or personal gatherings. As we embrace the nuanced art and science of facilitation, we open doors to more meaningful, productive, and enjoyable interactions.
For those interested in diving deeper into facilitation, Dr. Hadnes’s community “Never Done Before” offers a platform to explore and experiment with facilitation techniques. Her collective book project, "A Simple Guide on How to Save the World through Facilitation," promises further insights into applying these skills for broader impact.
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Welcome to the "Lead with Levity" podcast, where your host Dr. Heather Walker delves into conversations that equip you with the tools to improve your emotional intelligence (EQ) and navigate the complexities of leadership. In this episode, Dr. Walker is joined by Dr. Steven Stein, a world-renowned clinical psychologist and international best-selling author known for his pioneering work on emotional intelligence and hardiness. In this insightful discussion, Dr. Walker and Dr. Stein explore the nuances of EQ, the importance of hardiness in overcoming adversity, and practical strategies for enhancing your interpersonal skills.
Understanding Emotional Intelligence
Emotional intelligence has gained significant attention over the years as an essential skill for both personal and professional success. Dr. Stein describes EQ as encompassing five core areas:
- Self-Perception: Understanding both your micro (current emotions) and macro (overall life satisfaction) emotional states.
- Self-Expression: Transparently communicating your thoughts and feelings, especially important for leaders.
- Interpersonal Skills: Building and maintaining relationships, which in turn helps leaders inspire and get the best out of their teams.
- Decision-Making: Leveraging intuition and emotion to make effective decisions.
- Stress Management: Successfully managing stress and maintaining composure in challenging situations.
Building Emotional Intelligence
Developing emotional intelligence is a continuous process. Dr. Stein highlights that while some individuals might naturally possess high EQ, these skills can indeed be cultivated. For instance, empathy is one core area that can be developed through active listening and genuine curiosity about others' perspectives.
Applying EQ and Hardiness in the Workplace
Dr. Walker presents a real-world scenario that many HR professionals encounter—a manager named Chewy who uses religious beliefs to resist inclusive leadership principles. Dr. Stein offers actionable advice on how to address such sensitive issues empathetically without compromising on the core values of inclusive leadership. Dr. Stein emphasizes the importance of understanding and acknowledging diverse perspectives while not necessarily subscribing to them.
Dr. Stein’s Unexpected Passions
Beyond his professional pursuits, Dr. Stein lets listeners in on his personal passion for music. As a musician performing with a jazz-rock band, Dr. Stein finds joy and a sense of community in the arts. This passion for music serves as a reminder of the importance of integrating fun and levity into our lives, a concept that resonates deeply with the ethos of the “Lead with Levity” podcast.
Looking Ahead
In closing, Dr. Stein shares his future aspirations, which include ongoing research into emotional intelligence and continually refining tools for better assessing and developing these competencies. His dedication to both his work and his hobbies exemplifies the continuous journey of self-actualization and learning.
Conclusion
Dr. Steven Stein’s conversation with Dr. Heather Walker is a deep dive into the essential skills of emotional intelligence and hardiness. From practical strategies for improving EQ to understanding the powerful role of self-awareness and empathy, this episode is a treasure trove of insights for anyone looking to excel in leadership and personal growth. For more about Dr. Stein's work, visit stevenstein.com or mhs.com.
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In today’s post, we dive into an insightful conversation with Kelly Campbell, a trauma-informed leadership coach and author of “Heal to Lead: Revolutionizing Leadership Through Trauma Healing”.
Understanding Trauma in the Workplace
Dr. Heather Walker begins the episode by welcoming Kelly Campbell and highlighting the pervasive nature of stress in the workplace. She underscores the importance of understanding how trauma can be stored in the body and manifest in various ways, affecting individuals’ interactions at work.
What it Means to be Trauma-Informed
Kelly explains that trauma, derived from the Greek word meaning "wound," refers to experiences that overwhelm our nervous system’s ability to cope, causing these experiences to be stored in the body. She describes trauma in terms of “unintegrated information” – information and experiences that remain unresolved within us.
The Role of a Trauma-Informed Leader
A trauma-informed leader, as Kelly describes, is someone who has undergone training to understand trauma, its manifestations, and how to address it compassionately in the workplace. She differentiates between being trauma-aware, trauma-informed, and trauma-responsive, with her role focusing on the middle ground of being trauma-informed.
Practical Steps for Leaders
Dr. Walker and Kelly discuss practical steps for leaders dealing with challenging scenarios. For example, they explore how to handle a scenario involving a manager named David, whose behavior of interrupting colleagues and making hasty decisions has caused frustration among his team.
Moving Towards Compassionate Leadership
Kelly shares that becoming a trauma-informed leader involves self-awareness, compassion, and the willingness to engage in one’s own healing work. She draws from Buddhist psychology and other practices that emphasize understanding and compassion for both oneself and others.
Integrating Levity into Leadership
Given the heavy nature of trauma-related topics, Dr. Walker shifts the conversation towards incorporating levity and joy into daily routines. Kelly suggests several ways to integrate fun and lightness, such as dancing, walking barefoot in nature, or even jumping on a mini-trampoline.
Looking Forward
Kelly shares her excitement about upcoming engagements, including speaking at various conferences and doing book readings in plant shops – environments she finds particularly joyful and refreshing. For those interested in learning more about Kelly and her work, she directs them to her website, KLCampbell.com.
Conclusion
In this episode, Dr. Heather Walker and Kelly Campbell provided valuable insights into the importance of trauma-informed leadership and practical steps for fostering a supportive workplace. By integrating compassion, self-awareness, and even a bit of levity into leadership practices, leaders can create environments where team members feel heard, valued, and empowered to thrive.
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In today's fast-paced business world, finding success and maintaining a balance between work and personal life can be challenging. With this episode of "Lead with Levity," Dr. Heather Walker sits down with Adam House, a senior executive, business advisor, former professional basketball player, and co-owner of the Rochester RazorSharks, to delve into the keys to success in business and leadership.
Setting the Stage
Dr. Walker kicks off the podcast by discussing the importance of consistency in achieving success. She reflects on how success is often perceived as an overnight accomplishment, but, in reality, it stems from consistent behaviors and good habits. This sets the stage for a deep dive into Adam House's experiences and insights.
From Entrepreneurship to Business Advisory
Adam House shares his remarkable journey from starting his first business with just a couple of hundred bucks to launching multiple successful ventures. He emphasizes the importance of resilience, perseverance, and never quitting despite facing failures along the way. Adam's transition from being a CEO to becoming a business advisor has allowed him to help other entrepreneurs navigate the challenges of starting, scaling, and exiting their businesses.
Balancing Work and Personal Life
One of the key highlights of the conversation is Adam's focus on balancing work commitments with personal life. He shares valuable insights on the seasonal awareness of life, understanding the sacrifices involved in pursuing business goals, and the importance of staying grounded in faith and family values.
Leadership Lessons
As the discussion progresses, Adam provides expert advice on effective leadership, including setting clear expectations, measuring performance, and providing timely feedback to team members. He stresses the significance of cultural fit, performance-based evaluations, and the necessity of making tough decisions, such as letting go of those who are not a good fit for the organization.
Launching New Ventures
Despite his success in previous ventures, Adam continues to channel his entrepreneurial spirit by launching new businesses, offering business advisory services, and guiding other entrepreneurs on their journey to success. His podcast, "The House of Bricks," focuses on leveraging life experiences as building blocks for success.
Connect with Adam House
To learn more about Adam House and his podcast, "The House of Bricks," visit his website at AdamHouseSr.com and follow him on Instagram at @adamhousesr. Don't miss the insightful discussions and valuable insights shared on his podcast!
In conclusion, the conversation between Dr. Heather Walker and Adam House offers a wealth of knowledge and inspiration for anyone striving for success in business and leadership. By embracing consistency, balancing work and personal life, and cultivating effective leadership skills, individuals can navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship and fulfill their potential in the business world.
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In a world where the average turnover rate in some industries spikes to over 21%, holding onto talent becomes a challenge every leader faces. Yet, it's a challenge that Rasmus Holst, CEO of LMS 365, meets with a vision that transcends the typical corporate approach. In an enlightening episode of the Lead What Levity podcast, hosted by Dr. Heather Walker, Rasmus divulges the universal key to not just keeping talent, but also nurturing it to thrive and grow within any industry.
Understanding Human Success
From the onset, Rasmus Holst lays out a compelling narrative that challenges the conventional norms of employee retention and corporate growth. "Investing in human success is universal," he asserts, drawing connections between diverse fields like construction and software development. This notion is grounded in the belief that regardless of the industry, providing people with reasons to grow and stay is essential. A notable statistic sheds light on this perspective: more than 40% of workers in the U.S. report that their organization's commitment to employee development keeps them satisfied at work. Yet, less than half feel their company significantly invests in their growth.
The LMS 365 Story: From Library to Global Business
Rasmus shares the intriguing origin story of LMS 365, which began nearly two decades ago with a dentist in Denmark who quit his job to help people find books in a local library. This simple yet innovative act laid the foundation for a global business, turning over about $30 million and partnering up with giants like Microsoft. Fast forward to today, LMS 365 is used by 2000 organizations across the world, affirming Rasmus's belief that great ideas can come from the most humble beginnings.
Changing Narratives: Human Resources to Human Success
Rasmus introduces a thought-provoking shift in corporate terminology: from human resources to human success. This language change reflects a deeper commitment to recognizing employees not as mere assets but as individuals with potential and aspirations. "Why are we not thinking about people as success?" he questions, prompting leaders to invest in their teams' success, not just witness it from afar.
The Power of Human Success
In an era where technological advancements and corporate structures redefine work cultures, Rasmus Holst's philosophy presents a refreshing perspective on success. It's a conversation that extends beyond the confines of LMS 365, challenging leaders across all industries to reflect on how they view, treat, and invest in their most valuable asset: their people.
Listeners left the conversation with not just insights into one CEO's journey from a small Danish library to the helm of a global enterprise but also with a challenge to redefine what success looks like within their organizations—and, possibly, within themselves.
For more insights into Rasmus Holst's vision and the transformative power of LMS 365, connect with him on LinkedIn or explore the innovative solutions at LMS 365.
This episode of the Lead What Levity podcast not only peeled back layers on the necessity of nurturing talent but also served as a beacon for those looking to foster an environment where people are encouraged to grow, stay, and thrive.
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In this episode of the Lead with Levity podcast, I had the profound opportunity to host Dr. Chuck Wallington, a towering figure in the realm of corporate leadership and a beacon for aspiring African American executives. Dr. Wallington, the author of "A Seat at the C-Suite Table: Insights from the Leadership Journeys of African American Executives," shares invaluable wisdom gleaned from his research and personal journey, highlighting the nuanced challenges and victories experienced by black male leaders across the nation.
The Uniqueness of the Black Executive Experience
One of the most compelling revelations from Dr. Wallington's work is the distinctiveness of the leadership journey for African American males in corporate America. Through his doctoral research, which originally stemmed from a quest to understand the scarcity of black men in public relations, Wallington broadened his scope to explore the stories of 30 black male executives. These narratives collectively underscore the rarefied air these leaders breathe and navigate within the C-suite realm – often as the first and only person of color in executive teams.
Mentorship: A Pillar for Success
A recurring theme in these leadership journeys is the vital role of mentorship. Despite the prevailing narrative, Wallington's findings reveal that while not all successful black executives had mentors, the ones who did could draw on a reservoir of support and guidance that significantly eased their paths. This mentorship paradigm extends beyond race, emphasizing the universal value of having seasoned advisors for those climbing the corporate ladder.
Challenges and Opportunities for Growth
The conversations Wallington had with these executives illuminate the ongoing challenges faced by black men in corporate America. The physical presence, the conscious efforts to not intimidate colleagues, and the overarching need to constantly prove oneself are just snippets of a larger narrative that demands attention and action.
The Unlearning Process: A Path Forward
Reflecting on personal growth, Wallington emphasizes the importance of unlearning preconceived notions and biases. This process of unlearning, prompted by new evidence or perspectives, is crucial for personal and professional development. It underscores the necessity for a mindset open to growth, change, and understanding, particularly in supporting colleagues, friends, and teams from different backgrounds.
Conclusion
Dr. Chuck Wallington's journey, coupled with the insights from his research, offers a clarion call to corporate America and beyond. It's a call for introspection, broader inclusion, and a concerted effort to understand and address the unique challenges faced by African American executives. As we reflect on these stories, let us consider how we, too, can be a part of the change – through mentorship, a willingness to learn and unlearn, and our actions and policies that nurture an environment where every leader can flourish, regardless of race.
Thank you, Dr. Chuck Wallington, for sharing your profound insights and research. Your work not only shines a light on the often untold stories of black male executives but also serves as a roadmap for building more inclusive and empathetic leadership frameworks in every sphere of influence.
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In a deeply engaging episode of the Lead with Levity Podcast, hosted by Dr. Heather Walker, the spotlight was on Amber Ontiveros, a trailblazer in addressing and healing workplace discrimination. Ontiveros, with a rich background spanning from working with the Bush and Obama administrations to her profound personal journey towards understanding consciousness and unconscious bias, shared insights that promise a transformative approach to workplace dynamics and personal growth.
The Path to End Discord
The conversation opened with the all-too-familiar challenges many people face in creating environments where everyone feels safe and valued—spaces where creativity and ideas flourish without fear of judgment or retaliation. Ontiveros delved deep into the “two sides of the coin” conundrum, emphasizing the dance between individual intentions and collective narratives. Her work focuses on bringing to light the internal scripts running within us, challenging and healing them to foster a truly inclusive environment.
Dr. Walker and Ontiveros explored the concept of discord in the workplace, exemplified through a scenario involving "Nick", a character resistant to feedback. This example served to introduce Ontiveros’ unique approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)—one that leverages personal transformation as a gateway to tackling broader societal and organizational challenges.
Healing the Four Woundings
A pivotal moment in the podcast was Ontiveros’ revelation of the "four woundings"—beliefs deeply embedded in our subconscious that perpetuate cycles of discord and discrimination. These are:
1. I am not worthy.
2. I am not enough.
3. I have to win.
4. I don’t have enough.
Ontiveros argued that these wounds, universal to all, fuel the fires of discrimination and personal dissatisfaction. Her stirring call to action was for individuals to recognize these wound within themselves to heal and move forward, both personally and within their communities.
Mindful Listening and Other Tools for Transformation
The discussion introduced mindful listening—a technique Ontiveros employs to understand and dissolve the barriers erected by unconscious bias. By focusing on the breath and engaging in self-inquiry, one can uncover and address the root of discriminatory behaviors and thoughts. This tool, among others shared by Ontiveros, offers a practical approach to navigating and transforming complex interpersonal dynamics.
Final Thoughts
Amber Ontiveros' appearance on the Lead with Levity Podcast provided not just food for thought but a call to action for anyone looking to make a substantive change in their lives and the lives of others. Her holistic approach to addressing discrimination, rooted in personal healing and consciousness, offers a refreshing, deeply needed perspective in today's discourse on diversity and inclusion.
For those looking to dive deeper into Ontiveros’ work or seeking guidance on their healing journey, visiting her website, healthefourwoundings.com, is a promising first step towards embracing a more inclusive, empathetic, and healing approach to life and work.
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In the bustling world of business and organizational management, the quest for efficiency, empowerment, and happiness within the workplace is a journey many leaders embark upon, yet few travel successfully. It was in this context that I had the privilege of sitting down with Jack Skeels, a visionary thinker, CEO of Better Company, a celebrated author, and an advocate for transformative leadership. Our conversation, rich in insights and groundbreaking ideas, revealed a clear path toward creating more empowered and happier organizations.
The Recipe for Empowerment and Joy
Jack Skeels, a two-time Inc. 500 award winner and a beacon in the agile transformation realm, shared his recent venture into the world of authorship with his latest book, "Unmanaged: Master the Magic of Creating Empowered and Happy Organizations." This book serves not just as a read but as a manual for those daring to venture into the depths of management innovation. Jack's journey, from a sharp, promising programmer disillusioned by the apparent disconnect between managers and their crafts, to an executive coaching guru, is more than inspiring. It's a call to action.
His book and his principles revolve around the simple yet profound notion of managing less while excelling in four key moments: the why, what, go, and grow moments of any project or organizational initiative. Derived from a Japanese technique called BA, which emphasizes unity and collective presence, Jack advocates for building a foundational understanding and inclusion at the onset of new ventures.
A New Paradigm in Management
Perhaps the most enlightening aspect of our conversation was Jack's challenge to conventional management wisdom. With each anecdote and example, he peeled back the layers of management practices that hamper productivity rather than foster it. From unnecessary meetings acting as a "tax on productivity" to the modern workplace's convoluted matrix of managing relationships, Jack calls for a radical simplification of managing. His insights into how every managerial action could potentially slow down processes and make things more inefficient were both alarming and refreshing.
Kanban: The Practical Fix
In addressing the intertwined chaos of priorities and managerial actions, Jack highlighted the Kanban system as a beacon of hope. This agile concept encourages alignment among managers regarding priorities, essentially reviving unity in management. By making work sequences visible and priorities clear to all team members, the Kanban system ensures that efforts are focused and productivity is not just a goal but a reality.
The Four Key Moments
Delving deeper, Jack elaborated on the four key moments that managers should excel in: The Why Moment: Explains the context and purpose, fostering a comprehensive understanding of the project or task at hand.
The What Moment: Clarifies what needs to be achieved, ensuring that all managers and team members are on the same page.
The Go Moment: Encourages autonomy, allowing teams to proceed with the tasks without unnecessary intervention.
The Grow Moment: Focuses on the growth opportunities for team members through the project, emphasizing inclusive and fair participation beyond managerial biases.
For those looking to embark on this transformative journey, Jack Skeels' work with Better Company and his groundbreaking book offers a starting point. It's time for leaders to rethink, realign, and revolutionize their approach to management for a future where empowerment and happiness are not just goals but the very essence of organizational culture.
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In the latest episode of the Lead with Levity podcast, we had the pleasure of diving deep into the world of leadership and inclusion with Fabrice Desmarescaux, an international executive coach and author of "The Art of Retreats." Our lively discussion spanned topics from the essence of conscious leadership to creating inclusive environments in the workplace. This blog post recaps the insightful conversation and shares key takeaways that can help leaders foster a more engaging and equitable workplace.
The Journey to Conscious Leadership: Fabrice Desmarescaux brings a unique perspective to leadership development, advocating for what he terms "conscious" or "contemplative leadership." This approach encourages leaders to step back, reflect, and engage with their role and impact on their teams and the organization more deliberately. He argues that the fast-paced, complex nature of the global business environment demands leaders step out of the operational whirlwind to genuinely contemplate their actions and decisions.
One of the most compelling parts of our conversation was hearing about Fabrice's own journey. After years in the high-stakes world of banking, he experienced a personal awakening in his early forties, leading him to question the meaning and impact of his work. This revelation spurred a career shift towards executive coaching, where he now impacts others by guiding them toward more fulfilling, conscious paths of leadership.
Addressing Inclusivity Through Psychological Safety: A significant portion of our conversation was dedicated to inclusion in the workplace, specifically addressing resistance to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Fabrice offered insights into managing such resistance, suggesting a focus on fostering psychological safety rather than engaging directly with politically charged arguments about DEI.
He shared an innovative approach to uncover issues affecting psychological safety within teams, a method that involves team members anonymously indicating their experiences of feeling undervalued, overlooked, or silenced. This exercise has proven a powerful tool in making the invisible visible, allowing teams to confront and address issues that may otherwise go unspoken.
The Power of Retreats and Reflection: Fabrice's book, "The Art of Retreats," advocates for the transformative power of retreats and deep reflection for leaders. He stressed the importance of occasionally disconnecting from the relentless pace of work to engage in solitude and quiet contemplation. This practice, he suggests, can lead to profound personal insights and a clearer vision for one's leadership journey and life path. Throughout the discussion, it became evident that the ability to sit with oneself and reflect is not just beneficial but crucial for sustained success and well-being in leadership roles.
Moving Forward: The Path to Inclusive Leadership As our talk transitioned towards actionable advice for leaders, Fabrice emphasized the ongoing nature of conscious leadership development and the journey toward creating more inclusive environments. It's clear that leaders have a pivotal role in shaping organizational cultures that embrace diversity and equity while fostering a sense of belonging for all employees.
In conclusion, this episode of Lead with Levity provided a compelling look into the importance of conscious leadership and creating inclusive workplaces. It served as a reminder that the work of being a better leader, colleague, and human is never done, but it's a journey worth embarking on for the benefit of all.
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Introduction:
Have you ever found yourself in a situation where your message felt lost in translation? Despite your best efforts, your words just didn't seem to have the impact you intended? We've all been there. In a world where attention spans are getting shorter, it's becoming increasingly challenging to ensure that our ideas are not only heard but also understood and embraced by others. But fear not! In this blog post, we will explore the superpower of clarity and communication and how it can help you build stronger, more meaningful connections in all areas of your life.
The Impact of Clarity:
In today's fast-paced world, where distractions abound, attention spans are indeed getting shorter. Your ability to communicate with clarity has never been more crucial. Whether you're at work, presenting a new idea, leading a team, or trying to get your family to help out around the house, the clarity and intention behind your words can dramatically influence the outcome of your interactions. Clear communication helps eliminate misunderstandings, fosters productivity, and builds trust among individuals.
Introducing Dr. Pam Hurley:
To delve into the labyrinth of effective communication, we are fortunate to have Dr. Pam Hurley as our guide. Dr. Hurley is the president and founder of Hurley Write, with a Ph.D. in technical communications. She has shared her wisdom at esteemed institutions like Duke, George Washington University, and UNC Wilmington. Dr. Hurley's expertise in this area offers a lighthouse for those striving to be more precise and purposeful in our communications.
Understanding the Challenges:
One of the common challenges faced by professionals is the lack of writing standards and guidance. Communication is often taught with a trial-and-error approach, leading to confusion on how to effectively convey a message. Without clear standards, writers struggle to hit a moving target, trying to communicate in different tones, styles, and voices. This lack of clarity not only affects the writers but also hampers the efficiency and productivity of the entire organization.
The Need for Individual Improvement:
Individuals play a crucial role in honing their writing skills and overcoming the challenges of unclear communication. It starts with understanding the audience and their preferences. Knowing the audience helps tailor the message in a way that resonates with them. Additionally, setting clear goals and outcomes for each communication piece assists in maintaining focus and providing a direction for the writing process. Practicing daily writing and reading habits sharpens the skills required for effective communication.
Bringing Levity to the Process:
The process of writing and receiving feedback can be intimidating. However, adopting a problem-solving mindset, critical thinking, and practicing free writing can alleviate some stress and frustrations. Free writing allows the brain to release and explore ideas that might not have emerged through linear thinking. Embracing a structured approach while still being open to creativity can make the writing process more enjoyable and less arduous.
