Lead with Levity

Send us a text"Creating a happy healthy workplace is not rocket science." ~Briana HawkinsToday's guest is Briana Hawkins. She's young, ambitious, and full of great ideas for bringing the fun back to your function. She is to lead the Happy Crew at Zoom and now graces the finance tech startup Built Technologies with her expertise.In this episode, we cover:How Briana shaped manifested her way through her careerTeambuilding activities for you to try from her experiences with Built Technologies and the Zoom Happy CrewBriana's perspective on how to get more out of each situationMeet Guest: Briana Hawkins"I am a strategic leader with a proven track record in resolving organizational and human capital challenges within startups. An employee engagement subject-matter-expert with proven success in building culture, securing leadership buy-in, strategic planning, and talent operations. I am able to manage multiple projects while collaborating with diverse groups to achieve goals.. I believe that where there is happiness, there is productivity and efficiency." About the PodcastThe Lead with Levity podcast is a show for leaders who care deeply about what makes/breaks the employee experience. Our guests are dynamic researchers, practitioners, consultants, and business leaders. We cover foundational elements that are needed to avoid forcing the fun. We also invite lively managers who lead with levity to show us how it’s done. Thanks for joining us on this journey.Support the showDid you have any lightbulb moments while listening? Share it with us on Instagram @leadwithlevity or visit our website leadwithlevity.com so we can talk about it! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit leadwithlevity.substack.com

Send us a textStarting a new job is exciting and a little bit of a leap of faith this year for new employees. They aren't able to walk through the building and get a sense of the people, work environment, and culture in the same way. They sort of have to go on faith that the culture is as advertised. If your company went remote this year, then you've been scrambling to reimagine onboarding.So that's what we're going to talk about today. What can we do to jazz up remote onboarding? Does it need more seasoning, onions, a little cheese? I had the pleasure of chatting about this (sans seasoning, onions, and cheese) with David Secunda of WorkBright. WorkBright is an HR tech startup that helps companies move traditional employee onboarding to 100% remote.In this episode, we cover:How to make onboarding more exciting and engagingHow to help new employees build personal connectionsHow to handle that pesky I9 requirement (a pandemic pro-tip)Guest: David SecundaDavid Secunda is the Founder and CEO of WorkBright, an HR tech startup that moves traditional employee onboarding to a 100% remote process that workers complete before they arrive. He has led numerous organizations including Avid4 Adventure (Founder & Chairman, outdoor adventure camps), PlanetOutdoors (Founder & CEO, online outdoor retailer), and the Outdoor Industry Association (President). He also worked as an Entrepreneur in Residence at Mobius Venture Capital and Sequel Venture Partners. He is an active mentor in the business community at Techstars, MergeLane and the CU Leeds School of Business, and has served on the boards of Entrepreneur’s Organization Colorado, RMC Health, The SCA, and was a founding board member of Leave No Trace. Additionally, he was the Governor appointed Chairman of the Colorado Department of Human Services Licensing Advisory Committee.About the PodcastThe Lead with Levity podcast is a show for leaders who care deeply about what makes/breaks the employee experience. Our guests are dynamic researchers, practitioners, consultants, and business leaders. We cover foundational elements that are needed to avoid forcing the fun. We also invite lively managers who lead with levity to show us how it’s done. Thanks for joining us on this journey.Support the showDid you have any lightbulb moments while listening? Share it with us on Instagram @leadwithlevity or visit our website leadwithlevity.com so we can talk about it! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit leadwithlevity.substack.com

Send us a textHave you ever wondered what it would be like to get paid to travel the world, deliver stand-up comedy, become an angel investor, and drive sales for a large international organization? Well today's guest is going to show us how it's done. Kelli Lampkin has worn many hats in her time, and today she'll join us to chat about how her experiences have made her and her team better salespeople.In this episode, we cover:What it was like to live as a NetSuite digital nomad, including her time in TransylvaniaHow Kelli incorporates stand-up comedy and salesHow she used a bit of levity to encourage sales at NetSuiteHow she makes cloud ERP funGuest: Kelli LampkinKelli is an angel investor, entrepreneur, writer, traveler, comedienne, DJ, tech enthusiast. Her passion is working with tech entrepreneurs that are disrupting their industries to help them leverage enterprise business software so they can focus on their passions.About the PodcastThe Lead with Levity podcast is a show for leaders who care deeply about what makes/breaks the employee experience. Our guests are dynamic researchers, practitioners, consultants, and business leaders. We cover foundational elements that are needed to avoid forcing the fun. We also invite lively managers who lead with levity to show us how it’s done. Thanks for joining us on this journey.Support the showDid you have any lightbulb moments while listening? Share it with us on Instagram @leadwithlevity or visit our website leadwithlevity.com so we can talk about it! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit leadwithlevity.substack.com

Send us a textManagers: Is it possible that your recruitment tools are screening out qualified candidates? Job seekers: Is it possible that you aren’t getting the job you want because you haven’t optimized your resume? You are in for such a treat today, if you've ever been on the job hunt, and you've kind of been curious about how things work in the background, that's what we're going to talk about today.My guest, Kyana Beckles, is the CEO and founder of Leverage Assessments. It's a company out in New York City, where they administer and help organizations with employee selection tests, assessments, all that jazz…making sure that companies are able to find good people for their positions. And one thing that she's going to help us with today is sort of unraveling and packaging, opening up the hood, checking out what happens after you submit a resume. Does it go straight to the hiring manager? Are they combing through all of the materials? Looking at every single word?Spoiler alert--they are not. Many large organizations use software, and different application tools to help them weed through resumes, and applications. They're looking for keywords. They're looking for specific tags and criteria that they've set up in advance. If you're not savvy to those things, you could be missing out on a really great job opportunity. Likewise, on the flip side of that…if you are a manager and you aren't savvy to that, and you're not necessarily thinking about how that is impacting your talent pool, then this show is for you as well.Kyana and I are going to talk about everything from how to hire for the kind of culture that you want to the role of levity at work and creating a team that is high performing. We had such a great time talking that at some point, I forgot to hit record. I'm gonna drop you into the middle of our conversation. I think it'll be illuminating for you. And I hope that you enjoy it.Learn how data analytics factor into the hiring process and what you can do to support a diverse talent pool.Support the showDid you have any lightbulb moments while listening? Share it with us on Instagram @leadwithlevity or visit our website leadwithlevity.com so we can talk about it! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit leadwithlevity.substack.com

Send us a textDo you have a kid coworker? Kid coworkers are not the same as your coworkers at the office. They eat up all your food. They don't respect your meeting schedules, and they take a cut out of every paycheck that you make. It's just not the same. If one of your coworkers in the office did that… you'd file a complaint with HR. This episode is dedicated to parents and adults who are trying to get work done around littles, kids, and teens. How can you create a fun work from home environment with kids? Today we'll explore a team building activity that's based on our guest, Dr. Beth Brown's F.U.N. model.Resources MentionedTeam AureusYouTube ChannelLinkedInFacebookInstagramAbout Dr. BethDr. Beth is a sports psychologist and CEO of Team Aureus®. It's a consulting agency that's dedicated to empowering individuals and teams to perform at their highest levels in sports business, and life.She co-founded Super Power Golf. It's a business dedicated to helping women transform their lives on and off the golf course. And she also has a passion for youth, which I really appreciate.Dr. Beth also serves on the We Are Golf Women's Task Force managed by the World Golf Foundation.And she recently launched the Champions Mindset Leadership Series. I'm looking forward to this conversation today because we're going to diverge a little bit from adulthood to talking about what is it like to work with your child coworkers, and what can we do to ensure that we are creating fun workplaces, even when we're at home?About the PodcastThe Lead with Levity podcast is a show for leaders who care deeply about what makes/breaks the employee experience. Our guests are dynamic researchers, practitioners, consultants, and business leaders. We cover foundational elements that are needed to avoid forcing the fun. We also invite lively managers who lead with levity to show us how it's done. Thanks for joining us on this journey.Support the showDid you have any lightbulb moments while listening? Share it with us on Instagram @leadwithlevity or visit our website leadwithlevity.com so we can talk about it! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit leadwithlevity.substack.com

Send us a textWelcome to the Lead with Levity podcast. I'm your host, Dr. Heather Walker, and I'm so excited to share today's guest with you--Kyle Gillette. Kyle is the owner of Gillette Solutions and the host of the Sage Mindset podcast. Kyle is based in Washington, and he helps small business owners lead their businesses and people with less stress and more freedom. He helps everyone get on the bus and moving in the same direction. And that's exactly what we need today. I'm looking forward to talking to him about what he's seeing at the leadership level and any recommendations that he has for leaders today.In this episode, we cover:Leaders need to de-stressHow leaders can empower themselves and their teamsHow leaders can help others express their 'best selves'How to get the most from your next one-on-one meetingHow to help someone on your team who has a negative outlookKyle's WISER listening modelResources MentionedGillette SolutionsSage Mindset PodcastLinkedInAbout Gillette SolutionsAll people have the ability to thrive in their personal and professional lives - to obtain freedom and independence we strive to achieve. The key is learning your passions and the individual talents you possess. As these become clear, focus improves and success follows. We all have a sense of where our passions lie, though there can be ambiguity as to what drives us. We generally know our skills, strengths, and talents, though we can be unclear on how to use those abilities to realize our passions. At Gillette Solutions, we help small business owners, solopreneurs, and business professionals develop new perspectives, thought patterns, and habits to overcome fear, doubt, and improve self-confidence.I help you take control of your time, talent, and build a roadmap to increase your bottom-line. We do this through courses, behavioral analysis, and (my favorite) coaching!About the PodcastThe Lead with Levity podcast is a show for leaders who care deeply about what makes/breaks the employee experience. Our guests are dynamic researchers, practitioners, consultants, and business leaders. We cover foundational elements that are needed to avoid forcing the fun. We also invite lively managers who lead with levity to show us how it's done. Thanks for joining us on this journey.Support the showDid you have any lightbulb moments while listening? Share it with us on Instagram @leadwithlevity or visit our website leadwithlevity.com so we can talk about it! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit leadwithlevity.substack.com

