R.O.G. Return on Generosity

193. Michael Atkinson - The Power of Consistency: The Underrated Secret to Success

“This success isn't about me, it is literally about everybody else.”
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and Background
03:00 Grid Automation and the New Energy Transition
07:38 The Benefits of Being a Generous Leader
09:49 The Power of Consistency and Self-Reflection in Leadership
Episode Summary:
Mike Atkinson, the Managing Director of Grid Automation in North America for Hitachi Energy, shares his background and experiences in the electric utility industry. He discusses the importance of grid automation and the role of technology in the new energy transition. Mike emphasizes the need for storage technology to store renewable energy and bridge the gap in energy supply. He also talks about the benefits of being a generous leader and the impact it has on building a positive culture and achieving business success. Mike highlights the value of consistency, self-reflection, and assuming positive intent in leadership.
R.O.G. Takeaway Tips:
Grid automation and storage technology are crucial for the new energy transition.
Being a generous leader and investing in the success of others has significant benefits for both individuals and the business.
Consistency, self-reflection, and assuming positive intent are key traits of effective leadership.
Problem-solving requires considering the different permutations and long-term implications of decisions.
Apologize.
Little things count.
Be intentional about the message you are sending.
Problem solving framework and consider the future.
What feels right to you and works for you? Be authentic.
Get over yourself. Be intentional about how you are showing up.
Guest Bio:
Mike Atkinson is the Managing Director of Grid Automation in North America for Hitachi Energy. He joined Hitachi Energy in 2018 and has more than 30 years of Sales, Operations and Management experience across multiple industries with a focus on the electric utility industry.
Mike is responsible for the Grid Automaton portfolio consisting of Grid Edge Solutions, Enterprise Software, Network Control and Automation & Communication. Prior to joining Hitachi Energy, he led the Network Management Software business for Areva T&D and Alstom Grid in North America, South America and China. Additionally, he was responsible for the GE Grid Solutions regional NAM business as he integrated the Alstom Grid portfolio into the JV.
Michael has extensive experience in all aspects of Grid Automation and the issues facing the transmission and distribution networks. He has worked with de-regulated electric markets, regulated utilities and private developers.
Michael has a BSME from Virginia Tech and an MBA from Clemson University.
Resources:
Hitachi Energy 
Where to find R.O.G. Podcast:
R.O.G on YouTube
R.O.G on Apple Podcasts
R.O.G on Spotify
How diverse is your network? N.D.I. Network Diversity Index
What is your Generosity Style?  Generosity Quiz
Credits:
Michael Atkinson, Sheep Jam Productions, Host Shannon Cassidy, Bridge Between, Inc.
Coming Next: Please join us next week, Episode 194, with special guest James Rooke.

