Speaking Human-First

Mary Knox Miller
  • 5.0 (4)
  • DOCUMENTARY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

What does it take to get your ideas to scale deep? It takes a little art, a little science, and a commitment to speaking human-first. Speaking Human-First is for big thinkers, subject-matter experts, and agents of change hungry for influence and impact. Host and veteran storyteller Mary Knox Miller talks with thought leaders about their road to recognition and unique ways they've shared their work with the world. You'll be emboldened to communicate what you know by focusing on who you are and what those craving your wisdom need to hear.

  1. 12/11/2024

    Ep 17 - Piper Hendricks: Storytelling for Social Change

    What makes a story powerful enough to inspire action or influence policy? Piper Hendricks, Founder of Stories Change Power, a nonpartisan nonprofit dedicated to transforming advocacy through storytelling, dives into how personal narratives can become catalysts for activism and policy reform. She unpacks the importance of listening beyond words to the emotions and lived experiences they convey, and why words, when wielded with intention, are some of our most powerful tools for justice and systemic change. Piper also reveals how storytelling can illuminate the hidden forces of policy—making the invisible not just visible, but relatable. Listen to the full episode to hear: How stories influence legislation and public opinionThe role of storytelling in translating abstract policies into clear, resonant experiencesThe psychological power of language in shaping perceptions and inspiring actionWhy truly impactful advocacy starts with listening to the emotions behind the wordsPractical tips for crafting authentic, persuasive stories that inspire change Learn more about Piper Hendricks Stories Change Power website"The Nine Rights" of effective advocacyAdvocacy training & coursesFollow on LinkedInLearn more about Mary Knox Miller Thought Leader Media"Human Dispatches" NewsletterFollow on LinkedIn

    37 min

  2. 12/04/2024

    Ep 16 - Jay Acunzo: Eat the Humble Pie, Tell Better Stories

    What does it take to create content that truly stands out? Jay Acunzo, celebrated writer, speaker, and host of the "How Stories Happen" podcast, joins us to unpack the art of meaningful storytelling—in all its messy, frustrating, and euphoric parts. Jay shares why asking better questions can lead to more impactful content and explains how challenging assumptions opens the door to creative breakthroughs. He also introduces his concept of the IP Pyramid, a framework for developing and refining your intellectual property to create truly unique and resonant stories that serve your audience and yourself. Listen to the full episode to hear: How to reach deeper truths that lead to more meaningful contentWhy developing your IP is less about following templates and more about creative risk takingThe pitfalls of following best practices too closely—and how to trust your intuition insteadHow to identify the gaps in your storytelling by identifying what truly matters to your audienceWhy embracing constraints can spark creativity and lead to breakthroughs Learn more about Jay Acunzo Website"How Stories Happen" Podcast"Playing Favorites" NewsletterCreator Kitchen (Coaching & Education)Follow on LinkedInLearn more about Mary Knox Miller: Thought Leader Media"Human Dispatches" NewsletterFollow on LinkedIn

    41 min

  3. 05/23/2024

    Ep 15 - Derrick Feldmann: Decoding Social Change

    How do movements gain enough traction to get people to take concrete action? How does a movement even come to be? Understanding the nuances of what truly motivates human behavior – not just thoughts and opinions –  is crucial for driving meaningful change in our society. Derrick Feldman, an internationally recognized researcher and advisor on social issues, movements, and consumer public action, brings his expertise to our discussion. We delve into how to ask questions to uncover what people truly believe about social issues, the significance of interpreting intentions versus actions, and the importance of humanizing data when communicating our findings. Listen to the full episode to hear: How Derrick’s early-career experience in state government galvanized him to dig deeper into what moves people to take action for social changeThe challenges of designing research that accounts for biases from participants, researchers, and even funders. Why it’s vital to bring diverse voices and experiences into the room when designing and implementing researchThe power of asking, “Why did you contact me?” when deciding what new projects to take on as a business ownerThe importance of context and storytelling for making sense of data in ways that stick with your audiences or stakeholders  Learn more about Derrick Feldman: WebsiteConnect on LinkedIn Learn more about Mary Knox Miller: Thought Leader MediaConnect on LinkedIn

