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!

Episodes

  1. NOV 4

    The Art of Being 'Whelmed'

    In this conversation, Heather and Dolly discuss the complexities of life transitions, focusing on the concept of being 'whelmed' and the importance of wringing out ‘our sponge’. They explore the challenges of balancing caregiving roles, personal aspirations, and the need for pauses to manage overwhelm. The conversation emphasizes the value of curiosity and self-awareness in navigating life's pressures – especially during midlife. 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: Dolly Pressley Byrd, CNM, PhD, Department of OB/GYN Chair, OB/GYN Specialists, MAHEC Takeaways •Midlife is a unique time of transition. •Being 'whelmed' is a state of constant re-balancing. •Curiosity helps in understanding personal needs. •Pausing can help manage overwhelm. •Life transitions sometimes require letting go. •Decision fatigue can lead to overstimulation. •Active listening fosters better relationships. •Leadership involves empowering others. Chapters •00:00 Introduction to Life Transitions •18:25 Balancing Caregiving and Personal Goals •30:47 The Importance of Pausing •55:33 Curiosity and Self-Awareness •57:58 Leadership and Empowerment •1:02:23 The Concept of Being “Whelmed”  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

    1h 21m
  2. OCT 17

    Flailing & Flying

    In this engaging conversation, Heather and Leah explore the themes of community transformation, resilience, and the importance of creating safe spaces for risk-taking. They discuss the metaphor of flailing and flying as a representation of learning and growth, emphasizing the need for leaders to foster environments where individuals can experiment and learn from their failures. The conversation highlights the significance of joy in the process of flailing and the necessity of self-compassion and reflection in personal growth. 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: Leah Ferguson, DrPH, Executive Director, Thrive Asheville  Takeaways Flailing is a necessary part of learning and resilience.Creating safe enough to fail spaces is crucial for growth.Leadership requires adaptability.Discomfort is a critical part of the learning process.Joy can be found in the flailing and experimentation.Your value is not tied to your productivity.We must support each other in the flail.Chapters 02:43 Exploring Community Transformation05:24 Flailing and Flying: A Metaphor for Resilience11:33 Creating Safe Enough to Fail Spaces17:31 The Role of Leadership in Risk-Taking23:29 Navigating Discomfort and Growth29:24 The Importance of Joy in the FlailQuoted Resources & Tools in this Episode https://thecynefin.co/team/dave-snowden/ https://hbr.org/2007/11/a-leaders-framework-for-decision-making https://www.mos.org/why-did-dinosaurs-have-feathers 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

    56 min
  3. SEP 2

    Leading in VUCA

    In this episode of the "Stand in the &" podcast, Heather Gates and Lisa Macon Harrison discuss the complexities of public health leadership in a VUCA (Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, Ambiguity) world. They explore the importance of communication, trust, and connection in navigating challenges, emphasizing the need for active hope and collaboration. The conversation highlights the significance of understanding both the external environment and internal team dynamics to foster effective leadership and community engagement. Host: Heather Gates, MPH, Owner & Strategy Partner of Human-Centered Strategy, LLC Guest: Lisa Macon Harrison, MPH, Health Director, Granville Vance Public Health Takeaways •Public health professionals are navigating increased complexity & uncertainty •Active hope is essential for effective leadership in public health •Communication must be clear & frequent to build trust •Understanding team dynamics enhances collaboration & decision-making •Trust takes time & is built through consistent engagement •“VUCA Prime” offers a framework for addressing challenges (Vision, Understanding, Clarity, & Agility) •Leaders must balance processing & doing in their roles •Human connection is vital in an increasingly technological world Chapters •00:00 Introduction & Background •08:50 Navigating Complexity & Uncertainty in Public Health •17:43 VUCA: Understanding & Responding to Challenges •26:29 Collaboration & Leadership in Public Health •26:54 The Gift of Collaboration in Public Health •29:41 Self-Awareness & Team Dynamics •34:59 The Importance of Communication •49:08 Navigating Human Connection in a Tech-Driven World Quoted Resources & Tools in this Episode Moments of Impact by Chris Ertel & Lisa Kay Solomon VUCA Prime Framework by Robert Johansson Hymn for the Hurting by Amanda Gorman Everything hurts, Our hearts shadowed and strange, Minds made muddied and mute. We carry tragedy, terrifying and true. And yet none of it is new; We knew it as home, As horror, As heritage. Even our children Cannot be children, Cannot be. Everything hurts. It’s a hard time to be alive, And even harder to stay that way. We’re burdened to live out these days, While at the same time, blessed to outlive them. This alarm is how we know We must be altered — That we must differ or die, That we must triumph or try. Thus while hate cannot be terminated, It can be transformed Into a love that lets us live. May we not just grieve, but give: May we not just ache, but act; May our signed right to bear arms Never blind our sight from shared harm; May we choose our children over chaos. May another innocent never be lost. 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

