Water In Real Life

By The H2duOBusiness Education Government Non-Profit

Water In Real Life episodes

October 28, 201974: Water Nerd’s Guide to Making the Water Industry Sexy to the Next Gen of the Water Workforce
Adam Tank has over 10 years of experience in the water industry with a focus on business development, software, and engineering. As the Director of Digital Transformation, he has responsibility for client success related to Transcend Design Generator Software (transcendh2o.com). He works closely with the Marketing and Software Development teams to prioritize development needs and anticipate client requests. Most recently he served as the North America Smarts Cities Director for Suez.
He previously led, and sold, a robotics spin-out of the General Electric corporation which focused on cutting edge potable water pipe rehabilitation techniques. Prior to that he served as GE Water’s Digital Water Leader, managing venture investments and creating software solutions for water distribution challenges. Earlier in his career, Adam served as an engineer in the CPG industry where he both lived and worked in Brazil, and led sanitation programs for General Mills’ largest yogurt plant in North America. Adam received his undergraduate degree from Kansas State University and his M.B.A. from the University of Arizona.
Top Takeaways:
We need to take ownership of water’s story otherwise someone else will and the consequences are dire.
Shift from a consumption mindset to a production mindset—if you spend three hours consuming, spend three hours creating.
Water employers can change job responsibilities and freshen up titles to meet the demands of job seekers.

Show Notes:
[5:52] What can the water industry do to retain employees? What is the value of a diverse work background?
Diverse thought comes from diverse experiences.
I wasn’t born a water nerd but got here as fast as I could.

[8:15] How can we do better at getting people in the door of the water industry? What small adjustments are important?
We aren’t just competing for people who want to work in water. We are competing with all organizations and industries.
Change job responsibilities and freshen up titles to meet the demand. Tie in the mission of water – it’s our greatest differentiator.
Each of us has a personal responsibility to reach out and recruit.

[16:00] What is “junk science” and how does it relate to water quality?
In the absence of fact, people make up their own stories to fill the void.
We need to take ownership of water’s story because otherwise someone else will and the consequences are dire.
You have an obligation to tell the truth about how amazing our work in water is.
The oath of the water nerd.
The facts are not enough, you need a story

[23:45] What does it mean to shift from a consumption mindset to a production mindset? How should we be handling content creation in the water space?
If you spend three hours consuming, spend three hours creating.
The power of YouTube and video space.
We just gotta start somewhere – create something and share it.

[30:38] We need to re-humanize the way we tell our story. Give us a few examples.
Reiterate to customers that water employees are their neighbors. They are helping to repair service. They are part of the community. You know them.
Public tree program – named the trees and gave them email addresses. People fully embraced it and wrote letters to those trees and thanked them. Great ROI for learning about problems.

[37:35] The Lighting Round
Think and Grow Rich – Napoleon Hill
Red Notice – Bill Browder
The 50th Law – 50 Cent and Robert Greene
Spend time just thinking. Blank time.
The need to recruit the next generation of talent into the water industry.

Resources:
Think and Grow Rich – Napoleon Hill
Red Notice – Bill Browder
The 50th Law – 50 Cent and Robert Greene

Sponsor:
If you’re a water utility looking to better manage the water you love, then you’ll want to talk to the experts at Master Meter. They understand that you can’t manage what you don’t measure. Smart water management begins with accurate measurement. Account for every drop produced and delivered because utilities’ progression towards smart cities and IoT begins here. Master Meter is ready to deliver you game-changing results across finance, customer service, and utility operations. They offer an array of products to meet your utility’s needs. To determine which smart water solution is right for you, visit mastermeter.com. You can also download a copy of their award-winning guide to communicating the value of water to customers here.
Please consider rating the podcast with 5 stars and leaving a one- or two-sentence review in iTunes or on Stitcher. This helps tremendously in bringing the podcast to the attention of others. We give a shoutout to everyone who rates the podcast with 5 stars in future episodes.
Give us some love on Twitter by tagging us @THE_H2duO or by using the #WaterInRealLifePodcast
If you know someone you think would benefit, please spread the word by using the share buttons on this page.
Thank you for sharing some of your time with us. We know how precious those minutes are. Share your story, you never know who needs to hear it and remember, “Those who tell the stories, rule the world.”
48 min
October 21, 201973: Water Nerd’s Guide to Gen Z: The Future of the Water Workforce
Ben Brugler holds the titles of president and CEO of akhia. He previously held the titles of president and vice president before being transitioned into his current position in 2018. Under Ben’s leadership, the agency has grown from 15 to more than 60 employees, earning a spot as a Top 100 Workplace in Northeast Ohio, as well as placement on the Weatherhead 100 list of fastest-growing companies in the region.
With more than 15 years of experience in the industry, Ben is well-known among clients and the regional business community as a master facilitator and speaker on topics ranging from content marketing to thought-leadership positioning.
In 2011, he was named to Crain’s Forty under 40 list for his contributions to AKHIA’s Growth.
Top Takeaways:
We need to start planning for the Gen Z workforce because they are coming fast and we are behind. In 2020, 20% of the workforce will be comprised of Gen Z.
Internal communication has never been more important within organizations than it is right now.
Gen Z does not communicate on social media the same way Millennials have – they are not putting their whole life out there on social media.

