Lead with Levity Heather Walker, Ph.D.

In a deeply engaging episode of the Lead with Levity Podcast, hosted by Dr. Heather Walker, the spotlight was on Amber Ontiveros, a trailblazer in addressing and healing workplace discrimination. Ontiveros, with a rich background spanning from working with the Bush and Obama administrations to her profound personal journey towards understanding consciousness and unconscious bias, shared insights that promise a transformative approach to workplace dynamics and personal growth.

The Path to End Discord
The conversation opened with the all-too-familiar challenges many people face in creating environments where everyone feels safe and valued—spaces where creativity and ideas flourish without fear of judgment or retaliation. Ontiveros delved deep into the “two sides of the coin” conundrum, emphasizing the dance between individual intentions and collective narratives. Her work focuses on bringing to light the internal scripts running within us, challenging and healing them to foster a truly inclusive environment.

Dr. Walker and Ontiveros explored the concept of discord in the workplace, exemplified through a scenario involving "Nick", a character resistant to feedback. This example served to introduce Ontiveros’ unique approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)—one that leverages personal transformation as a gateway to tackling broader societal and organizational challenges.

Healing the Four Woundings
A pivotal moment in the podcast was Ontiveros’ revelation of the "four woundings"—beliefs deeply embedded in our subconscious that perpetuate cycles of discord and discrimination. These are:
1. I am not worthy.
2. I am not enough.
3. I have to win.
4. I don’t have enough.

Ontiveros argued that these wounds, universal to all, fuel the fires of discrimination and personal dissatisfaction. Her stirring call to action was for individuals to recognize these wound within themselves to heal and move forward, both personally and within their communities.

Mindful Listening and Other Tools for Transformation
The discussion introduced mindful listening—a technique Ontiveros employs to understand and dissolve the barriers erected by unconscious bias. By focusing on the breath and engaging in self-inquiry, one can uncover and address the root of discriminatory behaviors and thoughts. This tool, among others shared by Ontiveros, offers a practical approach to navigating and transforming complex interpersonal dynamics.

Final Thoughts
Amber Ontiveros' appearance on the Lead with Levity Podcast provided not just food for thought but a call to action for anyone looking to make a substantive change in their lives and the lives of others. Her holistic approach to addressing discrimination, rooted in personal healing and consciousness, offers a refreshing, deeply needed perspective in today's discourse on diversity and inclusion.

For those looking to dive deeper into Ontiveros’ work or seeking guidance on their healing journey, visiting her website, healthefourwoundings.com, is a promising first step towards embracing a more inclusive, empathetic, and healing approach to life and work.



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In the bustling world of business and organizational management, the quest for efficiency, empowerment, and happiness within the workplace is a journey many leaders embark upon, yet few travel successfully. It was in this context that I had the privilege of sitting down with Jack Skeels, a visionary thinker, CEO of Better Company, a celebrated author, and an advocate for transformative leadership. Our conversation, rich in insights and groundbreaking ideas, revealed a clear path toward creating more empowered and happier organizations.

The Recipe for Empowerment and Joy
Jack Skeels, a two-time Inc. 500 award winner and a beacon in the agile transformation realm, shared his recent venture into the world of authorship with his latest book, "Unmanaged: Master the Magic of Creating Empowered and Happy Organizations." This book serves not just as a read but as a manual for those daring to venture into the depths of management innovation. Jack's journey, from a sharp, promising programmer disillusioned by the apparent disconnect between managers and their crafts, to an executive coaching guru, is more than inspiring. It's a call to action.

His book and his principles revolve around the simple yet profound notion of managing less while excelling in four key moments: the why, what, go, and grow moments of any project or organizational initiative. Derived from a Japanese technique called BA, which emphasizes unity and collective presence, Jack advocates for building a foundational understanding and inclusion at the onset of new ventures.

