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In the latest episode of "Lead with Levity," Dr. Heather Walker delves into these unspoken fears with senior executive coach Colleen Slaughter. Colleen's inspiring journey began at age 21 when she moved to Paris with no money, no plan, and no knowledge of French. Since then, she has worked with Fortune 500 companies and Nobel Peace Prize recipients, helping leaders overcome self-doubt and limiting beliefs. Let's explore Colleen's insights on embracing authenticity in the workplace.

The Challenge of Authenticity

In the introduction, Dr. Heather Walker poses several thought-provoking questions:

• Why do we avoid difficult conversations?
• What are we afraid of?
• How can we show up authentically when professionalism seems like a shield to hide behind?

These questions set the stage for a deep and meaningful conversation with Colleen Slaughter.

Colleen's Journey to Authenticity
Colleen recounts her daring move to Paris and how it shaped her career. Working with leaders worldwide, she noticed a common theme: the reluctance to speak up and the internal struggle between professional expectations and personal integrity.

Heather shares a similar experience with the language barrier during a trip to Paris, highlighting the universal challenge of connecting authentically despite external pressures.

Culture and Authenticity
Colleen explains how different cultures perceive authenticity at work. For example, leaders in France and Germany often face hierarchical barriers, whereas Dutch professionals tend to be blunt and direct. She emphasizes that genuine brainstorming and co-creation require leaders to build trust and create an environment where team members feel safe to express their true thoughts.

The Role of Trust
Trust is fundamental to authentic leadership. Colleen stresses the importance of understanding the different aspects of trustworthiness, such as reliability, intimacy, credibility, and low self-orientation. Leaders must strive to be trustworthy across all these dimensions to foster a genuine and open workplace.

Courageous Conversations
One of the key strategies Colleen discusses is the need for courageous conversations. She encourages leaders to set boundaries and express their true feelings respectfully. This approach not only builds trust but also ensures that team dynamics are honest and constructive.

Key Takeaways

• Small Changes Make a Big Difference: Colleen encourages making small, intentional changes to bring more joy and authenticity to everyday life.
• Practice Self-compassion: Being gentle with oneself creates the foundation for authentic behavior and better relationships.
• Embrace Courageous Conversations: Honest and respectful dialogue is crucial for building trust and fostering a harmonious workplace.

Stay Connected with Colleen
For those interested in learning more about Colleen's work and receiving weekly insights, visit https://www.boldermoves.com

Conclusion
Authenticity in the workplace is not an overnight achievement. It demands intention, courage, and a commitment to personal growth. By embracing these principles and fostering an environment of trust, leaders can create a more genuine and productive workspace.

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Public speaking can be terrifying, whether you’re addressing a conference of hundreds or presenting to your colleagues. Dr. Heather Walker recently explored this topic on her Lead with Levity podcast, hosting Fern Chan, a presentation coach, speaker, and author of the best-selling book, "How Not to Suck at Presentations." Fern shared her invaluable insights on the common pitfalls in presentations and how to overcome them, ensuring you deliver interesting, memorable, and impactful messages.

1. The Importance of Practicing:
“You'd be surprised how many people don’t practice,” Fern says. Many believe they can wing it with their slides, resulting in unorganized thoughts and a lack of smooth transitions. Preparing your content, practicing aloud, and ensuring a compelling call to action are essential to crafting a successful presentation.

2. Engaging Your Audience from the Start:
Fern advises starting with a hook that grabs your audience’s attention. “Begin with something unorthodox like a story, a shocking statistic, or a provocative question,” she explains. This strategy keeps your audience engaged and eager to hear what comes next.

3. Using Visuals Effectively:
Fern advocates for using arresting images that complement your story. “A picture is worth a thousand words,” she states. Rather than cluttering slides with text, a powerful image can be a powerful storytelling tool.

4. Storytelling with Data:
When presenting complex data, tie it to relatable stories. Fern illustrates this with her work: “Share the transformation stories behind the numbers—how individuals' lives were impacted positively by your data.”

