Welcome to Brain Snacks: bite sized learning moments from We Are Human Leaders.

In today’s brain snack, we discuss how to upskill for a future that’s uncertain and unpredictable. We share our expert insights on the mindsets and behaviours that will be critical for success now, and into the future. This is part of a four part Brain Snack series where we answer your questions.

For more resources like this one, check out the We Are Human Leaders podcast right here www.wearehumanleaders.com/podcast

For now, enjoy!

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A must listen for everyone who wants to tap into their creativity with ease and intention! This thought-provoking conversation with authors of the brilliant new Innovation-ish Tessa Forshaw and Rich Braden explores the multifaceted nature of innovation, emphasizing that it is not solely the domain of lone geniuses but rather a collaborative effort that requires curiosity, empathy, and humility.

We discuss the importance of redefining what it means to be an innovator, the myths surrounding innovation hesitation, and the critical role of leadership in fostering a safe environment for creativity. The discussion also delves into practical strategies for integrating innovation into daily life, the significance of mindset, and the power of metacognition in enhancing creative problem-solving abilities.

Key learnings

• Innovation is about passion and grit to solve problems.
• Curiosity, empathy, and humility are essential human qualities for innovation.
• The myth of the lone genius in innovation is misleading.
• Collaboration is crucial for generating innovative ideas.
• Mindsets influence how we perceive and approach problems.
• Cognitive caution can hinder creativity but is a natural human process.
• Creating a safe space encourages idea sharing and innovation.
• Leaders play a vital role in fostering an innovative environment.
• Innovation should be integrated into daily practices, not treated as a special event.
• Metacognition enhances our ability to innovate by allowing us to reflect on our thinking.

Chapters

00:00 Defining Innovation: A New Perspective

03:01 The Human Element of Innovation

05:59 Innovation Hesitation: Understanding Barriers

08:51 The Distinction Between Innovation and Entrepreneurship

11:57 Mindsets for Innovation: A Cognitive Approach

14:40 Overcoming Self-Censorship in Creative Processes

17:53 Creating a Safe Environment for Innovation

20:42 The Role of Leadership in Fostering Innovation

23:47 Everyday Innovation: Integrating Creativity into Daily Life

26:53 Integrating Change Gradually

28:19 Understanding Moves in Problem Solving

31:22 The Power of Mindset in Innovation

35:07 Harnessing Metacognition for Creativity

48:41 Practical Steps to Foster Innovation

52:48 Introduction to Human Leadership

53:51 Cognitive Science and Innovation

54:56 The Role of Creativity in Leadership

Learn more about Tessa and Rich, order your copy of their book, and access your free BONUS Mind Map, right here https://www.wearehumanleaders.com/podcast/unlock-your-creativity-innovation-potential-with-tessa-forshaw-rich-braden

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Welcome to Brain Snacks: bite sized learning moments from We Are Human Leaders.

In today’s brain snack, Author and Disruption Expert Terence Mauri shares with Alexis and Sally his take on how leaders need to be framing disruption to harness change and remain relevant. He shares with us the risks of doing nothing in a rapidly changing world, and how AI is as much about people as it is about technology. 

For more, check out the full conversation How to Befriend Uncertainty with Terence Mauri here.

For now, enjoy!

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In this powerful conversation, author and global thought leader Ruchika T. Malhotra discusses her brilliant new book Uncompete: Rejecting Competition to Unlock Success, which challenges the traditional notions of competition in the workplace and life. She emphasizes the importance of collaboration, community, and an abundance mindset as essential elements for success.

The wide-ranging discussion explores various myths surrounding competition, the need to reset our mindsets, and the significance of reframing comparison. Ruchika also highlights the necessity of seeking peace as a form of resistance against societal pressures.