Send us a textWhen everything feels so so heavy, and you’re starting to wonder if you should lead with levity, remember that the alternative may lead you down a dark and lonely road. I asked our guest today to share her thoughts on fearless authenticity and walking in purpose even when all the signs point to failure.Welcome to the Lead with Levity podcast. We work to equip leaders to build unique and refreshing work environments that are marked by fun, team unity, and healthy communication. Today's guest is Danessa Knaupp. Danessa is an executive coach on a mission is to get really great leaders embedded everywhere because we all benefit from that. She’s also the author of Naked at Work: A Leader’s Guide to Fearless Authenticity.In this episode, we cover:How Danessa picked herself up after an embarrassing eventHow you find the lighter side of any bad experienceA model for authenticity, not #authenticityAuthenticity misfiresResources Mentioned[BOOK] Naked at Work: A Leader’s Guide to Fearless AuthenticityDanessaKnaupp.comAvenue8Advisors.comLinkedInQuote This - Danessa Knaupp Quotes:“I began to think about, ‘where have I been really connected with leaders?’ and it was when I believed they were human.”“A lot of us walk around with an idea of a leader that is far too narrow. Leaders come in all shapes and sizes, they can be effective a million different ways.”“If you think about some of the things you believe about yourself. The person who wrote that story is 5, 7, 9 years old. I don't know about you, but I have not consulted with seven year olds on a regular basis on how to make decisions, except that I am. Because the interesting parts of myself that tell me those things are [from a] seven [year old].”“We are all total and absolute works in progress, and we pick up and put down any baggage or experience we want at any point in this journey.”“Authenticity builds trust. Trust creates safety, and safety at work is magical.”“Sometimes, people think when I talk about being intentional and strategic that somehow that's not authentic. But think about how you are authentic with your grandmother, with your lover, with your best friend, and with your child. Those are all authentic versions of yourself. Those are all really true to you. And yet the whispered conversation between you and your lover, as you fall asleep is never something you would tell your grandmother or your child.”My job here is to learn and evolve, and man that is not easy. Sometimes people think that when I say, "I'm a failure junkie," or, "I really embrace failure," that I've found some sort of way to make it less horrSupport the showDid you have any lightbulb moments while listening? Share it with us on Instagram @leadwithlevity or visit our website leadwithlevity.com so we can talk about it! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit leadwithlevity.substack.com

Send us a textWelcome to the Lead with Levity podcast. Today's guest is Jeremy Miller. Jeremy is a brand strategist for Sticky Branding and a best selling author. Over the past decade, Jeremy and the Sticky Branding team profiled and interviewed hundreds of companies across dozens of industries to uncover how companies can grow extra sticky brands. I look forward to sharing his expertise about branding, messaging, and the importance of a name.In this episode, we cover:How Jeremy pivoted from a sales to marketing focus to save his family-owned businessJeremy's 3-step process for strategic namingHow organizations big and small can use this strategic naming process to build momentum for projects, activate brand ambassadors, and get customers excited about the brandThe #1 killer of creativity on teamsOne strategy that managers can use to get their teams to open up and bring new ideasAbout Today's GuestJeremy Miller is a brand strategist and bestselling author. Over the past decade, Jeremy and the Sticky Branding team have profiled and interviewed hundreds of companies across dozens of industries to uncover how companies grow Sticky Brands. Jeremy shares his expertise as a writer, consultant, and keynote speaker. His blend of humor, stories, and actionable ideas will inspire you to innovate and grow your business and brand.Resources MentionedWebsiteBook: Sticky BrandingBook: Brand New NameLinkedIn GroupTwitterInstagramFacebookAbout the PodcastThe Lead with Levity podcast is a show for leaders who care deeply about what makes/breaks the employee experience. Our guests are dynamic researchers, practitioners, consultants, and business leaders. We cover foundational elements that are needed to avoid forcing the fun. We also invite lively managers who lead with levity to show us how it's done. Thanks for joining us on this journey.Support the showDid you have any lightbulb moments while listening? Share it with us on Instagram @leadwithlevity or visit our website leadwithlevity.com so we can talk about it! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit leadwithlevity.substack.com

Send us a textI've supported several change management initiatives over the years, and there are 3 things that stick out to me as consistent leadership failures:Not communicating throughoutWaiting too long to celebrateLaunching too many initiatives around the same time (i.e., doing too much)Your people are going through a lot right now. Now is the time for thoughtful change management. For those of you who don't know, change management is a process to help people understand, buy into, and adopt planned changes. It includes addressing readiness, managing resistance, and creating plans to support communication, reinforcement, and skill development. Companies often forego the people side of change and focus mainly on the technical sides of project management and quality management instead. The problem though is that people need to change and they are the hardest part of the equation to change so we really do need to put more intentionality and resources there.So guess what, today I'm chatting with a change management consultant to the Fortune 50, Pam Marmon. In this episode, we cover:How change initiatives affect employees and what leaders can do to support their teamsPam's L.E.S.S. model of change managementTop change management challenges that businesses face todayAre traditional change management models appropriate for today's challenges?How does levity factor into change management?About Today's GuestPam Marmon is a change management leader and CEO of Marmon Consulting. She is Prosci certified change management expert and Cornell University certified organizational designer with 15 years of experience and proven success record in implementing organizational initiatives and culture transformations.Resources MentionedPam's LinkedIn PageMarmon Consulting[BOOK] No One's Listening and It's Your Fault: Get Your Message Heard During Organizational Transformations About the PodcastThe Lead with Levity podcast is a show for leaders who care deeply about what makes/breaks the employee experience. Our guests are dynamic researchers, practitioners, consultants, and business leaders. We cover foundational elements that are needed to avoid forcing the fun. We also invite lively managers who lead with levity to show us how it's done. Thanks for joining us on this journey.Support the showDid you have any lightbulb moments while listening? Share it with us on Instagram @leadwithlevity or visit our website leadwithlevity.com so we can talk about it! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit leadwithlevity.substack.com

Send us a textWould you rather know exactly what will happen 6 months from now or have the wisdom needed to navigate whatever happens 6 months from now? Join me in this fantastic interview with James Bidwell, the Chairman and Founder of Springwise. James is also the Co-Founder of Re_set. Springwise is an innovation platform that promotes creativity and innovation across the globe. Re_set is a disruption, innovation, and sustainability consulting firm in the UK.In this episode, we cover:James’ view on the future of workHow Springwise elevates creatives by sharing their innovations with the worldAn even bigger crisis that is on the horizon (bigger than the pandemic)Examples of innovations in different industriesA ton of FREE RESOURCES!Quotes"What is really encouraging is the capacity of the human brain to start to figure it out and not give up and to go forward and create new solutions." ~ James Bidwell"One thing that I find really interesting about innovation is that it starts small, and it can feel like it's creeping up on you... like [with] Blockbuster...these other companies just sort of snuck up on them. But, they didn't. They were working diligently behind the scenes." ~ Heather Walker, Ph.D.About Today’s GuestJames currently serves as Chair at Springwise, Co-Founder at Innovation and Transformation Consultancy Re_Set and NED at fast growing, Berlin based Invincible Brands. James is the Author of bestseller “Disrupt! 100 Lessons in Business Innovation” published by Hodder and Stoughton 2017 Sitting at the nexus of global change James brings deep experience and insight into digital, brand and innovation across all organizational disciplines at a time of unprecedented uncertainty and opportunity. At Springwise, James is immersed in the global innovation community with deep insight into the newest and most transformative new businesses and innovations from every corner of the world. Springwise is a “must read’ for global CEOs, innovators, investors, educators and corporates from all sectors. James advises many businesses and several government organisations. He is a visiting lecturer at the University of Bristol and Cambridge Judge Business School, participant in the London Business School Innovation and Entrepreneurship programme, committee member and judge at the World Retail Congress and mentor at Red Bull Amaphiko Academy. Career highlights include the launch of Disneyland Paris, the turnaround of Selfridges as Marketing Director, leading the renaissance of London tourism as CEO Visit London, launch CEO of Anthropologie Europe.Resources MentionedSpringwise Global Source for InnovationRe_Set Boutique Consultancy for Disruption, Innovation, and SustainabilitySomerset House London’s working arts centre[CELL PHONE APP] The Innovation App[BOOK] Disrupt!: 100 Lessons in Business InnovationSupport the showDid you have any lightbulb moments while listening? Share it with us on Instagram @leadwithlevity or visit our website leadwithlevity.com so we can talk about it! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit leadwithlevity.substack.com

