Building Thinkers: Accessible Blueprints for Learning & Life

In this episode of the Building Thinkers podcast, Tracy is joined by Katie Conley, a luxury travel advisor and hospitality professional. Katie joins Tracy to discuss one of her 12 favorite problems, “how might we activate human potential” through the lens of travel.  Katie shares her journey as a travel advisor and the importance of creating personalized, immersive travel experiences. They discuss the role of human experience in travel, the challenges of information overload, and the positive impacts of travel on neuroplasticity and mental health. The conversation emphasizes the significance of openness to new experiences and how transformative travel can enhance creativity and personal growth.  Tracy and Katie discuss the value of intentional travel planning, the joy of sharing experiences with loved ones, and the significance of understanding the purpose behind each trip. The dialogue highlights how travel can deepen connections and enhance cultural awareness, ultimately leading to a richer, more fulfilling life. Key Takeaways: Travel can activate human potential in many ways.  Openness to new experiences is crucial for personal growth. Travel can improve neuroplasticity and cognitive function. Travel doesn't have to be expensive to be meaningful. Transformative travel experiences can happen at any age. Openness to experiences fosters intellectual curiosity and independence. Experiencing new cultures broadens perspectives and enriches lives. Katie’s Recommendations:  Books: Setting the Table by Danny Meyer: https://amzn.to/41la3Ge Travel TV Shows:  Somebody Feed Phil: https://www.netflix.com/ae-en/title/80146601  Anthony Bourdain: https://www.amazon.com/Anthony-Bourdain-No-Reservations-Season/dp/B09229BZ67  Searching for Italy with Stanley Tucci: https://edition.cnn.com/shows/stanley-tucci-searching-for-italy  Connect with Katie:  Katie Conley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katieconley623/  https://culturedconcierge.travel/  https://www.instagram.com/culturedconcierge  k.conley@dreamvacations.com

In this episode of the Building Thinkers podcast, Tracy is joined by Said Saddouk to discuss one of her 12 favorite problems, “How might we increase flow & and creativity to bring joy to work?”  Said is a virtual facilitation expert who brings a unique approach to online engagement, transforming virtual sessions from dull and disengaging to impactful, inspiring experiences. With a mix of expert training, practical techniques, and a passion for connecting with his audience, Said helps facilitators, educators, and team leaders unlock the potential of virtual learning spaces. In this conversation, Tracy and Said explore the themes of joy, creativity, and innovation in the workplace, particularly in virtual settings. They discuss the importance of finding joy in work, the journey to creativity, and how to foster a playful and engaging environment in meetings.  Said shares his insights on the definition of creativity, the significance of childlike play, and practical tools and techniques for enhancing virtual meetings. The conversation emphasizes the value of community, collaboration, and the continuous pursuit of joy and creativity in professional settings. Key Takeaways: Alpacas and llamas are different animals 😂 Childlike play can enhance creativity and innovation Engagement in meetings can be improved with playful elements Virtual meetings can be transformed with simple tools and techniques Small changes can lead to significant improvements in meetings Butter Referral Link: https://butter.cello.so/X5aVOOcce9Z Said’s Recommendations:  Books:  100 Tricks to Sound Smart in Meetings by Sarah Cooper: https://amzn.to/3ObwvK2  People to Follow: Cat Mulvihill LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mulvihillcatherine YouTube: youtube.com/@CatMulvihill Anamaria Dorgo: linkedin.com/in/anamariadorgo Jan Keck LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jankeck YouTube: youtube.com/@mrjankeck Myriam Hadnes: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/myriam-hadnes YouTube: youtube.com/@myriamhadnes Thomas Lahnthaler: linkedin.com/in/thomaslahnthaler Olina Glindevi: linkedin.com/in/thevisualagilecoach Podcasts:  Workshops.Work: https://workshops.work/podcast/ Star Talk: https://startalkmedia.com/  Connect with Said:  Website: thefacilitainer.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/saidsaddouk YouTube: youtube.com/@facilitainer Instagram: instagram.com/thefacilitainer

