Superpowers School - Self Improvement Podcast Like Diary of a CEO Self-Improvement podcast for technology professionals to build superpowers at work, and thrive in the age of AI

Sam Horn introduces concepts from her books, including 'Tongue Fu' and 'Talking on Eggshells', providing practical advice on handling challenging situations. We explore effective communication strategies like replacing negative words with positive alternatives to shape behaviour and foster respect.
Key tips include how to request promotions, manage workplace interactions, and handle personal and parenting scenarios with effective use of language.
Sam emphasises the importance of structured communication and understanding the perspectives of others to achieve success in both personal and professional settings.
00:00 Introduction to Tongue Fu
00:30 Meet Sam Horn: The Communication Expert
01:03 Practical Tips for Effective Communication
03:31 The Power of Words: Real-Life Examples
05:41 Handling Disagreements and Mistakes
14:49 Influence and Respect in Communication
20:41 Saying No Effectively
22:39 The Power of Positive Language
24:10 Sports and Language: A Personal Anecdote
25:31 The Impact of Words in Coaching
29:18 Effective Communication in the Workplace
35:53 The W5 Form: A Framework for Success
40:29 Final Thoughts and Resources
Sam Horn
Sam Horn has over 20 years of experience as an intrigue expert and has spent those years cultivating great communication and branding strategies for companies such as CISCO, Intel, and NASA. Her writing has appeared in various publications such as Businessweek, Forbes, and the Huffington Post. Her books include Pop: Create the Perfect Pitch, Title, and Tagline for Anything, What’s Holding You Back? and Tongue Fu!: How to Deflect, Disarm, and Defuse Any Verbal Conflict.
⚡️ In each episode, Paddy Dhanda deep dives into a new human Superpower to help you thrive in the age of AI.
🎧 Listen now on:
👉 Apple
👉 Spotify
👉 YouTube
👉 Newsletter
★ BUY ME A COFFEE ★
☕️ If you enjoy the podcast, then you can donate a small amount here as a token of your appreciation and BUY PADDY A COFFEE 👉🏽 https://ko-fi.com/paddydhanda


This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.superpowers.school

Ricardo Brito shares insights on the power of storytelling in making sense of our career and working identity. The discussion delves into the scientific underpinnings of storytelling, cultural differences in professional roles, and how personal stories shape our professional lives.
Ricardo shares his journey from a fine arts student to a UX designer and coach, emphasizing how understanding and articulating our own stories can help us navigate career transitions and stay relevant in a rapidly changing world.
The episode offers practical advice on using storytelling to reflect on career achievements, overcome professional challenges, and prepare for a future increasingly influenced by AI.
00:00 Introduction to Storytelling and Neuroscience
03:30 Ricardo's Background and Early Life
05:57 The Journey of Career Reinvention
11:19 The Power of Storytelling in Shaping Identity
21:46 Simplifying Complex Concepts
23:08 Client Success Story
25:01 Reflecting on Past Experiences
26:45 The Power of Personal Storytelling
30:15 Embracing Differences at Work
39:12 Recommended Resources for Storytelling
41:16 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Ricardo Brito
Ricardo Brito is a career and life coach with a unique approach: helping people pave their way to personal and professional fulfilling balance through what he calls the PATH Method. Ricardo’s journey began back in 2021, when deeply entrenched in the corporate tech world as a UX design lead he found himself battling burnout, disillusionment, and defeat. The turning point came when he reached a breaking point and sought medical help, realizing that something needed to change. This led him on an unexpected path of rediscovering himself through therapy, coaching, and experimentation. As he delved into coaching, Ricardo found a renewed sense of purpose and direction, ultimately choosing to downgrade his role in the corporate world. This decision brought him a profound revelation - that his self-worth was not tied to his title or status, but rather in the impact he made and the quality of his work… and more than products or businesses, it was always about the people and their growth. Through his own journey, Ricardo developed a unique approach to help others navigate professional transitions and transformations, culminating in the creation of the PATH Method.
Ricardo’s links:
https://www.ricardobrito.me/gift
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ribrito/
https://ricardobrito.substack.com/
hello@ricardobrito.me
Ricardo Brito is a career and life coach with a unique approach: helping people pave their way to personal and professional fulfilling balance through what he calls the PATH Method. Ricardo’s journey began back in 2021, when deeply entrenched in the corporate tech world as a UX design lead he found himself battling burnout, disillusionment, and defeat. The turning point came when he reached a breaking point and sought medical help, realizing that something needed to change. This led him on an unexpected path of rediscovering himself through therapy, coaching, and experimentation. As he delved into coaching, Ricardo found a renewed sense of purpose and direction, ultimately choosing to downgrade his role in the corporate world. This decision brought him a profound revelation - that his self-worth was not tied to his title or status, but rather in the impact he made and the quality of his work… and more than products or businesses, it was always about the people and their growth. Through his own journey, Ricardo developed a unique approach to help others navigate professional transitions and transformations, culminating in the creation of the PATH Method.
Ricardo’s links:
https://www.ricardobrito.me/gift
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ribrito/
https://ricardobrito.substack.com/
hello@ricardobrito.me
⚡️ In each episode, Paddy Dhanda deep dives into a new human Superpower to help you thrive in the age of AI.
🎧 Listen now on:
👉 Apple
👉 Spotify
👉 YouTube
👉 Newslet

