R.O.G. Return on Generosity

200. Celebrating 200 Episodes of R.O.G.

"Generosity is the most essential capability of leadership."
In this milestone 200th episode of R.O.G. Return on Generosity , host Shannon Cassidy reflects on the journey of the podcast over the past four years, emphasizing the critical role of generosity in effective leadership. She discusses the importance of oxytocin and serotonin in fostering positive relationships and leadership qualities, and shares insights from various guests who have contributed to the podcast's success. Cassidy expresses gratitude for the support received and outlines future goals for the podcast, including guest hosts and increased presence on YouTube.
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.
Chapters:
00:00 Celebrating 200 Episodes of Generosity
02:04 The Importance of Generosity in Leadership
07:07 The Role of Hormones in Leadership
10:13 Reflections on Four Years of R.O.G.
11:11 Future Goals and Innovations for R.O.G.
R.O.G. Takeaway Tips:
Generosity is a key trait of effective leadership.
Listening and communication are vital for collaborative leadership.
Oxytocin and serotonin are essential for happiness and well-being.
Acts of kindness boost oxytocin for both giver and receiver.
Celebrating achievements fosters serotonin and confidence.
Generosity can transform individuals and organizations.
The podcast has featured diverse leaders and topics.
Community and connection are central to the podcast's mission.
Future episodes will include guest hosts and more video content.
Practicing generosity is a daily opportunity for leaders.
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 201, special guest, Mike Ashcraft.
Credits: Sheep Jam Productions, Host Shannon Cassidy, Bridge Between, Inc.

199. Edwige Robinson - Define Success on Your Own Terms

“Take micro steps and achieve uncommon success.”
“Build supportive communities and extend grace.”
“Define success on your own terms and embrace uniqueness.”
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction: Edwige Robinson's Journey
02:45 Believe It's Possible: Conquering Mountains and Achieving Uncommon Success
05:15 The Power of Micro Steps and Momentum
10:03 Building Supportive Communities and Extending Grace
16:04 Defining Success on Your Own Terms
21:13 Assuming Positive Intent and Choosing Love in the Workplace
25:05 Creating Your Own Path and Making a Positive Impact
Episode Summary:
Edwige Robinson, author of 'Believe It's Possible,' shares her insights on achieving success and embracing your uniqueness. She emphasizes the importance of taking micro steps, building supportive communities, and defining success on your own terms. Edwige encourages listeners to extend grace, assume positive intent, and choose love in the workplace. She reminds us that we have the power to create our own path and make a positive impact on others. Her book serves as a guide to help readers conquer their mountains, blaze their trails, and achieve uncommon success.
R.O.G. Takeaway Tips:
Take micro steps and embrace the momentum of small wins to achieve success.
Build supportive communities and surround yourself with a personal board of directors.
Define success on your own terms and embrace what makes you different.
Extend grace, assume positive intent, and choose love in the workplace.
