What Really Needs Improvement in the Corporate World with Nicholas Whitaker

In this episode of Mind Your Leadership, I sit down with Dr. Frederic Luskin, Director of the Stanford Forgiveness Projects, to explore the transformative role of forgiveness in both personal and professional life. Dr. Luskin shares his journey into studying forgiveness, the emotional benefits it brings, and how leaders can model forgiveness to foster a positive organizational culture. We dive into the practical steps individuals can take to practice forgiveness, and why gratitude and humility are essential in this process. Key Points: Forgiveness for Well-Being: Dr. Luskin emphasizes that forgiveness is crucial for emotional and mental health, freeing us from past grievances and improving well-being. Forgiveness as a Leadership Skill: Leaders who model forgiveness create safer, more compassionate work environments. Gratitude and Humility: Both are key to practicing forgiveness and leading more mindfully. Practical Tips: Dr. Luskin outlines actionable steps to help individuals and leaders begin cultivating forgiveness today.

In this episode of Mind Your Leadership, Dr. Keren Tsuk interviews Kelly Palmiero, COO of Sierra Tucson, to discuss her career path and the role of conscious leadership in creating supportive organizational cultures. Kelly shares valuable insights on fostering employee wellness, preventing burnout, and cultivating gratitude and mindfulness at work. She emphasizes the importance of investing in employees to improve engagement and well-being, ultimately benefiting both the organization and its clients. Key Points: Career Purpose: Kelly highlights how helping people has been the guiding principle throughout her career. Employee Investment: Leaders must prioritize employee well-being to foster better customer service and outcomes. Burnout in Mental Health: Burnout is common in the industry, making leadership's role in supporting wellness critical. Gratitude and Mindfulness: These practices shift workplace culture positively, enhancing employee morale and productivity. Cross-Department Collaboration: Connecting different teams promotes collaboration and a unified organizational vision. Self-Care for Leaders: Leaders must practice mindfulness and self-care to lead effectively. Guest Contributions:Kelly shares real-life experiences on how mindfulness and gratitude practices transformed Sierra Tucson’s work culture and improved employee engagement. Her leadership strategies have fostered a more empathetic, high-performing team.

Welcome to the latest episode of the Mind Your Leadership podcast! Today, we are excited to have Sam Rosen as our guest. Sam is the co-founder and CEO of Deskpass, a leading platform that offers access to thousands of coworking spaces across the country. As an entrepreneur and a respected figure in the design community, Sam's journey from co-owning Chicago’s first coworking space, The Coop, to leading Deskpass is both inspiring and insightful. In this episode, Sam shares his experiences and strategies for leading in a decentralized digital world, offering valuable lessons on managing teams and staying connected in today’s flexible work environment. Sam's Journey into Coworking Sam Rosen’s path to becoming a leader in the coworking industry began with his involvement in The Coop, Chicago’s pioneering coworking space. His early experiences in this space ignited a passion for creating environments that foster collaboration and flexibility. This passion eventually led him to co-found Deskpass, a platform that provides flexible workspace solutions to meet the evolving needs of modern professionals. Sam’s journey highlights the importance of adaptability and innovation in the face of changing work environments. The Decentralized Digital World A central theme in Sam’s discussion is the rise of the decentralized digital world. He emphasizes the need for companies to embrace remote work and empower employees to choose where they work best. According to Sam, this shift is not just about location but also about fostering a culture that supports autonomy and flexibility. By allowing employees to work in environments that suit their needs, companies can enhance productivity, satisfaction, and overall team performance. Building a Culture of Teamwork and Connection Sam also delves into the importance of building a strong culture of teamwork and connection, even in virtual spaces. He believes that creating opportunities for informal conversations and personal connections is key to maintaining a sense of community in remote teams. Whether it’s starting meetings with light-hearted conversations or using tools like Slack for asynchronous communication, these practices help bridge the gap between physical distance and emotional connection. Practical Tips for Remote Teams Throughout the episode, Sam offers practical advice for leaders managing remote teams. One of his key recommendations is to reserve synchronous conversations for problem-solving and culture-building while utilizing asynchronous tools for routine updates. This approach not only maximizes efficiency but also ensures that team interactions are meaningful and impactful. Sam’s emphasis on the importance of human connection in the digital space is a reminder that technology should serve as a bridge, not a barrier, to authentic communication. The Future of Work Looking ahead, Sam shares his thoughts on the future of work and the evolving role of leadership in a decentralized world. He advises companies to stay agile and open to new ways of working, recognizing that the future will likely involve a blend of remote and in-person work. By fostering a culture of trust, flexibility, and connection, leaders can navigate the complexities of the modern workplace and create environments where employees thrive. Conclusion Our conversation with Sam Rosen is filled with valuable insights into the future of work, the importance of flexibility, and the power of building meaningful connections in virtual spaces. His experiences and practical tips offer a roadmap for leaders looking to adapt to the evolving landscape of work and create a culture that supports both individual and team success.

