Teamwork Sandbox ™

In this episode of Teamwork Sandbox, Yolanda sits down with Melissa Dinwiddie to explore the role of creativity in how we connect, communicate, and work together in teams and within our organizations.

Melissa shares her perspective on creativity as a tool for fostering stronger relationships and supporting team dynamics. The conversation touches on how curiosity, expression, and experimentation can influence communication and connection in both personal and professional settings.

This episode offers a general look at how creativity intersects with teamwork and invites reflection on how these elements show up in your own work.

About Melissa

Melissa Dinwiddie is a creativity consultant, artist, and author dedicated to helping people and organizations “future-proof” themselves through the power of play. After a 15-year career as a professional artist and calligrapher, she founded Creative Sandbox Solutions, where she leads workshops and programs designed to foster innovation, resilience, and creative confidence.

Melissa is the creator of the Creative Sandbox method—a mindset inspired by the freedom and curiosity of childhood—that encourages experimentation without fear of failure. She is the author of The Creative Sandbox Way: Your Path to a Full-Color Life and the host of the Live Creative Now podcast. In addition to her consulting work, she leads a global creative community and hosts retreats that help people reconnect with joy, purpose, and self-expression.

I sat down with executive leader, Utibe Bassey, for a conversation about leadership and the impact we leave on people. Utibe has led in Fortune 500 environments, holds an MBA, and brings a perspective that comes from experience, not just research or theory. Her approach is practical, intentional, and people-centered.

Through research, vivid examples, and practical tools, Love as a KPI equips leaders to embed love into the fabric of their organizations. The framework is built on five indicators of love: Empathy, Generosity, Grace, Truth, and Sacrifice. It is applied through four organizational levers: Leadership, Offerings, Value, and Engagement.

This episode invites reflection on how we lead, the decisions we make, and how people feel after interacting with us.

To learn more about Utibe’s work or explore her book, visit her website or find the book online.

Website: www.loveasakpi.com/book
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FTGJDF11

In this episode of Teamwork Sandbox, I sit down with Dr. Sy Islam. He's an associate professor, consultant, and co-author of Leadership of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and Leadership Lessons from The Last Airbender. We unpack how leaders can think more critically about the books and media they consume, and why not everything on the business shelf is backed by real science.

From Marvel superheroes to the psychology of teamwork, Sy shares how storytelling and “serious play” can open leaders’ eyes to better communication, reflection, and connection. We also explore how organizations are navigating talent and generational shifts in today’s complex workplace.

Whether you’re an executive, people leader, or lifelong learner, this episode will challenge the way you read, think, and lead.

Listen to discover:

• How to separate pop-leadership myths from research-based insights

• Why fictional stories like Marvel and Avatar can teach powerful leadership lessons

• What organizations are getting right (and wrong) about the future of work

• How to build learning habits that go beyond “airport bookshelf” leadership

What are the ethics involved in bringing technology into our teams in a way that still honors our humanity? In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Emi Barresi, a passionate leader and founder of the HEART framework, which stands for Human Ethics Approach for Remote and Tech-Hybrid teams.

Emi shares insights from her doctoral research on remote work, productivity, AI, and robotics, and how leaders can take a more human-centered approach when integrating technology into the workplace. Her mission is to enhance human life with technology, not to replace it.

We talk about what it means to lead with care in the middle of change, the importance of ethics in the future of work, and how leaders can create space for both innovation and integrity. Whether you're a team leader, strategist, or just curious about how to lead well in this digital age, this conversation will give you plenty to reflect on.

What are the ethics involved in bringing technology into our teams in a way that still honors our humanity? In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Emi Barresi, a passionate leader and founder of the HEART framework, which stands for Human Ethics Approach for Remote and Tech-Hybrid teams.

Emi shares insights from her doctoral research on remote work, productivity, AI, and robotics, and how leaders can take a more human-centered approach when integrating technology into the workplace. Her mission is to enhance human life with technology, not to replace it.

We talk about what it means to lead with care in the middle of change, the importance of ethics in the future of work, and how leaders can create space for both innovation and integrity. Whether you're a team leader, strategist, or just curious about how to lead well in this digital age, this conversation will give you plenty to reflect on.

