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Welcome to the world of leadership and career exploration as we embark on a journey with Dr. Heather Walker and her remarkable guest, Alisha Fernandez Miranda. In this episode of the Lead with Levity podcast, Heather introduces us to Alisha, an author, entrepreneur, and former CEO who dared to ask, "What if?" The inspiring conversation takes us beyond conventional career paths and explores the immense potential within all of us when we choose to step outside our comfort zones.

A Leap into the Unknown: Alisha's Journey
Alisha’s story is a testament to courage and curiosity. Despite having a successful career as the CEO of a consulting firm, she decided to spend a year interning in various roles, completely diverging from her professional norm. This bold move was a response to an internal realization that the life she meticulously built was no longer fulfilling her.

Heather and Alisha discuss the fears and societal pressures of making drastic changes in one's career, especially when everything on paper seems perfect. Alisha’s journey is about choosing passion over predictability and following one's authentic path.

The Power of Exploring New Paths
Throughout the conversation, Alisha emphasizes the importance of listening to your internal desires, even if they contradict societal expectations and the life plan you thought you always wanted. She encourages creating time and space for dreaming as a critical first step in discovering one’s passions.

Alisha's internships in musical theater, art galleries, and hospitality offered her the profound experience of being a beginner, learning new skills, and reigniting her sense of curiosity. These experiences reinforced the belief that there is always time to follow your dreams and pursue what truly excites you.

Balancing Career Ambitions with Personal Happiness
For those at the beginning of their careers, Alisha offers invaluable advice: remain true to yourself by constantly questioning your "why." Understanding the purpose behind your actions can prevent you from living life on autopilot and ensure that your professional journey aligns with your personal values and passions.

Alisha's journey reminds us that very few life decisions are irreversible. Each step you take contributes to the person you are becoming and the life you wish to build. Her story is a powerful reminder that it’s okay to pivot if your current path no longer feels right.

Final Thoughts: Embracing Change with Confidence

Alisha Fernandez Miranda’s year of internships is a guiding beacon for anyone questioning their current path or yearning for more fulfillment in their career and life. Her story within the Lead with Levity podcast underscores the power of curiosity, resilience, and the willingness to embrace change. So, if you find yourself wondering, "What if?" don’t hesitate to explore the possibilities. Your most fulfilling life might be just one bold step away.

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In the latest episode of the Lead with Levity podcast, hosted by Dr. Heather Walker, listeners are invited to delve deep into the struggles and triumphs that often remain hidden in both political and professional arenas. This engaging conversation features Dr. Wendy Davis, a former candidate for the Utah House of Representatives, author of "The Fight You Don't See," and Chief Experience Officer for Agile Cloud Consulting.

Embracing Challenges on the Campaign Trail

Dr. Davis shares her firsthand experience of running for office in Utah, shedding light on the arduous, often unseen aspects of the political landscape. From the thrill of connecting with voters to the stress of scrutiny from donors and internal conflicts, she provides a raw look at what it's like behind the scenes. Her journey highlights the significant mental, emotional, and physical toll that campaigning can take, emphasizing the importance of having mental health support along the way.

Lessons from the Book: "The Fight You Don't See"

Dr. Davis's book, "The Fight You Don't See," captures her candid experiences. She wrote it to fill the gap in firsthand narratives by candidates, aiming to demystify the political process and encourage others to pursue their passion for public service despite inevitable challenges. She hopes that readers understand politics as both complex and rewarding and that perseverance in the face of defeat can be the most significant growth opportunity.

Workplace Challenges: The Silent Struggles

Transitioning to workplace dynamics, Dr. Davis discusses similar hidden battles that professionals face in their careers. She emphasizes the importance of career path planning, pay equity, and emotional intelligence. The workplace, much like political arenas, is rife with invisible power structures and challenges that can impede progress if not addressed openly.

