The Good Work Podcast

Episode 10: "The Alchemy of Creative Collaboration: Brooke McNamara and Lauren Beale" Introduction: In this episode, Leah Leonard, Lauren, and Brooke introduce themselves as artists, creative thinkers, and mothers who love big questions. (PLAY @0:09) Teaching Creative Practice: The trio discusses their experience teaching creative practice in various communities and universities around the world, as well as their background in studying Zen. They also share how they formed a strong collaborative partnership after initially feeling a competitive edge towards each other in grad school. (PLAY @15:19) The Power of Pausing: Leah, Lauren, and Brooke emphasize the importance of pausing in the creative process and recognizing something greater than their individual egos at play. They discuss sitting with discomfort, embracing curiosity, and following what brings them alive, regardless of whether they identify as artists or not. (PLAY @26:15) Art and Creativity: The trio discusses the importance of art and creativity in their lives, how it saved them during difficult times, and how it connects them to their unique expression and the interconnectedness of humanity. They emphasize that art is not just a frivolous practice, but a fundamental aspect of being human. (PLAY @38:13) The Concept of "Good Work": Leah, Lauren, and Brooke explore the concept of "good work" in their podcast. They delve into the idea of being good versions of themselves while also being open to the world and redefining what it means to do good work. (PLAY @50:00) Shifting the Concept of Work: The trio discusses how the concept of work can be shifted to include multiple perspectives and nourish both individuals and relationships. They also touch on Leah's upcoming project and the possibility of sharing interviews and making donations to support each other's work. (PLAY @1:01:31) Expressing Gratitude: Brooke expresses gratitude towards Leah and Lauren for their love and support, and Leah reciprocates the affection. (PLAY @1:12:37) Resources mentioned: https://www.brookemcnamara.com/ https://www.laurenbeale.com/ Cultivate: Creative Practice in the Belly of Impermanence

Our guest, Max Rosencrantz, is not your typical life coach. Before he pivoted to his purpose, Max was a mechanical engineer, designing innovative products for major corporations and startups. From 3D printers to self-lacing shoes, his engineering prowess was impressive. But a profound realization led him to explore a new path—a path dedicated to helping people eliminate suffering and discover lasting joy in their lives. Max's story is one of personal awakening and awareness, inner work, and a commitment to making the world a better place. In this episode, Max shares his insights on how our beliefs shape our reality and offers practical wisdom on deprogramming and rewiring those limiting beliefs. He is also the co-founder of Rocky Mountain Rites, an organization that empowers young men to become healthy and emotionally-intelligent leaders. Max's current passion is helping individuals break free from the unconscious beliefs that hold them back from living truly fulfilling lives. Key Takeaways: Discover how Max transitioned from an engineering career to becoming a coach Explore the power of beliefs in shaping our thoughts, actions, and outcomes. Learn how inner work and emotional processing can lead to lasting fulfillment. Learn about Rocky Mountain Rites and its mission to empower young men. Embrace a liberating perspective on mortality and the importance of prioritizing joy and play. Resources Mentioned: Max Rosencrantz's website: coachmaximum.com Rocky Mountain Rites About Max: Max Rosencrantz is a coach and guide for those seeking a deeply fulfilling life. He helps people change their behaviors and emotions, so that ease and joy and flow become their default state of being. He's devoted his life to the path of awakening and helping people to eliminate suffering in their lives. Prior to coaching others directly, he worked as a mechanical engineer designing innovative products for Fortune 100 companies and startups alike. He worked on a range of projects including a 3D printer used by dentists, self lacing shoes, the world's highest performance scuba diving scooter, a set of premium noise cancelling headphones, and a VR game controller for an amusement park.Outside of coaching, he is the co-founder and creative director for Rocky Mountain Rites, an organization devoted to helping young men in the Colorado front range become healthy, empowered leaders in society.His current passion is helping people to deprogram and rewire the unconscious beliefs and conditionings that keep them stuck in unfulfilling patterns.To learn more about Max and his work, visit coachmaximum.com. Join us as we dive deep into Max's journey, the power of inner work, and the keys to unlocking a life of fulfillment and purpose. Let's go!

