Mark D. Bennett is the principal of Uniting by Design LLC, a consulting firm dedicated to helping leaders build organizations that achieve outstanding results, uphold ethical standards, and adapt to change. After leaving the practice of law, Mark pursued graduate studies in counseling psychology and family therapy. He then became a full-time mediator, handling disputes involving staff, leaders, and boards across businesses, nonprofits, government agencies, and international organizations.

Twenty-five years ago, Mark transitioned from resolving organizational issues to fostering organizational health. He now serves as a workshop presenter on leadership, teamwork, conflict resolution, values-based decision making, and creative collaboration. Additionally, he is a leadership coach, facilitating collaboration, strategic planning, and critical decision making.

Mark has authored three books:

• Uniting by Design: The Architecture of Creative Collaboration (2021) – A practical guide to fostering collaboration within organizations, leadership teams, work teams, alliances, and partnerships.
• A Field Guide to Good Decisions: Values in Action (2006) – Offers practical steps for ethical decision-making, enabling individuals to make tough choices with integrity, accountability, and credibility.
• The Art of Mediation, 2nd edition (2005) – Teaches conflict resolution and principled negotiation skills to help people bridge differences, reach agreements, and achieve peace.

Episode Resources:

• Uniting By Design
• Mark Bennett LinkedIn

In this enlightening episode of The Independent Life, Tony welcomes Jonathan Spoliansky, the insightful author of Happiness Is Key. Jonathan's breakthrough book offers a simple yet profound guide on living happily every day, emphasizing that happiness is not just a state of mind but a reflection of our actions and behavior towards others.

Together, they explore the five essential keys outlined in the book, which can unlock our happiness within and create a life filled with peace, trust, gratitude, honesty, and love. Through engaging discussion, Jonathan shares his journey and realizations, drawing from his extensive study of various philosophies and religious traditions, as well as his travels around the world. He highlights how embodying positive qualities like honesty, fairness, empathy, and generosity can create a ripple effect of positivity, benefiting those around us.

This episode is a heartfelt reminder that cultivating happiness is a daily practice that requires effort and attention. Jonathan's practical advice and inspirational insights make it clear that by incorporating these keys into our daily lives, we can make happiness a more consistent and enduring part of our experience.

Episode Resources:

• Happiness is Key Book
• https://www.happinessiskey.net/

Tony sits down with Kimberly Richey, the Senior Chancellor for the Department of Education for the state of Florida. As the overseer of all public schools from K-12 to colleges, workforce development, and various statewide programs, Chancellor Richey has a profound impact on Florida's educational landscape.

Kimberly shares how her mother, a dedicated teacher, and her grandfather were instrumental in shaping her career path, leading her from law school to significant roles in state agencies, including the Office for Civil Rights. Her journey culminated in her current position, where she champions educational excellence and equity.

Tony and Kimberly delve into the importance of advocacy, inspired by her mother's role in her success. She provides valuable insights on empowering parents to become effective advocates for their children's education by understanding systems, acquiring knowledge, and mastering communication.

The conversation also explores the essence of education, the values and virtues that drive Kimberly, and the qualities of effective leadership. Kimberly discusses the keys to successful collaboration and shares her vision for the future of education.

Join us for an inspiring discussion with Chancellor Richey, a dedicated advocate who has worked tirelessly to give a voice to the voiceless and has helped shape impactful legislation to support students and families across Florida.