    58 min
  4. AUG 20

    Balancing Structure & Flexibility

    In this Episode Heather and Rob explore the intricate balance between structure and flexibility in leadership, particularly within the healthcare system. They discuss the importance of human connection, trust, and creativity in navigating complex environments. The dialogue highlights the challenges and opportunities that arise when integrating diverse systems and emphasizes the need for leaders to be authentic and relatable. Through personal anecdotes and insights, they illustrate how effective communication and a willingness to be vulnerable can foster a culture of grace and understanding in organizations. Host: Heather Gates, MPH Guest: Rob Fields, MD, MHA, EVP  Takeaways •Structure and flexibility are both essential in leadership. •Trust is built through authenticity and vulnerability. •Human connection is crucial in navigating complex systems. •Effective communication can ease uncertainty and fear. •Leaders should embrace their humanity to foster grace. •Creativity often requires a balance of structure and freedom. •Integration efforts need thoughtful planning and communication. •People are generally gracious if given the opportunity to connect. •The importance of being relatable as a leader cannot be overstated. •Navigating change requires mindfulness and adaptability. Chapters •00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest •07:06 Navigating Structure and Flexibility •15:35 The Balance of Control and Openness •24:22 Trusting the Audience and Each Other •26:17 Creating Structure in Meetings •29:46 The Balance of Structure and Flexibility •31:51 Understanding the SCARF Model •34:00 Integration Challenges in Healthcare •36:22 Navigating Uncertainty and Change •40:08 Balancing Local Autonomy and System Efficiency •43:50 Building Trust Through Human Connection •50:22 The Creative Process: Structure vs. Flexibility Quoted Resources & Tools in this Episode Chad Littlefield The SCARF Model  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

    1 hr
  5. JUL 28

    Navigating the Not Yet

    In this episode, Heather and Ashley explore the themes of fear, anxiety, presence, and patience in the context of personal and professional growth. They discuss navigating the 'not yet' or ‘in the meantime’ phase between what we can imagine and where we are now. The conversation emphasizes curiosity, self-compassion, and support from others as essential tools for overcoming obstacles and achieving goals. They also highlight the significance of celebrating small wins and grounding in purpose and joy. Host: Heather Gates, MPH Guest: Ashley Bishop, Operations Manager Takeaways •Courage to imagine is a brave step towards improvement. •Navigating fear and anxiety is a common experience. •Curiosity and self-compassion can help in getting unstuck. •A supportive team is a game-changer. •Finding joy in the journey fuels motivation and progress. •You're enough already. Chapters •00:00 Introduction and Team Dynamics •03:20 The & Stand: What “&” are you standing in today? •10:59 Navigating The Not Yet: Embracing the Meantime •19:44 Getting Unstuck: Tools and Strategies •25:21 Navigating Frustration and Energy Management •37:15 Finding Joy in the Journey •43:59 Nurturing Growth and Progress •49:58 Embracing the Not Yet and Self-Acceptance 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

    56 min
  6. JUL 11

    The Vision & Backstory

    In the first episode of the “Stand in the &” podcast, host Heather Gates introduces the concept of embracing the complexity of the human experience. Joined by her son Nash, they discuss the importance of acknowledging the 'and' in life, where multiple truths coexist. Heather shares her journey of creating this podcast as a platform for honest conversations about human complexity, where we get stuck, and how we find forward – individually & collectively. The episode emphasizes the significance of curiosity and the hope that the podcast helps others feel seen and supported. Host: Heather Gates, MPH Guest: Nash Gates, Student & Son Takeaways •The 'and' represents the complexity of human experience. •Embracing the 'and' allows for multiple truths to coexist. •The podcast aims to help listeners feel seen and understood. •Fear and uncertainty are natural parts of the journey. •Curiosity helps us navigate complexity and find solutions. Chapters •00:00 Introduction to the Podcast & Its Purpose •02:13 The Journey of Motherhood & Business •05:56 Embracing the 'And': Understanding Complexity •13:04 The Origin of 'Stand in the &' •17:32 Why a Podcast? The Desire to Share and Learn •27:11 The Role of a Strategy Partner •33:49 Embracing Uncertainty & Complexity •39:31 Navigating the Human Experience •44:48 The Journey of Self-Discovery •49:09 Connecting with the Audience 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

    54 min

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!

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