Genn and Millie

In Week 124, Genn and Millie debrief Tess' dissertation defense. They review what it was like, reflect on the experience, and of course, strengths spot.    For information regarding the topic discussed or for resources mentioned in the podcast, follow us on Instagram @GennandMillie   Intro Music Credit: Alex-Productions

In Week 123, Genn and Millie discuss the things that motivate them. They also discuss the concept of systems that help us get things done and make sense of our realities.    Follow Up:  -Get honest with yourself! What are you avoiding?  -What motivates you?  -What systems do you have in place?    For information regarding the topic discussed or for resources mentioned in the podcast, follow us on Instagram @GennandMillie   Intro Music Credit: Alex-Productions

In Week 122, Genn and Millie celebrate recent milestones and discuss how strengths evolve over time.   Follow Up:  -Engage in a talent mapping exercise. Write out your top 5 or top 10 themes and respond to the following questions: (1) how does this theme help me get things done? (2) how does this theme help me build relationships? (3) how does this theme help me lead? (4) how does this theme help me create or craft a plan? (5) how does this theme help me show up on a team?  -How have your strengths evolved over time?  -What are you celebrating? What are you excited about?    For information regarding the topic discussed or for resources mentioned in the podcast, follow us on Instagram @GennandMillie   Intro Music Credit: Alex-Productions

In Week 121, Genn and Millie reflect on growth and change in their lives, while future-casting for all that is to come this year.   Follow Up:  -What has the last decade of your life looked like? Where have you seen the most growth?  -Do you have a word or intention for the 2025 year? Share it with us!  -What are you looking forward to?  -What are you worried about?   For information regarding the topic discussed or for resources mentioned in the podcast, follow us on Instagram @GennandMillie   Intro Music Credit: Alex-Productions

In Week 120, Genn and Millie are back! They catch up on the last 6 months of life (!) and do some reflecting upon the year.    Follow Up:  -Reflect on the year 2024: What did you learn about yourself? What is a moment from this year that will stick with you? What did the year challenge you with? What are bringing with you into the next year?   For information regarding the topic discussed or for resources mentioned in the podcast, follow us on Instagram @GennandMillie   Intro Music Credit: Alex-Productions

In Week 119, Genn and Millie extend their dating conversation by doing some rapid fire conversational questions.    Follow Up:  -Take a look at these question lists and answer some with your friends, family, or on dates (if applicable)!    https://www.verywellmind.com/first-date-questions-for-engaging-conversations-7563587  https://www.womenshealthmag.com/uk/health/a46361831/questions-to-ask-on-a-dating-app/    For information regarding the topic discussed or for resources mentioned in the podcast, follow us on Instagram @GennandMillie   Intro Music Credit: Alex-Productions

In Week 118, Genn and Millie discuss how generational differences impact dating and romantic relationships.    Follow Up:  -What do you believe is the greatest factor influencing the changes in dating?  - How has your generational identity impacted your romantic relationships?    For information regarding the topic discussed or for resources mentioned in the podcast, follow us on Instagram @GennandMillie   Intro Music Credit: Alex-Productions

In Week 117, Genn and Millie discuss recent bad days. They share about what made those bad days bad, how they responded, and what they learned.    Follow Up:  -Dissect a recent bad day you had. What led to it? How did you respond? What did you learn?   For information regarding the topic discussed or for resources mentioned in the podcast, follow us on Instagram @GennandMillie   Intro Music Credit: Alex-Productions

In Week 116, Genn and Millie walk down memory lane and share a bit about the podcast's origins. They also describe characteristics that they think make great leaders.    Follow Up:  -In your view, what makes a great leader? What would you add, remove, or edit on our list?    For information regarding the topic discussed or for resources mentioned in the podcast, follow us on Instagram @GennandMillie   Intro Music Credit: Alex-Productions

In Week 115, Genn and Millie share a bit about their holiday and new year. They also unveil their 2024 words of the year!    Follow Up:  -What is your 2024 word or intention of the year?  -What is your process for decision on your word of the year?  -What is one joy or celebration you had this past holiday/new year season?    For information regarding the topic discussed or for resources mentioned in the podcast, follow us on Instagram @GennandMillie Intro Music Credit: Alex-Productions

