Lead with Levity

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Have you ever heard that culture eats strategy for breakfast? Well, it does. The best-laid plans won't get far if people aren't on the same page. Being in tune with your culture is the key to success.

In this episode, Brett Putter and I talk about ways to embed culture within your organization. Tune in for ways to identify and celebrate the uniqueness of your culture and empower your organization to work more collaboratively.

About Today's Guest: Brett Putter
Brett is the founder and CEO of CultureGene he's also published a couple of books, one in particular that I'm interested in today, which is Culture  Decks Decoded.

About the Lead with Levity Podcast
The Lead with Levity podcast is a show for leaders who care deeply about what makes/breaks the employee experience. Our guests are dynamic researchers, practitioners, consultants, and business leaders. We cover foundational elements that are needed to avoid forcing the fun. We also invite lively managers who lead with levity to show us how it’s done. Thanks for joining us on this journey.

Support the show

Did you have any lightbulb moments while listening? Share it with us on Instagram @leadwithlevity or visit our website leadwithlevity.com so we can talk about it!

Send us a text

It's August! The season is changing and life is still knocking on your door. Do you want the ability to maintain inner and outer peace regardless of the situation? I do!

I got a chance to speak to a spiritual mystic, Amy Lynn Durham, recently about this concept of spiritual intelligence (SQ). As you can imagine, she debunked some myths and shared how SQ fits in a corporate world. 

This show is for skeptics, mystics, and the usual suspects. I hope that you enjoy the banter and new ideas. Here are a few topics we cover:

• What does it mean to be a spiritual mystic and how does that play out in Amy's life?
• What is spiritual intelligence?
• Is spiritual intelligence faith-based or connected to a specific religion?
• How does spiritual intelligence connect to levity?
• The SQ21 - A tool that helps people build their SQ.

Enjoy!

About today's guest: Amy Lynn Durham
Amy Lynn Durham is the founder of Create Magic At Work™ and an international authority on improving workplace culture so employees and teams have better results with less drama and stress. In addition, Amy is:

• A U.C. Berkeley Certified Executive Coach
• Certified to coach in the 21 skills associated with Spiritual Intelligence (SQ) using the SQ21 Assessment. 
• A Certified Emotional Intelligence Practitioner  

Discover all the ways you can connect with Amy and this concept below: 

• Get her book "Create Magic at Work"
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• YouTube

About the Lead with Levity Podcast
The Lead with Levity podcast is a show for leaders who care deeply about what makes/breaks the employee experience. Our guests are dynamic researchers, practitioners, consultants, and business leaders. We cover foundational elements that are needed to avoid forcing the fun. We also invite lively managers who lead with levity to show us how it’s done. Thanks for joining us on this journey.

Support the show

Did you have any lightbulb moments while listening? Share it with us on Instagram @leadwithlevity or visit our website leadwithlevity.com so we can talk about it!

Send us a text

Who knew the pandemic would end so suddenly? Insert wink emoji!

I had a delightful conversation with speaker, coach, and the co-founder of LeadHERship Consortium, Dr. Lori Baker-Schena. We discussed the most pressing matters for today's professional:

• Nutella vs. Chocolate
• Quirks that we picked up during COVID
• What change management looks like coming out of the pandemic
• Staying positive 
• A key issue that is often missed in customer service 

About Our Guest: Dr. Lori Baker-Schena

My professional career reflects a journey … not a destination. I have continually re-invented myself based on three factors: a) my passions b) my ability to impact others and c) my ability to find joy every day. Each chapter of my life’s story is a building block to the expertise I bring to my clients.

I co-founded LeadHERship Consortium, LLC with my dear friend and business partner Sabine Liedel.  Our company is dedicated to developing successful women LeadHERs by filling in the training gaps that are a byproduct of promotion without preparation. We deliver real-life leadership skills through LeadHERship conferences, keynote speeches, corporate retreats and training, and interactive workshops. Our ultimate goal is to position women LeadHERs for success, creating careers that are empowering, fulfilling and joyful. 

• https://www.loribakerschena.com
• www.leadHERshipconsortium.com

About the Lead with Levity Podcast
The Lead with Levity podcast is a show for leaders who care deeply about what makes/breaks the employee experience. Our guests are dynamic researchers, practitioners, consultants, and business leaders. We cover foundational elements that are needed to avoid forcing the fun. We also invite lively managers who lead with levity to show us how it’s done. Thanks for joining us on this journey.

Support the show

Did you have any lightbulb moments while listening? Share it with us on Instagram @leadwithlevity or visit our website leadwithlevity.com so we can talk about it!

Send us a text

I spend the majority of my time on this podcast honing in on the need to incorporate play, or for you adults, exploratory time into your workday. There will always be one more thing to do, and if you focus solely on that you miss the opportunity to celebrate the journey. You may even miss the opportunity to come up with fantastically creative ideas that often show up when you allow your mind to wander.

Today, I spoke to Dr. Adarsh Vijay Mudgil, author of Let's Get It: Hustle and Grind Your Way to Personal Empowerment, a book about empowerment and pushing through no matter what. As a dermatologist, professional pimple popper and podcast host, Dr. Mudgil brings the energy. 

Check out our conversation about (almost) everything under the sun:

•  Why Dr. Mudgil believes in the hustle and grind
• How he went from "just graduated" to a successful dermatology practice in New York
• How "hustle and grind" links to empowerment and personal success
• Dr. Mudgil's advice on the one thing you can do to look amazing as you age (i.e., age like a vampire!)
• Pimple popping, Tik Tok, and what Dr. Mudgil did to keep his team together during the pandemic

About our Guest: Dr. Adarsh Vijay Mudgil
I’m Dr. Mudgil, a New York City-based pimple-popping, podcasting, positivity-peddling dermatologist! A few years ago, when I became very active on Instagram, launched my YouTube channel, and started my podcast, some folks (understandably) may have thought I had a few screws come loose. After all, why would a successful dermatologist be posting content related to mindset and motivation, rather than about Botox, butt augmentation, and lip filler?!?

Living on a plateau wasn’t for me, and shouldn’t be acceptable for anyone. Living on a plateau is settling for average, and average sucks. We can always do better, get better, and be better.

About the Lead with Levity Podcast
The Lead with Levity podcast is a show for leaders who care deeply about what makes/breaks the employee experience. Our guests are dynamic researchers, practitioners, consultants, and business leaders. We cover foundational elements that are needed to avoid forcing the fun. We also invite lively managers who lead with levity to show us how it’s done. Thanks for joining us on this journey.

Support the show

Did you have any lightbulb moments while listening? Share it with us on Instagram @leadwithlevity or visit our website leadwithlevity.com so we can talk about it!

Send us a text

Does your blood boil when it's time to chat with a loved one about politics, race, and other hot button topics? Do you feel misunderstood? Do you struggle to understand the other person's position?

Well, if you ever wanted to bridge the gap, then you're in good company.

Join me as I sit with Robin Hills, emotional intelligence trainer and founder of Ei4Change, as we unpack Dr. Seuss, Trump, racial stereotypes, and other hot button topics. Learn how to navigate your next conversation with grace today!

About Our Guest: Robin Hills
Robin Hills is an emotional intelligence coach, trainer, and facilitator with over 35 years' business and commercial experience.

With more than 250,000 learners in 190 countries, Ei4Change are the leaders in emotional intelligence coaching and we provide a wide range of emotional intelligence courses and free resources. Our online courses are widely available and are being accessed internationally by businesses, groups and individuals all looking to make a change.

About the Lead with Levity Podcast
The Lead with Levity podcast is a show for leaders who care deeply about what makes/breaks the employee experience. Our guests are dynamic researchers, practitioners, consultants, and business leaders. We cover foundational elements that are needed to avoid forcing the fun. We also invite lively managers who lead with levity to show us how it’s done. Thanks for joining us on this journey.

Support the show

Did you have any lightbulb moments while listening? Share it with us on Instagram @leadwithlevity or visit our website leadwithlevity.com so we can talk about it!

Send us a text

Continuing with the theme of improvisation, I invited Michael Glatts, Founder of 901 Innovation, to chat about how improv techniques enrich the workplace. Michael shares how we all engage in improv when we get put on the spot at work and how we can build up our ability to tackle these situations when they come up. We also explore design thinking, LEGO play, and his advice for bringing more fun into your day.

About Michael Glatts
Having decades of experience, always asking “why?”, Michael loves to challenge the status quo. It is the only way to break free, have fun, and unleash your unique ability.

A class comic through twelve years of catholic and private school, Michael knew how to have fun, when to appreciate the supportive teachers, and when to challenge those “not-so-supportive” ones. Naturally, he carried this through college and into a fulfilling 26-year career with Pfizer Pharmaceuticals – a great company, oh but brutally bureaucratic. The perfect place to hone one’s disruptive skills with the right mix of humor, respect, and rebelliousness. Mix in 20 plus years of improv and the formula is set to take out to the world. Now it’s time to really have some fun!

• 901innovation – Excite. Ignite. Take Flight.

About the Lead with Levity Podcast
The Lead with Levity podcast is a show for leaders who care deeply about what makes/breaks the employee experience. Our guests are dynamic researchers, practitioners, consultants, and business leaders. We cover foundational elements that are needed to avoid forcing the fun. We also invite lively managers who lead with levity to show us how it’s done. Thanks for joining us on this journey.

Support the show

Did you have any lightbulb moments while listening? Share it with us on Instagram @leadwithlevity or visit our website leadwithlevity.com so we can talk about it!

Send us a text

I always envied improv comics for their quick quips and on-the-spot ideas. But, then I learned that improvisation is a skill, and like any other form of entertainment, you can "get good" with practice. Then I learned that improv is not just entertaining, but also a powerful tool for the workplace.

I had a fun, energy filled chat with renowned comedian and owner of Keeping it Human, Kathy Klotz-Guest. Check out this episode to find out how you can usher in creative problem solving and help your team with improv principles. 

About Today's Guest: Kathy Klotz-Guest
Kathy Klotz-Guest, MA, MBA, MLA, is a business storytelling strategist, author, speaker, and comedian. Founder of Keeping it Human, her mission is to help organizations turn jargon-monoxide into compelling business stories, abolish boring marketing, and uncover boldly creative ideas for marketing content, products, branding and more. She calls them idea orgasms!

• https://keepingithuman.com
• Kathy's Books
• LinkedIn
• Twitter
• Facebook
• YouTube Channel
• Instagram
• Slideshare

About the Lead with Levity Podcast
The Lead with Levity podcast is a show for leaders who care deeply about what makes/breaks the employee experience. Our guests are dynamic researchers, practitioners, consultants, and business leaders. We cover foundational elements that are needed to avoid forcing the fun. We also invite lively managers who lead with levity to show us how it’s done. Thanks for joining us on this journey.

Support the show

Did you have any lightbulb moments while listening? Share it with us on Instagram @leadwithlevity or visit our website leadwithlevity.com so we can talk about it!

Send us a text

This is our 50th episode! Thank you so much for supporting the podcast. You are a positive force in this world. I look forward to watching these ideas continue to spread as more and more people get plugged in. This podcast is for you! Let me know what part you liked most. 

Transformation can seem immediate, but there are often small changes that lead up to it that we don't see. Consider all of the small shifts that go into quitting smoking, or becoming patient. We have to replace the old perspective with a new one to encourage new behaviors and outcomes.

As you know, we live in a volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) world. This word soup is referred to as VUCA, and it used to refer to managing under special circumstances. Now, VUCA is as commonplace as a "case of the Mondays." Today, we're going to explore ways to enjoy the ride.

About Guest: Benny Ausmus
For over a decade, organizational development coach Benny Ausmus has broken the mold of executive coaching and management consulting. 

Refusing to limit his methods to a one-size-fits-all formula, he approaches each new project by merging hard data with strategic development initiatives, tailoring bespoke transformation programs for companies, teams, and individuals using his dynamic TLC coaching system. 

Benny works seamlessly with each leader’s individual strengths, challenges, and style to design, iterate, and execute powerful programs for improvement, growth, and exceptional ROI. 

Now, in The Transformational Leadership Compass, he lays out this dynamic system of transformation to help leaders create the big changes required to adapt, thrive, and shape the future. 

• Website
• LinkedIn
• Twitter

About the Lead with Levity Podcast
The Lead with Levity podcast is a show for leaders who care deeply about what makes/breaks the employee experience. Our guests are dynamic researchers, practitioners, consultants, and business leaders. We cover foundational elements that are needed to avoid forcing the fun. We also invite lively managers who lead with levity to show us how it’s done. Thanks for joining us on this journey.

Support the show

Did you have any lightbulb moments while listening? Share it with us on Instagram @leadwithlevity or visit our website leadwithlevity.com so we can talk about it!

Send us a text

I've had the privilege to work with several mentors over the years, and I can personally attest to the power of having someone in your corner who can help you find the clarity you need to navigate life's choices.  

If you have anyone who looks up to you (and you should have at least one person), then this episode is for you!

Find out:

• The difference between a coach and a mentor 
• What it takes to be a great mentor
• How Greg navigates different coaching scenarios
• How to know if you have a good coach 

About Today's Guest: Greg Ballard
Greg has held many unique titles in his professional career and has seen many ups and downs in his life. During these transitions, he discovered his passion for mentoring and leadership development. As the CEO and founder of Five C Consulting, Greg works with CEOs to small business owners to improve their mindset, business habits and overall approach in order to improve productivity, communication, strategic decision making and many other challenges leaders face.  With Greg’s help, clients are more prepared and better equipped to deliver difficult feedback, navigate politics and influence their peers. Greg helps to pave the way for personal development with his clients as well. He serves and supports his clients by offering the right tools and insight to set them on a clear path and helps them understand how to maintain their progress. 

Greg is a Certified Professional Coach, Professional Certified Coach, Authorized Partner for Everything DiSC, Five Behaviors of a Cohesive Team, PXT Select and Energy Leadership Master Practitioner. 

"I love to serve people through coaching, and believe each and every person possesses a unique and powerful gift."

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gwballard/
• Website: https://five.consulting.com
• Instagram: @greg.ballrd
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/fivecconsulting
• Email: [email protected]

About the Podcast
The Lead with Levity podcast is a show for leaders who care deeply about what makes/breaks the employee experience. Our guests are dynamic researchers, practitioners, consultants, and business leaders. We cover foundational elements that are needed to avoid forcing the fun. We also invite lively managers who lead with levity to show us how it’s done. Thanks for joining us on this journey.

Support the show

Did you have any lightbulb moments while listening? Share it with us on Instagram @leadwithlevity or visit our website leadwithlevity.com so we can talk about it!

Send us a text

Do you remember (back in the day), when people were obligated to let you know if your hair was out of place, or your fly was down, or you were being stalked through the halls by a toilet paper roll? Do you remember getting upset if you made it through the whole day with something on your [insert object or body part] all day without so much as a peep from your colleagues?  I do!

Unfortunately, people are less likely to let you know about an online faux pas. The odds are higher that someone will take a screenshot and share it with their friends than the odds of them quietly IM'ing you to ask you to adjust yourself.

I chat with today's guest, Kim Foley, about the ways that we trip ourselves up online and how to avoid looking foolish on camera even if you may look a little bit silly off-camera!

In this episode, we cover:

• Kim's cringeworthy cat video that led her to learn how to master Zoom meetings
• How to setup your desk for maximum poise and presence
• Do's and don'ts for your online wardrobe
• Pro tips to boost your wifi and internet connection
• Kim's virtual meeting etiquette guide

About Our Guest: Kim Foley
Kim Foley shares the expertise she has gained in more than 25 years as an award-winning video producer, media trainer, and television stylist, as well as best practices, and practical guidelines for putting forth your personal best—visually, verbally, and nonverbally. 

• [GUIDE] Etiquette Guide for Online Meetings 
• [BOOK] Virtual Meetings with Power and Presence
• Website: https://kimfoley.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCz6xhMCzTMN_RnFUltryYfQ
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimfoley/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kimfoleyvideo
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kimfoleyvideo

About the Podcast
The Lead with Levity podcast is a show for leaders who care deeply about what makes/breaks the employee experience. Our guests are dynamic researchers, practitioners, consultants, and business leaders. We cover foundational elements that are needed to avoid forcing the fun. We also invite lively managers who lead with levity to show us how it’s done. Thanks for joining us on this journey.

Support the show

Did you have any lightbulb moments while listening? Share it with us on Instagram @leadwithlevity or visit our website leadwithlevity.com so we can talk about it!