10 Lessons Learned
Our mission is to foster a wiser and more inclusive world by connecting a community of generous mentors and engaging professionals. Our purpose is to share lessons and wisdom gleaned from life experiences so that we become a better version of ourselves.
Listen on:
Episodes
Wednesday Jan 25, 2023
Wednesday Jan 25, 2023
Dr Nora Gold asks us “If not now, when?”, explains why we need to “be kind to ourselves”, that “You define success” and more. Hosted by Siebe Van Der Zee.
About Dr Nora Gold
Dr. Nora Gold is a dynamic professional with a multi-faceted career. She is the prize-winning author of three books of fiction. The first, Marrow and Other Stories, won a Canadian Jewish Book Award and was praised by Alice Munro. Fields of Exile won the 2015 Canadian Jewish Literary Award and praise from both Cynthia Ozick and Irwin Cotler. The Dead Man (2016) won a Canada Council translation grant, resulting in this book’s publication in Hebrew, and an excerpt from it appeared also in Hungarian. Her fourth book, consisting of two novellas, will be published in 2024.
Dr Gold is the founder and editor of the prestigious literary journal Jewish Fiction .net (www.jewishfiction.net), which publishes first-rate Jewish-themed fiction from around the world, either written in English or translated into English from 18 languages, and which has readers in 140 countries. To date, Jewish Fiction .net has published over 500 works of fiction never before published in English, including fiction by such eminent authors as Elie Wiesel.
She was also a former social work professor and researcher who received 7 funded research grants, including from The Social Science and Humanities Research Council of Canada, focusing on women’s health, mental health, disability issues, and antisemitism).
Dr Gold is a community activist involved in various social issues, including feminist empowerment, who has served on numerous boards, task forces, and committees, and has been recognized by the Toronto community as an Outstanding Volunteer.
She has also founded or co-founder of three socially progressive organizations in Canada, all focused on social justice and promoting dialogue and equality between Jews and Arabs in Israel.
For more details about Dr. Gold, visit noragold.com.
Episode Notes
Lesson 1: If I am not for myself, who will be? 07:21Lesson 2: If I am only for myself, what am I? 14:29Lesson 3: If not now, when? 19:48Lesson 4: You define success 27:31Lesson 5: The perfect is the enemy of the goodLesson 6: Be kind to yourself 33:33Lesson 7: Create space for creativity 38:16Lesson 8: Take action against distraction 41:55Lesson 9: Read, read, read, read, read…fiction 46:37Lesson 10: You only go round once 54:39
Wednesday Jan 11, 2023
Wednesday Jan 11, 2023
Dr Beverly Browning shares her Do’s and Don’ts lessons; "DO appreciate yourself", "DON’T be hard on yourself when you make mistakes", "Do celebrate yourself" and more. Hosted by Diana White
About Dr Beverly Browning
Dr Beverly A. Browning (Dr Bev) – The Grant Doctor is a non-profit capacity-building consultant and revenue-generating visionary. She is a grant-writing consultant who uses thought leadership to work with eligible organizations struggling with the woes of revenue stream imbalances. Dr Bev and her team members have helped her clients win over $750 million in grant awards. She has been researching grant funding, grant making trends, and board-related barriers to non-profit capacity building for over 47 years.
Dr Bev is the founder and director of the Grant Writing Training Foundation and Bev Browning LLC. Dr Bev is the author of 47 grant writing publications, including seven editions of Grant Writing for Dummies (2001-2022), the 6th edition of Non-profit Kit for Dummies (2021), and the 4th edition of Fundraising for Dummies (2022).
She has also created six courses for Ed2go.com dba Cengage Learning. Her instructor-led online asynchronous courses include A to Z Grant Writing (1 & 2), Advanced Proposal Writing, Becoming a Grant Writing Consultant, Non-profit Manager, Winning RFP Responses. and Professional Grant Writing.
Dr Bev is an approved strategic planning facilitator and training provider for CFRE International (AFP), the Grant Professionals Association (GPA), and the Grant Professionals Certification Institute (GPCI). In addition, she has also created two Zoom-based live training courses, Coaching & Mentoring for New and Struggling Grant Writers (16 weeks) and Freelance Grant Writing Consultant’s Boot Camp (4 weeks). Her classes fill up months before they are offered. Dr Bev lives her life with faith and discernment.
Episode Notes
Lesson 1: DO appreciate yourself: I am worthy of success. 03:29Lesson 2: DO create a spiritual foundation: I am a withering flower without faith. 06:38Lesson 3: DO not be hard on yourself when you make mistakes: Mistakes fuel patience and do-overs.12:26Lesson 4: DO live your life fully: Yesterday can’t be replayed, and tomorrow is not a promise. Live for today. 15:35Lesson 5: DO celebrate yourself: Pat yourself on the back, create BIG PICTURE plans or incentives to celebrate your life. 20:27Lesson 6: DON’T beat yourself up over mistakes. Move on with lessons learned. 30:35Lesson 7: DON’T isolate yourself when you are going through hard or trying times. 34:53Lesson 8: DON’T give up, ever! 36:49Lesson 9: DON’T let your mind get stagnant. 43:06Lesson 10: DON’T let your health decline! 44:27
Wednesday Dec 28, 2022
Wednesday Dec 28, 2022
Dr Samantha Boardman and Dr Dilip Jeste discuss the techniques you can use to become wiser. Hosted by Duff Watkins
About Dr Dilip Jeste
Dilip Jeste is a neuropsychiatrist and professor at the University of California, San Diego. He is author of Wiser: the scientific roots of wisdom (and 13 other books). His 625 published scientific papers are among most cited in the world (he’s in the top .5% of publishing researchers). He was the first Asian-American elected President of the American Psychiatric Association in its 175 year history which has over 40,000 members. He is listed in “Best Doctors in America.”
About Dr Samantha Boardman
a New York based positive psychiatrist, who is committed to fixing what’s wrong and building what’s strong. Positive Psychiatry takes a more expansive approach, focusing on the promotion of wellbeing and the creation of health. private practice in Manhattan. published papers in journals including Translational Neuroscience, Nature Reviews Neuroscience, The American Journal of Psychiatry, and The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry. I’m also a frequent contributor to Psychology Today, The Wall Street Journal, and Thrive Global, and a guest on the Today Show and Good Day New York. Author of Everyday Vitality: turning Stress into Strength. Founder of PositivePrescription.com
Episode Notes
Lesson 1: What would X do? 02:46
Lesson 2: You won’t be wise until you regulate your emotions 09:48
Lesson 3: Move towards, not away; be pro-social not anti-social 16:53
Lesson 4: Practice compassion (start with yourself) 23:10
Lesson 5: Affirm a Value Today 32:16
Lesson 6: Think Best, Worst, Most Likely (accept uncertainty) 39:39
Lesson 7: Re-frame the meaning of so called 'bad' events 44:12
Lesson 8: Build the Habit of “Good Enough” 50:41
Lesson 9: Be Your Own Emotional Detective: channel your inner Sherlock Holmes
Lesson 10: Look Up! Find your spirituality 58:20
Wednesday Dec 14, 2022
Wednesday Dec 14, 2022
Karen Loon shares her lessons about how "Our future is shaped by our past", that "Imposter syndrome is normal", why you should not "be scared to look in the mirror" and more. Hosted by Jeffery Wang
About Karen Loon
Karen Loon is passionate about ensuring that both women and those from culturally diverse backgrounds are given the right opportunities to thrive within their organisations.
