R.O.G. Return on Generosity

231. The Art of Self-Management in a Busy World with Jason Henkel

"Feelings fully felt is bliss."
"Breath is always free."
"Self-augmentation is the key."
 
Episode summary |
In this episode of the Return on Generosity podcast, host Shannon Cassidy speaks with Jason Henkel, founder of Focus to Evolve, about achieving balance and productivity without burnout. Jason shares his journey from a hectic corporate life to discovering the importance of self-management and centeredness. He emphasizes the need for leaders to create high-performance teams and the role of architectural calendaring in productivity. The conversation also explores the potential of AI in augmenting thought processes and the unique strengths of individuals with ADHD. Ultimately, Jason advocates for a shift in workplace culture towards generosity and self-care, encouraging listeners to redefine productivity and prioritize their well-being.
 
R.O.G. Takeaway Tips |
Self-management needs to come before time management.
The hustle culture is outdated; balance is key to thriving.
Feelings fully felt lead to a blissful life experience.
Creating a centered atmosphere can positively influence teams.
Architectural calendaring helps in organizing tasks effectively.
Deep immersion sessions can unlock higher productivity levels.
AI can be used for thought augmentation and identifying blind spots.
ADHD can be harnessed as a superpower when managed well.
Generosity towards oneself is crucial for personal growth.
Redefining productivity involves focusing on meaningful outcomes rather than busyness.
 
Chapters | 
00:00 Introduction to Balanced Thriving
03:09 Jason's Journey from Corporate Hustle to Balance
06:06 The Importance of Self-Management
09:16 Illuminating a Path to Meaningful Output
12:04 The Power of Stillness and Centeredness
14:56 Creating a High-Performance Team Environment
17:48 Architectural Calendaring for Productivity
20:42 Deep Immersion in Balanced Thriving
23:47 Harnessing Flow State for Enhanced Focus
26:42 Managing Distractions in a Digital World
29:42 Leveraging AI for Self-Augmentation
30:09 Exploring Blind Spots and Self-Awareness
30:37 Augmenting Thought and Learning with AI
33:00 The Future of Work and AI's Role
34:31 Shifts for Enhanced Productivity
36:53 The Importance of Boundaries and Self-Care
38:24 Redefining Busy: From Frenetic to Deliberate
40:43 Creating Evolved Workplace Cultures
43:11 Return on Generosity: Redefining Success
50:00 Unlearning and Embracing Authenticity
 
Guest Bio |
Jason Henkel is a speaker, mindfulness coach, and the founder of Focus to Evolve, a company dedicated to helping individuals and teams increase clarity, productivity, and presence in both work and life. With a background in corporate strategy and performance optimization, Jason combines practical tools with mindfulness-based practices to guide clients toward sustainable, values-driven success.
Through his coaching, workshops, and keynotes, Jason empowers leaders and professionals to quiet the noise, reduce overwhelm, and reconnect with their deeper purpose—what he calls evolving through focus. His work is grounded in the belief that small, intentional shifts in awareness can lead to powerful transformations in mindset, leadership, and overall well-being.
Jason has worked with organizations across industries and brings a grounded, accessible approach to every conversation. Whether he’s guiding a mindfulness session or leading an executive team through a strategy reset, Jason is committed to helping people show up more fully for their work, their teams, and their lives.
 
Guest Resources: 
Website: https://www.focustoevolve.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasehenkel/
Online Course: https://www.focustoevolve.com/academy
 
Bridge Between Resources:
5 Degree Change Course
Free N.D.I. Network Diversity Index 
Free Generosity Quiz 
 
Credits: Jason Henkel,  Host Shannon Cassidy, Bridge Between, Inc.
Coming Next: Please join us next week, Episode 232, Special Guest, Tim Leake.

230. The Power of Kindness with Nomi Bergman

"Share your likes before your concerns."
"Life is not a dress rehearsal."
 
Episode summary |
In this engaging conversation, Nomi Bergman shares her journey from a challenging childhood in athletics to becoming a successful leader in the technology sector. She emphasizes the importance of kindness, generosity, and positive intent in leadership, drawing from her experiences at Bright House Networks. Nomi discusses the significance of creating a supportive work culture, the value of timely feedback, and the power of personal growth through action. She also reflects on her family background, the lessons learned from mistakes, and the impact of mentorship. Throughout the conversation, Nomi inspires listeners to embrace their authentic selves and to lead with kindness.
 
