Stand in the & with Heather Gates

Heather Gates

Stand in the & is a gathering designed to support curiosity, connection, & courage. This podcast is a series of conversations, with people across human-centered industries and life experiences, where we talk about showing up in the complexity of the human experience, where we get stuck, and how we find forward. Whether it’s the squeeze between empathy & accountability, structure & flexibility, hope & frustration, fear & excitement, us & them, or countless other “ands” we encounter. We’re leaning into the messiness. This podcast is a joyful & honest exploration around the nuance and possibility that exists within & among us. I hope you’ll join us!

  1. MAY 15

    The Balance of Acceleration & Stewardship within Tech Innovation

    In this episode, Heather Gates and Daniel Carnegie explore the importance of balancing acceleration and stewardship in tech and data innovation. They discuss the critical role of listening, the challenges of implementing technology, and the need for humility and curiosity in fostering effective communication. Through personal anecdotes and insights, they highlight the lessons learned from past innovations and the importance of creating a culture that values inquiry and collaboration. They discuss the importance of defining success in tech solutions, the complexities of innovation, and the necessity of incorporating human elements into deployment. The dialogue emphasizes the need for open communication, judgment in decision-making, and the challenges of navigating complexity in a rapidly changing technological landscape. Disclaimer: The views and opinions shared in this episode belong solely to the host and the guest and do not necessarily reflect those of their employer or affiliated organizations. Host: Heather Gates, MPH, Owner & Strategy Partner, Human-Centered Strategy, LLC () Guest: Daniel Carnegie, MD, MPH, MBA Chief Data Officer, North Carolina Department of Health & Human Services  Connect About the Podcast Email us with your ideas and feedback: connect@standintheand.com Visit the Podcast for more episodes See what we’re up to on Instagram with all things “&” To request strategy partner & facilitation support from Human-Centered Strategy, visit us online at https://human-centeredstrategy.com/contact/ Purchase the Merch Stickers, mugs, and touchstones can be purchased here https://human-centeredstrategy.com/gifts/

    1h 21m

  2. MAY 12

    “Stand in the &” the Song & Storytelling about Writing It

    In this episode Heather sits down with long-time friend and singer songwriter Eric Erdman for storytelling around Eric’s background and the experience of writing the song Stand in the & together. They chat about “the ANDs” in a career within music and in the song writing journey. Through stories of co-creating music in real time, they highlight the messiness, patience, trust, courage, and vulnerability required to bring something new into the world. You’ll hear all the background and next steps (sort of), and at the end of the episode you’ll hear Eric sing and share “Stand in the &” recorded for the first time.  Disclaimer: The views and opinions shared in this episode belong solely to the host and the guest and do not necessarily reflect those of their employer or affiliated organizations. Host: Heather Gates, MPH, Owner & Strategy Partner, Human-Centered Strategy, LLC  Guest: Eric Erdman, Owner & Magic Maker, Eric Erdman Music Resources Eric Erdman’s Website Eric Erdman’s Instagram Connect About the Podcast Email us with your ideas and feedback: connect@standintheand.com Visit the Podcast for more episodes See what we’re up to on Instagram with all things “&” To request strategy partner & facilitation support from Human-Centered Strategy, visit us online at https://human-centeredstrategy.com/contact/ Purchase the Merch Stickers, mugs, and touchstones can be purchased here https://human-centeredstrategy.com/gifts/

    1h 4m

  3. MAR 31

    Leading (Others & Ourselves) with Empathy & Accountability

    In this episode, Heather and Kirsten explore the intricate dance between empathy and accountability in leadership, team dynamics, personal relationships, and with ourselves. They discuss the importance of connection, clear expectations, and the necessity of pre-work in preparing for difficult conversations. They emphasize the value of curiosity, care, and the normalization of discomfort in fostering trust and effective communication all while finding the balance between being empathetic and holding ourselves and others accountable. Disclaimer: The views and opinions shared in this episode belong solely to the host and the guest and do not necessarily reflect those of their employer or affiliated organizations. Host: Heather Gates, MPH, Owner & Strategy Partner, Human-Centered Strategy  Guest: Kirsten Cone, Executive Director, Givens Estate Resources "Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High" by Joseph Grenny, Kerry Patterson, Ron McMillan "Crucial Accountability: Tools for Resolve" by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, David Maxfield, Ron McMillan, Al Switzler Connect About the Podcast Email us with your ideas and feedback: connect@standintheand.com Visit the Podcast for more episodes See what we’re up to on Instagram with all things “&” To request strategy partner & facilitation support from Human-Centered Strategy, visit us online at https://human-centeredstrategy.com/contact/ Purchase the Merch Stickers, mugs, and touchstones can be purchased here https://human-centeredstrategy.com/gifts/