5. Proper Preparation Prevents Poor Performance:
Fern emphasizes the 5 Ps: Proper Preparation Prevents Poor Performance. This means rehearsing your presentation out loud multiple times, timing yourself, and ensuring you know your content so well that you can pivot easily if technology fails.

Conclusion
Becoming a great presenter requires practice, preparation, and a willingness to be vulnerable. As you develop your skills, remember to engage your audience by making your content relatable and using powerful visuals. For more insights from Fern Chan, check out her book “How Not to Suck at Presentations” and visit her website for free resources and webinars.

Final Thoughts
Whether pitching an idea to your team or speaking at a major event, these key strategies can help you improve your presentation game. Remember, we’re all on this journey together, and with practice, you can master the art of delivering compelling and impactful presentations.

For more resources and coaching from Fern Chan, visit her website fernchan.com, and follow her on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook.

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Welcome back to another enlightening episode of the Lead with Levity Podcast, where we explore how to build 12 superpowers to live and lead a life full of joy, success, and authenticity. Hosted by Dr. Heather Walker, today's episode delves into the journey and wisdom of Dr. Shaan Patel, the founder and CEO of Prep Expert. If you've ever wondered how to transform an average performance into something truly extraordinary, this episode encapsulates the highlights of Dr. Patel's in-depth discussion about leadership, education, and human potential.

The Power of Delayed Gratification and Discipline
He attributes his success to developing skills such as delayed gratification, self-control, hard work, and effective time management, which were crucial not only for his academic achievements but also for his entrepreneurial success. The ability to set internal goals rather than being driven by external pressures, like parental expectations, was crucial for his sustained motivation.

Transforming Education and Business Leadership
Dr. Patel revealed his methodology of turning disappointment into motivation. When his SAT prep book was turned down by publishers, he used the same material to offer SAT courses, leading to the founding of Prep Expert, which has now helped thousands achieve higher test scores and win over $100 million in college scholarships.

Balancing Productivity with Well-being
One issue Dr. Walker and Dr. Patel discuss is the challenge of maintaining peak productivity without burning out, especially in remote work settings. Dr. Patel stresses the importance of delineating work from personal time and offers tangible tips like starting your day with a "morning power hour" dedicated to tackling your most challenging tasks. He shares that achieving the hardest task first makes the rest of the day more manageable and productive.

How Fun and Levity Play a Role
Dr. Patel explains the significance of integrating fun and levity into the work culture. Remote work does not organically offer the same opportunities for camaraderie, so his team makes a conscious effort to log into meetings early to chat or even schedule in-person gatherings when possible. Regular breaks and creating a friendly work environment contribute to a more productive and happier team.

Real-life Applications: Evaluating Team Capabilities
Dr. Walker poses an insightful scenario about a new manager trying to evaluate his team. Dr. Patel recommends assigning small, manageable projects to team members to gauge their skills, work ethics, and how they handle deadlines. This approach reveals much about each individual's strengths and areas for improvement.

Conclusion
Dr. Shaan Patel’s insights offer valuable lessons on perseverance, internal motivation, and the balance between productivity and well-being. Whether you’re a student, parent, or business leader, his advice is both practical and inspiring, offering strategies to unlock your own potential and lead a more successful, fulfilled life.

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In our fast-paced world, productivity has become a buzzword everyone is chasing. We often hear about to-do lists, task managers, and productivity apps, all designed to help us manage our time better. But what if we've been approaching time management all wrong? What if the secret to being productive is not about adding more tasks to our list but actually taking some away?

Introducing the Not-To-Do List

The concept of a not-to-do list is as simple as it sounds: it’s a list of things you commit not to do. This could include tasks, habits, or behaviors that don't serve your goals or well-being. The system is about starting from not-to-do lists before any to-do lists.

Why a Not-To-Do List?

Most of us have experienced the overwhelming feeling of looking at a long to-do list and realizing there’s not enough time in the day to accomplish everything. This often leads to stress and a sense of failure when we can’t check off all the boxes. By focusing first on what not to do, we can eliminate distractions and free up more time and mental energy for the tasks that truly matter.

