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In this episode, Dr. Heather Walker delves into the fascinating world of facilitation with Dr. Myriam Hadnes—a behavioral economist and self-proclaimed facilitation evangelist. This conversation uncovers the essence of facilitation, its impact in various environments, and practical strategies to enhance group interactions. If you're a leader, project manager, or simply someone interested in understanding the dynamics of group facilitation, read on as we pull back the curtain on this 'Wizard of Oz’ of workplace skills.

The Core Skills of Facilitation
Facilitation requires a strategic blend of skills:
- Sensitivity to group dynamics
- Communication proficiency
- Idea synthesis
- Behavioral observation and response

Dr. Walker shares her own experiences with facilitation, debunking the myth that effective facilitation is a natural-born talent. Instead, she emphasizes that it is a skill honed through practice and critical reflection.

Facilitation in the Workplace
Facilitation is not limited to designated roles; it’s a daily practice for many, even without their realizing it. From team leaders fostering collaborative atmospheres to project managers synchronizing team efforts, facilitation is integral. Dr. Hadnes explains that facilitation skills overlap significantly with leadership skills, like asking insightful questions, active listening, and encouraging participation from quieter team members.

Creating Psychological Safety
A key takeaway from the discussion is the importance of psychological safety in facilitation. Originating from Amy Edmondson's research, psychological safety is shown to distinguish high-performing teams from mediocre ones. Facilitators must cultivate environments where team members feel safe to share, question, and challenge without fear of retribution. This safety promotes authenticity, vulnerability, and ultimately, better communication and collaboration.

The Journey to Becoming a Facilitator
Dr. Hadnes’s personal journey into facilitation was indirect—the realization of her facilitative role came much later. Her background in academia and her experiences with organizational change positioned her uniquely to embrace and advocate for facilitation. Her story resonates with many who find themselves facilitating without initially identifying as a facilitator.

Case Study: Transforming Sarah's Leadership
A case study in facilitation involves Sarah, a manager in a manufacturing plant who struggles with workplace dynamics. Dr. Hadnes advises beginning with empathy, emphasizing the importance of sharing burdens and encouraging team ownership. Effective meeting management and fostering open communication are key strategies to transforming Sarah’s leadership style.

Conclusion
Facilitation is a powerful tool in fostering effective communication, collaboration, and psychological safety within teams. Dr. Myriam Hadnes’s insights provide a valuable blueprint for anyone looking to enhance their facilitation skills, whether in the workplace, academic settings, or personal gatherings. As we embrace the nuanced art and science of facilitation, we open doors to more meaningful, productive, and enjoyable interactions.

For those interested in diving deeper into facilitation, Dr. Hadnes’s community “Never Done Before” offers a platform to explore and experiment with facilitation techniques. Her collective book project, "A Simple Guide on How to Save the World through Facilitation," promises further insi

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Welcome to the "Lead with Levity" podcast, where your host Dr. Heather Walker delves into conversations that equip you with the tools to improve your emotional intelligence (EQ) and navigate the complexities of leadership. In this episode, Dr. Walker is joined by Dr. Steven Stein, a world-renowned clinical psychologist and international best-selling author known for his pioneering work on emotional intelligence and hardiness. In this insightful discussion, Dr. Walker and Dr. Stein explore the nuances of EQ, the importance of hardiness in overcoming adversity, and practical strategies for enhancing your interpersonal skills.

Understanding Emotional Intelligence
Emotional intelligence has gained significant attention over the years as an essential skill for both personal and professional success. Dr. Stein describes EQ as encompassing five core areas:

1. Self-Perception: Understanding both your micro (current emotions) and macro (overall life satisfaction) emotional states.
2. Self-Expression: Transparently communicating your thoughts and feelings, especially important for leaders.
3. Interpersonal Skills: Building and maintaining relationships, which in turn helps leaders inspire and get the best out of their teams.
4. Decision-Making: Leveraging intuition and emotion to make effective decisions.
5. Stress Management: Successfully managing stress and maintaining composure in challenging situations.

Building Emotional Intelligence
Developing emotional intelligence is a continuous process. Dr. Stein highlights that while some individuals might naturally possess high EQ, these skills can indeed be cultivated. For instance, empathy is one core area that can be developed through active listening and genuine curiosity about others' perspectives.

