#059 - Creating a Psychologically Safe Workspace Using Positive Psychology & Play with Jeff Harry

Whether or not we want to admit it, for many of us, leadership has been defined by authority and control.

However, now is the time to step into the future of leadership – one where effective leadership is defined by embarking on a journey of self-discovery. One that enables you to connect deeply with yourself and your team, while also guiding others.

According to Dan Owolabi, Founding Executive Director of Branches Worldwide, an authentic leader isn't someone who bosses others around, but rather someone who remains true to themselves while serving others in a similar capacity.

With over two decades of leadership development experience across multiple continents, Dan brings a wealth of wisdom and practical insights to the table. On this episode of The Workplace Communication Podcast, Dan and I explore how to authenticity, cultivate effective communication, and leverage strategic transparency with your team members.

It’s high time we ditch the rulebook and discover how being yourself can transform your leadership style and supercharge your team's success!

Leadership tips you won’t want to miss:

• Engaging in active listening to foster better understanding and connection

• Embracing vulnerability as a strength to build trust and authenticity within your team

• Recognizing and valuing diverse perspectives to promote inclusivity and innovation

• Cultivating empathy to enhance communication and foster stronger relationships

• Leveraging strategic transparency with your team members

Dan Owolabi is the Founding Executive Director of Branches Worldwide, a fast-growing non-profit dedicated to making long-term investments in high-impact Christian entrepreneurs around the world. With over 20 years of experience teaching leadership, Dan is a sought-after international keynote speaker, teaching pastor, and a member of the Global Leadership Summit teaching faculty. To date, Dan has worked with leaders in over twenty countries and four continents, helping them clarify their identity and leverage their influence to serve others.   Dan's latest book "Authentic Leadership", quickly became an Amazon #1 New Release. He holds a graduate degree from Ashland University centering on American Leadership and is completing a doctorate in Global Leadership from Fuller Theological Seminary. Dan is a teaching pastor at Grace Church in Wooster, Ohio where he lives with his wife & two daughters. 

If you’re looking to enhance your leadership and communication skills while fostering a culture of authenticity, then this episode is for you!

If you’ve enjoyed this episode, please be sure to subscribe and leave a review. 

• Listen to the episode here: https://lindsaylapaquette.com/podcast/

For a full written transcript of the episode, please see the show notes at the link above.

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Ever tallied up the number of meetings you’ve been in since you stepped into the workforce?

How many of those have dragged on endlessly, achieving next to nothing?

Amidst tight deadlines, conflicting priorities and endless emails, meetings can either facilitate progress or be a total soul sucking adventure.

With over two decades of experience in nonprofit and community development, Jason Doiron is here to guide us through the chaos. Jason guides us as we uncover the secrets behind why effective communication is the key to untangling the mess and unlocking the potential of diverse teams.

On this episode of The Workplace Communication Podcast, Jason Doiron, Cocreator at O Stratégies, talks to us about how to leverage your time and efficiency in meetings by consciously crafting meetings to serve the purpose you most need, at each different point in time.

Say goodbye to wasted time, watch-checking, and doodling, and say hello to better conversations that will lead to innovation, clarity, and stronger team dynamics.

Leadership tips you won’t want to miss:

• Designing meeting structures that align with desired outcomes

• Creating space for creativity and innovation in team meetings

• Balancing structured and organic conversation formats

• Leveraging diverse methodologies for idea generation and decision-making

Jason has over 20 years of experience in the nonprofit and community development world. He focused his academic studies in language and communications studies at the Université de Moncton. He is a practitioner of Art of Hosting and Applied Improv and has held positions in many nonprofit organizations focused on youth, arts and culture, capacity building and social innovation.  His strong and adaptable skills as group facilitator helps him to guide groups in finding clarity, common purpose and work better together in meaningful ways, creating spaces for learning, innovation and co-creation. Jason is co-owner at O Stratégies, a consulting firm specializing in organizational strategy, leadership and social innovation.