Steps to Create Your Not-To-Do List

1. Identify Time Wasters: Reflect on your daily routine and identify activities that consume your time but have no real value. This could be excessive social media use, endless email checking, or attending unproductive meetings.
2. Understand Your Priorities: Clarify what’s most important to you professionally and personally. This will help you recognize which tasks and habits are not aligned with your priorities.
3. Set Boundaries: List the things you decide not to do and commit to them. These boundaries will help you stay focused and reduce decision fatigue.

Benefits of a Not-To-Do List

• Increased Focus: By removing distractions, you can direct your attention to high-priority tasks.
• Reduced Stress: Fewer responsibilities mean less to worry about, which can significantly reduce stress.
• Better Time Management: Spending less time on low-value activities provides more time for meaningful work and personal activities.

Conclusion

Not-to-do lists are a powerful tool for managing your time and increasing productivity. When you start to prioritize by eliminating the unnecessary, you'll have more space and energy to focus on what truly matters. Give it a try, and you find that a not-to-do list is the key to unlocking your productive potential.

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In a world that constantly bombards us with challenges, deadlines, and multitasking, it's no surprise that many of us feel overwhelmed and burned out. This sentiment resonates deeply with our host, Dr. Heather Walker, and countless others, like us, seeking ways to navigate the chaos of life while maintaining balance and achieving peak performance. In the latest episode of the Lead with Levity podcast, Dr. Walker delves into these issues with esteemed guest Pam Marcheski, a peak performance coach with vast experience in senior executive roles at Fortune 500 companies.

The Overwhelm
Dr. Walker opens the episode addressing the common denominator in our hectic lives: feeling overwhelmed. From conversations with clients, friends, family, and community members, one thing remains clear—everyone is grappling with stress and fatigue. The feeling of being 'fried' and the desperate wait for the weekend is all too common. This episode aims to offer solace and practical strategies for those struggling to manage their energy and mindset in such a demanding environment.

Presence and Mindfulness
One of the key points Pam makes is the importance of presence—being truly aware of where we are, both in mind and body. In today’s hyper-connected world, we often find ourselves physically present but mentally drifting away. By practicing mindfulness and paying attention to what's capturing our focus, we can devise strategies to better manage our time and emotions.

Mindfulness in Action
Pam's pivotal moment wasn't triggered by burnout but rather a desire to improve her interactions and presence. Her introduction to mindfulness came through Dan Harris's book "10% Happier," which taught her to focus on being present momentarily throughout her day and set intentions for her behavior and responses.

Finding Space and Grace
Pam advocates for creating 'space' and 'grace' within our daily routines. This means recognizing that the long-gone natural boundaries need to be consciously replaced with intentional practices that allow us to disconnect, even momentarily, to recharge.

Facing the Modern Work Dilemma
Dr. Walker raises a familiar scenario—competing priorities and the overbooked calendar. Pam's advice is to get comfortable with discomfort and recognize the importance of prioritizing tasks. She encourages playing with the concept, experimenting with eliminating low-risk tasks to observe the impact, and being strategic about scheduling to enhance overall effectiveness.

Bringing Levity to Work
Bringing fun and joy into our lives is essential to keeping the energy high and preventing burnout. Pam shares personal tips like listening to loud, uplifting music, dancing, and even engaging in creative exercises like improv to add levity and playfulness to her routine.

Conclusion
This episode of Lead with Levity podcast profoundly emphasizes the importance of mindfulness, presence, and intentional living. Pam Marcheski’s insights offer valuable takeaways for anyone struggling with the pressures of modern-day life. From busy executives to overwhelmed parents, there's something in her message for everyone. Take a step back, breathe, and remember—mindful leadership can make all the difference.

To learn more about Pam Marcheski and her work with M Peak, visit her website at intentact.com or connect with her on LinkedIn. Let's take the first step towards balancing our lives and leading with levity!

