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As we find ourselves at the cusp of a new year, it's hard to believe how quickly 2024 has come to an end. Whether you're wrapping up gifts or just seeking a moment of peace during this hectic holiday season, I'm truly grateful that you're here with me today. Thank you for being a part of this journey.

A Year of Intention and Growth
Back in October 2023, I conceived a powerful idea. What if I dedicated 2024 to mastering 12 areas of focus, which I would consider my personal "superpowers"? These guiding principles would shape my life and business, transforming aspects like clarity, levity, and even traditions. And let me tell you, this year tested my resolve repeatedly.

Today, I want to take you through an overview of how this idea played out, sharing both the triumphs and the lessons I learned.

Discovering Clarity
One of the standout superpowers this year was clarity. As an industrial-organizational psychologist, I’ve worn many hats over the years, but this year I reaffirmed my true passion—helping people find joy in their work. This focus on clarity shifted everything for me and propelled my commitment to workshops, coaching, and programs focused on career joy and direction. Remarkably, Lead with Levity earned two Brandon Hall Excellence Awards, recognizing our efforts in talent management and HR.

Embracing Levity
Levity was another area I explored deeply, realizing it’s not just a nice-to-have but a fundamental need. Facing personal and professional challenges, I relearned how to find joy in small moments and prescribed myself laughter as a remedy for stress. It’s amazing how powerful a simple laugh can be in combating stress and encouraging resilience.

Breaking Tradition for Growth
Breaking tradition was an unexpected theme of the year. After losing my voice for a month, my family and I decided to embrace change by living in Costa Rica for a while. This break allowed us to unplug from our routine, reminding us how simplicity aids growth. Little adventures like climbing volcanoes and road trips brought fresh excitement and deepened our appreciation for life’s experiences.

The Wonders of Technology
This year, technological advancements in AI and virtual reality captured our imagination and educated us on responsible usage. From VR’s immersive experiences to AI's ethical challenges, these innovations remind us to leverage technology for good while maintaining mindfulness about its impacts.

Wrapping Up with Levity and Gratitude
As we conclude this year, let’s infuse our holiday gatherings with levity and gratitude. Allow yourselves moments of laughter and don’t shy away from innovation—even using tech discussions to divert heated holiday table talks! This season, let’s cherish connections, be present with loved ones, and take moments to appreciate the meaningful interactions we experience every day.

Setting Intentions for 2025
Looking ahead to 2025, I encourage you to lean into one superpower that resonates with you. Remember, progress is often imperfect and sometimes messy, but it’s still progress. Reflect on what makes you unique and harness this to lead with joy and connection. Thank you for an incredible 2024. I’m excited for the adventures and growth awaiting us in 2025. Until then, keep leading with levity and celebrating the moments that bring us together.

From Creative Drought to a Year of I

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Welcome to the Lead with Levity podcast, where we explore the complex world of leadership and the nuances that come with it. Hosted by Dr. Heather Walker, today’s episode delves into the delicate balance many leaders strive to maintain—particularly in the face of burnout and overwhelming expectations. Joining Dr. Walker in this discussion is Dr.Mira Brancu, a clinical psychologist and expert in leadership dynamics, especially for women.

Understanding the Leadership Juggling Act
Dr. Walker introduces the metaphor of juggling different types of balls—rubber ones that bounce back and glass ones that shatter. This metaphor captures the essence of challenges faced by leaders, where knowing which "balls" can be dropped temporarily without dire consequences is crucial. Dr. Mira Brancu adds to this imagery by addressing the invisible hurdles women encounter in leadership roles.

The Leadership Landscape: A Gender Perspective
Dr. Brancu shares her observations about the gender disparities in leadership roles. Highlighting how structural disparities and biases often leave women, especially women of color, at a disadvantage when it comes to accessing information and opportunities. She emphasizes the importance of mentorship from those in power to bridge this gap—an experience she was fortunate to have, even if it’s not universal.

Breaking the Glass Cliff Phenomenon
A significant focus of the conversation is the "glass cliff" phenomenon, where women are placed in leadership roles during precarious times, setting them up for failure without adequate support. Dr. Brancu speaks candidly about the emotional labor and burnout women face as they struggle to prove themselves in environments not designed for their success.

Developing Leadership Identity
Dr. Brancu introduces her Strategic Leadership Pathway Model, which helps leaders face uncertainty, develop their identity, and align their roles with their genuine selves. This involves understanding personal strengths and passions, mapping out strategic goals, and navigating organizational dynamics without losing oneself in the process.

Reflection and Recalibration for Leaders
In closing, both Dr. Walker and Dr. Brancu stress the importance of self-reflection for leaders. It's about taking the time to evaluate personal goals and how they align with your leadership journey. Dr. Brancu’s parting advice emphasizes the transformative power of reflection as a tool for accelerating success and happiness in leadership.

Whether you're currently in a leadership role or aspiring to one, embracing these insights from Dr. Mira Brancu and Dr. Heather Walker can help create a more authentic, balanced, and effective approach to leadership.

