Episode 23: From Handyman to Business Mentor, Inspired by Clean - Featuring Mark Prather

In this episode of the "Clean At Work" podcast, the hosts dive into an engaging conversation with Mark Prather, a local Orlando-based consultant with a unique approach to business. Mark shares his personal journey of transitioning from corporate life to pursuing an MBA in IT management while doing handyman work on the side. He talks about the concept of “corporate therapy,” a business model he’s developing that focuses on using clean language to guide business owners toward their own solutions, rather than dictating methods. Through this approach, Mark fosters deep self-reflection and problem-solving, helping his clients uncover what they truly need from their businesses.

Listeners will be intrigued by Mark's stories of using clean language in unexpected places, from job interviews to home repairs, where he encourages clients to look beyond the surface of their requests. His insights on agile transformation and the importance of incremental design in both business and handyman work provide a refreshing perspective on facilitation over direction. Whether you're interested in leadership, coaching, or just curious about how clean language can change the way you work, this episode is packed with practical wisdom and plenty of laughs.

Tune in to discover how Mark's philosophy can help you become more self-sufficient in both business and life!

Mark Prather is an experienced agile coach, who uses his varied background to guide teams and coach managers to making the best choices to solve challenges. 

John Barratt (https://www.agileaffinity.com/) is passionate about empowering individuals, teams, and organisations to reach their full potential. Utilising a blend of agile techniques infused with the agile mindset, he is dedicated to helping organisations streamline, self-organise, and adapt to today's dynamic business environment. John's approach is deeply influenced by the systemic modelling skills he acquired from Caitlin Walker, which he continuously refines through ongoing training. His work primarily focuses on guiding organisations through the process of descaling and fostering a culture of self-organisation. Learn more about John's work at Agile Affinity.

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnbarratt1/

Sarah Baca (http://www.nerdyknights.com/) is a coach, therapist, facilitator, and teacher who has a passion for using clean language to help others discover what makes them feel vibrantly alive. She has been working with organisations as an agile coach for over a decade, specialising in enterprise and leadership coaching. 

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

"Episode 22: Transforming Workplace Communication with Better Conversations – Featuring Chandima Dutton"

Description:

In this episode of "Clean At Work," hosts John Barrett and guest host Helen are joined by Chondima, a key figure at the Better Conversations Foundation, who is pioneering the use of clean language to revolutionize workplace communication. Discover how simple yet powerful tools can reduce misunderstandings, enhance productivity, and create a positive work environment.

Tune in to learn:

• How managing your state of mind impacts your conversations.

Whether you’re a leader, coach, or team member, this episode offers actionable insights that can transform the way you communicate at work.

Listen now and start improving your workplace conversations!

About the Speaker

Chandima Dutton is the CEO and co-founder of the Better Conversations Foundation, which strives to help people connect meaningfully for better relationships, decisions, and outcomes.

Drawing from a deep and varied background including strategic planning, technology, coaching, and management in both large and small organisations, Chandima brings a unique perspective on the power of meaningful conversations. She applies Clean Language in organisational settings, through leading the non-profit Foundation, as Head of People in a tech company and coaching senior leaders.

Prior to her work in the Foundation, Chandima gained many years of experience managing teams in a large, multinational energy company. She also provided consultancy to the energy, water and education sectors. Her STEM background includes Masters degrees in Innovation, Creativity and Leadership, and in Software Systems.

www.linkedin.com/in/chandimadutton

About the Hosts

John Barratt (https://www.agileaffinity.com/) is passionate about empowering individuals, teams, and organisations to reach their full potential. Utilising a blend of agile techniques infused with the agile mindset, he is dedicated to helping organisations streamline, self-organise, and adapt to today's dynamic business environment. John's approach is deeply influenced by the systemic modelling skills he acquired from Caitlin Walker, which he continuously refines through ongoing training. His work primarily focuses on guiding organisations through the process of descaling and fostering a culture of self-organisation. Learn more about John's work at Agile Affinity.