In this episode of the Building Thinkers podcast, Tracy interviews Dr. Gina Sipley to discuss one of her twelve favorite problems: "How might we create space for mindset shifts in learning experiences?" Dr. Sipley is a community college professor and first-generation college graduate who fosters inclusive spaces where individuals from diverse backgrounds can explore how their relationship with both online and offline texts shapes their identities. They delve into the concept of lurking in online spaces, examining its impact on learning and participation, and exploring strategies for fostering meaningful engagement in digital environments. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding lurking as a common practice, the benefits and harms associated with it, and strategies for curating diverse perspectives on social media. The conversation also touches on the role of perfectionism in online participation and the need for protective curation.  The episode emphasizes the significance of mindful social media engagement and the value of diverse voices in broadening our worldview. Key Takeaways: Lurking has become the dominant way we interact online Curating diverse perspectives on social media is crucial Protective curation helps individuals navigate online spaces Engagement with social media should be mindful and intentional Gina’s Recommendations:  Book Recommendations:  https://amzn.to/48uTXva Algorithms of Oppression: How Search Engines Reinforce Bias by Safiya Umoja Noble https://amzn.to/48uy7Ie Country of the Blind: A Memoir At The End of Sight by Andrew Leland https://amzn.to/3YLj3Tb Trolling Ourselves to Death: Democracy in the Age of Social Media by Jason Hannan https://amzn.to/40uCl0G Podcast Recommendations: You’re Wrong About https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/youre-wrong-about/id1380008439 The Measure of Everyday Life https://measureradio.net/ Transforming Society https://www.transformingsociety.co.uk/transforming-society-podcast/ Connect with Gina:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gsipley/ You can subscribe to my newsletter, Words. by hitting the subscribe link on https://www.ginasipley.com/  I am a great resource for lurking and social media strategy, all things community college and the K-16 pipeline. I particularly love supporting first generation college students.  I am interested in problem solving at scale and I welcome speaking and consulting opportunities.  I would love to connect with other folks who bridge scholarly and creative pursuits for social good.

In this episode of the Building Thinkers podcast, Tracy is joined by Jovonee King to discuss one of her twelve favorite problems, “how might we make thinking visible?”  Jovonee is a Scaled Solutions Engineer at Miro, with a rich background in customer education and a passion for transformative collaboration. Jovonee shares her journey, highlighting her commitment to education, inclusivity, and community building. In this episode, we delve into the concept of making thinking visible and explore how Miro enhances collaboration by fostering inclusive environments for idea sharing. Jovonne discusses the power of visualization in accelerating learning, overcoming perfectionism, and igniting creativity.  You’ll also get a sneak peek into the future of Miro, including exciting new features aimed at boosting creativity and innovation. Plus, we dive into Jovonne's personal interests in DIY projects and upcycling, showcasing how digital tools can reimagine physical spaces. Key Takeaways: The importance of taking risks and learning from different experiences for career growth Visualization is crucial for effective collaboration and idea sharing Overcoming perfectionism is crucial for creative processes  Visualization helps create an inclusive canvas that allows all voices to be heard Jovonee’s Recommendations:  Book Recommendations:  Design for How People Learn by Julie Dirksen: https://amzn.to/48f3CWv Master of Change by Brad Stulberg https://amzn.to/48f3CWv  Other Links:  Try Miro - https://miro.cello.so/Wviex1qZaSS  Canvas ‘24 - https://canvas24.miro.com/ Miro Community - https://miro.com/community/ Connect with Jovonee:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jovonee/

In this episode of the Building Thinkers podcast, Tracy is joined by Dr. Alaina Szlachta to discuss one of her 12 favorite problems, “how might we close the research-practice gap (the knowing-doing gap) across social impact sectors?" Dr. Alaina Szlachta is a Measurement Architect who's passionate about making data literacy accessible for education professionals. In the discussion, they dive deep into the world of data-driven learning, the importance of bridging the research-practice gap, creating a learning culture, and more.  Alaina’s insights on building a strong learning culture, the power of feedback, and the importance of both quantitative and qualitative data will leave you thinking about how we can better use data across many of our domains and improve performance. They also touched on how personal problem-solving and experimentation play a critical role in developing data literacy, both at work and in everyday life. If you're looking to elevate the way you or your organization approaches measurement and data-driven decision-making, Alaina's expertise will offer valuable guidance. Key Takeaways: Data-Driven Learning: Organizations should shift away from traditional learning methods and focus on collecting data to identify specific performance gaps and challenges. This data-driven approach allows for more targeted and effective learning initiatives. Prioritizing Professional Development: A culture of continuous learning is essential for organizational growth. Companies should invest in opportunities and provide the necessary support to help employees develop their skills and knowledge. The Power of Practice: Practical experience is key to developing valuable skills. Engaging in problem-solving and experimentation allows individuals to apply their knowledge in real-world situations and foster a growth mindset. Data Literacy: Understanding and utilizing both quantitative and qualitative data is crucial for making informed decisions. Developing data literacy skills can empower individuals to analyze information and drive positive outcomes. Alaina’s Recommendations:  Book Recommendations:  Measurement and Evaluation on a Shoestring, by Dr. Alaina Szlachta https://amzn.to/4ePySgT Partner for Performance, by Ingrid Guerra-Lopez https://amzn.to/4eKB6hu Show the Value of What You Do, by Patricia Pulliam Phillips https://amzn.to/47V1Jye Podcast Recommendations:  2 Bobs: https://2bobs.com/ Clark Howard: https://clark.com/podcasts/ Creator Science: https://podcast.creatorscience.com/ Connect with Alaina:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drszlachta/ Website: https://dralainaszlachta.com/  Newsletter: https://dralainaszlachta.substack.com/

