Stand Up to Stand Out

Stuart Paap

The Stand Up to Stand Out Podcast Empowering Life-Sciences Professionals to Turn Ideas into Reality through weekly episodes. A Five Star Rated Podcast Free access to expert insights https://dnate.com/podcast/

  1. Episode 22: The Psychology of Disagreement with Julia Minson

    JAN 5

    Episode 22: The Psychology of Disagreement with Julia Minson

    Join us for a fascinating conversation with Dr. Julia Minson, a Professor of Public Policy at the Harvard Kennedy School and a leading decision scientist. Dr. Minson's research addresses the psychology of disagreement—how and why we engage with views that conflict with our own. She shares data-driven insights and practical tools, including the HEAR Framework, to move past negative conflict and harness the incredible value found in diverse perspectives. Discover how to transform disagreements into opportunities for learning, better decision-making, and stronger professional relationships. Key Insights from This Episode: The difference between Disagreement and Conflict: Why disagreement is valuable and how it devolves into destructive conflict. The Core Problem in Conversation: We spend far too much time conveying our own information and not enough time seeking to understand the other person's perspective. The "Unrealistic" Goal: Why persuading someone in a single conversation is rarely a realistic or productive objective. Alternative, Productive Goals: How to shift your intent from persuasion to learning, strengthening a relationship, or showcasing your competence. The Power of Acknowledgment: Learning the language to make your counterpart genuinely feel heard, which is critical for turning a destructive argument into a constructive conversation. The HEAR Framework: A four-step technique for conversational receptiveness, designed to build trust and maintain a positive exchange even when making your own point. The Vulnerability of Leadership: Why expressing curiosity and receptiveness makes you appear more competent, not less, and helps you become a more effective leader. Episode Timestamps – “Stand Up To Stand Out” (00:00) Intro (00:27) Dr. Julia Minson introduction (01:54) The universal nature of disagreement (02:50) Defining disagreement vs. conflict (05:54) Why persuasion is often the wrong goal (08:35) The power dynamic in conversations (10:45) Shifting the balance of time from conveying to seeking information (13:16) The value of considering context and setting ground rules (15:10) Intent vs. Perception: Power dynamics in the workplace (18:24) The importance of questioning your own assumptions (21:04) The need for safe forums for disagreement (23:17) Thinking about the goals of disagreement (persuasion, learning, relationship building) (26:30) Why seeking information (curiosity) is critical (29:33) The paradox of genuine curiosity (31:38) The HEAR framework for conversational receptiveness (33:16) H: Hedging (softening your language) (34:39) E: Emphasizing agreement (35:28) A: Acknowledgment (showing you heard their point) (37:25) R: Reframing (using positive language) (40:17) The connection between vulnerability and competent leadership (43:20) Why the skills of disagreement are critical for a complex world (45:00) Details on the book, How to Disagree Better Catch More From Our Guest – Dr. Julia Minson ‍ Dr. Julia Minson is a Professor of Public Policy at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, a decision scientist, and the founder of Disagreeing Better LLC. Book: How to Disagree Better (Available March 2026) LinkedIn: Julia Minson Website: https://www.google.com/search?q=julieminson.com Catch More From Our Host – Stuart Paap ️ Host of Stand Up to Stand Out, a podcast dedicated to empowering life sciences professionals to turn ideas into reality through insightful conversations on leadership, communication, and influence. LinkedIn: Stuart Paap Website: dnate.com Disclaimer: The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or positions of the host or this channel. This content is for entertainment and informational purpose...

    57 min
  2. Episode 21: Beyond the Loss—Reframing Grief in Life and Work with Melissa McCreery Douaire

    12/15/2025

    Episode 21: Beyond the Loss—Reframing Grief in Life and Work with Melissa McCreery Douaire

