People Business w/ O'Brien McMahon

Brian Emerson is the founder of Andiron where he helps organizations and leaders harness the power of polarities. Brian also teaches about paradox in leadership and organizations at Notre Dame, the University of Maryland, and Georgetown's Institute for Transformational Leadership. He is the co-author of Navigating Polarities: Using Both/And Thinking to Lead Transformation.Mentioned on the ShowLearn more about Brian’s firm Andiron: https://andiron.com/Check out the Key Polarity Indicator to evaluate polarity indicators you may encounter in the workplace or in life: https://keypolarityindicator.com/Brian's book, Navigating Polarities: Using Both/And Thinking to Lead Transformation: https://www.amazon.com/Navigating-Polarities-Using-Thinking-Transformation/dp/1733382836/Brian on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-emerson________________________Connect with O’Brien McMahon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/obrienmcmahon/Learn more about O’Brien: https://obrienmcmahon.com/________________________Timestamps(3:17) - How does one decide to get a PhD in ‘paradox’?(4:39) - What research were you doing to get your PhD?(5:46) - Is there a definition of polarity you like the most?(6:54) - Why is it so hard to find the middle ground?(13:51) - What makes a polarity and what doesn’t?(15:52) - Why is the abortion debate a bad example of a polarity?(17:50) - Why is the gun rights debate a better example?(20:09) - Does overindexing on a pole cause an equal and opposite reaction from people on the other pole?(23:19) - How do you counteract the magnetism of the pole?(24:50) - How do we land in a more sustainable middle ground?(32:35) - How do we start to unwrap people from the poles they’re attached to?(37:57) - How do you use this to navigate life?(47:10) - How do we protect ourselves from people manipulating our poles?(51:15) - How can people find you and engage in this type of work?

Erin Huizenga is a learning experience designer with over 20 years dedicated to empowering people and organizations to grow through human-centered learning strategies and design innovation. As founder and CEO of Desklight, Erin partners with organizations such as The Smithsonian, McGraw Hill, and Techstars to research insights, prototype ideas, and develop breakthrough learning programs.Mentioned on the ShowConnect with Erin Huizenga on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinhuizengaLearn More about Desklight: https://desklightlearning.com/Erin’s Book, Learning In The Wild: https://a.co/d/0eXFQ55yListen to Sue Rice on People Business and her book Tiny Thunder: https://peoplebusinesspodcast.com/suerice/Humor, Seriously by Jennifer Aaker and Naomi Bagdonas: https://a.co/d/0e3IjXFKMake It Stick by Peter C. Brown, Henry L. Roediger, III, and Mark A. McDaniel: https://a.co/d/0hLcfWv1Timestamps(2:40) - Welcoming Erin(3:08) - What is Desklight and how did it come to be?(9:28) - How do you define "design"?(11:13) - Are you solving specific learning problems or building overarching ones?(15:28) - With so many things to learn, how do you decide where to begin?(18:37) - What makes an employee happy and want to stay in their job?(28:32 ) - How do you help clients decide whether to insource or outsource learning?(32:20) - How do you help presenters be more captivating?(34:34) - Give us 2 or 3 tips on being a more dynamic speaker.(38:59) - Are there subjects that are better taught by someone from outside?(41:21) - What are some of the coolest things you’ve seen people do outside the norm that had a big impact?(46:58) - How has learning changed since the pandemic?(51:07) - What are the best practices to make virtual learning engaging?(56:11) - What does a sabbatical mean to you and how do you use them?(1:03:06) - Where can people find you?