Episode Summary: In this episode of the Building Thinkers podcast, Tracy and Stephanie Silver discuss one of Tracy’s 12 favorite problems, “how might we rewrite broken soundtracks?” The concept of "rewriting broken soundtracks," refers to the limiting beliefs and negative thoughts that often replay in our minds.  Stephanie’s incredible life story is one of resilience and healing in the face of deep trauma and heartache. She shares her deeply personal journey with overcoming those broken soundtracks to build a life beyond what she could have imagined. In this conversation, Tracy and Steph discuss the power of rewriting our internal soundtracks and overcoming limiting beliefs. They explore the origins of these scripts and how they shape our lives. Tracy and Stephanie share their personal journeys with soundtracks and how they have found freedom and joy in rewriting them.  They emphasize the importance of recognizing and challenging negative thoughts, and offer guidance for those who want to start exploring and rewriting their own soundtracks.  Key Takeaways: Soundtracks are the limiting beliefs and negative thoughts that get stuck on replay in our mind. These internal dialogues can significantly impact our feelings and actions. Recognizing and challenging negative thoughts is the first step in rewriting broken soundtracks.Neuroplasticity allows us to rewire our brains and create new, positive neural pathways.Rewriting broken soundtracks requires self-reflection, honesty, and a willingness to challenge our own beliefs. Perceptions of success and failure vary among individuals. Stephanie challenges the notion that one must hit "rock bottom" to initiate change, arguing that personal definitions of bottom differ widely.They discuss the importance of viewing one's challenges from different perspectives to foster change. By embodying positive beliefs about oneself, individuals can shift their energy and influence how they are perceived by others. Book Recommendations:  Anywhere, USA by Stephanie Silver https://amzn.to/4d8E6TH Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself by Dr. Joe Dispenza https://amzn.to/3Xzqf3e Existential Kink by Dr. Carolyn Elliott https://amzn.to/3Xvb37i Radical Honesty by Brad Blanton https://amzn.to/3zqEpeO  The Universe Has Your Back by Gabrielle Bernstein https://amzn.to/4dbsHTm Connect with Stephanie:  https://www.vine-collective.com/ Podcast: https://www.vine-collective.com/mvp-business/

In this episode of the Building Thinkers podcast, Tracy speaks with Gretchen Fox Palmer about one of her twelve favorite problems: “how might we increase flow and creativity to bring joy to work?” Gretchen opens up about her personal path to self-awareness, including how she identified and dismantled her own hyper vigilance at work. From a self-described "toxic executive" to a champion of conscious leadership, she reveals how this process led to immediate positive changes in her team's culture, offering valuable lessons for leaders at all levels.  Now, Gretchen teaches performance-driven organizations, teams, and leaders through her EQ @ Work program, focusing on the five EQ skills that can rescue employees from burnout. Her approach to emotional regulation and resilience is what has taken her from merely surviving to truly thriving. The conversation explores the importance of vulnerability and joy in the workplace. It emphasizes the need for vulnerability to be approached with care and used as a tool for connection. Tracy and Gretchen discuss how increasing flow and creativity to bring joy to work requires prioritizing emotional intelligence skills, which are easy to learn and have quick transformative outcomes.  Key Takeaways:  Emotional intelligence skills are easy to learn and have quick transformative outcomes. Leaders need to prioritize emotional intelligence to create emotionally healthy performance-driven cultures. Feedback and vulnerability are essential in creating a culture of growth and productivity. Joy can be structured and designed for in organizations by tying it to well-being, fostering connection, and prioritizing people's livelihoods. Emotional capacity plays a crucial role in individual and organizational well-being, and it can be developed through self-awareness, boundary-setting, and healthy coping mechanisms. Gretchen’s Recommendations:  Books:  The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron: https://tinyurl.com/zvrwp6jk The Presence Process by Michael Brown: https://tinyurl.com/3ya9ke2a Podcasts:  Satsang with Mooji: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/satsang-with-mooji/id1134425259 Connect with Gretchen:  MTO Agency: https://mtoagency.com/

