Yes, And! With Avish Parashar

In this episode of Yes, And with Avish Parashar, I'm joined by Toni Thomas from Challenger, Gray & Christmas to explore a topic that doesn't get nearly enough attention: offboarding.

While onboarding gets the red carpet treatment, too often the way people exit an organization is abrupt, impersonal, and damaging — to them and to the company. Toni shares why offboarding is more than collecting a laptop and cutting off email access — and how handling it with empathy and intention leads to better outcomes, less litigation, and a stronger employer brand.

We also dig into what it's like to be in transition, how individuals can navigate it successfully, and how networking and self-care can shift the experience from isolation to opportunity.

• Why offboarding should be treated with the same care as onboarding

• How the ripple effects of a poorly handled layoff affect morale, productivity, and reputation

• The ROI of outplacement support — for both the employee and the company

• Common mistakes organizations make during layoffs and how to avoid them

• What the "peak-end rule" means for how employees remember their time at your company

• Practical advice for individuals in transition: routines, relationships, and reframing

• How to network authentically — even when you feel like you have nothing to offer

• Why helping others during transition can boost confidence and open new doors

• Connect with Toni Thomas on LinkedIn (mention you heard her on the show and ask her for her "Offboarding Checklist)

• Learn more about Challenger, Gray & Christmas: https://www.challengergray.com

Learn about Avish's speaking and workshops: https://www.avishparashar.com

This week is my birthday—I'm turning 52! And to mark the occasion, I'm sharing something a little different: 52 things I would tell my 22-year-old self.

Over the years, I've made a lot of mistakes, learned a ton, and picked up a bunch of insights that would've helped me back when I was just starting out. In this fast-paced, fun solo episode, I share all 52 lessons—from career advice to dopamine management, creativity, emotions, habits, finances, and yes...Dungeons & Dragons.

Whether you're 22 or 72, there's something here for you.

• Why "Be so good they can't ignore you" is still the best advice

• How dopamine and distraction shaped my productivity—and how I manage it now

• The massive difference between execution and experimentation

• Why habits matter more than discipline

• The importance of stretching, walking, and watching less rerun TV

• How fear of disapproval shaped my career—and what I'm doing about it

• 52 rapid-fire insights on living more intentionally, joyfully, and creatively

• AvishParashar.com – My speaking, books, and more

• TEDx Talk – Ding Happens

• Say "Yes, And!" book on Amazon

In this episode, I sit down with one of my oldest friends and longtime ExxonMobil leader, Alexander Bolkhovsky, for a deep dive into leadership, motivation, and navigating organizational change. Over his 27-year career with ExxonMobil, Alex has held roles across engineering, technology, sales, and global strategy. But more than the titles, it's his mindset—curious, adaptable, and people-first—that makes him a standout. We explore everything from leading massive reorganizations and setting "impossible" goals to staying energized when your to-do list feels endless. Whether you're managing a team or just trying to lead yourself, this episode is packed with gold.

• Why adaptability is a learned skill, not an innate trait

• How "bold goals" create breakthrough thinking—even if you don't hit them

• The leadership superpower of assuming positive intent

• How to balance long-term strategy with short-term urgency

• The real reason motivation and fun matter more than discipline

• Simple systems for making your workweek more productive and more enjoyable

• Connect with Alex on LinkedIn: Alexander Bolkhovsky

• Learn more about Avish and the "Yes, And!" approach: avishparashar.com

In this episode, I talk with Andrew Tarvin, a longtime friend and fellow improv enthusiast who has built a fascinating career at the intersection of humor and engineering. Andrew shares his journey from computer science to comedy, what it really means to be a "Humor Engineer," and how he helps individuals and organizations use humor more intentionally.

We dig into the idea that humor isn't just for class clowns—it's a learnable skill. Andrew breaks down the three foundational elements of humor, the seven humor personas, and how leaders can foster fun at work without becoming the office goofball. If you've ever wondered how to bring more joy to your life and team without sacrificing professionalism, this conversation will have you smiling—and thinking.

• Humor is a skill, not a talent—you can learn and apply it strategically.

• The three building blocks of humor: sense of humor, ability to humor, and agency with humor.

