Thriving Matters Podcast

thrivingmatters

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A Podcast giving tools and inspiration for today’s leaders.

3d ago · Video

Put WHO First? YOU!

This episode of Thriving Matters Podcast is with Mary Ann McGowan and focuses on her recent book launch "Put Who First: A Human-Centered Guide to Leading Yourself and Others." Listen in as you will hear Mary Ann explain that her work in leadership training and coaching brings her joy due to the meaningful connections she forms with people in training rooms. Mary Ann describes what motivates her daily, focusing on the tangible connections and vulnerable sharing that occur in her leadership training sessions. We discuss the link between leadership and coaching through workplace situations with Mary sharing two key moments that shaped her approach: a difficult experience in corporate HR during a restructuring where she learned the importance of embracing others' emotions during difficult conversations, and a situation as a single mother when her professional contributions were recognized but her personal circumstances were not. Our backgrounds in Emotional Intelligence through Genos International along with a coaching way of working with people has been life giving work for them both. We also discussed the process of writing a book, with Mary sharing her experience of writing over a five-year period despite challenges including losing both parents and dealing with self-doubt. Mary described the non-linear nature of the writing process, emphasizing the importance of reflection, perseverance, and silencing the inner critic. The conversation touched on the book's conversational style and Mary's dedication to serving readers through her writing Carrie asked Mary Ann to recall a significant memory from writing 'Put WHO First', with Mary Ann sharing how she included her Type 1 diabetic son in a chapter about their relationship dynamics using the drama triangle concept. Mary Ann described the emotional impact of writing this vulnerable content and getting her son's permission to include it. The conversation also touched on Mary Ann's book launch, where she was surprised to reconnect with former colleagues after 25 years, and her experience working with an editor who heavily redlined her manuscript. Carrie praised the book's practical approach and referenced a Carl Jung quote about being authentic when connecting with others. Mary Ann shared an example from her work with a leader who was struggling with uncertainty during organizational changes, illustrating how questions can sometimes be perceived negatively despite being intended to create clarity. They also explored the importance of human connection and empathy in leadership, as well as addressing current uncertainties, particularly around AI in education, and emphasized the need for well-being and human connection in leadership development, especially for the next generation. A brilliant resource for all leaders to have for themself and when leading others! If you enjoyed our conversation with Mary Ann, don't forget to subscribe and share with your colleagues, family and friends. To Connect with Mary Ann: LI: linkedin.com/in/maryannmcgowan URL: maryannmcgowan.com (Company) Email: hello@maryannmcgowan.com To Connect with Carrie: LI: linkedin.com/in/carriebenedet URL: carriebenedet.com Email: carolinebenedet2@gmail.com

49 min
Jun 21 · Video

Who do we become when we talk with AI?

This episode our guest is Meg Price and we explore the question of "Who do we become when we talk with AI?" Meg shared her background in human resources and organisational development, and how she became interested in creating an AI coach during the COVID-19 pandemic. Meg discusses her early work on AI coaches designed to help people think through issues before human interactions, which led to ethical concerns about potential unintended consequences of AI use. She explained how ChatGPT's emergence changed the landscape and prompted her to pursue a PhD focused on the relationship between AI and human flourishing, particularly in the context of relationships and relational skills. Meg expresses concerns that AI might be contributing to fractured attention and potentially hindering the development of skills needed for meaningful human connections. We discuss her research on AI relationships, highlighting both benefits and risks, including cases of suicide linked to AI advice. She explained her approach of using embodied research methods to better understand people's relationships with AI, contrasting this with traditional disembodied research methods. Meg described her teaching at UTS where she runs subjects on AI and human flourishing, with students acting as advisory groups for Microsoft to design AI for positive human outcomes. Of interest, Meg is planning to expand her research into educational settings, including potential work with Telstra, Microsoft, and schools. Meg discusses her approach to integrating AI education in schools, emphasizing the importance of helping students and educators understand their relationship with AI through embodied learning experiences. She highlighted the need for careful consideration in using AI technology with children, citing concerns raised by experts like Sherry Turkle about potential issues with AI integration in toys and educational settings. The conversation also touched on the rapid development of AI technology and the competitive race among major tech companies to achieve Artificial General Intelligence, with Meg noting that current AI systems were deployed without initial guardrails due to uncertainty about how they would be used. We also discussed the impact of AI on human relationships, particularly among younger users who may develop "AI girlfriends" as companions exploring how AI interactions might affect communication skills and behaviour in subsequent human interactions. Meg shared insights from her research using a custom-built AI in workshops, noting different participant reactions to AI conversations and considering the ethical implications of AI usage. We concluded with reflections on the complexity of AI's influence on human behaviour and the need for mindful AI implementation, particularly in educational settings. If enjoyed this conversation with Meg Price, don't forget to subscribe and share with your family and friends and colleagues. Remember, you are precious and your thriving matters! To Connect with Meg: LI: linkedin.com/in/meg-price-7a34667 URL: sidni.ai Email: megprice@hrinside.com.au To Connect with Carrie: LI: linkedin.com/in/carriebenedet URL: carriebenedet.com Email: carolinebenedet2@gmail.com

44 min
Jun 7 · Video

AI Supporting the Gap- It's In Our Thinking!

