As Told By Nomads

In today's episode of the As Told by Nomads Podcast, we are joined by the Director of Learning Programs and the students of Learnlife, a community of changemakers that are building an open ecosystem for a new lifelong learning paradigm alongside existing education systems. From the students themselves, we'll hear of the difference Learnlife is making in education compared to traditional schools and what that means to young and evolving learners. As you tune in, takeaway inspiration on how we can rethink teaching and learning from Learnlife in this episode!

School is not overrated, but... 

As the students of Learnlife share their thoughts on the traditional education system, we get the gist of what it feels like to be a student in this generation. It's generally strict and creates no freedom for creativity. Because of the pandemic, zoom schools and the lack of student support, instead of stimulating and encouraging learning, make it demoralizing for some learners to develop together with lessons. With the youth catching up on how lagging the education system is becoming in terms of innovation and developments in teaching—college is no longer a thing to look forward to for some students—a fact proven with the decline of college enrollments recorded in the recent months. As this happens, more of the question lies on what value teachers and colleges can offer to students and young professionals. For Devin Carberry, Learnlife's Director of Learning Programs, "We need to fundamentally rethink what value teachers have to offer. If it's just the transfer of information, that's dumb—there's Google! If you can google it, why teach it?"

Outline of the episode:

• [01:37]Learnlife – on making the most radical paradigm shift in education happen.
• [04:07]What do students find in Learnlife that sometimes lack in traditional schools?
• [09:58]Where students of Learnlife come from.
• [14:10]Barcelona: A soil for change and innovation.
• [18:08]Why would an 18-year-old choose to stay in Learnlife?
• [23:53]Opinion: the way traditional schools teach information sometimes makes it hard to visualize lessons in a practical setting.
• [30:35]Other parts of the world want what Learnlife is doing!
• [34:45]What do educators need to focus on to get the best out of learners?
• [38:34]Learnlife Mentors even outside of school.
• [40:48]Students of Learnlife – on the life outside of Learnlife.

Resources:

Website: https://learnlife.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/intent/follow?screen_name=wearelearnlife

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wearelearnlife

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wearelearnlife/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTQAIM9XndJdVTVQeDg4waQ?sub_confirmation=1

Connect with Tayo Rockson and the As Told By Nomads Podcast on:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tayorockson 

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TayoRockson 

Personal Website:

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In today's episode of the As Told by Nomads Podcast, join Elizabeth Grojean and I talk about her awakening to entrepreneurship, BalooLiving, and the many challenges of upcoming brands and of women in business. Before Elizabeth decided to go back to Bali with little left of her savings, she needed to ask herself the reason why she's stepping into, at that time, what felt like the 'unknown' of that stage of her life. Fast forward today, she considers BalooLiving and everything they do as her service and way to connect with other people. Tune in and find inspiration from how Elizabeth mustered the courage to begin a new phase of her life in this episode!

To live by your own terms

Despite having done so many things to reinvent herself and give herself a ton of professional experience, Elizabeth was still unfulfilled. But why? The question was not new to her. However, by going through uncomfortable changes in life, she finally decided she can only live on her own terms by starting her own business. Thus, BalooLiving. With her weighted blanket business, Elizabeth found a way to have something for herself that she genuinely believed in and can also serve as a way for her to connect with other people. To compare her as an entrepreneur to her previous self is to be looking at two very different versions. But with courage, she was able to reinvent herself again to a whole new level. The most challenging part for Elizabeth, aside from the business's operations and the systemic factors limiting women, was the self-limitations. Because of her own belief of what was expected from women—especially women in business— for a long time, Elizabeth held herself back from becoming her higher self.