Combining her business and governance experience as Non-Executive Director (NED); her 29 years working with the world’s leading financial institutions as a senior relationship and assurance partner at PwC; her knowledge gained from leading change initiatives in diversity; and her academic research in system psychodynamics, Karen delivers research-based and yet practical advice to the organisations she works with.
Karen is a recognised thought leader and speaker on workplace diversity and inclusion. She was formerly PwC’s Singapore and Asia-Pacific Diversity Leader and a member of its Global Diversity Leadership Team and Global Financial Services Diversity Steering Committee. Under her leadership, PwC won the British Chamber of Commerce Singapore’s 2017 Embracing Diversity and Inclusion Award. She was also awarded a certificate at the 2017 Singapore Committee for UN Women HeForShe Awards to recognise her work to promote gender equality in Singapore.
Karen regularly shares her views on enhancing diversity with leading organisations and professional and industry bodies in Australia and Singapore. She is also a commentator on governance and culture matters.
Karen is a NED on several for-profit, professional, and educational organisation boards. She has an Executive Master in Change from INSEAD, a Master of Business Administration from Macquarie Graduate School of Management, and a Bachelor of Economics from the University of Sydney. In addition, Karen has several post-graduate qualifications in accounting, finance, corporate governance, and culture.
Karen’s current book Fostering Culturally Diverse Leadership in Organisations-Lessons from Those Who Smashed the Bamboo Ceiling, examines how successful culturally diverse leaders at work resolve the contradictions and tensions of their identities within organisations.
Episode Notes
Lesson 1: Life is full of patterns that we continuously repeat 03:05Lesson 2: Your family will always be your biggest cheers squad 06:32Lesson 3: Our future is shaped by our past 10:47Lesson 4: If you’re not networking, you’re not working 13:55Lesson 5: Imposter syndrome is normal 17:52Lesson 6: Don’t be scared to look in the mirror 20:59Lesson 7: Embrace negative capability 23:49Lesson 8: Invest in ‘me’ time 25:52Lesson 9: Stay hungry, stay foolish 26:55Lesson 10: The best way to bond is over food 29:17
Wednesday Nov 30, 2022
Wednesday Nov 30, 2022
Link Duarte discusses why we should "Strive for excellence, not perfection " That we need to "Live your bliss " and explains why you shouldn't "let your mistakes ruin what you could be: . Hosted by Diana White
About Link Duarte
“Link,” formally known as Chris Duarte, is committed to inspiring the world to be more inclusive of everyone. As the chair of the Advocacy group at CTW, Link is committed to lifting the voices of the worker (open talent), to ensure that they not only have a seat at the table, but that they have instrumental influence for positive change in the future of workspace.
Link is committed to making the world a safer place in his efforts as a pro human advocate, consultant, innovator, program developer, trainer, speaker, and storyteller. Link, a Veteran of the armed forces, holds 2 BS, and an MA in Sociology, Criminology, Law, and more recently, a Master’s Certificate in Business Analytics (HBAP) from Harvard Business School. Since the start of his career, Link has founded and directed several entities and programs that serve people, educated publicly about rural and minority issues, and volunteers his time to support social justice initiatives. As the Founder and CEO of Linking Dreams, Link provides cultural strategy consulting, training, DEI/EIG evaluation, and program design to help entities enhance their reach of underserved populations. Link also chairs the Advocacy group at the Center for the Transformation of Work where he engages audiences to lift up the voices of workers in the #futureofwork space. Link believes in the power created when people unite to form ecosystems of support and dedicates his time to ensure that the voices of the underserved are valued and included.
Episode Notes
Lesson 1: Live your bliss and the universe will open doors for you that you thought were only walls 01:52Lesson 2: Let your past be your guiding post and not your hitching post 04:11Lesson 3: In 10 years, nobody will remember what you did, but they will always remember the way you made them feel 04:52Lesson 4: Don’t let your mistakes ruin what you could be- stop giving your mistake so much power 06:49Lesson 5: Strive for excellence, not perfection 09:08Lesson 6: Identity shouldn’t define you; it is merely of characteristic that helps guide us and who we are 10:53Lesson 7: Be your authentic self because your authenticity is the one thing that no one can take away from you 14:03Lesson 8: Exercise and learn healthy habits while you’re young because it only gets harder as you get older 16:01Lesson 9: If college is your bag, give it all you got- look at that piece of paper as an investment in your future 18:03Lesson 10: In the white room with the red door, be the 3rd type of person 22:41
Wednesday Nov 16, 2022
Wednesday Nov 16, 2022
Will Sarni discusses why we should "Do good things" That we need to "Learn to say No or Hell Yeah" and explains the power of unreasonable people. Hosted by Siebe Van Der Zee
About Will Sarni
Will Sarni is the founder and CEO of Water Foundry a water strategy consultancy. He is also the CEO of the The Future of Water Fund, a water technology venture fund focused on addressing water scarcity, quality and equitable access to water. He has been a sustainability and water strategy advisor to multinationals, water technology companies, investors, and non-governmental organizations for his entire career.
Prior to Water Foundry, he was a managing director at Deloitte Consulting where he established and led the water strategy practice. He was the founder and CEO of DOMANI, a sustainability strategy firm, prior to Deloitte.
Will is an internationally recognized thought leader on water strategy and innovation. He was ranked as; A Key Player Pressuring Businesses to Care About Water and one of the Top 15 Interviews In Smart Water Magazine 2019. Sarni is the author numerous publications on water strategy and innovation including the following books.
“Corporate Water Strategies”
“Water Tech – A Guide to Investment, Innovation and Business Opportunities in the Water Sector”
“Beyond the Energy – Water – Food Nexus: New Strategies for 21st Century Growth”
“Water Stewardship and Business Value: Creating Abundance from Scarcity”
“Creating 21st Century Abundance through Public Policy Innovation: Moving Beyond Business as Usual”
“Digital Water: New Technologies for a More Resilient, Secure and Equitable Water Future”
He also has a children’s book on water, “Water, I Wonder?”
Sarni is a co-founder of WetDATA and a host of the podcast, The Stream with Will and Tom. He is a board member of Silver Bullet, Project WET and the Rocky Mountain Rowing Club. He was the Chairman of the Scientific Advisory Board for the WAITRO Global Water Innovation Summit 2020 and was on the Scientific Program Committee for Stockholm World Water Week from 2013 through 2019. His advisory work includes working with the 2020 X-PRIZE (Infinity Water Prize), as a Bold Visioneer for the 2016 X-PRIZE Safe Drinking Water Team and a Technical Advisor for the Climate Bonds Initiative: Nature- Based Solutions for Climate and Water Resilience. He is also on the Editorial Board of the Journal of Water Security.
Episode Notes
Lesson 1: Generosity and kindness 08:27Lesson 2: Work hard - a depression era work ethic 10:28Lesson 3: Do good things 13:49Lesson 4: You will always have a career in water as it is a public health issue 15:44Lesson 5: Hire someone you would work for 18:44Lesson 6: The power of unreasonable people 22:07Lesson 7: Learn to say no or hell yeah 23:56Lesson 8: Be a realistic optimist - to leave the world a better place 25:36Lesson 9: Relationships and quality of work matters 29:35Lesson 10: Quotes to live by 33:17a. Work hard, stay foolish (Richard Brand, Author)b. The future is here, just not evenly distributed (William Gibson, Author)c. Dream as if you'll live forever, live as if you'll die today (James Dean, Actor)
Wednesday Nov 02, 2022
Wednesday Nov 02, 2022
Keith Rowe explains how "EQ Trumps IQ Every Time", that "There Is A Difference Between Leadership Versus Management" and tells us about "The New Business Opportunity - Customer Service". Hosted by Robert Hossary
About Keith Rowe
Having joined the workforce as a sixteen-year-old, Keith Rowe went on to become the Television and Electronic Technicians Institute of Australia (TETIA) Apprentice of the Year. From there, it was obligatory National Service, graduating from the Army’s Officer Training Unit (OTU) as a 2nd Lieutenant, and completing his two-year obligation as a Troop Commander within a Royal Australian Signals field regiment.