Show Notes:
[8:40] Millennials are already here. Who is Gen Z?
People think millennials are still 20 somethings – not true, we are in our 30’s now. They are a maturing generation.
Youngest Gen Z’s are digitally native. They have full immersion into digital and technology.
Gen Z balances technology better (e.g., texting while driving compare with seat belts).
2020 – 20% of the workforce will be Gen Z.

[14:23] You talked about the biggest myths about Gen Z, what stands out the most?
Gen Z will only communicate on digital channels – That’s untrue. Over 70% want face to face connections.
37% worry technology is hurting their people skills.
Aware of the consequence of putting your whole life out there on social media.

[18:58] Gen Z wants to work somewhere where they can have multiple roles. What are some other characteristics they are looking for in the water industry?
Our industry has significant labor shortage issues. There is a web of opportunities – no silos, more cross training.
The water sector has a major focus on education and training – that’s a strength.
Value of credentials versus more degrees.
Readily available educational and training resources.
Discussion on specialty colleges and alternative pathways to 4-year college degrees.

[28:00] It is very expensive to train new employees, what is the most shocking number to you?
Turnover costs the US Economy $30 Billion annually.
The number of weeks an open position has gone from 8 weeks to 12 weeks. That’s a lot of loss work and productivity.
30% of employees leave in the first 6 months of employment.
30-40% of employees feel they are not engaged at work.
Disengaged employees cost a company 85% more than an engaged one.
We all want a human answer – talk human to humans.

[38:58] What are some ways as an industry we are playing catch up on communications?
The methods of communications are outdated. Employees don’t necessarily engage in message boards and email.
There is an overabundance of communications for employees. Transparency means communicate what’s important not communicate everything.
No customizable communications. The audience has 5 different generations.
Desire a two-way communication – employees, especially Gen Z have a need to be heard.

[45:10] What are the components of an internal communication program?
Employee Experience.
Employee Engagement.
Training and Development.
Human Resources.
Crisis Communications.

[51:33] Brainstorming has been replaced by education. Can you tell us what you mean by that?
Brainstorming is annoying – it feels draining and tired.
The days of an “idea” are gone – you have to not only develop an idea but talk about how its implemented and advanced.
Fun brainstorming parties used as icebreakers are gone – moving towards Design Thinking.
The creation of a good idea is a process not magic.

[56:41] The Lighting Round
The Disney Way – Bill Capodagli and Lynn Jackson
Review Industry Feed and LinkedIn. Make connections with people I haven’t heard from in a while.
Don’t be a jerk. Respect one another. It all comes back to communication.

Resources:
The Disney Way – Bill Capodagli and Lynn Jackson
Sponsor:
If you’re a water utility looking to better manage the water you love, then you’ll want to talk to the experts at Master Meter. They understand that you can’t manage what you don’t measure. Smart water management begins with accurate measurement. Account for every drop produced and delivered because utilities’ progression towards smart cities and IoT begins here. Master Meter is ready to deliver you game-changing results across finance, customer service, and utility operations. They offer an array of products to meet your utility’s needs. To determine which smart water solution is right for you, visit mastermeter.com. You can also download a copy of their award-winning guide to communicating the value of water to customers here.
Please consider rating the podcast with 5 stars and leaving a one- or two-sentence review in iTunes or on Stitcher. This helps tremendously in bringing the podcast to the attention of others. We give a shoutout to everyone who rates the podcast with 5 stars in future episodes.
Give us some love on Twitter by tagging us @THE_H2duO or by using the #WaterInRealLifePodcast
If you know someone you think would benefit, please spread the word by using the share buttons on this page.
Thank you for sharing some of your time with us. We know how precious those minutes are. Share your story, you never know who needs to hear it and remember, “Those who tell the stories, rule the world.”
1 hr 5 min
October 14, 201972: Water Nerd’s Guide to Building Dream Teams
Stephen Sanders is a certified Water and Wastewater operator living in central New York. He has nearly 19 years of experience in the industry. During that time he has worked at several drinking water and wastewater facilities throughout NY. He has worked for public, private, and not-for-profit entities. Currently, he is the Director and Head Trainer for the Environmental Training Center at Morrisville State College where he does precertification operator training. He has been teaching at the ETC for the last 9 yrs. He serves on the state operator certification governance council and on WEF’s recently formed Diversity, inclusion, and Equity taskforce.
Top Takeaways:
A professional is someone who isn’t just collecting a check – a professional is involved.
Diversity needs to be managed and we have to get a lot more comfortable with being uncomfortable.
Dream Teams. Just read it, then change how you see diversity and work at it.

