Podcasts about Convergent

Send a textIn this special episode of The Difference, Host Jay Werth speaks with Brian Abernathy, General Manager, Convergent, and Clint Nessmith, CEO of Resource Development Group, to discuss the merger uniting the two respected fundraising firms.The partnership expands national capacity, strengthens board-led capital campaign execution, and brings together the largest dataset in economic development fundraising.Brian and Clint share the strategic vision behind the merger, what it means for current clients, and how the integrated team will support economic development, chambers, and philanthropic organizations moving forward.Tune in for a concise look at what this next chapter means for fundraising nationwide.

Leerlingen kunnen keurig een stappenplan nadoen en tóch nauwelijks beter wiskundig leren denken. Voor veel leerlingen op de middelbare school gaat wiskunde over het correct ‘herhalen’ wat de docent voordoet op het bord. Is het ook mogelijk een werkomgeving te creëren waar leerlingen uitgedaagd worden om zelfstandig en diep te leren nadenken over wiskundige problemen? Dat is de zoektocht waar ik met Matthias Kaat over doorpraat: wiskunde draait fundamenteel om probleemoplossen, redeneren en het opdoen van inzicht, maar in veel lokalen overheerst vooral een “voordoen–nadoen–oefenen” methodiek. De vraag is dan ongemakkelijk simpel: leren leerlingen eigenlijk wel goed wiskunde? Matthias Kaat is lerarenopleider wiskunde en is aan de slag gegaan met het boek Building Thinking Classrooms (Peter Liljedahl) als een praktische benadering om wiskundig denken zichtbaar en collectief te maken. Niet door leerlingen “zomaar wat te laten doen”, maar door juist te werken met slimme klas routines: bijvoorbeeld met steeds willekeurige drietallen, door staand te werken, de klas anders in te richten en aan de slag te gaan op whiteboards met een prikkelende en uitdagend wiskundig vraagstuk. Fouten maken wordt minder riskant, ideeën worden makkelijker gedeeld en “didactisch afkijken” wordt onderdeel van de lespraktijk. Leerlingen leren hierdoor dieper nadenken is het idee. Belangrijk is ook de nuance: dit is geen alles-of-niets werkwijze. Divergente problemen (met meerdere aanpakken) en convergente taken (gericht oefenen) versterken elkaar. Liljedahl put uit 15 jaar praktijkonderzoek en brengt wiskundige vraagstukken tot leven in de lespraktijk. We bespreken tot slot ook hoe je deze werkwijze kunt adopteren in je klaslokaal. Ook voor andere domeinen buiten de wiskunde! Kernpunten uit de podcast:

Aujourd'hui, Abel Boyi, éducateur, Barbara Lefebvre, professeur d'histoire-géographie, et Didier Giraud, agriculteur de Saône-et-Loire, débattent de l'actualité autour d'Alain Marschall et Olivier Truchot.

Send us a textIn this panel discussion of The Difference led by Convergent's Andy Brubaker and Pam Reid, the two are joined by Jeff Baldwin, CEO (Ret) of the Bloomington Boys & Girls Club, along with Melanie Conner of Rainbow Village, to unpack what effective board engagement really looks like in practice. The conversation begins by setting the stage, examining why ongoing engagement matters and the most common challenges organizations face in keeping board members meaningfully involved.The panel then explores proven strategies that foster participation, strengthen relationships, and motivate board members through clarity, recognition, and purpose. Drawing from firsthand experience, the panelists share real-world case studies, quick wins, and long-term approaches that help boards move from passive oversight to active leadership, offering practical takeaways nonprofit leaders can apply immediately.

Thaipoosam Cavadee : les dévots convergent vers les kovils ce dimanche… « Le cavadee représente Muruga », explique Aya Sivaramen by TOPFM MAURITIUS

Send us a textIn this episode of The Difference, host Jay Werth sits down with members of Convergent's Philanthropic Services team for a forward-looking discussion on trends from across their 2025 client work and what it means for fundraising in 2026.The conversation explores major forces shaping the sector, including the Great Wealth Transfer, shifting major-gifts strategies driven by generational decision-making, anticipated changes in federal grant funding, and the growing role of AI in fundraising. Together, these insights offer practical guidance for nonprofit leaders preparing for a rapidly evolving philanthropic landscape.

Thought to share? Send me a text...We explore how faith and effort work together through Nehemiah's bold request to rebuild Jerusalem, showing how prayer fuels practical planning. Along the way we unpack convergent faith, journaling for clarity, and choosing open doors over closed ones.• Two wings of progress: faith and human effort• Nehemiah's courage in the king's court• Specific asks: letters, timber, timelines, and travel• Preparation as evidence of trust and character• Convergent faith: gifts, calling, and prayer aligned• Journaling to remember lessons and track God's provision• Discernment: not every good thing is your thing• Practical questions to identify gifts and passions• Looking for open doors instead of closed ones• Blessing to rebuild from the inside outTo find out more about me, or to book a speaking engagement, head to https://betsymarvin.com/For access to past podcasts and transcripts, head tohttps://betsymarvin.com/podcasts/You can follow me on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/betsyjmarvin/and Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/betsy.marvin.98

Send us a textIn this episode of The Difference podcast, Host Jay Werth is joined by Convergent's Pam Reid and Andy Brubaker for a candid conversation about the critical role board members play in effective fundraising. Together, they explore why board engagement is essential to organizational sustainability, how to overcome common hesitation and fear around fundraising, and how fundraising serves as a natural extension of mission and stewardship. The discussion also highlights the practical roles board members can take on, as ambassadors, advocates, and askers, and the importance of clear expectations, training, and accountability to set boards up for success. 

Episode 99 of Messy Jesus Business podcast, with Sister Julia Walsh. In this episode of Messy Jesus Business podcast, Sister Julia Walsh, FSPA talks with Kaitlin Curtice. They explore Indigenous spirituality, the power of stories, the cyclical nature of being, expansiveness and liminality, the difference between certainty and faith, joy in art, Mother Earth, community, taking time to heal, presence and contemplation, and much more. Podcast: Play in new window | Download Subscribe:  Email | RSS | More A transcript of the show is available. "Liminality is just the gray areas of life, the spaces where we don't quite know yet. We don't quite have things figured out or it's complex. And I think that if we're honest, that's where so many of us live spiritually, is in those deep questions." -Kaitlin Curtice Kaitlin Curtice ABOUT THE GUEST Kaitlin Curtice is an award-winning author, poet-storyteller, and public speaker. As an enrolled citizen of the Potawatomi nation, Kaitlin writes on the intersections of spirituality and identity and how that shifts throughout our lives. She also speaks on these topics to diverse audiences who are interested in truth-telling and healing. As an inter-spiritual advocate, Kaitlin participates in conversations on topics such as colonialism in faith communities, and she has spoken at many conferences on the importance of inter-faith relationships. Kaitlin leads workshops and retreats, as well as lectures and keynote presentations, ranging from panels at the Aspen Climate Conference to speaking at the Chautauqua Institution and at universities, private retreat centers, and churches across the country. In 2020 Kaitlin's award-winning book Native: Identity, Belonging and Rediscovering God won Georgia Author of the Year in the religion category. Native explores the relationship between American Christianity and Indigenous peoples, drawing on Kaitlin's experiences as a Potawatomi woman. In 2023, Kaitlin released two books, first, Living Resistance: An Indigenous Vision for Seeking Wholeness Every Day, which examines the journey of resisting the status quo of hate by caring for ourselves, one another, and Mother Earth, and second, her first children's book called Winter's Gifts: An Indigenous Celebration of Nature, which is the premier book in a series of four books on the four seasons coming out with Convergent, RandomHouse Books. Her second book in the series called Summer's Magic was released in 2024. Besides her books, Kaitlin has written online for Sojourners, Religion News Service, On Being, SELF Magazine, Oprah Daily, and more. Her work has been featured on CBS and in USA Today. She also writes essays and poetry for The Liminality Journal and spends her time supporting other authors as they navigate the world of publishing. Kaitlin lives near Philadelphia with her partner, two dogs, and two kids. Find out more about Kaitlin at Instagram.com/kaitlincurtice, and The Liminality Journal on Substack. MESSY JESUS BUSINESS is hosted by Sister Julia Walsh.  Produced and edited by Colin Wambsgans. Email us at messyjesusbusiness@gmail.com BE SOCIAL: https://www.facebook.com/MessyJesusBusiness Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MessyJesusBusiness Twitter: @messyjesusbiz Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/messyjesusbusiness SUPPORT US: https://www.patreon.com/messyjesusbusiness

Order "Sometimes Illness Wins" today: https://www.fillingthegappublishing.com/Donate to Project Share: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/pages/2025-annual-holiday-fundraiser/Will Spencer talks about evolution, and explains what teachers REFUSE to tell us about evolution! Except, they'll all be happy to explain this stuff to you, if you actually listen.Cards:AIG Wants You To Be Misinformed About Science

Send us a textIn this episode of The Difference podcast, Host Jay Werth is joined by Convergent's Pam Reid and Andy Brubaker to discuss Effective Board Management. Topics discussed include: Governance vs. management (setting boundaries)Clarifying roles and responsibilitiesEffective use of committees and task forcesAssessing performance & handling underperformanceKeeping members engaged and developing their leadershipIf you enjoyed this episode, we invite you to join us for our upcoming webinar "Board Members' Role in Fundraising" on November 13 at 1:30 PM ET. Register Now!

