“Ideas aren't the problem. People have lots of ideas, but they don't have time to think. Thinking has become a daring act within organizations, and in our culture, because we are part of the ‘cult of busy’.”

Chapters:

• 00:00 Introduction to Lisa Bodell and the Importance of Simplicity

Episode Summary:

Lisa Bodell, a global leader on simplification, collaboration, and innovation, discusses the importance of simplicity in organizations. She emphasizes the need to eliminate unnecessary complexity and create space for thinking and innovation. Lisa shares strategies for challenging assumptions, reversing unproductive rules, and managing time effectively. She also highlights the value of generosity and the difference between managing and leading. Overall, Lisa advocates for a cultural shift towards simplicity and meaningful work. In this conversation, Lisa Bodell and Shannon Cassidy discuss the importance of simplicity and how to eliminate unnecessary rules and tasks in order to create a more efficient and productive work environment. They emphasize the need for leaders to model vulnerability and be open to killing stupid rules. They also discuss the challenges of implementing simplicity when the leader is resistant to change. The conversation covers topics such as identifying and eliminating unnecessary rules, simplifying processes, setting boundaries on time, and the importance of asking quality questions. The key takeaways include the importance of simplicity as a strategy, the need for leaders to empower their teams, the value of questioning why, and the recognition that change is a choice.

R.O.G. Takeaway Tips:

• Eliminating unnecessary complexity and simplifying processes is essential for innovation and creativity.

Guest Bio:

Lisa Bodell, a global leader on simplification, collaboration, and innovation, has a solution. Lisa shows organizations how to eliminate complexity and leverage simplicity – unleashing creativity and sparking the energy so essential to innovate and compete in a rapidly changing world. FutureThink, which she founded in 2003, works with leading brands worldwide and has become the largest source of innovation research, tools, and training in the world. Lisa is the author of two groundbreaking books, Why Simple Wins: Escape the Complexity Trap and Get to Work That Matters and Kill the Company: End the Status Quo, Start an Innovation Revolution. She ranks on the list of Top 50 Speakers Worldwide and captivates audiences with her energy and humor. Lisa’s keynotes leave audiences inspired to change and arms them with radically simple tools to get to the work that matters. 

After earning her business degree from University of Michigan, Lisa launched her career at Leo Burnett in Chicago, where she discovered a gift for uniting strategically-driven ideas with forward-thinking themes. She went on to build two successful businesses before moving to New York and focusing on the simplification and innovation space with FutureThink.

Lisa brings a compelling perspective to the sought-after topics of simplification and innovation to over 100,000 people each year.  A thought leader and serial entrepreneur, her transformational message has inspired executives at top-ranked organizations such as Google, SAP, Citigroup, and the Department of National Intelligence.

Lisa has contributed her expertise to a wide variety of media. She is a monthly contributor to Forbes and has frequently appeared in other media including: Fast Company, WIRED, The New York Times, Inc., Harvard Business Review, and CNN. She has also been featured in many major books such as Warren Berger’s A More Beautiful Question, Adam Grant’s Originals, and AfterShock, the 50-year celebration based on futurist Alvin Toffler’s Future Shock.  

Lisa has taught innovation at both American University and Fordham University and has a TED talk on the topic.  She has served on the board of advisors of several organizations, including the Global Agenda Council for the World Economic Forum, the United States National Security Agency, the Association of Professional Futurists, and the Novartis boards of Diversity & Inclusion and Culture.

Resources:

• Why Simple Wins

Where to find R.O.G. Podcast:

R.O.G on YouTube

R.O.G on Apple Podcasts

R.O.G on Spotify

How diverse is your network? 

What is your Generosity Style? 

Credits:

Lisa Bodell, Sheep Jam Productions, Host Shannon Cassidy, Bridge Between, Inc.

Coming Next: Please join us next week, Episode 199, Special Guest, Edwige Robinson.

“Personal mastery is all about humility and supporting other people and having purpose other than yourself.”

R.O.G. Takeaway Tips:

• Sit quietly.

Guest Bio:

Susan Packard, who has helped to build powerful media brands like HBO, CNBC, and HGTV. She was the second employee at HGTV, its co-founder, and its former chief operating officer. HGTV became Scripps Networks Interactive when they created new brands and platforms. She helped build these businesses to a market value of over $15 billion.