Show Notes:
[7:33] What is your connection to operators?
Stephen does operator training and sees 500-600 operators per year. This career in water is multiple jobs down their career path.
Do operators want a voice? Yes, if they want to be a professional. They need to be enc

[10:14] What is the best message we can offer to operators see the value in being a professional?
Education. Leadership needs to recognize the value of your field staff workers. Leadership in utilities needs to understand these individuals are professionals.

[11:40] When should we start talking to students about operations as a career path?
Middle school to early high school.
Can’t just look for operators, need to be willing to train an operator. Need to create the pipeline of workers to fill these roles.

[14:10] What is the biggest industry blind spot?
We need to answer why we are trying to have more diversity. Do we value people and different types of people?
We don’t just want to check the box – we need these voices.
We serve real human beings.
We can encourage one another through storytelling and what it feels like to be out of place. Leaders need to tell stories and influence the organization.

[18:35] What are some ways we can encourage empathy?
We sharpen each other. We need to communicate the value of diverse perspectives.

[20:15] Dream Teams by Shane Snow – what stood out to you most?
The part of our brain that puts up the red flag is unconscious; therefore, we have to put in a conscience effort to resist that urge.
As human beings we are hardwired to be biased and resist those who look different from us. We see each other as threats.
We have been robbed of our ability to have disagreements without “hating” each other. We need to become more comfortable with being uncomfortable. It’s our obligation as a water sector. It’s about what we are trying to accomplish together.
Feedback comes from wanting to help someone – it’s not about a personal attack on them.

[27:09] Discussion about the importance of Wu-Tang and the power of diversity.
Diversity has to be managed – it’s not a free for all.
Just because its not comfortable doesn’t mean you should avoid it.
“if it ain’t rough, it ain’t right.”

[31:06] The Lighting Round
Dream Teams – Shane Snow
Get out in the morning with a walk. Need to have a clean desk. Mind the calendar.
The golden rule. Treat others the way you want to be treated.

Resources:
Dream Teams – Shane Snow
Radical Candor – Kim Scott
Creativity Inc., – Ed Catmull

Sponsor:
If you’re a water utility looking to better manage the water you love, then you’ll want to talk to the experts at Master Meter. They understand that you can’t manage what you don’t measure. Smart water management begins with accurate measurement. Account for every drop produced and delivered because utilities’ progression towards smart cities and IoT begins here. Master Meter is ready to deliver you game-changing results across finance, customer service, and utility operations. They offer an array of products to meet your utility’s needs. To determine which smart water solution is right for you, visit mastermeter.com. You can also download a copy of their award-winning guide to communicating the value of water to customers here.
Please consider rating the podcast with 5 stars and leaving a one- or two-sentence review in iTunes or on Stitcher. This helps tremendously in bringing the podcast to the attention of others. We give a shoutout to everyone who rates the podcast with 5 stars in future episodes.
Give us some love on Twitter by tagging us @THE_H2duO or by using the #WaterInRealLifePodcast
If you know someone you think would benefit, please spread the word by using the share buttons on this page.
Thank you for sharing some of your time with us. We know how precious those minutes are. Share your story, you never know who needs to hear it and remember, “Those who tell the stories, rule the world.”
35 min
October 07, 201971: Water Nerd’s Guide to Diversity, Inclusion, and Creating a Talent Pipeline
Melinda White often referred to as Mimi, serves as a Human Resources Consultant for Montgomery County, Environmental Services located in Dayton, Ohio. In her current role, she holds the responsibility for various training, organizational development, community collaboration, and human resources functions.
As an active community member in Dayton, She is a member of the advisory board for Engineering Technology at Sinclair Community College, serves as an executive board member of the National Conference for Community & Justice of Greater Dayton (NCCJ). She has served as an active member and contributor of the Ohio Diversity Council and National Diversity Council since 2008. She is skilled and passionate about bringing people of different backgrounds together to create and achieve shared goals.
She has a bachelor’s degree in Management/Project Management from Antioch University McGregor, a Master’s degree in Management and Leading Change (HR) (MLCHR) from Antioch University Midwest, and a Certified Diversity Professional (CDP).
Top Takeaways
Build your talent pipeline from the ground up by working with the people actually doing that type of work.
Human beings are hardwired to have biases. Bring them to the surface and be willing to change.
Leading with empathy will allow you to build the workforce of tomorrow with the positive diversity and inclusion you seek.

