Conversations with Keita Demming

Could humor be the secret to a fulfilling professional life? Comedian Jessica Holmes joins us to explore how humor can enhance mental well-being, workplace satisfaction, and align personal values with work.

Jessica Holmes is renowned for her performances alongside Ellen DeGeneres, Russell Peters, Jerry Seinfeld, and Oprah Winfrey. She has graced stages at Just For Laughs and The Second City, starring in comedy series like The Holmes Show and Royal Canadian Air Farce, where her comedic insights into life's challenges and celebrity impersonations leave audiences in stitches.

Today, Holmes’ greatest joy is working as an advocate for mental health and helping people take simple, sustainable steps towards fulfillment and well-being, one laugh at a time.

Key Takeaways:

1. Humor at Work: Discover how laughter can enhance mental well-being and job satisfaction.
2. Mental Health Tips: Learn simple practices such as gratitude lists and self-care for better mental health.
3. Empathetic Workplace: Understand how empathy and active listening can create a supportive work environment.

Jessica's links:

• Website: https://www.jessicaholmes.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-holmes-50ab90202/ 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/happyfunholmes/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jessicaholmes9872
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HappyFunHolmes/ 
• X (Twitter): https://x.com/happyfunholmes 

Hi, I'm your podcast host Keita Demming: Author, Advisor, Thought Partner & Coach.

I'm an award-winning educator and coach with a PhD in Adult Education and Workplace Learning who works to transform companies into places that are idea-driven and people-centered.

At The Covenant Group, I design training programs and coach entrepreneurs and business leaders to meet their strategic goals and build their businesses.

In my book, Strategy to Action: Run Your Business Without It Running You, I introduce an effective and straightforward tool to elevate your skills as a business professional and navigate the corporate world. The book offers practical insights on transforming strategies into tangible results.

Follow me on LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and subscribe to my Newsletter.

Join us for an enlightening conversation with Dr. Haesun Moon, Executive Director at the Canadian Centre for Brief Coaching and author of "Coaching A to Z." 

In this episode, Haesun explores the profound impact of strategic listening in solution-focused coaching, emphasizing how intentional listening choices drive meaningful conversations that foster personal and professional growth.

Key Takeaways:

1. Develop enhanced communication skills through strategic listening.
2. Discover the evolution and richness of language for deeper understanding.
3. Implement practical strategies to improve team dynamics and customer relations through effective listening practices.

Haesun's links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/haesunmoon/ 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/haesun.moon/ 
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moon.haesun 
• X (Twitter): https://x.com/HaesunMoon

Hi, I'm your podcast host Keita Demming: Author, Advisor, Thought Partner & Coach.

I'm an award-winning educator and coach with a PhD in Adult Education and Workplace Learning who works to transform companies into places that are idea-driven and people-centered.

At The Covenant Group, I design training programs and coach entrepreneurs and business leaders to meet their strategic goals and build their businesses.

In my book, Strategy to Action: Run Your Business Without It Running You, I introduce an effective and straightforward tool to elevate your skills as a business professional and navigate the corporate world. The book offers practical insights on transforming strategies into tangible results.

Follow me on LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and subscribe to my Newsletter.

Ever felt that awkwardness could actually be a strength rather than a weakness? In this episode, Henna Pryor, a regular Expert Columnist for Inc. Magazine, 10x award-winning author of Good Awkward, and an in-demand global keynote speaker, explores the idea that awkwardness can be a strength in both personal and professional settings.

Pryor challenges the conventional "fake it till you make it" mindset and promotes embracing authenticity, even with its flaws. The discussion covers how our diminishing social skills affect business conversations and the importance of forming genuine connections, particularly in the virtual workplace.

Key Takeaways:

1. Be Genuine: Embrace your awkwardness to build stronger, more authentic relationships.
2. Overcoming Hurdles: People from underrepresented communities can be their true selves at work by accepting flaws and using practical techniques.
3. Boosting Social Skills: Having small, focused social interactions can help improve your social skills and make you feel more comfortable being yourself.

