Blue Sky

Marcy Syms has led a remarkable life, full of triumphs and tragedies.  Through a discussion of her new book, Leading with Respect: Adventures of an Off-Price Fashion Pioneer, host Bill Burke and Marcy cover subjects ranging from Marcy’s upbringing, to overcoming bigotry and bullying in high school, to running her father’s company and keeping it on track through the loss of two of her siblings.      Chapters: 00:00 Introduction & Leading with Respect  Bill Burke introduces Marcy Syms, CEO of The Syms Corporation, and her upcoming book “Leading with Respect.” Marcy discusses her father’s motto “Don’t let the bad guys win” and how it relates to being prepared and ensuring both sides of an encounter feel respected.  04:18 Customer Respect & Grandmother’s Influence  Marcy explains how her father’s tagline “an educated consumer is our best customer” was foundational to their company’s success and built on respect for the customer. She also shares the significant influence of her Romanian immigrant grandmother, who instilled in her the importance of financial independence for young women.  09:12 Overcoming Antisemitism  Marcy recounts the overt antisemitism her family faced after moving to Westchester County, detailing the anxiety and fear it caused. She explains how she decided to ‘tough it out’ like a job, overcompensating for the prejudice and becoming a rebel to challenge stereotypes.  13:47 Trailblazing & Joining the Family Business  Marcy discusses how she, as a 12-year-old, trailblazed by pushing for a Bat Mitzvah in her Conservative synagogue, which didn’t traditionally hold them. She also explains her path to joining her father’s business after being fired from her broadcasting job, finding excitement and fulfillment in the entrepreneurial world.  19:05 Business Innovation & Personal Resilience  Marcy describes the unique “automatic markdown price tag” marketing strategy that differentiated Syms stores, despite not being a profit center. She then discusses the immense personal resilience required to lead the company as CEO while simultaneously dealing with the tragic loss of her brother and sister within a year.  27:43 Courage, Values, and Philanthropy  Marcy emphasizes the importance of courage, even in small acts, and how it’s linked to personal values. She reveals her strong aversion to bullies, a trait honed by her past experiences, and how her father’s philanthropic vision led to the establishment of the Sy Syms Foundation.  33:25 Impactful Philanthropic Initiatives  Marcy details the foundation’s unique philanthropic approach, supporting organizations like PEN America, the American Heart Association’s “Go Red” campaign for women’s heart health, and the Tannenbaum Foundation’s anti-bullying initiatives. She also highlights their commitment to investigative journalism through NPR and scientific research at institutions like the Weissman Institute.  41:34 Lifelong Learning & Hot Water Strength  Marcy reflects on the Eleanor Roosevelt quote, “A woman is like a tea bag; you don’t know her strength until she gets into hot water,” acknowledging her own life’s challenges. She passionately advocates for lifelong learning as a key to longevity and a fulfilling life, drawing parallels to Jewish cultural inquisitiveness and the entrepreneurial spirit. 

