What makes your company stand out in a new and interesting way? Today, we cover the art of storytelling. It’s not just for fairy tales or marketers. The stories we tell to our employees and customers can mean the difference between confusion and clarity.Give your tribe something compelling to connect to by making your message crystal clear. And, be consistent. Today's guest is Maria Ross. Maria is the head of Red Slice marketing firm where they teach clients how to tell unforgettable stories that make customers nod, laugh, and feel genuinely inspired to take action. Maria has gone through some life altering events that have taught her to let humor and empathy reign. I look forward to sharing her experiences with you today.In this episode, we cover:The art of storytelling and how it applies to businessWhy people aren’t getting on board with your messaging (a good one for content experts)Maria Ross’ philosophy on life, business, and authenticityHow to apply storytelling within the organizationHow to create a “cultural articulation” - the importance of authentically living your brand from the inside outHow to be empathetic and take another person’s point-of-view without getting defensiveStay curious. Curiosity is the #1 trait of empathetic people.What to do the next time someone asks you how you are feeling.About today's guest:Maria Ross is the founder of Red Slice, a consultancy that advises solopreneurs, startups, and fast-growth businesses on how to build an irresistible brand story and authentically connect with customers. She is a keynote speaker who regularly speaks to audiences on marketing and building a standout brand that engages the right customers and drives growth. She is the author of Branding Basics for Small Business and The Juicy Guide eBook Series for Entrepreneurs.Maria started her career as a management consultant with Accenture and went on to build marketing and brand strategies for multiple companies, including Discovery Communications, Monster.com, BusinessObjects (now SAP), and many other startups and technology leaders, before starting her own business. Maria understands the power of empathy at both a brand and personal level: in 2008, six months after launching her business, she suffered a ruptured brain aneurysm that almost killed her. Her humorous and heartfelt memoir about what is was like to survive this health crisis, Rebooting My Brain, has received worldwide praise.Maria has made numerous media appearances, including on MSNBC, ABCNews.com, and Forbes.com; in Entrepreneur magazine; and on hundreds of radio shows and popular podcasts such as Entrepreneur on Fire, The Shameless Mom Academy, and Suitcase Entrepreneur. She writes a contributor column for Entrepreneur.com and has written for Huffington Post, MarketingProfs.com, Seattle Business, Life by Me, Inspire Me Today, Columbus CEO, among others.Resources mentioned:Website: www.red-slice.com ﻿Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/redslicemaria/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/redslice/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariajross/Email: maria@red-slice.comBook: The Empathy Edge: Harnessing the Value of Compassion as an Engine for Success (www.theempathyedge.com)Book: Reboot + Reframe: How a Freak Brain Aneurysm Flipped My Entrepreneurial Switch Storytelling 7 Surprising Ways to Boost Your Visibility Get your free eBook!About the podcast:The Lead with Levity podcast is a show for leaders who care deeply about what makes/breaks the employee experience. Our guests are dynamic researchers, practitioners, consultants, and business leaders. We cover foundational elements that are needed to avoid forcing the fun. We also invite lively managers who lead with levity to show us how it's done. Thanks for joining us on this journey.If you want to improve levity at your workplace, consider completing a Levity Audit. It's a new employee feedback survey that will show you exactly what you need to do to create an environment that your employees won't want to leave.

