Compassionate Accountability Podcast

Dr. Nathan Regier welcomes Meredith Bell to today's episode, she is known as the Heart-Centered Connector. Meredith has the gift of connecting people and teaching others how to lead. She is the Co-founder and President of Performance Support Systems, a company that publishes books and software tools that help companies build strong leaders and teams. Meredith is the host of the popular Grow Strong Leaders Podcast and is the author of two books along with her partner Dennis Coates: Connect with Your Team: Mastering the Top 10 Communication Skills and Peer Coaching Made Simple: How to Do the 6 Things that Matter Most When Helping Someone Improve a Skill.

Key Takeaways:

[1:56] Meredith shares about herself at the moment when the podcast was recorded.

[3:05] How did Meredith start what she is doing today?

[5:55] Meredith talks about sustained behavior change.

[9:12] What are some keys to success if we are trying to build culture change based on new behaviors?

[11:24] Meredith explains why it is helpful for leaders to show vulnerability.

[13:59] What are some specific behaviors leaders can do to help support real behavior change?

[16:40] Meredith explains how working with our people drives engagement.

[19:37] How conflict works with leaders? Leaders should apply curiosity and creativity when facing conflict.

[22:07] Meredith talks about some of the ten communication skills stated in her book: Listening and Expressing Appreciation.

[26:48] Meredith speaks about Accepting Feedback Graciously.

[31:05] A leader needs to know how to ask good questions (even when afraid of the answers that may follow).

[32:56] Meredith talks about the emerging trends she has on her heart: We need to show more compassion to others.

[35:57] Nate gives his three key takeaways from an amazing conversation with Meredith Bell.

Mentioned in this episode:

The Compassion Mindset

Grow Strong Leaders

Connect with Meredith Bell on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter

Click to Read Full Transcript

Tweetables:

"Developing cultures based on new behaviors is a massive challenge." #oncompassion

"People need to be willing to be open and vulnerable about their own struggles when trying to build culture change based on new behaviors." #oncompassion

"Ask yourself: What is one thing that I can do that will make working with me a better experience for others?" #oncompassion

"Conflict is a natural part of working with someone else." #oncompassion

Dr. Nathan Regier welcomes you to another episode of On Compassion. He is accompanied by Garry Ridge to today's episode, Garry is chairman and CEO of WD-40 Company. Garry joined WD-40 Company in 1987 and has held various management positions in the company, including executive vice president and chief operating officer, and vice president of international. He has worked directly with WD-40 Company in over 50 countries. In 1997, he was appointed president and chief executive officer of WD-40 Company. He has worked directly with WD-40 Company in over 70 countries. As chairman and CEO of WD-40 Company, Garry Ridge is responsible for developing and implementing high-level strategies, all operations, and the oversight of all relationships and partnerships for the company. Garry is passionate about learning and empowering the organizational culture he has helped establish at WD-40 Company. His vision and leadership have positively impacted the WD-40 Company in both measurable and immeasurable ways.

Today, Garry shares the principles of his newest book The Unexpected Learning Moment: Lessons in Leading a Thriving Culture Through Lockdown 2020.

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Key Takeaways:

[3:43] Garry talks about the beginnings of his career at WD-40.

[6:30] Garry shares his motivation to write his newest book.

[7:39] What did Garry want to accomplish with his book?

[8:30] What are the differences between a team and a tribe?

[10:02] Garry explains why they have coaches and not managers.

[10:27] Garry speaks about the fours pillars of a fearless tribe: Care, candor, accountability, responsibility.

[12:22] How are accountability and responsibility different?

[13:19] Is Garry considering that there is any responsibility over thoughts and feelings?

[14:27] Garry gives a real-life example of how caring comes into play in WD-40 company.

[16:53] How do people in WD-40 learn how to act both with candor and care?

[18:16] Garry talks about the relationship between HR and the organization.

[19:55] Garry talks about the power of gratitude.

[21:06] What is Garry most grateful for right now?