Mike Goodwin grew up with a difficult and volatile father.  As a child, he decided that one way he could help his mom would be to help make her laugh.  He soon realized he had a talent for humor, but it wasn’t until after time in the US Army and a career in higher education that Mike made comedy his career.  Host Bill Burke and Mike Goodwin share a lot of laughs and life lessons in this fun episode of Blue Sky.   Chapters:  02:27 Meet Mike Goodwin  Bill introduces Mike Goodwin, a comedian, humor coach, and keynote speaker known for his clean comedy style. Mike shares his background, including his upbringing in South Carolina and his journey through comedy.  03:06 Comedy as a Coping Mechanism  Mike discusses his challenging childhood and how he used humor to cope with family dysfunction. He reflects on the role laughter played in his early life and its therapeutic benefits.  06:07 Military Life and Humor  Mike shares his experience in the Army and how his sense of humor both helped and got him into trouble. He recounts funny moments during basic training and the importance of camaraderie.  10:00 From Educator to Comedian  Transitioning from a career in education, Mike talks about his time as a college counselor and how he began pursuing comedy. He reflects on the blend of humor and education in his past roles.  12:45 The Start of Stand-Up Comedy  Mike reveals how he began his stand-up career in an unexpected venue: his church. He shares the pivotal moment that led him to perform on stage and embrace his comedic talent.  14:34 The Art of Clean Comedy  Mike explains his choice to avoid blue humor and the challenges it presents. He likens performing clean comedy to running a marathon with added difficulty, emphasizing authenticity in his style.  18:30 Navigating Sensitive Topics  Mike discusses how he tackles sensitive subjects in his comedy, aiming for honesty and surprise. He shares insights on how to engage diverse audiences while maintaining a positive message.  25:50 Laughter in Leadership  Shifting gears, Mike talks about his work in corporate speaking and how he combines humor with leadership themes. He shares the evolution of his keynote presentations and the importance of engaging his audience.  30:01 The Balance of Content and Comedy  Mike discusses the importance of blending strong content with humor in professional settings, emphasizing how a refreshing approach can enhance the overall experience for audiences.   31:43 Laughter as a Leadership Tool  The conversation delves into the relationship between humor and leadership, highlighting how authenticity and appropriate humor can foster better connections in the workplace. Mike explains the pitfalls of trying to be funny without establishing rapport first.  34:09 Humor in Everyday Interactions  Mike shares anecdotes about using humor in everyday situations, such as hotel check-ins, to break the ice and alleviate tension. He emphasizes that humor doesn’t have to be stand-up level; simple, relatable interactions can make a significant impact.  36:01 The Hard Work Behind Humor  The discussion shifts to the dedication required to master humor, with Mike referencing comedians like Jerry Seinfeld and Kevin Hart who put in years of effort to hone their craft. He stresses that achieving comedic success is not as effortless as it may seem.  39:42 The Comedian’s Mindset  Mike introduces the ABC method of the comedian’s mindset, which involves being aware, breathing, and being curious in challenging situations.   46:36 Pursuing Happiness and Positivity  In the concluding segment, Mike reflects on the importance of actively pursuing happiness and spreading positivity in society. He shares his mission to leave people better than he found them and encourages listeners to embrace optimism. 

In this Blue Sky conversation, Kristine Michie describes her path to a career marked by sparking joy in people and organizations to facilitate positive and impactful change.  Earlier this year, she hosted Bill Burke on her PlayFull podcast and with this episode, the tables are turned and the result is a fun, inspiring conversation on the power of fun, joy, and optimism.   Chapters: 02:05 Meet Kristine Michie  Kristine Michie, founder of Impactfull, Inc. and host of the PlayFull podcast, joins Bill to discuss her journey and the importance of joy in making a difference. They delve into Kristine’s background and her unique approach to change-making.  04:00 Stirring It Up: Kristine’s Early Activism Kristine shares her early experiences in activism, starting from her first political campaign at the age of four. She reflects on how her family influenced her commitment to social justice and making a difference.  08:29 From Journalism to Philanthropy  Kristine recounts her transition from journalism to the nonprofit sector, highlighting her disillusionment with traditional politics and her desire to make a meaningful impact. She discusses her journey into grant writing and philanthropy.  10:34 The Power of Joy in Change-Making  Kristine explains how her focus has shifted towards incorporating joy and play into serious work. She discusses her podcast and retreats that emphasize the importance of joy in fostering effective change.  16:00 Integrating Joy into Nonprofit Work  Bill and Kristine explore the skepticism some organizations may have towards integrating joy into their work. They discuss how shared laughter and play can enhance productivity and create a positive work environment.  20:38 Redefining Productivity and Community  Kristine shares insights on redefining productivity and the importance of community-building over traditional metrics. She emphasizes the value of joy and connection in achieving meaningful outcomes.  24:03 Innovative Retreats and Team Building  Kristine describes her unique approach to retreats and team-building exercises, incorporating creative activities like typewriting and cooking classes. She illustrates how these experiences foster collaboration and innovation.  30:03 Imagining the Unimaginable Kristine and Bill delve into the importance of imagination in activism, discussing generational differences in receptivity to change. They explore how joy and play can break down barriers and foster collaboration across age groups.  32:15 The PlayFull Podcast Journey  Kristine shares her journey into podcasting, highlighting her background in journalism and her desire to create meaningful conversations. She reflects on the ease of starting a podcast compared to publishing a book and the excitement of connecting with new voices.  36:01 Finding Inspiring Voices  The conversation shifts to how Kristine sources guests for her podcast, emphasizing the abundance of good people working to make a difference. They discuss the joy of discovering new stories and the interconnectedness of those in the social sector.  40:12 Looking Ahead: New Ventures  Kristine outlines her upcoming projects, including a new camp for nonprofit leaders and her aspirations for future books. The discussion reflects her commitment to uplifting others and the joy she finds in her work.  43:39 A Sweet Conclusion  As the episode wraps up, the host expresses gratitude for Kristine’s insights and the playful nature of her podcast. They share a light-hearted moment talking about ice cream, reinforcing the theme of joy in their conversation. 