Send us a textIf you want to know how to build a fun family culture then you’re in the right place. Today, we discuss the benefits of adopting and leading by values. I’m happy to say that I recently discovered that there are people out there in the world (not the multiverse, but here in our dimension) with the job title of ‘Chief Happiness Officer’ and ‘Director of Happiness’. I found one!Today, I get to share a conversation with Kylie Rae Fitzgibbons, Director of Happiness and General Manager at JL Bar Ranch in Sonora, Texas. Kyle has traveled all over the world and picked up experiences that have all led to her passion to have fun and get work done.In this episode, we cover:How a small town in Texas wooed her away from Grand Cayman.What it’s like to work in a family-owned business.How they build shared valuesHow they approach confrontations or “collisions” within the teamKylie’s experiences on the Grand Cayman islands and how that fed her perspective on hospitalityThe “Cayman kind” approach taught her that “people taking care of people” is more than just a concept, it’s about creating a family feel.Try this icebreaker from Kylie that’s guaranteed to improve the mood within a group:(32:18) The Smile Game: One quick and easy way to bring joy to a meeting or change the energy in a group. A simple 30 second activity that you can do at the beginning of a meeting, with friends. Instead of sitting, you stand in a circle, make eye contact. Say: “I’m going to start” and smile at someone and make eye contact, and then that person turns to the left and smiles at their neighbor. Then do a few rounds and try to get faster.Kylie’s leadership philosophy and maintenance tips:Energy is contagious. Own your own energy.Recognize that “everyone is influenceable and everyone is an influencer even if you don’t have a billion followers on Instagram”Make sure that people are better after they meet you than when they first saw youActivities that help team spirit and one-nessTeam photo and celebrationTeam prayerEnd of the day reflection and review of a value-based story or momentCelebrate national pizza party day - “food is fuel”Keep the team loved and well fed and listened toQuotes“As the leader of a team, it is important that I come with an enthusiastic energy and a positive ‘can do’ spirit with that attitude and showing resilience. That concept of having fun, it’s how I show up to be able to impact others.” - Quote by Kylie Rae“Everyone is influenceable and everyone is an influencer even if you don’t have a bazillion followers on Instagram” - Quote by Kylie Rae“The learning of service is a different perspective to consider. Everyone is in a service industry, whether you're a mom with a young child. Whether you’re serving your neighbor when they need sugar...or if you’re in hospitality serving a customer.” - Quote by Kylie Rae“You don’t have to be well connected. You don’t have to be the loudest person in the room to have an impact on that room.” - Quote by Dr. Walker“Your energy is so very contagious.” Quote by Dr. WalkerAbout Today’s GuestKylie Rae Fitzgibbons is a luxury hospitality executive leader who brings Service with a Smile workshops to other professionals with a focus on positive mindset and culture of kindness in the workplaSupport the showDid you have any lightbulb moments while listening? Share it with us on Instagram @leadwithlevity or visit our website leadwithlevity.com so we can talk about it! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit leadwithlevity.substack.com

Send us a textMaintaining quality face-to-face service is getting harder and harder these days. Fortunately, many of the traditional principles still apply. Join us today for an interview with Dee Ann Turner. With more than 30 years of experience, including serving as Vice President, Talent and Human Resources for Chick-fil-A, Inc., Dee Ann has discovered the secret sauce of selecting and retaining extraordinary talent, while cultivating a remarkable organizational culture.In this episode, we cover how to:create company loyalty that leads to customer loyaltyinstill servant leadership within your organizationsupport fun at work even if it’s natural for yourespond to negative Glassdoor reviewswhat differentiates Chick-fil-A from other fast food chainsAbout Today’s GuestDee Ann is a 33-year veteran of Chick-fil-A, Inc. Prior to retirement in 2018, she was Vice President, Talent and Vice President, Sustainability. The company’s first female officer, she was instrumental in building and growing Chick-fil-A’s well-known culture and talent systems. During her long career, she worked closely with Chick-fil-A’s founder, S. Truett Cathy, and other key leaders as an architect of their organizational culture. She was responsible for thousands of selections of Chick-fil-A Franchisees and corporate staff members. Additionally, she led Talent Management, Staff Learning and Development, Diversity and Inclusion, Culture and Engagement. Most recently, Dee Ann launched and led the Sustainability function focusing on Chick-fil-A’s strategy to implement sustainable practices at the $11 billion company.Today, she leads her own organization, Dee Ann Turner, LLC, writing books, speaking to over 50 audiences per year and consulting and coaching leaders globally. She is the author of the best seller, It’s My Pleasure: The Impact of Extraordinary Talent and a Compelling Culture. Her latest book will be released in September 2019.Resources MentionedWebsite: https://www.deeannturner.com/Book: Bet on Talent: How to Create a Remarkable Culture That Wins the Hearts of CustomersFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/DeeAnnTurnerAuthorTwitter: https://twitter.com/DeeAnnTurnerLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deeannturner/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deeannturner/ About the podcast:The Lead with Levity podcast is a show for leaders who care deeply about what makes/breaks the employee experience. Our guests are dynamic researchers, practitioners, consultants, and business leaders. We cover foundational elements that are needed to avoid forcing the fun. We also invite lively managers who lead with levity to show us how it's done. Thanks for joining us on this journey.Support the showDid you have any lightbulb moments while listening? Share it with us on Instagram @leadwithlevity or visit our website leadwithlevity.com so we can talk about it! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit leadwithlevity.substack.com

Send us a text“Psychological safety means you (1) feel included, (2) feel safe to learn, (3) feel safe to contribute, and (4) feel safe to challenge the status quo – all without fear of being embarrassed, marginalized, or punished in some way.” ~Leader FactorAre you ready to learn the 4 stages of a psychologically safe workplace? Safety is not a flat topic--there are layers to a person’s sense of safety. Psychological safety is also something we have to work to achieve and maintain. As leaders, we have the privilege and responsibility to create safe spaces. Today’s guest is Dr. Timothy Clark.Timothy R. Clark is founder and CEO of LeaderFactor, a consulting, coaching, and training organization. Dr. Clark is an international authority in the fields of psychological safety & innovation, large-scale change & transformation, and senior leadership development. He has personally coached over 100 CEOs and executives and trained many senior teams around the world. Some of his clients include Accenture, American Express, CIGNA, Columbia University, Disney, Dow Chemical, Eli Lilly, Environmental Protection Agency, HCA, Idaho National Laboratory, Honeywell, Intel, Internal Revenue Service, John Hopkins University, Lockheed Martin, Microsoft, Motorola, NASA, Riverbed Technology, Sprint, Stanford University, and the U.S. Department of Treasury.In this episode, we cover: How Dr. Clark became interested in psychological safetyHow psychological safety opens the door to other prosocial behaviorsWhat leaders can do to help people feel more secureHow to create safe spaces at workHow to engage in levity safelyHow to grow your appreciation for differencesAbout today’s guest:Timothy R. Clark is founder and CEO of LeaderFactor, a consulting, coaching, and training organization. Dr. Clark is an international authority in the fields of psychological safety & innovation, large-scale change & transformation, and senior leadership development. He has personally coached over 100 CEOs and executives and trained many senior teams around the world. Some of his clients include Accenture, American Express, CIGNA, Columbia University, Disney, Dow Chemical, Eli Lilly, Environmental Protection Agency, HCA, Idaho National Laboratory, Honeywell, Intel, Internal Revenue Service, John Hopkins University, Lockheed Martin, Microsoft, Motorola, NASA, Riverbed Technology, Sprint, Stanford University, and the U.S. Department of Treasury.Resources mentioned:Leader Factor WebsiteThe Four Stages of Psychological SafetyAbout the podcast:The Lead with Levity podcast is a show for leaders who care deeply about what makes/breaks the employee experience. Our guests are dynamic researchers, practitioners, consultants, and business leaders. We cover foundational elements that are needed to avoid forcing the fun. We also invite lively managers who lead with levity to show us how it's done. Thanks for joining us on this journey.Support the showDid you have any lightbulb moments while listening? Share it with us on Instagram @leadwithlevity or visit our website leadwithlevity.com so we can talk about it! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit leadwithlevity.substack.com

