Podcast

In this episode of Control the Room, I had the pleasure of speaking with Victor Udoewa about his varied work experience that brought him to his current position as a Service Design Lead at NASA. He explains how his experience as an engineer, educator, International Development Specialist, and health and trauma counselor helped him land a job designing educational software for Google. Later, Victor shares his thoughts on Integrated Design, Asset based problem solving, Defuturing, Reworlding, Ontological Design, and Hyperlocality. We then discuss the importance of including community members in the design process. Listen in for reasons why facilitators should give up power to better attend to the needs of the people they’re serving.

In this episode of Control the Room, I had the pleasure of speaking with Anick Beaulieu about her experience designing impactful collective moments for C2 in Montreal.  She shares how having the right questions lead to a creative vision.  Later, Anick explains why intention is the key to collective moments and conversation.  We then discuss fostering tan health and connection in times of crises.  Listen in for more inspiration on using flagship events and collaboration to drive economic development in your region.

In this episode of Control the Room, I had the pleasure of speaking with Anita Abaisa about her experience making a greater impact using VR in her DEI training programs. She shares how using the technology in her training compares to the participants that don’t. Later, Anita explains why taking little steps is the key to behavior change. We then discuss the importance of showing people how to change. Listen in for more inspiration in how to support and engage teams to stop talent from changing jobs.

In this episode of Control the Room, I had the pleasure of speaking with Neal Foard about his latest initiative spreading messages of positivity on social media.  He shares how he stumbled into his role as a social media influencer, improving people's day.  Later, he shares stories about his faith in humanity during these divisive times.  We then discuss the importance of finding a tribe of people that you vibe with.  Listen in for more inspiration on how to practice positivity.  

In this episode of Control the Room, I had the pleasure of speaking with Erik Skogsberg, Sarah Gretter, and Jeff Grabill about their experience helping Higher Education organizations with design more impactful learning experiences. They share a handful of the unique challenges of designing change in Higher Education as well as similarities with other change initiatives. Later, they share how to create the conditions for sustainable longterm change within organizations. We then discuss the importance of having a shared vocabulary to help all the stakeholders communicate during change initiatives.

In this episode of Control the Room, I had the pleasure of speaking with Heather Hansen about her experience helping leaders speak up and build their communication skills. She shares a handful of the unique challenges of communication training in our globalized world. Later, she shares the two most important factors in developing as a communicator. We then discuss the role of listening in learning to speak up. Listen in for her predictions about the future of technology and communication.

In this episode of Control the Room, I had the pleasure of speaking with Michael Palmer about his experience helping organizations with instruction programs to help teams of all kinds build the cultures they need to excel.  He shares a thoughtful definition of ‘culture’ and why it’s important to sustain healthy teams.  Later, Michael shares some tips to develop better communication practices at work.  We then discuss the importance of ‘purpose’ at work.   Listen in for Michael’s interesting thoughts on the criteria all high-performing teams meet.

In this episode of Control the Room, I had the pleasure of speaking with Emily Elrod about her experience helping organizations of people work better together, stress, and self-care at work. She shares some thoughts on why organizations should prioritize like-hearted over like-minded teams. Later, Emily explores topics like positive deviance, how to leverage dopamine, and progress over perfection. We then discuss what it takes to keep calm at work and emotional regulation. Listen in for more interesting thoughts on ways people, places, and things go from stressed to strategic.

In this episode of Control the Room, I had the pleasure of speaking with Leah Fleischner about her experience in working with startups, coaching executives, and leading enterprise change initiatives.  She shares some thoughts on the needs and motivations of todays worker that’s driving the ‘Great Resignation’.  Later, Leah explores topics like mental health while working remote, why words matter, and the masculine-feminime expressions of leadership.  We then discuss what it takes to be a great coach.   Listen in for more interesting thoughts on moving forward with grace.

In this episode of Control the Room, I had the pleasure of speaking with Kate Leto about her experience in Product Management, Organizational Development, and Personal Development industries that has taken her around the world. She shares how self-awareness can help make you a better leader, develop confidence, and battle imposter syndrome. Later, Kate explains why changing Organizations must first start with changing individuals and teams. We then discuss different types of leadership skills and how to develop them. Listen in for more interesting thoughts on how to build higher-performing teams.