Engaging Gray

While this may not be the typical episode here is why this matters; first because as a former mentor who's life was dramatically changed through this experience I can attest to its impact, and second, because as we think about change we need to consider just how uncomfortable we are willing to be for change. Today we are talking with two folks from AYA Youth Collective as they discuss what it means to be a mentor, why it matters, and how you can get involved.

This month's conversation centers around control, conflict, and how they are catalysts and barriers to change. We shy away from conflict and move towards comfort where we feel in control often robbing us of the opportunity to change. Sometimes the unexpected or even unwanted are the best catalysts for the change we need. Join our conversation with Jon Huckins, author, guide, and founder of Journey Home. Connect with Jon: Personal Insta @jonhuckins Journey Home Insta @journey_home_pilgrimages Journey Home Website

Choosing to change is hard enough, it's made harder when we have to choose it over and over again. It can be even harder when those around us don't fully understand that change and yet, when grounded in our why we find ourselves changing for the better. Join us in this week's episode as we talk with Mirabel Fonyuy Umenei about choosing change and staying on the path. Ways to connect with Mirabel Facebook: @Motherland Cooking Xperience, @Motherland House Concerts, @Myra Maimoh MusicInstagram:@xperienceafricancooking, @motherlandhouseconcerts, @myramaimoh Motherland Cultural Connections and cooking experiences

In this episode, we chat with Kristin Ekkens, Founder and Chief Culture Designer of Exponential Inclusion. Kristin and I talk about the barriers and tools of change. Not only that, we discuss how exponential change is possible and the potential future that opens up. Resources in the podcast: Connect with Kristin Kristin's podcast Kristin's newsletter Join EXI's Global Community Connect with Mary

Join me in this episode of Engaging Gray where we connect with Kirk Eklund about navigating change. Kirk discusses the common barriers he encounters, tools for overcoming them, and how he personally navigates change. Even when that change is brought about by unwelcome and unexpected feedback. Connect with Kirk here!

In this week's episode of Engaging Gray we talk with Carl Erickson. Carl is the Founder and Executive Chairman of Atomic Object, a custom software design and development company. He is the Co-founder of Mader Mill, a sawmill in Indiana, and Chairman of Michigan Capital Network. Carl didn't begin his career wanting to be a businessman, he began by being a professor. Carl shares his story of launching to the exit of a successful company and the important lessons he learned about how important knowing his grounding philosophy was and how staying true to your core can be both a challenge but is also essential for building something successful, that you also actually like. Resources mentioned in this week's podcast: Atomic Object Mader Mill Michigan Capital Network

In this episode, we talk with Adrian "AB" Butler about how he has defined and found success and focus. Sometimes we believe our careers have to be linear, but AB's story helps illuminate how when we allow ourselves to explore our passions while remaining focused on what matters most to us we can find not only fulfillment but success as well. Join AB and me for a fun and enlightening conversation about how being multifaceted can lead to freedom. Resources mentioned in this podcast: Everything AB - AB's website and shop Baewatch - the party of the summer event (7/31/22)

In this week's episode of Engaging Gray, we hear from Kim Bode with over 15 years of experience in being not only a leader but also a business owner and founder. Kim's authenticity and transparency about the highs and lows of leadership, especially as a woman business owner, is refreshing and enlightening. Kim talks about lessons she's learned over her tenure as a leader, tips and tools she's picked up, and advice she would have for those starting out. If you're up for a fun and freeing conversation take a listen! Resources mentioned in the podcast: Traction SmallBizMusings 8ThirtyFour Happy Hour Hustle

In this week's episode, we talk with Andy Soper about how he has created a career that to many may seem unorthodox and yet it's exactly what works for him and his family. We discuss how he identified what was most important to him, how he created a career around those things, and the benefits and challenges that have come with that. Andy is honest and matter of fact while simultaneously inspiring and encouraging us to find better ways of living. Lives that are set on fire for what we believe in. Resources mentioned in this podcast: Father Greg Boyle - Home Boy Ministries