Preparing for Feedback:
Feedback plays a crucial role in improving communication skills. Organizations need to set the right culture and encourage reviewers to provide constructive feedback that balances praise with constructive criticism. Reviewers should provide specific guidelines and expectations for writers, enabling them to refine their communication techniques. A culture where writers and reviewers work as partners fosters growth and effectiveness in commun
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Welcome to the Lead with Levity podcast, where we explore strategies for fostering workplace well-being with a touch of humor. I’m your host, Dr. Heather Walker, and our exceptionally enlightening chat this time is with Chellie Phillips. With a background in journalism and public relations, Chellie is an expert in personal branding and workplace culture enhancement. Her work prominently shines in her best-selling book, "Culture Secrets", which is an excellent guide to thriving in genuinely inclusive, authentically excellent environments.
Defining Authentic Excellence and Inclusion
Authentic excellence is about embracing your unique strengths and, rather than trying to fit into a specific mold, bringing your best self to work in a way that aligns with your true self. On the contrary, inclusion focuses on fostering an environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and heard, leading to a supportive workplace.
A Conversation with Chellie Phillips
Chellie is an on-point example of transforming obstacles into opportunities, supporting others, and staying true to oneself in the process. With her expertise in creating inclusive cultures and personal branding, she offers invaluable insights on career paths, self-growth, and personal branding.
A significant aspect is to know and value oneself and be able to showcase it effectively. Whether you're a novice starting your career or a practicing professional, developing a robust personal brand is crucial to your professional and personal growth. Chellie brings a practical set of simple methods to understand oneself and use this understanding to create an impactful personal brand, promoting authenticity and resilience at their core.
Communicating for Connection
Every leader dreams of effectively connecting with their team without letting other responsibilities slide. Chellie Phillips echoes this feeling and shares her technique of supercharging connection within her team without sacrificing her managerial duties. She emphasizes the importance of communication and personal interaction and proposes a solution where these elements seamlessly blend with the work process.
Chellie utilizes a ‘Monday morning check-in’ – a platform for team members to share their weekly goals, hurdles, and wins. These open lines of communication breed informed leaders and a cohesive team that recognizes and values individual inputs. The process not only builds up the work culture but also fosters the environment of open communication that is pivotal to creating vibrant workplace cultures.
Conclusion
Chellie Phillips has shown us the immense possibilities that arise from authentic excellence and real inclusion in the workplace. More than that, she offers practical ways to cultivate these values, showcasing her leadership savvy and personal growth that results from her branding techniques.
Her words resonate that failure need not be a roadblock but a beneficial learning experience, a stepping stone towards creating and maintaining successful team dynamics and a thriving work culture. After all, being authentic, resilient, and supportive defines a successful professional journey and fortifies the essence of building a powerful personal brand.
Chellie’s enriching journey assures us that success comes from embodying a transparent, well-communicated, and empathetic leadership style, reinforcing the importance of these qualities in cultivating an environment of authentic excellence and inclusion.
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In our increasingly connected world, the importance of promoting a sense of community and fostering a creative environment in our workplaces cannot be overstated. Our surroundings can profoundly affect not only our productivity but also the connections we establish with each other. By channeling our understanding of the spaces around us, we can unlock the potential for innovation and collaboration, often hidden in plain sight.
Today we welcome a special guest, Rebecca Swanner: a trailblazer in architectural engineering design. Rebecca is the Workplace Sector Leader for Harley Ellis Devereaux Corporation (HED), the firm that is redesigning the way we perceive and interact with office spaces. Her invaluable insights reveal how consciously designed spaces can foster not just productivity but also inclusion, energy, and levity, transforming our surroundings into a catalyst for clarity.
Diverse Work Environments and their Impact
Rebecca stresses the importance of acknowledging that people work differently in diverse environments. Some thrive amidst constant stimulation, while others need an environment that filters out as much external stimuli as possible, allowing them to concentrate solely on their tasks. A foundation of radical transparency and trust within the workplace is crucial for team members to feel comfortable in their work environments.
Making Your Office a Home Away from Home
With a shift toward activity-based design, giving employees a choice of where to work within a workspace is essential. Depending on their needs for the day or even the hour, they should be able to select an environment that best supports their current task. Designing specialized spaces ensures that each space is optimized for a specific type of work.
Nurturing the Human Aspect in Design
One of the key trends Rebecca discusses is creating neighborhoods within the workspace. By fostering a sense of community within each neighborhood, employees feel a sense of belonging and pride in their area. Personalizing the space further enhances this sense of ownership, giving employees a connection to their surroundings.
Bringing Humanity to Workplaces
Thinking about the workplace as a space to nurture the human mind opens up a whole new realm of possibilities. Incorporating soundscapes, pleasant scents, and elements that trigger positive memories can significantly impact an employee's mood and overall well-being. Space designed with elements of relaxation and comfort can help prevent burnout, fatigue, and keep employees engaged and inspired.
Final Thoughts
Re-imagining workplaces through design is a compelling and innovative approach towards building more collaborative and nurturing work environments. By prioritizing employees' well-being and leveraging the potential of well-designed spaces, companies cannot only boost their bottom line but also foster a community of inspired, dedicated, and happy employees.
To learn more about Rebecca Swanner and HED's work, visit HED.design or connect with Rebecca on LinkedIn.
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In the latest episode of the 'Lead with Levity' podcast, our host, Dr. Heather Walker, had a delightful conversation with Watchen Nyanue Hampton. Watchen is a talent management strategist, founder, and CEO of 'I Choose the Ladder.' She's widely recognized for her work with Fortune 500 companies such as Nike, McDonald's, and Best Buy, empowering them to better understand, grow, and retain black female talent.
Unmasking Professional Authenticity
Early on, Heather and Watchen explored the concept of "authentic excellence." This idea focuses on enabling individuals to bring the best version of themselves to the workplace without feeling the need to wear a metaphorical "mask." They discussed Watchen's inspiring journey, how the 'I Choose the Ladder' initiative came to life, and why striving for professional honesty is paramount in an organization.
The Evolution of 'I Choose the Ladder'
Watchen shared how 'I Choose the Ladder' transitioned from a podcast into a successful business. Initially, the podcast provided a stage to interview black female executives and present their unique leadership journeys. However, as the initiative gained attention, organizations began to approach Watchen for expert advice. This unexpected turn of events led to the evolution of 'I Choose the Ladder' into a fully-fledged business aimed at empowering black women in corporate spaces.
Discovering Professional Alignment
As the discussion ensued, Watchen spoke about how her corporate training played a vital role in her successful entrepreneurial journey. She emphasized the importance of both personal and professional relationships in fueling her career growth. Moreover, she shared how a leap of faith led her to discover professional alignment and make "magical things happen.”
Promoting Transparency and Vulnerability in Leadership
Dr. Heather noted an emerging trend in today's corporate world - a call for increased transparency and vulnerability from leaders. She highlighted Watchen's suggestion for leaders to humanize corporate experiences and live up to their stated values to build a strong, diverse workforce.
Addressing the Challenge and Cultivating Balance
Closing the conversation, Watchen addressed the specific scenario of a manager who struggles to express vulnerability at work. She advised that launching small, safe techniques to build connections with their team could make a significant difference.
On a personal note, Watchen shared how she maintains balance amidst her responsibilities as an entrepreneur and a mother. For her, prioritizing things important to her, giving herself grace during challenging times, and ensuring she is on her list of priorities are the key elements of achieving personal balance.
Conclusion
The candid conversation with Watchen Nyanue provided insightful perspectives about nurturing authentic leadership and fostering diversity in corporate spaces. Her journey is a testament to how resilience, faith, and a healthy grasp on work-life balance can make all the difference as one ascends the ladders of personal and professional success.
To learn more about Watchen and her initiative, visit the 'Choose the Ladder' website, follow 'I Choose the Ladder' on Instagram, or connect with Watchen Nyanue Hampton on LinkedIn.
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I am thrilled to announce the first episode of the Lead with Levity podcast for 2024! 🎊 In this episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing the incredible Sam Yankelevitch, an expert in overcoming the fear of failure.
Sam shared his unique perspective on failure and how we can bring more levity into our lives to approach work and relationships with intention. He even wrote a fascinating book called "An Interview with Failure," which takes a fictional approach to explore this topic.
During our conversation, Sam discussed the power of words and how they impact our behaviors and success. He emphasized the importance of understanding failure and removing the fear associated with it, allowing us to pursue our goals without hesitation.
In addition to Sam's insights, I also shared some exciting updates for the podcast this year. We will be focusing on 12 big challenges and inviting expert guests to discuss topics such as building trust, leveraging technology, and making learning fun.
So, if you're ready to kickstart 2024 with a fresh mindset and a dose of levity, be sure to tune in to this episode of the Lead with Levity podcast. You won't want to miss it!
To listen to the episode and learn more about our upcoming challenges, visit www.leadwithlevity.com/podcast. And don't forget to check out Sam's book, "An Interview with Failure," for an intriguing and enlightening read.
Let's make this year one of growth, joy, and success together!
Stay tuned for more exciting episodes and valuable insights on the Lead with Levity podcast.
LeadWithLevity #Podcast #NewEpisode #Failure #Mindset #Growth #Success
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In this episode, Dr. Leslie Becker Phelps discusses her book "Bouncing Back from Rejection" and shares valuable insights on how to become resilient in connecting with and understanding others as well as ourselves.
Join us as we dive deep into the topic and explore the importance of compassionate self-awareness. Whether you're struggling with rejection or want to help young people in your life navigate through it, this episode offers practical tools and advice.
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In this episode of the Lead with Levity podcast, Dr. Heather Walker sits down with Jeff Jenkins, a travel journalist and entrepreneur, to discuss his journey of facing fears and living courageously.
They explore topics such as overcoming obstacles, pushing past fears, and embracing opportunities. Join them as they dive deep into the power of never saying never.
Don't miss out on this inspiring conversation that will help you think about your own challenges in a whole new way. Like and subscribe to the podcast to stay updated on future episodes.
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In this episode of the Lead with Levity podcast, host Dr. Heather Walker interviews Dr. Kharazi, a board-certified cardiothoracic surgeon and founder of the Heart of Motivation Consulting Practice. Dr. Kharazi shares insights on how to thrive in high-risk, high-stress careers, drawing from her experiences in the medical field and her passion for skydiving. Discover the importance of mindset and self-care in managing stress and making informed decisions.
Whether you're in the healthcare industry or any other profession, this episode offers valuable lessons for navigating stress in your daily life. Tune in and gain inspiration for living your best life. Don't forget to check out the show notes for links and resources mentioned in the episode.
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Hey there, podcast fam! I'm super excited to announce our latest episode featuring the incredible Dr. Heather Walker, founder of Lead with Levity with our host System and Soul.
In this episode, we dive deep into team dynamics, culture, and overall health in the workplace. Dr. Walker, an organizational psychologist, brings her expertise and passion for creating positive work environments to the table. Trust me, you don't want to miss this one!
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In this episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with Julienne B. Ryan, a New Yorker who knows a thing or two about navigating the holidays with grace. Julienne shared some incredible words of wisdom that I can't wait to pass on to you.
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In this episode, Heather - our host will be our guest. She shares some valuable insights on how to make work more than just a grind and hustle for money. She dives into the importance of bringing our passions into our work, finding enjoyment, and making a positive impact on our communities, homes, businesses, and customers.
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Exciting news! The latest episode of the Lead with Levity is here, and it's filled with incredible insights and takeaways that you won't want to miss.
In this episode, we had the pleasure of speaking with an amazing guest, Aneace Haddad, who shared his wisdom on the power of mindfulness and self-reflection.
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In this episode with author and speaker, Joshua Becker, we dive deep into the world of minimalism and how it can transform not only your physical space, but also your leadership style and your life.
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Hey everyone! I am excited to announce the latest episode of Lead with Levity podcast show where we dive into the world of leadership training and development. In this episode, we explore the importance of experiential learning, reflective dialogue, and the power of gratitude in facilitating impactful trainings with our very special guest, Dr. Jonathan Kroll.
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Hello everyone! In this episode of the Lead with Levity podcast, host Dr. Heather Walker speaks to Ramona Shaw, a certified professional leadership coach, podcast host, and bestselling author. Ramona shares tools, tips, and strategies for new and mid-level managers to become leaders that people love to work for, with a focus on strengthening leadership and communication skills, raising confidence and resilience, and increasing emotional intelligence. She specializes in coaching and training programs for leaders at fast-growing startups and companies, including Twitch, Google, and Dropbox. Ramona was born and raised in Switzerland and now lives and works in the Bay Area.
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In this episode of the Lead with Levity podcast, host Dr. Heather Walker speaks with Margo Crawford, the CEO of Business Sherpa Group, a management consulting firm that helps small and mid-size enterprises close operational and strategic gaps that limit growth. They discuss outsourcing and how to maintain company culture when considering an outsource model. Margo shares her insights on outsourcing, and how it can be a great solution for businesses looking to expand, while also providing tips on how to ensure a smooth transition and maintain company culture.
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In this episode of the Lead with Levity podcast, the host explores the concept of comfort and whether it is always a good thing. The guest, Dr. Wanda Wallace, author of "You Can't Know It All," shares insights on stepping outside of one's comfort zone to expand horizons and reach one's potential. While comfort is desirable, being too comfortable can lead to complacency and a lack of motivation for personal growth. Tune in to learn more about finding the balance between comfort and growth.
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In this episode of the Lead with Levity podcast, host Dr. Heather Walker dives into the topic of technology and artificial intelligence (AI) with expert Rajeev Kapur, CEO of 1105 Media. They discuss the importance of facing our fears around technology, how to get on board with new tools and skills, and the exciting opportunities that AI can unlock for human creativity. Don't miss this insightful conversation on the future of technology in the workplace and beyond.
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Hello everyone! I am thrilled to announce our latest episode of the Lead With Levity podcast, featuring Alden Mills, former CEO of Perfect Fitness and best selling author of Unstoppable Teams. In this episode, Alden shares his insights on leadership and team building, drawing from his experience as a Navy SEAL and a successful entrepreneur.
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Are you afraid of writing? Do you struggle with putting pen to paper or fingers to keyboards? Check out the latest episode of the Lead with Levity podcast where we dive into overcoming the fear of writing. Learn how to give and accept feedback, handle toxic feedback, and know when your draft is done.
Stay tuned for insights from our guest Joni B. Cole.
Trust your instincts and be confident in your work. Overall, this episode is a must-listen for anyone who wants to improve their writing skills and overcome their fear of the blank page.
So, grab your headphones and tune in to the Lead with Levity podcast today!
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What does allyship look like from a community perspective?
In today’s episode we have a special guest, Daniel Sims, a justice advocate and consultant who helps organizations operate from a mindful approach. The conversation touches on economic equity and justice, indigenous populations and ways to educate and prepare yourself as a change agent. We also discuss the importance of being an ally to others and what it means for organizations to be an ally to the community. Additionally, we explore the One World approach as opposed to a First or Second World approach to Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI) and how Daniel addresses inequities within the workplace.
Key Takeaways:
- Create equitable systems through data
- Take action for equity
- Focus on economic equity
- DEI initiatives increase productivity
- Push the envelope courageously
- Systemic racism perpetuates injustice
- Responsiveness model: Acknowledge, Listen, Understand, Ask, Show
- Commit to understanding others
- Humbly listen and learn
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In today’s episode of the Lead with Levity podcast, host Dr. Heather Walker speaks with prolific and award-winning author Kenneth Rogers. Rogers shares insights into how lessons from DC Comics can help us approach life as adults and overcome fears such as imposter syndrome, workaholism, and perfectionism. The conversation dives into the facade of perfectionism and how it holds people back.
Topics Covered:
- Connecting superheroes to adult life
- Wonder Woman's compassion fatigue
- The Green Lanterns and Emotional Balance
- Superman and perfectionism + Balancing Superman's three personas
- Hypervigilance in Batman + Self-improvement through Batman
- Slowing down for self-care
- Becoming your own superhero
- And learn so much more…
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Looking to improve customer satisfaction and drive business success? Look no further than Dr. Janelle Barlow, a leading expert in the field of customer feedback and service recovery. As a bestselling author, media spokesperson, and seminar leader, Dr. Barlow has helped countless businesses transform complaints into gifts and use customer feedback to fuel growth and improvement.
Through her acclaimed book, A Complaint is a Gift, Dr. Barlow offers a powerful philosophy and strategic framework for handling customer complaints effectively. Dr. Barlow also shares practical advice and real-world examples of businesses that have successfully navigated customer complaints and feedback. Whether you're looking to improve your customer service, enhance your brand reputation, or drive business growth, Dr. Barlow's insights and strategies offer invaluable guidance and inspiration.
Key Takeaways:
- Dr. Barlow shares her latest edition of her book, A Complaint Is a Gift: How to Learn from Critical Feedback and Recover Customer Loyalty
- Dr. Barlow 3 steps in response to written complaints
- How we can build improvisation skills into organizations.
- Recommendations for not taking customer complaints personally
- Asking questions is:
- A critical skillset, especially for customer service reps
- An emotional intelligence skillset
- And learn so much more…
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Developing self-regulation as a leader takes time and effort, but it's well worth it. By practicing mindfulness, setting clear boundaries, developing self-awareness, and building a support network, you can become a more effective and successful leader. Today’s episode we have our special guest, Jessica Cabeen who shares some of her practical tips for developing self-regulation as a leader. Tune in to the full episode and enjoy!
In this episode you’ll learn:
- What Is Reverse Mentoring and it’s concept?
- Having authentic humility is so important.
- Tips and importance on developing self-regulation.
- Humility and vulnerability in the workplace are going to make things just better.
- Tips for Connecting with Younger Co-workers
- How Jessica balances her work-life and fulfills both areas.
- Principal in Balance: Leading at Work and Living a Life by by Jessica M. Cabeen — Why she wrote this book.
- Having a Bandwidth and Boundaries, Guardrails and Guide post, what you need to know.
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In this episode of the Lead with Levity podcast, host Heather Walker and licensed therapist Athina Danilo dive into the topic of imposter syndrome. They discuss how many people suffer in silence with this issue and how it can cause individuals to feel like nothing they do is good enough, constantly striving to achieve more and tie their worth to their achievements.
Heather and Athina explore how societal and cultural messages reinforce the idea that our worth is tied to our work and accomplishments, and how this can make it difficult to shift our mindset and embrace the idea that we are worthy just as we are. The conversation gets deep and psychological as they talk about how to recognize and combat negative self-talk and rediscover the different pieces of ourselves beyond what we do for work. If you're someone who feels like you're always putting others before yourself, constantly striving for perfection, or feeling like you're not enough, this episode is for you.
Tune in for some helpful insights and tips to help combat imposter syndrome and find your worth beyond your accomplishments.
About Today's Guest: Athina Danilo
Athina Danilo, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT#124847), is passionate about working with culturally diverse millennials seeking to break free from the cycle of perfectionism, self-doubt, and burnout. Athina utilizes a blend of Relational Contemporary Psychoanalysis and Culturally Sensitive Therapy to help clients cultivate a greater sense of self-worth and confidence in themselves and live a more authentic and fulfilling life. Athina is also a published author of the Imposter Syndrome Workbook: Exercises to Boost Your Confidence, Own Your Success, and Embrace Your Brilliance, which provides a source of support and guidance to help readers embrace themselves more fully as they gain greater insight into their own imposter syndrome struggles and build greater confidence and trust in themselves.
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Imposter syndrome, workaholism, and stress are common challenges that people face in the workplace. These issues can negatively impact a person's mental health and work performance. Fortunately, there are antidotes that can help alleviate these problems. In today’s episode, we'll explore ways to overcome these challenges. Let’s welcome Estelle Read, The Managing Director of Beee, a coach, speaker, and the Amazon best selling author of Inner Brilliance, Outer Shine: 10 Antidotes to Imposter Syndrome, Workaholism and Stress.
Key Takeaways:
- What Is Imposter Syndrome?
- Who is most likely to get imposter syndrome?
- The five types of imposter syndrome:
- The Perfectionist - feeling inadequate, pushing themselves as hard as possible
- The Natural Genius - which is perfectionism plus feeling unworthy if they can't achieve lofty goals the first time around
- The Soloist - they find it hard to ask for help
- The Expert - never feeling good enough despite being really knowledgeable
- The Superhuman - which is around work addiction, pushing themselves as hard as possible, regardless of the physical consequences
- What are antidotes to imposter syndrome, workaholism, and stress?
- A fix called "havening": What it is and how it works
- And learn so much more by listening to the full episode
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Pursuing happiness is something that many of us strive for, but finding it can be challenging at times. However, there are things that you can do to support yourself on this journey. Tune in to the full episode and hear some actionable items with our special guest and Industrial Organizational Psychologist, Dr. Alan Whitehead. He founded the Mirthworks Institute in 2018 and currently serves as its Director. Mirthworks is dedicated to improving Workplace Wellness.
In this episode, we discuss:
- What is self-determination theory, and how can it actually help you?
- What can you do to support yourself while on your pursuit of happiness?
- How mirth enhancement training can help you.
- A movie: Hector and the Search for Happiness
Remember, happiness is a journey, not a destination. Be kind to yourself along the way and know that it's okay to have ups and downs. By taking these steps to support yourself, you can increase your chances of experiencing greater happiness and fulfillment in life.
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This episode with Former US Diplomat turned neurolinguistic programming practitioner, Dutch Martin, is all about harnessing the power of our mind, not only in the workplace, but also in our daily lives.
Key Takeaways
- Dutch Martin shares how he overcame fears to be the best versions of himself during a horrible period in his life.
- Law of attraction with the goal of achieving certain professional goals
- Get into that right mindset.
- Stave off all the negativity that was entering my head.
- Life- lesson learned on finding 'Safe Space' can look at our lives and our circumstances much more objectively in a much clearer fashion.
- How we can harness the power of our subconscious mind so that we can rewrite the stories we tell ourselves.
- Ways in converting your focus into a burning desire.
- “Be Patient. Be Grateful and Be Open”
- How does affirming gratitude help you grow?
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Psychological safety isn't about a grand gesture, and it's not as simple as taping a poster to the wall so everyone can see how many days you've gone without an "incident." Check out this episode for tips on how you can create an environment where everyone feels safe enough to learn, contribute, and challenge assumptions.
Key Takeaways:
- Dr. Karolin Helbig & Minette Norman shares how they met and work together
- Find out how Psychological Safety is really key for high performing teams
- Dr. Karolin shares a brief introduction to The Psychological Safety Playbook: Lead More Powerfully by Being More Human
- How to train your self-awareness & self-management
- Common struggles that people have when implementing psychological safety in the workplace and how to cultivate it deliberately
- How managing feedback & conflict can make or break psychological safety
- What are some of the misconceptions and myths about psychological safety?
- Dr. Karolin & Minette reveal their favorite psychological safety interventions
Resources Mentioned:
- https://thepsychologicalsafetyplaybook.com/
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Say goodbye to the old paper greeting card and hello to a digital solution with all of the bells and whistles.