R.O.G. Takeaway Tips |
Generosity in leadership fosters a positive work culture and builds trust.
Sharing likes before concerns enhances team collaboration and morale.
Kindness is a powerful leadership trait that can lead to greater success.
Assuming positive intent can help navigate workplace challenges.
Learning from mistakes and taking corrective action is crucial for personal growth.
Creating a culture where employees can say 'yes' leads to better customer service.
Timely feedback is essential for effective communication and improvement.
Everyone has a unique story to share that can inspire others.
Life is not a dress rehearsal; take action and live authentically.
 
Chapters | 
00:00 Introduction to Nomi Bergman
02:04 Nomi's Early Life and Background
04:25 Overcoming Challenges in Athletics
06:56 The Importance of Generosity in Leadership
12:11 Creating a Positive Work Culture
14:17 The Hello Friend Campaign at Bright House
16:44 Assuming Positive Intent in Leadership
17:41 Learning from Mistakes and Taking Corrective Action
20:56 The Benefits of Kindness and Collaboration
22:19 The Shift from Right Answers to Teamwork
23:07 Reinventing Leadership Style through Kindness
25:07 The Strength of Kindness in Leadership
26:52 Delivering Feedback with Kindness and Clarity
29:31 The Power of Humility in Leadership
32:34 Finding Your Voice and Sharing Your Story
34:36 The Importance of Action and Kindness
41:53 Life Lessons: No Dress Rehearsal
42:20 The Lasting Impact of Kindness
 
Guest Bio |
Nomi Bergman is the President of Advance/Newhouse Investment Partnership, where she brings visionary leadership to a portfolio of innovative companies in the technology and media sectors. She previously served as President of Bright House Networks, where she led over 8,500 employees and helped grow the company into the sixth-largest cable operator in the U.S. before its merger with Charter and Time Warner Cable. With more than 25 years of experience, Nomi is a seasoned operator, technologist, investor, and advisor known for developing strategies that elevate product delivery and customer experience. She began her career in Management Information Consulting at Arthur Andersen, building a foundation in analytical thinking and systems optimization.
Nomi has been recognized with the CableFAX Lifetime Achievement Award and was inducted into The Cable Center’s Hall of Fame in 2018. She is deeply committed to inclusive leadership and mentorship, serving on various boards and supporting initiatives that advance equity and opportunity. A passionate advocate for human-centered innovation, Nomi brings both heart and strategy to every endeavor. She is also a proud wife and mother of three daughters, balancing executive leadership with family values at the core of her life and work.
 
Bridge Between Resources:
5 Degree Change Course
Free N.D.I. Network Diversity Index 
Free Generosity Quiz 
 
Credits: Nomi Bergman, Host Shannon Cassidy, Bridge Between, Inc.
Coming Next: Please join us next week, Episode 231, Special Guest, Jason Henkel.

229. Breaking Barriers in the World of Journalism with May Lee

"Find joy every day."
 
Episode summary |
Susan Jin Davis and May Lee explore the themes of generosity, identity, and resilience shaped by their immigrant experiences. They discuss the challenges of growing up as children of immigrants, the impact of cultural concepts like Han, and the transformative power of loss. May shares her journey as a journalist of color, emphasizing the importance of diversity in media and the need for education to combat stereotypes. The discussion also highlights the significance of personal connections and the role of platforms like their podcast, 'Shoes Off Inside,' in fostering dialogue and understanding.
 
R.O.G. Takeaway Tips |
Generosity is a core value that shapes our identities.
The immigrant experience often involves significant sacrifice and resilience.
Childhood challenges can lead to a complex understanding of identity.
The concept of Han reflects deep-seated pain and resilience in Korean culture.
Transforming pain into purpose can empower individuals to help others.
Loss teaches us the importance of cherishing loved ones.
Intergenerational trauma impacts our identities and experiences.
Diversity in journalism is crucial for accurate representation.
Education can fill gaps in understanding cultural histories.
Creating platforms for dialogue fosters connection and understanding.
 
