Beauty At Work

Timothy Myers is one of America’s most versatile and innovative conductors. He is a frequent collaborator with leading opera companies and orchestras, and serves as the Sarah and Ernest Butler Music Director at Austin Opera where, in addition to leading performances, he participates in the artistic strategy and development of the Company. He is also the Music Director of the Spoleto Festival USA Orchestra, one of the world’s most prestigious ensembles for early-career classical musicians. A leading voice on the topics of leadership and innovation, Tim has made recent speaking appearances at the SXSW Festival, Harvard Business School, The University of Texas at Austin, and Miami Dade College. Tim is also the host of the Listening on Purpose podcast.In this episode, we talk about: Growing up as a young musician in KansasVarieties of beauty in classical musicHow live music is the antidote to modern entertainmentThe beauty of a shared experience with othersTim’s journey to becoming a professional conductorHonoring tradition and embracing innovation in musicWhat is the role of a conductor?What leadership lessons can we learn from orchestras?How to learn to appreciate classical musicTo learn more about Tim’s work, you can find him at: Website: https://timothymyers.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/motmyers/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/timothymyersconductor Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@timothymyers Twitter: https://twitter.com/motmyers Support the show

Wayne Brezinka is an award-winning artist based in Nashville, Tennessee. Wayne’s signature style of art incorporates detailed mixed media and assemblage techniques applied to discarded and repurposed materials. He has been a contributing artist to numerous publications, including The Washington Post, The New York Times, POLITICO Europe, and others.In this episode, we talk about: Challenging societal expectations of pursuing a career in artHow creating art facilitates a deeper connection to one’s selfHow Wayne flourished in the world of art FreelancingThe power of sharing your expertise with othersBringing to life the world of Mister Rogers through Wayne’s exhibitHosting workshops to allow people to unlock their most artistic selvesOn channeling your inner fears and letting them guide your artThe powerful community aspect of creating artTo learn more about Wayne’s work, you can find him at: https://www.waynebrezinka.com/ Support the show

Michael R. Spicher, PhD is a public philosopher and creator of Aesthetics Research Lab. He writes and speaks about aesthetics in professional and academic contexts. He is a regular contributor to BeautyMatter, a resource for the beauty industry. Michael lectures at both Boston Architectural College and Massachusetts College of Art and Design. He co-edited a forthcoming volume with Bloomsbury Visual Arts, Digital Fashion: Theory, Practice, Implications. And he is working on another book called Is Your Business Beautiful?In this episode, we talk about: How Michael found his love for aestheticsHow aesthetic experience is a basic reason for actionBeauty as a motivator for justiceNavigating unconscious and conscious beauty standards and biasesLearning to actively shape our aesthetic tastesObjective vs. subjective beautyViewing beauty as an emergent propertyDistinguishing between aesthetics and beautyWhat role does aesthetics play in businessAppreciating the performative beauty that comes with workAppreciating aesthetics in your daily lifeTo learn more about Michael’s work, you can find him at: https://aestheticsresearch.com/author/aestheticsresearch/https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelrspicher/ Links Mentioned:Survival of the Prettiest: The Science of Beauty by Nancy Etcoff - https://a.co/d/1v95rgn BEAUTY: A Quick Immersion by Crispin Sartwell - https://a.co/d/3w0iJkM The Abuse of Beauty: Aesthetics and the Concept of Art - https://a.co/d/2UKWzaF Support the show

