The Playbook – Everyday skills for every professional

What's ACTUALLY going on?You'd be amazed by how you think differently, feel differently and act differently when you peel away the layers and ask that one question.What's ACTUALLY going on?Your awareness is most of the battle when it comes to work and life. Understanding what's beneath the superficial surface helps you navigate emotion, expectations, understanding, challenges and escalations. This episode right here is designed to turn you into the Jason Bourne of awareness. Segment 01 – Key rules.Stoooooop with the judgment already. Instead, be truly curious and accept the insights.Segment 02 – Be "self" aware.Get ready to develop a Life List that includes values, what makes you feel better, and what triggers you to feel worse. Then, measure against that baseline.Segment 03 – Be aware of others.If you knew that someone was having a really, really difficult time, you'd be more empathetic and compassionate, right? Well...here's how you use that curiosity to understand what's going on around you.Segment 04 – Be "situationally" aware.Read the room. Here's how to look for everything from power dynamics to social cues.

Motivation is a scam (how's that for a clickbait headline?). If you've ever seen something that makes you feel like you can take on the world, only to watch it fizzle out an hour later...this is the show for you.Things are tough out there right now, and it can be nearly impossible to keep your head up and move forward with confidence. Here's my Playbook for doing exactly that.Segment 01 - Make the commitment.What is motivation?  How to create a purpose. How to establish an environment for yourself.Segment 02 - Build discipline and habit."Don't rely on 'motivation' for anything. It's fleeting and unreliable. Discipline, however, is unyielding.'" How to establish Process/System/Habit. Why you should read Atomic Habits.Segment 03 - Get moving.The importance of visibility. How to make micro actions. The value of ritual. How to get soft accountability working for you.Segment 04 - Bonus secrets.Rest. Setbacks. And what the heck is D.O.S.E.?

Pitching is about people. Yes, yes, you've got a great product...and service...and value proposition.But f you try to bring it to the people by telling everyone how great you are...you're not pitching. You're gambling.Don't gamble. Looking to land a job, a client, a second date? Remember these four things...Segment 01 – Remember that it's not a "moment."You win most pitches when you understand that it's the exclamation point to a sentence, not the entire sentence. Build likability, trust and rapport FIRST. Segment 02 – Understand how your audience "buys" and "rejects."Your pitch isn't about you and your awesome product/service/idea. It's about your audience, and if you don't know them well enough...you won't win often enough.Segment 03 – Frame your story to trigger your buyer.What is your pitch about? Careful. Pick the wrong thing, and you can lose. Pick too many things, and you can lose. Much of your sale will come right here,Segment 04 – Stop making these mistakes.You're pitching to a real live person – and if you're not thinking about this stuff, you're creating a recipe for disaster.

You got the job. Congratulations?Now what?Do you get out there and start making waves in your new gig, or sit back and take it in?What you need...is a plan, and this week's episode gives you the exact plan you need to succeed in any new engagement...Segment 01 – Get off of autopilot.Win with four specific, and helpful skills.Segment 02 – Your 4-step plan.Listen. Win. Recommend. Execute. Segment 03 – Network Better.Make an Influence Map. Learn about great coffee. Go to all that social stuff you hate.Segment 04 – Be known for something.How are you MIRV? What can you recommend? What's your internal "cause?" Are you a "connector?"

Job interviews are harder than they should be.And a big reason for that is that we don't step back and think about what it takes to succeed with a job interview. Instead...we hyper focus on individual questions, and try to think about what they mean.There is a better way, one that starts with not getting into the cattle call challenge for a job interview...and instead, building relationships beforehand. TO learn more about that, check out Episode 125, "How to look for a job."What can you do to ace a job interview? Try these...Segment 01 – Build a "personally moving" business case. You aren't a person applying for a job. You are a brand making a connection. Here's how to do that by driving outcomes for the business and influencing the individual.Segment 02 - Deliver smarter answers.To deliver a better answer, look to media and presentation training. It's about what triggers you'r audience, understanding what they're really asking and delivering a MIRV answer.Segment 03 - Try four secrets.How well are you using gathering time, asking questions, being genuinely curious and following up? These can set you apart.Segment 04 - Think of it as a performance.Bring your best self to the table and learn how to project confidence and break into the brain of the interviewer.

Resumes suck.Not ALL of them, but way, way too many of them.As someone who has worked as a professional CV writer in the past, I have a hunch as to why:We don't actually THINK about our resume. We just sort of follow a template of telling people about us.But here's the thing – many people don't care about us. They care about what we can do for them. And to that end, your resume isn't your story.It's your print ad.The "job" of a resume is to move a sales cycle forward, and get you an interview. That's it.And that's why you might want to re-think how you put that one pager together. On today's episode, I share The Playbook that once got a non-hockey executive interviews with actual NHL teams. Listen up...and make your resume (+ online presence) stand out.Segment 01 – Get off of autopilot.Do the same thing, get the same result – and in this case, that's not a good thing.Segment 02 – Write a better resume.Introducing the "matrix" approach to publishing your story.Segment 03 – Write a better resume (continued).An idea so big, it's going to take two segments to cover it all.Segment 04 – Little things.Cover letters. Humanity. And the importance of "asking for the business."

