Yes, And! With Avish Parashar

In this episode of Yes, And, I dive into the idea of thinking in terms of experimentation, not execution, especially when it comes to reaching big, impossible goals. As professionals, we're often encouraged to follow rigid plans and execute them to perfection. But in a world of constant change, creativity, and uncertainty, sometimes we need to let go of fixed plans and embrace the process of experimentation.

I share stories from my own life where I used this approach to take my keynote and business to the next level—through trial, error, and adapting as I went. Instead of adhering to a step-by-step execution model, experimentation gave me the freedom to try new things, learn from my failures, and ultimately find success in unexpected ways.

Listen in for some valuable insights on how you can apply this mindset to your own goals, whether personal or professional, and learn how embracing experimentation could lead to greater innovation, growth, and resilience.

• Shift from execution to experimentation: Learn why experimentation, rather than rigid execution, can lead to more innovative and effective results, especially when dealing with uncertainty or creativity.

• Real-life application: Hear how I used this approach to transform my keynote, from initial failures to eventual success, and how small experiments led to big breakthroughs.

• The power of flexibility: Understand how flexibility and adaptability can help you pivot and improve your approach when things don't go according to plan.

• How to experiment in your own life: Tips on how to apply the experimentation mindset to both your personal and professional goals, particularly when you're feeling stuck or overwhelmed.

• Embrace failure as part of the process: Recognize that failures are valuable learning opportunities and part of the experimental journey that leads to growth and success.

In this episode, I talk to Roger Courville, a virtual events pioneer with over 25 years of experience. Roger shares his journey from the early days of 'internet conferencing' to becoming a recognized expert on adapting in-person interactions to virtual settings. He explains the analyze, map, discover framework, a systematic approach for turning resistance to change into opportunities for innovation—whether you're presenting online, managing change, or just tackling something new.

We also discuss why people resist change, how to engage audiences better online, and why building relationships—whether virtually or in-person—is critical to success. Oh, and if you love spicy food and Rush, you're in for a treat!"

Key Takeaways:

• The "Analyze, Map, Discover" framework for navigating any change.

• How virtual presentations can solve challenges like participation and engagement.

• The biggest mindset shifts needed when moving from in-person to virtual events.

• The importance of understanding what's lost and gained in any new medium.

• Why resistance to change comes from noticing losses before gains.

• A small change that could make the world better: "Take someone you don't know to coffee and ask them, 'Tell me your story.'"

Relevant Links:

• Roger Courville's Website: rogercourville.com

Virtual Event Production: virtualvenues.com

In this episode, I explore why setting "SMART" goals — specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound — might actually be the thing holding you back. While SMART goals are great for achieving incremental progress, they can also make your goals feel like checklists, leading to disengagement and boredom. Instead, I challenge you to set an "impossible goal" — a goal so big and out of reach that it forces you to tap into your creativity and problem-solving skills. By setting a 10x goal, a failure goal, or simply one that feels impossible, you can ignite excitement and engagement in the process, rather than just ticking off boxes. Listen in to find out how to reframe your goals to make them not only achievable but exciting!

• The Weakness of SMART Goals: SMART goals can reduce creativity and engagement by making the process too clear and structured.

• Set an Impossible Goal: Choose a goal that challenges you beyond your current abilities, requiring creativity and problem-solving to achieve.

• Creativity Over Checklists: When setting big, difficult goals, you activate your creativity and maintain engagement with the process.

• Failure Club Concept: Embrace the idea of setting goals with a high probability of failure, which frees you to experiment and learn.

• Relevant Goals Only: Make sure the goals that seem impossible to you are still highly relevant to your life, career, or business.

• Commit to Growth: Focus on figuring out how to achieve the impossible goal over a set period, using failure as a stepping stone for learning and growth.

Happy New Year!

In this first solo episode of 2025, I dive into the powerful concept of overcoming the "persistent yes, but" that so often holds us back from pursuing our goals and dreams - how small mental roadblocks can prevent us from taking meaningful action and shares a framework for transforming those "yes, buts" into "yes, ands."