In this episode of the Building Thinkers podcast, Tracy is joined by Kevin Alster to discuss one of her 12 favorite problems, “how might we make thinking visible?”  Kevin is a strategic advisor at Synthesia, an AI video communications platform that translates text into professional, instructional AI videos.  They explore the importance of using concrete, pictorial, visual, and abstract representations to help learners understand complex concepts. They also emphasize the need for a product design mindset and an experimental approach when incorporating AI and technology in learning experiences.  In this conversation, Tracy and Kevin discuss how storytelling is a powerful tool for making thinking visible and communicating complex concepts. Key Takeaways: Making thinking visible involves using concrete, pictorial, visual, and abstract representations to help learners understand complex concepts. A product design mindset and an experimental approach are crucial when incorporating AI and technology in learning experiences. Unbundling tasks and identifying which ones can be impacted by AI can lead to more efficient and effective learning processes. Leveraging AI tools, such as large language models or custom models, can enhance the learning experience and improve outcomes. The process of learning and growth involves going broad, diving deep, and trusting your brain to make connections. Kevin’s Recommendations:  Follow-up resources: Sinead Bovell - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sinead-bovell-89072a34/ Synthesia Academy - https://www.synthesia.io/academy AI Video (FOCA) Certification - https://rise.articulate.com/share/3RUx1hiDtyl6wuBT9OaRy330gRVwUmpd#/ Vanderbilt’s Open Source AI - https://www.linkedin.com/posts/jules-white-5717655_an-advanced-open-source-enterprise-generative-activity-7209676778439675904-Z3oi/  Book Recommendations:  Supercommunicators by Charles Duhigg- https://amzn.to/4fY89jO Made to Stick by the Heath Brothers - https://amzn.to/4edu6K7 Mating in Captivity by Esther Perel - https://amzn.to/3XiEgST Slow Productivity by Cal Newport - https://amzn.to/3MhPm5h  Podcast Recommendations:  Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend - https://www.earwolf.com/show/conan-obrien/ Acquired - https://www.acquired.fm/ Kurzgesagt - https://www.youtube.com/@kurzgesagt Connect with Kevin:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinalster/

In this episode, Tracy is joined by design researcher, Nick Petch, to discuss one of her twelve favorite problems, “How might we close the research-practice gap (the knowing-doing gap) across social impact sectors?” Tracy and Nick cover an array of topics from the definition of learning to the role of access and behaviors in the learning process. This conversation stresses the importance of creating environments that prioritize access and behaviors over mere content delivery, advocating for a shift towards human-centered design that empowers individuals. Nick shares insights on the significance of understanding oneself as a designer and the responsibility that comes with designing for others. He recommends starting with self-reflection and developing an ethnographic practice to better understand the needs and aspirations of the people being designed for. Nick also highlights the importance of design leadership and the power of participatory design. Key Takeaways:  Human-centered design transfers power to the people being impacted by the design process. Design plays a crucial role in the field of learning and development, and it is important to understand oneself as a designer and the responsibility of designing for others. Design is about de-risking and understanding the problem space and context in order to solve the right problem. Empowering the people being designed for and involving them in the design process leads to better outcomes. Design leadership is about influencing how design is seen and valued in organizations. Nick’s Recommendations:  Book Recommendations:  Being Ecological by Timothy Morton: https://amzn.to/4dujZ3D This Human: How to Be the Person Designing for Other People by ⁠Melis Senova⁠: ⁠https://amzn.to/3YIwPGy⁠ Doing Sensory Ethnography by ⁠Sarah Pink⁠: ⁠https://amzn.to/3Ap9MGI Connect with Nick: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickpetch

In this episode of the Building Thinkers podcast, Tracy speaks with Melissa Pickering, an accomplished product development expert with a rich background in leadership. Melissa's impressive career spans from launching her own EdTech startup, iCreate to Educate, to solving complex challenges at Lego by integrating digital and physical experiences, to making a significant impact at Willow, a company focused on products for moms. Currently, she leads product development as a Senior Director of Product at Bose. The main theme of their conversation revolves around one of Tracy's 12 Favorite Problems: "How might we create impactful order out of chaos?" Melissa's passion for untangling complex challenges and breaking them down into manageable parts makes her the perfect guest for this topic. She shares her insights on both the people and product sides of creating order and discusses the creative tension between structure and flexibility, particularly in innovation and product development. Melissa also delves into the urgent need for focus, the dynamics of quick decision-making versus taking time to reach a consensus, and the wisdom of allowing innovation to emerge from a deeper examination of options and opportunities. Her expertise, insights, and leadership lessons offer valuable takeaways for anyone involved in product development, team leadership, or personal growth. Key Takeaways: Embrace the chaos: In product development and organizational change, some level of chaos is necessary for innovation and progress. Focus is key: In a world of constant distractions, cultivating focus and presence is crucial for individual and team productivity. Don't overcomplicate: Avoid unnecessary complexity in product development and problem-solving by focusing on user needs and core assumptions. Influence for lasting change: Driving change through influence and collaboration leads to greater ownership and sustainable results. Melissa’s Recommendations: Book Recommendations:  Switch by Chip & Dan Heath: https://amzn.to/4caFvZL Powerful by Patty McCord: https://amzn.to/3Sl0RMF The Power of Moments by Chip & Dan Heath: https://amzn.to/4dbCcCf Connect with Melissa:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mjpickering/

In this episode of the Building Thinkers podcast, Tracy speaks to Eli Wood about one of her 12 favorite problems: How might we consistently replace complexity with insight? Eli is the leader of the collective Black Flag Design, a group of creative technologists, designers, and product strategists focused on complex AI applications.  They discuss the importance of embracing artificial intelligence (AI) and developing durable skills in AI for professionals in various fields. They also explore the value of simplicity and the insights that can come from being a generalist or non-expert.  Tracy and Eli discuss the importance of participatory design and the challenges of obtaining user feedback in sensitive data environments. He addresses the intersection of creativity and AI, debunking the notion that AI hinders creativity and instead highlighting its potential to enhance creative processes.  Key takeaways: Overcoming the complexity of AI: Eli emphasizes accessible on-ramps to AI skill-building and encourages embracing the technology rather than fearing it. He highlights the evolution of AI as a tool, similar to the transformation of photography. The importance of durable skills: Eli discusses the importance of adaptive learning and executive function as crucial skills for the future of work. He introduces the "tennis" analogy as a metaphor for encouraging individual agency and action. Creative pragmatism: Eli advocates for a relationship-based approach to problem-solving, prioritizing clarity over jargon. He emphasizes experimentation, mindset, and assumption-busting as key elements in achieving practical outcomes. The role of AI in creativity: Eli expresses optimism about the potential for AI to enhance creativity, sharing his personal experience of increased creativity through AI-powered tools.  The future of human skills: Eli believes that adaptive learning and communication will be critical skills for humans in the evolving landscape of AI.  Eli's Recommendations: Book Recommendations:  The Creative Pragmatist by Amy Smilovic - https://tibi.com/products/the-creative-pragmatist-navy-green-multi Testing Business Ideas by David J Bland - https://amzn.to/3XW1joc Sprint by Jake Knapp - https://amzn.to/3zCgLMc Building by Mark Ellison - https://amzn.to/3XZtrqM The Creative Act by Rick Rubin - https://amzn.to/4f0DTEf Podcast Recommendations:  Lex Fridman: https://lexfridman.com/podcast/ The Daily: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-daily/id1200361736 Connect with Eli:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/notthatactor/ eli@blackflag.design Pop Tech Conference: https://poptech.org/

