Introduction

Welcome to Season 2 of The Spin. We learnt a lot in Season 1 and had a lot of fun along the way, so we’re excited to get to Season 2 where we’ll introduce some new features alongside the tried and tested! 

One particular new feature will be more audience participation including welcoming friends of The Spin to the show.

In our first episode we met with Meghan Gardner – ex-colleague of Mark’s and colleague of Kristen’s … plus a friend (once Mark painted Meghan into that corner!). 

In this episode Meghan shares her perspective on how good leaders maintain a deliberate balance between their intent and the impact.

Balancing intent and impact

We like to think people have good intentions and in the majority of cases they do, but if you don’t consider the impact on your actions, how can you be confident your intentions landed in the right way?

Intent is the input but could be influenced by our own assumptions. Impact is the output - how something was received by the other person.

As we discuss in the pod, being conscious of both will help ensure you are in balance and we agree with Meghan … that is what makes a good leader (and a good person!).

Take aways

A few tips or take aways … well 3 to be precise!

1. Be conscious of your intent – take the time to think about it and remember words matter
2. Put yourself in other people’s shoes – this is a great technique to try and understand how your intent could be received by the other party
3. Make sure you find a balance – don’t spend too much time thinking about intent (like ‘need to make sure everyone is happy’ Mark) but be careful not to jump to action too quickly (like ‘Action Man’ Butcher!)

High, low, end of the show

We both had sad news to share in our lows plus the usual diversity to our end of the shows … and no Mark still hasn’t seen ET!

Until next time!

If you enjoy The Spin, we’d be humbled by a review on your podcast platform of choice or a recommendation to a friend.

Episode 10: Season one recap

We started The Spin in January 2020 and here we are in July at the end of our first season. How time flies when you’re having fun!

Take a listen of this short episode where we talk about season one including what went well and what we want to improve for the next season. This was our own little example of having a growth mindset (check-out episode 2!).

We’d love to hear from our listeners (send me an email Mum and Dad!) about anything you want us to cover in season two. We’ve got some ideas of our own, including friends of The Spin and more social connection with the audience, and it would be great to hear your ideas.

You can drop Kristen or Mark a note on LinkedIn, or DM us on Twitter.

See you soon for season two.

Until next time!

If you enjoy The Spin, we’d be humbled by a review on your podcast platform of choice or a recommendation to a friend.

Episode 9: The New Normal 

Introduction

As we start to open back up in Ontario and across the globe, in Episode 9 of The Spin we talk about the considerations for individuals and organizations. Many have spoken about the silver lining that comes from the pandemic and the opportunity it presents to reimagine the next normal when it comes to work. We talk through some of the elements.

We also share some of our reactions to the tragic murder of George Floyd and the actions we’re personally taking.

Enjoy.

Opening Up Considerations

The organizational considerations are far reaching. Organizations are thinking through how they safely get their people back to work and introducing new protocols. Recognizing the complexity, where it’s an option many companies are sticking with the remote working arrangement (or distributed teams) and giving people the choice about whether they return to the office. It’s worth noting that only about 40% of people working have the option to work remotely.

Here is a link to Tesla’s return to work protocol if you fancy a read.

As individuals we all need to make our own decisions about our risk tolerance. We talked through the importance of taking more a ‘heart’ response and taking into consideration individual’s circumstances when thinking through how to best open up the office.

Reimagining Work

Many organizations are adapting to the new normal and some are using the ‘perfect storm’ to reimagine work. This reimagined workplace includes the opportunity to be much more aligned to new societal values, being more purpose driven and thinking differently about how work gets done. Lots to talk about in future episodes!

Hi lo end of the show

• If you’d like to find out more about the work that Scleroderma Canada is doing follow this link
• If you want to tap your feet to Kristen’s band Cheat Notes take a listen here
• This is the link to the interview from Emanuel Acho 

Take aways

1. Make sure you feel comfortable with your own risk tolerance
2. Find a voice and speak up (if you feel comfortable doing so!) if people aren’t doing the right thing
3. Be considerate of others as you go about getting back to the new normal
4. Start to find your own way of getting back to normal – take a walk in at Mount Nemo for example!
5. Keep being kind

Until next time!

 If you enjoy The Spin, we’d be humbled by a review on your podcast platform of choice or a recommendation to a friend.

It was Mark’s turn to do some research around how to build relationships. We decided to focus our time on John Maxwell’s four levels of relationship. 

We started with a definition that we liked.
Interpersonal relationship refers to a strong association between individuals sharing common interests and goals. A sense of trust, loyalty and commitment is essential in a relationship. Individuals need to trust and respect their partners to avoid misunderstandings and conflicts in relationship.

Why is it important to be able to build relationships?
Well it makes you happy as we know, but it’s also an important human skill that helps differentiate us from technology. Well so we thought, until Mr B told us that robot influencers that are way more attractive than us (well Mark anyways!) are getting better at building relationships. Who knew!? Well Kristen apparently. Here is a link to Miquela (straight from Kristen’s IG account) and a story that tells you more about the whole crazy phenomenon! No judgement from us if you follow the links and the robots …

The four levels of relationships
These insights from John Maxwell provide a great model for the levels of relationships. You can go from casual encounter in Starbucks to a long last relationships built on trust and mutual respect. Just look at Kristen and Mark – although we didn’t meet in Starbucks.