Outline of the episode:

• [04:29]Elizabeth: On finding experience and going through uncomfortable change
• [08:32]Not having something to label yourself with can feel off
• [10:40]How did BalooLiving start?
• [15:30]A brand about service to others and to the self
• [18:29]How do weighted blankets work?
• [21:49]Elizabeth: On the importance of a sustainable business
• [25:17]The challenges of inventory, forecasting, cash flow, and supply chain to a new business
• [31:30]Women in entrepreneurship
• [35:36] Elizabeth is a customer of her own product!
• [37:53]To be a business that puts people and the planet first

Resources:

Website: https://balooliving.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elizabethmanette/

Connect with Tayo Rockson and the As Told By Nomads Podcast on:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tayorockson 

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TayoRockson 

Personal Website: https://tayorockson.com 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today's episode of the As Told by Nomads Podcast, join Silvy Khoucasian and me to discuss the different styles of attachment, the types of boundaries by Rokelle Lerner, and what she has to say about how to make intentional, genuine connections. Of course, not fully understanding what other people are going through sometimes is understandable. But for Silvy, what's essential at the very least is to learn how to validate the experiences of others even though we're unable to completely empathize. Tune in as Silvy shares more of her wisdom as a Relationship Coach in this episode!

How to make a connection on the first date?

Sparking connections with people involve elements that differ from person to person. Especially if it's a romantic relationship in a pandemic where the experience, for most people, is a new context. For a start, Silvy talks about boundaries. Boundaries, for her, need to be discussed before the first meet-up. It'd be awkward to talk about what works and what doesn't as the meet-up happens. That's why it's important to do it before, even if it sounds too serious to talk about at first. Boundaries exist to help both parties feel safe. When safety is established, a lot of things can take off better. It also gives clarity depending on what the intentions for dating are. Exploring is also one thing to remember when dating. Managing your expectations and allowing both to shine is a must to genuinely know each other. It's risk-taking, and it shouldn't always just be about you. For connection to happen, mutuality, reciprocity, and taking risks with vulnerability must take place. Both parties must actively take part in making these happen. If there's no active participation and you just leave things as is, many opportunities will be missed.

Outline of the episode:

• [04:42]Silvy: On the experience of immigration
• [07:58]What is it about relationships that are telling of our personalities?
• [12:11]Relationships may serve as mirrors
• [16:46]The Attachment Theory and the different attachment formations/styles
• [22:43]People find themselves in stories and in other people's experiences
• [24:38]Why do you need to set boundaries?
• [29:54]The pandemic is a new context to experience – on keeping boundaries
• [32:33]How do we intentionally spark a connection?
• [38:51]The back and forth thoughts when connecting with a different attachment style
• [41:51]Making a connection is an active process

Resources:

Website: http://www.silvykhoucasian.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/silvykhoucasian/?hl=en

Online Programs: http://www.silvykhoucasian.com/online-programs

Coaching: http://www.silvykhoucasian.com/coaching

Connect with Tayo Rockson and the As Told By Nomads Podcast on:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tayorockson 

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TayoRockson 

Personal Website: https://tayorockson.com 

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In today's episode of the As Told by Nomads Podcast, join Juanita Ingram and me to talk about the trailing spouse syndrome, Racism, the pandemic, and 'The Expats: International Ingrams' – the reality tv show that depicts their lives as an African-American family living abroad. Moving to London as a career move for his husband was a total mixed bag of feelings for Juanita as an attorney. From there, she began to unfold an array of realizations that she both struggled with and blossomed from. Tune in and find out how Juanita learned to redefine her life's new and changing seasons in this episode!

The Conception of The Show: The Expats: International Ingrams

Juanita is a self-confessed fan of reality shows. But no matter how much she is fond of them, she admits many things are lacking about the majority of the reality shows we see on TV. "…how we're being portrayed, in what's supposed to be reality shows, are impacting how the world sees us as black people," Juanita believes. In this episode, she recalls one gathering that motivated the show, The Expats. The show was born out of the importance of breaking stereotypes and showing positive black images internationally. The idea of a trailing spouse is also a theme that's heavily explored in the show, together with rejecting the common belief that life abroad is a long vacation. Ultimately, for Juanita, black people need to be seen in a different light. Because blacks are rarely seen as doctors, vice presidents, executives, and as families living internationally, Juanita took it upon her as a responsibility to showcase their reality as a black family. As of the moment, 'The Expats: International Ingrams Show' has garnered 78% five-star ratings from Amazon Prime viewers.