In Week 114, Genn and Millie do a bit of reflection on the past year.    Follow Up:  - How do you read? What does the environment look like? Do you listen to music? Do you read more than 1 book at a time?  ------- 2023 reflection:  - What has felt like success?  - What has felt like big learning/stretch?  - Name strategies that helped and how you'll apply them in 2024 goals.  - How have you/will you celebrate?    For information regarding the topic discussed or for resources mentioned in the podcast, follow us on Instagram @GennandMillie

In Week 113, Genn and Millie are joined by a favorite leader, strengths spotter, and friend, JC Joyce. They talked about leadership, reflected on the year, and challenged each other. To hear more from the wise JC, check out her first episode on G&M, Week 70.    Follow Up:  - What's been a lesson that has stuck with you this year?  - What's something you would have done differently this year?  - What do people get wrong about you?  - What are you going to be more intentional about between now and the end of 2023?    For information regarding the topic discussed or for resources mentioned in the podcast, follow us on Instagram @GennandMillie

In Week 112, Genn and Millie talk about *not so great* mentoring and the distinction between between strength and natural talent.    Follow Up:  -Examine contrasts in your life. For a recent area of growth or general musing, identify not only what success and positive experiences look like, but also identify examples of things that didn't go well or things you can learn from.     For information regarding the topic discussed or for resources mentioned in the podcast, follow us on Instagram @GennandMillie

In Week 111, Genn and Millie have a lighter conversation strengths spotting fictional characters.    Follow Up:  -Name a fictional character you like and identify their strengths!  -Strengths spot the people around you- be it someone you just met or someone you've known for a long time.    For information regarding the topic discussed or for resources mentioned in the podcast, follow us on Instagram @GennandMillie

In Week 110, Genn and Millie discuss assumptions at various levels - individual, interpersonal, group, and societal.    Follow Up:  -If someone had an assumption about you, how would you want them to ask you about it? -If you were answering the question, "what do you want to be when you grow up" now, how would you respond knowing what you know about the world?   For information regarding the topic discussed or for resources mentioned in the podcast, follow us on Instagram @GennandMillie

In Week 109, Genn and Millie follow up on their conversation from last week by reflecting on departure and closures.    Follow Up:  -What questions did this conversation spark for you?  -What topics would you like us to discuss in this space moving forward?    For information regarding the topic discussed or for resources mentioned in the podcast, follow us on Instagram @GennandMillie

In Week 108, Genn and Millie discuss their respective seasons of departure.    Follow Up:  -Make a list of everything you learned from the place you departed.  -Make a list of everything you are proud of from the place you departed.    For information regarding the topic discussed or for resources mentioned in the podcast, follow us on Instagram @GennandMillie

In Week 107, Genn and Millie discuss imposter syndrome.    Follow Up:  -Assess your own relationship to imposter syndrome: Where have you felt it lately? Do you feel it stronger in certain roles compared to others?  -Which of your strengths feed your imposter syndrome?  -Understanding what "success" looks like can be an antidote to imposter syndrome. For roles where this isn't clearly defined, take some time to create measurements and goals for yourself. Then work to match your energy and behavior to these goals.   For information regarding the topic discussed or for resources mentioned in the podcast, follow us on Instagram @GennandMillie

In Week 106, Genn and Millie answer one of the questions posed in the last episode, "what got you to today?"   Follow Up:  -Spend time answering and reflecting on the following question: What got you to today? In answering this question, what did you include? What did you not include?  -What is something you wish people said to you more often?    For information regarding the topic discussed or for resources mentioned in the podcast, follow us on Instagram @GennandMillie

In Week 105, Genn and Millie discuss the relativity of truth. They discuss what truth is, how they establish credibility based on their strengths, and the reality of the inner critic.    Follow Up:  - What is truth to you? How do you define it? What evidence to you look to first for credibility?  - Take steps to silence your inner critic. Believe the compliments you receive. Name the inner critic to silence them.  -Spend time answering the following question: What got you to today?    For information regarding the topic discussed or for resources mentioned in the podcast, follow us on Instagram @GennandMillie