“Exactly what to do.”I've noticed a problem with too much of LinkedIn's content. It tends to sit in the broader “strategic” layer of thinking. We give advice like “Go out there and network” and “Take care of your mental health.”But the devil's in the details. What do you actually do to network (stand where people hang out) and take care of your mental health (do 2-minute instant mindfulness exercises throughout the day)?That's the focus of my all-new Season of The Playbook. This time around, we're describing Exactly What to Do (EWTODO).This week – How to Look for a Job. I'm getting into the nuts and bolts of resumes and the like in future episodes. This one is simply the little things you need to do to find that dream gig, and it's going to take a bit of legwork to get you there.Segment 01 – Get off of autopilotDo the same things, get the same results. Here's a better way to look for a job.Segment 02 – Think like a businessWhat's your brand plan? Do what businesses do, even if you're an employee.Segment 03 – Build an epic networkSure. You know you need a network. But do you know what you're doing?Segment 04 – Create a presenceA resume and a cover letter don't cut it these days. You need do be something...more.

Everything you need to know about presentations in 46 minutes.When The Playbook first began, the goal was to get past the “strategic layer” of thinking, and down to the very specific things you can do to succeed.That's what this BRAND NEW SEASON is all about. I'm calling it “Exactly What To Do.” Every week, I'm tackling one real world topic – How to get a job, How to build a brand, How to network – and telling you the specific things you should be doing to be successful. This week – presentation skills (obvi). Starting Monday, I'm running the SUGR Instant Course with new content every day. The show's live on Sauga 960 AM today at 3 – and available now to stream on your favourite platform, or from the speakupgetresults.com website. Come hang out. It's like getting a killer keynote on what it takes to present.

There's this great idea that just about anything can be transformed from a challenge into a gift and opportunity.For Joleigh Sherwood, it's not just an idea…it's a way to attack and create every day.It's how she overcame tragedy. It's how she started her own national Nanny-matching business, and it's her ceaseless piece of advice for just about everyone.On this week's show, Joleigh gives the step-by-step to a life that's jam packed with possibility.Segment 01 — Brother's PassingJoleigh's brother passed away too early — and she transformed the tragedy into a catalyst for success in her own life. If you've faced the trauma of a loved one's passing, this is a powerful listen.Segment 02 — Landmark CommunicationsJoleigh is a big fan of how the “Landmark” organization teaches and shares intentional communications. Lots of chat about commitment, listening, layers and understanding.Segment 03 — “There is no such thing as common sense…”Joleigh's favourite professor hit her with this quote as a way to remind her that so much in life is learned and absorbed — it's not innate. “People do things differently — we are in the world because of the way we were brought up.” Segment 04 — SurfingSure, living in California has a lot of perks — but the ability to hit the beach at any given moment and meld with the water is Joleigh's perfect everyday opportunity. 

Leanne Velky's LinkedIn profile reads “I build reg sites.”But it should probably read, “I give great advice to anyone in transition.”A couple of years back, Leanne decided to make some changes in her life, including taking the leap into a brand new business (for those of you in events, her colleagues call her “The Reg Queen.”).If you're starting your career, changing jobs or moving through any major transition in life…you want to listen to Leanne on The Playbook this week. She's got some great advice for how to find the courage to take the leap — plus the one thing that you should do to your LinkedIn profile RIGHT NOW.Segment 01 — Why Not Me, Why Not Now?The one question Leanne asked herself to get out there and start a business — and why you should do it too.Segment 02 — Change Your LinkedIn Headline to the Simplest Thing You DoLeanne changed her LinkedIn profile headline on a whim — and then things got SERIOUSLY interesting.Segment 03 — Permission GrantedSometimes we all need the nudge of a little external validation to take the leap.Segment 04 — Decide on Who You Want to Be“I can't keep milk in the house…” How being the worst at grocery shopping became a moment of empowerment.

My pal Jen Febel just published a new book — it's called: “How to set boundaries (without feeling like a dick).”Awesome topic, great twist. Jen joins The Playbook recently for one of the best conversations ever. Here's what you'll learn to apply to your own career:Segment 01 — My Coach“Coaching” is “how.” “Therapy” is “why.” Jen describes what a good coach can bring to your life.Segment 02 — My ChoirBelonging to “something” is something we all know is important and gratifying — but here's how you can connect with people to change your life.Segment 03 — My (NewNewNew Book)Jen says a boundary isn't the inflexible wall you think it is — and talks about how you can set, reset and understand boundaries for everyone's benefit. Then I derail her, and we start talking about all sorts of stuff.Segment 04 — My HusbandWhat is a partnership for? How do you connect? What can you give one another for a better life.