In this episode, I sit down with author and poet Kaitlin Curtice to explore the ways stories shape our lives and communities. Drawing from her new book Everything Is a Story, Kaitlin reflects on the narratives that formed her growing up, the Indigenous wisdom that grounds her, and the liminal spaces where transformation takes place. We talk about cyclical and linear storytelling, the role of art and poetry in healing, and how interfaith relationships and community can help us move beyond fear and division. This conversation invites us to honor the stories we carry, let go of those that wound, and imagine new ones that lead us into kinship, belonging, and hope.Kaitlin Curtice is an award-winning author, poet-storyteller, and public speaker. As an enrolled citizen of the Potawatomi nation, Kaitlin writes on the intersections of spirituality and identity and how that shifts throughout our lives. She also speaks on these topics to diverse audiences who are interested in truth-telling and healing. As an inter-spiritual advocate, Kaitlin participates in conversations on topics such as colonialism in faith communities, and she has spoken at many conferences on the importance of inter-faith relationships. Kaitlin leads workshops and retreats, as well as lectures and keynote presentations, ranging from panels at the Aspen Climate Conference to speaking at the Chautauqua Institution and at universities, private retreat centers, and churches across the country. In 2020 Kaitlin's award-winning book Native: Identity, Belonging and Rediscovering God won Georgia Author of the Year in the religion category. Native explores the relationship between American Christianity and Indigenous peoples, drawing on Kaitlin's experiences as a Potawatomi woman.In 2023, Kaitlin released two books, first, Living Resistance: An Indigenous Vision for Seeking Wholeness Every Day, which examines the journey of resisting the status quo of hate by caring for ourselves, one another, and Mother Earth, and second, her first children's book called Winter's Gifts: An Indigenous Celebration of Nature, which is the premier book in a series of four books on the four seasons coming out with Convergent, RandomHouse Books. Her second book in the series called Summer's Magic was released in 2024.Besides her books, Kaitlin has written online for Sojourners, Religion News Service, On Being, SELF Magazine, Oprah Daily, and more. Her work has been featured on CBS and in USA Today. She also writes essays and poetry for The Liminality Journal and spends her time supporting other authors as they navigate the world of publishing. Kaitlin lives near Philadelphia with her partner, two dogs, and two kids.Kaitlin's Book:Everything is a StoryKaitlin's Recommendations:Care of the SoulThe Works of John O'DonahueSubscribe to Our Substack: Shifting CultureConnect with Joshua: jjohnson@shiftingculturepodcast.comGo to www.shiftingculturepodcast.com to interact and donate. Every donation helps to produce more podcasts for you to enjoy.Follow on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Threads, Bluesky or Contact me to advertise: jjohnson@shiftingculturepodcast.com Support the show

Too many entrepreneurs think they're “lazy” or “broken” when they can't follow rigid, step-by-step strategies. But here's the truth - if you've got ADHD tendencies (diagnosed or not), those strategies simply weren't built for your brain. And yet when we design ADHD-friendly systems? Convergent thinkers benefit too.In this episode, I'm kicking off a special ADHD Awareness Month series by sharing why I'm dedicating October to this conversation, what my research uncovered from ADHD entrepreneurs, and how these struggles show up in business.Whether you're a service provider, coach, consultant, or creative, diagnosed with ADHD or not, you'll hear yourself in these stories. Because at the end of the day, these aren't just ADHD struggles. They're entrepreneurial struggles.You'll Learn:Why ADHD-friendly strategies often work better for all entrepreneursWhat my research revealed about ADHD struggles in business (time blindness, energy swings, demand avoidance, idea overload, and more)How menopause and a dysregulated nervous system can intensify ADHD symptoms for women in businessWhy building flexible structures creates clarity, focus, and results for both divergent and convergent thinkersThis is the real truth about business growth - when you create systems that work for your brain, you remove the shame and finally build momentum.

On this episode, Mariko Meier, Chief Revenue Officer at Convergent Energy and Power, joins Michelle France to discuss growth and opportunities in the DG market amid a federally volatile market and energy storage expansion.You can hear Mariko speak more during the second panel “Storage Under Pressure: Navigating Policy and Safety Risks” at NPM's third annual DG Development and Finance Forum being held this year on October 22 and 23 at the Convene, Midtown East, New York City.NPM is a leading data, intelligence & events company providing business development led coverage of the US & European power, storage & data center markets for the development, finance, M&A and corporate community.Download our mobile app.

Send us a textIn this episode of The Difference podcast, Host Jay Werth is joined by Convergent's Pam Reid and Andy Brubaker to discuss Recruiting the Right Board Members. Topics discussed include: Why thoughtful board recruitment mattersCommon mistakes in recruitmentIdentifying strong candidates beyond your circleEvaluating fit (skills, mission-alignment, diversity, and affiliations)Aligning and cultivating Interest and making the ask effectivelyClarifying expectations and securing commitmentIf you enjoyed this episode, we invite you to join us for our upcoming webinar "Effective Board Management" on October 16 at 1:30 PM ET. Register Now!

durée : 00:05:08 - La Revue de presse internationale - par : Catherine Duthu - Apple a-t-il adapté son IA générative à la vision idéologique de l'administration Trump ? Politico mène l'enquête. Les signes de connivence entre les Big Tech et la Maison Blanche se multiplient, tandis que les services de l'État les plus controversés se dotent de puissants outils technologiques. - invités : Olivier Alexandre Sociologue, chargé de recherche au CNRS (Centre Internet et Société)

SPONSORS: 1) PRIZEPICKS: Visit https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/JULIAN and use code JULIAN and get $50 in lineups when you play your first $5 lineup! 2) FUM: Head to https://tryfum.com/products/zero-crisp-mint to start with Zero PATREON https://www.patreon.com/JulianDorey (***TIMESTAMPS in description below) ~ Forrest Galante is an American outdoor adventurer and television personality. He primarily seeks out animals on the brink of extinction. He is the host of the television shows Extinct or Alive on Animal Planet and Mysterious Creatures with Forrest Galante, as well as multiple Shark Week shows. FORREST'S LINKS - YT: https://www.youtube.com/@ForrestGalante - IG: https://www.instagram.com/forrest.galante/ FOLLOW JULIAN DOREY INSTAGRAM (Podcast): https://www.instagram.com/juliandoreypodcast/ INSTAGRAM (Personal): https://www.instagram.com/julianddorey/ X: https://twitter.com/julianddorey JULIAN YT CHANNELS - SUBSCRIBE to Julian Dorey Clips YT: https://www.youtube.com/@juliandoreyclips - SUBSCRIBE to Julian Dorey Daily YT: https://www.youtube.com/@JulianDoreyDaily - SUBSCRIBE to Best of JDP: https://www.youtube.com/@bestofJDP ****TIMESTAMPS**** 00:00 – Hippie roots, Zimbabwe, Mugabe, Oakland, culture shock 11:50 – Anger, ocean discovery, diving, UCSB, future wife 22:18 – UCSB professor, insect knowledge, biology, fieldwork, desk jobs 32:50 – Academia critique, media, Channel Islands, Naked and Afraid 40:17 – Naked and Afraid reality, survivalist, viral stories, TV offers 46:34 – Extinct or Alive pitch, rediscoveries, Zanzibar leopard, tortoise 58:09 – Fernandina tortoise, tracking tech, human instinct 01:07:15 – Colossal advisor, de-extinction risks, cloning, rollouts 01:18:08 – Jurassic Park, conservation business model, extinction rates 01:22:44 – Conservation funding, dinosaurs, sauropod skepticism, fossils 01:27:10 – Convergent evolution, biodiversity Jenga, bees, Amazon, Paul 01:39:01 – First Amazon trip, canoe, 19-ft anaconda, tribes, shamans 01:53:55 – Jungle vs Western medicine, rifle break, poaching, rhino horn 02:06:27 – Elephant translocation, helicopters, family bonds, survival 02:20:38 – Elephant trauma, Zimbabwe bull, India rescue, lost species 02:33:48 – Renegade scientists, ocean mysteries, Paul Watson arrest 02:49:32 – Laws vs conservation, Mota Island, cave of skulls, warriors 02:59:17 – Refugee roots, global expeditions, Animals on Drugs, YouTube CREDITS: - Host & Producer: Julian Dorey - Producer & Editor: Alessi Allaman - https://www.youtube.com/@UCyLKzv5fKxGmVQg3cMJJzyQ - In-Studio Producer: Joey Deef - https://www.instagram.com/joeydeef/ Julian Dorey Podcast Episode 333 - Forrest Galante Music by Artlist.io Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

By isolating specific neuron types involved in zebra finch birdsong, this 2002 Nature paper from Michael Fee and colleagues revealed elegant neural mechanisms controlling the timing of natural learned behavior.