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In this episode, Dr. Heather Walker delves into the fascinating world of facilitation with Dr. Myriam Hadnes—a behavioral economist and self-proclaimed facilitation evangelist. This conversation uncovers the essence of facilitation, its impact in various environments, and practical strategies to enhance group interactions. If you're a leader, project manager, or simply someone interested in understanding the dynamics of group facilitation, read on as we pull back the curtain on this 'Wizard of Oz’ of workplace skills.

The Core Skills of Facilitation
Facilitation requires a strategic blend of skills:
- Sensitivity to group dynamics
- Communication proficiency
- Idea synthesis
- Behavioral observation and response

Dr. Walker shares her own experiences with facilitation, debunking the myth that effective facilitation is a natural-born talent. Instead, she emphasizes that it is a skill honed through practice and critical reflection.

Facilitation in the Workplace
Facilitation is not limited to designated roles; it’s a daily practice for many, even without their realizing it. From team leaders fostering collaborative atmospheres to project managers synchronizing team efforts, facilitation is integral. Dr. Hadnes explains that facilitation skills overlap significantly with leadership skills, like asking insightful questions, active listening, and encouraging participation from quieter team members.

Creating Psychological Safety
A key takeaway from the discussion is the importance of psychological safety in facilitation. Originating from Amy Edmondson's research, psychological safety is shown to distinguish high-performing teams from mediocre ones. Facilitators must cultivate environments where team members feel safe to share, question, and challenge without fear of retribution. This safety promotes authenticity, vulnerability, and ultimately, better communication and collaboration.

The Journey to Becoming a Facilitator
Dr. Hadnes’s personal journey into facilitation was indirect—the realization of her facilitative role came much later. Her background in academia and her experiences with organizational change positioned her uniquely to embrace and advocate for facilitation. Her story resonates with many who find themselves facilitating without initially identifying as a facilitator.

Case Study: Transforming Sarah's Leadership
A case study in facilitation involves Sarah, a manager in a manufacturing plant who struggles with workplace dynamics. Dr. Hadnes advises beginning with empathy, emphasizing the importance of sharing burdens and encouraging team ownership. Effective meeting management and fostering open communication are key strategies to transforming Sarah’s leadership style.

Conclusion
Facilitation is a powerful tool in fostering effective communication, collaboration, and psychological safety within teams. Dr. Myriam Hadnes’s insights provide a valuable blueprint for anyone looking to enhance their facilitation skills, whether in the workplace, academic settings, or personal gatherings. As we embrace the nuanced art and science of facilitation, we open doors to more meaningful, productive, and enjoyable interactions.

For those interested in diving deeper into facilitation, Dr. Hadnes’s community “Never Done Before” offers a platform to explore and experiment with facilitation techniques. Her collective book project, "A Simple Guide on How to Save the World through Facilitation," promises further insights into

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Welcome to the "Lead with Levity" podcast, where your host Dr. Heather Walker delves into conversations that equip you with the tools to improve your emotional intelligence (EQ) and navigate the complexities of leadership. In this episode, Dr. Walker is joined by Dr. Steven Stein, a world-renowned clinical psychologist and international best-selling author known for his pioneering work on emotional intelligence and hardiness. In this insightful discussion, Dr. Walker and Dr. Stein explore the nuances of EQ, the importance of hardiness in overcoming adversity, and practical strategies for enhancing your interpersonal skills.

Understanding Emotional Intelligence
Emotional intelligence has gained significant attention over the years as an essential skill for both personal and professional success. Dr. Stein describes EQ as encompassing five core areas:

1. Self-Perception: Understanding both your micro (current emotions) and macro (overall life satisfaction) emotional states.
2. Self-Expression: Transparently communicating your thoughts and feelings, especially important for leaders.
3. Interpersonal Skills: Building and maintaining relationships, which in turn helps leaders inspire and get the best out of their teams.
4. Decision-Making: Leveraging intuition and emotion to make effective decisions.
5. Stress Management: Successfully managing stress and maintaining composure in challenging situations.