In this week's episode, we talk with Lauren VanKeulen, CEO of AYA Youth Collective, about how remembering and showing our humanity in leadership not only frees us but those around us as well from the unrealistic and unhealthy expectations we sometimes have. Lauren shares with us her leadership journey from starting an organization with $11,000 to growing that be a $2.5 Million dollar organization serving close to 500 youth a year. Lauren shares honestly about the highs and lows of leadership, how having the right team makes all the difference, and specific strategies and practices she uses to stay grounded and energized for her work. Resources mentioned: - AYA Youth Collective - Brene Brown - Shannon Cohen's Podcast - AYA Youth Collective Event on April 21st

It can be daunting to try and make a difference, especially when you are fatigued and overwhelmed. In this episode, we talk with Hanna Schulze, who has worked in business and on behalf of businesses that demonstrate responsible practices for years. Her connection to the community both locally and in business gives her a unique perspective on the challenges faced by our communities. We talk about how often the things facing businesses are often connected to the issues facing families and communities at large. And while this interconnected web of issues can be overwhelming it is precisely because they are connected that gives us hope. We find hope in each other, in the small acts we do each day, and in our collective humanity. Resources mentioned in this episode: Local first People First Economy Good For Michigan Michigan New Economy

This is the final episode of Engaging Gray Podcast Season 2. I recap some of the key themes from this season as well as share two things I have learned are important for my own cultivation of perseverance: mystery and failure. I talk about how simple ideas such as, know yourself, are perhaps not as easy as they seem and how shifting our language and perspective can help us. Finally, I share how decentering ourselves (even while prioritizing knowing ourselves) can help us live into the ideas of this season and how it has helped me cultivate a pace of perseverance. Resources named in this episode: Older episodes Brené Brown Sign up for the email list and connect deeper here!

In this week's episode, we have the honor of hearing from Cole Arthur Rile, a gifted writer and liturgist, on how cultivating a pace of perseverance is more than about continuing to "do" but how it helps us BE fully. Cole shares with us how boundaries, silence, and reflection have been integral parts of cultivating her own pace, which enables her to write in a way that breathes connection into existence and continues to engage the complex and ever-changing world we find ourselves in. Take a listen for inspiration and tangible advice on cultivating a pace of perseverance. Resources mentioned in the podcast: Cole Arthur Riley: IG-@blackliturgies FB-@blackliturgist Twitter-@blackliturgist Cole's book: This Here Flesh: Spirituality, Liberation, and the Stories that Make Us (pre-order here)

Today's guest inspires us to trust ourselves and how we were made to be free, creative, and thankful. Chelsea's way of seeing the world inspires us to see through a lens of gratitude and awe! This lens is captured in her art, but it's not always easy. Just like all of us, creatives have hard and uninspired seasons, there are times when it's hard to create and produce. Chelsea talks about how learning to trust herself, and show up to keep practicing has helped her to persevere through these seasons. Resources mentioned in the podcast: Chelsea Instagram - @@Chelseamichalgarter and @chelseamichalart Chelsea's website Chelsea is hosting a class at Glass House community in July - so stay tuned!

Talk to anyone who had been involved in integrating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion into a system and you'll hear someone who has hit roadblocks and fought burnout. In this week's episode, we talk with Dr. Loyd-Paige who has been working in this arena for multiple decades on how she has cultivated a pace of perseverance and sustainability. We discuss how important it is to know and trust yourself, not only in your work but in your rest. Pull up a chair and join our conversation! Resources named in the episode: Ruth Haley Barton - Sacred Rhythms Death of the Strong Black Woman - Poem Resources to stay in touch with Dr. Loyd-Paige The Antioch Podcast Loyd Paige & Associates My upcoming book - Diversity Playbook