Outline of the episode:

• [04:01]Juanita: Has traveling and living internationally always been in mind?
• [09:03]A mixed bag of feelings – Juanita's career as an attorney and the experience of having to move abroad.
• [13:33]Juanita: On going through Trailing Spouse Syndrome.
• [17:37]Redefining what it means to be a 'trailing spouse' by understanding how wolves work in packs.
• [25:17]Racism is not new.
• [27:58]In many places, the pandemic is a political issue instead of being a people issue.
• [36:14]Reality shows, and shows in general, impact representation.
• [38:32]Why did 'The Expats: International Ingrams Show' have to be made?
• [44:21]For the show to be a franchise!
• [47:45]About her books and Juanita Ingram as an author.

Resources:

Website: https://www.iamjuanitaingram.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamjuanitaingram/?hl=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iamjuanitaingram/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtrxlM1oEKxmN1KTOFdPeSQ/videos

Books: https://www.iamjuanitaingram.com/copy-of-beauty-before-ashes

https://www.iamjuanitaingram.com/copy-of-peace-over-panic

https://www.iamjuanitaingram.com/ebook

The Show: https://purpose-streaming.com/

Connect with Tayo Rockson and the...

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In today's episode of the As Told by Nomads Podcast, join Erica Dhawan and me to talk about what digital body language is, what it means to be inclusive, and the tips for connecting better – digitally. Now that more work-from-home settings are in place communicating may be an obstacle for some. Without the personal experience of body language, understanding how to connect is a challenge. But for Erica, body language didn't disappear—it just evolved. Tune in with us and learn about how Erica sees body language in the digital setting in this episode!

The Digital Body Language You Already Have 

Unlike when communicating face-to-face, understanding how someone responds to you through a video call or through chat can be very challenging. Most of the time, you're only limited to judging texts and video calls. When work is concerned, this can be frustrating. But don't lose hope just yet! There are typical examples of digital body language that you're probably just overlooking. If you observe more, you can totally inform yourself on how to better your communication and connection with work and colleagues when work-from-home settings remain. For Erica, body language is not lost when working or communicating digitally. It's just in a different form. How someone structures their email, how fast or slow they answer calls, how they use punctuations, and the frequency of their emojis are all examples of how body language works in a digital situation. They all contribute to the experience and either add or deduct from how someone receives the delivery of the message. They may not be the same with talking face-to-face, but nevertheless, they tell you a thing or two about someone's manner of responding in a digital space.

Outline of the episode:

• [02:26]What is body language in digital form?
• [06:46]Digital body language has different styles!
• [08:57]We are all immigrants to the world of digital body language.
• [11:44]The practical tips to improve your digital body language.
• [17:03]Erica: On speaking about connection and collaboration in a law firm retreat – A memorable experience on pivoting.
• [21:02]Every part of communication is always under the spectrum.
• [24:06]Formality Confusion – A form of anxiety that provokes digital body language.
• [28:02]Gender differences in digital body language exist; What is Connectional Intelligence?
• [33:12]Understanding digital body language is an opportunity to be more inclusive and less biased; Tips for virtual job interviews.
• [37:26]Erica: On deciding not to go down the traditional path.

Resources:

Website: https://ericadhawan.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericadhawan/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ericadhawan

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ericadhawan_/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCo2UXHdLiuhxhS9vwpG_S2g

Book: https://www.amazon.com/Digital-Body-Language-Connection-Distance/dp/1250246520

Connect with Tayo Rockson and the As Told By Nomads Podcast on:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tayorockson 

Podcast:

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today's episode of the As Told by Nomads Podcast, join Aubrey Blanche and me as we talk about racialization, equitable leadership, living outside the binary, and more. As someone who opted out from being often white assumed, Aubrey uses her story to teach people about race and privilege. She also talks about the effects of tragedy olympics in this episode and how the game of 'who's pain is worse?' squanders the opportunity for anyone involved to champion empathy. For Aubrey, it's not saying that we shouldn't engage in critique, but we should do so on the grounds of compassion and not on violence and argument. Find out more about how you can live outside of the binary in this episode as you tune in to Aubrey Blanche!