Shownotes:
[4:43] So Mimi, did you choose water or did water choose you?
Water chose me. I started liking it, which is kind of weird.

[5:44] When you presented at UMC we heard a lot about workforce. You came from outside of water so where did you start in developing your talent pipeline?
I had to let them know I wasn’t here for your job. I put on a pair of boots and picked up a sledgehammer. I went on a series of ride alongs with the team.

[7:15]I know each one of my employee’s names. I stand outside my door and wave and tell them how much I appreciate them. They could choose to be anywhere, but they chose here. We are a family.
[9:10]Our boots are dirty and we can step on your carpet – but that’s why we have vacuums.
[9:35]You are working with students to come and join the water sector. Can you tell us a little more?
The Water Utility Technician Program helps let students know the value of these type of jobs– its hard to find operators because we forgot about the trades. The water sector is a lucrative industry with good paying jobs.
A student can take the class, take the test and get a job.
Ask field staff what they would need to succeed in this industry.

[12:21]If you build it they will come – not true unless they know you built it! Mimi went out and marketed these programs to students. She brought field staff and vehicles to gain interest and brought the students on tours.
No one talks more passionately about a job than the person in that job. Have our field staff communicate with potential students about the value of this career.

[15:30]High school students next step is to gain independence. How do we leverage this to make an impact on high school students?
Invite them to place where they can work and talk with people already working in the industry.

[18:18]Getting people in the door is an important part but so is nurturing them. How are you handling professional development?
Our employees were missing key interviewing skills which fostered the need for nurturing and professional development for the field staff.
I am willing to give my time on the weekends if they are willing to as well.
Mimi taught the employees to have more confidence to interview better. This engagement demonstrated care for the employee and that they are valued.
The employees learned how to talk about the job and what they knew rather than relying on someone knowing them.
Key skills: Outlook and Excel classes.
“Boot Up Program” – Managers go out with our employees into the field.
Speed mentoring like speed dating to meet others in the organization and get exposure to other roles.
Host a book club (e.g., StrengthsFinders, True North, Crucial Conversations)

[22:28]Mimi is a Master Trainer in Crucial Conversations.
Mandatory reading and training for everyone in the organization.
Helps employees to have conflict resolution skills.
Teams have a common language with each other “In my opinion….” It’s about having good outcomes.

[25:24]Frustration of being an internal applicant. Invest in your internal employees to retain them. It’s not about money, it’s about time. When it comes to this investment.
[26:31]Tell us about some of the positive outcomes of your program?
The opportunity to intern with the water utility gives them a better chance at a long-term role.
They have invested in themselves and the utility has invested in them.
Employees are using their skills (e.g., Is that a story or is that a fact?)

[29:36]What are some ideas for getting to know 300+ people in your organization?
It’s easy to just say “hello” to someone and learn their names.
The power of having toys in your office.
Remember the little things—it shows how much you care.

[33:24]Why is diversity and inclusion so important for workforce issues?
Diversity is not just about race and gender.
It’s about understanding people to understand their biases.
Diversity is not a comfortable subject but diversity is just about differences.

[36:45]How do you level the playing field by setting the tone for diversity and inclusion?
We are here to understand and not to punish people for their opinions.
Icebreaker: Stand up for Diversity.
Think about a time someone told you “you weren’t good enough.”

[41:29]What is the salad bowl theory?
In a salad you can see all the different parts – the bowl is the workplace and the people are the salad parts.
The salad dressing is the mission, vision and values of the organization – it touches everything.

[44:02]Human beings are hardwired to be biased. That’s okay as long as you know why you have that bias and what you do with it.
Are you open minded enough to change your stereotypes?

[47:15]What can we learn from Disney about diversity especially Belle and Happy Feet?
There is good in everyone.
If everyone has the same talent then the organization can’t move forward.

