The Change Man Interviews - with Michael Maxin

Simon Phillips speaks with Pittsburgh entrepreneur Michael Maxin, founder of Clinical Platform and creator of Green Ribbon Library and Pediatric Cancer Library. Maxin explains how medically reviewed, anonymous video resources help young people navigate mental health and childhood cancer, and shares lessons on student-informed design, mission-aligned funding, and building a profitable business with social impact. Michael's approach is relentless, you'll love it!Takeaways:Social impact equals profit.We went out and asked our potential customers, if we build this, would you use it?They must be educational, but they must be entertaining.And we asked those kids, hey, we're covering depression and stress and anxiety and self-harm and all of these topics. What are we missing?We never collect the name or the email address of a student.Kids don't want to talk to them. And nobody ever asked the kids. I did.You need to find and create the things that are needed, not necessarily wanted.If you start with kindness, doors open.I don't want to see an adult telling me about this. I want somebody that looks like me, talks like me, thinks like me to give me the information.Pediatric Cancer Library has always been a free resource, always will be.Sound bites:"Social impact equals profit.""They must be educational, but they must be entertaining.""If you start with kindness, doors open."Chapters:00:00 Meet Michael Maxin and his student and cancer support platforms01:16 Why Michael links social impact with profit02:38 Building video education for patients and families04:29 How Pediatric Cancer Library led to Green Ribbon Library06:17 Starting with small incubator investments and customer discovery08:08 Finding mission-aligned investors, including RK Mellon Foundation11:25 Why students helped shape the content12:50 Making medically accurate videos engaging for young viewers14:12 What kindness means in everyday practice15:12 Why students may avoid face-to-face counseling18:06 Mental health support matters for families and workplaces20:27 Protecting student anonymity and planning new topics23:11 Where to find the libraries and how to connect25:05 Walk-up song and Michael's guest recommendationMichael's choice to add to The Change Show Playlist is "Stranglehold" by Ted Nugent.🔗 Connect with us:Michael: Linkedin: Michael MaxinSimon: LinkedIn: Simon PhillipsResources:Green Ribbon Library - https://greenribbonlibrary.comPediatric Cancer Library - https://pediatriccancerlibrary.comClinical Platform - https://clinicalplatform.com#MichaelMaxin, #GreenRibbonLibrary, #PediatricCancerLibrary, #studentmentalhealth, #childhoodcancer, #socialimpactbusiness, #anonymousmentalhealthsupport, #schoolmentalhealth #TheChangeShow Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

in this episode of The Change Show, Simon Phillips is joined by James Kellogg, founder of Ripple Core. James shares insights on measuring kindness in organizations, the science behind positive habits, and how neuroscience can transform workplace culture. Discover practical ways to embed kindness into your leadership and community building efforts.Key TopicsMeasuring kindness in organizationsThe difference between being nice and being kindUsing technology to track acts of kindnessThe role of neuroscience in understanding behaviourBuilding habits of kindness through daily practiceThe impact of kindness on mental health and communityThe concept of 'bloom scrolling' to promote positivityThe integration of social impact and business profitThe importance of psychological safety in workplacesLeadership strategies for fostering kindness and compassionTakeawaysKindness can be measured and visualized in organizations.Acts of kindness trigger positive neuro-chemical responses like serotonin and oxytocin.Habitual practice of kindness is essential for embedding it into culture.Neuroscience shows that psychological safety encourages creativity and openness.Filling our brains with positivity through 'bloom scrolling' can reduce negativity.Trust and psychological safety are key to organizational resilience.Supporting kindness initiatives can align with business and social goals.Witnessing kindness can boost well-being and reinforce positive behaviour.The 'bully brain' concept highlights the importance of compassion in reducing toxicity.Leadership that models kindness fosters loyalty and high performance.Sound Bites"Being kind can mean saying what they probably don't want to hear.""Fill your brain with positive things, and kindness will come out.""The kindest person is often the most intelligent."Chapters00:00 - Introduction to Ripple Core and the Power of Kindness02:08 - James Kellogg's Journey from Corporate to Kindness Measurement04:03 - The Next Step: Building a Culture of Kindness05:53 - Measuring Kindness: Differentiating Nice and Kind08:11 - Using Technology to Track Acts of Kindness10:10 - The Science of Habit Formation and Kindness12:08 - The Impact of Positivity on Mental Health and Society14:05 - Witnessing Kindness and Its Psychological Benefits16:00 - Ripple Core's Business Model and Social Impact17:57 - Building Community and Supporting Values through Sponsorships19:54 - Neuroscience Insights: The Bully Brain and Psychological Safety22:12 - Trust, Loyalty, and Kindness in Leadership23:07 - The Biggest Ripple: Trust and Compassion in Organizations25:03 - Future Collaborations and Expanding the Kindness Movement26:01 - Passing the Baton: Next Change Makers to Watch26:56 - Recommended Resources and How to ConnectJames's choice to add to The Change Show Playlist is "Nessun Dorma" by Luciano Pavorotti.