Possibly the most touching, most harrowing, most inspiring episode we have ever done.I hit the floor at a massive conference in October, and go the chance to talk with two incredible leaders in the event space. Both Debbie Garcia and Nelia Nunes brought a showstopper insight for your career and your life.Here's what we learned:Segment 01 — Debbie Garcia — The PandemicSo many entrepreneurs took the Pandemic as a time to rethink, reshuffle and restart. Debbie shows how it's done.Segment 02 — Debbie Garcia — Emotional RegulationIt's a tough world out there — but Debbie chose to start meeting it with a massive smile os possibility. Here's how you can do it too.|Segment 03 — Nelia Nunes — Supporting Her DaughterWhen she was 11-years-old, Neil's daughter had a seizure out of the blue. The journey forward was challenging, hopeful and full of learning. Nelia shares the experience, and lots of tips on how you can succeed in an impossible situation.Segment 04 — My First EventThink back to YOUR first job. What did that look/feel like? What did you learn? If you're about to start something new, Nelia shows you how to look for the right things with which you can succeed.

Imagine you get the chance to install software on Prince's laptop — Prince, as in the greatest musician of all time Prince.In a situation like that you have to wonder, “how on earth did I get HERE?”Marc Stevenson has the answer to that question — and more than a few stories about the world's best musicians. This week, he shares his four Gamechangers to help you level up you career and take on the world.Segment 01 — ExpectationsThis one's a bit of a jaw dropper — Marc and his family are expecting a big inheritance. The plot twist fuels an extraordinary career.Segment 02 — BeyoncéYes, there is a real Beyoncé story in this story, but it's how Marc put himself in the position to hang with her that's important.Segment 03 — Getting BoughtBe a sell out — in the very best way possible. Marc talks about what it means to be attractive to buyers, and how you can keep learning.Segment 04 — Corporate AdventuresWhat happens once you've spent your career on your own, and you go “inside” for a corporate gig? Marc shares the whole story in this extended segment (complete with TWO stories about Prince).

It's finally happening!If you know the name Cynthia Richards, you know this is going to an Oprah-level episode (seriously, she gives me so many glow ups, it's nutty). Cynthia is a powerhouse of inspiration, who co-founded the events agency Event Spectrum (Hi Zora!). Here, she shows how some of the indelible ideas of connection are STILL essential in our media drenched universe. LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE!Segment 01 - LikeabilityAre you truly, honestly likeable? Why? How? Be conscious of this simple idea, and everything changes.Segment 02 - See People. Give to People.This is really nine different ideas in one. We start with "remembering someone's name" and end with how you help the world around you.Segment 03 - ValuesWhat are your values and how do you live them? Now...look at your values again and push a little bit. Get beyond the obvious ones (honesty, integrity, accountability), and find out the most important part of you.Segment 04 - CuriosityYou hear this all the time, but do you live this all the time? How does real world, real time curiosity work.

Julie Gropp is my energy doppelgänger, so you know that's going to be trouble.Be sure to turn your radio down a tick or two to capture all the super insight of someone who knows who to practically de-escalate and break into the brains of those she works with. If you like real world mental health, this is your episode.Segment 01 - Mental ClutterOur brains are buzzing cities of information, distraction and attention. Here's how to deal with it all.Segment 02 - Neruoscience PodcastJulie found the neuroscience dream pop culture dream team – all hanging out together on one must listen Podcast.Segment 03 - Owning SmartsIf you're smart, don't hide it. Sound obvious? It's interesting how many of us wallpaper over that stuff.Segment 04 - The Commitment of Doing NothingSure, we talk about "self care" and relaxation. Then we jump into the social media river and watch our anxiety spike. Here's an actual, honest-to-goodness guide to do less.

Every time I talk to Brandy Ryan, our 15 minute scheduled call turns into 90...and we have to force ourselves to stop talking to one another.She's just that engaging, interesting and empathetic. Brandy Ryan is a Creative Director who really really really takes the care and time to understand audiences. On this show, she shares great ideas on how she unlocks creativity...and how you can to:Segment 01 - WalkingNeed to solve a problem...walk it off (but not in the sports-y kind of way).Segment 02 - CourageIt couldn't come at a worse time...Segment 03 - FailureSure, we all SAY that failure is essential, but what happens when the rubber hits the road?Segment 04 - Buffy the Vampire SlayerListen to this segment...and you'll want to watch it too. 

Straight up - this is a powerful and emotional episode.I met Beth at an event in San Diego earlier this year. She was a standout panelist, and I asked her if she'd like to hang out on the show.What she shares in this episode is intensely personal. From a must-read book (even if you don't work in events) to a wonderful relationship with her dad, you get the feeling that following her story would make YOU into a better person and a better professional. Beth's 4 Gamechangers...Segment 01 - The Art of Gathering by Priya ParkerA book about gathering, that's really a book about you and your own purpose.Segment 02 - The Morning Ritual PodcastMeditation seems to be on everybody's radar these days as a cure for so much. THIS wonderful resource helps you mediate in powerful and effective ways.Segment 03 - The Car AccidentLife is full of thresholds, and getting into a significant accident is a pretty big one. How Beth looked at her life after a massive moment...and how you can too.Segment 04 - DadIf you've got a great relationship with your dad...this segment is going to bring good, happy, warm memories...and a few ideas too.

