In this week's episode of Productive Joy, we are joined by Erin Krueger and Vivian Okeke, both remarkable women who have turned trauma into strength. Erin, a successful realtor, emphasizes that while trauma is inevitable, it does not define us. Vivian, an HR expert and author of 'Beneath the Cornerstone,' discusses the importance of the human connection in all aspects of life and the role of happiness in productivity.

The discussion highlights the importance of intentionality in actions and celebrating accomplishments, big or small, to create spaces filled with productive joy.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Introduction to Productive Joy

00:07 Meet the Guests: Erin Krueger and Vivian Okeke

00:22 Vivian Okeke's Journey and Insights

01:49 The Importance of People in Business

03:05 The Power of Intentionality

04:46 Learning from Trauma and Celebrating Success

06:45 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

In this episode of Productive Joy, Dr. Christie introduces her guest, Vivian Okeke, a leadership expert, founder of Pro Support, author, and conflict manager. Vivian shares her experiences of moving from her home country to Canada, starting her company, and helping businesses navigate HR challenges. She highlights the importance of investing in employees for business success, building a positive work culture, and understanding one's purpose to prevent burnout.

Dr. Christie and  Vivian also discuss her inspiration for writing her book, 'Beneath the Cornerstone,' which provides relatable HR strategies for entrepreneurs. The conversation gets into personal stories of loss and resilience, emphasizing the significance of authentic self-expression and the freedom that comes from knowing one's values and purpose. 

Find More About Vivian

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Welcome to Productive Joy

00:21 Meet Vivian Okeke: A Multifaceted Leader

01:21 Vivian's Journey: From Chaos to Empowerment

03:37 The Importance of People Management

08:05 Defining Productive Joy

11:34 Vivian's Personal Story and Professional Insights

19:30 Rapid Fire Questions and Final Thoughts

A Deeper Dive:

In a world where the boundaries between personal and professional lives often blur, finding joy in productivity is not just a luxury, but a necessity. Our latest podcast episode explores this very concept with Vivian Okeke, a dynamic leader who has mastered the art of blending purpose and peace to breathe new life into workspaces. Join us as we delve into the heart of productive joy with insights that can transform both individual paths and organizational cultures.

At the core of Vivian's philosophy is a belief in placing people first. As she consistently emphasizes, businesses thrive when their people do. This involves fostering a robust culture that aligns with both the organization's goals and employee well-being. In her book "Beneath the Cornerstone: The Human Threads that Shape Every Business," Vivian highlights the importance of creating a supportive environment from the ground up—a message resonant with entrepreneurs and leaders alike.

Vivian insists that the secret to successful business management lies in understanding and developing a cohesive culture. She urges business owners to listen deeply and cultivate environments that respect and prioritize individuals. Her approach underscores the necessity of integrating employment laws and personal values to ensure that both the company and its employees are safeguarded and empowered.

The conversation with Vivian revealed her insightful definition of productive joy: work that aligns with purpose, avoids fatigue, and provides satisfaction. She cautions against conflating busyness with productivity, advocating instead for a meaningful pursuit that is rooted in personal and collective peace. Vivian’s insights encourage us to anchor our professional endeavors in understanding our “why” and maintaining a balance that sustains both progress and well-being.

Vivian’s journey is marked by resilience—a recurring theme in her life and career. She recounts facing personal losses from a young age, which instilled in her an empathetic approach to life and work. Her experiences have taught her the value of surrounding oneself with supportive figures and the importance of extending that support to others.

The episode wraps up with a powerful takeaway: remember your purpose and values, and embrace the freedom they bring. Vivian urges listeners not to succumb to the pressure of external expectations but instead to trust in the authentic narrative that drives them forward. By doing so, we not only cultivate productive joy but also nurture a fulfilling path that is both inspiring and impactful.

In this episode of Productive Joy, Dr. Christie welcomes Erin Krueger, a CEO, author, realtor, dog mom, world traveler, and painter. Erin shares her story of growing up on a farm in Pennsylvania, instilled with the values of integrity and hard work by her entrepreneurial parents.

She faced a significant tragedy at 21, losing both her parents in a car accident, which taught her resilience and the importance of moving forward. 

Erin discusses how she built her career, transitioning from a high-paying corporate job to real estate, and launching a successful vending business during the recession. She emphasizes the significance of mindset, continuous growth, and creating a positive culture within her team.