Key Takeaways:
- Get to know Aaron Rubens
- What is Kudoboard used for?
- Workplace appreciation to boost team morale using Kudoboard
- Make workplace appreciation easier by creating an employee shout out board for praise, appreciation.
- Three ways to use Kudoboard in your workplace
- A magic of recognition and appreciation.
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Happy New Year! If you find yourself having a hard time enjoying your “off time” because you’re so used to being on all the time, then this is the episode for you.
Key Takeaways:
- Reading the room is a skill
- How holding in your humor can backfire on you
- How humor can be used to engage employees
- How to know if you are being too serious
- What to do when you feel like you lost your funny bone
- Get to know Heather Walker
- What is Levity?
- The origin of Lead with Levity
- Humor Effect & the benefits of using humor at work.
- What is Lead with Levity all about?
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This episode is a collaboration with the Laughbox Podcast (sponsored by the Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor).
Key Takeaways:
- Why and What is Lead with Levity
- Benefits of humor at work and for your life
- Ways to not taking yourself so seriously
- Understanding how humor works
- A comedian's perspective on when it is appropriate to use humor
- How a little humor can improve your meeting discussions
- Humor can heal or can hurt
- How to find what brings you joy
- Lifting your mood through the Power of Music
- How to use humor to break through social barriers
- Discussing “The Gift of Limits”
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This episode is the second part of a two-part series with Megan Laudick, co-host of the Catalytic Mindset podcast. Here are some key points that you wouldn't want to miss:
- “Practice makes progress”
- Tips to optimize your day, time and energy.
- How to be the best version of yourself?
- What is self-care all about?
- Importance of having time for mental clarity.
- Tips and tools to recenter your energy.
- A Levity Model - full being fun, uplifting, and light.
- Are you welcoming opportunities to be silly?
- Mindfulness and Meditation: What you need to know
- Using the Incognito mode help you when you are in pressure.
- Ways to introduce more laughter to your life
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What holds people back from making meaningful changes in their lives and at work? Find out today!
This is a two-part series with Megan Laudick, co-host of the Catalytic Mindset podcast. You'll enjoy this one!
Key Takeaways:
- The three F's that hold people back from making meaningful changes
- If you're in a management position “What can you bring to the team?”
- How can we make things happen, but in a sustainable way?
- Why it's important to allow yourself to rest?
- Why Lead with Levity?
- What is levity?
- Leadership must be intentional
- What are the challenges in implementing change?
- Why is it important to celebrate wins?
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I was recently quoted in a New York Times Well Article, and I am dancing in my seat right now. Tune in to hear my thoughts on the experience, the comments that people have made about it, and 3 questions that you can ask yourself to see if you need more levity in your life.
- Am I taking this moment too seriously?
- Does this lift me up or pull me down?
- Do I welcome or resist opportunities to be silly?
Remember, humor can be a very powerful thing. It has the power to heal. It has the power to bring people together and bridge those gaps between people. But then, if you say something that offends, it has the power to crush careers.
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Over time and with practice, a person can get pretty darn good at holding back their ideas and other aspects that make them special. It shows up especially during those transitions when we take on new roles and meet new people. How can we help ourselves and others bring everything that makes them/us special to work?
About Today’s Guest:
Michelle Harris founded Bosstrack in 2021 to provide women new to leadership roles with the development, support and mentorship she found lacking for new leaders. Often little thought is given to the new tools and perspectives needed to lead and, as a result, new leaders are expected to just “figure things out”.
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“It's the responsibility of leaders to help people connect to what it is they want, and it is in harmony with what you want, then you succeed."
-David Ibarra
What might you be able to accomplish if you shift your mindset and see your team as equally important as your capital? Today I connect with David Ibarra, a renowned business leader in Utah and author of “Stop Drifting” a story about how one man finds his way to success by following key strategies that David credits for his own successful career.
In this episode, we cover:
- David’s transition from a dishwasher to Director of training
- David path to finding his purpose in life
- How to unleash your potential
- What is pivoting the positive and how to do it?
- Leading with positive thought.
- Talent and Capital are equal partners
- What to do when you inherit a team
- Talent and Capital are equal partners
- David Equation for success, revealed!
- Building a dream team; skills you need
- Leading the team you inherit
- Signs of having a negative drifter on your team
- What is the Power of Positive Thought?
About Today’s Guest:
David Ibarra is a leadership consultant and entrepreneur. He is the founder of eLeaderTech, the Ibarra-Brito Group, and David Ibarra Enterprises. David received a U.S. Patent for his performance management software “Executing the Standards®” in September of 2000.
David’s background spans highly successful careers in the hospitality and automotive industries. He was the General Manager of a large metropolitan automobile dealership for nearly 10 years and has held many other leadership positions within the retail automotive industry. David served as Director of Training for the Western United States and District Manager of Operations for the Marriott Corporation prior to entering the automotive industry. David also owned and operated several successful restaurants in the Western United States.
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Do you ever feel like you are facing an impossible task? Join me today for a conversation with Kimberly Wiefling about ways to stretch your mind and grow your capability so you and your team can turn the impossible into “barely an inconvenience”!
In this episode, we cover:
- Tips to turn individuals into leaders and to turn groups into high performing teams
- Cross pollination technique for innovation
- What is Work Shock therapy?
- Details on Leadership Learning Laboratories
- Core components of leadership... and what's missing
- Expand your comfort zone for new possibilities
- Why do teams fail?
- Why is vulnerability important as a leader?
- A leader's responsibility
- Why salary is a distraction
- Why the hierarchy is at the root of the dysfunction within organizations
About Today’s Guest:
Kimberly enables leaders to avoid or fix the most common causes of failure in global teams, problems that damage or destroy companies, along with $Bs in shareholder value. A physicist by education, she has found that many of these are “human” problems that don’t require “rocket science”. All that’s required to achieve significant positive impact in many cases is to make common sense into common PRACTICE.
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Feeling stuck at work and in life is no fun. Tune in today for practical ways to enjoy this journey we call ‘life’ with daily practices to guide your way.
In this episode, we cover:
- How to turn your situation around If you're feeling stuck.
- What does Firefly mean?
- Is following your Firefly a conduit for hope?
- How following your Firefly can increase your creative capacity.
- How to recharge your workplace
- The missing piece on workplace right now
- Moving forward without all the answers
- What if you aren't free to follow your dreams?
- Why do new hires quit?
- Vandad Pourbahrami: “Every finish line is a new starting line”
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Sometimes when you're on the journey to your own personal pursuit of happiness or trying to get things done at work, there are going to naturally be some obstacles in your way. Sometimes those obstacles are circumstances. Sometimes those obstacles are other people. Sometimes those obstacles are even closer to home. Sometimes they're within us. No matter where those obstacles are, they have the ability to start drama.
Hear from LinkedIn Learning expert, Marlene Chism, on the best way to stop drama so that you can get back to getting things done.
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Our guest today (Stephen Wiedner) is someone who has worked with Dr. Amy Edmondson, a leading expert in the area of psychological safety. What does psychological safety really mean in a workplace setting? What does it look like? How would you know if it's there and if it's not there, what's missing?
In this episode, we cover:
- What is psychological safety at work?
- Psychological safety is the courage to speak up and how to embrace it.
- The important aspect of psychological safety.
- What does psychological safety look like?
- Celebrating diverse talents creates a sense of safety
- Does your company incentivize psychological safety?
- Details on Stephen’s training program that will introduces you to psychological safety.
About today’s guest: Stephen Wiedner
Stephan Wiedner is a psychological safety expert whose career has focused on developing sustainable high performance leaders, teams, and organizations. His passion for unleashing the collective potential of people has led him to cofound Noomii.com, the web’s largest network of independent life coaches, Skillsetter.com, the deliberate practice platform for interpersonal skills, and Zarango.com, the psychological safety training experts. Stephan has been a guest speaker for ACETech, MAGI, Marketing IMPACT Council, and many other audiences interested in psychology, business, and technology. His writing has been featured in Forbes, Entrepreneur, and other popular publications.
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We’re going to talk about this concept of overwhelm today. If you’re the type of person who says yes to all of the opportunities and is carrying more weight than one person can handle, then this episode is for you.
Join me and Elayne Fluker, host of the Support is Sexy podcast as we unpack how burnout starts from within and what you can do to get out from under the weight of everything you signed up to do.
In this episode, we cover:
- Current workplace trends, what you need to know
- How do you know if you're stuck versus settling? Questions you need to ask yourself
- Ways to overcome feeling stuck
- Signs and symptoms that you’ve taken on too much responsibility
- Tips that will help you stop forgetting things
- Why support is sexy
- The 3D’s that prevent others from helping you - Defiant, Defensive, Defeated
- Being defiant, defeated, or defensive, how to overcome it?
- Don’t forget to Ask For:
H - ”H” is “having it all doesn’t mean doing it alone”
E - “E” is to “ask empowering questions”
L - “L” is to “live that question and let go of the how”
P - “P” in the framework is about “believing in the possible”
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How do you stay connected in a very disconnected world? Our guest this week is Paul Osincup. I’ve known Paul for a couple of years through the Association of Applied and Therapeutic Humor. Paul is a comedian at heart, and his mission is to create happy, healthy, and connected workplaces. He shares tools and tips with people to help them do that.
About today’s guest: Paul Osincup
Paul Osincup is a Speaker and Positive Workplace Strategist who helps organizations create happier, healthier, and more connected places to work. Paul’s global mission for workplace happiness has provided him the opportunity to work with hundreds of organizations including Nasdaq and the Harvard Kennedy School of Leadership. He’s a content creator for Happify, an app that provides evidence-based solutions for emotional health and well-being for over 4 million users. Paul is also a certified Stress Mastery Educator with the American Institute of Stress, and a training partner with the international work culture consultancy, “Delivering Happiness.” His TEDx Talk: “Leading with Laughter, the Power of Humor in Leadership” is used in corporate and collegiate leadership courses around the world and he is the President of the Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor, an international organization dedicated to the study and application of humor to enhance health and human performance. Paul’s work has been highlighted in The New York Times, Forbes, and on his mom’s refrigerator.
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Did your employees jump ship and leave you with some gaping holes to fill? Never fear. We have you covered. Check out today’s episode to find out how you can find your next team of rockstars.
Key Takeaways:
- Real-life experiences from her American Airlines transition to working at an advertising agency
- Danielle’s hiring strategy was behind making a million dollars in revenue in the first year of business
- Ways to attract a 5-Star candidate
- How you can incorporate a “Shadow Day” into your hiring process
- Why aligning on core values between team members and the company is helpful for business
- How Danielle runs multiple companies in less than 10 hours per week
- The benefits of showing appreciation to your employees
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How much courage does it take for you to “be you” at work?
I have the pleasure of speaking to Jeremy Ryan Slate today. Jeremy is the founder of Create Your Own Life podcast. It's ranked number one on iTunes. Jeremy interviews some of the highest performers in the world and finds out how their approach to life contributes to their ultimate success.
I'm happy to have Jeremy on today because of our focus this month on being yourself, walking boldly and courageously out there, and not letting your circumstances dictate how you show up.
Key Takeaways:
- Jeremy shares his life experiences and lessons learned
- How to position yourself as the go-to person in your field
- How to gauge if you are living a successful life
- How Jeremy uses humor to be resilient
- What is the true meaning of courage
- What differentiates the top 1% of performers from everyone else
- How to approach leadership
- Perspectives on taking feedback like a champ
Resources Mentioned
- So Good They Can't Ignore You by Cal Newport
- Unremarkable to Extraordinary by Jeremy Ryan Slate
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Do you feel like you can be honest, open, transparent, confident, and vulnerable at work, honest, open, transparent, confident, and vulnerable at work? Well. These are the top five qualities of authenticity bringing authenticity into the workplace.
If you want employees who are going to be more committed and ready and willing to go above and beyond, then you’re in the right place today.
**About the Guest
Rachael Kay Albers is a creative director and brand strategist for businesses that burn the rulebook. When she's not helping brands set fire to the box instead of thinking inside it, she writes and hosts a podcast, Marketing Muckraking, about the intersection of branding, pop culture, tech, and identity. Rachael is also a stand-up comedian and hosts a business comedy show, Awkward Marketing, using sketch and storytelling to teach about entrepreneurship in the Internet age.**
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Is it dangerous to joke at work? Let’s hear from a corporate comedian about the perils of using humor at work…and how you can overcome them.
Key Takeaways:
- What sets Greg apart from other corporate entertainers?
- Greg Schwem makes Fortune 500 Companies laugh at themselves
- Greg Schwem is not your typical comedian
- Greg rules as a comedian
- The different definitions of what is funny
- Rock, Roll and Laugh your way to the top
- You can't cancel laughter
- Work, Laugh, Repeat
- Benefits of humor in the workplace
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Have you ever felt like… It's 7:30.The coffee hasn't kicked in yet. The to-do list is a mile long. Your phone just reminded you that it's still only Tuesday. And, there's no relief in sight?
If you’re feeling so stressed out that you don’t know what to do with yourself, then this episode is for you.
Key Takeaways:
-How to bring more Levity and Humor in play into your life
-How does humor help us build connections with ourselves and other people?
-Importance of enjoying life and taking time to see the humorous side
-Clarifying priorities, time, values, goals, vision for self and family
-Tips that can help you get reconnected to playful moments
-Details on the Therapeutic Perspective Podcast
-What is Therapeutic Humor and was not Therapeutic Humor
-Establishing mindfulness habits to boost calmness, creativity, and productivity
-Mindset shifts in confidence, self-doubt
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In our last episode with Christie Buchele, we learned the mechanics of comedy and received a crash course in how to construct a joke. We're going to continue to celebrate Humor Appreciation Month with our next guest, Maria Ross, marketing maven. Our focus today is not so much on how to be funny, but how to appreciate the humorous aspects of what's going on in your life right now, no matter what is going on in your life right now.
In this episode, Heather and Maria discuss:
* Does humor in advertising really work?
* Importance of understanding the humor of your ideal audience
* How humor can be the secret weapon
* What is Humor in the workplace?
* Importance of using authentic humor
This is the third time that Maria has appeared on the Lead with Levity podcast. If you like this episode, you’ll love the others too:
- Episode 24: Why employees need storytelling and marketing too
- Episode 61: Will customers still like you?
About The Guest
Hello! I’m Maria Ross, the founder of RED SLICE.
As a brand strategist, author, speaker, podcast host, and actress (when I have time!) I believe cash flow, creativity, and compassion are not mutually exclusive.
My infatuation with the power of storytelling started young. From dominating my kindergarten classroom to delighting theatre patrons to directing brand strategies, I’ve been entertaining and educating audiences from the moment I could walk.
I’ve authored multiple books, including my most recent, The Empathy Edge (named by Forbes as a Top 11 book redefining leadership) and I’m host of The Empathy Edge podcast.
See, empathy is at the root of all successful brands, movements, and stories. It’s a key competitive advantage. And I understand the power of empathy on both the brand and personal levels: In 2008, shortly after launching my business, I suffered a ruptured brain aneurysm that almost killed me and inspired my best-selling memoir, Rebooting My Brain. It tells the story of my brain aneurysm and near-miraculous recovery—with tongue-in-cheek humor and levity (yes, really).
As a brand and empathy expert, my insights have been featured in many media outlets such as MSNBC, NPR, Entrepreneur, and Forbes.com – and a slew of podcasts and video shows. As a keynote and workshop speaker, I’ve delighted live and virtual audiences ranging from TEDx to Women in Tech Regatta to BlogHer to The New York Times to Salesforce – and livened up many conferences and company events. My writing has appeared in media such as Entrepreneur.com, Newsweek, MarketingProfs, Life By Me, and The Huffington Post. I’m based in the San Francisco area with my husband, young son and the memory of my first Chief Morale officer, Eddie the Wonder Dog, but I work with clients all over the world. (Email, phone, and Zoom make everything possible).
- https://red-slice.com/
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Y'all sit down and get ready, because it’s Humor Appreciation Month! We are showcasing comedians this month so if you are interested in learning more about that, please check out the website.
Because it is Humor Appreciation Month, we better learn about some humor. Right? Today’s guest is Christie Buchele, a comedy instructor who has agreed to teach us how we can be at least 10% funnier.
Key Takeaways in this Episode:
- The moment when Christie figured out that she is funny
- How to get started writing comedy
- How to be a comedian - baby steps you need to know
- Reveal the two sides of comedy
- What are the purposes of comedy?
- Reveal the formula to become a successful comedian
- What to do when things don’t go well on stage
- Learning is success especially when you’re the leader
- The use of Humor in the workplace
**About the Guest
Christie Buchele is a Denver-based comedian who "fell" into comedy in 2010 when she went to see a cute guy do an open mic and thought to herself "I can do better." She was right. Despite being raised by her single father named Todd, Christie made a name for herself by joking about the heart-wrenching and hilarious realities of being a woman with a disability. Christie is a strong stand-up with weak legs and her comedy aims to make the audience think about how they perceive people with disabilities while making them hurt from laughter. Christie reps the Mile High City hard while crushing audiences with a wry, biting style that’s a bit sweet, and a little bit surly; proving time and again that you can say almost anything with a smile on your face and a gimp in your step.*http://www.kpcomedy.com/christie-buchele.htmlhttp://facebook.com/Kirkland-Productions-123725907663590/http://twitter.com/kirklandprod* BOOKING@KPCOMEDY.COM**
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We are still in the month of March and it is still Appreciation Month! In honor of appreciation month, I just finished the Five Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace by Gary Chapman and Paul White.
Excellent book. They argue that appreciation –showing you value the person, is more important than recognition. I agree that recognition programs these days have diminishing returns. What do you think?
ABOUT THE GUEST
Dr. John Gillis, Jr. is a Program Director at The Conference Board. In addition, he facilitates, engages, and develops global executives in leadership and teamwork.
Leadership Development: The classroom immerses in an experiential next-generation, digital and high-fidelity business simulation… the Leadership Xperience. He transforms leaders in critical executive competencies to become high-performing.
Teambuilding Workshop/Keynote: This interactive workshop is based on his best-selling book, Powerhouse: 13 Teamwork Tactics That Build Excellence and Unrivaled Success. Leveraging coauthor Kristine Lilly’s US Women’s National Soccer Team experiences, he dynamically delivers how your organization can build Powerhouses: teams with great energy, strength and potential for success.
Consulting: Through collaborative business relationships, John delivers expertise focused on strategic planning, board alignment, talent management, change management and organization development.
Thought Leadership: Through The Conference Board Human Capital practice, he provides the world's leadiorganizations with the practical knowledge needed to improve their performance by focusing on key business issues. For the past nine years, he has provided brief, insightful and thoughtprovoking weekly blogs, Leadership Xpressions. Previously, Dr. Gillis has worked for numerous companies globally as a management consultant.
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Gratitude is sort of the gateway drug to wellbeing. One thing that's really, really important for you to know about gratitude is that it gives you an opportunity to take a step back and to see the value in others, to see the value in your situation, and to reframe what you're going through.
I have the pleasure of revisiting with a past guest. He’s an amazing person with some really cool experiences. His name is Robin Dreeke. Robin is the Founder and CEO of People Formula.
The People Formula team helps people build up their communication skills so that they can build trust, rapport, and solid relationships with others.
Robin draws on his experiences as a behavioral analyst, as well as his work with the FBI. And if you're interested, I encourage you to check out our original episode: “How to build rapport with anyone.”
Join us today as we explore:
- 10 statistics about gratitude
- How humor helps build stronger relationships
- How to use self-deprecating humor wisely as a leader
- How Robin turns challenges into growth moments
- How to see the funny moments in the middle of a crisis
- Psychological safety, vulnerability, and tips for Type A people
- How Netflix built its culture
Resources mentioned
- Gratitude statistics: 10 Amazing Statistics to Celebrate National Gratitude Month | HALO
- Episode 10: “How to Build Rapport with Anyone”
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What if you could buy insurance for every new hire in your organization that would guarantee retention or your money back? What a concept! A coaching and employee engagement firm called LeggUP® claims that it is the first company to insure employee productivity, wellbeing and retention for their clients.
I wanted to speak to the CEO of LeggUP® to find out what this means, how it works, and what benefits they’ve seen from this new approach.
Join us as we explore:
- Why and How LeggUP was founded
- How do you ensure employee retention?
- LeggUP results - from 44% turnover to zero in six months
- Reveal what is special about LeggUP’s program
- Manager tips on how you lift up your team
- Tips for keeping your team together in a remote environment
- Alternatives to EAP
- How LeggUp supports a fun work culture
About Tom FinnTom Finn is the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of LeggUP®, the first company to insure employee productivity, wellbeing and retention for their clients. He is also the host of the Talent Empowerment podcast where he sits down with people leaders, talent development savants, founders, and executives from every industry to learn how they’re driving people innovation. Spending his entire career in the insurance industry, Finn possesses a wealth of experience in employee benefits, InsurTech, business development, and underwriting strategies—all central to the company’s unique offering, Talent Insurance®. Talent Insurance® provides a single platform for personalized professional development and preventative mental health support, for a fraction of the cost. Since launching in 2017, LeggUP® has helped organizations dramatically reduce staff turnover while increasing output, boasting impressive book-of-business results like a 73% improvement in employee job satisfaction, a 66% improvement in ability to avoid burnout, and a 39% improvement in physical health, lowering medical costs for client companies. LeggUP® improves the culture of organizations and issues Talent Insurance® payments to customers experiencing turnover.
Finn has been recognized by The Financial Technology Report as a Top InsurTech Executive for 2021. In addition to being an active member of SHRM and PIHRA, Finn is a member of the Young Entrepreneurs Council, a Forbes contributor, and a 2021 Innovator of the year in his local business journal. LeggUP was additionally recognized as a Great Place to Work thanks to its inclusive company culture efforts. Finn previously worked at Aetna as VP, growing regional earnings from $6 million to $50 million and expanding the business from 110,000 covered employees to over 500,000. He was also the regional managing director of Anthem Blue Cross. Finn earned his MBA from the University of Southern California's Marshall School of Business and a Bachelor of Science in business from The University of Arizona’s Eller College of Business.
- Website
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Do you have a plan to navigate work when all hell is breaking loose at home? It’s pretty unrealistic to think that you can fully compartmentalize your work life and your personal life. Stress is stress–whether it’s happening during work hours or after hours doesn’t make a difference. It will eventually spill over into other parts of your life.
I spoke to Theadora Vosse, a relationship coach, about ways to handle work when all hell is breaking loose at home. We don’t always get the chance to speak on this, but there can be levity even in the midst of struggle.
Key Takeaways:
- Theadora Vosse on helping young singles & divorcées free themselves from shackles of their past to pave a clear path towards their future.
- Tips on balancing your career with your divorce.
- Boundaries and guidelines when sharing your vulnerability with other people at work.
- Sharing vulnerability will lead to closer friendships.
- Tips to balance and maintain your work and livelihood when you’re going through a majorly stressful life event.
- And learn so much more….
