Lead with Levity

Latest Episodes:

A Dose of Stress Relief Amidst the Chaos: Find Your Subconscious Power Today Mar 16, 2020

Show notes

We're constantly being bombarded with breaking news, fear, and sudden restrictions. Join me in this very interesting interview with Kimberly Friedmutter as we unpack the power of hypnosis as a tool for high performers to excel personally and professionally. Kimberly Friedmutter is a certified master hypnotherapist and life management expert.
In this episode, we discuss:

How your subconscious drives
The difference between trance, mindfulness, and hypnosis
The movie "Get Out" and how hypnosis really works
How we unwittingly create negative anchors and triggers with our text messages
What to expect during a hypnotherapy session
How to protect your inner 8-year old
Why Kimberly only works with high performers
How to get back on track if you feel like you've lost control of your life
Techniques to improve work relationships and show up as your best self when you face frustrations at work

About Kimberly FriedmutterAs a popular hypnotherapist and life management expert, Kimberly Friedmutter is known for her knowledge on finding achievement and self-awareness from within while envisioning your ideal future. She has been motivating successful people to reach their true potentials for about a decade now, beginning her career prior to hypnotherapy as an actress and radio host. Drawing on her rigorous training in hypnosis and neurolinguistic programming (NLP), Kimberly shares the secret to navigating life’s hurdles and achieving your highest goals and deepest desires.
Kimberly’s new book, Subconscious Power: Use Your Inner Mind to Create the Life You've Always Wanted has been acknowledged by many celebrities and has been covered by a number of notable publications as a hot new read. Kimberly has helped many successful individuals work towards practicing better habits that lead to a healthier, happier lifestyles and is open to speaking opportunities and interviews.

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Running for Congress & Leadership in the Era of Talent Mobility Mar 02, 2020

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Join me in this interview with Brynne Kennedy, author, business leader, and Congressional Candidate in the state of California. Brynne shares her experiences as the former head of Topia, a global talent mobility platform. We discuss the challenges of staying connected when the workforce is becoming more and more distributed. Brynne also shared her political platform and areas that she is passionate about. Unlike most episodes, I polled the audience beforehand. The majority of the questions come from you, the people!Support the show (https://paypal.me/leadwithlevity)

"I'm Not Here to Make Friends" and Other Missed Connections Feb 17, 2020

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Join me in this fantastic interview with Dr. Melanie Katzman. Dr. Katzman is a business psychologist, advisor, and consultant to the world·s top public and private companies, government agencies and nonprofits. She is the founder of Katzman Consulting, working with private companies, government agencies and nonprofits.
In this episode, we discuss:⦁Common disconnects between people⦁How we can challenge our assumptions to connect on a deeper level with others⦁How to clear any negative energy before approaching someone else⦁How to transition from polite small talk to the real agenda⦁What can we do to maintain connection with remote workers or when working across timezones⦁What happens when you take a hard stance "I'm not here to make friends"⦁Dr. Katzman's take on shared office space and how it creates barriers for meaningful connections⦁Questions to ask to check-in during one-on-ones⦁What to do if you've been disconnected from others at workSupport the show (https://paypal.me/leadwithlevity)

Executive Presence: Lessons from an Executive Coach to the Fortune 500 Feb 03, 2020

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Will having fun at work diminish my image as a leader? Great question! Let's discuss.
Join me as I interview Harrison Monarth. Harrison is an executive coach to the executives, managers, and high performers among Fortune 500 companies. Harrison Monarth shares 20+ years of experiences as well as advice for anyone who wants to put their best foot forward at work, advance their careers, and get noticed for their executive presence.
He also shares a free executive presence self-assessment that you can complete at www.executivepresenceindicator.com
In this episode, we discuss:

How Harrison became an executive coach
What is executive presence
How leaders can unwittingly harm their own credibility
How aspiring leaders can hone their executive presence
How to avoid becoming someone that people despise at work
What executive presence looks like for women in leadership
Recommendations for young leaders - how to get respect at work despite your age
Harrison's thoughts on whether or not executives can keep their status if they endorse levity
One problem out there in the world that levity solves

Connect with Harrison Monarth

About this Episode

Episode: 16
Title: Executive Presence: Lessons from an Executive Coach to the Fortune 500
Release Date: February 2, 2020
Guest: Harrison Monarth

Connect with Dr. Walker: Website | LinkedIn | Facebook Support the show (https://paypal.me/leadwithlevity)

Your Team Needs You! How to Overcome Procrastination and Get Things Done Jan 20, 2020