192. Amy Edmondson - Failure Factors | Part 2

“An apology is a small word, but has enormous power interpersonally.”
Episode Summary:
Dr. Amy Edmondson, the world's leading authority in psychological safety, discusses her background and the science of failing well. She shares her journey from growing up in New York City to becoming a professor at Harvard Business School. She explains how her mentor, Buckminster Fuller, influenced her curiosity and joy for learning. Dr. Edmondson also delves into the concept of psychological safety and its impact on team learning and innovation. She distinguishes between mistakes and failures and introduces the three failure archetypes: intelligent failures, basic failures, and complex failures. Finally, she explores the relationship between uncertainty and preventability in the context of failure. In this conversation, Amy Edmondson and Shannon Cassidy discuss the importance of failing well and how to respond to failure. They explore the concept of psychological safety and its role in creating a culture that embraces failure as a learning opportunity. They also discuss the criteria for intelligent failure and share stories of successful individuals who have learned from their failures. The conversation covers topics such as self-awareness, the power of questions, the role of apology in healing relationships, and how to thrive as fallible human beings.
R.O.G. Takeaway Tips:
The relationship between uncertainty and preventability in the context of failure Failing well requires creating a culture of psychological safety where individuals feel comfortable taking risks and learning from failure.
Self-awareness is crucial in failing well, as it allows individuals to recognize their weaknesses and make necessary adjustments.
Asking good questions is a powerful tool in responding to failure, as it encourages reflection and learning.
Apologies have the power to heal relationships and should be genuine, taking accountability and offering to make amends.
To thrive as fallible human beings, it is important to persist through struggles, be reflective, and take more risks.
Fallible Human Beings (FHB) coined by Maxi Maltzby
Persist through struggles
Invest time in reflection
Learn how to apologize.
Fail more often (take more smart risks).
Guest Bio:
Amy Edmondson is the Novartis Professor of Leadership and Management at the Harvard Business School, a chair established to support the study of human interactions that lead to the creation of successful enterprises that contribute to the betterment of society. She lives in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and is the author of Right Kind of Wrong.
After decades of award-winning research, Amy Edmondson is here to upend our understanding of failure and make it work for us. In Right Kind of Wrong, Edmondson provides the framework to think, discuss, and practice failure wisely. Outlining the three archetypes of failure—basic, complex, and intelligent—Amy showcases how to minimize unproductive failure while maximizing what we gain from flubs of all stripes.
She illustrates how we and our organizations can embrace our human fallibility, learn exactly when failure is our friend, and prevent most of it when it is not. This is the key to pursuing smart risks and preventing avoidable harm.
With vivid, real-life stories from business, pop culture, history, and more, Edmondson gives us specifically tailored practices, skills, and mindsets to help us replace shame and blame with curiosity, vulnerability, and personal growth. You’ll never look at failure the same way again.
Resources:
Amy Edmondson Harvard Professor 
The Right Kind of Wrong: The Science of Failing Well by Amy Edmondson  
The Fearless Organization by Amy Edmondson  
Amy Edmondson Wikipedia
Where to find R.O.G. Podcast:
R.O.G on YouTube
R.O.G on Apple Podcasts
R.O.G on Spotify
How diverse is your network? N.D.I. Network Diversity Index
What is your Generosity Style?  Generosity Quiz
Credits:
Amy Edmondson, Sheep Jam Productions, Host Shannon Cassidy, Bridge Between, Inc.
Coming Next: Please join us next week, Episode 193, with special guest Mike Atkinson.

191. Amy Edmondson - Failure Factors | Part 1

“Some failures are simply the undesired result of a thoughtful experiment in new territory, and those are the ones we must learn to love.”
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and Background
06:29 The Influence of Buckminster Fuller
13:23 Psychological Safety and Speaking Up About Error
Episode Summary:
Dr. Amy Edmondson, the world's leading authority in psychological safety, discusses her background and the science of failing well. She shares her journey from growing up in New York City to becoming a professor at Harvard Business School. She explains how her mentor, Buckminster Fuller, influenced her curiosity and joy for learning. Dr. Edmondson also delves into the concept of psychological safety and its impact on team learning and innovation. She distinguishes between mistakes and failures and introduces the three failure archetypes: intelligent failures, basic failures, and complex failures. Finally, she explores the relationship between uncertainty and preventability in the context of failure. In this conversation, Amy Edmondson and Shannon Cassidy discuss the importance of failing well and how to respond to failure. They explore the concept of psychological safety and its role in creating a culture that embraces failure as a learning opportunity. They also discuss the criteria for intelligent failure and share stories of successful individuals who have learned from their failures. The conversation covers topics such as self-awareness, the power of questions, the role of apology in healing relationships, and how to thrive as fallible human beings.
R.O.G. Takeaway Tips:
The influence of mentorship and curiosity in fostering a love for learning
The concept of psychological safety and its impact on team learning and innovation
The distinction between mistakes and failures and the three failure archetype
​​Be curious, like Buckminster Fuller  
What are you perplexed about? 
Be willing to speak up about mistakes
Ask great questions, like How can we practice differently? How will I avoid unintelligent failure using the four criteria for failing well:Is this new territory?
Is this an opportunity/ pursuit of a goal?
Is it informed by prior knowledge?
Is it as small as possible?
How can I encourage our team to continuously learn and grow?
Guest Bio:
Amy Edmondson is the Novartis Professor of Leadership and Management at the Harvard Business School, a chair established to support the study of human interactions that lead to the creation of successful enterprises that contribute to the betterment of society. She lives in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and is the author of Right Kind of Wrong.
After decades of award-winning research, Amy Edmondson is here to upend our understanding of failure and make it work for us. In Right Kind of Wrong, Edmondson provides the framework to think, discuss, and practice failure wisely. Outlining the three archetypes of failure—basic, complex, and intelligent—Amy showcases how to minimize unproductive failure while maximizing what we gain from flubs of all stripes.
She illustrates how we and our organizations can embrace our human fallibility, learn exactly when failure is our friend, and prevent most of it when it is not. This is the key to pursuing smart risks and preventing avoidable harm.
With vivid, real-life stories from business, pop culture, history, and more, Edmondson gives us specifically tailored practices, skills, and mindsets to help us replace shame and blame with curiosity, vulnerability, and personal growth. You’ll never look at failure the same way again.
Resources:
Amy Edmondson Harvard Professor 
The Right Kind of Wrong: The Science of Failing Well by Amy Edmondson  
The Fearless Organization by Amy Edmondson  
Amy Edmondson Wikipedia
Where to find R.O.G. Podcast:
R.O.G on YouTube
R.O.G on Apple Podcasts
R.O.G on Spotify
How diverse is your network? N.D.I. Network Diversity Index
What is your Generosity Style?  Generosity Quiz
Credits:
Amy Edmondson, Sheep Jam Productions, Host Shannon Cassidy, Bridge Between, Inc.
Coming Next: Please join us next week, Episode 192, with special guest Amy Edmondson Part 2.