You have the power to create your own path and make a positive impact on others.
Guest Bio:
Edwige A. Robinson is a transformative force in the world of technology. Recognized as a subject matter expert, speaker, and visionary, Edwige seamlessly combines her engineering proficiency, technological acumen, and business expertise to bring the future to the present for both her team and customers. One of her superpowers is her ability to take complex ideas and simplify them to enable accelerated business growth. 
Her collaborative approach across Fortune 100 enterprises has proven to be a winning strategy for transformation. With over 27 years in telecommunications and technology, she specializes in leading strategic initiatives that drive transformative change within Fortune 100 companies. In her previous role, at industry leaders like T-Mobile, Edwige directed multi-billion-dollar projects in engineering, operations, and risk management, focusing on operational excellence, cost efficiency, and rapid market deployment. Moreover, in telecom giants like CommScope, Verizon Wireless, Nortel, AT&T, and Comcast NBC Universal, Edwige has honed her ability to adapt quickly to market shifts and evolve legacy systems into agile, efficient operations.
Her journey in technology began as a Field Technician, navigating the streets and scaling rooftops in Washington, D.C. It was in these humble beginnings that she realized the impact on customer experience and the power of strategic planning.
Today, acknowledged as the third-ranked leader in Telco and Innovation by Mobile Magazine and a recipient of the 30 Black Stars Pinnacle Award, Edwige’s impact extends globally. She's recognized in Crain's 2023 Chicago Business Notable Women in STEM, a member of Forbes Magazine Technology Council, and listed in Onalytica's Who’s Who in 5G, and March 8's top 100 women in Technology. Edwige is also a member of the Executive Leadership Council, which enables Black executives to positively impact business and their communities.
Beyond her professional achievements, Edwige is a beacon of hope and courage. Recognized by Aleria Tech as one of the “Awesome Black Women Everyone Should Know” and a mentor for the 1 million STEM women, she exemplifies the possibilities that arise with the right mentors, guidance, and courage. She is a sought-after speaker at global tech conferences as well as at AfroTech and Grace Hopper Conferences.
Edwige recently released her book, Believe It’s Possible. A narrative of hope, courage, leadership, and the unwavering belief in the potential within each individual.
Resources:
Be your own hero - Edwige A Robinson, Sr. Vice President at T-Mobile
Wednesday Live! with Edwige Robinson 
Edwige A. Robinson, As triple minority leader in Tech - Navigating the Technology Realm 
Edwige Robinson - Global Motivational Speaker 
How to Become a Leader in Technology 
Edwige Robinson's Website 
Edwige Robinson on Twitter/X (@Edwigerobinson)
Edwige Robinson on Instagram (@edwigerobinson)
Edwige Robinson on TikTok (@Believeitspossible8)
Edwige Robinson on Linkedin (in/edwigearobinson)
Linkedin newsletter for Edwige Robinson
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:
Edwige Robinson, Sheep Jam Productions, Host Shannon Cassidy, Bridge Between, Inc.
Coming Next: Please join us next week, Episode 200, Host, Shannon Cassidy.