Kona Shen co-founded My90 in 2016 to help the public and police communicate using accessible, data-driven technology. Kona joined Axon in 2021 when they acquired the company. Prior to co-founding My90, Kona founded GOALS Haiti, an award-winning non-profit that uses sport as a tool to spark long-term community development. She holds a B.A. in Development Studies from Brown University and an M.A. in International Policy Studies from Stanford University.Mentioned on the Show:Connect with Kona Shen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/konashenLearn more about My90 on the Axon website: https://www.axon.com/products/my90Support efforts in Haiti: https://www.goalshaiti.org/Listen to the People Business episode all about hardiness with Dr. Steven Stein: https://peoplebusinesspodcast.com/stevenstein/Timestamps:(2:26) - Welcoming Kona(3:17) - What is social entrepreneurship?(5:18) - How do you think about incentives?(8:01 ) - What are best practices in setting up a nonprofit board with checks and balances? (9:55) - How would you lead with more humility and weakness if you were starting over?(14:40) - Cockroach mentality.(16:08) - What is My90?(24:28) - How did you overcome people’s skepticism about the project?(34:28) - Are there any other best practices you’ve learned about surveying?(36:23) - What types of police interactions are you NOT surveying?(37:57) - What have you learned surveying sexual assault victims?(42:21) - How do you see leaders in law enforcement balancing vulnerability and confidence?(48:01) - How are police departments using this internally and externally?(53:35) - Have you seen them use the survey to influence types of incidents that you’re not surveying?(55:15) - What other areas do you feel this type of feedback would make a big difference?(57:54) - What advice do you have for those who would like to reach out and ask these questions but don’t know how to?(1:00:29) - What’s the best way for people to find you and get connected?

Laura Knights is an executive coach, speaker, and facilitator with 19+ years of experience creating personal and professional development programs that have touched leaders all over the world. Her expertise and background in business, human resources, adult education, and social work uniquely equip her to teach others how to deal with both the "head work" and "heart work" required to succeed at work and in life. Laura is the creator of the Black Woman Leading® programs and podcast, and the Founder and CEO of Knights Consulting LLC, a leadership development consultancy that provides customized training and coaching programs to organizations to create more confident leaders and high-performing teams.Mentioned on the Show:Connect with Laura E. Knights on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauraeknights/Learn more about Knights Consulting: https://knightsconsultinggroup.com/Visit the Black Woman Leading® website: https://blackwomanleading.com/Listen to the Black Woman Leading® podcast: https://www.pod.link/1561551317Laura referenced leadership and conflict resolution books by Amy C. Edmondson and Timothy R. ClarkRead about the study Laura referenced about peer impact on the careers of Black women: https://www.hks.harvard.edu/publications/asymmetric-peer-effects-work-effect-white-coworkers-black-womens-careers________________________Connect with O’Brien McMahon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/obrienmcmahon/Learn more about O’Brien: https://obrienmcmahon.com/________________________Timestamps(2:27) - Welcoming Laura Knights.(2:39) - What kind of work do you do?(3:08) - Tell us about your podcast and conference work.(4:13) - What are people learning from the Black Woman Leading conferences?(8:01) - How much of the problem is racism vs other issues?(13:02) - How does being a licensed therapist get applied in the work you do?(15:49) - Do you have an example of how systems thinking applies to leadership problems?(22:58) - Where do you draw the line between caring and coddling?(30:17) - How are forward-thinking companies developing a pipeline of talent to continue to sustain leadership over time?(33:33) - Is there anything they’re doing around incentivizing people?(45:54) - Is there anything in particular we should address about moving people up through the organization and develop them?(48:25) - How are you seeing companies able to maintain this and work through issues across global boundaries?(51:45) - Do you have any frameworks for managing conflict?(59:16) - How can people get in touch with you?

