The Antifragility Reframe

Dr. Frank L. Douglas
  • 0.0 (0)
  • MANAGEMENT
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

The Antifragility Reframe Podcast is a space for deep conversations with leaders, thinkers, and practitioners who thrive in uncertainty. While my previous show, The Reframe for Resilience Podcast, focused on how individuals and organizations can recover and “bounce back” from challenges, this new podcast goes further. We explore how adversity, stress, and volatility can actually make us stronger—not just something to withstand, but something to harness. At the heart of this shift is reframing: the ability to see challenges through a new lens. By reframing setbacks as opportunities for growth, we transform the very forces that might break us into catalysts that strengthen us. Key Difference: Resilience vs. Antifragility 1. Resilience - The ability to endure shocks and return to a prior state. Resilient people and systems withstand disruption and recover to baseline. • Mindset - “How can I reinterpret this so I can endure it and get through it?” 2. Antifragility - The ability to grow stronger because of shocks, stressors, and volatility. Antifragile people and systems use disruption as fuel for growth and innovation. • Mindset - “How can I reinterpret this so I can benefit from it and emerge stronger?” Resilience helps us survive. Antifragility helps us evolve. Reframing is the bridge — the mental shift that determines whether we return to where we were, or transform into something stronger. Invitation for Guests As a guest, you’ll have the chance to share your own story of growth through challenge, your insights on navigating volatility, and your strategies for transforming stress into strength. Together, we’ll inspire listeners to embrace uncertainty not with fear, but with curiosity and creativity.

  1. 11H AGO

    The Antifragility Reframe - Episode 13: Jumping Without a Safety Net with Bryan Gile

    What if fear wasn’t your enemy—but your greatest training partner? In this episode of The Antifragility Reframe, Dr. Frank Douglas speaks with eight-time world record skydiver and executive coach Bryan Gile about mindset, fear, and the small daily actions that create unshakable belief. From jumping out of planes to building businesses, this conversation will reframe how you approach challenges, obstacles, and success itself. Watch now and learn how to build confidence that compounds. For any questions or inquiries regarding this video, please reach out to team@safehavendialogues-llc.com Follow us at: Facebook & Instagram Or visit our website at Safe Haven Dialogues LLC Episode Summary: What does it really take to perform at the top 1%—not just in extreme sports, but in business and life? In this episode of The Antifragility Reframe, Dr. Frank Douglas sits down with Bryan Gile, an eight-time world record–holding skydiver, executive coach, and author, to explore how elite athletic mindset translates into entrepreneurial success. Bryan shares his journey from growing up in the skydiving world to holding global records—and the surprising disconnect he experienced when his skydiving success didn’t initially translate into business results. From that gap, he developed a powerful and practical three-step system that helps individuals build unshakable belief through small, consistent actions. This conversation dives deep into mindset, fear, “bright shiny object syndrome,” and how true antifragility is built—not through motivation, but through disciplined mental practices and immediate action. Key Topics What elite skydiving teaches us about fear and performanceWhy entrepreneurs abandon goals instead of obstaclesThe danger of “bright, shiny goals”The mindset gap between athletic success and business successBryan Gile’s Three-Step System for building beliefHow small, immediate actions compound into confidenceAntifragility through realistic optimismWhy consistency beats talent every time Timeline Summary [00:00 – 01:00] Introduction and framing the mindset of a world-class skydiver [01:01 – 03:30] Bryan’s early life in skydiving and path to world records [03:31 – 05:30] The realization: elite athlete vs. struggling entrepreneur [05:31 – 07:45] Why entrepreneurs chase new goals instead of solving obstacles [07:46 – 08:50] Mindset, antifragility, and the need for systems—not willpower [08:51 – 11:30] The Three-Step System: awareness, reframing, immediate action [11:31 – 12:30] Final insights, book mention, and where to connect with Bryan Links & Resources span...

