On the Brink with Andi Simon

Andi Simon
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On the Brink with Andi Simon

On The Brink is a podcast where the goal is to help you better "see, feel and think" about your business, your job, your personal life and your purpose. There will be great interviews and conversations with people who are deeply involved in change—consultants, change agents, managers transforming their teams, entrepreneurs just starting out and CEOs running well-established companies.

  1. 3 DAYS AGO

    Ilene Rosenthal: Inspiring a Revolution in Children's Education

    In a recent episode of On the Brink with Andi Simon, I welcomed Ilene Rosenthal, the visionary CEO and founder of Footsteps2Brilliance, an educational technology company redefining early literacy and financial education for students across the U.S. Ilene and I explored how technology is revolutionizing the education sector, enabling transformative learning opportunities that bridge gaps and engage students in innovative ways. Bringing Education into the Fifth Industrial Revolution Ilene’s journey led her to create “Learn With Me,” the first transmedia educational program, eventually nominated for an Emmy. This innovation bridged educational media and interactive learning, setting the foundation for Footsteps2Brilliance. With her extensive background, Ilene has scaled her vision nationwide, serving over a million children to date. She has designed the Footsteps2Brilliance platform to be device-agnostic, ensuring accessibility on smartphones, tablets, and computers—essential for reaching diverse student populations in both urban and rural communities. If you prefer to watch her video, you will love her story. Click here I you would like to listen to other podcasts about women entrepreneurs creating companies of purpose: 412: Why is the Lipstick Journey Such an Awesome Company Helping Cancer Patients Thrive 406: The Greatest Journey of a Woman Entrepreneur in Mental Health: Dr. Barbara Brown’s Story Reach out and contact us if you need work on becoming a woman entrepreneur with a business that has both great profits and significance.  Let's Talk! From Observation to Innovation, Andi Simon, PhD CEO | Corporate Anthropologist | Author Simonassociates.net Info@simonassociates.net @simonandi LinkedIn

    34 min

  2. 3 NOV

    Five Great Business Strategies To Build Emotional Connections

    In this episode of "On the Brink with Andi Simon," we engage in an insightful conversation with Chantal Cornelius, the founder of Appletree Marketing.  Together we delve into the intricate art of marketing strategies tailored for service-based businesses, particularly coaches and consultants. With over two decades of experience in the field, Chantelle's expertise is rooted in a unique approach that emphasizes fostering emotional connections with clients to create lasting and impactful relationships. Why Should You Foster Emotional Connections in Business? Chantal begins by sharing her personal and professional journey in the marketing world, painting a vivid picture of how she transitioned from a traditional marketer to a strategic advisor focused on helping service-based businesses thrive. Her early years were marked by learning the conventional aspects of marketing and understanding client expectations. However, through years of hands-on experience, Chantal discovered that the most effective way for businesses to resonate with their audiences was through meaningful emotional connections. This revelation led her to refine her approach and establish five key strategies at the core of her work today: Certainty, Connection, Contribution, Growth, and Significance. You might like to watch the interview here: Reach out and contact us if you need work on improving your business. Let's Talk! From Observation to Innovation, Andi Simon, PhD CEO | Corporate Anthropologist | Author Simonassociates.net Info@simonassociates.net @simonandi LinkedIn

    36 min

  3. 27 OCT

    Why is the Lipstick Journey Such an Awesome Company Helping Cancer Patients Thrive

    In the latest episode of On the Brink with Andi Simon, we're thrilled to feature Anna Warner-Mayes, an inspiring entrepreneur whose company, The Lipstick Journey, is making waves with purpose and profitability. Anna's story is a testament to resilience, passion, and a deep commitment to making a difference. Her journey, marked by multiple cancer diagnoses and countless treatments, is a source of inspiration for all of us. Anna's decision to channel her adversity into something powerful and uplifting, The Lipstick Journey , is a beacon of hope and empowerment. Her company, with its unique 'buy one, give one' lipstick initiative, is a living proof that even in the face of adversity, we can make a difference. How Can Lipstick Turn Into a Caring Community for Cancer Patients? The Lipstick Journey stands apart from typical beauty brands in its commitment to giving back to a community that has supported Anna through her own battles. Each lipstick purchase goes beyond the buyer to reach a cancer fighter, serving as a reminder of beauty, strength, and connection in the face of struggle. The concept is simple but powerful: each product bought gives a lipstick to someone battling cancer, offering them a small, meaningful moment of self-care and solidarity. As Anna shares on the podcast, 'Lipstick was always a little touch of normalcy for me, a way to brighten my day despite the challenges I faced.' This gesture embodies her desire to uplift others through beauty and kindness, and it's a call for all of us to come together and support those in need. As Anna has said: "What sets me apart from others is my mission while fighting cancer myself. For every lipstick purchased, one gets donated and when someone purchases, I allow them to choose the recipient. This has been extremely rewarding and heartfelt as some of the recipients send me personal notes. In my mission to help thrivers know they don’t fight alone, I get the support from them knowing I also do not fight alone." Listen In or watch on YouTube: Reach out and contact us if you need work on improving your business. Let's Talk! From Observation to Innovation, Andi SImon, PhD CEO | Corporate Anthropologist | Author Simonassociates.net Info@simonassociates.net @simonandi LinkedIn