    Join us for a profoundly insightful and essential conversation with Melissa McCreery Douaire, an ordained UCC Minister and certified Grief Counselor. Melissa shares her deeply personal journey that led her to dedicate her life to helping people acknowledge, name, and process the universal impacts of loss and change—not just death. She introduces powerful frameworks, including the Fish Tank Model, for understanding our emotional capacity, setting healthy boundaries, and ensuring we are present and productive both at home and at work. Tune in to gain valuable insights on: The true, universal definition of grief and how it applies to all major life changes, from job loss and divorce to retirement. The psychological and physiological cost of avoiding grief and how this "presenteeism" costs companies billions. Why active listening is a powerful, difficult skill that requires non-judgment and "holding space" for others. The "Fish Tank Model": A brilliant metaphor for understanding your emotional boundaries, managing stress, and protecting your capacity from external pressures. How to create a culture of safety and compassion in the workplace, and why leaders have a financial incentive to support their employees' mental health. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to navigate personal hardship, become a better friend or colleague, or build a more supportive and productive work environment. Episode Timestamps – “Stand Up To Stand Out” (00:00) Intro (00:27) Melissa McCreery Douaire introduction (01:50) Defining grief and the culture of avoidance (03:55) Is grief always a negative experience? (05:54) Melissa's personal journey to grief counseling (09:12) The power of listening and "holding space" (12:54) The danger of hijacking the narrative (15:40) The importance of labeling emotions (18:25) The "Fish Tank Model" for emotional capacity (23:42) Managing boundaries and external "rocks" (25:48) The dynamics of change (The 3 Axes of Loss) (29:20) Grief is not just for death: retirement and other milestones (31:40) The business case for supporting employee mental health (33:15) Why companies lose billions to "presenteeism" (36:12) How to have "whole person" conversations (38:15) Practicing listening and self-awareness (40:10) Final thoughts: empowerment and positive change Catch More From Our Guest – Melissa McCreery Douaire ‍ Melissa McCreery Douaire is an ordained UCC Minister, a certified Grief Counselor, and a compassionate expert dedicated to helping people navigate loss and change. LinkedIn: Melissa McCreery Douaire Website: https://www.wholepersonconversations.com/ Catch More From Our Host – Stuart Paap ️ Host of Stand Up to Stand Out, a podcast dedicated to empowering life sciences professionals to turn ideas into reality through insightful conversations on leadership, communication, and influence. Stuart is deeply committed to helping individuals unlock their potential and make a meaningful impact in their fields. LinkedIn: Stuart Paap Website: dnate.com Instagram: @stuartpaap Twitter: @stuartpaap Facebook: Stuart Paap Disclaimer: The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or positions of the host or this channel. This content is for entertainment and informational purposes only.

    50 min
  3. 10/20/2025

    Anoushka Shahane on AI and the Future of Communication

    Join us for a fascinating conversation with Anoushka Shahane, who holds dual PhDs and brings a wealth of knowledge from computational neuroscience to cutting-edge enterprise software. Anoushka shares her groundbreaking research into how natural language and cognitive processes can literally impact human biology, including cardiovascular health. Now leading product strategy at ProS, she discusses the current state of Artificial Intelligence, how to leverage it responsibly, and why a focus on human flourishing must guide the next wave of technological innovation. Tune in to gain valuable insights on: The surprising link between the language we use and our physical health. The evolution of AI from the BERT model to today's agents and LLMs, and where humanity fits into this technological shift. Problem-solving strategies from academia and consulting that are applicable to any business challenge. Practical advice on how to get better, more reliable, and less-biased outputs from AI tools. Why leaders must prioritize human flourishing over mere productivity when developing AI. Whether you're a technologist, a healthcare professional, or an individual curious about the future of work and well-being, this episode will change the way you think about both language and technology. Episode Timestamps – “Beyond The Lab” (00:00) Intro (00:46) Anoushka Shahane introduction (02:08) The link between language, cognition, and health (05:10) Using AI to predict cardiovascular disease (07:44) The power of the BERT model and its relevance today (10:10) The value of problem structuring and consulting skills (13:20) The current state and speed of AI development (17:42) The AI innovation model (LLMs, Problem Solvers, Agents, Innovators, AGI) (19:11) Using language to create a better future (21:45) How to balance human effort with AI efficiency (25:07) AI’s role in optimizing B2B pricing (29:07) The challenge of quantifying 'context' in pricing (33:38) Practical tips for getting better output from AI tools (37:45) The human responsibility in the age of AI (40:30) The 'expectancy effect' and its link to belief (44:11) Final thoughts on human flourishing and AI Catch More From Our Guest – Anoushka Shahane ‍ Anoushka Shahane holds dual PhDs in Computational Neuroscience and Biomedical Engineering from Rice University. She is currently a Product Strategy Lead at ProS, an enterprise software company utilizing AI for price optimization. Her research is focused on the intersection of human cognition, well-being, and technology. LinkedIn: Anoushka Shahane Website: pros.com Catch More From Our Host – Stuart Paap ️ Host of Stand Up to Stand Out, a podcast dedicated to empowering life sciences professionals to turn ideas into reality through insightful conversations on leadership, communication, and influence. Stuart is deeply committed to helping individuals unlock their potential and make a meaningful impact in their fields. LinkedIn: Stuart Paap Website: dnate.com Instagram: @stuartpaap Twitter: @stuartpaap Facebook: Stuart Paap Disclaimer: The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or positions of the host or this channel. This content is for entertainment and informational purposes only.