About Dr. Emi Barresi:

Dr. Emi Barresi, a human-centric global agile leader, brings a 15-year remote career in technology and organizational transformation through the lens of industrial-organizational psychology. She has successfully coached a Fortune 100 organization through a rigorous Agile transformation and most recently spearheaded the establishment of business agility practices within business intelligence for a medical organization. Emi is the developer of the Human Ethics Approach for Remote and Tech-Hybrid (HEARTH) Team Leadership Model. This framework champions human-centric leadership to foster ethical remote working and seamless technology integration. She is an expert in effective remote teaming and integrating advanced technologies—including AI and robotics—to improve collaboration and team performance. With a profound passion for humanity at the core of her work, she advocates for equitable, flexible, and innovative solutions that empower both organizations and individuals.

Emi holds a doctorate in Strategic Leadership from Regent University and a master’s degree in industrial and organizational psychology. Her academic and professional achievements and publications, combined with numerous accolades such as Regent University DSL Project of the Year and Leadership Excellence awards, underscore her expertise in transformation, remote and tech-integrated leadership, and the future of work.

Visit Dr. Barresi's website to learn more about her and the HEARTH Team Leadership.

How do teams stay connected and engaged during seasons of change? In this episode, Yolanda speaks with Fred Miller, an experienced consultant in organizational development and author of Safe Enough to Soar. Together, they explore what it takes for leaders to build trust, create psychological safety, and foster a workplace where everyone feels seen and heard.

In this conversation, you’ll hear:

• Why interaction safety strengthens collaboration and innovation

• What it means to unleash agency rather than simply empower employees

• How leaders can show transparency, listen deeply, and model the change they want to see

• Why every role matters and how recognition shapes team culture

• Lessons Fred has learned from decades of consulting with companies like Apple and Oracle

If you’re leading through uncertainty or supporting teams during change, this episode offers practical insight and fresh perspective.

Find Fred’s book Safe Enough to Soar online.
Follow Yolanda on LinkedIn.
Follow, rate, and share this episode with your network.

About Fred:

Fred Miller is CEO of The Kaleel Jamison Consulting Group, Inc., bringing over 50 years of experience in strategic culture change that drives individual and organizational performance. He has led system-wide transformation efforts across founder-led startups and Fortune 50 companies, helping teams build shared narratives, practice agency, and foster the safety needed to speak up, solve problems, and collaborate effectively.

Fred has co-authored seven books, including The Inclusion Breakthrough and The Power of Agency. He is a recipient of the OD Network Lifetime Achievement Award and the Winds of Change Award, and was named one of the 40 Pioneers of Diversity by Profiles in Diversity Journal. He serves on the board of Day & Zimmermann and has held past board roles with Ben & Jerry’s, Sage Colleges, NTL Institute, ATD, and the OD Network.

In this episode of Teamwork Sandbox, I’m joined by author and industrial-organizational psychologist, Marla Albertie, PhD for a candid conversation on what it really means to lead with intention.

We talk about the tension between showing up authentically and staying professional, how data can drive meaningful change (not just reporting), and what it takes to create workplaces where people feel seen—not just evaluated on their performance.

We also get into the everyday challenges leaders face: navigating code-switching, building inclusive cultures, and supporting teams. We encourage leaders to be a relational leader versus a transactional leader, to show compassion and empathy to followers and inspire them to follow you on the leadership journey.

This episode offers leaders at all levels a thoughtful, real-world take on leadership that respects both results and relationships.

About Marla Albertie, PhD:​Marla J. Albertie is a certified career, executive, and life coach with over 25 years of experience in business, coaching, and training. She is the founder of TruthSpeaksGroup LLC, a company dedicated to creating strategies for work-life harmony. Marla also leads I/O for Teens Inc., a nonprofit focused on teaching teenagers about human behavior in the workplace. Holding a PhD in Industrial and Organizational Psychology, she is passionate about fostering authentic leadership and personal development.​

Learn more about Marla J. Albertie, Ph.D.: https://www.truthspeakscoaching.com/

Follow me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yolanda-fraction/

About This Episode:

When working with your team, do you find yourself using more statements or questions? Research shows relational versus transactional leaders are far more effective when leading and managing their team. In this episode, I talk with leadership author, Bob Tiede about his book, Leading with Questions. He has been leading teams for decades and shares a wealth of knowledge focusing on the power of questions, and concludes our conversation by offering leadership secrets to crafting powerful questions, questions that will take your leadership to the next level.

