INTRO: Earlier this year, I read The Delicate Handling of Equity Work in Conservative Communities, and was thrilled when the authors agreed to be guests on the podcast. In the two years since I left the superintendency, I have found myself talking with superintendents who have faced (or are facing) this same dilemma. They recognize the importance of the children in their district learning about systems of oppression, but sometimes their communities see any topic of equity as an assault on their "traditions" (or, in one example from their article, they say superintendents are bringing Critical Race Theory to their community when they talk about equity). As you can see, I have really been looking forward to talking with my guests today, the leaders of The Equity Collaborative, Graig Meyer and Jamie Almanzán

In the first part, we talk about their article and in second part, the After-Action Review, I want you to imagine you have been asked to give the beginning of the year kickoff to 1000 teachers who may have been told they’re the obstacle to equitable practices. Not only that, you learn that contract negotiations have not been going well and the teachers have threatened to walk out of the kickoff!

And let me apologize in advance, I clearly forgot to turn on my mic, so I sound as if I am down a well, but Graig and Jamie sound AMAZING – you’ll hear more from them than me! 

BIO: Jamie Almanzán is a facilitator, teacher, curriculum developer and leadership coach currently working as an Equity Leadership Coach and the owner of The Equity Collaborative in Oakland, California. Prior to leading The Equity Collaborative, he held the position of Senior Coach at the National Equity Project. 

Graig Meyer is a social worker, educator, and youth development specialist working as an Equity Leadership Coach and partner in The Equity Collaborative. He has 16 years of experience leading equity work in public schools. 

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An Imperfect Leader is sponsored by Yondr. 

Schools around the world are seeing the damaging effects of phones on student engagement, social development, and mental health.

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Learn why 1 Million Students use Yondr every day.

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Go to overyondr.com to learn more.

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An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast is supported by ILAA, LLC, a firm dedicated to supporting aspiring, new, and established leaders. For more information, please find them at www.human-centeredleaders.com.

Music for An Imperfect Leader was written and arranged by Ian Varley.

Sam Falbo created our artwork, a wood-print inspired daruma doll butterfly.

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NEW EDUCATIONAL RESOURCE

"What do we want to create together?" 

So proud to have co-written the foreword with Zach Taylor to this essential book on Human-Centered School Transformation. If you're a school leader looking to make sense of what you know to be true about schools, check it out. 

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AN IMPERFECT LEADER IS AVAILABLE ON AMAZON

My book,  An Imperfect Leader: Leadership in (After) Action is available at Amazon.com. If there is no hyperlink to follow, please go to Amazon.com or peterstiepleman.com to order a copy. 

Please enjoy the new episode of The Archetypal Mosaic podcast, now in its tenth season, wherein I describe The Gundam Factory Robot Performance Experience in detail, and connect it to the future of both Robotics and Artificial Intelligence. 

Big news from a16z: Bio Eats World, our sibling show from a16z Bio+Health, is now Raising Health!

We’re excited to share Raising Health’s first episode here where Sean Duffy, cofounder and CEO of Omada Health, joins Vijay Pande, founding general partner of Bio + Health.

Sean and Vijay discuss the building and growth of Omada, from the early days to now. As the cofounder of one of the original digital health companies, Sean has unique insight into the growth of both the digital health field and the changing venture capital environment. They also talk about the future of AI, how Omada is leveraging AI, and the challenges that might arise with using a technology in a caregiving environment.

You can listen to more episodes of Raising Health here: https://link.chtbl.com/IqBoJ2By?sid=a16z11824

In this week's chat, Kristen and Leslie dive into the messy world of jealousy and mistrust in relationships, sharing their personal stories and shedding light on the tangled web of emotions. From tracing the primal origins of jealousy to unraveling its ties to trust issues and past wounds, they discuss the common struggles many of us confront. Emphasizing the significance of candid dialogue, self-discovery, and empathy in navigating these intricate emotions, the hosts reflect on how jealousy might serve as an indicator of broader relationship challenges. They encourage listeners to approach these feelings with curiosity and conclude with practical steps for those embarking on their journey toward healing. Tune in for a relatable exploration of the emotional rollercoaster we call relationships.