198. Lisa Bodell - Simplicity

“Ideas aren't the problem. People have lots of ideas, but they don't have time to think. Thinking has become a daring act within organizations, and in our culture, because we are part of the ‘cult of busy’.”
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Lisa Bodell and the Importance of Simplicity
03:20 Eliminating Complexity and Drowning in Work
07:17 Challenging Assumptions and Reversing Unproductive Rules
13:09 Simplification as the Route to Innovation
16:11 Generosity: Giving Time and Helping Others
19:02 From Managing to Leading: Prioritizing Meaningful Work
20:42 Cultivating a Culture of Simplicity and Meaningful Work
21:08 The Importance of Vulnerability and Killing Stupid Rules
22:26 Asking Quality Questions to Identify and Eliminate Unnecessary Tasks
24:05 Change as a Choice: Recognizing the Power to Simplify
30:37 Setting Boundaries on Time: Prioritizing Tasks for Improved Productivity
Episode Summary:
Lisa Bodell, a global leader on simplification, collaboration, and innovation, discusses the importance of simplicity in organizations. She emphasizes the need to eliminate unnecessary complexity and create space for thinking and innovation. Lisa shares strategies for challenging assumptions, reversing unproductive rules, and managing time effectively. She also highlights the value of generosity and the difference between managing and leading. Overall, Lisa advocates for a cultural shift towards simplicity and meaningful work. In this conversation, Lisa Bodell and Shannon Cassidy discuss the importance of simplicity and how to eliminate unnecessary rules and tasks in order to create a more efficient and productive work environment. They emphasize the need for leaders to model vulnerability and be open to killing stupid rules. They also discuss the challenges of implementing simplicity when the leader is resistant to change. The conversation covers topics such as identifying and eliminating unnecessary rules, simplifying processes, setting boundaries on time, and the importance of asking quality questions. The key takeaways include the importance of simplicity as a strategy, the need for leaders to empower their teams, the value of questioning why, and the recognition that change is a choice.
R.O.G. Takeaway Tips:
Eliminating unnecessary complexity and simplifying processes is essential for innovation and creativity.
Challenging assumptions and reversing unproductive rules can lead to more effective and efficient work.
Managing time is not the same as leading; leaders prioritize meaningful work and create space for thinking.
Generosity is not just about giving money, but also about giving time and helping others reach their potential.
A cultural shift towards simplicity and meaningful work is necessary for organizations to thrive. Simplicity should be a strategy and a principle in the workplace.
Leaders should model vulnerability and be open to killing unnecessary rules.
Asking quality questions, such as 'why' and 'what is holding you back,' is important for identifying and eliminating unnecessary tasks.
Change is a choice, and being busy is a choice that can be changed.
Setting boundaries on time and prioritizing tasks is essential for simplifying and improving productivity.
Guest Bio:
Lisa Bodell, a global leader on simplification, collaboration, and innovation, has a solution. Lisa shows organizations how to eliminate complexity and leverage simplicity – unleashing creativity and sparking the energy so essential to innovate and compete in a rapidly changing world. FutureThink, which she founded in 2003, works with leading brands worldwide and has become the largest source of innovation research, tools, and training in the world. Lisa is the author of two groundbreaking books, Why Simple Wins: Escape the Complexity Trap and Get to Work That Matters and Kill the Company: End the Status Quo, Start an Innovation Revolution. She ranks on the list of Top 50 Speakers Worldwide and captivates audiences with her energy and humor. Lisa’s keynotes leave audiences inspired to change and arms them with radically simple tools to get to the work that matters. 
After earning her business degree from University of Michigan, Lisa launched her career at Leo Burnett in Chicago, where she discovered a gift for uniting strategically-driven ideas with forward-thinking themes. She went on to build two successful businesses before moving to New York and focusing on the simplification and innovation space with FutureThink.
Lisa brings a compelling perspective to the sought-after topics of simplification and innovation to over 100,000 people each year.  A thought leader and serial entrepreneur, her transformational message has inspired executives at top-ranked organizations such as Google, SAP, Citigroup, and the Department of National Intelligence.
Lisa has contributed her expertise to a wide variety of media. She is a monthly contributor to Forbes and has frequently appeared in other media including: Fast Company, WIRED, The New York Times, Inc., Harvard Business Review, and CNN. She has also been featured in many major books such as Warren Berger’s A More Beautiful Question, Adam Grant’s Originals, and AfterShock, the 50-year celebration based on futurist Alvin Toffler’s Future Shock.  
Lisa has taught innovation at both American University and Fordham University and has a TED talk on the topic.  She has served on the board of advisors of several organizations, including the Global Agenda Council for the World Economic Forum, the United States National Security Agency, the Association of Professional Futurists, and the Novartis boards of Diversity & Inclusion and Culture.
Resources:
Why Simple Wins
Kill the Company: End the Status Quo, Start an Innovation Revolution 
Follow Lisa on LinkedIn
Follow Lisa on X
View clips of Lisa’s presentations
Visit FutureThink
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:
Lisa Bodell, Sheep Jam Productions, Host Shannon Cassidy, Bridge Between, Inc.
Coming Next: Please join us next week, Episode 199, Special Guest, Edwige Robinson.

