SmikleSpeaks

This short podcast is a relationship refresher. These are things we know and sometimes forget. I want to explore how we nurture our relationships so that they last a lifetime.

Robb King, founder of Blume Theory Strategies, a DC-based consulting firm, is with me to share this next chapter, the creating of Blume Theory Strategies. After a successful career in data analytics he decided to jump into the ocean (true story) and see how well he could swim. His company does evaluations, strategic planning, and coaching for organizations all over the US. Listen as he shares his next chapter...

More insights on following your calling, fulfilling your purpose, and having successful career transitions. Russ Snyder, CEO of Volunteers of America Chesapeake and the Carolinas, shares more about how he's continuing to forge forward and create positive life transitions.

I feel like there's more stress in the world and in the country than ever before in my lifetime. One thing I've learned from Linda Roszak Burton, she's been a guest a few times. I've learned that in the midst of absolute chaos and calamity, I can still have a grateful heart. I'm doing that by seeking the company of people who are optimistic. People who have hope. Here's my observation about those people: they're having fun! They're having FUN! They've made the choice to continue smiling and laughing! Listen to get a few strategies for ramping up the fun in your life.

I had a long flight from the east coast to San Diego. My seat mates were two guys from a rural town in Maryland. I don't know how it happened but we got started talked about the country. It was pretty obvious early on that we saw the world through different lenses. Very different lenses. We wound up having a really interesting discussion. We found that, in spite of our opposing views on many issues, we shared a lot of common ground. As I reflected on the conversation I came up with 10 strategies for honoring and exploring the opposition. That's the focus of this episode.

Linda Roszak Burton, author of Gratitude Heals, explores being grateful in pessimistic and cynical environments.

Linda Roszak Burton, author of Gratitude Heals and one of the country's leading experts on the subject guides us through maintaining a grateful heart in the midst of chaos.

Russ Snyder currently serves as CEO of Volunteers of America Chesapeake and the Carolina's. This faith-based health and human services develops and owns affordable housing organization, provides behavioral health, assistance to veterans and the homeless, and other supports to vulnerable populations. But that isn't how Russ' story began. He had a very successful corporate career before his transition to nonprofit leadership. Listen to his next chapter story and be inspired.

The business architecture strategy is an innovative way of approach organizational development and design. Kenyn Benjamin, president of ARGITEK, a strategy management consultancy, is back to delve deeper into this tool for transformation.

Kenyn Benjamin is the President and founder of ARGITEK, a strategy management consultancy. He's a thought leader on organizational transformation and business strategy. A speaker and a consultant focused on transforming business operations through enterprise alignment, his company serves forward-focused leaders throughout the US. Today he introduces the concept of "business architecture."

Kenyn Benjamin is the President and founder of ARGITEK, a strategy management consultancy. He's a thought leader on organizational transformation and business strategy. A speaker and a consultant focused on transforming business operations to create alignment throughout the enterprise. His company serves forward focused leaders throughout the US. Today he introduces the concept of "business architecture."

Marilyn Wood shares more of her story of going from bedside nurse, to nursing home administrator to founder and CEO of one of the country's most highly rated privately-held nursing home chains in Florida. In her latest chapter she's teaching, training, and serving in very different ways. Listen and learn...

As we continue in the Spirit at Work Series we get to have a conversation with Virgil Hammett. He has two successful careers: one as a leader in human services and the other as the pastor of an African Methodist Episcopal (AME) church. He's long followed both a secular and religious path and created natural ways to blend them. He is a master at bringing spirit to work.

More with Lanecia Baldwin on how she took a chance on herself, pursued a cross-country adventure, and made many of her dreams reality.

Not a lot of people have the courage to sell their homes, store the possessions they care about, pack their car, drive around the country, and explore to their heart's content. Most of us have dreams but many of us don't have the courage to go after them and make them reality. Alabama native Lanecia Baldwin decided to live her dream and she's going to tell us all about it.

Marilyn Wood is the retired founder and CEO of Opis Senior Services Group. The company operated 14 nursing homes throughout Florida. It also had a physician practice, home health service, and rehab company under its umbrella. Marilyn weathered the pandemic, sold the company, and is now writing the next chapter of her life.

Matt Picard is a private equity investor at Bolt Ventures, a family office focused on acquiring large global sports franchises and operating businesses around the sports and entertainment ecosystem. Prior to joining Bolt, Matt worked in Investment Banking at Jefferies, specializing in transactions across the Consumer, Gaming, and Entertainment sectors.Matt's journey with brain health began during his high school years at Choate Rosemary Hall, where he suffered two serious hits in lacrosse and football that marked the start of a challenging path to recovery and the development of prolonged post-concussive syndrome. He shares his first-hand experience in an often confusing, sometimes frustrating journey to get the right treatment for his brain health.

Today we get to talk about Dr. Jennifer Douglas' book, Freedom From Perfection. It is such an important tool for anyone who can't accept good, great or even excellent and is making themselves nuts striving for perfection. In addition to the book, Dr. Douglas provides virtual learning on overcoming perfectionism. She served as a professor at Stanford University and now devotes her time to a private practice that is devoted to mental wellness.