If you’re looking to harness the power of conversation to drive meaningful change and collaboration in your workplace, then this episode is for you!

If you’ve enjoyed this episode, please be sure to subscribe and leave a review. 

• Listen to the episode here: https://lindsaylapaquette.com/podcast/

For a full written transcript of the episode, please see the show notes at the link above.

Jason Doiron’s contact information:

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Free e-course: Free Yourself from Workplace Confrontation and Conflict

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Are you ever spending your profits on resolving conflicts that could have been solved with just a thoughtful 5-minute conversation early on?

Mediating conflicts often results in the loss of team efficiency, alongside and a significant financial investment. The challenge of balancing peace, productivity, and profit in the workplace is real.

As a Workplace Relationships Expert, seasoned professional speaker and coach, Penny Tremblay, helps teams and individuals through workplace relationship complexities, not only addressing surface-level issues but also uncovering the root causes of conflicts. This approach fosters an environment where communication flows effortlessly, creating a path to sustainable workplace harmony.

On this episode of The Workplace Communication Podcast, Penny shares elements of her Sandbox System, so you can unlock the secrets to a workplace where peace, productivity and profit can coexist harmoniously.

Leadership tips you won’t want to miss:

• ️ Cultivating a workplace where open communication is key to building a positive atmosphere
• ️ Resolving conflicts promptly by addressing issues head-on
• ️ Actively listening to your team to foster a culture of empathy and collaboration
• ️ Recognizing the power of empowerment in the workplace
• ️ Embracing diversity to nurture an inclusive work environment

Penny Tremblay is the founder of Tremblay Leadership Center and the Workplace Sandbox System™. Organizations save millions of dollars by helping their teams manage conflict from the inside out. Harvard training and years of experience bring fresh concepts and stories to inspire productivity and peace in the workplace sandbox.

If you're looking to create a workplace where peace, productivity, and profit coexist seamlessly, then this episode is for you!

If you’ve enjoyed this episode, please be sure to subscribe and leave a review. 

•  Listen to the episode here: https://lindsaylapaquette.com/podcast/

For a full written transcript of the episode, please see the show notes at the link above.

Penny Tremblay’s contact information:

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In a world where work often feels like a routine, Mark Mears, Founder & Chief Growth Officer at LEAF Growth Ventures brings a refreshing perspective. One that focuses on the transformative power of LOVE in leadership – learning to listen, observe, value and empower.

On this episode of The Workplace Communication Podcast, Mark brings his extensive background in conscious capitalism and purposeful growth to reshape how leaders can create meaningful and fulfilling environments. 

Join us as we discuss how to reimagine the workplace together - Let's reimagine the workplace together – where purpose meets productivity and leadership is all about love.

Leadership tips you won’t want to miss:

• ️Fostering a workplace culture that values individuality and diversity
• ️Actively listening to your team's needs to create a more engaged workforce
• ️Recognizing the whole person – not just the employee – to build genuine connections and relationships
• ️Cultivating a leadership style centered around LOVE – Listen, Observe, Value, and Empower

Mark A. Mears is a #1 Best Selling author, keynote speaker, consultant, and visionary business leader. He has a significant track record of building stakeholder value—driving innovation and profitable growth among world-class, high-profile brands such as PepsiCo/Pizza Hut, McDonald’s, Frito-Lay, JCPenney, NBCUniversal, and The Cheesecake Factory.Today, Mark serves as Founder and Chief Growth Officer for LEAF Growth Ventures, LLC—a consulting firm inspiring individuals, teams, and organizations to find purpose in fulfilling their true growth potential while making a positive, lasting difference in the world.

Mark has just released his new book titled, The Purposeful Growth Revolution: 4 Ways to Grow from Leader to Legacy Builder. Mark is also a member of the Senior Leader Network within Conscious Capitalism, Inc., a global organization whose mission he shares: Elevating Humanity Through Business.