Chapters | 
00:00 Introduction and Connection
02:50 The Immigrant Experience and Generosity
05:28 Childhood Challenges and Identity Struggles
11:44 The Impact of Racism and the Concept of Han
13:56 Transforming Pain into Purpose
16:34 The Loss of a Parent and Its Lessons
18:30 The Importance of Presence and Connection
19:43 Intergenerational Trauma and Cultural Identity
21:36 Navigating Journalism as a Woman of Color
24:23 Facing Otherism: A Personal Journey
28:13 The Importance of Allyship and Diversity Efforts
32:20 Creating Awareness: The Evolution of Asian Americans in Media
38:04 Shoes Off Inside: Cultural Practices and Podcasting
43:06 Using Platforms for Social Change
51:25 Curiosity and Purpose: Finding Fulfillment in Action
 
Guest Bio |
May Lee is an award-winning broadcast journalist who has been both a US based, and international anchor, host, correspondent and producer having worked for a variety of media outlets including NHK, CNBC, Oxygen Media and CNN where she was appointed as the first Korean American anchor. May has broken down many other barriers throughout her career and continues to do so with her production company, Lotus Media House, which currently produces “Shoes Off Inside”, a vodcast (video-podcast) that explores the API experience and beyond with hosts May Lee as well as veteran actors Kelly Hu and Tamlyn Tomita. May’s work in API activism and education was recognized by Forbes when she was named one of Forbes 50 over 50 women leading the way in impact in 2021. Along with her media projects and activism, May served as adjunct instructor at USC’s Annenberg School of Communication and Journalism and Artistic Assistant Professor at Dodge College of Film and Media Arts at Chapman University. May’s many other previous professional roles include LA-based correspondent and host for international network CGTN-America, talk show host for Oxygen Media founded by Oprah Winfrey, and lead anchor for CNBC in Singapore. May is a graduate of Mills College in Oakland, CA where she attained her BA in communications. She has authored two books, “May Lee, Live and in Person”, originally published by John Wiley, and “So You Want to be On-Air? A Guide to Anchoring, Hosting, Voiceovers and more”, published by Cognella, Inc., which was released in July of 2023. May is an active board member of East West Players, the longest running Asian American theatre in the U.S. as well as Miss Porter’s School, a prestigious boarding school in Farmington, Connecticut that educates, inspires and empowers the young women to become the leaders of tomorrow.
 
Resources:
IG @mayleeshow  and @shoesoffinsidemkt 
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@shoesoffinsidemkt
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayhlee/
Website  lotusmediahouse.com
Podcast - Shoes Off Inside MKT
Free N.D.I. Network Diversity Index 
Free Generosity Quiz 
 
Credits: May Lee, Host: Susan Jin Davis,  Bridge Between, Inc.
Coming Next: Please join us next week, Episode 230, Special Guest, Nomi Bergman. 

228. Bridging the Gap for Rural Veterans with Michelle Lang

"I want to make it less hard for veterans."
"We are stronger together."
"Just show up, ask questions."
 
Episode summary |
Shannon Cassidy speaks with Michelle Lang, the Executive Director of Operation Honor Rural Salute. Michelle shares her personal journey as an Army wife and the challenges faced by veterans transitioning to civilian life. The conversation highlights the importance of community support, mental health awareness, and the need for resources tailored to rural veterans. Michelle discusses the innovative approaches of Operation Honor Rural Salute in bridging the gap for veterans and shares inspiring success stories that showcase the power of generosity and connection. The episode concludes with insights on personal growth, resilience, and the vital role of community in supporting veterans.
 
R.O.G. Takeaway Tips |
The transition from military to civilian life can be challenging.
Mental health support is crucial for veterans.
Community support can make a significant difference.
Rural veterans often lack access to essential resources.
Empathy and understanding are key in supporting veterans.
Success stories highlight the impact of community generosity.
It's important to ask the right questions when checking on friends.
Nonprofit leadership requires resilience and adaptability.
 