    13 min

  2. 12/17/2025

    The Antifragility Reframe - Episode 12: Living Forward: Finding Purpose, Growth, and Your “Porsche” with William Bissett

    When life shakes you, how do you respond—break or grow stronger? In this episode, Dr. Frank Douglas and wealth advisor William Bissett explore purpose, resilience, and the life-changing question: “What’s your Porsche?” If you’re seeking clarity, direction, or a deeper understanding of antifragility, this episode offers powerful stories and insights to help you live—and choose—more intentionally. For any questions or inquiries regarding this video, please reach out to team@safehavendialogues-llc.com Follow us at: Facebook & Instagram Or visit our website at Safe Haven Dialogues LLC Episode Summary: In this episode of The Antifragility Reframe, Dr. Frank Douglas sits down with William Bissett, President of Portus Wealth Advisors and host of Speaking of Startups. William shares how a series of unexpected encounters—from serving hors d'oeuvres to global power brokers to finding meaning in economics—reshaped his trajectory and led him toward a career rooted in purpose, service, and helping others build both wealth and wisdom. Together, they dive into the essence of antifragility: transforming setbacks, pressures, and uncertainties into growth. William reflects on powerful stories from clients whose life experiences—whether facing terminal illness or standing at a crossroads—offered profound lessons about living fully, choosing intentionally, and not postponing joy. Dr. Douglas and William explore the transformative question: “What’s your Porsche?”—a metaphor for the meaningful decisions and desires we delay, often until it’s too late. This is an inspiring conversation on purpose, opportunity, resilience, and how embracing the present can reshape the way we prepare for the future. Key Topics How unexpected encounters can shape direction and purposeFinding clarity after feeling lost or directionlessThe role of mentors, clients, and community in lifelong learningAntifragility: reframing setbacks into growth and opportunityWealth beyond finances—family, legacy, and personal meaningThe decade-by-decade reflection on life and living in the presentThe importance of not postponing joy: What’s your Porsche? Timeline Summary 00:04 — Introduction Dr. Douglas sets the stage and previews William Bissett’s transformative journey. 01:24 — A Lost Student Finds Direction William shares how chance encounters in Washington, D.C. sparked his interest in economics. 04:41 — The Career Pivot Returning to school with purpose, progressing from insurance to wealth management. 07:17 — Lessons From Clients William reflects on how clients shaped his understanding of growth, life, and legacy. 07:58 — Opportunity and Growth The origins of Portus Wealth Advisors and the philosophy that opportunities are everywhere. 08:40 — A Client’s Life Reflection A powerful decade-by-decade story from a client battling cancer, emphasizing living in the present. 11:34 — “What’s Your Porsche?” A story of a client who postponed joy—until it was too late—creating a powerful lesson about intentional living. 14:21 — Closing Reflection Dr. Douglas challenges the audience to rethink their choices and live an antifragile life. Links & Resources Learn more about a...

    15 min

  3. 12/10/2025

    The Antifragility Reframe - Episode 11: Rebuilding Trust When Organizations Break with Leah Brown