Susan left the corporate media world to become a writer, mentor, and a leadership speaker. She has an established platform as an author today. TarcherPerigee (Penguin Random House) published her first book NEW RULES OF THE GAME: 10 Strategies for Women in the Workplace in 2015 and her second book FULLY HUMAN: Three Steps to Grow Your Emotional Fitness in Work, Leadership and Life in 2019.  Both of these books explore how practices of good emotional health can help us to create better lives and careers. In NEW RULES she touched on grit, resilience and team trust. In FULLY HUMAN, she wrote about emotional fitness, a practice she teaches today to leaders, which was at the core of their success at HGTV. Susan gave a Tedx talk about emotional fitness at UCLA. 

In 2020, she was named one of the top 40 women keynote speakers by RealLeaders, and continues to be an active speaker at organizations and universities like Stanford Business School, Carnegie Mellon and University of Alabama.

Susan was the first woman elected to serve on the board of directors of Churchill Downs, Inc., the owner and manager of the Kentucky Derby.

Susan has done many things in her career others might consider “brave,” but the most courageous thing she’s ever done was to ask for help for an on-going substance use disorder. In 2019, she gave a Commencement address at Michigan State University, her alma mater, and shared with the 5,000 graduates and their families some of her addiction and recovery journey. There she was awarded the Honorary Degree of Doctor in Humanities.

Resources:

• Susan Packard

Where to find R.O.G. Podcast:

R.O.G on YouTube

R.O.G on Apple Podcasts

R.O.G on Spotify

How diverse is your network? 

What is your Generosity Style? 

Credits:

Susan Packard, Sheep Jam Productions, Host Shannon Cassidy, Bridge Between, Inc.

Coming Next: Please join us next week, Episode 198, Special Guest, Lisa Bodell.

“Burnout is an excessive and sustained workload.”

“Am I really the best person to be in that meeting?”

“Create workplaces of joy, productivity, and growth.”

“Change is possible.”

Chapters:

• 00:00  Introduction: Daisy Auger-Dominguez's Background and Book

Episode Summary:

Daisy Auger-Dominguez, an accomplished executive and dynamic leader, discusses her new book 'From Burnout to Lit Up' and shares her wisdom and guidance on burnout. She explains the signs and symptoms of burnout and emphasizes the importance of recognizing and addressing it. Daisy provides practical solutions, such as setting boundaries, saying no, and having difficult conversations. She also highlights the need for relational communication and the power of scripting to navigate challenging situations. Overall, Daisy's book offers insights and strategies to help individuals prevent and overcome burnout. In this conversation, Daisy Auger-Dominguez discusses the importance of reflection, gratitude, and joy in the workplace. She emphasizes the need to acknowledge and validate others' perspectives before responding, and to avoid self-righteousness. Daisy also shares strategies for reconnecting with joy at work, such as finding your purpose and embracing a beginner's mindset. She highlights the power of mantras and affirmations to shift mindset and avoid burnout. The conversation concludes with practical tips for recognizing burnout, establishing boundaries, and taking care of oneself in order to better care for others.

R.O.G. Takeaway Tips:

• Recognize the signs and symptoms of burnout and take action to address it.

Guest Bio:

Daisy Auger-Dominguez is an accomplished executive and dynamic leader widely recognized for her ability to lead organizational transformations on the leading edge of people and culture.

A natural storyteller and team-builder with a purpose-driven mindset, Daisy launched her career at Moody's Investors Service. She subsequently held leadership roles at The Walt Disney Company, Google, Time Warner, and Viacom. Most recently, she served as Global Chief People Officer at Vice Media, overseeing and guiding the end-to-end employee experience, including DEI, ESG, and corporate facilities. Additionally, Daisy founded Auger-Domínguez Ventures, a workplace strategy consultancy.

Daisy's bold advocacy for inclusive, courageous, and competent management in the modern workplace positions her as a sought-after speaker and thought leader in management, leadership, diversity, equity and inclusion, workplace culture, and the future of work. Driven to build workplace cultures rooted in human-centered shared values and purpose — cultures that work for everyone while enhancing performance — Daisy authored 'Inclusion Revolution' and has a forthcoming book titled From Burned Out to Lit Up: A Manager’s Guide.