Surface Relationships

• Most common of all relationships
• Foundation of all relationships
• There is no strong commitment from either person
• There can be a passive approach to the relationship 

Structured Relationships - when a relationship is ready to go to another level, it is usually because it has been structure to do so. 

• These relationships take place at a specific time each week
• They are built on routine encounters
• Usually happen around a common interest or activity 

Secure Relationships - when a structured relationship becomes healthy and enjoyable, the relationship then moves to a new level. 

• The people desire to spend more time together ii. Mutual sharing begins to take place
• Trust begins to form
• Friendship can be tested
• There is a comfort level that is established

Solid Relationships 

• This is the highest of all relationships
• A long-term relationship will develop
• Complete trust and confidentiality exist
• There is a desire to serve and give to others
• The level of relationship will be determined by the way those involved respond to conflict 

Take aways

1. Relationships are a major factor in happiness
2. Relationship building is a very human skills (helps with employability)
3. Remember it’s quality over quantity (lucky for Mark)
4. Be conscious of high maintenance relationships – are you giving more than you’re getting?
5. Trust and respect build solid relationships

Hi lo end of the show

• Kristen’s ‘end of the show’ was this wacky podcast – take a listen!
• Or you can play a game of Spikeball – see you at the 2021 Olympics

Episode 7?! Wow that came around quickly. In our latest episode we took the opportunity to revisit the original purpose of The Spin and pivoted slightly the format very slightly. See if you notice!

From the confines of his mobile studio (aka his car in his garage), Kristen answered the question ‘What makes you happy?’.

We hope you enjoy the pod!

The Spin

Do you remember what The Spin is all about? Well we think the world is changing at a crazy rate. It can be exciting but scary all at the same time. We want to give you our spin on a variety of subjects to make sure you’re ready to embrace that world today and in the future.

With that in mind we’re shifting the format very slightly. In each episode one of us will explore a topic and bring that to the virtual table. Kristen drew the short straw so he’s up first!

The happy research

1. Laurie Santos – Professor at Yale and her podcast The Happiness Lab
2. Daniel Kahneman – a psychologist and economist notable for his work on the psychology of judgment, decision-making and behavioral economics
3. The Harvard study of Adult development, Robert Waldinger 

Definition of happiness

So how do we define happiness? Wikipedia defines it as:

A feeling of pleasure and positivity. When someone feels good, proud, excited, relieved or satisfied about something, that person is said to be "happy". Happiness is usually thought of as the opposite of sadness.

Danny’s research

The idea of ‘happiness’ involves 2 key points:

1. Being happy in your life (experience)
2. Being happy with your life (memory as satisfaction is retrospective).

He also concluded that making more than $75,000 per year doesn't make you significantly happier on any given day. So money don’t buy you happiness!

The 80 year old study

The biggest influence on this episode is rooted in this research. It’s a 79 year old study following two groups of participants - Harvard sophomores and Boston’s poorest kids with disadvantaged backgrounds. It addresses the compelling question what keeps people happy and healthy?

Robert Waldinger who leads the research concludes:

1. Social connections are really good for us and loneliness kills, connection to family, friends, community - lead to people that are happier, they are physically healthier and they live longer than those less well connected. 
2. Its not the number of friends (fortunately for Mark), it's the quality of the relationships.
3. Good relationships protect our bodies and they protect our brains.

Top tips

1. Reflect on your own relationships, what can you do to support them more?
2. Be present, experience in the moment is important, looking back retrospectively is shaped by memory and small things can ruin or make memories
3. Know that once you get to a certain income level (of $75k) and basic needs are met, more money won’t make you much happier - continued investment in quality relationships will and that is largely within your control
4. Try something new - meet new people 

Hi lo end of the show

• Take a look at Kristen’s course on financial markets so he can talk to you about stocks
• Alternatively watch Waco on Netflix

Until next time!

Episode 6: COVID-19 – COVID19 and What we are noticing (personally and professionally)

Introduction

The COVID-19 crisis is a health crisis that our generation has never experienced. For this episode, Kristen and Mark were obviously practicing social distancing. Kristen was in his car in the garage and Mark was at home - the wonders of modern technology!

We framed our COVID-19 conversation around what we’re noticing. What we’re noticing about our own reaction and what we’re noticing of others.

We also introduced a new segment to the show and had some timely news on the podcast – 500 downloads, 14 countries and 80 cities with 128 regular listeners. Woohoo! Thank you everyone. ☺

What’s going on for us?

We’re finding a new routine but acknowledged our respective emotions are fluctuating. Kristen shared how he was finding the upside and focusing on making progress with his personal goals. On the other hand Mark is making less progress learning to play chess!

What about work?

We shared our experiences at work. Kristen had some great tips for working from home including the importance of showering and getting dressed (thank god!). Mark acknowledged it wasn’t a typical set of circumstances and projected that distributed working would become more of a discussion moving forward.