Wendy Porter sees opportunity just about  everywhere. And she seems to have a knack for converting those opportunities into special things – events, businesses and one-of-a-kind of experiences.Get a front row seat on HOW she does that in this week's Gamechanger edition of The Playbook:Segment 01 – First Event"You can put on an event, right?" A handful of words can shift the trajectory of your entire career. Segment 02 – Company Origin StoryHow a quick comment in an elevator can set you on an entirely new path in life.Segment 03 – Getting Laid OffIn the moment, it's terrifying...but Wendy finds a mentor and transforms a layoff into the perfect path forward. (Bonus Gamechanger: The real value of gratitude).Segment 04 – Governing the Pandemic Wendy discovers that her industry needs a voice during the Pandemic. How it started. How it's going. 

"Oh, there's a lot of opportunities, if you know when to take them, you know?"  What do the Pet Shop Boys and really pretty journals have in common?The answer is event planner and creative explorer Micki Lubek.Micki is one of the most interesting writers I've personally come across over the past couple of years.And now…I find out what makes her such a powerful creative force. If you want to find new strategies to solve problems in your work…listen to Micki. She's on the radio show this week, and she has some big ideas.Segment 01 – Pet Shop BoysRemember the Pet Shop Boys? They're Micki's harbinger of creative greatness (and yeah, they're still around and killingit).Segment 02 – Libraries And not just ANY libraries. Micki loves a very, very specific type.Segment 03 – DisasterWhat happens when we have a moment where everything blows up…Micki gets extra creative.Segment 04 – NotebooksYou really need to have a super cool repository for your journey. Micki's got tips to make your notebooks extra memorable (guest bloggers!).

You know that one person in your industry who decided to push the limits, and became a superstar around the world?In my industry, that's Christian Chenier. He went from doing great work in Toronto, to doing great work with The Blue Man Group, NBC/Universal and the recent Luna Luna installation in L.A. (not to mention stops with Broadway shows and so so much more).How did he do it...and what can you learn? That's in this week's Gamechangers episode.Segment 01 - Integrity & "Authentic Enrolment"How you get accountability by showing vulnerability.Segment 02 - Being the OneLess talk. More action. Get awesome at something and just...use that skillset to be amazing.Segment 03 - Empathy LeadershipOur old friend Empathy is back - with real world advice for people who have to lead people.Segment 04 - Glam PrecisionForget the lie of "Flawless Execution." Do this instead.

Health advice...that feels different.I've interviewed Dr. Heather Denniston three times over the past few months, and each time I have...I've learned something completely unexpected.Want to build a better life for yourself? This is an eye opening episode, where Heather shares the four things that changed her game.Segment 01 - Forced independence.What happens when you're young and on your own.Segment 02 - Nuanced communication.How do you communicate with someone who...isn't easy to get through to?Segment 03 - Strong network.It's not just about building a network...it's about connecting with three types of people.Segment 04 - Inner elder work.Look forward 10, 20...40 years. Who do you want to be?

It was 29 years ago this week that I first heard the name David Brandy.It was in a voicemail. He was offering me an interview, which turned out to be my first full time writing gig.David is a writer, Creative Director and "lens based artist," and he's got some intriguing ways he's built that life portfolio.Segment 01 – Learning how to be an adult (from my kids)The ultimate teachers provide the ultimate lesson, as David transitions into a new life, all thanks to his two daughters. Segment 02 - Recovering creativityWhat do you do when you've lost that creative spark (and it's a central part of who you are)? David finds a path in a classic book.Segment 03 - ResilienceLife will bend you – here's how to make sure it doesn't break you.Segment 04 - The strange can be beautifulA critical part of living life creatively....understand how to embrace the weird to find something of incredible value.

What happens when you get two professional speakers together?This is what happens – 46 intriguing moments on how Michael Barris build a brilliant career as a jazz guitarist, journalist, teacher and coach. Listen up...and steal steal steal some big ideas.Segment 01 – Broken stringsA live concert that is not going well, until Michael breaks a string and says "f@ck it."Segment 02 – Bernie MadoffMichael learns the craft of storytelling (and shares the secrets with you).Segment 03 – What I learned (as a teacher)As a professor at Rutgers, Michael learns a lot from his students.Segment 04 – The (inevitable) bookOf course he has a best selling book – Michael runs down 7 more Gamechangers for you.

Funny story. I was leaving a keynote session last week and bumped into this guy before I headed to my car. "This guy" turned out to be Canada's Got Talent magician, mentalist and hypnotist Savio Joseph.And does he ever have some interesting Gamechangers.Segmen 01 - YouTubeYep. THAT YouTube. How Savio uses it to learn, and how he's becoming an internet sensation thanks to TikTok and Instagram.Segment 02 - Gary VInfluencers are big for so many. Whether it's Jay Sherry, or Mel Robbins...there's something out there to learn. Here's what Savio is taking from the superstar.Segment 03 - "I Can't Make This Up"I'll admit...I'm skeptical of this Kevin Hart book...until Savio passionately goes to bat for it.Segment 04 - A mind bending quote.I won't ruin the surprise, but I think we've discovered where Savio's optimism and passion come from.