Learn how reframing your internal dialogue and taking small, manageable steps can unlock new opportunities and change the course of your life. Whether you're into New Year's resolutions or not, this episode will inspire you to look at your goals in a fresh light.

• Persistent "Yes, But": Recognize the small but powerful voice that holds you back from action and identify what it is in your own life.

• Reframe with "Yes, And": Shift from self-doubt and excuses to empowerment and progress by changing "Yes, but" into "Yes, and."

• Small Steps Lead to Big Change: Break down large, overwhelming goals into smaller, manageable tasks to make progress every day.

• Celebrate the Journey: Celebrate every step forward, even small wins and failures, to keep momentum going.

• Experiment, Don't Execute: Take the first step, experiment with your approach, and adjust along the way instead of stressing about a perfect plan.

• Creative Genius and Flow: My earlier podcast on tapping into creativity and how it can support goal-setting: https://avishparashar.com/solo-episode-say-yes-and-to-creatively-using-ai/

In this holiday special of Yes And, I'm stepping away from the usual format to share something fun and festive. I'm dropping in a full episode of my old podcast, In a World of...Improvised Movie Homages, where we played improv games to parody different movie genres. This one's all about the magic of Hallmark Christmas movies—their charm, predictability, and everything we love (or love to make fun of) about them.

This episode takes a lighthearted look at Hallmark's signature holiday films and explores how the "Yes, And" mindset can make our lives a bit more magical, just like the movies. It's all about embracing love, community, and the holiday spirit—whether you're watching a Hallmark flick or living out your own story.

Take a break from the usual hustle and enjoy the magic of Hallmark Christmas movies—improvised, of course. Tune in for some laughs, a bit of nostalgia, and a reminder of what makes the season so special. Happy holidays, and I'll see you in 2025!

In this episode of Yes, And with Avish Parashar, I dive into the critical yet often overlooked skill of being present. Whether you're in a leadership role, working with coworkers, or navigating personal relationships, being fully present in the moment is the key to effective communication, emotional management, and fostering positive outcomes in challenging situations.

This episode is a follow-up to my conversation with David Dye, where we discussed powerful phrases for dealing with workplace conflict. While David's book offers tactical tools for conflict resolution, today we zoom out to explore how being present enhances those tools and improves overall communication.

I also share a fun improv game, Last Letter, First Letter, to demonstrate the power of being truly present in your interactions. This game requires listening attentively to your partner and being in the moment, and it serves as a practical technique you can use in your own life.

• The Power of Presence: How being fully present helps improve communication and creativity, whether in the workplace or at home.

• Managing Emotions: Why being present allows you to manage emotions, especially in high-stakes conversations or conflicts.

• Validating Others: How actively listening to understand helps validate the other person's feelings and fosters better relationships.

• Improv as a Tool: How improv games like Last Letter, First Letter can train you to be more present in conversations and how you can use this skill in real life.

• David Dye's book: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B00HZPM7NQ

• David's Website: Let's Grow Leaders

• Listen to my previous episode with David Dye: https://avishparashar.com/say-yes-and-to-workplace-conflict-and-collaboration-with-david-dye/

• In a World Of…Improvised Movie Homages Podcast: http://avishandmike.com/

In this episode of "Yes, And with Avish Parashar," I chat with David Dye, President of Let's Grow Leaders and co-author of "Powerful Phrases for Dealing with Workplace Conflict." David shares his insights on how to transform workplace conflict into constructive conversations. We explore key phrases that can help you navigate difficult discussions, the importance of psychological safety, and how to foster a culture of innovation within teams.

Key takeaways include:

• The role of conflict in fostering innovation

• Practical phrases for handling workplace disagreements

• The importance of clarity and connection in conversations

• Insights on psychological safety and creative abrasion

Links:

David's Website: LetsGrowLeaders.com

David's Books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B00HZPM7NQ

In this solo episode of Yes, And with Avish Parashar, I'm diving deeper into a key theme from my conversation with DEI expert Jess Pettitt: stepping into uncertainty. I'll explain how embracing uncertainty—not only in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) work but in life—can lead to creativity, growth, and positive change.

