Motivational Mondays: Conversations with Leaders

Health matters. This week on Motivational Mondays, Dr. Ian Smith emphasizes the need for physical wellness for success. Many people live with metabolic disease without knowing it, but Dr. Ian hopes to give people the tools they need to take control of their health.Metabolic inflexibility is often the culprit of weight gain, Dr. Ian shares, and he breaks down the science behind the concept and behind his new book, “Met Flex Diet.” Better nutritional education is key, and he explains why such education needs to start early in our school years.Whether you’re struggling with weight loss, learning about it preventatively, or curious about Dr. Ian’s method, this is an episode you don’t want to miss! Plus, tune in to learn the keystones of Dr. Ian’s method in “Met Flex Diet.”You’ll learn about the importance of physical health for success, the science behind many people’s struggle to lose weight, and Dr. Ian’s rules for weight loss.LEARN MORE:>> Take in regular inspiration and tips to optimize your health by following Dr. Ian on Instagram and Facebook! (https://www.instagram.com/doctoriansmith), (https://www.facebook.com/Dr.IanKSmith)>> If you’ve joined the Met Flex Diet movement, you can find community and support from Dr. Ian himself in the Met Flex Diet Facebook group. (https://www.facebook.com/groups/1181407922741333)>> Find more books by Dr. Ian and read success stories at DoctorIanSmith.com. (http://doctoriansmith.com)>> Use Dr. Ian’s Met Flex Diet resources for your own journey! (https://www.dropbox.com/sh/jtlrp871snvhvwa/AADq3uihxi2dTtM4r5azKFq6a?dl=0)NSLS MEMBERS ONLY:>> Listen to the bonus episode to learn about misconceptions about obesity and the implications of high levels of obesity for our nation. (https://thens.ls/3NU1QBJ)Mentioned in this episode:Get 20% Off at the NSLS ShopUse code MONDAYS for 20% your entire purchase at shop.nsls.orgNSLS Shop

What can leaders learn from art? In Peppermint’s view, art and entertainment play vital roles in creating change through representation and visibility. As parts of our nation become increasingly antagonistic toward the LGBTQ+ community, from book bans to bans on drag shows, it’s important that we as leaders learn how we can help our friends and neighbors create a safer, more loving world. We can raise our voices in many ways: voting, sharing our stories and listening to those of others, and choosing positive representations in the media.In this week’s Motivational Mondays podcast, Peppermint, Broadway’s first out trans actress to originate a principal role, joins Corey Powell to discuss her experience in the LGBTQ+ world and to share her thoughts on our culture and how we can shape it into a more accepting one for the LGBTQ+ community.This week, you’ll learn about Peppermint’s experience as a drag performer and trans actress, the movement of drag into mainstream media, the power of truth to fight prejudice and oppression, and the role of media and art in creating lasting change.LEARN MORE:>> Expand your summer playlist with Peppermint’s music. (https://open.spotify.com/artist/4Cy4hqXIcD2Gz4NGgbNSw6)>> Follow Peppermint on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. (https://www.instagram.com/peppermint247), (https://twitter.com/Peppermint247), (https://www.facebook.com/peppermintnyc)>> Watch Peppermint’s music videos and more on YouTube. (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5t6alAyno_ehV_XvGSkjAg)>> Learn where you can watch Peppermint’s latest roles and work. (https://www.kenphillipsgroup.com/post/peppermint-readies-moment-of-weakness-letters-to-my-lovers-volume-2-of-her-trilogy-releases)NSLS MEMBER ONLY:>> Listen to the bonus episode to learn where you can catch Peppermint’s next projects. (https://thens.ls/3PrCMmI)Mentioned in this episode:Get 20% Off at the NSLS ShopUse code MONDAYS for 20% your entire purchase at shop.nsls.orgNSLS Shop

Leaders everywhere could learn a lot from parents. Corey Powell talks with Alvin McCray and Jason Rudman about their experiences as LGBTQ+ parents and as a family “at the intersection of race, gender, and sexual identity.”Childrearing and education have become a charged topic lately, especially for LGBTQ+ parents who must raise their children in places that want to restrict learning about the LGBTQ+ community and their history. McCray and Powell share their approach to parenting and education in today’s society.Learn more about walking your truth and supporting these communities in this week’s episode!You’ll learn about living your truth, understanding vs. accepting, and parenting and leadership from the perspective of intersectionality.LEARN MORE:>> Become an agent for change and learn about thought leadership at More Elephant. (https://www.moreelephant.com/about)>> Discover opportunities for LGBTQ+ students through McCray and Rudman’s Community College Scholarships. (https://www.rudman-mccray.com)>> Support equality for LGBTQ+ families and find resources for family building with Family Equality. (https://familyequality.org)NSLS MEMBERS ONLY:>> Listen to the bonus episode to learn the importance of teaching empathy and the necessity of conversation to share one’s story. (https://thens.ls/3JhOWef)Mentioned in this episode:Get 20% Off at the NSLS ShopUse code MONDAYS for 20% your entire purchase at shop.nsls.orgNSLS Shop