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnbarratt1/

Helen is an outgoing and driven coach and trainer who is passionate about working with Individuals, teams and organisations on their road to agility. Helen has working with many varied organisations and teams in many different industries and brings this vast wealth of experience and knowledge to her training and coaching.

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

Additional Links discussed in the session

www.betterconversations.foundation

For people interested in the course/talking to us (you can ask people to mention the Clean at Work podcast), they can email [email protected]

Signup link for the Open University Business Agility Conference on 25 September 2024 (OU track):

https://business-school.open.ac.uk/events/business-agility-conference-uk-2024-leading-through-complexity-0

Welcome to Episode 21 of Clean At Work!

Helen discusses the challenges and benefits of using Clean Language in various settings, including one-on-one coaching, group training sessions, and even in personal life with her stepdaughter. She emphasizes the importance of practice, perseverance, and creating a safe environment to master Clean Language techniques. Helen also highlights the value of using Clean Language to maintain curiosity, create psychological safety, and avoid judgment, especially in contexts like data analysis and team dynamics.

Towards the end of the episode, Helen shares advice for those new to Clean Language, encouraging them to embrace discomfort as a sign of learning and to seek support from the Clean community. She also mentions her interest in further exploring areas like Clean interviewing and running more coaching dojos. The episode wraps up with an invitation for listeners to connect with Helen on LinkedIn and to continue learning about Clean Language.

Helen is an outgoing and driven coach and trainer who is passionate about working with Individuals, teams and organisations on their road to agility. Helen has working with many varied organisations and teams in many different industries and brings this vast wealth of experience and knowledge to her training and coaching.

Linked in: https://www.linkedin.com/in/helenjmeek/

About the Hosts

John Barratt (https://www.agileaffinity.com/) is passionate about empowering individuals, teams, and organisations to reach their full potential. Utilising a blend of agile techniques infused with the agile mindset, he is dedicated to helping organisations streamline, self-organise, and adapt to today's dynamic business environment. John's approach is deeply influenced by the systemic modelling skills he acquired from Caitlin Walker, which he continuously refines through ongoing training. His work primarily focuses on guiding organisations through the process of descaling and fostering a culture of self-organisation. Learn more about John's work at Agile Affinity.

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnbarratt1/

Sarah Baca (http://www.nerdyknights.com/) is a coach, therapist, facilitator, and teacher who has a passion for using clean language to help others discover what makes them feel vibrantly alive. She has been working with organisations as an agile coach for over a decade, specialising in enterprise and leadership coaching. 

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

Welcome to Episode 20 of "Clean At Work"! This week, hosts Sarah Baca and John Barratt are thrilled to be joined by Pascal and Umar, two dynamic, agile coaches and clean language enthusiasts who are revolutionising how organisations communicate.

In this episode, Pascal and Uma explore their innovative approach to fostering better conversations within organisations. They share their journey with clean language and detail how it integrates seamlessly with methodologies like liberating structures and systemic modeling. Discover how clear communication, when paired with the right tools, can significantly reduce wasted time in meetings, build trust, and enhance team dynamics.

Tune in to learn:

• Practical applications of clean language in diverse organisational settings.

Whether you're a manager, team leader, or simply passionate about improving workplace communication, this episode is packed with valuable insights and actionable tips.

For more details and to explore our upcoming workshops, visit Better Conversations in Organisations.

Join us for this engaging conversation and start transforming the way your organisation communicates today!

About the Speakers

Umar is a systems thinker specialising in organisational development and change management, harnessing his passion for building relationships through meaningful conversations.

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

Pascal is a trainer and coach who focuses on communication and collaboration. He has a lifelong passion for personal development and growth and has assembled an extensive toolbox based on his own experience, which he brings to his facilitation and training sessions.

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

Website: https://artocraft.co.uk or https://artocraft.nl

About the Hosts

John Barratt (https://www.agileaffinity.com/) is passionate about empowering individuals, teams, and organisations to reach their full potential. Utilising a blend of agile techniques infused with the agile mindset, he is dedicated to helping organisations streamline, self-organise, and adapt to today's dynamic business environment. John's approach is deeply influenced by the systemic modelling skills he acquired from Caitlin Walker, which he continuously refines through ongoing training. His work primarily focuses on guiding organisations through the process of descaling and fostering a culture of self-organisation. Learn more about John's work at Agile Affinity.