    44 min
  4. Episode 20: The Power of Vulnerability in Leadership with George Douaire

    10/06/2025

    Episode 20: The Power of Vulnerability in Leadership with George Douaire

    Join us for an insightful conversation with George Douaire, an experienced business expert, mentor, and CEO of Stride Tech Medical. George shares his journey from being a high school football star to finding his voice and confidence on the stage, a transformation that has significantly influenced his leadership style and business philosophy. Discover how his unique background in sports, theater, and corporate finance has shaped his approach to building successful teams and companies. Tune in to gain valuable insights on: - The significance of embracing vulnerability and getting outside your comfort zone. - How past failures and challenges can serve as powerful catalysts for personal and professional growth. - The art of effective communication and the importance of active listening in business. - Building a culture of psychological safety, where people are encouraged to share their ideas and feel valued. The importance of a leader's ability to delegate, trust their team, and foster an environment of shared ownership. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a seasoned leader, or simply looking for an inspiring story, this episode is a must-listen! Episode Timestamps – “Stand Up To Stand Out” (00:00) Intro (00:26) George Douaire introduction (01:50) From football star to theater kid (05:14) The butterfly effect and harnessing nervous energy (08:16) Combining athleticism and communication for leadership (11:00) Lessons from a terrible boss (15:10) George's career journey (18:25) The importance of self-awareness (20:25) Handling failures and setbacks (24:00) How to build a high-performance culture (27:38) The role of leadership in building a strong culture (30:22) Delegating effectively and managing expectations (32:20) Cardinal sins of an entrepreneur (36:12) Habits to unlearn as a leader (38:00) Stepping into a new leadership role (41:10) The importance of communication (43:10) Outro Catch More From Our Guest – George Douaire ‍ CEO of Stride Tech Medical, Entrepreneur in Residence at Venture Partners at CU Boulder, and Venture Partner at the CU Boulder Leeds School of Business. LinkedIn: George Douaire Website: stridetechmedical.com Catch More From Our Host – Stuart Paap ️ Host of Stand Up to Stand Out, a podcast dedicated to empowering life sciences professionals to turn ideas into reality through insightful conversations on leadership, communication, and influence. Stuart is deeply committed to helping individuals unlock their potential and make a meaningful impact in their fields. LinkedIn: Stuart Paap Website: dnate.com Instagram: @stuartpaap Twitter: @stuartpaap Facebook: Stuart Paap Disclaimer: The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or positions of the host or this channel. This content is for entertainment and informational purposes only.

    47 min
  5. Episode 19: The Essential Skill to Change Your Life: A Preface to Stand Up

