Inspirational Insights to Action Podcast

We know people perceive things differently but why is it so difficult for people to communicate about that? Lindsay Uittenbogaard is the CEO and Founder of Mirror Mirror, a company focused on improving team effectiveness through perception comparison. ​Her journey began in 2003 when she experienced communication challenges in a multinational energy company. These challenges led her to realize the widespread issue of organizational misalignment. It is evident in team dynamics and the aftermath of a failed transformation initiative when the social networks have been damaged by processes that ignore human connection. Lindsay's work restores that connection so teams and organizations can renew their trust in one another and do epic work. The discussion offers actionable strategies for team leaders, project managers, and teams or organizations recovering from failed transformation initiatives. It emphasizes key methods to revitalize team dynamics, improve project outcomes, and navigate the challenges of transformative changes. You will gain insights into effective management practices, enhancing team collaboration, and steering teams towards success.Mirror Mirror™ stands out from traditional team interventions because it focuses on what’s happening in the team, pinpointing real work issues and informing immediate action. It’s practical, easy to use, and scales well. It looks at the whole system, not just behaviors or preferences, and can connect with any team, not just leadership. This episode is featured for two reasons: 1) perception filters or distorts meaning so being aware enough to stop, reflect, and explore, is a great way to elevate healthy communication and high-quality working relationships. 2) Dawna (me) supports Mirror Mirror's work because traditionally managed organizations are slow to adapt. Starting at the team level and grounding the work in personal and professional development raises the level of thinking and consciousness. Doing so releases energy stuck in tension and conflict allowing everyone to feel good about the work they are doing. You can also watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtube.com/live/lEXJ1c65Td8Links:  Website: https://mirrormirroralignment.com/Substack: https://mirrormirroralignment.substack.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mirror-mirror-alignmentSubscribers to the Navigating Uncertainty newsletter on Substack receive early release of podcast episodes. Paid subscribers participate in content and deeper dive events. https://dawnajones.substack.com/Contact or follow host Dawna Jones on one or more of these channels:Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawnahjones/X: https.//www.X.com/EPDawna_JonesInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/insightful_dawna/Website: https://www.dawnajones.comIntro music provided by Mark Romero Music. The track is called Alignment

Dr. Rob Lion of Black River Performance Management and Idaho State University talks about the longstanding divide between academic research and industry practice, emphasizing the challenges and benefits of integrating these two worlds. Using the example of motivation, our conversation illustrates the difference in approach and language between academia and industry. Because Rob is a researcher, we talk about the role of translational researchers in bridging this gap, the importance of refining language for specific contexts, and the impact of AI on HR practices, especially in talent acquisition. Naturally, we include leadership, organizational culture, and personal development within the workplace. Current with the political news and views preoccupying the world, we reflect on the significance of diversity of thought, the balance between performance and human flourishing, and the evolving role of HR in modern organizations.Dr. Rob Lion (pronounced “Lee-own”) is a dynamic professor of human resource development at Idaho State University and the co-founder of Black River Performance Management, where his motto is "Work should fuel the spirit, not drain it." With over 20 years of experience in leadership, organizational development, and performance improvement, Rob is renowned for his innovative, people-first approach.Holding a PhD in Training and Performance Improvement, he specializes in creating human-centric systems that drive growth and success within organizations. Rob leverages his deep understanding of human behavior and workplace psychology to simplify leadership complexities, equipping clients with science-backed strategies to enhance organizational culture and strengthen teams.As a captivating speaker, Rob brings complex ideas to life with relatable stories, humor, and infectious energy. He has been featured on numerous podcasts, authored several academic papers, and is celebrated for bridging research with real-world practice. Whether addressing executives, leading workshops, or inspiring teams, Rob's passion for empowering individuals and transforming organizations leaves a lasting impression, making him a highly sought-after thought leader in his field.Find Rob Lion at https://blackriverpm.com/Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtube.com/live/_LZ5b3hcNwsSubscribe to Dawna's Navigating Uncertainty on Substack. Get podcast previews and thought-provoking posts to raise the level of human and business decision-making leadership and provide insights into reviving and restoring emotional and mental health. Join me: https://dawnajones.substack.com/Contact or follow host Dawna Jones on one or more of these channels:Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawnahjones/X: https.//www.X.com/EPDawna_JonesInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/insightful_dawna/Website: https://www.dawnajones.comIntro music provided by Mark Romero Music. The track is called Alignment