Bill Burke reflects on an idea presented by Niren Chaudhary in episode 107. Niren described curiosity and resilience as two master skills required to successfully run the marathon of life. In this "A Bit of Blue Sky," Bill underscores Niren's belief and relates these qualities to optimism, providing examples through past Blue Sky guests. 

Niren Chaudhary has led a remarkable life while overcoming intense personal tragedies.  He describes his success in running global business as stemming from a foundational belief in putting his employees first and leading them with love, gratitude, and respect.     Chapters: 01:36 Meet Niren Chaudhary  Niren Chaudhary, a visionary leader and CEO, shares his impressive career journey, highlighting his roles at Panera Bread and Yum! Brands.  04:04 The Power of People in Business  Niren reflects on the significance of gratitude and treating employees well, emphasizing that a positive work culture leads to better customer experiences.  09:02 Balancing Work and Family  Niren discusses the challenges of managing global responsibilities while remaining committed to his family, sharing insights on leadership as a privilege.  12:00 Navigating Personal Tragedies  The conversation shifts to Niren’s personal life, where he opens up about the loss of his daughters and the impact of grief on his journey.  23:03 Finding Hope After Loss  Niren shares how he transformed his grief into personal growth, emphasizing the importance of self-love, acceptance, and hope in overcoming hardship.  26:36 Aisha’s Legacy  Niren honors his daughter Aisha’s remarkable life, discussing her courage and values that continue to inspire him and shape his outlook on life.  30:01 The Lens of Gratitude  Niren shares how viewing life through gratitude enriches our experiences and reflects on Aisha’s wisdom about the importance of generosity and fulfillment. He highlights the profound impact of her words, emphasizing that even hardships can lead to deeper appreciation.  32:00 Aisha’s Lasting Impact  Reflecting on Aisha’s life, Niren discusses the lessons learned from her limited time and how her legacy inspires him to embrace life fully. He reveals how her perspective on enjoying life despite challenges continues to shape his journey.  33:12 Exploring New Horizons  As Niren transitions from corporate life, he outlines his current endeavors aimed at unlocking human potential through coaching, academics, and writing. He shares his excitement for teaching at Harvard and the importance of inspiring future leaders.  36:06 Writing for Change  Niren discusses his motivation behind writing two new books focused on resilience and leadership, aiming to inspire those he hasn’t met. He emphasizes the importance of sharing life lessons to help others navigate their own challenges.  39:03 The Power of Self-Talk  In this segment, Niren introduces the themes of his books, particularly the significance of self-talk and resilience in shaping our responses to life’s challenges. He encourages listeners to cultivate a positive inner dialogue to foster personal growth.  41:00 Mastering Time and Focus  Niren shares his daily routines and time management strategies that allow him to balance multiple projects while maintaining focus. He emphasizes the importance of engaging in activities that bring joy and energy, avoiding distractions that drain productivity.  46:04 Habits for Life’s Marathon  Niren concludes with powerful insights on the importance of curiosity and resilience as key habits for navigating life’s challenges. He encourages listeners to embrace learning and commit to their goals, even when faced with obstacles. 