[52:03]It’s not about accepting, it’s about respecting.
Our people are the main characters in water’s story. They could choose to be somewhere else but they are here with us.
Need to adopt a mentality of servant leadership.
Stop and say “Thank You” to your employees for the work they do.

[56:50]The Lightning Round
Be More Strategic in Business – Diana Thomas.
Why am I doing this and who is going to be affected?
Inclusivity: Take the time to understand. Take the time to smile.

Resources:
StrengthsFinders – Tom Rath
Discover Your True North – Bill George
Crucial Conversations – Kerry Patterson
Be More Strategic in Business – Diana Thomas
Sponsor:
If you’re a water utility looking to better manage the water you love, then you’ll want to talk to the experts at Master Meter. They understand that you can’t manage what you don’t measure. Smart water management begins with accurate measurement. Account for every drop produced and delivered because utilities’ progression towards smart cities and IoT begins here. Master Meter is ready to deliver you game-changing results across finance, customer service, and utility operations. They offer an array of products to meet your utility’s needs. To determine which smart water solution is right for you, visit mastermeter.com. You can also download a copy of their award-winning guide to communicating the value of water to customers here.
Please consider rating the podcast with 5 stars and leaving a one- or two-sentence review in iTunes or on Stitcher. This helps tremendously in bringing the podcast to the attention of others. We give a shoutout to everyone who rates the podcast with 5 stars in future episodes.
Give us some love on Twitter by tagging us @THE_H2duO or by using the #WaterInRealLifePodcast
If you know someone you think would benefit, please spread the word by using the share buttons on this page.
Thank you for sharing some of your time with us. We know how precious those minutes are. Share your story,
1 hr 4 min
October 01, 2019 70: Attack of the Fatbergs: Storytelling that Sticks
Mick O’Dwyer is founder and CEO of SwiftComply – a communication platform that helps water authorities manage their compliance programs. SwiftComply has over 400 customers in the US, covering FOG, Backflow, and other compliance programs. Before SwiftComply, Mick was a wastewater engineer in Dublin, Ireland where he set-up and managed Europe’s first FOG program.
Sponsor:
This episode is powered by Moonshot Missions, the non-profit organization seeking to disrupt the current approach to delivering improvement to water systems. Led by seasoned and skilled experts, Moonshot Missions designs replicable models that help utilities overcome the challenges they face in order to move forward. Moonshot can help you assess your system, select solutions from a pre-vetted menu of projects, plus develop innovative financing approaches. Collaborate with other leaders to work together, develop tailored mission plans and share lessons learned. Together you can build water systems that work more efficiently and effectively to protect and provide for the residents you serve, while also saving your customers money.
If you’d like to learn more or even share your own experience that might be helpful for a struggling utility to adopt and start on a positive path, visit moonshotmissions.org or email [email protected].”
Please consider rating the podcast with 5 stars and leaving a one- or two-sentence review in iTunes or on Stitcher. This helps tremendously in bringing the podcast to the attention of others. We give a shoutout to everyone who rates the podcast with 5 stars in future episodes.
Give us some love on Twitter by tagging us @THE_H2duO or by using the #WaterInRealLifePodcast
If you know someone you think would benefit, please spread the word by using the share buttons on this page.
Thank you for sharing some of your time with us. We know how precious those minutes are. Share your story, you never know who needs to hear it and remember, “Those who tell the stories, rule the world.”
32 min
September 23, 201969: Rocking the Spotlight—A Crisis Communication Toolbox
Karen Raucher is a policy analyst and risk communication specialist with expertise identifying how to gather, develop, and effectively share complex, uncertain information with a wide diversity of audiences. Ms. Raucher played a leading role in recent strategic climate change communication and policy-focused research for the Water Research Foundation, the Water Utility Climate Alliance (WUCA), and the WateReuse Research Foundation, as well as for a broad range of individual water utilities. She brings cutting-edge insights to the understanding and application of effective communication and long-term decision-making strategies to address large future uncertainty as well as complex regulatory challenges.
Top Takeaways
Anytime when fear or high anxiety is present, it switches how we process information in the brain. It takes us out of our frontal lobe where we do increased thought processing to the primitive amygdala where our only reactions are to freeze, flight, faint or fight.
Your audience can’t process information beyond the amygdala until you’ve answered their questions of critical concern. As a water professional, you may not even know what those questions are. You need to ask your customers and then listen. It may not even be what you think is a legitimate question based on your experience and knowledge but it must be answered before you can move forward.
Don’t try to communicate alone. Communicate with community thought-leaders and let them help you amplify your message. They know how to address it through the lens of what matters most to their community.
Social media is no longer a choice. 60-70% of people go their first to find their news.
27/9/3. Your brain can only handle 27 words that can be spoken in 9 seconds or less that covers three of fewer talking points. Use this equation when crafting your messaging.

