Reacting to Growth: Anxious Ears Unscripted

ReactingtoGrowth

Reacting to Growth: Anxious Ears Unscripted is a podcast where Kamila and Ola react to other content related to learning.

  1. 06/27/2025

    Bonus Episode with Pat on Journaling, Meditation & the Power of Pausing

    In this reflective episode, Kamila speaks with Pat—a learning designer and mental health advocate—about how journaling and mindfulness practices help us face anxiety, regulate emotions, and rediscover inner stillness. Together, they respond to the 10% Happier podcast episode “Alchemize Your Anger and Anxiety” featuring Suleika Jaouad. 🎙️ Timestamps:00:00 – Weather, wardrobes, and a warm intro02:00 – Pat’s story: From archaeology to andragogy & well-being08:00 – The power of journaling as self-regulation13:00 – Journaling prompts and journaling together17:00 – Facing illness, grief, and regaining agency22:00 – Why we resist pausing—and why we must26:00 – Safe spaces to feel, reflect, and let go28:00 – Other practices: MBSR, Zen, and mindfulness tools30:00 – Meditation misconceptions & letting go of control33:00 – Micro-exposure to silence and self35:00 – Final reflection: “Don’t wait until you’re forced to stop” ✨ Listen to hear how pausing can be an act of reclaiming your time, presence, and self.

    36 min

  2. 06/25/2025

    Bonus Episode with Jakub on Translation and Localization

    In this episode, Kamila sits down with Jakub Medrek, a language services expert with over a decade of experience in localization and translation. They react to an episode of the Measurably Better Learning podcast and explore the real differences between translation and localization, and why those differences matter in L&D. 🎙️ Timestamps:00:00 - Summer strawberries & Polish vibes01:00 - Meet Jakub: From language training to localization03:00 - Defining translation vs localization05:00 - Cultural and technical layers of localization09:00 - Measuring impact: Engagement, motivation & frustration13:00 - Strategy 1: Involve localizers early15:00 - In-house vs vendor localization teams17:00 - Working with SCORM & XLIFF files20:00 - TMS systems: Cost, control, and consistency26:00 - What TMS offers that AI doesn’t29:00 - Localization as a creative bridge31:00 - Two metaphors: Travel and music34:00 - Plain English vs creative writing35:00 - Jakub’s closing advice: Don’t take things for granted 👂Tune in for a real talk on how L&D teams can work better with localization partners, avoid last-minute stress, and design with cultural awareness from day one.

    37 min

  3. 05/26/2025

    S05 E07 | Reacting to the Fearless Organization by Amy C. Edmondson | Making it Happen

    In this second-to-last episode of our Psychological Safety series, Kamila and Aris unpack Chapter 7 of The Fearless Organization by Amy Edmondson. It’s all about making it real—translating insights into actions. Join us as we explore the Leader’s Toolkit: setting the stage, inviting participation, and responding productively. Plus, we reflect on failures, feedback loops, and how curiosity keeps us growing. ⏱️ Timestamps:00:00 – Intro & DIY podcast setup02:00 – Psychological Safety series check-in03:00 – FAQ: Can anyone learn to lead with psychological safety?05:00 – Meetings, silence & the courage to speak08:00 – Awareness, mindfulness & breaking patterns10:00 – Experimenting & self-assessment12:00 – Setting the stage: changing vocabulary around failure14:00 – Leader’s Toolkit analogy: building a house18:00 – Parenting, participation & trust21:00 – Accountability, patience, and boundaries25:00 – Responding productively vs being “nice”27:00 – Following up after feedback: closing the loop30:00 – The 3 types of failure: preventable, complex, intelligent33:00 – Embracing intelligent failures & experimenting safely36:00 – Failure parties & learning together37:00 – Final reflections: mindful inquiry & minimizing assumptions 💬 “If you practice complaining and nagging, that’s who you become. Practice who you want to be.” Don’t forget to follow us—next episode wraps up the series!

    38 min

  4. 04/24/2025

    S05 E06 | Reacting to the Fearless Organization by Amy C. Edmondson | Safe and Sound

    We’ve reached another exciting episode in our series on Amy C. Edmondson’s The Fearless Organization. In this episode, I’m joined by Aris, our Psychological Safety expert, to react to Chapter 6: Safe and Sound. We explore how organizations can create environments where employees feel secure to express ideas, take risks, and innovate without fear. 🎧 What’s inside this episode? 00:00:02 - 00:01:10 | Introduction & Greetings 00:01:11 - 00:03:42 | Post-Easter Check-In & Casual Chat 00:03:43 - 00:07:28 | Introduction to Chapter 6: Safe and Sound 00:07:30 - 00:12:15 | The Importance of Psychological Safety in Teams 00:12:16 - 00:17:45 | How Leaders Can Foster a Safe Environment 00:17:46 - 00:22:32 | Real-Life Examples of Psychological Safety in Action 00:22:33 - 00:27:50 | The Role of Feedback and Open Communication 00:27:51 - 00:34:10 | Challenges and Misconceptions 00:34:11 - 00:36:50 | Final Reflections & Key Takeaways 💡 Key takeaway: Creating a fearless organization requires more than just policies—it demands a culture where psychological safety is prioritized and practiced daily.