In Week 104, Genn and Millie reflect on the past year and look forward to the new year.    Follow Up:  - Reflect: What have been the high points of the year? What have been the low points of the year? What are the lessons learned?  - Transition: What do you want to leave behind in 2022? What do you want to take with you into 2023?  -Look Ahead: Do you have a word, intention, or goal for the coming year?    For information regarding the topic discussed or for resources mentioned in the podcast, follow us on Instagram @GennandMillie

In Week 103, Genn and Millie are joined by special guest Hannah Miller to discuss leadership, strengths development, and complimentary partnerships.   Follow Up:  - Which of your strengths have you been neglecting?  - Reflect upon a really good day in your life. How did your strengths show up that day? What could you do to have more days like that?  - What strength do you want to be known for?  - In times of conflict, consider the other person's strengths. Which of their strengths are not being utilized? Which of their strengths might be getting in the way?    For information regarding the topic discussed or for resources mentioned in the podcast, follow us on Instagram @GennandMillie

In Week 102, Genn and Millie discuss feedback and the importance of evaluating the source of feedback.    Follow Up:  - Reconnect with those whose feedback matters most to you. Ask them to reflect on how you are showing up in the world lately. Utilize some of Ally's 360 questions as a guide.  -Evaluate the feedback in your life. Use the board of directors activity (linked below) or the circles of trust activity to understand the relative importance of the relationships in your life. Whose feedback do you need more of? Whose do you need to place less importance on?  Board of Directors activity: chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.fau.edu/education/centersandprograms/oae/webinars/appreciative-mentoring/documents/personal-board-of-directors-activity.pdf For information regarding the topic discussed or for resources mentioned in the podcast, follow us on Instagram @GennandMillie

In Week 101, Genn and Millie talk about reading strengths reports. They share about a particularly important report they recently read.    Follow Up:  - What questions do you all have for Ryan?  - What questions do you all have for Tess?  - What advice do you have for them?    For information regarding the topic discussed or for resources mentioned in the podcast, follow us on Instagram @GennandMillie

In Week 100, Genn and Millie express their gratitude for reaching this incredible episode milestone! You also get to hear voices of listeners who reflect on the podcast.    Follow Up:  - Express gratitude for your relationships. Who in your life are you grateful for? Tell them that.  - Where is one space in your life where you can be more intentional about meaningful conversation?  - Any recommendations for future conversation topics on Genn and Millie?  - If Genn and Millie were to ever have sponsors, who would they be?    For information regarding the topic discussed or for resources mentioned in the podcast, follow us on Instagram @GennandMillie

In Week 99, Genn quizzes Millie on her knowledge of Generation X. They talk all things Gen X from movies to newsworthy events to music to technology.    Follow Up:  -Gen Xers: What did Ally miss? What other Gen X knowledge does the Millennial generation need to know?  -Other generations: What are the unique references to your generation?  -As we think about our 100th episode, reflect on your journey with Genn and Millie. How should we celebrate? What has been your favorite episode, topic, or takeaway? How have these conversations impacted you?    For information regarding the topic discussed or for resources mentioned in the podcast, follow us on Instagram @GennandMillie

In Week 98, Genn and Millie conduct a mid-year check in. They walk back through the year so far and discuss how their words of the year have shown up.    Follow Up:  -How has your word/intention shown up for you this year so far? How do you expect it to show up in the second half of the year?  -Next episode, we plan to play a generational word association game. Send us some words that are unique to to your generation to be featured in the game.    For information regarding the topic discussed or for resources mentioned in the podcast, follow us on Instagram @GennandMillie

In Week 97, Genn and Millie discuss the concept of motivation. They share of their own motivations, generational differences around motivation, and what happens when there is a lack of it.    Follow Up:  -What motivates you?  -When you feel a lack of productive motivation, how can you harness your strengths to increase it?    For information regarding the topic discussed or for resources mentioned in the podcast, follow us on Instagram @GennandMillie

In Week 96, Genn and Millie discuss when strengths are in balance and when they are out of balance.    Follow Up:  -Think about a time when you were out of balance in your life; a difficult time, a struggle, stress, etc. Which strengths were out of balance? Which helped you get back into balance?    For information regarding the topic discussed or for resources mentioned in the podcast, follow us on Instagram @GennandMillie