Key Takeaways from this potent conversation with Ruchika:

• How uncompete is about rejecting the zero-sum mindset.
• Why collaboration leads to greater success than competition.
• The many ingrained beliefs we have about competition are harmful.
• The key reasons resetting our mindset is crucial for personal growth.
• How comparison can be reframed to motivate rather than discourage.
• Why building community is essential for mental health and success.
• The legitimate concerns around male loneliness in society right now.
• Why success should be redefined to include community and support.
• How seeking peace is a powerful form of resistance.
• Why abundance mindset fosters collaboration and innovation.

Learn more about Ruchika Malhotra, her amazing new book, and her work right here.

Thanks for being a part of the We Are Human Leaders community!

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Welcome to Brain Snacks: bite sized learning moments from We Are Human Leaders.

In today’s brain snack, Relationship Psychologist Rachel Voysey shares with Alexis and Sally her advice on navigating romantic relationships in the workplace, especially in the early stages. She gives us the non-negotiable boundaries for keeping this professional, while still allowing our relationships to grow.

For more, check out the full conversation Romance, Cheating and BFFs: Relationships at Work with Rachel Voysey.

For now, enjoy!

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In this enlightening conversation, we speak with Tyler Rice, founder of the Digital Wellness Institute, exploring the concept of digital wellness and its significance in today's technology-driven world.

Tyler unpacks his latest book, Tactical Disconnection: The Secret to Health, Happiness, and Productivity in an Always-on World and emphasizes the importance of finding a balance between technology use and personal wellbeing, introducing the idea of 'tactical disconnection'—small, intentional breaks from technology to enhance productivity and happiness. The discussion also explores the challenges of digital overuse, the duality of our digital and authentic selves, and practical strategies for fostering a healthier workplace culture that prioritizes employee wellbeing.

You'll learn so much in this episode, including:

• How digital wellness is the study of living harmoniously with technology.
• The ways tactical disconnection involves small, intentional breaks from technology.
• Why finding digital balance is crucial for productivity and happiness.
• What makes it hard to disconnect and how compulsive design in technology captures our attention excessively.
• The ways we show up as both a digital self and an authentic self.
• The reasons positive psychology can motivate behavior change towards digital wellness.
• How creating communication norms in teams enhances digital wellness.
• PIA: How Perception, intention, and action are key components of digital wellness.
• Why leaders should model digital wellness behaviors for their teams.
• The ways in which health, happiness, and productivity are interconnected – and how digital wellness impacts them all.

Chapters

00:00 Understanding Digital Wellness

02:55 The Importance of Digital Wellness at Work

05:56 Tipping Points in Technology and Work-Life Balance

08:55 Defining Tactical Disconnection

12:04 Challenges of Digital Wellness

14:55 Navigating the Digital Self vs. Authentic Self

18:43 Exploring Positive Psychology and Digital Wellness

23:16 The PIA Approach: Perception, Intention, Action

29:50 Creating Healthier Workplaces through Tactical Disconnection

36:41 The Interconnection of Health, Happiness, and Productivity

38:35 Introduction to Digital Wellness

39:35 Insights from Tactical Disconnection

40:35 The Importance of Digital Balance

Learn more about Tyler and his work at www.wearehumanleaders.com/podcast/digital-detox-tactical-disconnection-tyler-rice

Thanks for being a part of this incredible community! Feel welcome to leave us a 5 star rating or share this episode with someone you think will benefit.

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Welcome to Brain Snacks: bite sized learning moments from We Are Human Leaders.

In today’s brain snack, Mindfulness Expert Researcher Megan Reitz shares with Alexis and Sally her advice on how we can create more spaciousness in our increasingly busy and complex world. She shares the five fundamental pillars of spaciousness, and some practical insights to begin using these to escape the busyness hamster wheel in your own life.

For more, check out the full conversation Escaping the Busyness Trap with Megan Reitz here.

For now, enjoy!

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In this exploratory conversation, author, executive coach and expert Muriel Wilkins discusses the concept of leadership blockages, exploring how beliefs can hinder effective leadership. She identifies seven common blockers that leaders face and emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and unpacking these beliefs to foster personal and organizational growth. The personal, robust discussion highlights the need for leaders to engage in a continuous journey of self-discovery and exploration, ultimately leading to a more inclusive and effective leadership style.