Heidi Johnson was in a great spot in life. She had a great family, good job, all she could reasonably ask for. But when her mother was killed in a shocking accident, that all changed.  After suffering from intense grief, Heidi’s life changed when she was asked to start a new initiative at her local children’s hospital. This led her to create and lead her own nonprofit and to a life today of service and also shining a light on other nonprofit leaders, through both a book and hosting her podcast, Charity Matters.      Chapters: 00:30 Heidi Johnson’s Journey Begins  Heidi Johnson shares her life story, detailing her upbringing in a large Irish Catholic family and the unexpected tragedy that altered her life’s path, leading her to a deeper exploration of grief and purpose.  04:11 The Tragic Accident  Heidi recounts the harrowing details of her parents’ vacation in Costa Rica, where a devastating accident claimed her mother’s life and left her father in a coma, profoundly impacting her family and her outlook on life.  07:29 The Revelation of Grief  Heidi reflects on how her grief revealed her inner strength and fueled her desire to help others, transforming her pain into a powerful catalyst for change in her life.  10:34 A Call for Help  A pivotal moment arises when a priest at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, reaches out to Heidi for assistance in establishing a nonprofit to provide emotional support to families, marking the beginning of her new mission.  12:56 Establishing the Nonprofit  Heidi discusses the formation of the Spiritual Care Guild, detailing the challenges and triumphs of starting a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing chaplains for families in need at the hospital.  17:28 The Impact of Service  Through her work at the Children’s Hospital, Heidi discovers the profound personal health benefits of service, illustrating how helping others can lead to healing and meaning in one’s own life.  18:14 The Birth of Charity Matters  Heidi shares the inspiration behind her blog and podcast, Charity Matters, which highlights the stories of nonprofit founders and the impact of their work, showcasing the entrepreneurial spirit in the nonprofit sector.  23:24 Lessons from Nonprofit Founders  In this segment, Heidi reflects on the commonalities she has observed among nonprofit founders, emphasizing their resilience, optimism, and the transformative power of personal experiences that drive their missions.  27:38 Finding Growth in Loss  Heidi articulates her belief that loss can lead to personal growth, sharing insights on how adversity can pave the way for new beginnings and a deeper understanding of purpose.  31:47 The Journey from Corporate to Nonprofit  Heidi reflects on her transition from a successful corporate career to running a nonprofit, sharing the challenges and rewards of this significant life change.   35:41 Igniting Passion in Others  Heidi shares insights on the importance of building community as a nonprofit founder and the necessity of igniting passion in others to join the cause. She emphasizes the contagious nature of enthusiasm and how it helps in forming a supportive network.  38:08 Philanthropy in America  The conversation shifts to the philanthropic spirit of Americans, with Heidi noting that a significant percentage of the population volunteers. She discusses the importance of focusing on local communities and how small acts of kindness can create a ripple effect.  40:07 The Good in the World  Heidi and Bill conclude with a discussion about the prevalence of good deeds happening around the world, countering the negativity often portrayed in the media. They celebrate the resilience and positivity that nonprofit work embodies, encouraging listeners to contribute to their communities. 

