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What happens when traditional mental health therapies fail? How might creative approaches unlock healing when nothing else works? Brian Higgins, Executive Director of Mental Healthy FIT, knows this territory intimately.

From experiencing homelessness while battling PTSD, depression, and addiction to founding an innovative mental health nonprofit, Brian's journey reveals powerful truths about human connection. "Mental health can be hereditary, but it's not contagious," he shares, highlighting how stigma prevents authentic engagement with those struggling most.

The conversation explores how the FIT approach—Films, Ideas, and Tips—transforms mental health conversations through creativity. Brian explains that while people may not relate to specific traumatic experiences, everyone understands fundamental emotions like fear, pain, and love. By communicating through creative mediums, connections form where clinical approaches often fail.

Particularly insightful is Brian's LEAP method (Listen, Empathize, Agree, Partner), offering a framework anyone can use to support others through mental health challenges. The discussion delves into workplace applications, examining disclosure concerns and how organizations can create psychologically safe environments where vulnerability isn't just permitted but modeled from leadership down.

Brian's practical tools—like "Thinkalopes" containing tips to boost serotonin—provide accessible entry points for immediate mental health support, while his insights on the biological stress response help listeners understand their own reactions to overwhelming situations.

Whether you're struggling personally, supporting someone who is, or seeking to create healthier workplace cultures, this conversation offers both compassionate understanding and practical strategies. Join us to discover how creative approaches to mental health might just provide the connection we're all seeking.

www.https://mentalhealthyfit.org/

https://mentalhealthyfit.org/focus-on-fests/

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What if the very shield we create to protect ourselves from judgment is the same barrier preventing our most meaningful connections? In this thought-provoking conversation with Alysha Turner, business development professional and host of the Popping Perfectionism podcast, we explore the hidden costs of perfectionism in our professional and personal lives.

Perfectionism isn't just about high standards—it's about the harsh self-criticism that follows when we inevitably fall short. Drawing from Brené Brown's research and her own experiences, Alysha unpacks how perfectionism functions as a shield against vulnerability while simultaneously blocking authentic connection and growth. She shares her personal journey through divorce, revealing how embracing vulnerability rather than hiding behind perfection ultimately led to deeper relationships and greater resilience.

The workplace manifestation of perfectionism—imposter syndrome—affects professionals across industries but disproportionately impacts women in male-dominated fields. We examine how the pressure to prove one's belonging can intensify perfectionist tendencies, creating a cycle that limits authentic contribution and personal fulfillment. Alysha introduces "excellentism" as a healthier alternative—maintaining high standards while responding to inevitable shortcomings with self-compassion rather than harsh criticism.

Beyond theory, we dive into practical strategies for building genuine connections in today's digital-first workplace. From creating intentional spaces for interaction to focusing on being interested rather than interesting, Alysha offers actionable insights for fostering community despite physical distance. Her concept of "connectionism"—the belief that our shared experiences of vulnerability unite us more powerfully than our successes—provides a compelling framework for reimagining workplace culture.

Whether you're navigating a challenging work environment, leading a team through uncertainty, or simply tired of perfectionism's exhausting demands, this conversation offers fresh perspective and practical wisdom. Join us to discover how embracing imperfection might be your greatest leadership asset and the key to more meaningful connection.

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The journey from voiceless child to powerful advocate isn't linear, but for Carin Crowe, CEO of Habitat for Humanity Greater Salt Lake Area, it began with a petition at age eight. When she received a response from President Jimmy Carter telling her children like her would change the world, she discovered her voice – and decades later, leads an organization with deep connections to Carter's legacy.

In this illuminating conversation on the Elevate podcast from Women's Leadership Institute, Crowe reveals how growing up in an unstable home environment ultimately shaped her leadership philosophy centered on empathy and intentional listening. With adventure-seeking in her personal life (skydiving and bungee jumping among her hobbies), she brings that same boldness to breaking barriers in Utah's leadership landscape, where women executives remain underrepresented.