You'll Learn

• How Leadership begins with self-awareness and understanding our blockages.
• Which common beliefs drive behaviors, and recognizing them is crucial for growth.
• The seven blockers that can significantly impact leadership effectiveness.
• Why unpacking beliefs is essential for sustainable leadership change.
• How internal validation is key to overcoming self-doubt in leadership.
• Why adulting in leadership involves recognizing and managing our beliefs.
• The back story on why journey of leadership is ongoing and requires continuous reflection.
• How creating a culture of feedback starts with leaders addressing their own beliefs.
• How the process of unblocking involves awareness, unpacking, and reframing beliefs.
• Just why a world of unblocked leaders can lead to more inclusive and effective organizational cultures and healthier societies.

Chapters

00:00 Understanding Leadership Blockages

05:05 Exploring the Seven Blockers

08:01 Unpacking the 'Need to Be Involved' Blocker

11:03 The Impact of Fear on Leadership

13:59 The Process of Uncovering and Unblocking Beliefs

21:58 Exploring Beliefs and Feedback

25:41 The Role of Resistance in Leadership

27:23 Adult Development and Leadership Maturity

30:13 The Importance of Unpacking Beliefs

34:06 The Journey of Integration and Behavior Change

37:58 The Invisible Adventures of Leadership

38:57 Creating a Culture of Unblocked Leaders

40:56 Leading with Humanity

40:56 Creating Flourishing Workplaces

Learn more about Muriel's work and access the transcript and more right here.

Learn more about Human Leadership right here.

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Welcome to Brain Snacks: bite sized learning moments from We Are Human Leaders.

In today’s brain snack, Author and expert on Paradox Thinking, Wendy Smith shares with Alexis and Sally the dangers of either or thinking, and how this can keep us stuck both personally and professionally. She gives us language around what paradox thinking is, and her two key practical strategies to use paradox thinking to open our minds more broadly. 

For more, check out the full conversation Paradox Thinking: The Ultimate Leadership Hack in Times of Uncertainty with Wendy Smith.

For now, enjoy!

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In this impactful conversation, Mark C. Crowley unpacks the critical shift from traditional employee engagement metrics to a focus on employee wellbeing.

He emphasizes that wellbeing is not merely a perk but a fundamental driver of organizational success. The discussion highlights the importance of regular feedback, managerial accountability, and the role of love and positive emotions in leadership. Mark argues that leaders must understand their values and foster a caring workplace culture to enhance employee performance and satisfaction.

You'll learn:

• Why wellbeing is the driver of organizational flourishing.
• The backstory on why engagement metrics have not improved over 20 years.
• How regular feedback is crucial for employee performance.
• Why wellbeing should not be a perk but a priority.
• The need for managers to be accountable for their impact on employees.
• How to create a caring workplace culture that enhances performance.
• Key reasons leaders should know their values to lead effectively.
• How trusting employees with autonomy improves wellbeing.
• Why love and positive emotions are essential in the workplace.
• The impact of personal accountability for effective leadership.

Mark C. Crowley is a pioneer in workplace leadership, speaker, and bestselling author of Lead from the Heart. He is the host of the acclaimed Lead from the Heart podcast. His new book is The Power of Employee Well-Being: Move Beyond Engagement to Build Flourishing Teams.

Explore the episode

00:00 The Engagement Dilemma

04:56 Rethinking Employee Well-Being

07:52 The Shift from Engagement to Well-Being

10:50 Understanding the Business Case for Well-Being

13:47 Managerial Responsibility in Employee Well-Being

16:57 The Importance of Self-Awareness for Leaders

24:51 The Journey of Leadership and Self-Discovery

25:47 The Importance of Feedback in Leadership

30:57 Defining Personal Values and Credo

35:12 Loosening Control for Employee Wellbeing

40:53 The Role of Love in Leadership

47:48 Leading with Humanity

47:48 Creating Flourishing Workplaces

Learn more about Mark's work and where to get his latest book at https://www.wearehumanleaders.com/podcast/should-we-ditch-employee-engagement

Thank you for being a part of the incredible Human Leaders community! We appreciate you being here and sharing this journey with us. If you like what you hear, feel welcome to give us a 5 star rating and review!