If you’re looking to foster a workplace where love leads, and individuals thrive, then this episode is for you!

If you’ve enjoyed this episode, please be sure to subscribe and leave a review. 

• Listen to the episode here: https://lindsaylapaquette.com/podcast/

For a full written transcript of the episode, please see the show notes at the link above.

Mark Mears’s contact information:

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Purposeful Growth Self-Assessment

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Free e-course: Free Yourself from Workplace Confrontation and Conflict

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Reflecting on what’s working, what is not, and adjusting path is second nature to me.

I don’t do New Years resolutions. I think they’re a bunch of garbage.

Yet here I am, with my very own version of annual reflections. Just call me a sheep

In this solo episode, I bring you beyond the polished facade and delve into some of the raw, unfiltered learnings from the past year.

This episode also offers a self-guided reflection for you, the listener, on your own successes and key learnings from 2023, alongside a wave of promise and inspiration for 2024.

Cause if we don’t believe in ourselves on January 1^st right fresh off of vacation, when will we???

All of this is of course served up alongside key business highlights because they’re all part and parcel of determining what worked and what didn’t.

Finally, you’ll get a sneak peek into our exciting plans for 2024 while hearing about the discovery that led us here. Strategy, innovation and discipline.

Join the conversation and engage in some deep self-reflective questions that will help you unveil your own professional and personal clarity for the year to come.

Leadership tips you won’t want to miss:

• Embracing reality for heightened adaptability

• Building for stability amidst chronic illness

• Confronting deep-seated fear of disappointment

• Embracing vulnerability for greater business outcomes

• Bridging previous and current business passions with our new business vision

If you’ve ready for an aligned and purpose-driven 2024, then this episode is for you!

Listen to the full episode here: https://lindsaylapaquette.com/podcast

If you’ve enjoyed this episode, please be sure to subscribe and leave a review. 

A written transcript of this podcast episode is available upon request.  To request a copy, please send us an email.

Lindsay’s contact information:

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Free e-course: Free Yourself from Workplace Confrontation and Conflict

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Rethinking power dynamics in the workplace is a conversation rarely ventured into, yet it lies at the core of prevalent challenges such as disengagement, burnout, inequity, and organizational fragility.

As a psychology researcher, author and Founder of Scarlet Spark, Tania Luna's extensive work on leadership has brought her to the thought-provoking exploration of power and leadership. Her works makes insightful parallels between the instinctive behaviour of squirrels hoarding nuts and the inherent human tendency to seek the accumulation of power.

On this episode of The Workplace Communication Podcast, we explore the complexities of leadership and the often-overlooked dynamics of power in the workplace. Drawing on her extensive background, Tania shares practical lessons for leaders seeking to comprehend the impact of leading through a power over approach, and shares actionable insights into reshaping power distribution for more effective and ethical leadership.

 Join us for a conversation that transcends conventional leadership paradigms, offering valuable lessons for leaders navigating the intricate tapestry of diverse teams.

 Leadership tips you won’t want to miss:

• Engaging your team in active decision-making to foster a sense of ownership and inclusivity
• Fostering open communication channels to promote transparency, understanding, and effective conflict resolution
• Cultivating curiosity within your team to encourage innovation and a willingness to embrace new ideas
• Embracing change as an opportunity for growth, emphasizing the importance of adaptability in leadership
• Empowering your team by delegating tasks and building their confidence as leaders
  
  

 Tania Luna, author of LEAD TOGETHER: Stop Squirreling Away Power and Build a Better Team, is a psychology researcher, educator, and entrepreneur. She has built and grown multiple companies, including LifeLabs Learning — a leadership development resource that serves thousands of the world’s most influential companies – and Scarlet Spark — a nonprofit that grows the power of organizations that help animals and our planet. 

 If you’re looking to redefine power dynamics and elevate your team's synergy, then this episode is for you!

If you’ve enjoyed this episode, please be sure to subscribe and leave a review. 

