Real Human Being Podcast

There exists a strong causal relationship between culture and productivity. “Strong productivity is the result of many things, but at its foundation is a winning culture,” says Todd Davis, chief people officer for FranklinCovey and author of the new book, Get Better: 15 Proven Practices to Build Effective Relationships at Work. According to Davis, “The greater the culture, the more productive people will be, because they are engaged. Human beings excel when they are happy and doing what they enjoy. And when they excel, they produce.”But recent data suggests that more employees will be working from home once the COVID-19 pandemic is over as more employers report that their staff can effectively do their jobs remotely.  The three major tech companies – Dropbox, Twitter and Square – all announced they would be letting employees work remotely forever. So how will organizations maintain their cultures when employees no long meet face to face? Perhaps they can learn from online communities that have long been experimenting with remote-motivation and cooperation. In this podcast, I interview Cori Chesnutt and Marius Midtskogen, two leaders of The Herd, an online cycling community utilizing the Zwift exercise/game platform.  In just a few years, the Herd community has grown to almost 10,000 individuals from almost every continent, each exercising at home, but cooperating together while pursuing individual goals.   More importantly,  they seem to have created a culture that revolves around 3rd gear values of empathy, kindness and tolerance.  We discuss: - “How did you create the Herd culture?” - “Who is the typical candidate to join the Herd?” - “How do you identify and coach future Herd leaders?” - “What behaviors can negatively impact Herd culture and how do you deal with this?” - What are examples of Gears 1,2 & 3 on Zwift?  - “Moderators can’t monitor everyone, so what helps create an ‘employee-owned’ culture?”   From the Podcast:"I think we have a good group of people who remember where they came from. The leaders used to be the touchpoints in all online discussions, but now the group has seemed to take on that activity." - Cori "I think the people in the Herd know not to take on the stance of elitism. I also know that experienced and strong riders also need some encouragement." - Marius  

I believe most people everywhere are decent folks who just want the same thing: shelter, food, education and some enjoyment.  But why then do we look down on certain groups? And how do we begin to address systemic racism? How can we make honest and sincere connections with people who look differently than us? Cassandra is a long time Facebook friend with a fascinating perspective. she offers  some great insights on the topic of race. Especially if you're white like me, I urge you to listen to our conversation, and listen with the intention to learn, not necessarily to respond.  We discuss: - how Cassandra's upbringing impacted her views of people - how she learned about 3rd gear/do the right thing behavior - what it's like growing up with 3 strikes against you - the frustration many black folks feel when others tell them "it was all in the past." - how to make an honest connection with someone who is black (like her)   From the Podcast:"I had three strikes against me: I was black, I was a woman and I’m overweight.""The first day of teaching class I knew I had to establish my authority right away. So I had them take out a piece of paper and I took out a piece of paper.... from then on, the love I had with my class of students was extraordinary." "The bible says you should test the spirit by the spirit.""We, as black people, are taught how to interaction with white people. But white people are never taught how to interact with us.""Our story never gets told, we have to hold it all in. It makes us angry, it makes us sick, it messes with our immune system.""People say that they want the truth, but they usually want some version of the truth.""My best friend, who is white, says I give her a safe space to talk about race. I will always make it safe for people to talk to me about race.""Please, when you talk to a black person about race, understand it can be very emotional for them. All you have to do is attentively listen. We need to be able to tell you these things. Just really listen with the purpose of listening, not replying."Connect with Cassandra on Linked In!  

Many parents want their kids to grow up to be confident and self-assured individuals who aren't afraid to take some risks. But how do you teach someone to be confident? Anna Julia is a Customer Experience Specialist at PortsToronto -Billy Bishop Airport. As a 20-something, she works in an industry dominated by older men and has learned some simple but powerful techniques to help her fulfill her aspirations.  We discuss: - how Anna Julia's upbringing gave her some perspective- her radical career switch- what it's like being the minority in a class of men- how to put on a game face- her simple technique to develop self-confidence From the podcast:   "I don’t think how people treat you is personal to who you are, you just need to learn how to be vulnerable and courageous "I didn’t realize how much more there was to aviation than just pilots and flight attendants."   "I just had to take a leap and trust my inner voice. So I contacted Georgian College and applied, even though the program had started a month before."   "For young girls, there’s a voice inside of you. But often it silenced by society. If you start listening to that little voice, it starts getting louder, and that’s where trust and confidence in yourself comes from."   "You have to get clear of who you want to be. At the end of the day, you shouldn’t try to be someone else, but rather the best version of yourself."   "I’m a little hard of myself because I feel I always have to doing something. One quote that’s helped me is, ‘nothing in nature blooms all year round.’"   "What was interesting when I started my aviation management degree was not being taken seriously. Georgian Skies started because I wanted to make a difference for women. It’s less about women in aviation and more about equality in aviation."   "I’m going to be hired because who I am as a person, not because I’m a woman. We’re all equal, we’re all human beings. I can do amazing things because who I am as a person."   "I work with a very male dominated office, but they have been been nothing but supportive since day one."   "Exactly where I am is where I wanted to be two years ago."   "Trust and confidence comes from within. It’s just those little habits you give yourself, holding yourself accountable, then doing it. Then you can say, ‘yeah, I’ve done this before, and I can do it again."https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajsirghiuta/https://www.instagram.com/georgianskies/?hl=en