In Week 95, Genn and Millie continue their discussion of holistic strength definitions. They share stories, concepts, associations, and written definitions, which allow them to take a more holistic approach to their strengths.    Follow Up:  -Create a holistic definition of your strengths. Use stories, metaphors, examples, or written words to create a new definition for how your strengths are showing up in their varying facets.  -Play the word association game we exampled. Take your top 5 or top 10 and quickly identify if that strength is primarily functioning in your (a) head, (b) heart, or (c) gut in this season of life. Where there any responses that surprised you?    For information regarding the topic discussed or for resources mentioned in the podcast, follow us on Instagram @GennandMillie

In Week 94, Genn and Millie discuss the concept of "self-confidence". They also challenge each other to think holistically about their Gallup Strengths.    Follow Up:  -How do you define "self-confidence" in your own life? How does it show up for you at this moment? -Take a holistic approach to your strengths. Unpack how each of your strengths manifest in full, various ways. How can they be forward-facing? Not forward facing? Internal? External? Used in each of the domains? Consider writing a holistic, robust definition of your strengths and share it with us! If you need a place to start, use the gallup talent map exercise (LINKED HERE) to guide you. https://s3.wp.wsu.edu/uploads/sites/634/2018/02/talent-map.pdf  For information regarding the topic discussed or for resources mentioned in the podcast, follow us on Instagram @GennandMillie

In Week 93, Genn and Millie discuss the Yung Pueblo concept of "hurt as a map". They share the reality of relativity of hurt and trauma and how we can all reframe these experiences through the lens of resiliency.    Follow Up:  -How has hurt been a map for you? What do you think of this analogy?  -How have or how can you reframe negative experiences or emotions through a growth/resilience lens?    For information regarding the topic discussed or for resources mentioned in the podcast, follow us on Instagram @GennandMillie

In Week 92, Genn and Millie discuss the first few days of 2022. They talk about their end of year/beginning of new year rituals and their 2022 words of the year. They also contemplate the role of feedback.    Follow Up:  -How do you celebrate the new year? Do you have any rituals or traditions to close out and/or start a new year?  -What is your word or intention for 2022? How has your word from 2021 fed into your word for 2022?  -How do you feel about feedback? Do you welcome it? Do you distance yourself from it? If you were to do a 360 feedback, whose voices would you include and why?    For information regarding the topic discussed or for resources mentioned in the podcast, follow us on Instagram @GennandMillie    

In Week 91, Genn and Millie reflect on their 2021 Words of the Year. They share joys, challenges, and lessons learned during this past year, and future-cast to 2022.    Follow Up:  -How have you changed and grown in this past year?  -What about this past year surprised you? -How have your strengths influenced your intention for the year?    For information regarding the topic discussed or for resources mentioned in the podcast, follow us on Instagram @GennandMillie   Mark your calendars- join Genn and Millie on Instagram Live on January 5th at 2pm CST as they try to guess each other's word of the year for 2022! 

In Week 90, Genn and Millie find threads of serendipity between their lives. They share about moments of recognizing important people in their lives and moments of saying 'yes' to the present adventure of life.    Follow Up:  -Who have you spoken of in high regard lately? Share that you did so with them.  -What have you said 'yes' to lately? What do you wish you would have said yes to?  -How have these 'yes' opportunities made you more present to life?    For information regarding the topic discussed or for resources mentioned in the podcast, follow us on Instagram @GennandMillie or reach out to Tess at tess.starman@gmail.com

In Week 89, Genn and Millie catch up after a few months. They share about their lives and how they are caring for their whole selves in these new seasons.    Follow Up:  -How have you taken care of yourself today?    For information regarding the topic discussed or for resources mentioned in the podcast, follow us on Instagram @GennandMillie or reach out to Tess at tess.starman@gmail.com

In Week 88, Genn and Millie share an episode recorded during some shared windshield time. They debrief the live episode, 87, and discuss the transitions of the podcast and of life.    Follow Up:  -How have these Genn and Millie conversations sparked actions or conversations in your life? -What questions or topics would you like to hear us discuss in future episodes?    For information regarding the topic discussed or for resources mentioned in the podcast, follow us on Instagram @GennandMillie or reach out to Tess at tess.starman@gmail.com