190. The 5° Principle | Demonstrate Emotional Intelligence | Generous Leadership Coaching Tip

In this episode, Shannon Cassidy discusses the importance of emotional intelligence in leadership. She explains the four main components of emotional intelligence: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management. Cassidy emphasizes the need for leaders to be self-reflective, practice emotional self-control, read the room, and invest in relationships. She encourages listeners to pay attention to their emotions, be self-aware, and intentionally invest in key relationships.
Chapters:
00:00 Chapter 1: Demonstrate Emotional Intelligence
01:21 Chapter 2: Self-Awareness: Knowing When We're at Our Best and Worst
02:46 Chapter 4: Social Awareness: Reading the Room
03:15 Chapter 5: Relationship Management: Investing in Relationships
Shannon Cassidy is Founder and CEO of Bridge Between, Inc. a boutique leadership development firm specializing in generous leadership, behavioral change, executive presence, effective  communication, collaborative teamwork, and conflict resolution. She provides Executive Coaching, Facilitation (team sessions, mentoring programs, leadership retreats, executive workshops, mediation services) and Keynote Speaking (conferences, annual events, ceremonies) all custom designed. This is her podcast, R.O.G. Return on Generosity focusing 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, Inc. she spent years building profitable businesses and driving innovation and leadership initiatives. This real-world experience formed the bedrock of her success. She equips her clients with the strategies, tools, and inspiration to thrive during organizational change and to lead with vision, purpose, and generosity. 
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 (2015-2023). Her current efforts focus on the benefits of Generosity at Work.
R.O.G. Takeaway Tips:
Emotional intelligence is a critical component of being a generous leader.
The four main components of emotional intelligence are self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management.
Leaders should practice self-reflection, emotional self-control, and reading the room.
Investing in key relationships is essential for generous leadership.
Resources:
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ShannonCassidybb 
Bridge Between, Inc. https://bridgebetween.com
The Five Degree Principle by Shannon Cassidy
V.I.B.E. by Shannon Cassidy 
R.O.G. on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/r-o-g-return-on-generosity/id1508207492 
R.O.G. on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1L9UnWdoiAX8MtRKXjdPY3 
Video of this episode on YouTube https://youtu.be/PNfiBD-2PLI 
Free N.D.I. Network Diversity Index https://bridgebetween.com/network-diversity-index/ 
Free Generosity Quiz https://bridgebetween.com/generosity-quiz/ 
Coming Next: Please join us next week, Episode 191, with special guest Amy Edmondson Part 1.
Credits: Sheep Jam Productions, Host Shannon Cassidy, Bridge Between, Inc.