Danielle Krischik is the Chief Communication Officer at Knight Agency, an internal branding agency that helps companies connect to and tell their unique stories to help attract and retain talent. In this conversation, she explains how to surface your unique stories, connect them to your mission, and create an environment that speaks to people. Mentioned on the Show:Connect with Daniell on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellekrischikLearn more about the Knight Agency: https://knightagency.com/Stephen King's On Writing: https://a.co/d/4BjtmeaThe Power of Moments (book): https://a.co/d/cMoB1i9________________________Connect with O’Brien McMahon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/obrienmcmahon/Learn more about O’Brien: https://obrienmcmahon.com/O’Brien’s new book—How You Become You—is available now: https://a.co/d/22kZ0sV________________________Timestamps(2:49) - Welcoming Danielle.(3:20) - What is Knight Agency?(4:10) - What is purpose and performance work?(4:55) - What’s the main difference between internal marketing/branding vs. external marketing/branding?(6:32) - How and where are clients using this work?(8:23) - Can you give us examples of where your communications are used internally that drive retention?(11:34) - What does an engagement look like with a new client?(16:10) - What makes a good second and third-level question during discovery?(22:12) - How do you drive attention to personal stories so everybody in the business feels connected?(26:23) - What makes a good story?(30:52) - Do you agree that the more elements of storytelling like metaphor and analogy we use with people the more it creates an emotional connection?(46:00) - How do you help clients match their behaviors with the narrative?(49:52) - How do you help people find their authentic way to express their story in the larger narrative?(54:00) - How do companies make this work last?(59:01) - Where can people engage with you and your work?

Dr. Steven Stein is a clinical psychologist and the founder and executive chair of Multi-Health Systems (MHS), a leading assessment and behavior analytics company. He is a former chair of the Psychology Foundation of Canada, former President of the Psychology Foundation of Canada, and has helped lead several other prominent organizations. He teaches at the Directors College of Canada.  He is also the author of several books, including "Hardiness", which formed the basis for this conversation.  Mentioned on the Show:Hardiness: Making Stress Work for You to Achieve Your Life Goals (Steve’s book): https://a.co/d/cLpKwyQOther books by Steve Stein: https://mhs.com/dr-steven-steins-books/Steve Stein’s profile on the MHS website: https://mhs.com/about-our-founder/Learn more about Steve’s company Multi-Health Systems, Inc.: https://mhs.com/Bonus: O’Brien liked this episode of Armchair Expert, speaking with author (and sociopath) Patric Gagne. ________________________Connect with O’Brien McMahon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/obrienmcmahon/Learn more about O’Brien: https://obrienmcmahon.com/O’Brien’s new book—How You Become You—is available now: https://a.co/d/22kZ0sV________________________ Timestamps:(1:51) - Welcoming Steve(2:14) - What is ‘Hardiness’?(3:42) - What are the differences in some of the words for mental toughness and where does ‘hardiness’ fit in?(7:08) - Is there such a thing as good stress and bad stress?(8:58) - Where’s the line where stress becomes trauma?(10:53) - How much does your mindset help your physiology during stress?(12:08) - What is the difference between positive energy and negative energy?(13:32) - Why is avoiding stress counter-productive?(14:42) - Why is commitment often the first place for stress?(15:34) - What does helping people with commitment look like?(17:05) - As an example, what are some of your commitments? (20:10) - What do you say to people who struggle to find one particular purpose?(25:04) - Why is hate not a good fuel for hardiness?(28:30) - Can you talk to us about Challenge?(31:38) - Are Challenge and Control interrelated?(32:45) - How do you change people's perspective on Challenge?(39:15) - Does control mean I have to figure out how to control everything in my life?(40:59) - How have you gotten more comfortable letting things go?(43:32) - How do you instill hardiness in other people?(45:54) - What are signs that someone should take the ADHD assessment?(47:30) - What was the most interesting thing you learned about psychopaths?(48:35) - What’s the difference between a psychopath and a sociopath?(51:14) - What goes into creating an assessment for a reality TV show cast?(53:38) - How did you come to do the assessment work?(54:54) - Did you assess former President Trump?(55:45) - Where can people find you and engage in this work?

Myriam Hadnes, academic in Behavioral Economics, discusses the art of facilitation, group dynamics, and the balance between authenticity and professionalism in fostering meaningful interactions. They explore the impact of emotions and gratitude in personal and professional settings.