[22:19] Why is culture a competitive advantage?

[24:36] Garry shares a significant leadership lesson learned.

[25:51] Does vulnerability include the willingness and safety to admit not only that you don't know but also how that uncertainty makes you feel?

[28:29] Sympathy and empathy are not the same, Garry explains the difference between them.

[28:09] Garry shares what is currently motivating him.

[31:48] Nate shares the three top key takeaways of an amazing conversation with Garry Ridge.

Mentioned in this episode:

The Compassion Mindset

Connect with Garry Ridge on LinkedIn

Thelearningmoment.net

Click to Read Full Transcript

Are you a leader or change maker inside of your business, organization, or corporation?

Are you looking for new, innovative ways to boost morale and innovation?

Are you ready for some fresh strategies to engage your team and get that spark back?

We'll, I've got a treat for you. My guest on this episode is Erin Diehl, founder of Improve-it, a company dedicated to helping develop teams and leaders through play, improv, and experiential learning.

Erin describes herself as a Business Improv Edutainer, Failfluencer, and Professional Zoom-bie. She's a graduate of Clemson University, a former experiential marketing and recruiting professional, as well as a veteran improviser from the top improvisational training programs in Chicago including The Second City, i.O. Theater, and The Annoyance Theatre.

Erin's company has helped everyone from Fortune 500 companies to small mom and pop shops, transform their business, their leadership, and their people - through play. Their clients include United Airlines, PepsiCo, Adobe, Deloitte, Pfizer, Motorola Solutions, Walgreens, and many others.

Their work with The Obama Foundation earned them the 2014 Chicago RedEye Big Idea Award, in addition to a Chicago Innovation Award nomination every year since 2015.

Erin is an accomplished keynote speaker, member of The Chicago Innovation Awards Women's Cohort, and graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Program.

I'm delighted Erin agreed to come on my podcast to share her insights and a few practical strategies any leader can use to bring more compassion and energy into our workplaces.

Erin, welcome to OnCompassion!

Dr. Nathan Regier welcomes a very unique guest who shares the passion of bringing more compassion to work but not in the way you might expect. Dr. Tahira Reid Smith is an associate professor from Mechanical Engineering at Purdue University. After Tahira observed the discomfort, loss of dignity, and anxiety that so many patients experience while interacting with medical devices, her heart was stirred to do something about it.

Tahira's compassion for users of medical products and services has been a guiding force in her work as a design engineer and she is sharing in today's episode her passion and vision to improve human lives.

Key Takeaways:

[2:13] Tahira shares her personal and professional journey.

[6:13] Tahira talks about an invention she made in 3rd grade.

[10:36] What is it about Tahira's approach that is unique in her field?

[16:50] Tahira is unique in many aspects, how do these unique traits shaped the work that she does?

[17:40] Tahira shares a personal experience that she believes was the foundation of her compassionate spirit.

[20:05] Tahira talks about generational differences in her family.

[20:15] Drama vs compassion.

[22:33] Tahira talks about her view on Compassionate Design and what motivated her to follow this direction.

[26:16] Three key areas a product must meet: To promote dignity, to remove anxiety, and to provide a sense of empowerment.

[28:02] How is Compassionate Design different from other human-centered approaches?

[31:33] Tahira shares examples of compassionate design.

[33:20] Tahira talks about the projects she is working on at the moment.

[36:05] What can we all be doing differently to change the world for the better?