17-time best-selling author Mike Koenigs joins us in today’s episode to share his journey as a cancer survivor and its impact on his relationships, business, and life. So listen until the end for insights on nurturing self-empathy and compassion, even in life's most challenging moments!

Key takeaways to listen for

• Reasons to make meaningful moments with your children
• Strategies to maintain optimism and resilience through the pain
• How can medical challenges foster self-empathy and compassion?
• The power of innovation in bringing people together
• Why it’s crucial to tell your story in the entrepreneurial space

Resources 

• Genius Network 
• Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl | Kindle, Hardcover, and Paperback
• Strategic Coach

It's time to build a business that brings you lasting joy! Visit https://yournextact.mikekoenigs.com/NextActDownload/ and grab your FREE copy of Mike’s 'Your Next Act' guide to kickstart your journey toward entrepreneurial fulfillment.

About Mike Koenigs

Mike Koenigs is an entrepreneur, author, and podcast co-host dedicated to helping business owners shift from doing to being. Through his companies, he's assisted over 61,000 customers worldwide in gaining recognition, amplifying their messages, and achieving success with authenticity. Mike's expertise extends to transforming business owners into bestselling authors and elevating their income and status through the Superpower Accelerator System.

Mike also has a remarkable track record, being a 17-time #1 bestselling author and recipient of the "Marketer of the Year" award. Beyond his business pursuits, Mike is a philanthropist who has raised over $2.6mm for the "Just Like My Child" foundation. As a health advocate and cancer survivor, Mike champions discussions on longevity. 

Connect with Mike 

• Website: Mike Koenigs | Superpower Accelerator by Mike Koenigs
• Podcasts: Capability Amplifier | The Big Leap 
• LinkedIn: Mike (Michael) Koenigs
• YouTube: Mike Koenigs 
• Facebook: Mike Koenigs 
• Instagram: @mikekoenigs 
• X: @MikeKoenigsReal 
• TikTok: @mikekoenigsreal 

Connect with Us

To learn more about us, visit our website at www.18summers.com or email us at info@18summers.com. To get a copy of our book “The Family Board Meeting”, click here.

Subscribe to 18 Summers Podcast and leave a rating and written review!

Social Media Channels

• Facebook Group: 18 Summers
• LinkedIn: Jimmy Sheils
• Instagram: @18summerstribe

In today's rapidly evolving financial landscape, the challenge isn't just about adopting new technology, but also about fostering a culture that embraces empathy. Why is this so crucial? Because a positive, empathetic culture directly impacts growth, innovation, and customer relationships in banking, credit unions, and fintech.

In this episode of the Heart of Growth series by Nymbus, SVP of Development Services, Ashlie Jenkins, discusses how empathy and humor can be game-changers in creating such a culture.

She shares insightful strategies for leaders seeking to drive growth and adapt to the digital era. 

Join us as we discuss: 

-Workplace culture, empathy, and safety (4:27)

-Using humor to navigate uncomfortable conversations (14:34)

-Embracing change and creativity (25:26)

You can find this episode and many more by subscribing to Banking on Digital Growth on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. 

It’s always a treat (and a brain workout) having Aaron at GrasshoppHer. Aaron Thweatt, a Certified High Performance Coach and Principal Compensation Consultant, is on a mission to connect talent, ambition, and purpose for those intent on achieving their life’s work while feeling engaged and joyful. He built a successful career spanning financial services, oil and gas, sales and marketing, human resources (compensation), and satellite ground station site acquisition at AECOM, Activision Blizzard, and SpaceX before founding Respark Coaching to deliver transformation in the six principles of high performance for you; productivity, persuasion, psychology, physiology, purpose, and presence. He is a passionate believer in your potential. 