Lead with Levity

Employees Need Storytelling and Marketing Too

We're kind of in an interesting time right now where people are having to redefine workplace communication. If you find yourself wondering what's appropriate, misinterpreting messages, or wondering how you can connect better with people you don't see anymore then this episode is for you. Today's guest is Dr. Mary Donohue. She studies communication patters within and between generations, and her focus is generational differences in digital communication.In this episode, we cover: What is digital psychology?How can we avoid communication breakdowns with others?How can we recover from communication errors?How can we optimize or rethink the way we communicate with others to support levity in the workplace?What are the generational differences in digital communication?About today's guest:Dr. Mary Donohue has an Ed.D in Leadership Education from Central Michigan University and is an avid cross-discipline researcher. In addition, she is world-renowned TEDX presenter, best-selling author, columnist and television personality. Her mentors include Paul Newman and Robert Kennedy, Jr., and many others. Dr. Mary has a passion for living and celebrating life and for a brief shining moment she will always fondly remember her time as a Supreme with Diana Ross.Resources mentioned:Mary's TedX Talk: How to get along with Boomers, GenXers and Millennials | Mary Donohue | TEDxTorontoMessage Received: 7 Steps to Break Down Communication Barriers at WorkDonohue LearningAbout the podcast:The Lead with Levity podcast is a show for leaders who care deeply about what makes/breaks the employee experience. Our guests are dynamic researchers, practitioners, consultants, and business leaders. We cover foundational elements that are needed to avoid forcing the fun. We also invite lively managers who lead with levity to show us how it's done. Thanks for joining us on this journey.If you want to improve levity at your workplace, consider completing a Levity Audit. It's a new employee feedback survey that will show you exactly what you need to do to create an environment that your employees won't want to leave.

To Meme or Not to Meme: Generational Differences in Digital Communication

We're in a space where we have to figure out what we can do to solve new problems. We can't solve them with old solutions. We have to find something new. We have to get creative.The goal here today is for us to try and find new ways to spark creativity, and our guest is Kathryn Haydon. Kathryn is an innovation consultant, and she's also the founder of Sparkitivity. We chat about how you (and your team) can unleash your potential, how to think about problems in new ways and help others to do the same.We covered a lot of ground including:Kathryn’s story and how she got interested in creativity?Kathryn’s definition of creativityHow Sparkitivity helps companies innovateCommon misconceptions about creativityThe biggest roadblocks to creativityAre children more creative than adults?What can stunt or shut down a person’s creativityThe key to unlock or grow creativityHow we can build a culture that supports thisAn exercise that you can try to help get the creative juices flowingIs creativity a skill? If so, how can we hone it?What to do if you think you aren't creativeA creativity tool: The Innovator Strengths WorkbookThe inertia of no and rejection therapyAbout Today's GuestKathryn Haydon, M.Sc., is a keynote speaker, innovation consultant, and the co-author of Creativity for Everybody. She loves books and uses them as catalysts to inspire innovative thinking for educators and business leaders alike. As a child, Kathryn typed library information cards for all of her books on an old typewriter and alphabetized them on her bookshelves.Learn more about KathrynWebsite: sparkitivity.comLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathryn-haydon/Book: The Non-Obvious Guide to Being More Creative No Matter Where You Work

Turn Problems into Possibilities: Spark Creativity to Find Winning Solutions

This is Lead with Levity Snuggie Edition, and I'm your host, Dr. Heather Walker. If you spent the last few weeks in your underpants, then you're in good company. This episode is for you.Today we spotlight a CEO who leads with levity, Mr. Papa Bear himself, Matt Barnett. Matt runs an up-and- coming customer engagement platform called Bonjoro. They have an unconventional culture that includes full body bear suits and family friendly activities. In this interview, we discuss:Matt's philosophy on workHow Bonjoro got startedHow he gets professionals to wear bear suitsBonjoro's onboarding processRemote work in the land of BonjoroKey takeaways include:Leaders should actively participate in the fun with their teams to show them that it's okay to have fun.We need to treat people as whole people--they have lives and a whole world going on outside of the workplace.I love that Matt has a Chief Delight Officer to monitor and facilitate customer delight and employee engagement.Always be on the lookout for people who you'd like to employ even if you aren't hiring currently. Nurture your talent pipeline.