About Theadora VosseI come from a high tech background, having supported some of the largest Tech companies’ leadership development programs. That’s how I used to define myself, based on my work. At the age of twenty-six that definition shifted when I separated from my spouse and ultimately divorced. This shift led me to take a pause and focus on my own healing journey. In taking that time, I discovered a passion for coaching in the areas of Finance, Love, and Life. I’ve found light, joy, and happiness through empowering others to discover themselves and become their own hero.
- Website: https://singleordivorced.org
- Instagram: @singleordivorced
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Dr. Brené Brown says that trust is choosing to risk making something you value vulnerable to another person's actions…distrust is deciding that what is important to me is not safe with this person in this situation.
If I were to ask you to speak at an event, tell some jokes, and get naked in the process, how would you prepare for that level of courage and vulnerability?
Our guest, Britt Meyer, is a Chicago-based Art Director and the host of Strip Joker, Chicago's only body-positive stand up comedy. There are lessons to be learned that we can apply to the workplace.
- [06:51] Get to know Britt Meyer and how she can help your brand to be recognized.
- [10:45] Aunt Jemima brand gets a new name - Secretly Revealed!
- [15:12] A secret sauce that keeps the Ten35 organization so diverse.
- [19:30] Britt’s recommended ways to build trust in the communities
- [22:23] Learn more about Strip Joker that encourages body positivity through comedy and nudity
- [35:02] How Strip Joker Setting up 'Being Brave Space' on Stage - Secretly Revealed!
About Britt MeyerBritt Meyer is an enthusiastic advertising creative with extensive experience in art direction, creative strategy, customer journey mapping, and concept development. With a passion for DE&I, they’ve spoken on numerous panels, (including The 3% Conference in 2019) created a standard of using pronouns in emails and meetings, and constantly works to create a culture of inclusion.
At Ten35, Britt is a highly active team member often found punching up scripts, bringing culture changing ideas to the table, and proudly supporting all of their fantastic coworkers.
Outside of work, they founded Strip Joker Comedy in 2016 to give more stage time and payment to marginalized communities in Chicago's stand up comedy scene, and uses this platform for fundraising and community engagement. Britt is openly genderqueer and champions inclusion for all in every project they approach.
- Britt's Portfolio
- More about Britt
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It's 2022, and the focus is on checking in with people who are actually out there promoting levity, humor, and positive applications of laughter and play in the workplace for adults.
I had the pleasure of speaking to the lovely Kay Ross. She's an applied improvisation trainer, a personal development coach, a storyteller extraordinaire, and she will even help you explore all of the wonderful possibilities in your life and in your organization.
About Kay Ross:
"I wear several related hats: Marketing-minded Editor/Copywriter, Applied Improvisation Trainer, and Personal Development Coach/Trainer. The common thread is Storytelling.
I’m a marketing-minded freelance editor and copywriter – hire me if your company or organisation needs compelling, effective, shareworthy marketing words (in English), or your team needs a training workshop about marketing, editing, copywriting or business storytelling. I've worked with clients in a wide range of industries. My mantra: Marketing doesn't have to be sleazy.
I’m an improv performer, and I lead tailor-made corporate “Applied Improvisation” workshops – hire me if you want your team to build their skills in leadership, teamwork, communication, creativity, innovation, emotional intelligence, and agile responsiveness to change, risk and uncertainty. My mantra: Life is an improvisation game.
I work in the field of personal development and healing – my “The Playground of Possibilities” card deck and workshops will help your team (either individually or as a group) to transform their old, limiting thoughts, beliefs and stories about themselves, your organisation and world so that they heal and thrive (and that's good for the whole organisation). My mantra: Life is a playground of possibilities."
- Kay's Website
- Playground of Possibilities Website
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Let's welcome 2022 with a bang of levity! Here's a brand new episode with Dutch Martin, Roberta Gold, Ron Gagliardi, and Nancy Norton!
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There's a card game that draws colleagues together and brings levity in the workplace? We're in!
**About Jason Treu
"**CEOs, senior-level executives, managers, and employees call me their strategic advantage. I’m a combination of a team building expert, Chief People Officer, organizational psychologist, and a high-performance trainer.
I’m highly effective at maximizing performance, building great teams, training managers to perform in the top 1% and helping employees make a significant impact in their roles. Clients also work with me for conflict resolution and employee engagement.
My zone of genius lies in helping successful individuals reach that even higher level. I’m even better when it comes to teams and entire organizations."
- Download Cards Against Mundanity
- Website
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In this episode, we revisit productivity and priorities, and the implications of pursuing productivity amidst the pressure in the workplace.
About Mayo OshinMayo Oshin writes about proven science and the habits of highly successful people for stress-free productivity and improved mental performance. He is a trusted source on strong work ethics, killing procrastination and time management. To get these strategies to stop procrastinating, get more things by doing less and improve your focus, you can join his free weekly newsletter or read more of his work at MayoOshin.Com.
His work has been published in Business Insider, Entrepreneur, Inc. Magazine, Quartz, Thrive Global and more. Oshin’s book, “The Final Push: A Short Inspirational Step By Step Guide On How To Get First Class Marks”, was published in 2016, It is to help students prepare for their exams as well as stay motivated and consistent throughout the year.
- Website
- Newsletter
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Tune in as we provide an alternative perspective to historical workplace norms, and the challenges we face in society today.
About Dr. LaTonya Jackson
A dynamic, forward-thinking leader who contributes to a company's ongoing growth, given extensive experience in talent and workforce development, thought leadership, talent and change management, instructional design and strategy, and facilitation. An adaptable, passionate, and goal-oriented training professional highly skilled in collaborative partnerships, individual and group coaching, and people development. Builds strong interpersonal relationships by utilizing communication skills to connect with colleagues and clients. Through research-based solutions, improved organizational systems perpetuate and augment company revenue results, given a strong work ethic.
In addition to this work, she makes time to volunteer with Unform Your BiasTM; a not-for-profit organization focused on reducing racial injustice through honest conversations and systemic solutions. She is co-author of 5 Blinders to Seeing Color and author of The Layoff Lab: 7 Strategies to Navigate a Layoff or Career Transition. She welcomes opportunities to speak. She is a writer and enjoys walking challenges, action movies, and time with family.
LinkedInWebsite
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Let's delve into storytelling as a way to nurture your business. In this episode, master storyteller Jerome DeRoy shares with us his storytelling strategies.
About Jerome DeRoy
Jerome Deroy is the CEO of Narativ. He met Narativ's co-founders, Murray Nossel, Ph.D., and Dr. Paul Browde, after responding to an ad for a production assistant. Soon after, they presented him with a shoebox full of ideas, saying, "We think there is a company in here." Narativ was born. Jerome coaches executives and leads storytelling workshops. His passion is to show you how you can use storytelling to enhance your onboarding program.
- Website
- YouTube
About the Lead with Levity PodcastThe Lead with Levity podcast is a show for leaders who care deeply about what makes/breaks the employee experience. Our guests are dynamic researchers, practitioners, consultants, and business leaders. We cover foundational elements that are needed to avoid forcing the fun. We also invite lively managers who lead with levity to show us how it’s done. Thanks for joining us on this journey.
Support the show (https://paypal.me/leadwithlevity)
Are you ready to navigate your next convo with ease? Tune in for conversation strategies from the creator of the Relationship Protocol, Debra Roberts.
About Debra Roberts
In my book, The Relationship Protocol: How to Talk, Defuse and Build Healthier Relationships I teach people how to have effective and uncomplicated communication. The book describes the RP model in easy to read terms. The model itself is a common-sense approach that can benefit all relationships. And I know from many years of experience - if you give someone helpful, actionable tools for communicating, you’re not only going to improve their relationships, but you’ll grow their confidence and change their quality of life for the better.
Let’s transform how people think about communication! Learn how to resolve differences, speak thoughtfully and become stronger together.
- Website
About the Lead with Levity PodcastThe Lead with Levity podcast is a show for leaders who care deeply about what makes/breaks the employee experience. Our guests are dynamic researchers, practitioners, consultants, and business leaders. We cover foundational elements that are needed to avoid forcing the fun. We also invite lively managers who lead with levity to show us how it’s done. Thanks for joining us on this journey.
Support the show (https://paypal.me/leadwithlevity)
86% of the people surveyed (Consumer Content Report) say that authenticity is important when deciding what brands they like and support.
In this episode, we're going to talk about the power of authenticity and branding. Don't worry. It's going to be a good conversation. You're going to appreciate it. No matter what position you hold in your organization.
Check out why it's so important to let the real you shine through....not the #authenticversionofyou.
About Maria Ross
Maria Ross is the founder of Red Slice, a consultancy that advises solopreneurs, startups, and fast-growth businesses on how to build an irresistible brand story and authentically connect with customers. She is a keynote speaker who regularly speaks to audiences on marketing and building a standout brand that engages the right customers and drives growth. She is the author of Branding Basics for Small Business and The Juicy Guide eBook Series for Entrepreneurs.
Maria started her career as a management consultant with Accenture and went on to build marketing and brand strategies for multiple companies, including Discovery Communications, Monster.com, BusinessObjects (now SAP), and many other startups and technology leaders, before starting her own business. Maria understands the power of empathy at both a brand and personal level: in 2008, six months after launching her business, she suffered a ruptured brain aneurysm that almost killed her. Her humorous and heartfelt memoir about what is was like to survive this health crisis, Rebooting My Brain, has received worldwide praise.
Maria has made numerous media appearances, including on MSNBC, ABCNews.com, and Forbes.com; in Entrepreneur magazine; and on hundreds of radio shows and popular podcasts such as Entrepreneur on Fire, The Shameless Mom Academy, and Suitcase Entrepreneur. She writes a contributor column for Entrepreneur.com and has written for Huffington Post, MarketingProfs.com, Seattle Business, Life by Me, Inspire Me Today, Columbus CEO, among others.
Resources mentioned:
- Website: www.red-slice.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/redslicemaria/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/redslice/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariajross/
- Email: maria@red-slice.com
- Book: The Empathy Edge: Harnessing the Value of Compassion as an Engine for Success (www.theempathyedge.com)
About the Lead with Levity PodcastThe Lead with Levity podcast is a show for leaders who care deeply about what makes/breaks the employee experience. Our guests are dynamic researchers, practitioners, consultants, and business leaders. We cover foundational elements that are needed to avoid forcing the fun. We also invite lively managers who lead with levity to show us how it’s done. Thanks for joining us on this journey.
Support the show (https://paypal.me/leadwithlevity)
I woke up one day and realized that I was too busy to enjoy life. Have you ever been there?
I get real in this episode, and reflect on a common problem that we typically see as a "good problem to have" in America--busy-ness. We seek out this lifestyle because we stand to gain from it, but if we're honest with ourselves we know that we also have to give up some pretty important things in the process.
Today, we take a moment to pause and think about how the curse of busy-ness keeps us from activating the more playful side of ourselves. We explore what playfulness is, redefine it for busy adults, and cover the benefits we stand to gain from being letting loose more often.
I bring on a past guest, Robin Dreeke, to find out how he deals with the increasing pace of change in his life and how he is choosing to lead with levity.
About Robin DreekeRobin is a best-selling author, professional speaker, trainer, facilitator, and retired FBI Special Agent and Chief of the Counterintelligence Behavioral Analysis Program. Robin has taken his life's work of recruiting spies and broken down the art of leadership, communication, and relationship building into Five Steps to TRUST and Six Signs of who you can TRUST. Since 2010, Robin has been working with large corporations as well as small companies in every aspect of their business. Whether it is newly promoted leaders, executives, sales teams, or customer relations, Robin has crafted his People Formula for quick results and maximum success.
- Website: https://www.peopleformula.com
About the Lead with Levity PodcastThe Lead with Levity podcast is a show for leaders who care deeply about what makes/breaks the employee experience. Our guests are dynamic researchers, practitioners, consultants, and business leaders. We cover foundational elements that are needed to avoid forcing the fun. We also invite lively managers who lead with levity to show us how it’s done. Thanks for joining us on this journey.
Support the show (https://paypal.me/leadwithlevity)
This episode is for managers and job seekers alike. I chat with Chris Delaney, interview expert, life coach, and hypnotherapist, about some very real challenges that come up in the interviewing process. Chris shared several key statistics and tips to make the process work well for both parties. Find out how you can ace your next interview!
What's included in this episode:
- Why you need levity to increase your chances of finding a good fit
- What kind of humor works better in a job interview
- How too much pressure in an interview hurts the candidate's ability to showcase their talents
- Unconscious bias in interviews and how to overcome it
- Our thoughts on the controversial handshake (especially during the pandemic)
- How AI is changing the interview game
- How a manager approaches an interview says a lot about the company's culture
About Guest: Chris Delaney
Chris Delaney is a qualified NLP Life Coach, Hypnotherapist and Career Advisor. With over 15 years of experience supporting people to achieve their life and career goals, Chris has the experience and skills to help you achieve your dreams. As an experienced Coach and the Founder of Employment King, Chris has years of experience to help you move forward in both your career and your life.
- https://christopher-delaney.com/
- Find Chris' books on Amazon
About the Lead with Levity PodcastThe Lead with Levity podcast is a show for leaders who care deeply about what makes/breaks the employee experience. Our guests are dynamic researchers, practitioners, consultants, and business leaders. We cover foundational elements that are needed to avoid forcing the fun. We also invite lively managers who lead with levity to show us how it’s done. Thanks for joining us on this journey.
Support the show (https://paypal.me/leadwithlevity)
We're experiencing a lot of turnover and movement across the job market right now. People are leaving their jobs in droves in search of better cultures, better supervisors, and better opportunities. What can you do to avoid becoming a casualty of the #GreatResignation?
Tune in, because Dr. Beverly Kaye and I unpack the 4 letter word that seems to be missing right now--L.O.V.E.--and what that looks like at work.
We talk about:
- Why love at work isn't such a dirty word
- How you can incorporate love into your leadership style
- Why your employees need to know what you love about them and their work
- How love connects to inclusion and employee engagement
- Ways that you can tell someone that you appreciate them
- And more!
About Dr. Beverly KayeBeverly Kaye's name is recognized internationally as a professional dedicated to helping individuals, managers and organizations understand the practical “how-to” principles of employee development, engagement and retention. Her books and learning materials have stood the test of time.
ATD honored her with their 2018 Lifetime Achievement Award recognizing her advanced knowledge and extensive practice across the talent development field. ISA (The Association of Learning Professionals) also honored her with their 2018 Thought Leadership Award for her body of work in support of work-related learning and performance. Through Beverly’s advocacy of ideas and commitment to actions, she has not only positively influenced clients and industry colleagues but has facilitated respect for the learning and performance industry overall.
Beverly’s recent books in the career development field included Help Them Grow or Watch Them Go which provided overwhelmed managers with a way to blend career conversations into their everyday routine. Her most recent book Up is Not the Only Way was directed at managers and individuals and highlighted the career choices that were available other than the traditional career ladder.
Her contribution to the field of engagement and retention included the Wall Street Journal bestseller, Love ‘Em or Lose ‘Em which offered managers 26 strategies for engaging and retaining their key talent. Love It, Don’t Leave It provided similar advice to individuals about how to take responsibility for their own work satisfaction. Hello Stay Interviews, Goodbye Talent Loss suggested an approach to using the idea of stay interviews to stem the tide of exit interviews.
Beverly received her doctorate from UCLA in 1976 and founded Career Systems International, an organization dedicated to offering managers and employees practical learning solutions and consulting that enables organizations focus on their talent. As part of her own focus on talent, she recently transitioned its ownership to two key members of her leadership team. She supports the rebranded enterprise, Talent Dimensions, who delivers and expands on her thought leadership.
- Website
- Love in the Workplace: Landmine or Lifeline
About the Lead with Levity PodcastThe Lead with Levity podcast is a show for leaders who care deeply about what makes/breaks the employee experience. Our guests are dynamic researchers, practitioners, consultants, and business leaders. We cover foundational elements that are needed to avoid forcing the fun. We also invite lively managers who lead with levity to show us how it’s done. Thanks for joining us on this journey.
Support the show (https://paypal.me/leadwithlevity)
Have you ever heard that culture eats strategy for breakfast? Well, it does. The best-laid plans won't get far if people aren't on the same page. Being in tune with your culture is the key to success.
In this episode, Brett Putter and I talk about ways to embed culture within your organization. Tune in for ways to identify and celebrate the uniqueness of your culture and empower your organization to work more collaboratively.
About Today's Guest: Brett Putter
Brett is the founder and CEO of CultureGene he's also published a couple of books, one in particular that I'm interested in today, which is Culture Decks Decoded.
About the Lead with Levity PodcastThe Lead with Levity podcast is a show for leaders who care deeply about what makes/breaks the employee experience. Our guests are dynamic researchers, practitioners, consultants, and business leaders. We cover foundational elements that are needed to avoid forcing the fun. We also invite lively managers who lead with levity to show us how it’s done. Thanks for joining us on this journey.
Support the show (https://paypal.me/leadwithlevity)
It's August! The season is changing and life is still knocking on your door. Do you want the ability to maintain inner and outer peace regardless of the situation? I do!
I got a chance to speak to a spiritual mystic, Amy Lynn Durham, recently about this concept of spiritual intelligence (SQ). As you can imagine, she debunked some myths and shared how SQ fits in a corporate world.
This show is for skeptics, mystics, and the usual suspects. I hope that you enjoy the banter and new ideas. Here are a few topics we cover:
- What does it mean to be a spiritual mystic and how does that play out in Amy's life?
- What is spiritual intelligence?
- Is spiritual intelligence faith-based or connected to a specific religion?
- How does spiritual intelligence connect to levity?
- The SQ21 - A tool that helps people build their SQ.
Enjoy!
About today's guest: Amy Lynn Durham
Amy Lynn Durham is the founder of Create Magic At Work™ and an international authority on improving workplace culture so employees and teams have better results with less drama and stress. In addition, Amy is:
- A U.C. Berkeley Certified Executive Coach
- Certified to coach in the 21 skills associated with Spiritual Intelligence (SQ) using the SQ21 Assessment.
- A Certified Emotional Intelligence Practitioner
Discover all the ways you can connect with Amy and this concept below:
- Get her book "Create Magic at Work"
- YouTube
About the Lead with Levity PodcastThe Lead with Levity podcast is a show for leaders who care deeply about what makes/breaks the employee experience. Our guests are dynamic researchers, practitioners, consultants, and business leaders. We cover foundational elements that are needed to avoid forcing the fun. We also invite lively managers who lead with levity to show us how it’s done. Thanks for joining us on this journey.
Support the show (https://paypal.me/leadwithlevity)
Who knew the pandemic would end so suddenly? Insert wink emoji!
I had a delightful conversation with speaker, coach, and the co-founder of LeadHERship Consortium, Dr. Lori Baker-Schena. We discussed the most pressing matters for today's professional:
- Nutella vs. Chocolate
- Quirks that we picked up during COVID
- What change management looks like coming out of the pandemic
- Staying positive
- A key issue that is often missed in customer service
About Our Guest: Dr. Lori Baker-Schena
My professional career reflects a journey … not a destination. I have continually re-invented myself based on three factors: a) my passions b) my ability to impact others and c) my ability to find joy every day. Each chapter of my life’s story is a building block to the expertise I bring to my clients.
I co-founded LeadHERship Consortium, LLC with my dear friend and business partner Sabine Liedel. Our company is dedicated to developing successful women LeadHERs by filling in the training gaps that are a byproduct of promotion without preparation. We deliver real-life leadership skills through LeadHERship conferences, keynote speeches, corporate retreats and training, and interactive workshops. Our ultimate goal is to position women LeadHERs for success, creating careers that are empowering, fulfilling and joyful.
- https://www.loribakerschena.com
- www.leadHERshipconsortium.com
About the Lead with Levity PodcastThe Lead with Levity podcast is a show for leaders who care deeply about what makes/breaks the employee experience. Our guests are dynamic researchers, practitioners, consultants, and business leaders. We cover foundational elements that are needed to avoid forcing the fun. We also invite lively managers who lead with levity to show us how it’s done. Thanks for joining us on this journey.
Support the show (https://paypal.me/leadwithlevity)
I spend the majority of my time on this podcast honing in on the need to incorporate play, or for you adults, exploratory time into your workday. There will always be one more thing to do, and if you focus solely on that you miss the opportunity to celebrate the journey. You may even miss the opportunity to come up with fantastically creative ideas that often show up when you allow your mind to wander.
Today, I spoke to Dr. Adarsh Vijay Mudgil, author of Let's Get It: Hustle and Grind Your Way to Personal Empowerment, a book about empowerment and pushing through no matter what. As a dermatologist, professional pimple popper and podcast host, Dr. Mudgil brings the energy.
Check out our conversation about (almost) everything under the sun:
- Why Dr. Mudgil believes in the hustle and grind
- How he went from "just graduated" to a successful dermatology practice in New York
- How "hustle and grind" links to empowerment and personal success
- Dr. Mudgil's advice on the one thing you can do to look amazing as you age (i.e., age like a vampire!)
- Pimple popping, Tik Tok, and what Dr. Mudgil did to keep his team together during the pandemic
About our Guest: Dr. Adarsh Vijay MudgilI’m Dr. Mudgil, a New York City-based pimple-popping, podcasting, positivity-peddling dermatologist! A few years ago, when I became very active on Instagram, launched my YouTube channel, and started my podcast, some folks (understandably) may have thought I had a few screws come loose. After all, why would a successful dermatologist be posting content related to mindset and motivation, rather than about Botox, butt augmentation, and lip filler?!?
Living on a plateau wasn’t for me, and shouldn’t be acceptable for anyone. Living on a plateau is settling for average, and average sucks. We can always do better, get better, and be better.
About the Lead with Levity PodcastThe Lead with Levity podcast is a show for leaders who care deeply about what makes/breaks the employee experience. Our guests are dynamic researchers, practitioners, consultants, and business leaders. We cover foundational elements that are needed to avoid forcing the fun. We also invite lively managers who lead with levity to show us how it’s done. Thanks for joining us on this journey.
Support the show (https://paypal.me/leadwithlevity)
Does your blood boil when it's time to chat with a loved one about politics, race, and other hot button topics? Do you feel misunderstood? Do you struggle to understand the other person's position?
Well, if you ever wanted to bridge the gap, then you're in good company.
Join me as I sit with Robin Hills, emotional intelligence trainer and founder of Ei4Change, as we unpack Dr. Seuss, Trump, racial stereotypes, and other hot button topics. Learn how to navigate your next conversation with grace today!
About Our Guest: Robin HillsRobin Hills is an emotional intelligence coach, trainer, and facilitator with over 35 years' business and commercial experience.
With more than 250,000 learners in 190 countries, Ei4Change are the leaders in emotional intelligence coaching and we provide a wide range of emotional intelligence courses and free resources. Our online courses are widely available and are being accessed internationally by businesses, groups and individuals all looking to make a change.