    1h 13m

  4. MAR 12

    The Messy Middle: Going Inward & Artward in Creativity & Strategy

    In this episode, business owners and makers, Heather and Erin explore the intricate relationship between our internal narratives and the work to make our visions real in the world. They discuss the practice & challenges of moving from imagination to reality, the duality of anchoring and expanding in the creative process, and how fear can serve as a passageway. The dialogue emphasizes the significance of choice, the messy middle of creativity (in the broad sense), and the feeling of fierce responsibility to create meaning in our lives. Through their shared experiences, they highlight the interconnectedness of our “inward & artward” journey of inside reflection AND external creation and connection. The conversation honors an inclusive understanding of creativity and community, with a nudge to continue making what we can imagine as possible. Disclaimer: The views and opinions shared in this episode belong solely to the host and the guest and do not necessarily reflect those of their employer or affiliated organizations. Host: Heather Gates, MPH, Owner & Strategy Partner, Human-Centered Strategy, LLC Guest: Erin Hallagan Clare, founder of Story Parlor Resources The Story ParlorBattery Park Book Exchange & Champagne Bar The Inward & Artward School of CreativityYoga with Adrienne“Daring Greatly” by Brene Brown“Beauty” by John O'Donohue, Irish Philosopher – The Approach of Reverence “Writing Down the Bones” by Natalie Goldberg "Pedagogy of the Oppressed" by Paulo Freire "Teaching to Transgress" by Bell Hooks"The Anti-Racist Writing Workshop" by Felicia Rose Chavez Connect About the Podcast Email us with your ideas and feedback: connect@standintheand.com Visit the Podcast for more episodes See what we’re up to on Instagram with all things “&” To request strategy partner & facilitation support from Human-Centered Strategy, visit us online at https://human-centeredstrategy.com/contact/ Purchase the Merch Stickers, mugs, and touchstones can be purchased here https://human-centeredstrategy.com/gifts/

    1h 18m

  5. FEB 27

    Bringing curiosity to the ANDs within us: A conversation about “parts work”

    In this episode, Brooke Nielsen Yang, a psychotherapist and coach, joins the podcast to discuss the concept of “parts work” and how it can help individuals understand different parts of themselves and manage internal conflicts. Heather and Brooke share examples from their own experiences and tools they use to help engage and navigate their human complexity. The conversation delves into the different types of parts within us, such as authentic self, protector parts, and exile parts, and how recognizing these can lead to living a more authentic life. The discussion also touches on the importance of curiosity in navigating our own internal landscape, and ways that it helps us connect with others too. Disclaimer: The views and opinions shared in this episode belong solely to the host and the guest and do not necessarily reflect those of their employer or affiliated organizations. Host: Heather Gates, MPH, Owner & Strategy Partner, Human-Centered Strategy, LLC (https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-gates-9a837913/) Guest: Brooke Nielsen Yang, Therapist, Coach & Educator for Highly Sensitive & Neurodivergent Leaders (https://www.linkedin.com/in/brooke-nielsen-yang-55437313/) Resources No Bad Parts By Dick Schwartz  Coming Home to Yourself: Recalibration for Sensitives Workshop Brookes website: intuitivewarriorway.com Connect About the Podcast Email us with your ideas and feedback: connect@standintheand.com Visit the Podcast for more episodes See what we’re up to on Instagram with all things “&” To request strategy partner & facilitation support from Human-Centered Strategy, visit us online at https://human-centeredstrategy.com/contact/ Purchase the Merch Stickers, mugs, and touchstones can be purchased here https://human-centeredstrategy.com/gifts/