Jennifer Walsh is an acclaimed entrepreneur, author, and media figure who has spent over 25 years working at the intersection of beauty, retail, nature, and neuroscience to help people flourish. She pioneered America’s first experiential retail brand, Beauty Bar, in the 1990s, integrating biophilic design long before mainstream. Her trailblazing brand earned her regard as a “Beauty Futurist”. In 2016, Jennifer created her video series Walk with Walsh where she and her guests traversed the Central Park topography while discussing human connections to nature. She then launched her Wellness Walks® in Central Park and beyond which are mindfulness walks sprinkled with biophilic education.Jennifer has a twin sister who is profoundly disabled and has lived in a group home since they were the age of two. Her sister has been her north star in understanding the beauty in simplicity, in kindness, and the connection to spending time outdoors. Jennifer also spent 4 months living in a tent every summer for the past 34 years which has sculpted how she lives and works and deeply understands the human connection to the beauty all around us in nature's rhythms. As a freelance writer for 27 years, Jennifer continues to cover stories around wellness, travel, fitness, beauty, fashion, and home. She is the author of the popular wellness journal, Walk Your Way Calm and the podcast co-host of Biophilic Solutions, Nature Has the Answers. Jennifer guides organizations globally on biophilic design and the importance of experiencing beauty and nature every day for optimal health.In this episode, we talk about: Jennifer’s natural affinity for the outdoorsHow and why Jennifer built Beauty BarOn creating sensorial and accessible experiences The power of profound storytelling in businessThe key to experiencing immersive beauty in natureBreaking down biophobia and the fear of nature Why experiencing sunlight should be a daily priorityOn fostering human and ecological flourishing through Lost Art of Being Human (LABH)How beauty is a doorway to feeling good in our bodiesWhy you should be seeking beauty in a chaotic worldTo learn more about Jennifer’s work, you can find her: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thejenniferwalsh Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejenniferwalsh/ Lost Art of Being Human: https://www.lostartofbeinghuman.com/ Walk with Walsh: https://www.walkwithwalsh.com/about-jennifer-walsh Resource Mentioned:Thin Place Design: Architecture of the Numinous by Phillip James Tabb - https://a.co/d/0t9ZoGM Support the show

Ean Williams is a former National Security Agency intelligence analyst in the United States Air Force and professional model and actor (America’s Most Wanted, A Man Called Hawk, and Anacostia). He is also a multi-award-winning event producer and fashion designer of two labels, Magnum Underwear and Corjor International. Featured in British Vogue, The Washington Post, The Washington Times, Washingtonian Magazine, Time Magazine, The Hilltop, FOX 5, Voice of America, and numerous prestigious publications, his work earns elite respect from the fashion world. He is also the founder and executive director of DC Fashion Week, a non-profit organization with 39 seasons under its belt.In this episode, we talk about: What drew Ean to fashion at a young ageNavigating familial and societal expectations for young menEan's successful modeling career Dealing with rejection in the fashion industryWhat inspired Ean to launch his own fashion line, Corjor InternationalThe power of fashion to redefine our perceptions of beautyCreating impact through DC Fashion WeekAdvice for aspiring models and fashion designersThe joy of witnessing people’s dreams unfold in fashionBeauty vs. uglinessTo learn more about Ean’s work, you can find him at:Website: https://corjor.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mr_dcfashionweek/ Support the show

Chris Everett is a seasoned facilitator of transformative experiences for individuals and organizations. He is a musician, artist, designer, strategist, coach, farmer, and co-founder of an arts nonprofit in western Wisconsin. With over three decades in brandexpression and strategy, he is a master at using beauty as a powerful medium for transformation. From his early days in graphic design to deep dives into brand strategy and organizational culture, Chris's career reflects a persistent quest to uncover the deeper meanings of the beauty that we encounter in the world around us. He is deeply influenced by the teachings of the Delicate Lodge, a lineage of Medicine Wheel wisdoms that emphasize ceremony and ritual design. Adopting the title of "minister of beauty" in 2020, Chris embodies the belief in the sacredness of deeply human work and the transformative potential of beauty. Through his diverse roles and experiences, Chris also aids others in navigating their unique evolutionary journeys.In this episode, we talk about: How music and art shaped Chris’ childhoodHow spaces can be designed to feel more welcomingChris's journey from advertising to leadership developmentHow do you create genuine transformation in design?Chris’s quest to understand diverse perspectives on beautyHow beauty can elevate the way we think and show up our relationshipWhat does it mean to be a Minister of Beauty?Creating spaces for connection in natural environmentsChris’ vision for healing broken communities To learn more about Chris’ work, you can find him at:https://www.chriseverett.world/ Links Mentioned:Patterns of Transformation - Designing Sex, Death, and Survival in the 21st Century by Ida Benedetto - https://patternsoftransformation.com/ Support the show

Esther Blázquez Blanco works with leaders, teams, and organizations crafting businesses that speak human. She does this by revealing the human connection and the emotional intimacy that exists in life. She works as a Company Culture and Leadership Consultant, Speaker, Executive Coach, and systemic Facilitator.  Esther helps companies find the truth behind the role and develop the relationship between the human and the company, and grow--or scale--in peace. Her vision is human, spiritual, simple, and direct. Esther is a journalist with a background in Innovation, Project Management, and fast-growing Startups. She has also dedicated part of her life to the study and teaching of meditation, performance, and personal growth.In this episode, we talk about: How Esther’s brother taught her what a true leader isHer experience of personal transformationReframing business competitors as sources of wisdom What a beautiful workplace culture looks likeOn a beautiful transformation Esther helped facilitateHow consultants can help create beautiful companiesHow everyone is called to be a leaderTo learn more about Esther’s work, you can find her at: https://www.estherblazquez.com/ Support the show