188. The 5° Principle | Share Your Brilliance | Generous Leadership Coaching Tip

“When you know better, you do better.” - Dr. Maya Angelou
“Be who you are and be that well.” - St. Francis de Sales
This week we are looking at Chapter 14, Share Your Brilliance.
Shannon Cassidy is Founder and CEO of Bridge Between, Inc. a boutique leadership development firm specializing in generous leadership, behavioral change, executive presence, effective communication, collaborative teamwork, and conflict resolution. She provides Executive Coaching, Facilitation (team sessions, mentoring programs, leadership retreats, executive workshops, mediation services) and Keynote Speaking (conferences, annual events, ceremonies) all custom designed. This is her podcast, R.O.G. Return on Generosity focusing 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, Inc. she spent years building profitable businesses and driving innovation and leadership initiatives. This real-world experience formed the bedrock of her success. She equips her clients with the strategies, tools, and inspiration to thrive during organizational change and to lead with vision, purpose, and generosity. 
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 (2015-2023). Her current efforts focus on the benefits of Generosity at Work.
Resources:
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ShannonCassidybb 
Bridge Between, Inc. https://bridgebetween.com
The Five Degree Principle by Shannon Cassidy
V.I.B.E. by Shannon Cassidy 
R.O.G. on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/r-o-g-return-on-generosity/id1508207492 
R.O.G. on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1L9UnWdoiAX8MtRKXjdPY3 
Video of this episode on YouTube https://youtu.be/PNfiBD-2PLI 
Free N.D.I. Network Diversity Index https://bridgebetween.com/network-diversity-index/ 
Free Generosity Quiz https://bridgebetween.com/generosity-quiz/ 
Coming Next: Please join us next week, Episode 189, with special guest Dr. Tonya Cornelius.
Credits: Sheep Jam Productions, Host Shannon Cassidy, Bridge Between, Inc.

187. George Galaz - Building Trust: The Foundation for Loyalty and Commitment

“The benefit is the reward at a personal level is the reward that you see when you see others grow and succeed. Whenever I, whenever you see somebody stuck in, in, in their current situation, um, the generous thing to do is to reach out and help them find or define, um, the path that they need to follow in order to reach the next level.”
George Galaz is a Canadian citizen who holds a degree from the Professional Institute of Computer Science (1989). In 2005, he studied economics, marketing, financial analysis, international business, data modeling, business leadership, and corporate governance —among other subjects.
He was also an instructor of software and programming languages at Universidad de Chile's Faculty of Continuing Education.
Since 2019, George is responsible for the Network Control business for HITACHI Energy, a Japan-based corporation committed to developing leading edge technologies to advance a sustainable energy future for all. 
George tries to remain active by playing tennis and riding his road bicycle. He plays an instrument and enjoys relaxing on the beach reading a good business book. He is committed to giving back to society, and uses every opportunity he has to coach individuals on finding a successful career path.
R.O.G. Takeaway Tips:
Look for opportunities to help others.
Generosity is compassion, R.O.C., Return on Compassion
Look for the best in others and for others. 
Build a foundation of trust.
Take the blame
Defend those who are not in the room. 
Look for generous signals. 
Celebrating compassion and generosity. 
Live this formula: Trust leads to loyalty; Loyalty leads to commitment; Commitment leads to performance. 
Be grateful for strengths and how to partner with team members. 
Establish boundaries, rules and expectations.
Interviews are a two way conversation.
Never forget where we come from.
Resources:
Hitachi Energy
Where to find R.O.G. Podcast:
R.O.G on YouTube
R.O.G on Apple Podcasts
R.O.G on Spotify
How diverse is your network? N.D.I. Network Diversity Index
What is your Generosity Style?  Generosity Quiz
Credits:
George Galaz, Sheep Jam Productions, Host Shannon Cassidy, Bridge Between, Inc.
Coming Next: Please join us next week, Episode 188, with Shannon Cassidy for a Generous Leadership Coaching Tip.