Back in the civilian workforce, Keith moved into sales and marketing with EMI, lucky enough to be offered the opportunity of a lifetime, with his appointment as inaugural National Sales Manager for the setting up of a Toshiba-EMI joint venture - the forerunner of Toshiba’s Australian operation. Eight years later, by then General Manager - Consumer Products for Toshiba Australia, he stood down to form his own company to pursue consulting and training work.
Keith also set up the Australian distributor for Casio (as Managing Director), the recovery of Sanyo’s market position in the early nineties (as General Manager - Sales and Marketing), and the re-structuring of Sharp Corporation of Australia (as Corporate Director and Group General Manager).
Keith has taken his renowned ‘KNACK of Selling’ program to wherever it was demanded across Australasia and Southeast Asia. He has conducted workshops in close to a hundred locations - from Sanyo’s International Headquarters in Osaka Japan to a scout hall in outback Australia - involving well over a thousand participants.
He has worked across a wide span of market sectors, including computers, sporting goods, jewellery, homewares, telecommunications, electronic components, and too many more to mention here today.
Keith is an active speaker, trainer, and writer, he has published close to a hundred articles and has an evolving series of books.
Episode Notes
Lesson 1. The Expression “Knowledge Is Power” Is Now Redundant …” Knowhow” is now the power! 06:00Lesson 2. EQ Trumps IQ Every Time! 12:32Lesson 3. The New Business Opportunity…Customer Service 20:29Lesson 4. Discrimination Versus Equality … Totally Different Things! 26:45Lesson 5. Be skilled at having Conversations 34:14Lesson 6. Don’t just talk. Question, Listen, and Watch! 41:09Lesson 7. Persuasion Is A Matter Of Style … Conviction Is A Matter Of Process! 48:13Lesson 8. “Do You Think?” Versus “Do You Feel” … Very Different Connotations! 51:39Lesson 9. There Is A Difference Between Leadership Versus Management 54:36Lesson 10. The Long-Term Challenges Of Preserving Relationships Are? 59:02
Wednesday Oct 19, 2022
Wednesday Oct 19, 2022
Ron Higgs tells us that "You can learn from anyone", that you should "Solve more problems than you create" and why we should "Embrace gratitude". Hosted by Diana White
About Ron Higgs
Ron Higgs is a veteran, executive business consultant, engineer, and published author. His career started in the US Navy and included combat flight operations, developmental flight testing, program management, production & manufacturing management, and systems engineering. He has worked in several industries and held leadership positions in startups, small companies, and large corporations. Ron is the founder and principal of Wolf Management Solutions, where he is a business consultant, coach, and Fractional COO who helps companies scale through leadership, organizational development, and process improvement. Ron is passionate about helping BIPOC entrepreneurs become great leaders and build successful businesses.
His education includes a BS in Mathematics from the US Naval Academy, an MS in Systems Engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School, and a certificate in Engineering Flight Test from the US Naval Test Pilot School.
Episode Notes
Lesson 1: Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about 02:20Lesson 2: You can learn from anyone, so always be open. 03:57Lesson 3: I’ve never had an idea that someone else didn’t make better. 06:25Lesson 4: Multitasking is BS, focusing is a superpower. 09:13Lesson 5: Everything is related to leadership and your ability to build relationships is the key 12:53Lesson 6: Solve more problems than you create 16:41Lesson 7: You will make mistakes and reasonable people tolerate mistakes. It’s how you make it right that matters. 18:45Lesson 8: Embrace gratitude - find something to be grateful for in every situation 23:57Lesson 9: The most valuable thing that you have is your time. “Someday” isn’t a goal or a strategy and you are running out of “someday’s”. 26:02Lesson 10: Don’t call yourself an expert or a trusted advisor, you’ll know when you get there because your peers will describe you that way 28:33
Wednesday Oct 05, 2022
Wednesday Oct 05, 2022
Baishakhi Connor explains how " It all starts with belief", why you should "Chase your dreams, but don’t become captive to them" and that "Things happen, it isn’t the end of the world" along with more great lessons. Hosted by Jeffery Wang
About Baishakhi Connor
When Baishakhi was 8, she wanted to be the President of the United States. Growing up in a tiny Indian town on a healthy dose of fiction, anything seemed possible. At 12, she realised a one-way flight to US cost many years of their household income! Presidency dreams were replaced by a search for ways to explore the world from near-poverty-line status.
From her tiny town start in life, Baishakhi has gone on to carve a diverse career spanning four continents. Now in her 40s, she continues to stretch her boundaries in ways she could never have imagined at 8. She has a senior management role in one of Australia’s largest retailers. She joined her first Board role last year. She volunteers. She mentors. She writes. She speaks. She makes time to learn new things, currently flexing her muscles into Powerlifting.
Baishakhi lives in a tri-cultural tri-religious family with her Australian Catholic husband and Afghan Muslim foster daughter. As foster mum of 1, step mum of 4 and step grand mum of 4 (and a ½), her life is a busy blur of family, fun and food.
Episode Notes
Lesson 1: It all starts with belief 02:25Lesson 2: Workaholism is an addiction, don’t wear it as a badge of honour 09:19Lesson 3: Things happen, it isn’t the end of the world 19:26Lesson 4: Learn the known way, they find your OWN way 24:22Lesson 5: Chase your dreams, but don’t become captive to them 30:59Lesson 6: Reframe your thinking, count your blessings 37:12Lesson 7: Embrace the differences, learn from them 40:01Lesson 8: Bias is all around us. Recognise it, challenge it, break it 47:36Lesson 9: Let the iron teach you 55:22Lesson 10: Give it time, let tears morph into memories 1:01:26
Wednesday Sep 28, 2022
Wednesday Sep 28, 2022
Ellen Ruppel Shell tells us why you "Should rise above your assumptions", why we should "Question received wisdom" and " Don’t take business matters personally " hosted by Duff Watkins.
About Ellen Ruppel Shell
Ellen Ruppel Shell is an author, investigative journalist and Prof. of Journalism at Boston University where she co-directs the Graduate Program in Science Journalism. She conducts research, teaches, and writes on issues relating to science and economic policy and social justice. Prof. Ruppel Shell is the author of hundreds of published articles, reviews and essays. She’s a long-time contributing editor for The Atlantic, writes on issues of science, social justice, economics and public policy for Science, Scientific American, the New York Times opinion and book pages, The Los Angeles Times, The Guardian, Discover, The New York Times Magazine, The Boston Globe and the Washington Post. She has served as an editor for a wide range of national publications and for public broadcasting and is sought frequently as a commentator on issues of science and the press.
Prof. Ruppel Shell has authored four books translated into more than a dozen languages, The Job: Work and Its Future in a Time of Radical Change (Crown, October, 2018); Cheap: The High Cost of Discount Culture (Penguin, 2009), The Hungry Gene (Grove, 2002), and A Child’s Place (Little Brown, 1992).
Prof. Ruppel Shell has been a Vannevar Bush Fellow at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and a Fellow in Occupational Health and Safety at Harvard University Medical School. She lectures widely on topics in science communication and public policy, as well as economic and social justice. She has served both as a Bush Fellow at MIT and as a Fellow in Occupational Health and Safety at Harvard University.