Erin and Dr. Christie also discuss her structured interview and hiring process that ensures a strong team culture. With her insights on leadership, mentorship, and the importance of staying positive, 

Find out more about Erin

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:22 Meet Erin Krueger

02:08 Erin's Early Life and Tragedy

05:22 Lessons from the Farm

10:39 Building a Business and Overcoming Challenges

17:46 Hiring and Team Building Strategies

20:16 The DISC Profile Test

21:03 The Importance of Problem Solving

21:25 Initial Screening Process

22:15 In-Depth Interviews and Culture Fit

23:04 Goal Setting and Evaluation

25:09 Team Interviews and Final Selection

28:02 The Role of DISC Profiles

32:26 Rapid Fire Questions

34:30 Final Takeaways and Conclusion

A deeper dive:

Welcome to an exploration of success, resilience, and joy with the inspiring Erin Krueger.Erin shares her remarkable journey filled with personal growth, entrepreneurial spirit, and a passion for creating positive impact. Here's a look into her philosophies and practices that lay the foundation for her success and influence.

Erin Krueger is known for wearing many hats: she’s a CEO, an author, a realtor, and a traveler. However, it's her resilience and tenacity that truly set her apart. Her upbringing on a Pennsylvania farm, where she learned problem-solving and hard work firsthand from her entrepreneurial parents, became the bedrock for her successful career.

Erin experienced a devastating personal tragedy at 21 when her parents passed away in a car accident. As the eldest, she was thrust into handling complex and adult responsibilities, which taught her invaluable lessons in leadership and perseverance. Confronting such profound challenges early in life shaped her philosophy: “We are not defined by our circumstances but by our responses to them.”

Transitioning from personal experiences to business, Erin founded a highly successful real estate team after bravely stepping out of an unethical corporate job. Her core belief centers around cultivating a positive corporate culture. Erin emphasizes the importance of maintaining momentum and positivity, inspired by a childhood memory of jitterbugging with her father in the early morning hours of farm work.

Within her team, Erin fosters an environment where positivity is paramount. She reminds her team that every encounter—whether a difficult conversation or a challenging market situation—should not define the entire day. Instead, embracing each moment with positivity can change the overall dynamic and outcome.

Erin's approach to leadership is both systematized and personalized. She employs a unique method to ensure new hires mesh well with her team culture. This includes a meticulous interview process where candidates are assessed not just for their skills, but for their problem-solving abilities, listening skills, and cultural fit with potential colleagues.

One of her methods is to give job applicants a series of tests without them realizing it, such as requiring a DISC profile in the application, which evaluates personality types to better fit team dynamics. This careful alignment of team members enhances productivity and satisfaction within the team.

In this episode of Productive Joy, Dr. Christie  reflects on her interviews this week with two real-life knights! One from Portugal and one from France, who emphasize the importance of being known for who you are and how  authenticity can bring light and life to others. 

Dr. Christie reminds us to reflect on what we want to be known for and to align their actions with their desires. She also shares her experiences as an adjunct professor, helping students balance their academic and personal lives,

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Introduction to Productive Joy

00:04 Lessons from the Knights

01:17 The Importance of Authenticity

01:53 Why I Started Productive Joy

02:34 Defining and Seeking Joy

03:13 Personal Challenges and Authenticity

03:53 Teaching and Impact

05:00 Feedback and Improvement

05:35 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

In this episode of Productive Joy, Dr. Christie welcomes Sir Riadh Bouaziz, a knighted global traveler and positivity advocate from France. Sir Bouaziz shares his philosophy of infusing life with joy and authenticity, emphasizing gratitude and a positive mindset. He talks about his efforts during COVID-19, from creating lifesaving protective gear to being recognized by the French President and how you can shape your own destiny through proactive and positive choices.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:28 Meet Sir Riyadh Wows

01:25 The Power of Positivity

03:02 Authenticity and Self-Worth

05:12 Participating in Your Destiny

10:08 Being Knighted Twice

13:25 Responding to COVID-19

16:01 Defining Productive Joy

16:27 Finding Joy in Everyday Moments

16:57 The Power of a Positive Mindset

17:49 Handling Work Challenges with Positivity

20:56 Creating Productive Joy in the Workplace

24:48 Rapid Fire Questions

30:36 Final Thoughts and Inspiration

A Deeper Dive:

Sir Riadh Bouaziz isn’t just any guest; he’s been knighted twice by the President of France, thanks to his immeasurable contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic. When the world came to a halt, Riadh sprang into action, repurposing his resources to create protective equipment at a scale unimaginable, saving countless lives. His story is a testament to the power of authentic action and selfless service—touching upon how genuine motivations can lead to unexpected accolades.