    37 min

  5. 04/14/2025

    S05 E05 | Reacting to the Fearless Organization by Amy C. Edmondson | The Fearless Workplace

    Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be truly seen by your boss or your organization—and to feel safe enough to show up as your true self? In this episode of Reacting to Growth: Anxious Ears Unscripted, Kamila and Aris dive into Chapter 5 of The Fearless Organization – The Fearless Workplace. They reflect on what it really means to build psychological safety in the workplace, how rituals can shape team dynamics, and what it looks like to lead with openness and authenticity. With personal stories, examples from the book, and insights from their own peer-led sessions, they explore how safe spaces are created—and lost. 🕐 Timestamps: 00:00:02 – 00:04:35 | Catching up – Hoodies, home projects, and personal updates 00:04:35 – 00:05:12 | Setting the stage – Chapter 5: The Fearless Workplace 00:05:12 – 00:09:00 | Can psychological safety exist without vulnerability? 00:09:00 – 00:13:00 | Kamila’s team story – When everyone feels safe… except you 00:13:00 – 00:15:00 | Trust and timing – What holds us back from opening up? 00:15:00 – 00:18:00 | Eileen Fisher – Grounding rituals and the Circle Way 00:18:00 – 00:22:00 | Embracing the “I don’t know” – The leadership trait we need more of 00:22:00 – 00:26:00 | Building a team from scratch – Psychological safety in action 00:26:00 – 00:28:00 | Listening with “available eyes” – A Peer Speaking Club technique 00:28:00 – 00:32:00 | Speaking without a script – From anxiety to authenticity 00:32:00 – 00:37:00 | Pixar’s Braintrust – Inviting critique to make ideas stronger 00:37:00 – 00:39:00 | Final reflections – Building the feedback muscle & failing forward 🎧 Tune in to hear what it means to show up fully—and how leaders and teams can make that possible.

    39 min

  6. 03/27/2025

    S05 E04 | Reacting to the Fearless Organization by Amy C. Edmondson | Dangerous Silence

    In this episode, Kamila and Aris continue their exploration of The Fearless Organization by Amy Edmondson. They dive deep into the themes of psychological safety, vulnerability, and the consequences of silence in the workplace. Join them as they reflect on their personal experiences and insights, while discussing the importance of open communication in fostering a healthy work environment. 00:00:02 - 00:00:09 | Introduction & Greetings Kamila and Aris welcome listeners and share updates on their podcast journey, discussing previous chapters of The Fearless Organization. 00:00:09 - 00:01:04 | Catching Up Kamila asks Aris about his week and experiences of being "in between projects." Aris shares his current focus on personal development and the changing vibe of spring. 00:01:04 - 00:03:02 | Reflections on the "In-Between" State Kamila and Aris discuss the challenges of transitioning between projects in consulting, including feelings of pressure and the importance of emotional resilience. 00:03:02 - 00:05:36 | Advice on Navigating "On the Bench" Periods Aris reflects on advice he received during downtime between projects, contrasting it with Kamila's experience of staying proactive and visible in her professional network. 00:05:36 - 00:09:03 | The Dangers of Silence Kamila and Aris discuss the implications of staying silent during stressful work periods and how this can lead to missed opportunities. They connect this theme to Amy Edmondson's chapter on the consequences of silence. 00:09:03 - 00:12:07 | Introducing a New Segment Kamila introduces a new segment for the podcast, where they will begin answering questions submitted by listeners or generated by AI to increase engagement. 00:12:07 - 00:14:45 | The Role of Vulnerability in Psychological Safety Kamila and Aris answer a listener question on the role of vulnerability in psychological safety, especially in cultures where vulnerability is seen as a weakness. 00:14:45 - 00:20:22 | The Power of Emotional Openness Aris shares insights on the importance of emotional openness for psychological safety and the team's well-being, drawing from personal experience and workplace dynamics. 00:20:22 - 00:23:50 | The Role of Managers in Psychological Safety Kamila and Aris discuss how managers can foster psychological safety by being vulnerable themselves and setting an example for their teams. 00:23:50 - 00:27:47 | Vulnerability and Well-Being The hosts continue the conversation on vulnerability, emphasizing its role in mental health and the need for maturity and self-awareness from both employees and managers. 00:27:47 - 00:34:12 | The Silver Lining in Silence Aris shares an example from Toyota's manufacturing culture, where workers can stop production if something feels wrong, highlighting how a culture of openness can prevent disaster. 00:34:12 - 00:36:02 | Final Thoughts on Chapter 4 Kamila and Aris reflect on Chapter 4 of The Fearless Organization, which discusses devastating consequences of silence, while also introducing the Me Too movement as a symbol of change and the shift toward safer environments. 00:36:02 - 00:37:29 | Looking Ahead to Chapter 5 Kamila wraps up the episode, teasing the next chapter's discussion on creating psychological safety in workplaces. 00:37:29 - 00:37:35 | Closing Remarks Kamila thanks Aris and the audience, signaling the end of the episode.