Sponsor:
This episode is powered by Moonshot Missions, the non-profit organization seeking to disrupt the current approach to delivering improvement to water systems. Led by seasoned and skilled experts, Moonshot Missions designs replicable models that help utilities overcome the challenges they face in order to move forward. Moonshot can help you assess your system, select solutions from a pre-vetted menu of projects, plus develop innovative financing approaches. Collaborate with other leaders to work together, develop tailored mission plans and share lessons learned. Together you can build water systems that work more efficiently and effectively to protect and provide for the residents you serve, while also saving your customers money.
If you’d like to learn more or even share your own experience that might be helpful for a struggling utility to adopt and start on a positive path, visit moonshotmissions.org or email [email protected].”
Please consider rating the podcast with 5 stars and leaving a one- or two-sentence review in iTunes or on Stitcher. This helps tremendously in bringing the podcast to the attention of others. We give a shoutout to everyone who rates the podcast with 5 stars in future episodes.
Give us some love on Twitter by tagging us @THE_H2duO or by using the #WaterInRealLifePodcast
If you know someone you think would benefit, please spread the word by using the share buttons on this page.
Thank you for sharing some of your time with us. We know how precious those minutes are. Share your story, you never know who needs to hear it and remember, “Those who tell the stories, rule the world.”
53 min
September 16, 201968: Why Art, Culture, and Water Will Transform Communities
Tyler Knott Gregson is a poet, author, professional photographer, and artist who lives in the mountains of Helena, Montana. His books include Miracle in the Mundane, Chasers of the Light, All the Words are Yours, North Pole Ninjas, and Wildly in the Dark. When he is not writing, he runs his photography company, Chasers of the Light.
Top Takeaways
Reminder: You can’t be afraid to use your voice to create change. You can’t be afraid to talk about the things that are difficult to talk about. You have to accept that not everyone is going to like what you have to say but you still have to speak the truth.
Mindfulness is not something that is touchy-feely. It’s the only way people and organizations grow. You have to get out of your lane because otherwise you just create an echo chamber where all you hear is yourself.
Are you a public communicator that has found “photographer” as one of your many hats? Get some tips from an expert. Don’t worry…anyone can put these tips into action.
Tyler is the author of multiple books and writes every single day. His advice on content development is simply to listen more. There truly is inspiration all around you.