Episode Notes
Lesson 1: Trust yourself (but not too much) 05:09Lesson 2: Don’t take business matters personally. 08:14Lesson 3: Demand evidence and extraordinary claims demand extraordinary evidence.12:23Lesson 4: Question received wisdom. 19:01Lesson 5: Rise above your assumptions.27:39Lesson 6: Be self-confidant enough to give others the benefit of the doubt.31:25Lesson 7: Feelings trump facts in many matters, “rational” can be overrated.24:14Lesson 8: You’re bored because you’re not paying attention. 37:10Lesson 9: Don’t mistake hurt and guilt for anger. 42:22Lesson 10: Empathy is not compassion. 45:56
Wednesday Sep 21, 2022
Wednesday Sep 21, 2022
Rachna Nath tells us why we " Should believe that destiny will lead us", why we "Shouldn't be afraid of failure" and that " If you believe in something, make it happen " hosted by Diana White.
About Rachna Nath
Rachna Nath is a TIME recognized Innovative teacher and is also an internationally recognized innovator, entrepreneur, NASA solar system Ambassador, National Geographic Educator, grant writer and a STEM enthusiast. She is also the coauthor of the SDG4 Corporate handbook set forward by the United Nations. She has two master’s degrees, first one in Entomology (Insect Science) and the second one in Biology (Developmental Genetics) from Arizona State University working with Honey Bee Exocrine gland ontology.
She has won the Teacher of the Year by JSHS (sponsored by the US armed forces), Governors Celebration of Innovation Award, Global Innovation Award from TURNITIN, Honorable Mention for the Presidential Innovation Award for Environment Educators in the United States, two Excite Awards from Lemelson-MIT foundation to mention a few. She has also been invited to join the “Imaginary College” as an honorary member (Center for Science and Imagination) at ASU along with world renowned elite Philosophers like Margaret Atwood, Paolo Bacigalupi and many more.
She has been featured as one of the fifty 2021 Women in MILLION STEM, Entrepreneur Magazine, “Chandler Lifestyle 2020 Women of Chandler” recognized at the “Women in Leadership Conference” by the Chandler Chamber of Commerce, Phoenix Arizona. Some other features are in Thrive Global, Authority Magazine as Inspirational Women in STEM. She has also received grants from Bill and Melinda Gates foundation, Healthy Urban Environments, FLINN foundation, NSF, Department of Defense, Arizona Recycling Coalition, Society for Science and the Public, Chandler Education Foundation and the list goes on.
Her entrepreneurship ventures, through her program DRIPBL (Dream Research Innovate Problem/Project Based Learning) has led her to open up many companies with her students. One of the most prominent one is www.oxiblast.in which is a three-generation women entrepreneurship. Her 14-year-old daughter and 12-year-old son are both #1international bestseller and well recognized musicians as well.
She works with young entrepreneurs to make their dreams come true by working with the community partners and helping patent their ideas. Rachna has a network of trusted IT professionals, lawyers, community helpers who help bring dreams to reality for 9th to 12th grade students who are invested in critical thinking, problem solving and giving back to the community by solving real world problems. She has 3 patents pending from such students in various prototypes from Anti-VOC scent bags to Heat stress monitoring devices. Rachna also does a lot of volunteering work talking about honeybees at various festivals, has contributed her time in mask making during the COVID19 pandemic and also runs a dance school “Sangeeta Nritya Academy” in US which she has dedicated to her Guru Sangita Hazarika in Assam, India. She is a force to be reckoned with and she is not stopping anytime soon.
Episode Notes
Lesson 1: Believe that destiny will lead you to where your impact is most needed. 02:44Lesson 2: Empowering students with curiosity is empowering the future. 04:50Lesson 3: Be your own advocate, value yourself, and pamper yourself. 07:03Lesson 4: Never confuse standing up for yourself with being disrespectful. 11:28Lesson 5: Patience is a virtue but can become a vice if you practice it too much.15:21Lesson 6: Looking for contentment and making your passion your job is worth more than money.21:23Lesson 7: Make a list of priorities in your life and allot time for each of them based on your priority 27:30Lesson 8: If you believe in something, make it happen 33:47Lesson 9: Don't be scared of the negativity or failure in life, make it a learning moment. 35:22Lesson 10: Keep growing in your field and never be afraid of change but embrace it. 41:03
Wednesday Sep 14, 2022
Wednesday Sep 14, 2022
Oliver Burkeman tells us how "The ability to tolerate minor discomfort is a superpower" why we should "Let things take the time they take" why it's important to "Seek enlargement rather than happiness " and more. Hosted by Duff Watkins.
About Oliver Burkeman
Oliver Burkeman is an award-winning British journalist who wrote a long-running weekly column for The Guardian, entitled "This Column Will Change Your Life." Burkeman has won the Foreign Press Association's Young Journalist of the Year award, FPA's Science Story of the Year 2015 and has been shortlisted for the Orwell Prize in 2006. His work has also appeared in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Psychologies, and New Philosopher. He lives in New York City.
He is the author of The Antidote: Happiness for People Who Can't Stand Positive Thinking focuses on his theory of negativity and Help! How to Become Slightly Happier and Get a Bit More Done (2011). He also has his own blog, on which he features a wide range of articles covering topics such as business management and various interviews with noteworthy individuals including Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter His new book, Four Thousand Weeks - time management for mere mortals , is about making the most of our radically finite lives in a world of impossible demands, relentless distraction and political insanity (and 'productivity techniques' that mainly just make everyone feel busier).
Episode Notes
Lesson 1: Seek enlargement rather than happiness 06:47Lesson 2: Everyone is totally just winging it 11:01Lesson 3: You're always procrastinating on something 18:23Lesson 4: Nobody else really cares what you do with your life 23:34Lesson 5: The ability to tolerate minor discomfort is a superpower 26:33Lesson 6: What makes it unbearable is your mistaken belief that it can be cured 30:49Lesson 7: Let things take the time they take 33:06Lesson 8: You wouldn't want the control you think you need 35:15Lesson 9: Don't fight time; it always wins in the end 40:42Lesson 10: You don't need to justify your existence 43:59
Wednesday Sep 07, 2022
Wednesday Sep 07, 2022
Alberto Esparza discusses why you should not be "Afraid to Fail", how "It's Never Personal" and why you should "Embrace Negativity" hosted by Siebe Van Der Zee
About Alberto Esparza
Alberto has served as the founder and president of Si Se Puede Foundation for 28 years. The mission of the Si Se Puede Foundation, it stands for "Yes, You Can" is to provide opportunities for underserved young people and to develop an interest and proficiency in STEM, science, technology, engineering, and math, Alberto quote, unquote retired last year.
To start his latest nonprofit, the I Rise Foundation dedicated to providing underserved and underrepresented students an opportunity to consider STEM as a career choice.
Episode Notes
Lesson 1: Don’t assume you know how to engage a community 5:12Lesson 2: Don’t be afraid to fail 8:56Lesson 3: Leadership is defined by the community 14:01Lesson 4: Set goals 21:46Lesson 5: Be willing to learn lessons from others 21:46Lesson 6: Embrace negativity 22:58Lesson 7: Seek out a higher power 26:46Lesson 8: It’s never personal 29:36Lesson 9: We live in a glass house 32:39Lesson 10: Be careful what you ask for 35:38
Wednesday Aug 31, 2022
Wednesday Aug 31, 2022
Dr Helen Holton tells us why "Dreams deferred don't mean dreams denied", how "We're not born resilient; but we build it throughout our lives" and how "Forgiveness frees you to live stronger" hosted by Diana White.