I also share an improv game I use, called Gibberish Translation, to demonstrate how letting go of preconceived ideas and being willing to adapt can unlock new possibilities. I'll talk about why hearing all voices, letting go of personal biases, and taking imperfect steps are crucial to creating a more inclusive workplace and life.

This episode challenges you to rethink how you approach change, whether in DEI, leadership, or personal growth. I'll break down practical ways to implement these concepts by shifting from a "Yes, but" mindset to "Yes, and," and why this shift is so important for embracing change and creating more inclusive environments.

• Embrace Uncertainty: Stepping into uncertainty allows creativity to flow and helps you adapt in the moment, leading to more meaningful change.

• Hear All Voices: Actively listen to the perspectives of those you may not agree with, especially those in marginalized groups, to ensure inclusivity.

• Let Go of Preconceived Ideas: To create real change, you must be willing to challenge your assumptions and approach situations with an open mind.

• Take Imperfect Steps: Change doesn't happen overnight. Start with imperfect action, learn from it, and adjust your approach as needed.

• Framework for DEI: Use the principles of "Yes, And" to implement Jess Pettitt's approach to DEI, making room for edits and creating a culture of inclusivity.

• Jess Pettitt's Book: Almost Doing Good

• Jess Pettitt's Book Club: Free 4-week book discussion starting December 6th: https://bit.ly/3XIQkhm

In this episode of "Yes, And with Avish Parashar," I welcome the insightful Jess Pettitt, a DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) speaker, author, and consultant. With nearly two decades of experience, Jess has empowered countless individuals and organizations to embrace inclusivity while navigating the complexities of human interaction with humor and authenticity.

We dive into Jess's latest book, Almost Doing Good, where she challenges the conventional wisdom surrounding DEI initiatives. She explores the concept of being "almost good enough" and encourages organizations to focus on progress over perfection. Jess emphasizes that embracing imperfection can lead to transformative growth and genuine connections within teams.

• The importance of asking genuine questions to enhance listening skills and foster deeper connections.

• Understanding the three key components of effective DEI work: Prepare, Recognize, and Respond.

• The necessity of making room for edits in our perceptions and judgments of others.

• How to navigate the complexities of inclusion, especially regarding diverse viewpoints and experiences.

If you're looking to implement practical DEI strategies in your organization or want to learn more about fostering an inclusive environment, this episode is packed with actionable insights!

• Jess Pettitt's Website: jesspettitt.com

• Book: Almost Doing Good

• Book Club Registration: https://bit.ly/3XIQkhm

Don't forget to share this episode with your network, and be sure to rate and review the podcast to help us spread the message of "Yes, And!" Join us next week for more inspiring conversations.

Do you consider yourself creative? Whether you're an artist, a professional, or someone who thinks they "just aren't creative," this episode is for you. In this solo episode, I dive into the true essence of creativity and show how everyone can access their own creative genius. Building on last week's conversation with Dan Nestle about AI, I share how creativity can make us more adaptable, resilient, and innovative—essential skills in a rapidly changing world.

In this episode, you'll learn practical techniques to access your creativity and apply it to one of today's most talked-about tools: AI. I'll demonstrate an improv game to unlock creativity and share exercises to overcome creative blocks, particularly with prompt crafting and using AI as a creative partner. Get ready to shift your mindset and discover ways to use creativity and AI in tandem to amplify your potential.

1. Creativity as a Universal Skill: Why every person has a unique creative genius waiting to be unlocked.

2. The "Expert Interview" Game: A powerful improv exercise to access spontaneous creativity by letting ideas flow without judgment.

3. Techniques to Bypass Your Inner Filter: Learn how to clear mental blocks and let ideas emerge by calming the mind and practicing rapid idea generation.

4. AI as a Creative Partner: Discover the benefits of using AI as a tool to stimulate creativity rather than just a source of answers.

5. Steps to Get Started with AI: Tips for beginning your AI journey, brainstorming prompts, and using AI responses to inspire new ideas.

• Listen to Dan's Podcast, The Trending Communicator

• Connect with Dan on LinkedIn

• Say, "Yes, And!" to Yourself Webinar Recording

• Learn More About Avish Parashar