Jacques Vesery, a celebrated artist and sculptor, and Minda Gold, a compassionate family physician bring a thoughtful and personal perspective to the question, 'what does good work mean to you'? In this episode, they share their personal stories, diverse experiences, and the profound insights they've gained over 33 years of marriage. As Jacques' hands bring wood to life and Minda tends to her patients personally through direct primary care, they explore the intersections of art and medicine, the pursuit of fulfillment, and the importance of living your values, even when it doesn't receive recognition. Together, they'll inspire you to embrace creativity, prioritize nature, and connect with the threads that bind us all. Key Takeaways: Explore the challenges and rewards of balancing artistry with the demands of medicine and the importance of staying true to one's vision. Gain insights into the power of collaboration, building supportive communities, and the impact of art on connecting people across cultures. Learn about the direct primary care movement and how it is changing the way doctors are able to care for their patients. Embrace the significance of slowing down and reconnecting with nature. Creating art with integrity, and finding fulfillment in throughout life's twists and turns. Resources Mentioned: Jacques Vesery Art New England Direct Primary Care Association The Peace Gallery About Minda: Minda, a dedicated family physician, champions the benefits of the direct primary care movement. Direct Primary Care doctors actually spend time with their patients, with standard appointment lengths ranging from thirty minutes to an hour or more. DPC takes out the middleman, cuts through the layers of bureaucratic complexity and provides good, old-fashioned customer service — it is the best of old fashioned medicine in modern times Minda has navigated a diverse range of experiences, from marine biology to the evolution of how she chooses to practice medicine. Minda lives and practices in Damariscotta, Maine, USA. About Jacques: Jacques Vesery is an Artist/ Sculptor from Damariscotta and has lived in Maine for over 25 years. Striving to create an illusion of reality, his vision and inspiration begins with repetitive patterns derived from the 'golden mean' or 'divine proportions'. The marriage of pattern, form and proportion conveys a sense ofgrowth from within each of his pieces. His work is in numerous public and private collections includingthe Detroit Institute of Art, The Renwick Gallery-Smithsonian American Art Museum, Yale University Art Gallery, Peabody-Essex Museum, The Carnegie Museum and Permanent Museum collections in France, Turkey and Japan. He has participated in many collaborative art projects around the world and was lead artist for two such events, “The Kopru Project” in Eskisehir, Turkey 2015 and “Brick by Brick” in Nepal 2016. Jacques recently taught “Collaboration” at Harvard University for the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences fortwo semesters as well. His work has been included in over 30 publications including '100 Artists of New England', 'Scratching the Surface', 'Wood Art Today', 'Natured Transformed', 'New Masters of Woodturning'and the Fine Art of Wood'.

Welcome to another inspiring episode of The Good Work Podcast! Today, we have the honor to hear the incredible journey of Eugene Litvak, founder of The Litvak Team, one of the top real estate leaders in New York City. His story is nothing short of remarkable: from arriving in the United States as a young Jewish immigrant with no knowledge of English, to becoming a real estate magnate and beacon of resilience to his community. In this episode, Eugene generously opens up about his path, sharing insights and wisdom gained through years of challenges and seeking growth. From confronting the "overachiever curse" to navigating financial crises and emotional hurdles in the world of business, Eugene's journey is a testament to the power of mindset, self-realization, and unwavering determination. Key Takeaways: Discover Eugene's incredible journey from immigrant beginnings to real estate success in New York City. Explore the concept of the "overachiever curse" and how it can impact one's path to fulfillment. Learn how Eugene faced financial crises and emotional challenges in his business career and emerged stronger. Gain insights into Eugene's journey of self-discovery, personal growth, and overcoming anxiety. Understand the transformative power of the right mindset, story, and state in unlocking your true potential. Resources Mentioned: The Litvak Team website: Eugene Litvak About Eugene: Eugene Litvak is a real estate visionary and the founder of The Litvak Team, a prominent force in the real estate industry in New York City. His journey is a testament to determination, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of growth and excellence. Eugene's commitment to building relationships and adding value to the lives of others has driven his success and made him a sought-after collaborator in the business world. As a dedicated father, community member, and philanthropist, Eugene finds immense joy in both his family and community engagement.