What does a comms pro, ESPN poker writer and Magic the Gathering HoFer (seriously) do for inspiration?Find out in this edition of The Playbook Game Changers, as we bring Gary Wise into the studio.This season is all about the things that change our professional games – and how we use those skills, insights and media to inspire great careers and great lives.Segment 01 – Shame and ResilienceYeah, that's right - Gary shows how understanding the often hidden world of Shame...can build a better life.Segment 02 - MindfullnessYou hear the term constantly. Here's how you make sense of mindfulness and put it to work for you.Segment 03 - "On Writing" by Stephen KingA classic read for anyone who strings together sentences for a living.Segment 04 - Dialectical ThinkingThe way to make every conversation, a better one (even the argument you have over Thanksgiving Dinner).

The Playbook is just passing YEAR THREE of shows – and we're celebrating with a Brand. New. Season.Season 08 is called “Gamechanger” – where we talk to a whole bunch of smart people about the things that have changed their professional and personal lives. Books. Podcasts. Advice. TikTok Videos. You name it.To kick the season off, you get me talking about my Big 4…Segment 01 – Tiny JoysWhen Alan Cross started up The Ongoing History of New Music radio show on CFNY, I was a second year student in university. Now past episode #1000 (show off), it's the perfect emblem of tiny joys and how they work.Segment 02 – Positive IntelligenceHow to turn an pessimist into a optimist, and a an optimist into the happiest person in the world.Segment 03 – SleepIt's everything. Every. Thing. Here's how to build the right environment for sleep … and how not to overdo it.Segment 04 – Not About YouProbably the single greatest piece of advice I've ever received.

You may have heard the term "neurodiversity" in your recent travels, and wondered "what does that mean?"It's all part of a path to understand how to get the most out of people. Event specialist Hannah Whitaker is on the show this week to talk about how that happens...Segment 01 - The ProblemI'm joining a committee at work to deal with things like neurodiversity and inclusion. I want to be prepared for our first meeting – where do I start.Segment 02 - Who and HowWho are you helping...and what work experience do you want them to have – two key questions to ask as you build more supports for people.Segment 03 - Trends and NextWhat types of supports are common -- and how are we tackling neurodiversity. Segment 04 - Where to Learn MoreWhat to read. What to ask. What courses to consider.

You want to change someone's mind about something. You know the skills of persuasion.How do you do it in a way that doesn't leave everyone feel icky and weird?This week on the 100th episode of the show, we have Marsha Shandur to talk about that exact thing. It's called ethical persuasion, and here is how it works.Segment 01 - The Problem"Our company had a trainer come in last week to talk about presenting – but I feel a bit weird. So much of what he said could feel manipulative. "What is ethical persuasion?Segment 02 - How to ethically persuadeThe steps are easy - understand what your audience wants, understand what you want, then solve the problem between the two.  Marsha shares how it all works.Segment 03 - Where storytelling fitsStorytelling is a massive component of ethical persuasion. Here's Marsha's incredible take on how to put together an unforgettable story.Segment 04 -- Where to learn moreA radio show is just the tip of the proverbial iceberg. Want to see great persuasion in action? Here's what you need to watch and read.

Chris Elkerton had a brain aneurysm in the middle of a meeting.16 months later, he's back at work.It's an incredible journey from which anyone can learn. How Chris made the Comeback...this week on The Playbook.Segment 01 - The Challenge"I am returning to work after a heart incident...what do I need to know?"On a regular day, in a regular meeting, something very not ordinary happened to Chris Elkerton. Here's how it can help anyone looking to recover and return to work.Segment 02 - The First StepsHome and recovering, Chris turns to three approaches to drive recovery.Segment 03 - The PrepChris begins to think about how he'll return to work.Segment 04 - The ReturnThe first days and weeks hold promise and surprise for Chris.

Ooo - this is a gooooood episode.The super tense film Sway is about to have its Toronto premiere this weekend. We've got producers, actors, directors and writers galore - because the story BEHIND the making of the film is also super fascinating.Segment 01 - The ProblemYou have a big idea. You have great passion. You have extraordinary skills. Now what? Stars and Producers Misheal Morgan and Emmanuel Kabongo tell us about the film and kick off the creative journey filled with persistence and passion. Segment 02 - The IdeaCo-direectors Charlie Hamilton (who also writes) and Zach Ramelan offer a peek inside the brain of a creative pro (or two). Learn how you can have an idea that suddenly "comes together" in a big way.Segment 03 - The Journey7 days. SEVEN DAYS! That was principal shooting for the ENTIRE film. Zach and Charlie share how you make THAT happen - and then steward a project through the delicate next phase. Segment 04 - The BreakthroughHow do you get the world to hear about your big idea, and what happens once you start to gain momentum. Emmanuel and Miseheal give an insider's look at black carpet events, and what it takes to just. keep. going.