Show notes

How are your 2020 goals and New Year’s resolutions coming along? If you’re struggling with resolutions, perhaps it’s because you’re trying to resolve things that are meant to remain open-ended.
If you resolved to relate differently to your team this year then this is the episode for you. I want to set you up for success this year with additional encouragement as well as tools to help you maintain your energy, reduce distractions, and get going on those goals!
Join me as I interview Mayo Oshin-- a writer, researcher and entrepreneur, on a mission to uncover the art and science of building better habits.
His work is regularly featured on several major media outlets, including Business Insider, Entrepreneur, Inc. Magazine, Quartz, Thrive Global and more.
The home of his work is MayoOshin.Com, where he shares weekly well-researched ideas to his free newsletter, on how to build better habits, make better decisions and live a better life.
In this episode we discuss:

How your identity links to your habits
Why your identity may be sabotaging your New Year’s resolutions
How procrastination is like an addiction
Ways to overcome procrastination
An exercise to use to uncover the reasons behind your behaviors
How to eliminate distractions that keep you from being productive
How to use mindfulness to overcome fear and stop running on autopilot
Several major studies that will support your goals to change your behavior
How to strategically plan your energy to be most productive

Mayo Oshin Quotes

"Too many of us are quick to put the laser focus on our disabilities instead of asking the question ‘given what I have, what can I do?’ That conflict right there is what prevents people from changing habits long term."
“You’re not lazy….you’re afraid.”
“Procrastination is like a drug in a way. It’s a way to cope with these negative emotions.”
“The mistake me make often is that we just go into the office, go to work, and we just tackle whatever is in front of us...It’s like a war zone. ‘Whatever is thrown at me I’m gonna just deal with.’ Firefighting with no sort of strategy in terms of understanding of how your energy comes into play.”

Connect with Mayo Oshin

About this Episode

Episode: 15
Title:Your Team Needs You! How to Overcome Procrastination and Get Things Done
Release Date: January 20, 2020
Guest: Mayo Oshin

Connect with Lead with Levity: Website | LinkedIn | Facebook Support the show (https://paypal.me/leadwithlevity)

How to Resolve Conflict in 2020 with Your Dignity Intact Jan 06, 2020

Show notes

Join me as I interview Dr. Donna Hicks, a TEDxStormant speaker, author, researcher, and international expert on dignity and conflict resolution. We cover the 10 elements of dignity, how Dr. Hicks got interested in dignity research and how she applied it to international negotiations and conflict resolution. We also discuss the difference between dignity and respect, the most common violations of dignity in the workplace, and how to address dignity violations and confront a violator.
About Donna Hicks, Ph.D.Dr. Donna Hicks has a long resume and history of working to help people understand the concept of dignity. Here’s a list of highlights:

Dr. Hicks is the Deputy Director of the Program on International Conflict Analysis and Resolution (PICAR) at the Weatherhead Center for International Affairs at Harvard University.
Israeli/Palestinian conflict - unofficial diplomatic efforts
Founded and co-directed a ten-year project in Sri Lanka
Conflicts in Northern Ireland and Colombia and conducted several US/Cuba dialogues
She is the Vice President of Ara Pacis, an Italian non-governmental organization based in Rome. They are currently involved in a dignity restoration project in Syria and Libya.
Dr. Hicks was a consultant to the British Broadcasting Company (BBC) where she co-facilitated encounters between victims and perpetrators of the Northern Irish conflict with Archbishop Desmond Tutu. The encounters were made into 3 television programs, Facing the Truth, which were aired throughout the United Kingdom and on BBC World.
Taught courses in conflict resolution at Harvard, Clark, and Columbia Universities
Conducts trainings and educational seminars in the US and abroad on the role dignity plays in healing and reconciling relationships in conflict as well as dignity leadership training.
Clients include the World Bank, the United Nations, the US Navy, and governments worldwide
Donna Hicks spoke at TEDxStormont

In this episode we discuss:

The 10 elements of dignity
How Dr. Hicks got interested in dignity research and how she applied it to international negotiations and conflict resolution
The difference between dignity and respect
The most common violations of dignity in the workplace
Tips on how to address dignity violations and confront a violator
How do we build a culture that supports this?

Quotes

“I made a promise to Archbishop Tutu that I would never ever again say that people can have their dignity stripped.”
"If we don’t lovingly embrace our own dignity it’s harder to do it with others….we’re not only valuable and worthy, but we are invaluable. We’re priceless, and we’re irreplaceable."