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Welcome to Brain Snacks: bite sized learning moments from We Are Human Leaders.

In today’s brain snack, Atlassian’s Dom Price shares with Alexis and Sally his predictions on how radically different the world of work will look in the next ten years thanks to technology and AI.

For more, check out the full conversation AI And The Future Of Work with Atlassian Futurist Dom Price at the link in the show notes.

For now, enjoy!

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In this We Are Human Leaders conversation, author and organizational psychologist Dr. Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic shares insights from his latest book: Don't Be Yourself: Why Authenticity Is Overrated (and What to Do Instead).

We discuss the complexities of authenticity in leadership, emphasizing that the common advice to 'just be yourself' can be misleading. He explores the psychological underpinnings of self-perception, the importance of emotional intelligence, and the traps associated with pursuing authenticity.

This inspiring discussion highlights the need for leaders to be aware of their impact on others and to cultivate a balance between self-awareness and pro-social behavior. And, the conversation calls for a redefinition of authenticity that includes the potential for growth and change.

You'll Learn:

• How authenticity is often misinterpreted in leadership contexts.
• Why self-deception is prevalent among leaders, affecting their effectiveness.
• The science behind how caring about how we impact others is crucial for effective leadership.
• Why the mantra 'always be true to yourself' can be a trap.
• How ignoring others' perceptions can lead to ineffective leadership.
• The reasons why emotional intelligence is essential for navigating interpersonal dynamics.
• That self-knowledge is a continuous journey, not a destination.
• Why integrating feedback from others is vital for personal growth.
• How leaders should sculpt their future selves rather than just amplify their current personas.
• That authenticity should encompass all possible selves, allowing for growth and evolution.

Chapters

00:00 The Complexity of Authenticity

05:07 The Performative Nature of Self

08:00 The Nuances of Leadership and Authenticity

10:35 The Dangers of Self-Deception

13:32 The Authenticity Traps in Leadership

15:42 The Impact of Others' Perceptions

18:23 Navigating the Balance of Self and Others

23:00 Navigating Cultural Sensitivity and Conflict Avoidance

24:22 The Balance of Self-Awareness and Leadership

27:27 Emotional Intelligence: A Counterpoint to Authenticity

29:15 The Tyranny of the Self in Modern Society

34:22 Cultural Values: Individualism vs. Collectivism

38:00 Authenticity: Self-Knowledge vs. Community Engagement

44:50 The Future of Authenticity in Leadership

46:25 Introduction to Human Leadership

46:34 Exploring the Essence of Human Leadership

Learn more about the work of Dr. Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic including his latest book at https://www.wearehumanleaders.com/podcast/why-authenticity-is-bs-tomas-chamorro-premuzic

Thank you for being a part of the incredible Human Leaders community! We appreciate you being here and sharing this journey with us. If you like what you hear, feel welcome to give us a 5 star rating and review!

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Welcome to Brain Snacks: bite sized learning moments from We Are Human Leaders.

In today’s brain snack, Professor Ellen Langer shares with Alexis and Sally how to make decisions differently, so that you can find new solutions rather than simply repeat patterns of behaviour which briefly touches on her research into the Illusion of Control. 

For more, check out the full conversation Mind Body Wisdom and The Illusion of Control with Ellen Langer right here.

For now, enjoy!

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In the latest episode of the We Are Human Leaders podcast, we explore a topic that's inescapable right now: disruption.