Podcasts. Masterclasses. Learning Management Systems. Infographics. Linkedin. Community College Classes.Holy crumb...there is a LOT of choice when it comes to what we want to learn and where we should be learning it.Where do we even start?Intel's Elaine Mah has answers. In this episode, we ideate how to learn, what to learn and where to look.Segment 01 -- The ChallengeI'm a senior manager in the tech space, and I've our HR system allows me to take courses throughout the year. But there's so much out there ... it's SO overwhelming. Where do I even start???Segment 02 -- ChoiceThere are two really interesting places you can start when it comes to professional development. Elaine outlines where to look (and why conferences are SUPER important).Segment 03 – Disciplined ExperimentationThere are OTHER ways you can learn that don't involve classes. In this segment, we explore the concept of Disciplined Experimentation (what it is and how it works).Segment 04 - MediaWhat you could be reading and watching to upgrade your growth mindset.

Segment 01 – The ProblemHere's the problem…I just helped my company launch a brand new marketing campaign – advertising, social media, PR, the whole thing. The numbers are trending really well. But something feels off, and I can't quite place it. Any thoughts?Segment 02 – SecretsHow do engagement and attention actually work? Ben's got a few surprises for you.Segment 03 – Levels of EngagementWhat are Adverse, Selective and Deceptive levels of engagement – and how to they affect your work?Segment 04 – The Final LevelReach for the brass ring – learn what Affecting Engagement is (and what it's all about). 

Jason has a presentation to give at the super awesome GO WEST event in Edmonton.And he has 11 days to get it together.On this episode, we follow Jason as he considers his content and begins to build towards his rehearsal. He vacillates. He stumbles. He comes up with new ways to do things. It's messy -- the way a real brainstorm should be.Segment 01 - The ProblemJason describes the process of developing a great presentation lickity split.Segment 02 - The BlueprintWe start to move through Jason's thinking to uncover the path to good.Segment 03 - The Content (Part 01)In a preview of the actual content, Jason plays with language and realizes...he's got a lot more work to do.Segment 04 - The Content (Part 02)We keep diving into the content (it's a presentation, oddly, ABOUT content).

Sometimes – you can't solve your problem in real time. Sometimes, you just need to know when to sit with something, or to accept and move on. This week, super author Annie Meehan helps you sort this out for your career and your life.Segment 01 - IntroductionHere's the problem…I just got news from a really big client that they're not going to renew my contract for the new year. I'm sad. I'm angry. I'm in shock. I know I should be turning all of this into an opportunity…but I don't know where to start.Segment 02 - When to “sit” with itCan you just let the emotion wash over you? Let's talk “hammer” or “hammock.Segment 03 - When to “move on”You get…a specific number of days to wallow and hurt. Then you have to start moving to the next stage. Here's how to do it.Segment 04 - More ThinkingBooks you can read. Podcasts you can listen to. Here's how to get into action.

From neurodivergent through mental health, our workforce continues to fragment and diversify. 20 years ago, hiring someone who was disabled was an occasional though for most businesses. As we understand more, we learn to unlock the potential of all employees. This week, superstar Rebecca Summerfield stops by to show how you can build a business that can unlock that potential.Segment 01 - The OpportunityI'm a local employer, and I recently interviewed a candidate who has a disability. I think they'd be a great candidate, but I'm not sure how to navigate everything…Segment 02 - Overcoming MythsWhen you hear the phrase "disabled employee," you instantly get a mental image. Here's why that can hamstring you, and what to do instead.Segment 03 - EmployersHow to hold smart conversations that help your team to operate at its best.Segment 04 - EmployeesHow to empower yourself to help employers focus on your skillset, not your disability.

This edition of The Playbook is going to resound BIG TIME with so many of you.In our hyperconnected world, people are feeling more lonely than ever before. Luckily, my friend Joelle Parent-Proulx has been doing a LOT of thinking about loneliness and solitude. Want to feel more connected and be a-ok with your solitude? Listen up to this week's episode. It's so so so good.Segment 01 – The ProblemI'm a Senior VP at a technology company. My work is really interesting, purposeful…and gratifying.But there's this one thing.I've always heard this idea that it's lonely at the top — and I get it. It often seems like I don't have anyone to share my experience with, and who can really see my challenges and wins.Segment 02 – The Impact“Loneliness” has a negative impact on energy and brain chemistry. Learn about the three types of loneliness that we all face.Segment 03 – Big ThoughtsWhat can we do about our loneliness? Start with some big, strategic level thinking…Segment 04 – Small Thoughts How to use tools like “stop and drop” to feel less lonely. 

