Podcasts about Psychological safety

Happy New Year! I'm so excited to connect with you as we kick off 2026. This year marks a special milestone for us, as we're rapidly approaching our 200th episode of the Do Good to Lead Well podcast! Your incredible support and engagement are truly why we continue to attract such amazing guests, and for that, I am profoundly grateful.Instead of a typical goal-setting episode to start the year, I wanted to do something a little different. I thought it would be wonderful to look back at 2025 and highlight some of the most memorable “mic drop” moments from our extraordinary guests. These are the insights that resonated most with you, based on your comments and messages. I hope they serve as a powerful playbook for your personal and professional growth in the year ahead!What You'll Learn- The importance of leaning into uncomfortable conversations- Why uncertainty is not the exception, it's the rule- How minimizing our smartphones may maximize resilience- Using AI to spark our curiosity- You can leverage the power of purpose everywhere- The importance of replacing failure with learning moments- How to use evidence to drive better decisions and make work fair- The secret to being a Likeable Badass- Why You Want to Ask Yourself: “Who Am I When No One Is Watching?KEYWORDSPositive Leadership, Personal growth, Professional development, Uncomfortable Conversations, Alignment on Purpose, Individual/Collective Excellence, Mindfulness, Navigating Uncertainty, Embracing Curiosity, Asking Questions, Building Resiliency, Authentic Leadership, Learning Moments, Psychological Safety, Likable Badass, Make Work Fair, Evidence-based insights, Positive change, Managing Stress, Success Principles

Work doesn't have to drain you—it can energize you. On In Your Head, Dr. Leigh Richardson sits down with Jeff Harry, one of the top HR influencers recognized by BambooHR and Engagedly, to explore how play can transform the workplace. Jeff has been featured in the New York Times, NPR, and Wired for his innovative approach: using positive psychology and playful practices to build resilience, foster creativity, and create psychologically safe environments where people thrive. Together, Dr. Richardson and Jeff unpack how teams can use play to break through challenges, heal workplace toxicity, and unlock peak performance. The message is simple but powerful—when we give ourselves permission to play, we also give ourselves permission to grow.

In this episode, Lauren explores what it means to lead from a regulated core and why a leader's internal state is the most powerful influence on culture, safety, and decision-making. She explains how nervous system regulation shapes teams long before words or strategies do and shares simple, practical micro-regulation tools leaders can use before meetings, conversations, and decisions to reduce reactivity, increase clarity, and build psychological safety across organizations.Sign up for the University of Pennsylvania Behavior Breakthrough Accredited CourseLearn about the Staff Sustainability System a proven system to reduce burnout at the rootOther related resources from Five Ives: Blog Post: Why Traditional Employee Wellness Programs Fail (And What Works Instead)Survive Mode: Recognizing When Your Organization is in CrisisWhat are the Five Ives?Podcast:Designing Rhythms that RegulateWhen Culture DysregulatesGrowth & Feedback Without FearOnboarding as Co-RegulationPolicy as a Nervous SystemMeetings that Calm, Not DrainThe Regulated Organization: What it Means to be a Regulated OrganizationRetain: Sustaining Staff, Culture, and CapacityReinforce- Ensuring that Change becomes Cultural Muscle Memory  Reset: Moving from Relief to Real TransformationHive- The Last Stage of the Five IvesThrive- The Fourth Stage of the Five IvesStrive- The Third Stage of the Five IvesRevive- The Second Stage of the Five IvesSurvive- The First Stage of the Five IvesOur Online Programs: Behavior BreakthroughPolicing Under PressureBoard Governance TrainingUniversity of Pennsylvania Behavior Breakthrough Accredited CourseSubscribe to our mailing list and find out more about Stress, Trauma, Behavior and the Brain!Check out our Facebook Group – Five Ives!Five Ives Website websiteThe Behavior Hub blogIf you're looking for support as you grow your organization's capacity for caring for staff and the community, we would love to be part of that journey. Schedule a free discovery call and let us be your guideAs an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Summary In this episode, Andy talks with comedian and corporate emcee Adam Christing, author of The Laughter Factor: The 5 Humor Tactics to Link, Lift, and Lead. If you have ever hesitated to use humor at work because you were unsure it would land, or worried it might backfire, this conversation offers both encouragement and a practical path forward. Adam shares how his early influences shaped his approach to humor and why he believes every human is also a "humor being." You will hear why humor is more than chasing chuckles, including how it can build trust, improve learning, and strengthen relationships on teams. Adam introduces the concept of "laugh languages" and walks through examples such as Surprise and Poke, along with guidance on how to tease without crossing the line. They also discuss tailoring humor across cultures and how leaders can bring the laughter factor home with their families. If you are looking for practical insights on leading with humor, building trust, and bringing more humanity into your projects and teams, this episode is for you! Sound Bites "If you're a human being, you are also a humor being, and I would say not only do you have a sense of humor, but a sense of humor has you." "The audience is actually, whether it's three people or 300, they're actually rooting for you." "They don't want to be bored. They want to be entertained." "When we think back on the things that have made us laugh the most, it's often the flops that are the funniest." "They won't trust your humor until you do." "There's a saying in show business, 'funny is money'." "I really believe that humor is a bridge that helps you connect heart to heart with other people." "You're a leader. You need to be the one building trust." "Humor is a shortcut to trust." "Leaders help their people learn with laughter." "Increase your LPMs: laughs per meeting." "If in doubt, leave it out." "Every meeting really should be a party with a purpose." Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:43 Start of Interview 03:38 Adam's Backstory and Early Influences 05:23 "I'm Not Funny" and the Confidence Barrier 10:36 Why Humor Is More Than Just Chuckles 16:00 The Laughter Factor Explained 18:10 Laugh Languages and the Power of Surprise 21:09 Poke: Teasing Without Crossing the Line 24:42 Using Humor Across Cultures 30:14 How You Know the Laughter Factor Is Working 32:17 Developing a Laughter Factor at Home 34:25 End of Interview 34:55 Andy Comments After the Interview 38:02 Outtakes Learn More Get a copy of Adam's book The Laughter Factor: The 5 Humor Tactics to Link, Lift, and Lead. You can learn more about Adam and his work at TheLaughterFactor.com. While you are there, check out the short questionnaire to discover your laugh language. For more learning on this topic, check out: Episode 316 with Jennifer Aaker and Naomi Bagdonas. They are completely on this theme of humor being a strategic ability for leaders and teams. Episode 109 with Peter McGraw. Peter breaks down what makes something funny based on his book The Humor Code, an episode Andy still calls back to today. Episode 485 with John Krewson, a conversation about lessons from sketch comedy that nicely reinforce ideas from today's episode. Level Up Your AI Skills Join other listeners from around the world who are taking our AI Made Simple course to prepare for an AI-infused future. Just go to ai.PeopleAndProjectsPodcast.com. Thanks! Pass the PMP Exam If you or someone you know is thinking about getting PMP certified, we've put together a helpful guide called The 5 Best Resources to Help You Pass the PMP Exam on Your First Try. We've helped thousands of people earn their certification, and we'd love to help you too. It's totally free, and it's a great way to get a head start. Just go to 5BestResources.PeopleAndProjectsPodcast.com to grab your copy. I'd love to help you get your PMP this year! Join Us for LEAD52 I know you want to be a more confident leader, that's why you listen to this podcast. LEAD52 is a global community of people like you who are committed to transforming their ability to lead and deliver. It's 52 weeks of leadership learning, delivered right to your inbox, taking less than 5 minutes a week. And it's all for free. Learn more and sign up at GetLEAD52.com. Thanks! Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast! Talent Triangle: Power Skills Topics: Leadership, Humor At Work, Trust Building, Communication, Team Culture, Psychological Safety, Cross-Cultural Leadership, Meeting Facilitation, Emotional Intelligence, Influence, Learning And Development, People Management, Project Management The following music was used for this episode: Music: The Fantastical Ferret by Tim Kulig License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Music: Synthiemania by Frank Schroeter License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Building Trust & Psychological Safety: The Workplace Wellness ToolkitGuest: Malka Shaw, LCSW - Psychotherapist & Trauma SpecialistHost: Julie Riga | Stay On Course PodcastOverviewTrust is the defining leadership challenge of 2026. In this transformative episode, psychotherapist and trauma specialist Malka Shaw shares her innovative ARC Method for creating psychological safety in the workplace.With over 25 years of experience and expertise in workplace dynamics, Malka reveals why cultural humility (not just competence) is essential for building resilient teams where people feel seen, heard, and valued.Building Trust & Psychological Safety: The Workplace Wellness ToolkitWhat You'll Learn:The ARC Method for Workplace Wellness:Anchoring: Understanding nervous system activation and creating environments where people feel safe to disagree, innovate, and collaborateRecognizing: Moving from cultural competence to cultural humility by examining your own bias and leaning in with curiosity, not cancellationConnection: Repairing moments of misunderstanding by acknowledging impact over intentWhy Identity Matters at Work: Malka explains "identity destabilization." When people can't show up as their full selves at work, it reduces cognitive bandwidth, creativity, and problem-solving ability. The neuroscience is clear: hiding core identity directly impacts productivity.The 10-Second Rule: We judge others in just 10 seconds. Learn how to shift from defending to understanding, and why this paradigm shift is critical for leaders in 2026.Key Takeaways:"If you don't feel safe, you're not going to be able to disagree on anything"One-time workshops don't work; trust-building requires ongoing commitment"Advocate with the people, not for the people"Cultural humility means embracing "I don't know everything and I'm willing to learn"Without psychological safety: increased turnover, decreased productivity, and talent lossPerfect for HR professionals, executives, and leaders preparing to prioritize workplace wellness and trust in 2026.Connect with Malka Shaw:Website: malkashaw.comLinkedIn & Instagram: @MalkaShawLCSWKesher Shalom: keshershalom.com#Leadership #WorkplaceWellness #PsychologicalSafety #Trust #CulturalHumility