As a West Point graduate who had completed his required service, Tom Deierlein was well into a successful career in digital advertising when he was called up once again to serve in Operation Iraqi Freedom. There, while working to help struggling Iraqi families meet their basic needs, a sniper’s bullet would change his life’s trajectory.  In this Blue Sky conversation, Tom shares his remarkable life story, on that is marked by inspiring grit, resilience, service, and optimism.   Chapters: 02:11 Tom Deierlein’s Background  Tom Deierlein shares insights about his upbringing as the eighth of nine children and his early influences that led him to West Point. He reflects on the values instilled by his parents and his initial motivations for joining the military.  05:24 Military Service and Leadership Development  Tom discusses his military training and the leadership development he experienced during his service, emphasizing the structured professional growth within the Army. He explains his transition from active duty to civilian life and the decisions that led him to the reserves.  08:45 Return to Service and Civil Affairs After a 12-year hiatus, Tom is called back to active duty and deployed to Iraq, where he serves in civil affairs.   12:31 Humanitarian Efforts in Iraq  Tom recounts his experiences providing aid to local children and families in Iraq, driven by the dire conditions he witnessed. He shares how he mobilized support from friends and colleagues back home to send supplies and assistance.  16:47 Life-Changing Injury  Tom shares the harrowing details of being shot by a sniper in Iraq, describing the severity of his injuries and the immediate medical response he received. He highlights the critical moments that followed and his journey to recovery.  22:41 The Birth of the TD Foundation  While recovering at Walter Reed, Tom’s friends and supporters continue to fundraise for his humanitarian efforts, leading to the establishment of the TD Foundation. He explains the foundation’s mission to support children of wounded warriors and families in crisis.  25:51 Resilience and Recovery  Tom reflects on his emotional journey during recovery, including moments of doubt and the importance of maintaining a positive attitude. He discusses the role he played in supporting other wounded veterans and the lessons learned from his experiences.  30:06 The Growth of the TD Foundation  Tom Deierlein shares the evolution of the TD Foundation, highlighting its mission to support families of wounded warriors and fallen heroes.   36:09 Navigating Challenges with Gratitude  In this chapter, Tom reflects on the importance of gratitude in overcoming life’s challenges, drawing inspiration from his personal journey. He emphasizes how the TD Foundation’s quick response to urgent needs helps families regain hope.  37:15 Entrepreneurial Spirit: Thundercat Technology  Transitioning to his entrepreneurial journey, Tom introduces Thundercat Technology, a company he founded that focuses on data center technology and government contracts. He discusses the company’s growth and its mission to enhance national security.  41:40 The Role of Optimism and Grit in Business Tom elaborates on the significance of optimism and grit in entrepreneurship, sharing his pragmatic approach to goal-setting and resilience. He explains how these qualities have shaped his leadership style and the culture at Thundercat.  49:02 A Journey of Growth and Inspiration  Wrapping up the conversation, Tom reflects on the importance of maintaining a positive outlook despite life’s inevitable challenges. He encourages listeners to embrace optimism and resilience as essential tools for personal and professional growth. 

Many years ago, Jodie Jackson found herself in a deep depression.  As she worked to identify the causes her deteriorating mental health, she realized it had a lot to do with her excessive and indiscriminate consumption of news and information.  In the years since, she’s become a recognized expert on media literacy and a passionate advocate for understanding and managing our intake of news to protect our mental health.    Chapters:  01:12 Introducing Jodi Jackson  Jodie Jackson, an expert in the psychological impact of news on mental health, shares her background and the motivation behind her work in constructive journalism.  02:27 The Personal Journey to Understanding News Impact  Jodie recounts her personal experience with anxiety and panic attacks, linking them to her news consumption, and how she sought out positive stories to shift her perspective.  05:39 Understanding Negativity Bias  The conversation shifts to the concept of negativity bias, exploring how media exploits our natural inclination towards negative news and its effects on our perception of reality.  10:15 Historical Context and Perspective  Jodie and Bill discuss the importance of historical context in understanding current events, emphasizing that our perception of the present can often be skewed by the news.  13:01 The Power of Positive News  Jodie highlights the transformative power of focusing on positive news, drawing parallels between news consumption and dietary habits for mental health.  14:29 Exploring Cognitive Biases  The discussion delves into cognitive biases like availability bias and confirmation bias, illustrating how they shape our beliefs and perceptions based on the information we consume.  20:15 The Role of Media Algorithms  Jodie explains how modern media algorithms reinforce our biases by curating content that aligns with our existing beliefs, making it crucial to be aware of our media consumption habits.  25:31 Staying Informed Without Overwhelm  Addressing concerns about staying informed, Jodie offers strategies to consume news mindfully, balancing negative and positive content to foster resilience.  30:00 The Importance of Staying Informed  Jodie emphasizes the need to stay informed while maintaining mental resilience against negative news.   31:20 Batching News Consumption  The discussion shifts to effective news consumption strategies, distinguishing between ‘just in time’ and ‘just in case’ information. Jodie advises focusing on relevant news that one can take action on, rather than overwhelming oneself with constant updates.  33:44 Navigating Information Overload  Jodie shares insights on balancing positive and negative news, highlighting the dangers of excessive exposure to distressing events. She encourages listeners to engage with news that resonates with their interests and values.  36:00 Understanding News in the Digital Age The conversation explores how today’s youth consume news differently, primarily through social media, and the challenges this presents in discerning credible information.   39:10 The Role of Parents in Media Literacy  Jodie discusses the crucial role parents play in modeling healthy news consumption behaviors for their children.   42:25 Mastering Your Mind  Jodie introduces her ‘Master Your Mind’ program, designed to help individuals train their brains for better emotional regulation and resilience. She explains how this program empowers participants to create a positive mindset intentionally.  46:30 Closing Thoughts and Resources  In the final segment, Jodie reiterates the importance of viewing news as an invitation to knowledge rather than complete understanding. She encourages listeners to explore her resources, including her TED Talk and the ‘Master Your Mind’ course. 