Dr. Habib Dagher founded the University of Maine's Advanced Structures and Composites Center, which, with 400 researchers, is one of the leading composites research centers in the world. In 3D printing, the center makes houses out of wood waste and 3D prints boats and other large polymer structures. Habib believes in cheaper waste products over concrete for construction printing. He also details the ways in which we can use Additive in printing composites. But 3D printing is one part of a bigger technology for him. With Convergent Manufacturing, Additive and subtractive processes work together in unison. That is a very compelling vision that we're already doing with a lot of things, but could really change how we are able to make things. Through working in concert, better toolpathing, QA, and multiple heads could print, mill, add conductive traces, and more to one boat hull all at the same time. This episode was brought to you by Continuum Powders.  

In this episode of the Matriarch Movement podcast, host Shayla Ouellette Stonechild speaks with Kaitlin B. Curtice, an award-winning author and poet. They explore themes of identity, belonging, and the intersection of Indigenous spirituality and Christianity. Kaitlin shares her journey in reclaiming her Potawatomi identity, the importance of rituals in her spiritual practice, and her approach to writing and storytelling. The conversation also delves into the concept of resistance, defining it in a holistic way that encompasses personal care, community building, and ancestral connections. They also discuss the challenges posed by AI in literature, the necessity of reconnecting with Mother Earth, and envisioning a future where Indigenous voices thrive and are celebrated. Kaitlin Curtice is an award-winning author, poet-storyteller, and public speaker. As an enrolled citizen of the Potawatomi nation, Kaitlin writes on the intersections of spirituality and identity and how that shifts throughout our lives. She also speaks on these topics to diverse audiences who are interested in truth-telling and healing.  In 2020 Kaitlin's award-winning book Native: Identity, Belonging and Rediscovering God won Georgia Author of the Year in the religion category. Native explores the relationship between American Christianity and Indigenous peoples, drawing on Kaitlin's experiences as a Potawatomi woman. In 2023, Kaitlin released two books, first, Living Resistance: An Indigenous Vision for Seeking Wholeness Every Day, which examines the journey of resisting the status quo of hate by caring for ourselves, one another, and Mother Earth, and second, her first children's book called Winter's Gifts: An Indigenous Celebration of Nature, which is the premier book in a series of four books on the four seasons coming out with Convergent, RandomHouse Books. Her second book in the series called Summer's Magic was released in 2024.  Kaitlin's newest book, Everything Is a Story, is about the power of storytelling and how we use stories to harm or heal ourselves, one another, and Mother Earth. ⁠kaitlincurtice.com⁠  instagram.com/kaitlincurtice The Liminality Journal:  ⁠https://kaitlincurtice.substack.com⁠ ⁠Thanks for checking out this episode of the Matriarch Movement podcast! If you enjoyed the conversation, please leave a comment and thumbs-up on YouTube, or leave a five star review on your favourite podcast app! Find Shayla Oulette Stonechild on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/shayla0h/⁠⁠⁠ Find more about Matriarch Movement at ⁠⁠⁠https://matriarchmovement.ca/⁠⁠ This podcast is produced by Women in Media Network ⁠⁠⁠https://www.womeninmedia.network/show/matriarch-movement/ (00:00) Introduction to Caitlin B. Curtis (02:03) Exploring Identity and Belonging (06:47) The Intersection of Christianity and Indigenous Spirituality (11:34) Rituals and Personal Spiritual Practices (15:11) The Journey of Writing and Storytelling (17:52) Defining Resistance and Its Realms (22:48) Navigating the Realms of Existence (27:14) The Power of Storytelling and Writing (31:27) The Impact of AI on Literature (34:25) Reconnecting with Mother Earth (36:50) Envisioning Indigenous Futurism Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a textIn this episode, Convergent's Funding Strategist, Katie Davenport, shares her inspiring journey from middle school science teacher to Executive Director of the Greenwood Promise. She discusses how the program provides tuition-free education to students in Greenwood County, building a skilled workforce and strengthening the local economy. Katie opens up about overcoming fundraising challenges, the growing impact of promise programs nationwide, and the vital role of early and continuous student engagement. Tune in to hear how holistic support and community partnerships are transforming lives through education!

Automotive and the heavy equipment industries face similar challenges on the round to deploying software-defined vehicles (SDVs) and autonomy more efficiently. But the strategies underlying each approach is an interesting point of discussion. Heavy equipment OEMs have a much greater emphasis on long lasting products, but making SDVs and software-defined equipment is changing this once basic difference between the industries. To talk about the ongoing changes in the two parallel industries and the solutions driving transformation of transportation, in this three-part series on heavy equipment and autonomous functionality in software-defined product, we have Hendrick Lange (Senior Director of Heavy Equipment at Siemens Digital Industries) and Akshay Sheorey (Automotive and Transportation Industry Specialist for Autonomy). For the next three episode, our host, Nand Kochhar (VP of the Automotive and Transportation Industries) and moderator Michael Severson (Senior Automotive Marketing Manager at Siemens) will discuss the ins and out of software, electronics, and more.

Summary In this episode of Develop This Podcast, Dennis Fraise interviews Brian Abernathy, General Manager of Convergent Nonprofit Solutions, discussing the importance of revenue benchmarking for Economic Development Organizations (EDOs). They explore how public-private partnerships have become best practices in funding, the methodology behind revenue benchmarking studies, and the significance of analyzing sector representation in funding sources. The conversation emphasizes the need for effective communication and long-term strategies in economic development. Takeaways Convergent specializes in fundraising planning and consulting for nonprofits. Revenue benchmarking helps EDOs understand their funding structure. Public-private partnerships enhance funding opportunities for EDOs. Data analysis reveals unique areas of opportunity for revenue. Diversity in funding sources is crucial for sustainability. Comparative analysis helps EDOs identify gaps in funding. The benchmarking process takes about four to six weeks. Effective communication builds trust with funders over time. Feasibility studies validate funding opportunities for EDOs. Long-term strategies are essential for successful economic development.

