1% Better by Trissential Trissential

Tune into the latest episode of the 1% Better Podcast featuring Amy Gurske, the innovative Founder & CEO of sayhii - Amy sits down with host Craig Thielen to share her journey to pioneering new standards in workplace communication - a necessary shift towards more dynamic and responsive strategies that prioritize employee engagement and satisfaction.

This is more than just a career story. It's about transforming workplace culture and making sure every voice is heard. Amy’s insights are bound to inspire and provoke thought.




Learn more about sayhiiFollow Amy Gurske on LinkedInConnect with Craig Thielen on LinkedIn



Key Takeaways:


Career Path and Adaptability: Amy’s journey through her career highlights the importance of adaptability and seizing opportunities, even unexpected ones like walking into the wrong information session. Her ability to create roles and opportunities for herself, particularly at Grainger and later Amazon, underscores her proactive approach to career development.


Women in Engineering: Amy discussed the challenges and experiences of being a minority as a female in the engineering field, particularly at a time when there were fewer women in such roles. This part of her story emphasizes the gender dynamics in STEM fields and the slow evolution towards more inclusive environments.


Employee Advocacy and the Birth of sayhii: The idea for sayhii stemmed from Amy’s personal experiences of feeling unheard within large organizations like Amazon. Sayhii was created to act as a "Chief Listening Officer," using daily feedback to foster better communication and ensure that every employee feels heard and valued.


Innovative Approach to Workplace Communication: Sayhii's methodology is innovative, focusing on daily, real-time feedback from employees to assess their well-being and workplace challenges. This approach aims to foster a more responsive and empathetic corporate culture.


Data-Driven Employee Engagement: Amy emphasized the importance of real-time, data-driven insights into employee sentiment to manage and improve engagement effectively. Sayhii’s approach allows for personalized feedback and action plans, helping companies address individual and team-specific issues promptly.

🌍 April is Earth Month and there is no one more fitting than our latest guest on 1% Better Podcast to represent it - Polar Explorer, Educator and Environmental Ambassador, Will Steger. ⭐ A name synonymous with daring and endurance, Will shares shares insight from his record-setting expeditions, including the first confirmed dogsled journey to the North Pole without resupply and the monumental traverse of Antarctica. Learn how his impactful adventures have not only pushed human boundaries, but also shaped global environmental policies.



Host Craig Thielen talks with Will about leadership and resilience under extreme conditions. Whether you're an adventure enthusiast or someone passionate about environmental conservation, Will's stories of perseverance and commitment to the planet are sure to inspire!



📣There will never be another Will Steger - this is a DON'T MISS episode - Listen or watch now to get inspired and learn how one man's passion for exploration has ignited a larger fight to protect our planet. Don't forget to share your thoughts and join the conversation!



Watch trailer for Will’s documentary, After AntarcticaLearn about the expeditions and accolades of Will StegerLearn more about the Steger CenterLearn more about Climate GenerationWill Steger’s five books: North to the Pole, Saving the Earth, Crossing Antarctica, Over the Top of the World, The Steger Homestead KitchenConnect with Craig Thielen on LinkedIn



Key Takeaways


Purpose-Driven Exploration: Will Steger’s expeditions, particularly the Antarctic traverse, were not just feats of endurance but platforms for environmental education and crucial policy changes. His adventures were intricately linked to global efforts for preserving sensitive ecosystems, showcasing how daring explorations can double as powerful campaigns for conservation. This highlights the significance of having a purpose greater than the adventure itself.
Innovative Problem Solving Under Extreme Conditions: Steger’s expeditions faced enormous physical and logistical challenges, from severe weather to navigating without GPS across vast unknown terrains. The solutions—like creating snow cairns for aerial navigation—emphasize creativity in problem-solving under pressure. Steger’s approach to dealing with unknowns and managing supplies strategically under extreme conditions provides profound lessons in crisis management and operational strategy.
Leadership and Team Dynamics: Effective leadership, according to Steger, is predominantly democratic, harnessing the collective skills and strengths of the team rather than adhering to a command-and-control model. His leadership style during critical moments—emphasizing group consensus and individual empowerment—offers valuable insights into managing high-stakes projects and fostering teamwork in diverse settings.
Environmental Advocacy Through Direct Action: Steger’s narrative reinforces the impact of direct, action-based advocacy in environmental issues. His firsthand experiences with climate change and his efforts to influence policy through expeditions underline the importance of active participation in ecological conservation and policy-making, demonstrating the power of dedicated individuals or groups to effect significant environmental policies.
The Power of Education and Public Engagement: Throughout his career, Steger has used his expeditions to educate the public and world leaders about environmental issues. His strategic use of media to amplify the message and engage global audiences showcases the critical role of education and public awareness in environmental advocacy. His efforts exemplify how targeted educational initiatives can mobilize public opinion and lead to policy changes.