She has been featured in publications like Harvard Business Review and IDEAS.TED. Her contributions have earned her prestigious honors, including Brooklyn Community Service's Social Impact award, Hispanic Executive's Top 10 Leaders, People en Español's 25 Most Powerful Women, ADCOLOR Legend, Council of Urban Professionals Change Agent, Walter Kaitz Foundation Changemaker, and the New York City Council Leadership in Community Service Award.

Resources:

• Books

Where to find R.O.G. Podcast:

R.O.G on YouTube

R.O.G on Apple Podcasts

R.O.G on Spotify

How diverse is your network? 

What is your Generosity Style? 

Credits:

Daisy Auger-Dominguez, Sheep Jam Productions, Host Shannon Cassidy, Bridge Between, Inc.

Coming Next: Please join us next week, Episode 197, Special Guest, Susan Packard.

“How do we help others, especially those that don't have a good opportunity? But, you know, they don't have life on a silver platter. So how do we make silver platters for people?”

“You never wanna go to the president and talk about yourself. You wanna go to the president and you wanna talk about the team and what the team did…”

“A coach talks to you, a mentor talks with you, and a sponsor talks about you.”

Chapters:

• 00:00  Innovation and Inclusivity: A Journey with Yvette Kanouff

Episode Summary:

Yvette Kanouff, an Emmy award-winning technology pioneer and partner at JC2 Ventures, shares insights on technology, innovation, inclusivity, and generosity. She discusses her background, the impact of AI, the importance of networking, and the concept of return on generosity. Yvette emphasizes the value of genuine connections, the power of innovation, and the role of generosity in creating opportunities for others. The conversation covers a range of topics related to leadership, management, mentorship, and self-advocacy. It emphasizes the importance of results and followership in promotions, the value of team-first leadership, and the significance of being true to oneself. It also delves into the role of coaching, mentoring, and sponsorship, as well as the art of having difficult conversations with honesty and kindness.

R.O.G. Takeaway Tips:

• Yvette Kanouff's journey from Germany to the US and her passion for innovation and inclusivity.

Guest Bio:

Yvette Kanouff is an Emmy award winning technology pioneer and Partner at JC2 Ventures, a venture firm founded by Cisco Chairman Emeritus and Silicon Valley legend, John Chambers. Yvette headed the $7B service provider business at Cisco Systems, the worldwide leader in IT, networking, and cybersecurity solutions. She has held CTO and President roles at various companies and has focused on leading technology innovation and invention. Yvette has pioneered technologies instrumental in creating video streaming, app stores, MPEG standards, encoding standards, CDNs, and the DVD.

Yvette has received numerous industry awards including a 2020 Lifetime Achievement Emmy for her contributions to television engineering and technology, the National Cable and Television Association’s Vanguard Award for Leadership in Science and Technology, being named an Industry Pioneer, an Emmy for her work in Video on Demand with SeaChange, being named an Industry Wonder Woman, Top Techie, and Woman in Technology; she has been named one of the 11 most influential women in the Television industry, and has consistently been ranked as one of the top 100 industry executives.

Yvette began her career in digital signal processing and has a bachelor’s and master’s degree in mathematics from UCF. Yvette is a 2011 recipient of the UCF Distinguished Alumni Award and supports UCF students through the Yvette Kanouff Industrial Mathematics Scholarship, in addition to supporting the University and College of Sciences, where she serves on the Dean’s Advisory Board. Yvette holds several patents and is on various corporate and industry boards. She is a long-standing leader in industry organizations, foundations, and standards bodies, and she has chaired several industry award boards including the Cable Pioneers and IEEE Ibuka medal award committee.

Resources:

• Cisco's Yvette Kanouff: Massive Transformation for Service Providers

Where to find R.O.G. Podcast:

R.O.G on YouTube

R.O.G on Apple Podcasts

R.O.G on Spotify

How diverse is your network? 

What is your Generosity Style? 

Credits:

Yvette Kanouff, Sheep Jam Productions, Host Shannon Cassidy, Bridge Between, Inc.