    In this powerful episode of The Antifragility Reframe, Dr. Frank L. Douglas sits down with mediator and restorative practitioner Leah Brown, FRSA, to uncover how organizations can genuinely repair harm, rebuild trust, and strengthen workplace culture. If you’ve ever witnessed dysfunction, unresolved conflict, or a lack of accountability in your workplace, this episode offers a grounded and transformative perspective on how repair should be done. For any questions or inquiries regarding this video, please reach out to team@safehavendialogues-llc.com Follow us at: Facebook & Instagram Or visit our website at Safe Haven Dialogues LLC Episode Summary: In this episode of The Antifragility Reframe, Dr. Frank L. Douglas sits down with Leah Brown, FRSA, founder of The WayFinders Group, an expert mediator and restorative practitioner specializing in repairing harm within organizations. Together, they explore workplace dysfunction—specifically, what happens when harm is done, trust is broken, and employees feel stripped of agency. Leah walks us through real situations she has mediated, including harassment grievances, leadership failures, and the cultural barriers that keep organizations from addressing root issues. This conversation reframes conflict as an opportunity—not for punishment—but for healing, growth, and stronger cultures. Leah also shares a powerful four-stage blueprint her team uses to move organizations from dysfunction to repair. If you lead people, work with teams, or are navigating harm within your workplace, this episode offers grounded, compassionate insight. Key Topics The reality of organizational dysfunction and lingering harmWhy acknowledgment is the foundation of workplace repairHow mediation differs from restorative practiceThe challenge of restoring agency to harmed employeesWhy HR limitations often prevent true organizational healingHow leaders can reframe conflict and cultivate psychological safetyLeah’s four-stage blueprint: Acknowledgement, Apology, Accountability, AmendsHow to help employees move from “what happened to me” to “how do I move forward stronger?” Timeline Summary [00:04] — Introduction: What happens when dysfunction harms an organization [01:08] — Meet guest Leah Brown, FRSA [02:11] — The complexity of organizational challenges and mediation [03:00] — A real case: harassment grievance and its aftermath [05:17] — Understanding outcomes: what harmed employees actually need [06:20] — Why desired outcomes are often unachievable without acknowledgment [07:41] — Is “preventing future harm” a realistic goal? [08:30] — Limitations of HR and workplace mediation [10:45] — Context matters: culture, leadership, and repeating patterns [11:07] — Reframing perspectives for both parties [11:53] — What happens after the conflict is “resolved”? [12:40] — Psychological safety, trust, and rebuilding relationships [13:27] — Leah’s closing insights on dysfunction and repair [13:42] — The four-stage blueprint for restoring trust Links & Resources The WayFinders Group – Organizational repair, mediation & restorative practiceConnect with Dr. Frank L....

    15 min

  4. 12/03/2025

    The Antifragility Reframe - Episode 10: Stopping to Rise Stronger with Faith Clarke

    What happens when stopping becomes the most powerful step you can take? In this episode of The Antifragility Reframe, Dr. Frank Douglas and organizational health expert Faith Clarke explore burnout, caregiving, and the journey toward restorative leadership. Through personal storytelling and practical wisdom, Faith reveals how slowing down created the clarity she needed to support her son—and eventually transform the way leaders build healthy, inclusive work cultures. If you’re a leader, caregiver, or changemaker on the edge of burnout, this conversation is for you. For any questions or inquiries regarding this video, please reach out to team@safehavendialogues-llc.com Follow us at: Facebook & Instagram Or visit our website at Safe Haven Dialogues LLC Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share to help more people embrace antifragility! Episode Summary: In this illuminating episode of The Antifragility Reframe, Dr. Frank Douglas sits down with organizational health and inclusion specialist Faith Clarke for a powerful conversation on burnout, nourishment, and building restorative work cultures. Drawing from her deeply personal journey as a mother to a child on the autism spectrum, Faith shares how a single moment of “Stop World” became the turning point that transformed not only her parenting approach but also her entire philosophy on sustainable leadership and inclusion. Together, they explore why stopping—intentionally and safely—is essential for expanding perspective, accessing wisdom, and cultivating both personal and organizational well-being. Leaders, caregivers, and mission-driven professionals will find profound insight in this important conversation. Key Topics The emotional and physical toll of long-term caregivingThe importance of “stopping” as a pathway to clarity and resilienceWhy leaders must nourish themselves firstHow fear narrows perspective—and safety expands itMoving from “I” to “We” in problem-solvingUnderstanding and designing restorative work culturesInclusion beginning with the selfBuilding practices that support both personal needs and organizational missionThe ethical dilemma of extraction-based work environmentsPractical ways leaders can support employee well-being Timeline Summary [00:00 – 01:00] Opening and introduction to Faith Clarke’s work in organizational health and inclusion. [01:00 – 04:00] Faith shares her early caregiving challenges and the burnout she experienced parenting a child with autism. [04:00 – 06:00] The “Stop World” moment—how she paused everything to reclaim clarity and wellbeing. [06:00 – 08:30] Stopping as a way to reduce fear, expand perspective, and create access for inclusion. [08:30 – 10:30] Moving from the individual “I” to the productive “We.” How inclusion begins with the self. [10:30 – 12:30] What restorative work cultures look like and why leaders must nourish themselves first. [12:30 – 14:00] Practical measures for well-being at work—listening, relationships, autonomy, competence. [14:00 – End] Closing reflections and gratitude. Links & Resources Learn more and connect with Faith Clarke at Faithclarke.comInvitation for Women...