About Leadership Author, Bob Tiede:

Bob Tiede has been on the staff of Cru for 53 years. He has served for 20 years on the U.S. Leadership Development Team – developing the next generation of leaders for Cru. Bob’s blog LeadingWithQuestions.com is now in its 12th year and followed by leaders in over 200 countries. Bob has written 6 very popular books, including “Great Leaders Ask Question – a Fortune 100 List” and “Now That’s a Great Question” and his newest book is the 3rd Edition of “LEADING WITH QUESTIONS” which has been Amazon’s #1 Best Seller in the category of Business communication! Bob’s mission is to help leaders everywhere multiply their leadership effectiveness X10 by moving from “Let Me Tell You!” to “Let Me Ask You!”

Get Your Free e-Book, Leading with Questions here: https://leadingwithquestions.com/books/

The future of work includes learning how to effectively manage hybrid teams, leading multi-generational employees and competing with other organizations for top talent. In this episode, I sit down with executive coach and consultant, Yanika Daniels to talk about best practices in leading teams, talent management, talent development, and recruitment.

About Our Special Guest: Yanika S. Daniels is an accomplished Executive Coach and Consultant with over 20 years of expertise in leadership development, talent management, and organizational transformation. Her career spans corporate giants like Dell Computers and IBM, where she honed her skills in engineering, project, and change management. Transitioning to the social impact sector, Yanika led talent strategies and leadership training at Fulton County Schools and Teach For America, coaching executives to drive strategic growth and impact. As the founder of Daniels Solutions, she has delivered over 5,000 coaching hours, placed top talent in nonprofits, and trained leadership teams nationwide. Yanika holds engineering and management degrees from Vanderbilt University and MIT, along with a master’s in education leadership from The Broad Residency. Certified as a coach and speaker, she empowers organizations to cultivate effective leaders and achieve transformative results.

Interested in learning more about Yanika's work or services? Visit http://danielssolutionsllc.com/

Enjoying this podcast show? Follow me on LinkedIn!

Visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/yolanda-fraction/

In this episode of Teamwork Sandbox, we dive into the evolving role of AI in the workplace with Jeff, an educator and AI researcher whose journey began with GPT-3. Jeff unpacks how leaders, team managers and anyone in the workplace can benefit from understanding AI's disruptive potential in both education and industry. He stresses the importance of mastering large language models, such as ChatGPT and Claude, and offers guidance on prompt engineering and data security—key skills that leaders can bring to their teams to encourage responsible AI integration.

Jeff also sheds light on the surprising fact that over half of today's workforce uses AI without openly discussing it, presenting leaders with an opportunity to foster transparency and ethical usage through clear policies and training. Whether you're setting up AI processes or easing your team’s anxiety around emerging tech, this episode equips leaders with actionable strategies to harness AI effectively and responsibly.

About Jeff Foulkes:

View Jeff's LinkedIn Profile

About this Episode:

In this episode, you will hear from Nick Heap, Ph.D., an experienced organization development consultant, as he shares insights into his newly developed strengths-based coaching model. He explains how this approach helps teams identify and leverage their strengths, envision future success, recognize opportunities, and develop actionable plans for improvement. Nick also discusses his vision of "naturalizing" Appreciative Inquiry, making it accessible to everyone by focusing on positive inquiry and everyday examples.

You will gain practical advice on fostering a positive environment at work, encouraging growth, and learning to appreciate what’s working well. Nick emphasizes the importance of slowing down, recognizing successes, and using these strategies to improve leadership and team dynamics. If you're a leader or manager, you'll benefit from his tips on empowering your team and cultivating a supportive, growth-focused culture.

About Nick Heap:

Nick Heap, Ph.D. is an experienced organization development consultant who began his career as a research chemist at ICI before transitioning into organizational development in 1974. For over 40 years, he has worked independently, helping individuals, teams, and organizations foster growth and change through open communication and collaboration. His expertise spans counseling, facilitation, and coaching, with a focus on balancing support and challenge to encourage development. Nick has worked with clients across various sectors and regions, including extensive work in East and Central Africa. He is passionate about sharing his insights through his website, where he offers free resources on personal and organizational development.

Visit his website: https://www.nickheap.co.uk/

Contact Dr. Heap: [email protected]

Follow me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yolanda-fraction/