A New Paradigm in Management
Perhaps the most enlightening aspect of our conversation was Jack's challenge to conventional management wisdom. With each anecdote and example, he peeled back the layers of management practices that hamper productivity rather than foster it. From unnecessary meetings acting as a "tax on productivity" to the modern workplace's convoluted matrix of managing relationships, Jack calls for a radical simplification of managing. His insights into how every managerial action could potentially slow down processes and make things more inefficient were both alarming and refreshing.

Kanban: The Practical Fix
In addressing the intertwined chaos of priorities and managerial actions, Jack highlighted the Kanban system as a beacon of hope. This agile concept encourages alignment among managers regarding priorities, essentially reviving unity in management. By making work sequences visible and priorities clear to all team members, the Kanban system ensures that efforts are focused and productivity is not just a goal but a reality.

The Four Key Moments
Delving deeper, Jack elaborated on the four key moments that managers should excel in: The Why Moment: Explains the context and purpose, fostering a comprehensive understanding of the project or task at hand.
The What Moment: Clarifies what needs to be achieved, ensuring that all managers and team members are on the same page.
The Go Moment: Encourages autonomy, allowing teams to proceed with the tasks without unnecessary intervention.
The Grow Moment: Focuses on the growth opportunities for team members through the project, emphasizing inclusive and fair participation beyond managerial biases.

For those looking to embark on this transformative journey, Jack Skeels' work with Better Company and his groundbreaking book offers a starting point. It's time for leaders to rethink, realign, and revolutionize their approach to management for a future where empowerment and happiness are not just goals but the very essence of organizational culture.
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In the latest episode of the Lead with Levity podcast, we had the pleasure of diving deep into the world of leadership and inclusion with Fabrice Desmarescaux, an international executive coach and author of "The Art of Retreats." Our lively discussion spanned topics from the essence of conscious leadership to creating inclusive environments in the workplace. This blog post recaps the insightful conversation and shares key takeaways that can help leaders foster a more engaging and equitable workplace.


The Journey to Conscious Leadership: Fabrice Desmarescaux brings a unique perspective to leadership development, advocating for what he terms "conscious" or "contemplative leadership." This approach encourages leaders to step back, reflect, and engage with their role and impact on their teams and the organization more deliberately. He argues that the fast-paced, complex nature of the global business environment demands leaders step out of the operational whirlwind to genuinely contemplate their actions and decisions.
One of the most compelling parts of our conversation was hearing about Fabrice's own journey. After years in the high-stakes world of banking, he experienced a personal awakening in his early forties, leading him to question the meaning and impact of his work. This revelation spurred a career shift towards executive coaching, where he now impacts others by guiding them toward more fulfilling, conscious paths of leadership.


Addressing Inclusivity Through Psychological Safety: A significant portion of our conversation was dedicated to inclusion in the workplace, specifically addressing resistance to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Fabrice offered insights into managing such resistance, suggesting a focus on fostering psychological safety rather than engaging directly with politically charged arguments about DEI. 
He shared an innovative approach to uncover issues affecting psychological safety within teams, a method that involves team members anonymously indicating their experiences of feeling undervalued, overlooked, or silenced. This exercise has proven a powerful tool in making the invisible visible, allowing teams to confront and address issues that may otherwise go unspoken.


The Power of Retreats and Reflection: Fabrice's book, "The Art of Retreats," advocates for the transformative power of retreats and deep reflection for leaders. He stressed the importance of occasionally disconnecting from the relentless pace of work to engage in solitude and quiet contemplation. This practice, he suggests, can lead to profound personal insights and a clearer vision for one's leadership journey and life path. Throughout the discussion, it became evident that the ability to sit with oneself and reflect is not just beneficial but crucial for sustained success and well-being in leadership roles.


Moving Forward: The Path to Inclusive Leadership As our talk transitioned towards actionable advice for leaders, Fabrice emphasized the ongoing nature of conscious leadership development and the journey toward creating more inclusive environments. It's clear that leaders have a pivotal role in shaping organizational cultures that embrace diversity and equity while fostering a sense of belonging for all employees.