I discuss who is the greatest leader in history with historian Matthew Lockwood. We discuss the profound impact and historical significance of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, whom Matthew nominated in a BBC poll as the greatest leader in world history. We explore Ranjit Singh's unifying leadership, multicultural administration, and remarkable modernizing efforts. We address themes of tolerance, leadership, and the historical connections that resonate with today's world.
00:00 Introduction
03:04 Special Guest Matthew Lockwood: A Deep Dive into History
05:41 Exploring the Legacy of Maharaja Ranjit Singh
06:57 The Global Impact of Ranjit Singh's Leadership
29:00 The Personal Journey of Maharaja Duleep Singh
38:14 Reflecting on Maharaja Ranjit Singh's Contributions and Legacy
44:39 Future Projects and Closing Thoughts
⚡️ In each episode, Paddy Dhanda deep dives into a new human Superpower to help you thrive in the age of AI.
🎧 Listen now on:
👉 Apple
👉 Spotify
👉 YouTube
👉 Newsletter
★ BUY ME A COFFEE ★
☕️ If you enjoy the podcast, then you can donate a small amount here as a token of your appreciation and BUY PADDY A COFFEE 👉🏽 https://ko-fi.com/paddydhanda


This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.superpowers.school

In this episode, we discuss strategies on how to avoid 'death by PowerPoint'.
I'm joined by Danielle Hennis a presentation expert. We explore:
👉 How we can focus on audience needs
👉 Simplify presentations to one idea per slide
👉 Support presentations with visuals rather than text
Danielle shares her journey and how she transitioned from graphic design to presentation coaching, driven by witnessing ineffective presentations.
Practical advice is shared on how to prepare for presentations, including structuring content and utilizing visuals effectively. The conversation also touches on the importance of storytelling in business, managing presentation anxiety, eliminating filler words, and the role of AI as a tool in presentation preparation.
Danielle also provides recommendations for resources on data visualization, storytelling, presentation anxiety, and general presentation skills.
The episode wraps up with tips for gradually improving presentation skills by seeking feedback and starting with lower-stakes opportunities.
00:00 The Journey from Graphic Design to Presentation Mastery
04:19 Unlocking the Secrets of Effective Presentations
06:02 Harnessing Attention in the Age of TikTok
10:04 Crafting Engaging Presentations: Tips and Strategies
18:45 Overcoming Presentation Anxiety: Strategies for Confidence
31:34 Leveraging AI for Enhanced Presentations
34:41 Eliminating Workplace Silos for Creative Synergy
36:07 Resources and Final Thoughts
Danielle Hennis is a Raleigh, NC native who has travelled around the world only to settle back down in Durham, NC. She is a graphic designer and presentation specialist. She loves helping businesses, groups or individuals tell their message. She is the owner of Make It Memorable, LLC.
Email: drhennis@gmail.com
⚡️ In each episode, Paddy Dhanda deep dives into a new human Superpower to help you thrive in the age of AI.
🎧 Listen now on:
👉 Apple
👉 Spotify
👉 YouTube
👉 Newsletter
★ BUY ME A COFFEE ★
☕️ If you enjoy the podcast, then you can donate a small amount here as a token of your appreciation and BUY PADDY A COFFEE 👉🏽 https://ko-fi.com/paddydhanda