Grab a cup of tea, head out on your afternoon walk, get ready to reflect and connect in this vibrant conversation with Andrea Chase, the VP of Corporate Social Responsibility at Arbonne, a certified B Corporation. Andrea's story is a beacon for those seeking to align their passion with their profession and create a purpose-driven career. In this episode, we explore the power of purpose, resilience, and the courage to embrace change. Andrea's journey is a testament to the art of 'calling in,' building community, and creating lasting positive impact by working individually to address challenges that are larger than ourselves. Key Takeaways: Andrea Chase's inspiring journey from traditional education to a purpose-driven career in sustainability. The role of B Corporations in creating positive impact and accountability in business. The importance of pursuing passions, self-care, and finding connection in your work. Exploring the concepts of 'calling in' versus 'calling out' and embracing curiosity and risk. Recognizing privilege, managing guilt, and investing in yourself in order to help others. Andrea's commitment to corporate social responsibility and her sustainability mission. Resources Mentioned: Arbonne B Corps Blue Zones About Andrea: Andrea Chase is the VP of Corporate Social Responsibility at Arbonne, where she champions sustainability and the B Corp movement. Her journey is a testament to the power of pursuing passions and creating a positive impact. Andrea believes in the importance of self-care, recognizing privilege, and the art of 'calling in' to build stronger communities. Her mission is to make meaningful work accessible to all, leaving a lasting legacy of purpose-driven change.

Ready to practice your JEDI warrior skills? Join us for a thought-provoking episode as we welcome Dr. Raymona H. Lawrence, the 'Inclusive Networker' (who also has an incredible background as a doctor of public health) to share her insights on justice, equity, diversity and inclusion in your business strategies. Dr. Lawrence is a certified diversity executive and an expert in helping organizations authentically connect with diverse networks of clients, customers, and team members. Her innovative R.O.A.R. framework guides businesses on how to navigate the complexities of privilege, power dynamics, and fostering a culture of connection. Get ready to be called in, not called out, as we unpack the challenges of initiating change, and the importance of tying DEI goals to overall business objectives. Key Takeaways: Discover the power of incorporating diversity, equity, and inclusion into your business strategy. Learn about the R.O.A.R. framework and how it can help create inclusive systems and team cultures Gain insights into navigating privilege, fostering understanding, and promoting constructive dialogue Understand the hurdles faced when initiating DEI changes within businesses and how to overcome them Resources Mentioned: Dr. Raymona H. Lawrence Coaching, LLC About Dr. Raymona: Dr. Raymona H. Lawrence is the Founder and CEO of Dr. Raymona H. Lawrence Coaching, LLC. With a deep commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, she helps individuals and organizations incorporate DEI into their business strategies. Dr. Lawrence holds a doctorate in public health (DrPH) and is a certified diversity executive. Her innovative Roar framework and coaching expertise empower businesses to create inclusive systems and cultures. Dr. Lawrence has facilitated DEI training and consulted with organizations such as Arbonne International and Rodan & Fields. Join us as we explore her invaluable insights into building inclusive and successful businesses.