Habitat's work extends far beyond building homes. Through zero-percent interest mortgages calculated at 30% of family income, critical home repairs affecting health and safety, and distribution programs serving unsheltered community members, they're addressing housing insecurity at multiple levels. Crowe explains how homeownership creates paths to intergenerational wealth that historically have been less accessible to marginalized communities, particularly single mothers and people of color who make up the majority of their program applicants.

What makes their approach unique is the requirement for families to complete 225 hours of "sweat equity," literally picking up hammers to help build their own homes. This partnership model, combined with foundational values of equity and inclusion dating back to Habitat's origins in the racially integrated Koinonia Farm of the 1940s, creates what they call their "beloved community" – a term borrowed from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., with whom early Habitat founders collaborated.

For women aspiring to create change, especially in conservative environments, Crowe offers powerful advice: "Start where you are, use what you have, and don't ask for permission." Whether volunteering on a construction site, supporting their ReStore, or contributing financially, everyone can play a role in keeping "the nails and the hammers swinging" toward a more equitable housing future.

https://www.habitatsaltlake.org/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/carin-crowe-459b6291/

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What happens when an agency's mission to "move people" meets a passionate commitment to gender diversity? Magic—and measurable success.

Dave Smith, CEO, and Stephanie Miller, President of Penna Powers, join WLI's Pat Jones to reveal how their 40-year-old communications firm has thrived by embracing women's leadership. With 64% of their staff being women, they've created a culture where diverse perspectives aren't just welcomed—they're essential to their success.

The conversation takes us behind the scenes of memorable campaigns like the "Knights of Scamalot" fighting consumer fraud and the transportation initiative during the 2002 Winter Olympics. But the most compelling stories emerge when discussing their internal culture. Dave speaks candidly about how women bring "grit" to challenging situations—even chasing down bike thieves in high heels!—while Stephanie shares how psychological safety empowers team members to voice their concerns and ambitions.

Their discussion illuminates the practical benefits of gender diversity: better communication with female consumers (who influence 85% of purchasing decisions), improved employee retention through flexible policies, and the invaluable perspective diversity brings to creative work. Dave's natural allyship of women shines throughout, demonstrating how men can effectively champion female colleagues.

Whether you're leading a team, building a business, or simply interested in creating more inclusive workplaces, this conversation offers tangible examples of how embracing gender diversity creates better outcomes for everyone. Listen now to discover how aligning your values with your mission can transform both your workplace culture and your impact on the community.

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"Nobody's coming on a white horse," says LaTonya Howell, HR executive and founder of Coach Her Life Consulting, in this eye-opening conversation about the realities women face in today's workplace. Drawing from her 16+ years of human resources experience and personal journey from foster care to executive leadership, LaTonya offers practical wisdom that cuts through corporate jargon to address real challenges.

The workplace is evolving rapidly, with artificial intelligence transforming everything from hiring practices to skill development. While AI creates exciting opportunities, LaTonya cautions about potential biases: "Generative AI is only as good as the information you feed into it." This technological revolution is driving a shift from degree-based to skills-based hiring, opening doors for workers to develop capabilities that traditional education might not provide.

When it comes to the persistent gender pay gap, LaTonya's insights are particularly valuable. "Women do not typically negotiate their pay, whereas men will come in and negotiate everything," she observes, noting she's even seen men negotiate severance packages while signing offer letters. Her practical advice? Maintain a detailed list of accomplishments with measurable metrics to support your case for raises and promotions. Beyond just salary, she encourages women to negotiate for professional development opportunities as part of their total compensation package.

Perhaps most compelling is LaTonya's perspective on psychological safety in the workplace. The outdated notion that employees should "leave personal life at home" has given way to understanding that people bring their whole selves to work. Creating environments where employees feel safe discussing real challenges requires leaders who remain personable and connected with their teams.

For those navigating career transitions in today's uncertain economy, her message balances realism with hope: be strategic in job applications while remaining flexible enough to consider temporary positions. Most importantly, remember your value doesn't diminish during periods of unemployment.