The Importance of Emotional Intelligence

Reflecting on her earlier career, Dr. Davis underscores the need for emotional intelligence and self-awareness, recounting her experiences as a young consultant. Her insight into the necessity of checking one's ego and fostering a collaborative environment serves as a crucial reminder of how personal growth and team success are interconnected.

The Fight for Pay Equity

One significant yet often overlooked struggle Dr. Davis advocates for is pay equity. She passionately discusses the disparities in salaries, particularly between men and women, and how these reflect broader systemic issues in both workplace and societal structures.

Finding Joy Amidst the Chaos

Despite the challenges, Dr. Davis finds solace in nature, family, and simple joys like hiking and playing in the park with her grandchildren. These moments of levity and connection remind us of the importance of balancing ambition with personal well-being.

Dr. Wendy Davis's conversation with Dr. Heather Walker offers insightful perspectives on handling life's myriad challenges with grit and grace. Whether in politics or at work, it's the unseen battles that shape who we are and push us toward growth and understanding. Let her story inspire you to face your hidden fights with courage and an open heart.

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Welcome to a deep dive into the transformative power of humor in the workplace, as explored in the insightful discussion between Dr. Heather Walker, host of the "Lead with Levity" podcast, and Dr. Mike Cundall, a university professor, researcher, author, speaker, and humor philosopher. In this engaging conversation, Dr. Cundall shares his expertise on how humor can be strategically and thoughtfully used to build rapport, improve team dynamics, and create a more pleasant and productive work environment.

The Concept of Humor as a House
One of Dr. Cundall's standout contributions is his "Humor as a House" framework. This concept helps individuals understand the appropriate use of humor in various social contexts. The idea is simple: as you develop relationships, you metaphorically move through different rooms of a house. The deeper you go, the more personal the humor can be.

• Front Door: Basic, universal humor that is safe for new acquaintances.
• Living Room: Early stages of developing familiarity, still cautious but more personalized.
• Kitchen: Deeper connections, where more personal humor is shared.
• Backyard Barbecue: Full-fledged rapport, where almost anything goes.

This framework guides the appropriate deployment of humor based on the depth of the relationship, ensuring that humor fosters connection rather than creating awkwardness or discomfort.

Humor as Kindness
Dr. Cundall views humor as an act of kindness. When we share humor, we share joy and mirth, which can deepen connections and build a sense of community. Humor isn't just about laughs; it’s about creating shared positive experiences. People laugh more when they are with others than when they are alone, underscoring humor's role in social bonding.

Navigating Difficult Topics with Humor
Dr. Cundall also shares a personal anecdote from his teaching experience, emphasizing the importance of addressing sensitive topics with a touch of humor to ease tension. He often opens a conversation about race with humor, calling himself "melanin challenged." This light-hearted approach makes it easier to discuss serious, potentially uncomfortable topics.

Cultural Sensitivity and Humor
The conversation also touches on the cultural nuances of humor. Dr. Cundall underscores that humor must be sensitive to the cultural and individual contexts. For instance, self-deprecating humor may not always be suitable, especially for women and people of color in professional settings. Being aware of one's positional dynamics and the audience's potential sensitivities is crucial.

Conclusion
Dr. Heather Walker and Dr. Mike Cundall’s conversation is a comprehensive exploration of the role of humor in professional and personal settings. Through practical examples, philosophical insights, and thoughtful advice, Dr. Cundall provides invaluable guidance on using humor to build rapport, alleviate stress, and foster a positive work environment. For anyone looking to enhance their leadership skills with a touch of levity, their insights are a must-hear.


You can find out more about Mike Cundall and the company at www.mirthmanagement.co

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In the latest episode of "Lead with Levity," Dr. Heather Walker delves into these unspoken fears with senior executive coach Colleen Slaughter. Colleen's inspiring journey began at age 21 when she moved to Paris with no money, no plan, and no knowledge of French. Since then, she has worked with Fortune 500 companies and Nobel Peace Prize recipients, helping leaders overcome self-doubt and limiting beliefs. Let's explore Colleen's insights on embracing authenticity in the workplace.