Applying EQ and Hardiness in the Workplace
Dr. Walker presents a real-world scenario that many HR professionals encounter—a manager named Chewy who uses religious beliefs to resist inclusive leadership principles. Dr. Stein offers actionable advice on how to address such sensitive issues empathetically without compromising on the core values of inclusive leadership. Dr. Stein emphasizes the importance of understanding and acknowledging diverse perspectives while not necessarily subscribing to them.

Dr. Stein’s Unexpected Passions
Beyond his professional pursuits, Dr. Stein lets listeners in on his personal passion for music. As a musician performing with a jazz-rock band, Dr. Stein finds joy and a sense of community in the arts. This passion for music serves as a reminder of the importance of integrating fun and levity into our lives, a concept that resonates deeply with the ethos of the “Lead with Levity” podcast.

Looking Ahead
In closing, Dr. Stein shares his future aspirations, which include ongoing research into emotional intelligence and continually refining tools for better assessing and developing these competencies. His dedication to both his work and his hobbies exemplifies the continuous journey of self-actualization and learning.

Conclusion
Dr. Steven Stein’s conversation with Dr. Heather Walker is a deep dive into the essential skills of emotional intelligence and hardiness. From practical strategies for improving EQ to understanding the powerful role of self-awareness and empathy, this episode is a treasure trove of insights for anyone looking to excel in leadership and personal growth. For more about Dr. Stein's work, visit stevenstein.com or mhs.com.

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In today’s post, we dive into an insightful conversation with Kelly Campbell, a trauma-informed leadership coach and author of “Heal to Lead: Revolutionizing Leadership Through Trauma Healing”.

Understanding Trauma in the Workplace
Dr. Heather Walker begins the episode by welcoming Kelly Campbell and highlighting the pervasive nature of stress in the workplace. She underscores the importance of understanding how trauma can be stored in the body and manifest in various ways, affecting individuals’ interactions at work.

What it Means to be Trauma-Informed
Kelly explains that trauma, derived from the Greek word meaning "wound," refers to experiences that overwhelm our nervous system’s ability to cope, causing these experiences to be stored in the body. She describes trauma in terms of “unintegrated information” – information and experiences that remain unresolved within us.

The Role of a Trauma-Informed Leader
A trauma-informed leader, as Kelly describes, is someone who has undergone training to understand trauma, its manifestations, and how to address it compassionately in the workplace. She differentiates between being trauma-aware, trauma-informed, and trauma-responsive, with her role focusing on the middle ground of being trauma-informed.

Practical Steps for Leaders
Dr. Walker and Kelly discuss practical steps for leaders dealing with challenging scenarios. For example, they explore how to handle a scenario involving a manager named David, whose behavior of interrupting colleagues and making hasty decisions has caused frustration among his team.

Moving Towards Compassionate Leadership
Kelly shares that becoming a trauma-informed leader involves self-awareness, compassion, and the willingness to engage in one’s own healing work. She draws from Buddhist psychology and other practices that emphasize understanding and compassion for both oneself and others.

Integrating Levity into Leadership
Given the heavy nature of trauma-related topics, Dr. Walker shifts the conversation towards incorporating levity and joy into daily routines. Kelly suggests several ways to integrate fun and lightness, such as dancing, walking barefoot in nature, or even jumping on a mini-trampoline.

Looking Forward
Kelly shares her excitement about upcoming engagements, including speaking at various conferences and doing book readings in plant shops – environments she finds particularly joyful and refreshing. For those interested in learning more about Kelly and her work, she directs them to her website, KLCampbell.com.

Conclusion
In this episode, Dr. Heather Walker and Kelly Campbell provided valuable insights into the importance of trauma-informed leadership and practical steps for fostering a supportive workplace. By integrating compassion, self-awareness, and even a bit of levity into leadership practices, leaders can create environments where team members feel heard, valued, and empowered to thrive.

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In today's fast-paced business world, finding success and maintaining a balance between work and personal life can be challenging. With this episode of "Lead with Levity," Dr. Heather Walker sits down with Adam House, a senior executive, business advisor, former professional basketball player, and co-owner of the Rochester RazorSharks, to delve into the keys to success in business and leadership.