LaTonya closes with a powerful call to action for women: get involved, whatever that looks like. Though progress may seem slow, every contribution matters. "You are the change you're waiting for," she reminds us – a perfect encapsulation of the leadership mindset this podcast champions.

Whether you're leading a team, building your career, or simply seeking to understand workplace dynamics better, this conversation offers practical wisdom for navigating today's complex professional landscape.

https://www.amazon.com/Trauma-Was-Necessary-My-Story/dp/B0BN6V7LZ8
https://www.utahbusiness.com/awards-and-rankings/2024/09/18/latonya-howell-2024-living-color

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What does it take for women to see themselves as qualified political leaders? For Brynn Heather Johnson, it required a PowerPoint presentation from her husband during what was supposed to be a relaxing hotel getaway. Despite years of community service, PTA leadership, and passionate advocacy for her city, Brynn never imagined herself on Draper City Council until someone else recognized her potential.

This eye-opening conversation explores how women's everyday leadership experiences—managing PTA budgets, coordinating volunteers, advocating for school safety—translate perfectly into public service, though women rarely make this connection themselves. Brynn's candid account of her reluctant entry into politics reveals both the challenges (fundraising discomfort, negative campaign comments, knowledge gaps) and the unexpected joys of serving her community at this level.

As a Welsh-named woman who once dreaded the first day of school because teachers would mispronounce her name, Brynn brings a unique perspective to preserving Draper's farming heritage while guiding its future development. Her passion for creating community gathering spaces, maintaining historical sites, and ensuring every resident feels heard exemplifies the difference women's leadership makes in local governance.

Most revealing is the statistical evidence that when women run for office, they win at higher rates than men—the challenge isn't electability but convincing qualified women to put their names forward. Brynn's message to women hesitating at the edge of public service resonates deeply: "You absolutely do deserve to be there, your voice matters, and you are absolutely qualified."

Whether you're considering public office or simply want to understand the inner workings of city government, this conversation offers both practical insights and inspirational encouragement. The path to more representative leadership doesn't require extraordinary qualifications—just the courage to recognize that your everyday experiences have prepared you more than you realize.

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Robyn Cohen, Senior Vice President at Universal Media, embodies movement in every aspect of her life – from her global travels to her tireless advocacy for women in leadership. Her extraordinary journey began with a family business that pioneered shopping mall advertising over 40 years ago and continues today as she helps transform that legacy business for the digital age.

The conversation reveals how Cohen's nomadic spirit has shaped her unique approach to community building. Having lived everywhere from Toronto to Sao Paulo, she developed a remarkable talent for entering new environments and immediately creating meaningful connections. "I never feel alone because I build a network," she explains, offering listeners practical strategies for overcoming networking anxiety and making authentic connections even when attending events solo.

Cohen's advocacy work began during the early days of social media. As one of the first executive directors for Girls in Tech, she launched the Los Angeles chapter in 2008 and broadened the conversation beyond technology to examine how women were leading across all industries affected by the digital revolution. This wider lens allowed her to create more inclusive communities and spotlight diverse female talent.

What makes Cohen's perspective particularly valuable is her willingness to question conventional approaches to women's advancement. After years of organizing events and raising awareness, she reached a point of asking whether these efforts alone were making meaningful change. "Are we perpetuating the problem rather than actually making meaningful change?" Her evolution toward highlighting solutions rather than just problems offers a refreshing and constructive path forward for anyone feeling advocacy burnout.

The conversation takes unexpected turns – from Cohen's adventures living in an Airstream trailer (which she's driven 60,000 miles across 12 states) to her deeply thoughtful analysis of how companies can build better leadership pipelines for women. Her approach combines strategic business thinking with genuine passion for creating more inclusive workplaces.

Join us for this wide-ranging discussion that will inspire you to embrace movement in your own life, build stronger connections, and find more effective ways to advocate for positive change. Robyn's journey reminds us that leadership isn't just about professional titles – it's about showing up authentically and making an impact wherever you go.

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