Dr. Jennifer Douglas, respected expert on mental wellness, shares her insights on the dimensions of mental health that impact young people. She provides strategies for getting help, for developing a better understanding of the nuances of mental wellness as they impact younger people, and advice for parents.

Dr. Jen Douglas, author of Freedom From Perfection, is joining us for a three-part series of mental wellness. She holds a PhD in Clinical Psychology from San Diego State University and you did her undergraduate work at Wesleyan. She served on the faculty at Stanford University and then decide to pivot and build a private practice. Her passion is treating mental health in women and young people.

One of the country's leading experts on the world of work, Brian Powell, is back to further explore issues impacting leaders. Today he shares his insights on human capital utilization, strategic use of the available talent in the workforce, and turning executive's attention to national and global trends that impact recruitment and retention.

I'm continuing my conversation with Brian Powell. We've been talking about the future of work. He's the Chief Human Resources Officer for The Community Solution Education System. Prior to this role he held senior leadership positions at Chapman University, University of California Merced, Columbia University, and other distinguished institutions. His focus has always been on leading groundbreaking HR programs, from centralizing operations to fostering strategic alignment across diverse campuses.It's that deep expertise that he has been sharing in our conversations about the evolving world of work. Today we'll talk about building internal talent pipelines, turnover, and the 4th Industrial Revolution.

Brian Powell is an attorney and human resource executive. His focus is on transforming leadership. He's currently serving as Chief Human Resource Officer for The Community Solution Education System.Brian has unique insights on the trends that are gamechangers for the world of work. Today we'll talk about geographic shifts in the workforce, AI...it's pros and cons, and the concept of "upskilling" for leaders.

Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas. If Christmas isn't your faith tradition Happy Holidays. If Holidays aren't part of your world Best Wishes.Know that I am sending Joy and wishing Blessing upon Blessing upon Blessing to each of you. Thank you for another glorious year of podcasts.

We're told to be resilient. To tough it out. To stay the course. In reality, that may not be possible at the moment. But, eventually, we have to look ahead. It's pointless to stay mired in disappointment, defeat, or depression. What does looking ahead entail? That's what we're going to explore in this episode.

Today I want to talk about how we speak, hope for, pray for, cheer for other people. What I'm talking about is affirming another person.When we think of affirmations we often think of the things we say to ourselves. The positive self-talk. The statement on the post-it on the mirror that we repeat regularly.What we don't realize is that we can affirm other people. We can affirm them in our heads, in our hearts, and with our words. And that's where we're headed in this episode...

If you listen to these podcasts, you know I get some of my best inspiration at church. Some of the sermons leave indelible imprints on my heart. Two Sundays ago the minister asked this question: What kind of vision does God have for your life?That question made me think about what kind of vision I have for my life. I know I'm not living in darkness or denial. But I think it's probably time for me to think about my vision for Joanne. In this short podcast I want to get you thinking about some of the questions I've been asking myself. They may be useful as you delve deeper into your vision for your life.

This is the first episode of the Spirit at Work Series. We are going to explore many facets of faith, spirituality, believing and belonging. Reid Spearman, PhD is the featured guest for this inaugural episode. He shares his experiences bringing all of who is to his workplaces.

Many people, myself included, have held or do hold resentments. Resentment towards other people, towards organizations, towards societal systems…resentment can be directed anywhere and it has tremendous power. It can control or impact our thoughts and our actions. The power of resentment is generally negative. It is generally not life-affirming. It often depletes our energy and derails our focus. Let's explore ways to identify and move beyond our resentments.

This podcast is all about expectation…what are you expecting from yourself and from others. Our expectations are typically fulfilled one way or another. Let's explore how that happens...

Dr. David Dodick is back to help us better understand brain health. He is a distinguished professor, researcher, and advocate for research in brain diseases. He is also Chair of the Board of the American Brain Foundation.

How do you handle the feedback that hurts? Especially when it's true. We'll explore that today.

This summer I had the pleasure, tongue in cheek, of planning and conducting an estate sale…a three day estate sale for a home that was lovingly occupied for almost 50 years. Lovingly occupied by two people who bought everything they wanted in multiples. That being said, there was a LOT of stuff. They had so much stuff that the three-day one weekend sale was actually a six-day two weekend sale. We encountered some real characters who had interesting negotiating styles, many quite ineffective. I am going to share some of the things they taught me.

Jeff Armstrong is back on the See Something…Do Something Series! He's the Executive Director of Family Promise of the Midlands, a nonprofit in Columbia SC. They work with faith-based organizations to tackle homelessness in their region. Jeff's journey as an advocate for the underserved is inspiring. Listen and learn...

I love meeting people who have intentionally created options in their lives. There are so many people doing interesting, creative things all because they had the courage to create options. In this very short podcast I am going to share a few of the things I have learned and continue to learn from people who create options for themselves and others..