Coming Next: Please join us next week, Episode 196, with special guest Daisy Auger-Dominguez.

“Generous leadership is standing up for what is right.”

Chapters:

• 00:00  Introduction of James Rooke

Episode Summary:

James Rooke, President of Comcast Advertising, shares insights on leadership and decision-making. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing patterns and investing in talent. James learned valuable lessons from his father, who taught him the significance of generous leadership and standing up for what is right. He also gained insights from his early career experiences, which highlighted the common root causes of organizational challenges. James recommends leaders stay close to the front lines and have simple filters to guide decision-making. He also discusses the need to balance a high-level view with deep dives into specific areas. In this conversation, James shares his approach to leadership and the importance of generosity in the workplace. He emphasizes the value of being present and engaged with employees at all levels, and the power of small acts of recognition and appreciation. James also discusses the need for leaders to have humility and vulnerability, and the importance of making quick decisions and being adaptable. He highlights the impact of creating experiences that shape beliefs and change culture, and the role of authenticity and integrity in leadership. James provides valuable insights and practical advice for cultivating a generous leadership style.

R.O.G. Takeaway Tips:

• Recognizing patterns and investing in talent are key to leadership success.

Guest Bio:

James Rooke is president of Comcast Advertising, the advertising division of Comcast Cable that fosters powerful connections between brands and their audiences as well as among publishers, distributors, MVPDs, agencies and other industry players. In this role, James oversees the operation of the company, which includes Effectv, FreeWheel and AudienceXpress.

Most recently, James was general manager of Effectv, where he led a nationwide team across sales, product, engineering, data and operations focused on enabling marketers to reach their target audiences across TV and video streaming platforms. Since adopting the role in January 2020, he successfully led Effectv’s transformation to a multi-screen, audience delivery company including bringing the more widespread use of data to TV advertising strategies, as well as driving addressable advertising and programmatic Capabilities.

Prior to leading Effectv, James oversaw FreeWheel’s global publisher business unit responsible for providing TV programmers and distributors with advertising technology to manage the monetization of their video content. During his eight-year tenure at FreeWheel, he also helped design, launch and scale FreeWheel’s first video marketplace; led the Advisory Services practice, a consulting business unit; and served as the company’s chief revenue officer.

Earlier in his career, James worked in the media business at Time Warner Cable (now Charter Communications) as vice president of strategy and execution. He was also a principal in the media and entertainment practice at Capgemini, a consulting and technology company. He began his career as an associate consultant at EY (then known as Ernst & Young) in London.

James speaks at many major industry conferences including Cannes Lions, Advertising Week and IAB and is often featured in leading business and industry media, including Business Insider, Advertising Age, Adweek, AdExchanger, Broadcasting & Cable, The Drum and more. Additionally, James is focused on moving the industry forward, sitting on the board of the Video Advertising Bureau (VAB) and Ampersand and acting as a board advisor to TVision.

James earned a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Birmingham in the U.K. He resides with his wife and two daughters in New York.

Resources:

• Comcast Advertising 

Where to find R.O.G. Podcast:

R.O.G on YouTube

R.O.G on Apple Podcasts

R.O.G on Spotify

How diverse is your network? 

What is your Generosity Style? 

Credits:

James Rooke, Sheep Jam Productions, Host Shannon Cassidy, Bridge Between, Inc.

Coming Next: Please join us next week, Episode 195, with special guest Yvette Kanouff.

“This success isn't about me, it is literally about everybody else.”

Chapters:

• 00:00 Introduction and Background

Episode Summary:

Mike Atkinson, the Managing Director of Grid Automation in North America for Hitachi Energy, shares his background and experiences in the electric utility industry. He discusses the importance of grid automation and the role of technology in the new energy transition. Mike emphasizes the need for storage technology to store renewable energy and bridge the gap in energy supply. He also talks about the benefits of being a generous leader and the impact it has on building a positive culture and achieving business success. Mike highlights the value of consistency, self-reflection, and assuming positive intent in leadership.

R.O.G. Takeaway Tips:

• Grid automation and storage technology are crucial for the new energy transition.

Guest Bio:

Mike Atkinson is the Managing Director of Grid Automation in North America for Hitachi Energy. He joined Hitachi Energy in 2018 and has more than 30 years of Sales, Operations and Management experience across multiple industries with a focus on the electric utility industry.