Building Emotional Intelligence
Developing emotional intelligence is a continuous process. Dr. Stein highlights that while some individuals might naturally possess high EQ, these skills can indeed be cultivated. For instance, empathy is one core area that can be developed through active listening and genuine curiosity about others' perspectives.

Applying EQ and Hardiness in the Workplace
Dr. Walker presents a real-world scenario that many HR professionals encounter—a manager named Chewy who uses religious beliefs to resist inclusive leadership principles. Dr. Stein offers actionable advice on how to address such sensitive issues empathetically without compromising on the core values of inclusive leadership. Dr. Stein emphasizes the importance of understanding and acknowledging diverse perspectives while not necessarily subscribing to them.

Dr. Stein’s Unexpected Passions
Beyond his professional pursuits, Dr. Stein lets listeners in on his personal passion for music. As a musician performing with a jazz-rock band, Dr. Stein finds joy and a sense of community in the arts. This passion for music serves as a reminder of the importance of integrating fun and levity into our lives, a concept that resonates deeply with the ethos of the “Lead with Levity” podcast.

Looking Ahead
In closing, Dr. Stein shares his future aspirations, which include ongoing research into emotional intelligence and continually refining tools for better assessing and developing these competencies. His dedication to both his work and his hobbies exemplifies the continuous journey of self-actualization and learning.

Conclusion
Dr. Steven Stein’s conversation with Dr. Heather Walker is a deep dive into the essential skills of emotional intelligence and hardiness. From practical strategies for improving EQ to understanding the powerful role of self-awareness and empathy, this episode is a treasure trove of insights for anyone looking to excel in leadership and personal growth. For more about Dr. Stein's work, visit stevenstein.com or mhs.com.

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In today’s post, we dive into an insightful conversation with Kelly Campbell, a trauma-informed leadership coach and author of “Heal to Lead: Revolutionizing Leadership Through Trauma Healing”.

Understanding Trauma in the Workplace
Dr. Heather Walker begins the episode by welcoming Kelly Campbell and highlighting the pervasive nature of stress in the workplace. She underscores the importance of understanding how trauma can be stored in the body and manifest in various ways, affecting individuals’ interactions at work.

What it Means to be Trauma-Informed
Kelly explains that trauma, derived from the Greek word meaning "wound," refers to experiences that overwhelm our nervous system’s ability to cope, causing these experiences to be stored in the body. She describes trauma in terms of “unintegrated information” – information and experiences that remain unresolved within us.

The Role of a Trauma-Informed Leader
A trauma-informed leader, as Kelly describes, is someone who has undergone training to understand trauma, its manifestations, and how to address it compassionately in the workplace. She differentiates between being trauma-aware, trauma-informed, and trauma-responsive, with her role focusing on the middle ground of being trauma-informed.

Practical Steps for Leaders
Dr. Walker and Kelly discuss practical steps for leaders dealing with challenging scenarios. For example, they explore how to handle a scenario involving a manager named David, whose behavior of interrupting colleagues and making hasty decisions has caused frustration among his team.

Moving Towards Compassionate Leadership
Kelly shares that becoming a trauma-informed leader involves self-awareness, compassion, and the willingness to engage in one’s own healing work. She draws from Buddhist psychology and other practices that emphasize understanding and compassion for both oneself and others.

Integrating Levity into Leadership
Given the heavy nature of trauma-related topics, Dr. Walker shifts the conversation towards incorporating levity and joy into daily routines. Kelly suggests several ways to integrate fun and lightness, such as dancing, walking barefoot in nature, or even jumping on a mini-trampoline.

Looking Forward
Kelly shares her excitement about upcoming engagements, including speaking at various conferences and doing book readings in plant shops – environments she finds particularly joyful and refreshing. For those interested in learning more about Kelly and her work, she directs them to her website, KLCampbell.com.

Conclusion
In this episode, Dr. Heather Walker and Kelly Campbell provided valuable insights into the importance of trauma-informed leadership and practical steps for fostering a supportive workplace. By integrating compassion, self-awareness, and even a bit of levity into leadership practices, leaders can create environments where team members feel heard, valued, and empowered to thrive.

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