According to Sir Riadh, the secret to a fulfilling day starts the moment you wake up. He emphasizes that each morning offers a chance to smile at yourself and embrace the day ahead. This small but profound act fuels positivity and energy, setting the tone for everything that follows.

One of the standout philosophies Riadh imparts is the idea of participating in your own destiny. It’s easy to feel like a passive player in the face of life’s circumstances, but Riadh insists that true fulfillment comes when you take the reins. By actively shaping your path with a lion-hearted spirit, as he describes, you're not just a bystander in life’s journey but an influential participant shaping the outcome.

Incorporating joy into the workplace can seem like a daunting task. However, Riadh believes that it starts with leadership and a vision that prioritizes a positive mindset. When leaders exude positivity, it permeates the entire team, creating an environment where individuals thrive and stay loyal for years.

Through stories of turning workplace challenges into opportunities, Riadh illustrates how a shift in perspective can transform what seems like a setback into an asset. He recounts a scenario where he helped an employee see past a lost deal by focusing on future potential—proving that every loss hides a win, just waiting to be uncovered.

Joy, as Riadh explains, is a choice—a mindset that one can cultivate regardless of circumstances. This shift doesn’t require life to be free of challenges or problems; instead, it involves approaching each situation with a mindset that seeks solutions and radiates positivity. 

Christie and Riadh explore the idea that while we might not control external factors, we have immense influence over how we respond. This dynamic interplay between control and influence is where true personal power resides.

For Riadh, even on the toughest days, the mantra is to smile and remind yourself of your strength and capability. It’s this unwavering self-belief that propels him forward, allowing him to approach life’s hurdles not as obstacles but as opportunities to innovate and inspire.

Sir Riadh Bouaziz leaves us with a powerful call to action: be yourself, believe in your future, and become your own lion. These words encapsulate the essence of productive joy. By participating actively in our destinies, we each have the potential to create lives overflowing with meaning and happiness.

In this episode of Productive Joy, Dr. Christie is thrilled to welcome Sir Paul Flynn, a modern-day knight and a key figure at the GRO Foundation. The discussion delves into Paul's unique upbringing across multiple cultures and how it shaped his perspectives on work-life balance, purpose, and happiness. 

Sir Paul shares his insights on seeing life as a participation event rather than a race for achievements. He emphasizes the importance of inner strength, helping others, and finding joy in your contributions. Sir Paul also discusses his work with the GRO Foundation, dedicated to sustainability and lifting communities out of poverty. 

Find More About Sir Paul Flynn

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:34 Meet Sir Paul Flynn

01:27 The Concept of Work-Life Balance

03:18 Paul's Unique Upbringing

04:53 Cultural Insights and Life Lessons

10:13 Defining Productive Joy

12:31 Challenges and Inner Strength

15:43 Transition to Teaching Adults

16:40 The Path to Knighthood

17:42 Building a Foundation for Change

19:12 Life in Africa and Beyond

20:43 Creating Sustainable Impact

24:13 Advice for the Younger Self

27:26 Rapid Fire Questions

30:16 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

A Deeper Dive:

In the latest episode of Productive Joy, host Dr. Christie engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Sir Paul Flynn. Known for his work in sustainability and social impact, Sir Paul shares insights on finding joy through participation and purpose. His journey from being a child of diverse cultures to becoming a knight dedicated to ending poverty is nothing short of inspiring.

Sir Paul's story begins with his unique cultural background, having been born to an Irish father and a Ugandan mother in Germany. His upbringing exposed him to diverse perspectives, from industrious Germany to family-centric Africa and boisterous Ireland. This mixture taught him early on that truth and perspective vary widely between cultures, opening his eyes to the universality of human experiences.

A key theme of the conversation is Sir Paul's belief in life as a participation event. Rather than chasing titles or wealth, he emphasizes the importance of making others happy and participating fully in life. According to him, true success is measured by how well one participates and fosters happiness in those around them, not by career achievements or financial gain.

Sir Paul challenges the typical notion of work-life balance as just two entities. From his perspective, life is an interplay of three components: work, life, and the joy of the journey. He argues that joy comes from the results of our work, not the work itself. By focusing on the impact one creates, any challenge can be transformed into an opportunity for growth.

