R.O.G. Return on Generosity

97. Listening | Generous Leadership Coaching Tip

97. Listening
When we listen – fully and actively – we are deciding to give generously our most valuable gifts: our attention and our time.
Host: Shannon Cassidy
Shannon Cassidy is Founder and CEO of Bridge Between, Inc. a boutique leadership development firm specializing in behavioral change, executive presence, effective communication, collaborative teamwork, empowering leadership, and conflict resolution. She provides Executive Coaching, Facilitation (team sessions, retreats, conferences) and Keynote Speaking (conferences, annual events, ceremonies) and Mentoring Programs (associations, ERGs, leadership circles) all custom designed. She has a podcast called R.O.G. Return on Generosity that focuses on how to be a corporate generous leader by sharing time, talent and gratitude. 
Shannon combines her keen ability to get to the heart of every matter with a proven track record as a corporate leader. Before founding bridge between, she spent years building profitable businesses and driving innovation and leadership initiatives. This real-world experience formed the bedrock of her success, enabling her to provide clients with the strategies, tools, and inspiration to thrive during organizational change and lead with vision, values, and purpose.
Shannon has authored several articles and books including Discover Your Inner Strength (2009), The Five Degree Principle: How Small Changes Lead to Big Results (2013), V.I.B.E. A Self-Discovery Journey to Authentic Leadership (2014) and Grounded in Gratitude a one-line-a –day, five-year gratitude journal (2015). Her current efforts focus on the benefits of Generosity at Work.
Bridge Between, Inc. provides two free quizzes to help leaders realize their current state as a Generous Leader and how to diversify their networks. Check them out! 
Generous Leader
Network Diversity Index
Guest Favorite Quote
“Our deepest wishes are whispers of our authentic self. We must learn to respect them. We must learn to listen.” - Sarah Ban Breathnach
“We can do no great things, only small things with great love.” - Mother Theresa
R.O.G. Takeaway Tips:
Listening: the most meaningful way we can give generously to others. 
When we are judging we are not listening. When we are not listening, we are not being generous. Our ego will want to share our opinion – that no one asked for.
Sharon Browning, Episode 80: Listening as an Act of Love
Practice truly listening:
Don’t try to fix the problem. 
Don’t turn what you’re hearing to mean something about you. 
Don’t invalidate or minimize what you are hearing. 
Just listen, with curiosity. 
Listening is the most underrated essential skill any of us can develop. 
Every day we have many opportunities to practice. 
Turn off the judger mind and turn on the curiosity mind.
Network Diversity Index Quiz to learn more about your network diversity
Resources:
Network Diversity Index Quiz
YouTube Channel
R.O.G. on Apple Podcasts
R.O.G. on Spotify
Coming Next:
Episode 98, we will be joined by Frank Blake, former CEO of Home Depot and podcast host of Crazy Good Turns.
Credits:
Sheep Jam Productions, Host Shannon Cassidy, Bridge Between, Inc.

96. Steve Drum - Performance Under Pressure

96. Steve Drum - Performance Under Pressure
"If we want to be consistent in our performance, we must know really who we are, what we stand for and who we aspire to be, where we want to go. And from that, we have to flesh out our values, our personal beliefs, and then most importantly, we need to figure out how we live them through principled actions.” — Steve Drum
Guest Bio:
A combat-tested Retired Navy SEAL Master Chief with 27 years of experience leading and developing high-performance teams.He recently co-developed and taught “Warrior Toughness” training for The U.S. Navy, which fundamentally changed the culture of the Navy in how it trains and prepares young sailors and officers.An in-demand speaker and consultant, who helps individuals and organizations develop leadership and performance strategies, so they can plan, prepare, and execute at the highest levels when it matters most.He has trained and led U.S. and foreign partner special operations forces on high-risk and strategically vital missions across the globe, including combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.During his Navy career, Stephen has personally trained thousands of elite military soldiers and Navy SEAL candidates, helping them succeed in severe training courses and overseas combat operations.
R.O.G. Takeaway Tips:
Develop mental skills of warrior toughness
Pay attention to self-talk. What are you saying when you talk to yourself? Is it enabling you to execute your plan from your position on the X? 
Practice energy management. Key tip: Breathing exercises (see YouTube for extra clip from Steve on box breathing.) 
Write a personal mission statement. Who are you? What are your values? What do you stand for? How will you hold yourself accountable?
Resources:
stephendrum.com
stephendrum.com - Speaker Page
Life On the X by Stephen Drum
Network Diversity Index Quiz
Coming Next:
Episode 97: We will be joined by Shannon Cassidy, R.O.G. Host and CEO Bridge Between, Inc. on Listening
Credits:
Stephen Drum, Sheep Jam Productions, Host Shannon Cassidy, Bridge Between, Inc.