    42 min

  4. 21 OCT

    TaRita Johnson Tackling the Challenges of DEI and Belonging

    In this episode of On the Brink with Andi Simon, we had the pleasure of sitting down with TaRita Johnson, Senior Vice President of Talent and Diversity at The Right Place, a Michigan-based economic development organization. Throughout her career, TaRita has championed diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and has helped organizations grow by embracing a more diverse workforce. She shared her insightful journey, revealing diversity's critical role in creating thriving, successful workplaces, and she introduced us to her powerful leadership model: VOICE. Watch this podcast here TaRita's Journey: A Commitment to Building Inclusive Communities From the beginning, TaRita's path has been shaped by her passion for promoting equity and opportunity. She shared with us how her early career experiences, paired with her background in education, shaped her belief that talent comes from all walks of life and that it's the role of leaders to create environments where all individuals feel valued and heard. Having spent years working in roles that intersect leadership, human resources, and diversity efforts, TaRita emphasized how essential it is to build intentional communities within organizations. She explained that DEI is not just a strategy but a core component of business success, enabling organizations to unlock new perspectives, ideas, and approaches. This philosophy has driven her work at The Right Place, where she is tasked with developing programs that help businesses attract, retain, and elevate diverse talent pools. In her role, TaRita tackles not only the recruitment aspect of diversity but also the equally important work of fostering belonging within an organization. She stressed that companies must focus on hiring individuals from diverse backgrounds and creating inclusive environments where employees feel empowered to contribute their full selves. VOICE: Vision, Open to New Ideas, Intentional Community, Compassion, Emotional Intelligence One of the most intriguing aspects of our conversation was TaRita's introduction to her leadership philosophy, which she sums up with the acronym VOICE. She explained that This framework serves as a guide for how leaders can foster diversity and inclusion in the workplace while empowering their teams to thrive. From Observation to Innovation, Andi Simon, PhD CEO | Corporate Anthropologist | Author Simonassociates.net Info@simonassociates.net @simonandi LinkedIn

    39 min

  5. 14 OCT

    Vicki Bradley: The Secret to Becoming the Leader You Want to Be

    In the latest episode of On the Brink with Andi Simon, we had the pleasure of speaking with Vicki Bradley, a seasoned leadership coach and the driving force behind many successful leaders, both women and men. Vicki’s work is rooted in the understanding that leadership is not just about authority or strategy—it's about connecting with people on a deeper level through effective communication and emotional intelligence. In our conversation, Vicki shared profound insights into how these elements are not just complementary but essential to effective leadership. The Secret to Become the Leader You Want to Be One of the key takeaways from our discussion with Vicki was the critical role that communication plays in leadership. She emphasized that clear, authentic communication is the cornerstone of trust-building. When leaders communicate effectively, they are able to inspire, motivate, and engage their teams. This, in turn, fosters an environment where people feel valued, understood, and committed to the shared vision. The Heart of Leadership: Conversational and Emotional Intelligence But communication alone isn't enough. Vicki argues that to truly excel as a leader, one must couple communication skills with emotional intelligence. Emotional intelligence, or EQ, is the ability to recognize, understand, and manage our own emotions, as well as the emotions of others. According to Vicki, leaders who possess high EQ are better equipped to handle the complexities of human behavior in the workplace. They are more empathetic, more adaptable, and better at conflict resolution—skills that are indispensable in today’s dynamic business environments. Bridging the Gender Divide in Leadership During our conversation, Vicki also touched on the unique challenges and opportunities that arise when working with both women and men to enhance their leadership skills. She noted that while the fundamental principles of good leadership—like communication and EQ—apply to everyone, the ways in which these skills are developed and expressed can differ between genders. For women, Vicki observed that societal expectations often influence how they communicate and assert themselves in the workplace. Many women are taught to be nurturing and cooperative, which can sometimes be at odds with traditional notions of leadership. Vicki’s coaching helps women to leverage these qualities while also encouraging them to find their voice, assert their ideas confidently, and navigate the complexities of leadership without compromising their authenticity. On the other hand, men might face different challenges. Vicki explained that some men are conditioned to suppress emotions or view emotional intelligence as a "soft" skill that doesn’t align with leadership. However, she emphasizes that when men embrace EQ, they often find that it enhances their leadership capabilities, particularly in building trust and fostering team cohesion. By helping men understand the value of EQ, Vicki guides them toward a more balanced and effective leadership style. Watch our interview here   From Observation to Innovation, Andi Simon, PhD CEO | Corporate Anthropologist | Award-Winning Author Simonassociates.net Info@simonassociates.net @simonandi LinkedIn