I invited Aaron on the podcast to talk about the intersection of negotiation and balance. The potential impact of the conversations we have with ourselves and others on our ability to manage our work and personal lives felt very important, but also very fuzzy to me, until Aaron broke it down as he always does. You see, Aaron sees negotiation as a form of managing the conversation, which is extremely helpful for those, who, like me, find negotiating tough. If we do our pre-work to understand the fears, traumas as well as qualitative v. quantitative factors that influence our decision making process, we have a reasonable chance of a win-win outcome. If you are interested in learning more about maintaining yourself under pressure, using empathy to influence outcomes and preparing for one of the biggest negotiations of your life (your salary), you’ve come to the right place. 

+Website: https://www.resparkcoaching.com/

+LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronthweatt/

+IG: https://www.instagram.com/aaronthweatt

+Website: https://www.heathermillernow.com/balancenesspodcast

+Website: www.grasshoppher.com

One of the primary challenges faced by financial institutions today is the growing digital disconnect between them and their customers. This disconnect is fueled by a lack of understanding and empathy towards customers' emotional journeys, especially in times of financial stress. The failure to address this gap can result in lost opportunities, decreased customer satisfaction, and an overall decline in competitive advantage.

To bridge this digital empathy gap, James Robert Lay, host of the Banking on Digital Growth podcast, emphasizes the adoption of a more customer-centric approach, integrating emotional intelligence into digital banking strategies. Implementing these strategies will not only enhance customer experience but also drive growth, build long-term loyalty, and establish a strong competitive edge in the rapidly evolving financial landscape.

Join us as we discuss: 

-Financial anxiety and the need for digital empathy. (5:42)

-How to bridge the "digital empathy gap." (10:10)

-The role of communication and marketing. (17:54)

You can find this episode and many more by subscribing to Banking on Digital Growth on Apple Podcasts, on Spotify, or here. 

Welcome to Belonging is an essential need part 3,  where we embark on a captivating exploration of the intimate relationships between individuals and the organizations they belong to. In a world where the average person invests approximately 90,000 hours into their work life, the influence of organizations on our personal sense of meaning and social identity becomes an important topic to dissect.

Join us as we delve into the depths of this connection. Whether it's the acceptance for a specific role, the intricacies of compensation, or the trajectory of our professional journey, each aspect interlaces with how we perceive ourselves. These factors become a part of our personal meaning and identity.

Throughout our podcast journey, we'll dive into the profound impact of organizational culture on our very essence. As we uncover the shared values, norms, and practices that shape our daily interactions within organizations, we'll see how this culture can either align or clash with our personal beliefs. The harmony or discord between the two molds our integrity, authenticity, and overall well-being.

But our exploration doesn't stop there. We'll navigate the intricate tapestry of interpersonal relationships within the organizational context. Positive bonds and connections offer more than just camaraderie – they become the bedrock of our belongingness, trust, and emotional growth. Conversely, toxic dynamics can unravel our sense of self, leading to isolation and a weakening of our connection to the organizational fabric.

Through thought-provoking discussions and insightful anecdotes, we will uncover the role of organizations as a source of personal identity and meaning. We will examine how the pulse of an organization, its culture, and the relationships within shape our engagement and our very sense of self.

Join us as we dive into the essence of what it means to be an individual within the framework of an organization. Belonging is an essential need part 3 promises to unravel the mysteries, challenges, and triumphs of this complex dance between individuals and the organizations they call home.

Welcome back to Belonging is an essential need. Our series focused on cultivating a sense of belonging in the workplace. In this episode, we explore the vital role of intimate and interdependent relationships within organizations. We delve into how these relationships create a strong foundation of support, camaraderie, and shared purpose.

We then dive into the essential factors that foster belonging:

• Inclusive Culture: Discover how an inclusive environment that values diversity and individual perspectives enhances the sense of belonging.

• Supportive Leadership: Learn about the impact of approachable leaders who encourage open communication and build trust, fostering a deeper connection.

• Shared Goals: Explore the power of shared organizational goals and values in aligning employees' sense of purpose and intrinsic motivation.

• Positive Interactions: Uncover how positive social interactions, from team activities to collaborative projects, contribute to a sense of camaraderie and connection.

