In the thick of it, it may not feel like both powerlessness and power are universal experiences, but we’ve all been there. The guest on this episode talks about how, ultimately, we are in control of feeling into our own power and it really all comes down to the stories we tell ourselves.
Dr. Payal Sharma - who studies power and stress in organizations and teaches at the Lee Business School at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas - joins me on the show to chat about power versus powerlessness, posttraumatic growth, and how she shows up in full caring with a mindset of presence.
Dr. Sharma’s current research portfolio includes examining power dynamics in the hip hop and rap industry, and gender backlash against agreeable, vulnerable, and empathetic male leaders. She collaborates and brings said expertise to the forefront of ideas around relationship dynamics and personal power in partnership with some other thought leaders you may know of, including Mark Groves and James Silvas. I always learn so much from talking to Dr. Sharma and think you'll enjoy listening to this juicy and empowering episode.
Key Talking Points of the Episode:
- Meet Dr. Payal Sharma
- Posttraumatic growth
- Power dynamics in the rap and hip hop industry
- Gender backlash against empathetic male leaders
- A mindset of presence
- Two people who have impacted Dr. Sharma’s life
- Dr. Sharma’s advice to people who care a lot
- Hip hop, rap, and bikes that go nowhere
Key Milestones of the Episode:
[03:15] Meet Dr. Payal Sharma
[04:32] What is Posttraumatic Growth?
[07:03] Power and Trauma in- and outside of organizations
[10:13] Navigating posttraumatic growth
[11:45] Vulnerability as a strength
[13:09] Core values and where Dr. Sharma’s caring comes from
[15:08] The gift of learning from each other
[17:14] Attachment theory in both leadership and dating
[21:15] Exploring gender backlash against male leaders
[30:11] Gender stereotypes: Dr. Sharma and Eric Nicksick of Randy Couture’s UFC gym
[32:34] Taking calculated risk for connection
[35:16] Dr. Sharma’s mindset and cycling class
[40:40] Walking life with your village
[42:12] Powerlessness is about your environment
[44:11] Dr. Sharma’s identity: hip hop and rap
[48:50] People who have positively impacted Dr. Sharma
[58:28] Dr. Sharma’s advice to people who care a lot
[1:00:28] Something new that Dr. Sharma is looking forward to
Standout Quotes from the Episode:
“Posttraumatic growth is where you bounce forward because you can never go back to what you were.”
“The stories that we tell ourselves can define how powerful or powerless we allow ourselves to feel in our own lives."
“And the benefit of trauma is that it can help you understand that you're vulnerable, but that with that vulnerability also comes strength.”
“I think when people feel voiceless, or they feel like they're not being heard, that's what triggers stories around loss of control, feeling as though you're powerless, and that's kind of the backdrop to what I study.”
“And it's the leaders who are willing to talk about the harder things and talk about emotions, which not everybody is. But it's really the pathway, I think, to a deeper connection in the work setting and in our lives.”
“For me, a cornerstone in any meaningful relationship that I have is if we lean in and we connect. Again, you don't have to agree,but you have to reveal yourself.”
“The only person that gets to decide your worth and your value is yourself.”
Mentioned in the Episode:
UNLV Convocation 2020, Faculty Keynote
The Embracing Project
Connect with Dr. Payal Sharma:
Website
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Created, Produced, Hosted & Edited by: Randi Johns
Music by: Tefty & Meems
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