Authentic leaders make stronger leaders. In this week’s episode of Motivational Mondays, you’ll hear about Ritu Bhasin’s journey to find her authentic self and why belonging is so important both personally and professionally.Our society often encourages homogeneity and a culture of “fitting in,” encouraging us to live behind masks and disconnect from ourselves. Bhasin experienced this first-hand, and she joins Corey Andrew Powell this week to share the concrete tools and steps she has learned for reconnecting with yourself.Watch or listen to Powell’s conversation with Bhasin to learn why authenticity and belonging create better leaders and workplaces.Listen in to learn more about the difference between “fitting in” and belonging, a question to ask when searching for your authentic self, and the value of body awareness and “core power.”LEARN MORE:>> Get some free resources from Bhasin’s website (https://ritubhasin.com)>> Connect with Bhasin on Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook (https://www.instagram.com/ritu_bhasin), (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ritubhasin), (https://twitter.com/Ritu_Bhasin), (https://www.facebook.com/riturbhasin1)>> Watch her videos on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCH6OfWwUSHRt7K-coaMpv2w)>>Read Bhasin’s book, “We Got This: Unlocking the Beauty of Belonging” (https://amzn.to/3ZqqXPc)>> Read her first book, “The Authenticity Principle: Resist Conformity, Embrace Differences, and Transform How You Live, Work, and Lead” (https://amzn.to/3oWidE9)NSLS MEMBERS ONLY:>> Listen to the bonus episode to learn Bhasin’s most important takeaway from yoga and practices for more effective deep breathing. (https://thens.ls/3J4hffU)Mentioned in this episode:Get 20% Off at the NSLS ShopUse code MONDAYS for 20% your entire purchase at shop.nsls.orgNSLS Shop

Do you know that we all play an indirect role in the major global labor crisis? In this episode of Motivational Mondays, you’ll hear why Siddharth Kara - author, researcher, screenwriter, and activist - strives to share the truth about dangerous labor practices and bring it to the public's attention.Cobalt is a metal used in rechargeable batteries in every smartphone, tablet, laptop, and electric vehicle. But to mine cobalt from the Congo in Africa, excavation companies subject workers to inhumane conditions in the name of corporate greed.In this episode of Motivational Mondays, Kara reveals how we all indirectly enable this dangerous labor practice in Africa. Find out what role you play in this third-world scenario.This week you’ll learn how human trafficking happens abroad and in the US, how a mined mineral is driving a global labor crisis, and what you can do to help stop labor exploitation in the Congo.LEARN MORE:>> Read Kara’s book, “Cobalt Red: How the Blood of the Congo Powers Our Lives” (https://amzn.to/3z5E7Gs)>> Follow Kara on Twitter (https://twitter.com/siddharthkara)NSLS MEMBERS ONLY:>> Listen to the bonus episode to learn what we can do to end modern slavery and how we can fight human trafficking. (https://thens.ls/3N0qujx)Mentioned in this episode:Get 20% Off at the NSLS ShopUse code MONDAYS for 20% your entire purchase at shop.nsls.orgNSLS Shop

Dana Tai Soon Burgess is a leading choreographer, dancer, and cultural figure known worldwide as the Diplomat of Dance. His D.C.-based dance company will celebrate its 30th season this year.Dana’s parents are both visual artists. Because of this, he grew up in a creative family but didn’t have the propensity to draw or paint. As a child, he actively searched for his place in the world. After watching a Liberace special on TV, he thought he wanted to be a pianist. Ultimately, it would be martial arts and dance that most inspired him. It helped him understand the amazing abilities of the human body and how movement as communication is universal. In this episode, Burgess discusses his new book, “Chino and the Dance of the Butterfly.” (https://amzn.to/3KjE0xr)This week, you’ll learn why Burgess wrote his book, why humanity’s universal language is movement, and what it was like experiencing the gentrification of Santa Fe, New Mexico.LEARN MORE:>> Learn about the Dana Tai Soon Burgess Dance Company (https://dtsbdc.org)>> Read “Chino and the Dance of the Butterfly” (https://amzn.to/3KjE0xr)Connect with Burgess on Facebook or Instagram (https://www.facebook.com/DTSBDC), (https://www.instagram.com/dtsbdc)NSLS MEMBERS ONLY:>> Listen to the bonus episode to understand the power of learning from your life’s journey and why you must embrace all that you are in order to fly. (https://thens.ls/3IG6U9K)Mentioned in this episode:Get 20% Off at the NSLS ShopUse code MONDAYS for 20% your entire purchase at shop.nsls.orgNSLS Shop