About the Lead with Levity PodcastThe Lead with Levity podcast is a show for leaders who care deeply about what makes/breaks the employee experience. Our guests are dynamic researchers, practitioners, consultants, and business leaders. We cover foundational elements that are needed to avoid forcing the fun. We also invite lively managers who lead with levity to show us how it’s done. Thanks for joining us on this journey.
Support the show (https://paypal.me/leadwithlevity)
Continuing with the theme of improvisation, I invited Michael Glatts, Founder of 901 Innovation, to chat about how improv techniques enrich the workplace. Michael shares how we all engage in improv when we get put on the spot at work and how we can build up our ability to tackle these situations when they come up. We also explore design thinking, LEGO play, and his advice for bringing more fun into your day.
About Michael Glatts
Having decades of experience, always asking “why?”, Michael loves to challenge the status quo. It is the only way to break free, have fun, and unleash your unique ability.
A class comic through twelve years of catholic and private school, Michael knew how to have fun, when to appreciate the supportive teachers, and when to challenge those “not-so-supportive” ones. Naturally, he carried this through college and into a fulfilling 26-year career with Pfizer Pharmaceuticals – a great company, oh but brutally bureaucratic. The perfect place to hone one’s disruptive skills with the right mix of humor, respect, and rebelliousness. Mix in 20 plus years of improv and the formula is set to take out to the world. Now it’s time to really have some fun!
- 901innovation – Excite. Ignite. Take Flight.
About the Lead with Levity PodcastThe Lead with Levity podcast is a show for leaders who care deeply about what makes/breaks the employee experience. Our guests are dynamic researchers, practitioners, consultants, and business leaders. We cover foundational elements that are needed to avoid forcing the fun. We also invite lively managers who lead with levity to show us how it’s done. Thanks for joining us on this journey.
Support the show (https://paypal.me/leadwithlevity)
I always envied improv comics for their quick quips and on-the-spot ideas. But, then I learned that improvisation is a skill, and like any other form of entertainment, you can "get good" with practice. Then I learned that improv is not just entertaining, but also a powerful tool for the workplace.
I had a fun, energy filled chat with renowned comedian and owner of Keeping it Human, Kathy Klotz-Guest. Check out this episode to find out how you can usher in creative problem solving and help your team with improv principles.
About Today's Guest: Kathy Klotz-GuestKathy Klotz-Guest, MA, MBA, MLA, is a business storytelling strategist, author, speaker, and comedian. Founder of Keeping it Human, her mission is to help organizations turn jargon-monoxide into compelling business stories, abolish boring marketing, and uncover boldly creative ideas for marketing content, products, branding and more. She calls them idea orgasms!
- https://keepingithuman.com
- Kathy's Books
- YouTube Channel
- Slideshare
About the Lead with Levity PodcastThe Lead with Levity podcast is a show for leaders who care deeply about what makes/breaks the employee experience. Our guests are dynamic researchers, practitioners, consultants, and business leaders. We cover foundational elements that are needed to avoid forcing the fun. We also invite lively managers who lead with levity to show us how it’s done. Thanks for joining us on this journey.
Support the show (https://paypal.me/leadwithlevity)
This is our 50th episode! Thank you so much for supporting the podcast. You are a positive force in this world. I look forward to watching these ideas continue to spread as more and more people get plugged in. This podcast is for you! Let me know what part you liked most.
Transformation can seem immediate, but there are often small changes that lead up to it that we don't see. Consider all of the small shifts that go into quitting smoking, or becoming patient. We have to replace the old perspective with a new one to encourage new behaviors and outcomes.
As you know, we live in a volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) world. This word soup is referred to as VUCA, and it used to refer to managing under special circumstances. Now, VUCA is as commonplace as a "case of the Mondays." Today, we're going to explore ways to enjoy the ride.
About Guest: Benny AusmusFor over a decade, organizational development coach Benny Ausmus has broken the mold of executive coaching and management consulting.
Refusing to limit his methods to a one-size-fits-all formula, he approaches each new project by merging hard data with strategic development initiatives, tailoring bespoke transformation programs for companies, teams, and individuals using his dynamic TLC coaching system.
Benny works seamlessly with each leader’s individual strengths, challenges, and style to design, iterate, and execute powerful programs for improvement, growth, and exceptional ROI.
Now, in The Transformational Leadership Compass, he lays out this dynamic system of transformation to help leaders create the big changes required to adapt, thrive, and shape the future.
- Website
About the Lead with Levity PodcastThe Lead with Levity podcast is a show for leaders who care deeply about what makes/breaks the employee experience. Our guests are dynamic researchers, practitioners, consultants, and business leaders. We cover foundational elements that are needed to avoid forcing the fun. We also invite lively managers who lead with levity to show us how it’s done. Thanks for joining us on this journey.
Support the show (https://paypal.me/leadwithlevity)
I've had the privilege to work with several mentors over the years, and I can personally attest to the power of having someone in your corner who can help you find the clarity you need to navigate life's choices.
If you have anyone who looks up to you (and you should have at least one person), then this episode is for you!
Find out:
- The difference between a coach and a mentor
- What it takes to be a great mentor
- How Greg navigates different coaching scenarios
- How to know if you have a good coach
About Today's Guest: Greg BallardGreg has held many unique titles in his professional career and has seen many ups and downs in his life. During these transitions, he discovered his passion for mentoring and leadership development. As the CEO and founder of Five C Consulting, Greg works with CEOs to small business owners to improve their mindset, business habits and overall approach in order to improve productivity, communication, strategic decision making and many other challenges leaders face. With Greg’s help, clients are more prepared and better equipped to deliver difficult feedback, navigate politics and influence their peers. Greg helps to pave the way for personal development with his clients as well. He serves and supports his clients by offering the right tools and insight to set them on a clear path and helps them understand how to maintain their progress.
Greg is a Certified Professional Coach, Professional Certified Coach, Authorized Partner for Everything DiSC, Five Behaviors of a Cohesive Team, PXT Select and Energy Leadership Master Practitioner.
"I love to serve people through coaching, and believe each and every person possesses a unique and powerful gift."
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gwballard/
- Website: https://five.consulting.com
- Instagram: @greg.ballrd
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/fivecconsulting
- Email: greg@fivec.consulting
About the PodcastThe Lead with Levity podcast is a show for leaders who care deeply about what makes/breaks the employee experience. Our guests are dynamic researchers, practitioners, consultants, and business leaders. We cover foundational elements that are needed to avoid forcing the fun. We also invite lively managers who lead with levity to show us how it’s done. Thanks for joining us on this journey.
Support the show (https://paypal.me/leadwithlevity)
Do you remember (back in the day), when people were obligated to let you know if your hair was out of place, or your fly was down, or you were being stalked through the halls by a toilet paper roll? Do you remember getting upset if you made it through the whole day with something on your [insert object or body part] all day without so much as a peep from your colleagues? I do!
Unfortunately, people are less likely to let you know about an online faux pas. The odds are higher that someone will take a screenshot and share it with their friends than the odds of them quietly IM'ing you to ask you to adjust yourself.
I chat with today's guest, Kim Foley, about the ways that we trip ourselves up online and how to avoid looking foolish on camera even if you may look a little bit silly off-camera!
In this episode, we cover:
- Kim's cringeworthy cat video that led her to learn how to master Zoom meetings
- How to setup your desk for maximum poise and presence
- Do's and don'ts for your online wardrobe
- Pro tips to boost your wifi and internet connection
- Kim's virtual meeting etiquette guide
About Our Guest: Kim FoleyKim Foley shares the expertise she has gained in more than 25 years as an award-winning video producer, media trainer, and television stylist, as well as best practices, and practical guidelines for putting forth your personal best—visually, verbally, and nonverbally.
- [GUIDE] Etiquette Guide for Online Meetings
- [BOOK] Virtual Meetings with Power and Presence
- Website: https://kimfoley.com
- Email: kimfoley@kimfoley.com
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCz6xhMCzTMN_RnFUltryYfQ
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimfoley/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kimfoleyvideo
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kimfoleyvideo
About the PodcastThe Lead with Levity podcast is a show for leaders who care deeply about what makes/breaks the employee experience. Our guests are dynamic researchers, practitioners, consultants, and business leaders. We cover foundational elements that are needed to avoid forcing the fun. We also invite lively managers who lead with levity to show us how it’s done. Thanks for joining us on this journey.
Support the show (https://paypal.me/leadwithlevity)
Do you ever feel like life is getting more and more complicated?
As the world revs back up to "normal" speed, we are still straddling what was and what may be. I don't know about you, but I long for simpler times. Today's guest, Neal Schambra Stevens helps us reconnect with age-old wisdom--K.I.S.S. (keep it simple stupid). Living life to the fullest doesn't have to be a complicated endeavor.
In this episode, we cover:
- How a good old fashioned to-do list saves the day
- How strategy is just a choice between what we will do vs. what we won't do
- Energy management vs. time management
- How to practice energy management
About Our Guest: Neil Schambra Stevens“My mission is to enable people to be seen, to be heard and to be valued. The founding principles of Mercury Jam are kindness, gratitude, resilience and momentum. My focus is inspiring “Next Gen Leaders’ to excel through these principles to create a legacy mindset and a groundswell of positivity in business. And it starts with you, yourself. Celebrating little moments of daily joy helps create a way to live your life and combine your passions and your work every day.”
About the PodcastThe Lead with Levity podcast is a show for leaders who care deeply about what makes/breaks the employee experience. Our guests are dynamic researchers, practitioners, consultants, and business leaders. We cover foundational elements that are needed to avoid forcing the fun. We also invite lively managers who lead with levity to show us how it’s done. Thanks for joining us on this journey.
Support the show (https://paypal.me/leadwithlevity)
Have you ever wondered what it's like to work as a nurse? It takes a special mix of qualities to care for others when they are most vulnerable, and I admire the work that nurses do to help us all get back to good health. I feel this way about healthcare in general, but nursing specifically--how do they make it through the day? There is so much pressure to perform in healthcare. Let's talk about it!
I interviewed the Lead with Levity podcast's first major fan and supporter, Marcylle Combs. She's fun, wise, and a no-nonsense entrepreneur who cares deeply about the future of healthcare.
In today's episode, we cover:
- Marcylle's entrepreneurial journey through running a $60+ million dollar real estate, home hospice, and other healthcare services businesses
- What it was like for me living in the dry (no alcohol!) county of Denton, Texas
- Marcylle's leadership philosophy
- How to maintain friendships with coworkers without the drama
- What it's like building a business as a female entrepreneur and mother of 5
- And more!
About Our Guest: Marcylle Combs, MS, RN, BS, CHCEMarcylle Combs has spent her over 30 years of her adult life working as a nurse, director, administrator and ultimately as owner/president leading a large healthcare organization which she owned and operated until August of 2018 when she decided to embark on new adventures. She has since founded 3 companies, serving as President over MAC Legacy, The Marcylle Combs Company, and MAC Legacy Investments. Through dedication to growing a successful company, Marcylle discovered her real passion is working with humans to encourage and inspire each one to reach their potential.
Marcylle is well known in Texas and nationally for her leadership in both the home care and hospice community. She serves on the board of directors for The Home Care and Hospice Financial Managers Association (HHFMA); a professional organization bringing together CFOs, CEOs, COOs and other financial positions who are employed by the nation’s 25,000 home care and hospice agencies. She also chairs the Women in Leadership Committee for HHFMA.
She enjoys speaking on a national level and has also spoken in Belize, Italy, China and Spain regarding various leadership subjects such as mentoring, recruitment and retention, communication and conflict management. Ten years ago she founded TwentySix: Twelve.org, a non-profit that is dedicated to helping businesses provide support for their employees to serve others through mission trips, disaster relief, and in their local communities. As a wife, mother of 5 adult children and a female in the workplace she aspires to grow and lead others until her last breath on this earth.
- www.marcyllecombs.com
About the PodcastThe Lead with Levity podcast is a show for leaders who care deeply about what makes/breaks the employee experience. Our guests are dynamic researchers, practitioners, consultants, and business leaders. We cover foundational elements that are needed to avoid forcing the fun. We also invite lively managers who lead with levity to show us how it’s done. Thanks for joining us on this journey.
Support the show (https://paypal.me/leadwithlevity)
Can you believe that we've endured lockdown-style living for almost a year now? Do you remember what you were doing in March of 2020? This time last year, a lot of us were scrambling for toilet paper and snacks! That seemed like an appropriate combo at the time.
Still, others were trying to figure out how to still get work done while at home. JJ Caffey created a company called Order In to help us navigate our schedules in a supportive environment even when we work from home. Order In is designed to give procrastinators and high performers alike, an ecosystem of activities and a support network to help us continue to maintain productivity.
It sounds pretty cool. Let's learn more about this together.
About Our Guest: JJ CaffeyJJ Caffey is an entrepreneur specializing in the future of work. With a focus on community, connectedness, and efficiency, JJ’s mission is to revolutionize American work culture. JJ is also Co-Founder of Venture Foragers, a venture capital research firm enabling student teams to explore frontier tech sectors. JJ earned her MBA from Wharton in 2019, and also holds degrees in anthropology and luxury brand management.
- Order In Club (website)
About the PodcastThe Lead with Levity podcast is a show for leaders who care deeply about what makes/breaks the employee experience. Our guests are dynamic researchers, practitioners, consultants, and business leaders. We cover foundational elements that are needed to avoid forcing the fun. We also invite lively managers who lead with levity to show us how it’s done. Thanks for joining us on this journey.
Support the show (https://paypal.me/leadwithlevity)
"Don't dictate fun."Tune in today for some advice on common missteps that leaders make when they try to improve the culture. Join us today for a conversation about:* getting through the pandemic with your sanity intact * advice on how to be your authentic self at work * building a fun work environment (without a potluck) * why following "best practices" can get you in trouble
About Our Guest: Carla D. BaileyI'm happy to share the message of today's guest with you. Her name is Carla D. Bailey. Carla serves as the head of Human Resources, Learning and Organizational Development at Washington University. Carla is the CEO as well of Carla D. Bailey Worldwide, which is a firm that helps leaders unleash their inner greatness and be unstoppable in business and life. She's a professional speaker and executive coach.About the PodcastThe Lead with Levity podcast is a show for leaders who care deeply about what makes/breaks the employee experience. Our guests are dynamic researchers, practitioners, consultants, and business leaders. We cover foundational elements that are needed to avoid forcing the fun. We also invite lively managers who lead with levity to show us how it’s done. Thanks for joining us on this journey.Support the show (https://paypal.me/leadwithlevity)
Is 2021 looking like 2020 on steroids for you? Find out how you can go from crisis management to levity so you can pick up your cape and continue to be the strategic leader you were meant to be.Join me in this conversation with Jenn Thornton about:* how to speak to your team to get them to open up * how leading with levity at work can help you have a stronger home life * the art and science of conversational intelligence
About Our Guest: Jenn ThorntonJennifer has developed her expertise in Talent Strategy & Leadership Development over her exciting 20+ year career as an HR Professional. She’s led international teams across Greater China, Mexico, the U.K., and the U.S. to expand into new markets, managing brands and franchise businesses.About the PodcastThe Lead with Levity podcast is a show for leaders who care deeply about what makes/breaks the employee experience. Our guests are dynamic researchers, practitioners, consultants, and business leaders. We cover foundational elements that are needed to avoid forcing the fun. We also invite lively managers who lead with levity to show us how it’s done. Thanks for joining us on this journey.Support the show (https://paypal.me/leadwithlevity)
Get prepared for the kindness revolution!What does it look like? Being present for others. Connecting with others in an authentic way. Taking the mask off.Doing no harm.I had a fascinating conversation with Cool Audrey founder, Cole Baker Bagwell. She helps organizations build connections by focusing on kindness and the principle of "do no harm."About Our Guest: Cole Baker Bagwell"I'm a full on kindness nerd. I research it, write about it, talk about it, and seek it out in unexpected places. I live it, share it and look for ways we can put kindness into motion to make the big world we share- even better.As the Founder of Cool Audrey®, I consult with companies on kindness. I teach them how put kindness to work as a core business competency that runs through every fiber of the organization.Kindness is essential because it makes us happier and healthier. Kindness helps us foster trust and that helps us collaborate and work together to innovate and create business outcomes like productivity, stability and growth."About the PodcastThe Lead with Levity podcast is a show for leaders who care deeply about what makes/breaks the employee experience. Our guests are dynamic researchers, practitioners, consultants, and business leaders. We cover foundational elements that are needed to avoid forcing the fun. We also invite lively managers who lead with levity to show us how it’s done. Thanks for joining us on this journey.Support the show (https://paypal.me/leadwithlevity)
Have you taken the time to consider how to get the most out of the things that bring you joy? Ryan Greene is a passionpreneur on a mission to help others get paid for their passions. Ryan Greene is an entrepreneur, author coach, bestselling author, and professional speaker. He is the Founder of GreeneHouse Media LLC, a media company whose goal is to provide “Media With A Purpose” via radio, television, film, and books.In this episode, we cover:* How Ryan went from "I don't read for fun" to writing multiple books and starting his own publishing company * Debunking common myths about authorship * How to use passion to get buy-in from others and bring out the best in your team when you know what they're passionate about * Why it's so important to take the time to transfer what you know into book form * What it means to be a passionpreneur * How to shed the stigma of answering the question "What do you do?" when following your passion * How to avoid being seen as rough around the edges when you're really just passionate
About Our Guest: Ryan GreeneRyan C. Greene is an entrepreneur, author coach, bestselling author, and professional speaker. He is the Founder of GreeneHouse Media LLC, a media company whose goal is to provide “Media With A Purpose” via radio, television, film, and books. Ryan is the author of ten books, hosts and executive produces several podcasts and web shows, and founded Indie Author PRO, an author development company specializing in teaching authors how to monetize their content, automate their business and become top-revenue authors.* RyanGreene.com * Instagram * Facebook * LinkedIn * YouTube
About the PodcastThe Lead with Levity podcast is a show for leaders who care deeply about what makes/breaks the employee experience. Our guests are dynamic researchers, practitioners, consultants, and business leaders. We cover foundational elements that are needed to avoid forcing the fun. We also invite lively managers who lead with levity to show us how it’s done. Thanks for joining us on this journey.Support the show (https://paypal.me/leadwithlevity)
Happy New Year! Today's guest, Ira Wolfe, is going to talk to us a little bit about pivoting in life, and we're going to have such a wonderful conversation. I'm looking forward to it. Ira Wolfe is a TedX speaker and the host of Geeks, Geezers, and Googlization.Find out what happened when this successful six-figure dentist walked away from his practice to live the entrepreneur life. As a self-proclaimed millennial in a baby boomer’s body, Ira shares lessons and business experiences.In this episode, we cover:* How Ira finds top performers * Ira’s creative marketing tips to get people’s attention * Ira’s take on the use of AI chats to replace pre-employment testing as we know it * How to find the courage to walk away from a career that doesn’t make you happy * How to use growth mindset principles to free yourself to try new things * The reality of prepping for a TedTalk
About Ira WolfeDescribed as a “Millennial trapped in a Baby Boomer body, the World’s 1st Chief Googlization Officer, a “hire authority,” and “certified prophet” of workforce trends, Ira S. Wolfe has emerged as one of HR’s most visionary thinkers. Ira personifies the passion and mindset required to manage the convergence of the tired, the wired, and technology. His enthusiasm and engaging approach inspires his audience to challenge preconceptions about what it takes to attract, select, manage, and retain top talent and take the initiative to make change for them.About the PodcastThe Lead with Levity podcast is a show for leaders who care deeply about what makes/breaks the employee experience. Our guests are dynamic researchers, practitioners, consultants, and business leaders. We cover foundational elements that are needed to avoid forcing the fun. We also invite lively managers who lead with levity to show us how it’s done. Thanks for joining us on this journey.Support the show (https://paypal.me/leadwithlevity)
I don't know a better way to end this year's lineup than interviewing someone who is a self-proclaimed levity evangelist. This should be good! Today's guest is Philip Argy, CEO of Argy Star, and a member of the Law Council of Australia. That's right. We're going to talk about levity in law, and I want to know if lawyers are allowed to practice levity.In this episode, we cover:* What’s the climate in Australia right now? * What you can do to get prickly people to lighten up? * How Argy practices levity in the courtroom * Silly Zoom moments * How Argy uses levity to maintain his own vitality and positive spirit * An insider's perspective--Are lawyers allowed to have fun at work? What does that look like?