How Bonjoro Leads with Levity

eaders have much to learn from functional family values. Today, we dive into how approaching the workplace as an extended family can enhance work relationships and the leader-follower connection. Today’s guest is “Dr. Dave” Schramm, an Assistant Professor and Family Life Extension Specialist at Utah State University in the department of Human Development and Family Studies. He appears monthly on Fox 13’s “The Place” and delivered multiple TedTalks, including “Family Fundamentals: The Secret Sauce to Booming Business. His reach extends internationally through his speaking engagements and interventions designed to promote happy and healthy relationships. He has a dedicated Facebook page (DrDaveUSU) where he shares research and tips on helping individuals, parents, and couples flourish. Dr. Dave also serves on the state of Utah’s Commission on Marriage.In this episode, we explore:What is a family life extension specialist? What do they do?What is family science? How does this relate to business?Recent TedTalk: What does it mean for an organization to adopt family values and family fundamentals?How Dr. Dave came to his conclusions after amazing analyzing Inc.com best workplace employee comments.What is family focused leadership? What are the 3 roles that a family-focused leader adopts?What is an employee flourish program and how does that compare to an employee assistance program?Who would you miss when you die? How can we make our workplaces special enough to make that list?Resources mentioned:www.drdavespeaks.comhttps://www.drdaveschramm.com/Family Fundamentals: The Secret Sauce to Booming Business | TEDxEustisDr. Dave Schramm's Happiness HacksFacebook Twitter

From Compliance to Connection: How Family Science Enhances Workplace Culture

We're constantly being bombarded with breaking news, fear, and sudden restrictions. Join me in this very interesting interview with Kimberly Friedmutter as we unpack the power of hypnosis as a tool for high performers to excel personally and professionally. Kimberly Friedmutter is a certified master hypnotherapist and life management expert. In this episode, we discuss:How your subconscious drivesThe difference between trance, mindfulness, and hypnosisThe movie "Get Out" and how hypnosis really worksHow we unwittingly create negative anchors and triggers with our text messagesWhat to expect during a hypnotherapy sessionHow to protect your inner 8-year oldWhy Kimberly only works with high performersHow to get back on track if you feel like you've lost control of your lifeTechniques to improve work relationships and show up as your best self when you face frustrations at workAbout Kimberly FriedmutterAs a popular hypnotherapist and life management expert, Kimberly Friedmutter is known for her knowledge on finding achievement and self-awareness from within while envisioning your ideal future. She has been motivating successful people to reach their true potentials for about a decade now, beginning her career prior to hypnotherapy as an actress and radio host. Drawing on her rigorous training in hypnosis and neurolinguistic programming (NLP), Kimberly shares the secret to navigating life’s hurdles and achieving your highest goals and deepest desires.Kimberly’s new book, Subconscious Power: Use Your Inner Mind to Create the Life You've Always Wanted has been acknowledged by many celebrities and has been covered by a number of notable publications as a hot new read. Kimberly has helped many successful individuals work towards practicing better habits that lead to a healthier, happier lifestyles and is open to speaking opportunities and interviews.WebsiteSubconscious Power: Use Your Inner Mind to Create the Life You've Always WantedFacebook

A Dose of Stress Relief Amidst the Chaos: Find Your Subconscious Power Today

Join me in this interview with Brynne Kennedy, author, business leader, and Congressional Candidate in the state of California. Brynne shares her experiences as the former head of Topia, a global talent mobility platform. We discuss the challenges of staying connected when the workforce is becoming more and more distributed. Brynne also shared her political platform and areas that she is passionate about. Unlike most episodes, I polled the audience beforehand. The majority of the questions come from you, the people!

Running for Congress & Leadership in the Era of Talent Mobility

Join me in this fantastic interview with Dr. Melanie Katzman. Dr. Katzman is a business psychologist, advisor, and consultant to the world·s top public and private companies, government agencies and nonprofits. She is the founder of Katzman Consulting, working with private companies, government agencies and nonprofits.In this episode, we discuss:⦁ Common disconnects between people⦁ How we can challenge our assumptions to connect on a deeper level with others⦁ How to clear any negative energy before approaching someone else⦁ How to transition from polite small talk to the real agenda⦁ What can we do to maintain connection with remote workers or when working across timezones⦁ What happens when you take a hard stance "I'm not here to make friends"⦁ Dr. Katzman's take on shared office space and how it creates barriers for meaningful connections⦁ Questions to ask to check-in during one-on-ones⦁ What to do if you've been disconnected from others at work