Send us a textWhat makes your company stand out in a new and interesting way? Today, we cover the art of storytelling. It’s not just for fairy tales or marketers. The stories we tell to our employees and customers can mean the difference between confusion and clarity.Give your tribe something compelling to connect to by making your message crystal clear. And, be consistent. Today's guest is Maria Ross. Maria is the head of Red Slice marketing firm where they teach clients how to tell unforgettable stories that make customers nod, laugh, and feel genuinely inspired to take action. Maria has gone through some life altering events that have taught her to let humor and empathy reign. I look forward to sharing her experiences with you today.In this episode, we cover:The art of storytelling and how it applies to businessWhy people aren’t getting on board with your messaging (a good one for content experts)Maria Ross’ philosophy on life, business, and authenticityHow to apply storytelling within the organizationHow to create a “cultural articulation” - the importance of authentically living your brand from the inside outHow to cultivate empathy and take another person’s point-of-view without getting defensiveStay curious. Curiosity is the #1 trait of empathetic people.What to do the next time someone asks you how you are feeling.About today's guest:Maria Ross is the founder of Red Slice, a consultancy that advises solopreneurs, startups, and fast-growth businesses on how to build an irresistible brand story and authentically connect with customers. She is a keynote speaker who regularly speaks to audiences on marketing and building a standout brand that engages the right customers and drives growth. She is the author of Branding Basics for Small Business and The Juicy Guide eBook Series for Entrepreneurs.Maria started her career as a management consultant with Accenture and went on to build marketing and brand strategies for multiple companies, including Discovery Communications, Monster.com, BusinessObjects (now SAP), and many other startups and technology leaders, before starting her own business. Maria understands the power of empathy at both a brand and personal level: in 2008, six months after launching her business, she suffered a ruptured brain aneurysm that almost killed her. Her humorous and heartfelt memoir about what is was like to survive this health crisis, Rebooting My Brain, has received worldwide praise.Maria has made numerous media appearances, including on MSNBC, ABCNews.com, and Forbes.com; in Entrepreneur magazine; and on hundreds of radio shows and popular podcasts such as Entrepreneur on Fire, The Shameless Mom Academy, and Suitcase Entrepreneur. She writes a contributor column for Entrepreneur.com and has written for Huffington Post, MarketingProfs.com, Seattle Business, Life by Me, Inspire Me Today, Columbus CEO, among others.Resources mentioned:Website: www.red-slice.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/redslicemaria/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/redslice/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariajross/Email: [email protected] the showDid you have any lightbulb moments while listening? Share it with us on Instagram @leadwithlevity or visit our website leadwithlevity.com so we can talk about it! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit leadwithlevity.substack.com

Send us a textWe're kind of in an interesting time right now where people are having to redefine workplace communication. If you find yourself wondering what's appropriate, misinterpreting messages, or wondering how you can connect better with people you don't see anymore then this episode is for you. Today's guest is Dr. Mary Donohue. She studies communication patters within and between generations, and her focus is generational differences in digital communication.In this episode, we cover: What is digital psychology?How can we avoid communication breakdowns with others?How can we recover from communication errors?How can we optimize or rethink the way we communicate with others to support levity in the workplace?What are the generational differences in digital communication?About today's guest:Dr. Mary Donohue has an Ed.D in Leadership Education from Central Michigan University and is an avid cross-discipline researcher. In addition, she is world-renowned TEDX presenter, best-selling author, columnist and television personality. Her mentors include Paul Newman and Robert Kennedy, Jr., and many others. Dr. Mary has a passion for living and celebrating life and for a brief shining moment she will always fondly remember her time as a Supreme with Diana Ross.Resources mentioned:Mary's TedX Talk: How to get along with Boomers, GenXers and Millennials | Mary Donohue | TEDxTorontoMessage Received: 7 Steps to Break Down Communication Barriers at WorkDonohue LearningAbout the podcast:The Lead with Levity podcast is a show for leaders who care deeply about what makes/breaks the employee experience. Our guests are dynamic researchers, practitioners, consultants, and business leaders. We cover foundational elements that are needed to avoid forcing the fun. We also invite lively managers who lead with levity to show us how it's done. Thanks for joining us on this journey.If you want to improve levity at your workplace, consider completing a Levity Audit. It's a new employee feedback survey that will show you exactly what you need to do to create an environment that your employees won't want to leave.Support the showDid you have any lightbulb moments while listening? Share it with us on Instagram @leadwithlevity or visit our website leadwithlevity.com so we can talk about it! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit leadwithlevity.substack.com

Send us a textWe're in a space where we have to figure out what we can do to solve new problems. We can't solve them with old solutions. We have to find something new. We have to get creative.The goal here today is for us to try and find new ways to spark creativity, and our guest is Kathryn Haydon. Kathryn is an innovation consultant, and she's also the founder of Sparkitivity. We chat about how you (and your team) can unleash your potential, how to think about problems in new ways and help others to do the same.We covered a lot of ground including:Kathryn’s story and how she got interested in creativity?Kathryn’s definition of creativityHow Sparkitivity helps companies innovateCommon misconceptions about creativityThe biggest roadblocks to creativityAre children more creative than adults?What can stunt or shut down a person’s creativityThe key to unlock or grow creativityHow we can build a culture that supports thisAn exercise that you can try to help get the creative juices flowingIs creativity a skill? If so, how can we hone it?What to do if you think you aren't creativeA creativity tool: The Innovator Strengths WorkbookThe inertia of no and rejection therapyAbout Today's GuestKathryn Haydon, M.Sc., is a keynote speaker, innovation consultant, and the co-author of Creativity for Everybody. She loves books and uses them as catalysts to inspire innovative thinking for educators and business leaders alike. As a child, Kathryn typed library information cards for all of her books on an old typewriter and alphabetized them on her bookshelves.Learn more about KathrynWebsite: sparkitivity.comLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathryn-haydon/Book: The Non-Obvious Guide to Being More Creative No Matter Where You WorkSupport the showDid you have any lightbulb moments while listening? Share it with us on Instagram @leadwithlevity or visit our website leadwithlevity.com so we can talk about it! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit leadwithlevity.substack.com

Send us a textThis is Lead with Levity Snuggie Edition, and I'm your host, Dr. Heather Walker. If you spent the last few weeks in your underpants, then you're in good company. This episode is for you.Today we spotlight a CEO who leads with levity, Mr. Papa Bear himself, Matt Barnett. Matt runs an up-and- coming customer engagement platform called Bonjoro. They have an unconventional culture that includes full body bear suits and family friendly activities. In this interview, we discuss:Matt's philosophy on workHow Bonjoro got startedHow he gets professionals to wear bear suitsBonjoro's onboarding processRemote work in the land of BonjoroKey takeaways include:Leaders should actively participate in the fun with their teams to show them that it's okay to have fun.We need to treat people as whole people--they have lives and a whole world going on outside of the workplace.I love that Matt has a Chief Delight Officer to monitor and facilitate customer delight and employee engagement.Always be on the lookout for people who you'd like to employ even if you aren't hiring currently. Nurture your talent pipeline.Support the showDid you have any lightbulb moments while listening? Share it with us on Instagram @leadwithlevity or visit our website leadwithlevity.com so we can talk about it! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit leadwithlevity.substack.com

Send us a textLeaders have much to learn from functional family values. Today, we dive into how approaching the workplace as an extended family can enhance work relationships and the leader-follower connection.Today’s guest is “Dr. Dave” Schramm, an Assistant Professor and Family Life Extension Specialist at Utah State University in the department of Human Development and Family Studies. He appears monthly on Fox 13’s “The Place” and delivered multiple TedTalks, including “Family Fundamentals: The Secret Sauce to Booming Business. His reach extends internationally through his speaking engagements and interventions designed to promote happy and healthy relationships. He has a dedicated Facebook page (DrDaveUSU) where he shares research and tips on helping individuals, parents, and couples flourish. Dr. Dave also serves on the state of Utah’s Commission on Marriage.In this episode, we explore:What is a family life extension specialist? What do they do?What is family science? How does this relate to business?Recent TedTalk: What does it mean for an organization to adopt family values and family fundamentals?How Dr. Dave came to his conclusions after amazing analyzing Inc.com best workplace employee comments.What is family focused leadership? What are the 3 roles that a family-focused leader adopts?What is an employee flourish program and how does that compare to an employee assistance program?Who would you miss when you die? How can we make our workplaces special enough to make that list?Resources mentioned:www.drdavespeaks.comhttps://www.drdaveschramm.com/Family Fundamentals: The Secret Sauce to Booming Business | TEDxEustisDr. Dave Schramm's Happiness HacksFacebook TwitterSupport the showDid you have any lightbulb moments while listening? Share it with us on Instagram @leadwithlevity or visit our website leadwithlevity.com so we can talk about it! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit leadwithlevity.substack.com

Send us a textWe're constantly being bombarded with breaking news, fear, and sudden restrictions. Join me in this very interesting interview with Kimberly Friedmutter as we unpack the power of hypnosis as a tool for high performers to excel personally and professionally. Kimberly Friedmutter is a certified master hypnotherapist and life management expert. In this episode, we discuss:How your subconscious drivesThe difference between trance, mindfulness, and hypnosisThe movie "Get Out" and how hypnosis really worksHow we unwittingly create negative anchors and triggers with our text messagesWhat to expect during a hypnotherapy sessionHow to protect your inner 8-year oldWhy Kimberly only works with high performersHow to get back on track if you feel like you've lost control of your lifeTechniques to improve work relationships and show up as your best self when you face frustrations at workAbout Kimberly FriedmutterAs a popular hypnotherapist and life management expert, Kimberly Friedmutter is known for her knowledge on finding achievement and self-awareness from within while envisioning your ideal future. She has been motivating successful people to reach their true potentials for about a decade now, beginning her career prior to hypnotherapy as an actress and radio host. Drawing on her rigorous training in hypnosis and neurolinguistic programming (NLP), Kimberly shares the secret to navigating life’s hurdles and achieving your highest goals and deepest desires.Kimberly’s new book, Subconscious Power: Use Your Inner Mind to Create the Life You've Always Wanted has been acknowledged by many celebrities and has been covered by a number of notable publications as a hot new read. Kimberly has helped many successful individuals work towards practicing better habits that lead to a healthier, happier lifestyles and is open to speaking opportunities and interviews.WebsiteSubconscious Power: Use Your Inner Mind to Create the Life You've Always WantedFacebookSupport the showDid you have any lightbulb moments while listening? Share it with us on Instagram @leadwithlevity or visit our website leadwithlevity.com so we can talk about it! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit leadwithlevity.substack.com