Sponsor:
This episode is powered by Moonshot Missions, the non-profit organization seeking to disrupt the current approach to delivering improvement to water systems. Led by seasoned and skilled experts, Moonshot Missions designs replicable models that help utilities overcome the challenges they face in order to move forward. Moonshot can help you assess your system, select solutions from a pre-vetted menu of projects, plus develop innovative financing approaches. Collaborate with other leaders to work together, develop tailored mission plans and share lessons learned. Together you can build water systems that work more efficiently and effectively to protect and provide for the residents you serve, while also saving your customers money.
If you’d like to learn more or even share your own experience that might be helpful for a struggling utility to adopt and start on a positive path, visit moonshotmissions.org or email [email protected].”
Please consider rating the podcast with 5 stars and leaving a one- or two-sentence review in iTunes or on Stitcher. This helps tremendously in bringing the podcast to the attention of others. We give a shoutout to everyone who rates the podcast with 5 stars in future episodes.
Give us some love on Twitter by tagging us @THE_H2duO or by using the #WaterInRealLifePodcast
If you know someone you think would benefit, please spread the word by using the share buttons on this page.
Thank you for sharing some of your time with us. We know how precious those minutes are. Share your story, you never know who needs to hear it and remember, “Those who tell the stories, rule the world.”
50 min
September 09, 2019 67: Communication’s Role in Solving the Silver Tsunami Workforce Challenge
Travis Loop has over 20 years of experience in strategic communications, public outreach, and media, with a focus on water and environmental issues. He is currently director of communications at the Water Environment Federation, where he also hosts the podcast Words On Water. He previously directed water communications at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Chesapeake Bay Program, served as a speechwriter for the Governor of Hawaii, and worked as a newspaper reporter and editor.
Sponsor:
This episode is powered by Moonshot Missions, the non-profit organization seeking to disrupt the current approach to delivering improvement to water systems. Led by seasoned and skilled experts, Moonshot Missions designs replicable models that help utilities overcome the challenges they face in order to move forward. Moonshot can help you assess your system, select solutions from a pre-vetted menu of projects, plus develop innovative financing approaches. Collaborate with other leaders to work together, develop tailored mission plans and share lessons learned. Together you can build water systems that work more efficiently and effectively to protect and provide for the residents you serve, while also saving your customers money.
If you’d like to learn more or even share your own experience that might be helpful for a struggling utility to adopt and start on a positive path, visit moonshotmissions.org or email [email protected].”
Please consider rating the podcast with 5 stars and leaving a one- or two-sentence review in iTunes or on Stitcher. This helps tremendously in bringing the podcast to the attention of others. We give a shoutout to everyone who rates the podcast with 5 stars in future episodes.
Give us some love on Twitter by tagging us @THE_H2duO or by using the #WaterInRealLifePodcast
If you know someone you think would benefit, please spread the word by using the share buttons on this page.
Thank you for sharing some of your time with us. We know how precious those minutes are. Share your story, you never know who needs to hear it and remember, “Those who tell the stories, rule the world.”
36 min
September 02, 201966: The Fundamental Value of Infusing Art and Culture into the Water Industry
Radhika Fox is the Chief Executive Officer of the US Water Alliance, a national nonprofit organization advancing policies and programs that build a sustainable water future for all. Radhika is a widely-recognized thought leader on complex water issues, from equity in water to investing in our nation’s water infrastructure. With more than 20 years of experience in developing policies, programs, and issue-based advocacy campaigns, Radhika is a sought-after public speaker and has been interviewed by local, regional, and national media outlets on a wide range of water issues. Previously, Radhika directed the policy and government affairs agenda for the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission, which is responsible for providing 24/7 water, wastewater, and municipal power services to 2.6 million Bay Area residents. She also served as the Federal Policy Director at PolicyLink, where she coordinated the organization’s policy agenda on a wide range of issues, including infrastructure investment, transportation, sustainable communities, economic inclusion, and workforce development.
Top Takeaways
Art begins a conversation about water that facts and figures alone cannot.
Partnering with the artists and cultural practitioners in your community creates new tools to engage the community, new ways to envision and design our water systems and a new lens through which our industry’s technical experts can innovate the future of water.
These partnerships create an entry point for the people in your community that are passionate about helping create positive behavior change.

Resources:
What did Stephanie mean by coming in like Jason Momoa? This. #FiredUp
Advancing One Water Through Arts and Culture: A Blueprint for Action
One Water Summit 2019
Dare to Lead by Brene Brown
Sponsor:
This episode is powered by Moonshot Missions, the non-profit organization seeking to disrupt the current approach to delivering improvement to water systems. Led by seasoned and skilled experts, Moonshot Missions designs replicable models that help utilities overcome the challenges they face in order to move forward. Moonshot can help you assess your system, select solutions from a pre-vetted menu of projects, plus develop innovative financing approaches. Collaborate with other leaders to work together, develop tailored mission plans and share lessons learned. Together you can build water systems that work more efficiently and effectively to protect and provide for the residents you serve, while also saving your customers money.
If you’d like to learn more or even share your own experience that might be helpful for a struggling utility to adopt and start on a positive path, visit moonshotmissions.org or email [email protected].”
Please consider rating the podcast with 5 stars and leaving a one- or two-sentence review in iTunes or on Stitcher. This helps tremendously in bringing the podcast to the attention of others. We give a shoutout to everyone who rates the podcast with 5 stars in future episodes.
Give us some love on Twitter by tagging us @THE_H2duO or by using the #WaterInRealLifePodcast
If you know someone you think would benefit, please spread the word by using the share buttons on this page.
Thank you for sharing some of your time with us. We know how precious those minutes are. Share your story, you never know who needs to hear it and remember, “Those who tell the stories, rule the world.”
29 min
August 26, 201965: Creating Contagion in Your Communications with Duke Greenhill
Duke Greenhill is a leading advertising creative and strategist, writer, filmmaker, and omnichannel marketer. He’s known for being among the first to employ augmented reality gaming (ARG) and episodic transmedia marketing in the United States, and for being a thought leader in the luxury branding and advertising space. Duke has published articles on luxury brand strategy and storytelling in top-tier industry press including Fast Company, The Harvard Business Review, The Telegraph, HubSpot and others. His projects have won many industry awards, including Effies, One Shows, Ogilvy Awards, ADDYs, and others. According to Academia.edu, an organization that monitors the impact of published thought leaders, Greenhill is cited in nearly half a million journals and academic papers. He’s currently the chair of advertising and the chair of graphic design at the Savannah College of Arts & Design (SCAD)–the university for creative careers.
Top Takeaways
Keep our message simple.
Remember that our social currency is defined by the quality of our engagement and not necessarily the quantity of followers.
At the end of the day, human beings make decisions emotionally. We use reason to rationalize a decision we’ve already made. If you can conjure up emotion in a target audience and that emotion is what drives them to take action, you’ve won.