•  Listen to the episode here: https://lindsaylapaquette.com/podcast/

 For a full written transcript of the episode, please see the show notes at the link above.

Tania Luna’s contact information:

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Catherine Kontos showcased exceptional resilience as she confronted the harsh reality of stage 3 breast cancer amid a tumultuous divorce, all while running her own business.

Catherine faced these profound challenges by harnessing the extraordinary power of the human mind, employing techniques like meditation, visualization, and sheer determination to foster a triumphant, resilient spirit. Her journey stands as a testament to unyielding strength.

On this episode of The Workplace Communication Podcast, as a seasoned entrepreneur and Founder of RetreatBoss, Catherine and I explore the transformative journey of regaining personal power through self-awareness and healing and how the lessons she learned through this journey can be applied to all facets of life.

Leadership tips you won’t want to miss:

• Cultivating a culture of mindfulness for heightened self-awareness and resilience
• Fostering open communication to create a supportive team environment
• Prioritizing mental well-being for enhanced coping skills in the workplace
• Fostering a workplace culture that empowers vulnerability
• Creating a culture of constructive feedback for continuous team self-awareness and development

Catherine Kontos is a Transformation Maven and Founder of RetreatBoss. She is an author, a TEdX speaker and retreat consultant. 

If you're looking to unlock the secrets of building resilient teams through self-awareness and healing, then this episode is for you!

If you’ve enjoyed this episode, please be sure to subscribe and leave a review. 

• Listen to the episode here: https://lindsaylapaquette.com/podcast/

For a full written transcript of the episode, please see the show notes at the link above.

Catherine Kontos’s contact information:

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Lindsay’s contact information: (note that when you put this into Libsyn, the underline here and above needs to be added in as it doesn’t copy)

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In the leadership world, the spotlight often shines brightest on the extroverts, those charismatic individuals who command attention with their bold presence and effortless engagement. Yet, lurking behind this outgoing exuberance lies a vast untapped potential – the power of introverted leadership.

As a former Fortune 100 executive, Rico Nasol’s illustrious career at Netflix and Zappos was unveiled by the realization that introversion is not a constraint, but a unique lens through which brilliance is expressed. Growing up in a traditional Filipino household, he had honed the art of being a "social introvert," effortlessly navigating the nuances of social interactions while cherishing the solitude that fuels his creativity and insights.

On this episode of The Workplace Communication Podcast, as a Leadership Coach & Consultant, Rico joins us to uncover the misconceptions surrounding introversion, while emphasizing the power of quiet introspection, analytical thinking, and the need for recharging.

Join us as we discuss the transformative power of shifting from emulating others’ leadership styles to embracing authenticity.

Leadership tips you won’t want to miss:

• Embracing the power of quiet introspection for effective decision-making
• Fostering a culture of acceptance, engagement, and empowerment
• Recognizing the value of authenticity in leadership
• Cultivating a leadership style that aligns with your unique strengths

Rico Nasol is a former Fortune 100 executive (Netflix/Zappos) whose mission is to share and coach strategies that helped him build and scale large teams in 7+ countries. His 3 C's of effective leadership: confidence, clarity, and culture—have created dozens of successful Fortune 100 leaders in the workforce today.

If you’re looking to redefine leadership and unleash the power of introversion in your professional journey, then this episode is for you!

If you’ve enjoyed this episode, please be sure to subscribe and leave a review. 

• Listen to the episode here: https://lindsaylapaquette.com/podcast/

For a full written transcript of the episode, please see the show notes at the link above.

Rico Nasol’s contact information:

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Free e-course: Free Yourself from Workplace Confrontation and Conflict

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Julian Reeve's professional journey through the music industry was an exhilarating rollercoaster ride, filled with soaring highs that rival Broadway's top notes. As musical director of the ground-breaking Broadway sensation Hamilton, Julian Reeve scaled career summits that seem insurmountable to most. 