The Challenge of Authenticity

In the introduction, Dr. Heather Walker poses several thought-provoking questions:

• Why do we avoid difficult conversations?
• What are we afraid of?
• How can we show up authentically when professionalism seems like a shield to hide behind?

These questions set the stage for a deep and meaningful conversation with Colleen Slaughter.

Colleen's Journey to Authenticity
Colleen recounts her daring move to Paris and how it shaped her career. Working with leaders worldwide, she noticed a common theme: the reluctance to speak up and the internal struggle between professional expectations and personal integrity.

Heather shares a similar experience with the language barrier during a trip to Paris, highlighting the universal challenge of connecting authentically despite external pressures.

Culture and Authenticity
Colleen explains how different cultures perceive authenticity at work. For example, leaders in France and Germany often face hierarchical barriers, whereas Dutch professionals tend to be blunt and direct. She emphasizes that genuine brainstorming and co-creation require leaders to build trust and create an environment where team members feel safe to express their true thoughts.

The Role of Trust
Trust is fundamental to authentic leadership. Colleen stresses the importance of understanding the different aspects of trustworthiness, such as reliability, intimacy, credibility, and low self-orientation. Leaders must strive to be trustworthy across all these dimensions to foster a genuine and open workplace.

Courageous Conversations
One of the key strategies Colleen discusses is the need for courageous conversations. She encourages leaders to set boundaries and express their true feelings respectfully. This approach not only builds trust but also ensures that team dynamics are honest and constructive.

Key Takeaways

• Small Changes Make a Big Difference: Colleen encourages making small, intentional changes to bring more joy and authenticity to everyday life.
• Practice Self-compassion: Being gentle with oneself creates the foundation for authentic behavior and better relationships.
• Embrace Courageous Conversations: Honest and respectful dialogue is crucial for building trust and fostering a harmonious workplace.

Stay Connected with Colleen
For those interested in learning more about Colleen's work and receiving weekly insights, visit https://www.boldermoves.com

Conclusion
Authenticity in the workplace is not an overnight achievement. It demands intention, courage, and a commitment to personal growth. By embracing these principles and fostering an environment of trust, leaders can create a more genuine and productive workspace.

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Public speaking can be terrifying, whether you’re addressing a conference of hundreds or presenting to your colleagues. Dr. Heather Walker recently explored this topic on her Lead with Levity podcast, hosting Fern Chan, a presentation coach, speaker, and author of the best-selling book, "How Not to Suck at Presentations." Fern shared her invaluable insights on the common pitfalls in presentations and how to overcome them, ensuring you deliver interesting, memorable, and impactful messages.

1. The Importance of Practicing:
“You'd be surprised how many people don’t practice,” Fern says. Many believe they can wing it with their slides, resulting in unorganized thoughts and a lack of smooth transitions. Preparing your content, practicing aloud, and ensuring a compelling call to action are essential to crafting a successful presentation.

2. Engaging Your Audience from the Start:
Fern advises starting with a hook that grabs your audience’s attention. “Begin with something unorthodox like a story, a shocking statistic, or a provocative question,” she explains. This strategy keeps your audience engaged and eager to hear what comes next.

3. Using Visuals Effectively:
Fern advocates for using arresting images that complement your story. “A picture is worth a thousand words,” she states. Rather than cluttering slides with text, a powerful image can be a powerful storytelling tool.

4. Storytelling with Data:
When presenting complex data, tie it to relatable stories. Fern illustrates this with her work: “Share the transformation stories behind the numbers—how individuals' lives were impacted positively by your data.”

5. Proper Preparation Prevents Poor Performance:
Fern emphasizes the 5 Ps: Proper Preparation Prevents Poor Performance. This means rehearsing your presentation out loud multiple times, timing yourself, and ensuring you know your content so well that you can pivot easily if technology fails.