Henna's links: 

• Website: https://pryoritygroup.com/ 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hennapryor/ 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hennapryor/ 
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hennapryorcoach/ 
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@hennapryor 

Hi, I'm your podcast host Keita Demming: Author, Advisor, Thought Partner & Coach.

I'm an award-winning educator and coach with a PhD in Adult Education and Workplace Learning who works to transform companies into places that are idea-driven and people-centered.

At The Covenant Group, I design training programs and coach entrepreneurs and business leaders to meet their strategic goals and build their businesses.

In my book, Strategy to Action: Run Your Business Without It Running You, I introduce an effective and straightforward tool to elevate your skills as a business professional and navigate the corporate world. The book offers practical insights on transforming strategies into tangible results.

Follow me on LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and subscribe to my Newsletter.

In the hustle and bustle of today's work world, where stress and burnout are all too common, embracing empathetic conflict resolution is key to cultivating vibrant and supportive workplaces.

Join Jessica Hawkins, Leadership Coach, Workplace Mediator, Solution-Focused Trainer, and Founder of Better Conflict, as we dive into the dynamics of workplace conflicts and the influence of our body's signals on emotions and decision-making. 

Together, we'll dissect the 'conflict pyramid,' revealing how minor irritations can snowball into major crises and the importance of early conflict intervention.

Key takeaways:

1. Early conflict resolution contributes to healthier work environments by preventing escalation.
2. Acknowledging and understanding emotional reactions improves emotional intelligence and workplace communication.
3. Practicing self-regulation empowers individuals to manage conflicts effectively, fostering constructive communication even in challenging situations.

Jessica's links:

• Website: https://www.betterconflict.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-hawkins-betterconflict/  
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jesshawkins11/ 
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jessica.hawkins.33 

Hi, I'm your podcast host Keita Demming: Author, Advisor, Thought Partner & Coach.

I'm an award-winning educator and coach with a PhD in Adult Education and Workplace Learning who works to transform companies into places that are idea-driven and people-centered.

At The Covenant Group, I design training programs and coach entrepreneurs and business leaders to meet their strategic goals and build their businesses.

In my book, Strategy to Action: Run Your Business Without It Running You, I introduce an effective and straightforward tool to elevate your skills as a business professional and navigate the corporate world. The book offers practical insights on transforming strategies into tangible results.

Follow me on LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and subscribe to my Newsletter.

In this episode, we're honored to host Jonathan Passmore, a globally recognized chartered occupational psychologist, executive coach, author, and leader with over 40 years of experience across various sectors.

With a wealth of expertise gained from diverse leadership roles spanning public, private, academic, and non-profit sectors, Jonathan brings unparalleled insight to our conversation. His work has earned him multiple awards and prestigious placements on both the coaches' Global Gurus and Thinkers50 lists.

Join us as we delve into the transformative power of coaching with Jonathan. Our discussion explores unleashing individual potential, igniting self-awareness, fostering growth, and cultivating effective leadership.

Key Takeaways:

1. Strategic Integration: Embed coaching into daily interactions for a supportive, performance-driven culture.
2. Personal Growth and Resilience: Learn to balance guidance and autonomy, unlocking intrinsic potential.
3. Adapting to the Digital Era: Prioritize evidence-based coaching and well-being in a digital landscape.

Jonathan's links:

• Website: https://www.jonathanpassmore.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-passmore-08427b57/ 

Hi, I'm your podcast host Keita Demming: Author, Advisor, Thought Partner & Coach.

I'm an award-winning educator and coach with a PhD in Adult Education and Workplace Learning who works to transform companies into places that are idea-driven and people-centered.

At The Covenant Group, I design training programs and coach entrepreneurs and business leaders to meet their strategic goals and build their businesses.

In my book, Strategy to Action: Run Your Business Without It Running You, I introduce an effective and straightforward tool to elevate your skills as a business professional and navigate the corporate world. The book offers practical insights on transforming strategies into tangible results.

Follow me on LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and subscribe to my Newsletter.

My guest in this episode is Jeremy Miller, 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. 

In this conversation, we highlight the connection between personal development and business success, emphasizing the importance of ethical stewardship and societal impact. 

