Insight To Action Inspirational Insights Podcast

UX consultants Dan Szuc and Jo Wong observe peer-to-peer connection sorely missing in workplace culture and discuss how a lack of empathy and poor conduct in business settings contribute to high disengagement rates. From a UX consultancy perspective, they point out the importance of collective responsibility, empathy, and human soft skills that are harder to master. Drawing parallels between workplace dynamics and their experiences in theater and education, their view offers a different way of seeing workplace culture and the need for a cultural shift toward intentional, meaningful interactions. Their books, 'Make Meaningful Work' and 'Make Meaningful Culture,' offer practical insights for fostering a healthier work environment.The summary below was AI-generated using Descript.00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction00:21 Discussing Workplace Culture and Disengagement01:18 Dan and Joe's Journey in UX02:42 The Importance of Empathy in the Workplace05:15 Dan's Story: From Drama to Busi

The world is transforming rapidly whether through tech or political disruption. Navigating the uncertainty and participating positively and constructively needs your voice to be free and liberated from the stories of the past. Sam Kukathas, a transformational leader, academic, and energy healer, discusses the speed of sound frequency in releasing human and organizational potential. Sam shares his personal journey from being a philosopher grappling with depression and identity crisis to embracing transformational leadership and energy healing. He explains and gives a sampler of neuro-resonance optimization, so you can experience how sound frequencies can transmute emotional blocks and realize profound personal and collective transformation. The work has wider application so we talk about how it applies to corporate environments, politics, and societal systems, promoting a more coherent and compassionate world. This episode offers valuable insights for team leaders, project managers, and anyone grappling with w

We know people perceive things differently but why is it so difficult for people to communicate about that? Lindsay Uittenbogaard is the CEO and Founder of Mirror Mirror, a company focused on improving team effectiveness through perception comparison. ​Her journey began in 2003 when she experienced communication challenges in a multinational energy company. These challenges led her to realize the widespread issue of organizational misalignment. It is evident in team dynamics and the aftermath of a failed transformation initiative when the social networks have been damaged by processes that ignore human connection. Lindsay's work restores that connection so teams and organizations can renew their trust in one another and do epic work. The discussion offers actionable strategies for team leaders, project managers, and teams or organizations recovering from failed transformation initiatives. It emphasizes key methods to revitalize team dynamics, improve project outcomes, and navigate the challenges of transforma

Dr. Rob Lion of Black River Performance Management and Idaho State University talks about the longstanding divide between academic research and industry practice, emphasizing the challenges and benefits of integrating these two worlds. Using the example of motivation, our conversation illustrates the difference in approach and language between academia and industry. Because Rob is a researcher, we talk about the role of translational researchers in bridging this gap, the importance of refining language for specific contexts, and the impact of AI on HR practices, especially in talent acquisition. Naturally, we include leadership, organizational culture, and personal development within the workplace. Current with the political news and views preoccupying the world, we reflect on the significance of diversity of thought, the balance between performance and human flourishing, and the evolving role of HR in modern organizations.Dr. Rob Lion (pronounced “Lee-own”) is a dynamic professor of human resource devel

Creative thinker /innovation facilitator Curtis Michelson explores crucial trends and predictions for 2025. Curtis shares his insights on generative AI, its impacts on various sectors, the concept of BANI (Brittle, Anxious, Nonlinear, Incomprehensible), and how it updates VUCA to describe the contemporary world. The discussion highlights the ethical implications of AI, the need for creative and decentralized innovation, and the importance of slowing down to enhance strategic decision-making. Curtis provides a practical use of AI in education and explores how leaders can harness AI to support agility and resilience without sacrificing ethical integrity.Find Curtis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/curtismichelson/References mentioned:"Co-Intelligence" book by Ethan Mollick https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/741805/co-intelligence-by-ethan-mollick/ Gen AI Card Deck by Alexandre Eichenstetter - Used for workshops and understanding AI concepts https://cards.ai-tinkerers.club/ BANI (Brittle, Anxious,