Setting the Stage
Dr. Walker kicks off the podcast by discussing the importance of consistency in achieving success. She reflects on how success is often perceived as an overnight accomplishment, but, in reality, it stems from consistent behaviors and good habits. This sets the stage for a deep dive into Adam House's experiences and insights.

From Entrepreneurship to Business Advisory
Adam House shares his remarkable journey from starting his first business with just a couple of hundred bucks to launching multiple successful ventures. He emphasizes the importance of resilience, perseverance, and never quitting despite facing failures along the way. Adam's transition from being a CEO to becoming a business advisor has allowed him to help other entrepreneurs navigate the challenges of starting, scaling, and exiting their businesses.

Balancing Work and Personal Life
One of the key highlights of the conversation is Adam's focus on balancing work commitments with personal life. He shares valuable insights on the seasonal awareness of life, understanding the sacrifices involved in pursuing business goals, and the importance of staying grounded in faith and family values.

Leadership Lessons
As the discussion progresses, Adam provides expert advice on effective leadership, including setting clear expectations, measuring performance, and providing timely feedback to team members. He stresses the significance of cultural fit, performance-based evaluations, and the necessity of making tough decisions, such as letting go of those who are not a good fit for the organization.

Launching New Ventures
Despite his success in previous ventures, Adam continues to channel his entrepreneurial spirit by launching new businesses, offering business advisory services, and guiding other entrepreneurs on their journey to success. His podcast, "The House of Bricks," focuses on leveraging life experiences as building blocks for success.

Connect with Adam House
To learn more about Adam House and his podcast, "The House of Bricks," visit his website at AdamHouseSr.com and follow him on Instagram at @adamhousesr. Don't miss the insightful discussions and valuable insights shared on his podcast!

In conclusion, the conversation between Dr. Heather Walker and Adam House offers a wealth of knowledge and inspiration for anyone striving for success in business and leadership. By embracing consistency, balancing work and personal life, and cultivating effective leadership skills, individuals can navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship and fulfill their potential in the business world.

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In a world where the average turnover rate in some industries spikes to over 21%, holding onto talent becomes a challenge every leader faces. Yet, it's a challenge that Rasmus Holst, CEO of LMS 365, meets with a vision that transcends the typical corporate approach. In an enlightening episode of the Lead What Levity podcast, hosted by Dr. Heather Walker, Rasmus divulges the universal key to not just keeping talent, but also nurturing it to thrive and grow within any industry.

Understanding Human Success
From the onset, Rasmus Holst lays out a compelling narrative that challenges the conventional norms of employee retention and corporate growth. "Investing in human success is universal," he asserts, drawing connections between diverse fields like construction and software development. This notion is grounded in the belief that regardless of the industry, providing people with reasons to grow and stay is essential. A notable statistic sheds light on this perspective: more than 40% of workers in the U.S. report that their organization's commitment to employee development keeps them satisfied at work. Yet, less than half feel their company significantly invests in their growth.

The LMS 365 Story: From Library to Global Business
Rasmus shares the intriguing origin story of LMS 365, which began nearly two decades ago with a dentist in Denmark who quit his job to help people find books in a local library. This simple yet innovative act laid the foundation for a global business, turning over about $30 million and partnering up with giants like Microsoft. Fast forward to today, LMS 365 is used by 2000 organizations across the world, affirming Rasmus's belief that great ideas can come from the most humble beginnings.

Changing Narratives: Human Resources to Human Success
Rasmus introduces a thought-provoking shift in corporate terminology: from human resources to human success. This language change reflects a deeper commitment to recognizing employees not as mere assets but as individuals with potential and aspirations. "Why are we not thinking about people as success?" he questions, prompting leaders to invest in their teams' success, not just witness it from afar.

The Power of Human Success
In an era where technological advancements and corporate structures redefine work cultures, Rasmus Holst's philosophy presents a refreshing perspective on success. It's a conversation that extends beyond the confines of LMS 365, challenging leaders across all industries to reflect on how they view, treat, and invest in their most valuable asset: their people.