    38 min

  7. 03/18/2025

    S05 E03 | Reacting to the Fearless Organization by Amy C. Edmondson | Avoidable Failure

    Feeling so grateful to continue this journey with Aris, a Psychological Safety expert, as we react to another chapter of Amy C. Edmondson’s The Fearless Organization. In this episode, we dive into Chapter 3: “Avoidable Failure”, where Edmondson explores real-life business disasters caused by a lack of psychological safety. We discuss why teams must create an environment where people can speak up before failures escalate—and how data proves its importance. 🎧 What’s inside this episode? 00:00:02 - 00:00:21 | Morning check-in & casual chat 🌅 00:00:36 - 00:01:22 | How allergies & coffee affect our voices ☕ 00:01:22 - 00:02:38 | Why dairy and coffee can be bad before public speaking 🗣️ 00:02:39 - 00:03:57 | Psychological Safety & my role in Peer Speaking Club 🎤 00:04:05 - 00:07:06 | Diving into “Avoidable Failure” – A new perspective on learning from mistakes 📖 00:07:10 - 00:12:08 | The problem of silence in organizations—real business failures 🚨 00:12:15 - 00:16:45 | What happens when leaders create fear instead of psychological safety? 00:16:50 - 00:21:35 | Case studies: Volkswagen, Wells Fargo, Nokia & the Federal Reserve 💼 00:21:40 - 00:28:45 | The dangers of unrealistic targets & leaders who ignore concerns 📉 00:28:46 - 00:33:57 | Why leaders must embrace feedback, even when it’s uncomfortable 🏆 00:34:00 - 00:36:50 | How to challenge the status quo & final takeaways ✨ 💡 Key takeaway: Psychological safety isn’t about avoiding mistakes—it’s about creating an environment where teams can discuss issues before they turn into major failures. Organizations that silence employees risk serious consequences.

    32 min

  8. 03/07/2025

    S05 E02 | Reacting to the Fearless Organization by Amy C. Edmondson | The Paper Trail

    In this episode, I meet again with Aris, a Psychological Safety expert, to react to another chapter of Amy C. Edmondson’s book, The Fearless Organization. This time, we dive into "The Paper Trail." We explore how data, research, and evidence play a key role in fostering psychological safety and why organizations need a paper trail of trust to create real change. Timestamps: 00:00:02 - 00:00:09 | Greetings & Settling In00:01:11 - 00:02:16 | Aris’s Background & Journey from Greece to Poland00:02:25 - 00:03:42 | Introduction to the Podcast Series – Reacting to The Paper Trail00:04:23 - 00:05:52 | Why Psychological Safety is More Than Just a Buzzword00:05:54 - 00:08:38 | Exploring The Paper Trail: The Role of Data in Workplace Trust00:08:48 - 00:12:15 | The "Epidemic of Silence" – When Employees Hold Back00:12:23 - 00:16:40 | Leadership Fears: Why Some CEOs Struggle with the Truth00:17:03 - 00:20:58 | Measuring Psychological Safety: How Companies Can Track It00:21:53 - 00:26:47 | Psychological Safety Across Cultures – The Global Perspective00:28:31 - 00:30:58 | Learning & Innovation: Why Speaking Up Fuels Growth00:32:42 - 00:36:24 | Final Thoughts & What’s Coming Next 💡 Takeaway: If organizations want to foster trust, learning, and innovation, they need to create a culture where employees feel safe to speak up—and have the data to prove it!

    37 min
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Reacting to Growth: Anxious Ears Unscripted is a podcast where Kamila and Ola react to other content related to learning.

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