His career journey is a testament to his philosophy. Sir Paul transitioned from a lucrative management consulting role to founding the Grow Foundation. By transferring ownership of his projects to this foundation, he ensures profits are reinvested into creating sustainable communities, setting a precedent for self-sufficient poverty alleviation through social enterprises.

Reflecting on his path, Sir Paul advises his younger self to have patience and trust in personal ability. He underscores the importance of cultivating inner drive, interest, talent, experience, and education. These pillars help individuals achieve long-term goals and prevent the pitfalls of success for the wrong reasons.

Christie and Sir Paul conclude with a call for kindness and participation. Being kind to strangers, he believes, can solve many of the world's problems. Such simple acts of kindness are not only transformative at an individual level but can also inspire larger movements toward positive change.

In this episode of Productive Joy, Dr. Christie reflects on the rapid passage of time and challenges us to both recognize our achievements and identify areas for growth as we approach the final quarter of 2025. Featuring recaps of interviews with Veronica Deraleau and Christian F. Johnson, she emphasizes the importance of real-world feedback in becoming one's authentic self.

She encourages us to 'take off our masks' — metaphorical or otherwise — that prevent us from being genuine in different spaces of our lives. Christian's concept of 'destroying distractions' to focus on our divine assignment and authentic message is highlighted, urging us to identify and neutralize distractions in our lives. 

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Welcome to Productive Joy

00:14 Reflecting on Personal Growth

00:26 Podcast Recap: Veronica and Christian

01:43 Embracing Authenticity

02:48 The Challenge of Removing Masks

05:32 Actionable Takeaways

06:04 Stay Connected and Keep Growing

A Deeper Dive:

**Title: Embracing Your Authentic Self: The Path to Productive Joy**

**Introduction**

Hello, friends! As we move into the last quarter of 2025, it's a great time to reflect on our personal growth and set intentions for the future. Today, we're diving into the insights from a fascinating conversation with Veronica Deraleau and Christian F. Johnson on our latest podcast episode. This discussion highlights the power of authenticity and how listening to real-world feedback can help us become who we're truly meant to be.

**The Impact of Real-World Feedback**

Veronica and Christian both emphasized the importance of real-world feedback in shaping our authentic selves. Veronica shared experiences about learning from feedback and how it can help us express our genuine selves. Christian, on the other hand, spoke candidly about a moment when he received feedback that he wasn't being true to himself. Though it was challenging to hear, this feedback prompted him to write a book and refocus his message on overcoming distractions that prevent us from being authentic.

**The Masks We Wear**

In our pursuit of authenticity, it's crucial to recognize the masks we wear in different situations. Whether at work, with friends, or at home, we often adjust our behavior to fit in or meet external expectations. But are we truly being ourselves? Or are we hiding behind masks that prevent us from fully engaging with the world?

Consider this: what masks are you wearing today? Are they hindering your ability to connect with others authentically? It's time to take a moment and examine these masks. Recognize that while masks may serve a purpose, they can also suffocate us if worn for too long.

**Christian’s Approach to Overcoming Distractions**

Christian's strategy to stay authentic involves identifying and neutralizing distractions. It’s about recognizing what pulls us away from our true path and taking intentional steps to return to our core. His advice is to "RINSE": Recognize distractions, Identify your divine assignment, Neutralize those distractions, Starve what’s misaligned, and Execute from your center.

**Being the Best Version of Yourself**

The journey to authenticity is about being the best possible version of yourself. It's not about being perfect or constant self-indulgence, but rather embracing your unique genius and contributing it to every space you inhabit. Your authentic self is what makes you special and valuable to the right people around you.

Challenge yourself to think about your masks and distractions. Do they obstruct your true self from shining through? Can you take steps to remove these masks and focus on what truly matters?

As you work on this, remember that I'm here to support you. Feel free to reach out to me, [email protected] or visit us at Intentionality or Productive Joy. Explore wisdom nuggets that encourage you to do things differently, effectively transforming fun into meaningful action.

In this episode of Productive Joy, Dr Christie introduces guest Christian F. Johnson, a coach, leader, speaker, podcaster, and father. Christian shares his personal revelation about the importance of destroying distractions to live an authentic and aligned life. He discusses his RINSE method, an acronym for Recognize, Identify, Neutralize, Starve, and Execute, which he uses to help individuals align with their divine purpose. Christian emphasizes the power of turning off the noise and focusing on what truly matters.