    46 min

  4. 05/16/2024

    Ep 14 - Daisy Auger-Domínguez: Inspiring Change Through Human-First Leadership

    When leaders wholeheartedly embrace our shared humanity and foster empathy, we unleash a transformative power that can reshape the workplace and beyond. Daisy Auger-Domínguez, a distinguished HR and DEI C-Suite leader, renowned speaker, and author, brings her unique perspectives to the table. She delves into the importance of a human-first approach to leadership, the need to challenge the status quo, and the significance of dismantling barriers and power dynamics to foster more inclusive workplaces.  Our conversation also explores practical strategies. We delve into the power of self-awareness and vulnerability to foster connection. We also discuss the importance of intentionally designing time and space for rest and recharge, crucial for navigating and shaping a future where inclusion is not just a goal but a fundamental reality. Listen to the full episode to hear: How Daisy’s is driven by a vision of workplaces as sites of dignity, respect, value, and joy The impact of Daisy’s upbringing and education in both the Dominican Republic and the U.S. on how she views and experiences the tension, biases, and limitations around identity in U.S. cultureWhy it’s necessary to interrogate our personal intersections of identity and authority when we seek to change the status quo of power dynamics in our worldsHow Daisy has used sharing her mistakes and experiences to build connection and an audienceDaisy’s long road to taking a “radical sabbatical” and giving herself the space and boundaries to actually rest, recover, and reclaim the joy in her work  Learn more about Daisy Auger-Domínguez: WebsiteInclusion Revolution: The Essential Guide to Dismantling Racial Inequity in the WorkplaceBurnt Out to Lit Up: How to Reignite the Joy of Leading PeopleInclusion Revolution TEDxPearlStreetThe Visibility Clinic Lab Pass  Learn more about Mary Knox Miller: Thought Leader MediaConnect on LinkedIn

    44 min

  5. 05/09/2024

    Ep 13 - N. Chloé Nwangwu: Building a Brand & Ecosystem of Influence

    In a world inundated with information and brands vying for our attention, how do you not only get seen and heard but also inspire others to take action? Brand scientist and director of NobiWorks, N. Chloé Nwangwu believes brands and visibility strategies must be built with power dynamics and biases in mind to break through cognitive biases, especially for underrecognized  people. Chloé’s Visibility Engineering process, a transformative approach that draws on her experience as an international conflict mediator and social and behavioral science, empowers social impact leaders to navigate past their stakeholders’ brain filters and ensure their ideas  are retained and spread long term, thereby shaping social change.  Today, Chloé underscores the urgency and importance of mastering the science of being noticed. This skill is not just a tool for personal branding, but a crucial element in shaping social change. Listen to the full episode to hear: How Chloé’s experience in international mediation led her to create brands that help underrecognized  players get a seat at the tableThe critical difference between being seen and being noticed amid the never-ending bids for our attentionWhy it’s essential to shape messaging advocating for social change in a way that facilitates behavior changeHow Chloé developed her Visibility Engineering process to get past the cognitive hurdles of getting ideas seen, remembered, and proliferatedAnd why it’s essential to have an understanding of the stakeholders and gatekeepers in your sphere Learn more about N. Chloé Nwangwu: NobiWorksInstagram: @nobiworksConnect on LinkedInThe Visibility Clinic Learn more about Mary Knox Miller: Thought Leader MediaConnect on LinkedIn