Send us a textBrave work is messy work. It's an invitation into the dōjō – to be humbled, to get vulnerable, and leave behind what you thought you knew.Life-long learner, executive coach, culture consultant and facilitator, Dr. Dauv Evans joins me this week to journey beyond safety into the brave space arena. Together, we explore what it takes to build these spaces: the intentionality, the rules of engagement, and the assumptions we must leave at the door to have courageous conversations.From power imbalances, to conversations on race, Dauv shares his work in helping people to grow together and exist outside of their comfort zone, with generosity and passion. A rich, practical conversation about how leaders can show up with humility when it's needed most.Find out about:What braves spaces are – and why people must be invited into themHow constructive discomfort can facilitate deeper connection, meaningful learning, and cultural change within organisationsWhy leaders must navigate people's varying levels of risk tolerance with careHow to use power positively to facilitate a brave conversation for the betterDon't miss the next episode: subscribe to the show with your favourite podcast player.Links:Watch the video recording of this episode on YouTube.Connect to Dauv Evans:Brave Space Leadership Cohort Interest FormWebsiteLinkedInSupport the show✨✨✨You can now find the podcast on Substack, where your host Dr. Myriam Hadnes is building a club for you to find fellow listeners and peers: https://myriamhadnes.substack.com/

Is 'Move Fast & Break Things' just permission to be reckless?Join Product Manager Brian Orlando and Enterprise Business Agility Consultant Om Patel as they examine Mark Zuckerberg's (in)famous mantra and reveal how it may have metastasized from breaking code to breaking laws, teams, and even contributing to real human harm.Watch or listen as we explore the critical dimensions of this philosophy, including:BREAKING SOFTWARE: How the original meaning of 'break things' (emphasizing first-mover advantage) evolved from rapid iteration of code to justifying regulatory evasion and monopolistic behavior.BREAKING TEAMS: Using Harvard research that shows 'always-on' cultures decrease productivity by 20% and spike turnover to discuss how intensity without recovery is just exploitation (and what to do instead).BREAKING PEOPLE: Discussing the human costs of unchecked speed, from Facebook's alleged role in the Myanmar genocide to Uber's systemic harassment culture to Theranos's fraud.LEARNING OVER SPEED: We discuss Eric Ries's seminal work: The Lean Startup and how it went out of it's way to emphasize learning velocity over shipping velocity. WRONG (we guess)!PUSHING BACK (WITHOUT GETTING FIRED): We brainstorm for frameworks to use for challenging speed-obsessed leadership, including trade-off and discuss real-world experiences.Whether you're running a business, a product manager, or a team member just trying to keep up, this episode arms you with arguments and frameworks to advocate for ethical innovation.What's your take on 'move fast' culture? Have you seen it more of a positive or negative?#ProductManagement #TechEthics #AgileLeadershipREFERENCESMove Fast and Break Things by Jonathan Taplin (2017), Careless People: A Cautionary Tale of Power Greed and Lost Idealism by Sarah Wynn Williams, The Lean Startup by Eric Ries (2011), The Fearless Organization by Amy Edmondson (2018), Susan Fowler's blog 'Reflecting on One Very Very Strange Year at Uber' (February 2017), UN Human Rights Council 2018 report on Facebook and Myanmar, Harvard Business School research on always-on cultures (2009), Agile Podcast E22 - Interview with a Scrum Trainer: Fred Mastropasqua (August 2021), Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink, The Social Network (film, 2010)LINKSYouTube https://www.youtube.com/@arguingagileSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/362QvYORmtZRKAeTAE57v3Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/agile-podcast/id1568557596Website: https://arguingagile.com/

Why good communication requires presence, not performance.Effective communication isn't about perfecting your performance. According to Dr. Kate Mason, it's about being powerfully present.Mason is a world champion debater, executive communication coach, and author of the book Powerfully Likable. In her work coaching senior executives to communicate more effectively, she emphasizes that it's not about creating a performative persona, it's about uncovering the authentic communicator you already are. “The coaching is just bringing the real parts of you to the fore,” she says, “uncovering rather than totally building from scratch. A lot of people come to me and say, I need to be more warm or more insert adjective here. And I say, I'm not gonna help you be more warm if that's not what's coming naturally to you. I am gonna help you work out the thing you're already doing, the thing you're already saying, how to make that comfortable for people around you.”In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Mason and host Matt Abrahams discuss strategies for more present communication. From avoiding "imposing syndrome” to reducing “the delta between your real self and that corporate persona,” Mason's insights explore how we can bring more of our true selves to the table.To listen to the extended Deep Thinks version of this episode, please visit FasterSmarter.io/premium.Episode Reference Links:Dr. Kate MasonKate's Book: Powerfully LikeableEp. 210 First Impression to Lasting Impact: Use Status Strategically Connect:Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.ioEpisode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedInChapters:(00:00) - Introduction (02:32) - Why Confidence Is the Wrong Goal (03:55) - Bridging Your Real and Work Selves (05:27) - What Is Imposing Syndrome? (07:01) - Catching Yourself Shrinking (08:58) - Rethinking Imposter Syndrome (10:15) - Assertive vs. Agreeable (12:40) - Naming Your Communication Style (15:38) - What You Say vs. How You Show Up (17:43) - Body Language That Signals Openness (19:04) - Executive Messaging Lessons (22:01) - The Final Three Questions (26:51) - Conclusion ********Thank you to our sponsors.  These partnerships support the ongoing production of the podcast, allowing us to bring it to you at no cost. Go to Quince.com/ThinkFast for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be.

What if one of the most overlooked leadership behaviors was also one of the most powerful drivers of engagement, performance, and retention?In this episode of Shedding the Corporate Bitch, we reframe gratitude from being “nice” to being strategic. Backed by research from Harvard, Gallup, and the University of Pennsylvania, this conversation breaks down why leaders who fail to recognize effort quietly erode culture — and how intentional gratitude can transform results, morale, and loyalty.Time Stamps & Key Talking Points00:00 – Why Gratitude Shapes Leadership Legacy People may forget what you say or do, but they never forget how you make them feel, Gratitude as an emotional leadership lever04:00 – The #1 Thing Employees Ask For Why employees just want to be seen, The underestimated power of “thank you”09:00 – A 50% Productivity Increase University of Pennsylvania research, Adam Grant's findings on gratitude13:00 – The Three Unspoken Employee Questions Do I matter?, Does my work matter?, Do you even notice?18:00 – Fuel the Climb, Not Just the Win Recognizing effort and progress, not just outcomes19:00 – Modeling Gratitude as a Leader Why leaders set the emotional standard, Behavior gets mirrored24:30 – The Real Question Leaders Must Ask Can you afford the absence of gratitude?26:00 – Leadership Reflection Challenge What went unnoticed?, What culture are you quietly building?28:00 – Final Takeaway Gratitude isn't changing who you are, It's changing what you noticeCall to Actions

In today's episode, we're diving into one of the most misunderstood and essential foundations of effective teamwork: psychological safety. Our guest is Dr. Michaela Kerrissey, associate professor at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and co-author of the recent Harvard Business Review article, “What People Get Wrong About Psychological Safety.”What does it really mean? Is it about being nice? Feeling comfortable? Or getting your way in team discussions? Michaela's work dismantles these myths and reframes psychological safety as something far more powerful: the ability to speak up, question, challenge, and share critical insights, without fear of ridicule or reprisal.Together, we'll explore how psychological safety applies on the front lines of emergency care, what leaders and crews can do to build it in the moment, and why getting this right might just be the most important culture shift we can make. This conversation is a game-changer for teams that want to grow, perform, and protect each other under pressure. You can read the article here: https://hbr.org/2025/05/what-people-get-wrong-about-psychological-safety?ab=HP-magazine-text-1

Greg Stephens is the President of Choice Consulting and a seasoned communication expert, executive coach, and corporate trainer. With over 25 years of experience across tech, healthcare, and sports, Greg specializes in the "human" side of business: leadership development, conflict resolution, and high-stakes communication.A certified behavior analyst and Master Trainer in Crucial Conversations, Greg has empowered thousands of professionals to turn ordinary interactions into extraordinary results.SHOW SUMMARYIn this episode of the Selling from the Heart Podcast, Larry Levine and Darrell Amy are joined by Greg Stephens to explore how sales professionals and leaders can restore even the most challenging or “impossible” relationships. Greg shares powerful insights on authenticity, mindset, and communication—highlighting how self-limiting beliefs often stand in the way of trust and progress.The conversation dives into practical strategies for setting clear agreements, defining mutual respect, and creating psychological safety in client and team relationships. Through real-world examples and role-playing, Greg demonstrates how intentional communication can transform conflict into collaboration and rebuild trust where it feels lost.KEY TAKEAWAYSAuthenticity as a Foundation: Sustainable sales success is impossible without an authentic connection and a baseline of mutual respect.Mindset Over Circumstance: Most "impossible" relationships are actually limited by our own internal beliefs—change your narrative to change the outcome.Define Respect Early: Success lies in establishing clear agreements and understanding exactly what "respect" means to your client.The Information Gap: Open and honest communication about expectations is vital; without information, people create "worst-case" stories that lead to downward spirals.Radical Accountability: You cannot control another person, but you have 100% control over your attitude, your actions, and how you show up.HIGHLIGHT QUOTESEveryone wants to buy, no one wants to be sold.If I don't have your best in mind, it's going to come across as me trying to get something for myself.People have to have psychological safety in the conversation—mutual purpose and mutual respect.In the absence of information, we make it up and we make up the worst story we can.