About Dr Helen Holton
Dr. Helen Holton’s a recovering elected official after 21 years’ public service as a member of the Baltimore City Council. The local lawmaker re-invented herself and today is a professional, multi-certified and credentialed Leadership Coach. A modern-day renaissance woman shaped by the intersections of race, gender, political power, and privilege. What keeps her going? She’ll tell you in one word, resilience. The power source that keeps her solid, savvy, and soaring. She lives an authentic life, without apology; speaks truth to power and brings light into the darkness. A bold bridge-builder balanced and sustained by resilience – the sweet spot to her success! It’s at the heart at what keeps her going. Resilience makes her “Why” possible.
She leveraged education, experience, and earned expertise, to launch Dr. Helen Holton and Associates, committed to help leaders lead with inclusion, diversity, equity, and cultural intelligence to achieve more success with less stress and greater joy in life.
From councilwoman to coach, speaker, author, and show host of Dr. Helen speaks… Strengths, Resilience & Leadership, she shows up to empower leaders to be better leaders through the best of who they are. Passionate about human engagement, talent development, and leadership empowerment is what you get when she works with you.
Episode Notes
Lesson 1: A hard head makes a soft behind 05:09Lesson 2: Nothing fast last 08:14Lesson 3: Dreams deferred doesn't mean dreams denied 09:07Lesson 4: We're not born resilient; we build it throughout our lives 11:57Lesson 5: Forgiveness frees you to live stronger, it doesn't mean restoration of what was 15:22Lesson 6: Life and death are in the power of the tongue; speak life 19:53Lesson 7: Every day is a gift, appreciate the present, life is a choice we choose moment by moment, don’t miss it 24:53Lesson 8: Service is the price you pay for the space you occupy 27:06Lesson 9: Love is the greatest force on this planet there is, nothing beats it 29:37Lesson 10: Wisdom truly only comes with age 34:32
Wednesday Aug 24, 2022
Wednesday Aug 24, 2022
Stan Rodski shows us how to "Recalibrate our brain"; shares how to "Harness your brain power" and explains the power of the "Napucino". Hosted by Duff Watkins
About Dr Stan Rodski
Dr Stan Rodski is an Australian neuroscientist in private practice specializing in brain performance. He has a bachelor's degree in psychology and a doctorate of science in biological statistics. Dr Rodski has worked as a psychologist for over 30 years and more recently has focused on the neurosciences. Stan has helped many people, schools, sporting teams and organisations with improving performance and in particular memory, concentration, agility and resilience.
It was through the discovery of the positive neurological effects of colouring-in using Dr Rodski's designs which has sparked a worldwide sensation resulting in three of Dr Rodski's colouring-in brain science books being featured by Oprah Winfrey in her 2016 Christmas Wish List. These three books, Modern Meditation, Brain Science Colourtation Technique and Anti-stress were a worldwide success.
His latest book The Neuroscience Of Mindfulness is available now.
Episode Notes
Lesson 1: In God we trust, all others must bring data 08:48
Lesson 2: Your brain: the more we know, the bigger the mystery 17:20
Lesson 3: Mind/Body connection is real 19:50
Lesson 4: Reflex to reaction in 0.25 seconds 26:32
Lesson 5: 20 minutes x 20 meters x 20 seconds = recalibrated brain 29:07
Lesson 6: Your Current View of Situation ≠ Best View of Situation 32:50
Lesson 7: Harness your brain power with infinity, circle, square, triangle exercises 39:40
Lesson 8: I’ll sleep when I die! No, you’ll die without sleep 45:53
Lesson 9: Time for a napucino 49:40
Lesson 10: On Mars a day is 24.6 hours but how will your brain cope? 52:21
Wednesday Aug 17, 2022
Wednesday Aug 17, 2022
Professor Denis Leclerc tells us why you should “Learn something new every day”; why you should ”Learn to slow down; why it’s important not to “judge people too fast” and more. Hosted by Siebe Van Der Zee.
About Professor Denis Leclerc
Dr. Denis Leclerc teaches cross-cultural communication and global negotiations at Thunderbird School of Global Management. His interests and research have focused on intercultural communication competence and global negotiation. At Thunderbird, Denis teaches in multiple programs such as the on-campus Master of Global Management, Executive MGM, customized programs such as Thunderbird International Consortia, and multiple oil and gas executive programs. He also serves as the academic director for multiple custom programs such as Raytheon, Novartis and Medtronic, and open-enrollment programs in negotiation and leading diverse teams.
Before joining Thunderbird, Denis taught at Arizona State University and served for eight years as director of multiple international studies abroad programs there. He directed and served on numerous master’s and Ph.D. committees in the U.S. and Europe. He was co-program evaluator for a National Science Foundation (NSF) three-year grant examining the cultural adaptation of U.S. scientists working in scientific laboratories abroad. This research project was instrumental in guiding NSF to redesign program components to include cross-cultural training for their international assignments.
Denis has been published in leading journals in his field including the International Journal of Intercultural Relations, and has been a contributor to Readers in Communication, authoring a chapter on the impact of culture on global negotiations.
Denis is also an active and highly sought-after consultant. As the principal of his own consulting company, he has conducted cross-cultural research for companies in North America and France. Additionally, he has provided support for international program evaluations and has planned, facilitated, and analyzed professional development seminars for a wide range of executive programs throughout the U.S. and Europe. He is a keynote speaker and seminar leader for various companies such as American Express, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and ExxonMobil on topics as varied as cultural misunderstanding, improving multi-cultural awareness, and cultural strategic negotiation preparation.
In 2008, 2009, 2014 and 2022 he was voted the most valuable professor by the Thunderbird Executive MGM students. In 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2016, he was voted most outstanding faculty member by the Thunderbird MGM students. He also ranks as one of the best professors in all the corporate programs that he participates in.
A native of Normandy, France, Denis completed a maitrise in cultural geography (honors) from L’Universite de Haute Normandie, Rouen, France, and then a master’s in international tourism at Arizona State University. He received his Ph.D. in cross-cultural communication from the Hugh Downs School of Communication at Arizona State University. He received his certifications for the Global Mindset Inventory from Thunderbird and the COM/COI from the Training Management Corporation. As one of his last research interest, Denis is publishing an entrepreneurial journey book that will be available September 2022.
Episode Notes
Lesson 1: Learn something new every day, even if it is a new word 06:36Lesson 2: Never stay angry. Anger will eat you alive 08:58Lesson 3: Managing stress is like “Start where you are, use what you have, do what you can.” (Quote by Arthur Ash) 12:33Lesson 4: Don’t judge people too fast, we have more in common than we are different. 14:45Lesson 5: Travel 23:10Lesson 6: Success is a journey not the final destination 29:27Lesson 7: learn to cultivate creativity 34:12Lesson 8: Help and support others 37:00Lesson 9: Learn to slow down 39:00Lesson 10: Learn how to become a better mentor 44:01
Wednesday Aug 10, 2022
Wednesday Aug 10, 2022
Dr Belle Liang and Tim Klein share with us the reason we should "Adopt a purpose mindset, not a passion or performance mindset"; how we can "Add value as a trailblazer, builder, champion or guardian"; why you should "Trust yourself to figure it out" and more. Hosted by Diana White.
About Dr Belle Liang
Dr. Belle Liang is a professor and chair of counseling, developmental, and educational psychology in the Lynch School of Education and Human Development at Boston College. She is a licensed clinical psychologist, and an expert in mentoring and youth purpose. She is an American Psychological Association Fellow Division 17, recipient of a Distinguished Alumni Award from Indiana University-Bloomington, The Many Faces of Counseling Psychology Award for outstanding contributions in psychology, and numerous honors for teaching and mentoring. She founded the Purpose Lab, and has published nearly 100 peer-reviewed journal articles and chapters to advance the science and practice of mentoring and cultivating purpose in schools and workplaces.