Send us a textJoin me in this interview with Brynne Kennedy, author, business leader, and Congressional Candidate in the state of California. Brynne shares her experiences as the former head of Topia, a global talent mobility platform. We discuss the challenges of staying connected when the workforce is becoming more and more distributed. Brynne also shared her political platform and areas that she is passionate about. Unlike most episodes, I polled the audience beforehand. The majority of the questions come from you, the people!Support the showDid you have any lightbulb moments while listening? Share it with us on Instagram @leadwithlevity or visit our website leadwithlevity.com so we can talk about it! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit leadwithlevity.substack.com

Send us a textJoin me in this fantastic interview with Dr. Melanie Katzman. Dr. Katzman is a business psychologist, advisor, and consultant to the world·s top public and private companies, government agencies and nonprofits. She is the founder of Katzman Consulting, working with private companies, government agencies and nonprofits.In this episode, we discuss:⦁Common disconnects between people⦁How we can challenge our assumptions to connect on a deeper level with others⦁How to clear any negative energy before approaching someone else⦁How to transition from polite small talk to the real agenda⦁What can we do to maintain connection with remote workers or when working across timezones⦁What happens when you take a hard stance "I'm not here to make friends"⦁Dr. Katzman's take on shared office space and how it creates barriers for meaningful connections⦁Questions to ask to check-in during one-on-ones⦁What to do if you've been disconnected from others at workSupport the showDid you have any lightbulb moments while listening? Share it with us on Instagram @leadwithlevity or visit our website leadwithlevity.com so we can talk about it! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit leadwithlevity.substack.com

Send us a textWill having fun at work diminish my image as a leader? Great question! Let's discuss.Join me as I interview Harrison Monarth. Harrison is an executive coach to the executives, managers, and high performers among Fortune 500 companies. Harrison Monarth shares 20+ years of experiences as well as advice for anyone who wants to put their best foot forward at work, advance their careers, and get noticed for their executive presence. He also shares a free executive presence self-assessment that you can complete at www.executivepresenceindicator.com In this episode, we discuss:How Harrison became an executive coachWhat is executive presenceHow leaders can unwittingly harm their own credibilityHow aspiring leaders can hone their executive presenceHow to avoid becoming someone that people despise at work What executive presence looks like for women in leadershipRecommendations for young leaders - how to get respect at work despite your ageHarrison's thoughts on whether or not executives can keep their status if they endorse levityOne problem out there in the world that levity solvesConnect with Harrison MonarthLinkedIn | WebsiteExecutive Presence, Second Edition: The Art of Commanding Respect like a CEOFree Executive Presence Indicator Self-AssessmentAbout this EpisodeEpisode: 16Title: Executive Presence: Lessons from an Executive Coach to the Fortune 500Release Date: February 2, 2020Guest: Harrison MonarthConnect with Dr. Walker: Website | LinkedIn | FacebookSupport the showDid you have any lightbulb moments while listening? Share it with us on Instagram @leadwithlevity or visit our website leadwithlevity.com so we can talk about it! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit leadwithlevity.substack.com

Send us a textHow are your 2020 goals and New Year’s resolutions coming along? If you’re struggling with resolutions, perhaps it’s because you’re trying to resolve things that are meant to remain open-ended.If you resolved to relate differently to your team this year then this is the episode for you. I want to set you up for success this year with additional encouragement as well as tools to help you maintain your energy, reduce distractions, and get going on those goals!Join me as I interview Mayo Oshin-- a writer, researcher and entrepreneur, on a mission to uncover the art and science of building better habits.His work is regularly featured on several major media outlets, including Business Insider, Entrepreneur, Inc. Magazine, Quartz, Thrive Global and more.The home of his work is MayoOshin.Com, where he shares weekly well-researched ideas to his free newsletter, on how to build better habits, make better decisions and live a better life.In this episode we discuss:How your identity links to your habitsWhy your identity may be sabotaging your New Year’s resolutionsHow procrastination is like an addictionWays to overcome procrastinationAn exercise to use to uncover the reasons behind your behaviorsHow to eliminate distractions that keep you from being productiveHow to use mindfulness to overcome fear and stop running on autopilotSeveral major studies that will support your goals to change your behaviorHow to strategically plan your energy to be most productiveMayo Oshin Quotes"Too many of us are quick to put the laser focus on our disabilities instead of asking the question ‘given what I have, what can I do?’ That conflict right there is what prevents people from changing habits long term."“You’re not lazy….you’re afraid.”“Procrastination is like a drug in a way. It’s a way to cope with these negative emotions.”“The mistake me make often is that we just go into the office, go to work, and we just tackle whatever is in front of us...It’s like a war zone. ‘Whatever is thrown at me I’m gonna just deal with.’ Firefighting with no sort of strategy in terms of understanding of how your energy comes into play.”Connect with Mayo OshinLinkedIn | WebsiteThe Weekly Motivational Newsletter (a free newsletter)About this EpisodeEpisode: 15Title:Your Team Needs You! How to Overcome Procrastination and Get Things DoneRelease Date: January 20, 2020Guest: Mayo OshinConnect with Lead with Levity: Website | LinkedIn | Facebook Support the showDid you have any lightbulb moments while listening? Share it with us on Instagram @leadwithlevity or visit our website leadwithlevity.com so we can talk about it! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit leadwithlevity.substack.com

Send us a textJoin me as I interview Dr. Donna Hicks, a TEDxStormant speaker, author, researcher, and international expert on dignity and conflict resolution. We cover the 10 elements of dignity, how Dr. Hicks got interested in dignity research and how she applied it to international negotiations and conflict resolution. We also discuss the difference between dignity and respect, the most common violations of dignity in the workplace, and how to address dignity violations and confront a violator.About Donna Hicks, Ph.D.Dr. Donna Hicks has a long resume and history of working to help people understand the concept of dignity. Here’s a list of highlights:Dr. Hicks is the Deputy Director of the Program on International Conflict Analysis and Resolution (PICAR) at the Weatherhead Center for International Affairs at Harvard University.Israeli/Palestinian conflict - unofficial diplomatic effortsFounded and co-directed a ten-year project in Sri LankaConflicts in Northern Ireland and Colombia and conducted several US/Cuba dialoguesShe is the Vice President of Ara Pacis, an Italian non-governmental organization based in Rome. They are currently involved in a dignity restoration project in Syria and Libya.Dr. Hicks was a consultant to the British Broadcasting Company (BBC) where she co-facilitated encounters between victims and perpetrators of the Northern Irish conflict with Archbishop Desmond Tutu. The encounters were made into 3 television programs, Facing the Truth, which were aired throughout the United Kingdom and on BBC World.Taught courses in conflict resolution at Harvard, Clark, and Columbia UniversitiesConducts trainings and educational seminars in the US and abroad on the role dignity plays in healing and reconciling relationships in conflict as well as dignity leadership training.Clients include the World Bank, the United Nations, the US Navy, and governments worldwideDonna Hicks spoke at TEDxStormontIn this episode we discuss:The 10 elements of dignityHow Dr. Hicks got interested in dignity research and how she applied it to international negotiations and conflict resolutionThe difference between dignity and respectThe most common violations of dignity in the workplaceTips on how to address dignity violations and confront a violatorHow do we build a culture that supports this?Quotes“I made a promise to Archbishop Tutu that I would never ever again say that people can have their dignity stripped.”"If we don’t lovingly embrace our own dignity it’s harder to do it with others….we’re not only valuable and worthy, but we are invaluable. We’re priceless, and we’re irreplaceable."Timestamps [18:40] 10 Elements of Dignity:Being able to maintain one’s identity and have others accept itRecognition and praise for doing something praiseworthyAcknowledgement that something terrible happenedInclusion and sense of belongingSafety--physical and psychologicalFairnessAutonomy and independenceUnderstandingBenefit of the doubtAn apology if something bad happens"The brain doesn’t know the difference between a violation to your dignity and a physical wound.”[20:23] A conversation Dr. HiSupport the showDid you have any lightbulb moments while listening? Share it with us on Instagram @leadwithlevity or visit our website leadwithlevity.com so we can talk about it! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit leadwithlevity.substack.com