Today, we're unpacking why leadership feels so much harder right now, and what it takes to navigate a world defined by constant change.Futurist Dominic Price explores the pressures facing modern leaders, the shift from efficiency to effectiveness, and why upgrading our human operating systems matters more than adopting the latest tools.Dom breaks down the rising disconnect between leaders and teams, how AI is increasing both productivity and stress, and the practical mindset shifts leaders need to thrive.In this episode, Dom shares:Why “best practice” no longer exists, and leaders must create their own.How to find anchor points when “normal” has disappeared.Why organisations need to evolve their ways of working, not just add new tech.How imagination, experimentation and the “plus one” mindset unlock progress.Host: Jenelle McMaster, EY Regional Deputy CEO and People and Culture Leader, OceaniaGuest: Dominic Price, Work Futurist, Technologist, Founder

What You'll Learn:In this episode, host Catherine McDonald and guest Kelly Mallery discuss the importance of understanding and managing resistance to change in the workplace. They emphasize that resistance is a natural human reaction rooted in fear and that fighting it can be counterproductive, leading to eroded trust and failed change initiatives.About the Guest:Kelly Mallery has built her career helping teams and leaders navigate change—not by pushing harder, but by making the process easier, smarter, and even enjoyable. As the Operational Excellence Leader for two Viant Medical sites in New Hampshire and Michigan, she drives continuous improvement in high-stakes manufacturing environments. With over a decade of experience across solar, industrial consumer products, and aerospace, Kelly believes true transformation starts with mindset, not just tools.Through her coaching and consulting work, Kelly helps women change leaders overcome resistance, build confidence, and create lasting impact with less struggle. A proud Kata geek, she joined Kata Girl Geeks in 2020 and founded Kata School Northeast in 2023 to expand scientific thinking and adaptability. She lives in the Upper Valley between Vermont and New Hampshire with her family, where she continues her mission to make change work for people—not against them.Links:Kelly Mallery Coaching & Consulting LLCKelly Mallery's LinkedIn

Lauren explores how organizational culture acts as a nervous system and the signs that show when it's stuck in survival mode. She explains how unclear communication, chronic urgency, and dysregulated leadership quietly shape how teams feel, function, and perform. She also shares simple ways leaders can restore regulation through tone, emotional repair, and small moments of co-regulation that rebuild trust and create a calmer, more sustainable workplace.Sign up for the University of Pennsylvania Behavior Breakthrough Accredited CourseLearn about the Staff Sustainability System a proven system to reduce burnout at the rootOther related resources from Five Ives: Blog Post: Why Traditional Employee Wellness Programs Fail (And What Works Instead)Survive Mode: Recognizing When Your Organization is in CrisisWhat are the Five Ives?Podcast:Growth & Feedback Without FearOnboarding as Co-RegulationPolicy as a Nervous SystemMeetings that Calm, Not DrainThe Regulated Organization: What it Means to be a Regulated OrganizationRetain: Sustaining Staff, Culture, and CapacityReinforce- Ensuring that Change becomes Cultural Muscle Memory  Reset: Moving from Relief to Real TransformationThe Regulated Team: Creating Cultures that BreatheHive- The Last Stage of the Five IvesThrive- The Fourth Stage of the Five IvesStrive- The Third Stage of the Five IvesRevive- The Second Stage of the Five IvesSurvive- The First Stage of the Five IvesOur Online Programs: Behavior BreakthroughPolicing Under PressureBoard Governance TrainingUniversity of Pennsylvania Behavior Breakthrough Accredited CourseSubscribe to our mailing list and find out more about Stress, Trauma, Behavior and the Brain!Check out our Facebook Group – Five Ives!Five Ives Website websiteThe Behavior Hub blogIf you're looking for support as you grow your organization's capacity for caring for staff and the community, we would love to be part of that journey. Schedule a free discovery call and let us be your guideAs an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Stay On Course Podcast - Episode Show NotesLead Louder: How Storytelling & Psychological Safety Transform Team PerformanceGuest: Jesse Pudles, CEO & Founder of SpotCorpHost: Julie RigaOverviewIn this powerful episode, Julie sits down with Jesse Pudles, the visionary CEO and founder of SpotCorp, where creativity meets compassion in workplace transformation. Jesse shares how his company uses theatrical innovation, bold facilitation, and the ancient art of storytelling to help teams build psychological safety—the secret ingredient behind high-performing teams. Discover why acknowledgment is your most powerful leadership tool, how different generations find meaning at work, and the practical steps to create environments where people feel seen, heard, and valued. This conversation will transform how you think about team building, purpose-driven leadership, and authentic connection in the workplace.Lead Louder: How Storytelling & Psychological Safety Transform Team PerformanceGuest: Jesse Pudles, CEO & Founder of SpotCorpHost: Julie RigaAbout This EpisodeJesse Pudles revolutionizes workplace culture through storytelling and experiential learning. Since 2021, he's been growing SpotCorp with a mission to help teams "lead louder and connect deeper" through experiences that blend theatrical innovation with research-backed team development.Together, Julie and Jesse explore why psychological safety—not individual talent—creates high-performing teams, how to bridge generational workplace divides, and why being "more interesting than your phone" is essential for modern leadership.Key Topics DiscussedThe Power of Psychological Safety:Google's Project Aristotle revealed that successful teams are built on psychological safety, not high performersTeams with psychological safety see 34% productivity gainsEmployee turnover costs one-third of each person's salaryGenerational Workplace Dynamics:Baby Boomers & Gen X: Value tangible learning and practical applicationMillennials: Built social networks through workGen Z: Demand purpose-driven work where their ideas matterThe SpotCorp Three-Act Framework:Playful Skill Building: Games and improv targeting specific business needsWheel of Mediums: Creative expression through rap, comedy, puppets, and moreSpotlight Session: Deep storytelling that creates authentic connectionThe Art of Strategic Acknowledgment: Jesse's #1 leadership advice: Move beyond "great job" to specific, behavior-focused acknowledgment that signals value, guides future behavior, and dramatically improves retention.Memorable Quotes"You have to be more interesting than your phone.""Stories are what bring us together. When you hear someone's story, you realize how aligned you are.""Acknowledgment is your best friend. It is your easiest tool for retaining your employees.""We spend one-third of our lives at work—we should absolutely have fun at work."Key TakeawaysPsychological safety is the foundation of high-performing teamsSpecific acknowledgment is your most powerful (and free) retention toolStories bridge generational and role dividesLeaders must participate to create authentic team cultureFun isn't frivolous—it's essential for productivity and well-beingConnect with Jesse PudlesWebsite: www.spotcorpevents.comInstagram: @SpotCorpEventsLinkedIn: Jesse Pudles & SpotCorp Events

Send us a textIf you're ready to go deeper and make 2026 the year you return fully to yourself, my masterclass is now open.  Join hereIf you've been struggling… overthinking… working harder than ever… or feeling undervalued, unseen, or “not enough,” there is something important you need to hear:You are not suffering because you're failing. You're suffering because your nervous system has been trying to protect you.In this episode, I'm breaking down why you get stuck in painful patterns - at work, in relationships, in your identity - even when you know you deserve better.You'll learn:✨ Why your worth gets triggered ✨ Why you start proving, pleasing, or shrinking without meaning to ✨ The real reason certain people feel unsafe to your body ✨ Why you stay in situations you've outgrown ✨ How your nervous system overrides your logic ✨ Why suffering is often a redirect, not a punishment ✨ The question that dissolves triggers and brings you back into yourselfBy the end of this episode, you'll understand yourself in a way you never have before… and you'll feel relief simply from recognising that nothing about the way you react is a flaw.It's your system asking for what it needs.If you're ready to stop abandoning yourself - and start returning to who you were always meant to be - this is the episode to begin with.You are not broken. You are becoming.

This episode is sponsored by Lightstone DIRECT. Lightstone DIRECT invites you to partner with a $12B AUM real estate institution as you grow your portfolio. Access the same single-asset multifamily and industrial deals Lightstone pursues with its own capital – Lightstone co-invests a minimum of 20% in each deal alongside individual investors like you. You're an institution. Time to invest like one.-------------------------------------------What do you do when a colleague needs coaching but resists every step? In this essential episode for physician leaders, host Dr. Bradley Block welcomes back Dr. John Schneider, as they explore starting productive conversations with those who don't want to hear it: from remediation for below-standard behavior to subtle issues. Dr. Schneider stresses asking questions from their perspective, building psychological safety, and inviting participation to open doors for change, not pushing through them. He warns against "hammer" approaches like HR escalation unless minimum competencies fail, and shares the "challenge plus support" quadrant: challenge without support leads to retreat; support without challenge stalls growth. Drawing from his roles as Assistant Dean for Faculty Coaching and private practice coach, he emphasizes leading with belief in people, connecting to their original "calling" in medicine, and accepting that not everyone will walk through the door. If you're in leadership facing resistance. This episode offers nuanced, practical strategies to foster trust, inspire evolution, and avoid burnout for you and your team.Three Actionable Takeaways:Start with Their Perspective, Not Yours: When addressing resistance, ask questions that uncover what they need, not what you think they need. Avoid starting from remediation or "hammer" tactics; build psychological safety by showing you believe in them, inviting participation to make change feel meaningful and voluntary.Balance Challenge and Support for Growth: Use the quadrants: Challenge without support causes retreat; support without challenge leads to stagnation. As a leader, consciously provide both, holding accountable while being "with them" to open doors for self-reflection and behavior shifts, even if they don't always step through.Reconnect to Their Original Calling: Remind resistant colleagues of why they chose medicine, the inspiration that's often buried under policies and metrics. Frame changes as ways to rediscover that purpose, making evolution feel like a personal win, not an imposed fix; not everyone changes, but this invites possibility.About the Show:Succeed In Medicine  covers patient interactions, burnout, career growth, personal finance, and more. If you're tired of dull medical lectures, tune in for real-world lessons we should have learned in med school!About the Guest: Dr. John Schneider is the Division Chief of Rhinology and Anterior Skull Base Surgery and Associate Professor at Washington University in St. Louis. He serves as the university's first Assistant Dean for Faculty Coaching and is a Master Certified Physician Development Coach. In addition to his academic and clinical roles, Dr. Schneider runs his own coaching practice called Physicians' Mind Coaching, focused on helping physicians improve self-awareness, leadership, communication, and professional fulfillment. He is a nationally recognized expert in physician coaching, particularly in having difficult conversations, addressing disruptive behavior, building psychological safety, and guiding reluctant physicians toward personal and professional growth. He trains faculty coaches at Wash U and frequently speaks on topics including conflict resolution, the coach approach in leadership, and burnout prevention.Email:   john@physiciansmind.comAbout the Host:Dr. Bradley Block – Dr. Bradley Block is a board-certified otolaryngologist at ENT and Allergy Associates in Garden City, NY. He specializes in adult and pediatric ENT, with interests in sinusitis and obstructive sleep apnea. Dr. Block also hosts Succeed In Medicine podcast, focusing on personal and professional development for physiciansWant to be a guest?Email Brad at brad@physiciansguidetodoctoring.com  or visit www.physiciansguidetodoctoring.com to learn more!Socials:@physiciansguidetodoctoring on Facebook@physicianguidetodoctoring on YouTube@physiciansguide on Instagram and Twitter This medical podcast is your physician mentor to fill the gaps in your medical education. We cover physician soft skills, charting, interpersonal skills, doctor finance, doctor mental health, medical decisions, physician parenting, physician executive skills, navigating your doctor career, and medical professional development. This is critical CME for physicians, but without the credits (yet). A proud founding member of the Doctor Podcast Network!Visit www.physiciansguidetodoctoring.com to connect, dive deeper, and keep the conversation going. Let's grow! Disclaimer:This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, financial, or legal advice. Always consult a qualified professional for personalized guidance. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