197. Susan Packard - Emotional Fitness and Recovery

“Personal mastery is all about humility and supporting other people and having purpose other than yourself.”
R.O.G. Takeaway Tips:
Sit quietly.
Light up your right brain.Meditation
Mindfulness practices 
Nature
Walks without headphones or phone 
Music
Art
Laughter
Gratitude
Get emotionally fit.
Engage in a recovery practice.
Ask for help. 
Develop both personal and professional mastery.
Guest Bio:
Susan Packard, who has helped to build powerful media brands like HBO, CNBC, and HGTV. She was the second employee at HGTV, its co-founder, and its former chief operating officer. HGTV became Scripps Networks Interactive when they created new brands and platforms. She helped build these businesses to a market value of over $15 billion.
Susan left the corporate media world to become a writer, mentor, and a leadership speaker. She has an established platform as an author today. TarcherPerigee (Penguin Random House) published her first book NEW RULES OF THE GAME: 10 Strategies for Women in the Workplace in 2015 and her second book FULLY HUMAN: Three Steps to Grow Your Emotional Fitness in Work, Leadership and Life in 2019.  Both of these books explore how practices of good emotional health can help us to create better lives and careers. In NEW RULES she touched on grit, resilience and team trust. In FULLY HUMAN, she wrote about emotional fitness, a practice she teaches today to leaders, which was at the core of their success at HGTV. Susan gave a Tedx talk about emotional fitness at UCLA. 
In 2020, she was named one of the top 40 women keynote speakers by RealLeaders, and continues to be an active speaker at organizations and universities like Stanford Business School, Carnegie Mellon and University of Alabama.
Susan was the first woman elected to serve on the board of directors of Churchill Downs, Inc., the owner and manager of the Kentucky Derby.
Susan has done many things in her career others might consider “brave,” but the most courageous thing she’s ever done was to ask for help for an on-going substance use disorder. In 2019, she gave a Commencement address at Michigan State University, her alma mater, and shared with the 5,000 graduates and their families some of her addiction and recovery journey. There she was awarded the Honorary Degree of Doctor in Humanities.
Resources:
Susan Packard
Susan Packard’s Books 
Test Your Emotional Fitness 
Whose am I? | Susan Packard | TEDxUCLA  
SoberForce
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:
Susan Packard, Sheep Jam Productions, Host Shannon Cassidy, Bridge Between, Inc.
Coming Next: Please join us next week, Episode 198, Special Guest, Lisa Bodell.

