The Opposite of Small Talk Danielle McCombs & Kristy Olinger

What do you do with those few minutes after you've joined a meeting when some people have arrived, but not everyone is there yet so the meeting can't get started?
Do you turn to your email inbox? Do you sit in awkward silence? Or do you initiate conversation with the group?
In this episode Kristy shares the secret that will make it easier to connect with your colleagues and build rapport quickly during that weird pre-meeting phase.
 
 
Visit: kristyolinger.com to learn how Kristy can help you and your team with workplace communication skill building.
 

Have you ever felt like you are your own “worst enemy” or that you just can’t seem to get out of your own way personally or professionally?  This may be what this week’s guest would refer to as an “upper limit” problem.  In this episode, we speak to Gay Hendricks on the topic of Overcoming Upper Limits and Self-Sabotage.  Gay shares his own personal struggles, how he came to recognize patterns of self-sabotage, and some of the techniques he uses to help others break through sabotaging behaviors to achieve liberation in their daily lives.
 
Work with Danielle: If you are ready to start working with a life coach or just want to learn more about the impact that coaching can have in your life, visit Danielle's website at www.daniellemccombs.com and schedule a complimentary exploratory session. 
 
Work with Kristy: You can work with Kristy one-on-one or hire her to speak with your team to improve workplace communication. Visit Kristy’s website at www.kristyolinger.com
 
Guest’s website:  Home - Hendricks Institute
Guest’s books:  Amazon.com: Gay Hendricks: books, biography, latest update
TALK BIG QUESTIONS
Use these prompts to have the opposite of small talk in real life.
After listening to this week’s guest, do you think you’ve experienced upper limits or self-sabotage?  Is there a clear pattern on how or when you’ve done this in the past?
What do you most love to do?
What do you think some of your biggest contributions to the world might be?
 

In this special TOOST episode we had the opportunity to sit down for a conversation with Dr. Yanique Redwood, author, speaker, and facilitator, and Kate Schatz, now a three-time TOOST podcast guest, following an experimental event they held in Fall 2023 in Oakland, CA, with the goal of centering black female voices and experiences as well as a book talk on Dr. Redwood’s book, White Women Cry and Call Me Angry, moderated by Kate.  We delve deeper into that experience, what takeaways came out of this event, and the further work that needs to be done to create safe spaces particularly for black women and women of color sharing their experiences.
Dr. Yanique Redwood’s website  
Kate Schatz’s website
Work with Danielle: If you are ready to start working with a life coach or just want to learn more about the impact that coaching can have in your life, visit Danielle's website at www.daniellemccombs.com and schedule a complimentary exploratory session. 
Work with Kristy: You can work with Kristy one-on-one or hire her to speak with your team to improve workplace communication. Visit Kristy’s website at www.kristyolinger.com
TALK BIG QUESTIONS
Use these prompts to have the opposite of small talk in real life.
Would you attend an experimental event like the one described by Dr. Redwood and Kate?
Do you find yourself listening more to people who share experiences different than your own?  Or do you find it hard to listen without interjecting your own experience?
What are some ways you try to create a safe space for others?  After this episode, are you more committed to safe spaces?
 

In this episode Kristy is interviewed with Lisa Gillette of Big Sky Coaching on her podcast Grace, Grit, and Getting it Done! Kristy shares her experience of struggling with workplace communication as a mid-career professional how she learned to be more prepared to speak up at work.
 
https://gracegritgettingitdone.com/
 

For most of us, at some point in our lives, we will come to a crossroads with a job or career, be it from burnout, finding it no longer brings us joy, or it doesn’t align with our values or goals. If or when we reach that crossroads, it may mean quitting or leaving that job or career behind. In this episode, we discuss with Amani Zaveri the topic of The Art of Quitting.  Amani shares with us some of the benefits of quitting, reasons or circumstances that may hold us back, and finally, she offers advice on how to gracefully quit without burning bridges.
Work with Danielle: If you are ready to start working with a life coach or just want to learn more about the impact that coaching can have in your life, visit Danielle's website at www.daniellemccombs.com and schedule a complimentary exploratory session. 
Work with Kristy: You can work with Kristy one-on-one or hire her to speak with your team to improve workplace communication. Visit Kristy’s website at www.kristyolinger.com.
TALK BIG QUESTIONS
Use these prompts to have the opposite of small talk in real life.
Have you ever quit a job?  What were the circumstances that led you to that decision?   
Did this episode resonate with you or make you think deeper about your current circumstances?
What advice have you or would you offer a loved one or friend who is contemplating quitting a job? Were you or would you be supportive?
Would you quit something without having a plan/next opportunity lined up?
 
 

In this episode Danielle explores the real meaning of listening, the three types of listening and how to practice to be a better listener.