From a childhood imaginary classroom, to the moments before a traffic light turns green, Shireen Naqvi has been viewing the world as a beautiful facilitation opportunity her whole life.Guided by the divine belief that humans are the best creatures in the universe, Shireen has made it her mission to help others realise the power that lies within them. She joins me this week to share stories from her life in Pakistan, her strategies for enabling self-empowerment in others, and why anger is the perfect ammunition for change.A wise and inspiring conversation rich with Shireen's passion, as we explore professionalism, injustice, the female experience, cultural nuances, and everything in between!Find out about:Why we should pay attention to our angers in order to understand our personal valuesWomen's rights in Pakistan, and Shireen's experience as a female trainer and entrepreneurHow Shireen uses play and authenticity to break the barrier of professionalism in the boardroomHow the concept of professionalism differs across cultures and countriesDon't miss the next episode: subscribe to the show with your favourite podcast player.Links:Watch the video recording of this episode on YouTube.Connect to Shireen Naqvi:LinkedInShare your thoughts about our conversation!Support the show✨✨✨You can now find the podcast on Substack, where your host Dr. Myriam Hadnes is building a club for you to find fellow listeners and peers: https://myriamhadnes.substack.com/

Being a guest on the HCI Podcast gave me the chance to talk about something I care deeply about: how psychological safety becomes the catalyst for workplaces where people can show up fully, speak openly, and actually thrive. At The Equity Equation, this isn't theory—it's the core of the work we do every day with leaders, teams, and organizations who want to build cultures where people feel respected, supported, and able to contribute without fear.Why Psychological Safety MattersPsychological safety isn't a trendy buzzword. It's a real, human need. At its heart, it means people feel safe enough to take risks—ask a question, share a new idea, admit a mistake, or offer a different point of view—without worrying that it will be used against them later.That's the foundation of inclusion. You can have the best policies, the most beautifully designed training, or the most diverse team, but if people don't feel safe enough to speak up, none of it sticks.On the podcast, I talked about how psychological safety has to be an ongoing practice—not something organizations revisit only when there's a crisis or a compliance requirement. It's built through consistent actions, honest conversations, and leaders who understand the impact they have on people's experiences.Where Psychological Safety and Inclusion MeetThere's no way around it: conversations about inclusion have become politicized in ways that often shut people down before the work even begins. But when you strip away the noise, most of us want the exact same thing at work—to be needed, wanted, and valued.Psychological safety is what makes those things possible.When people feel safe, they offer ideas more freely. They speak up about behavior or practices that aren't working. They share concerns before they become issues. They participate fully instead of holding back. This is inclusion in action—not a checklist, not a statement on a wall, but everyday behaviors shaped by trust.And one of the most important outcomes of psychological safety is that it gives people permission to advocate for themselves and for others. Advocacy isn't reserved for certain roles or identities. Anyone can notice when something isn't working for their colleague or their team. Anyone can be part of building a better culture.Allyship Takes More Than Good IntentionsWe also talked about allyship—and how often the word gets misused. You can't call yourself an ally without actually doing the work. Allyship isn't a title; it's a practice. It's a choice to use whatever privilege you have to challenge harm, disrupt bias, and make sure people feel supported.This work doesn't stop the moment it gets uncomfortable. And it doesn't end with a social media post or a corporate statement. Real allyship looks like risk. It looks like stepping in. It looks like asking yourself:“What am I willing to do—or give up—to make sure someone else is treated fairly?”That kind of courage is only possible in environments where psychological safety already exists. The two are inseparable.Equity Requires Understanding People as IndividualsThe conversation turned toward equity, and I shared one of my favorite analogies: raising twins. You may love your children equally, but you don't support them the same way. They need different things to grow.Workplaces are no different.Equality gives everyone the same resources.Equity gives people what they need to succeed.Leaders who understand this spend less time managing tasks and more time understanding the humans doing the work. Employees today want support, coaching, and mentorship—not just direction. They want leaders who can guide, not just supervise.That requires emotional intelligence. It requires curiosity. And yes, it requires psychological safety, because people won't tell you what they need if they don't feel safe doing so.Coaching as a Tool for InclusionOne of the things I emphasize often—both in my coaching practice and in the podcast conversation—is that coaching is one of the most powerful tools for building equitable, inclusive cultures.Mentoring is about sharing expertise.Coaching is about asking questions that help people uncover their own answers.When leaders coach well, they help people make sense of challenges, explore possibilities, and build confidence. Coaching gives people ownership over their growth. And that ownership increases trust—because they don't feel like they're being evaluated; they feel like they're being supported.In a psychologically safe workplace, coaching becomes part of the culture—not just something offered to a handful of high performers. It becomes a way leaders communicate, partner, and stay connected to their teams.Inclusion Benefits EveryoneOne thing I always try to make clear: inclusion isn't about giving to one group at the expense of another. When workplaces become more inclusive, everyone benefits. Collaboration improves. Innovation increases. Retention gets stronger. Relationships deepen.A rising tide really does lift all ships.The goal isn't to center one group over another—it's to create environments where everyone can do their best work without carrying the weight of fear or exclusion.An InvitationIf this conversation resonated, it's because so many organizations are searching for ways to rebuild trust, strengthen culture, and support their people more effectively—especially in uncertain times.Psychological safety is the starting point.It's the key to creating workplaces where people feel grounded, confident, and empowered. And it's the foundation of the work we do at The Equity Equation: assessments, coaching, training, and long-term partnership that helps leaders turn intention into action.If you're ready to explore what psychological safety could look like in your organization, let's talk. The work is challenging, but the impact is real—and lasting. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit deiafter5.substack.com/subscribe

Hi, Chester Elton here. And Adrian Gostick. If you've been listening to our podcast, Anxiety at Work, first and foremost, we just want to say thank you. You know, we started that podcast during a really stressful time. There was a lot of anxiety. There was a lot of pressure. And those conversations were important. And by the way, they still are.  Right. But the conversation's evolving in leadership. And so are we. So we're launching a new podcast. It's called Culture Works podcast. It's about human -centered leadership. It's how it's changing the world and what the mission of leaders is today.  - How to build those workplaces where people really want to come and give their best. - What we're talking about is how we deal with real leadership challenges like managing hybrid teams,  - what recognition looks like for multi -generational workforces,  - how you build psychological safety during times of uncertainty and change, which we're all going through. Now, we're still going to delve into of the challenges you're dealing with, anxiety and burnout, and the human side of leadership. But we're also talking about what you have to do to get the culture right. The business outcomes, you know, the advantages, why it's a differentiator, how retention wins, and the moments when leadership actually works. So here's what we're asking you to do. If you don't mind, and we would love you to do this, subscribe to the Culture Works podcast.  Whatever you're listening to right now, make the Culture Works podcast part of your regular routine.  And join us to help build something better.  You know, there's lots of good people out there, lots of good leaders, and they want to share what they know with you.  And that's what we're going to do.  So thanks for listening, everybody.  Come on over to the Culture Work podcast.  You're welcome there too. Support the showFor a weekly dose of gratitude from Chester Elton, text GRATITUDE to 908-460-2820.Until next week, we hope you find peace & calm in a world that often is a sea of anxiety.If you love this podcast, please share it and leave a 5-star rating! If you feel inspired, we invite you to come on over to The Culture Works where we share resources and tools for you to build a high-performing culture where you work.Your hosts, Adrian Gostick and Chester Elton have spent over two decades helping clients around the world engage their employees on strategy, vision and values. They provide real solutions for leaders looking to manage change, drive innovation and build high performance cultures and teams. They are authors of award-winning Wall Street Journal & New York Times bestsellers All In, The Carrot Principle, Leading with Gratitude, & Anxiety at Work. Their books have been translated into 30 languages and have sold more than 1.5 million copies. Visit The Culture Works for a free Chapter 1 download of Anxiety at Work.Learn more about their Executive Coaching at The Cultur...

Show Notes: Antifragile Emergency ManagersEpisode SummaryIn this episode of the Emergency Management Network Podcast, we explore what it truly means to be an antifragile emergency manager—a practitioner who doesn't just withstand disruption, but grows stronger because of it. Drawing on Nassim Nicholas Taleb's concept of antifragility, the conversation moves beyond resilience and robustness to examine how uncertainty, stress, failure, and volatility can become sources of learning and professional growth in emergency management.Rather than chasing the illusion of control or perfect plans, antifragile emergency managers cultivate adaptive thinking, decentralized decision-making, strong relationships, and the humility to learn in real time. From chaotic incidents to political pressure, from after-action reports to lived experience, this episode challenges the field to rethink what “good leadership” really looks like in an increasingly complex risk environment.This is a conversation about mindset, culture, and leadership—not checklists.Topics Covered* Resilience vs. Antifragility: why “bouncing back” isn't enough in modern emergency management* Stress as a Teacher: using disruption, mistakes, and friction to sharpen judgment* Decentralized Leadership: empowering teams instead of over-controlling outcomes* Planning for Uncertainty: why flexible frameworks outperform rigid plans* Failure and After-Action Learning: turning lessons observed into lessons applied* Psychological Safety and Trust: creating organizations that can adapt under pressure* Leadership Amid Ambiguity: decision-making when information is incomplete and stakes are high* How emergency managers can become antifragile—personally and institutionallyKey TakeawayEmergency management is not about eliminating chaos—it's about learning how to operate within it. Antifragile emergency managers don't fear disruption; they use it to become sharper, wiser, and better prepared for whatever comes next.Recommended Reading & Influences* Nassim Nicholas Taleb – Antifragile* Craig Fugate – Leadership in complex disasters* Stanley McChrystal – Team of Teams* General Jim Mattis – Leadership and discipline under uncertainty This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit emnetwork.substack.com/subscribe