[39:09] Nate shares his three takeaways from a magical conversation with Tahira Reid

Mentioned in this episode:

The Compassion Mindset

Learn more about Reid Lab

Tweetables:

"How can we encouraged people to bring their whole selves to work in order to answer the questions that we have?." #oncompassion #compassiondesign

"Every product should meet three criteria: To promote dignity, to remove anxiety, and to provide a sense of empowerment." #oncompassion #compassiondesign

"First, let's make sure everybody is ok, then let's talk about the next paper or next accomplishment." #oncompassion #compassiondesign

"Engineers should be trained to be creative thinkers and problem solvers involved in societal matters." #oncompassion #compassiondesign

Dr. Nathan Regier is honored to have David Katz as a guest, who has been named one of the world's most compassionate entrepreneurs by Salt Magazine. David is the founder and CEO of Plastic Bank, an internationally recognized solution to ocean plastic, which is a global network of micro recycling markets that empowers the poor to transcend poverty by cleaning the environment. The Plastic Bank is an ecosystem that provides an opportunity for the world to collect and trade plastic waste as a currency. David is the recipient of the United Nations Lighthouse award for Planetary Health, recipient of the Paris Climate Conference Sustaining community award, recipient of the Earnst and Young Lifetime Achievement Award. He is the Past President of the Vancouver Chapter of the Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO) and named the Entrepreneur Organizations Global Citizen.

In today's episode, David shares how transformative it has been for him to create and work for The Plastic Bank. He also details what makes a compassionate leader focusing on the power of living in the present moment with awareness and consciousness, and that boldness is required too, despite the fear of failure, changing the world in a profound way.

Key Takeaways:

[2:19] David talks about the influences that brought him where he is today.

[6:40] Whatever is hard for you, is there for you.

[8:16] How did Plastic Bank come to be?

[11:03] The problem is not the plastic, it's the way we view it.

[11:11] How is Plastic Bank changing the way we view plastic?

[12:44] David shares examples in which The Plastic Bank has changed people's lives.

[14:46] David talks about how he was transformed as a result of helping others.

[17:37] David speaks about The Plastic Bank's partnerships and where the plastic goes.

[19:47] All the plastic that has ever been produced is almost all still on the planet.

[21:01] How is being a compassionate entrepreneur different from being any other entrepreneur?

[23:10] Being conscious, awake, and present is all that matters, anything else outside of right now is just an ego construct.

[25:35] What are the thriving organizations going to be like in the future?

[26:51] David talks about other organizations' great work in making the world a better place.

[28:57] David shares some actionable steps to start moving towards changing people's lives on this planet.

[31:16] David shares about the organizations that have the same focus as The Plastic Bank.

[32:45] What is something David is struggling with right now?

[34:40] Be bold enough to create a profound shift in society.

[36:17] Nate shares his key takeaways from an eye-opening conversation with David Katz.

Mentioned in this episode:

The Compassion Mindset

Learn more about David Katz

Plastic Bank

Follow David Katz on Twitter

Tweetables:

"The perfect is the enemy of the good enough." #oncompassion

"Whatever is difficult for you, is there for you to get stronger and capable of overcoming that challenge." #oncompassion

"You can't donate to end poverty." #oncompassion

"Make solutions simpler so that more people can do them." #oncompassion

"You have an immense amount of power being who you are and what you have." #oncompassion

Dr. Nathan Regier welcomes Gloria Cotton to today's episode. She believes that anything is possible when people feel welcomed, valued, respected, heard, understood, and supported. Gloria is a seasoned human development professional with over 20 years of experience assisting organizations to create environments where people can and will do their best. She is an expert in human resources and organizational development, she works with corporations, non-profits, and government units. As a senior partner at inQUEST a consultancy that specializes in diversity, equity, and inclusion, she manages client relationships, identifies new business opportunities, designs instructional programs, and trains teams.

As an instructional designer, facilitator, and speaker, Gloria has covered unconscious bias, privilege, multiculturalism, harassment, discrimination, and related topics. Gloria also hosts a podcast called The Delicious Truth.

In today's episode, Gloria shares her authentic self, knowledge, and sensitivity. She dives deep into the power of learning to love ourselves without the judgments, for then being able to truly help others and seeing them for who they really are.

Key Takeaways:

[3:30] Gloria talks about her background and her work on inclusive workplaces.

[6:44] Everything starts with the relationship you have with yourself.

[7:58] Gloria explains the meaning of falling in love with yourself.

[9:30] Are you on a treasure hunt or scavenger hunt?