 However, the peak of his success crumbled just three months into his dream role when a stress-induced heart attack abruptly plummeted him to new lows. What was once a beautiful symphony of perfectionism and unwavering commitment quickly descended into chaos, marked by self-medication and self-neglect.

 On this episode of The Workplace Communication Podcast, we’re joined by Julian Reeve, Founder & CEO, at Perfect Equilibrium™ Inc. to discuss the pivotal role of effective communication, self-reflection, proactive dialogue, and prioritizing self-care in burnout prevention. Join us to explore concrete strategies for maintaining balance and conquering burnout among high achievers.

Leadership tips you won’t want to miss: 

🎙️ Prioritizing self-care and well-being in your leadership journey

🎙️ Fostering open and honest communication to prevent burnout among high achievers

🎙️ Understanding the importance of self-reflection in maintaining equilibrium

🎙️ Embracing proactive dialogue with your team to address stress and pressure

🎙️ Recognizing the transformative power of communication in achieving personal and professional balance

Julian Reeve, former music director for Broadway's ground-breaking hip-hop musical Hamilton, discusses the importance of communication in preventing burnout. Reeve has a background in music, starting as a drummer and eventually becoming the MD. He has taken over 25 Broadway shows worldwide and worked as the music supervisor for Hamilton, putting in a replacement cast for the originals. Reeve's career change occurred when he had a stress-induced heart attack three months into his job. The 20 years leading up to the attack were filled with perfectionism and self-medication, leading to a lack of self-care and exercise. Reeve's life changed when he realized that he had done the damage to his body and mental health. He now focuses on promoting communication and self-care, aiming to disrupt society's approach to work and attitudes to stress.

If you’re looking to unlock the secrets of conquering burnout while achieving your highest ambitions, then this episode is for you!

If you’ve enjoyed this episode, please be sure to subscribe and leave a review. 

🎧 Listen to the episode here: https://lindsaylapaquette.com/podcast/

For a full written transcript of the episode, please see the show notes at the link above.

Julian Reeve’s contact information:

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In an era where the pursuit of equity has yet to be achieved, it is glaringly evident that individuals who hold minoritized identities continue to be significantly underrepresented in the C-Suite.

Drawing upon her own experience in Senior leadership in the tech industry, Angel G. Henry has made it her mission to transform corporate environments into inclusive spaces that value and amplify every voice – at all levels of the organization.

On this episode of The Workplace Communication Podcast, Angel explains how the Agile Mindset Framework can be applied to the realm of diversity, equity, and inclusion. With its emphasis on transparency, prioritization, action, and reflection, this framework has the potential to revolutionize leadership practices, converting complex DEI challenges into tangible, immediate gains.

Join us as we explore the transformative potential of an Agile mindset in reshaping the corporate environment into a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive space.

Leadership tips you won’t want to miss:

🎙️ Tailoring leadership training to individuals' identities and experiences

🎙️ Addressing the "broken rung" challenge in the career progression of those who hold minoritized identities

🎙️ Embracing a short-term commitment for concrete, long-term change

🎙️ Accelerating change through rapid, incremental improvements

🎙️ Addressing DEI through micro-education

Angel G. Henry creates ceiling breakers. She is the author of Dents in the Ceiling: Tools Women and Allies Need to Breakthrough; it is her knowledge of why women and minorities are missing from the C-Suite that provides awareness for corporate leaders to make change. Angel has 20-years of tech muscle, a sought-after trainer, speaker, adjunct instructor, and inclusive workplace advisor. 

If you’re looking to break barriers and create an inclusive workplace, then this episode is for you!

If you’ve enjoyed this episode, please be sure to subscribe and leave a review. 

🎧 Listen to the episode here: https://lindsaylapaquette.com/podcast/

For a full written transcript of the episode, please see the show notes at the link above.

Angel G. Henry’s contact information:

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Lindsay’s contact information:

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Free e-course: Free Yourself from Workplace Confrontation and Conflict

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