Summary In this episode, Andy talks with Dr. Katie Best, leadership coach and author of The Ten Toughest Leadership Problems and How to Solve Them. Drawing on years of coaching leaders across industries, Katie shares practical insights that help you tackle high-stakes leadership moments—especially when a coach isn't available. They explore Katie's SOLVE framework for problem-solving under pressure, the danger of performative busyness, and how to make better decisions when trade-offs and uncertainty rule the day. You'll also hear how to unlock authentic influence without manipulation, foster healthy debate on overly "nice" teams, and support psychological safety in leadership and parenting. Andy and Katie also dig into how to empower women in leadership and how small actions can create big shifts in workplace culture. If you've ever felt overwhelmed as a leader or wished for a coach in the moment, this conversation offers clarity, encouragement, and real tools you can start using today! Sound Bites "You only have power if someone believes that you do." "All interaction is manipulative, but that doesn't mean it's toxic." "Performative busyness is one of the biggest traps for high performers." "Draw the line, or others will draw it for you." "Influence is about being a decent human, not just using techniques." "If you've done the learning, don't let it go to waste." "The idea that people put on an act at work has always fascinated me." "We owe it to ourselves, and if we're leaders of other human beings, we owe it to them as well, to show that it's okay to switch off." "Performative busyness is that kind of, we're never allowed to stop, and if we continue to perform, we keep that idea going that everyone needs to be busy all the time." "We are so much better at learning from positivity than we are from negativity." "We have to recognize that lots of people don't like speaking up in meetings." "It's much easier to do a positive thing than to not do a negative thing." Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:33 Start of Interview 01:45 Early Influences on Leadership 04:33 The Coaching Gap and Why She Wrote the Book 05:47 What Is Performative Busyness? 09:32 How Katie Protects Her Own Focus and Energy 12:00 Introducing the SOLVE Framework 18:00 Making Decisions with Uncertainty 20:40 Power and Influence: What's the Difference? 25:42 Why Influence Techniques Sometimes Backfire 26:43 Encouraging Debate in "Too Nice" Cultures 28:40 Building Psychological Safety on Your Team 31:00 Advice for Women Leaders (and the Men Who Support Them) 34:00 Leadership Lessons as a Parent 35:55 End of Interview 36:25 Andy Comments After the Interview 40:19 Outtakes Learn More You can learn more about Katie and her work at KatieBest.com. For more learning on this topic, check out: Episode 442 with Dominic Ashley-Timms. Excellent ideas on how to coach the people around us—and ourselves. Episode 391 with Adam Bryant. Insightful and engaging stories about how people make the leap to being leaders. Episode 385 with Vanessa Patrick. She wrote a great book about How To Say No. Very empowering. Pass the PMP Exam If you or someone you know is thinking about getting PMP certified, we've put together a helpful guide called The 5 Best Resources to Help You Pass the PMP Exam on Your First Try. We've helped thousands of people earn their certification, and we'd love to help you too. It's totally free, and it's a great way to get a head start. Just go to 5BestResources.PeopleAndProjectsPodcast.com to grab your copy. I'd love to help you get your PMP! Level Up Your AI Skills Join other listeners from around the world who are taking our AI Made Simple course to prepare for an AI-infused future. Just go to ai.PeopleAndProjectsPodcast.com. Thanks! Join Us for LEAD52 I know you want to be a more confident leader—that's why you listen to this podcast. LEAD52 is a global community of people like you who are committed to transforming their ability to lead and deliver. It's 52 weeks of leadership learning, delivered right to your inbox, taking less than 5 minutes a week. And it's all for free. Learn more and sign up at GetLEAD52.com. Thanks! Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast! Talent Triangle: Power Skills Topics: Leadership, Coaching, Decision Making, Influence, Communication, Psychological Safety, Conflict, Engagement, Organizational Culture, Team Development, Strategic Thinking, Problem Solving The following music was used for this episode: Music: On Point by Steven O'Brien License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Music: Tropical Vibe by WinnieTheMoog License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

If you're not familiar with the term, you're very likely familiar with the feeling of a workplace where psychological safety has been established or where it was not. Unlocking creativity, innovation, and honesty requires some measure of freedom to express oneself authentically. A successful organization prioritizes a psychologically safe environment for its employees. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple

In this episode, Cindy Esliger addresses the myth that managing people is the only way up the career ladder. We're often told that stepping up into management is the only way to advance in our workplace, but shoving people into management roles unprepared can come with devastating fallout. Both the managers and employees find that the move exacts a painful toll. Cindy explains why it's critical to rethink how careers can grow and employees can advance beyond people management. Leadership and success do not have to be synonymous with managing people.   Managing people requires a very different set of skills than most people imagine. Cindy breaks down four of the key things managers are responsible for: 1. Morale, 2. Performance, 3. Retention, and 4. Culture. As Cindy notes, “a great manager is in the trenches with their people, shaping how employees experience the workplace”, and not everyone is cut out to do this. We've all had bad managers, and they may have been people promoted into management positions without preparation, told that it was the only way to advance.If we do end up in a management role, Cindy offers six strategies to add to our toolkits: 1. Have people create informal personal operating manuals, 2. Ask the right question, 3. Balance, 4. Practice presence and curiosity, 5. Brush up on conflict resolution and stress management skills, and 6. Set and enforce boundaries. But if we aren't ready for managing people, Cindy urges us to ask where we can thrive and how we can make the biggest difference on an alternate path. Roles like Principal Engineer, Distinguished Scientist, and Senior Strategist are designed for those who want to deepen impact without taking on direct reports. The goal isn't just climbing higher, it's building the career we actually want.Resources discussed in this episode:Guide to Redefining Career Growth Beyond ManagementAstronomic AudioConfidence Collective—Contact Cindy Esliger Career Confidence Coaching: website | instagram | facebook | linkedin | email Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this podcast episode, Dr. Jonathan H. Westover talks with Sacha Thompson about psychological safety and why is it essential for an inclusive workplace. Sacha Thompson is the visionary founder behind The Equity Equation, a prestigious consultancy dedicated to fostering inclusive cultures. Based in the vibrant Washington, DC area, Sacha brings over two decades of diverse experience spanning the education, non-profit, and tech sectors to empower her clients. Check out all of the podcasts in the HCI Podcast Network!

What You'll Learn:In this episode, hosts Andy Olrich, Shayne Daughenbaug, and guest Alex Suchman discuss how play can serve as a powerful tool for continuous improvement and stronger team performance. They highlight how workplace disagreement often stems from interpersonal dynamics and different communication styles. They also emphasize that play can foster trust, accountability, and psychological safety.About the Guest:Alex Suchman is the CEO and co-founder of Barometer XP, whose mission is to create cultures where people are excited about their work because they feel a strong sense of purpose and belonging. She uses games and play to strengthen interpersonal dynamics, such as trust, accountability, and psychological safety, in the workplace. She was a finalist for the Metro DC ATD Award for Excellence in Innovative Learning, has been featured in Forbes, and is a sought-after speaker and thought leader on using play as a tool for organizational effectiveness and employee success.Links:Alex Suchman LinkedInBarometer XP Website

Not all clowns hide sadness behind a painted smile. Some wear their emotions on their sleeve, with earnest, overt authenticity, and deep self-awareness!After taking a sign language course, Suzanne Dietz discovered how freeing it was to express herself through non-verbal communication – and it soon changed the course of her life. Hanging up her traditional facilitation hat and swapping it for a red nose, she now brings joy to the lives of asylum seekers and the elderly as a talented care clown.Together, we unravel the wondrous world of non-verbal facilitation: from improvisation and silent connection, to letting go of performance, and developing a sharpened sense for the unspoken.Find out about:The unexpected similarities between facilitators and clownsThe non-verbal craft of clowning, the cues, and the communication formHow Suzanne expresses and plays with emotions with authenticityHow clowning can sharpen our intuition, and reveal emotional clarity in both ourselves and othersDon't miss the next episode: subscribe to the show with your favourite podcast player.Connect to Suzanne Dietz:LinkedInShare your thoughts about our conversation!Support the show✨✨✨You can now find the podcast on Substack, where your host Dr. Myriam Hadnes is building a club for you to find fellow listeners and peers: https://myriamhadnes.substack.com/

What are the core habits of highly collaborative teams?Since Google's Project Aristotle, we've understood that high-performing teams are defined by how they interact, not by who is on them. For today's diverse, multigenerational, and decentralized workforce, supporting healthy interactions requires a strong commitment to specific strategies: the selection of accessible tools and technologies, clear methods to depersonalize conflict, and strong awareness of cognitive biases like “groupthink” and “risky shift.” By integrating these practical and relational strategies, teams can ensure diverse ideas are truly heard and valued.On this episode of Just One Q, Dominique chats with guest Jennifer Porritt, the founder and principal consultant of JP Consulting. Jenn is a human resources and training professional with more than 25 years experience helping leaders evolve and grow to support successful organizations. They discuss the core habits and strategies of highly collaborative teams, exploring the importance of psychological safety, managing constructive conflict, avoiding “groupthink,” and more.Keep Up with Jennifer:https://jp-consulting.ca/Try Learning Snippets:https://dialectic.solutions/signupContact Us to Be a Guest on Just One Q:https://dialectic.solutions/podcast-guest

Welcome to another episode of the Sustainable Clinical Medicine Podcast! In this podcast episode #150 we shine a light on the real experiences of early-career medical professionals and listening to the voices of junior doctors. I'm your host, Dr. Sarah Smith, and today we're joined by Victoria Lister—researcher, workplace coach, and passionate advocate for change in healthcare. Diving into the hidden struggles junior doctors face: the culture of silence, the impact of discrimination and burnout, and the critical importance of psychological safety at work. Victoria shares her research and personal insights on why so many doctors feel unable to speak up, and what leaders and colleagues can do to create safer, more supportive environments. Whether you're a medical professional, a student, or simply interested in the future of healthcare, this conversation is packed with eye-opening stories and practical advice. Let's get started! Here are 3 key takeaways from this episode: The Culture of Silence in Medicine: Junior doctors often feel unable to speak up about their working conditions due to fear of retaliation, career setbacks, and entrenched hierarchies. This silence can have serious consequences for both staff wellbeing and patient safety. Psychological Safety is Essential: Creating environments where junior doctors feel safe to voice concerns is crucial. Leadership that listens, acts, and genuinely supports staff can transform toxic workplaces into supportive, high-performing teams. Discrimination and Burnout are Widespread: Issues like bullying, harassment, and discrimination—based on gender, race, or background—are still prevalent in medical training. Addressing these challenges requires systemic change, open conversations, and collective action to ensure a healthier future for all healthcare professionals. Meet Victoria Lister: Victoria Lister is a researcher in the Business School at Griffith University in Brisbane, Australia. Her PhD research investigates junior doctors' working conditions silences and how the medical profession acts as a barrier to voice. To support junior doctors, Victoria trained as a workplace coach and is currently researching and delivering a ‘coaching for communication' program for emergency medicine clinicians. She also works on other research projects in the medical context; has consulted on a healthcare workforce wellbeing initiative and a cultural change program designed to address bullying, harassment and discrimination in medicine; and has published on these themes. Connect with Victoria Lister:

Psychological safety is the foundation of every high-performing team—yet many leaders unintentionally undermine it without realising. This week my Impactful Teams Co-Founder Lara Cullen and I explore psychological safety, why comfort isn't the goal, and the small (but powerful) leadership behaviours that create a culture where people feel safe to contribute, challenge and innovate.