Send us a textJoin me as I interview Rob Moore, a UK real estate mogul. We discuss what it means to be a disruptive entrepreneur, his thoughts on company culture, and levity at work.Rob has held 3 world records for public speaking and authored 9 books including global best-seller Life Leverage. Rob founded and co-owns Progressive Property, the UK's largest property education business and own/manages over 750 properties with his partner. Through the Rob Moore Foundation, he provides an opportunity for underprivileged individuals, start-ups and small established businesses to gain valuable support, investment and mentorship from some of the best in the business. All his profits from his book Money go to the foundation.In this episode we discuss:Rob Moore's storyThomas Cook's recent mass layoffsHow he achieves success through community building and collaborationsHow to build a community that lasts as your business growsTop challenges that leaders faceWhy entrepreneurs struggle with managementThe mental shift that solopreneurs and entrepreneurs need to make to manage teamsThe magic size for a great company cultureThe values that Progressive Property holds to help them maintain levityHow to build a loyal teamQuotes[9:20] Top challenges for entrepreneurs who are scaling and his experiences as he scaled - "The difference between a leader and a manager is huge...once we put one layer of management in that really changed the culture."[8:35] "I believe in growth through communities and collaborations"[18:00] "When you're an entrepreneur and you hire people, in your mind, you think that people work for you. No one works for you ever. People work for themselves and you're paying them."[24:41] On a potential problem at home: "You want to know what's wrong with your staff so you can help them become more productive. If you assume that it's performance when actually it's illness at home or something in their personal life, then in a way they're getting penalized for that and you're not understanding why they're not productive. When you care to find out what's really going on in their life, 1) you get them more productive quick which is good for your business, and 2) you build loyalty.[29:29] "...love your art, love your mission, but be a liked individual."Get Connected to Rob Moore:Website: www.robmoore.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/robmooreprogressive/Twitter: https://twitter.com/robprogressiveInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/robmooreprogressiveLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/robmoore1979/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XwUx_z05pHIGet Connected with Dr. Walker Website: https://www.leadwithlevity.comEmail: [email protected] the showDid you have any lightbulb moments while listening? Share it with us on Instagram @leadwithlevity or visit our website leadwithlevity.com so we can talk about it! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit leadwithlevity.substack.com

Send us a textJoin me as I interview Dr. Joseph Michelli, Chief Experience Officer and Customer Service Expert**Stick around to learn how you can enter to win a trip to California to tour Airbnb headquarters and learn more about how they approach the customer experience (deadline to enter: December 16, 2019). ***Are you ready to transfer the excitement you have for your products and services to your customers? Tune in as we discuss the following:Inputs to a healthy customer experienceHow Zappos uses play to get employees to go the extra mile (and love it while they do)About Dr. Michelli and the Michelli ExperienceHow Airbnb disrupted the hotel industryA new breakfast strategy that Godiva is taking to delight its customersHow the convenience store industry is currently being disruptedAbout Dr. Joseph MichelliLearn more about the Michelli Experience (https://www.josephmichelli.com/)Connect with Dr. Michelli on Twitter | LinkedInResources Mentioned in this EpisodeLearn more about the Airbnb travel contestBook: The Airbnb Way: 5 Leadership Lessons for Igniting Growth through Loyalty, Community, and BelongingBook:The New Gold Standard: 5 Leadership Principles for Creating a Legendary Customer Experience Courtesy of the Ritz-Carlton Hotel CompanyBook: Driven to Delight: Delivering World-Class Customer Experience the Mercedes-Benz WayBook: The Starbucks Experience: 5 Principles for Turning Ordinary Into ExtraordinaryBook: The Zappos Experience: 5 Principles to Inspire, Engage, and WOWAbout this EpisodeEpisode: 12Title: Delight Customers the Airbnb Way + TRAVEL GIVEAWAYRelease Date: December 9, 2019Guest: Joseph Michelli, Ph.D.Connect with Lead with Levity: Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | InstagramSupport the showDid you have any lightbulb moments while listening? Share it with us on Instagram @leadwithlevity or visit our website leadwithlevity.com so we can talk about it! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit leadwithlevity.substack.com

Send us a textIs it possible to excel at work without being mentally and physically drained at the end of the day when we return to our family and friends? Listen in as we discuss short mindfulness practices that can both improve our productivity at work and energize us throughout the day.Today we will be joined by Women’s Mindful Empowerment Coach and Psychotherapist, Shonda Moralis. She reveals:The mental and physical benefits of mindfulness breaksHow to fit mindfulness breaks into your busy scheduleHow to bring mindfulness into the workplaceWhat's covered in this episode:Introduction to Shonda MoralisWhat is Mindfulness Empowerment?5-minute mindfulness breaks can help us become more productive and efficientMindfulness is an intentional, daily practiceShonda’s advice on building up the skill of mindfulnessHow to handle mind wandering off during meditationHow to bring mindfulness into the workplaceWhat to do when you feel like you can’t set aside 5 minutes to practice mindfulnessTools that can remind you to meditateShonda’s advice to moms who come home mentally and physically exhausted after workHow to sprinkle your day with mindfulness breaks Shonda talks about her book launch for “Breathe, Empower, Achieve: 5-Minute Mindfulness for Busy Women”Bonus: Heather on practicing mindfulness and helping others when they are stressed outQuotes--- On mindfulness empowerment“It’s this marriage between mindfulness – being able to calm ourselves and have insight and awareness – and empowerment i.e. allowing us to level up in our lives.”When we slow down just a notch, the pace of our day goes from feeling frantic and urgent to more calm and sustainable. We become more productive and more efficient. We’re not as stressed out so we can sustain our energy longer.We can’t control outside factors. But we can control our reaction to them.We can take a mindful break anytime, anywhere.The definition of mindfulness -- or the one I like to use -- is being aware of what’s happening in the moment with an attitude of kindness and curiosity and acceptance.-- On dealing with the mind wandering off during meditationOur mind will never stop wandering off. That’s what it’s designed to do. It’s about noticing when we wander off, where we wander off to, and then bringing our attention back.Get Connected with Shonda Moralis: http://shondamoralis.net/Resources Mentioned in the EpisodeBreathe, Mama, Breathe: 5-Minute Mindfulness for Busy Moms by Shonda MoralisSupport the showDid you have any lightbulb moments while listening? Share it with us on Instagram @leadwithlevity or visit our website leadwithlevity.com so we can talk about it! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit leadwithlevity.substack.com

Send us a textHave you ever really wanted to connect to someone but couldn’t get around the awkwardness? Join us as we discuss actionable tips on how you can approach that next conversation with a stranger at a networking event, your team, your supervisor, or family and friends.Today we will be joined by Founder of People Formula and social psychologist, Robin Dreeke!Former Head of the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit, Robin Dreeke shares his experiences recruiting foreign spies for the FBI and reveals:How to build rapport without coming off as creepy or suspiciousWhat to do when people have their guards upHis four pillars for making the entire conversation about the other personTIME STAMPS[04:20] Introduction to Robin Dreeke[05:19] How long was Robin Dreeke with the FBI?[05:35] What Robin Dreeke does as a behavioral analyst?[06:47] Robin Dreeke on recruiting foreign spies for the FBIWhat is the process of recruiting a foreign spy? [07:24]How do you get close to a foreign spy to recruit them? [09:30]Don’t the spies see you coming and have their guards up? [10:34]Two methodologies that intelligence services use - covert approach or the beacon approach [10:51][11:37] How do you build rapport in a way that doesn’t come off as creepy or suspicious?Robin’s three anchorsHave a healthy and professional relationship [12:22] Have open and honest communication and transparency [10:35]Be an available resource for the success of others without expectation of reciprocity [12:49]Four pillars to making the entire conversation about the other personSeek their thoughts and opinions [13:17]Talk in terms of their priorities [13:21]Validate who they are without judging them [13:28]Empower them with choices [13:40][18:16] Lessons Robin learnt when he was ranked last out of all the second lieutenants in the Marine CorpsHow to be a better leader — Make it about everyone else but yourself [18:23]The new car effect [19:14] [19:56] Robin’s advice on how to build rapport at a networking eventLook for someone who’s smiling [20:31]Seek their thought or opinion about a third-party reference [20:44] QUOTES--- On behavioral analysisBehavioral analysis throughout my entire career both inside and outside the FBI really came down to communication with people and leading.— On leadershipLeadership (at least one aspect of it) is moving towards a goal with either one or a group of people.— On recruiting foreign spies for the FBIMy job inside the FBI was to strategize how to recruit a foreign spy. And that requires a massive amount of behavioral analysis to come up with ways that strategize trust and strategize a strong, healthy relationship.It [recruiting foreign spies] is basically trying to recruit individualSupport the showDid you have any lightbulb moments while listening? Share it with us on Instagram @leadwithlevity or visit our website leadwithlevity.com so we can talk about it! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit leadwithlevity.substack.com