In Week 87 host a LIVE episode at the TeamMates Annual Conference! They share about the origin of the podcast and take questions from a live audience.    Follow Up:  -Spot the strengths of the people around you.  -Find space for meaningful conversations in your life.    For information regarding the topic discussed or for resources mentioned in the podcast, follow us on Instagram @GennandMillie or reach out to Tess at tess.starman@gmail.com

In Week 86, Genn and Millie discuss the recently released State of the Global Workplace 2021 from Gallup. They talk about what a 'thriving' life looks like and utilize the 'best possible life scale' to reflect and future-cast.  Follow Up:  -Download and peruse Gallup's 2021 State of the Global Workplace. It can be accessed by request at https://tinyurl.com/GallupSOGW21  -Respond to the Best Possible Life Scale: Imagine a ladder with steps numbered from zero at the bottom to 10 on the top. Suppose we say that the top of the ladder represents the best possible life for you, and the bottom represents the worst possible life for you. On which step of the ladder would you say you personally feel you stand at this time? Just your best guess, on which step do you think you will stand in the future, say about five years from now?    For information regarding the topic discussed or for resources mentioned in the podcast, follow us on Instagram @GennandMillie or reach out to Tess at tstarman@teammates.org  

In Week 85, Genn and Millie continue their conversation of 'what do you love' and 'what do you need', intersected with physical space. They share about how their strengths are reflected in the tangible and intangible elements of their current containers and changing containers.    Follow Up:  -[TANGIBLE] What do you love in your physical space? What do you need in your physical space? What could you live without in your physical space?  -[INTANGIBLE] What have you lost? What have you found?    For information regarding the topic discussed or for resources mentioned in the podcast, follow us on Instagram @GennandMillie or reach out to Tess at tstarman@teammates.org

In Week 84, Genn and Millie harken back to some of their favorite questions. They share their responses to these questions given their current contexts and life seasons, along with their strengths and generational perspectives.    Follow Up:  -Who are you? -What do you love? -What do you need?  -What is the best form of recognition for you?    For information regarding the topic discussed or for resources mentioned in the podcast, follow us on Instagram @GennandMillie or reach out to Tess at tstarman@teammates.org

An open letter to Genn and Millie Listeners.   1. What are your Omaha Bucket List items? How can you keep Tess accountable to celebrating?  2. Reflect on the 5 clues to talent using the following reflection questions:  -Yearning (pull or attraction to certain activities): (1) To what kinds of activities are you naturally drawn? (2) If you had an entire week of your calendar open up and couldn’t work on previous commitments, what would you spend your time doing? -Satisfaction (that which brings you emotional or psychological reward): (1) What sorts of activities do you finish and think, ‘I can’t wait to do that again’? (2)What are you doing (at work or at play) when you’re truly enjoying yourself? -Rapid Learning (unique pathways of understanding and learning): (1) What have you done well that you didn’t need explained? (2) What activities do you execute naturally, but struggle to break down into steps for others? -Glimpses of Excellence (flashes of outstanding performance): (1) What have other people told you you’re great at doing? (2) In your previous experience, what were you known for doing well?  -Total Performance Excellence / "flow" (the optimal state of intrinsic motivation): (1) In what activities did you seem to automatically know the steps to be taken? (2) What are you doing when time seems to disappear?        

In Week 82, Genn and Millie do some rapid fire questions, courtesy of Brene Brown, strengths spot themselves, and future-cast.    Follow Up:  -Rapid Fire Questions from Brene Brown: (1) Fill in the blank: vulnerability is ____________ (2) You are called to be very brave, your fear is very real, you can feel it in your throat, what's the very first thing you do? (3) What's something that people often get wrong about you? (4) Last tv show you binged and loved? (5) All time favorite movie? (6) A concert you'll never forget? (7) Favorite meal? (8) What's on your nightstand? (What are you reading?) (9) A snapshot of ordinary moment in your life that brings you joy? (10) One thing you're grateful for right now? (11) Let’s make a mix tape! Send us the top 5 songs you cannot live without. - Which of your strengths have you used as a superpower this past week?  -Which of your strengths would you like to intentionally aim this week?  -What is one thing you are looking forward to?    For information regarding the topic discussed or for resources mentioned in the podcast, follow us on Instagram @GennandMillie or reach out to Tess at tstarman@teammates.org