🔗 Connect with us:James: Linkedin: James KellockSimon: LinkedIn: Simon Phillips#kindness #workplaceculture #neuroscience #RippleCore #mentalhealth #organizationalchange #habits #socialimpact #leadership #community Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Simon Phillips interviews Jean Bernier, Co-Founder of anniQ, about how AI can be a powerful tool for better decision-making, saving time, and enhancing human capabilities. They explore practical applications, overcoming skepticism, and the future of AI in business and life.Key TopicsAI as a tool for better decisions and more timeOvercoming skepticism about AI in teamsPractical AI applications in hospitality and startupsFrameworks for automating routine tasksThe importance of purpose-driven AI adoptionTakeawaysAI can give back valuable time for humans to focus on creative and empathetic activities.Start small with automation and focus on high-value tasks.Understanding the right AI tools for specific tasks is crucial.AI won't replace human skills but will augment them.Consistency in content creation with AI can build brand presence.Sound Bites"Time is the most valuable thing we have as humans.""AI is a mathematical pattern, not a human replacement.""Advance one step every day, and enjoy the process."Chapters00:00 The Value of Time and Technology03:08 Navigating AI Skepticism05:57 Transformative AI Success Stories09:11 Practical AI Applications for Leaders11:59 The Role of Automation in Business14:49 Introducing Annie Q: A New Solution18:11 The Human Element in AI20:58 Final Thoughts and RecommendationsJean's choice to add to The Change Show Playlist is "Stay A Little Bit Longer" by BB King & Buddy Guy and "Walk A Mile In My Shoes" by Big Daddy Wilson.🔗 Connect with us:Jean: Linkedin: Jean BernierSimon: LinkedIn: Simon Phillips#AI, #ArtificialIntelligence, #BusinessTransformation, #TimeManagement, #DataDrivenDecisions, #AITools, #Leadership, #Innovation, #DigitalTransformation Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Alicia Navarro, founder and CEO of FLOWN, shares her journey from tech entrepreneur to innovator in focus and productivity. Discover how her insights into culture, deep work, and social mimicry are transforming how we work, especially for neurodiverse individuals.Key TopicsDeep work and focus strategiesBuilding a strong team cultureInnovations in productivity for neurodiverse individualsSound Bites"Social mimicry helps us focus and learn""Majority of users are people with ADHD""Flown can increase productivity by 123%"Chapters00:00 Alicia Navarro's Journey in Tech and Entrepreneurship12:37 The Birth of Flown: Fostering Focus and Flow19:46 Building a Deep Work Culture22:15 Navigating Uncertainty During COVID-1926:52 Unexpected Insights and Community Building32:26 Future Vision for FlownAlicia's choice to add to The Change Show Playlist is "Go Your Own Way" by Fleetwood Mac.🔗 Connect with us:Alicia: Linkedin: Alicia NavarroSimon: LinkedIn: Simon Phillips#neurodiversity #remotework #culture Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this insightful interview, Virginia Holden shares her expertise on systems change, neuroscience, and how understanding human behaviour can transform organizations. Discover practical strategies to overcome resistance, foster psychological safety, and leverage AI for democratizing knowledge. Gini is the inventor of Bag For Life and is currently part of the exec team delivering AnniQ and consulting with companies all over the world through her own company the f0undry.KeywordsSystems Change, Neuroscience, Human Behavior, Organizational Transformation, Psychological Safety, AI, Decision Making, Change ResistanceKey topicsNeuroscience and behavior changeResistance to organizational changeSystems thinking and cultural shiftsUsing AI to democratize knowledge and decision-makingSound Bites"Change is a cultural shift, not just tool adoption.""Trust and truth are arbitraged within the system.""Your brain is wired to stay in the same place."Gini's choice to add to The Change Show Playlist is "The Only Way Is Up" by Yazz & the Plastic Population.🔗 Connect with us:Gini: Linkedin: Gini HoldenSimon: LinkedIn: Simon Phillips#organizationalchange #psychologysafety #changeimpact Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this engaging conversation, Simon Phillips interviews Karla Combres, a legacy guide and celebrant, who shares her journey from childhood aspirations to her current work in helping individuals navigate life's transitions through meaningful rituals and ceremonies. Karla discusses the importance of normalizing conversations around death, the role of community in ceremonies, and the courage it takes to connect with what truly matters in life. She emphasizes the significance of personal stories and shared humanity in creating impactful experiences, both in personal and professional settings. The conversation culminates in a beautiful musical reflection that encapsulates the essence of love and connection.TakeawaysKarla Combres helps individuals explore meaning and creativity.Death Cafes provide a safe space to discuss death.Rituals are essential for navigating life transitions.Community plays a vital role in ceremonies.Courage is needed to meet life's significant moments.Personal stories enrich the experience of ceremonies.Creating rituals can help honour life's milestones.Shared humanity enhances workplace dynamics.Legacy is about living your values every day.Music can provide comfort and connection during transitions.Sound Bites"We are social beings, ritual beings.""The sky is the limit for ceremonies.""Your project is your life."Karla's choice to add to The Change Show Playlist is "May Only Love Surround You" by the Portland Threshold Voices.