• The seven humor personas—and why it matters to know yours.

• Leaders can create a fun, productive culture through modeling, recognition, and intentionality.

• The role of humor in inclusion, team dynamics, and daily engagement.

• HumorThatWorks.com

• Buy The Skill of Humor Playbook

• Learn More About International Humor Month

• Andrew's TEDx Talk (15M+ views)

In this episode of Yes, And with Avish Parashar, I sit down with creativity expert Melissa Dinwiddie. Melissa shares her journey from a Juilliard-trained dancer to a professional artist and creativity instigator. She introduces us to her Create the Impossible framework, which helps individuals and teams harness the power of play, take risks, and learn from failure to spark innovation. Melissa emphasizes that it's not about making things perfect but making things, experimenting, and allowing space for mistakes. We dive into how leaders can foster creativity and encourage their teams to take playful risks to solve complex problems.

• Play Hard: Embrace your inner child by experimenting, exploring, and being curious.

• Make Crap: It's okay to fail! Making mistakes is a crucial part of the creative process.

• Learn Fast: Turn every failure into valuable data. Rapid feedback loops drive innovation.

• Practical Tips: Start with small, playful actions like asking creative questions in meetings or implementing "wild idea Wednesdays."

• Gremlins: Recognize the self-doubt voices in your head and replace them with a playful, "Yes, And" mindset to keep moving forward.

• Melissa Dinwiddie's website: MelissaDinwiddie.com

• Get the first 50 pages of Melissa's book The Creative Sandbox Way: Download Here

• Follow Melissa on LinkedIn: Melissa Dinwiddie on LinkedIn

• Melissa's YouTube channel: Melissa Dinwiddie on YouTube

In this episode, I chat with Sarah Ohanesian, a productivity expert and the founder of SO Productive. Sarah dives into the concept of purpose-driven productivity, helping us rethink how we manage our time and energy in both our personal and professional lives. She also shares her work around neurodiversity, a topic that's been gaining much-needed attention in the workplace. Whether you're leading a team or trying to figure out your own productivity system, this episode has some powerful takeaways about working in alignment with your brain's unique wiring.

Key Takeaways

• Purpose-Driven Productivity: It's not just about checking off tasks; it's about doing the work that has the most impact for you and your team.

• Neurodiversity in Teams: Embracing different brain types on your team can be a game-changer in creativity and productivity.

• Creating Space for Magic: Leave white space in your calendar for unexpected opportunities and creative breakthroughs.

• Overcoming Rigidity: Productivity isn't one-size-fits-all—design a system that works for you and be flexible with it.

• Balancing Short-Term vs Long-Term Tasks: Understanding your "why" helps you prioritize long-term goals even when short-term tasks demand your attention.

Relevant Links

• So-Productive Website

• Sarah Ohanesian's Website

In this episode of Yes, And with Avish Parashar, I sit down with Greg Offner, a former dueling piano performer turned keynote speaker, to talk about his unique approach to leadership, employee engagement, and preventing burnout. Greg's philosophy, highlighted in his book The Tip Jar Culture, draws from his background in music to create an experience where managers lead with a servant mindset, helping their teams thrive. Greg shares valuable insights on how leaders can remove obstacles for their employees and create a workplace that feels more like an interactive, engaging experience. Tune in to hear about Greg's journey, his leadership principles, and why creating a culture where employees feel valued is essential for success.

Key Takeaways

• Leadership is about helping your team be their best by removing obstacles and creating opportunities for engagement.

• Employees are more likely to stay engaged when they feel like they're contributing to a greater cause.

• Burnout in the workplace is often caused by unnecessary friction in day-to-day tasks.

• Greg's "Tip Jar Culture" focuses on building relationships, encouraging participation, and reminding employees of the meaningful impact their work has.

• Engaging with your team like an audience in a piano bar can foster creativity and connection in the workplace.

Relevant Links

• Learn more about Greg Offner: gregoryoffner.com

• Get Greg's book The Tip Jar Culture: Available at major book retailers

• Follow Greg on LinkedIn: LinkedIn

What if the difference between being a 'best-kept secret' and becoming a go-to authority in your industry came down to just three things?