    14 min

  5. 11/26/2025

    The Antifragility Reframe - Episode 09: Rising Beyond Limits: 55-Year Journey of Antifragility with Kenneth James Kunken

    What does it take to rise stronger after life changes overnight? Meet Kenneth James Kunken, who became a quadriplegic at 18—but went on to earn three Ivy League degrees, break accessibility barriers, counsel individuals with disabilities, and become an accomplished lawyer. In this episode of The Antifragility Reframe, Dr. Frank Douglas dives into Kenneth’s 55-year journey of resilience, courage, access, and reinvention. This story will challenge everything you think you know about capability and possibility. Watch this if you need inspiration, perspective, or a reminder that adversity can create strength—not limit it. For any questions or inquiries regarding this video, please reach out to team@safehavendialogues-llc.com Follow us at: Facebook & Instagram Or visit our website at Safe Haven Dialogues LLC Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share to help more people embrace antifragility! Episode Summary: In this powerful and deeply inspiring episode of The Antifragility Reframe, Dr. Frank Douglas speaks with Kenneth James Kunken, a quadriplegic for over 55 years, whose life story challenges assumptions about disability, access, purpose, and resilience. At 18, Kenneth suffered a life-altering spinal cord injury while playing football at Cornell University. Overnight, he went from athlete to quadriplegic. Yet through unimaginable adversity, Kenneth rebuilt his life—not by returning to who he was, but by discovering an entirely new version of himself. Together, Dr. Douglas and Kenneth explore: How severe loss built an unshakeable inner voiceThe shift from engineering to psychology and lawWhat access looked like before the ADA—and how he pushed through the barriersHis mission to multiply his impact through counseling, advocacy, and the Viscardi CenterHow expectations shape possibilities—and how he shattered them This is not just a story of survival. It’s a story of antifragility—becoming stronger because of challenge, not despite it. Key Topics Life before and after the spinal cord injuryRedefining identity after lossThe role of mentors and support systemsAccessibility challenges in the 1970sReturning to Cornell as the first quadriplegic graduateExpanding access vs. limiting expectationsCounseling, advocacy, and building career pathwaysBecoming an attorney despite societal doubtsGrowth outcomes through antifragility Timeline Summary [00:00 – 01:00] — Dr. Douglas introduces the episode and Kenneth’s extraordinary background [01:00 – 03:00] — Kenneth shares his injury story and early rehabilitation [03:00 – 06:00] — Returning to Cornell and shifting from engineering to counseling [06:00 – 08:30] — Adjusting to life in a wheelchair during the 1970s [08:30 – 11:00] — Becoming more vocal and confident in public settings [11:00 – 13:00] — Accessibility challenges before the ADA; becoming Cornell’s first quadriplegic graduate [13:00 – 15:00] — Work with the Viscardi Center and expanded roles [15:00 – 17:00] — Pursuing a law degree and breaking expectations [17:00 – End] — Dr. Douglas and Kenneth reflect on growth, possibility, and antifragility Links & Resources a href="https://viscardicenter.org/" rel="noopener...