Are you ready to unravel the mysteries of your tangled relationship with money? We invited Dr. Brad Klontz, a distinguished psychologist, author, and innovator in the realm of financial psychology, to shed light on the emotions and beliefs that drive our financial behaviors. Engage with us as we navigate Brad's personal journey, and explore how his work with individuals across the socioeconomic spectrum has shaped his understanding of wealth psychology. Delve into the world of money scripts with us and understand how they influence your financial health. Dr. Klontz guides us through the four types of money scripts - money avoidance, money worship, money status, and money vigilance. Learn about the universal experience of money-related shame and its potential to lead to money avoidance. You'll be astounded at how our financial well-being hinges on our comparisons with others. Lastly, we ponder over the concept of personal mission and how it can align our choices with our values. Dr. Klontz shares his personal mission statement and how it has steered his work. We also discuss the existential crisis that success can trigger, leading to money avoidance, shame around money, and difficulty expressing values with money. This episode promises to challenge your views on money, wealth, and success - providing fresh insights that will foster a healthier relationship with your finances. Tune in and embark on a journey to better financial mental health. Key Takeaways: (0:00:02) - Psychology and Wealth Intersection Exploration (0:06:28) - Exploring Learned Helplessness and Financial Health (0:17:41) - Exploring Money Scripts and Beliefs (0:24:56) - Understanding Money Scripts and Overcoming Shame (0:35:56) - Overcoming Shame and Comparison in Finances (0:44:21) - Discovering Personal Mission and Healing (0:52:16) - Navigating Post-Success Existential Crisis (1:01:13) - Expressing Gratitude and Future Plans Resources Mentioned: Dr. Brad on IG Dr. Brad on TikTok Website "What's your money script?" Assessment About Brad: Bradley T. Klontz, Psy.D., CFP® is an expert in financial psychology, financial planning, and applied behavioral finance. He's an Associate Professor of Practice at Creighton University Heider College of Business, Co-Founder of the Financial Psychology Institute, and Managing Principal of YYMW Advisors. Dr. Brad is co-author/co-editor of 8 books on the psychology of money: Psychology of Financial Planning (Wiley, 2023), The Practitioner's Toolkit (Wiley, 2023), Money Mammoth (Wiley, 2020) Facilitating Financial Health (NUCO, 2008; 2016), Financial Therapy (Springer, 2015), Mind Over Money (Broadway Business, 2009), Wired for Wealth (HCI, 2008), and The Financial Wisdom of Ebenezer Scrooge (HCI, 2005; 2008). He is a Fellow of the American Psychological Association, and a Former President of the Hawaii Psychological Association. He was awarded the Innovative Practice Presidential Citation from the American Psychological Association for his application of psychological interventions to help people with money and wealth issues and his innovative practice in financial psychology for practitioners across the country. Dr. Brad has been a columnist for the Journal of Financial Planning, On Wall Street, and PsychologyToday.com. His work has been featured on ABC News' 20/20, Good Morning America, and in USA Today, The Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, Time, Kiplinger's, Money Magazine, NPR and many other media outlets and professional magazines and journals. He was appointed to the CNBC Financial Advisor Council in 2023 and received the 2018 and 2021 Montgomery-Warschauer Awards from the Journal of Financial Planning, honoring the most outstanding contribution to the betterment of the financial planning profession. He has partnered with organizations including Capital One, JP Morgan Chase, Mutual of Omaha, and H&R Block in efforts to help raise public awareness around issues related to financial health and financial psychology. **episode note** We are aware that the audio quality is not what we anticipated on our production side, but we felt the content was so rich (pun intended) that we decided to go ahead and share it with you despite the tech potholes. Thanks for your understanding.

In this episode, we're honored to host Mark Opel, a true advocate for environmental stewardship, in all its unexpected forms. As the Finance Lead for the Campaign for Nature, Mark shares his deep-rooted connection to the natural world, his team's ambitious mission to protect 30% of the planet by 2030, and the challenges and rewards of stepping in to values-aligned work. Join us as we explore Mark's inspiring journey from private equity to conservation, the power of humor and a supportive team, and what we can learn from the traditional and transformative potential of philanthropy. Key Takeaways: Discover Mark Opel's personal journey from private equity to conservation finance attune to our profound connection to nature Explore the audacious goal of protecting 30% of the Earth by 2030 and the challenges faced. Learn about the importance of values-aligned work and how to strike a balance. Gain insights into the role of humor and a supportive team in navigating obstacles. Understand the transformative power of philanthropy and the impact of figures like Bill Gates and Jacques Cousteau. Resources Mentioned: Campaign for Nature Frankfurt Zoological Society The Giving Pledge The Nature Conservancy About Mark: Mark Opel is a dedicated conservation finance consultant and the Finance Lead for the Campaign for Nature, advocating for the protection of 30% of the planet by 2030. With a background in private equity and a deep commitment to preserving nature, Mark bridges the worlds of finance and environmental stewardship. He has been instrumental in launching initiatives such as the Legacy Landscapes Fund and has served on the board of the Caribbean chapter of The Nature Conservancy. Join us to uncover Mark's inspiring journey and his impactful work in global conservation efforts.