Listeners left the conversation with not just insights into one CEO's journey from a small Danish library to the helm of a global enterprise but also with a challenge to redefine what success looks like within their organizations—and, possibly, within themselves.

For more insights into Rasmus Holst's vision and the transformative power of LMS 365, connect with him on LinkedIn or explore the innovative solutions at LMS 365.

This episode of the Lead What Levity podcast not only peeled back layers on the necessity of nurturing talent but also served as a beacon for those looking to foster an environment where people are encouraged to grow, stay, and thrive.

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In this episode of the Lead with Levity podcast, I had the profound opportunity to host Dr. Chuck Wallington, a towering figure in the realm of corporate leadership and a beacon for aspiring African American executives. Dr. Wallington, the author of "A Seat at the C-Suite Table: Insights from the Leadership Journeys of African American Executives," shares invaluable wisdom gleaned from his research and personal journey, highlighting the nuanced challenges and victories experienced by black male leaders across the nation.

The Uniqueness of the Black Executive Experience
One of the most compelling revelations from Dr. Wallington's work is the distinctiveness of the leadership journey for African American males in corporate America. Through his doctoral research, which originally stemmed from a quest to understand the scarcity of black men in public relations, Wallington broadened his scope to explore the stories of 30 black male executives. These narratives collectively underscore the rarefied air these leaders breathe and navigate within the C-suite realm – often as the first and only person of color in executive teams.

Mentorship: A Pillar for Success
A recurring theme in these leadership journeys is the vital role of mentorship. Despite the prevailing narrative, Wallington's findings reveal that while not all successful black executives had mentors, the ones who did could draw on a reservoir of support and guidance that significantly eased their paths. This mentorship paradigm extends beyond race, emphasizing the universal value of having seasoned advisors for those climbing the corporate ladder.

Challenges and Opportunities for Growth
The conversations Wallington had with these executives illuminate the ongoing challenges faced by black men in corporate America. The physical presence, the conscious efforts to not intimidate colleagues, and the overarching need to constantly prove oneself are just snippets of a larger narrative that demands attention and action.

The Unlearning Process: A Path Forward
Reflecting on personal growth, Wallington emphasizes the importance of unlearning preconceived notions and biases. This process of unlearning, prompted by new evidence or perspectives, is crucial for personal and professional development. It underscores the necessity for a mindset open to growth, change, and understanding, particularly in supporting colleagues, friends, and teams from different backgrounds.

Conclusion
Dr. Chuck Wallington's journey, coupled with the insights from his research, offers a clarion call to corporate America and beyond. It's a call for introspection, broader inclusion, and a concerted effort to understand and address the unique challenges faced by African American executives. As we reflect on these stories, let us consider how we, too, can be a part of the change – through mentorship, a willingness to learn and unlearn, and our actions and policies that nurture an environment where every leader can flourish, regardless of race.

Thank you, Dr. Chuck Wallington, for sharing your profound insights and research. Your work not only shines a light on the often untold stories of black male executives but also serves as a roadmap for building more inclusive and empathetic leadership frameworks in every sphere of influence.

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In a deeply engaging episode of the Lead with Levity Podcast, hosted by Dr. Heather Walker, the spotlight was on Amber Ontiveros, a trailblazer in addressing and healing workplace discrimination. Ontiveros, with a rich background spanning from working with the Bush and Obama administrations to her profound personal journey towards understanding consciousness and unconscious bias, shared insights that promise a transformative approach to workplace dynamics and personal growth.

The Path to End Discord
The conversation opened with the all-too-familiar challenges many people face in creating environments where everyone feels safe and valued—spaces where creativity and ideas flourish without fear of judgment or retaliation. Ontiveros delved deep into the “two sides of the coin” conundrum, emphasizing the dance between individual intentions and collective narratives. Her work focuses on bringing to light the internal scripts running within us, challenging and healing them to foster a truly inclusive environment.

Dr. Walker and Ontiveros explored the concept of discord in the workplace, exemplified through a scenario involving "Nick", a character resistant to feedback. This example served to introduce Ontiveros’ unique approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)—one that leverages personal transformation as a gateway to tackling broader societal and organizational challenges.