Dr. Merit Cudkowicz returns to discuss the nuances of brain health. In our last interview she shed light on clinical trials in ALS. Dr. Cudkowicz is one of the founders and former co-directors of the Northeast ALS Consortium (NEALS), a group of over 150 clinical sites in the United States, Canada, Europe and the Middle East dedicated to performing collaborative academic-led clinical trials and research studies in ALS.In this conversation Dr. Cudkowicz provides strategies for maintaining brain health. She also introduces ways to support research and researchers. She demystifies clinical trials and shares ways that just about anyone can partner in finding treatments and cures for brain diseases.

Summer Jelinek is back to share more of her insights on leadership. She's a best-selling author, trainer, and speaker. Her clients include some of the most notable organizations in the country.

Brain diseases are many and varied. No matter the disease, it takes a toll on the patient and their families. Walking with her husband through his dementia continues to be a trying experience for Joanna Heatwole. In this episode she shares more of her story and her coping mechanisms.

Best-selling author Summer Jelinek is back to share insights on how we can maximize our leadership potential. Listen and learn!

I haven't had See Something…Do Something interview in quite a while. This is the series that I love because I get to feature people all around the country who saw a pressing need and then did something about it. Or, are actively doing something about it.That's Jeff Armstrong. He has been a tireless advocate for underserved communities throughout most of his career. He has a passion for homelessness. In his current role as Executive Director of Family Promise of the Midlands he's leading a team that is positively impacting the lives of families in their region. Listen and learn...

As I have continued in this Brain Matters series I realized that I've talked to physicians, scientists, and researchers. But I've never had a conversation with a spouse, a caregiver, of someone who has a brain disease. In this episode Joanna Heatwole shares her ongoing journey with a husband who has a brain disease.

There's a new book that everyone needs to know about: Unlocking the Magic of Leadership: 5 Keys to Inspire Yourself, Empower Others and Drive Extraordinary Results. Summer Jelinek is the author and she's will lead us on a journey to maximizing our leadership potential.

I'm launching a new series this Fall called Spirit at Work. We're going to explore the nuances of integrating your faith, your spiritual life, into how you lead. There will be guests from different fields and from different faiths who will explore how they bring spirit to their work.

So many leadership theorists, scholars, and consultants like myself talk about transforming organizations, transforming leaders, transforming the world. I don't know if we say this enough: there is no transformation without application. This podcast focuses on application. My first question is this: Which leadership styles, practices and principles are you applying? What are you being intentional about? Understanding what you're doing, why you're doing it, and how you're doing it are all essential in creating the kind of application that can be transformative.

The most effective teams have disagreements and conflict. The way that they handle it is what matters. Remember that because a person or people disagree with you doesn't mean that they're against you. This podcast is all about how we handle opposition, how we manage our adversaries, the choices we make with naysayers.

What is healthy competition? It's an interaction that encourages everyone to reach their highest potential, to strive for even higher achievements. What's interesting about healthy competition is that it creates a space where everyone is encouraged to bring their 'A' game. In the workplace it allows and encourages people to be their personal best and set stretch goals. I think it can actually improve collaboration. Healthy competition encourages innovation, new ideas, and different approaches. This podcast focuses on leadership tools that spark full engagement in a competitive environment..

Brain health is as important as heart health, mental health...all health. We continue exploring this important aspect of wellness with Dr. David Dodick, Chair of the Board of the American Brain Foundation.

The focus of this short podcast is prioritizing peace. How do people from totally different philosophical positions prioritize peace? Can they decide to stop warring about politics? Can they make conscious decisions to establish new ground rules for discussion? We cannot pretend that differences don't exist or that they aren't problematic in some relationships. We will explore tools for building bridges and prioritizing peace.

Dr. Merit Cudkowicz is the Chair of the Department of Neurology and Director of the Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS at Massachusetts General Hospital and the Julieanne Dorn Professor of Neurology at Harvard Medical School in Boston. She is leading the first Platform Trial initiative in ALS and is also the Principal Investigator of the Clinical Coordination Center for the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke's Neurology Network of Excellence in Clinical Trials (NeuroNEXT).Dr. Cudkowicz is my featured guest as we continue our exploration of Brain Matters.

How's life treating you? I hear so many people talk about being burned out, being exhausted, feeling depleted. I watch so many people over-extend themselves and it makes me sad. Life isn't treating those folks so well. And it probably has something to do with their ability to establish and honor boundaries.This podcast is all about boundaries. My starting question is this: when is enough, enough? When do you know you've been pushed, pulled, guilted, or prodded too far?

I'm going to be all over the place in this podcast. I'll cover politeness, manners and just being respectful of everyone we encounter. I'll talk about the need to create civil discourse. I'll even cover email usage and cell phones. You'll enjoy the tips I'll share from Jason Fredrick's Tiny Book of Electronic Etiquette. As random and scattered as it will seem, there are three common themes: 1. We can be our best selves when we honor the humanity in everyone.2. All of our futures are tied together so we are well-served to find common bonds.3. We gain ground on the journey to civility when we seek to understand, listen with open hearts, and reflect on the good in each person.