Conclusion
Becoming a great presenter requires practice, preparation, and a willingness to be vulnerable. As you develop your skills, remember to engage your audience by making your content relatable and using powerful visuals. For more insights from Fern Chan, check out her book “How Not to Suck at Presentations” and visit her website for free resources and webinars.

Final Thoughts
Whether pitching an idea to your team or speaking at a major event, these key strategies can help you improve your presentation game. Remember, we’re all on this journey together, and with practice, you can master the art of delivering compelling and impactful presentations.

For more resources and coaching from Fern Chan, visit her website fernchan.com, and follow her on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook.

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Welcome back to another enlightening episode of the Lead with Levity Podcast, where we explore how to build 12 superpowers to live and lead a life full of joy, success, and authenticity. Hosted by Dr. Heather Walker, today's episode delves into the journey and wisdom of Dr. Shaan Patel, the founder and CEO of Prep Expert. If you've ever wondered how to transform an average performance into something truly extraordinary, this episode encapsulates the highlights of Dr. Patel's in-depth discussion about leadership, education, and human potential.

The Power of Delayed Gratification and Discipline
He attributes his success to developing skills such as delayed gratification, self-control, hard work, and effective time management, which were crucial not only for his academic achievements but also for his entrepreneurial success. The ability to set internal goals rather than being driven by external pressures, like parental expectations, was crucial for his sustained motivation.

Transforming Education and Business Leadership
Dr. Patel revealed his methodology of turning disappointment into motivation. When his SAT prep book was turned down by publishers, he used the same material to offer SAT courses, leading to the founding of Prep Expert, which has now helped thousands achieve higher test scores and win over $100 million in college scholarships.

Balancing Productivity with Well-being
One issue Dr. Walker and Dr. Patel discuss is the challenge of maintaining peak productivity without burning out, especially in remote work settings. Dr. Patel stresses the importance of delineating work from personal time and offers tangible tips like starting your day with a "morning power hour" dedicated to tackling your most challenging tasks. He shares that achieving the hardest task first makes the rest of the day more manageable and productive.

How Fun and Levity Play a Role
Dr. Patel explains the significance of integrating fun and levity into the work culture. Remote work does not organically offer the same opportunities for camaraderie, so his team makes a conscious effort to log into meetings early to chat or even schedule in-person gatherings when possible. Regular breaks and creating a friendly work environment contribute to a more productive and happier team.

Real-life Applications: Evaluating Team Capabilities
Dr. Walker poses an insightful scenario about a new manager trying to evaluate his team. Dr. Patel recommends assigning small, manageable projects to team members to gauge their skills, work ethics, and how they handle deadlines. This approach reveals much about each individual's strengths and areas for improvement.

Conclusion
Dr. Shaan Patel’s insights offer valuable lessons on perseverance, internal motivation, and the balance between productivity and well-being. Whether you’re a student, parent, or business leader, his advice is both practical and inspiring, offering strategies to unlock your own potential and lead a more successful, fulfilled life.

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In our fast-paced world, productivity has become a buzzword everyone is chasing. We often hear about to-do lists, task managers, and productivity apps, all designed to help us manage our time better. But what if we've been approaching time management all wrong? What if the secret to being productive is not about adding more tasks to our list but actually taking some away?

Introducing the Not-To-Do List

The concept of a not-to-do list is as simple as it sounds: it’s a list of things you commit not to do. This could include tasks, habits, or behaviors that don't serve your goals or well-being. The system is about starting from not-to-do lists before any to-do lists.

Why a Not-To-Do List?

Most of us have experienced the overwhelming feeling of looking at a long to-do list and realizing there’s not enough time in the day to accomplish everything. This often leads to stress and a sense of failure when we can’t check off all the boxes. By focusing first on what not to do, we can eliminate distractions and free up more time and mental energy for the tasks that truly matter.