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnbarratt1/

Sarah Baca (http://www.nerdyknights.com/) is a coach, therapist, facilitator, and teacher who has a passion for using clean language to help others discover what makes them feel vibrantly alive. She has been working with organisations as an agile coach for over a decade, specialising in enterprise and leadership coaching. 

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

Additional Links discussed in the session

Join our Community of Practice on LinkedIn for weekly posts on related matters. (https://www.linkedin.com/groups/13031207/)

Information on the Clean Language Event 2024 in the Netherlands can be found here: https://artocraft.co.uk/cle24/ (English) or https://artocraft.nl/cle24/ (Dutch)

All information on Sociocracy 3.0 can be found on their website, it's all licensed under a Creative Commons/Free Culture License. (https://sociocracy30.org/)

All the Liberating Structures are listed on https://www.liberatingstructures.com/ and are also licensed under Creative Commons.

Welcome to Episode 19 of "Clean At Work," where we are excited to host Andriy Pluzhnyk, an experienced agile coach known for integrating clean language into his practice. Andriy has been on an extensive journey, honing his skills through various courses and applying them effectively in his work. Currently, he is working towards his ICF PCC level certification, demonstrating a high level of coaching proficiency.

In this episode, Andriy shares his diverse applications of clean language in coaching, facilitation, and empathy interviews. He discusses how clean language helps him build relationships, understand client perspectives, and navigate complex situations without contaminating them with his biases. Andriy also explains his approach to introducing clean language, ensuring clients feel comfortable and informed.

Listeners will gain valuable insights into the practical use of clean language, building trust and empathy, and navigating communication in diverse settings. Andriy also addresses common criticisms of clean language and provides examples of how it has positively impacted his work.

Join us for this enlightening discussion with Andriy Pluzhnyk and discover how you can enhance your coaching and facilitation skills with clean language.

About the Speaker Andriy

Andriy Pluzhnyk - Professional Agile Coach, Flow Consultant & Trainer. Originally from Ukraine, I relocated to Stuttgart (Germany) with my family just before the war started. Holding a Ph.D. in Economics, I bring extensive experience in coaching, teaching, training, and consulting for various industries across the globe. My passion lies in empowering businesses to achieve breakthrough results, transforming teams into high-performing teams, and supporting leaders to become their best selves. With Exxeta AG for the past two and a half years, I've been supporting clients through transformations and building internal capabilities. 

About the Hosts

John Barratt (https://www.agileaffinity.com/) is passionate about empowering individuals, teams, and organisations to reach their full potential. Utilising a blend of agile techniques infused with the agile mindset, he is dedicated to helping organisations streamline, self-organise, and adapt to today's dynamic business environment. John's approach is deeply influenced by the systemic modelling skills he acquired from Caitlin Walker, which he continuously refines through ongoing training. His work primarily focuses on guiding organisations through the process of descaling and fostering a culture of self-organisation. Learn more about John's work at Agile Affinity.

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnbarratt1/

Sarah Baca (http://www.nerdyknights.com/) is a coach, therapist, facilitator, and teacher who has a passion for using clean language to help others discover what makes them feel vibrantly alive. She has been working with organisations as an agile coach for over a decade, specialising in enterprise and leadership coaching. 

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

For this episode, we're joined by Chris Hutchinson, CEO and Abundance Influencer of  Trebuchet Group. 

Since 2002, hundreds of organizations and executive leaders have trusted Chris Hutchinson and his company, Trebuchet Group, to help them achieve great accomplishments through creating great teams. Chris brings together real-world experience to support leaders who feel the weight of their company on their shoulders, and are frustrated by teams not achieving their potential. As an Air Force officer, Chris learned first-hand how leadership can make or break the effectiveness of teams and individuals. As a “recovering” mechanical engineer, he understands how systems need to serve the people who use them to be successful together, not the other way around. As author of Ripple: A Field Manual for Leadership that Works, Chris brings together field-tested practices for leaders to improve their personal impact and create long lasting results. Chris believes great leadership can be learned, and everyone plays a leadership role in some way.