Chapters | 
00:00 Introduction to Operation Honor Rural Salute
02:20 Michelle's Personal Journey and Military Transition
05:00 Challenges Faced by Veterans in Rural Areas
07:43 Community Support and Mental Health Awareness
10:37 Bridging the Gap for Rural Veterans
13:18 The Importance of Connection and Resources
16:27 Success Stories and Community Impact
24:46 The Power of Personal Connection
27:18 Building Trust with Rural Veterans
30:19 Navigating Resources for Veterans
33:29 Community Support for Veterans
35:06 Personal Growth Through Nonprofit Leadership
37:05 Lessons in Resilience
38:31 Future Plans for Operation Honor Rural Salute
40:26 Rapid Fire Insights and Personal Favorites
 
Guest Bio |
Michelle Lang, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Operation Honor: Rural Salute™, has a profound connection to the challenges faced by rural veterans transitioning back to civilian life. Born and raised in a small town in Pennsylvania, Michelle witnessed firsthand the obstacles that her husband, Chris, a former Army serviceman, encountered upon returning to civilian life. 
Inspired by their personal struggles and the realization of the scarcity of accessible resources for veterans in rural areas, Michelle and Chris founded Operation Honor: Rural Salute™. The nonprofit is dedicated to guiding veterans to essential resources, fostering community support, and ensuring that rural veterans are empowered to lead fulfilling lives. Michelle’s leadership is driven by her deep commitment to service and her passion for making a lasting impact in the lives of those who have served our country.
 
Resources:
https://www.ohruralsalute.org/
Free N.D.I. Network Diversity Index 
Free Generosity Quiz 
 
Credits: Michelle Lang, Host Shannon Cassidy, Bridge Between, Inc.
Coming Next: Please join us next week, Episode 229, Special Guest, May Lee.

227. You Have a Choice | Take Your Ego Out of It with Charisse Fontes

“A lot of the things I work on are not HARD problems, they’re HEART problems.”
“If you name it, you can tame it.”
“It is in our Unity that we can elevate our Humanity.”
___________________________________________________
This episode contains discussions of rape and sexual assault, which may be disturbing or triggering for some listeners. We encourage you to prioritize your well-being.
If you or someone you know needs support, please consider reaching out to a trusted resource, such as:
National Sexual Assault Hotline (U.S.): 1-800-656-4673 or rainn.org
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
Please listen with care and take breaks if needed. 💙___________________________________________________
 
Episode summary |
In this episode of ROG, host Shannon Cassidy engages with Charisse Fontes, an accomplished author and thought leader in the culture industry. They explore themes of generosity, self-compassion, forgiveness, and the importance of understanding one's ego. Charisse shares her personal journey, including her experiences with motherhood and the challenges she faced, emphasizing the significance of heart-centered approaches in both personal and professional realms. The conversation also touches on the concept of high and low vibrations, the power of community, and the essence of humanity.
 
R.O.G. Takeaway Tips |
Generosity is not just financial; it includes time and respect.
Cultural understanding is essential for personal growth.
Self-compassion is crucial in navigating life's challenges.
Forgiveness is a powerful tool for healing.
The ego can be named and tamed for better self-awareness.
High vibrations lead to positive experiences and connections.
Community engagement fosters a sense of belonging.
Motherhood is a complex journey of identity and growth.
Unity is a core aspect of humanity.
Cultural expressions, like the Haka, transcend understanding and connect us. 
 
Chapters | 
00:00 Charisse Fontes: A Journey of Culture and Healing
04:29 From Struggles to Strength: The Birth of Culture Circle
07:48 Understanding Hard Problems vs. Heart Problems
10:26 The Importance of Self-Compassion
16:39 The Journey of Forgiveness
25:34 The Power of Compassion and Choice
27:51 Understanding and Taming the Ego
35:53 Navigating High and Low Frequencies
38:05 Humanity Power: Unity in Action
39:06 The Importance of Storytelling in Humanity
41:08 Curiosity and Community Engagement
46:00 Cultural Awe and the Haka
 