🔗 Connect with us:Karla: Linkedin: Karla CombresSimon: LinkedIn: Simon Phillips#LegacyGuide #Celebrant #LifeChanges #LovingLeadership Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this conversation, Jim Hughes, founder of Untamed, shares his journey of self-discovery and the importance of reconnecting with one's authentic self. He discusses the concept of 'swimming up someone else's river' as a metaphor for living out of alignment with one's true self. Jim emphasises the need for self-awareness and the courage to embrace change, while also exploring the origins of his coaching philosophy and the impact of family dynamics on personal growth. He offers insights into the first steps towards finding one's untamed path and the significance of playfulness in coaching. The conversation concludes with a discussion on future opportunities and collaborations in the coaching space.TakeawaysJim helps business owners reconnect with their authentic selves.Living out of alignment feels like swimming upstream.Self-awareness is crucial for personal growth.The journey to change often takes years of misalignment.Untamed encourages individuals to embrace their true selves.Playfulness in coaching can lead to deeper connections.Family dynamics can reveal different sides of ourselves.The first step to change is quantifying the cost of the status quo.An untamed person is aware of their various cast members.Optimising one's approach is often easier than fixing problems.Sound Bites"Swimming up someone else's river.""The cost of being unfit is massive.""Care less about what other people think."Jim's choice to add to The Change Show Playlist is "Homecoming" by Josh Ritter.🔗 Connect with us:Jim: Linkedin: Jim HughesSimon: LinkedIn: Simon Phillips#AuthenticLeadership #SelfAwareness #ChangeLeadership #LACEWay #UntamedSelf Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this conversation, Matt Hocking, Founder of Leap, discusses the unique intersection of corporate design and environmental consciousness, reflecting on his childhood passions for space and nature. He shares a pivotal moment that led him to embrace a career that combines these elements, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and creativity in design.TakeawaysThe blend of corporate and environmental design can lead to innovative solutions.Childhood passions can significantly influence career choices.Embracing opportunities can prevent future regrets.Collaboration between different fields can spark creativity.Designers can play a crucial role in environmental sustainability.Personal experiences shape professional paths.The importance of research in understanding new environments.Aesthetic appreciation for nature can drive design decisions.Space exploration themes can inspire design thinking.The emotional connection to nature can enhance design outcomes.Sound Bites"Imagine my corporate world meeting your environmental world.""I saw my childhood love of space and nature.""If I turn this down, I am gonna forever regret it."Matt's choice to add to The Change Show Playlist is "Offshore" by Chicane.🔗 Connect with us:Matt: LinkedIn: Matt HockingSimon: LinkedIn: Simon Phillips#SustainableDesign, #EnvironmentalLeadership, #CareerTransformation, #GreenBusiness, #PurposeDrivenDesign Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this conversation, Simon Phillips hears from Toby Mildon and his personal experiences with workplace discrimination related to his disability. Toby recounts a specific incident where a health and safety manager deemed him a fire hazard due to his wheelchair, leading to his isolation from his team. The emotional impact of this experience is profound, highlighting the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in professional environments.TakeawaysThe health and safety assessment led to unexpected discrimination.Isolation from the team can have severe emotional effects.Returning to the old office was a brave but difficult decision.Health and safety regulations can sometimes overlook individual needs.Emotional responses to discrimination are valid and important.Communication with clients can be affected by emotional distress.Workplace policies need to be more inclusive of disabilities.Support from colleagues is crucial for individuals facing discrimination.Understanding and empathy are essential in workplace dynamics.Personal experiences can drive advocacy for better workplace policies.Sound Bites"I was a fire hazard in my wheelchair.""I ended up going into the disabled toilet and crying."Toby's choice to add to The Change Show Playlist is "It's a Sin" by Olly Alexander and Elton John.🔗 Connect with us:Toby: LinkedIn: Toby MildonSimon: LinkedIn: Simon Phillips#WorkplaceInclusion #DisabilityAdvocacy #WorkplaceDiscrimination #EmotionalHealth #TeamDynamics Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this insightful discussion, Toby Lewis, CEO of Live Group and Envoku, shares his extensive experience in event management and his innovative approach to transforming how organisations engage with their audiences. He discusses the evolution of his understanding of audience engagement, shaped by his own learning experiences and observations from managing thousands of conferences. Toby reveals how his new venture, Envoku, uses sophisticated profiling tools to help organisations create more personalised and effective events, addressing the growing need for tailored experiences in an increasingly diverse workplace.Key insights include the importance of understanding different learning styles, the generational shift in workplace expectations, and the need to give voice to the 'silent majority' in organisations. Toby also shares a fascinating case study of how webcasting transformed a tax conference, leading to tenfold audience growth and renewed engagement.His advice for change makers? "Keep an open mind. Look at different ways, even if they feel really radical at first. Embrace that palpitation that you get when you find yourself in an uncomfortable position."Toby's choice to add to The Change Show Playlist is "Mr. Blue Sky" by The Electric Light Orchestra - the song he plays at the end of every conference worldwide.🔗 Connect with us:Toby: LinkedIn: Toby LewisSimon: LinkedIn: Simon Phillips#EventManagement #OrganisationalChange #PersonalisedLearning #TheChangeShow #TobyLewis #Envoku #LiveGroup #Innovation Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.