[11:09] Gloria talks about what we have been through in the last year.

[12:50] The four F's that suck your energy: fear, frustration, fatigue, and fragility.

[14:32] Gloria talks about the challenges that the departments of Equity and Inclusion have faced during last year.

[16:30] What is Gloria hearing from the DDI professionals?

[19:15] How are the best organizations supporting their DDI professionals?

[23:33] InQUEST provides strategic consulting.

[24:33] Gloria explains that her motivation lies in her love for helping people.

[27:37] Gloria shares tips on how to take care of yourself.

[32:30] We got to love ourselves without judgment.

[36:04] All you need is love!

[39:57] Gloria shares what to do when experiencing a negative feeling.

[42:21] Nate shares his top 3 takeaways from a delicious conversation with Gloria.

Mentioned in this episode:

The Compassion Mindset

Gloria Cotton on Linkedin

Tweetables:

"Compassion without accountability gets you nowhere, and accountability without compassion gets you alienated." #oncompassion

"Leadership is both a title and a function." #oncompassion

"If I can reach into me, how can I reach into other people?" #oncompassion

"We got to love ourselves without judgment." #oncompassion

"What is in us is stronger than what gets in our way", no one believes in this more than David Shurna and Tom Lillig, co-founders of No Barriers USA. In 2003 they partnered with Erik Weihenmayer, the first blind man to summit Mount Everest to launch an award-winning nonprofit, with the mission to help people reach their fullest potential, no matter the obstacles they face.

In their new book What's Within You: Your Roadmap to Living Life With No Barriers, they share the proven No Barriers framework to teach a step-by-step guide that helps us to break through our own challenges, reconnect with our purpose, and unleash the best in ourselves and others.

Dr. Nathan Regier, your host, is delighted to be accompanied by Tom Lillig and David Shurna to today's episode, to talk about their work with No Barriers USA and their new book.

Key Takeaways:

[3:23] What does the manifesto: "What is in us is stronger than what gets in our way" mean to David and Tom?

[5:20] Nate talks about community and the power of the bond that results in authentic relationships.

[5:40] Tom and David share the origin story of No Barriers.

[7:55] Tom and David have a lifelong journey of being there for each other.

[9:35] What are some of the activities and services of No Barriers?

[12:15] Tom and David talk about the structure of the book and which audience is directed to.

[17:22] The book starts from a place of wholeness and potential.

[17:49] It is not enough to overcome a barrier.

[18:01] How do David and Tom view humans?

[19:38] We all have an indomitable human spirit within us even though we often forget it.

[20:15] How do David and Tom define vision?

[22:50] Tom and David share top tips for leaders.

[26:45] Tom and David share two stories that have been personally impactful for them.

[33:25] When a crisis hits our first impulse is to protect but there is immense power in sharing our struggles.

[35:40] How to get this powerful message of sharing struggles with corporate leaders who often feel they have to always be there for others and cannot show vulnerability?

[37:20] What are the qualities that make a team successful?

[38:39] There are a lot of books about overcoming diversity, how is this one different?

[41:59] Nate shares the top three takeaways from an amazing conversation with Tom and David.

Mentioned in this episode:

The Compassion Mindset

Tweetables:

"No Barriers USA focuses on living life purposefully and also struggling together." #oncompassion

"Every single human being is valuable, capable of greatness, and responsible to be involved in something bigger than themselves." #oncompassion

"There can be all sort of adversity but if we have a purpose then we have something to live for." #oncompassion

"We all have an indomitable human spirit within us even though we often forget it." #oncompassion

"Don't confuse vision with a goal." #oncompassion

Inhale and exhale slowly, take a moment to reflect on the infinite possibilities of the mind, the universe, and the human spirit. Prepare yourself for an uplifting and mind-opening journey into the world of introverts. Dr. Nathan Regier, your host, welcomes Jill Chang to today's episode. Jill works for a San Francisco-based international nonprofit organization and oversees more than 20 countries. Her book: Quiet Is a Superpower: The Secret Strengths of Introverts in the Workplace was a number one bestseller in Taiwan and on the Top Ten List for 20 weeks. Jill has over 15 years of experience working in cross-disciplinary marketing across sectors including working for major league baseball teams, the US Government, long-term medical care providers international business, and international public welfare strategy consultants.