Get ready for a captivating exploration of the complex world of social impact with our special guest, Daniela Papi Thornton. A distinguished educator, facilitator, and author, Daniela is a luminary in the field of systems-led leadership. She generously shares her wealth of experiences, from running an educational organization in Cambodia for six years to the impact made through her work as an educator and consultant. Our conversation takes a deep dive into the intersection of business models and social impact, the dangers of orphanage tourism, the importance of acknowledging the systems at play in social impact, and the concept of 'Apprenticing with a Problem.' Daniela reminds us of the vital need to change ourselves before attempting to change the world, so we can fully experience the challenges and joys of making a meaningful difference. Key Takeaways: Explore the intricacies of systems-led leadership and social impact Understand the nuanced nature of development work and its intersection with business models. Learn about the dangers of orphanage tourism and the importance of systems thinking. Discover the concept of 'Apprenticing with a Problem' and its significance in social impact. Explore the challenges and joys of purposeful work and making a real difference. Gain insights into Effective Altruism and the concept of Inner Development Goals. Embrace humility and continuous learning in the pursuit of social change. Resources Mentioned: Impact Gaps Canvas Book: "Learning Service" Map the System Daniela's TEDx Talk: Reclaiming Social Entrepreneurship Daniela Papi Thornton - Short Bio: Daniela Papi Thornton is an educator, facilitator, and author specializing in systems-led leadership. She serves as a lecturer at the University of Colorado Boulder and consults with various educational organizations, foundations, and for-profit companies looking to contribute to systems change. Daniela's extensive background includes teaching at prestigious institutions like Yale School of Management and Oxford's Saïd Business School, where she also served as the Deputy Director of the Skoll Centre for Social Entrepreneurship. She is the creator of the Impact Gaps Canvas and the driving force behind Map the System, a contest running at numerous global institutions. Daniela's work is informed by six years of experience in Cambodia, where she ran a hybrid social enterprise educational organization. She co-authored the book "Learning Service" and authored an influential report on "Tackling Heropreneurship." Daniela's TEDx talk on "Reclaiming Social Entrepreneurship" highlights some of her groundbreaking ideas. Join us for an insightful conversation as we navigate the intricacies of social impact, systems-led leadership, and the importance of understanding the nuances of the problems we aim to solve. Let's dive in!

Welcome to an inspiring episode where we dive deep into the topic of overcoming toxicity in the workplace with our special guest, Shola Richards. Shola is a passionate advocate for kindness and civility in the workplace, a best-selling author, and the founder of Go Together Global. In this conversation, we discuss the profound impact of a toxic work environment on one's mental and emotional wellbeing, and the importance of nurturing a safe and supportive professional space. Key Takeaways: - [00:01] Shola Richards introduces himself, sharing his journey from testifying on Capitol Hill, to speaking at Fortune 500 companies, top universities, and healthcare organizations. He discusses his mission to eradicate bullying and incivility from the American workplace. - [05:22] We delve into Shola's origin story and his experiences working in a toxic environment, which led him to a point of despair and ultimately to a suicide attempt. Shola talks about the importance of hope and the need to make a difference so that others don't have to go through similar experiences. He also gives advice to those currently dealing with a toxic work environment. - [20:50] Shola shares his journey from a suicidal attempt to a successful business venture, exploring his path from feeling stuck to following his curiosity and eventually launching his own business. He discusses overcoming internal doubts and fears, and the role of curiosity and perseverance in his journey to success. - [24:31] We discuss how Shola transformed his desire to make the world a kinder place into a successful business venture, the importance of authenticity, and how showing our struggles to our children can help us connect with them better. - [29:40] We delve into the concept of good work, discussing the power of small acts to effect significant change and the courage it takes to stand up for others. Shola talks about how these small acts can inspire kindness and empathy in our workspaces. - [41:07] Shola explores the idea that bad behavior is often an unskilled expression of an unmet need. We discuss the power of curiosity in changing our perspectives and understanding others better. Resources Mentioned: - Website: www.sholarichards.com - Books: "Making Work Work" and "Go Together" by Shola Richards - Go Together Global: Shola Richards' company dedicated to promoting kindness and civility in the workplace. About Shola: Shola Richards, CEO of Go Together Global®, is a best-selling author and renowned speaker on workplace kindness. Known as "Brother Teresa," he's addressed Fortune 50 companies, universities, and TEDx. Shola testified before Congress in 2021 to promote civility. A devoted father and kindness advocate, he's on a mission to eradicate workplace bullying.