Website: Trebuchet Group  www.trebuchetgroup.com

LinkedIn:  http://www.linkedin.com/in/rippleleader

Twitter: @rippleleader

Medium: https://medium.com/@RippleLeaderTG

Podcast: The Ripple Leader Podcast with Chris Hutchinson

Welcome to Episode 17 of "Clean at Work," where we are thrilled to host Jess Hunt, a conflict engagement coach for the Unitarian Universalist Association and a doctoral candidate in social transformation and community building. Jess brings a wealth of experience in facilitating conversations within diverse and neurodiverse communities, and they share their journey of integrating clean language into their work.

In this episode, Jess discusses how clean language helps in making implicit messages explicit, a crucial aspect when dealing with conflict in congregational settings. They explain the significance of cultural language and the challenges of navigating communication across different regions and backgrounds. Jess provides a glimpse into their approach to conflict resolution, emphasizing the importance of authenticity, intentionality, and explicit communication.

Listeners will learn how Jess applies clean language to rebuild trust and foster healing in communities that are inherently mistrustful due to historical and systemic traumas. They also share how clean language complements other methodologies like transformational community conferencing, offering a comprehensive toolkit for effective conflict engagement.

Join us for an enlightening conversation with Jess Hunt, and discover how clean language can be a powerful tool in navigating conflict, enhancing communication, and building stronger, more cohesive communities.

About the Speaker Jess Hunt

Jess Hunt (they, none) is a queer creator, researcher, thinker, puzzler, and parenter. As the head of their active, brilliant, goofy, autistic family, Jess ensures the survival of five humans through all the strife that is life in Central Florida (except of course when it gets too humid and the family flees to UU camps in cooler climes). Every time they lie in a hammock, they commune with the sacred.

Jess has earned a Masters in Library and Information Science with a concentration in Youth Services and Leadership and a Bachelor’s of Arts in Theatre with concentrations in art and religion. They are currently working on a Doctorate of Ministry concentrating on Community Change through Faith Formation. Their previous careers have included hospital based healthcare customer service and communication, reference librarian in academic, public, law, and school libraries, and a birth assistant and doula for a homebirth midwife.

As a liberative change agent, dedicated to holding space for the uncomfortable through empowering intentional, compassionate love that invites connection, inspires spiritual growth, leans into curiosity, and ignites action, they share a ministry of cooperative learning, inspiring others to be self liberated into a life of authenticity. Jess believes that one of the most important aspects of building community is reducing competition for individual greatness over others. We do fun things because they’re fun. Collective community fun can and should exist just because, without using hierarchy to justify its significance in our lives.

Email: [email protected]

About the Hosts

John Barratt (https://www.agileaffinity.com/) is passionate about empowering individuals, teams, and organisations to reach their full potential. Utilising a blend of agile techniques infused with the agile mindset, he is dedicated to helping organisations streamline, self-organise, and adapt to today's dynamic business environment. John's approach is deeply influenced by the systemic modelling skills he acquired from Caitlin Walker, which he continuously refines through ongoing training. His work primarily focuses on guiding organisations through the process of descaling and fostering a culture of self-organisation. Learn more about John's work at Agile Affinity.

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnbarratt1/

Sarah Baca (http://www.nerdyknights.com/) is a coach, therapist, facilitator, and teacher who has a passion for using clean language to help others discover what makes them feel vibrantly alive. She has been working with organisations as an agile coach for over a decade, specialising in enterprise and leadership coaching. 

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

"Episode 16: Transforming Leadership Through Language - A Conversation with David Marquet"

Description:

Welcome to Episode 16 of "Clean At Work," where we are honoured to host David Marquet, an esteemed figure in leadership and organizational transformation. David, a former submarine commander and the author of "Turn the Ship Around" and "Leadership Is Language," shares his profound insights on the impact of language in leadership and decision-making.