The most innovative creators don't use AI as a replacement – they use it as a strategic partner in a carefully choreographed dance of human and machine intelligence. Welcome to Part 4 of our series, Creative Thinking in the AI Age – on strengthening your uniquely human creativity while using AI as a partner, not a replacement. In Part 1, we explored the alarming decline in creative thinking as we've grown dependent on AI. In Part 2, we discovered how neuroplasticity allows us to rebuild and enhance our creative capabilities. And in Part 3, I gave you a practical 10-minute daily workout to strengthen the neural pathways essential for innovative thinking. Today, we're bringing it all together with something immediately actionable: a framework for creating productive partnerships with AI that enhance rather than diminish your creative capabilities. This isn't about rejecting AI – it's about using it strategically to amplify your uniquely human abilities. When used properly, AI can handle routine cognitive tasks while freeing your mind for the breakthrough thinking that algorithms simply cannot replicate. Let me start by clarifying the fundamental difference between human and machine intelligence that drives this partnership: Convergent thinking is the process of analyzing existing data to find optimal solutions within defined parameters. This is what AI excels at – processing vast amounts of information to identify patterns and generate options based on probability distributions of what has worked before. Divergent thinking is the ability to generate novel ideas by making unexpected connections, breaking conventional patterns, and imagining what doesn't yet exist. This is where humans uniquely excel – our capacity for intuitive leaps, metaphorical thinking, and insight that transcends existing data. The most powerful creative partnerships leverage both: AI's computational strength and the human capacity for originality. Let me demonstrate with a simple example. If I asked an AI to design a chair, it would analyze thousands of existing chair designs and generate variations based on established patterns. The results would be functional but predictable. But what if I first engaged in divergent thinking by questioning the very concept of sitting? What if I reimagined a chair as something that supports the body in motion rather than at rest? This human insight – this conceptual leap – changes everything about how we might approach the design. Now when I engage AI, I'm not asking it to "design a chair" but to help explore a completely new approach to supporting the human body. The AI becomes a tool for expanding and refining my original insight rather than a replacement for it. This is the heart of creative partnership: human divergent thinking provides the spark of originality, while AI convergent thinking helps develop and refine that spark into something practical. The Art Of Creative Prompting  Before we dive into our five-step framework, let's talk about what makes an effective AI prompt for creative work. The way you communicate with AI dramatically impacts the quality and originality of what you receive in return. Throughout this episode, I've included actual prompts formatted in code blocks that you can copy, edit, and paste directly into your favorite AI tool – whether that's ChatGPT, Claude, or others. These aren't theoretical; they're battle-tested approaches I've used with innovation teams. The most powerful creative prompts share three key characteristics: They express curiosity rather than certainty – Phrases like "I'm exploring," "I'm curious about," or "Help me understand" signal to the AI that you're in an exploratory mode rather than seeking definitive answers. This subtle shift encourages broader, more nuanced responses. They use specific framing devices – Notice how our example prompts use structures like "What aspects are overlooked?" or "What contradictions exist?" These frames direct the AI's analytical power toward particular angles of exploration. The formula prompts I've shared provide ready-to-use framing devices for different situations. They maintain creative tension – Effective prompts don't ask for immediate solutions but instead create a productive tension by examining contradictions, assumptions, or overlooked aspects. This tension generates the creative friction from which original insights emerge. When using the example prompts throughout this episode, customize them to your specific challenge, but maintain these structural elements that encourage exploration rather than premature convergence. The goal is to shape AI responses that serve as thought-provoking material for your own creative thinking, not as final answers. Here's a quick formula for effective prompts: "What aspects of [problem] are most overlooked?" "What contradictions exist in how people approach [challenge]?" "What assumptions might be limiting how we think about [issue]?" "What perspectives on [problem] have we never considered?" "What patterns in [issue] are repeating historically?" "What barriers prevent solving [challenge] with existing solutions?" Now, let's explore our five-step framework for forming creative partnerships with AI that enhance rather than diminish your creative capabilities. STEP 1: Prime Your Brain First  The most common mistake I see is turning to AI too early in the creative process. This typically happens because facing a blank page is uncomfortable – we're seeking the path of least resistance. But this short-circuits your brain's ability to make original connections. Instead, I recommend priming your brain before engaging any AI tools. Here's how: Begin with a 5-minute session from our creative workout (Episode 3). The Perspective Shifting or Random Word Fusion exercises are particularly effective for this purpose. After your brief workout, spend 10 minutes in open ideation on your challenge. Use a piece of paper – not a digital device – and rapidly jot down any ideas that come to mind without judging them. Look for unexpected combinations or patterns in your ideas. Circle anything that feels surprising or that challenges conventional thinking. This priming step activates your associative thinking networks – the neural pathways that connect seemingly unrelated concepts. When you later engage AI, you'll do so with your creative faculties already warmed up and ready to evaluate AI outputs critically. STEP 2: Frame Challenges, Not Solutions How you engage with AI fundamentally shapes what you get from it. The key is to position AI as a thought partner exploring a problem space rather than a solution generator. Instead of asking: "Generate ideas for a new water bottle design" Try: "What are the unsolved problems in how people stay hydrated throughout the day?" The first prompt tells AI to generate variations on a water bottle – convergent thinking within established parameters. The second prompt opens a problem space that invites exploration of the underlying challenge. Similarly, rather than asking AI to "write a marketing campaign," ask it to "identify emotional tensions between consumers and existing products in this category." This framing preserves your role in the most crucial part of creativity – defining the right problem. It positions AI as an explorer rather than a solver, helping you see facets of the challenge you might otherwise miss. Example Problem-Framing Prompts: Example 1: I'm exploring ways to improve remote team collaboration. Instead of suggesting specific solutions, help me understand: What are the most overlooked aspects of remote communication that create friction or miscommunication? What contradictions exist in how people want to collaborate versus how current tools function? What assumptions about "presence" might be limiting how we approach remote work? Example 2: I'm working on innovations in urban transportation. Rather than proposing specific vehicle or infrastructure designs, help me explore: What tensions exist between different stakeholders in urban mobility (pedestrians, cyclists, drivers, businesses, etc.)? What contradictory needs do people have when moving through cities? What invisible barriers prevent more sustainable transportation choices? STEP 3: Use AI for Divergence Acceleration  While AI excels at convergent thinking, we can strategically use it to accelerate certain aspects of divergent thinking as well. The key is to use AI to generate raw material that you then transform through your human creativity. Here's the technique: After your initial ideation, identify 2-3 promising directions that feel original. For each direction, use AI to generate adjacent possibilities: "What related ideas exist in [completely different field]?" Use these outputs not as solutions but as stimuli for your own associative thinking. The goal is to use AI outputs as creative springboards. For example, if you're designing a new learning app, you might ask AI: "How do master chefs structure the process of teaching complex skills?" or "What principles do video game designers use to maintain engagement during difficult challenges?" The AI responses become raw material for your own divergent thinking process. You aren't adopting the AI's suggestions directly – you're using them to trigger new neural connections in your own thinking. This approach leverages AI's knowledge breadth while preserving your uniquely human ability to make unexpected connections across domains. Example Divergence Acceleration Prompts: Example 1: I'm developing a new approach to personal financial education that focuses on behavioral change rather than just information delivery. To spark fresh thinking, explain how these completely different domains approach behavior change: How do elite athletic coaches create lasting habit changes in their athletes? How do environmental conservation programs successfully change community behaviors? How do immersive theater experiences create memorable emotional impacts?   For each area, identify 3-5 key principles and specific techniques that could be translated to financial education.   Example 2: I'm reimagining the patient experience in healthcare waiting rooms. To stimulate creative connections, describe how these unrelated fields create positive waiting/transition experiences: Theme park queue design Airport VIP lounges Mindfulness retreat check-in processes Fine dining restaurant pacing and atmosphere   For each, identify what specific elements create psychological comfort, reduce perceived waiting time, or transform waiting into a valuable experience. STEP 4: Delegate Convergence Once you've generated truly original directions through divergent thinking, AI becomes extraordinarily valuable for convergent activities – developing, refining, and optimizing your creative insights. This is where many people go wrong – they either overuse AI (surrendering the creative process entirely) or underuse it (ignoring its analytical strengths). Here are specific convergent tasks ideally suited for AI delegation: Detail expansion – Once you have a core concept, ask AI to help flesh out the details, specifications, or implementation steps. Pattern recognition – Have AI identify similarities between your idea and existing approaches to uncover potential refinements. Gap analysis – Ask AI to identify potential weaknesses or unanswered questions in your concept. Variation generation – Once you have an original direction, AI can help you explore variations within that direction. The key principle: Use AI for expansion and refinement of ideas that originated from your divergent thinking, not as the source of the original insight itself. For example, if you've conceptualized a novel approach to remote team collaboration, you might ask AI to: Identify potential implementation challenges Suggest how the concept might be adapted for different industries Compare your approach to existing solutions to identify differentiation opportunities This leverages AI's analytical power while preserving your role in the creative breakthrough. Example Convergence Delegation Prompts: Example 1: I've developed a concept for a community-based renewable energy sharing platform where households can trade excess solar power directly with neighbors using blockchain verification. Please help me refine this concept by:   Identifying potential technical, regulatory, and user adoption challenges Suggesting the minimum viable features needed for an initial pilot Outlining how this approach differs from existing energy-sharing models Recommending how the concept might need to adapt for different housing environments (urban apartments vs. suburban homes vs. rural communities)   Example 2: I've created a new approach to professional development called "Skill Swapping Circles" where cross-functional teams teach each other through structured 30-minute micro-workshops. Please help me develop this concept by:   Creating a detailed implementation framework with clear steps Identifying potential resistance points and how to address them Suggesting metrics to measure effectiveness Recommending variations for different organizational contexts (startups vs. large enterprises) Outlining technology requirements to support the program STEP 5: Maintain Creative Authority  The final step is perhaps the most important: consciously maintaining your creative authority throughout the process. AI tools are designed to be persuasive – they present information confidently and comprehensively. This creates what psychologists call the "authority bias" – our tendency to accept information from perceived authorities without sufficient scrutiny. To maintain creative authority: Question AI outputs – Actively look for assumptions or limitations in what the AI generates. Inject constraints – Deliberately introduce constraints that force original thinking: "How would this work without internet connectivity?" or "How would this change if it needed to be completely sustainable?" Transform, don't transfer – Always transform AI outputs through your unique perspective rather than directly transferring them into your work. Take incubation breaks – After receiving AI outputs, step away to allow your subconscious mind to process. Research shows that creative insights often emerge during periods of mental rest after information intake. Remember, the goal isn't to reject AI's contributions but to engage with them critically and creatively. Your unique human perspective – your lived experience, intuition, and values – should always remain the guiding force. Example Creative Authority Prompts: Example 1: I've been exploring a concept for [your idea]. You've provided some interesting perspectives, but I want to challenge both of us to think differently. Please:   Identify three assumptions embedded in the approach we've been discussing Suggest how the concept would need to change if it had to work without [key resource or technology] Describe how this idea might be received by someone from a completely different cultural background than my own Identify ethical considerations I may not have considered   Example 2: You've given me several suggestions for [topic]. Now I'd like you to help me critically evaluate them by:   For each idea, identify the historical precedent or existing model it most closely resembles Point out which suggestions fall into conventional thinking patterns Identify any suggestions that might unintentionally reinforce problematic systems or assumptions Challenge me with three questions that might completely reframe how I'm approaching this challenge Real-World Application  Let me share how this framework transformed the product development process at a consumer electronics company I worked with recently. Their team had been using AI tools extensively, but primarily as idea generators – essentially asking the AI to design new products directly. The results were predictably mediocre – variations on existing products with marginal improvements. We implemented the five-step framework, beginning with creative priming exercises before any AI engagement. Then, instead of asking the AI to generate product concepts, we asked it to explore unresolved tensions in how people interact with technology in their homes. This exploration revealed something fascinating – people were increasingly concerned about technology fragmenting family attention rather than enhancing connection. This human-centered insight came not from the AI directly, but from the team's analysis of the problem space with AI assistance. This led to a breakthrough concept: a family gaming system designed specifically for collaborative rather than competitive or individual play, with features that actively encouraged rich social interaction rather than isolated immersion. Once this novel direction was established through human divergent thinking, the team then used AI extensively for convergent tasks – researching existing collaborative technologies, identifying potential technical challenges, and developing implementation variations. The result was a genuinely innovative product that addressed deeply human needs in ways that AI alone could never have conceptualized. The product has since become one of their most successful launches, precisely because it originated from human insight about social connection rather than algorithmic prediction. Download Your Guide for Turning AI Into a Creativity Multiplier We've now completed our five-step framework for creative partnerships with AI: prime your brain first, frame challenges not solutions, use AI for divergence acceleration, delegate convergence, and maintain creative authority. Each step is designed to leverage both human and machine intelligence in their respective domains of strength – your divergent thinking and AI's convergent capabilities. This approach represents a middle path between two extremes. On one side is complete AI dependency – surrendering our creative faculties to algorithms and experiencing the cognitive atrophy we discussed in earlier episodes. On the other side is AI rejection – ignoring powerful tools that could genuinely enhance our creative capabilities when used properly. The creative partnership I've outlined offers something better: a complementary relationship that amplifies your uniquely human creativity while leveraging AI's computational power. Remember the key principles we've explored throughout this series: Your creative thinking abilities physically exist as neural networks in your brain These networks strengthen or weaken based on how you use them Deliberate practice rebuilds these networks even if they've weakened through AI dependency The most innovative thinking emerges from partnerships that preserve human divergent thinking while leveraging AI convergent capabilities As we move deeper into the AI age, the ability to form these productive partnerships will increasingly distinguish those who merely execute from those who truly innovate. By understanding the complementary relationship between human and machine intelligence, you can develop creativity that no algorithm can replicate. Join me next time for "Measuring Creative Growth: Tracking Your Progress and Amplifying Results." We'll explore how to assess your creative development and build systems that continuously enhance your innovative thinking. Until then, I'm Phil McKinney, and remember – in an age of artificial intelligence, the most valuable thinking happens at the intersection of human insight and computational power. That intersection exists in only one place: your creatively engaged mind. Your support means everything to this channel. And if you're passionate about creativity and innovation, consider becoming a patron on Patreon or a paid subscriber on Substack. Your support helps make this content possible. To learn more about harnessing AI, listen to this week's show: Human-AI Creative Partnership: How to Harness AI While Preserving Your Innovative Edge. [irp posts="4392" name="Subscribe to Podcast"]