196. Daisy Auger-Dominguez - From Burnt Out to Lit Up

“Burnout is an excessive and sustained workload.”
“Am I really the best person to be in that meeting?”
“Create workplaces of joy, productivity, and growth.”
“Change is possible.”
Chapters:
00:00  Introduction: Daisy Auger-Dominguez's Background and Book
03:03  Chapter 1: Recognizing and Addressing Burnout
06:24  Chapter 2: Setting Boundaries and Saying No
11:03  Chapter 3: Difficult Conversations and Relational Communication
15:03  Chapter 4: Building Healthy Workplaces
24:18  Reflection and Validation: The Power of Acknowledging Others
28:31  Finding Joy and Fulfillment in the Workplace
34:25  Shifting Mindset and Avoiding Burnout with Mantras
38:45  Recognizing Burnout and Establishing Boundaries
44:54  Taking Care of Yourself to Better Care for Others
Episode Summary:
Daisy Auger-Dominguez, an accomplished executive and dynamic leader, discusses her new book 'From Burnout to Lit Up' and shares her wisdom and guidance on burnout. She explains the signs and symptoms of burnout and emphasizes the importance of recognizing and addressing it. Daisy provides practical solutions, such as setting boundaries, saying no, and having difficult conversations. She also highlights the need for relational communication and the power of scripting to navigate challenging situations. Overall, Daisy's book offers insights and strategies to help individuals prevent and overcome burnout. In this conversation, Daisy Auger-Dominguez discusses the importance of reflection, gratitude, and joy in the workplace. She emphasizes the need to acknowledge and validate others' perspectives before responding, and to avoid self-righteousness. Daisy also shares strategies for reconnecting with joy at work, such as finding your purpose and embracing a beginner's mindset. She highlights the power of mantras and affirmations to shift mindset and avoid burnout. The conversation concludes with practical tips for recognizing burnout, establishing boundaries, and taking care of oneself in order to better care for others.
R.O.G. Takeaway Tips:
Recognize the signs and symptoms of burnout and take action to address it.
Set boundaries and learn to say no to prevent excessive workloads.
Have open and honest conversations to address interpersonal tensions.
Practice relational communication and use scripting as a tool for intentional engagement.
Take the time to reflect on your own reactions and responses in order to better understand yourself and others.
Acknowledge and validate others' perspectives before responding, and avoid self-righteousness.
Find joy and fulfillment in your work by identifying your purpose and embracing a beginner's mindset.
Use mantras and affirmations to shift your mindset and avoid burnout.
Recognize the signs of burnout and establish healthy boundaries to protect your well-being.
Taking care of yourself allows you to better care for others.
Guest Bio:
Daisy Auger-Dominguez is an accomplished executive and dynamic leader widely recognized for her ability to lead organizational transformations on the leading edge of people and culture.
A natural storyteller and team-builder with a purpose-driven mindset, Daisy launched her career at Moody's Investors Service. She subsequently held leadership roles at The Walt Disney Company, Google, Time Warner, and Viacom. Most recently, she served as Global Chief People Officer at Vice Media, overseeing and guiding the end-to-end employee experience, including DEI, ESG, and corporate facilities. Additionally, Daisy founded Auger-Domínguez Ventures, a workplace strategy consultancy.
Daisy's bold advocacy for inclusive, courageous, and competent management in the modern workplace positions her as a sought-after speaker and thought leader in management, leadership, diversity, equity and inclusion, workplace culture, and the future of work. Driven to build workplace cultures rooted in human-centered shared values and purpose — cultures that work for everyone while enhancing performance — Daisy authored 'Inclusion Revolution' and has a forthcoming book titled From Burned Out to Lit Up: A Manager’s Guide.
She has been featured in publications like Harvard Business Review and IDEAS.TED. Her contributions have earned her prestigious honors, including Brooklyn Community Service's Social Impact award, Hispanic Executive's Top 10 Leaders, People en Español's 25 Most Powerful Women, ADCOLOR Legend, Council of Urban Professionals Change Agent, Walter Kaitz Foundation Changemaker, and the New York City Council Leadership in Community Service Award.
Resources:
Books
Pre-order Burnt Out to Lit Up 
R.O.G. Episode 156 Leading with Humanity: Guide to Modern Management 
Harvard Business Review (HBR) Finding Joy as a Manager — Even on Bad Days by Daisy Auger-Dominguez
Harvard Business Review (HBR) Articles by Daisy Auger-Dominguez 
'A Blueprint for Leading DEI in Turbulent Times,' by Daisy Auger-Dominguez, published in Ambition magazine 
Inclusion Revolution | Daisy Auger Domínguez | TEDxPearlStreet | 
Redefining HR Ep 121, Vice Media Group's Chief People Officer, Daisy Auger-Domínguez 
Leading With Empathy & Allyship EP4: Amplifying The Latinx Experience With Daisy Auger-Domínguez 
Bucknell University: Speaking of Success with Daisy Auger-Dominguez
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:
Daisy Auger-Dominguez, Sheep Jam Productions, Host Shannon Cassidy, Bridge Between, Inc.
Coming Next: Please join us next week, Episode 197, Special Guest, Susan Packard.