About Tim Klein
Tim Klein, LCSW is an Award-Winning Urban Educator, Clinical Therapist, teaching fellow at Harvard University and lecturer at Boston College. He has worked intensively with marginalized students to equip them to pursue meaningful and fulfilling lives. Prior to his work at Boston College, he spent five years as the Outreach Director for Summer Search, a national youth development non-profit serving historically underrepresented student populations. As the Director of School and Community Engagement at Medford High School, he implemented strategies that increased college matriculation by 30%.
Liang and Klein will be releasing their book (published by St. Martin’s Press), How to Navigate Life, on August 2, 2022.
Episode Notes
Lesson 1. Adopt a purpose mindset, not a passion or performance mindset. 08:26Lesson 2. Play your growth games, even while competing in fixed games. 14:18Lesson 3. Future-proof yourself as a creator, facilitator or driver. 19:22Lesson 4. Add value as a trailblazer, builder, champion or guardian. 28:32Lesson 5. Meet the big five needs in the world (physical, personal, community, societal, environmental)38:50Lesson 6. Create moments that matter. 53:04Lesson 7. Listen for your call, not someone else's. 01:01:28Lesson 8. Diversify your brand, social and human capital 01:09:18Lesson 9. Cultivate an inner world that ripples into the outer world. 01:14:35Lesson 10. Trust yourself to figure it out. 01:18:45
Tuesday Aug 02, 2022
Tuesday Aug 02, 2022
Professor James Pennebaker tells us how we can use words to better understand ourselves and others. He shares how expressive writing can be a tool to understand trauma. Hosted by Duff Watkins
About James Pennebaker
Dr James Pennebaker is an internationally recognized social psychologist who's endlessly curious about human nature.
His earlier work found that keeping secrets can make people sick. This work led to his discovery that people could improve their physical and mental health by writing about their deepest secrets, which is now widely known as expressive writing. Most recently, he's become intrigued by how people reveal themselves in their everyday spoken and written language.
Author of the popular books, Opening Up Writing it down: Expressive Writing: Words that heal; The Secret Life of Pronouns and more. Pennebaker is Regents Centennial Liberal Arts Professor and Chair of the Department of Psychology at the University of Texas at Austin. He's a member of the Academy of Distinguished Teachers and a consultant to businesses, medical schools, and various federal agencies that address corporate and national security issues. Pennebaker is the author or editor of 10 books and almost 300 scientific articles and he ranks among the most cited researchers in psychology, psychiatry, and the social sciences.
Episode Notes
02:26 Pronouns07:29 Stealth Words14:13 Expressive Writing29:14 Nature of Narratives35:22 Healthy Secrets35:34 The I Word
Tuesday Jul 26, 2022
Tuesday Jul 26, 2022
Gaj Ravichandra speaks with Jeffery Wang about why you should "Run towards success rather than away from failure", why you should always "Assume there is 1% of truth in everything " how "Winning doesn't exist in the comparison game" and more.
About Gaj Ravichandra
Gaj is the Managing Partner of Kompass Consultancy, he's also a Psychologist, Careers and Talent Expert and Performance Coach with over 15,000 coaching hours delivered Internationally. Gaj has trained everybody from world-cup winning sporting coaches to business leaders undertaking multi-billion-dollar corporate mergers.
He has worked with multinationals, governments, educational institutions and sporting teams in Australia, the Middle East, UK, Europe and Asia. His industry experience covers a wide range of sectors, including Telecom, Finance, Healthcare, Aviation, Technology, Manufacturing, Consulting, Retail and even Oil & Gas.
Gaj is passionate about Sustainable High Performance, Leadership Development, Career Pathing Strategies, and Setting Fulfilling Mindsets for Life
Gaj had been featured in Arabian Business, Khaleej Times, Thrive Magazine, WKND Magazine, and the Gulf News.
When outside of work, Gaj travels extensively around the globe and is the Founder and Director of organisations focused on career development, music, education, sports and a family charity.
Episode Notes
Lesson 1. You network is your net worth 03:45Lesson 2. Winning doesn't exist in the comparison game. 06:35Lesson 3. The pillars of life are your values and purpose. 08:53Lesson 4. Running towards success rather than away from failure. 12:12Lesson 5. Every person should have a therapist 14:12Lesson 6. Mental toughness is the most important leadership skill and mindset to develop 17:53Lesson 7. The things you fear are the greatest growth opportunities 21:09Lesson 8. Choose abundance over scarcity 25:20Lesson 9. Self-compassion allows you to give more to others. 27:47Lesson 10. Assume there is 1% of truth in everything 32:46
Tuesday Jul 19, 2022
Tuesday Jul 19, 2022
Dr Joel Martin shares why "Feedback is a gift"; what your greatest "Superpower" is; why you should "Learn to love and laugh a lot"; and more. Hosted by Diana White
About Joel Martin
Dr. Joel Martin, founder of Triad West Inc., is a trainer, coach, and speaker delivering breakthrough leadership performance, DE&I training, and organizational change. Dr. Martin has worked with diverse audiences and thousands of clients across the U.S. and in China, Taiwan, Russia, Malaysia, Republic of South Africa, France, United Kingdom, and Norway changing lives for the better.
Dr. Martin has earned a PhD in Communications, a Master’s in Psychology and admission as a Wharton Fellow of Wharton Business School. She is the author of How To Be A Positively Powerful Person as well as three other books. She is also the founder of the annual Positively Powerful Woman Awards, Education Summit & Leadership Conference.
Dr. Martin was previously one of the first women to own and operate a full-service advertising agency. Considered a creative powerhouse, her award-winning company specialized in marketing to audiences that include urban, women, and the African Diaspora.
Dr. Martin has served as a City of Scottsdale Human Relations Commissioner and Compensation Committee Chairperson of the American Baptist Homes of the West (now CommonGood) Corporate Board of Directors.
Episode NotesLesson 1. Feedback is the gift of information that tells you what’s working and what’s not. 04:41Lesson 2. One of the most important superpowers one has is the ability to choose. 09:39Lesson 3. If you think you can do a thing or you think you can’t do a thing, you’re right. 20:09Lesson 4. Learn to be confident before and after any challenge. 21:27Lesson 5. You may never know the cause of the good fortune. 25:31 Lesson 6. Know your values. 34:00Lesson 7. Whenever you want to lift your spirits, focus out, and give. 43:51Lesson 8. Learn to love and laugh a lot. 49:08Lesson 9. Every person has value and a lesson to teach. 53:05Lesson 10. Once you find your purpose (your why), make it your life’s work. 56:29
Tuesday Jul 12, 2022
Tuesday Jul 12, 2022
Ambassador André Haspels talks about why you should "Savor unique experiences"; the benefits of "Being modest" why you should "Make others look good" and more. Hosted by Siebe Van Der Zee
About André Haspels
André Haspels is the ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to the United States based in Washington, D.C..
Haspels grew up in Uithoorn in the province of Noord-Holland. His father was a flower trader who imported flowers from all over the word, including ferns from Florida. Since he was a young boy, Haspels has always seen flowers, and that’s how he learned about agriculture and trade.
Haspels studied politics at the Vrije Universiteit of Amsterdam. In 1987, he joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where he served in many capacities. In 1997, he became head of the Political Department at the embassy in South Africa (Pretoria), where he was involved in the cooperation between the two nations, among others in the setup of the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
He later served as ambassador in Vietnam and South Africa and most recently as director general of political affairs in the Hague.
Joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1987 and followed its diplomatic service training program.
Held the following posts:
1988 – 1990 Policy officer, Political and Economic Affairs Section at the embassy in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Writing political reports, maintaining contacts, focus on economy and trade.
1990 – 1992 Press secretary to Minister for European Affairs Piet Dankert, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, The Hague
1992 – 1994 Seconded National Expert (SNE) at the European Commission in Brussels, DG 23 (business policy/SMEs). Preparing and implementing partnership programmes for European small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) focused on cooperation within the EU and with SMEs in non-member states (e.g. EuroMed partnership).
1994 – 1996 Secondment to the office of the Committee on International Policy/European Affairs at the House of Representatives. Responsible for setting up a monitoring system for new Committee proposals and promoting knowledge and understanding within the Permanent Committee on EU Affairs.
1997 – 2000 Head of the Political Affairs Section at the embassy in Pretoria, South Africa. Responsible for drawing up political reports, maintaining networks and coordinating political partnership programmes (e.g. democratisation projects, Truth and Reconciliation Commission).
2000 – 2005 Head of the External Affairs Division of the European Integration Department (DIE), Ministry of Foreign Affairs. EU external relations (enlargement, association agreements, European development cooperation). Also involved in 2004 Dutch EU Presidency in an implementing role (preparing events, including a ministerial meeting).
2005 – 2008 Ambassador in Hanoi, Vietnam. Bilateral ties between Vietnam and the Netherlands, and embassy management.
2008 – 2009 Director of the Sub‑Saharan Africa Department. Bilateral Africa policy (on politics, security, development cooperation and economic affairs), setting the department’s course.
2009 – 2011 Deputy Director-General for International Cooperation (Plv-DGIS). Setting the Directorate-General’s course, policy adviser to the Minister for Development Cooperation, deputy member of the Ministry’s Senior Management Board. Jointly responsible for staff-related and financial matters within the Directorate-General.
2011 – 2014 Ambassador in Pretoria, South Africa. Bilateral ties between South Africa and the Netherlands (also accredited to Namibia, Swaziland, Lesotho and Botswana).
2014 – 2016 Deputy Director-General for Political Affairs (Plv-DGPZ), helping set the Directorate-General’s course, policy adviser to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, deputy member of the Ministry’s Senior Management Board.
2016-2019 Director-General for Political Affairs (DGPZ), setting the Directorate-General’s course, policy adviser to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, member of the Ministry’s Senior Management Board.
2019-present Ambassador in the United States of America. Bilateral ties between the United States and the Netherlands.
Episode Notes
Set achievable goals 07:56
Be modest 10:57
Make others look good ("make them shine") 13:48
Give people trust and space 15:31
Be accountable to yourself and to others 19:11
The circle of close family is highly important 23:34
“Never stop learning” 27:39
Try to enjoy 30:53
Savor unique experiences 35:11
Know yourself 40:23
Tuesday Jul 05, 2022
Tuesday Jul 05, 2022
Bob Mankoff, Cartoonist and Author talks about why you should "Work in batches of 10", why "Talent is the ticket but that's all " and the why you should "Appreciate when 'good' is 'good enough'". Hosted by Duff Watkins.
About Bob Mankoff
For over 40 years, Bob Mankoff has been the driving force of comedy and satire at some of the most honored publications in America, including The New Yorker and Esquire. He has devoted his life to discovering just what makes us laugh and seeks every outlet to do so, from developing The New Yorker’s web presence to integrating it with algorithms and A.I. Mankoff is currently the cartoon editor at the weekly online newsletter Air Mail.
A student of humor and creativity, Mankoff’s presentations largely focus on the creative process, from writing a successful New Yorker cartoon to inspiring creativity in others and enhancing ideas with A.I and big data. With his storied career of editing literally thousands of cartoons, Mankoff brings a hugely entertaining night of laughs, tips to bring humor to the workplace, and the option of participating in a cartoon caption contest.
In 2018, Mankoff founded and launched Cartoon Collections, parent company to CartoonStock.com, a new spin on the Cartoon Bank, the world’s most successful cartoon licensing platform that he founded in 1992. At CartoonStock.com, Bob has brought together cartoons from the New Yorker and previously unavailable cartoons from National Lampoon, Esquire, Playboy, and Barron’s to create the largest cartoon licensing source on the planet.
With comedy writer and developer Jamie Brew, Mankoff runs Botnik Studios, a network of writers, artists, and programmers who create software that augments human creativity with big data analytics.
During his recent stint at Esquire, Mankoff revived the magazine’s legacy of satire and humor, editing humor pieces, providing story ideas, and drafting his own cartoons.
For twenty years as Cartoon Editor for The New Yorker, Mankoff pored over thousands of submissions each week, analyzing, critiquing, and selecting each cartoon. He mentored cartoonists, new and old, toward the laughs readers expect. In 2005, he helped start the “New Yorker Cartoon Caption Contest.” With 5,000 reader submissions a week and millions of entries to date, Mankoff partnered with Microsoft and Google Deep Mind to develop algorithms to help cull the funniest captions.
Bob is the author of numerous books, including his New York Times bestselling memoir, How About Never – Is Never Good For You?: My Life In Cartoons, of which the Washington Post wrote, “Mankoff's deep understanding of humor, both its power and its practice, is the live wire that crackles through his book.” His latest book, Have I Got a Cartoon for You!: The Moment Magazine Book of Jewish Cartoons, was released in October, 2019.
Mankoff’s career started, unexpectedly, by quitting a Ph.D program in experimental psychology at the City University of New York in 1974. Shortly after, he began submitting cartoons to the New Yorker. Three years and over 2,000 cartoons later, he finally made the magazine and has since published over 950 cartoons. His story and day-to-day at the magazine were the focus of the 2015 HBO documentary Very Semi-Serious.
Mankoff has taught classes at Swarthmore, Fordham, and led workshops on the creative process
Episode Notes
Lesson 1. Work in batches of 10 06:25Lesson 2. Amateur’s love their own work, professionals don’t 11:14Lesson 3. More problems are caused by respect than disrespect 14:44Lesson 4. Talent is the ticket but that's all 17:39Lesson 5. Don't rue and stew 24:40Lesson 6. Originality is overrated 32:33Lesson 7. Appreciate when 'good' is 'good enough' 36:39Lesson 8. Find your sweet spot of fame 40:16Lesson 9. Play the cards you're dealt but know the game you're in 47:32Lesson 10. The office will always be there, your talent and opportunity won't 55:38
Tuesday Jun 28, 2022
Tuesday Jun 28, 2022
Steve Okun, CEO and Media Commentator talks about why you "Should make yourself unique", why "No job is beneath you" and the importance of "betting on yourself". Hosted by Robert Hossary
About Steve Okun
Steve Okun is a leader on corporate public affairs, communications, sustainability, and stakeholder engagement in Asia Pacific, Steven serves as CEO of APAC Advisors, an ESG consultancy in the private capital sector, and as Senior Advisor for global strategic consultancy McLarty Associates.
In his roles, he empowers clients, ranging from global corporations and financial service firms to social enterprises and NGOs, by providing counsel on expanding and protecting a company’s license to operate across all markets through engagement with key stakeholders and how best to navigate the collision of business, government, and media.
The AmChams of Asia Pacific, the umbrella organization of 27 American Chambers of Commerce promoting trade and investment between Asia-Pacific and the United States, elected Steven as its Chair for 2022-23.