In the latest episode of the "Mind Your Leadership" podcast, I had the pleasure of interviewing Claire Milligan, CEO of Aimably. Claire is not only a seasoned leader but also a thought leader in the field of conflict resolution and mindful leadership. Our conversation delved into the intricacies of conflict within organizations and how leaders can navigate these challenges with empathy, curiosity, and a commitment to building trust. Understanding the Root of Conflict One of the most striking points Claire made was the idea that conflict often arises from different sets of information. In many cases, disagreements stem not from fundamental incompatibility, but from varied perspectives, experiences, and data points. This insight is crucial for leaders who want to address conflicts effectively. The Power of Emotional Expression Claire's approach to leadership is deeply rooted in the belief that emotional expression should not be stifled but encouraged—provided it’s done respectfully. She challenges the traditional notion that emotions have no place in the workplace. Instead, she suggests that allowing team members to express their emotions can lead to deeper understanding and more meaningful resolutions. Curiosity as a Leadership Tool Curiosity allows leaders to ask the right questions and to listen deeply to the answers. This approach not only helps in resolving conflicts but also strengthens the connections between team members. When people feel heard and understood, they are more likely to engage constructively in the resolution process. Building Trust Through Transparency Trust is the foundation of any successful team, and it’s especially critical in conflict resolution. Claire highlighted the role of transparent communication in building and maintaining trust within an organization. Leaders who are open about their intentions, decisions, and the reasons behind them foster an environment where team members feel secure in expressing their thoughts and concerns. Embracing Diversity for Stronger Teams Diversity isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a critical component of a resilient, innovative organization. Claire stressed the importance of not only embracing diversity but also leveraging it to enhance conflict resolution efforts. Diverse teams bring a wider range of ideas and solutions to the table, which can lead to more creative and effective outcomes. However, diversity also means that conflicts may arise from misunderstandings or differing viewpoints. Claire’s advice is to approach these situations with an open mind and a commitment to finding common ground. By doing so, leaders can turn potential conflicts into opportunities for growth and innovation. Practical Approaches to Conflict Resolution Throughout our conversation, Claire shared several practical strategies that leaders can implement to navigate conflicts more effectively. These include: - Active Listening: Taking the time to truly listen to all parties involved in a conflict, without interrupting or jumping to conclusions. - Mediating Discussions - Encouraging Feedback - Setting Clear Expectations Final Thoughts: Leading with Empathy and Insight Conflict is an inevitable part of any organization, but it doesn’t have to be destructive. With the right approach, conflicts can be transformed into opportunities for deeper connection, greater understanding, and collective growth. Claire Milligan’s insights on mindful leadership and conflict resolution offer valuable lessons for leaders at all levels. By fostering an environment of trust, encouraging emotional expression, and embracing diversity, leaders can navigate conflicts with empathy and insight. In doing so, they not only resolve issues more effectively but also build stronger, more resilient teams.

In today’s must-listen episode of the "Mind Your Leadership" podcast, join us as we dive deep with Nicholas Whitaker, a midlife transition coach and co-founder of the Changing Work Collective. Nicholas shares his insights on transforming the corporate world and equipping professionals with the tools needed to thrive in today's workplace. 🌟 Episode Highlights: Discover the impact of fostering a human-centered approach in the corporate world. Explore the importance of empathy, compassion, and psychological safety in leadership. Learn why self-awareness is crucial for leaders to understand their impact and create positive outcomes. Understand the value of being intentional about career choices, networking, and practicing mindfulness. Gain insights into building supportive communities and embracing vulnerability to create a thriving work environment. 🔎 About Nicholas Whitaker: Nicholas Whitaker is a midlife transition coach, co-founder of the Changing Work Collective, and host of The Needs Improvement Podcast. With over 20 years in big tech and media and double certification as a life coach, Nicholas specializes in guiding mid-life tech professionals to find purpose and fulfillment beyond titles and paychecks. His mission is to transform the nature of work from the inside out while championing healthier work environments and a renewed sense of balance, purpose, and vitality. 🎓 Dive Deeper: Discuss the necessity of empathy, compassion, and a human-centered approach in leadership. Discover practical tips for professionals navigating the corporate landscape with intention and mindfulness. Explore the significance of community support and vulnerability in fostering a positive work environment. 🔗 Don’t forget to visit Nicholas’s website http://nicholaswhitaker.com/ for more resources and insights into transforming your work environment and finding fulfillment in your career. ✨ Whether you’re a professional seeking to improve your workplace experience or a leader aiming to foster a supportive and thriving environment, this episode is packed with valuable wisdom. Tune in now and start your journey toward thriving in the workplace! #MindYourLeadership #Podcast #MindfulLeadership #CorporateTransformation #Empathy #SelfAwareness #Community #Vulnerability #NicholasWhitaker