Send us a textCulture is such a hot topic right now. If someone told you that your culture needs a reboot where would you begin? How long does it take to change a culture?Tune in as we discuss practical ways to shift corporate culture. Today we will be joined by Founder and CEO of QuayFive, Kirsty Bashforth!Kirsty Bashforth is founder and CEO of QuayFive Ltd, and 20+ year veteran of British Petroleum (BP). Kirsty shares her experiences helping BP shift its culture after the Macondo well oil leak in 2010.A change management professional, Kirsty Bashforth reveals:key questions for any CEO who wants a shift in company culture;factors that determine how long a culture change takes; and,three practical tips on changing company culture.TIME STAMPS[02:54] Introduction to Kirsty Bashforth[04:23] The sort of companies Kirsty typically works with[05:15] How Kirsty rose through the ranks at BP and helped change the company culture[06:16] Kirsty’s first question to any CEO who says, “I need to change our culture. We have these values on the wall, and we’re not living up to them.”[09:31] How long does it typically take to shift company culture?Rule of thumb Kirsty uses -- For a proper shift, it takes three cycles of any process [11:16]Factors that affect how long it takes to shift company culture [12:17][12:37] Three practical tips for changing a cultureAlign your culture with your strategy. [12:55]Treat culture as an equal partner with strategy. [13:13]Think behavioural economics, not traditional project management. [13:49][16:10] You’ll never get everybody as engaged as you’d like. [17:17] Shifting big organisations depends on the operating model and ownership structure of the company.[18:14] Kirsty’s biggest challenge when trying to work with different organisations[20:26] Kirsty’s positive experiences with some leadership teams[22:51] Cultural diversity in the workplace -- Some of the richer conversations Kirsty’s had about culture were when there were more geographic cultures in the roomQUOTES--- On workplace cultureThe workplace culture is people’s habits, behaviours, perceptions, assumptions that all add up to “the way things are done around here”.A lot of it [workplace culture] comes from the individuals. It’s not as simple as telling one of us to behave differently or to have a different habit.--- On shifting company cultureThe starting point for many who haven’t thought about this topic much is, it’s either the wrong words are on the wall [they think] or it’s because they are struggling with “something about our culture doesn’t seem to help where we need to go as a company.We can start off by assuming the problem [with the company culture] is those people over there. But when I try to help leadership teams really work out, it actually often starts with us.I never start with “this is Support the showDid you have any lightbulb moments while listening? Share it with us on Instagram @leadwithlevity or visit our website leadwithlevity.com so we can talk about it! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit leadwithlevity.substack.com

Send us a text"Bringing truth and trust back to marketing"Today we will be joined by award-winning advertising professional and author, Ron Tite!CEO of Church+State, Ron Tite notes that content creators are competing for the consumer’s time, and so he focuses on bringing only good advertising/authentic content to consumers.IntroductionWelcome to the Lead with Levity podcast. My goal is to interview a diverse set of leaders who are interested in making a big impact on the employee experience and willing to share their perspectives on levity at work.Today we will be joined by award-winning advertising professional and author, Ron Tite!CEO of Church+State, Ron Tite notes that content creators are competing for the consumer’s time, and so he focuses on bringing only good advertising/authentic content to consumers.TIME STAMPS[03:31] About Church+State[05:15] Best techniques for internal marketing -- How to inspire employees to get on board[09:05] Building trust by being authentic i.e. being honest and imperfect[13:25] How corporate buzzwords can erode trust[16:09] Ron talks about the dark side of marketing[22:16] How can organizations compete for attention with a workforce that is used to having messaging that is targeted specifically for them?[27:08] Viewing employees from a marketing perspective | What makes a great brand?What do you firmly believe in? [27:43]What actions do you take to reinforce that belief? [29:45]The marketing message i.e. How do you then talk about it? [29:56]QUOTES--- On Church+State:“The phrase “the separation of church and state” is typically applied to the relationship between advertising and content. We believe that, now, any ad can be a piece of content if it’s good enough, and any piece of content can be an ad if it’s authentic enough.”“If you’re pumping out content for people to consume, you’re actually competing against Time Magazine. And so, as an individual, you should think the same way and apply the same process and standards to the work that you generate as Time Magazine does.”“It doesn’t matter whether you’re a brand, a media company, or a person, we’re all just competing for time.”---- On convincing employees to join you“New behaviours are what lead to growth.”“How do I motivate and inspire people to join me? That is based on what you think, what you do, and what you say. People need to know exactly what you believe in, they need to see that you follow that up with actions that reinforce that belief, and you need to talk about it in an honest and imperfect way.”---- On being honest and imperfect“There are two types of honesty. The first is the external honesty with your stakeholders --- You don’t lie to your customers and you don’t lie to your employees. The second one is more powerful, and that is being honest with yourself.”Support the showDid you have any lightbulb moments while listening? Share it with us on Instagram @leadwithlevity or visit our website leadwithlevity.com so we can talk about it! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit leadwithlevity.substack.com

Send us a textToday we will be graced by Austin’s beloved radio personality, author, motivational speaker, and business consultant extraordinaire -- Ms. Kimberly Holiday!Lead with Levity Podcast Show NotesEpisode: 7Release date: September 30, 2019Title: A bridge to JOY through restorative circlesGuest: Kimberly “Lady Joy” HolidayRadio Personality, Author, and Business Consultant (Austin, Texas)IntroductionWelcome to the Lead with Levity podcast. My goal is to interview a diverse set of leaders who are interested in making a big impact on the employee experience and willing to share their perspectives on levity at work.Today we will be graced by Austin’s beloved radio personality, author, motivational speaker, and business consultant extraordinaire -- Ms. Kimberly Holiday!Kimberly Holiday, otherwise known to most as LadyJoy, is the on air personality for KAZI 88.7 FM’s The Juice and Jam Morning Show, but she wears many hats.As the owner of The Mobile Nanny Staffing Agency, she’s able to fulfill her personal commitment to child and family advocacy.As a published author and motivational speaker, Ms. Holiday’s inspirational messages cross domestic and international boundaries.She has a heart to serve others by modeling the potential to live with joy regardless of life’s circumstances. Her smile is her logo and #Gotjoy is her brand!TIME STAMPS[04:13] The story behind the #GotJoy brand[05:44] How do you bring the concept of #GotJoy into the work you do? | Bonus: Why Kimberly's called Lady Joy[08:19] Lady Joy talks about healing circles[10:00] Is there a place for healing circles in the corporate setting?[12:48] When is the best time for an organization to do healing circles?[14:55] Kimberly talks about her experience with sexual molestation and her healing[16:24] Addressing emotional literacy through healing circles[16:58] Healing circles are a conduit to get you through a place of healing to a place of joy[17:43] Kimberly explains emotional literacy[19:27] The impact of emotional literacy on the workplace[21:32] Is there a link between joy and levity? | Kimberly talks about changeableness[22:55] How would you incorporate levity into what you do?[24:09] Have you done any of the [learning] circles with adults?[25:45] Kimberly talks about mental wellnessQUOTES--- On Levity"Levity involves quality interactions, and there's a certain level of realness that has to occur between people for them to get to that point." Heather Walker"Levity to me almost feels fluid, like liquid gold that can seep into every single nook, cranny and crevice, and it can reach places that humor and strategy and business meetings cannot reach.""When we talk about levity, we're not sayingSupport the showDid you have any lightbulb moments while listening? Share it with us on Instagram @leadwithlevity or visit our website leadwithlevity.com so we can talk about it! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit leadwithlevity.substack.com

Send us a text“What differentiates a successful leader from the rest?" Guest Dr. John Gillis, Jr.Episode: 6Title: Lessons from World Cup ChampionsRelease date: September 16, 2019Guest: John Gillis, Jr. Ed.D. (President and CEO of Leadership X in Austin, Texas)IntroductionWelcome to the Lead with Levity podcast. My goal is to help leaders build healthy work environments through advice, tools, and connection they get from this podcast. I’m excited about today’s guest--Dr. John Gillis Jr.He co-authored the best-seller Powerhouse: 13 Teamwork Tactics that Build Excellence and Unrivaled Success.He built a futuristic, yet surprisingly accurate personality-based business simulation for executive development program called the “Leadership Xperience.”He’s a Program Director for The Conference Board.He serves on the Board of Wonders and Worries, a mental health organization that provides support for children and teens when their parents get sick.And he’s built up credibility over the years through his consulting work at well known firms like Accenture, IBM, and First Order Consulting.What can I say? This guy is amazing.TIME STAMPS[00:56]Where John Gillis gets the time and energy to achieve it all[01:55]John Gillis describes his brand in a nutshell[03:36]When do companies need John the most?[05:54]John talks about how his typical process in helping organizations[08:27]What are the top issues that keep a team from sustaining success and growth?[11:52]What differentiates a successful leader from the rest?[13:35]What one needs to do to get to a point where they can successfully lead a team?[17:09]If you could give the Best in Class Lead with Levity Award today to a company, who would you name?[19:57]What’s on the horizon for John Gillis?[22:45]If levity could fix one problem out there in the world, what would it be? “If we could have levity with our governments in the United States and across the world, we could have collaborative, forward-thinking conversations to make the world a better place.”Contact John GillisYou can learn more about Dr. Gillis and the resources he mentioned by following these links:Website | LinkedIn | TwitterReceive the weekly Leadership XpressionsGet a copy of Powerhouse today! http://amzn.com/1626346380Email: [email protected]“To be effective at being a facilitator, a consultant, an MC, you need to have the diverse experiences.”“High-performing, successful companies continue to invest in their teamwork, their leadership, and their people.”“Every organization culture is different. You can’t pick an out-of-the-box solution.”“What differentiates a successful leader from the rest?Setting expectationsDeveloping each individual on the teamInspiring the team members.”Support the showDid you have any lightbulb moments while listening? Share it with us on Instagram @leadwithlevity or visit our website leadwithlevity.com so we can talk about it! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit leadwithlevity.substack.com