We also touch on the essentials of brand-building, including differentiation, exceptional customer service, and the willingness to challenge industry norms. 

Jeremy's blend of humor, stories, and actionable ideas will inspire you to innovate and grow your business and brand.

Main Takeaways:

1. Core values are key in guiding businesses towards sustainable growth and effective leadership.
2. Personal development and ethical considerations are essential for business success and making a positive impact.
3. Differentiation and adaptability are crucial for building a strong brand and navigating challenges like AI disruption.

Jeremy's links:

• Website: https://stickybranding.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremymiller/
• X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/stickybranding 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stickybranding/ 
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StickyBranding 
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StickyBranding 

Hi, I'm your podcast host Keita Demming: Author, Advisor, Thought Partner & Coach.

I'm an award-winning educator and coach with a PhD in Adult Education and Workplace Learning who works to transform companies into places that are idea-driven and people-centered.

At The Covenant Group, I design training programs and coach entrepreneurs and business leaders to meet their strategic goals and build their businesses.

In my book, Strategy to Action: Run Your Business Without It Running You, I introduce an effective and straightforward tool to elevate your skills as a business professional and navigate the corporate world. The book offers practical insights on transforming strategies into tangible results.

Follow me on LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and subscribe to my Newsletter.

Dive into the art of negotiation with Fotini Iconomopoulos, where empathy and strategic silence take center stage.

In our conversation, Fotini, a renowned negotiation consultant, shares insights on how mastering negotiation goes beyond simple transactions, deeply influencing our business relationships and personal growth.

As the best-selling author of HarperCollins’ “Say Less, Get More: Unconventional Negotiation Techniques to Get What You Want,” Fotini is the go-to expert for Fortune 50 executives seeking guidance in high-stakes negotiations or aiming to empower their teams through her workshops on negotiation, communication, and persuasion.

We explore the core aspects of assertiveness and likability, providing valuable strategies for those in marginalized positions to confidently navigate these challenges with grace.

Key Takeaways:

• Strategic Silence & Empathy: Fotini highlights how these elements transform negotiations into collaborative opportunities.
• Assertiveness & Likability: Key strategies are shared for balancing assertiveness and likability, especially for marginalized individuals.
• Personal Growth through Negotiation: Mastering negotiation skills impacts personal growth and professional relationships, enhanced by personal style.

Fotini's links:

• Website: https://fotiniicon.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fotiniiconomopoulos/ 
• X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/Fotiniicon 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fotiniicon/ 
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fotini.iconomopoulos 
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fotiniicon 

Hi, I'm your podcast host Keita Demming: Author, Advisor, Thought Partner & Coach.

I'm an award-winning educator and coach with a PhD in Adult Education and Workplace Learning who works to transform companies into places that are idea-driven and people-centered.

At The Covenant Group, I design training programs and coach entrepreneurs and business leaders to meet their strategic goals and build their businesses.

In my book, Strategy to Action: Run Your Business Without It Running You, I introduce an effective and straightforward tool to elevate your skills as a business professional and navigate the corporate world. The book offers practical insights on transforming strategies into tangible results.

Follow me on LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and subscribe to my Newsletter.

In this episode, I had a great conversation with entrepreneur, speaker, and best-selling author, Ron Tite, who has been an award-winning advertising writer and Creative Director for some of the world’s most respected brands.

Together, we delve into the shift from profit-driven approaches to purposeful business practices that foster both personal and professional growth. 

We discuss the vital connection between a company's purpose and its revenue, emphasize the importance of clear communication, and share practical steps to translate lofty mission statements into vibrant corporate cultures.

Key Takeaways:

• Aligning purpose with business practices can lead to both personal growth and professional success.
• Clear communication and authentic engagement are crucial for creating vibrant corporate cultures.
• Embracing diverse perspectives and seizing unexpected opportunities can drive innovation and transformation in business and life.

Ron Tite links:

• Website: https://rontite.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rontite/
• X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/rontite 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rontite/ 
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rontite/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@rontite

Hi, I'm your podcast host Keita Demming: Author, Advisor, Thought Partner & Coach.