“That's genius!” - Charlie Luxton in response to Gbemi's revolutionary new idea… In this episode of our Anthropy special series recorded at the Eden Project, we speak with Dr. Gbemi Oluleye from Imperial College London. Gbemi brings a refreshing academic perspective to how businesses can make sustainable transitions affordable. As a lecturer at the Grantham Institute, she leads research on making sustainability economically viable for the manufacturing sector while also running executive education programs for sustainability officers. Gbemi discusses the need for convergent thinking, offers a sobering assessment of how late the sustainability movement started, and proposes a revolutionary new metric to track how planetary degradation impacts human productivity.

Convergent's Capital Campaign series features Daniel Hall, Director of Managed Service for Harness Giving, and host Jay Werth, discussing how nonprofit leaders can best communicate a strategic plan that is actionable, transparent, and compelling to internal stakeholders and potential donors. Learn why Comprehensive Campaigns are a game-changer for nonprofit fundraising. Sign up for updates.Support the show

When I was in my 20's I worked at Convergent Technologies, a company that was proud to be known as the “Marine Corps of Silicon Valley.” It was a brawling “take no prisoners,” work hard, party hard, type of company. The founders coming out of the DEC (Digital Equipment Corporation) and Intel culture of the 1960's and ‘70's. As an early employee I worked all hours of the day, never hesitated to jump on a “red-eye” plane to see a customer at the drop of a hat, and did what was necessary to make the company a winner. I learned a lot at Convergent, going from product marketing manager in a small startup to VP of Marketing of the Unix Division as it became a public company. Two of my role models for my career were in this company. (And one would become my mentor and partner in later companies.) But this story is not about Convergent. It's about entrepreneurship and family.

In the latest episode of Convergent's The Difference podcast, Host Jay Werth discusses comprehensive fundraising campaigns with Li Li from Foursquare Research, Inc. Li Li explains the importance of market analysis as a tool for nonprofits, likening it to a GPS for efficient planning. She emphasizes the need for unbiased research to avoid confirmation bias and highlights the significance of involving stakeholders.We invite you to continue tuning in to learn why Comprehensive Campaigns are a game-changer for nonprofit fundraising... sign up for updates.Support the show

In this episode of The Difference, Convergent's Rex Otey and Jay Werth discuss the importance of development audits for nonprofit organizations, emphasizing their role in evaluating fundraising effectiveness and readiness for comprehensive campaigns. Otey highlights that audits are not punitive but aim to improve fundraising efficiency. He shares an example of a higher education client that followed audit recommendations to enhance staffing and fundraising. Tune in to learn why Comprehensive Campaigns are a game-changer for nonprofit fundraising... sign up for updates.Support the show

Hello bug lovers! In this exciting edition of Arthro-Pod, Jody leads Mike and Jon through an episode entirely dedicated to the multicolored Asian lady beetle. It is known by many names, the multicolored lady bug, the Halloween beetle, and the fake ladybug amongst others. You may have seen them in your home just recently or been unlucky enough to feel their bite! In this episode, you'll learn how they appeared in the US, the other ways they can pose problems, and ponder the reasons why people would call a real member of the Coccinelidae a "fake lady beetle". MALB spending the winter with Jody GreenShow NotesMike refers to Harmonia axyridis Wikipedia page to see variations: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harmonia_axyridis  Bugguide: https://bugguide.net/node/view/397  Lost lady bug project: http://www.lostladybug.org/ Convergent lady beetleJournal article about MALB and dogs after ingestion in Toxicon by Stocks and Lindsey 2008:  https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0041010108003395#fig1  A Review of Ladybug Taint in Wine: Origins, Prevention, and Remediation by Pickering and Botezau 2021 https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/26/14/4341  Journal article about MALB and seasonal allergens: Nakazawa et al. 2007 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0091674906030235?via%3Dihub Goetz 2008: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/5423147_Harmonia_axyridis_ladybug_invasion_and_allergy  Information about molecule, harmonine from Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology in Germany https://www.mpg.de/7246516/Asian-lady-beetles   Vacuum with pantyhose method: https://www.mypmp.net/2016/05/19/recommend-this-method-to-bed-bug-afflicted-clients/  MALB eggsMALB larvae                                        MALB pupae                                                    Newly emerged MALB adult and pupal shellAdult MALB going to town on some aphidsQuestions? Comments? Contact the show at jonathan.larson@uky.eduFind the hosts on social media:@bugmanjon and @napoleonicento on BlueSkyGet the show through Apple Podcast, Spotify, or your favorite podcatching app!If you can spare a moment, we appreciate when you subscribe to the show on those apps or when you take time to leave a review!