In this dense-with-wisdom conversation, Sally Clarke and Alexis Zahner sit down with Terence Mauri, a global authority on leadership and disruption. They explore the concept of disruption, emphasizing its role in learning and growth rather than just technology. Terence introduces the DARE framework, which stands for Data, Agility, Risk, and Evolution, as a guide for leaders to navigate the complexities of modern organizations. The discussion highlights the importance of human connection, the risks of over-reliance on technology, and the need for leaders to foster a culture of curiosity and adaptability. Terence also shares some brilliant, actionable insights for leaders to embrace a radically human approach to disruption and organizational change.

You'll learn:

• Disruption is not just a technology story; it's a learning journey.
• The half-life of skills is decreasing, necessitating continuous learning.
• Organizations are often trapped in bureaucracy, hindering productivity.
• Leaders must embrace a mindset of agility and evolution.
• The DARE framework helps leaders navigate change effectively.
• Human connection is crucial in a technology-driven world.
• Future readiness requires a balance between present and future focus.
• Disruption can be an opportunity for growth and innovation.
• Leaders should prioritize well-being to enhance productivity.
• Starting before you're ready can lead to meaningful change.

Key Chapters

00:00 Defining Disruption: A New Perspective

06:08 The Half-Life of Skills and Complacency

09:12 Risk vs. Opportunity: Embracing Uncertainty

12:01 The Radically Human Approach to Disruption

14:57 The DARE Framework: A Roadmap for Leaders

17:51 Future Readiness: Balancing Today and Tomorrow

21:00 Organizational Rewilding: Embracing Human Values

23:56 Practical Steps for Leaders: Start Before You're Ready

Learn more about Terence's work and We Are Human Leaders at our show notes https://www.wearehumanleaders.com/podcast/befriending-uncertainty-with-terence-mauri

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Welcome to Brain Snacks: bite sized learning moments from We Are Human Leaders.

In today’s brain snack, Tracey Spicer shares with Alexis and Sally how organisations can gain a competitive advantage in a challenging labour market through ethical AI. And how to use AI to create Protopia.

For more, check out the full conversation Built In Bias: The Potential And Perils Of AI For Leaders And Workplaces with Tracey Spicer.

For now, enjoy!

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Busyness is killing productivity and harming workplace culture. Here's how to counter it for amazing results at individual, team and organizational levels.

In this conversation, author and expert Megan Reitz discusses the dangers of busyness in modern leadership and the importance of spacious thinking and mindfulness. She emphasizes the need for leaders to create environments that foster spaciousness, allowing for better decision-making, creativity, and well-being. The discussion covers practical steps to integrate spacious thinking into daily routines and highlights the future of leadership in a rapidly changing world.

What this episode covers:

• How Busyness can lead to mental and physical health issues.
• Why spacious thinking allows for creativity and insight.
• The fact that mindfulness is often misunderstood in corporate settings.
• Why creating safety in the workplace is essential for spaciousness.
• How attention can be trained and should not be left to chance.
• Taking small pauses in the day can help create spaciousness.
• Why conflict can lead to new perspectives and insights.
• The ways the physical environment impacts our thinking and creativity.
• Why leaders must adapt to the pace of technology by embracing spaciousness.
• How mindfulness is a practice that requires ongoing effort.

Chapters

00:00 The Dangers of Busyness

07:50 Understanding Mindfulness in the Workplace

14:06 The Irony of Productivity and Spaciousness

16:29 Exploring Spacious Thinking

21:01 The Power of Spaciousness

29:19 Creating Space in Leadership

37:17 The Future of Work and Spacious Thinking

41:29 Practical Steps to Invite Spaciousness

Learn more about Professor Megan Reitz, including where to connect with her, right here https://www.wearehumanleaders.com/podcast/escaping-busyness-trap-megan-reitz

As Human Leaders we’re seeking to lead better, living truer, and being the change we want to see in the world. This is how we recreate workplaces, and the world into a place where people flourish and thrive. Human first, leader second. Thanks for listening to the episode!

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Welcome to Brain Snacks: bite sized learning moments from We Are Human Leaders.