    55 min

  6. 05/02/2024

    Ep 12 - Denise Brosseau: Hard Truths About Thought Leadership

    How do we make change that scales and replicates beyond our immediate sphere? For Denise Brosseau, founder and CEO of Thought Leadership Lab, thought leadership is a transformative path, a way to not just expand our influence and impact for good but to reshape the very fabric of our industries and ecosystems. It’s not about personal branding or superficial success. It's about being the 'pebble in the pond', the one who, with unwavering determination, uses their knowledge, experiences, and networks to push industries or ecosystems forward, even in the face of adversity. During our conversation, Denise shares practical tips on how to become a thought leader, including the importance of finding your niche and building a network of support ready to jump in when the waters get rough.  These insights can be invaluable on your journey to thought leadership. Listen to the full episode to hear: What it actually means to be a thought leaderDenise’s two key inflection points in her career and the different choices she made each timeWhy thought leaders need to cultivate allies along with their ideas and convictionsEssential questions to ask yourself when finding your thought leadership nicheThe importance of making your experience and processes tangible  Learn more about Denise Brosseau: Thought Leadership LabConnect on LinkedInReady to Be a Thought Leader? Learn more about Mary Knox Miller: Thought Leader MediaConnect on LinkedIn Resources: Unbound: My Story of Liberation and the Birth of the Me Too Movement, Tarana Burke

    53 min

  7. 04/25/2024

    Ep 11 - David Allison: Shattering Stereotypes with Valuegraphics

    Our world is increasingly data-driven, especially when understanding our audiences, but what if the metrics we’re using are incomplete? David Allison, a renowned marketing strategist and the innovative mind behind Valuegraphics, argues that, at best, demographics only provide a partial picture of a person and, at worst, reinforce biases and stereotypes. This is where values fill the gaps and offer a more comprehensive understanding.  David and his team have not just identified 56 universally shared values, but they've also made them actionable. By adopting a values-based approach to communication, we can challenge our unconscious assumptions and gain predictive insights into what truly engages, motivates, and inspires our audience.  Listen to the full episode to hear: How our values drive everyday choices, large and small–How demographic data perpetuates stereotypes and hinders social changeHow acknowledging our common values helps build consensus and move us forwardHow the core 56 values break down into nuanced and actionable definitions and interpretationsThree key questions to begin uncovering people’s values  Learn more about David Allison: WebsiteValuegraphicsConnect on LinkedInThe Death of Demographics: Valuegraphic Marketing for a Values-Driven World Learn more about Mary Knox Miller: Thought Leader MediaConnect on LinkedIn

    46 min

  8. 04/18/2024

    Ep 10 - Ami Dar: Stubbornness, Authenticity, and the Power of Starting with Yes

    Can you be a leader of an organization and publically share your personal views? Ami Dar, Executive Director of Idealist.org, is currently threading that needle after going viral for his commentary on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.   Driven by a long-held desire to create positive change and inspired by the possibilities of the nascent web, Ami Dar launched Idealist.org in 1995 to bring together nonprofits and social impact professionals to maximize their potential to do good. Over the last thirty years, Idealist.org has grown from a directory of links to become an essential resource for social impact professionals and 150,000 nonprofit organizations worldwide. Listen to the full episode to hear: How Ami’s multinational childhood and experiences in the Israeli army drove his desire to create changeHow his post-military travel and the dawn of the internet inspired the eventual creation of Idealist.orgWhy Ami says it’s vital for leaders to recognize mistakes, learn from them, and course-correct How going viral surprised him and why he says that commenting on the Israel-Palestine war wasn’t a choiceHow Ami sees Idealist Days as bridging the gap between connecting online and connecting with your community to make a real-life difference Why saying yes and getting started, even imperfectly, is how we make change  Learn more about Ami Dar: Idealist.orgX: @amidarWatch Ami’s appearance on TED, "An Israeli and a Palestinian Talk Peace, Dignity and Safety" Learn more about Mary Knox Miller: thoughtleadermedia.coConnect with Mary Knox Miller on LinkedInFollow Thought Leader Media on LinkedIn

    43 min
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5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

What does it take to get your ideas to scale deep? It takes a little art, a little science, and a commitment to speaking human-first. Speaking Human-First is for big thinkers, subject-matter experts, and agents of change hungry for influence and impact. Host and veteran storyteller Mary Knox Miller talks with thought leaders about their road to recognition and unique ways they've shared their work with the world. You'll be emboldened to communicate what you know by focusing on who you are and what those craving your wisdom need to hear.

Information

  • Creator
    Mary Knox Miller
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2024
  • Episodes
    18
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Mary Knox Miller
  • Show Website
    Speaking Human-First