In this enlightening episode, David delves into the concepts of 'red work' and 'blue work' from his latest book, explaining how these frameworks can revolutionize leadership and organizational dynamics. He shares anecdotes from his time commanding the USS Santa Fe, illustrating how shifting language structures on the submarine led to remarkable outcomes.

David also touches on his accidental discovery of clean language during his research and how it aligns with his leadership philosophy. He emphasizes the importance of moving away from coercive language patterns and adopting a more inclusive and exploratory approach to communication.

Listeners will gain valuable perspectives on the subtle power of language in shaping decision-making processes and fostering a culture of collaboration and empowerment. David offers practical advice on avoiding binary questions, embracing probabilistic thinking, and fostering a safe environment for sharing ideas within an organization.

Join us for this captivating discussion with David Marquet and discover how you can implement nuanced language strategies to enhance leadership effectiveness and drive positive change in your organization.

About the Speaker David Marquet

 Student of leadership and organizational design, former nuclear submarine commander, and named one of the Top 100 Leadership Speakers by Inc. Magazine. David is the Author of the Amazon #1 Best Seller: Turn the Ship Around!, and The Turn the Ship Around Workbook.  David’s latest book, Leadership is Language, is a Wall Street Journal Bestseller and Financial Times Book of the Month selection.

David imagines a workplace where everyone engages and contributes their full intellectual capacity, a place where people are healthier and happier because they have more control over their work–a place where everyone is a leader.

links: Here’s the new playbook for leaders, Leadership is Language. [US]

https://bookshop.org/p/books/leadership-is-language-the-hidden-power-of-what-you-say-and-what-you-don-t-l-david-marquet/12084546?ean=9780735217539

A free asset for you and your team are our leadership nudges. Marquet simplifies the concepts and mechanisms from the books into 1-minute bite-sized pieces on our YouTube channel because the reminders help people. It's called "Leadership Nudges" and we invite you and your team to subscribe.

http://www.youtube.com/c/LeadershipNudges

About the Hosts

John Barratt (https://www.agileaffinity.com/) is passionate about empowering individuals, teams, and organisations to reach their full potential. Utilising a blend of agile techniques infused with the agile mindset, he is dedicated to helping organisations streamline, self-organise, and adapt to today's dynamic business environment. John's approach is deeply influenced by the systemic modelling skills he acquired from Caitlin Walker, which he continuously refines through ongoing training. His work primarily focuses on guiding organisations through the process of descaling and fostering a culture of self-organisation. Learn more about John's work at Agile Affinity.

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnbarratt1/

Sarah Baca (http://www.nerdyknights.com/) is a coach, therapist, facilitator, and teacher who has a passion for using clean language to help others discover what makes them feel vibrantly alive. She has been working with organisations as an agile coach for over a decade, specialising in enterprise and leadership coaching. 

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

Welcome to Episode 15 of "Clean at Work," where we dive into clean language's practical applications and transformative power in agile coaching with our esteemed guest, Claudia Orozco-Gomez. Claudia, an experienced agile coach with a rich background in facilitating organisational change, shares her journey and insights into how clean language has become an integral part of her coaching toolkit.

In this episode, Claudia discusses her clean language approach, emphasising its role in removing personal biases and fostering more inclusive and effective team communication. She highlights the importance of being "cleanish" in her work, adapting clean language techniques to fit the context and needs of the teams and organisations she works with.

Listeners will gain valuable insights into Claudia's development of facilitation tools inspired by clean language principles, particularly her use of the "Facilitation Fishing Circle." This tool aids in clarifying team discussions, ensuring that conversations remain focused and productive by systematically exploring related facts and options.

Claudia also shares her experiences with cultural and organisational biases, offering tips on recognising and addressing these biases to improve communication and decision-making across distributed teams. Her unique perspective as an American living in France adds depth to the discussion on navigating cultural differences within global organisations.

The conversation also covers Claudia's growth through clean language, revealing how it has helped her become more aware of her biases and the impact of her energy and presence in facilitation and coaching sessions.

This episode is a must-listen for agile coaches, facilitators, and anyone interested in enhancing their communication and coaching skills through the principles of clean language. Join us for an engaging discussion with Claudia Orasco Gomez and discover how clean language can support agile transformation and foster more effective teamwork and organisational change.