Timestamps [18:40] 10 Elements of Dignity:

Being able to maintain one’s identity and have others accept it
Recognition and praise for doing something praiseworthy
Acknowledgement that something terrible happened
Inclusion and sense of belonging
Safety--physical and psychological
Fairness
Autonomy and independence
Understanding
Benefit of the doubt
An apology if something bad happens

"The brain doesn’t know the difference between a violation to your dignity and a physical wound.”
[20:23] A conversation Dr. Hicks had with Arch Bishop Desmond TutuWhat is the single most important ingredient for people who want to put the past to rest and move forward with their lives?
[22:40] Out of the 10 elements of dignity, which element is Support the show (https://paypal.me/leadwithlevity)

How to Protect Company Culture (as you scale) Dec 23, 2019

Show notes

Join me as I interview Rob Moore, a UK real estate mogul. We discuss what it means to be a disruptive entrepreneur, his thoughts on company culture, and levity at work.
Rob has held 3 world records for public speaking and authored 9 books including global best-seller Life Leverage. Rob founded and co-owns Progressive Property, the UK's largest property education business and own/manages over 750 properties with his partner. Through the Rob Moore Foundation, he provides an opportunity for underprivileged individuals, start-ups and small established businesses to gain valuable support, investment and mentorship from some of the best in the business. All his profits from his book Money go to the foundation.
In this episode we discuss:

Rob Moore's story
Thomas Cook's recent mass layoffs
How he achieves success through community building and collaborations
How to build a community that lasts as your business grows
Top challenges that leaders face
Why entrepreneurs struggle with management
The mental shift that solopreneurs and entrepreneurs need to make to manage teams
The magic size for a great company culture
The values that Progressive Property holds to help them maintain levity
How to build a loyal team

Quotes

[9:20] Top challenges for entrepreneurs who are scaling and his experiences as he scaled - "The difference between a leader and a manager is huge...once we put one layer of management in that really changed the culture."
[8:35] "I believe in growth through communities and collaborations"
[18:00] "When you're an entrepreneur and you hire people, in your mind, you think that people work for you. No one works for you ever. People work for themselves and you're paying them."
[24:41] On a potential problem at home: "You want to know what's wrong with your staff so you can help them become more productive. If you assume that it's performance when actually it's illness at home or something in their personal life, then in a way they're getting penalized for that and you're not understanding why they're not productive. When you care to find out what's really going on in their life, 1) you get them more productive quick which is good for your business, and 2) you build loyalty.
[29:29] "...love your art, love your mission, but be a liked individual."

Get Connected to Rob Moore:

Website: www.robmoore.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robmooreprogressive/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/robprogressive
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robmooreprogressive
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/robmoore1979/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XwUx_z05pHI

Get Connected with Dr. Walker

Website: https://www.leadwithlevity.com
Email: info@leadwithlevity.com
LinkedIn:

Support the show (https://paypal.me/leadwithlevity)

Delight Customers the Airbnb Way + TRAVEL GIVEAWAY Dec 09, 2019

Show notes

Join me as I interview Dr. Joseph Michelli, Chief Experience Officer and Customer Service Expert
**Stick around to learn how you can enter to win a trip to California to tour Airbnb headquarters and learn more about how they approach the customer experience (deadline to enter: December 16, 2019). ***
Are you ready to transfer the excitement you have for your products and services to your customers? Tune in as we discuss the following:

Inputs to a healthy customer experience
How Zappos uses play to get employees to go the extra mile (and love it while they do)
About Dr. Michelli and the Michelli Experience
How Airbnb disrupted the hotel industry
A new breakfast strategy that Godiva is taking to delight its customers
How the convenience store industry is currently being disrupted

About Dr. Joseph Michelli

Learn more about the Michelli Experience (https://www.josephmichelli.com/)
Connect with Dr. Michelli on Twitter | LinkedIn

Resources Mentioned in this Episode

About this Episode

Episode: 12
Title: Delight Customers the Airbnb Way + TRAVEL GIVEAWAY
Release Date: December 9, 2019
Guest: Joseph Michelli, Ph.D.