What about how our leaders and how organizations are responding?

Everyone needs to change their title to Chief Empathy Officer right now. Organizations need to be very conscious of how they respond to this situation and take the opportunity to reassess how they are doing things through a reset.

What was our Spin on COVID-19?

1. Develop a new routine
2. Control your news intake
3. Start to think about the opportunities coming from this crazy situation
4. Be empathetic of others and yourself
5. Find ways to laugh!

Until next time!

The Spin - Episode 5: Wellbeing

Introduction

When we initially recorded this episode, COVID-19 was in the news more than it was in our lives. A lot changed in a week and the topic of wellbeing feels even more relevant now. So in this episode of The Spin listen to Kristen and Mark chat about wellbeing. They provide some context around different components of wellbeing and talk about physical and mental wellbeing. 

What are the different elements of wellbeing?

Well there are a lot - spiritual, relationship, intellectual, social, physical, mental and financial wellbeing.

What do you need to think about when it comes to physical wellbeing?

• There is so much to do! If you fancy joining Kristen in a Tough Mudder … first are you sure? And second follow this link. 
• Healthy eating
• Get enough sleep – even if you get up at 5am in the morning!
• Go to the doctors if you have any lumps or bumps – oh and the dentist too(th!).

What tips does Kristen have when it comes to physical health?

• Anything is better than nothing
• Don’t worry about being judged 

What about mental wellbeing?

• 1 in 5 people will experience mental health according to the Canadian Mental Health Association
• Great work is being done to help raise awareness and remove stigma including Bell Lets Talk
• By age 40 – 50% would have or have had a mental illness
• We talked about how common burn-out can be and the research from Gallup on the top 5 causes: unfair treatment at work, unmanageable workload and lack of role clarity, lack of communication and support from their manager and unreasonable time pressure

What resources are there to help with mental health?

• Crisis Services Canada
• Canadian Mental Health Association
• The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
• World Health Organization
• Action for Happiness
• How to stay fit during COVID19?

Where can I find out about the Canadian Mental Health Association?

What is this ADKAR thing? And how many times is Mark going to mention it …Here you go! Go and indulge yourself.

What was our Spin on wellbeing?

1. What can you do to build your own resilience?
2. Find things you enjoy doing when it comes to exercise and work
3. Connect with good people – and family and friends
4. Be clear on your purpose
5. Find the right relaxation techniques
6. Keep a balance
7. Oh and WRITE IT DOWN! ☺

Until next time!

Episode 4: Career Longevity

Introduction

In this episode of The Spin, Kristen and Mark explore the topic of career longevity. They talk about why it is important, what the implications are for people and what you can do to stay relevant for a long term career.

Why is career longevity a thing?

We identified a few reasons why career longevity is important:

• People are living longer – we referred to Lynda Gratton’s work on the 100 Year Life
• Money – like many things, sadly it comes down to money! As we are living longer, we need to make sure we are creating the wealth we need to be able to make the choices we want about how we live our lives. Try out Kristen’s handy calculator to determine how much money you need to retire! And then join him in his retirement basement!
• Skill requirements are changing – we didn’t get a chance to cover it much (we’ll come back to it in a future pod), but it’s also important to think about how your skills keep in step with the changing demand. Check out this LinkedIn report on the top 15 emerging roles.

So how do we give ourselves the best chance at maximum career longevity?

There are lots of things to think about, but in our mind the following 3 are the most important:

1. Personal and professional development
2. Personal Brand management
3. Strong Network

We spent a fair bit of time chatting about each.

Personal and professional development

“Investing in yourself is the best investment you will ever make. It will not only improve your life, it will improve the lives of all those around you.” Robin Sharma

There are lots of options for you to develop different skills. Kristen talked through a few including:

• Books and biographies from thought leaders
• Podcasts – ahem The Spin maybe?!
• Work sanctioned learning and online courses
• Free online courses
• Meetups and conferences
• Being open to new experiences

Don’t forget to think about your learning style and, yes you guessed it, have a plan and WRITE IT DOWN! (Kristen nods off!).

Personal brand

Your personal brand is how you promote yourself. It is the unique combination of skills, experience, and personality that you want the world to see you. It is the telling of your story, and how it reflects your conduct, behavior, spoken and unspoken words, and attitudes.

So what can you do to promote your brand?

• Think about the different social media channels eg. Linkedin, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook
• Be brave and put yourself out there – authentically! Create content that is going to add value to others – we all have a phone!
• Don’t say anything you wouldn’t want Kristen’s mum to read!

A strong professional network

• We talked about how important it is to have a network
• You should feel confident in reaching out to people – and think about those people who are going to challenge your thinking
• Remember it’s a two way street
• Don’t forget to follow-up – and say thank you!

 Until next time!

In this episode Mark and Kristen discuss the idea of finding your purpose while referencing Dan Pontefract's book the Purpose effect and explore how personal, organizational and role purpose can align to support your overall happiness.

Mark and Kristen discuss what a Growth Mindset is. We talk about some real world examples and provide some tips to tap into your own personal Growth Mindset.