Golden scales, Convergent brains, Dodo resurrection, Recalling 911, Earth's malleable core, Scot-free Fitzgerald, LIDAR facial recognition. Jennifer, Angie, Way, and Bradley discuss the curated links for the week of 2/21/2025. Please consider supporting this ad-free content on Patreon.

In this episode of The Difference, host Jay Werth sits down with Brian Abernathy, General Manager of Convergent Nonprofit Solutions.Brian oversees Convergent's strategic direction, daily operations, and project success, ensuring clients achieve their fundraising goals.Kicking off a new series on Comprehensive Campaigns, Jay and Brian explore the benefits of this multi-year fundraising approach—how it fosters cohesive messaging, strengthens donor engagement, and drives long-term success.Tune in to learn why Comprehensive Campaigns are a game-changer for nonprofit fundraising... sign up for updates.

ADHD is more than just a label – it’s a complex condition that impacts how our brains process information, manage emotions, and respond to the world around us. Whether you're a parent dealing with ADHD yourself or raising kids who are, understanding this condition is a crucial first step in creating a supportive and thriving family environment. In this insightful and, at times, hilarious episode of "Christian Parent/Crazy World," Catherine welcomes Dr. Tamara Rosier, the brilliant mind behind the ADHD Center of West Michigan and the author of Your Brain's Not Broken and her newest gem, You, Me and Our ADHD Family. Tamara's expertise and warmth shine through as she unveils the intricacies of ADHD, making the seemingly complex condition understandable and relatable. In this episode, Tamara shares some mind-blowing insights: What ADHD Really Is: Catherine and Tamara dive deep into the nitty-gritty of ADHD, exploring its hereditary nature and how it affects both kids and parents. Spoiler: If your kids have ADHD, chances are you might be dealing with it too! Common Misconceptions: ADHD is often misunderstood, and it’s not just about being hyper or inattentive. Navigating the Chaos at Home: Tamara explains the unique way ADHD brains function compared to neurotypical brains, leading to those seemingly insurmountable everyday tasks. Don't worry, you're not alone! Convergent vs. Divergent Thinking: Ever wonder why you (or your kids) think differently? Learn how neurotypical folks rely on convergent thinking while those with ADHD often excel in divergent thinking, looking at the big picture and making unexpected connections. Embracing Challenges with Grace: Discover how to ditch the negative self-talk and motivate yourself compassionately when you live with ADHD. Living Out Our Faith: Tamara shares practical ways to integrate your faith into your daily routine, accommodating ADHD tendencies without feeling like a second-rate Christian. This episode brims with empathy, expertise, and actionable advice, making it an essential listen for anyone navigating life with ADHD. Tune in to feel inspired and equipped to create a flourishing family dynamic. Exciting Giveaway! Get ready to win! Tamara is generously giving away a copy of her transformative book, Your Brain's Not Broken: Strategies for Navigating Your Emotions and Life with ADHD. To enter, simply respond to the subscriber email from Catherine on this episode or comment on Catherine’s Instagram post this week while following her and Tamara. About Dr. Tamara Rosier: Dr. Tamara Rosier is a renowned expert in the ADHD field. She’s the founder of the ADHD Center of West Michigan and serves as the president of the ADHD Coaches Organization. Her acclaimed books, Your Brain's Not Broken and You, Me and Our ADHD Family offer a wealth of knowledge and strategies to help families thrive despite the challenges of ADHD. Important Links and Resources: Tamara’s Author Website ADHD Center of West Michigan: MIADHD.com Books by Dr. Tamara Rosier: Your Brain's Not Broken: Strategies for Navigating Your Emotions and Life with ADHD You, Me, and Our ADHD Family: Practical Steps to Cultivate Healthy Relationships Join Us Next Time: Stay tuned for the next episode where Catherine and Tamara will dive even deeper into managing a home where ADHD is a significant factor. They’ll share practical steps to cultivate healthy relationships and keep your sanity intact amidst the ADHD chaos. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Send us a textThe Lost Word: Magic, Reality-Creation, and the Pursuit of God's LanguageThis is the fifth presentation from our international symposium on Spiritual Yearning in a Disenchanted Age, held at McGill University in November 2024.Dr. Tara Isabella Burton is the author of the novels Social Creature, The World Cannot Give, and Here in Avalon, as well as the nonfiction books Strange Rites: New Religions for a Godless World and Self-Made: Curating Our Image from Da Vinci to the Kardashians. She is currently working on a history of magic and modernity, to be published by Convergent in 2026. ​Her fiction and nonfiction have appeared in The New York Times, National Geographic, ​Granta, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, and more. She also co-writes the Substack newsletter "Line of Beauty" with her husband, Dhananjay Jagannathan.Tara received a doctorate in theology from Oxford in 2017. She is a Visiting Fellow at George Mason University's Mercatus Center and a Visiting Research Fellow at Catholic University of America's Institutional Flourishing Lab.In her talk, Tara explores:Magic's influence on modernity, from Hermeticism to transhumanismThe pursuit of a divine language offering truth and creative powerArt as relational creation, distinct from manipulative magical thinkingThe Divine Liturgy as model for creative practices rooted in connection and participationTo learn more about Tara, you can find her at: Website: http://www.taraisabellaburton.com/ Email: taraisabellaburton@gmail.com X: https://x.com/NotoriousTIB  BooksSocial Creature: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/564730/social-creature-by-tara-isabella-burton/ The World Cannot Give: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-World-Cannot-Give/Tara-Isabella-Burton/9781982170073 Here in Avalon: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Here-in-Avalon/Tara-Isabella-Burton/9781982170097 Strange Rites: New Religions for a Godless World: https://a.co/d/gOwySUy Self-Made: Curating Our Image from Da Vinci to the Kardashians: https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/tara-isabella-burton/self-made/9781541789012/ This episode is sponsored by:John Templeton Foundation (https://www.templeton.org/)Templeton Religion Trust (https://templetonreligiontrust.org/)Support the show

In this episode of BJJ Meditations, Joe Hannan shares his personal journey through injury and recovery, reflecting on the impact of physical limitations on identity and the importance of community in Jiu Jitsu. He discusses the balance between pursuing passion and taking care of one's body, the role of leadership in fostering a supportive environment, and the need for both convergent and emergent thinking in training and personal development. Takeaways -- Injuries can lead to a profound identity crisis for athletes. -- It's essential to prioritize physical health over training intensity. -- The journey of becoming a grappler is ongoing and multifaceted. -- Community support is crucial during recovery from injuries. -- Leadership in Jiu-Jitsu should focus on collective growth and self-expression. -- Spirituality can play a role in how we view our physical bodies. -- Emergent thinking is necessary for innovation in training methods. -- Convergent thinking helps in harnessing the strengths of a community. -- Balancing passion for the sport with self-care is vital. -- Creating a safe environment encourages exploration and growth. Chapters 00:00 Injury Reflections and Personal Struggles 05:17 Setting New Standards in Coaching 13:29 Balancing Community and Personal Development 18:59 Looking Ahead: Future Plans and Book Club Sign up for the book club: https://kick.site/y0junzi5

In this episode of 'The Difference', join host Jay Werth, and guest, Tom Ralser, Convergent Nonprofit Solutions' Principal and Director of Asking Rights. Tom Ralser has a three-decade career in fundraising. He's consulted with and added value to numerous nonprofit organizations, and pioneered applying return on investment principles to nonprofit fundraising. In this episode, Tom will give an overview of "asking rights" and how it focuses on the value outcomes that nonprofit organizations deliver to donors or investors, a term Convergent stresses in its communications. For more information to assist you with your fundraising efforts, visit convergentnonprofit.com.