Connect with Lead with Levity: Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram Support the show (https://paypal.me/leadwithlevity)

How to be a BADA$$ (without burning out) Nov 25, 2019

Show notes

Is it possible to excel at work without being mentally and physically drained at the end of the day when we return to our family and friends? Listen in as we discuss short mindfulness practices that can both improve our productivity at work and energize us throughout the day.
Today we will be joined by Women’s Mindful Empowerment Coach and Psychotherapist, Shonda Moralis. She reveals:

The mental and physical benefits of mindfulness breaks
How to fit mindfulness breaks into your busy schedule
How to bring mindfulness into the workplace

What's covered in this episode:

Introduction to Shonda Moralis
What is Mindfulness Empowerment?
5-minute mindfulness breaks can help us become more productive and efficient
Mindfulness is an intentional, daily practice
Shonda’s advice on building up the skill of mindfulness
How to handle mind wandering off during meditation
How to bring mindfulness into the workplace
What to do when you feel like you can’t set aside 5 minutes to practice mindfulness
Tools that can remind you to meditate
Shonda’s advice to moms who come home mentally and physically exhausted after work
How to sprinkle your day with mindfulness breaks
Shonda talks about her book launch for “Breathe, Empower, Achieve: 5-Minute Mindfulness for Busy Women”
Bonus: Heather on practicing mindfulness and helping others when they are stressed out

Quotes--- On mindfulness empowerment

“It’s this marriage between mindfulness – being able to calm ourselves and have insight and awareness – and empowerment i.e. allowing us to level up in our lives.”
When we slow down just a notch, the pace of our day goes from feeling frantic and urgent to more calm and sustainable. We become more productive and more efficient. We’re not as stressed out so we can sustain our energy longer.
We can’t control outside factors. But we can control our reaction to them.
We can take a mindful break anytime, anywhere.
The definition of mindfulness -- or the one I like to use -- is being aware of what’s happening in the moment with an attitude of kindness and curiosity and acceptance.

-- On dealing with the mind wandering off during meditation

Our mind will never stop wandering off. That’s what it’s designed to do. It’s about noticing when we wander off, where we wander off to, and then bringing our attention back.

Get Connected with Shonda Moralis: http://shondamoralis.net/
Resources Mentioned in the Episode

Breathe, Mama, Breathe: 5-Minute Mindfulness for Busy Moms by Shonda Moralis
Breathe, Empower, Achieve: 5-Minute Mindfulness for Busy Women by Shonda Moralis
Sign up for Shonda’s email list and you’ll get resources like a free 5-minute

Support the show (https://paypal.me/leadwithlevity)

How to Build Rapport with Anyone Nov 11, 2019

Show notes

Have you ever really wanted to connect to someone but couldn’t get around the awkwardness? Join us as we discuss actionable tips on how you can approach that next conversation with a stranger at a networking event, your team, your supervisor, or family and friends.
Today we will be joined by Founder of People Formula and social psychologist, Robin Dreeke!
Former Head of the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit, Robin Dreeke shares his experiences recruiting foreign spies for the FBI and reveals:

How to build rapport without coming off as creepy or suspicious
What to do when people have their guards up
His four pillars for making the entire conversation about the other person

TIME STAMPS[04:20] Introduction to Robin Dreeke
[05:19] How long was Robin Dreeke with the FBI?
[05:35] What Robin Dreeke does as a behavioral analyst?
[06:47] Robin Dreeke on recruiting foreign spies for the FBI

What is the process of recruiting a foreign spy? [07:24]
How do you get close to a foreign spy to recruit them? [09:30]
Don’t the spies see you coming and have their guards up? [10:34]
Two methodologies that intelligence services use - covert approach or the beacon approach [10:51]

[11:37] How do you build rapport in a way that doesn’t come off as creepy or suspicious?

Robin’s three anchors
Have a healthy and professional relationship [12:22]
Have open and honest communication and transparency [10:35]
Be an available resource for the success of others without expectation of reciprocity [12:49]
Four pillars to making the entire conversation about the other person
Seek their thoughts and opinions [13:17]
Talk in terms of their priorities [13:21]
Validate who they are without judging them [13:28]
Empower them with choices [13:40]

[18:16] Lessons Robin learnt when he was ranked last out of all the second lieutenants in the Marine Corps

How to be a better leader — Make it about everyone else but yourself [18:23]
The new car effect [19:14]

[19:56] Robin’s advice on how to build rapport at a networking event

Look for someone who’s smiling [20:31]
Seek their thought or opinion about a third-party reference [20:44]

QUOTES--- On behavioral analysis

Behavioral analysis throughout my entire career both inside and outside the FBI really came down to communication with people and leading.

— On leadership

Leadership (at least one aspect of it) is moving towards a goal with either one or a group of people.

— On recruiting foreign spies for the FBI

My job inside the FBI was to strategize how to recruit a foreign spy. And that requires a massive amount of behavioral analysis to come up with ways that strategize trust and strategize a strong, healthy relationship.

It [recruiting foreign spies] is basically trying to recruit individuals that are part of diplomatic establishments and embassies and missions that are pretending to be diplomats but, in reality, are special services or intelligence officers collecting intel from our country.

I call it (recruiting foreign spies) the toughest sale

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