195. Yvette Kanouff - The Endless Possibilities of AI, Allyship and Authenticity

“How do we help others, especially those that don't have a good opportunity? But, you know, they don't have life on a silver platter. So how do we make silver platters for people?”
“You never wanna go to the president and talk about yourself. You wanna go to the president and you wanna talk about the team and what the team did…”
“A coach talks to you, a mentor talks with you, and a sponsor talks about you.”
Chapters:
00:00  Innovation and Inclusivity: A Journey with Yvette Kanouff
03:00  The Impact of AI and Endless Possibilities in Technology
08:54  The Power of Genuine Connections and Generosity
25:26  The Art of Leadership and Management
32:18  Navigating Mentorship and Self-Advocacy
41:09  Embracing Authentic Leadership
Episode Summary:
Yvette Kanouff, an Emmy award-winning technology pioneer and partner at JC2 Ventures, shares insights on technology, innovation, inclusivity, and generosity. She discusses her background, the impact of AI, the importance of networking, and the concept of return on generosity. Yvette emphasizes the value of genuine connections, the power of innovation, and the role of generosity in creating opportunities for others. The conversation covers a range of topics related to leadership, management, mentorship, and self-advocacy. It emphasizes the importance of results and followership in promotions, the value of team-first leadership, and the significance of being true to oneself. It also delves into the role of coaching, mentoring, and sponsorship, as well as the art of having difficult conversations with honesty and kindness.
R.O.G. Takeaway Tips:
Yvette Kanouff's journey from Germany to the US and her passion for innovation and inclusivity.
The impact of AI on technology and the endless possibilities for innovation and improvement.
The importance of genuine connections, generosity, and networking in creating opportunities for others.
The concept of return on generosity and the value of empathetic and generous leadership in the workplace. Results and followership are key factors in promotions.
Team-first leadership and focusing on the success of the team are essential for effective management.
Being true to oneself and embracing one's unique leadership style is crucial for success.
The roles of coaching, mentoring, and sponsorship are valuable in personal and professional development.
Having difficult conversations with honesty and kindness is an important skill in leadership and management.
Guest Bio:
Yvette Kanouff is an Emmy award winning technology pioneer and Partner at JC2 Ventures, a venture firm founded by Cisco Chairman Emeritus and Silicon Valley legend, John Chambers. Yvette headed the $7B service provider business at Cisco Systems, the worldwide leader in IT, networking, and cybersecurity solutions. She has held CTO and President roles at various companies and has focused on leading technology innovation and invention. Yvette has pioneered technologies instrumental in creating video streaming, app stores, MPEG standards, encoding standards, CDNs, and the DVD.
Yvette has received numerous industry awards including a 2020 Lifetime Achievement Emmy for her contributions to television engineering and technology, the National Cable and Television Association’s Vanguard Award for Leadership in Science and Technology, being named an Industry Pioneer, an Emmy for her work in Video on Demand with SeaChange, being named an Industry Wonder Woman, Top Techie, and Woman in Technology; she has been named one of the 11 most influential women in the Television industry, and has consistently been ranked as one of the top 100 industry executives.
Yvette began her career in digital signal processing and has a bachelor’s and master’s degree in mathematics from UCF. Yvette is a 2011 recipient of the UCF Distinguished Alumni Award and supports UCF students through the Yvette Kanouff Industrial Mathematics Scholarship, in addition to supporting the University and College of Sciences, where she serves on the Dean’s Advisory Board. Yvette holds several patents and is on various corporate and industry boards. She is a long-standing leader in industry organizations, foundations, and standards bodies, and she has chaired several industry award boards including the Cable Pioneers and IEEE Ibuka medal award committee.
Resources:
Cisco's Yvette Kanouff: Massive Transformation for Service Providers
Yvette Kanouff Shares Insights on Video on Demand
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:
Yvette Kanouff, Sheep Jam Productions, Host Shannon Cassidy, Bridge Between, Inc.
Coming Next: Please join us next week, Episode 196, with special guest Daisy Auger-Dominguez.