In conclusion, this episode of Lead with Levity provided a compelling look into the importance of conscious leadership and creating inclusive workplaces. It served as a reminder that the work of being a better leader, colleague, and human is never done, but it's a journey worth embarking on for the benefit of all.
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Introduction:
Have you ever found yourself in a situation where your message felt lost in translation? Despite your best efforts, your words just didn't seem to have the impact you intended? We've all been there. In a world where attention spans are getting shorter, it's becoming increasingly challenging to ensure that our ideas are not only heard but also understood and embraced by others. But fear not! In this blog post, we will explore the superpower of clarity and communication and how it can help you build stronger, more meaningful connections in all areas of your life.

The Impact of Clarity:
In today's fast-paced world, where distractions abound, attention spans are indeed getting shorter. Your ability to communicate with clarity has never been more crucial. Whether you're at work, presenting a new idea, leading a team, or trying to get your family to help out around the house, the clarity and intention behind your words can dramatically influence the outcome of your interactions. Clear communication helps eliminate misunderstandings, fosters productivity, and builds trust among individuals.

Introducing Dr. Pam Hurley:
To delve into the labyrinth of effective communication, we are fortunate to have Dr. Pam Hurley as our guide. Dr. Hurley is the president and founder of  Hurley Write, with a Ph.D. in technical communications. She has shared her wisdom at esteemed institutions like Duke, George Washington University, and UNC Wilmington. Dr. Hurley's expertise in this area offers a lighthouse for those striving to be more precise and purposeful in our communications.

Understanding the Challenges:
One of the common challenges faced by professionals is the lack of writing standards and guidance. Communication is often taught with a trial-and-error approach, leading to confusion on how to effectively convey a message. Without clear standards, writers struggle to hit a moving target, trying to communicate in different tones, styles, and voices. This lack of clarity not only affects the writers but also hampers the efficiency and productivity of the entire organization.

The Need for Individual Improvement:
Individuals play a crucial role in honing their writing skills and overcoming the challenges of unclear communication. It starts with understanding the audience and their preferences. Knowing the audience helps tailor the message in a way that resonates with them. Additionally, setting clear goals and outcomes for each communication piece assists in maintaining focus and providing a direction for the writing process. Practicing daily writing and reading habits sharpens the skills required for effective communication.

Bringing Levity to the Process:
The process of writing and receiving feedback can be intimidating. However, adopting a problem-solving mindset, critical thinking, and practicing free writing can alleviate some stress and frustrations. Free writing allows the brain to release and explore ideas that might not have emerged through linear thinking. Embracing a structured approach while still being open to creativity can make the writing process more enjoyable and less arduous.

Preparing for Feedback:
Feedback plays a crucial role in improving communication skills. Organizations need to set the right culture and encourage reviewers to provide constructive feedback that balances praise with constructive criticism. Reviewers should provide specific guidelines and expectations for writers, enabling them to refine their communication techniques. A culture where writers and reviewers work as partners fosters growth and effectiveness in communi
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Welcome to the Lead with Levity podcast, where we explore strategies for fostering workplace well-being with a touch of humor. I’m your host, Dr. Heather Walker, and our exceptionally enlightening chat this time is with Chellie Phillips. With a background in journalism and public relations, Chellie is an expert in personal branding and workplace culture enhancement. Her work prominently shines in her best-selling book, "Culture Secrets", which is an excellent guide to thriving in genuinely inclusive, authentically excellent environments.

Defining Authentic Excellence and Inclusion
Authentic excellence is about embracing your unique strengths and, rather than trying to fit into a specific mold, bringing your best self to work in a way that aligns with your true self. On the contrary, inclusion focuses on fostering an environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and heard, leading to a supportive workplace.

A Conversation with Chellie Phillips
Chellie is an on-point example of transforming obstacles into opportunities, supporting others, and staying true to oneself in the process. With her expertise in creating inclusive cultures and personal branding, she offers invaluable insights on career paths, self-growth, and personal branding.