    09/22/2025

    Episode 19: The Essential Skill to Change Your Life: A Preface to Stand Up

    In this special episode, Stuart Paap introduces his new book, Stand Up: How Mastering Communication Will Transform Your Business, Life, and Future. From his early fascination with people’s stories to 15+ years of working with entrepreneurs and business leaders, Stuart has seen how the ability to communicate with clarity and courage can change everything. Whether you’re rallying a team, raising funds, or turning an idea into reality, your ability to speak up is the difference-maker. This book is both a love letter to the power of communication and a practical playbook for overcoming fear, building confidence, and inspiring others. In this episode, Stuart shares the preface of the book, setting the stage for why communication isn’t just a skill — it’s a superpower. If you’ve ever felt that your commitment is greater than your feelings, and you’re ready to step into opportunities that matter, this episode is for you. Don’t forget to subscribe to DNATE for more insights and conversations on mastering communication, leadership, and personal growth. Catch More From Our Host – Stuart Paap ️ Host of Stand Up to Stand Out, empowering life sciences professionals through enriching discussions on leadership and communication. LinkedIn: Stuart Paap Website: dnate.com Instagram: @stuartpaap Twitter: @stuartpaap Facebook: Stuart Paap Disclaimer: The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or positions of the host or this channel. This content is for entertainment and informational purposes only.

    14 min
  6. Episode 18: Leading Through Experimentation with Dr. Carlos Bosques

    09/01/2025

    Episode 18: Leading Through Experimentation with Dr. Carlos Bosques

    Join us for an insightful conversation with Dr. Carlos Bosques, a pioneering scientific leader with over 20 years in biotech, more than 70 patents, and a PhD from MIT. Currently, he is the CEO of the Food Allergy Science Initiative (FASI), a leading nonprofit transforming the lives of those affected by food allergies. Discover how Carlos' leadership, founded on communication and strategic experimentation, plays a critical role in driving change. Tune in to gain valuable insights on: - Communication's role in science and leadership. - Leading through small experiments for impactful outcomes. - The importance of a mission-driven focus in achieving success. - Effective management of cross-functional and global teams. - The profound science and global impact of food allergies. Episode Timestamps – “Stand Up To Stand Out” (00:00) Intro (00:32) Introduction of Dr. Carlos Bosques (05:55) Understanding the scope and increase of food allergies (13:00) Challenges faced and leadership through experiments (20:00) Effective communication strategies in leadership (31:00) Culture at FASI (37:58) The approach to leadership (45:09) Learn more about FASI and its initiatives (46:01) Guidance for aspiring leaders Catch More From Our Guest – Dr. Carlos Bosques ‍ CEO of the Food Allergy Scientific Initiative, leading strategies in immunology and innovation within the biotech industry. LinkedIn: Carlos Bosques Website: https://foodallergyscience.org/team/dr-carlos-bosques/ Catch More From Our Host – Stuart Paap ️ Host of Stand Up to Stand Out, empowering life sciences professionals through enriching discussions on leadership and communication. LinkedIn: Stuart Paap Website: dnate.com Instagram: @stuartpaap Twitter: @stuartpaap Facebook: Stuart Paap Disclaimer: The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or positions of the host or this channel. This content is for entertainment and informational purposes only. Chapters (00:00:00) - Intro(00:00:32) - Introduction of Dr. Carlos Bosques(00:05:55) - Understanding the scope and increase of food allergies(00:13:00) - Challenges faced and leadership through experiments(00:20:00) - Effective communication strategies in leadership(00:31:00) - Culture at FASI(00:37:58) - The approach to leadership(00:45:09) - Learn more about FASI and its initiatives(00:46:01) - Guidance for aspiring leaders

    48 min
  7. Transforming Health with Katerina Chatzi on Pioneering Immune System Innovations