DON'T MISS the latest episode of the 1% Better Podcast featuring visionary Futurist Gerd Leonhard!- Explore the fine line between harnessing technology for a better tomorrow and preserving our humanity. 🌍✨



🎧 This conversation sheds light the potential and pitfalls of rapid technological progress but also calls for a thoughtful approach to integrating technology into society, ensuring that it serves to enrich human life rather than diminish it. Let’s envision and build a balanced future together!


Check out Gerd’s book Technology vs HumanityLearn more about The Futures AgencyConnect with Gerd Leonhard on LinkedInFollow Gerd Leonhard on TwitterSubscribe to Gerd Leonhard’s YouTube ChannelConnect with Craig Thielen on LinkedIn



Key takeaways


The Role of a Futurist and Humanist: Gerd Leonhard describes his work as focusing on intuition and imagination rather than prediction, emphasizing the importance of preparing for the future by exploring potential developments in technology and society. He advocates for a balanced view of technology, ensuring it serves humanity without overwhelming our human values.
Technology vs. Humanity: The dialogue delves into Leonhard’s book, “Technology vs. Humanity,” highlighting the critical examination of the relationship between rapid technological advancements and human values. The discussion reflects on how technologies, especially AI, can significantly benefit society if used wisely but also pose risks of dehumanization and loss of control if not ethically managed.
Human Protection Mechanism: Leonhard calls for a “technocratic oath,” suggesting that companies and developers commit to using technology for the common good, emphasizing the importance of human oversight in technological development to prevent dehumanization and ensure technology enhances rather than replaces human qualities.
The Future of AI and Humanity: The conversation explores the potential of AI and other emerging technologies to solve complex global issues like climate change and health crises. However, Leonhard stresses the need for a global consensus on the ethical use of such technologies to avoid exacerbating existing social inequalities and ensuring they contribute positively to society.
The Good Future Project: Leonhard discusses his initiative aimed at rebranding the future positively, encouraging a more optimistic outlook towards the potential of technology and humanity working together to address global challenges. The project seeks to inspire hope and action towards building a future where technology enhances human life without compromising our core values and connections.

Dive into the digital future with Del Costy - President, Siemens Digital Industries USA, on the 1% Better Podcast with host Craig Thielen!🎙 From embracing AI to rethinking manufacturing, this episode is a goldmine of insights for anyone interested in where technology is taking us next. Don't miss Del's expert take on leveraging digital advancements for continuous improvement and meaningful ways to build collaborative teams.


Check out one of Del’s favorite books Freedom’s ForgeLearn more about Siemens Digital IndustriesConnect with Del Costy on LinkedInConnect with Craig Thielen on LinkedIn



Key Takeaways


Digital Transformation as a Catalyst for Change: Del Costy emphasizes the transformative power of digital technologies in industries, highlighting how partnerships and business strategies have evolved to include digital transformation as a central theme.
The Importance of Industry 4.0 and Converging Technologies: The podcast discusses the critical role of Industry 4.0 and the integration of IT and OT, which are reshaping manufacturing processes, enabling more efficient, agile, and data-driven operations.
Overcoming Manufacturing Challenges through Innovation: Costy points out the complexities of scaling manufacturing operations and how digital tools, AI, and a well-captured knowledge base are essential for overcoming these challenges and ensuring success in production at scale.
Breaking Down Organizational Silos with Technology: The ability of technology to dismantle traditional barriers within organizations is highlighted, suggesting a future where cross-functional collaboration is facilitated by digital solutions, leading to enhanced innovation and problem-solving.
Leadership in Cultivating High-Performing Teams: The conversation underscores the significance of leadership in building a culture that values high performance, continuous learning, and the proactive embrace of challenges as opportunities for growth and improvement.

Discover the fascinating journey of Teddy Bekele, Chief Technology Officer at Land O'Lakes, on the latest episode of the 1% Better Improvement Podcast. From a childhood in Ethiopia to leading technology initiatives at a Fortune 500 company, Teddy shares insights on embracing change and innovation, and emphasizes the importance of enjoying the journey rather than solely focusing on the destination. Don't miss out on this inspiring conversation with Teddy and host Craig Thielen!

Learn more about Land O’LakesConnect with Teddy Bekele on LinkedInConnect with Craig Thielen on LinkedIn

Explore the transformative journey of Jaime Taets, Chief Vision Officer and Founder of Keystone Group International.

Discover key insights on personal growth, building positive company culture, and the importance of trust and reflection in leadership. Jaime shares her experience climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and how it reshaped her perspective on life and business.

Listen or watch now for inspiration to elevate yourself and your organization with actionable strategies to enhance your leadership skills and drive meaningful change.


Learn more about Keystone Group InternationalRead Jaime’s full Speaker BioLearn more about Jaime’s book The Culture ClimbConnect with Jaime Taets on LinkedIn