Finally, we delve into the benefits of allowing newcomers to negotiate their contributions for group acceptance. Empowerment, integration, recognition, and diversity are key themes that showcase how involving newcomers actively enriches the sense of belonging.

Join us as we uncover the strategies that transform workplaces into inclusive communities, where everyone feels valued and connected. Tune in to learn how to foster belonging in your organization, driving both personal growth and collective success.

• national sexual abuse hotline -1-800-656-4673 or rainn.org

• Suicide hotline - 800-273-8255 or dial 988

• SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) - 1800-662-HELP (4357)

• The bees

• MinistrySafe.com

• Mayoclinic

• Emedicinehealth.com

• The Bees (Survivors of AV)
• MinistrySafe.com
• Mayoclinic
• Emedicinehealth.com

• National Sexual Abuse hotline1-800-656-4673 or rainn.org
• Suicide hotline 800-273-8255 or dial 988
• SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration)1800-662-HELP (4357)

• Become a patron! By joining our patreon, you get access to many goodies - including our palate cleanser, lighthearted, comedy style podcast NOT SO NEFARIOUS CRIMINALS! www.patreon.com/a_nefarious_nightmare
• linktr.ee/anefariousnightmarepodcast
• Twitter - @anefariouspodInstagram
• Tiktok - @nefariousnightmarepod
• Email - anefariousnightmare@gmail.com

• The Bees (Survivors of AV)
• MinistrySafe.com
• Mayoclinic
• Emedicinehealth.com

• National Sexual Abuse hotline1-800-656-4673 or rainn.org
• Suicide hotline 800-273-8255 or dial 988
• SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration)1800-662-HELP (4357)

• Become a patron! By joining our patreon, you get access to many goodies - including our palate cleanser, lighthearted, comedy style podcast NOT SO NEFARIOUS CRIMINALS! www.patreon.com/a_nefarious_nightmare
• linktr.ee/anefariousnightmarepodcast
• Twitter - @anefariouspodInstagram
• Tiktok - @nefariousnightmarepod
• Email - anefariousnightmare@gmail.com

My guest, Maddalena Bearzi, has been actively studying the ecology of marine mammals with a strong conservation bias since the 1990s. One day, her research team was observing a pod of dolphins when all of a sudden, the entire group stopped feeding and rushed out to sea. Maddalena’s team followed, and were shocked by what they found.

Maddalena Bearzi is the President and co-founder of Ocean Conservation Society in southern California. She has authored many peer-reviewed articles and books. She was born and raised in Italy but now lives in Los Angeles, California, with her husband and dog. 

Learn more about Maddalena Bearzi, PhD

Books authored by Maddalena Bearzi include:

STRANDED: Finding Nature in Uncertain Times

Beautiful Minds: The Parallel Lives of Great Apes and Dolphins

Dolphin Confidential: Confessions of a Field Biologist

Explore Ocean Conservation Society (OCS)’s education, research and conservation resources 

Donate to support the work of OCS

Follow OCS on social media: Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube

Sources for this episode include:

https://gizmodo.com/did-dolphins-really-save-a-suicidal-girl-1585058404

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2648352/Did-dolphins-save-girl-SUICIDE-Mammals-formed-ring-drowning-swimmer-guiding-boat-aid-claims-scientist.html

Join the Beastie Bonds community on social media! Follow the show on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook! We’d love to hear what you think of the stories our guests share and see pictures of your own beasties.

Beastie Bonds Theme:

King James by Ghost Beatz, Podcastle.ai Royalty-free Library

Episode Theme Music includes:

Clouds by Acreage, Podcastle.ai Royalty-free Library

Piano Moment by Daddy_s_Music, Pixabay.com Royalty Free Music

Serious Moving Sad Piano composed by Ashot-Danielyan, Pixabay.com Royalty Free Music

In this episode we will discuss, loss and grief. We will touch on dealing with health issues within a family. Grief is tricky and has many stages. How can we best support those going through it. How can we mend broken relationships before it's too late. Our hearts go out to those who are in the midst of it. Know that you are loved.