About the Speaker Claudia Orozco-Gomez

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

About the Hosts

John Barratt (https://www.agileaffinity.com/) is passionate about empowering individuals, teams, and organisations to reach their full potential. Utilising a blend of agile techniques infused with the agile mindset, he is dedicated to helping organisations streamline, self-organise, and adapt to today's dynamic business environment. John's approach is deeply influenced by the systemic modelling skills he acquired from Caitlin Walker, which he continuously refines through ongoing training. His work primarily focuses on guiding organisations through the process of descaling and fostering a culture of self-organisation. Learn more about John's work at Agile Affinity.

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnbarratt1/

Sarah Baca (http://www.nerdyknights.com/) is a coach, therapist, facilitator, and teacher who has a passion for using clean language to help others discover what makes them feel vibrantly alive. She has been working with organisations as an agile coach for over a decade, specialising in enterprise and leadership coaching. 

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

Welcome to Episode 14 of "Clean at Work," where we delve into the fusion of clean language with strategic thinking. Our esteemed guest this week is Mike Burrows, founder of AgendaShift, renowned for his innovative approach to integrating clean language into strategic conversations.

In this episode, Mike shares his insights on how clean language can revolutionize strategy-related discussions in technology organizations and beyond. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on outcomes before rushing to solutions, highlighting how this approach saves time and fosters more inclusive, effective conversations.

Mike walks us through his "ideal obstacles outcomes" principle, which aligns with systemic modelling techniques. This method encourages exploring the ideal scenario first, then addressing multiple obstacles, creating a more holistic view of the challenges and opportunities. Mike's approach underscores the value of rich, outcome-oriented conversations with diverse voices and perspectives.

The discussion also touches upon the practical application of clean language in Mike's facilitated work, including his famous "Fifteen-Minute FOTO" game. This game is a brilliant example of how clean language can be used in a structured yet flexible way to generate meaningful outcomes and strategies.

Mike's insights extend beyond mere technique, delving into the nuances of leadership, organizational discourse, and the transformational impact of clean language on workplace communication. He shares his experiences with coaching, the challenges of integrating new tools into established practices, and the importance of respecting the client's mental model.

As the conversation unfolds, Mike and our hosts explore the dynamic relationship between problems, obstacles, outcomes, and the broader context of strategic thinking. This episode offers a wealth of knowledge for anyone interested in enhancing their strategic conversations with clean language, from agile coaches to business leaders.

Join us for this enlightening discussion with Mike Burrows, where we uncover the synergies between clean language and strategic thought, providing listeners with actionable insights to implement in their workplaces.

The game discussed in the podcast can be found here: https://www.agendashift.com/resources/15-minute-foto

About the Speaker

Mike Burrows is the author of Agendashift: Outcome-oriented Change and continuous transformation (2nd edition March 2021), Right to Left: The digital leader's guide to Lean and Agile (2019, audiobook 2020), and the Lean-Agile classic Kanban from the Inside (2014). Mike is recognized for his pioneering work in Lean, Agile, and Kanban and for his advocacy for participatory and outcome-oriented approaches to change, transformation, and strategy. 

Prior to his consulting career, he was global development manager and Executive Director at a top tier investment bank, CTO for an energy risk management startup, and interim delivery manager for two of the UK government's digital 'exemplar' projects. Through Agendashift and the Agendashift Academy, his focus now is on wholehearted, deliberately adaptive organizations and the transformational leadership that enables them.

About the Hosts:

John Barratt (https://www.agileaffinity.com/) loves seeing individuals, teams, and organizations become the best they can be. He does this using a mixture of coaching approaches embedded with the agile mindset. John spends most of his time supporting organizations to descale and self-organize, relying heavily on the systemic modelling skills he learned through his ongoing training from Caitlin Walker.

Sarah Baca (http://www.nerdyknights.com/) is a coach, therapist, facilitator, and teacher who has a passion for using clean language to help others discover what makes them feel vibrantly alive. She has been working with organizations as an agile coach for over a decade, specializing in enterprise and leadership coaching.