Mike is responsible for the Grid Automaton portfolio consisting of Grid Edge Solutions, Enterprise Software, Network Control and Automation & Communication. Prior to joining Hitachi Energy, he led the Network Management Software business for Areva T&D and Alstom Grid in North America, South America and China. Additionally, he was responsible for the GE Grid Solutions regional NAM business as he integrated the Alstom Grid portfolio into the JV.

Michael has extensive experience in all aspects of Grid Automation and the issues facing the transmission and distribution networks. He has worked with de-regulated electric markets, regulated utilities and private developers.

Michael has a BSME from Virginia Tech and an MBA from Clemson University.

Resources:

• Hitachi Energy 

Where to find R.O.G. Podcast:

R.O.G on YouTube

R.O.G on Apple Podcasts

R.O.G on Spotify

How diverse is your network? 

What is your Generosity Style? 

Credits:

Michael Atkinson, Sheep Jam Productions, Host Shannon Cassidy, Bridge Between, Inc.

Coming Next: Please join us next week, Episode 194, with special guest James Rooke.

“An apology is a small word, but has enormous power interpersonally.”

Episode Summary:

Dr. Amy Edmondson, the world's leading authority in psychological safety, discusses her background and the science of failing well. She shares her journey from growing up in New York City to becoming a professor at Harvard Business School. She explains how her mentor, Buckminster Fuller, influenced her curiosity and joy for learning. Dr. Edmondson also delves into the concept of psychological safety and its impact on team learning and innovation. She distinguishes between mistakes and failures and introduces the three failure archetypes: intelligent failures, basic failures, and complex failures. Finally, she explores the relationship between uncertainty and preventability in the context of failure. In this conversation, Amy Edmondson and Shannon Cassidy discuss the importance of failing well and how to respond to failure. They explore the concept of psychological safety and its role in creating a culture that embraces failure as a learning opportunity. They also discuss the criteria for intelligent failure and share stories of successful individuals who have learned from their failures. The conversation covers topics such as self-awareness, the power of questions, the role of apology in healing relationships, and how to thrive as fallible human beings.

R.O.G. Takeaway Tips:

• The relationship between uncertainty and preventability in the context of failure Failing well requires creating a culture of psychological safety where individuals feel comfortable taking risks and learning from failure.

Guest Bio:

Amy Edmondson is the Novartis Professor of Leadership and Management at the Harvard Business School, a chair established to support the study of human interactions that lead to the creation of successful enterprises that contribute to the betterment of society. She lives in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and is the author of Right Kind of Wrong.

After decades of award-winning research, Amy Edmondson is here to upend our understanding of failure and make it work for us. In Right Kind of Wrong, Edmondson provides the framework to think, discuss, and practice failure wisely. Outlining the three archetypes of failure—basic, complex, and intelligent—Amy showcases how to minimize unproductive failure while maximizing what we gain from flubs of all stripes.

She illustrates how we and our organizations can embrace our human fallibility, learn exactly when failure is our friend, and prevent most of it when it is not. This is the key to pursuing smart risks and preventing avoidable harm.

With vivid, real-life stories from business, pop culture, history, and more, Edmondson gives us specifically tailored practices, skills, and mindsets to help us replace shame and blame with curiosity, vulnerability, and personal growth. You’ll never look at failure the same way again.

Resources:

• Amy Edmondson Harvard Professor 

Where to find R.O.G. Podcast:

R.O.G on YouTube

R.O.G on Apple Podcasts

R.O.G on Spotify

How diverse is your network? 

What is your Generosity Style? 

Credits:

Amy Edmondson, Sheep Jam Productions, Host Shannon Cassidy, Bridge Between, Inc.

Coming Next: Please join us next week, Episode 193, with special guest Mike Atkinson.

“Some failures are simply the undesired result of a thoughtful experiment in new territory, and those are the ones we must learn to love.”