    40 min

  6. 8 OCT

    Celebrating a Year of Empowering Change with Women Mean Business Book

    Welcome to our anniversary podcast that celebrates a year of empowering change with our book, co-authored by Edie Fraser, Robin Freedman Spizman, and Andi Simon, PhD. This book, Women Mean Business: Over 500 Insights from Extraordinary Leaders to Spark Your Success,  has become an amazing experience. I have often said that every book has its unique signature. A book's energy comes from the reader who opens the book and feels the power of the words, images, and ideas. Celebrating a Year of Empowering Change with Women Mean Business It’s hard to believe that it’s been a year since Edie Fraser and I launched Women Mean Business, a book that has become more than just a collection of stories; it’s a movement. Over the past year, the book has not only sold extremely well but has also been the catalyst for nearly 70 events. These have sparked meaningful conversations, inspired change, and built connections among women—and even some men—seeking to understand and harness the power of women’s leadership. You can watch the video of our podcast here: Read more about the authors and the book at www.womenmeanbusinessbook.com. From Observation to Innovation, Andi Simon, PhD CEO | Corporate Anthropologist | Author Simonassociates.net Info@simonassociates.net @simonandi LinkedIn

    14 min

  7. 7 OCT

    AI Isn't Replacing You—It's Empowering You: Kathy D'Agostino on the Future of Work

    In a recent episode of On the Brink with Andi Simon, we spoke with Kathy D'Agostino, a forward-thinking expert passionate about the intersection of AI and human potential. Kathy's approach to AI goes beyond its technical capabilities; she focuses on how AI can be harnessed to uplift and augment what humans can achieve rather than replace them. AI isn't Replacing You -- Nothing can replace you if you don't let it! The fear that AI is coming for jobs is a persistent narrative that Kathy is eager to dispel. "The first thing I like to address is the fear that AI is coming after your job," she says. "AI is not coming after your job, but humans who know how to use AI will be able to do your job better, faster, and more efficiently. And yes, they may eventually nudge you out of the way, but let's be polite about that." Kathy's message is clear: AI isn't here to replace people but to help them. By understanding and embracing AI, workers can not only safeguard their roles but also enhance their ability to perform in previously unimaginable ways. AI can transform how people work, making tasks more efficient, freeing time for creative problem-solving, and ultimately strengthening companies. But this can only happen with a willingness to learn and adapt. You can also watch our interview here More about Kathy's Perspective on AI and the Future of Work One of the most significant takeaways from Kathy's conversation is her emphasis on learning AI. "Always remember to learn it," she stresses. "Because you're going to be able to do your job better, and you're going to make your company better. And on top of that, you're going to feel better." This sense of empowerment through learning AI is a central theme of Kathy's philosophy. She believes that instead of seeing AI as a threat, individuals should view it as a tool that can enhance their skills, making them indispensable in their roles. In her view, AI is an extension of human capability—an assistant, not a competitor. By integrating AI into everyday work processes, people can become more effective at what they do, whether that's improving customer service, streamlining administrative tasks, or even uncovering new market opportunities. From Observation to Innovation, CEO | Corporate Anthropologist | Author Simonassociates.net Info@simonassociates.net @simonandi LinkedIn

    32 min

  8. 25 SEPT

    Shaping the Future: Dr. Emily Springer on Responsible AI in Business

    Today, I'm thrilled to have Dr. Emily Springer with us, who embodies this idea of thinking, feeling, seeing—and most importantly, doing. Dr. Springer deeply understands AI, ethics, and how these shape our lives, but she goes beyond that to help us understand how to harness AI for good. As Dr. Springer emphasized, more than learning about AI is required. You have to take action, and that's where the power of change comes in. Change is challenging. As a corporate anthropologist, I've seen firsthand how difficult it is for organizations and individuals to embrace it. But the future is moving quickly, and those unwilling to take action will be left behind. What excites me most about our conversation today is Dr. Springer's focus on inclusive AI—an approach that prioritizes equity, social justice, and improving lives. This philosophy goes hand-in-hand with our work, where I help organizations navigate transformation. Emily, too, helps people understand the often-intimidating world of AI, and she does so in ways that are accessible, not shrouded in technical jargon. Let me tell you a little more about Dr. Springer. She was recently named one of the 100 brilliant women in AI ethics for 2024, a well-deserved recognition highlighting her commitment to making AI smarter, kinder, fairer, and more inclusive. She is an expert on UNESCO's Women4Ethical AI platform, bringing her expertise to help build a more equitable future. Emily is also the founder of TechnoSocio Advisory, an organization dedicated to inclusive AI consulting, working to develop policies and programs that prioritize social good and improve livelihoods. And what makes her approach so compelling? It's that she's grounded in reality. While many focus on the technological marvels AI can create, Emily's mission is to understand what it means for the people who will live with these innovations daily. Her company, TechnoSocio Advisory, isn't about pushing AI forward—it's about making sure AI serves the people it's meant to help, especially regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion. We cannot ignore this as AI touches more and more parts of our lives. If you prefer to watch this podcast, you can find it here: From Observation to Innovation,   Andi Simon, PhD CEO | Corporate Anthropologist | Author Simonassociates.net Info@simonassociates.net @simonandi LinkedIn

    42 min
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About

On The Brink is a podcast where the goal is to help you better "see, feel and think" about your business, your job, your personal life and your purpose. There will be great interviews and conversations with people who are deeply involved in change—consultants, change agents, managers transforming their teams, entrepreneurs just starting out and CEOs running well-established companies.

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