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In today's rapidly evolving workforce landscape, understanding the unique needs and perspectives of Generation Z is crucial for fostering a harmonious and productive work environment. In a recent episode of the Lead with Levity podcast, hosted by Dr. Heather Walker, Hannah Dannecker, a Gen Z advocate and founder of the Better Together Group, shared her insights on connecting with Gen Z employees, dispelling misconceptions, and the importance of communication between generations.

Understanding Gen Z in the Workplace

One of the key topics addressed in the podcast was the common misconception that Gen Z is lazy. Hannah challenges this stereotype, explaining how Gen Z has adapted to a digital world, significantly influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic. She stresses the importance of understanding the context behind Gen Z's behaviors and the need for employers to communicate and empathize with their experiences.

Building Connections: Overcoming Barriers

Hannah underscores that connection is where "magic happens." She offers strategies for employers to bridge the gap by understanding generational differences and fostering an environment of mutual respect. By appreciating the technological comforts that Gen Z is accustomed to, such as remote communication tools, employers can better engage this generation's talents.

Strategies for Effective Communication

Hannah provides practical advice on how to address the challenges of incorporating Gen Z employees into traditional work settings. She encourages managers to have open dialogues, sharing the value of in-person collaboration while being receptive to Gen Z's preferences. The key is a combined approach that appeals to both parties' realities, fostering a more cohesive workplace.

Dealing with Authority and Constructive Feedback

A crucial aspect Hannah discusses is the relationship between authority and Gen Z. With a wall built from experiences with influencers and authority figures, Gen Z may approach authority differently. Hannah highlights the importance of constructive feedback delivered through a lens of empathy, understanding, and patience, encouraging managers to engage in active listening.

Empowering Young Job Seekers

For young job seekers, especially those from Gen Z, Hannah offers guidance on navigating the job market. She recommends leveraging platforms like LinkedIn to build professional networks and skills. Her advice focuses on being comfortable in uncomfortable situations and recognizing one's value as a candidate. With resources available through her organization, she provides young individuals with the tools to succeed.

Bringing Levity to Job Hunting

Hannah advocates for a balanced approach to job hunting, reminding candidates that finding the right job is as challenging as employers finding the right employee. By maintaining confidence and treating job hunting like a mutual selection process, young job seekers can approach the task with less stress and anxiety.

Conclusion and Future Endeavors

As the podcast concluded, Hannah excitedly shared news of her upcoming book series, Wonder Workshop, aimed at inspiring young minds about future careers. Her continued work aims to motivate both employers and employees to embrace open communication, understanding, and growth.

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In a world where the only constant is change, navigating personal and organizational transformation is a skill that requires resilience and adaptability. This theme resonated throughout an insightful conversation between Dr. Heather Walker and Malti Bhojwani on the "Lead with Levity" podcast. Their dialogue highlighted the challenges and triumphs of embracing change, and how personal growth and organizational success are intricately linked.

The Power of Personal Transformation
One of the key takeaways from this conversation is the profound impact personal transformation can have on our lives and those around us. Malti Bhojwani, a senior advisor for McKinsey's Abercan Change Leadership Partners and an accomplished author, shared her journey of self-discovery that began 20 years ago. Her early life was characterized by linear expectations—education, marriage, and a family—until life threw unexpected challenges her way. Malti had a pivotal "moment of truth" at age 26 when she found herself divorced, penniless, and overwhelmed by life's uncertainties. It was then that she realized the importance of taking responsibility for her life and choices, leading her to a transformative acceptance that she could indeed create a different future.

Organizations Transform Because People Do
Malti emphasized that organizations do not transform on their own—it is the people within them who drive change. This philosophy underscores the importance of leadership involvement in ensuring a successful transformation journey. The conversation shed light on a common pitfall in organizations: a lack of persistent leadership engagement throughout change initiatives. Leaders are encouraged to tell compelling stories that resonate with their teams' values, ensuring that every member understands their role in the larger narrative.

Communication: The Heart of Change
A crucial element in facilitating change is effective communication. Malti highlighted the need for leaders to remain actively involved, share a compelling narrative, and consistently communicate their vision in varied formats. It's about creating an environment where everyone feels connected to the organizational story, much like the inspiring story of a NASA janitor who saw his work as integral to sending people to the moon.

Finding Joy in Everyday Life
Malti also shared personal stories, including dealing with the passing of her father and the challenges of midlife, which inspired her book "Mastering Your Life." This book celebrates the realization that life is meant to be enjoyed, not just endured. She encouraged embracing joy, music, scents, food, and the people around us. Her message was clear: life is about the journey and the joy found in everyday moments.

Conclusion
The insightful conversation between Dr. Heather Walker and Malti Bhojwani served as a powerful reminder of our capacity for personal and organizational transformation. By embracing change, communicating effectively, and finding joy in the journey, we can navigate life's challenges and create meaningful change for ourselves and the organizations we lead.

For those seeking to delve deeper into Malti's teachings, her book "Mastering Your Life" is available on Audible and Amazon, offering further guidance on embracing joy and mastering one's path. This conversation encourages us all to find our own positive potatoes and rocks—symbols and reminders of the joy and levity that can guide us through life's inevitable changes.

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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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