Steps to Create Your Not-To-Do List

1. Identify Time Wasters: Reflect on your daily routine and identify activities that consume your time but have no real value. This could be excessive social media use, endless email checking, or attending unproductive meetings.
2. Understand Your Priorities: Clarify what’s most important to you professionally and personally. This will help you recognize which tasks and habits are not aligned with your priorities.
3. Set Boundaries: List the things you decide not to do and commit to them. These boundaries will help you stay focused and reduce decision fatigue.

Benefits of a Not-To-Do List

• Increased Focus: By removing distractions, you can direct your attention to high-priority tasks.
• Reduced Stress: Fewer responsibilities mean less to worry about, which can significantly reduce stress.
• Better Time Management: Spending less time on low-value activities provides more time for meaningful work and personal activities.

Conclusion

Not-to-do lists are a powerful tool for managing your time and increasing productivity. When you start to prioritize by eliminating the unnecessary, you'll have more space and energy to focus on what truly matters. Give it a try, and you find that a not-to-do list is the key to unlocking your productive potential.

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In a world that constantly bombards us with challenges, deadlines, and multitasking, it's no surprise that many of us feel overwhelmed and burned out. This sentiment resonates deeply with our host, Dr. Heather Walker, and countless others, like us, seeking ways to navigate the chaos of life while maintaining balance and achieving peak performance. In the latest episode of the Lead with Levity podcast, Dr. Walker delves into these issues with esteemed guest Pam Marcheski, a peak performance coach with vast experience in senior executive roles at Fortune 500 companies.

The Overwhelm
Dr. Walker opens the episode addressing the common denominator in our hectic lives: feeling overwhelmed. From conversations with clients, friends, family, and community members, one thing remains clear—everyone is grappling with stress and fatigue. The feeling of being 'fried' and the desperate wait for the weekend is all too common. This episode aims to offer solace and practical strategies for those struggling to manage their energy and mindset in such a demanding environment.

Presence and Mindfulness
One of the key points Pam makes is the importance of presence—being truly aware of where we are, both in mind and body. In today’s hyper-connected world, we often find ourselves physically present but mentally drifting away. By practicing mindfulness and paying attention to what's capturing our focus, we can devise strategies to better manage our time and emotions.

Mindfulness in Action
Pam's pivotal moment wasn't triggered by burnout but rather a desire to improve her interactions and presence. Her introduction to mindfulness came through Dan Harris's book "10% Happier," which taught her to focus on being present momentarily throughout her day and set intentions for her behavior and responses.

Finding Space and Grace
Pam advocates for creating 'space' and 'grace' within our daily routines. This means recognizing that the long-gone natural boundaries need to be consciously replaced with intentional practices that allow us to disconnect, even momentarily, to recharge.

Facing the Modern Work Dilemma
Dr. Walker raises a familiar scenario—competing priorities and the overbooked calendar. Pam's advice is to get comfortable with discomfort and recognize the importance of prioritizing tasks. She encourages playing with the concept, experimenting with eliminating low-risk tasks to observe the impact, and being strategic about scheduling to enhance overall effectiveness.

Bringing Levity to Work
Bringing fun and joy into our lives is essential to keeping the energy high and preventing burnout. Pam shares personal tips like listening to loud, uplifting music, dancing, and even engaging in creative exercises like improv to add levity and playfulness to her routine.

Conclusion
This episode of Lead with Levity podcast profoundly emphasizes the importance of mindfulness, presence, and intentional living. Pam Marcheski’s insights offer valuable takeaways for anyone struggling with the pressures of modern-day life. From busy executives to overwhelmed parents, there's something in her message for everyone. Take a step back, breathe, and remember—mindful leadership can make all the difference.

To learn more about Pam Marcheski and her work with M Peak, visit her website at intentact.com or connect with her on LinkedIn. Let's take the first step towards balancing our lives and leading with levity!

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