Welcome! Our latest Thriving Matters podcast is with Glenn Solomons, who thrives on his work with educational consultants and school systems, creatively designing professional learning supported by technology, that works for over 50,000 school staff and leaders. As we start the conversation, Glenn discusses his evolving role in education, shifting from direct teacher support to elevating voices in education and helping thought leaders reach broader audiences. He describes an exciting current project involving the development of a mentoring program for teachers, which includes both synchronous online sessions and asynchronous resources to support new mentors. The program is currently in beta testing with positive early feedback, focusing on helping mentees and potentially retaining teachers in the profession. AI's Impact on Work and Learning We discuss the impact of AI on work and learning, emphasizing the importance of avoiding AI shortcuts that prevent genuine growth and learning. Glenn highlighted how AI can be a useful tool for drafting and checking work but should not replace critical thinking and personal input. We also touched on the busy nature of modern life, which can lead to relying on AI as the path of least resistance. The conversation ended with a reflection on the role of leaders in guiding the appropriate use of AI in their organizations. We also discuss the importance of supporting early career teachers through professional development and mentoring programs. Glenn shared his personal experience of struggling to find his first teaching position and emphasized the value of human mentorship over AI-generated advice. They also added some thoughts to the current saturation of AI tools and the desire for more authentic, human-centered approaches in education and leadership. Challenges that system leaders face in implementing educational initiatives across schools explored how system leaders must balance strategic initiatives with the practical realities of teachers' workload, often receiving mandates from higher levels without much agency in how they're implemented. Glenn emphasized that system leaders, who typically care about supporting teachers, face the challenge of making new initiatives feel manageable and worthwhile while navigating competing demands from government and other sources. Also we covered some of the challenges and opportunities in education, particularly regarding digital learning and access to schooling for millions of children worldwide. Carrie highlighted the importance of balancing technology with face-to-face learning experiences, emphasizing the value of memorable, immersive activities for students. Glenn shared his perspective on the role of memorable teachers and hands-on learning experiences, noting that digital learning can never fully replace in-person interaction but should aim to provide contextualized and personalized content. Both agreed on the benefits of combining digital and traditional learning methods to enhance student engagement and outcomes. In summary, we discussed the role of technology and AI in education, with Glenn emphasizing that while AI can support learning, it cannot replace the human connection and thinking that teachers provide. They explored how knowing one's audience creates better connections, both in teaching and digital spaces, and discussed the importance of critical thinking when using AI tools. If you have enjoyed this conversation with Glenn, don't forget to share with your network of work colleagues, family and friends so you don't miss more exceptional educators and thinkers! To Connect with Glenn: LI: linkedin.com/in/glenn-solomons-5a3373128 URL: cheekylearning.com.au; cheekymousedesign.com.au Email: glenn@cheekymousedesign.com.au To Connect with Carrie: LI: linkedin.com/in/carriebenedet URL: carriebenedet.com Email: carolinebenedet2@gmail.com

45 min
May 25 · Video

Begin and End with the Human

In this episode of Thriving Matters, our guest is Janet Moeller. With 30 years of teaching and leading schools across the USA, Hong Kong, and Australia, Janet brings grounded insight into the complexity, care, and courage required in today's education landscape. Carrie and Janet discussed the impact of AI and technology on education, particularly focusing on how administrative tasks have increased teachers' workload over the years. Janet shared her experience as an educator across three countries and highlighted the hidden administrative burden that teachers face due to multiple, siloed systems. She introduced her AI-powered solution, 'Teacharo' which aims to streamline workflows by automating repetitive tasks like incident reporting and parent communication, ultimately reducing the administrative load on teachers. The conversation also touched on the importance of security in AI implementation, the need for intentional decision-making about where AI should and shouldn't be used in schools, and advice for parents regarding AI and student safety. We also addressed concerns about the potential risks of open-source agents and the importance of setting clear guidelines on where AI should and should not be used in educational settings. Janet also encouraged leaders to engage with teachers directly to understand their workflows and consider implementing AI tools , like the voice-activated AI tools, to alleviate some of their accountability requirements. You may be interested in learning more about Janet's work on substack.com as well. If you have enjoyed this episode, don't forget to subscribe and share with your friends, family and colleagues! You are precious and your 'thriving matters.' To Contact Janet: LI: linkedin.com/in/janet-moeller-jannic URL: janetmoeller.com URL: teacherpa.com.au Email: janet@jannic.com.au To Connect with Carrie: LI: linkedin.com/in/carriebenedet URL: carriebenedet.com Email: carolinebenedet2@gmail.com

50 min
May 7 · Video

Stay Curious not Furious - It's a WIN!