Chapters:

• 00:00 Introduction and Background

Episode Summary:

Dr. Amy Edmondson, the world's leading authority in psychological safety, discusses her background and the science of failing well. She shares her journey from growing up in New York City to becoming a professor at Harvard Business School. She explains how her mentor, Buckminster Fuller, influenced her curiosity and joy for learning. Dr. Edmondson also delves into the concept of psychological safety and its impact on team learning and innovation. She distinguishes between mistakes and failures and introduces the three failure archetypes: intelligent failures, basic failures, and complex failures. Finally, she explores the relationship between uncertainty and preventability in the context of failure. In this conversation, Amy Edmondson and Shannon Cassidy discuss the importance of failing well and how to respond to failure. They explore the concept of psychological safety and its role in creating a culture that embraces failure as a learning opportunity. They also discuss the criteria for intelligent failure and share stories of successful individuals who have learned from their failures. The conversation covers topics such as self-awareness, the power of questions, the role of apology in healing relationships, and how to thrive as fallible human beings.

R.O.G. Takeaway Tips:

• The influence of mentorship and curiosity in fostering a love for learning

Guest Bio:

Amy Edmondson is the Novartis Professor of Leadership and Management at the Harvard Business School, a chair established to support the study of human interactions that lead to the creation of successful enterprises that contribute to the betterment of society. She lives in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and is the author of Right Kind of Wrong.

After decades of award-winning research, Amy Edmondson is here to upend our understanding of failure and make it work for us. In Right Kind of Wrong, Edmondson provides the framework to think, discuss, and practice failure wisely. Outlining the three archetypes of failure—basic, complex, and intelligent—Amy showcases how to minimize unproductive failure while maximizing what we gain from flubs of all stripes.

She illustrates how we and our organizations can embrace our human fallibility, learn exactly when failure is our friend, and prevent most of it when it is not. This is the key to pursuing smart risks and preventing avoidable harm.

With vivid, real-life stories from business, pop culture, history, and more, Edmondson gives us specifically tailored practices, skills, and mindsets to help us replace shame and blame with curiosity, vulnerability, and personal growth. You’ll never look at failure the same way again.

Resources:

• Amy Edmondson Harvard Professor 

Where to find R.O.G. Podcast:

R.O.G on YouTube

R.O.G on Apple Podcasts

R.O.G on Spotify

How diverse is your network? 

What is your Generosity Style? 

Credits:

Amy Edmondson, Sheep Jam Productions, Host Shannon Cassidy, Bridge Between, Inc.

Coming Next: Please join us next week, Episode 192, with special guest Amy Edmondson Part 2.

In this episode, Shannon Cassidy discusses the importance of emotional intelligence in leadership. She explains the four main components of emotional intelligence: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management. Cassidy emphasizes the need for leaders to be self-reflective, practice emotional self-control, read the room, and invest in relationships. She encourages listeners to pay attention to their emotions, be self-aware, and intentionally invest in key relationships.

Chapters:

• 00:00 Chapter 1: Demonstrate Emotional Intelligence

Shannon Cassidy is Founder and CEO of Bridge Between, Inc. a boutique leadership development firm specializing in generous leadership, behavioral change, executive presence, effective  communication, collaborative teamwork, and conflict resolution. She provides Executive Coaching, Facilitation (team sessions, mentoring programs, leadership retreats, executive workshops, mediation services) and Keynote Speaking (conferences, annual events, ceremonies) all custom designed. This is her podcast, R.O.G. Return on Generosity focusing on how to be a corporate generous leader by sharing time, talent and gratitude. 

Shannon combines her keen ability to get to the heart of every matter with a proven track record as a corporate leader. Before founding Bridge Between, Inc. she spent years building profitable businesses and driving innovation and leadership initiatives. This real-world experience formed the bedrock of her success. She equips her clients with the strategies, tools, and inspiration to thrive during organizational change and to lead with vision, purpose, and generosity. 

Shannon has authored several articles and books including Discover Your Inner Strength (2009), The Five Degree Principle: How Small Changes Lead to Big Results (2013), V.I.B.E. A Self-Discovery Journey to Authentic Leadership (2014) and Grounded in Gratitude a one-line-a –day, five-year gratitude journal (2015-2023). Her current efforts focus on the benefits of Generosity at Work.

R.O.G. Takeaway Tips:

• Emotional intelligence is a critical component of being a generous leader.