194. James Rooke - The Power of Small Acts

“Generous leadership is standing up for what is right.”
Chapters:
00:00  Introduction of James Rooke
03:53  Background and Influences
08:19  Lessons from Father's Leadership Style
12:08  Simplifying Decision-Making Filters
26:21  Staying Close to the Front Lines
31:15  Creating a Culture of Generosity
36:25  Humility and Vulnerability in Leadership
41:06  The Power of Small Acts
45:06 Creating Experiences that Shape Beliefs
48:59 Being Present and Engaged with Employees
52:55 Walking the Talk: Authenticity and Integrity
Episode Summary:
James Rooke, President of Comcast Advertising, shares insights on leadership and decision-making. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing patterns and investing in talent. James learned valuable lessons from his father, who taught him the significance of generous leadership and standing up for what is right. He also gained insights from his early career experiences, which highlighted the common root causes of organizational challenges. James recommends leaders stay close to the front lines and have simple filters to guide decision-making. He also discusses the need to balance a high-level view with deep dives into specific areas. In this conversation, James shares his approach to leadership and the importance of generosity in the workplace. He emphasizes the value of being present and engaged with employees at all levels, and the power of small acts of recognition and appreciation. James also discusses the need for leaders to have humility and vulnerability, and the importance of making quick decisions and being adaptable. He highlights the impact of creating experiences that shape beliefs and change culture, and the role of authenticity and integrity in leadership. James provides valuable insights and practical advice for cultivating a generous leadership style.
R.O.G. Takeaway Tips:
Recognizing patterns and investing in talent are key to leadership success.
Generous leadership involves standing up for what is right and acting with integrity.
Common root causes exist across industries, and focusing on human beings is crucial.
Leaders should stay close to the front lines and have simple filters for decision-making.
Balancing a high-level view with deep dives into specific areas is essential for effective leadership. 
Generous leadership is about the culmination of small acts that have a lasting impact.
Recognition and appreciation, even in small gestures, can have a profound effect on employees.
Leaders should prioritize humility and vulnerability, as well as authenticity and integrity.
Quick decision-making and adaptability are crucial in a fast-paced and uncertain environment.
Creating experiences that shape beliefs and change culture is a powerful way to lead.
Being present and engaged with employees at all levels fosters a sense of connection and belonging.
Guest Bio:
James Rooke is president of Comcast Advertising, the advertising division of Comcast Cable that fosters powerful connections between brands and their audiences as well as among publishers, distributors, MVPDs, agencies and other industry players. In this role, James oversees the operation of the company, which includes Effectv, FreeWheel and AudienceXpress.
Most recently, James was general manager of Effectv, where he led a nationwide team across sales, product, engineering, data and operations focused on enabling marketers to reach their target audiences across TV and video streaming platforms. Since adopting the role in January 2020, he successfully led Effectv’s transformation to a multi-screen, audience delivery company including bringing the more widespread use of data to TV advertising strategies, as well as driving addressable advertising and programmatic Capabilities.
Prior to leading Effectv, James oversaw FreeWheel’s global publisher business unit responsible for providing TV programmers and distributors with advertising technology to manage the monetization of their video content. During his eight-year tenure at FreeWheel, he also helped design, launch and scale FreeWheel’s first video marketplace; led the Advisory Services practice, a consulting business unit; and served as the company’s chief revenue officer.
Earlier in his career, James worked in the media business at Time Warner Cable (now Charter Communications) as vice president of strategy and execution. He was also a principal in the media and entertainment practice at Capgemini, a consulting and technology company. He began his career as an associate consultant at EY (then known as Ernst & Young) in London.
James speaks at many major industry conferences including Cannes Lions, Advertising Week and IAB and is often featured in leading business and industry media, including Business Insider, Advertising Age, Adweek, AdExchanger, Broadcasting & Cable, The Drum and more. Additionally, James is focused on moving the industry forward, sitting on the board of the Video Advertising Bureau (VAB) and Ampersand and acting as a board advisor to TVision.
James earned a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Birmingham in the U.K. He resides with his wife and two daughters in New York.
Resources:
Comcast Advertising 
James Rooke
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:
James Rooke, Sheep Jam Productions, Host Shannon Cassidy, Bridge Between, Inc.
Coming Next: Please join us next week, Episode 195, with special guest Yvette Kanouff.

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.