Guest Bio |
Charisse Fontes is the creator of CultureCircle, where she partners with startups on all things people and culture. She leads training for leaders and creates interactive workshops to assist leaders with leveling up and growing from within. If you’re passionate about building the best culture possible, Charisse’s consultancy skills make her a standout thought leader capable of helping all types of businesses. 
Charisse is a culture expert that uses creative ways to empower people at work. Her methods result in improved employee retention, productivity, and a strong sense of belonging at work. She emphasizes personal and professional growth while renewing your workforce’s commitment and engagement to your business and cause. She frequently contributes to HR blogs and shares her thought leadership with the HR market.
Charisse has helped her clients with providing one-on-one or ongoing services for startups, developing dynamic workshops that focus on compliance in the workplace, and building programs and processes that anchor a company’s people and culture. Charisse is the author of How To Keep Your Culture From Going to :poop emoji:, a guide to creating a healthy startup culture.
Resources:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/charissefontes
Culture Circle site: https://www.culturecircle.co/
Personal Website: https://www.charissefontes.com/
https://www.humanitypower.org/
Humanity Power Action Kit
Humanity the Manatee
Free N.D.I. Network Diversity Index 
Free Generosity Quiz 
Credits: Charisse Fontes, Host Shannon Cassidy, Bridge Between, Inc.
Coming Next: Please join us next week, Episode 228, Special Guest, Michelle Lang.

226. Empowering Women | The Tao of Self-Confidence with Sheena Yap Chan

“The biggest thing that holds women back is low self-esteem”
“We’re imperfect and it’s totally okay.”
"Women can do so many amazing things."
 
Episode summary |
Sheena Yap Chan, a Wall Street Journal bestselling author and renowned podcaster, shares her journey of overcoming cultural barriers and personal trauma to empower women, particularly Asian women, in their pursuit of self-confidence and leadership. She discusses the importance of community support, the impact of trauma on self-worth, and the necessity of taking action to bridge the confidence gap. Through her experiences and insights, Sheena inspires listeners to embrace their authenticity, take proactive steps in their careers, and foster resilience in the face of challenges.
 
R.O.G. Takeaway Tips |
Embracing authenticity can lead to greater self-confidence.
Trauma can significantly impact self-worth and confidence levels.
Taking action is crucial for personal and professional growth.
Women often face unique challenges in the workplace due to cultural expectations.
Community support is vital for overcoming obstacles and building confidence.
Making the first move in career opportunities can lead to success.
Resilience is key to navigating life's challenges and setbacks.
Self-care and personal development are essential for women.
Women need to support each other to break down barriers and empower one another.
 
Chapters | 
00:00 Introduction to Sheena Yap Chan
01:41 Sheena's Journey and Cultural Background
05:07 Embracing Authenticity and Aha Moments
10:10 The Role of AI in Empowering Women
11:59 Identifying and Addressing Women's Issues
18:28 Accelerating Action for Gender Parity
21:48 The Importance of Community and Support
22:23 Navigating Workplace Dynamics as an Asian Woman
28:41 Overcoming Workplace Challenges
31:04 The Importance of Self-Confidence
35:10 Generosity in the Workplace
36:08 The Tao of Self-Confidence
38:25 Understanding Trauma and Its Impact
41:07 Empowering Women Through Community
43:58 Building Confidence One Step at a Time
47:28 Resilience and Persistence in Life
 
Guest Bio |
Sheena Yap Chan is a Wall Street Journal bestselling author, keynote speaker, strategist, and award-winning podcaster renowned for her expertise in elevating leadership and self-confidence through media. She is the founder and host of the acclaimed podcast, The Tao of Self-Confidence, where she interviews women about their journeys to self-confidence. With over one million downloads, her podcast ranks among the top 0.5% most popular shows globally and features over 800 interviews, including conversations with celebrities and eight-figure CEOs. 
Sheena's influence extends beyond podcasting. Her debut book, The Tao of Self-Confidence: A Guide to Moving Beyond Trauma and Awakening the Leader Within, published by Wiley, is a Wall Street Journal and Publishers Weekly bestseller. It is also recognized as one of the top 20 best self-confidence books of all time by Book Authority, the world's leading site for book recommendations. 
Her work has been featured on prominent platforms such as MindValley, FOX, NBC News, and the Manila Times. Sheena is dedicated to closing the gender confidence gap through her training and programs, aiming to elevate women into leadership roles across all industries. She has delivered impactful speeches for organizations like Live Nation, NASA, and UKG, sharing her insights on self-confidence and leadership.
 