Paul Falcone is a bestselling author and top-rated presenter and storyteller specializing in workplace leadership development, communication, and talent management, including effective hiring, performance achievement, employee accountability, and workplace ethics. Drawing from his years of experience as head of HR for Nickelodeon, head of international HR for Paramount Pictures, and head of HR operations for NBCU’s prime time and late-night lineups, Paul knows how to entertain and train meaningful concepts for quick and easy adaptation and implementation. Mentioned on the Show:101 Tough Conversations to Have With Employees (book): https://a.co/d/beQ9UghSee Paul's other books on his Amazon author page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Paul-Falcone/author/B001JSBH5OConnect with Paul Falcone on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulfalcone1Paul's website: https://www.paulfalconehr.com/________________________Connect with O’Brien McMahon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/obrienmcmahon/Learn more about O’Brien: https://obrienmcmahon.com/O’Brien’s new book—How You Become You—is available now: https://a.co/d/22kZ0sV________________________ Timestamps:(2:24 ) - Welcoming Paul(2:56) - Can you give us the background on your career?(3:54) - What made you want to write books?(6:03) - What was your process of writing and working at the same time?(10:04) - What is it about “101 Tough Conversations” that readers resonate with(24:10) - How can leaders develop a practice of tough conversations so that people get regular feedback?(36:26) - What does it mean to be a good coach as a leader?(40:25) - How do you guide someone into a new skill they’ve never done before?(49:09)v- What is leadership offense?(51:21) - Where can people find you if they want to get in contact?

Lori Becker is the Chief Executive Officer of the Starkloff Disability Institute (SDI). In her role, Lori oversees the organization’s efforts to advance inclusion, access, and equity for people with disabilities in all aspects of society, and especially the workforce. As a leader with a disability herself, Lori is passionate about diversity and inclusion and was named a Diverse Business Leader in 2019 by the St. Louis Business Journal.Mentioned on the Show:Starkloff Disability Institute: https://starkloff.org/Connect with Lori Becker on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/loriannbeckerComing in June, 2024 - Designing Work for Humans: https://peoplebusinesssummit.com/Stella Young—I’m Not Your Inspiration, Thank You Very Much (TED Talk): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8K9Gg164Bsw ________________________Connect with O’Brien McMahon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/obrienmcmahon/Learn more about O’Brien: https://obrienmcmahon.com/O’Brien’s new book—How You Become You—is available now: https://a.co/d/22kZ0sV________________________ Timestamps:(2:28) - Welcoming Lori.(3:02) - What is Starkloff and how did you come to be associated with it?(5:22) - Walk us through the history of disability law.(14:34) - What does the range of disabilities look like?(18:41) - How do you think about your work when it comes to this broad spectrum of disabilities?(20:39) - What are the three levels of disability employment?(26:30) - What are your thoughts on the language and stigma people use when talking about disabilities?(41:59) - How can leaders mitigate employees from abusing certain accommodations?(48:24) - What is inspiration porn?(57:33) - Where do you recommend a new employer to get started with this?

Brad Karsh, founder of JB Training Solutions, returns for a short bonus discussion about developing training programs for companies. Mentioned on the Show:Brad's First Episode: https://peoplebusinesspodcast.com/bradkarsh/JB Training Solutions: https://jbtrainingsolutions.com/Connect with Brad on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradkarsh/Manager 3.0 by Brad Karsh (book): https://a.co/d/3QO4E48________________________Connect with O’Brien McMahon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/obrienmcmahon/Learn more about O’Brien: https://obrienmcmahon.com/O’Brien’s new book—How You Become You—is available now: https://a.co/d/22kZ0sV________________________Timestamps:(1:01) Welcoming Brad back to the show(1:59) How should a company think about a training curriculum? (3:16) Brad explains how to use a needs analysis at a mid-sized company(4:35) Examples of how to teach hard skills internally(7:45) How can companies work with you?