Una Crilly, a leadership consultant specializing in emotional intelligence, based in Dublin, Ireland, is our guest this episode. Una's work is in supporting leaders and managers in Ireland's retail and hospitality sectors. Una and Carrie have known each other for a few years now and share Genos International Emotional intelligence Certification. Listen in as Una discusses her passion and goal for helping people work smarter and unlock their potential, sharing examples from her work with managers, executive chefs and teams, not just workplace performance. We talked about he unique work cultures in hospitality and retail, highlighting the importance of understanding oneself and others in leadership roles, agreeing that emotional intelligence and self-awareness are learnable skills in supportive work environments. Una shared two success stories from her coaching practice, including a 60-year-old executive who transformed his leadership style and improved both team performance and personal well-being, and a chef who increased productivity by 20% after learning emotional intelligence skills. Una also discussed her personal experience with burnout early in her career, which motivated her passion for helping others avoid similar situations. Una and Carrie discussed the importance of teaching young people to regulate their emotions, set boundaries and practice self-care, using examples from chefs who use techniques like deep breathing and grounding exercises to manage stress. They emphasized the need for leaders to be present and authentic, sharing personal vulnerabilities to create a safe and trusting environment. Una shared her approach of using humor and physical activities to engage and energize participants in her training sessions. They also highlighted the significance of gratitude and resilience in overcoming challenges and building strong connections in the workplace. If you enjoyed our conversation, subscribe and share with your workmates, family and network. To Connect with Una: LI: linkedin.com/in/una-crilly-acc URL: https://www.positiveimpact.ie Email: una@positiveimpact.ie To Connect with Carrie: LI: linkedin.com/in/carriebenedet URL: carriebenedet.com Email: carolinebenedet2@gmail.com

49 min
Apr 19 · Video

Breathe and Being - It's the Gold!

Soo Woods, our guest, is the owner of a healing center in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales, Australia, where she cares for 15 therapy horses on her 106-acre regenerated property and offers accommodations and wellness programs. Set on 106 picturesque acres in NSW Southern Highlands, the primary intention of The Highlands Centre, is to help people return to nature, to spend time with animals, plants, insects ... just as our ancestors did. Why? Our modern world with its fast pace and high use of technology has caused us to disconnect from our origins. This disconnection results in anxiety, depression, mental health concerns, failing physical health and more. We discuss the therapeutic benefits of working with horses for personal growth and healing, highlighting the importance of breathwork, self-regulation, and creating safe spaces for individuals to process trauma. Soo shares her experience of running the Centre, retreats, workshops, and individual sessions using her herd of 15 therapy horses. We explored how working with horses can help individuals become more self-aware, manage emotions, and improve leadership skills. Soo shared her deep connection with and responsibility for the land, which she has been regenerating after previous use as a dairy run. She described the land's energy and the presence of indigenous activity, as well as her role as both a matriarch and a stallion figure in the herd of horses she cares for. Our conversation discussed the importance of self-regulation and emotional awareness in leadership and decision-making. Soo explained how deep breathing can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting calmness and better decision-making. They also explored the potential for workshops and retreats, including offerings for school leadership teams, using the accommodation on site to create a conducive environment for reflection and strategic thinking. Listen in as we go further into the healing experiences in a safe environment for processing and clearing stuck emotional energy. Soo explained her horse-assisted therapy practice, describing how her 15 horses, many with over a decade of experience, interact with clients and demonstrate unique behaviors. She emphasized that while she facilitates and observes, the therapy ultimately focuses on the clients' experiences and emotional processing. Soo also discussed the importance of proper horse care and workload management, noting that her horses work at liberty with choice and have each other for co-regulation in a natural environment. Self-care and personal development, particularly for women over 30 who are willingly seeking change, is offered through the holistic wellbeing retreats that incorporate various modalities including yoga, breathwork, tapping, and sound baths where the emphasis on the importance of balancing mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being is upfront and unique for each person. If you have enjoyed this episode, don't forget to subscribe and share with your friends, family and colleagues! You are precious and your 'thriving matters.' To Connect with Soo: LI: linkedin.com/in/soo-woods-7092095b URL: https://highlandscentreforhealing.com.au/ Email: info@highlandscentreforhealing.com.au To Connect with Carrie: LI: linkedin.com/in/carriebenedet URL: carriebenedet.com Email: carolinebenedet2@gmail.com

41 min
Apr 5 · Video

The Heart of Learning - where is AI ?