Find more about Christian F. Johnson

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Introduction and Guest Announcement

00:26 Meet Christian F. Johnson

01:45 The Concept of Destroying Distractions

02:14 Personal Story and Realizations

04:39 Feedback and Personal Growth

10:59 The RINSE Method

15:30 Unmasking Your Authentic Self

16:56 The Concept of Productive Joy

19:56 Creating Productive Joy

20:10 Destroying Distractions

22:14 The Power of Repetition

24:58 Finding Your Unique Genius

27:55 Rapid Fire Questions

29:56 Final Thoughts and Challenges

A Deeper Dive:

In a world bustling with noise and expectations, finding genuine joy can seem elusive. However, today's highlight from the Productive Joy podcast with host Christie and guest Christian F. Johnson offers profound insights on aligning one's life with true purpose and destroying the distractions that hinder it. 

Join me as we delve into how an engaging conversation between these vibrant personalities teaches us the art of embracing authenticity through focused alignment and unabashed joy.

The episode kicks off with Christian's enthusiastic introduction, where he shares the compelling reason he gravitates toward the concept of “productive joy.” For him, productive joy is not merely about achieving goals but is the "fruit of alignment." According to Christian, this involves coherence with one's divine center—be it spiritual beliefs, personal values, or career aspirations.

### Destroying Distractions

At the heart of Christian's message is his mantra: “Destroy distractions.” This is something he urges every listener to consider seriously. He explains, distractions can sap us of our energy, shift us from our divine purpose, and lead us into a life of mimicry and misalignment. By eliminating these distractions, one can regain traction and take meaningful action.

Christian introduces his guest to the RINSE method—a five-step spiritual and practical approach to recalibrate one's focus:

1. **Recognize the Distraction:** Christian emphasizes the need to identify what is truly pulling us away from our purpose.

2. **Identify Your Divine Assignment:** Knowing your life’s objective aligns your actions with your deeper calling.

3. **Neutralize Distractions with Truth:** Meditation and spiritual grounding help distinguish reality from illusion, allowing truth to reign.

4. **Starve What's Misaligned, Strengthen What's Divine:** By denying energy to distractions, we empower what truly matters.

5. **Execute from Your Center:** Aligning with one's divine or true self, actions taken are both intentional and authentic.

Christie ties the conversation together by sharing her own experiences and how embracing feedback, even when it’s uncomfortable, is crucial for personal growth. She draws parallels with Christian’s journey, highlighting how feedback led to essential introspection and alignment.

Both Christie and Christian stress the importance of removing masks—the metaphorical disguises we wear to fit in or meet expectations. Taking off these masks, although challenging, is liberating and allows one to breathe and operate naturally. 

In educating adults, as Christie asserts, it's not enough to flood learners with knowledge all at once. Instead, use the drip, drip, drip approach: repeat key messages to ensure they stick. Here, the critical takeaway is “destroy distractions,” a repeated mantra ensuring the audience leaves the conversation with a concrete, actionable idea.

In this episode of Productive Joy, Dr. Christie welcomes Veronica Deraleau, an opera singer turned financial coach, veteran, and army spouse. Veronica shares her unique path combining music with business, illustrating how she managed to pay off $100,000 in debt within three years on a starter salary. 

Her insights into aligning one’s talents and practical financial strategies are laid out in her book 'Making Money is Simple.' Veronica emphasizes the importance of defining clear goals, overcoming mindset hurdles, and seeking feedback to achieve financial freedom. Listen as she shares actionable advice for rising professionals and creatives, stressing the need to embrace both successes and failures to discover your true potential.

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Episode Highlights:

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

01:02 Veronica's Unique Career Path

03:12 Journey to Financial Coaching

07:10 The Aria Money Model

08:44 Combining Talents for Success

11:21 Advice for Young Professionals

12:00 Real Estate and Financial Coaching

27:21 Rapid Fire Questions

29:58 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

A Deeper Dive:

Have you ever felt torn between two passions, unsure of which to pursue in your life and career? Veronica Deraleau is a living testament to the power of melding seemingly contrasting passions to create a fulfilling and meaningful life. With an extraordinary array of talents ranging from being a trained opera singer to becoming a financial coach, Veronica is an inspiring example of how embracing our diverse interests can lead to unexpected success.

In a recent episode of "Productive Joy," hosted by Christie, Veronica shared her fascinating life journey and the lessons she's gathered along the way, offering invaluable insights into achieving financial independence and personal growth.