Stacy Maynard is one of those people you feel like you've known for years. We probably laughed through 30% of this podcast, make sure you listen carefully for the clinking glass and delightful singing voices!Stacy is an award winning entrepreneur and leading expert in LinkedIn & Podcast Training, has helped organizations, entrepreneurs and brands for over 20 years. She works with corporate teams and entrepreneurs alike to make their media strategy work for their business, brand and bottom line. We discuss:- what 1st gear intentions look like on Linked In- why sometimes the mobile version of LI may trip you up. - when you should sell on Linked In- why quality is better than quantity - how dating and Linked In have a lot in common  From the podcast:"I was ridiculously shy as a child. But then I changed.""A generic Linked In invite is like walking into a room, not speaking to anyone, shoving your business card into their hand and then walking away.""Your network is your net worth. Many people who are new to Linked In start connecting with everyone. But are these people?""The number one question I ask when I'm giving podcast workshops is, 'who's the star of your program?' And most people get the answer wrong." "Putting a great achievement on Linked In is not bragging, it's showcasing an achievement.""The whole point of social media is to get people off of social media."   Want to connect with Stacy on Linked In?   (hint: personalize your invite)       

'For many Canadians, the eight-game series between Team Canada and the national team of the Soviet Union in 1972 provided the greatest moment in the country’s sporting history. Most expected that Canada would handily defeat the Soviet Union, but this confidence quickly disappeared when Canada lost the first game. The series was tied heading into the final game in Moscow, which ended in a dramatic fashion, with Paul Henderson scoring in the final seconds to give Canada the victory. The series would have a lasting impact on hockey in Canada and abroad.' (from Canadian Encyclopedia)Greg Franke, a career news and sports journalist, radio commentator, and amateur hockey coach currently residing in northwest Ohio is author of  “Epic Confrontation: Canada vs. Russia on Ice- The Greatest Sports Drama of All Time”  We had a fascinating a wide-ranging interview about the place this series still holds in Canadian mythology. As an American who learned Russian, Greg presents a great outsider's view on the series. We discuss: the infamous Bobby Clarke 'slash", why Bobby Hull never played in the series, and the possible damage to Canadian psyche if Canada had lost the series. But you don't need to be a хоккейный болельщик (hockey fan) or even a sports fan to appreciate this podcast.   We also discuss:- why underestimating an opponent can lead to defeat- how media can reinforce nativism- when national pride becomes toxic nationalism- how hockey players can shift gears  - how humor and common interests can break through cultural silos- seeing "the others" as human beings rather than the enemy- using defeat to become strongerFrom the podcast:"I can come to admire the level of hockey the Soviet players brought ...but it was a very grudging admiration.""The way the Canadians evolved in their viewpoint...and the way they became more open...how the NHL is now half Canadian and half people from other parts of the world....that's the kind of process the whole world needs to undergo so we can live together and no longer be torn apart." "There's nothing wrong with saying things about our culture that are worth defending to the greatest extreme...but you have to keep in mind you can't take that to such an extent you start to view other people as enemies." Here is the link to purchasing 'Epic Confrontation' book on Amazon   Here is the link to Greg's Epic Confrontation Facebook page   

Part of the RHB code is 'have passion for what you do.' Angelee Brown tells me how her passion for plant based foods derived from her personal lifestyle transformation (she lost over 100 pounds by changing her nutrition.) This made her determined to become head of North American Franchising for Copper Branch, the world's largest 100% plant based restaurant franchise.  On being a young wife: “My mother-in-law was ... Italian." On growing up: “My dad was head of sales for a major chocolate company. I was the most popular kid on the block." On changes: “I have struggled with my weight for my entire life.  By age 35, I was my heaviest. I had no energy and I felt like my body had betrayed me."On diets versus lifestyle: "Because I look at this as a lifestyle, I no longer track my calories or my weight like I did in the past. And I don't feel the anxiety now that I'm eating plant based foods."” On fast food: “Fast food can be healthy and beautiful and delicious and good for you. It doesn't have to be laden with calories and fat." One wish: “I’wish I could go back and scold the old me. I wish I could have made these changes 15 years ago." On the military: “I have a lot of respect for people who serve their country, both those in uniform and their families."Links: Cflc (Canadian forces liaison council) #cflc #dnd @canadianforces @cflc  https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/services/benefits-military/supporting-reservists-employers/about-canadian-forces-lisison-council.html   CfA (Canadian franchise association @canadianfranchise @cfa #canadianfranchiseassociation MVP (military veterans program) @mvp  Copper branch (@copperbranch) 