About Argy StarOur focus is always on salvaging and delivering as much as possible of the original business case when the day to day participants in your implementation team have long since forgotten what they were. More usually, we intercept at their incipient stage any developments that could move your project off course in time or budget terms and nip them in the bud, thus saving you time money and minimising the risk that your business case will be delivered late or not at all. These are the basics of the ADRoIT Principles.Website: https://argystar.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/philipargyEmail: pargy@argystar.comTwitter: https://twitter.com/philipargyAbout the PodcastThe Lead with Levity podcast is a show for leaders who care deeply about what makes/breaks the employee experience. Our guests are dynamic researchers, practitioners, consultants, and business leaders. We cover foundational elements that are needed to avoid forcing the fun. We also invite lively managers who lead with levity to show us how it’s done. Thanks for joining us on this journey.Support the show (https://paypal.me/leadwithlevity)
Join me in this fantastic interview with Eileen McDargh, a best selling author and speaker on the topic of burnout and resilience. Eileen gets real and shares exactly why we need balance, levity, and love in our lives. You'll love this upbeat conversation and healthy dose of career advice.About Eileen McDarghEileen McDargh is the Chief Energy Officer (CEO) of The Resiliency Group. Eileen McDargh started her career as an award-winning teacher and to this day loves telling stories while educating audiences as a professional speaker, coach and consultant. Eileen is the founder and CEO of the consulting firm, The Resiliency Group. She teaches organizations like Cisco, Novartis, Oracle, and Procter & Gamble ways of building resilient leadership teams and workplaces. Along with her work as an organizational resiliency consultant, Eileen speaks and writes about resiliency.* https://www.EileenMcDargh.com * Burnout to Breakthrough: Building Resilience to Refuel, Recharge, and Reclaim What Matters * Facebook * Twitter * LinkedIn
About the PodcastThe Lead with Levity podcast is a show for leaders who care deeply about what makes/breaks the employee experience. Our guests are dynamic researchers, practitioners, consultants, and business leaders. We cover foundational elements that are needed to avoid forcing the fun. We also invite lively managers who lead with levity to show us how it’s done. Thanks for joining us on this journey.Support the show (https://paypal.me/leadwithlevity)
"Creating a happy healthy workplace is not rocket science." ~Briana HawkinsToday's guest is Briana Hawkins. She's young, ambitious, and full of great ideas for bringing the fun back to your function. She is to lead the Happy Crew at Zoom and now graces the finance tech startup Built Technologies with her expertise.In this episode, we cover:* How Briana shaped manifested her way through her career * Teambuilding activities for you to try from her experiences with Built Technologies and the Zoom Happy Crew * Briana's perspective on how to get more out of each situation
Meet Guest: Briana Hawkins"I am a strategic leader with a proven track record in resolving organizational and human capital challenges within startups. An employee engagement subject-matter-expert with proven success in building culture, securing leadership buy-in, strategic planning, and talent operations. I am able to manage multiple projects while collaborating with diverse groups to achieve goals.. I believe that where there is happiness, there is productivity and efficiency."About the PodcastThe Lead with Levity podcast is a show for leaders who care deeply about what makes/breaks the employee experience. Our guests are dynamic researchers, practitioners, consultants, and business leaders. We cover foundational elements that are needed to avoid forcing the fun. We also invite lively managers who lead with levity to show us how it’s done. Thanks for joining us on this journey.Support the show (https://paypal.me/leadwithlevity)
Starting a new job is exciting and a little bit of a leap of faith this year for new employees. They aren't able to walk through the building and get a sense of the people, work environment, and culture in the same way. They sort of have to go on faith that the culture is as advertised. If your company went remote this year, then you've been scrambling to reimagine onboarding.So that's what we're going to talk about today. What can we do to jazz up remote onboarding? Does it need more seasoning, onions, a little cheese? I had the pleasure of chatting about this (sans seasoning, onions, and cheese) with David Secunda of WorkBright. WorkBright is an HR tech startup that helps companies move traditional employee onboarding to 100% remote.In this episode, we cover:* How to make onboarding more exciting and engaging * How to help new employees build personal connections * How to handle that pesky I9 requirement (a pandemic pro-tip)
Guest: David SecundaDavid Secunda is the Founder and CEO of WorkBright, an HR tech startup that moves traditional employee onboarding to a 100% remote process that workers complete before they arrive. He has led numerous organizations including Avid4 Adventure (Founder & Chairman, outdoor adventure camps), PlanetOutdoors (Founder & CEO, online outdoor retailer), and the Outdoor Industry Association (President). He also worked as an Entrepreneur in Residence at Mobius Venture Capital and Sequel Venture Partners. He is an active mentor in the business community at Techstars, MergeLane and the CU Leeds School of Business, and has served on the boards of Entrepreneur’s Organization Colorado, RMC Health, The SCA, and was a founding board member of Leave No Trace. Additionally, he was the Governor appointed Chairman of the Colorado Department of Human Services Licensing Advisory Committee.About the PodcastThe Lead with Levity podcast is a show for leaders who care deeply about what makes/breaks the employee experience. Our guests are dynamic researchers, practitioners, consultants, and business leaders. We cover foundational elements that are needed to avoid forcing the fun. We also invite lively managers who lead with levity to show us how it’s done. Thanks for joining us on this journey.Support the show (https://paypal.me/leadwithlevity)
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to get paid to travel the world, deliver stand-up comedy, become an angel investor, and drive sales for a large international organization? Well today's guest is going to show us how it's done. Kelli Lampkin has worn many hats in her time, and today she'll join us to chat about how her experiences have made her and her team better salespeople.In this episode, we cover:* What it was like to live as a NetSuite digital nomad, including her time in Transylvania * How Kelli incorporates stand-up comedy and sales * How she used a bit of levity to encourage sales at NetSuite * How she makes cloud ERP fun
Guest: Kelli LampkinKelli is an angel investor, entrepreneur, writer, traveler, comedienne, DJ, tech enthusiast. Her passion is working with tech entrepreneurs that are disrupting their industries to help them leverage enterprise business software so they can focus on their passions.About the PodcastThe Lead with Levity podcast is a show for leaders who care deeply about what makes/breaks the employee experience. Our guests are dynamic researchers, practitioners, consultants, and business leaders. We cover foundational elements that are needed to avoid forcing the fun. We also invite lively managers who lead with levity to show us how it’s done. Thanks for joining us on this journey.Support the show (https://paypal.me/leadwithlevity)
Managers: Is it possible that your recruitment tools are screening out qualified candidates? Job seekers: Is it possible that you aren’t getting the job you want because you haven’t optimized your resume? You are in for such a treat today, if you've ever been on the job hunt, and you've kind of been curious about how things work in the background, that's what we're going to talk about today.My guest, Kyana Beckles, is the CEO and founder of Leverage Assessments. It's a company out in New York City, where they administer and help organizations with employee selection tests, assessments, all that jazz…making sure that companies are able to find good people for their positions. And one thing that she's going to help us with today is sort of unraveling and packaging, opening up the hood, checking out what happens after you submit a resume. Does it go straight to the hiring manager? Are they combing through all of the materials? Looking at every single word?Spoiler alert--they are not. Many large organizations use software, and different application tools to help them weed through resumes, and applications. They're looking for keywords. They're looking for specific tags and criteria that they've set up in advance. If you're not savvy to those things, you could be missing out on a really great job opportunity. Likewise, on the flip side of that…if you are a manager and you aren't savvy to that, and you're not necessarily thinking about how that is impacting your talent pool, then this show is for you as well.Kyana and I are going to talk about everything from how to hire for the kind of culture that you want to the role of levity at work and creating a team that is high performing. We had such a great time talking that at some point, I forgot to hit record. I'm gonna drop you into the middle of our conversation. I think it'll be illuminating for you. And I hope that you enjoy it.Learn how data analytics factor into the hiring process and what you can do to support a diverse talent pool.Support the show (https://paypal.me/leadwithlevity)
Do you have a kid coworker? Kid coworkers are not the same as your coworkers at the office. They eat up all your food. They don't respect your meeting schedules, and they take a cut out of every paycheck that you make. It's just not the same. If one of your coworkers in the office did that… you'd file a complaint with HR. This episode is dedicated to parents and adults who are trying to get work done around littles, kids, and teens. How can you create a fun work from home environment with kids? Today we'll explore a team building activity that's based on our guest, Dr. Beth Brown's F.U.N. model.Resources Mentioned* Team Aureus * YouTube Channel * LinkedIn * Facebook * Instagram
About Dr. BethDr. Beth is a sports psychologist and CEO of Team Aureus®. It's a consulting agency that's dedicated to empowering individuals and teams to perform at their highest levels in sports business, and life.She co-founded Super Power Golf. It's a business dedicated to helping women transform their lives on and off the golf course. And she also has a passion for youth, which I really appreciate.Dr. Beth also serves on the We Are Golf Women's Task Force managed by the World Golf Foundation.And she recently launched the Champions Mindset Leadership Series. I'm looking forward to this conversation today because we're going to diverge a little bit from adulthood to talking about what is it like to work with your child coworkers, and what can we do to ensure that we are creating fun workplaces, even when we're at home?About the PodcastThe Lead with Levity podcast is a show for leaders who care deeply about what makes/breaks the employee experience. Our guests are dynamic researchers, practitioners, consultants, and business leaders. We cover foundational elements that are needed to avoid forcing the fun. We also invite lively managers who lead with levity to show us how it's done. Thanks for joining us on this journey.Support the show (https://paypal.me/leadwithlevity)
Welcome to the Lead with Levity podcast. I'm your host, Dr. Heather Walker, and I'm so excited to share today's guest with you--Kyle Gillette. Kyle is the owner of Gillette Solutions and the host of the Sage Mindset podcast. Kyle is based in Washington, and he helps small business owners lead their businesses and people with less stress and more freedom. He helps everyone get on the bus and moving in the same direction. And that's exactly what we need today. I'm looking forward to talking to him about what he's seeing at the leadership level and any recommendations that he has for leaders today.In this episode, we cover:* Leaders need to de-stress * How leaders can empower themselves and their teams * How leaders can help others express their 'best selves' * How to get the most from your next one-on-one meeting * How to help someone on your team who has a negative outlook * Kyle's WISER listening model
Resources Mentioned* Gillette Solutions * Sage Mindset Podcast * LinkedIn
About Gillette SolutionsAll people have the ability to thrive in their personal and professional lives - to obtain freedom and independence we strive to achieve. The key is learning your passions and the individual talents you possess. As these become clear, focus improves and success follows. We all have a sense of where our passions lie, though there can be ambiguity as to what drives us. We generally know our skills, strengths, and talents, though we can be unclear on how to use those abilities to realize our passions. At Gillette Solutions, we help small business owners, solopreneurs, and business professionals develop new perspectives, thought patterns, and habits to overcome fear, doubt, and improve self-confidence.I help you take control of your time, talent, and build a roadmap to increase your bottom-line. We do this through courses, behavioral analysis, and (my favorite) coaching!About the PodcastThe Lead with Levity podcast is a show for leaders who care deeply about what makes/breaks the employee experience. Our guests are dynamic researchers, practitioners, consultants, and business leaders. We cover foundational elements that are needed to avoid forcing the fun. We also invite lively managers who lead with levity to show us how it's done. Thanks for joining us on this journey.Support the show (https://paypal.me/leadwithlevity)
When everything feels so so heavy, and you’re starting to wonder if you should lead with levity, remember that the alternative may lead you down a dark and lonely road. I asked our guest today to share her thoughts on fearless authenticity and walking in purpose even when all the signs point to failure.Welcome to the Lead with Levity podcast. We work to equip leaders to build unique and refreshing work environments that are marked by fun, team unity, and healthy communication. Today's guest is Danessa Knaupp. Danessa is an executive coach on a mission is to get really great leaders embedded everywhere because we all benefit from that. She’s also the author of Naked at Work: A Leader’s Guide to Fearless Authenticity.In this episode, we cover:* How Danessa picked herself up after an embarrassing event * How you find the lighter side of any bad experience * A model for authenticity, not #authenticity * Authenticity misfires
Resources Mentioned* [BOOK] Naked at Work: A Leader’s Guide to Fearless Authenticity * DanessaKnaupp.com * Avenue8Advisors.com * LinkedIn
Quote This - Danessa Knaupp Quotes:* “I began to think about, ‘where have I been really connected with leaders?’ and it was when I believed they were human.” * “A lot of us walk around with an idea of a leader that is far too narrow. Leaders come in all shapes and sizes, they can be effective a million different ways.” * “If you think about some of the things you believe about yourself. The person who wrote that story is 5, 7, 9 years old. I don't know about you, but I have not consulted with seven year olds on a regular basis on how to make decisions, except that I am. Because the interesting parts of myself that tell me those things are [from a] seven [year old].” * “We are all total and absolute works in progress, and we pick up and put down any baggage or experience we want at any point in this journey.” * “Authenticity builds trust. Trust creates safety, and safety at work is magical.” * “Sometimes, people think when I talk about being intentional and strategic that somehow that's not authentic. But think about how you are authentic with your grandmother, with your lover, with your best friend, and with your child. Those are all authentic versions of yourself. Those are all really true to you. And yet the whispered conversation between you and your lover, as you fall asleep is never something you would tell your grandmother or your child.” * My job here is to learn and evolve, and man that is not easy. Sometimes people think that when I say, "I'm a failure junkie," or, "I really embrace failure," that I've found some sort of way to make it less horrifyingly painful--I haven't. It's painful every time. I just know that there's good stuff on the other side of it. * My mission is to get really great leaders embedded everywhere we can, because we all benefit from that.
Support the show (https://paypal.me/leadwithlevity)
Welcome to the Lead with Levity podcast. Today's guest is Jeremy Miller. Jeremy is a brand strategist for Sticky Branding and a best selling author. Over the past decade, Jeremy and the Sticky Branding team profiled and interviewed hundreds of companies across dozens of industries to uncover how companies can grow extra sticky brands. I look forward to sharing his expertise about branding, messaging, and the importance of a name.In this episode, we cover:* How Jeremy pivoted from a sales to marketing focus to save his family-owned business * Jeremy's 3-step process for strategic naming * How organizations big and small can use this strategic naming process to build momentum for projects, activate brand ambassadors, and get customers excited about the brand * The #1 killer of creativity on teams * One strategy that managers can use to get their teams to open up and bring new ideas
About Today's GuestJeremy Miller is a brand strategist and bestselling author. Over the past decade, Jeremy and the Sticky Branding team have profiled and interviewed hundreds of companies across dozens of industries to uncover how companies grow Sticky Brands. Jeremy shares his expertise as a writer, consultant, and keynote speaker. His blend of humor, stories, and actionable ideas will inspire you to innovate and grow your business and brand.Resources Mentioned Website * Book: Sticky Branding * Book: Brand New Name* * LinkedIn Group * Twitter * Instagram * Facebook
About the PodcastThe Lead with Levity podcast is a show for leaders who care deeply about what makes/breaks the employee experience. Our guests are dynamic researchers, practitioners, consultants, and business leaders. We cover foundational elements that are needed to avoid forcing the fun. We also invite lively managers who lead with levity to show us how it's done. Thanks for joining us on this journey.Support the show (https://paypal.me/leadwithlevity)
I've supported several change management initiatives over the years, and there are 3 things that stick out to me as consistent leadership failures:1. Not communicating throughout 2. Waiting too long to celebrate 3. Launching too many initiatives around the same time (i.e., doing too much)
Your people are going through a lot right now. Now is the time for thoughtful change management. For those of you who don't know, change management is a process to help people understand, buy into, and adopt planned changes. It includes addressing readiness, managing resistance, and creating plans to support communication, reinforcement, and skill development. Companies often forego the people side of change and focus mainly on the technical sides of project management and quality management instead. The problem though is that people need to change and they are the hardest part of the equation to change so we really do need to put more intentionality and resources there.So guess what, today I'm chatting with a change management consultant to the Fortune 50, Pam Marmon. In this episode, we cover:* How change initiatives affect employees and what leaders can do to support their teams * Pam's L.E.S.S. model of change management * Top change management challenges that businesses face today * Are traditional change management models appropriate for today's challenges? * How does levity factor into change management?
About Today's GuestPam Marmon is a change management leader and CEO of Marmon Consulting. She is Prosci certified change management expert and Cornell University certified organizational designer with 15 years of experience and proven success record in implementing organizational initiatives and culture transformations.Resources Mentioned* Pam's LinkedIn Page * Marmon Consulting * [BOOK]No One's Listening and It's Your Fault: Get Your Message Heard During Organizational Transformations
About the PodcastThe Lead with Levity podcast is a show for leaders who care deeply about what makes/breaks the employee experience. Our guests are dynamic researchers, practitioners, consultants, and business leaders. We cover foundational elements that are needed to avoid forcing the fun. We also invite lively managers who lead with levity to show us how it's done. Thanks for joining us on this journey.Support the show (https://paypal.me/leadwithlevity)
Would you rather know exactly what will happen 6 months from now or have the wisdom needed to navigate whatever happens 6 months from now? Join me in this fantastic interview with James Bidwell, the Chairman and Founder of Springwise. James is also the Co-Founder of Re_set. Springwise is an innovation platform that promotes creativity and innovation across the globe. Re_set is a disruption, innovation, and sustainability consulting firm in the UK.In this episode, we cover:* James’ view on the future of work * How Springwise elevates creatives by sharing their innovations with the world * An even bigger crisis that is on the horizon (bigger than the pandemic) * Examples of innovations in different industries * A ton of FREE RESOURCES!
Quotes* "What is really encouraging is the capacity of the human brain to start to figure it out and not give up and to go forward and create new solutions." ~ James Bidwell * "One thing that I find really interesting about innovation is that it starts small, and it can feel like it's creeping up on you... like [with] Blockbuster...these other companies just sort of snuck up on them. But, they didn't. They were working diligently behind the scenes." ~ Heather Walker, Ph.D.
About Today’s GuestJames currently serves as Chair at Springwise, Co-Founder at Innovation and Transformation Consultancy Re_Set and NED at fast growing, Berlin based Invincible Brands. James is the Author of bestseller “Disrupt! 100 Lessons in Business Innovation” published by Hodder and Stoughton 2017 Sitting at the nexus of global change James brings deep experience and insight into digital, brand and innovation across all organizational disciplines at a time of unprecedented uncertainty and opportunity. At Springwise, James is immersed in the global innovation community with deep insight into the newest and most transformative new businesses and innovations from every corner of the world. Springwise is a “must read’ for global CEOs, innovators, investors, educators and corporates from all sectors. James advises many businesses and several government organisations. He is a visiting lecturer at the University of Bristol and Cambridge Judge Business School, participant in the London Business School Innovation and Entrepreneurship programme, committee member and judge at the World Retail Congress and mentor at Red Bull Amaphiko Academy. Career highlights include the launch of Disneyland Paris, the turnaround of Selfridges as Marketing Director, leading the renaissance of London tourism as CEO Visit London, launch CEO of Anthropologie Europe.Resources Mentioned* Springwise Global Source for Innovation * Re_Set Boutique Consultancy for Disruption, Innovation, and Sustainability * Somerset House London’s working arts centre * [CELL PHONE APP] The Innovation App * [BOOK] Disrupt!: 100 Lessons in Business Innovation
About the PodcastThe Lead with Levity podcast is a show for leaders who care deeply about what makes/breaks the employee experience. Our guests are dynSupport the show (https://paypal.me/leadwithlevity)
If you want to know how to build a fun family culture then you’re in the right place. Today, we discuss the benefits of adopting and leading by values. I’m happy to say that I recently discovered that there are people out there in the world (not the multiverse, but here in our dimension) with the job title of ‘Chief Happiness Officer’ and ‘Director of Happiness’. I found one!Today, I get to share a conversation with Kylie Rae Fitzgibbons, Director of Happiness and General Manager at JL Bar Ranch in Sonora, Texas. Kyle has traveled all over the world and picked up experiences that have all led to her passion to have fun and get work done.In this episode, we cover:* How a small town in Texas wooed her away from Grand Cayman. * What it’s like to work in a family-owned business. * How they build shared values * How they approach confrontations or “collisions” within the team * Kylie’s experiences on the Grand Cayman islands and how that fed her perspective on hospitality * The “Cayman kind” approach taught her that “people taking care of people” is more than just a concept, it’s about creating a family feel. * Try this icebreaker from Kylie that’s guaranteed to improve the mood within a group: * (32:18) The Smile Game: One quick and easy way to bring joy to a meeting or change the energy in a group. A simple 30 second activity that you can do at the beginning of a meeting, with friends. Instead of sitting, you stand in a circle, make eye contact. Say: “I’m going to start” and smile at someone and make eye contact, and then that person turns to the left and smiles at their neighbor. Then do a few rounds and try to get faster. * Kylie’s leadership philosophy and maintenance tips: * Energy is contagious. Own your own energy. * Recognize that “everyone is influenceable and everyone is an influencer even if you don’t have a billion followers on Instagram” * Make sure that people are better after they meet you than when they first saw you * Activities that help team spirit and one-ness * Team photo and celebration * Team prayer * End of the day reflection and review of a value-based story or moment * Celebrate national pizza party day - “food is fuel” * Keep the team loved and well fed and listened to
Quotes* “As the leader of a team, it is important that I come with an enthusiastic energy and a positive ‘can do’ spirit with that attitude and showing resilience. That concept of having fun, it’s how I show up to be able to impact others.” - Quote by Kylie Rae * “Everyone is influenceable and everyone is an influencer even if you don’t have a bazillion followers on Instagram” - Quote by Kylie Rae * “The learning of service is a different perspective to consider. Everyone is in a service industry, whether you're a mom with a young child. Whether you’re serving your neighbor when they need sugar...or if you’re in hospitality serving a customer.” - Quote by Kylie Rae * “You don’t have to be well connected. You don’t have to be the loudest person in the room to have an impact on that room.” - Quote by Dr. Walker * “Your energy is so very contagious.” Quote by Dr. Walker
About Today’s GuestKylie Rae Fitzgibbons is a luxury hospitality executive leader who brings Service with a Smile workshops to other professionals with a focus on positive mindset and culture of kindness in the workplace. On a mission to share smiles and simple standards of service, acquired from 15 years of experience in the service industry, including The Ritz Carlton Hotel Company, LLC., and the Kimpton Seafire Resort & Spa in Grand Cayman. She currently holds the posiSupport the show (https://paypal.me/leadwithlevity)
Maintaining quality face-to-face service is getting harder and harder these days. Fortunately, many of the traditional principles still apply. Join us today for an interview with Dee Ann Turner. With more than 30 years of experience, including serving as Vice President, Talent and Human Resources for Chick-fil-A, Inc., Dee Ann has discovered the secret sauce of selecting and retaining extraordinary talent, while cultivating a remarkable organizational culture.In this episode, we cover how to:* create company loyalty that leads to customer loyalty * instill servant leadership within your organization * support fun at work even if it’s natural for you * respond to negative Glassdoor reviews * what differentiates Chick-fil-A from other fast food chains
About Today’s GuestDee Ann is a 33-year veteran of Chick-fil-A, Inc. Prior to retirement in 2018, she was Vice President, Talent and Vice President, Sustainability. The company’s first female officer, she was instrumental in building and growing Chick-fil-A’s well-known culture and talent systems. During her long career, she worked closely with Chick-fil-A’s founder, S. Truett Cathy, and other key leaders as an architect of their organizational culture. She was responsible for thousands of selections of Chick-fil-A Franchisees and corporate staff members. Additionally, she led Talent Management, Staff Learning and Development, Diversity and Inclusion, Culture and Engagement. Most recently, Dee Ann launched and led the Sustainability function focusing on Chick-fil-A’s strategy to implement sustainable practices at the $11 billion company.Today, she leads her own organization, Dee Ann Turner, LLC, writing books, speaking to over 50 audiences per year and consulting and coaching leaders globally. She is the author of the best seller, It’s My Pleasure: The Impact of Extraordinary Talent and a Compelling Culture. Her latest book will be released in September 2019.Resources Mentioned Website: https://www.deeannturner.com/ * Book: Bet on Talent: How to Create a Remarkable Culture That Wins the Hearts of Customers * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DeeAnnTurnerAuthor * Twitter: https://twitter.com/DeeAnnTurner * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deeannturner/ * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deeannturner/*
About the podcast:The Lead with Levity podcast is a show for leaders who care deeply about what makes/breaks the employee experience. Our guests are dynamic researchers, practitioners, consultants, and business leaders. We cover foundational elements that are needed to avoid forcing the fun. We also invite lively managers who lead with levity to show us how it's done. Thanks for joining us on this journey.Support the show (https://paypal.me/leadwithlevity)
“Psychological safety means you (1) feel included, (2) feel safe to learn, (3) feel safe to contribute, and (4) feel safe to challenge the status quo – all without fear of being embarrassed, marginalized, or punished in some way.” ~Leader FactorAre you ready to learn the 4 stages of a psychologically safe workplace? Safety is not a flat topic--there are layers to a person’s sense of safety. Psychological safety is also something we have to work to achieve and maintain. As leaders, we have the privilege and responsibility to create safe spaces. Today’s guest is Dr. Timothy Clark.Timothy R. Clark is founder and CEO of LeaderFactor, a consulting, coaching, and training organization. Dr. Clark is an international authority in the fields of psychological safety & innovation, large-scale change & transformation, and senior leadership development. He has personally coached over 100 CEOs and executives and trained many senior teams around the world. Some of his clients include Accenture, American Express, CIGNA, Columbia University, Disney, Dow Chemical, Eli Lilly, Environmental Protection Agency, HCA, Idaho National Laboratory, Honeywell, Intel, Internal Revenue Service, John Hopkins University, Lockheed Martin, Microsoft, Motorola, NASA, Riverbed Technology, Sprint, Stanford University, and the U.S. Department of Treasury.In this episode, we cover: * How Dr. Clark became interested in psychological safety * How psychological safety opens the door to other prosocial behaviors * What leaders can do to help people feel more secure * How to create safe spaces at work * How to engage in levity safely * How to grow your appreciation for differences
About today’s guest:Timothy R. Clark is founder and CEO of LeaderFactor, a consulting, coaching, and training organization. Dr. Clark is an international authority in the fields of psychological safety & innovation, large-scale change & transformation, and senior leadership development. He has personally coached over 100 CEOs and executives and trained many senior teams around the world. Some of his clients include Accenture, American Express, CIGNA, Columbia University, Disney, Dow Chemical, Eli Lilly, Environmental Protection Agency, HCA, Idaho National Laboratory, Honeywell, Intel, Internal Revenue Service, John Hopkins University, Lockheed Martin, Microsoft, Motorola, NASA, Riverbed Technology, Sprint, Stanford University, and the U.S. Department of Treasury.Resources mentioned:* Leader Factor Website * The Four Stages of Psychological Safety
About the podcast:The Lead with Levity podcast is a show for leaders who care deeply about what makes/breaks the employee experience. Our guests are dynamic researchers, practitioners, consultants, and business leaders. We cover foundational elements that are needed to avoid forcing the fun. We also invite lively managers who lead with levity to show us how it's done. Thanks for joining us on this journey.Support the show (https://paypal.me/leadwithlevity)
What makes your company stand out in a new and interesting way? Today, we cover the art of storytelling. It’s not just for fairy tales or marketers. The stories we tell to our employees and customers can mean the difference between confusion and clarity.Give your tribe something compelling to connect to by making your message crystal clear. And, be consistent. Today's guest is Maria Ross. Maria is the head of Red Slice marketing firm where they teach clients how to tell unforgettable stories that make customers nod, laugh, and feel genuinely inspired to take action. Maria has gone through some life altering events that have taught her to let humor and empathy reign. I look forward to sharing her experiences with you today.In this episode, we cover:* The art of storytelling and how it applies to business * Why people aren’t getting on board with your messaging (a good one for content experts) * Maria Ross’ philosophy on life, business, and authenticity * How to apply storytelling within the organization * How to create a “cultural articulation” - the importance of authentically living your brand from the inside out * How to cultivate empathy and take another person’s point-of-view without getting defensive * Stay curious. Curiosity is the #1 trait of empathetic people. * What to do the next time someone asks you how you are feeling.