Cultivating and keeping a pace of perseverance and sustainability is hard enough as an entrepreneur, but add on top of that trying to be a triple bottom line business from the beginning?! Well, that's hard. Join me this week for an authentic conversation with Public Thread Founder, Janay Brower as we discuss how she has and continues to cultivate a pace of perseverance that works for her and for her business. Resources mentioned in the episode: Public Thread website Public Thread Instagram: @publicthread Emergent Strategy book Local First

Many people look forward to when they can "retire", mainly because they are exhausted. But not everyone is exhausted, some people have found a way to live a life that is sustainable and paced. Elizabeth Maring shares with us how she found and lived a life marked by a pace of perseverance and deeply rooted values. In this conversation, we discuss how values shape career decisions, impacts how we lead, and ultimately can be the foundation for a life marked by a pace of perseverance. Resources mentioned in the episode: Elizabeth Maring's website (where you can get a free workbook to accompany her book, "The Nonprofit Playbook") Nonprofit Playbook (purchase)

In this week's episode, we talk with Ellie Roscher, author of the recently released book "12 Tiny Things" about how being rooted in ourselves, our beliefs, and priorities can give us the perseverance to show up in a busy and complex life. It's not always about making big shifts, sometimes they can be the small but important things that help us the most. Resources: Ellie Roscher: website: https://ellieroscher.com Twitter: @ellieroscher Instagram: @ellieroscher Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ellieroscher Podcast: Unlikely Conversations: https://collegevilleinstitute.org/podcasts/ Most Recent Book: 12 Tiny Things Website: https://12tinythings.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/12tinythings/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/12TinyThings

On this week's episode, we have Hailey Mitsui! Hailey talks about how living a contemplative life is antithetical to performance, and performance is antithetical to perseverance. So how do we cultivate a contemplative life? How do we integrate this into our day to day, leading to a life marked by engaged perseverance? Find out on this week's episode! Resources identified: Barbara Holmes Insight Timer App Hailey Mitsui - @mitsmitsmits Orienting practice Recorded on March 1st

In this week's episode of Engaging Gray, we talk with Rev. Dr. Mary Hulst. Mary reminds us about the power of play, joy, and gratitude in cultivating perseverance when living a life fully engaged in messy spaces. Mary talks with us really practically about how we ground ourselves in the hard times by taking one step at a time, and how this can sometimes lead us to find out that 30 years later we're still doing the small thing that makes all the differences. Join us! Resources: Find Mary on Instagram: @PastorMary2U Reach out for coaching from Mary: www.preachertopreacher.net Get her book: A Little Handbook for Preachers Books she recommended: The Water Dancer, All the Light you Cannot See, Where the Craw Dad Sings This episode was recorded on February 26th.

In this episode of Engaging Gray, we talk with Tova Jones, a wife, mother, and serial entrepreneur about how she and her husband have cultivated a pace of perseverance together. We get really practical about how to do it, why it's important, and talk about what it takes to do this well. We talk about how knowing your priorities and sticking to those is an essential part of saying yes to the right things, and no to the wrong things. Join us on this week's episode of Engaging Gray! Resources: Find Tova on Instagram: @TovaJones Tova's new Podcast (can be found on Apple, Spotify, etc): The Bizness of Marriage

In this episode of Engaging Gray, we talk with Dr. Sandra Upton about how Cultural Intelligence can be a valuable tool and part of your antiracist journey. Whether it's as on your individual journey or your organizational journey, Cultural Intelligence can be a key part of growing in your capacity to effectively engage across differences. Take a listen as Dr. Upton and I explore the nuances, the benefits, and the essential steps individuals and organizations can take in their antiracist journeys. Dr. Upton's blog post: "Using CQ to create an anti-racist organization" The Cultural Intelligence Center Gray Space's Coaching