Laura Gassner Otting is a renowned life coach and the best-selling author of "Limitless: How To Ignore Everybody, Carve Your Own Path, and Live Your Best Life." She's been featured on TODAY, Good Morning America, Oprah, and more. Otting wrote "Wonderhell" because she found herself living through it. She says, "Wonderhell is the space between who you were yesterday and who you just realized you could become tomorrow." When she published “Limitless,” it debuted at No. 2 on the Washington Post bestseller list, right behind Michelle Obama. It was a success but her mind immediately went to how she could get on The New York Times list. It made her question if enough is ever enough when it comes to our ambitions.In this episode of Motivational Mondays, Laura discusses her newest book, "Wonderhell: Why Success Doesn't Feel Like It Should… and What To Do About It," and why you must be flexible in your definition of success.LEARN MORE:>> Read Otting’s books, “Limitless: How To Ignore Everybody, Carve your Own Path, and Live Your Best Life” and “Wonderhell: Why Success Doesn't Feel Like It Should . . . and What To Do About It” (https://amzn.to/3W2aGjc), (https://amzn.to/3pKshA0)>> Connect with her on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn (https://twitter.com/heylgo), (https://www.instagram.com/heylgo), (https://www.facebook.com/heylgo), (https://www.linkedin.com/in/heylgo)NSLS MEMBERS ONLY:>> Listen to the bonus episode to learn how to define what type of leader you want to be and why you should lean into what makes you special. (https://members.nsls.org/audio/laura-gassner-otting)Mentioned in this episode:Get 20% Off at the NSLS ShopUse code MONDAYS for 20% your entire purchase at shop.nsls.orgNSLS Shop

Adam Alter is a professor of marketing and the Robert Stansky Teaching Excellence Faculty Fellow at New York University's Stern School of Business. He also holds an affiliated professorship in social psychology at NYU's psychology department and is a New York Times bestselling author of "Drunk Tank Pink" and "Irresistible." (https://amzn.to/3LWY6P0), (https://amzn.to/42pP56m)Alter started writing his book during the COVID pandemic when people were forced into isolation. It felt like everyone was grappling with being stuck to some degree and needed guidance to get through it.“Anatomy of a Breakthrough” was released in May 2023. In this book, Alter shares four simple steps to help you get unstuck and experience the breakthrough you hope to achieve. (https://amzn.to/425GVAg)LEARN MORE:>> Read his book, “Anatomy of a Breakthrough: How to Get Unstuck When It Matters Most” (https://amzn.to/425GVAg)>> Visit his website (https://adamalterauthor.com)>> Connect with him on Twitter and Facebook (https://twitter.com/adamleealter), (https://www.facebook.com/AdamAlterAuthor)NSLS MEMBERS ONLY:>> Listen to the bonus episode to learn why emotional flailing is common during hard times and the importance of understanding how you got stuck. (https://thens.ls/3ntuvmW)Mentioned in this episode:Get 20% Off at the NSLS ShopUse code MONDAYS for 20% your entire purchase at shop.nsls.orgNSLS Shop

Kyleigh Leddy is a Boston College graduate with her master’s in social work from Columbia University. In 2019, she took a writing class for enjoyment while studying clinical psychology and won The New York Times Modern Love College Essay Contest after writing about grieving her sister.Her essay caught the eye of multiple publishers who took an interest in her story. After signing a book deal, she was initially concerned about her family situation becoming public, but she knew that her sister’s story needed to be told. Her book is entitled, “The Perfect Other: A Memoir of My Sister.” (https://amzn.to/3FUR0XI)In this episode you’ll learn why Kyleigh wrote her book, how it helped her family heal, and about her sister’s personality.LEARN MORE:>> Visit Kyleigh’s website (http://www.kyleighleddy.com)>> Follow her on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/kyleighleddy)>> Read her book, “The Perfect Other: A Memoir of My Sister” (https://amzn.to/3FUR0XI)NSLS MEMBERS ONLY:>> Listen to the member-only bonus episode to learn why it’s important to reject stigmas associated with mental health and how Kyleigh approaches her advocacy work from a place of love. (https://thens.ls/3Hp2lzU)Mentioned in this episode:Get 20% Off at the NSLS ShopUse code MONDAYS for 20% your entire purchase at shop.nsls.orgNSLS Shop

Yuval David is a celebrated actor, host, filmmaker, and advocate. He's known for his major TV Network roles in “Madame Secretary,” “The Michael J. Fox show,” “Beauty and the Beast,” and “What Would You Do.” He’s also the mastermind behind the Emmy Award-winning “One Actor Short,”aimed at uniting the world in a time of divisiveness. Social justice and civil rights are something that everyone must pursue, from David’s perspective, and it's also a part of his Jewish identity. There's an element of activism within Judaism, thought, and philosophy; a focus on repairing the world, soul, and body. In this episode of Motivational Mondays, Yuval shares how we can all stand united to fight against Jewish hatred.This week, you’ll learn how being openly gay and Jewish shapes David’s advocacy, about the rise of hate crimes against the Jewish people, and why marginalized groups must stand united. LEARN MORE:>> Visit Yuval David’s website (https://yuvaldavid.com)>> Connect on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter (https://www.youtube.com/user/YuvalDavidActor), (https://www.instagram.com/Yuval_David_), (https://www.facebook.com/YuvalDavid), (https://twitter.com/YuvalDavid)NSLS MEMBERS ONLY >>>> Listen to the bonus episode to learn about the progress made when people come together and the importance of instilling hope in those who don’t feel appreciated. (https://thens.ls/41uxr1g)Mentioned in this episode:Get 20% Off at the NSLS ShopUse code MONDAYS for 20% your entire purchase at shop.nsls.orgNSLS Shop