Jill is also an extreme introvert, who has been working remotely long before the pandemic started and long before working at home was popular.

Key Takeaways:

[3:15] Jill shares a brief synopsis of her career up until today.

[4:48] Jill talks about her book Quiet is a Superpower.

[6:45] Jill explains why energy is the most important asset for an introvert.

[9:21] Questions or commands?

[11:02] Why does Jill state in her book that introverts are more compassionate?

[14:15] Jill explains why being on stage is not the hardest part for an introvert.

[16:45] Jill talks about how it feels to frequently receive many messages from strangers.

[19:53] Jill shares about her portable comfort zone.

[23:15] Personality is at the center of diversity.

[23:49] What are the negative stereotypes for introverts?

[26:30] Jill shares tips for people working with introverts.

[28:37] Flexibility creates spaces that are comfortable for anyone, not just introverts.

[29:53] Jill talks about the US predominantly extroverted culture and how it limits the contribution of introverts.

[32:42] How does culture support or inhibit personality?

[35:55] We are not so different, we just need a better way of working with each other.

[36:31] Nate shares the top 3 highlights of an insightful conversation with Jill Chang.

Mentioned in this episode:

The Compassion Mindset

Learn more about Jill Chang

Quiet Is a Superpower: The Secret Strengths of Introverts in the Workplace, Jill Chang

Tweetables:

"Introverts are better listeners than talkers." #oncompassion

"Introverts are more concerned about what people think about them, so it becomes easier for them to step into other's shoes." #oncompassion

"Your energy is one of your most valuable assets." #oncompassion

"Compassion is first an awareness of others, a mindset of wishing the best for them, and is the courage to take action." Scott Shute

Dr.‌ ‌Nathan‌ ‌Regier‌, your host, welcomes Scott Shute to today's episode. Scott has journeyed from America's ‌heartland to the hiking trails of Nepal to the boardrooms of major tech companies across the US, Japan, and the UK. Wherever he has traveled he has discovered more about what tears people apart and what brings them together to create the extraordinary. As vice president of Global Custody Operations at Linkedin, the world's largest online business network, he led a global team of 1000 customer service employees supporting 700 million network members‌ around the world.

Scott is a great example of how compassion can be operationalized in a company. Today, as Chief Mindfulness and Compassion Officer at Linkedin, Scott is implementing his vision of changing work from the inside out by building an industry-leading mindfulness program then operationalizing compassion.

Key‌ ‌Takeaways‌:‌ ‌

[2:51]‌ Scott shares a quick overview of his journey.

[8:01] What does it look like when an organization decides to invest in mindfulness and compassion?

[10:22] Scott compares physical exercise to mental exercise.

[12:09] What is compassion for Scott?

[13:41] Scott shares an example of compassion in action.

[16:02] A single story that comes from a leader is simply emblematic since it is in the heart and mind of all employees.

[16:53] How ‌The Full Body Yes manifested itself in Scott's life?

[19:07] What is ‌The Full Body Yes?

[20:55] is there a full body 'No'?

[22:08] Scott gives an example of a universal choice point in everyone's lives.

[25:58] Scott shares one significant story that changed his point of view.

[30:45] What is the purpose of Scott's book and how did he structure it?

[35:30] What are the limits of empathy and altruism?

[37:55] How does compassion respond to bullying and racial injustice?

[40:09] Scott talks about gratitude: the superpower of life.

[41:29] Scott shares how his personality has influenced his view on compassion.

[45:08] Lightning round with Scott Shute.

[46:53] Nate shares the highlights of an amazing conversation with Scott Shute.