In this episode, Tracy speaks with Alma Quiroga about one of her 12 favorite problems, “how might we bring impactful order out of chaos?”  They explore the power of storytelling and narrative in shaping organizational culture and behavior so that business can be a force for good, from the inside out. Alma shares her journey of building people-first organizational cultures and challenging traditional business paradigms. They discuss the need to recognize and understand the stories that drive behavior within organizations and the importance of creating environments where people can thrive. They also highlight the complexity of navigating individual and collective stories within organizations and offer insights for leaders in understanding and shaping organizational narratives.  By recognizing the power of storytelling and creating spaces for collective storytelling, organizations can co-create their culture and navigate transitions more successfully. Key Takeaways: Storytelling is deeply ingrained in human nature and is how we relate to each other. Our brains are wired to make sense of the world through storytelling, and humans naturally order the chaos of the world and their own internal world in a story format. Understanding how humans make sense through story is essential for effective communication and change management in organizations. By recognizing the power of storytelling and creating spaces for collective storytelling, organizations can co-create their culture and navigate transitions more successfully. Alma’s Recommendations:  Book Recommendations: Whoever Tells the Best Story Wins by Annette Simmons: https://amzn.to/4cqFq56 The Story Factor by Annette Simmons: https://amzn.to/4eGiwrQ The Storytelling Animal: How Stories Make Us Human by Jonathan Gotsschall https://amzn.to/3xrXCvT Organizational Culture and Leadership by Edgar Schein: https://amzn.to/4bE0NPb Humble Leadership, Second Edition: The Power of Relationships, Openness, and Trust by Edgar Schein: ⁠https://amzn.to/3VMfWb0 Managing Transitions by: William Bridges & Susan Bridges https://amzn.to/3znNPaN Flawless Consulting: A Guide to Getting Your Expertise Used by Peter Block: https://amzn.to/4cCf8MI Podcast Recommendations: Beautiful Questions Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@TuliandAlma Work Life Podcast: https://adamgrant.net/podcasts/work-life/ Radio Ambulante: https://radioambulante.org/en Invisibilia: https://www.npr.org/podcasts/510307/invisibilia Connect with Alma:  www.almaquiroga.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/almaquiroga/

In this episode, Tracy talks with Shani Persson about one of her twelve favorite problems: How might “be where your feet are” become our primary way of being?  Shani is the co-founder of Wonder, an insight and experience design lab which aims to inspire and support companies, institutions, groups or individuals to help themselves and others thrive through more human experiences.  They discuss the importance of creating contexts that take into account the fact that we are human beings with brains, bodies, and lives. They explore the role of self-inquiry and self-awareness in creating meaningful work experiences. They also delve into the challenge of saying no and the need to listen to ourselves. The conversation emphasizes the practice of being present. Key Takeaways:  Recognize the importance of being present and enjoying the process, rather than constantly striving for the next thing. Learn to say no and set boundaries to maintain energy and focus. The facade of control can lead to addictive behaviors and a constant need for dopamine hits. The awareness of mortality can awaken us to what truly matters in life and help us reevaluate our priorities. Being present and letting go of urgency can bring more joy and clarity to our lives. Shani’s Recommendations:  Books:  Essentialism by Greg McKeown https://amzn.to/4bhrk4F Connect with Shani:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shanipersson/ Wonder: https://www.justwonder.co/

In this episode of the Building Thinkers Podcast, Tracy speaks with Sara Huang about one of her twelve favorite problems: How might we rewrite broken soundtracks (limiting beliefs)? Sara is an experienced facilitator and designer specialized in creative conflict resolution, policy work, and collaboration. The discussion centers around identifying and rewriting limiting beliefs or 'broken soundtracks.' Sara introduces concepts such as edge figures and emphasizes the importance of creating transformational spaces for personal and collective growth. The episode explores practical exercises for recognizing and reworking limiting beliefs and touches on the power of creating enriching environments for experimentation and learning.  Key Takeaways:  Unleash Transformation: Create space for self-reflection and connection to rewrite limiting beliefs and build a brighter future. Reframe Your Reality: Shift limiting beliefs by understanding their energy and using it to propel yourself towards new possibilities. Pay attention to strong emotional reactions, either love or hate, and examine what those reactions may reveal about underlying beliefs. Resonate, Imitate, Create: Sarah introduces a model for learning and growth: starting with what resonates (sparks interest), moving to imitation (practicing and experimenting), and finally reaching creation (applying and innovating in one's unique context). Sara’s Recommendations: Podcasts: Finding Your Way: https://www.findingourwaypodcast.com/individual-episodes/s2e3 On Being: https://onbeing.org/series/podcast/ Books:  Lessons from Courageous Child by Sara Huang - https://buymeacoffee.com/sarahuang/e/71071 The Power Manual by Cindy Suarez - https://amzn.to/4bSoWC8 Holding Change by Adrienne Maree Brown - https://amzn.to/3R3Mmwk The War of Art by Steven Pressfield - https://amzn.to/3R8F2j3  Beyond the Wall of Resistance by Rick Maurer - https://amzn.to/3KoJjLh Other Recommendations: https://app.7taps.com/av9kFaO3IR https://www.conflicttransformationsummit.org/www.conflicttransformationsummit.org/stage-2.html  https://communityresourcehub.org/resources/turning-towards-each-other-a-conflict-workbook/ https://ariseembodiment.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/So-youre-ready-to-choose-love-workbook-19.pdf Connect with Sara: https://www.linkedin.com/in/huangsara www.bento.me/sarahuang www.instagram.com/bureautwist