Could adversity and difficult challenges be a gift? Have you ever had things you’d go off the rails? Adversity can be the doorway to realizing higher levels of resilience, meaning and purpose that can bring people across generations together. I (Dawna Jones) started podcasting slightly before I lost my home in 2009 and hit the road. No fancy studio or equipment. Have mic will travel. This highly disruptive chapter of life was preceded by my adventures as a world-wanderer, horse lover, and sensitive person with experience in shifting perspectives and learning from other species. In this episode, I look at how coyotes inspired me to adapt and step into a much deeper richer journey of self-actualization than I never would have chosen and how they can inspire humans to be more intelligent to survive and truly thrive as we collectively navigate a lot of uncertainty and growing complexity.  Whatever you’ve experienced in the world, it has been a training ground for mastering your emotions, converting trau

Dawna Jones explores innovative approaches to solving complex global challenges. The discussion emphasizes the necessity of diverse, non-linear thinking and leveraging intergenerational wisdom to foster planetary consciousness and sustainability. Key topics include the importance of redesigning decision-making processes to be more creative, compassionate, and curiosity-driven; the role of ethical considerations in contrast to legal ones in municipal decision-making; and real-world examples of sustainable initiatives such as those by Novo Nordisk and Patagonia. The episode also delves into systemic change, the balance between big-picture and analytical thinking, and the significance of resilience and biodiversity. Personal anecdotes and historical perspectives highlight the interconnectedness of all life, emphasizing the need for visionary resilience and collective efforts to address environmental issues. Overall, the episode calls for collaborative, creative, and compassionate solutions to design a vibrant, s

My guest in this episode is R. Karl Hebenstreit who brings a long list of accomplishments to the conversation. Karl is a certified Executive Coach, Leadership/Team/Organization Development Consultant, and international speaker who has over 25 years of experience coaching leaders and their teams (from Individual Contributors to CEOs. He holds a PhD in Organizational Psychology and authored three books: “The How & Why: Taking Care of Business with the Enneagram” (now in its 3rd Edition), “Nina and the Really, Really Tough Decision” (now available in English, Spanish, French, and Greek), and the newly-released “Explicit Expectations: The Essential Guide & Toolkit of Management Fundamentals.” Karl is an “International Enneagram Association (IEA) Accredited Professional with Distinction” and “IEA Accredited Professional/Provider/Teacher.” We talk about:·     Understanding the Enneagram·     Challenges in Modern Business Practices· &

 Interrupting Violence: One Man's Journey to Heal the Streets and Redeem Himself follows Cobe as he undertakes his redemption journey, offering new hope for the nation’s most violent communities. As the country wrestles with the inequities exposed by the coronavirus pandemic and the complex intersections of urban violence, racial injustice, police brutality, and poverty in the aftermath of George Floyd’s murder, this book provides an inspiring blueprint. Cobe’s story demonstrates how the country can resolve the issues plaguing our inner cities, taking readers into an often misunderstood and misrepresented aspect of the Black experience in America. Released July 2, 2024 through Roman Littlefield Publishing.The Amazon link is: https://www.amazon.com/Interrupting-Violence-Journey-Streets-Himself/dp/1538166879/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=And the book website is: https://www.interruptingviolence.com/Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/insight-to-a

Stephane Segatori, the director of WeFlow Lab in Amsterdam, talks to Dawna about developing psychological safety via emotional transparency and maturity, self-awareness, and inner freedom. Stephane's experience in the corporate world informs his role as a facilitator and coach, emphasizing the significance of understanding oneself at a deeper level to navigate the complexities of life and business. This episode offers plenty of insights into designing workplace cultures that value emotional well-being in personal and professional life.Key Highlights:·      Emotional Health and Self-Awareness: Insights into the importance of being comfortable with oneself and managing emotional health.·      Stephane Segatori's Journey: From a corporate career in business intelligence to becoming the director of WeFlow Lab Stephane brings vision to the work of WeFlow. WeFlow’s research and mission to elevate inner freedom through well-researched practices and spa