    14 min

  6. 11/19/2025

    The Antifragility Reframe - Episode 08: From History Professor to Inclusive Leader — How to Turn Stress into Strength with Dr. Jodi Vandenberg-Daves

    Discover how historian and leadership coach Dr. Jodi Vandenberg-Daves transformed career challenges, workplace friction, and identity shifts into powerful opportunities for growth. In this episode of The Antifragility Reframe, Dr. Frank Douglas dives deep into her journey—from academia to inclusive leadership—and the principles that guided her forward. If you’re navigating career transitions, feeling boxed in, or seeking to lead with more empathy and cultural humility, this conversation will inspire your next step. For any questions or inquiries regarding this video, please reach out to team@safehavendialogues-llc.com Follow us at: Facebook & Instagram Or visit our website at Safe Haven Dialogues LLC Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share to help more people embrace antifragility! Episode Summary: In this inspiring episode of The Antifragility Reframe, Dr. Frank Douglas sits down with historian, author, mentor, and leadership coach Dr. Jodi Vandenberg-Daves. Together, they explore her powerful journey from academia to coaching and leadership development—highlighting the pivotal moments where stress, disruption, and workplace challenges pushed her to evolve. Dr. Jodi opens up about the friction she experienced within her department, the identity shift of leaving the traditional historian path, and how seeking support and reframing adversity helped her pivot confidently. She also reflects on the relational, contextual, and story-centered strengths she brings into her coaching work today. This episode is a masterclass on reframing setbacks, leading with cultural humility, leveraging support systems, and honoring personal evolution. Key Topics The early passion that led Dr. Jodi to pursue historyNavigating career pivots and professional identity shiftsWorkplace friction, marginalization, and emotional resilienceThe importance of seeking support, mentorship, and alliesHow storytelling and context awareness shape her coaching practiceRelational leadership and balancing task vs. people orientationCultural humility and understanding privilegeThe “superpowers” of those who have been marginalizedMoving from resilience (bouncing back) to antifragility (bouncing forward) Timeline Summary [00:00 – 01:07] Introduction of Dr. Jodi Vandenberg-Daves and the focus of the episode. [01:07 – 04:49] Jodi shares her early passion for history, her academic journey, and her first career pivots. [04:49 – 07:25] The stress and disruption that pushed her toward a departmental shift—and how she reframed the challenge. [07:25 – 10:00] Finding support, leaning on allies, and recognizing her worth during difficult transitions. [10:00 – 12:25] How history, storytelling, and generational context informed her approach to coaching and leadership. [12:25 – 13:03] The power of relational leadership and its role during organizational changes. [13:03 – 14:00+] Key leadership principles: cultural humility, acknowledging privilege, recognizing the strengths (“superpowers”) of marginalized individuals, and fostering inclusive environments. Links & Resources Learn more about Dr. Jodi Vandenberg-Daves at JVD Consulting LLCWomen’s...

    15 min

  7. 11/12/2025

    The Antifragility Reframe - Episode 07: AI and Authenticity in Business Growth: Turning Disruption into Advantage