Healing the Four Woundings
A pivotal moment in the podcast was Ontiveros’ revelation of the "four woundings"—beliefs deeply embedded in our subconscious that perpetuate cycles of discord and discrimination. These are:
1. I am not worthy.
2. I am not enough.
3. I have to win.
4. I don’t have enough.

Ontiveros argued that these wounds, universal to all, fuel the fires of discrimination and personal dissatisfaction. Her stirring call to action was for individuals to recognize these wound within themselves to heal and move forward, both personally and within their communities.

Mindful Listening and Other Tools for Transformation
The discussion introduced mindful listening—a technique Ontiveros employs to understand and dissolve the barriers erected by unconscious bias. By focusing on the breath and engaging in self-inquiry, one can uncover and address the root of discriminatory behaviors and thoughts. This tool, among others shared by Ontiveros, offers a practical approach to navigating and transforming complex interpersonal dynamics.

Final Thoughts
Amber Ontiveros' appearance on the Lead with Levity Podcast provided not just food for thought but a call to action for anyone looking to make a substantive change in their lives and the lives of others. Her holistic approach to addressing discrimination, rooted in personal healing and consciousness, offers a refreshing, deeply needed perspective in today's discourse on diversity and inclusion.

For those looking to dive deeper into Ontiveros’ work or seeking guidance on their healing journey, visiting her website, healthefourwoundings.com, is a promising first step towards embracing a more inclusive, empathetic, and healing approach to life and work.

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In the bustling world of business and organizational management, the quest for efficiency, empowerment, and happiness within the workplace is a journey many leaders embark upon, yet few travel successfully. It was in this context that I had the privilege of sitting down with Jack Skeels, a visionary thinker, CEO of Better Company, a celebrated author, and an advocate for transformative leadership. Our conversation, rich in insights and groundbreaking ideas, revealed a clear path toward creating more empowered and happier organizations.

The Recipe for Empowerment and Joy
Jack Skeels, a two-time Inc. 500 award winner and a beacon in the agile transformation realm, shared his recent venture into the world of authorship with his latest book, "Unmanaged: Master the Magic of Creating Empowered and Happy Organizations." This book serves not just as a read but as a manual for those daring to venture into the depths of management innovation. Jack's journey, from a sharp, promising programmer disillusioned by the apparent disconnect between managers and their crafts, to an executive coaching guru, is more than inspiring. It's a call to action.

His book and his principles revolve around the simple yet profound notion of managing less while excelling in four key moments: the why, what, go, and grow moments of any project or organizational initiative. Derived from a Japanese technique called BA, which emphasizes unity and collective presence, Jack advocates for building a foundational understanding and inclusion at the onset of new ventures.

A New Paradigm in Management
Perhaps the most enlightening aspect of our conversation was Jack's challenge to conventional management wisdom. With each anecdote and example, he peeled back the layers of management practices that hamper productivity rather than foster it. From unnecessary meetings acting as a "tax on productivity" to the modern workplace's convoluted matrix of managing relationships, Jack calls for a radical simplification of managing. His insights into how every managerial action could potentially slow down processes and make things more inefficient were both alarming and refreshing.

Kanban: The Practical Fix
In addressing the intertwined chaos of priorities and managerial actions, Jack highlighted the Kanban system as a beacon of hope. This agile concept encourages alignment among managers regarding priorities, essentially reviving unity in management. By making work sequences visible and priorities clear to all team members, the Kanban system ensures that efforts are focused and productivity is not just a goal but a reality.

The Four Key Moments
Delving deeper, Jack elaborated on the four key moments that managers should excel in: The Why Moment: Explains the context and purpose, fostering a comprehensive understanding of the project or task at hand.
The What Moment: Clarifies what needs to be achieved, ensuring that all managers and team members are on the same page.
The Go Moment: Encourages autonomy, allowing teams to proceed with the tasks without unnecessary intervention.
The Grow Moment: Focuses on the growth opportunities for team members through the project, emphasizing inclusive and fair participation beyond managerial biases.

For those looking to embark on this transformative journey, Jack Skeels' work with Better Company and his groundbreaking book offers a starting point. It's time for leaders to rethink, realign, and revolutionize their approach to management for a future where e

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