In this episode of the Mind Your Leadership podcast, Dr. Keren Tsuk interviews Doron Libshtein, a renowned self-development mentor and author. They discuss personal growth, handling challenges, and the importance of being present and listening. Doron shares a profound moment with Byron Katie that changed his perspective on life, leading him to create a course called 'You Are the One.' The course focuses on finding balance between doing and being, prioritizing strengths, and creating an ideal day. They also discuss the importance of vulnerability, asking for help, and embracing all parts of ourselves. *** Takeaways *** Embrace the idea that everything happens for you, not to you. Find the balance between doing and being in order to live a fulfilling life. Focus on your strengths and work on developing them. Practice being present and listening to others. Ask for help and be open to receiving support. View challenges as opportunities for growth and learning. Acknowledge and work with all parts of yourself. Increase your self-esteem and compassion towards yourself. Choose how you react to situations by increasing your inner space between stimulus and response. Find a meditation practice that works for you and incorporate it into your daily routine. Make decisions that are right for today and focus on making each day better. Spread love and understanding to create a better world.

Welcome to the latest episode of the "Mind Your Leadership" podcast! In this episode, we are thrilled to have Amy Sandler as our guest. Amy is an executive coach, corporate mindfulness trainer, and professional speaker with over 20 years of experience in senior roles. She is the lead coach and podcast host at Radical Candor, where she brings her expertise in leadership and communication to audiences worldwide. Amy holds an AB and MBA from Harvard University and an MFA in Screenwriting from UCLA. She is also a certified teacher of Search Inside Yourself, Google's leadership program. 🔑 Key Highlights: Ever wondered what's the connection between walking on fire and leadership? Or how mindfulness can revolutionize your workplace dynamics? Discover the secrets of Radical Candor and learn how balancing personal care with direct challenges can transform your communication skills. Plus, find out why emotional awareness is the cornerstone of conscious leadership. Tune in now to be inspired and empowered! 🎧✨ Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 04:25 The Transformative Experience of Walking on Fire 09:02 Connecting Firewalking to Conscious Leadership 15:43 The Paradigm of Radical Candor 29:58 Creating a Culture of Radical Candor 36:26 The Messiness of Transparent Communication 39:38 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of "Mind Your Leadership," Dr. Keren Tsuk revisits a profound conversation with Bessi Graham, originally recorded in December 2022, now enhanced with a video format. Bessi is an award-winning entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience collaborating with business owners, governments, and large funding bodies to harmonize doing good with making money. She brings an unparalleled perspective on driving meaningful change and balancing social impact with profitability. Bessi shares insights from her podcast, "Both/And with Bessi Graham," where she teaches people to quiet the noise of external demands and opinions, enabling them to hear their own voices clearly and contribute authentically. In this episode, we delve into integrating doing good and making money, exploring how entrepreneurs, managers, and leaders can connect deeply with themselves to bring their values to life and lead meaningful, impactful lives. Join us as we discuss the new paradigm of leadership, where personal and professional fulfillment are not mutually exclusive, and learn practical strategies for embedding these principles into your daily business practices.