A significant aspect is to know and value oneself and be able to showcase it effectively. Whether you're a novice starting your career or a practicing professional, developing a robust personal brand is crucial to your professional and personal growth. Chellie brings a practical set of simple methods to understand oneself and use this understanding to create an impactful personal brand, promoting authenticity and resilience at their core.

Communicating for Connection
Every leader dreams of effectively connecting with their team without letting other responsibilities slide. Chellie Phillips echoes this feeling and shares her technique of supercharging connection within her team without sacrificing her managerial duties. She emphasizes the importance of communication and personal interaction and proposes a solution where these elements seamlessly blend with the work process.

Chellie utilizes a ‘Monday morning check-in’ – a platform for team members to share their weekly goals, hurdles, and wins. These open lines of communication breed informed leaders and a cohesive team that recognizes and values individual inputs. The process not only builds up the work culture but also fosters the environment of open communication that is pivotal to creating vibrant workplace cultures.

Conclusion
Chellie Phillips has shown us the immense possibilities that arise from authentic excellence and real inclusion in the workplace. More than that, she offers practical ways to cultivate these values, showcasing her leadership savvy and personal growth that results from her branding techniques.

Her words resonate that failure need not be a roadblock but a beneficial learning experience, a stepping stone towards creating and maintaining successful team dynamics and a thriving work culture. After all, being authentic, resilient, and supportive defines a successful professional journey and fortifies the essence of building a powerful personal brand. 

Chellie’s enriching journey assures us that success comes from embodying a transparent, well-communicated, and empathetic leadership style, reinforcing the importance of these qualities in cultivating an environment of authentic excellence and inclusion.


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In our increasingly connected world, the importance of promoting a sense of community and fostering a creative environment in our workplaces cannot be overstated. Our surroundings can profoundly affect not only our productivity but also the connections we establish with each other. By channeling our understanding of the spaces around us, we can unlock the potential for innovation and collaboration, often hidden in plain sight.

Today we welcome a special guest, Rebecca Swanner: a trailblazer in architectural engineering design. Rebecca is the Workplace Sector Leader for Harley Ellis Devereaux Corporation (HED), the firm that is redesigning the way we perceive and interact with office spaces. Her invaluable insights reveal how consciously designed spaces can foster not just productivity but also inclusion, energy, and levity, transforming our surroundings into a catalyst for clarity.

Diverse Work Environments and their Impact

Rebecca stresses the importance of acknowledging that people work differently in diverse environments. Some thrive amidst constant stimulation, while others need an environment that filters out as much external stimuli as possible, allowing them to concentrate solely on their tasks. A foundation of radical transparency and trust within the workplace is crucial for team members to feel comfortable in their work environments.

Making Your Office a Home Away from Home

With a shift toward activity-based design, giving employees a choice of where to work within a workspace is essential. Depending on their needs for the day or even the hour, they should be able to select an environment that best supports their current task. Designing specialized spaces ensures that each space is optimized for a specific type of work.

Nurturing the Human Aspect in Design

One of the key trends Rebecca discusses is creating neighborhoods within the workspace. By fostering a sense of community within each neighborhood, employees feel a sense of belonging and pride in their area. Personalizing the space further enhances this sense of ownership, giving employees a connection to their surroundings.

Bringing Humanity to Workplaces

Thinking about the workplace as a space to nurture the human mind opens up a whole new realm of possibilities. Incorporating soundscapes, pleasant scents, and elements that trigger positive memories can significantly impact an employee's mood and overall well-being. Space designed with elements of relaxation and comfort can help prevent burnout, fatigue, and keep employees engaged and inspired.

Final Thoughts

Re-imagining workplaces through design is a compelling and innovative approach towards building more collaborative and nurturing work environments. By prioritizing employees' well-being and leveraging the potential of well-designed spaces, companies cannot only boost their bottom line but also foster a community of inspired, dedicated, and happy employees. 

To learn more about Rebecca Swanner and HED's work, visit HED.design or connect with Rebecca on LinkedIn.
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