On the Brink with Andi Simon

Andi Simon
On the Brink with Andi Simon Podcast

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. 1 DAY AGO

    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
  2. 11 SEPT

    The Greatest Journey of a Woman Entrepreneur in Mental Health: Dr. Barbara Brown's Story

    Building a Mental Health Legacy: Dr. Barbara Brown on Empowering Communities Through Purpose-Driven Practice In the latest episode of "On the Brink with Andi Simon," I had the privilege of sitting down with Dr. Barbara J. Brown, a true trailblazer in the mental health field. Dr. Brown is the Founder and CEO of CapitolHill Consortium for Counseling & Consultation (CCCC) and Unicorn Health Care, LLC. With over three decades of experience, she has dedicated her life to building not just a successful practice, but a legacy that prioritizes community well-being, purpose, and significance over profit. A Purpose-Driven Journey Dr. Brown's journey began with a vision to provide high-quality, accessible, and culturally responsive mental health services to underserved communities. In 2009, she founded CCCC with a mission to offer comprehensive psychological support to children, adolescents, and adults. What started as a solo practice soon evolved into a robust group practice with over 80 staff members, becoming a beacon of hope and healing for countless individuals. Her success, however, is not merely measured by the growth of her practice but by the impact she has made on the communities she serves. Dr. Brown's approach to mental health is deeply rooted in the belief that true healing comes from addressing the holistic needs of individuals—mind, body, and spirit—and fostering a sense of belonging and support within the community. If you prefer to watch Dr. Brown's video, please click here. A Legacy of Leadership and Community Impact Throughout our conversation, it became clear that Dr. Brown’s success is driven by her unwavering commitment to the communities she serves. Her work extends beyond individual therapy sessions; she is actively involved in training the next generation of mental health professionals. CCCC’s recent launch of a Clinical and Community Professional Development Program for early career social workers, counselors, and marriage and family therapists is a testament to her dedication to fostering excellence in the field.

    33 min
  3. 2 SEPT

    How Denielle Finkelstein and Thyme Sullivan Revolutionized Period Care with Unicorn

    In this episode of On the Brink with Andi Simon, we explore the groundbreaking work of Denielle Finkelstein and Thyme Sullivan, the dynamic co-founders of Unicorn. Unicorn is a company with purpose, boldly revolutionized period care. Unicorn isn't just a business. It's a movement dedicated to dismantling outdated norms and offering a fresh, empathetic approach to menstruation. Through their innovative dispensers, now found in restroom stalls across the country, they are taking significant strides towards ending period poverty and promoting dignity for all. The Birth of Unicorn: A Vision Rooted in Empathy and Innovation Denielle and Thyme's journey began in the high-stakes world of corporate America, where they both enjoyed successful careers. However, as they climbed the corporate ladder, they found themselves searching for deeper meaning in their work. They realized their true passion lay in addressing a critical yet often overlooked issue: the lack of accessible, high-quality period care products. With a blend of entrepreneurial spirit, innovative thinking, and a deep sense of empathy, Denielle and Thyme co-founded Unicorn. Their mission was clear: to create a line of better, organic period products that were easily accessible to everyone. But they didn't stop at just offering superior products—they wanted to revolutionize the entire period care experience. Listen in or watch our podcast with Denielle Finkelstein and Thyme Sullivan, click here Danielle Finkelstein and Thyme Sullivan Are Revolutionizing Period Care

    45 min
  4. 25 AUG

    Are You Ready to be that Great, Empathetic Leader?

    In today's rapidly evolving business environment, traditional leadership models are becoming increasingly obsolete. The command-and-control approach, once the hallmark of successful leadership, is now often seen as a relic of the past. With the rise of concepts like Quiet Quitting, The Great Resignation, and the friction surrounding remote work, leaders are faced with challenges that require a more nuanced, empathetic approach. In a recent interview on the On the Brink with Andi Simon podcast, Melissa Robinson-Winemiller delved into the critical role of empathy and Emotional Intelligence (EQ) in modern leadership. Melissa Robinson-Winemiller's Expertise can Help You Become that Great, Empathetic Leader Melissa Robinson-Winemiller, an expert in leadership development and an advocate for empathy-driven leadership, brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the table. With over 30 years of leadership experience, she has seen firsthand how the lack of empathy can derail even the most promising careers and business endeavors. Her journey into empathy and EQ coaching began after losing a career to what she describes as "unempathic leadership." This experience propelled her to explore how empathy could transform leadership and business outcomes. Melissa's dedication to this cause is evident in her impressive educational background. She holds an MBA and a Master of Data Analytics, providing her with the tools to support her arguments with data-driven proof and sound business cases. She is currently pursuing a second doctorate in Interdisciplinary Leadership, with a dissertation focusing on Empathy in Leadership. This commitment to understanding and promoting empathy as a core leadership competency is further bolstered by her certifications in Change Management (ACMP/Prosci), the Society for Human Resource Management (CP), and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice (DEI&J) from Cornell University. Empathy is Really about Becoming Better Human Beings Melissa's message is clear: the future of leadership lies in evolution, not extinction. Leaders who are willing to develop their empathy and emotional intelligence will be better equipped to navigate the complexities of the modern workplace. They will be able to build stronger, more resilient teams and create a culture of collaboration and innovation. In conclusion, the interview with Melissa Robinson-Winemiller serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of empathy in leadership. As the business world continues to evolve, leaders must recognize that empathy is not a weakness but a strength that can drive success. By embracing empathy and emotional intelligence, leaders can create a more inclusive, productive, and innovative workplace where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. This interview is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of leadership and the role that empathy will play in shaping it. As Melissa so aptly puts it, "The more we all work together to be better human beings, the more we all have to gain." If you prefer to watch our video podcast with Melissa Robinson-Winemiller, click here.