Tune in to hear Jay Werth's latest conversation on 'The Difference' podcast with Convergent's Project Director, Andy Brubaker. Brubaker just finished an incredible two-week volunteer deployment with the American Red Cross in Georgia, where he supported disaster response and relief efforts. He describes what it was like to help Georgia's communities affected by Hurricane Helene and witness the resilience and strength of those impacted. 

durée : 00:22:11 - Entretiens avec - par : André Parinaud - En 1952, André Breton se livre au micro d'André Parinaud durant seize entretiens diffusés sur la Chaîne Nationale. Dans ce dixième numéro, le poète et écrivain évoque l'essence du projet révolutionnaire des années 1920, la recherche du hasard et l'importance de l'amour chez les surréalistes. - invités : André Breton Écrivain, poète et initiateur du mouvement surréaliste

In this episode of 'The Difference', Convergent's Jay Werth is joined by Gabe Cooper, Founder and CEO of Virtuous, a Responsive Nonprofit CRM & Marketing Platform. Cooper and Ralser discuss the importance of listening and connecting to your donors, and how fundraising automation technology can give your organization valuable insight.Guest BioGabe Cooper is the Founder and CEO of Virtuous, a Responsive Nonprofit CRM & Marketing Platform helping nonprofits build lasting relationships with their donors. He is also the author of the top-selling books Responsive Fundraising and The Responsive Nonprofit: 8 Key Practices for Scaling Impact. After serving in a leadership role at a large nonprofit, Gabe went on to help build a series of successful software products in the nonprofit and for-profit sectors. His team's products have been featured in Wired, USA Today, NY Times, and Apple's WWDC. His drive stems from a passion to create market-defining software and help charities reimagine generosity.

Nels and Vincent look at how plant prickles, sharp epidermal projections that provide defense from predators and other advantages, arose by convergent evolution, the emergence of analogous traits in distantly related species. Hosts: Nels Elde and Vincent Racaniello Subscribe (free): Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, RSS, email Become a patron of TWiEVO Links for this episode Join the MicrobeTV Discord server Convergent evolution of plant prickles (Science) Timestamps by Jolene Science Picks Nels – Trees as a metaphor to understand relationships in biology Vincent – Project 2025 vs. The Public's Health Music on TWiEVO is performed by Trampled by Turtles Send your evolution questions and comments to twievo@microbe.tv

In this episode, we dive into the fascinating journey of Barry, a visionary who started as an aspiring theme park ride designer and evolved into a groundbreaking toy creator and educator. We explore how divergent and convergent thinking shape creativity, and how toys serve as more than just playthings – they're tools for limitless imagination. From Lego's transformation to society's expectations on toy use, we challenge the restrictions imposed on children's creative freedom. Discover how kids naturally hybridize toys like Barbies and action figures, and why the industry's focus on specialization might be stifling their innovation. We also examine the role of franchising in shaping toy creativity, and dive into the often-overlooked world of industrial design, pondering how media could elevate its visibility. And yes, we even touch on poop technology! Here are some of the references from this episode, for those who want to dig a little deeper:x.com/kudrowitzdesign.umn.edu/directory/barry-m-kudrowitzSparking Creativity: How Play and Humor Fuel Innovation and DesignMIT East Campus: Building Tradition with an East Campus Roller CoasterDavid Robert WallaceNerf Super SoakerComparative Media Studies Degree Programs MITIncongruity theory of humorJake The Dog Adventure Time Handmade Plush Toys (12 inches)The Lego MovieHarry Potter™ Toys and Gifts | Official LEGO® Shop USRocket RacoonTinkererBurn NoticeSherlock Holmes (2009 film)Convergent vs. Divergent Thinking: Finding Balance [2024] • AsanaTorrance Tests of Creative ThinkingPretend Play Toys and Play SetsHome | Official LEGO® Shop USThe LEGO Movie (theme)Toy Story | Official Disney SiteWeird Barbie – Barbie The MovieSoakiesThe 'Unitasker' Kitchen Gadgets Alton Brown Loves To LoatheWill It Waffle?Top 20 toysWhat is Incremental Innovation?FurbyTamagotchiMrBeast Lab CollectionFlamin' HotAirTetrisPlay Tetris | Free Online GameBlackBerryProject RunwayRuPaul's Drag RaceRuPaul's Drag Race (@rupaulsdragrace) • Instagram photos and videosJunkyard WarsScattergoriesThe History of Poop Is Really the History of TechnologyHow your poop can help train AI Erik EriksonErikson's Stages of DevelopmentSquatty PottyToilets of the World - Harvard Book StorePooping Rainbow Soft Serve Unicornsquattypotty.com/products/dookie-plush-unicorn?srsltid=AfmBO…DQkqDude WipesThis Shark Tank winner has a $1 billion plan to replace toilet paperShark Tank Success: Dude Wipes Flush The CompetitionTUSHY - The Modern & Sustainable Bidet CompanyThe best bidets of 2024, tested by editors | CNN UnderscoredPRISTINE Toilet Paper Spray: As Seen on Shark Tank, the More Natural Alternative to Flushable Wet Wipes & Personal Cleansing Wipes, Spray Toilet Paper to Create Flushable Wipe, Original 4ozToilet Paper Sprays | Biodegradable Flushable Wipes | Pristine SpraysWatch The Great American Baking Show (2023) Online for Free | The Roku Channel | RokuThe Great American Baking Show (@thegreatamericanbakingshow) • Instagram photos and videosGreat British Bake Off - HomepageWatch The Great British Bake OffCheck out our previous episode with Jackson BirdTransmission podcast Share your thoughts via Twitter with Henry, Colin and the How Do You Like It So Far? account! You can also email us at howdoyoulikeitsofarpodcast@gmail.com. Music:“In Time” by Dylan Emmett and “Spaceship” by Lesion X.––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––In Time (Instrumental) by Dylan Emmet  https://soundcloud.com/dylanemmetSpaceship by Lesion X https://soundcloud.com/lesionxbeatsCreative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0Free Download / Stream: https://bit.ly/in-time-instrumentalFree Download / Stream: https://bit.ly/lesion-x-spaceshipMusic promoted by Audio Libraryhttps://youtu.be/AzYoVrMLa1Q–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––Share your thoughts via Twitter with Henry, Colin and the How Do You Like It So Far? account! You can also email us at howdoyoulikeitsofarpodcast@gmail.com.Music:“In Time” by Dylan Emmett and “Spaceship” by Lesion X.In Time (Instrumental) by Dylan Emmet https://soundcloud.com/dylanemmetSpaceship by Lesion X https://soundcloud.com/lesionxbeatsCreative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0Free Download / Stream: https://bit.ly/in-time-instrumentalFree Download / Stream: https://bit.ly/lesion-x-spaceshipMusic promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/AzYoVrMLa1Q––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

durée : 00:22:11 - Les Nuits de France Culture - par : Albane Penaranda - En 1952, André Breton se livre au micro d'André Parinaud durant seize entretiens diffusés sur la Chaîne Nationale. Dans ce dixième numéro, le poète et écrivain évoque l'essence du projet révolutionnaire des années 1920, la recherche du hasard et l'importance de l'amour chez les surréalistes. - réalisation : Emily Vallat - invités : André Breton Écrivain français (1896-1966)

In this session, FuturesTrader71 dives deep into a common problem that many traders face in their trading journey. Traders fail to gain consistent profitability and often get stuck in the “merry-go-round” of success and failure. FT71 illustrates how Convergent's Accelerator Program can help traders overcome this cycle. For more information, visit https://go2ct.pro/accelerator-fall2024 To sign up to the Accelerator Program, visit https://go2ct.pro/accelerator-program

IN CLEAR FOCUS: Michael Beach, CEO of Cross Screen Media and author of "Screen Wars," discusses the evolution of convergent TV advertising. He explains the shift from linear to streaming, audience-based planning, and the role data analytics plays in convergent TV. Michael also shares practical advice for maximizing reach and data-driven insights that point to the future of TV consumption. Valuable perspectives on navigating the changing landscape of video advertising and audience engagement.  