Innovation isn't just about new ideas; it's about creating a culture where those ideas can thrive and grow. In this episode of "Mind Your Leadership," I had the pleasure of speaking with Louis Gump, the President of Cambian Solutions. Louis has an impressive career, having held significant roles in various innovative companies, including Cox Media, NewsON, and The Weather Channel. He brings a wealth of experience in leading digital media services and driving transformative growth within organizations. During our conversation, Louis shared valuable insights on the differences between entrepreneurship and intrapreneurship and how recognizing these differences can create a more innovative environment within businesses. He emphasized the importance of self-awareness, curiosity, action orientation, and risk tolerance for successful intrapreneurs. Louis also highlighted the need to create space for reflection, ask questions, and trust the process to drive transformative growth opportunities. Key Takeaways: Recognizing the differences between entrepreneurship and intrapreneurship fosters innovation within organizations. Successful intrapreneurs exhibit self-awareness, curiosity, action orientation, and risk tolerance. Creating space for reflection and trusting the process is crucial for driving growth. Building a culture of innovation and nurturing entrepreneurial talent is essential for long-term success. Tune in to learn more about how Louis Gump leads change and fosters innovation within large organizations. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction of Louis Gump 03:10 Connecting to the Broader Picture and Curiosity 08:34 Differences Between Entrepreneurship and Intrapreneurship 11:14 The Importance of Self-Awareness and Curiosity 14:21 Creating Space for Reflection and Trusting the Process 21:44 Successful Intrapreneurship Within Organizations 25:45 Understanding Personal Needs for Creativity 29:00 The Value of Asking Questions and Trusting in Yourself 31:27 Building a Culture of Innovation and Nurturing Entrepreneurial Talent

Meet Rasmus Holst, the visionary leader behind Zensai, a groundbreaking platform revolutionizing human success in the workplace. As CEO, Rasmus spearheads the company's mission to empower organizations with cutting-edge learning, performance enhancement, and engagement solutions built into Microsoft workplace tools. With over 30 years of high-tech expertise, Rasmus brings a wealth of experience from senior leadership positions at industry giants like Syniverse, Oracle, and Nokia. He has orchestrated staggering year-over-year growth, successful exits, and secured substantial funding for various ventures, including Wire and Huddle. Key Points Trusting Your Team: Rasmus emphasizes the importance of trusting your team and giving them autonomy to make decisions, fostering a culture of empowerment. The Role of AI: Discusses how AI should complement human capabilities in organizational leadership rather than replace them entirely. Human Connection: Highlights the significance of human connection in leadership, acknowledging its irreplaceable role in understanding and navigating complex interpersonal dynamics. Letting Go and Celebrating Growth: Explores the challenges of parting ways with employees who no longer fit while celebrating their growth and success as part of the company's evolution. Insights Rasmus Holst's extensive experience and visionary leadership at Zensai illuminate the path to empowering organizations through trust, autonomy, and human connection, driving tangible results and fostering employee growth and development. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 02:48 Trusting Your Team and Giving Autonomy: In this segment, Rasmus delves into the foundational principles of effective leadership, emphasizing the paramount importance of trust in one's team. He discusses how empowering team members with autonomy not only fosters a sense of ownership but also cultivates a culture of innovation and accountability. Rasmus shares insights into his approach of providing clear direction and ambition while allowing individuals the freedom to make decisions within their areas of expertise. Through real-world examples and personal anecdotes, he illustrates the transformative impact of trusting your team and empowering them to take ownership of their roles. 08:02 The Role of AI in Organizational Leadership: Rasmus explores the evolving landscape of organizational leadership in the age of AI. He discusses how AI technologies can enhance decision-making processes, optimize workflow efficiencies, and drive strategic initiatives within organizations. However, Rasmus emphasizes the need for a balanced approach, highlighting the importance of AI complementing rather than replacing human capabilities. He shares insights into how zensai leverages AI to augment human performance, streamline learning and development processes, and drive measurable outcomes. Rasmus also discusses the ethical considerations surrounding AI implementation and the role of leadership in ensuring responsible and ethical AI usage within organizations. 15:01 The Importance of Human Connection: In this chapter, Rasmus underscores the enduring significance of human connection in leadership and organizational success. He explores how genuine human interactions foster trust, collaboration, and loyalty among team members, ultimately driving engagement and performance. Rasmus shares strategies for cultivating meaningful connections within remote and hybrid work environments, emphasizing the importance of empathy, active listening, and effective communication. Drawing from his extensive experience, he offers practical tips for leaders to nurture authentic relationships, build strong teams, and foster a culture of inclusivity and belonging. #Leadership #Empowerment #PodcastEpisode #mindfullywiseleadership #Mindyourleadership #Wisdomtolead #Mindfulleadership #Leadership #Growth #PodcastEpisode #mindyourleadership