Summary In this episode, Andy talks with John Krewson, co-author of Pitch, Sketch, Launch: A Sketch Comedy Approach to Product Development. John's journey spans software development, acting, and even a stint with Saturday Night Live. He now leads Sketch Development, where he helps teams build products people actually want, faster and with more joy. In this conversation, John explains why project teams should behave more like creative troupes than traditional org charts. You'll hear how laughter can be a feedback loop, why messy first drafts matter, and how simple tools like sticky notes, Elmo cards, and Lean Coffee can radically improve your team's collaboration. We also explore how sketch comedy's "test before polish" approach can transform how we ship ideas, and what that looks like on real-world teams. From unblocking meetings to unleashing creativity, this episode is packed with practical tools and paradigm shifts. If you're looking to bring more energy, experimentation, and feedback into your team's workflow, this episode is for you! Sound Bites "The best ideas often start as bad ones. The magic is in iteration." "You're not building a product. You're testing a hypothesis in the real world." "Sketch comedy taught me this: if the audience isn't laughing, it doesn't work. Product teams need that same feedback mindset." "You can't argue with the emotion of a dead silent audience when you think you've got gold." "We often equate busy with productive. But they're not the same thing." "A meeting isn't productive just because everyone showed up. Did it move ideas forward?" "Troupes thrive on trust and feedback. Traditional teams often operate on fear and approval." "I was a mediocre software developer, which made me well-suited for management." "You are sucking the fun out of this. We are building software here. We get to play on computers. Let's make this fun." "There's this ruthless search for feedback that we learn how not to take things personally." "Nowhere in that iron triangle does anybody talk about whether or not the customer said, 'I needed that thing in the first place.'" "We're not just cross-functional. We're cross-committed. That's what makes a team operate like a troupe." "If you're building something new, you need a mechanism to decide if it's valuable. And if it isn't, you toss it." "The law of averages will tell you: 80% of the ideas need to be tossed." Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:46 Start of Interview 01:57 Career Backstory 07:30 Acting Skills in Daily Work 12:00 Busy vs Productive 14:07 Project vs Product 17:20 Teams as Troupes 22:13 Meeting Tools and Techniques 27:37 Laugh Testability 33:35 Creative Mindsets at Work 35:21 Co-Authoring and Collaboration 38:00 Applying Ideas at Home 40:33 End of Interview 41:05 Andy Comments After the Interview 44:13 Outtakes Learn More You can learn more about John and the book at SketchDev.io/pitch-sketch-launch. For more learning on this topic, check out: Episode 316 with Jennifer Aaker and Naomi Bagdonas. It's a conversation on humor as a secret weapon in business and life. Episode 109 with Peter McGraw. It's also about humor, a fun follow-up, even though John's book isn't just about comedy. Episode 469 with Phil Wilson. It's packed with great ideas for unleashing your team, which ties in beautifully with John's approach. Pass the PMP Exam This Year If you or someone you know is thinking about getting PMP certified, we've put together a helpful guide called The 5 Best Resources to Help You Pass the PMP Exam on Your First Try. We've helped thousands of people earn their certification, and we'd love to help you, too. It's totally free, and it's a great way to get a head start. Just go to 5BestResources.PeopleAndProjectsPodcast.com to grab your copy. I'd love to help you get your PMP this year! Join Us for LEAD52 I know you want to be a more confident leader. That's why you listen to this podcast. LEAD52 is a global community of people like you who are committed to transforming their ability to lead and deliver. It's 52 weeks of leadership learning, delivered right to your inbox, taking less than 5 minutes a week. And it's all for free. Learn more and sign up at GetLEAD52.com. Thanks! Level Up Your AI Skills Join other listeners from around the world who are taking our AI Made Simple course to prepare for an AI-infused future. Just go to ai.PeopleAndProjectsPodcast.com. Thanks! Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast! Talent Triangle: Power Skills Topics: Creativity, Feedback Loops, Team Collaboration, Agile Thinking, Innovation, Leadership, Project Management, Development, Meetings, Humor, Iteration, Trust, Team Culture, Psychological Safety, Growth Mindset The following music was used for this episode: Music: Tuesday by Sascha Ende License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Music: Brooklyn Nights by Tim Kulig License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

In today's economy, every L&D dollar has to prove its worth, budgets are tightening, executives are asking tougher questions, and “engagement” alone isn't enough. In this session, we explain how L&D leaders can demonstrate real business impact by translating human behavior into measurable value, including how to quantify learning impact with executive-ready data, bridge the gap between development and performance outcomes, and protect and grow your L&D budget with a clear ROI narrative. You'll walk away with a proven framework used by top-performing organizations to validate learning investments and justify the next one. This session was recorded live, follow LeaderFactor to stay updated on upcoming webinars and never miss the next session.

Send me a direct message!In this episode, I break down a truth that ambitious women were never taught to name. The mainstream definition of psychological safety doesn't work for women who think fast, carry emotional responsibility like a second skin, and lead with conviction. I talk about why our bodies tighten in so-called “supportive” spaces, how early conditioning shapes the way we show up in leadership, and why emotional safety is actually rooted in the absence of self-betrayal, not the absence of conflict.I walk you through how personal history, cultural expectations, and professional norms collide for high-performing women, and how those layers change the way we understand safety, belonging, and power. You'll hear the real reasons why rooms want us softened, slowed down, or “reasonable,” and why ambitious women instinctively scan for emotional risks before saying a single word.I also name the specific emotional needs ambitious women carry but hide because we've been conditioned to believe they're “too much”: the need for autonomy, honesty, challenge, mental space, directness, and being taken seriously without having to prove ourselves over and over.Finally, I offer five concrete actions you can take this week to stop abandoning yourself and start rebuilding emotional safety from the inside out.If you're ready for real talk on leadership, identity, boundaries, emotional safety, and what it means to operate at your full capacity without apology, this episode is for you.Support the showLove what you heard? Let's stay connected! Subscribe to my newsletter for bold insights on leadership, strategy, and building your legacy — straight to your inbox every week. Follow me on LinkedIn for more no-nonsense advice on leading with power and purpose. And if you're ready to dive even deeper, grab a copy of my book Bite-Sized Blasphemy and ignite your inner fire to do life and business your way. The Business Blasphemy Podcast is sponsored by NYSH Strategic and Sarah Khan Out Loud.

Lauren shares how policies and procedures act like an organization's neural pathways, shaping safety, trust, and overall regulation. Punitive or confusing policies create anxiety, while clear and compassionate ones build stability and support.She explains the difference between stress-driven and safety-driven policies and offers simple steps to make them more regulating. Lauren encourages listeners to reflect on their own policies and take one small step toward a safer, more supportive workplace.Sign up for the University of Pennsylvania Behavior Breakthrough Accredited CourseLearn about the Staff Sustainability System a proven system to reduce burnout at the rootOther related resources from Five Ives: Blog Post: Why Traditional Employee Wellness Programs Fail (And What Works Instead)Survive Mode: Recognizing When Your Organization is in CrisisWhat are the Five Ives?Podcast:Meetings that Calm, Not DrainThe Regulated Organization: What it Means to be a Regulated OrganizationRetain: Sustaining Staff, Culture, and CapacityReinforce- Ensuring that Change becomes Cultural Muscle Memory  Reset: Moving from Relief to Real TransformationStage 1: Relieve — Stabilizing in Survival ModeWhy Women in Leadership MicromanageUnderstanding Burnout & Turnover in Trauma Impacted OrganizationsThe Regulated Team: Creating Cultures that BreatheHive- The Last Stage of the Five IvesThrive- The Fourth Stage of the Five IvesStrive- The Third Stage of the Five IvesRevive- The Second Stage of the Five IvesSurvive- The First Stage of the Five IvesOur Online Programs: Behavior BreakthroughPolicing Under PressureBoard Governance TrainingUniversity of Pennsylvania Behavior Breakthrough Accredited CourseSubscribe to our mailing list and find out more about Stress, Trauma, Behavior and the Brain!Check out our Facebook Group – Five Ives!Five Ives Website websiteThe Behavior Hub blogIf you're looking for support as you grow your organization's capacity for caring for staff and the community, we would love to be part of that journey. Schedule a free discovery call and let us be your guideAs an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Silence is a virtue, and nowhere is this more deeply understood than in Japan. A pause rich with meaning, where thoughts are carefully explored, emotions are quiet, and things are said, without any words at all.So, how do facilitators hold space amidst the subtlety? Facilitator, workshop designer, and coach, Yuko Gendo invites us into the beautifully unique world of Japanese facilitation this week, as a practice shaped by deep respect, harmony, and quiet reflection.She shares how non-verbal cues can soften emotional expression, how consensus forms through alignment, not debate, and together we compare our cultural experiences as two facilitators from opposite sides of the world. Join us!Find out about:The cultural values of silence, hierarchy and emotional restraint, and their role in Japanese facilitationHow Yuko navigates the tension between group harmony and individual expressionThe use of indirect expressions through cards, visuals and metaphor, in place of direct speachWhat Western facilitators can learn from their Japanese counterpartsDon't miss the next episode: subscribe to the show with your favourite podcast player.Links:Watch the video recording of this episode on YouTube.Connect to Yuko Gendo:WebsiteLinkedInShare your thoughts about our conversation!Support the show✨✨✨You can now find the podcast on Substack, where your host Dr. Myriam Hadnes is building a club for you to find fellow listeners and peers: https://myriamhadnes.substack.com/

In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we sit down with Raj Verma, Chief Culture, Inclusion and Employee Experience Officer at Sanofi, to explore how culture, trust and co-creation became the foundation of one of the most ambitious AI transformations in the industry. Raj breaks down why culture is a verb, not a vibe, and how Sanofi intentionally shaped behaviors and values to support AI at scale. He explains how Sanofi began its AI journey before the ChatGPT wave, driven by a visionary CEO and a bold ambition to become the first pharma company to use AI at scale. Raj details how recognition, inclusion, and data-driven insights became critical levers for building trust, strengthening decision-making, and ensuring AI adoption across 100,000+ employees worldwide. The conversation also dives into psychological safety, bias detection, global recognition platforms, and why culture, inclusion and employee experience must be tightly integrated if companies want AI to stick and deliver real transformation.