Welcome to this episode of Thriving Matters. Our guest is Ryan Noonan, Leader of Digital Technologies and Innovation at Chevalier College, a day school with approximately 1,000 secondary students in the Southern Highlands, NSW, Australia. Listen in as we discuss a number of topics that impact how digital technologies and AI in education are ethically and inclusively drive classroom teaching and prepare students for future workplaces by emphasizing creativity, collaboration, and communication. Ryan highlighted the College's unique approach, centered on the "heart" of education, which includes academic skills, self-understanding, and capabilities, with a focus on wellbeing and personalized learning. He noted that while all students can benefit from these approaches with support, the pace of achievement varies. Ryan discussed the whole of community approach to their innovative teaching and learning framework centered around empathy and purpose, starting with self and community to build ethical skills. He emphasized the importance of assessing capabilities, particularly in younger students, and balancing academic rigor with practical workplace skills. Ryan highlighted the challenge of implementing frameworks across 100 teachers and stressed the need for dedicated support to facilitate change. You will hear actual teaching examples of using digital technologies and AI tools, specifically with Year 7 students. Ryan explained how students are encouraged to use tools like Google, Microsoft, and Canva to create personalized products, emphasizing the importance of effective prompting and understanding AI biases. Ryan also shared an example of redesigning assessments in Physical Education to incorporate AI-driven debates, allowing students to demonstrate their knowledge quickly and under time pressure. He stressed that AI use in the classroom always begins with student thinking, often through activities like quick writes, to ensure that AI responses are tailored to the student's prior understanding. He also highlighted a remarkable student achievement, where a Year 11 student developed a translation glove for the deaf, which was recognized by NASA for its innovative design. Ryan discussed Chev's strategy for integrating AI into education, focusing on three key areas: clarity, consistency, and capacity. He explained that they provide clear guidelines for AI use, ensure equal access to AI tools for all students, and build capacity among students, teachers, and parents. Ryan noted that while some students and parents are hesitant about AI, overall there hasn't been significant backlash. Ryan shared the ethical considerations of using AI tools in education, including student privacy, environmental impact, and bias. He emphasized the importance of teaching students to critically evaluate AI responses and avoid cognitive offloading. Ryan also predicted that within 5 years, AI agents will become more prevalent in the workplace, potentially impacting entry-level jobs and the way students are prepared for the future workforce. A very interesting and timely opportunity to amp up our response to using AI as tools for learning and teaching. If you have enjoyed this conversation, don't forget to share with your network of work colleagues, family and friends so you don't miss more exceptional educators and thinkers! To Connect with Ryan: LI: linkedin.com/in/ryannoonan5 URL: https://www.chevalier.nsw.edu.au/ Email: ryan0257@gmail.com To Connect with Carrie: LI: linkedin.com/in/carriebenedet URL: carriebenedet.com Email: carolinebenedet2@gmail.com

48 min
Mar 21 · Video

The Links - AI, Human Behaviour, Relationships, and Education.

This Thriving Matters episode features two global experts, Alan Stevens and Joseph McGuire in an conversation with me about facial recognition and communication that benefits us all! Both Alan and Joseph have rich expertise are in their fields. They both also have a fabulous sense of humour! And I have known both these gentlemen for many years. What you will hear and what I hope you enjoy, is their expertise and practical applications that we all can learn about to help us understand each other more clearly. Listen in as the conversation explores how interpreting physical signals, such as facial features and body language, can foster genuine human connections in an increasingly digital world. Both Alan and Joseph, whom I've had the good fortune to learn with and from, share how their backgrounds in traditional medicine and behavioural profiling help individuals improve relationships within educational, parental, and corporate settings. We also covered the impact of technology on children, emphasizing that empathy and active listening are essential skills for parents, teachers and carers, business and industry leaders for mental wellbeing and effective leadership. Ultimately, Joseph and Alan advocated strongly for curiosity and presence as tools to navigate the complexities of modern communication and artificial intelligence. If you enjoyed this conversation, share with your network, colleagues and family. To Connect with Alan: LI: linkedin.com/in/readingfaces URL: alanstevens.com.au Email: alan@alanstevens.com.au To Connect with Joseph: LI: linkedin.com/in/joseph-mcguire-face-facts URL: clearsightcommunications.com Email: info@clearsightcommunications.com To Connect with Carrie: LI: linkedin.com/in/carriebenedet URL: carriebenedet.com Email: carolinebenedet2@gmail.com

45 min

Really Insightful

01/15/2020

Jim @ DadsCount

Carrie this was a terrific episode. Great point about having Genuine Conversations. Your comment about “treating your people well with respect, compassion and empathy, whilst a change is happening” is perfectly on point.

A Podcast giving tools and inspiration for today’s leaders.

Creator

thrivingmatters
Years Active

2019 - 2026
Episodes

100
Rating

Clean
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Thriving Matters Podcast