95. Feedback | Generous Leadership Coaching Tip

95. Feedback
Think of an example of a behavior from the not-too-distant past. 
Host: Shannon Cassidy
Shannon Cassidy is Founder and CEO of Bridge Between, Inc. a boutique leadership development firm specializing in behavioral change, executive presence, effective communication, collaborative teamwork, empowering leadership, and conflict resolution. She provides Executive Coaching, Facilitation (team sessions, retreats, conferences) and Keynote Speaking (conferences, annual events, ceremonies) and Mentoring Programs (associations, ERGs, leadership circles) all custom designed. She has a podcast called R.O.G. Return on Generosity that focuses on how to be a corporate generous leader by sharing time, talent and gratitude. 
Shannon combines her keen ability to get to the heart of every matter with a proven track record as a corporate leader. Before founding bridge between, she spent years building profitable businesses and driving innovation and leadership initiatives. This real-world experience formed the bedrock of her success, enabling her to provide clients with the strategies, tools, and inspiration to thrive during organizational change and lead with vision, values, and purpose.
Shannon has authored several articles and books including Discover Your Inner Strength (2009), The Five Degree Principle: How Small Changes Lead to Big Results (2013), V.I.B.E. A Self-Discovery Journey to Authentic Leadership (2014) and Grounded in Gratitude a one-line-a –day, five-year gratitude journal (2015). Her current efforts focus on the benefits of Generosity at Work.
Bridge Between, Inc. provides two free quizzes to help leaders realize their current state as a Generous Leader and how to diversify their networks. Check them out! 
Generous Leader
Network Diversity Index
Guest Favorite Quote
"Feedback is a gift. Sometimes it comes in a white box with a red ribbon. Sometimes it comes in a brown paper bag. Either way, it's a gift. Open it." — Shannon Cassidy
R.O.G. Takeaway Tips:
Offer someone effective feedback this week. Use the S.B.I. Feedback Model
Situation: A reminder of a time from the not-too-distant past.
Behavior: What did the person say or do, specifically.
Impact: How did that make you feel? How did it affect the situation?
Please share at least three positive S.B.I. Feedback offers and one constructive this week. Get into the Feedback Gym and get some reps in!
When receiving feedback, the only two words you need to say, “Thank you.” Thank them for having the courage to offer you feedback. It’s a gift, even if you disagree or see it differently. Saying, “thank you” after receiving a gift is demonstrating good manners. 
Resources:
Network Diversity Index Quiz
YouTube Channel
R.O.G. on Apple Podcasts
R.O.G. on Spotify
Coming Next:
Episode 96, we will be joined by Steve Drum, retired Navy Seal Master Chief.
Credits:
Sheep Jam Productions, Host Shannon Cassidy, Bridge Between, Inc.