 If you have ever had a curiosity about sales, or how to be successful in sales, or how women can be successful in sales then you will definitely want to hear this interview with Leanne Tillaart. On being a parent: "It’s important to start young with our kids, lead by example and create the path for them. It’s important to set the foundation early." On companies: "I can’t ever say I’ve ever worked in a company where there were equal number of men and women in the sales division." On selling: "Sales has always been a draw for me, a pull. and it’s less of selling more of solving a problem. It’s only recently that I would have told you I worked in sales. It always came with a negative connotation. Now I realize the power in being a people-connector." On why women should consider sales: "I have freedom and flexibility that I wouldn’t in a 9-to-5 job. Despite stereotypes I think sales has allowed me more opportunity to be a mom or wife or sit on the PTA than in a 9-5 job. Sales is a good way to make a really good living and you don’t need a crazy level of education to do so." On culture: "I’m a firm believer that sales is a team sport, it may be comprised of a bunch of individuals but ultimately you can’t do it without other people." On advice for beginners: "Sales is not just a skill set it’s a craft; you have to hone it and you have to work on it."    

It is common for organizations to stipulate they are seeking a specialist; a candidate with deep industry expertise. But often great ideas come from someone with an outsider's perspective and the mind of a generalist.   Whether you're an aspiring management consultant or a hiring manager, you'll want to hear this interview with CEO Rushi Raja  On growing up: "When I was in Canada, I was Rushi the Indian guy, when I was in India, I was Rushi the Canadian guy. I’m basically a pirate." On aspirations: "The one thing I knew is that I never wanted to be a consultant. They were all arrogant and brash and thought they knew better than everyone else. So of course, I ended up a consultant." On influences: "The best thing that happened to be when I was a kid was that I got a retail job at Footlocker. It taught me how to interact with people of different backgrounds to determine their needs. It helped shaped who I am today." On family: "Leaving consulting was less about the job and more about family balance and making sure I was home with my little ones. Your number one focus in life changes when you have children. Its a beautiful process, it’s a challenging process. It’s changed who I am and it’s changed my priorities." On what they want: "You always get pigeonholed by folks who want you to be a specialist. I’ve always enjoyed floating from industry to industry. It can be challenging to sell yourself. Organizations say they need a specialist but often what they really need is a generalist." On people: "I always say that technology is not the solution, technology is the tool. If you have the right people, you can get around the problem. People are the #1 challenge and the #1 opportunity for organizations." On passion: "It’s amazing you can suck at something so bad and yet love it so much. Golf fills that niche." On value: "I went from consulting which is all about utilization and billable hours and revenue and now I’m CEO of a non-profit where our number one metric is value. It’s a very different situation and reflects 3rd gear." On success: "The firms with good people, people who are genuinely happy to be there, really enjoy what they’re doing and who are trained...it doesn’t matter what the product is...those companies do so well. If we can find a way to really motivate people and understand their true skills sets and value of individuals in organizations, we can do a lot."  

Have you ever tuned into your favorite radio station and listened to the warm and welcoming tones of the on-air personality?  Perhaps it was someone you admired so much, you followed them from station to station, much like a sports fan follows an athlete from team to team. For this podcast, I chose 30+ year radio veteran John Biggs as my guest.  Some excerpts from our interview: On his upbringing: "I was a navy brat, with an accent that sounded strange to the people around me." On playing in a successful rock band: "When you're in a band, you always practice at the drummer's place because you don't want to have to move all that crap." On low-lights: "Radio moves you, sometimes against your will."  On talking to guests: "I love interviewing artists, authors, directors, playwrights, actors. I rarely make a list of questions. My rule of thumb is to just respond to what the guest just said." On high-lights: "When you interview someone with a lot of brainpower and they say 'THAT'S a really good question', it feels very good!"  On society, "Jack Layton said “Love is better than anger, Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we’ll change the world."You can reach John johnbiggs@rogers.com 