What if the most powerful thing you did as a leader was to stop talking? Stephanie Chung—trailblazing aviation executive and author of Ally Leadership—joins us to show how silence, better questions, and intentional design turn diversity into decisions people own.We start with the hard truth: diverse teams win, but only when every voice is heard. Stephanie shares how she navigated a male-dominated industry and distilled what works into the EARN system: establish psychological safety, assure alignment, rally the troops with a compelling vision, and navigate the narrows when turbulence hits. We get specific about meeting design—who speaks, who gets cut off, and what to do in the micro-moments when someone says, “I see it differently.” You'll learn how to prep quiet voices before they walk into the room, use silence as a thinking tool, and move from leader-led solutions to team-generated plans that build real ownership.We also tackle the generational shift reshaping work. Younger teammates aren't anti-work; they're anti-waste. Stephanie challenges us to prioritize outcomes over optics, encourage healthy debate, and treat “Why do we do it this way?” as a design question, not a threat. The conversation stretches into sales leadership and customer value: teach your team how the business makes money, understand your customer's economics, and stop discounting—start unlocking value. Along the way, practical tactics like cross-department “walk a mile,” Amazon-style six-page memos, and three alignment questions make inclusion tangible and repeatable.

What if your organization's greatest untapped advantage wasn't technology or headcount—but psychological safety?In this episode of Teamwork: A Better Way, Francie Jain, founder and CEO of Terawatt, shares how one hospital slashed turnover from 24% to 4%—saving $32 million annually—by prioritizing psychological safety and expert-led group coaching.We explore:-Why psychological safety is the most overlooked performance lever-How cultural shifts lead to measurable financial results-Why group coaching creates trust, retention, and resilience—especially in healthcareIf you're a leader looking for a smarter, more human way to build high-performing teams, this episode is your roadmap.Transcript: https://share.transistor.fm/s/4a75cbba/transcript.txt

Why community is the most powerful tool for transformation.Community isn't just a feel-good buzzword. According to Gina Bianchini, it's a catalyst for personal and collective transformation.Bianchini is the CEO and founder of community-building platform, Mighty Networks, and author of the book Purpose: Design a Community and Change Your Life. "Community is when people come together, and every single member has something to give and something to receive," she explains. In contrast to the one-directional dynamic of a speaker and their audience or a creator and their following, Bianchini argues that the power of community lies in two-way exchanges, where each member benefits the group and benefits from it. "Community is the single most effective way to get results and transformation you just can't get on your own," she says.In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Bianchini joins host Matt Abrahams to discuss how to unlock the potential of purposeful communities. She shares strategies for finding your tribe during times of transition, the "people magic” created when we facilitate deep connections, and how creating community enables us to create the world and lives we imagine.To listen to the extended Deep Thinks version of this episode, please visit FasterSmarter.io/premium.Episode Reference Links:Gina BianchiniGina's Book: PurposeEp.174 Fix Meetings: Transform Gatherings Into Meaningful Moments Connect:Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.ioEpisode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedInChapters:(00:00) - Introduction (02:17) - Defining Community vs. Audience (04:05) - Community as a Catalyst for Transformation (06:41) - Finding the Right Community (10:29) - The Future Story Framework (13:22) - People Magic & Facilitation (19:07) - The Final Three Questions (24:59) - Conclusion   ********Thank you to our sponsors.  These partnerships support the ongoing production of the podcast, allowing us to bring it to you at no cost.Strawberry.me. Get 50% off your first coaching session today at Strawberry.me/smart

In this BONUS episode (before season 8 starts), host Geoff Holsclaw starts experimenting with regular guest hosts to dive deeper into certain topics.This episode sees the return of David Clayton, a spiritual director, supervisor of spiritual directors, and a trained behavior analyst and facilitator of psychological safety. David will bring us the "voices from the Kellia"—the monastic "cells" in the heart of the desert. As a twist of sorts, we believe the insights of Christian asceticism and monasticism still speak wisdom into our modern life (even our corporate and business lives). This time we focus on the role of spiritual direction, connecting it to friendship, vulnerability, and psychological safety. This episode sets the stage for ongoing discussions with David and promises practical advice for spiritual and personal development.David Clayton is a Spiritual Director and Supervisor of Directors. He is a trained Behaviour Analyst, and is a Facilitator of Psychological Safety. Learn more at Monos-Collective.Dive deeper in our new book, Landscapes of the Soul: How the Science and Spirituality of Attachment Can Move You into Confident Faith, Courage, and Connection, and learn about our trainings and other resources at embodiedfaith.life.Stay Connected: Check out our Attaching to God 6-Week Learning Cohort. Join the Embodied Faith community to stay connected and get posts, episodes, & resources. Support the podcast with a one-time or regular gift (to keep this ad-free without breaking the Holsclaw's bank).

In this episode, Dr. Stuart Slavin speaks with Dr. Elliott Higgins, director of Health and Well-Being for UCLA's Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine. Together they explore the development of the Well-Being Influencers Survey for Health Care (WISH)—a validated, non-proprietary tool that measures the organizational conditions shaping clinician well-being. Dr. Higgins discusses how WISH shifts the focus from individual burnout to systemic factors such as transparency, fairness, and psychological safety, offering leaders actionable insights to drive meaningful change. The conversation highlights how data-driven, collaborative research can reframe accountability, empower departments to tailor interventions, and move the national dialogue from burnout awareness toward system-level solutions that enhance both workforce and patient care. Podcast Chapters (00:00) – Intro & Guest Background (01:06) – Elliott's Path to Medicine & Well-Being (02:28) – Introducing the WISH Survey (05:35) – Local Influencers & One Size Doesn't Fit All (06:31) – Multicenter and Multispecialty WISH Studies (11:07) – Early Findings: Organizational Justice & Transparency (12:28) – Psychological Safety in Anesthesiology (13:38) – Future Directions: Validation & Qualitative Work (16:03) – Using WISH Iteratively to Drive Change (17:55) – Accessing WISH (19:11) – Multicenter Collaboration & Team Effort (19:28) – Framing Thought: Shifting Accountability to Systems (21:22) – Closing Remarks & Resources

Carrying the wisdom of five generations before her, Katerina Kupenga inherited a special legacy from her ancestral namesake: the gift of Māori facilitation.And as a proud wahine Māori from Ngāti Porou, Katerina joins me to share this rich wisdom with us all. She guides us through the sacred welcoming rituals of the Pōwhiri, the complexities of tribal relations, the spiritual intimacy of exchanging breath, and the energy work that takes place as people, ancestors, emotions, and tension are invited into being.This is a truly special conversation about what it means to be Māori, and the unique indigenous methods that acknowledge the Māori people of the land.Find out about:The traditional Māori rituals, chants, and the guidance of the gods that take place during workshopsKaterina's journey to relearning the wisdom and culture of her peopleThe importance of honouring Māori practices and language – free of Western agendas, structures and timeframesFacilitating conversations and tensions around intergenerational, ancestral traumasThe unconscious biases that exist in the facilitation sector, and the alternative perspectives we needDon't miss the next episode: subscribe to the show with your favourite podcast player.Links:Watch the video recording of this episode on YouTube.Connect to Katerina Kupenga:LinkedInWebsiteShare your thoughts about our conversation!Support the show✨✨✨You can now find the podcast on Substack, where your host Dr. Myriam Hadnes is building a club for you to find fellow listeners and peers: https://myriamhadnes.substack.com/

Kristen Kavanaugh is the author of Courage Over Fear and the founder of The Agency Initiative, working to connect people's work with meaning in alignment with their values. Previously, she was the vice chair of the Defense Advisory Committee on Diversity & Inclusion and the senior director of inclusion, talent & learning at Tesla. Here are my key takeaways: Values Dissonance Drives Talent Away: The conflict between personal values and the actions or culture of a company—especially at the leadership level—causes significant personal distress and ultimately leads to attrition. Kavanaugh described experiencing anxiety and physical symptoms, including panic attacks, that her body was trying to communicate to her before she left her role at Tesla. She emphasized that listening to those internal signals is crucial and that her health immediately improved once she made the decision to leave the toxic environment. For organizations, this highlights that failing to align with and uphold core values will physically and mentally harm employees, particularly those with less privilege, leading to the loss of valuable talent. Courageous Leadership and Psychological Safety are Key to DEI Success: DEI work thrives when leadership models courage and takes a clear stand on inclusion. Kavanaugh, who led the DEI team, noted that when the CEO began making public statements that were antithetical to the work they were doing, it caused deep pain and was the "start of the unravelling" of DEI at the company. This demonstrated that leadership's visible choice of "courage over fear"—especially by those with power and privilege (the "decision calculus" factor)—is necessary to foster a culture where all employees, particularly underrepresented groups, feel safe and valued enough to stay. Retention and Growth is Built on Small, Consistent Acts of Agency (The 5% Approach): The concept of the "Agency Loop" highlights that a healthy professional life is a cycle of authenticity, intentional decision-making, and growth. The key to starting and sustaining this cycle is the "5% more courageous approach," which breaks down intimidating acts of courage into small, manageable steps. For workplace retention, this means that cultural change and a sense of agency aren't just about massive, high-risk confrontations; they are built through everyday choices, such as a manager creating space for honest dialogue or an employee simply dressing in a way that feels authentic to them. These small, consistent actions compound over time to build resilience and a stronger, more authentic leader and employee. Follow Kristen at https://www.courageoverfearbook.com/.