In this episode, we dive deep into what happens when companies say they want creative ideas but mean 'keep the status quo'. Drawing insights from Paul McCarthy's book "The Fired Leader," we explore the reality and challenges of being a disruptive leader in environments desperately needing to think differently if employee retention and workplace health are to be taken seriously. We talk about examining the high cost of poor leadership and the necessity of embracing disruption for long or short-term growth.We discuss:Micro-Management Pitfalls: The downside of micro-management and the irony of control in leadership.Evolving Narrative of Leadership: Discussing the evolving narrative of leadership and its impact.Toxic Leadership: What lies at the heart of toxic leadership and the illusion of controlPower of Vulnerability: Addressing misconceptions-the value of honestyCatalysts for Growth: Using conflict and disruption as leadership and organizational growth catalysts. systemic challenges embedded in workplace cult

Timisoara, a city in Romania, bolstered by winning a bid through the EU, took on a grand experiment. My guest Silvia Fierascu, a network science researcher among other roles, was a part of that project. In this episode, we explore how political vision, open-mindedness and principles drawn from network science brought community organizations together to strengthen and grow cultural cohesion. Working with organizations in a city with a population of 300,000, presented an opportunity to galvanize cohesion among cultural organizations that would normally compete for resources.Can cooperation be better than competition when it comes to growth?In the first 15 minutes we talked about: Cultural Impact: The focus is on prioritizing cultural development as a driver for economic growth, improving quality of life, and integrating education to cultivate future cultural consumers and producers.Institutional Support: The Center for Projects, an institution under the mayor’s office, leads the program implementation. Principl

Have you ever been told that vulnerability is a sign of weakness? Have you believed it? Garry Turner debunks the myth and shares his personal journey after saying yes to an inner recognition that something was missing from life. His exploration released him from old traumas, through to recovered energy and a freedom that energizes an unimaginable level of productivity and creativity. Garry Turner guides the expansion of possibilities at the intersections of International Sales, People & Culture, Equity & Inclusion and Sustainability. Guided by a major focus on serving, and seeking, to disrupt extractive industry mindsets and structures from the inside out and the outside in, Garry works on a 1-1 basis with executive and senior leaders, and with teams, as a Thinking Partner, International Speaker, and holding space for connection, co-creation, reimagining and exceptional performance.Garry is also a content creator having hosted two podcasts, Value through Vulnerability and Activating Consciousness, wr

Rod Collins is back! In this episode, the former COO of Blue Cross Blue Shield and futurist explores the critical shift from hierarchically structured authority to collective and collaborative networks. Learn the pitfalls of digital feudalism and how pioneering companies like Google have strayed from their original ideals.This episode promises insights into leveraging collective intelligence for true innovation and the inevitable decline of traditional hierarchical models. Rod's book 'Nobody is Smarter Than Everybody' was published by guest Rod Collins. Listen to this compelling discussion on rethinking (and changing) how power is used as workplaces evolve to keep up with the digital era where no one person can solve anything. Diverse intelligence is needed. So is order, which is not to be confused with direction. You'll gain valuable insights for professionals, leaders, and anyone interested in the impact of collective intelligence and the evolution of organizational structures. A few highlights: Levera

Whether you are a business or at a personal level, how you deal with life's interruptions determines your emotional and mental health from that day forward. Transforming a tragedy into an inspired purpose is the choice Amanda Bauer-Frisch made when her husband died abruptly. In this episode, she takes us on a deep dive and explains how she moved through the difficult times and why she hangs out with people who can have difficult conversations.Amanda Bauer-Frisch, a resilient serial entrepreneur and CEO of Enduring Legacy Company embarked on her journey after poignant personal experiences shaped her vision. Transitioning from a career in human resources to full-time parenting in 2020, Amanda channeled her spare time into crafting literacy tools inspired by her late husband’s teachings.Her first business, Small Legacies, is a children’s gift brand that focuses on thoughtful, practical items that enhance a child’s development and peace within parents’ homes. Owning several other small businesses, all under the u