"I'm Not Here to Make Friends" and Other Missed Connections

Will having fun at work diminish my image as a leader? Great question! Let's discuss.Join me as I interview Harrison Monarth. Harrison is an executive coach to the executives, managers, and high performers among Fortune 500 companies. Harrison Monarth shares 20+ years of experiences as well as advice for anyone who wants to put their best foot forward at work, advance their careers, and get noticed for their executive presence. He also shares a free executive presence self-assessment that you can complete at www.executivepresenceindicator.com In this episode, we discuss:How Harrison became an executive coachWhat is executive presenceHow leaders can unwittingly harm their own credibilityHow aspiring leaders can hone their executive presenceHow to avoid becoming someone that people despise at work What executive presence looks like for women in leadershipRecommendations for young leaders - how to get respect at work despite your ageHarrison's thoughts on whether or not executives can keep their status if they endorse levityOne problem out there in the world that levity solvesConnect with Harrison MonarthLinkedIn | WebsiteExecutive Presence, Second Edition: The Art of Commanding Respect like a CEOFree Executive Presence Indicator Self-AssessmentAbout this EpisodeEpisode: 16Title: Executive Presence: Lessons from an Executive Coach to the Fortune 500Release Date: February 2, 2020Guest: Harrison MonarthConnect with Dr. Walker: Website | LinkedIn | Facebook

Executive Presence: Lessons from an Executive Coach to the Fortune 500

How are your 2020 goals and New Year’s resolutions coming along? If you’re struggling with resolutions, perhaps it’s because you’re trying to resolve things that are meant to remain open-ended.If you resolved to relate differently to your team this year then this is the episode for you. I want to set you up for success this year with additional encouragement as well as tools to help you maintain your energy, reduce distractions, and get going on those goals!Join me as I interview Mayo Oshin-- a writer, researcher and entrepreneur, on a mission to uncover the art and science of building better habits.His work is regularly featured on several major media outlets, including Business Insider, Entrepreneur, Inc. Magazine, Quartz, Thrive Global and more.The home of his work is MayoOshin.Com, where he shares weekly well-researched ideas to his free newsletter, on how to build better habits, make better decisions and live a better life.In this episode we discuss:How your identity links to your habitsWhy your identity may be sabotaging your New Year’s resolutionsHow procrastination is like an addictionWays to overcome procrastinationAn exercise to use to uncover the reasons behind your behaviorsHow to eliminate distractions that keep you from being productiveHow to use mindfulness to overcome fear and stop running on autopilotSeveral major studies that will support your goals to change your behaviorHow to strategically plan your energy to be most productiveMayo Oshin Quotes"Too many of us are quick to put the laser focus on our disabilities instead of asking the question ‘given what I have, what can I do?’ That conflict right there is what prevents people from changing habits long term."“You’re not lazy….you’re afraid.”“Procrastination is like a drug in a way. It’s a way to cope with these negative emotions.”“The mistake me make often is that we just go into the office, go to work, and we just tackle whatever is in front of us...It’s like a war zone. ‘Whatever is thrown at me I’m gonna just deal with.’ Firefighting with no sort of strategy in terms of understanding of how your energy comes into play.”Connect with Mayo OshinLinkedIn | WebsiteThe Weekly Motivational Newsletter (a free newsletter)About this EpisodeEpisode: 15Title:Your Team Needs You! How to Overcome Procrastination and Get Things DoneRelease Date: January 20, 2020Guest: Mayo OshinConnect with Lead with Levity: Website | LinkedIn | Facebook 