I'm an award-winning educator and coach with a PhD in Adult Education and Workplace Learning who works to transform companies into places that are idea-driven and people-centered.

At The Covenant Group, I design training programs and coach entrepreneurs and business leaders to meet their strategic goals and build their businesses.

In my book, Strategy to Action: Run Your Business Without It Running You, I introduce an effective and straightforward tool to elevate your skills as a business professional and navigate the corporate world. The book offers practical insights on transforming strategies into tangible results.

Follow me on LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and subscribe to my Newsletter.

In this episode, my guest is Minette Norman, an author, speaker, and leadership consultant who previously spent decades leading global technical teams in the software industry. She has extensive experience leading internationally distributed teams and believes that when groups embrace diversity in all its forms, breakthroughs emerge, and innovation accelerates.

We discuss inclusive leadership practices, empathy, and the value of diverse viewpoints. We also chat about the significance of trust and constructive dissent in shaping organizational culture. The episode wraps up with practical advice for fostering team unity and encouraging inclusive idea sharing, and reflections on personal and professional growth.

Minette is the author The Boldly Inclusive Leader and the co-author of The Psychological Safety Playbook.

Key Takeaways: 

1. Diversity Drives Innovation: Norman highlights diversity's crucial role in sparking innovation and challenging conventional thinking.
2. Inclusivity Empowers Teams: Norman advocates for inclusive cultures where every member feels valued, fostering collaboration and creativity.
3. Psychological Safety Fosters Growth: Norman stresses the significance of psychological safety in enabling open communication and risk-taking for organizational success.

Minette Norman links:

• Website: https://www.minettenorman.com/ 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/minettenorman/ 
• X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/minettenorman
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/minettenorman/ 

Hi, I'm your podcast host Keita Demming: Author, Advisor, Thought Partner & Coach.

I'm an award-winning educator and coach with a PhD in Adult Education and Workplace Learning who works to transform companies into places that are idea-driven and people-centered.

At The Covenant Group, I design training programs and coach entrepreneurs and business leaders to meet their strategic goals and build their businesses.

In my book, Strategy to Action: Run Your Business Without It Running You, I introduce an effective and straightforward tool to elevate your skills as a business professional and navigate the corporate world. The book offers practical insights on transforming strategies into tangible results.

Follow me on LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and subscribe to my Newsletter.

Unlock the secrets to transforming corporate culture through authenticity and innovation with my esteemed guest Tendayi Viki. As we sit across from each other, you'll gain invaluable insights into the role of psychological safety, the freedom to embrace mistakes, and the impact of discarding the stifling "mask of correctness." 

It's a candid exploration of how shedding these facades can propel not only personal growth but also inject much-needed agility into the traditional corporate structure. 

Explore the dynamics of leadership and diversity in a nuanced conversation about fostering creativity in the workplace. Learn practical strategies for cultivating environments where authenticity thrives, driving innovation forward.

Key Takeaways:

1. Authenticity Drives Innovation: Embrace authenticity to foster innovation in corporate culture.
2. Mistakes Fuel Growth: View mistakes as opportunities for learning and growth, challenging the need for perfection.
3. Fair Recognition for Innovation: Implement fair recognition systems that reward innovation, promoting inclusivity and organizational success.

Tendayi Viki's links:

• Website: https://tendayiviki.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tendayiviki/ 
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tendayiviki9278 
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/tendayiviki 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tendayiviki/ 

Hi, I'm your podcast host Keita Demming: Author, Advisor, Thought Partner & Coach.

I'm an award-winning educator and coach with a PhD in Adult Education and Workplace Learning who works to transform companies into places that are idea-driven and people-centered.

At The Covenant Group, I design training programs and coach entrepreneurs and business leaders to meet their strategic goals and build their businesses.

In my book, Strategy to Action: Run Your Business Without It Running You, I introduce an effective and straightforward tool to elevate your skills as a business professional and navigate the corporate world. The book offers practical insights on transforming strategies into tangible results.

Follow me on LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and subscribe to my Newsletter.