Resources:

• YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ShannonCassidybb 

Coming Next: Please join us next week, Episode 191, with special guest Amy Edmondson Part 1.

Credits: Sheep Jam Productions, Host Shannon Cassidy, Bridge Between, Inc.

Dr. Tonya Cornelius, Senior Vice President, Human Resources, The Walt Disney Company where she serves as an integral member of the enterprise Human Resources senior leadership team. Dr. Cornileus is responsible for learning and leadership development, talent and succession management, performance management, and career development. Dr. Cornileus joined The Walt Disney Company in 2009, serving for nearly 13 years at ESPN prior to moving into her current role. At ESPN, she led learning, talent management, organization development, diversity, equity and inclusion, and wellness. 

Prior to joining The Walt Disney Company, Dr. Cornileus served as director, executive development & organizational effectiveness for Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. from 2004 to 2009 and vice president, training & organizational development for Aegis Communications Group, Inc. from 1998 to 2004. She began her career as an educator. 

Dr. Cornileus is involved with several professional and civic organizations. She serves on the Advisory Board for Advanced Leadership Laboratory, Women in Sports and Events (WISE) National Board of Directors, the boards for the University of Florida Foundation and Empower Her Network. Dr. Cornileus is a past board member and officer for the University of Georgia College of Education Board of Visitors, for the Urban League of Greater Hartford, and the T. Howard Foundation. 

Dr. Cornileus has been recognized by various industry and professional organizations, including being selected to the distinguished list of Wonder Women by Multichannel News, CableFax’s Most Powerful Women Mentor of the Year and Most Influential Minorities in Cable, and Diversity Journal’s Women Worth Watching. She has also been profiled in the Chief Talent Development Officer Magazine, Savoy Magazine’s list of Most Influential Women in Corporate America, and Pivot Magazine’s Pivotal Women. Dr. Cornileus was honored with a Career Achievement Award by the New England Chapter of Women in Cable and Telecommunications and inducted into the University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications Hall of Fame. 

Dr. Cornileus’ philanthropic endeavors focus primarily on promoting access to education. In 2022, she established the Harris Family Opportunity Scholarship at the University of Georgia and in 2019, she established the Tonya Harris Cornileus CJC Diversity in Communications Endowed Scholarship Fund at the University of Florida. She is a major donor to the Criterion’s Club Gwendolyn Pinkney Harris Scholarship in honor of her deceased mother. Dr. Cornileus mentors college students through the University of Georgia’s alumni mentor program and young professionals across various companies and industries. She has mentored high school students through the Hartford Consortium for Higher Education’s New Beginnings program, and actively supports several other community service organizations. 

Dr. Cornileus is a lifelong learner. She earned her Ph.D. and M.Ed. in Human Resources and Organizational Development from the University of Georgia and her bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Journalism from the University of Florida. Dr. Cornileus received the Senior Certified Professional designation by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM-SCP) and the Professional Coaching certification by the Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching (iPEC CPC). She is passionate about helping individuals and teams realize their full potential and regularly spends her time keynote speaking, writing, and reading on topics of personal and professional development.

Quotes:

“Avoid regret. Regret is perhaps one of the worst things you could do to avoid getting near the end or at any point of your life and living such a regretful experience is to go ahead and believe in yourself.”

“I knew that I wanted to be a part of helping people realize their goals and dreams and believe in themselves.”

“Believing in yourself and just taking one step forward toward it. And I believe the way starts to open up for us.”

“Do it scared. Don't let fear be the reason you don't do something. Just do it scared.”

Chapters:

• 00:00  Introduction to Dr. Tonya Cornelius

R.O.G. Takeaway Tips:

• Self-reflection and answering perennial questions about identity, values, and contribution are essential for personal growth.

• Who am I really? 

Resources:

• Your Aha Life 

Where to find R.O.G. Podcast:

R.O.G on YouTube

R.O.G on Apple Podcasts

R.O.G on Spotify

How diverse is your network? 

What is your Generosity Style? 

Credits:

Dr. Tonya Cornelius, Sheep Jam Productions, Host Shannon Cassidy, Bridge Between, Inc.

Coming Next: Please join us next week, Episode 190, with Shannon Cassidy for a Generous Leadership Coaching Tip.