5x growth in five years: Convergent energy is overseeing $1 billion worth of energy storage development.Managing intermittent energy supply is a crucial part of the energy transition. When the wind doesn't blow, or the sun doesn't shine, we need a backup. Across two days of the Solar & Energy Storage summit, industry leaders and analysts explored the newest technology providing that service. Peter Cavan is Senior Vice President of Market Development at Convergent. They finance and manage all aspects of on-site renewable energy development and operations to significantly and sustainably lower electricity bills for the industrial sector, electric cooperatives, and municipal utilities, and investor owned utilities. Peter joins David in the SESS podcast studio to discuss the future of energy storage and the trends in the market. Convergent has over 800 MW of storage and 1 GWh of solar-plus-storage capacity operating or under development. How has their approach to storage evolved over the past decade? How are utilities integrating distributed storage into their operations? And where does Peter see the next big innovation in the sector coming from? To wrap up our SESS 2024 coverage, David brings you everything you need to know about distributed energy storage.For more information from our sponsor Convergent Energy and Power on their industry-leading battery storage and solar solutions, please go to convergentep.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Our Guest: Aaron interviews our guest, Dr. Tamara Rosier. Dr. Tamara is an ADHD coach, and the founder of the ADHD Center in West Michigan. She shares her knowledge and history of ADHD going back to the 1800's. Ways to cope with the thing that gives you reoccurring anxiety, including emotionally engineering your day. The fact that ADHD people are more susceptible to addiction, because dopamine makes them feel more “normal.” Other topics include ADHD in marriage, supporting kids with ADHD, Convergent and Divergent Thinking, and flight, flight, freeze, and appease. Links:  d Dr. Tamara Rosier Books: Your Brain's Not Broken: Strategies for Navigating Your Emotions and Life with ADHD Events: 2024 Samson Summit Sponsor: Life Works Counseling   If you have thoughts or questions that you'd like the guys to address in upcoming episodes or suggestions for future guests, please drop a note to piratemonkpodcast@gmail.com.   The music on this podcast is contributed by members of the Samson Society and www.fiftysounds.com. For more information on this ministry, please visit samsonsociety.com.  Support for the women who have been impacted by our choices is available at sarahsociety.com. The Pirate Monk Podcast is provided by Samson Society, a ministry of Samson House, a 501(c)3 nonprofit. To help support the vision, please consider a contribution to Samson House.

"I wanted to both look at the kind of vast, rich tapestry of spiritually adjacent practices among millennials and younger people, particularly in the unaffiliated world, but more broadly, what is the underlying ideology underpinning it all? This idea that religion is something for us because the goal of religion is to make us live our best lives, and it doesn't matter, which is the sort of shadow side of this, if it's true or not. If it's real or not. What matters is if it 'works for you.'"Tara Isabella Burton is the author of the novels Social Creature, The World Cannot Give, and Here in Avalon, as well as the nonfiction books Strange Rites: New Religions for a Godless World and Self-Made: Curating Our Image from Da Vinci to the Kardashians. She is currently working on a history of magic and modernity, to be published by Convergent in late 2025. Her fiction and nonfiction have appeared in The New York Times, National Geographic, Granta, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, and other publications.www.taraisabellaburton.comwww.simonandschuster.com/books/Here-in-Avalon/Tara-Isabella-Burton/9781982170097?fbclid=IwAR30lnvlXMrDJtCq_568jUM3hvzr6yUz_GUUZSkbR2RarreOF6PMcvhabBgwww.amazon.com/dp/B07W56MQLJ/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?keywords=strange+rites+tara+isabella+burton&qid=1565365017&s=gateway&sr=8-1-fkmr0www.creativeprocess.infowww.oneplanetpodcast.orgIG www.instagram.com/creativeprocesspodcast

What are we willing to give up to find meaning, connection, and a sense of belonging? What happens if we don't self-promote, self-create, and self-brand on social media? Will we find the right partner? Will we get into the right college? Or find the best job?Tara Isabella Burton is the author of the novels Social Creature, The World Cannot Give, and Here in Avalon, as well as the nonfiction books Strange Rites: New Religions for a Godless World and Self-Made: Curating Our Image from Da Vinci to the Kardashians. She is currently working on a history of magic and modernity, to be published by Convergent in late 2025. Her fiction and nonfiction have appeared in The New York Times, National Geographic, Granta, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, and other publications."I wanted to both look at the kind of vast, rich tapestry of spiritually adjacent practices among millennials and younger people, particularly in the unaffiliated world, but more broadly, what is the underlying ideology underpinning it all? This idea that religion is something for us because the goal of religion is to make us live our best lives, and it doesn't matter, which is the sort of shadow side of this, if it's true or not. If it's real or not. What matters is if it 'works for you.'"www.taraisabellaburton.comwww.simonandschuster.com/books/Here-in-Avalon/Tara-Isabella-Burton/9781982170097?fbclid=IwAR30lnvlXMrDJtCq_568jUM3hvzr6yUz_GUUZSkbR2RarreOF6PMcvhabBgwww.amazon.com/dp/B07W56MQLJ/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?keywords=strange+rites+tara+isabella+burton&qid=1565365017&s=gateway&sr=8-1-fkmr0www.creativeprocess.infowww.oneplanetpodcast.orgIG www.instagram.com/creativeprocesspodcast

Request A Customized Workshop For Your Company: https://www.americannegotiationinstitute.com/services/workshops/ In this episode, Todd Kashdan, Professor at George Mason University who has run "The Well-being Lab" for 3 decades now, and Best Selling Author, discusses the art of negotiating effectively. *** There is an uncut/ raw convo/ conversation at the end of the episode you do NOT want to miss.*** You'll learn: Conversations that are constructive and productive. The dangers of one size fits all. Design an organization that intentionally checks in its employees at least every quarter. Convergent and Divergent approaches in an organization. We discuss: What makes life amazing is living in your cul-de-sac. The micro-culture in our little world. 3 ways to describe creativity. Problem vs. Solution focused decisions. Promotion vs. Prevention focused solutions. Follow Todd Kashdan on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/toddkashdan/ Buy Todd's Book on Amazon: The Art Insubordination Dissent Defy Effectively https://www.amazon.com/Art-Insubordination-Dissent-Defy-Effectively/dp/0593420888/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2YAHT0P1OA0BM&keywords=books+by+todd+kashdan&qid=1680872369&sprefix=books+by+todd+kashdan%2Caps%2C332&sr=8-2 Follow Kwame Christian on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kwamechristian/ The Ultimate Negotiation Guide: https://www.americannegotiationinstitute.com/guides/ultimate-negotiation-guide/ Click here to buy your copy of How To Have Difficult Conversations About Race!: https://www.amazon.com/Have-Difficult-Conversations-About-Race/dp/1637741308/ref=pd_%5B%E2%80%A6%5Df0bc9774-7975-448b-bde1-094cab455adb&pd_rd_i=1637741308&psc=1 Click here to buy your copy of Finding Confidence in Conflict: How to Negotiate Anything and Live Your Best Life!: https://www.amazon.com/Finding-Confidence-Conflict-Negotiate-Anything/dp/0578413736/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2PSW69L6ABTK&keywords=finding+confidence+in+conflict&qid=1667317257&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIwLjQyIiwicXNhIjoiMC4xNCIsInFzcCI6IjAuMjMifQ%3D%3D&sprefix=finding+confidence+in+conflic%2Caps%2C69&sr=8-1 Kwame Christian with Todd Kashdan.

In this episode, I'm joined by Katy Kaminski, who delves into the nuances distinguishing momentum trading from trend following, emphasizing the importance of comprehending the underlying philosophy of a trading strategy. Katy sheds light on the concept of 'pure trend' and offers insights on identifying convergent patterns within a trend following approach. We also reflect on the peculiarities of 2023, with Katy sharing her perspective on why we might be entering 'the final phase' and her expectations of a "bumpy" rather than smooth or abrupt economic transition, among other insightful topics.-----EXCEPTIONAL RESOURCE: Find Out How to Build a Safer & Better Performing Portfolio using this FREE NEW Portfolio Builder Tool-----Follow Niels on Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube or via the TTU website.IT's TRUE ? – most CIO's read 50+ books each year – get your FREE copy of the Ultimate Guide to the Best Investment Books ever written here.And you can get a free copy of my latest book “The Many Flavors of Trend Following” here.Learn more about the Trend Barometer here.Send your questions to info@toptradersunplugged.comAnd please share this episode with a like-minded friend and leave an honest Rating & Review on iTunes or Spotify so more people can discover the podcast.Follow Katy on LinkedIn.Episode TimeStamps:00:52 - A funny story from Katy02:34 - An important shout-out03:42 - A rare event in Denmark06:55 - Industry performance update08:10 - Thoughts on 2024 so far09:42 - The difference between momentum and trend following13:53 - Convergent vs. divergent strategies24:08 - What does "pure trend" mean to Katy?28:03 - What makes you a pure trend follower?32:53 - Looking back at 202337:48 - An unusual year43:22 - Discussing Katy's paper on fixed income47:43 - How were trend models positioned in the 1960's?51:11 - What does your position mean?54:40 - Next big bull market in commodities?56:10 - Thanks for listeningCopyright © 2023 – CMC AG – All Rights...