This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.superpowers.school

A deep and insightful conversation with Myriam Hadnes, a self-described facilitation evangelist and the host of the 'Workshops Work' podcast. Myriam shares her journey from an academic background in behavioral economics to embracing facilitation as her superpower, aiming to help others learn and apply it effectively.
She highlights her experiences living and working in different parts of the world, emphasizing the role of travel in gaining insights into diverse cultures, which she finds crucial in her work.
The conversation delves into the essence of facilitation, contrasting it with coaching, and explores its application in making group processes easy and engaging.
Myriam also shares practical tips and strategies for effective facilitation, including dealing with disruptive participants and designing workshops that create a safe and inclusive environment for all participants.
The episode concludes with resources and ways to connect with Miriam for those interested in learning more about the art and science of facilitation.
00:00 The Journey of a Facilitation Evangelist
04:03 Embracing the Digital Shift in Facilitation
05:20 Cultural Nuances in Facilitation
08:02 The Essence and Impact of Facilitation
10:40 Navigating Group Dynamics as a Facilitator
16:13 Designing Effective Workshops
18:50 Managing Disruptive Participants
22:41 Exploring Facilitation Techniques and Ground Rules
24:00 The Art of Icebreakers and Energizers
27:49 Engagement and Attention Span in Meetings
28:25 Effective Session Lengths and Participant Engagement
30:16 Innovative Facilitation Techniques and Tools
33:03 Virtual Facilitation and Preferred Platforms
36:46 The Power of Listening and Authenticity in Work
38:07 Connecting with the Facilitation Community
39:05 Personal Insights and Closing Thoughts
Myriam Hadnes
Facilitation Evangelist: "An expert in the field of facilitation who actively promotes its importance and benefits. This person is passionate about the power of effective group collaboration and aims to spread the word, advocating for the adoption of facilitation techniques in various settings.
https://workshops.work/
⚡️ In each episode, Paddy Dhanda deep dives into a new human Superpower to help you thrive in the age of AI.
🎧 Listen now on:
👉 Apple
👉 Spotify
👉 YouTube
👉 Newsletter
★ BUY ME A COFFEE ★
☕️ If you enjoy the podcast, then you can donate a small amount here as a token of your appreciation and BUY PADDY A COFFEE 👉🏽 https://ko-fi.com/paddydhanda


This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.superpowers.school

Creative Brainstorming and Fun Games to Boost Innovation
Workplaces today often stress seriousness and productivity at the cost of creativity and innovation. Yet, embracing a more playful approach at work can lead to better problem-solving, enhanced creativity, and an overall more enjoyable work experience. In this blog post, we explore the insights shared by Jennifer Battan, a seasoned business analyst and chief creativity officer, on the importance of play and creative brainstorming in corporate settings.
Thanks for reading Superpowers School! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

Contents
* Why Play is Important at Work
* Warming Up for Brainstorming
* Setting the Stage for Brainstorming
* Breaking Out of Corporate Culture
* Learning from Other Industries
* Techniques and Resources
* FAQs
🎭 Why Play is Important at Work
Purpose Behind Play
The adage "all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy" holds a deeper truth in the corporate world than one might think. As children, play is an integral part of development—through play, children create intricate worlds, establish rules, and unleash their creativity. However, as adults, formal corporate roles and the ever-hovering "mask of seriousness" often stifle this childhood creativity.
Spending more waking hours at work than at home, it's essential for employees to find joy and fulfilment in their work environments. By incorporating elements of play and creativity at work, we not only enrich our daily lives but also pave the way for innovation and creative problem-solving.
Play isn't just about competition; it's about collaboration and exploration.

🖊️ Warming Up for Brainstorming
One practical way to catalyse creativity in meetings or brainstorming sessions is to begin with a warm-up activity. Jen suggests a simple yet effective exercise involving a pen:
* Participants are broken into small groups, and one member writes out the alphabet on a paper.
* Each group has two minutes to come up with unique uses for a pen, with each use starting with a different letter of the alphabet.
This activity not only fosters a sense of team synergy but also pushes participants to think outside the conventional frameworks, preparing their minds for divergent thinking.
🎬 Setting the Stage for Brainstorming
For brainstorming to be truly effective, establishing a structured yet open-ended environment is crucial. Jen advises using prompts like "If time and money didn't matter, what would you do?" to transcend typical workplace constraints. This approach not only uncovers the real requirements of a project but also sparks ideas that might seem unachievable under normal circumstances.
Breaking people’s brains a little is part of learning to brainstorm effectively

Timeboxing and Facilitation
Setting clear boundaries and an agenda helps maintain focus and prevents brainstorming sessions from becoming chaotic. It encourages participants to generate and explore ideas without the pressure of immediate feasibility or ROI concerns.
🌟 Breaking Out of Corporate Culture
Breaking the mould of traditional corporate culture involves overcoming ingrained fears and stepping out of comfort zones. By actively challenging the norms of seriousness and embracing a bit of "weirdness,” companies can foster a culture where innovation thrives.
Giving Permission to Be Creative
Creating a safe space for employees to express unusual or bold ideas is vital. Encouraging divergent thinking without immediate judgment or criticism can lead to groundbreaking innovations and solutions.
Thanks for reading Superpowers School! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

🔄 Learning from Other Industries
Benchmarking and Market Analysis
Looking beyond one's own industry can provide new perspectives and innovative solutions. By adopting best practices from different fields, companies can innovate their processes and offerings more effectively.
🛠 Techniques and