If you struggle with your mental fitness and mental health (or work with someone who does), you want to listen to Leslie Bennett on this week's show.Every time I have a conversation with Leslie, I walk away with so many new ideas, strategies and insights. This show is no different, and I don't think the term “self care” comes up even ONE TIME.Practical and powerful ways to support your people. Segment 01 - The ProblemBetween my company's new back-to-work initiatives, a toddler at home and a side hustle I created during the pandemic – I'm burning out. How do I find balance here with my mental health…and my life?Segment 02 - What to Do FirstHow to understand and be empowered to take control of your mental health.Segment 03 - RealityHow to deal with things like power dynamics in the real world of mental health.Segment 04 - Empathy “You don't need to have an answer…” There's a difference between knowing and getting it right and being curious. How to ask “are you ok?” and not be afraid of the answer.

Want to instantly confuse someone? Ask them the question, "how do I REALLY embrace  the idea of sustainability?"We talk about building more sustainable lives. The question is – how do we LIVE those lives. This week on The Playbook, we Brainstorm that idea with Chance Thompson.Segment 01 – The ProblemI know sustainability is important – apparently so does my company. They just asked me to get involved in a new sustainability policy and I have no idea what to do next.Segment 02 -– StrategyWhat are the big thoughts and approaches you need to take – spoiler, start small!Segment 03 – ContributionThink about what you can do on a daily basis to make your life and your community better.Segment 04 – Self-SustainabilityPicking up from where we left off, this is what you do (and what you can read to get even better).

I'm not going to sugarcoat it – your presentation is probably bad.Selfish. Boring. And dear goodness, that PowerPoint.Luckily, you have two passionate (and mildly angry) people to help out. On this week's Playbook, McGill's Andy Churbill and I are fixing your presentation!Segment 01 – The ProblemI've been tapped to give a presentation at an upcoming conference. I have to talk about a new technology system we're implementing. I just did a rehearsal in front of my boss, and she said that my presentation was – quote – “too focused on my perspective.” I have no idea what that means! (P.S. She also said that my slides were a mess!).Segment 02 – The #1 Issue with PresentationsIt's not your deck (we're getting to that).Segment 03 – Why Be Boring?How to use this million dollar question to be meaningful, interesting, relevant and valuable.Segment 04 – Fix Your DeckAndy and I talk about the unique ways we build better PowerPoint – because it can be a SUPER helpful tool for you, if you use it the right way.

Warning – Some NSFW language is unbeeped in this episode.When Ellyn Winters was diagnosed with breaded cancer, she stood up in some wholly unexpected ways. She refused reconstructive surgery, she wrote a book, she created an AI version of herself and she away a lot of the mystery and shame associated with the disease.On today's episode – how you can stand up too.Segment 01 – The ProblemI was just diagnosed with Breast Cancer. My head is spinning. What do I do when it comes to my health, my life and my job.Segment 02 – The Medical StoryHow to ask the right questions and advocate for yourself in a complex health system.Segment 03 – The Life StoryWhat to expect day-to-day – and how to help your network actually be supportive.Segment 04 – The Work StoryThere are some not-so-great surprises waiting for you. Here's how to navigate cost and the way you work.

Here's a secret you won't believe – I'm an introvert.Yeah, yeah, I know. You see me all chatty, all the time. But the next time you're at an event where I'm present, watch me. I tend to circle the room and duck out early so that I can reclaim all my energy.That's why this week's episode is so special for me. Speaker agency superstar Tami Adams comes by to hash out great real world networking tips.Segment 01 – The ProblemI'm an introvert. I hate networking. But I know that I Have. To. Network. I'm going to an industry conference in a couple of weeks, and I'm already losing sleep.Segment 02 – Understand Who You AreWhat's your personality – and what do you want out of your networking interactions?Segment 03 – Start SmallAdopt a buddy. Comment more on social media. Just take it one step at a time.Segment 04 – Push Your Comfort ZoneElevate your networking with goodies like physical and verbal mirroring.

Have you been branded with the Scarlett Letter?On this week's show, we connect with Devon Montgomery Pasha as she talks about labels in life and the workplace – and how you can shuck those labels to be your best self. It's one of the most intriguing hours of radio that I've ever had the chance to curate.Segment 01 – The Problem“I was at a corporate event a few weeks ago, and we did this icebreaker exercise where we were asked to use one word to describe someone else. I got was the word “ambitious” from more than a few people … and it hasn't been sitting right with me ever since. It felt like code for pushy or a career climber. How do I shake this feeling?” Segment 02 – Label MakerLabels (both good and bad) can be dangerous shorthand. Here's what to focus on instead.Segment 03 – AuthenticityWe hear that phrase “Be Authentic” all the time – what does it actually mean in the real world?Segment 04 – Worth“I am only worth as much as someone says I am…” How to break the “belonging” habit to bring out your best skills, traits and characteristics.

Do you feel stuck in your career or life?This week, we're giving you the tools and skills to unstick yourself!Segment 01 – IntroductionI feel like I'm having a mid life crisis at work – and I'm only 35! I work for a large financial services company, and I Just. Feel. Stuck, I haven't been promoted in more than three years, and I don't know what else I could be doing better in my job. It's starting to bleed over to my personal life too – I find that I spent too many nights just sitting around watching TV. I used to be so much more dynamic. Help!Segment 02 – Mindset“Come to things as they are.” How to reframe the idea of “stuck” to shift your perspective.Segment 03 – ActionFrom pivoting to creating small wins…here's what you can do to create the momentum you want.Segment 04 – More Action“Actions influence attitudes – and attitudes influence actions.” More than you can DO to achieve what you want to.