In this episode, we talk with Shirley Hoogstra, President of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities, about bridge building. 2020 has been no stranger to dissent, tension, and unprecedented change. 2020 has left many of us feeling isolated and now more than ever it is hard to see the full humanity in those around us. Bridge building is essential, especially now. In this episode, we discuss the elements of bridge building, what stands in our way, and how we can make the first step. - Council for Christian Colleges and Universities - Compassion and Conviction - Just Mercy - Equal Justice Initiative

In this episode, I talk with Emotional Intelligence Expert Shannon Cohen about how we can cultivate new skills to cope and even flourish in such a time as this. Shannon shares wisdom and practical experience for how we can see cliffs as launch pads. As Shannon says, "This is not a bootstrap moment, no one has bootstraps. This is a collective village moment." Join us in building a village and skills for this moment. Shannon's website How to connect with Shannon on social media: @shannonmcohen Rockstar Women's Virtual Brunch

The political climate is tense right now. Jer Swigart joins us from Oregon to talk with us about what his current context has revealed about white supremacy and white liberalism. He describes this context, what it looks like, and how it keeps us divided. We discuss what the root of this may be, and how we can overcome it build bridges. No matter where you stand on the issues we are currently facing you I encourage you to tune in for a challenging conversation! Resources: The Global Immersion Project Jer's Website How to connect on social media with Jer: @globalimmerse & @jerswigart Mending the Divides Engage with Lament by reading Prophetic Lament by Soong-Chan Rah

We are bombarded with messages every day. Sometimes it can be hard to tell fact from fiction, and this can cause friction between ourselves and others. Michelle joins us to talk about journalism, about how she does it, and how we can get better at navigating through all of the noise. Tune in for some great insights! Resources: 1. Candor Media: www.candormedia.org 2. Instagram Michelle Reporter: www.instagram.com/mjokischpolo 3. Facebook WGVU Public Media: https://www.facebook.com/mutuallyinclusive 3. Instagram Candor Media: www.instagram.com/candor_mi 4. Facebook Candor Media: https://www.facebook.com/candormi 5. Grand Rapids Mutual Aid Network: https://www.facebook.com/GRAMutAid/

One of the grayest spaces is found in relationships. It can feel even more unclear when we are building those relationships with people who are very different than ourselves. Shavon has worked for years with individuals and companies on how to navigate these spaces and how to make sure that these relationships are sustainable. Shavon talks with us about how understanding ourselves is critical to effective diversity, equity, and inclusion work, what happens when we don't, and how we can take tangible steps forward! Things mentioned in the podcast: - Inclusive Performance Strategies - Intercultural Development Inventory - Cultural Intelligence *For more resources visit our website at: grayspacecollaborative.com

Abbey Johnston, Co-Owner of AG Collaborative joins us for a discussion on why knowing ourselves is key to leadership. We talk about the barriers we face when starting this journey of self-discovery, tools to help us continue, and the impact it has on our teams and ourselves when we invest in this work. Things mentioned in this podcast: - AG Collaborative - Strengths Finder - Coaching *If you would like more resources of help investing in your strengths or leadership contact us at: grayspacecollaborative.com

Sometimes we set goals but because we haven't done the work yet of getting to know ourselves, we end up running into barriers that prevent us from reaching them. Sam Jones, Founder of the Wisdom Center joins us to discuss how, working on our own goals, or working on our personal lives, requires us to know where we're starting from. Sam gives some practical advice, encouragement, and tools for beginning the journey of self-discovery. Some things mentioned in the Podcast: - The Wisdom Center - Meyers-Briggs - Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell - Becoming by Michelle Obama *For more resources connect with us at our website: grayspacecollaborative.com

We're starting where we often do, with ourselves. In this episode, we talk about why understanding and accepting ourselves is key to engaging gray spaces. How knowing your starting point for any self-improvement or transformation is essential for lasting and impactful change. We scratch the surface of this idea because in the next three episodes we will dive more deeply. Somethings referenced in the podcast: - The Gift of Knowing Yourself - The Enneagram - Brené Brown - Richard Rohr *For more resources email contact us through our website: grayspacecollaborative.com