Your Team Needs You! How to Overcome Procrastination and Get Things Done

Join me as I interview Dr. Donna Hicks, a TEDxStormant speaker, author, researcher, and international expert on dignity and conflict resolution. We cover the 10 elements of dignity, how Dr. Hicks got interested in dignity research and how she applied it to international negotiations and conflict resolution. We also discuss the difference between dignity and respect, the most common violations of dignity in the workplace, and how to address dignity violations and confront a violator.About Donna Hicks, Ph.D.Dr. Donna Hicks has a long resume and history of working to help people understand the concept of dignity. Here’s a list of highlights:Dr. Hicks is the Deputy Director of the Program on International Conflict Analysis and Resolution (PICAR) at the Weatherhead Center for International Affairs at Harvard University.Israeli/Palestinian conflict - unofficial diplomatic effortsFounded and co-directed a ten-year project in Sri LankaConflicts in Northern Ireland and Colombia and conducted several US/Cuba dialoguesShe is the Vice President of Ara Pacis, an Italian non-governmental organization based in Rome. They are currently involved in a dignity restoration project in Syria and Libya.Dr. Hicks was a consultant to the British Broadcasting Company (BBC) where she co-facilitated encounters between victims and perpetrators of the Northern Irish conflict with Archbishop Desmond Tutu. The encounters were made into 3 television programs, Facing the Truth, which were aired throughout the United Kingdom and on BBC World.Taught courses in conflict resolution at Harvard, Clark, and Columbia UniversitiesConducts trainings and educational seminars in the US and abroad on the role dignity plays in healing and reconciling relationships in conflict as well as dignity leadership training.Clients include the World Bank, the United Nations, the US Navy, and governments worldwideDonna Hicks spoke at TEDxStormontIn this episode we discuss:The 10 elements of dignityHow Dr. Hicks got interested in dignity research and how she applied it to international negotiations and conflict resolutionThe difference between dignity and respectThe most common violations of dignity in the workplaceTips on how to address dignity violations and confront a violatorHow do we build a culture that supports this?Quotes“I made a promise to Archbishop Tutu that I would never ever again say that people can have their dignity stripped.”"If we don’t lovingly embrace our own dignity it’s harder to do it with others….we’re not only valuable and worthy, but we are invaluable. We’re priceless, and we’re irreplaceable."Timestamps [18:40] 10 Elements of Dignity:Being able to maintain one’s identity and have others accept itRecognition and praise for doing something praiseworthyAcknowledgement that something terrible happenedInclusion and sense of belongingSafety--physical and psychologicalFairnessAutonomy and independenceUnderstandingBenefit of the doubtAn apology if something bad happens"The brain doesn’t know the difference between a violation to your dignity and a physical wound.”[20:23] A conversation Dr. Hicks had with Arch Bishop Desmond TutuWhat is the single most important ingredient for people who want to put the past to rest and move forward with their lives?[22:40] Out of the 10 elements of dignity, which element is violated most often in the workplace? Psychological Safety[28:11] Dr. Hicks explains that most people don’t understand dignity and she defines it as our inherent value and our inherent vulnerability. The difference between dignity and respect--respect has to be earned. Dignity does not. Respect can be taken away. Dignity can be wounded.[35:25] What does it mean to treat someone with dignity? “Treating people with dignity doesn’t just mean being nice or kind.”[41:55] How to address your own anger before you confront someoneConnect with Dr. Hicks and ResourcesWebsite | LinkedInDonna's TEDx TalkLeading with Dignity: How to Create a Culture That Brings Out the Best in PeopleDignity: Its Essential Role in Resolving ConflictAbout this EpisodeEpisode: 14Title: How to Resolve Conflict in 2020 with Your Dignity IntactRelease Date: January 6, 2020Guest: Donna Hicks, Ph.D.Connect with Lead with Levity: Website | LinkedIn | Facebook |