Veronica's journey is as remarkable as it is inspiring. Originally aspiring to be an opera singer, Veronica’s practical-minded mother advised her to expand her studies, leading her to double major in economics and music during college. She successfully achieved a unique combination of degrees, went on to earn a Master’s in Music, and later, completed an MBA with a focus on real estate.

Christie, the podcast host, humorously remarked on Veronica's uncommon academic path and her tenacity. Veronica mentioned her friend who also double-majored in a unique combination, illustrating the importance of surrounding oneself with inspiring and like-minded individuals.

Veronica recounted her struggle integrating her musical talents with financial stability during her early years. Despite working in flexible jobs and pursuing both fields, dissatisfaction loomed as she felt neither area was advancing effectively. Her journey truly began to take shape when she joined a commercial real estate firm, managing multimillion-dollar budgets and learning from high-net-worth individuals.

Observing their strategic mindset about money, she realized how different her approach had been. Her journey enabled her to address and reframe her relationship with money, leading to an enlightened perspective that ultimately fueled her desire to help others achieve financial competence.

In 2017, after gaining robust financial insights through practical experience, Veronica ambitiously tackled her six-figure debt and paid it off in just three years on a starter salary. When COVID-19 hit in 2020, Veronica felt compelled to share her learnings with artist friends affected by the pandemic. Through webinars and informal coaching, Veronica gradually discovered her calling to help people financially bloom and move beyond living paycheck to paycheck.

Her book, "Making Money is Simple," captures this journey and provides readers with frameworks like the Aria Money Model—Awaken, Reframe, Intention, Action—aimed at transforming financial mindsets.

In this episode of Productive Joy, Dr. Christie shares insights from two inspiring guests, Dr. Elizabeth Moran and Tyler Mount. Elizabeth, an organizational change expert, emphasizes the importance of supporting change even if you aren't fully on board and the need to combat our natural negative biases. 

Tyler, who transitioned from Broadway to real estate, illustrates how integrating all personal talents can lead to extraordinary outcomes. Dr. Christie discusses her company, Intentionality Group, which helps organizations discover their unique genius and improve job satisfaction. 

Discover more about Intentionality Group

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Introduction to Productive Joy

00:17 Who are Elizabeth Moran and Tyler Mount?

00:58 Elizabeth Moran on Embracing Change

02:00 Tyler Mount: From Broadway to Real Estate

02:56 The Intentionality Group: Making Work Fun

04:28 The Power of Positive Influence

06:13 Call to Action: Spread the Joy

Deeper Dive:

This week’s episode was particularly inspiring as we had the pleasure of hosting two remarkable guests—Elizabeth Moran and Tyler Mount. Both individuals are committed to spreading positivity and encourage us to intentionally seek joy in our daily lives.

The heart of the podcast lies in the belief that joy is a choice. A choice worth making, as reiterated by our guests this week. Elizabeth and Tyler exemplify this philosophy as they continuously seek out the good in situations, contributing to the central theme of this podcast. By choosing to focus on the positive aspects, we are more likely to see and experience them more often.

Elizabeth Moran, an expert in organizational change, shared insightful nuggets of wisdom. One of her key messages was the idea that one doesn’t need to fully agree with a change to support it. As a leader, you can maintain your authenticity while executing changes, as long as they are not harmful. She challenged us to confront our innate negative biases and actively choose to focus on more positive outcomes. The power of choice, Elizabeth suggests, lies in whether we allow negativity to linger, or we push towards a more positive reality.

Tyler Mount is a force of nature known for merging his diverse talents into a cohesive identity. His journey from Broadway to building an impressive real estate empire is a testament to the power of integrating various skills. Tyler inspires us to look beyond compartmentalized views of our capabilities and recognize the extraordinary potential when all talents are embraced collectively. This approach not only enhances personal development but also encourages greater contributions to the world.

My husband and I, alongside friends, have founded the Intentionality Group, an enterprise focused on helping organizations identify and leverage their unique talents for growth. The aim is to infuse workplaces with joy and engagement, to ensure employees are adequately equipped to excel. Understanding and nurturing an individual’s contributions to the mission fosters a culture where everyone can thrive, instead of just surviving.

An intriguing concept from the podcast is the blend of fun with work, leading to what we call "productive joy." Often perceived as mutually exclusive, fun and work can indeed coexist and enrich one another. By pursuing activities that unite joy with professional responsibility, individuals tend to achieve better results and satisfaction. Therefore, exercising influence and seeking out the exceptional equips you for transformational change—whether personal or organizational.

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