    08/19/2025

    Transforming Health with Katerina Chatzi on Pioneering Immune System Innovations

    Welcome to Beyond The Lab Ep1! In this episode, Stuart Paap chats with Katerina Chatzi from Promakhos Therapeutics. Explore their innovative work as Katerina discusses advancing immune system treatment strategies and novel approaches to chronic disease management. Tune in to learn about: The inspiration behind Promakhos Therapeutics' cutting-edge research. The support ecosystem for biotech startups in securing grants and investments. Strategies for altering treatments of chronic diseases through microbiome and immune system innovation. Fundraising challenges in transitioning research from the lab to clinical applications. Katerina’s dedication to revolutionizing health through scientific innovation and collaboration. Episode Timestamps – “Stand Up To Stand Out” (00:00) Intro (01:33) Introduction to Katerina Chatzi and her enterprise (02:50) The origins of Katerina’s scientific passion (12:01) Applying storytelling in scientific communication (20:32 ) Sources of funding for biotech innovations (41:39) The intersection of microbiome research and immune treatment advancements (56:12) Closing thoughts Catch More From Our Guest – Katerina Chatzi Founder of Promakhos Therapeutics, dedicated to innovative research in immune system improvements and chronic disease solutions. Visit Promakhos Therapeutics: https://www.promakhos.com/ Catch More From Our Host – Stuart Paap ️ Host of Stand Up to Stand Out, a podcast aiming to empower professionals in the life science industry through transformative discussions on leadership and impactful communication. LinkedIn: Stuart Paap Website: dnate.com Instagram: @stuartpaap Twitter: @stuartpaap Facebook: Stuart Paap Disclaimer: The opinions shared by guests are personal and do not represent the views of the host or this channel. Content is for informational and entertainment purposes. #StandUpToStandOut #PromakhosTherapeutics #BiotechInnovations #Podcast #ImmuneSystem Chapters (00:00:00) - Intro(00:01:33) - Introduction to Katerina Chatzi and her enterprise(00:02:50) - The origins of Katerina’s scientific passion(00:12:01) - Applying storytelling in scientific communication(00:20:32) - Sources of funding for biotech innovations(00:41:39) - The intersection of microbiome research and immune treatment advancements(00:56:12) - Closing thoughts

    1h 10m
  8. Episode 17: Beyond 20/20 Vision with Dr. Karen Carrasquillo

    07/28/2025

    Episode 17: Beyond 20/20 Vision with Dr. Karen Carrasquillo

    Join us in this insightful episode of 'Stand Up To Stand Out' as host Stuart Paap interviews Dr. Karen Carrasquillo, a distinguished leader at BostonSight and the visionary founder of FitAcademy. Dr. Carrasquillo shares her remarkable journey from achieving a PhD in chemistry in Puerto Rico to becoming a pivotal figure in the fields of ophthalmology and optometry. The conversation delves into her passion for science, the intricate biology of the eye, and the pioneering work at BostonSight, which revolutionizes patient outcomes through innovative scleral lenses. Dr. Carrasquillo also sheds light on BostonSight's profound mission-driven culture and the global reach of FitAcademy's educational initiatives. Listeners will gain invaluable insights into the critical importance of accessible vision care and the collaborative efforts essential for delivering exceptional patient experiences. Whether your interest lies in ocular science or the power of purpose-driven endeavors, this episode promises both inspiration and knowledge. Tune in to gain valuable insights on: The unconventional journey from chemistry to a leadership role in ophthalmology. The groundbreaking advancements in scleral lenses by BostonSight. The global educational impact of FitAcademy. The challenges and rewards of enhancing patient outcomes in vision care. Whether you're a life sciences professional looking to sharpen your leadership skills, communicate your vision more effectively, or simply seeking inspiration to make a greater impact, this episode provides actionable insights and a powerful story of purpose-driven innovation. Chapters (00:00) Introduction to Stand Up to Stand Out Podcast (00:26) Meet Dr. Karen Carrasquillo: A Journey in Science (01:35) From Chemistry to Ophthalmology (04:59) The Fascinating World of Eyes (09:33) Teamwork in Eye Care (13:41) Understanding Scleral Lenses (17:52) Life-Changing Patient Stories (22:18) Challenges in Vision Care (23:24) Introduction to Fit Academy (25:45) Innovative Education Initiative (27:06) Global Outreach and Impact (29:46) Data-Driven Lens Design (34:11) Mission-Driven Organization (36:27) Effective Communication Strategies (44:58) Future Vision and Impact (47:27) Final Thoughts and Advice Watch the full episode on YouTube: Catch More From Our Guest – Dr. Karen Carrasquillo Senior Vice President of Clinical and Professional Affairs at BostonSight – a nonprofit eye healthcare organization specializing in prosthetic and custom contact lenses. She's also an adjunct clinical professor at the New England College of Optometry and MCPHS University, and a founding board member of Latinos en Optometry (LEO). Link...

    51 min
5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

The Stand Up to Stand Out Podcast Empowering Life-Sciences Professionals to Turn Ideas into Reality through weekly episodes. A Five Star Rated Podcast Free access to expert insights https://dnate.com/podcast/