In this episode of Yes, And with Avish Parashar, I sit down with David Newman, marketing expert, speaker, and author of Do It! Marketing, Do It! Speaking, and Do It! Selling. David is the founder of Do It! Marketing, where he helps executives, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders build their market eminence—leveraging speaking, publishing, and podcasting to elevate their authority, attract more clients, and grow their influence.

We dive deep into why most professionals struggle with visibility, how to shift from 'how-to' content to 'how-to-think' content, and why polarization in your messaging is actually a good thing. If you've ever felt like you're doing great work but not getting the recognition or leads you deserve, this episode is a must-listen!

✅ What market eminence is and why it's critical for building authority in your industry. ✅ The Obscurity Gap: The four levels from being a 'best-kept secret' to a 'market maverick'. ✅ Why thought leadership isn't about information—it's about shaping how people think. ✅ How to leverage speaking, publishing, and podcasting to become a micro-celebrity. ✅ Why most books, speeches, and podcasts fail to generate business—and how to fix it. ✅ How to handle negative feedback, polarizing opinions, and internet trolls (hint: GIFs are involved). ✅ The one small mindset shift that can change the trajectory of your business and career.

📌 David's Website & Free Resources: DoItMarketing.com📌 Free Training on Market Eminence: DoItMarketing.com/webinar📌 The Do It! Marketing Manifesto (Free PDF): DoItMarketing.com/manifesto 📌 David's Podcast: The Selling Show: Listen Here 📌 David's Books:

• Do It! Marketing

• Do It! Speaking

• Do It! Selling

What does it take to create a culture of wellness in our workplaces and our lives? And how do we overcome the 'yes, but' resistance when it comes to making better choices?

In this episode, I sit down with the amazing Elaine Pasqua, a speaker who has spent the last 30 years working with universities, corporations, and professional sports teams on wellness, resilience, and responsible decision-making. We dive into how to make smart wellness choices that stick, the power of self-reflection, and why small, intentional actions matter more than big, overwhelming goals.

Plus, we discuss the impact of social media addiction, dopamine, and why so many of us struggle with motivation—even when we know what we should be doing. Elaine shares actionable tips for building healthier habits, boosting workplace morale, and fostering a culture of care that benefits both individuals and organizations."

• How to make wellness an effortless part of your daily routine.

• The power of self-reflection in driving personal and professional change.

• Why workplace wellness programs matter (and how they boost productivity).

• How social media addiction hijacks our motivation—and what to do about it.

• What Saquon Barkley, the Philadelphia Eagles, and elite athletes can teach us about leadership and teamwork.

• Why resilience isn't just about pushing through challenges—it's about learning, adapting, and growing stronger.

• Connect with Elaine: www.elainepasqua.com

• Follow Elaine on LinkedIn: Elaine Pasqua

• Watch Elaine on YouTube: Elaine's Channel

• Learn more about Yes, And with Avish Parashar: Podcast Homepage

In this episode of Yes, And with Avish Parashar, I sit down with Lisa Ryan, a gratitude strategist, speaker, and author of Gear Up for Greatness. Lisa shares her journey of transforming gratitude into a powerful workplace strategy and explains how organizations can use appreciation to retain top talent, build better relationships, and foster thriving cultures.

We dive into Lisa's six gears of strategy, her unique approach to employee engagement and retention, and the role of gratitude in creating sustainable change. Lisa also shares practical tips for leaders and managers to implement gratitude as a daily practice and how small shifts in mindset can create massive impacts.

If you're looking for actionable strategies to improve workplace culture or simply want to bring more positivity into your life, this episode is for you!

• How gratitude as a personal practice can lead to business transformation.

• The six gears of strategy from Gear Up for Greatness: Attitude, Appreciation, Access, Applause, Acts of Service, and Accountability.

• The importance of access and how leaders can create psychological safety in their teams.

• The "Lasada Ratio" and how small shifts in positive communication can significantly impact team performance.

• Practical tips for creating a culture of appreciation to retain top talent and boost morale.

• Lisa Ryan's Website

• Lisa's Book: Gear Up for Greatness

• Connect with Lisa on LinkedIn