    What happens when AI meets authenticity? In this episode of The Antifragility Reframe, Dr. Frank Douglas sits down with digital strategist Wes Towers to uncover how embracing AI—without losing the human touch—can future-proof your business. From personal challenges to professional breakthroughs, learn how antifragility turns disruption into opportunity. Watch now and discover how to bounce forward in a rapidly changing world. For any questions or inquiries regarding this video, please reach out to team@safehavendialogues-llc.com Follow us at: Facebook & Instagram Or visit our website at Safe Haven Dialogues LLC Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring conversations! Episode Summary: In this insightful episode of The Antifragility Reframe, host Dr. Frank L. Douglas, PhD, MD sits down with Wes Towers, Founder of Uplift 60, a Melbourne-based digital agency, to explore how artificial intelligence (AI) and human authenticity can coexist to strengthen—not threaten—businesses. Wes shares how he faced a difficult turning point when AI seemed poised to upend his industry. Instead of resisting change, he reframed it as an opportunity for growth, integrating AI to streamline his processes while doubling down on the human elements that make his work meaning fulempathy, connection, and authentic communication. Together, Dr. Douglas and Wes unpack how adopting an antifragile mindset allows entrepreneurs to bounce forward from challenges rather than merely bouncing back. They also discuss the concept of “Search Everywhere Optimization”, the evolution of digital marketing beyond Google, and how AI can serve as Accelerated Human Intelligence—a tool to amplify human creativity and purpose. Key Topics Covered: The intersection of AI, authenticity, and antifragilityHow to future-proof your business through adaptive thinkingUsing AI to enhance rather than replace human connectionFrom “Search Engine Optimization” to “Search Everywhere Optimization”Building client trust in an AI-driven landscapeThe concept of “Accelerated Human Intelligence”Turning personal and professional challenges into opportunities for innovation Timeline Summary: [00:00 – 01:15] Introduction and guest welcome [02:00 – 04:30] Wes shares his early career and how he entered the digital marketing field [04:30 – 05:45] The pivotal moment: business valuation shock and the rise of AI [06:00 – 07:30] Embracing AI while reinforcing human values and authenticity [07:30 – 09:00] Building community and creating human-centered digital experiences [09:00 – 11:00] How clients adapted to AI-driven strategies [11:30 – 13:00] Reframing AI as Accelerated Human Intelligence [13:00 – 14:30] Lessons learned: challenges as blessings in disguise [14:30 – 15:00] Closing reflection on resilience vs. antifragility Links & Resources: Learn more about Wes Towers' Website: Uplift360  Connect with Dr. Frank L. Douglas at a href="https://www.safehavendialogues-llc.com/" rel="noopener...

    15 min

  8. 10/31/2025 · BONUS

    How To Be Antifragile When Hunger Strikes

    [00:00-00:21] Ever wondered what to do if suddenly you can't feed your family? The fear, the silence, the feeling that everything you built is slipping away. It's the kind of moment that can break you. [00:21-00:51] It can also awaken you, awaken you to realize that hunger is not just about food. It is also about dignity, connection, and possibility. When you understand that, you begin to realize that antifragility is not just about bouncing back. [00:51-01:39] It's about bouncing forward. Audre Lorde said, "Without community, there is no liberation." When one person can't feed their family, it is not just their crisis. It is our shared responsibility, so we rebuild systems that can nourish everyone, not just the fortunate few, because hunger anywhere is a threat to humanity everywhere. [01:39-01:58] Realizing that begins antifragility. Let us reframe hunger. Let us use it to grow our community.

    2 min
See All (16)

About

The Antifragility Reframe Podcast is a space for deep conversations with leaders, thinkers, and practitioners who thrive in uncertainty. While my previous show, The Reframe for Resilience Podcast, focused on how individuals and organizations can recover and “bounce back” from challenges, this new podcast goes further. We explore how adversity, stress, and volatility can actually make us stronger—not just something to withstand, but something to harness. At the heart of this shift is reframing: the ability to see challenges through a new lens. By reframing setbacks as opportunities for growth, we transform the very forces that might break us into catalysts that strengthen us. Key Difference: Resilience vs. Antifragility 1. Resilience - The ability to endure shocks and return to a prior state. Resilient people and systems withstand disruption and recover to baseline. • Mindset - “How can I reinterpret this so I can endure it and get through it?” 2. Antifragility - The ability to grow stronger because of shocks, stressors, and volatility. Antifragile people and systems use disruption as fuel for growth and innovation. • Mindset - “How can I reinterpret this so I can benefit from it and emerge stronger?” Resilience helps us survive. Antifragility helps us evolve. Reframing is the bridge — the mental shift that determines whether we return to where we were, or transform into something stronger. Invitation for Guests As a guest, you’ll have the chance to share your own story of growth through challenge, your insights on navigating volatility, and your strategies for transforming stress into strength. Together, we’ll inspire listeners to embrace uncertainty not with fear, but with curiosity and creativity.

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Frank L. Douglas
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    16
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Dr. Frank L. Douglas
  • Show Website
    The Antifragility Reframe