Everyone Must Find Their Work & Do It!

For Aubrey, right now, there's so much work to do on our idea that the way we do things is the only way. She thinks that our work is such a function of the privileges we hold that we spend a lot of time actively arguing with each other about what the best way forward is. This type of energy isn't the type that fights the needed fight. Aubrey likes to go back to a quote by Audre Lorde that says: "each of us must find our work and do it." Critique and constantly questioning concepts and things in place should definitely live on. But for Aubrey, the motivation behind and the goal after it needs to be precise. If it's to critique for the sake of argument, then that's not it. She believes that critique must be done on the grounds of compassion for each other in a way that preserves the relationships we have. And that should come with respect. We need to critique, but we don't need to critique with violence against the people who are walking the path with us—because that's a distraction. That's what white supremacy culture wants us to do—fight each other so that we can't fight it. And that's the win they should never get.

Outline of the episode:

• [02:11]Promote representation, uniqueness, and other identities; lest we…
• [05:02]By being seen, I help others be seen. 
• [10:04]On going through a process of racialization.
• [17:39]An experiment that leads to a full-time position that tackled organizational biases.
• [22:09]The level of secondary trauma typical for leadership roles and roles where it's your job to care.
• [26:17]Tragedy Olympics is a problem!
• [30:05]The difference between a bullsh***er and a liar.
• [35:20] What is equitable leadership?
• [40:11]Allow your privilege to make an impact with the P.A.A. Model.
• [43:04]"Remember, somebody has to catch the football of our ideas and actions…."

Resources:

Website: https://aubreyblanche.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adblanche/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/adblanche/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adblanche/

Subscribe to the U.Y.D. Collective: https://tayorockson.podia.com/uydcollective

Stephen Colbert and Anderson Cooper's beautiful conversation about grief:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YB46h1koicQ

Connect with Tayo Rockson and the As Told By Nomads Podcast on:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tayorockson 

Podcast:

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today's episode of the As Told by Nomads Podcast, join Michael Roderick and me to discuss the frameworks to developing a referable brand and the approach to relationship building. Often, when people network, all they do is scatter shock. Instead, Michael explains why intention and an effort to spark curiosity are vital when building your connections. Michael also discusses how information can be carried more quickly when it's simple and has an emotional impact in the face of academia that rewards complexity. As someone big on patterns, for Michael, frameworks can be found even in reflection and self-awareness. Find out more about how you can be referable in this episode as you tune in to Michael Roderick!

The T.C.M. Index 

When it comes to teaching, most of the time, nothing is being taught within the space of relationship building. If there is, it's always nothing profound. But for Michael, relationship building is an essential topic to factor in if one wants to be an efficient connector. Following that, Michael came up with the T.C.M. Index. The T.C.M. Index is an acronym that stands for Time, Connections, and Money that most individuals don't have in them in one complete package. Michael also found that there are always surplus and deficits present in these resources. And to establish an effective connection, relationship, or partnership—leveraging the differences of these resources is key. The answer to solving any deficit is in the other two things. If you lack time but have the money to invest, someone skilled and available can be a potential partner for your goal. If you're an expert working on a startup, linking up with someone who has connections will make pulling in investors a lot easier for you. Basically, the T.C.M. Index gives the framework to what Michael believes: "the keys to all the doors we need to open are in other people's pockets."