About today's guest:Maria Ross is the founder of Red Slice, a consultancy that advises solopreneurs, startups, and fast-growth businesses on how to build an irresistible brand story and authentically connect with customers. She is a keynote speaker who regularly speaks to audiences on marketing and building a standout brand that engages the right customers and drives growth. She is the author of Branding Basics for Small Business and The Juicy Guide eBook Series for Entrepreneurs.Maria started her career as a management consultant with Accenture and went on to build marketing and brand strategies for multiple companies, including Discovery Communications, Monster.com, BusinessObjects (now SAP), and many other startups and technology leaders, before starting her own business. Maria understands the power of empathy at both a brand and personal level: in 2008, six months after launching her business, she suffered a ruptured brain aneurysm that almost killed her. Her humorous and heartfelt memoir about what is was like to survive this health crisis, Rebooting My Brain, has received worldwide praise.Maria has made numerous media appearances, including on MSNBC, ABCNews.com, and Forbes.com; in Entrepreneur magazine; and on hundreds of radio shows and popular podcasts such as Entrepreneur on Fire, The Shameless Mom Academy, and Suitcase Entrepreneur. She writes a contributor column for Entrepreneur.com and has written for Huffington Post, MarketingProfs.com, Seattle Business, Life by Me, Inspire Me Today, Columbus CEO, among others.Resources mentioned: Website: www.red-slice.com * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/redslicemaria/ * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/redslice/ * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariajross/ * Email: maria@red-slice.com * Book: The Empathy Edge: Harnessing the Value of Compassion as an Engine for Success* (www.theempathyedge.com) * B
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We're kind of in an interesting time right now where people are having to redefine workplace communication. If you find yourself wondering what's appropriate, misinterpreting messages, or wondering how you can connect better with people you don't see anymore then this episode is for you. Today's guest is Dr. Mary Donohue. She studies communication patters within and between generations, and her focus is generational differences in digital communication.In this episode, we cover: * What is digital psychology? * How can we avoid communication breakdowns with others? * How can we recover from communication errors? * How can we optimize or rethink the way we communicate with others to support levity in the workplace? * What are the generational differences in digital communication?
About today's guest:Dr. Mary Donohue has an Ed.D in Leadership Education from Central Michigan University and is an avid cross-discipline researcher. In addition, she is world-renowned TEDX presenter, best-selling author, columnist and television personality. Her mentors include Paul Newman and Robert Kennedy, Jr., and many others. Dr. Mary has a passion for living and celebrating life and for a brief shining moment she will always fondly remember her time as a Supreme with Diana Ross.Resources mentioned:* Mary's TedX Talk: How to get along with Boomers, GenXers and Millennials | Mary Donohue | TEDxToronto * Message Received: 7 Steps to Break Down Communication Barriers at Work * Donohue Learning
About the podcast:The Lead with Levity podcast is a show for leaders who care deeply about what makes/breaks the employee experience. Our guests are dynamic researchers, practitioners, consultants, and business leaders. We cover foundational elements that are needed to avoid forcing the fun. We also invite lively managers who lead with levity to show us how it's done. Thanks for joining us on this journey.If you want to improve levity at your workplace, consider completing a Levity Audit. It's a new employee feedback survey that will show you exactly what you need to do to create an environment that your employees won't want to leave.Support the show (https://paypal.me/leadwithlevity)
We're in a space where we have to figure out what we can do to solve new problems. We can't solve them with old solutions. We have to find something new. We have to get creative.The goal here today is for us to try and find new ways to spark creativity, and our guest is Kathryn Haydon. Kathryn is an innovation consultant, and she's also the founder of Sparkitivity. We chat about how you (and your team) can unleash your potential, how to think about problems in new ways and help others to do the same.We covered a lot of ground including: Kathryn’s story and how she got interested in creativity? * Kathryn’s definition of creativity * How Sparkitivity helps companies innovate * Common misconceptions about creativity * The biggest roadblocks to creativity * Are children more creative than adults? * What can stunt or shut down a person’s creativity * The key to unlock or grow creativity * How we can build a culture that supports this * An exercise that you can try to help get the creative juices flowing * Is creativity a skill? If so, how can we hone it? * What to do if you think you aren't creative * A creativity tool: The Innovator Strengths Workbook * The inertia of no* and rejection therapy
About Today's GuestKathryn Haydon, M.Sc., is a keynote speaker, innovation consultant, and the co-author of Creativity for Everybody. She loves books and uses them as catalysts to inspire innovative thinking for educators and business leaders alike. As a child, Kathryn typed library information cards for all of her books on an old typewriter and alphabetized them on her bookshelves.Learn more about Kathryn* Website: sparkitivity.com * Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathryn-haydon/ * Book: The Non-Obvious Guide to Being More Creative No Matter Where You Work
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This is Lead with Levity Snuggie Edition, and I'm your host, Dr. Heather Walker. If you spent the last few weeks in your underpants, then you're in good company. This episode is for you.Today we spotlight a CEO who leads with levity, Mr. Papa Bear himself, Matt Barnett. Matt runs an up-and- coming customer engagement platform called Bonjoro. They have an unconventional culture that includes full body bear suits and family friendly activities. In this interview, we discuss:* Matt's philosophy on work * How Bonjoro got started * How he gets professionals to wear bear suits * Bonjoro's onboarding process * Remote work in the land of Bonjoro
Key takeaways include:* Leaders should actively participate in the fun with their teams to show them that it's okay to have fun. * We need to treat people as whole people--they have lives and a whole world going on outside of the workplace. * I love that Matt has a Chief Delight Officer to monitor and facilitate customer delight and employee engagement. * Always be on the lookout for people who you'd like to employ even if you aren't hiring currently. Nurture your talent pipeline.
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Leaders have much to learn from functional family values. Today, we dive into how approaching the workplace as an extended family can enhance work relationships and the leader-follower connection.Today’s guest is “Dr. Dave” Schramm, an Assistant Professor and Family Life Extension Specialist at Utah State University in the department of Human Development and Family Studies. He appears monthly on Fox 13’s “The Place” and delivered multiple TedTalks, including “Family Fundamentals: The Secret Sauce to Booming Business. His reach extends internationally through his speaking engagements and interventions designed to promote happy and healthy relationships. He has a dedicated Facebook page (DrDaveUSU) where he shares research and tips on helping individuals, parents, and couples flourish. Dr. Dave also serves on the state of Utah’s Commission on Marriage.In this episode, we explore:* What is a family life extension specialist? What do they do? * What is family science? How does this relate to business? * Recent TedTalk: What does it mean for an organization to adopt family values and family fundamentals? * How Dr. Dave came to his conclusions after amazing analyzing Inc.com best workplace employee comments. * What is family focused leadership? What are the 3 roles that a family-focused leader adopts? * What is an employee flourish program and how does that compare to an employee assistance program? * Who would you miss when you die? How can we make our workplaces special enough to make that list?
Resources mentioned:* www.drdavespeaks.com * https://www.drdaveschramm.com/ * Family Fundamentals: The Secret Sauce to Booming Business | TEDxEustis * Dr. Dave Schramm's Happiness Hacks * Facebook * Twitter
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We're constantly being bombarded with breaking news, fear, and sudden restrictions. Join me in this very interesting interview with Kimberly Friedmutter as we unpack the power of hypnosis as a tool for high performers to excel personally and professionally. Kimberly Friedmutter is a certified master hypnotherapist and life management expert. In this episode, we discuss:* How your subconscious drives * The difference between trance, mindfulness, and hypnosis * The movie "Get Out" and how hypnosis really works * How we unwittingly create negative anchors and triggers with our text messages * What to expect during a hypnotherapy session * How to protect your inner 8-year old * Why Kimberly only works with high performers * How to get back on track if you feel like you've lost control of your life * Techniques to improve work relationships and show up as your best self when you face frustrations at work
About Kimberly FriedmutterAs a popular hypnotherapist and life management expert, Kimberly Friedmutter is known for her knowledge on finding achievement and self-awareness from within while envisioning your ideal future. She has been motivating successful people to reach their true potentials for about a decade now, beginning her career prior to hypnotherapy as an actress and radio host. Drawing on her rigorous training in hypnosis and neurolinguistic programming (NLP), Kimberly shares the secret to navigating life’s hurdles and achieving your highest goals and deepest desires.Kimberly’s new book, Subconscious Power: Use Your Inner Mind to Create the Life You've Always Wanted has been acknowledged by many celebrities and has been covered by a number of notable publications as a hot new read. Kimberly has helped many successful individuals work towards practicing better habits that lead to a healthier, happier lifestyles and is open to speaking opportunities and interviews. Website * Subconscious Power: Use Your Inner Mind to Create the Life You've Always Wanted* * Facebook
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Join me in this interview with Brynne Kennedy, author, business leader, and Congressional Candidate in the state of California. Brynne shares her experiences as the former head of Topia, a global talent mobility platform. We discuss the challenges of staying connected when the workforce is becoming more and more distributed. Brynne also shared her political platform and areas that she is passionate about. Unlike most episodes, I polled the audience beforehand. The majority of the questions come from you, the people!Support the show (https://paypal.me/leadwithlevity)
Join me in this fantastic interview with Dr. Melanie Katzman. Dr. Katzman is a business psychologist, advisor, and consultant to the world·s top public and private companies, government agencies and nonprofits. She is the founder of Katzman Consulting, working with private companies, government agencies and nonprofits.
In this episode, we discuss:⦁Common disconnects between people⦁How we can challenge our assumptions to connect on a deeper level with others⦁How to clear any negative energy before approaching someone else⦁How to transition from polite small talk to the real agenda⦁What can we do to maintain connection with remote workers or when working across timezones⦁What happens when you take a hard stance "I'm not here to make friends"⦁Dr. Katzman's take on shared office space and how it creates barriers for meaningful connections⦁Questions to ask to check-in during one-on-ones⦁What to do if you've been disconnected from others at workSupport the show (https://paypal.me/leadwithlevity)
Will having fun at work diminish my image as a leader? Great question! Let's discuss.Join me as I interview Harrison Monarth. Harrison is an executive coach to the executives, managers, and high performers among Fortune 500 companies. Harrison Monarth shares 20+ years of experiences as well as advice for anyone who wants to put their best foot forward at work, advance their careers, and get noticed for their executive presence. He also shares a free executive presence self-assessment that you can complete at www.executivepresenceindicator.com In this episode, we discuss:* How Harrison became an executive coach * What is executive presence * How leaders can unwittingly harm their own credibility * How aspiring leaders can hone their executive presence * How to avoid becoming someone that people despise at work * What executive presence looks like for women in leadership * Recommendations for young leaders - how to get respect at work despite your age * Harrison's thoughts on whether or not executives can keep their status if they endorse levity * One problem out there in the world that levity solves
Connect with Harrison Monarth LinkedIn | Website * Executive Presence, Second Edition: The Art of Commanding Respect like a CEO* * Free Executive Presence Indicator Self-Assessment
About this Episode* Episode: 16 * Title: Executive Presence: Lessons from an Executive Coach to the Fortune 500 * Release Date: February 2, 2020 * Guest: Harrison Monarth
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How are your 2020 goals and New Year’s resolutions coming along? If you’re struggling with resolutions, perhaps it’s because you’re trying to resolve things that are meant to remain open-ended.If you resolved to relate differently to your team this year then this is the episode for you. I want to set you up for success this year with additional encouragement as well as tools to help you maintain your energy, reduce distractions, and get going on those goals!Join me as I interview Mayo Oshin-- a writer, researcher and entrepreneur, on a mission to uncover the art and science of building better habits.His work is regularly featured on several major media outlets, including Business Insider, Entrepreneur, Inc. Magazine, Quartz, Thrive Global and more.The home of his work is MayoOshin.Com, where he shares weekly well-researched ideas to his free newsletter, on how to build better habits, make better decisions and live a better life.In this episode we discuss:* How your identity links to your habits * Why your identity may be sabotaging your New Year’s resolutions * How procrastination is like an addiction * Ways to overcome procrastination * An exercise to use to uncover the reasons behind your behaviors * How to eliminate distractions that keep you from being productive * How to use mindfulness to overcome fear and stop running on autopilot * Several major studies that will support your goals to change your behavior * How to strategically plan your energy to be most productive
Mayo Oshin Quotes* "Too many of us are quick to put the laser focus on our disabilities instead of asking the question ‘given what I have, what can I do?’ That conflict right there is what prevents people from changing habits long term." * “You’re not lazy….you’re afraid.” * “Procrastination is like a drug in a way. It’s a way to cope with these negative emotions.” * “The mistake me make often is that we just go into the office, go to work, and we just tackle whatever is in front of us...It’s like a war zone. ‘Whatever is thrown at me I’m gonna just deal with.’ Firefighting with no sort of strategy in terms of understanding of how your energy comes into play.”
Connect with Mayo Oshin* LinkedIn | Website * The Weekly Motivational Newsletter (a free newsletter)
About this Episode* Episode: 15 * Title:Your Team Needs You! How to Overcome Procrastination and Get Things Done * Release Date: January 20, 2020 * Guest: Mayo Oshin
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Join me as I interview Dr. Donna Hicks, a TEDxStormant speaker, author, researcher, and international expert on dignity and conflict resolution. We cover the 10 elements of dignity, how Dr. Hicks got interested in dignity research and how she applied it to international negotiations and conflict resolution. We also discuss the difference between dignity and respect, the most common violations of dignity in the workplace, and how to address dignity violations and confront a violator.About Donna Hicks, Ph.D.Dr. Donna Hicks has a long resume and history of working to help people understand the concept of dignity. Here’s a list of highlights:* Dr. Hicks is the Deputy Director of the Program on International Conflict Analysis and Resolution (PICAR) at the Weatherhead Center for International Affairs at Harvard University. * Israeli/Palestinian conflict - unofficial diplomatic efforts * Founded and co-directed a ten-year project in Sri Lanka * Conflicts in Northern Ireland and Colombia and conducted several US/Cuba dialogues * She is the Vice President of Ara Pacis, an Italian non-governmental organization based in Rome. They are currently involved in a dignity restoration project in Syria and Libya. * Dr. Hicks was a consultant to the British Broadcasting Company (BBC) where she co-facilitated encounters between victims and perpetrators of the Northern Irish conflict with Archbishop Desmond Tutu. The encounters were made into 3 television programs, Facing the Truth, which were aired throughout the United Kingdom and on BBC World. * Taught courses in conflict resolution at Harvard, Clark, and Columbia Universities * Conducts trainings and educational seminars in the US and abroad on the role dignity plays in healing and reconciling relationships in conflict as well as dignity leadership training. * Clients include the World Bank, the United Nations, the US Navy, and governments worldwide * Donna Hicks spoke at TEDxStormont
In this episode we discuss:* The 10 elements of dignity * How Dr. Hicks got interested in dignity research and how she applied it to international negotiations and conflict resolution * The difference between dignity and respect * The most common violations of dignity in the workplace * Tips on how to address dignity violations and confront a violator * How do we build a culture that supports this?
Quotes* “I made a promise to Archbishop Tutu that I would never ever again say that people can have their dignity stripped.” * "If we don’t lovingly embrace our own dignity it’s harder to do it with others….we’re not only valuable and worthy, but we are invaluable. We’re priceless, and we’re irreplaceable."
Timestamps [18:40] 10 Elements of Dignity:1. Being able to maintain one’s identity and have others accept it 2. Recognition and praise for doing something praiseworthy 3. Acknowledgement that something terrible happened 4. Inclusion and sense of belonging 5. Safety--physical and psychological 6. Fairness 7. Autonomy and independence 8. Understanding 9. Benefit of the doubt 10. An apology if something bad happens
"The brain doesn’t know the difference between a violation to your dignity and a physical wound.”[20:23] A conversation Dr. Hicks had with Arch Bishop Desmond TutuWhat is the single most important ingredient for people who want to put the past to rest and move forward with their lives?[22:40] Out of the 10 elements of dignity, which element is Support the show (https://paypal.me/leadwithlevity)
Join me as I interview Rob Moore, a UK real estate mogul. We discuss what it means to be a disruptive entrepreneur, his thoughts on company culture, and levity at work.Rob has held 3 world records for public speaking and authored 9 books including global best-seller Life Leverage. Rob founded and co-owns Progressive Property, the UK's largest property education business and own/manages over 750 properties with his partner. Through the Rob Moore Foundation, he provides an opportunity for underprivileged individuals, start-ups and small established businesses to gain valuable support, investment and mentorship from some of the best in the business. All his profits from his book Money go to the foundation.In this episode we discuss:* Rob Moore's story * Thomas Cook's recent mass layoffs * How he achieves success through community building and collaborations * How to build a community that lasts as your business grows * Top challenges that leaders face * Why entrepreneurs struggle with management * The mental shift that solopreneurs and entrepreneurs need to make to manage teams * The magic size for a great company culture * The values that Progressive Property holds to help them maintain levity * How to build a loyal team
Quotes* [9:20] Top challenges for entrepreneurs who are scaling and his experiences as he scaled - "The difference between a leader and a manager is huge...once we put one layer of management in that really changed the culture." * [8:35] "I believe in growth through communities and collaborations" * [18:00] "When you're an entrepreneur and you hire people, in your mind, you think that people work for you. No one works for you ever. People work for themselves and you're paying them." * [24:41] On a potential problem at home: "You want to know what's wrong with your staff so you can help them become more productive. If you assume that it's performance when actually it's illness at home or something in their personal life, then in a way they're getting penalized for that and you're not understanding why they're not productive. When you care to find out what's really going on in their life, 1) you get them more productive quick which is good for your business, and 2) you build loyalty. * [29:29] "...love your art, love your mission, but be a liked individual."
Get Connected to Rob Moore:* Website: www.robmoore.com * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robmooreprogressive/ * Twitter: https://twitter.com/robprogressive * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robmooreprogressive * LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/robmoore1979/ * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XwUx_z05pHI
Get Connected with Dr. Walker * Website: https://www.leadwithlevity.com * Email: info@leadwithlevity.com * LinkedIn:
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Join me as I interview Dr. Joseph Michelli, Chief Experience Officer and Customer Service Expert*Stick around to learn how you can enter to win a trip to California to tour Airbnb headquarters and learn more about how they approach the customer experience (deadline to enter: December 16, 2019). Are you ready to transfer the excitement you have for your products and services to your customers? Tune in as we discuss the following: Inputs to a healthy customer experience * How Zappos uses play to get employees to go the extra mile (and love it while they do) * About Dr. Michelli and the Michelli Experience* * How Airbnb disrupted the hotel industry * A new breakfast strategy that Godiva is taking to delight its customers * How the convenience store industry is currently being disrupted
About Dr. Joseph Michelli* Learn more about the Michelli Experience (https://www.josephmichelli.com/) * Connect with Dr. Michelli on Twitter | LinkedIn
Resources Mentioned in this Episode* Learn more about the Airbnb travel contest * Book: The Airbnb Way: 5 Leadership Lessons for Igniting Growth through Loyalty, Community, and Belonging * Book:The New Gold Standard: 5 Leadership Principles for Creating a Legendary Customer Experience Courtesy of the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company * Book: Driven to Delight: Delivering World-Class Customer Experience the Mercedes-Benz Way * Book: The Starbucks Experience: 5 Principles for Turning Ordinary Into Extraordinary * Book: The Zappos Experience: 5 Principles to Inspire, Engage, and WOW
About this Episode* Episode: 12 * Title: Delight Customers the Airbnb Way + TRAVEL GIVEAWAY * Release Date: December 9, 2019 * Guest: Joseph Michelli, Ph.D.