Resources |
Website: sheenayapchan.com
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@sheenayapchan08
Podcast: thetaoofselfconfidence.com
Books:
The Tao of Self-Confidence
Bridging the Confidence Gap | How Empowered Women Change the World
Asian Women Who BossUp
128 Ways to Promote Your Book: A Comprehensive Guide for Authors
Free N.D.I. Network Diversity Index 
Free Generosity Quiz 
 
Credits: Sheena Yap Chan, Host Shannon Cassidy, Bridge Between, Inc.
Coming Next: Please join us next week, Episode 227, Special Guest, Charisse Fontes.

225. From Struggle to Strength | A Green Beret's Recovery with Scott Mann

"Storytelling heals the brain."
"No struggle, no story."
"Life happens in moments."
 
Episode summary |
In this episode of Return on Generosity, host Shannon Cassidy speaks with Scott Mann, a former Green Beret and founder of Rooftop Leadership. They discuss the importance of generosity in leadership, the power of storytelling, and how to build trust in low-trust environments. Scott shares his journey from military service to becoming a playwright and advocate for veterans, emphasizing the healing power of personal stories. The conversation also touches on the creation of his play 'Last Out: Elegy of a Green Beret' and the work of his nonprofit, Task Force Pineapple, which focuses on supporting veterans and their families.
 
R.O.G. Takeaway Tips |
Generosity is key to personal and professional growth.
Building trust requires understanding both yourself and others.
Storytelling is a powerful tool for healing and connection.
Leaders must manage emotional temperatures in conversations.
Personal stories can resonate universally and foster connection.
Advocacy for veterans is crucial in the current political climate.
Preparing for future threats requires awareness and action.
Engaging in storytelling can help individuals process their experiences.
 
Chapters | 
00:00 Introduction to Scott Mann and His Journey
03:31 The Role of Green Berets in Building Trust
06:23 Navigating Low Trust Environments
09:26 Practical Steps for Building Trust
12:31 The Power of Storytelling in Healing
15:29 The Journey of Creating 'Last Out'
18:32 Impact of Storytelling on Audiences
21:25 The Generosity of Scars and Vulnerability
29:47 The Power of Personal Storytelling
33:37 The Hero's Journey and Its Impact
40:02 Task Force Pineapple: A New Mission
42:27 Engaging with the Community
47:19 Living a Life of Long Breaths
50:00 Introduction to Generosity and Growth
50:10 The Impact of Giving on Personal Development
 
Guest Bio |
Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Scott Mann is a former U.S. Army Green Beret with combat tours all over the world including Colombia, Iraq, and multiple tours in Afghanistan. He is a warrior storyteller and the President and founder of Rooftop Leadership, a leadership consulting and training company in Tampa, Florida where he shares the rapport-building skills he learned in Special Forces to help today’s leaders make better human connections when stakes are high and trust is low. Scott helps organizations gain a better understanding of their internal culture while exposing the potential for conflict that exists when trust has deteriorated. In the same way he empowered local tribes in Iraq and Afghanistan to make transformative decisions using very few resources, Scott teaches corporate leaders and their teams the relationship-building techniques that drove so many of his successful combat operations.
Scott is the NYT Best-selling Author of Operation Pineapple Express and #1 International Best-Selling Author of Game Changers, Going Local to Defeat Violent Extremists. He has spoken on three TEDx stages and is also a playwright and actor in his recent play brought to film about the Afghan War and the unforeseen cost of war on our Veterans called “Last Out: Elegy of a Green Beret,” which is available on Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, AppleTV, and VUDU.
Scott is the founder of Task Force Pineapple and the 501c3 Operation Pineapple Express Relief where he actively advocates in Congress and on national media outlets for the safe passage and resettlement of our abandoned Afghan Allies.
He is also the founder of the 501c3, The Heroes Journey, where he is dedicated to helping veterans and military families find their voice and tell their story as they transition out of military service in order to bridge the civilian-military divide.
Scott has appeared on numerous TV, Radio, and Podcast media platforms to include CNN, Fox, all the major networks and syndicated radio and has been published by the Epoch Times and Daily Wire.
Scott’s greatest accomplishments are his 26-year marriage and his three grown sons .
Resources:
The Generosity of Scars | Scott Mann | TEDxSantaBarbara
Task Force Pineapple 
Last Out Play Schedule
Amazon Prime: Last Out | Elegy of a Green Beret
Romy Camargo’s Story on Scott Mann’s Podcast 
Free N.D.I. Network Diversity Index 
Free Generosity Quiz 
Credits: Scott Mann, Host Shannon Cassidy, Bridge Between, Inc.
Coming Next: Please join us next week, Episode 226, Special Guest, Sheena Yap Chan. 