Outline of the episode:

• [04:11]On teaching and the love for theater.
• [07:25]Developing your craft and building your network can exist outside of school.
• [12:47] You need to be intentional about the relationships you're building.
• [17:27]Are you creating interest, curiosity, or intrigue?
• [21:59]On the effects of emotional appeal and simplicity.
• [28:33]Most relationships are built because you listen, not because you talk.
• [32:44]What we can learn from comedians about market research.
• [39:58]End your day by asking your G.I.F.T.
• [45:47] The core behind Small Pond Podcast and Access to Anyone Podcast.
• [48:23]Reversing the reality on how more subpar ideas get extraordinary marketing.

Resources:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-roderick-1161571/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MichaelRoderick

Consult with Small Pond: http://www.smallpondenterprises.com/

Check out Access to Anyone Podcast: https://www.accesstoanyonepodcast.com/

Subscribe to the U.Y.D. Collective: https://tayorockson.podia.com/uydcollective

Connect with Tayo Rockson and the As Told By Nomads Podcast on:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tayorockson 

Podcast:

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today’s episode of the As Told by Nomads Podcast, join me and my guest, Jordan Gross, as we talk about the four distinct mindsets during uncertainties and how behaviors help people cultivate opportunities by navigating change. Jordan shares how development is better taught through parables and fables as someone who leverages the relatability of creative storytelling. From there, he also speaks on his new book “What Happens in Tomorrow World?” and its arcade-like approach to representing the future and life’s uncertainties. There’s a lot to take notes from in this episode, so make sure to tune in to Jordan.

Personal Development Through Story Telling 

Instead of a prescriptive approach, Jordan uses a different manner to teaching development through storytelling. He shares that fun and adventure are a must in his life. Which is the reason why stories with zig-zaggy and non-linear flows always resonate with Jordan. For him, this particular nature of parables and fables, if used creatively, can also be a potent tool for teaching lessons and morals, as proven precisely in his latest book. With the emotional appeal of stories that draw people in, readers find it easier to pay attention to details and find themselves in the levels of every character. Storytelling can teach lessons by leaving people with the opportunity to make their own decisions and assessment after the story. Jordan sees this differently from the ‘do this do that’ type of teaching that often lacks relatability. Because stories take a more creative and stimulating approach to connecting with the reader’s mind, people are then allowed to learn different messages from stories using their own imaginations without losing their autonomy.

Outline of the episode:

• [04:03]On embracing the uncertainties of life.
• [07:00]The 4 Common Mindsets That Arise During Uncertainties.
• [11:01]Personal development through creative storytelling.
• [12:45]Over-optimism can exist too; Is optimism always the answer?
• [15:05]Toxic positivity and genuine positivity.  
• [16:55]How can you turn your passion into sustainable business opportunities?
• [22:59] “Opportunity precedes passion.”
• [26:51]Is there a correlation between solitude and opportunity?
• [28:52]What is Tomorrow World?
• [31:51]Have something you can call “yours only” that can make a difference.

Resources:

Website: https://jordan-gross.com/

Grab your copy of Tomorrow World now: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/195066595X

Also, check out The Journey to Cloud Nine: https://www.amazon.com/Journey-Cloud-Nine-Confront-Redefine-ebook/dp/B0815S6DY3

Jordan’s Book Inspiration: https://www.amazon.com/Moved-Cheese-Spencer-Johnson-M-D/dp/0743582853

Subscribe to the UYD Collective: https://tayorockson.podia.com/uydcollective

Connect with Tayo Rockson and the As Told By Nomads Podcast on:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tayorockson 

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast

Twitter:

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today's episode of the As Told by Nomads Podcast, join Dawn Dickson-Akpoghene and me to talk about the experience of founding multiple businesses and her company, Popcom's technology that helps retailers skyrocket their businesses' product-market fit through brand intelligence. Growing up under business-oriented parents, she found it funny how entrepreneurship was never brought up or taught. And because the school system only teaches kids how to be workers, Dawn learned the hard way to rightly pave her path as an entrepreneur. Tune in and find out what else Dawn has to share about their technology of tomorrow in this episode!