Send us a text“Creating an environment where levity is a big component of it, where people can be their more authentic selves, is going to increase the likelihood that you keep the people that you want to keep within your organization.” Guest Dr. Robert PattersonLead with Levity Podcast Show NotesIntroductionDr. Robert Patterson is a licensed psychologist and senior consultant at Collarelli, Meyer, and Associates, a midwest management consulting firm with a global reach. They’ve been in business since 1975 serving the Fortune 500, nonprofits, and even some family owned businesses. Dr. Patterson is passionate about building leadership capacity and supercharging high performing teams. He’s currently an external consultant, but he also has several years of experience working in a governmental setting supporting training and professional development for employees at the Department of Veteran Affairs. He’s a well traveled, cultured professional with an eye on factors that support business success.TIME STAMPS[11:35]Robert Patterson talks about his dissertation on personality-type factors and situational factors that might predict resistance to change[13:45]What kind of consulting Robert does at CMA[15:04]Do you ever work with smaller companies or startups?[16:39]Do small startups tend to mess up hiring because they are in rush mode?[21:47]Robert talks about the possible implications of the freelance workforce[25:05]What differentiates great leaders from the rest?[26:27] Agility in meeting your team’s and other stakeholder’s needs.[27:36] Vulnerability – understanding you don’t have the right answers all the time.[29:36] In terms of diversity, equity and inclusion, what are the trends and what do you wish people will do differently?[32:09]Inclusion is not just checking X number of boxes[38:20]From a diversity and inclusion standpoint, is there a place for levity in the workplace?[45:01]If levity could fix one problem in the world, what would it be?Contact Dr. Robert PattersonLinkedIn | Twitter | Website Resources Mentioned in the EpisodeProsci Change Management Certification ProgramCMA Consult website Quotes“If you look at organizations that function well, a big component of that is that there are people who want to be there.”“The employee comment box – having it there but not doing anything with it is almost worse than not having anything at all.”“A big part of our business is helping organizations identify the people that are going to be the right fit for both the role they’re looking for and the culture of the organization.”“What makes a great leader in organization A may or may not make for a great leader in organization B.”“In addition to the culture, you have to be comfortable adapting to the needs of the organization Support the showDid you have any lightbulb moments while listening? Share it with us on Instagram @leadwithlevity or visit our website leadwithlevity.com so we can talk about it! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit leadwithlevity.substack.com

Send us a textJennifer McDonnell specializes in organizational development and she brings an interesting perspective to the conversation through her work in retail, higher education, pharmaceuticals, and housing.Lead with Levity Podcast Show NotesEpisode: 5Title: Can I be HUMAN with YOU?Release date: September 16, 2019Guest: Jennifer McDonnell (Senior Organizational Development Specialist of Senior Living Services, Brentwood, Missouri)Jennifer McDonnell specializes in organizational development and she brings an interesting perspective to the conversation through her work in retail, higher education, pharmaceuticals, and housing.Jennifer currently supports Lutheran Senior Services, a large faith-based non-profit that is spread out across 21 locations in Missouri and Illinois. Lutheran Senior Services has provided housing and assisted living services in the community for 160 years!Time Stamps[01:44] Who is an organizational development specialist?[03:14] About Lutheran Senior Services[04:00] With Lutheran Senior Services being so spread out, how do you maintain an overarching culture?[07:40] What Lutheran Senior Services does to manage employee experience[11:04] Out of the different ways data is collected at Lutheran, what do you think pays off the most?[13:11] Taking care of your staff so they can take care of your clients[16:05] What is the biggest people factor that keeps you and your team up at night?[19:25] What attracts workers to Lutheran Senior Services?[23:07] Is levity good or bad for business?[24:43] Is there a place for levity at Lutheran Senior Services? If so, what would that look like, and what barriers would you have to overcome to get started?[26:53] What’s the best part of the culture at Lutheran Senior Services?[31:10] If levity could fix one problem out there in the world, what would it be?QUOTES· When I think about the development that we do with our leaders, I spend a lot of time talking about having those conversations that open up that leader-employee relationship, this piece of lightness like, “Oh, I can talk to you, and it’s not all about work production.”· Levity is good for business. When we bring all these people into the workplace with different experiences, levity says, “Oh I can still be human with you. I can still laugh with you.” It builds trust, and when you trust someone, it’s like, “I want to work for you. And I know you want the best for me.”· Sometimes as a leader, you have to give up a little bit of your vulnerability to allow people to feel safe to be human with you.· [on overcoming barriers to levity in the workplace] We would have to knock down some cultural barriers within the workplace to say, “Hey, figure out three things you want to share with your employees and be transparent about as a person.”· To take care of folks, to change diapers, to be at the beck and call of another human can be tSupport the showDid you have any lightbulb moments while listening? Share it with us on Instagram @leadwithlevity or visit our website leadwithlevity.com so we can talk about it! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit leadwithlevity.substack.com

Send us a textPsychological Associates specializes in selection, development and retention of top talent. They use assessments to raise self-awareness and to create a base for emotional intelligence as well as behavioral change at a level that permeates the organization. Guest: Dr. Patricia BagsbyLead with Levity Podcast Show NotesEpisode: 3Title: Excuse me, there’s something in your toothRelease date: September 16, 2019Guest: Patricia Bagsby, Ph.D. (Vice President of Organizational Consulting, Psychological Associates in St. Louis, Missouri)IntroductionWelcome to the Lead with Levity podcast. My goal is to interview a diverse set of leaders who are interested in making a big impact on the employee experience and willing to share their perspectives on levity at work.Dr. Bagsby is an organizational psychologist and top executive at Psychological Associates, a Saint Louis based consulting firm that’s been in business for 60 years. Psychological Associates specializes in selection, development and retention of top talent. They use assessments to raise self-awareness and to create a base for emotional intelligence as well as behavioral change at a level that permeates the organization. Dr. Bagsby doesn’t just lead this organization, she leads with excellence. She recently made Workforce Magazine’s 2019 list of Game Changers.Levity is about connection.Time Stamps[02:14]About Psychological Associates[02:39]Who is Psychological Associates’ target customer?[03:18]How do people reach out to Psychological Associates for assistance?[03:58]The leadership philosophy at Psychological Associates[04:51]Psychological Associates has seen it all – from the superstar leader to the complete trainwreck.[06:37]How do you walk someone through a hard trainwreck year?[08:15]Psych Associates’ assessments are about where you can get better[09:40]A leader who checks all the boxes and is really rocking it, what differentiates them from the rest?[10:29]The top interpersonal issues Psych Associates has noticed in leaders[14:07]Brief explanation of the Q4 Dimensional Model of Behavior[17:45]How closely related is the Q4 model to personality?[18:10]Shifting the focus from personality to behavior[20:50]Combining personality assessments with the Q4 model[22:21]Patricia Bagsby on working in a company where everything was serious all the time[24:21]Do you think levity is good for business?[25:15]Answer[26:07]If you could give the Best in Class Lead with Levity Award today to a company, who would you name?[29:10]If levity could fix 1 problem out there in the world, what would it be?“I see it as reducing the defensiveness so you can have that conversation – giving you a door into a dialogue that maybe never would have happened.”Quotes“Absolutely get the job done.”“Results are important, but relationships are equally important.”“If I’m making a tough decision or even an exciting, new direction, I think about it from both sides – what’s the result side of it and what’s the people side of it?”“You can see someone who’s a superstar have a trainwreck day or a trainwreck year.”“TherSupport the showDid you have any lightbulb moments while listening? Share it with us on Instagram @leadwithlevity or visit our website leadwithlevity.com so we can talk about it! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit leadwithlevity.substack.com

Send us a textManagers are often expected to drive the culture. Are they concerned that allowing a little levity might also mean that they have to "bring the fun"? If so, what impact might that have on their reputations? Is the responsibility on employees or management? Join me as I reflect on these questions, sharing personal stories about the Office Olympics and Team Star Wars.Support the showDid you have any lightbulb moments while listening? Share it with us on Instagram @leadwithlevity or visit our website leadwithlevity.com so we can talk about it! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit leadwithlevity.substack.com

Send us a textSome lead with hope. Others lead with fear. I lead with levity. If you want your employees to care as much about your business as you do, then you should care about levity too.Allow me to introduce myself, my research on this topic, and why I care so much about cultivating levity at work.TIME STAMPS[01:15] What is an organizational psychologist?[02:04] Why I started Lead with Levity podcast[03:30] How this all started[05:46] Employee engagement – What gets someone to the point of disengagement?[07:25] Digging into the concept of fun[09:23] What is levity?Levity is considered an uplifting and/or pleasurable dynamic between two or more individuals that lacks tension and anxiety.[13:47] Three components of levity- Buoyancy: an interaction that is organic in its origin and requires minimal effort.- Amusement: a pleasurable interaction that incorporates playful exchanges.- Edification: is an interaction that’s psychologically uplifting in that it celebrates achievements or corrects behavior in a manner that’s easily absorbed and appreciated by the recipient.Connect with Heather WalkerWebsite | LinkedInBooks Mentioned in the EpisodeThe Levity Effect: Why It Pays to Lighten Up by Adrian Gostick, Scott ChristopherSupport the showDid you have any lightbulb moments while listening? Share it with us on Instagram @leadwithlevity or visit our website leadwithlevity.com so we can talk about it! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit leadwithlevity.substack.com