Innovation nerd and adaptive thinker extraordinaire Curtis Michelson provides an overview of what is emerging in 2024 based on signals he's picked up from his many communities. From Agile to organization network analysis to open innovation and more, you'll learn what is brewing inside edgy thinking communities.Curtis Michelson is, in his own words a "serial failed entrepreneur, yet ever hopeful and optimistic". A longtime coach and complexity facilitator, Curtis works with clients on strategic business model deep dives and rethinks. His consultancy Minds Alert delivers on those transformation ambitions with 'design sprints' - short bursts of intense value discovery and validation. AI tools for generative thinking come along for the ride. The supporting innovation offering he created is INFOdj which aims to deliver just-in-time research insights to teams who are sprinting at those emerging edges of technology and business models. Based in Orlando, Florida, he gives time locally to community proj

What is the world asking for you to contribute? This and many other reflections pop up in the conversation with Jeffrey Beeson who explores what network science tells us about the future of organizations and what it means for leaders. Organizations are changing: their structure, thinking and internal roles. We talk about:pioneering companies who reinvented themselves, shifts leaders need to make, the science and effectiveness of small teams, and how network science helps us understand human systems and organizations. As a followup to the previous episode, we also talk about collective intelligence.Jeffrey’s career path inspired him to recognize the need to integrate the perspectives of strategy and organizational culture. He founded Ensemble Enabler to collaborate with organizations to foster agile organizational cultures and advance leadership at all levels of an organization. Through a unique collection of practices, Ensemble Enabler supports organizations to develop insights, acquire new knowledge, and imp

Doug Kirkpatrick and Rod Collins combine expertise with self-managed governance and collective intelligence to provide a bridge between traditional business mechanisms with respectful approaches for intelligent people. Learn why the transformative concept of synergistic control, replaces traditional control mechanisms to engage collaborative achievement. We talk about the principles guiding self-managed companies, decision rights, and the heightened responsibility that accompanies this evolution. The autonomy of choice: Your free will is applied within your organization and for selecting workplaces that fit you. Leadership evolution: shift from dictatorial leadership to a facilitative approach. Embrace collective intelligence, challenge conventional thinking, and prioritize understanding.Harnessing Agility - Embracing Possibilities Contact or follow host Dawna Jones on one or more of these channels:Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawnahjones/Twitter: EPDawna_JonesInstagram: https://www.instag

Harry Turner flew to the Peruvian Amazon to commit suicide but something happened while he was there that would change his life forever. Documented in the film Wild Cat, now streaming on Amazon Prime, Harry's experience with war, death, and school led him to discover and reconnect to himself. He had help in the form of two wild cats — ocelots. His experience with being their parent mimics the experience of any parent. The scene for this episode highlights the awareness of the return to being emotionally and physically healthy and assessing risks rooted in a sense of fearless living in the jungle. You can find the documentary film on Amazon Prime. Help Harry with the Emerald Arch project at www.emeraldarch.orgHarry's documentary just won an Emmy award!!See www.wildcatdocumentary.comContact or follow host Dawna Jones on one or more of these channels:Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawnahjones/Twitter: EPDawna_JonesInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/insightful_dawna/Navigating Uncertainty Newsl

Surprises that come with abrupt disruption can threaten the worldview relied on to make sense of the world. So what happens when not much makes sense anymore? In this episode, Ukranian theologian and passivist Ihor Kozlovsky talks about his experience recovering from torture and illegal imprisonment to share how to move through trauma that has become so ubiquitous in the world today. The episode features an intro with Liliya Sayvch, HR professional who hosted an expert panel on July 4th, 2023 to discuss how to remain Unbroken in tradition and spirit.Mr. Kozlovsky was one of the panel experts. He speaks in Ukranian and interpreter Olesia provides the translation. This conversation is important because dark emotions and trauma can negatively impact decisions, leadership thinking, and our humanity at a time when being human is the primary differentiator from technology.To provide a bit of an overview you'll hear:4:08 Liliya Sayvch provides an update and sets the context for the discussion9:00 3 things coming out