In this episode of the Building Thinkers podcast, Tracy interviews Paula Amiama about one of her twelve favorite problems: How might we increase flow & and creativity to bring joy to work? Over the last decade, Paula worked across marketing, the arts, sustainability, innovation, and education. She’s had stops in start-ups, non-profits, and large corporate organizations. Currently, Paula leads the global Skilling & Learning agenda at DB Schenker, a large logistics company. Paula’s deep and wide expertise from her self-proclaimed non-linear career path, experiences, and clear life-long learning brought such powerful and unique insights in our conversation. Tracy and Paula discuss the importance of creating flow and autonomy in work, as well as strategies for shifting perspectives to find flow. They emphasize the need to protect time and set clear agendas to prioritize flow and creativity. The conversation highlights the role of leaders in supporting and prioritizing flow for their teams. Takeaways Embrace non-linear career paths: Explore diverse interests to discover what resonates most deeply with you.Prioritize reflection and journaling: Gain clarity on your true desires and motivations for greater focus.Protect time for deep work: Schedule uninterrupted blocks for focused, creative activities that energize you.Leaders: Foster flow through reflection: Find fulfillment in your role and create a positive work environment by prioritizing deep thinking.Flow and autonomy boost motivation: Enhance productivity and job satisfaction by creating space for flow and individual choice in work. Paula's Recommendations: Books: Flow by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron Podcasts: Tetragrammaton with Rick Rubin We Can Do Hard Things with Glennon Doyle School of Embodied Arts with Jenna Ward Connect with Paula:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulaamiama/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paulaamiama/  Substack: https://paulaamiama.substack.com/

In this episode, Tracy is joined by Lily Higgins, the founder of The Intervention Bureau, a learning experience design consultancy where she partners with agencies and thought-leaders to design signature sessions fueling her crusade against boring, ineffective workshops. They discuss the importance of creating space for mindset shift within learning experiences and the role of facilitation as an act of love. Lily shares insights on the power of play and the concept of life as a game. They also explore her signature “Serendipity Walk” experience. The conversation highlights the transformative potential of experiences and the importance of autonomy and ownership in learning. Key Takeaways:  Facilitation is an act of love. Facilitators hold space for groups to tap into their collective wisdom and create something greater than the sum of their parts. Autonomy is crucial for mindset shifts. Learners need to feel ownership over their learning journeys to integrate new ideas and make meaningful changes. Life is a game, and we can redesign it. Game Thinking helps us see the world as a series of games with rules, roles, goals, time, space, and objects. We can change our behavior and shift systems by tweaking any of these elements. Instead of focusing solely on changing people's mindsets, we can look for ways to redesign the game itself. Links & Recommendations: Books:  The Power of Moments by Chip & Dan Heath: https://amzn.to/4cT75MB  The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker: https://amzn.to/3UkmpdM Free Play: Improvisation in Art & Life by Stephen Nachmanovitch: https://amzn.to/3Jjahn0 How to Do Nothing: Resisting the Attention Economy by Jenny Odell: https://amzn.to/49UMvc5  Connect with Lily:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lily-higgins-980519b8/ The Intervention Bureau: www.theinterventionbureau.com Book a 90-min experience design consultation with Lily: https://calendly.com/lilyhiggins/experience-design-consultation