94. Jenn T. Grace - Multiply Your Impact

94. Jenn T. Grace - Multiply Your Impact
“What if I can be the catalyst behind hundreds of authors getting their thought leadership and their message and their purpose on a stage, how greater of a legacy and impact can I leave behind?” — Jenn T. Grace
Guest Bio:
An award-winning author, nationally recognized speaker, and savvy publishing strategist, Jenn T. Grace is the founder of Publish Your Purpose, the acclaimed hybrid publishing company that gives first-time authors the secrets to getting their books written, finding an eager audience & marking their place in the publishing world. Publish Your Purpose is a certified B Corp social enterprise that meets the gold standard of socially and environmentally friendly business practices.
Jenn leads ambitious authors through every aspect of writing, editing, and publishing so their book strategically aligns with their business objectives. Whether it’s a business guide that shows the breadth of their expertise or an emotional memoir that takes readers deep into life’s challenges, she helps authors articulate their purpose and fulfill their mission.
Jenn has published the books of nearly 100+ business owners, entrepreneurs, speakers, and memoirists so more diverse stories can exist in the world and her authors can make a positive impact and achieve the recognition and success they deserve. She is the author of six books, including her memoir, House on Fire. Jenn has been featured in Forbes, The Huffington Post, The Wall Street Journal, and CNBC.
Jenn lives in Connecticut with her family and enjoys being outside with her son, kayaking, and admiring the birds and nature around her.
You can read more about Jenn’s journey of becoming a book publisher here.
Favorite Quote:
"Ask for forgiveness, not permission." — Grace Hopper
R.O.G. Takeaway Tips:
Share your experiences to help others along the way.
Recognize others – offer a compliment, acknowledge something positive, make a connection. 
Ask for forgiveness, not permission. Generosity is not just seeing what needs to be done, it’s doing what needs to be done.
Resources:
Jenn T. Grace on LinkedIn (ln/jenntgrace)
Jenn T. Grace on Instagram (@jenntgrace)
Jenn T. Grace on Twitter (@jenntgrace)
JennTGrace.com
Publish Your Purpose - Jenn T. Grace
Publish Your Purpose - Resources
Publish Your Purpose - Publisher Questions
Books Written by Jenn T. Grace
HuffPost Article on Jenn T. Grace
Fearless Communicators - Jenn T. Grace
Consciousness Leaders - Jenn T. Grace
Reach Or Miss Podcast Episode with Jenn T. Grace
The Author's Corner - Jenn T. Grace
Bridge Between Network Diversity Index quiz
Coming Next:
Episode 95: Building Bridges Generous Leadership Coaching Tips with Shannon Cassidy, R.O.G. Host and CEO Bridge Between, Inc.
Credits:
Jenn T. Grace, Sheep Jam Productions, Host Shannon Cassidy, Bridge Between, Inc.

93. Crucial Conversations | Generous Leadership Coaching Tip

93. Crucial Conversations | Generous Leadership Coaching Tip 
Have the conversation. 
Host: Shannon Cassidy
Shannon Cassidy is Founder and CEO of bridge between, inc. a boutique leadership development firm specializing in behavioral change, executive presence, effective communication, collaborative teamwork, empowering leadership, and conflict resolution. She provides Executive Coaching, Facilitation (team sessions, retreats, conferences) and Keynote Speaking (conferences, annual events, ceremonies) and Mentoring Programs (associations, ERGs, leadership circles) all custom designed.
Shannon combines her keen ability to get to the heart of every matter with a proven track record as a corporate leader. Before founding bridge between, she spent years building profitable businesses and driving innovation and leadership initiatives. This real-world experience formed the bedrock of her success, enabling her to provide clients with the strategies, tools, and inspiration to thrive during organizational change and lead with vision, values, and purpose.
Shannon has authored several articles and books including Discover Your Inner Strength (2009), The 5 Degree Principle: How Small Changes Lead to Big Results (2013), V.I.B.E. A Self-Discovery Journey to Authentic Leadership (2014) and Grounded in Gratitude a one-line-a –day, five-year gratitude journal (2015). Her current efforts focus on the benefits of Generosity at Work.
Episode Info:
Thank you for joining me on this bi-weekly Building Bridges Generous Leader Coaching Tip.
This week’s focus is on Crucial Conversations based on this book. The book helps us to understand that when the stakes are highest, we tend to show up as our worst.
At work, this looks like:
Talking to a coworker about an offensive comment
Giving boss feedback about behavior
Critiquing a team members work
Giving an unfavorable performance review
Why do we show up so badly at these pivotal moments?
They are uncomfortable; we’d rather avoid them, so we wait too long and we feel stressed which causes us to Flight or Fight. Crucial conversations calls this silence or violence.
Silence sounds like: “Something bothering you?” “Nope.”
Violence sounds like: “Something bothering you?” “Yes. You.”
The way Crucial Conversations explains the flow:
We See and hear something
We Tell a story about it
We Feel some kind of way about the story we just told
We Act based on that feeling
 The three stories that take us to silence or violence are three kinds of stories:
Victim story “it’s not my fault.”
Villain story “it’s totally your fault.”
Helpless story “there’s nothing I can do.”
Choose your next move wisely. It will make all the difference.
Resources:
Network Diversity Index Quiz
YouTube Channel
R.O.G. on Apple Podcasts
R.O.G. on Spotify
Coming Next:
Join me next week with Jenn T. Grace. Until then, stay generous everyone!
Credits:
Sheep Jam Productions, Host Shannon Cassidy, Bridge Between, Inc.