    34 min
  5. Lisen Stromberg: Intentional Power Takes You from Control to Significance

    9 AUG

    Lisen Stromberg: Intentional Power Takes You from Control to Significance

    In our latest episode of On the Brink with Andi Simon, we had the pleasure of hosting Lisen Stromberg, an award-winning author, speaker, and expert on leadership transformation. We delved into her groundbreaking new book, "Intentional Power," and explored the seismic shift in business leadership in the U.S. Written with two other amazing leadership experts, JeanAnn Nichols, and Corey Jones, with extensive research into the changes taking place in our society today, this is generationally-driven change in how people lead and follow. Intentional Power is about changing our minds about how to lead, guide, facilitate, enable (all different words about leadership) others get to where they and we need to go. Lisen's extensive leadership background and commitment to fostering meaningful change shine through in her work. With a wealth of experience spanning corporate roles, entrepreneurship, and advocacy, she has become a leading voice in redefining effective Leadership in today's dynamic business environment. She watches intentional leaders thrive, mobilizing the next generation of our workforce to aspire to higher purpose and profits. The Move to Intentional Power: the HEART®  Model The major drivers of these changes come from the way people value the actions of others. Lisen's research found that leaders using Intentional Power do several things exceptionally well. They offer a new model of leadership, the HEARTI® model, built on six core competencies: Humility, Empathy, Accountability, Resiliency, Transparency, and Inclusivity. During our conversation, Lisen highlighted a significant transformation in leadership styles. Traditional command-and-control hierarchies are giving way to more collaborative, facilitative, and supportive management approaches. This shift is not just a trend but a necessary evolution as today's workforce seeks more than just power and results. Employees are looking for significance, purpose, and meaning in their work. Most importantly, business is moving from shareholder capitalism to stakeholder capitalism. Our interview with Lisen Stromberg is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of Leadership. Her insights offer a compelling roadmap for leaders seeking to impact their organizations positively and beyond. Please tune in to On the Brink with Andi Simon to hear more about Lisen's journey and her vision for a more inclusive and purpose-driven approach to Leadership. If you prefer to watch the On the Brink with Andi Simon Podcast, you can find Lisen Stromberg's video here: Thanks for joining us. Watch our other podcasts on https://www.simonassociates.net/category/podcast/

    42 min
  6. 1 JUL

    Inspiring Wellness: A Conversation with Dr. Renette Dallas

    I'm excited to share our latest episode of On the Brink with Andi Simon, where I interview exceptional individuals to help others "get off the brink." This is actually our 400th episode and to focus on inspiring wellness is awesome, and reflects our committment to help people see, feel, and think in new ways so they can soar again and again. This episode features the extraordinary Dr. Renette Dallas, a true powerhouse in health and wellness. I think of Dr. Dallas as a Wellness Warrior leading a Healthy Living Revolution. She is inspiring wellness in each of us. We should all join her! Get your TRUE POP popcorn ready for our podcast. If you prefer to watch the On the Brink with Andi Simon Podcast, you can find Dr. Dallas's video here: Dr. Dallas is a naturopathic doctor (N.D.), minister, author, lecturer, certified fitness trainer, and raw food chef. With a rich architecture and civil engineering background and a U.S. Air Force veteran, her diverse expertise makes her a dynamic force for change. She's best known for her innovative product, TRUE POP, an organic snack that embodies her preventive, holistic care philosophy. Her life's journey into wellness was triggered when she contracted tuberculosis and found that all the treatments were failing her.  Dr. Dallas is a multifaceted expert in holistic health, combining her extensive knowledge as a naturopathic doctor, minister, author, lecturer, certified fitness trainer, and raw food chef. Her nutritional and herbal detoxification and healing expertise has positioned her as a leading preventive, holistic care voice. Throughout our conversation, Dr. Dallas shared her journey and her mission to empower individuals, especially women, to take charge of their health and well-being through informed choices about food and lifestyle. Inspiring Wellness in Women  Much of our discussion focused on how Dr. Dallas inspires women to take charge of their health and well-being. She recognizes women's unique challenges, particularly in balancing various roles and responsibilities. Her holistic approach offers practical solutions that women can integrate into their daily lives. Dr. Dallas's work is not just about health, but about empowering women to prioritize their well-being and make informed choices about their health. Conclusion As a corporate anthropologist and advocate for women entrepreneurs, I found Dr. Dallas's story incredibly inspiring. She exemplifies how women leaders can bring innovative solutions to big problems. Tune in to this episode to discover how Dr. Dallas is leading the charge in healthcare reform and making a significant, inspiring impact. Join us on this journey of empowerment and transformation! You can learn more about Dr. Dallas and her products at Life by Dallas and check out TRUE POP on Amazon.

    40 min

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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