I haaaaaaaate meetings – because too many of our meetings really shouldn't be meetings at all. And the worst of them has to be the “WEEKLY STATUS UPDATE.” On this week's Brainstorm edition of The Playbook, we welcome Anthea Rowe to talk about how to make those awful hours of your life into something better.  Segment 01 – IntroductionHere's the problem…One of my least favourite parts of my jobs is my weekly status update with my boss. It always seems to be the same thing over and over – “How are things going?” “Fine…” “Where do you need help” “I could use resourcing…” I'm not looking for these things to be a party or anything…but I could accomplish the same thing by sending out an email… Segment 02 – The 3 Big MistakesAnthea describes three serious errors you're making in your meetings – and how to fix them (seriously, stop venting and get to the solutions).Segment 03 – AnxietyStatus Meetings have an effect on your mental health. Here's what you need to quell your anxiety and make the difference.Segment 04 – ProgressWhat gets measured, gets managed. Anthea describes a super interesting way to understand how to report progress in every meeting you hold.

So…you wanna be a thought leader…I get a lot of clients asking me about “how” they get to be a thought leader. On today's Playbook, we bring in real world Association Thought Leader Tommy Goodwin to share his own super awesome playbook.Segment 01 – The ProblemHere's the problem…I've been meeting with a business coach over the last couple of months, and she says that it'd be really helpful to my career if I established myself as a ‘thought leader.' What does that mean and what should I do about it? Segment 02 – How After a chat about “audience,” Tommy shares the big three – Content Creation, Social Proof and Networking.Segment 03 – Getting Started“There is no wrong door to getting started…video, comment, blog.” Here's a great list of where you can begin (and why you shouldn't do them all at once).Segment 04 – PitfallIt takes time to build a Thought Leadership following. How to keep going when you want success RIGHT NOW.

Get ready to predict the future.Knowing “what's next” and how to make smart decisions can come down to building a process and a track record.Which is why we're bringing in a heavy hitter from the future on this week's edition of The Playbook: Brainstorm.Dean West is some sort of genius sent from the future, ready to share how to ask better questions, how to research like it matters, how to develop your process and how to share it all with the world.Segment 01 – The ProblemI'm a new VP at pretty big national company in an industry that continues to change a lot. My team is constantly looking to me for insights into “what's next.” So…how to I predict the future? Segment 02 – ResearchWhat to look for. What to avoid. And how to make research part of your daily lifeSegment 03 – ProcessFrom someone who shares process like he lives and breathes it – this is exactly what to do.Segment 04 – SharingHow to make sure the world knows you're a credible predictor of the future, and able to apply that to your business. 

It's a whole new season of the Playbook, where we get the smartest people in business to solve a real world problem in real time.We're kicking things off big this time around with David Allison from The Valuegraphics Project as he and I bounce around like giddy kids to address this:Segment 01 – The Problem “I'm a sales and marketing manager at an Insurance Company. We're prepping a new campaign targeting audiences who are looking to switch companies. We usually do the same audience profiling with demographics and psychographics, but in the age of big data and AI – there has to be something else we could be doing?”Let's talk about what Valuegraphics are – and how they make 8x the difference to your sales and marketing than traditional methods. David has more than a MILLION surveys to back him up on this one.Segment 02 – Discovery David has actual data from insurance companies to understand how and why people switch – and he goes off with a dozen different big ideas on how to build loyalty in this group. Not in insurance? No problem – his method works for you too.Segment 03 – Power ValuesHow you can prioritize and use values in a way that is meaningful and actionable for your company, product or brand.Segment 04 – The Three QuestionsLearn how the answers to these three questions can tell a lot about a person (and also makes for a great game at a cocktail party): Why do you go to work every day?You just won the lottery. Why would you give away half your winnings?You write a letter to “you” from 10 years ago. What do you say – and why?

Jenn and Jason consume a LOT of media. Here are their very favourite books, podcasts and experiences.

Are you transforming ANY situation into a positive gift for yourself?Yeah, at first glance that sounded all superfluous and wishful thinking.But the "operating system" Positive Intelligence is something different, and we have coaches Vimari Roman and Rochelle Stone along for the ride to talk about how you can make every moment of every day into something better.Get ready to learn PQ reps, saboteur and sage mindsets!

Ooo this is a BIG episode, chock full of the intangibles.What are the skills that nobody talks about...11 skills you need for your career.CoachabilityOptimismKindnessAnalysisDecision MakingAttention to Detail CuriosityWork EthicIntegrityFollow UpSelf Confidence

Natalie Lowe wants us ALL to be better with sustainability.And she has some pretty concrete ideas on how to do that.In this episode, we talk "real world" sustainability (and it's not about buying a shiny new electric car.