224. Silencing Your Inner Critic | A Pathway to Self-Acceptance with Dr. Laura Gallaher

"Choose to be okay with who you are."
"Self-acceptance is not the opposite of self-improvement; it is the opposite of self-judgment."
"It's about being more at peace with the imperfection that exists in all of us."
"You are never responding to the world around you, ever - you are only ever responding to the meaning that you're putting on what is happening."
 
Episode summary |
Dr. Laura Gallaher, an organizational psychologist and author, shares her journey from working with NASA to promoting radical self-acceptance. She discusses the importance of psychological safety in organizations, the relationship between self-acceptance and self-improvement, and how stress is often a choice influenced by our self-judgment. Dr. Gallaher emphasizes that self-acceptance is crucial for personal growth and effective leadership, and she provides practical insights on how to cultivate a more accepting relationship with oneself.
 
R.O.G. Takeaway Tips |
Radical self-acceptance involves embracing all aspects of oneself, including flaws and strengths.
Self-acceptance is not the opposite of self-improvement; they can coexist.
Stress is often a choice based on the meaning we assign to situations.
Defensiveness often indicates a lack of self-acceptance.
The stories we tell ourselves can significantly impact our emotional responses.
Creating psychological safety in teams requires self-awareness and vulnerability.
High achievers often fear that self-acceptance will lead to complacency.
Compassion for others often reflects our level of self-acceptance.
Experiential learning and reflection are key to personal growth. 
 
Chapters | 
00:00 Introduction to Dr. Laura Gallaher
06:53 Self-Awareness and Personal Growth
18:00 The Missing Links: Company Culture
29:08 The Impact of Childhood Experiences on Self-Perception
34:59 Understanding and Reframing Personal Narratives
40:38 Defensiveness and Self-Acceptance in Relationships
46:06 Rapid Fire Insights and Personal Reflections
 
Guest Bio |
Dr. Laura is a professional speaker and organizational psychologist who inspires driven self-starters to transform their relationship with themselves to accomplish more than ever while making everything easier! While sharing revelations on radical self-acceptance she uniquely leverages humor to resonate with audiences. She is an approachable, funny, warm, alluring, optimistic, curious and delightful speaker and guest! Even as a USA Today and Wall Street Journal Best-selling author, Dr. Laura doesn't fit the typical "academic" personality of her PhD peers.
Some of her noteworthy achievements include being hired by NASA to transform culture following the Columbia accident, working with Disney to lead radical shifts in performance management for their leaders, and inspiring Yahoo’s global teams to seek transformation from the inside-out.
Fun is always abounding in Dr. Laura’s life; so when she’s not serving a mass self-acceptance movement you can find her water skiing, floating in a sunny pool (likely on a large peacock floatie), playing with her dogs, Grace (a papillon) and Jackson (a morkie), singing while playing her beautiful grand piano, or diving deeper into her own consciousness to live life most fully.
 
Resources:
Laura's LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-gallaher-phd
Self Acceptance Quiz URL: https://selfacceptancequiz.com/
Website URL: drlauragallaher.com
Instagram: @drlauragallaher
Where to find R.O.G. Podcast:
R.O.G on YouTube
R.O.G on Apple Podcasts
R.O.G on Spotify
5 Year Gratitude Journal:
Grounded in Gratitude on Etsy
How diverse is your network? N.D.I. Network Diversity Index
What is your Generosity Style?  Generosity Quiz
Credits: Dr. Laura Gallaher, Host Shannon Cassidy, Bridge Between, Inc.
Coming Next: Please join us next week, Episode 225, Special Guest, Scott Mann.