How to Resolve Conflict in 2020 with Your Dignity Intact

Join me as I interview Rob Moore, a UK real estate mogul. We discuss what it means to be a disruptive entrepreneur, his thoughts on company culture, and levity at work.Rob has held 3 world records for public speaking and authored 9 books including global best-seller Life Leverage. Rob founded and co-owns Progressive Property, the UK's largest property education business and own/manages over 750 properties with his partner. Through the Rob Moore Foundation, he provides an opportunity for underprivileged individuals, start-ups and small established businesses to gain valuable support, investment and mentorship from some of the best in the business. All his profits from his book Money go to the foundation.In this episode we discuss:Rob Moore's storyThomas Cook's recent mass layoffsHow he achieves success through community building and collaborationsHow to build a community that lasts as your business growsTop challenges that leaders faceWhy entrepreneurs struggle with managementThe mental shift that solopreneurs and entrepreneurs need to make to manage teamsThe magic size for a great company cultureThe values that Progressive Property holds to help them maintain levityHow to build a loyal teamQuotes[9:20] Top challenges for entrepreneurs who are scaling and his experiences as he scaled - "The difference between a leader and a manager is huge...once we put one layer of management in that really changed the culture."[8:35] "I believe in growth through communities and collaborations"[18:00] "When you're an entrepreneur and you hire people, in your mind, you think that people work for you. No one works for you ever. People work for themselves and you're paying them."[24:41] On a potential problem at home: "You want to know what's wrong with your staff so you can help them become more productive. If you assume that it's performance when actually it's illness at home or something in their personal life, then in a way they're getting penalized for that and you're not understanding why they're not productive. When you care to find out what's really going on in their life, 1) you get them more productive quick which is good for your business, and 2) you build loyalty.[29:29] "...love your art, love your mission, but be a liked individual."Get Connected to Rob Moore:Website: www.robmoore.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/robmooreprogressive/Twitter: https://twitter.com/robprogressiveInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/robmooreprogressiveLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/robmoore1979/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XwUx_z05pHIGet Connected with Dr. Walker Website: https://www.leadwithlevity.comEmail: info@leadwithlevity.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/leadwithlevityFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/leadwithlevityInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadwithlevity/About this EpisodeEpisode: 13Title: How to Protect Company Culture (as you scale)Release Date: December 23, 2019Guest: Rob Moore

How to Protect Company Culture (as you scale)

Join me as I interview Dr. Joseph Michelli, Chief Experience Officer and Customer Service Expert**Stick around to learn how you can enter to win a trip to California to tour Airbnb headquarters and learn more about how they approach the customer experience (deadline to enter: December 16, 2019). ***Are you ready to transfer the excitement you have for your products and services to your customers? Tune in as we discuss the following:Inputs to a healthy customer experienceHow Zappos uses play to get employees to go the extra mile (and love it while they do)About Dr. Michelli and the Michelli ExperienceHow Airbnb disrupted the hotel industryA new breakfast strategy that Godiva is taking to delight its customersHow the convenience store industry is currently being disruptedAbout Dr. Joseph MichelliLearn more about the Michelli Experience (https://www.josephmichelli.com/)Connect with Dr. Michelli on Twitter | LinkedInResources Mentioned in this EpisodeLearn more about the Airbnb travel contestBook: The Airbnb Way: 5 Leadership Lessons for Igniting Growth through Loyalty, Community, and BelongingBook:The New Gold Standard: 5 Leadership Principles for Creating a Legendary Customer Experience Courtesy of the Ritz-Carlton Hotel CompanyBook: Driven to Delight: Delivering World-Class Customer Experience the Mercedes-Benz WayBook: The Starbucks Experience: 5 Principles for Turning Ordinary Into ExtraordinaryBook: The Zappos Experience: 5 Principles to Inspire, Engage, and WOWAbout this EpisodeEpisode: 12Title: Delight Customers the Airbnb Way + TRAVEL GIVEAWAYRelease Date: December 9, 2019Guest: Joseph Michelli, Ph.D.Connect with Lead with Levity: Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram

Delight Customers the Airbnb Way + TRAVEL GIVEAWAY

Is it possible to excel at work without being mentally and physically drained at the end of the day when we return to our family and friends? Listen in as we discuss short mindfulness practices that can both improve our productivity at work and energize us throughout the day.Today we will be joined by Women’s Mindful Empowerment Coach and Psychotherapist, Shonda Moralis. She reveals:The mental and physical benefits of mindfulness breaksHow to fit mindfulness breaks into your busy scheduleHow to bring mindfulness into the workplaceWhat's covered in this episode:Introduction to Shonda MoralisWhat is Mindfulness Empowerment?5-minute mindfulness breaks can help us become more productive and efficientMindfulness is an intentional, daily practiceShonda’s advice on building up the skill of mindfulnessHow to handle mind wandering off during meditationHow to bring mindfulness into the workplaceWhat to do when you feel like you can’t set aside 5 minutes to practice mindfulnessTools that can remind you to meditateShonda’s advice to moms who come home mentally and physically exhausted after workHow to sprinkle your day with mindfulness breaks Shonda talks about her book launch for “Breathe, Empower, Achieve: 5-Minute Mindfulness for Busy Women”Bonus: Heather on practicing mindfulness and helping others when they are stressed outQuotes--- On mindfulness empowerment“It’s this marriage between mindfulness – being able to calm ourselves and have insight and awareness – and empowerment i.e. allowing us to level up in our lives.”When we slow down just a notch, the pace of our day goes from feeling frantic and urgent to more calm and sustainable. We become more productive and more efficient. We’re not as stressed out so we can sustain our energy longer.We can’t control outside factors. But we can control our reaction to them.We can take a mindful break anytime, anywhere.The definition of mindfulness -- or the one I like to use -- is being aware of what’s happening in the moment with an attitude of kindness and curiosity and acceptance.-- On dealing with the mind wandering off during meditationOur mind will never stop wandering off. That’s what it’s designed to do. It’s about noticing when we wander off, where we wander off to, and then bringing our attention back.Get Connected with Shonda Moralis: http://shondamoralis.net/Resources Mentioned in the EpisodeBreathe, Mama, Breathe: 5-Minute Mindfulness for Busy Moms by Shonda MoralisBreathe, Empower, Achieve: 5-Minute Mindfulness for Busy Women by Shonda MoralisSign up for Shonda’s email list and you’ll get resources like a free 5-minute guided meditation and a Mindfulog where you can track your meditation and mindful break practice.Find us on social mediaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/leadwithlevityFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/leadwithlevityInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadwithlevity/About this EpisodeEpisode: 11Title: How to be a BADA$$ (without burning out)Release Date: November 25, 2019Guest: Shonda Moralis

How to be a BADA$$ (without burning out)