As KKR’s first Director of Asia Public Affairs from 2011-2017, his responsibilities encompassed government affairs, communications, stakeholder engagement, and sustainability.
From 2003-2010, he created and led Asia public affairs for UPS.
Since 2017, Steven serves as the Senior Advisor in Southeast Asia for the Global Private Capital Association.
Awarded a Special Service Commendation in the Clinton Administration for his service as Deputy General Counsel at the Department of Transportation, he served in the US government from 1994-1999.
He represents the views of the business community across global media, including CNBC, CNA, and TRT, contributes commentary to The Straits Times, and does a weekly international segment for Singapore’s MONEYFM.
He received his B.A. from the University of Virginia and his J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law.
Episode Notes
Lesson 1. Make Yourself Unique 06:32Lesson 2. The world’s a big place 13:26Lesson 3. Go for long walks 16:57Lesson 4. Bet on yourself 19:02Lesson 5. Knowing your value – lets you advocate for yourself 21:57Lesson 6. Be generous with your time / grows your network 23:58Lesson 7. Get your hands dirty (work) and (community) 26:29Lesson 8. No job is beneath you / too small if it needs to get done 29:28Lesson 9. Be passionate about what you do and show it 31:59Lesson 10. Physical fitness improves everything 36:05
Tuesday Jun 21, 2022
Tuesday Jun 21, 2022
Héctor Colón is a Servant-CEO and shares his lessons about how "Humility is at the core of serving others", why "Perseverance is about not giving up" and "Listening is more important than providing feedback" along with other great lessons. Hosted by Siebe Van Der Zee.
About Héctor Colón
Servant-CEO, Héctor Colón is the President and CEO of Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan (LSS). Under his visionary and Servant-Leadership approach, Colón has positioned LSS for greatness - adapting new models and business strategies to increase impact and viability for staff, clients and the organization. Before the start of Colón’s tenure in 2017, the organization had not met its budget for four consecutive years. During Colón’s first three years, LSS grew from over $4 million in losses to $8 million in gains resulting in a $17.6 million financial turnaround.
No stranger to financial turnarounds, Colón worked with his team to turn multi-million dollar deficits into multi-million dollar surpluses while serving as Executive Director of the Milwaukee County Department of Health and Human Services. In addition, he led several countywide initiatives, including efforts to reform the juvenile justice system, end chronic homelessness, transform mental health care, and end a 30-year waitlist for disabilities services.
Héctor will say that his own personal and professional turnaround began in boxing. As a member and champion of the national USA Boxing team, he won seven national titles and competed in the 1992 Olympic trials. At the height of his boxing career, Colón stepped away from a lucrative boxing career to serve God. Today, he is the USA Boxing Board Vice President where he and the organization focus on inspiring athletes to discover their own path towards personal and professional greatness. He also serves on the University of Wisconsin Board of Regents, and the Board of Directors for M3 Insurance, as well as Nicolet Bankshares, Inc. (NASDAQ; NCBS), the holding company for Nicolet National Bank.
Colón’s life experiences and success prepared him to answer the call of Servant-CEO. He is working to inspire a Servant-CEO collective to revolutionize the social services sector as we know it today in the following ways: • Position the nonprofit industry as the employer of choice • Fully commit to the growth and development of all clients and their potential for greatness • Reimagine a Servant-Led sector that will thrive well beyond the next century Colón was named a 2021 Notable Minority Leader and the 2019 Nonprofit Executive of the Year by BizTimes Media. He also was chosen as Hispanic Man of the year by United Migrant Opportunity Services (UMOS). His first book, “From Boxing Ring to Boardroom: Five Virtues For Life and Leadership” is available for purchase on amazon.com. He launched LSS' first podcast, "In the Ring with Héctor Colón" on March 16th.
Episode Notes
Lesson 1. Courage is about facing your fears 04:47
Lesson 2. Humility at its core is about serving others 07:21
Lesson 3. Temperance is about self-control and restraint 11:19
Lesson 4. Magnanimity is about striving for excellence 14:18
Lesson 5. Perseverance is about not giving up 16:56
Lesson 6. Listening is more important than providing feedback 20:51
Lesson 7. Empathy is about your willingness to walk in some else’s shoes 26:06
Lesson 8. Stewardship is about paying it forward 30:59
Lesson 9. Commitment to growth of people is a great way to give back 35:01
Lesson 10. Building community is about equity diversity and inclusion. 39:06
Tuesday Jun 14, 2022
Tuesday Jun 14, 2022
Megumi Miki tells us why " Fitting in is overrated", why " There are no ‘bad’ emotions", and why you should " Get comfortable with solitude" and other lessons it took me 50 Years to Learn. Hosted by Jeffery Wang.
About Megumi Miki
Megumi Miki is an author, speaker, coach and consultant in leadership, culture, diversity and inclusion, with a background in strategy, economics and finance. She helps organisations to challenge the status quo, exceed their goals and keep learning by unlocking the hidden potential in their culture, leadership and individuals.
Megumi brings together her 20+ years’ experience and practical knowledge of business strategy, finance, leadership, organisational development and culture change. She has worked within large organisations such as Accenture, ANZ Bank, National Australia Bank as well as consulted to a range of organisations in the Corporate, SMEs, NFP and Government sectors. She also draws on her life experience – moving countries multiple times as a child, being on the ‘outer’, her Japanese and Australian upbringing, her own successes and challenges.
She is the author of Start inspiring, stop driving: Unlock your team's potential to outperform and grow and Quietly Powerful: How your quiet nature is your hidden leadership strength. The Quietly Powerful book received the Australian Career Book Award for 2020 from RSA Oceania and Best Leadership Book of 2020 from the Australian Business Book Awards.
In the uncertain, changing, global and inter-connected world, Megumi believes that the ‘alpha’ or ‘hero’ leadership style alone is outdated and inadequate. Quietly Powerful expands the definition of what good leadership looks, sounds and feels like and empowers quieter professionals and those outside majority groups to fulfil their leadership potential.
Megumi is passionate about empowering people and groups of people who feel disempowered and on the ‘outer’ to have a voice and lead. Her passion is underpinned by her belief that these quieter, marginalised and/or under-recognised voices are critical for organisations to innovate and evolve in a changing, volatile world and for solving the big challenges in the world today.
Megumi lives in Melbourne, Australia and keeps busy as a ‘dance mum’ to a teenage daughter who trains in ballet and has two fur babies, Prim and Ollie who are Siberian kittens.
Episode Notes
Lesson 1. Fitting in is overrated but standing out can be hard work 05:16Lesson 2. Don't try and be somebody else but also don't get too attached to who you think you are 09:08Lesson 3. Racism, sexism, other marginalising forces are real but you can choose not to be a victim to them 14:45Lesson 4. There are no ‘bad’ emotions. Notice your emotions and use them as information. It helps you to work through discomfort – which we all need more. 24:01Lesson 5. You don't need to be confident you just need to be brave 28:57Lesson 6. Learn from masters and find the master in you 31:24Lesson 7. A ‘bigger than self’ purpose and meaning makes what appears impossible possible 33:53Lesson 8. We are not even a speck of dust in the grand scheme of things… Keep humble keep curious keep learning, not take ourselves too seriously 37:27Lesson 9. Get comfortable with solitude – 41:26Lesson 10. Siberian cats are the best. 46:30
Your Shortcut to Success
Don’t think of wisdom as something you get via epiphany or even a couple years of graduate school.
No, it’s something you accumulate day by day—action by action over the course of a lifetime.
Lessons from some of the worlds leading executives, celebrities, academics, leaders and ordinary people.