Mentioned‌ ‌in‌ ‌this‌ ‌episode‌:‌ ‌

The‌ ‌Compassion‌ ‌Mindset‌

The Full Body Yes, Scott Shute

Scott Shute on Linkedin

The Full Body Yes Website

Tweetables‌:‌ ‌

"The best thing you can do in life and at work is to be compassionate."‌ ‌‌#oncompassion‌

"Mindfulness is the development of self, it is more than meditation." ‌‌#oncompassion‌

"Meditation and mindfulness practices reduce stress, helps us have better relationships, and improve our sleep." #oncompassion‌

"Compassion is first an awareness of others, a mindset of wishing the best for them, and is the courage to take action." #oncompassion‌

"Happiness is how you chose to respond." #oncompassion‌

"Presence happens when we choose to be where we are, but most of the time we are following inertia." #oncompassion‌

"We all have a special connection to the Universe if we believe it works in that way." #oncompassion‌

"Compassion starts with self-compassion, learning to love ourselves." #oncompassion‌

"Gratitude is the superpower of life." #oncompassion‌

Dr. Nathan Regier welcomes Tom Kolditz to today's episode. Tom is the founding director of the Ann and John Doerr Institute for New Leaders at Rice University.

The Doerr Institute was recognized in 2019 as the top university leader development program by the Association of Leadership Educators and named the #4 Leadership Development Program in the world by Global Gurus, London. Prior to Rice, he taught as a Professor in the Practice of Leadership and Management and Director of the Leadership Development Program at the Yale School of Management.

Tom Kolditz holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and Sociology from Vanderbilt University, three Master's degrees, and a Ph.D. in Psychology from the University of Missouri.

A retired Brigadier General, Tom led the Department of Behavioral Sciences and Leadership at West Point for 12 years. In that role, he was responsible for West Point's teaching, research, and outreach activities in Management, Leader Development Science, Psychology, and Sociology, and was titled Professor Emeritus after retirement. A highly experienced global leader, General Kolditz has more than 35 years in leadership roles on four continents.

In today's episode, Tom and Nate are talking about a movement Tom has started to improve leadership development in colleges and universities, and a lot of it is captured in Tom's latest book Leadership Reckoning: Can Higher Education Develop the Leaders We Need?

Key Takeaways:

[2:40] Tom shares something particularly meaningful about his professional journey.

[4:54] What problems does Tom see in the current state of leadership development?

[7:03] What are some of the barriers that universities encounter to develop proper leadership development programs?

[9:06] Tom talks about the things Universities preach to teach students to be better leaders but in fact do not produce any change in students.

[11:10] Tom talks about the only workshop framework that gives clear measurable effects.

[12:55] Tom shares some specific research he's done and what he's found that has helped him develop his leadership program at the Doerr Institute.

[17:23] Tom talks about how he uses coaching and the results he has found.

[20:42] Tom uses professional real-life coaches from the community.

[22:15] What is Tom tracking to know that what he is doing works?

[25:53] Did Tom discover anything unexpected?

[30:24] Faculty shouldn't be asked to do leadership development.

[31:29] What message does Tom have for organizations that want to join his movement and don´t know where to start?

[35:10] Nate and Tom talk about intellectual honesty.

[36:16] Tom explains how he organized the support resources for his book.

[40:17] Lighting round questions.

[44:08] Nate shares his three takeaways of an amazing conversation with Tom Kolditz.

Mentioned in this episode:

The Compassion Mindset

Learn more about Thomas Kolditz

Doerr.rice.edu

Leadership Reckoning: Can Higher Education Develop the Leaders We Need?, Thomas Kolditz

Learn more about Lina Hidalgo

Tweetables:

"Leadership development in higher education is mostly a broken promise." #oncompassion

"We want more and better leaders coming out of university." #oncompassion

"Leaders must be created in the context of their work." #oncompassion

"Mentors are really good for career development, but they are almost useless for leader development." #oncompassion

"One of the biggest challenges to leadership development is that our universities are individual performer cultures." #oncompassion

"Leader development is a core function." #oncompassion