In this episode, Jordan Corn and Marcus Cauchi dissect the deeply flawed traditional approach to employee performance evaluation, the "Annual Festival of Fiction". They challenge the idea that reviews serve their intended purpose and share actionable frameworks for leaders to build continuous growth systems, rather than just checking boxes. Key Themes for Leaders and Managers 1. The Broken System: Checking Boxes vs. Driving Growth Traditional performance reviews are often theatre: they replace truth with formality and create anxiety instead of growth. When managers simply mark a three on a scale to avoid justification, they are "checking a box". The problem is systemic: reviews often exist as a paper trail for pay decisions and compliance, not for meaningful reflection or planning. Some reflection is better than none, but if the process isn't valuable or valued, it won't change much. 2. Relationships Come First Effective performance management starts with the manager-employee relationship. Reviews fail if the manager is a bully, a micromanager, or insecure. Psychological Safety and Vulnerability: Managers must earn the right to tell the truth by showing vulnerability, asking where staff need help and seeking their advice. Bidirectional Feedback: Feedback should flow in all directions. Employees need to feel safe critiquing management, and managers must be willing to listen without defensiveness. 3. Frequency, Focus, and Continuous Improvement Waiting a year is too long. Annual reviews without ongoing feedback are "like washing once a year". Real performance management is continuous, like adjusting a plane mid-flight. Agile Coaching: Regular micro check-ins: monthly 15–30 minutes or daily three-minute updates keep everyone aligned. Focus on Strengths: Lean into what people do well. Reviews should energise, not dwell on weaknesses. Separate Compensation: Tying pay to reviews is "absolutely inane" and undermines their value. 4. Systemic Issues: Hiring and Alignment Problems often start at recruitment. High turnover results from compromise, or searching for mythical “purple unicorns,” creating systems built to reject rather than select the right fit. Self-Awareness: Reviews can become "behavioral reviews," helping employees understand how they show up and how others respond. Preparation Over Ambush: Managers should prime employees a week in advance and encourage reflection from both sides. The goal is to synchronise reality, not sanitise it. Final Takeaway If you can't run a review rooted in honesty, psychological safety, and growth - or if you limit them to once a year - Jordan Corn says, "throw the whole thing out". Instead, leaders should redesign the process around the human being first, then fill in whatever is required for compliance. For teams stuck in the "Festival of Fiction," Marcus shares systemic models to "model and scale human judgment" and even measure trust as a hard metric, helping embed learning, dignity, and accountability into management practices.   Connect with Jordan on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-corn/ Connect with Marcus https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcuscauchi/ And if you'd like to be a guest contact me https://www.linkedin.com/in/suzannecauchi/  

Your Team Doesn't Need a Boss, They Need a Human with Selena RezvaniIn this episode of The WorkWell Podcast™, Jen Fisher speaks with Selena Rezvani, Wall Street Journal bestselling author and Forbes-named premier expert on standing up for yourself at work. Selena returns to the podcast to discuss her latest book, "Quick Leadership: Build Trust, Navigate Change, and Cultivate Unstoppable Teams." Drawing from her personal experience losing her workaholic father at age 13 and years of coaching leaders behind closed doors, Selena shares practical, actionable strategies for becoming the kind of leader people want to follow—without sacrificing your humanity or health.Episode Highlights:The shocking statistic: Your manager influences your mental health on par with your spouse—more than your doctor or therapist (UKG research)Trust killers in leadership: Why over-promising on small things destroys credibility and what "being impeccable with your word" really meansThe "Shit Umbrella" concept: How great leaders shield their teams from chaos, unrealistic pressure, and distractions from aboveUrgency culture: How to recognize when anxiety is being passed like a baton and why marking emails as "urgent" is eroding workplace trustThe difference between boss and leader: Why giving away power creates unstoppable teams instead of diminishing your authority"Ask three before you answer": A practical technique to build autonomy and critical thinking in your team membersRe-engaging disengaged employees: Why viewing lost spark as temporary (not permanent) changes everythingQuotable Moments:"People don't want this stoic pillar of a leader—they want a human." - Selena Rezvani"Your questions are expected, not tolerated." - Selena RezvaniResources:Book: "Quick Leadership: Build Trust, Navigate Change, and Cultivate Unstoppable Teams" by Selena Rezvani

After decades of building icons like Tom Ford Beauty, Prada Beauty, and Victoria Beckham Beauty, Sarah Creal stepped into her own spotlight, launching a luxury brand designed for women 40+, a group long overlooked in the beauty industry.In this candid conversation, Sarah shares the dream that sparked her company, the white space she saw in a saturated market, and the intentional choices that caught Sephora's attention. She talks openly about investor pushback (“older women don't want to look at older women”), why she doubled down on herself, and the power of putting her own name on the brand.From packaging that tells a story to building a startup culture rooted in speed and psychological safety, Sarah breaks down the principles guiding her founder journey. She also reflects on lessons from working with icons like Bobbi Brown, and the behind-the-scenes realities of building a differentiated beauty brand in today's competitive landscape.Timestamps: [00:00] Introduction [05:44] The dream that sparked a brand for women 40+ [09:06] How Sephora came calling through long-term relationships [10:53] Using packaging as a storytelling tool in beauty [13:02] Why differentiation is critical in a saturated market [15:05] Lessons from working with iconic beauty founders [17:55] Hiring for startups and ensuring alignment with reality [20:00] Building speed and agility while preventing burnout [23:02] Navigating investor pushback and doubling down on herself [29:20] Daily habits for balance as a founder [31:28] Key advice for aspiring entrepreneursResources Mentioned:Shoe Dog by Phil Knight | Book or AudiobookLearn more about Sarah Creal Beauty on her website, and follow her on LinkedIn and Instagram.Follow Nancy Twine:Instagram: @nancytwinewww.nancytwine.comFollow Makers Mindset:Instagram: @makersmindsetspaceTikTok: @themakersmindsetwww.makersmindset.com

How to unlock the power of groups through collective communication.They say teamwork makes the dream work. But as Colin Fisher knows, unlocking the power of groups requires a specific kind of collective communication.Fisher is an associate professor of organizations and innovation at University College London School of Management and author of The Collective Edge: Unlocking the Secret Power of Groups. His research reveals the dichotomy of group dynamics: "Groups can be the pinnacle of human accomplishment," he says. "But groups also have these tendencies to restrict us, to take away our individuality, and to sometimes make us the worst versions of ourselves.” The key, he argues, is fostering communication that maximizes the creative synergy of collaboration while minimizing the pressure to conform.In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Fisher joins host Matt Abrahams to share evidence-based strategies for effective teamwork, from selecting the ideal group size to fostering psychological safety. Whether with our coworkers, our families, or our friends, Fisher's insights reveal how collective communication can make or break group success.To listen to the extended Deep Thinks version of this episode, please visit FasterSmarter.io/premium.Episode Reference Links:Colin FisherColin's Book: The Collective EdgeEp.174 Fix Meetings: Transform Gatherings Into Meaningful MomentsEp.124 Making Meetings Meaningful Pt. 1: How to Structure and Organize More Effective Gatherings   Connect:Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.ioEpisode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedInChapters:(00:00) - Introduction (02:19) - Advantages and Disadvantages of Groups (03:53) - What Makes Teams Successful (05:37) - The Ideal Group Size (06:33) - Building Psychological Safety (08:49) - Launching a Team for Success (13:10) - Making Meetings More Effective (16:25) - The Final Three Questions (23:13) - Conclusion   ********This episode is sponsored by Grammarly. Let Grammarly take the busywork off your plate so you can focus on high-impact work. Download Grammarly for free today

SummaryIn this episode of the Rise Urban Nation podcast, Taryell Simmons and Amervis López Cobb explore the journey of leadership through the lens of psychological safety and personal experiences. Amervis shares her story of overcoming adversity as a teen mom and navigating corporate environments, emphasizing the importance of creating safe spaces for dialogue and the need for leaders to be vulnerable. The conversation delves into frameworks for empowerment and healing, highlighting how personal growth can lead to impactful leadership. The episode serves as a call to action for leaders to prioritize psychological safety and to recognize the diverse needs of their teams. In this conversation, Amervis López Cobb and Taryell Simmons explore the essential elements of effective leadership, emphasizing the importance of psychological safety, vulnerability, and the ENOUGH framework. They discuss transformative leadership experiences, the significance of listening, and the need for emerging leaders to trust their instincts and amplify their voices. The dialogue highlights the impact of leadership on personal and organizational growth, advocating for a culture of openness and accountability.Resources/Mentions:Amervis' websiteLeading with Psychological Safety (book)YouTube: @amervisauthorFree access to audiobook: https://amervisauthor.com/audio Credits:Host: Taryell SimmonsGuest: Amervis Lopez CobbMusic: Will MakerProduction: RISE Urban Nation    Join the Movement with RISE Urban Nation Podcast

Join us on this engaging episode of the Do Good to Lead Well podcast, where we explore the fascinating journey of Dr. Michael Nevarez, a highly respected psychiatrist and leadership coach. His insights, drawn from his work as the assistant director of the Harvard Study of Adult Development, underscore the importance of continuous personal and leadership growth, integrating scientific research into practical tools for leaders.Listen in as we explore the art of delivering effective feedback, a crucial skill for any leader. The conversation highlights the challenges leaders face in maintaining a delicate balance between fostering growth and preserving positive relationships. Discover the significance of providing feedback that is behaviorally anchored, utilizing specific and neutral information to avoid performance declines. Dr. Nevarez shares strategies like the "push" and "pull" phases, where clarity and curiosity play pivotal roles in understanding and addressing underlying issues. By focusing on clear communication and open dialogue, leaders can better navigate the intricacies of feedback, differentiating between problems such as time management and prioritization.The episode also unpacks techniques such as affect labeling and perspective checking, emphasizing the role of psychological safety in successful implementation. Discover how managing emotions in feedback conversations can avoid common pitfalls like fundamental attribution error, utilizing tools like contrast statements to reduce perceived threats and promote constructive dialogue. If you're looking for actionable tools and scripts for creating meaningful, growth-oriented feedback conversations, this conversation is a must-listen.What You'll Learn- The secrets of the art of feedback.- How to master the powerful STEP communication framework.- Ways to create environments of psychological safety.- Managing emotions in feedback conversations.- Balancing candor with impact.Podcast Timestamps(00:00) – The Art and Science of Leadership Development(08:16) – Navigating the “Push” and “Pull” of Feedback Conversations(23:21) – Watch Your STEP: A Powerful Framework for Effective Communication(40:33) - Managing Emotions in Feedback ConversationsKEYWORDSPositive Leadership, The Art of Meaningful Conversation, Leadership Development, Effective Feedback, Communication Framework, STEP, Psychological Safety, Behaviorally Anchored Feedback, Curiosity, Personal Growth, Fostering Accountability, Clear Expectations, Constructive Dialogue, CEO Success