This discussion reflects on the significance of the 4th of July, highlighting the enduring spirit of American optimism. It contrasts the nation's imperfections with its achievements and emphasizes hope amid challenges. The conversation dives into the revolutionary ideals that foster a belief in democracy and innovation. Listeners are encouraged to appreciate the journey toward a more perfect union while celebrating national pride and the complexities of American history.

Nichole Argo describes the work she’s doing to bring communities together by assembling people with different viewpoints around one table to discuss their challenges and formulate solutions.  After great success in her hometown, she’s now pursuing similar models across the country, and she’s optimistic that combining a growing desire for belonging with proven methods for building community will yield positive results.  Links: TogetherUp Institute Reimagining Us podcast Chapters: 01:11 Meet Nichole Argo  Bill introduces Nichole Argo, a social psychologist and founder of the Togetherup Institute, highlighting her impressive background and her work in promoting belonging and community resilience.  02:30 Understanding Social Psychology  Nichole explains the essence of social psychology, discussing how it examines social identities and group behaviors, and shares her journey from studying conflict to fostering cooperation.  04:11 Navigating Conflict  The conversation delves into Nichole’s personal comfort with conflict, exploring how understanding and managing internal conflicts can lead to more productive discussions in various settings.  06:02 The Challenge of Online Conflict  Bill and Nichole discuss the rise of online conflict and the societal tendency to engage in arguments, emphasizing the importance of recognizing when to step back from disputes.  08:39 Founding TogetherUp  Nichole recounts the founding of TogetherUp, driven by a local crisis in her community, and the importance of building relationships across differences to foster belonging.  10:44 The Needham Resilience Network  Nicole shares her experience with the Needham Resilience Network, a transformative initiative aimed at bridging divides and fostering collaboration among community members.  14:00 The Power of Local Communities  Nichole emphasizes the significance of local communities in practicing democracy and fostering resilience, arguing that local solutions are essential for addressing broader societal challenges.  19:09 Finding Common Ground  The conversation explores the idea of identifying shared values and interests among differing groups, illustrating how focusing on commonalities can facilitate better communication and understanding.  22:15 The Importance of Resilience  Nichole discusses the necessity of resilience in facing contemporary challenges, stressing that strong communities can better withstand adversities through social cohesion.  23:25 Launching Reimagining Us  Nichole introduces her podcast, Reimagining Us, detailing its purpose of exploring how Americans can collaborate across differences and the motivations behind its creation.  27:10 The Beauty of Local Action  Bill and Nichole reflect on the abundance of individuals and initiatives working towards positive change at the local level, emphasizing the importance of community engagement and action.  29:10 Influencing Change at the Local Level  In this chapter, the conversation explores how individuals can make a significant impact within their local communities, contrasting it with the challenges of influencing larger political structures.   31:05 The Role of Local Media  Nichole and Bill delve into the critical role of local media in fostering community engagement and cohesion, especially in the face of declining local news outlets.   33:30 The Double-Edged Sword of Social Media  This chapter addresses the paradox of social media, which has the potential to unite and divide communities.   36:14 Reimagining Social Media for Good  Nichole highlights emerging platforms that focus on building connections and fostering a sense of belonging.  44:40 Empowering Communities with Resources  In the final segment, Nichole shares how TogetherUp is providing tools and resources for communities to foster belonging and engagement.