Seth D. Kaplan is a leading expert on fragile states. He is a Professorial Lecturer in the Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) at Johns Hopkins University, Senior Adviser for the Institute for Integrated Transitions (IFIT), and consultant to multilateral organizations such as the World Bank, U.S. State Department, U.S. Agency for International Development, and OECD as well as developing country governments and NGOs.In this episode, we talk about: The difference between social life in Western versus non-Western countriesHow Seth was drawn to the study of fragile statesHow strong relationships in a country are correlated with economic development and peaceWhy addressing key social problems requires starting at the neighborhood-levelThe relationship between life expectancy and one’s neighborhoodThe beauty of living in a thriving and close-knit neighborhoodHow modern society’s idea of happiness promotes lonelinessOn boosting the collective self-efficacy in an areaFive factors that help communities thriveHow religion can play a role in community buildingThe need for translocal organizations Cultivating college programs to develop civic leadersTo learn more about Seth’s work, you can find him at: https://sethkaplan.org/ You can order his book Fragile Neighborhoods here: https://www.amazon.com/Fragile-Neighborhoods-Repairing-American-Society/dp/0316521396/Support the show

Sean Vigue is one of the most followed yoga, Pilates, power yoga, flexibility training and performance enhancing instructors in the world with millions of followers in every corner of the world from beginners to elite professional athletes. He is a bestselling author of titles such as “Pilates for Athletes”, “Power Yoga for Athletes”, “Pilates for Men” and enjoys creating books which are accessible to everyone regardless of age and fitness level. Sean has produced thousands of online workout videos, a full DVD line, his own podcast and loves teaching at fitness conferences. Before diving into the world of fitness, he worked as a professional opera/musical theater performer in theaters around the world for over 10 years and over 40 shows. He also won numerous singing competitions for opera and music theater as a dramatic baritone. In his spare time he is an amateur film, opera and classical music historian and MST3k fanatic.In this episode we talk about: On pursuing a career in professional theatreThe key to discovering the passions that make you come aliveSean’s experiences teaching fitness classes at DisneyExploring the world of operaDiving into the field of publishing fitness booksFinding beauty in fitnessBalancing the functional and aesthetic aspects of fitnessHow yoga and pilates can unlock a spiritual and emotional journeySean’s future ventures Sean's advice for aspiring fitness instructors and those wanting to get started on their fitness journeysTo learn more about Sean’s work, you can find him at: https://www.seanviguefitness.com/ Support the show

Pallavi Dean plays at the intersection of design and entrepreneurship.  She founded her design firm Roar in 2013. A trained architect and sustainability specialist, she has won multiple awards for work across a range of sectors including commercial, hospitality, and residential. Recent work includes The Accor House of Original in Dubai, Sensasia Spa at Kempinski Dubai, and Mckinsey HQ in Doha.   She was born in India, raised in Dubai, and spent years working in London; her designs reflect these eclectic influences. A former professor of design, she strives to implement the latest theoretical and practical research into the firm’s designs. As a product designer, Pallavi collaborated with Artemide to launch ‘Interweave’ an interactive lighting system for Euro Luce in Milan 2019. Her work has been profiled in some of the world’s leading international media including the Financial Times, the BBC, Monocle, Wallpaper, and the Architectural Digest. She was named Architectural Digest Middle East Designer of the Year in 2020 and Designer of the Year globally by Interior Design Magazine in 2021.In this episode, we talk about: Growing up as a third-culture kidHow Pallavi’s upbringing shaped her love for design and creationOn creating spaces that engage and stimulate all five sensesFinding the balance between designing poetic and functional spacesHighlighting the beauty of imperfection in natureThe need for pain and suffering in order to appreciate the beautyExploring the vulnerability of artistic pursuitsHow Pallavi launched her own sustainable design firm, RoarThe importance of empathy-driven design and architecture Debunking misconceptions of design innovations in DubaiTo learn more about Pallavi’s work, you can find her on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roar_design_studio/ Website: https://www.designbyroar.com/about Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pallavidean/ Support the show