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Is it possible to excel at work without being mentally and physically drained at the end of the day when we return to our family and friends? Listen in as we discuss short mindfulness practices that can both improve our productivity at work and energize us throughout the day.Today we will be joined by Women’s Mindful Empowerment Coach and Psychotherapist, Shonda Moralis. She reveals:* The mental and physical benefits of mindfulness breaks * How to fit mindfulness breaks into your busy schedule * How to bring mindfulness into the workplace
What's covered in this episode:* Introduction to Shonda Moralis * What is Mindfulness Empowerment? * 5-minute mindfulness breaks can help us become more productive and efficient * Mindfulness is an intentional, daily practice * Shonda’s advice on building up the skill of mindfulness * How to handle mind wandering off during meditation * How to bring mindfulness into the workplace * What to do when you feel like you can’t set aside 5 minutes to practice mindfulness * Tools that can remind you to meditate * Shonda’s advice to moms who come home mentally and physically exhausted after work * How to sprinkle your day with mindfulness breaks * Shonda talks about her book launch for “Breathe, Empower, Achieve: 5-Minute Mindfulness for Busy Women” * Bonus: Heather on practicing mindfulness and helping others when they are stressed out
Quotes--- On mindfulness empowerment* “It’s this marriage between mindfulness – being able to calm ourselves and have insight and awareness – and empowerment i.e. allowing us to level up in our lives.” * When we slow down just a notch, the pace of our day goes from feeling frantic and urgent to more calm and sustainable. We become more productive and more efficient. We’re not as stressed out so we can sustain our energy longer. * We can’t control outside factors. But we can control our reaction to them. * We can take a mindful break anytime, anywhere. * The definition of mindfulness -- or the one I like to use -- is being aware of what’s happening in the moment with an attitude of kindness and curiosity and acceptance.
-- On dealing with the mind wandering off during meditation* Our mind will never stop wandering off. That’s what it’s designed to do. It’s about noticing when we wander off, where we wander off to, and then bringing our attention back.
Get Connected with Shonda Moralis: http://shondamoralis.net/Resources Mentioned in the Episode* Breathe, Mama, Breathe: 5-Minute Mindfulness for Busy Moms by Shonda Moralis * Breathe, Empower, Achieve: 5-Minute Mindfulness for Busy Women by Shonda Moralis * Sign up for Shonda’s email list and you’ll get resources like a free 5-minute
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Have you ever really wanted to connect to someone but couldn’t get around the awkwardness? Join us as we discuss actionable tips on how you can approach that next conversation with a stranger at a networking event, your team, your supervisor, or family and friends.Today we will be joined by Founder of People Formula and social psychologist, Robin Dreeke!Former Head of the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit, Robin Dreeke shares his experiences recruiting foreign spies for the FBI and reveals:* How to build rapport without coming off as creepy or suspicious * What to do when people have their guards up * His four pillars for making the entire conversation about the other person
TIME STAMPS[04:20] Introduction to Robin Dreeke[05:19] How long was Robin Dreeke with the FBI?[05:35] What Robin Dreeke does as a behavioral analyst?[06:47] Robin Dreeke on recruiting foreign spies for the FBI What is the process of recruiting a foreign spy? [07:24] * How do you get close to a foreign spy to recruit them? [09:30] * Don’t the spies see you coming and have their guards up? [10:34] * Two methodologies that intelligence services use - covert approach or the beacon approach [10:51]*
[11:37] How do you build rapport in a way that doesn’t come off as creepy or suspicious? Robin’s three anchors * Have a healthy and professional relationship [12:22] * Have open and honest communication and transparency [10:35] * Be an available resource for the success of others without expectation of reciprocity [12:49] * Four pillars to making the entire conversation about the other person * Seek their thoughts and opinions [13:17] * Talk in terms of their priorities [13:21] * Validate who they are without judging them [13:28] * Empower them with choices [13:40]*
[18:16] Lessons Robin learnt when he was ranked last out of all the second lieutenants in the Marine Corps How to be a better leader — Make it about everyone else but yourself [18:23] * The new car effect [19:14]*
[19:56] Robin’s advice onhow to build rapport at a networking event Look for someone who’s smiling [20:31] * Seek their thought or opinion about a third-party reference [20:44]*
QUOTES--- On behavioral analysis* Behavioral analysis throughout my entire career both inside and outside the FBI really came down to communication with people and leading.
— On leadership* Leadership (at least one aspect of it) is moving towards a goal with either one or a group of people.
— On recruiting foreign spies for the FBI* My job inside the FBI was to strategize how to recruit a foreign spy. And that requires a massive amount of behavioral analysis to come up with ways that strategize trust and strategize a strong, healthy relationship. * It [recruiting foreign spies] is basically trying to recruit individuals that are part of diplomatic establishments and embassies and missions that are pretending to be diplomats but, in reality, are special services or intelligence officers collecting intel from our country. * I call it (recruiti
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Culture is such a hot topic right now. If someone told you that your culture needs a reboot where would you begin? How long does it take to change a culture?Tune in as we discuss practical ways to shift corporate culture. Today we will be joined by Founder and CEO of QuayFive, Kirsty Bashforth!Kirsty Bashforth is founder and CEO of QuayFive Ltd, and 20+ year veteran of British Petroleum (BP). Kirsty shares her experiences helping BP shift its culture after the Macondo well oil leak in 2010.A change management professional, Kirsty Bashforth reveals:* key questions for any CEO who wants a shift in company culture; * factors that determine how long a culture change takes; and, * three practical tips on changing company culture.
TIME STAMPS[02:54] Introduction to Kirsty Bashforth[04:23] The sort of companies Kirsty typically works with[05:15] How Kirsty rose through the ranks at BP and helped change the company culture[06:16] Kirsty’s first question to any CEO who says, “I need to change our culture. We have these values on the wall, and we’re not living up to them.”[09:31] How long does it typically take to shift company culture? Rule of thumb Kirsty uses -- For a proper shift, it takes three cycles of any process [11:16] * Factors that affect how long it takes to shift company culture [12:17]*
[12:37] Threepractical tips for changing a culture Align your culture with your strategy. [12:55] * Treat culture as an equal partner with strategy. [13:13] * Think behavioural economics, not traditional project management. [13:49]*
[16:10] You’ll never get everybody as engaged as you’d like.[17:17] Shifting big organisations depends on the operating model and ownership structure of the company.[18:14] Kirsty’s biggest challenge when trying to work with different organisations[20:26] Kirsty’s positive experiences with some leadership teams[22:51] Cultural diversity in the workplace --Some of the richer conversations Kirsty’s had about culture were when there were more geographic cultures in the roomQUOTES--- On workplace culture* The workplace culture is people’s habits, behaviours, perceptions, assumptions that all add up to “the way things are done around here”. * A lot of it [workplace culture] comes from the individuals. It’s not as simple as telling one of us to behave differently or to have a different habit.
--- On shifting company culture* The starting point for many who haven’t thought about this topic much is, it’s either the wrong words are on the wall [they think] or it’s because they are struggling with “something about our culture doesn’t seem to help where we need to go as a company. * We can start off by assuming the problem [with the company culture] is those people over there. But when I try to help leadership teams really work out, it actually often starts with us. * I never start with “this is what we need to do; this is how long it will take” because each situation, each context, each CEO, each team, each crisis or planned disruption is very different. * I think it’s often all about the people. I think the only way a company can shift its c
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"Bringing truth and trust back to marketing"Today we will be joined by award-winning advertising professional and author, Ron Tite!CEO of Church+State, Ron Tite notes that content creators are competing for the consumer’s time, and so he focuses on bringing only good advertising/authentic content to consumers.IntroductionWelcome to the Lead with Levity podcast. My goal is to interview a diverse set of leaders who are interested in making a big impact on the employee experience and willing to share their perspectives on levity at work.Today we will be joined by award-winning advertising professional and author, Ron Tite!CEO of Church+State, Ron Tite notes that content creators are competing for the consumer’s time, and so he focuses on bringing only good advertising/authentic content to consumers.TIME STAMPS[03:31] About Church+State[05:15] Best techniques for internal marketing -- How to inspire employees to get on board[09:05] Building trust by being authentic i.e. being honest and imperfect[13:25] How corporate buzzwords can erode trust[16:09] Ron talks about the dark side of marketing[22:16] How can organizations compete for attention with a workforce that is used to having messaging that is targeted specifically for them?[27:08] Viewing employees from a marketing perspective| What makes a great brand? What do you firmly believe in? [27:43] * What actions do you take to reinforce that belief? [29:45] * The marketing message i.e. How do you then talk about it? [29:56]*
QUOTES--- On Church+State:* “The phrase “the separation of church and state” is typically applied to the relationship between advertising and content. We believe that, now, any ad can be a piece of content if it’s good enough, and any piece of content can be an ad if it’s authentic enough.” * “If you’re pumping out content for people to consume, you’re actually competing against Time Magazine. And so, as an individual, you should think the same way and apply the same process and standards to the work that you generate as Time Magazine does.” * “It doesn’t matter whether you’re a brand, a media company, or a person, we’re all just competing for time.”
---- On convincing employees to join you* “New behaviours are what lead to growth.” * “How do I motivate and inspire people to join me? That is based on what you think, what you do, and what you say. People need to know exactly what you believe in, they need to see that you follow that up with actions that reinforce that belief, and you need to talk about it in an honest and imperfect way.”
---- On being honest and imperfect* “There are two types of honesty. The first is the external honesty with your stakeholders --- You don’t lie to your customers and you don’t lie to your employees. The second one is more powerful, and that is being honest with yourself.” * “Authenticity is being comfortable with your imperfections. To get people to follow you, you need to build trust. And to get trust, you need to be authentic.” * “Our imperfections are not bugs, they’re features. And
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Today we will be graced by Austin’s beloved radio personality, author, motivational speaker, and business consultant extraordinaire -- Ms. Kimberly Holiday!Lead with Levity Podcast Show NotesEpisode: 7Release date: September 30, 2019Title: A bridge to JOY through restorative circlesGuest: Kimberly “Lady Joy” HolidayRadio Personality, Author, and Business Consultant (Austin, Texas)IntroductionWelcome to the Lead with Levity podcast. My goal is to interview a diverse set of leaders who are interested in making a big impact on the employee experience and willing to share their perspectives on levity at work.Today we will be graced by Austin’s beloved radio personality, author, motivational speaker, and business consultant extraordinaire -- Ms. Kimberly Holiday!Kimberly Holiday, otherwise known to most as LadyJoy, is the on air personality for KAZI 88.7 FM’s The Juice and Jam Morning Show, but she wears many hats.* As the owner of The Mobile Nanny Staffing Agency, she’s able to fulfill her personal commitment to child and family advocacy. * As a published author and motivational speaker, Ms. Holiday’s inspirational messages cross domestic and international boundaries.
She has a heart to serve others by modeling the potential to live with joy regardless of life’s circumstances. Her smile is her logo and #Gotjoy is her brand!TIME STAMPS[04:13] The story behind the #GotJoy brand[05:44] How do you bring the concept of #GotJoy into the work you do? | Bonus: Why Kimberly's called Lady Joy[08:19] Lady Joy talks about healing circles[10:00] Is there a place for healing circles in the corporate setting?[12:48] When is the best time for an organization to do healing circles?[14:55] Kimberly talks about her experience with sexual molestation and her healing[16:24] Addressing emotional literacy through healing circles[16:58] Healing circles are a conduit to get you through a place of healing to a place of joy[17:43] Kimberly explains emotional literacy[19:27] The impact of emotional literacy on the workplace[21:32] Is there a link between joy and levity? | Kimberly talks about changeableness[22:55] How would you incorporate levity into what you do?[24:09] Have you done any of the [learning] circles with adults?[25:45] Kimberly talks about mental wellnessQUOTES--- On Levity* "Levity involves quality interactions, and there's a certain level of realness that has to occur between people for them to get to that point." Heather Walker * "Levity to me almost feels fluid, like liquid gold that can seep into every single nook, cranny and crevice, and it can reach places that humor and strategy and business meetings cannot reach." * "When we talk about levity, we're not saying you have to have fun all the time, be all smiles all the time. Sometimes, things are not okay. It's not about pretending, it's about being real and authentic and being able to share that with other people so that you can get the support you need and work in
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“What differentiates a successful leader from the rest?" Guest Dr. John Gillis, Jr.Episode: 6Title: Lessons from World Cup ChampionsRelease date: September 16, 2019Guest: John Gillis, Jr. Ed.D. (President and CEO of Leadership X in Austin, Texas)IntroductionWelcome to the Lead with Levity podcast. My goal is to help leaders build healthy work environments through advice, tools, and connection they get from this podcast. I’m excited about today’s guest--Dr. John Gillis Jr. He co-authored the best-seller Powerhouse: 13 Teamwork Tactics that Build Excellence and Unrivaled Success.* * He built a futuristic, yet surprisingly accurate personality-based business simulation for executive development program called the “Leadership Xperience.” * He’s a Program Director for The Conference Board. * He serves on the Board of Wonders and Worries, a mental health organization that provides support for children and teens when their parents get sick. * And he’s built up credibility over the years through his consulting work at well known firms like Accenture, IBM, and First Order Consulting.
What can I say? This guy is amazing.TIME STAMPS [00:56]Where John Gillis gets the time and energy to achieve it all * [01:55]John Gillis describes his brand in a nutshell * [03:36]When do companies need John the most? * [05:54]John talks about how his typical process in helping organizations * [08:27]What are the top issues that keep a team from sustaining success and growth? * [11:52]What differentiates a successful leader from the rest? * [13:35]What one needs to do to get to a point where they can successfully lead a team? * [17:09]If you could give the Best in Class Lead with Levity Award today to a company, who would you name? * [19:57]What’s on the horizon for John Gillis? * [22:45]If levity could fix one problem out there in the world, what would it be?* “If we could have levity with our governments in the United States and across the world, we could have collaborative, forward-thinking conversations to make the world a better place.”
Contact John GillisYou can learn more about Dr. Gillis and the resources he mentioned by following these links:* Website | LinkedIn | Twitter * Receive the weekly Leadership Xpressions * Get a copy of Powerhouse today! http://amzn.com/1626346380 * Email: Gillis@LeadershipX.com
Quotes* “To be effective at being a facilitator, a consultant, an MC, you need to have the diverse experiences.” * “High-performing, successful companies continue to invest in their teamwork, their leadership, and their people.” * “Every organization culture is different. You can’t pick an out-of-the-box solution.” * “What differentiates a successful leader from the rest? 1. Setting expectations 2. Developing each individual on the team 3. Inspiring the team members.” * “Each leader is going to lead differently.” * “Each leader is going to lead differently based on their personality trait.” * “Different situations are going to require different types of leadership.” * “Regardless of what lead
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“Creating an environment where levity is a big component of it, where people can be their more authentic selves, is going to increase the likelihood that you keep the people that you want to keep within your organization.” Guest Dr. Robert PattersonLead with Levity Podcast Show NotesIntroductionDr. Robert Patterson is a licensed psychologist and senior consultant at Collarelli, Meyer, and Associates, a midwest management consulting firm with a global reach. They’ve been in business since 1975 serving the Fortune 500, nonprofits, and even some family owned businesses. Dr. Patterson is passionate about building leadership capacity and supercharging high performing teams. He’s currently an external consultant, but he also has several years of experience working in a governmental setting supporting training and professional development for employees at the Department of Veteran Affairs. He’s a well traveled, cultured professional with an eye on factors that support business success.TIME STAMPS[11:35]Robert Patterson talks about his dissertation on personality-type factors and situational factors that might predict resistance to change[13:45]What kind of consulting Robert does at CMA[15:04]Do you ever work with smaller companies or startups?[16:39]Do small startups tend to mess up hiring because they are in rush mode?[21:47]Robert talks about the possible implications of the freelance workforce[25:05]What differentiates great leaders from the rest?[26:27] Agility in meeting your team’s and other stakeholder’s needs.[27:36] Vulnerability – understanding you don’t have the right answers all the time.[29:36] In terms of diversity, equity and inclusion, what are the trends and what do you wish people will do differently?[32:09]Inclusion is not just checking X number of boxes[38:20]From a diversity and inclusion standpoint, is there a place for levity in the workplace?[45:01]If levity could fix one problem in the world, what would it be?Contact Dr. Robert PattersonLinkedIn | Twitter | WebsiteResources Mentioned in the EpisodeProsci Change Management Certification ProgramCMA Consult websiteQuotes* “If you look at organizations that function well, a big component of that is that there are people who want to be there.” * “The employee comment box – having it there but not doing anything with it is almost worse than not having anything at all.” * “A big part of our business is helping organizations identify the people that are going to be the right fit for both the role they’re looking for and the culture of the organization.” * “What makes a great leader in organization A may or may not make for a great leader in organization B.” * “In addition to the culture, you have to be comfortable adapting to the needs of the organization and the team that you serve.” * “Before you can become agile, the other component is vulnerability – understanding you don’t have the right answers all the time and that’s okay.” * “Agility, vulnerability, openness, authenticity… Those components
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Jennifer McDonnell specializes in organizational development and she brings an interesting perspective to the conversation through her work in retail, higher education, pharmaceuticals, and housing.Lead with Levity Podcast Show NotesEpisode: 5Title: Can I be HUMAN with YOU?Release date: September 16, 2019Guest: Jennifer McDonnell (Senior Organizational Development Specialist of Senior Living Services, Brentwood, Missouri)Jennifer McDonnell specializes in organizational development and she brings an interesting perspective to the conversation through her work in retail, higher education, pharmaceuticals, and housing.Jennifer currently supports Lutheran Senior Services, a large faith-based non-profit that is spread out across 21 locations in Missouri and Illinois. Lutheran Senior Services has provided housing and assisted living services in the community for 160 years!Time Stamps[01:44] Who is an organizational development specialist?[03:14] About Lutheran Senior Services[04:00] With Lutheran Senior Services being so spread out, how do you maintain an overarching culture?[07:40] What Lutheran Senior Services does to manage employee experience[11:04] Out of the different ways data is collected at Lutheran, what do you think pays off the most?[13:11] Taking care of your staff so they can take care of your clients[16:05] What is the biggest people factor that keeps you and your team up at night?[19:25] What attracts workers to Lutheran Senior Services?[23:07] Is levity good or bad for business?[24:43] Is there a place for levity at Lutheran Senior Services? If so, what would that look like, and what barriers would you have to overcome to get started?[26:53] What’s the best part of the culture at Lutheran Senior Services?[31:10] If levity could fix one problem out there in the world, what would it be?QUOTES· When I think about the development that we do with our leaders, I spend a lot of time talking about having those conversations that open up that leader-employee relationship, this piece of lightness like, “Oh, I can talk to you, and it’s not all about work production.”· Levity is good for business. When we bring all these people into the workplace with different experiences, levity says, “Oh I can still be human with you. I can still laugh with you.” It builds trust, and when you trust someone, it’s like, “I want to work for you. And I know you want the best for me.”· Sometimes as a leader, you have to give up a little bit of your vulnerability to allow people to feel safe to be human with you.· [on overcoming barriers to levity in the workplace] We would have to knock down some cultural barriers within the workplace to say, “Hey, figure out three things you want to share with your employees and be transparent about as a person.”· To take care of folks, to change diapers, to be at the beck and call of another human can be tough. Our nurses show up to work every day, and I can’t help but think It’s because they have that joy.GET CONNECTEDLutheran Senior Services: WebsiteSupport the show (https://paypal.me/leadwithlevity)
Psychological Associates specializes in selection, development and retention of top talent. They use assessments to raise self-awareness and to create a base for emotional intelligence as well as behavioral change at a level that permeates the organization. Guest: Dr. Patricia BagsbyLead with Levity Podcast Show NotesEpisode: 3Title: Excuse me, there’s something in your toothRelease date: September 16, 2019Guest: Patricia Bagsby, Ph.D. (Vice President of Organizational Consulting, Psychological Associates in St. Louis, Missouri)IntroductionWelcome to the Lead with Levity podcast. My goal is to interview a diverse set of leaders who are interested in making a big impact on the employee experience and willing to share their perspectives on levity at work.Dr. Bagsby is an organizational psychologist and top executive at Psychological Associates, a Saint Louis based consulting firm that’s been in business for 60 years. Psychological Associates specializes in selection, development and retention of top talent. They use assessments to raise self-awareness and to create a base for emotional intelligence as well as behavioral change at a level that permeates the organization. Dr. Bagsby doesn’t just lead this organization, she leads with excellence. She recently made Workforce Magazine’s 2019 list of Game Changers.Levity is about connection.Time Stamps* [02:14]About Psychological Associates * [02:39]Who is Psychological Associates’ target customer? * [03:18]How do people reach out to Psychological Associates for assistance? * [03:58]The leadership philosophy at Psychological Associates * [04:51]Psychological Associates has seen it all – from the superstar leader to the complete trainwreck. * [06:37]How do you walk someone through a hard trainwreck year? * [08:15]Psych Associates’ assessments are about where you can get better * [09:40]A leader who checks all the boxes and is really rocking it, what differentiates them from the rest? * [10:29]The top interpersonal issues Psych Associates has noticed in leaders * [14:07]Brief explanation of the Q4 Dimensional Model of Behavior * [17:45]How closely related is the Q4 model to personality? * [18:10]Shifting the focus from personality to behavior * [20:50]Combining personality assessments with the Q4 model * [22:21]Patricia Bagsby on working in a company where everything was serious all the time * [24:21]Do you think levity is good for business? * [25:15]Answer * [26:07]If you could give the Best in Class Lead with Levity Award today to a company, who would you name? * [29:10]If levity could fix 1 problem out there in the world, what would it be? * “I see it as reducing the defensiveness so you can have that conversation – giving you a door into a dialogue that maybe never would have happened.”
Quotes* “Absolutely get the job done.” * “Results are important, but relationships are equally important.” * “If I’m making a tough decision or even an exciting, new direction, I think about it from both sides – what’s the result side of it and what’s the people side of it?” * “You can see someone who’s a superstar have a trainwreck day or a trainwreck year.” * “There’s no magic pill that makes you this phenomenal leader overnight. It’s committing to understanding the reality and, then, really working towards a better version of you.” * “Finding the right relief to the culture of the organization or industry that
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Managers are often expected to drive the culture. Are they concerned that allowing a little levity might also mean that they have to "bring the fun"? If so, what impact might that have on their reputations? Is the responsibility on employees or management?
Join me as I reflect on these questions, sharing personal stories about the Office Olympics and Team Star Wars.Support the show (https://paypal.me/leadwithlevity)
Some lead with hope. Others lead with fear. I lead with levity. If you want your employees to care as much about your business as you do, then you should care about levity too.Allow me to introduce myself, my research on this topic, and why I care so much about cultivating levity at work.TIME STAMPS[01:15] What is an organizational psychologist?[02:04] Why I started Lead with Levity podcast[03:30] How this all started[05:46] Employee engagement – What gets someone to the point of disengagement?[07:25] Digging into the concept of fun[09:23] What is levity?Levity is considered an uplifting and/or pleasurable dynamic between two or more individuals that lacks tension and anxiety.[13:47] Three components of levity- Buoyancy: an interaction that is organic in its origin and requires minimal effort.- Amusement: a pleasurable interaction that incorporates playful exchanges.- Edification: is an interaction that’s psychologically uplifting in that it celebrates achievements or corrects behavior in a manner that’s easily absorbed and appreciated by the recipient.Connect with Heather WalkerWebsite | LinkedInBooks Mentioned in the EpisodeThe Levity Effect: Why It Pays to Lighten Up by Adrian Gostick, Scott ChristopherSupport the show (https://paypal.me/leadwithlevity)