In today’s brain snack, Amy Finlay-Jones shares with us how Self-Compassion can help us become a more effective leader, and how we can use this to connect with our team.

For more, check out the full conversation with Amy right here https://www.wearehumanleaders.com/podcast/self-compassion-amy-finlay-jones

For now, enjoy!

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In this insight-packed conversation, Stephan Meier discusses the importance of a human-centric approach to the future of work, emphasizing that technology should augment human capabilities rather than replace them. He outlines the benefits of an employee-first workplace, including increased productivity, innovation, and employee retention. Stephan also highlights the shift in perspective where employees are seen as customers, advocating for organizations to apply customer-centric strategies to enhance employee experiences. Real-world examples, such as H.E.B. and Costco, illustrate the success of employee-centric practices. The discussion touches on the concept of quiet quitting and the need for leaders to actively listen to their employees to drive engagement. Finally, Stephan shares strategies for humanizing work and motivating employees through personalized experiences and continuous learning.

What you'll learn

The future of work must be human-centric.

Technology should augment human capabilities, not replace them.

An employee-first workplace increases productivity and innovation.

Employees are the new customers, deserving of attention and care.

Real-world examples show the success of employee-centric organizations.

Quiet quitting has been a long-standing issue, not just a pandemic phenomenon.

Listening to employees is crucial for engagement and improvement.

Removing bureaucratic barriers can enhance employee experience.

Personalized experiences can motivate employees and reduce turnover.

Investing in employee experience is essential for long-term success.

Stephan Meier is one of the world’s leading experts at the intersection of behavioral economics, corporate strategy and future of work. He is currently the James P. Gorman Professor of Business Strategy and the Chair of the Management Division at Columbia Business School. He is the author of “THE EMPLOYEE ADVANTAGE: How Putting Workers First Helps Business Thrive”. He is an award-winning teacher at Columbia, and every year hundreds of students learn from him about the “human side” of strategy in Columbia’s MBA and executive education programs.

To learn more about Stephan Meier and We Are Human Leaders visit www.wearehumanleaders.com/podcast/employee-experience-stephan-meier

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Welcome to Brain Snacks: bite sized learning moments from We Are Human Leaders.

In today’s brain snack, Martin Gutmann shares with us How History's Unseen Leaders Light the Way and the hero’s journey narrative that pervades how we think about leadership.

For more, check out the full conversation with Martin here https://www.wearehumanleaders.com/podcast/the-unseen-leader-martin-gutmann

For now, enjoy!

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Workplace relationships are a natural part of being human. Neither good or bad, they’re inevitable.

In the wake of the Coldplay Jumbotron scandal, workplace relationships — especially cheating and affairs — have been thrust into the spotlight. And everyone seems to have their own opinion on them, so we decided to ask a relationship psychologist for some advice.

In this conversation, relationship psychologist Rachel Voysey discusses the complexities of romantic relationships and friendships in the workplace. The discussion covers the inevitability of workplace relationships, the challenges of infidelity, and the importance of communication and empathy in navigating these dynamics. Rachel emphasizes the need for leaders to approach these situations with compassion and understanding, recognizing the human element involved in workplace relationships.

This is one of the most personal, open-hearted and revealing episodes we've ever done on the podcast. You won't want to miss it.

What you’ll learn:

• Why workplace relationships occur, and how we can manage them personally and professionally.
• Why infidelity in the workplace occurs, often stemming from emotional needs rather than just desire.
• How transparency and honesty are crucial in navigating workplace relationships.
• Tips for Leaders should to approach relationship issues with compassion and understanding.
• How to navigate friendship breakdowns from misunderstandings and lack of communication.
• Proactive communication tips to prevent toxic dynamics in workplace relationships.
• How to maintain boundaries in workplace relationships to avoid discomfort.

If you'd like to learn more about Rachel Voysey, or Human Leaders find our show notes here: www.wearehumanleaders.com/podcast/romance-cheating-bffs-relationships-rachel-voysey

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