In this episode, Tracy and Hannah discuss the importance of being present and intentional in our lives. They explore the impact of conditioned beliefs and the pressure to conform to societal expectations. The conversation highlights the need to be fully present in each moment (be where your feet are) and the consequences of not doing so.  They talk about the practice of mindfulness through meditation and how it can lead to a life of peace and fulfillment and they discuss the obstacles to mindfulness, such as fear and the desire for safety and familiarity. They emphasize the importance of taking aligned actions and finding sustainability in growth and action.  Takeaways Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention on purpose in the present moment, non-judgmentally. Practicing mindfulness through meditation helps to exercise the mindfulness muscle and live a life of peace and fulfillment. Being fully present in the moment amplifies happiness and reduces ruminations about the past and anxiety about the future. Taking aligned actions and finding sustainability in growth and action are key to living a fulfilled life. Hanna’s Recommendations:  Books: Frequency by Penny Pierce https://amzn.to/4ayHOW8 The Inner Matrix by Joey Klein https://amzn.to/3U1WzLx The Surrender Experiment by Michael Singer https://amzn.to/3TKhZLU Podcasts The Expanded Podcast Where Should We Begin? The Michael Singer Podcast Find Hanna: Soultrustignite.com https://www.instagram.com/soultrustignite/

In this episode of Building Thinkers Tracy interviews T. Mark Meyer, author of "The Art of Being Authentic." They dive deep into creating space for powerful mindset shifts that transform your learning and life experiences. They cover the following topics: Discovering your purpose: Uncover what truly drives you and learn to express it authentically.Confidence vs. self-esteem: Understand the key differences and their impact on your journey.Leading with authenticity: Explore how to be a more genuine and impactful leader.Redefining success in education: Move beyond traditional measures and create a more meaningful path.Staying true to yourself: Learn practical tools to stay aligned with your purpose, even when it's challenging. This episode is your guide to the ongoing adventure of authenticity. Join the conversation and discover a fresh perspective on connecting with your true self. For more information, check out the resources T. Mark shared below: Books The Art of Being Authentic by T. Mark Meyer https://amzn.to/3PwgPCu Dare to Lead by Brene Brown https://amzn.to/3Pvze2f True North by Bill George https://amzn.to/3Pvze2f Socials LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/troelsmarkmeyer/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authentictmarkmeyer/

In this episode, Tracy interviews Jonathan Butterworth about the power of habits and how they can be used to improve various aspects of life. Jonathan shares his background as an entrepreneur and his experience in building people and teams. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the desired outcomes before implementing habits and making necessary sacrifices. Jonathan also discusses the balance between hustle and rest, and the need to align goals and habits. He provides insights on maintaining focus in a distracted world and shares his approach to creating content and managing time effectively. For more information, check out the resources Jonathan shared below: Books Meditations by Marcus Aurelius https://amzn.to/495qOoU Code of the Extraordinary Mind by Vishen Lakhiani https://amzn.to/493YWld The Almanack of Naval Ravikant by Eric Jorgenson https://amzn.to/4cpuQvq Podcasts Lex Fridman Podcast https://lexfridman.com/podcast/ The School of Greatness with Lewis Howes https://lewishowes.com/sogpodcast/ Diary of a CEO with Steven Bartlett https://stevenbartlett.com/the-diary-of-a-ceo-podcast/ Socials LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanbutterworth/

In this episode, Tracy Clark interviews Chris Skees, a learning product manager at Cisco Meraki, about putting the learner at the center of the learning conversation. Chris shares his background and journey in the learning and development field, highlighting the importance of understanding personas and meeting learners where they are. He emphasizes the need for learning professionals to talk to learners and gather data to validate assumptions and make informed decisions. Chris also discusses the importance of measuring learning outcomes and connecting learning initiatives to business goals. He envisions a future where learning is personalized and engaging, leveraging technology to anticipate learner needs and provide targeted support. In this conversation, Tracy and Chris explore the concept of a product mindset and how it can transform the way L&D professionals approach their work. They also discuss the learner-centered approach of Justin Welsh and the power of listening to learners' needs.  For more information, check out the resources Chris shared below: Books Transformed by Marty Cagan https://amzn.to/3TqRxXm Podcasts The Learning & Development Podcast: Developing A Digital Mindset With Myles Runham https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/developing-a-digital-mindset-with-myles-runham/id1466927523?i=1000514937966 The L&D Career Club Podcast: How to Become a CLO with David James https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-become-a-clo-with-david-james/id1540650959?i=1000609468785 Courses Justin Welsh: LinkedIn OS https://learn.justinwelsh.me/linkedin Socials LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/cskees/