92. Shane Portfolio - Why ”Priority” is Singular

92. Shane Portfolio - Why "Priority" is Singular 
“A culture is defined by the worst behavior you are willing to accept.” — Shane Portfolio
Guest Info:
Shane is a 14-year veteran of the U.S. Army, where he was a Platoon Sergeant recognized as a Top Gun for Colorado and served as a leadership instructor for Combat Arms Units. Shane is also a lifelong learner; after earning his Bachelor of Science at Metropolitan State University of Denver in Computer Information Systems and Management Science, he went on to earn several advanced degrees, including master’s degrees in Organizational Leadership from Regis University and in Telecommunications from Denver University. He is now in his PhD program focused on diversity and inclusion in the technology industry, with an expected completion of 2022. 
Shane Portfolio is Senior Vice President of Field Operations Engineering for Comcast Cable leading the company’s One Network, XOC, Headend Operations and Plant Maintenance organizations. Most recently, he served as Senior Vice President of Technical Operations and Engineering for Comcast Cable’s West Division, with responsibility for engineering, technical operations and advanced services for more than six million customers. Shane oversaw the Division’s fiber network and IP-based infrastructure. He also led the Division’s technical operations and engineering teams responsible for testing and deployment of new technologies and resources to deliver innovative new products and services as well as a reliable network and customer experience.
Previously, Shane served as Regional Vice President of Engineering for the California region, responsible for the oversight, guidance, direction and vision for all technical engineering aspects throughout the Comcast California footprint. With a career at Comcast spanning 23 years, his journey has taken him from the Central Division’s Engineering and eXcellence in Operations Centers (XOC), which monitors the network around the clock to identify and address issues that could impact service for multiple customers, to the National Engineering and Technical Operations center, which oversaw Comcast’s nationwide backbone and wholesale organization, to leadership roles in IP Operations and network capacity planning. Shane’s extensive experience, leadership ability, and passion continues to assist with setting the pace and direction of the Engineering teams across the enterprise.
Favorite Quote:
“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” —  Dr. Maya Angelou 
R.O.G. Takeaway Tips:
The Great Reset:
Mission clarity. Do you see the value and purpose of the work you do each day? What is fulfilling about your current role? Is the mission of my organization clear to you? Does it inspire you to bring your best energy to work? Are you making a creative contribution to the mission?
Career growth. In what ways are you growing? You listen to podcasts to grow – that’s admirable. In what other ways are you growing? What opportunities are available to you within your organization? How are you taking responsibility for your continual improvement? Do you see an opportunity for development and advancement? Is it a career or a job?
Curiosity culture – is your voice heard? Can you ask questions? Are you encouraged to be curious? That sense of wonder is the missing ingredient in any Fixed mindset, stagnant culture, situation, and relationships. How well do you model a growth mindset.? For example: are you inspired by the success of others or do you judge them as lucky or brown nosers? Do you see challenges as opportunities for growth or unfortunate things happening TO you? Growth mindset is something we can practice daily.
Two more:
Focus on your priority
Prioritize self-care
Resources:
Shane Portfolio on LinkedIn (in/shaneportfolio)
Shane Portfolio — Comcast.com
Shane Portfolio Bio
Network Diversity Index Quiz
Coming Next:
Episode 93: Generous Leader Coaching Tip on Crucial Conversations with Shannon Cassidy
Credits:
Shane Portfolio, Sheep Jam Productions, Host Shannon Cassidy, Bridge Between, Inc.
 
If you'd like to experience this episode with closed captions, please listen on Podbean: Episode #92. Shane Portfolio - Why ”Priority” is Singular