Shownotes:
[05:15]At the end of the day, I think water is sexy.
[5:53] I don’t see why there needs to be a distance between the way we market a Tiffany ring and the way we communicate about water.
[6:13] Stop thinking about water as a utility, as something people don’t want to hear about, as some second-rate product or service and start treating it with the respect it deserves.
[7:05] The book–Contagious: Why Things Catch On–breaks down certain components that make communications viral, shareable, sticky.
[7:23] The class–Creating Contagion: From Experience to Entertainment–discusses ways to be at the forefront of communications by focusing first on the entertainment value of the communication and the utility of it–what it provides the end-user, rather than the message and how to sell it.
[8:54] Five elements of story: Character, Plot, Setting, Tension/Conflict, and Resolution. Story is the fundamental thing that makes any kind of communication worth communicating.
[9:30] Story–it’s a drug, leverage the addiction.
[10:40] Communication is easy? HA! (Rabbit hole!)
[12:16] 360-degrees of sticky: a class project involving students to create an omnichannel campaign (which refers to using multiple channels – surround sound)
[14:38] Triggers–anything you can attach a “call to action” to–attaching the purchase or use of the product to smells, taste, shape, color to conjure top of mind thinking. When it’s top of mind they take action.
[18:22 ] Remarkability-anything worth remarking about, repeating, sharing.
[18:43] People are impressed with innovation–it’s a currency all on its own.
[18:56] An example of remarkable innovation–predictive audio
[22:42] Water nerds: we have to tell the story of our passion!
[23:05] Water should be a luxury brand.
[23:36] Currency of Clout: (social currency) the value that your followers place on whatever information it is you want to share with them–that beats the number of followers you have. Quality over quantity.
[24:40] Positive Influence: Fyre Festival
[27:49] Negative Influence: Snooki
[29:19] Gamification–application of gaming principles, competition, to a commercial communication. Think fit tech.
[30:20] How Dr. Dre and Beats by Dre teaches us about data and measurement.
[34:39] Keeping our messages simple.
[37:30] Campaigns vs. platforms.
[38:33] Platform vs your brand.
The brand is the foundation of everything. If you don’t have that together and if you’re not consistent with it, platforms and campaigns are a moot point.
[39:50] Scaling the viral mountains.
[43:10] Managing the emotion in human decision-making.
Resources:
Contagious: Why Things Catch On by Jonah Berger
Tipping Point by Malcom Gladwell
Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World by David Epstein
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee (Duke’s all-time favorite)
Sponsor:
This episode is powered by Moonshot Missions, the non-profit organization seeking to disrupt the current approach to delivering improvement to water systems. Led by seasoned and skilled experts, Moonshot Missions designs replicable models that help utilities overcome the challenges they face in order to move forward. Moonshot can help you assess your system, select solutions from a pre-vetted menu of projects, plus develop innovative financing approaches. Collaborate with other leaders to work together, develop tailored mission plans and share lessons learned. Together you can build water systems that work more efficiently and effectively to protect and provide for the residents you serve, while also saving your customers money.
If you’d like to learn more or even share your own experience that might be helpful for a struggling utility to adopt and start on a positive path, visit moonshotmissions.org or email [email protected].”
Please consider rating the podcast with 5 stars and leaving a one- or two-sentence review in iTunes or on Stitcher. This helps tremendously in bringing the podcast to the attention of others. We give a shoutout to everyone who rates the podcast with 5 stars in future episodes.
Give us some love on Twitter by tagging us @THE_H2duO or by using the #WaterInRealLifePodcast
If you know someone you think would benefit, please spread the word by using the share buttons on this page.
Thank you for sharing some of your time with us. We know how precious those minutes are. Share your story, you never know who needs to hear it and remember, “Those who tell the stories, rule the world.”
53 min

About Water In Real Life

From the publisher's feed

Award-winning communication professionals, Arianne Shipley and Stephanie Corso, aka The H2duO, chat with thought-leaders from both inside and outside of the water industry to serve as a resource for…

Share Water In Real Life

Sign up to save your podcasts

Water In Real Life

Water In Real Life episodes

About Water In Real Life