Going For It Anyway 

Before accumulating 20 years in entrepreneurship, Dawn had to start by learning her way in. Even though she was a daughter to parents who were into business. "It wasn't a word we talk about," she even said. Growing up in her family, they were taught to only focus on getting into college, finding a corporate job, and retire from that job. For Dawn, it wasn't encouraging at all. In a school system where kids are generally taught the knowledge and skills on how to be workers and not CEOs, Dawn grew this innate solid feeling of wanting to be freer and be more of her own. She wants to call the shots. Eventually, Dawn did just that. In 2001, she founded Urban Star—an online entertainment social platform before social media was even a thing back in the early days. Urban Star focused on listing events, restaurants, concerts, and everything hot and current in central Ohio. They were recognized for featuring local artists and music on their site and did really well by making money from email marketing and hosting online ads. If we think of it, Dawn was a real starter. By the time this episode comes out, she is already the founder of her 5th brand.

Outline of the episode:

• [03:50]"Entrepreneurship wasn't a word we talk about..."
• [05:02]Businesses built on experience and the need to solve personal problems.
• [08:16]What a business, from 20 years ago, teaches you.
• [10:34]What Popcom does for businesses and the people.
• [12:48]How did the pandemic affect Popcom?
• [18:09]On extending Popcom's mission to international markets.
• [20:06] What is brand intelligence?
• [21:46] Basically, anyone can invest in Popcom!
• [25:27]On building a community of investors that network and invest in each other.
• [28:35]"No one else's success is going to affect mine."

Resources:

Website: https://www.popcom.shop/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawndickson/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/THEDawnDickson/

Popcom’s Crowdfunding: https://www.startengine.com/popcom

Subscribe to the UYD Collective: https://tayorockson.podia.com/uydcollective

Connect with Tayo Rockson and the As Told By Nomads Podcast on:

Linkedin:

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In today’s episode of the As Told by Nomads Podcast, join me and my guest, Scott Shute, as we talk about what happiness and compassion are, the redefinition of success, and the importance of mindfulness in gaining insight into the body and mind. For Scott, compassion has proven to go a long way not only for people – but also for corporate structures. Just as much as he believes that success grows not only within matters of work and career, he believes that a successful company not only heed its shareholders but its stakeholders as well. As LinkedIn’s Head of Mindfulness and Compassion, allow your mind to open as Scott breaks down how compassion is an awareness of others, having the mindset of wishing the best for them, the courage to take action, and many more.

Next Lesson: Happiness

In this episode, Scott explains to the listeners how happiness isn’t always all about what happens, as opposed to what others believe. Happiness is in the reaction – for Scott. Let’s take, for example, good and bad days. If you keep close notice, there are days where you wake up, and you absolutely just feel like a winner. That no matter what goes on, you’ll face it all. And then there are days wherein you feel heavy, and down that, you can’t even get out of bed so much so that it confuses you. For Scott, the difference goes back to what happens inside your head. In a striking statement, Scott speaks: “happiness is an inside job!” Often, we are all aware of what that happiness means to us. Imagine how at times, through conversations, our bodies naturally react to what we talk about. When we talk about something that makes us nervous, our bodies tense, jitters, and grows cold. While if we talk about topics that we are passionate about, the body fills with energy, we talk faster, and the ideas come rushing naturally. Using this example tells of a strong message that Scott agrees with. Our body knows what can make it happy. And by learning that, meditating on that, and shaping your life into more of those things that make you feel good –you gain more view into what happiness truly means to you.

Outline of the episode:

[03:20]What does it mean to change your world from the inside out?

[05:13] Four parts to learning optimism and happiness.

[08:12] On finding contentment despite suppression and hurt.

[12:22]How can we discover what is important to us?

[15:56]A successful company is…

[20:45]Where does genuine compassion start?

[24:55] Compassion as a strategic advantage.

[29:26]Success can also happen outside of work.

[33:06]The journey of becoming LinkedIn’s Head of Mindfulness and Compassion.

[36:01]Find the environment that cultivates you fully! 

Resources: