Mo-ments of Experience

As Mo continues on the mend after a challenging few months of poor health, I wanted a re-release a "Greatest Hits" episode of Mo-ments of Experience as I continue a brief sabbatical from new content to nurse Mo back to himself. In honor of last week's Halloween holiday, I reflect on this picture of Mo, myself, and my wife from years past and I can't help but see how "present" each of us are for each other in the mo-ment. But how do we take presence to the next level… all the way to "Quantum Presence?" Take a listen to my amazingly heart-felt friend and guest Aaron Tabacco, there is no one better to explain the power of presence.

What if the key to deeper connection and leadership isn't in what you do, but in how fully you show up?

Geoffrey dives into the transformative power of Quantum Presence with the multi-dimensional Aaron Tabacco, a nurse, educator, musician, restaurateur, executive coach, and parent. From guiding patients in crisis to raising neurodivergent children, Aaron shares how life's most profound lessons come from practicing presence, not performance.

This isn't just another conversation about mindfulness. It's a masterclass in being. 🧘‍♂️

Aaron breaks down how silencing the mind creates space to truly witness others, how presence can ripple through time, and why being present for yourself is the foundation of leading with authenticity and care. If you've ever struggled to slow down, connect deeply, or lead with heart, this episode is for you. 💛

Additional Resources:

https://lucusgroup.com/home

Follow Aaron Tobacco on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-tabacco-phd-83359b9/

www.mo-mentsofexperience.com

****Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/peopleforward-network/

Learn more about PeopleForward Network: https://peopleforwardnetwork.com/

• Presence begins with being, not doing.
• Silence the mind to become truly present.
• Listen not to respond, but to bear witness.
• Presence for self is the path to lead others.
• Moments of crisis reveal our truest calling.

As Mo continues on the mend after a challenging few months of poor health, I wanted a re-release a "Greatest Hits" episode of Mo-ments of Experience as I continue a brief sabbatical from new content to nurse Mo back to himself. As I reflect on this picture of Mo there for my wife on the first night after she lost her long, beautiful hair to cancer, I think of the story of my amazing guest, Stephanie Abbott, who's eyes were opened wide when this healthcare experience executive faced her own battle with cancer.

What happens when a healthcare executive becomes the patient?

Geoffrey sits down with Stephanie Abbott, a leader, cancer survivor, and author of "Buried or Planted." Stephanie opens up about her journey from diagnosis to healing, and how shifting her mindset from feeling "buried" to realizing she was actually being "planted" changed everything.

From the power of human connection to the surprising impact of a single word, this episode reminds us that resilience and purpose can grow even in the hardest seasons.

Don't miss this replay of a listener favorite that continues to spark hope and inspiration.

Additional Resources:

Connect with Stephanie Abbott on LinkedIn

Buried or Planted by Stephanie S. Abbott

www.mo-mentsofexperience.com

****Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/peopleforward-network/

Learn more about PeopleForward Network: https://peopleforwardnetwork.com/

• Human connection transforms patient and caregiver experiences.
• Words carry power to give or take away hope.
• Patients remember compassion more than clinical details.
• Employee experience drives patient experience quality.
• Resilience grows when pain is reframed as purpose.

As Mo continues on the mend after a challenging few months of poor health, I wanted to replay a "Greatest Hits" episode of Mo-ments of Experience as I continue a brief sabbatical from new content to nurse Mo back to himself. This is one of my all-time favorites as I get to "geek out" on research behind workplace well-being with my amazing guest, Paula Allen.

What if the secret to a thriving workplace culture came down to just five simple leadership behaviors?

In this replay, Geoffrey sits down with the brilliant Paula Allen, global mental health researcher and champion for workplace wellbeing. Together, they geek out over the five leadership behaviors that shape thriving, resilient teams.

From psychological safety to the magic of gratitude, this episode is packed with actionable insights that are just as relevant today as when it first aired. Whether you're leading a team or hoping to inspire change in your workplace, this one's a must-listen.

Let's revisit the science of being more human, because culture starts with how we lead 💛

Additional Resources:

Connect with Paula on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paula-allen-2717206/

Learn more about Telus Health: https://www.telushealth.com/en-us/https:/go.telushealth.com/telus-mental-health-index

www.mo-mentsofexperience.com

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/peopleforward-network/

Learn more about PeopleForward Network: https://peopleforwardnetwork.com/

• Leader behaviors, not titles, define workplace culture.
• Kind, collaborative leadership builds team trust and safety.
• Inclusivity fuels creativity and engagement.
• Purpose-driven leaders inspire extra effort.
• Clear, decisive leadership reduces anxiety.

As Mo continues on the mend after a challenging few months of poor health, I wanted a re-release a "Greatest Hits" episode of Mo-ments of Experience as I continue a brief sabbatical from new content to nurse Mo back to himself.

I quote my friend and brilliant guest Stephen Beeson often… we talk all things purpose, leadership, and how "engagement is a local phenomenon." Enjoy this inspiring conversation and send our beagle all the positive vibes you can spare!

What if the key to transforming healthcare isn't another system, but the human connection right in front of us?

Geoffrey sits down with Dr. Stephen Beeson, founder of Practicing Excellence, to explore a question we should all be asking: how do we support the people who care for others?

Through stories, insights, and a few hard truths, Stephen reminds us that real change in healthcare starts with the people leading teams every day—those shaping culture through connection, not just policy.

From micro-learning to the power of being present, this conversation is a refreshing take on what it means to lead with heart and build a system that actually works for humans. If you're ready to rethink leadership from the inside out, this one's for you.

Additional Resources:

Connect with Dr. Beeson on LinkedIn

Learn more about Practicing Excellence

www.mo-mentsofexperience.com

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/peopleforward-network/

Learn more about PeopleForward Network: https://peopleforwardnetwork.com/

• Engagement starts locally, not top-down.
• Great leaders use evidence-based behaviors.
• People development is essential, not optional.
• Purpose-driven care fuels clinician fulfillment.
• Measure engagement through feelings, not just surveys.

Have you met my beagle Mo?

In light of his recent 15th birthday and some difficult health challenges he is currently facing (with his tail still wagging), I wanted to replay my very first episode of Mo-ments of Experience that tells the origin story of why this podcast is named after my best boy.

Please send some positive vibes Mo's way by joining me and my close friend and colleague Pantea Vahidi as we explore all things compassion… both human and canine.

Through heartfelt stories, from patients in the hospital to her own father showing up with tea and flatbread late at night, Pantea reveals how presence and small acts of care can completely change the course of someone's journey.

Together, Geoffrey and Pantea unpack how compassion shows up in the toughest moments, why it's more powerful than we think, and how it gives hope not just to the person receiving it, but to everyone watching.

This conversation is a reminder that sometimes the most meaningful thing we can offer is simply to be there.

Additional Resources:

Connect with Pantea on LinkedIn

Learn more about Compassion Clinic

www.mo-mentsofexperience.com

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/peopleforward-network/

Learn more about PeopleForward Network: https://peopleforwardnetwork.com/

• Compassion = empathy plus action.
• Presence often matters more than solutions.
• Small acts show people they matter.
• Honest words should still leave room for hope.
• Compassion impacts giver, receiver, and observer.

In this episode of Mo-ments of Experience, I sit down with the insightful Katie Swenson. We talk healthcare innovation, challenging the status quo, and the importance of trust in building high-performing teams. Katie shares how her athletic and military background shaped her as a leader, tells the story of being a freshman at the Air Force Academy during the September 11th attacks, and speaks to her deep personal commitment to meaningful, sustainable change in healthcare.

𝗔𝗱𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲𝘀:

Follow Katie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-swensonpa-c/

Mo-ments of Experience website: http://www.mo-mentsofexperience.com/

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/peopleforward-network/

𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗮𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀:

• Katie's leadership mantra is to lead like an athlete.

• The military experience provides unique perspectives on leadership and teamwork.

• Innovating in healthcare requires overcoming the status quo.

• Building trust is essential for high-performing teams.

• Shared experiences can deepen trust among team members.

If you enjoyed today's conversation, please consider subscribing, commenting, or sharing with a friend. Thank you for listening!

As an exclusive offer for Mo-ments of Experience listeners, Astra Wellbeing is offering a 3-month pilot of the platform. To learn more about this opportunity or how you can stay informed, feel free to fill out our interest form here-https://www.astrawellbeing.com/interest-form

In this episode, Geoffrey Smith converses with Kristin Nelson, a speech language pathologist and life coach, who shares her inspiring journey of resilience and self-empowerment through health challenges. Kristin discusses her long path to diagnosis, the emotional and physical struggles she faced, and how yoga therapy transformed her understanding of healing. The conversation emphasizes the importance of finding joy in simple moments and the power of self-advocacy in the face of adversity.

As an exclusive offer for Mo-ments of Experience listeners, Astra Wellbeing is offering a 3-month pilot of the platform. To learn more about this opportunity or how you can stay informed, feel free to fill out our [interest form here](https://www.astrawellbeing.com/interest-form) and/or follow us on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/astrawellbeing.

Additional Resources:

Learn more about Kristin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-nelson-05a83219/

https://www.thealinker.com/

https://www.untangledrootscoach.com/

http://www.mo-mentsofexperience.com/

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/peopleforward-network/

Learn more about PeopleForward Network: https://peopleforwardnetwork.com/

Key Takeaways:

- Kristin's journey began at a young age with mobility loss. - The importance of receiving a diagnosis to begin treatment. - Resilience is about believing in oneself despite challenges. - Moments of experience shape our paths and inspire growth. - Self-empowerment is crucial for healing and recovery.

In this episode, Geoffrey Smith interviews Mohammad Anwar, founder and CEO, discussing the transformative power of love in business and organizational culture. They explore how individual actions can catalyze change, the importance of experiential learning in altering behaviors, and the necessity of measuring employee experiences to foster engagement. Anwar shares personal stories that shaped his journey and emphasizes the need for recognition and belonging in the workplace. The conversation concludes with a call to lead with love to create meaningful change.

As an exclusive offer for Mo-ments of Experience listeners, Astra Wellbeing is offering a 3-month pilot of the platform. To learn more about this opportunity or how you can stay informed, feel free to fill out our interest form here and/or follow us on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/astrawellbeing.

Additional Resources:

Learn more about Mohammad: https://www.softway.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/manwarsoftway/ https://www.loveasabusinessstrategy.com/

www.mo-mentsofexperience.com

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/peopleforward-network/

Learn more about PeopleForward Network: https://peopleforwardnetwork.com/

• Change must start with the individual.
• Everyone has the capacity to influence change.
• Experiences are crucial for changing behaviors.
• Love can be a strategy for business success.
• Recognition fosters a sense of belonging.

In this episode, Geoffrey Smith interviews Steven White, a healthcare innovator and former professional athlete, who shares his journey from personal health struggles to creating a preemptive healthcare model. The conversation explores the importance of compassion, gratitude, and trust in healthcare, as well as the role of evidence-based research in developing effective treatments. Steven emphasizes the significance of helping others and living with purpose, highlighting how small moments can lead to significant transformations in life and health.

As an exclusive offer for Mo-ments of Experience listeners, Astra Wellbeing is offering a 3-month pilot of the platform. To learn more about this opportunity or how you can stay informed, feel free to fill out our interest form here and/or follow us on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/astrawellbeing.

Additional Resources:

Check out The Pacific Clinic: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thepacificclinic/ https://www.pacific.clinic/

www.mo-mentsofexperience.com

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/peopleforward-network/

Learn more about PeopleForward Network: https://peopleforwardnetwork.com/

• Steve White emphasizes the importance of not being an expert to seek knowledge from others.
• His commitment to helping others stems from his own health journey.
• The PC focuses on preemptive healthcare rather than just preventative care.
• Building trust through information sharing is crucial in healthcare.
• Gratitude and helping others are key components of healing.

In this episode, Geoffrey Smith and Paula Allen discuss the critical intersection of mental health and workplace culture. They explore the importance of prevention in mental health, the significant role of team leaders in shaping workplace culture, and the key traits that make leaders effective. The conversation emphasizes the need for inclusion and social connections to foster creativity and well-being in the workforce.

As an exclusive offer for Mo-ments of Experience listeners, Astra Wellbeing is offering a 3-month pilot of the platform. To learn more about this opportunity or how you can stay informed, feel free to fill out our interest form here and/or follow us on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/astrawellbeing.

Additional Resources:

Follow Paula on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paula-allen-

Visit Telus Health: 2717206/https://www.telushealth.com/ https://go.telushealth.com/telus-mental-health-index

www.mo-mentsofexperience.com

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/peopleforward-network/

Learn more about PeopleForward Network: https://peopleforwardnetwork.com/

• Paula Allen transitioned from mental health clinician to researcher.
• Prevention in mental health is essential to avoid crises.
• Team leaders significantly influence workplace culture.
• Psychological safety is vital for team performance.
• Inclusion fosters creativity and innovation.