186. The 5° Principle | Take Control of Yourself | Generous Leadership Coaching Tip

“Worthiness doesn’t have prerequisites.” - Brené Brown
In this episode, Shannon Cassidy discusses the concept of taking control of oneself. She uses the analogy of concentric circles to explain the areas of control, influence, and no control in our lives. The outermost circle represents things we have no control over, such as traffic or the weather. The next circle represents our area of influence, where we have the power to impact others. The innermost circle represents our area of total control, where we have control over ourselves. Shannon emphasizes the importance of focusing on what we can control and prioritizing our time and energy accordingly.
Shannon Cassidy is Founder and CEO of Bridge Between, Inc. a boutique leadership development firm specializing in generous leadership, behavioral change, executive presence, effective  communication, collaborative teamwork, and conflict resolution. She provides Executive Coaching, Facilitation (team sessions, mentoring programs, leadership retreats, executive workshops, mediation services) and Keynote Speaking (conferences, annual events, ceremonies) all custom designed. This is her podcast, R.O.G. Return on Generosity focusing 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, Inc. she spent years building profitable businesses and driving innovation and leadership initiatives. This real-world experience formed the bedrock of her success. She equips her clients with the strategies, tools, and inspiration to thrive during organizational change and to lead with vision, purpose, and generosity. 
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 (2015-2023). Her current efforts focus on the benefits of Generosity at Work.
R.O.G. Takeaway Tips:
Identify the things you have no control over and accept them as they are.
Recognize the people and things you have influence over and consider how your actions impact them.  Take that responsibility seriously.
Focus on what you can control about yourself, such as your attitude, beliefs, choices, and habits.
Prioritize your time and energy on the things within your control for the best return on investment.
What’s one thing in your area of control you will prioritize this week?
Resources:
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ShannonCassidybb 
Bridge Between, Inc. https://bridgebetween.com
The Five Degree Principle by Shannon Cassidy
V.I.B.E. by Shannon Cassidy 
R.O.G. on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/r-o-g-return-on-generosity/id1508207492 
R.O.G. on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1L9UnWdoiAX8MtRKXjdPY3 
Video of this episode on YouTube https://youtu.be/PNfiBD-2PLI 
Free N.D.I. Network Diversity Index https://bridgebetween.com/network-diversity-index/ 
Free Generosity Quiz https://bridgebetween.com/generosity-quiz/ 
Coming Next: Please join us next week, Episode 187, with special guest George Galaz.
Credits: Sheep Jam Productions, Host Shannon Cassidy, Bridge Between, Inc.

185. Frank Gregory - Social Listening

“Qualitative research is understanding the why behind different emotions and different interests. …Quantitative is going to give you the actual sizing of how large of a conversation is. What I love about Social Intelligence and, specifically the social listening piece, is that balance of qual and quant.”
Frank Gregory, Social Intelligence professional at Nestle USA. After starting his career in Marketing Strategy & Research, Frank has specialized in Social Listening and related social research methodologies for the past 11 years, becoming a recognized leader in the emerging Social Intelligence space.  Due to his accomplishments building out these capabilities for brands such as Audi, Hilton, and now Nestle USA, as well as founding the Social Intelligence Practices at agencies such as MediaCom and consultancies such as NorthStar Solutions Group, Frank has recently been twice recognized by the Social Intelligence Lab (the leading global trade organization in the space) as a Global Social Intelligence Insider 50 award winner, in both 2022 and 2024.
In this episode, Frank Gregory, a Social Intelligence professional, shares his journey and expertise in social listening and social intelligence. He explains the importance of social intelligence for brands and how it encompasses social listening, audience segmentation, community analysis, and content performance analytics. Frank emphasizes the balance between qualitative and quantitative research in social intelligence and the need to understand the target audience. He also discusses the role of generosity in his work, including the gift of time and the importance of saying yes to helping others. Frank highlights the return on generosity, which can lead to unexpected opportunities and relationships.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Frank Gregory and Social Intelligence
03:43 Frank's Journey into Social Listening
07:07 Defining Social Intelligence and Its Importance
14:11 Target Audience in Social Media vs. Target Market
22:14 Ethnographic Research and Foresight Ecosystems
28:07 Addressing Privacy Concerns in Social Listening
32:45 Generosity at Work and the Return on Generosity
R.O.G. Takeaway Tips:
Do your research.
Take a shot on someone.
Know your audience. 
Balance. (i.e. qualitative and quantitative research) 
Make time for people. 
Practice the Golden Rule. 
Have a natural curiosity. 
Social intelligence includes social listening, audience segmentation, community analysis, and content performance analytics.
Understanding the target audience is crucial in social intelligence.
Balance qualitative and quantitative research in social intelligence.
Generosity in giving time and helping others can lead to unexpected opportunities.
Practice the golden rule and treat others as you want to be treated.
Resources:
Frank Gregory 
Nestle
 
Where to find R.O.G. Podcast:
R.O.G on YouTube
R.O.G on Apple Podcasts
R.O.G on Spotify
How diverse is your network? N.D.I. Network Diversity Index
What is your Generosity Style?  Generosity Quiz
Credits:
Frank Gregory, Sheep Jam Productions, Host Shannon Cassidy, Bridge Between, Inc.
Coming Next: Please join us next week, Episode 186, with Shannon Cassidy for a Generous Leadership Coaching Tip.