Have you ever really wanted to connect to someone but couldn’t get around the awkwardness? Join us as we discuss actionable tips on how you can approach that next conversation with a stranger at a networking event, your team, your supervisor, or family and friends.Today we will be joined by Founder of People Formula and social psychologist, Robin Dreeke!Former Head of the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit, Robin Dreeke shares his experiences recruiting foreign spies for the FBI and reveals:How to build rapport without coming off as creepy or suspiciousWhat to do when people have their guards upHis four pillars for making the entire conversation about the other personTIME STAMPS[04:20] Introduction to Robin Dreeke[05:19] How long was Robin Dreeke with the FBI?[05:35] What Robin Dreeke does as a behavioral analyst?[06:47] Robin Dreeke on recruiting foreign spies for the FBIWhat is the process of recruiting a foreign spy? [07:24]How do you get close to a foreign spy to recruit them? [09:30]Don’t the spies see you coming and have their guards up? [10:34]Two methodologies that intelligence services use - covert approach or the beacon approach [10:51][11:37] How do you build rapport in a way that doesn’t come off as creepy or suspicious?Robin’s three anchorsHave a healthy and professional relationship [12:22] Have open and honest communication and transparency [10:35]Be an available resource for the success of others without expectation of reciprocity [12:49]Four pillars to making the entire conversation about the other personSeek their thoughts and opinions [13:17]Talk in terms of their priorities [13:21]Validate who they are without judging them [13:28]Empower them with choices [13:40][18:16] Lessons Robin learnt when he was ranked last out of all the second lieutenants in the Marine CorpsHow to be a better leader — Make it about everyone else but yourself [18:23]The new car effect [19:14] [19:56] Robin’s advice on how to build rapport at a networking eventLook for someone who’s smiling [20:31]Seek their thought or opinion about a third-party reference [20:44] QUOTES--- On behavioral analysisBehavioral analysis throughout my entire career both inside and outside the FBI really came down to communication with people and leading.— On leadershipLeadership (at least one aspect of it) is moving towards a goal with either one or a group of people.— On recruiting foreign spies for the FBIMy job inside the FBI was to strategize how to recruit a foreign spy. And that requires a massive amount of behavioral analysis to come up with ways that strategize trust and strategize a strong, healthy relationship.It [recruiting foreign spies] is basically trying to recruit individuals that are part of diplomatic establishments and embassies and missions that are pretending to be diplomats but, in reality, are special services or intelligence officers collecting intel from our country.I call it (recruiting foreign spies) the toughest sales job in the world. My job was selling a product (American patriotism) to foreign Intelligence officers. Not only do I have a product they don’t want to buy, it’s illegal for me to actually walk up and try to sell it to them.How do you recruit a foreign spy? You don’t. Basically every human being’s needs are exceptionally predictable. They will always act in their own best interest. My job was to figure out what they thought was in their best interest and offer my resources in terms of those things.There are two methodologies that intelligence services will use. One will try to use a covert approach where they don’t know who they’re talking to.As soon as any attempt at subterfuge or deception is even suspected, you don’t have trust. No trust, no relationship; and things blow up.— On building rapportEvery human being is seeking to be affiliated and valued by the organizations they belong to.Our ancient tribal brain wants to belong to meaningful groups and organizations and feel valued by those same organizations.You cannot have that healthy relationship without open and honest communication and transparency.You only give people that you value and want to affiliate with choices.You can’t save the world, but you can make a difference one person at a time.I’m that typical type A guy — naval academy, marine corps officer, FBI guy. If you’re going to use that kind of personality in a world where you’re selling a product no one wants to buy, you’re going to fail majestically.If you’re born doing these things (being a good leader), you have no idea what you’re doing. You’re just being you. And if you’re not born doing these things, you’re trying to mimic behaviors of others.When you give behaviors labels and meanings, you can recognize them so much faster and you can implement them and enhance them.If you’re meeting a stranger, you don’t want to be intrusive and say, “Hey, tell me about yourself.” You don’t want to tell them about yourself because who cares. But you can seek their thought or opinion about a third-party reference.[You’re at this networking event, who do you know to go up to and talk to?] The first thing I’m doing is I’m looking for someone who’s smiling because, if they’re smiling, they’re looking to engage because they’re displaying open, nonverbal communication.Get Connected with Robin DreekePeople Formula Website | Robin Dreeke's LinkedInResources Mentioned in the Episode:Sizing People Up by Robin DreekeIt’s Not All About “Me”: The Top Ten Techniques for Building Quick Rapport with Anyone by Robin DreekeThe Code of Trust - An American Counterintelligence Expert’s Five Rules to Lead and Succeed by Robin DreekeThe People Formula Online Training CourseAbout this EpisodeEpisode: 10Title: How to Build Rapport with AnyoneRelease Date: November 11, 2019Guest: Robin DreekeOrganization: People FormulaWelcome to the Lead with Levity podcast. My goal is to interview a diverse set of leaders who are interested in making a big impact on the employee experience and willing to share their perspectives on levity at work.Visit https://www.leadwithlevity.com if you’re interested in learning more about this concept or connect with us on social media to get updates on new shows.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/leadwithlevityFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/leadwithlevityInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadwithlevity/

How to Build Rapport with Anyone

**New episodes starting Sept 16 with new episodes aired bi-weekly.** Lead with Levity is a show for progressive business leaders on the forefront of employee experience and workplace culture. Our goal is to shine a light on the power of levity at work through interviews, case studies, and new research. If you want to create an awesome workplace where interactions are light, enjoyable, and uplifting then this is the show for you. Extending research to workplace, Dr. Heather Walker sheds light on the power of levity at work. "Join me in my journey to find workplace solutions that improve work climate, culture, and support a positive employee experience. I talk to leaders across industries to find out what they do to improve their work environment through levity, better management, and survey insights." If you're ready to survey your workforce, get a copy of the show notes and other resources, go to www.leadwithlevity.com

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Lead with Levity

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