We often get a grasp of someone's character when we get to know them in person. But what about online? This is the very first time I've selected a RHB podcast guest based simply on their online "character'. A few months ago, I started following 'Venk' on Twitter because he had some thoughtful and compassionate ('3rd gear') tweets. Venkatesh Bellamkonda is an Emergency Medicine doctor at the Mayo Clinic, and many of his posts concerned the challenges of his industry. BUT then one of his tweets was shared over 600 times. In it, he details why he failed the first year of medical school and what he did about it. I have shared this with many friends who are attending or have family members attending school. So naturally I had to find more about the human being behind the white coat. Some excerpts from our interview:On his upbringing: "My mom showed me what it was like to be a person of the people and to really embed yourself in the families of the people trusting their lives to you."On his passions: "I am trying to raise my kids to enjoy a team that is more successful than the Cleveland Browns...but in my heart, the Browns are everything on Sundays."On failure: "I failed my first year of medical school. I had to dig deep, put my pride to one side and learn from those who were successful; how they did it and incorporate that into my life."On goals: "I would go back even to grade school and make kids enjoy learning. The biggest dissatisfaction I see is when people stop seeing learning as something to be grateful for and they see it as work." On all the people who work in a hospital: "Nobody is limited by what it says on their name-badge." It's worth a listen if you want to hear a candid interview with someone trying to be a little kinder, smarter and stronger.     

If you want to be inspired by an intelligent and passionate person, then listen to my guest Aastha Sahni. Born in Delhi, India, at age 6 her family moved to Kuwait. She came to Canada to attend university. Now she's helping to grow Advica Health.What's it like to be a woman with Canadian citizenship and still relating to her South Asian culture? I call her the RHB citizen of the world!  Here are some of her insights:   “Where are you from? It's definitely a hard question to answer.""95% of people I've met [in the work world] are amazing and know how to play on the strengths of Millennials." ""Our company maintains a start-up culture to ensure team engagement... so we can all work towards bringing change to the healthcare system and it's delivery in Canada where their people have better access as well as suitable options available to them"" “In the South Asian culture, mental illness is not spoken about openly. My father has a mental illness and also my parents separated in Kuwait. When I came to Canada, I didn't feel prejudged by people who immediately wanted to know my parent's situation." “Everyone's social media profile is really their highlight reel and it takes courage to come out with genuine emotion." "My dog has changed two things for me. She allows me to stay in the moment and she provides unconditional love."

You're going to love my latest guest! Mike Learn is an individual who always impresses me with his thoughtful and well-balanced comments on the Real Human Being Lifestyle Group.  Here's a preview of some of his insights:   “I got my current job because I used some RHB [in my job interview]" “I was once told that the best thing in life is to be diagnosed with something and then manage the disease.” “Once in a while online I run into someone who is very generous they say something like this is a wonderful thing for you to ask Mike and you’re wrong and this is why and I love that.” "In a bar, you can’t have a political conversation for an hour without some rules, some candor and some acceptance of a different viewpoint. Otherwise you just have a spat I think we’ve lost that we hit spat too quick.” “I have this woman working with me she’s from Egypt she is the smartest person in the room but she is also the quietest person in the room.”“In my industry you get highly paid older people...and they’re very good. But I’ve been getting some great things going with younger people the ones who usually don’t talk and I get them to talk and I learn some amazing things.”

Have you ever been put in a position of having to sell a product, a service or even selling yourself for a job or a promotion?   My guest Victor Genova has a long experience in sales in his field. We have a relaxed conversation that covers: - what people fear most about the sales process - the best way to avoid 1st gear-selling with a client - how hard work can create 2nd gear expectations  - 2nd gear reasons many young people are moving from company to company  - is there a "female" way of selling?  - using 3rd gear to wow your clients - job interviews: how do you sell yourself if you've had no formalized sales training?  Additional: here’s the George Clooney interview mentioned by Victor                    Here's me interviewed on the People Media Podcast show

Barbara Beller has been an international management consultant for many years, she's a multiple Ironman athlete, and now has been 16 months on a plant-based diet. (She’s also my wife of 23 years!) Some of the topics we covered in this podcast:   - how we met (and almost didn’t meet!)- how her dad gave her early life business lessons (hint: think door to door sales)- her typical day incorporating training and working- examples of the RHB gears in the corporate world - how the whole food plant-based diet is working out - strategies she uses when training or on race day- her biggest challengeThis podcast is a must-listen for anyone who wants to understand the mindset of a goal-driven human being!   Happy listening!DaveThe official Real Human Being websiteReal Human Being Facebook PageReal Human Being Facebook GroupReal Human Being on InstagramDave Howlett on Twitter

My very first guest is veteran IT architect, military brat, husband and father, Mason, boat-owner and wise-guy David Wilkins!  He reveals why kids are leaving Facebook, the Masonic version of 1st and 3rd gear, and something that changed the course of Dave’s life and made him shift gears. Dave's a fascinating guy with an interesting perspective, a good sense of humor and is someone who will give you a few great insights into life. Happy listening!DaveThe official Real Human Being websiteReal Human Being Facebook PageReal Human Being Facebook GroupReal Human Being on InstagramDave Howlett on Twitter