    56 min

  6. FEB 3

    Tending to Joy even in Adversity

    In this conversation, Heather and Rod explore the “and” of joy & adversity, reflecting on how these two forces shape personal and professional growth. They discuss how joy can be both a fuel for the journey and the reward on the other side of hardship. Rod shares his belief that mastery over adversity brings fulfillment, while Heather notes that joy can also exist in moments, offering connection and buoyancy during tough times. Together, they emphasize the importance of slowing down, being present, and allowing joy, even in challenging seasons. Disclaimer: The views and opinions shared in this episode belong solely to the host and the guest and do not necessarily reflect those of their employer or affiliated organizations. Host: Heather Gates, MPH, Owner & Strategy Partner, Human-Centered Strategy, LLC Guest: Dr. Rodney E. Jenkins, Sr., DrPH, MHA, Public Health Director, Durham County Department of Public Health Connect About the Podcast Email us with your ideas and feedback: connect@standintheand.com Visit the Podcast for more episodes See what we’re up to on Instagram with all things “&” To request strategy partner & facilitation support from Human-Centered Strategy, visit us online at https://human-centeredstrategy.com/contact/ Purchase the Merch Stickers, mugs, and touchstones can be purchased here https://human-centeredstrategy.com/gifts/

    1 hr

  7. JAN 13

    Honoring both Gratitude & Grief

    In this episode, Heather sits down with Dr. Sarah Banks to explore the lived reality of holding gratitude & grief at the same time—how life can feel full and heartbreaking in the very same breath. Through stories of leadership in crisis, collective loss, and Sarah’s personal experience of losing her father to suicide, they name many of the tangles we don’t usually talk much about: relief alongside guilt, love alongside sorrow, and the pressure to “be okay” when something inside still aches. Together, they offer a simple invitation: let what’s true be true, reach for connection, and remember you don’t have to carry the hard things alone. Disclaimer: The views and opinions shared in this episode belong solely to the host and the guest and do not necessarily reflect those of their employer or affiliated organizations. Host: Heather Gates, MPH, Owner & Strategy Partner, Human-Centered Strategy, LLC  Guest: Dr. Sarah Banks, PhD, RN, CPHN, Public Health Director, Haywood County Health and Human Services Agency Resources  988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline If listeners are outside the U.S. Find A Helpline (global directory) “The Wild Edge of Sorrow” by Francis Weller Connect About the Podcast Email us with your ideas and feedback: connect@standintheand.com Visit the Podcast for more episodes See what we’re up to on Instagram with all things “&” To request strategy partner & facilitation support from Human-Centered Strategy, visit us online at https://human-centeredstrategy.com/contact/ Purchase the Merch Stickers, mugs, and touchstones can be purchased here https://human-centeredstrategy.com/gifts/

    1h 20m

  8. JAN 6

    The Dance of Passion & Pause

    In this episode, Heather and Willysha explore the balance between passion and pause. They delve into personal experiences, emphasizing the importance of self-care and energy management. The conversation highlights the need for intentional pauses to sustain passion and prevent burnout, offering practical tools and insights for listeners to apply in their own lives. Disclaimer: The views and opinions shared in this episode belong solely to the guest and do not necessarily reflect those of their employer or affiliated organizations. Host: Heather Gates, MPH, Owner & Strategy Partner, Human-Centered Strategy, LLC  Guest: Willysha Jenkins, MS, CSM, Chief of Staff-Health Portfolio, NC Department of Health and Human Services Connect About the Podcast Email us with your ideas and feedback: connect@standintheand.com Visit the Podcast for more episodes See what we’re up to on Instagram with all things “&” To request strategy partner & facilitation support from Human-Centered Strategy, visit us online at https://human-centeredstrategy.com/contact/ Purchase the Merch Stickers, mugs, and touchstones can be purchased here https://human-centeredstrategy.com/gifts/

    1h 3m
See All (14)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Stand in the & is a gathering designed to support curiosity, connection, & courage. This podcast is a series of conversations, with people across human-centered industries and life experiences, where we talk about showing up in the complexity of the human experience, where we get stuck, and how we find forward. Whether it’s the squeeze between empathy & accountability, structure & flexibility, hope & frustration, fear & excitement, us & them, or countless other “ands” we encounter. We’re leaning into the messiness. This podcast is a joyful & honest exploration around the nuance and possibility that exists within & among us. I hope you’ll join us!

Information

  • Creator
    Heather Gates
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    14
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Stand in the & with Heather Gates
  • Show Website
    Stand in the & with Heather Gates