91. R.O.G. Recap 2022 (so far) and What’s Next

91. R.O.G. Recap 2022 (so far) and What's Next
“Work in progress!” — Shannon Cassidy
Guest Info:
Shannon Cassidy is Founder and CEO of bridge between, inc. a boutique leadership development firm specializing in behavioral change, executive presence, effective communication, collaborative teamwork, empowering leadership, and conflict resolution. She provides Executive Coaching, Facilitation (team sessions, retreats, conferences) and Keynote Speaking (conferences, annual events, ceremonies) and Mentoring Programs (associations, ERGs, leadership circles) all custom designed.
Shannon combines her keen ability to get to the heart of every matter with a proven track record as a corporate leader. Before founding bridge between, she spent years building profitable businesses and driving innovation and leadership initiatives. This real-world experience formed the bedrock of her success, enabling her to provide clients with the strategies, tools, and inspiration to thrive during organizational change and lead with vision, values, and purpose.
Shannon has authored several articles and books including Discover Your Inner Strength (2009), The 5 Degree Principle: How Small Changes Lead to Big Results (2013), V.I.B.E. A Self-Discovery Journey to Authentic Leadership (2014) and Grounded in Gratitude, a one-line-a-day, five-year gratitude journal (2015). Her current efforts focus on the benefits of Generosity at Work.
Favorite Quote:
“I never lose. I either win or learn.” — Nelson Mandela 
R.O.G. Takeaway Tips:
Check out any past episodes you missed. They each provide unique and valuable perspectives on how to be a generous leader.
As we journey together into Q4 2022, we will alternate between guest interviews and short coaching tips on how to be a generous leader.  My goal is to record those episodes as videos and upload them to YouTube. Please subscribe to my YouTube channel and share your comments.
Resources:
Network Diversity Index Quiz
YouTube Channel
R.O.G. on Apple Podcasts
R.O.G. on Spotify
Coming Next:
Episode 92: We will be joined by Shane Portfolio
Credits:
Sheep Jam Productions, Host Shannon Cassidy, Bridge Between, Inc.

90. Jan Siegmund - Lead with Authenticity

90. Jan Siegmund - Lead with Authenticity
“The biggest impact in any organization for your wellbeing is your direct supervisor…a CEO or CFO talking nice words about inclusion are not as meaningful if they don't translate in day-to-day life.”
Guest Info:
Jan Siegmund is Cognizant’s Chief Financial Officer. In this role, he leads the company’s worldwide Financial Planning and Analysis, Accounting and Controllership, Tax, Treasury and Internal Audit functions. He also oversees Corporate Development, Investor Relations and Enterprise Risk Management. Prior to joining Cognizant in September 2020, Jan served for seven years as Corporate Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Automatic Data Processing (ADP), a $14-billion global human capital management technology and service provider. Earlier in his two-decade tenure with ADP, he held the roles of President, Added Value Services Division, developing and executing the company’s growth strategy, and Chief Strategy Officer, with responsibility for corporate strategy, M&A, government affairs, and product management and marketing. He began his career at McKinsey & Company. Jan is a member of the Board of Directors of The Western Union Company, where he is Chair of the Audit Committee and a member of the Compliance Committee. He holds a master’s degree in Industrial Engineering from Technical University Karlsruhe, Germany, a master’s degree in Economics from the University of California, Santa Barbara and a doctorate in Economics from Technical University of Dresden, Germany.
Favorite Quote:
“The important thing in life is not perfection – the important thing is bending the curve towards the better.”
R.O.G. Takeaway Tips:
Actions we can take as a person::
Clarify answers to these deep questions:What is my authentic voice? 
What is my V.I.B.E.? Values, Interests, Beliefs and Energy Sources. 
What makes me unique?
As a leader:
If you are not a member of the LGBTQIA’+  community, and not aware of the realities and truths of associates who are, do your work. Learn. Understand. Glaad: The Value of LGBT in the Workplace
SHRM: Ensuring Workplace Inclusion for LGBTQ Employees
Out & Equal: 20 Steps to an Out & Equal Workplace
 If you are aware and understand, be intentional about signaling your allyship and help others.
Perhaps, you don’t celebrate Pride month. Be respectful of those who do.  Listen to Episode 86 with H Walker for more.
Resources:
Jan Siegmund | I AM | Diversity in Leadership | Cognizant
Cognizant — Diversity and Inclusion
This is what Jan mentions at the end of the interview. The details are shared on our YouTube Channel. Cognizant Earns Perfect Score in Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s 2022 Corporate Equality Index
Cognizant on LinkedIn: Driving Forward Diversity, Inclusion, and LGBTQ+ Allyship
Coming Next:
We are taking our summer break. We will return with episode 91 on August 30.  In the meantime, enjoy past episodes and have a healthy and enjoyable summer. Episode 91 will air on August 30th, with a recap of the first half of 2022 and highlights for the second half. Enjoy the summer!
Credits:
Jan Siegmund, Sheep Jam Productions, Host Shannon Cassidy, Bridge Between, Inc.