In Week 81, Genn and Millie discuss how strengths learning is a lifelong journey. They share recent revelations they've each had regarding strengths.    Follow Up:  -Which themes do you have a bias towards?  -What is a recent revelation you've had about strengths?    For information regarding the topic discussed or for resources mentioned in the podcast, follow us on Instagram @GennandMillie or reach out to Tess at tstarman@teammates.org

In Week 80, Genn and Millie discuss changes and transitions that are occurring. They share about recent events they have experienced in a new way due to COVID-19.    Follow Up:  -What are assumptions you have made about how strengths are responding to the virtual space, social distancing, and our changed lives due to COVID-19?  -How will you intentionally aim your strengths in preparation for the transition to a new normal?   For information regarding the topic discussed or for resources mentioned in the podcast, follow us on Instagram @GennandMillie or reach out to Tess at tstarman@teammates.org

In Week 79, Genn and Millie share more about their words of the year for the 2021. They discuss their choices and the ways they aim to keep accountable to their intentions.    Follow Up:  -What is your 2021 word or intention of the year? Which of your strengths influences this word the most?  -What does wholeness look like for you? What steps can you make towards recapturing wholeness in your life?  -It is Birthday Month! Share ideas you have for how we can celebrate!    For information regarding the topic discussed or for resources mentioned in the podcast, follow us on Instagram @GennandMillie or reach out to Tess at tstarman@teammates.org

In Week 78, Genn and Millie reflect on the magic they experienced this past year. They also discuss the celebration and change that comes with a new year.    Follow Up:  - Where did you see or experience magic in 2020?  -What is one goal, word, or intention you have for 2021?    For information regarding the topic discussed or for resources mentioned in the podcast, follow us on Instagram @GennandMillie or reach out to Tess at tstarman@teammates.org

In Week 77, Genn and Millie discuss the difficult but important work of "aiming" one's strengths. They also reflect on the past year and ponder their words of the year.    Follow Up:  - What is going on in your life right now or in the coming week? Where can you intentionally apply your strengths?  -If you could choose your 2020 word of the year again, would you? Have you ever or would you ever repeat a word of the year?    For information regarding the topic discussed or for resources mentioned in the podcast, follow us on Instagram @GennandMillie or reach out to Tess at tstarman@teammates.org

In Week 76, Genn and Millie dialogue further about the concept of one's "best possible life." They discuss areas of toxicity that can prevent one from living in full wellbeing and share what they need in life in order to be hopeful.     Follow Up:  - What is toxic in your life? What boundaries or practices can you put in place in these areas of your life?  - What do you need in your life in order to live in hope?  -Consider doing a time auditing exercise, like this simple one to see where your time goes each day. How we spend our days is how we spend our life.    For information regarding the topic discussed or for resources mentioned in the podcast, follow us on Instagram @GennandMillie or reach out to Tess at tstarman@teammates.org

In Week 75, Genn and Millie are back from a hiatus. They continue the conversation from Week 74 regarding what a "best possible life" looks like.    Follow Up:  - What has been going on in your life lately? We'd love to hear how you are doing!  - What does a " best possible life" look like for you?  -How and who can you courageously ask for what you need to make your "best possible life" happen?    For information regarding the topic discussed or for resources mentioned in the podcast, follow us on Instagram @GennandMillie or reach out to Tess at tstarman@teammates.org

In Week 74, Genn and Millie shortly debrief the virtual TeamMates Annual Conference. They discuss the meaning of the word serendipity and contemplate a question regarding life's abundance.    Follow Up:  -What does the word serendipity mean to you? If you have a word of the year, how does this word relate to it?  -What would happen if your life looked really good right now? What does a "really good life" look like for you? What does an abundant life behold? What does it not?    For information regarding the topic discussed or for resources mentioned in the podcast, follow us on Instagram @GennandMillie or reach out to Tess at tstarman@teammates.org