Creative thinker /innovation facilitator Curtis Michelson explores crucial trends and predictions for 2025. Curtis shares his insights on generative AI, its impacts on various sectors, the concept of BANI (Brittle, Anxious, Nonlinear, Incomprehensible), and how it updates VUCA to describe the contemporary world. The discussion highlights the ethical implications of AI, the need for creative and decentralized innovation, and the importance of slowing down to enhance strategic decision-making. Curtis provides a practical use of AI in education and explores how leaders can harness AI to support agility and resilience without sacrificing ethical integrity.Find Curtis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/curtismichelson/References mentioned:"Co-Intelligence" book by Ethan Mollick https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/741805/co-intelligence-by-ethan-mollick/ Gen AI Card Deck by Alexandre Eichenstetter - Used for workshops and understanding AI concepts https://cards.ai-tinkerers.club/ BANI (Brittle, Anxious, Non-linear, Incomprehensible) concept - Coined by futurist Jamais Cascio https://ageofbani.com/ Custom GPTs by OpenAI - Mentioned as a tool for creating and storing AI promptsContext Explorer: https://chatgpt.com/g/g-DKj02DkNp-context-explorer Hyperbolizer: this is an actual prompt you can put into your own favorite tool (chatGPT, Claude, Gemini, etc.) Test this out yourself. https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/c9rxnegcg7yerbe6dg7z2/Hyperbolizer-Prompt.txt?rlkey=8ltey2fuq6jss1jpvnlqib5v1&dl=0 Led Zeppelin 4 album reimagined in 1940s style using AI - Mentioned as an example of AI's creative capabilities on YouTube https://youtu.be/gBOVr1zEvaE?si=RTc1FXgryyKt4OVdWatch this episode on YouTube: https://youtube.com/live/Sd5NSt7wKGgSubscribers to Dawna's Navigating Uncertainty on Substack get the preview and thought-provoking posts to raise the level of human and business decision-making leadership and provide insights into reviving and restoring emotional and mental health. Subscribe here: https://dawnajones.substack.com/Contact or follow host Dawna Jones on one or more of these channels:Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawnahjones/X: https.//www.X.com/EPDawna_JonesInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/insightful_dawna/Website: https://www.dawnajones.comIntro music provided by Mark Romero Music. The track is called Alignment

Could adversity and difficult challenges be a gift? Have you ever had things you’d go off the rails? Adversity can be the doorway to realizing higher levels of resilience, meaning and purpose that can bring people across generations together. I (Dawna Jones) started podcasting slightly before I lost my home in 2009 and hit the road. No fancy studio or equipment. Have mic will travel. This highly disruptive chapter of life was preceded by my adventures as a world-wanderer, horse lover, and sensitive person with experience in shifting perspectives and learning from other species. In this episode, I look at how coyotes inspired me to adapt and step into a much deeper richer journey of self-actualization than I never would have chosen and how they can inspire humans to be more intelligent to survive and truly thrive as we collectively navigate a lot of uncertainty and growing complexity.  Whatever you’ve experienced in the world, it has been a training ground for mastering your emotions, converting trauma into usable energy (instead of chronic illness) and contributing to a level of collective intelligence leadership. Transcending the tough stuff and redirecting traumatic experiences into creative initiatives. Moving through fear to achieve a much bigger challenge. It is a choice to develop resilience.Working with your emotions to maintain well-being and clear decision-making. Restoring fear to its proper place so that you can access meaning, purpose and positive emotions that come with life: joy, happiness, and compassion.Why expanding your consciousness brings more peace, less fear, and a deeper connection with the world.The urgent need for self-aware, collaborative leaders to address today’s planetary challenges.Gain valuable insights to improve overall well-being, navigate life's challenges with greater ease, and live a more fulfilling life while creating a world that runs on diversity and inspiration. I also announce the upcoming beta program called Revive and Restore which I'm inviting ten people to participate in. Here's the waitlist link: https://sunny-originator-4963.kit.com/c1ba69eb16Contact or follow host Dawna Jones on one or more of these channels:Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawnahjones/X: https.//www.X.com/EPDawna_JonesInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/insightful_dawna/Navigating Uncertainty Newsletter: https://dawnajones.substack.com/Website: https://www.dawnajones.comIntro music provided by Mark Romero Music. Track is called Alignment

Dawna Jones explores innovative approaches to solving complex global challenges. The discussion emphasizes the necessity of diverse, non-linear thinking and leveraging intergenerational wisdom to foster planetary consciousness and sustainability. Key topics include the importance of redesigning decision-making processes to be more creative, compassionate, and curiosity-driven; the role of ethical considerations in contrast to legal ones in municipal decision-making; and real-world examples of sustainable initiatives such as those by Novo Nordisk and Patagonia. The episode also delves into systemic change, the balance between big-picture and analytical thinking, and the significance of resilience and biodiversity. Personal anecdotes and historical perspectives highlight the interconnectedness of all life, emphasizing the need for visionary resilience and collective efforts to address environmental issues. Overall, the episode calls for collaborative, creative, and compassionate solutions to design a vibrant, sustainable future for all.What will the future of the world look like?00:48 Introduction: Exploring Human Potential05:06 Challenges and Opportunities in Decision-Making07:30 The Role of Generations and Leadership22:43 Embracing Indirect Relationships and Sensory Intelligence25:10 The Role of Younger Generations and Climate Activism29:19 Visionary Resilience and Collective ActionDownload the Imagining the Future worksheet based on Jane McGonagill's book Imaginable. It will be followed by an invitation to participate in a future scenarios web-iworkship in mid-November.“You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.” - Jane GoodallContact or follow host Dawna Jones on one or more of these channels:Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawnahjones/X: https.//www.X.com/EPDawna_JonesInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/insightful_dawna/Navigating Uncertainty Newsletter: https://dawnajones.substack.com/Medium: @dawnajonesWebsite: https://www.dawnajones.comIntro music provided by Mark Romero Music. Track is called Alignment

My guest in this episode is R. Karl Hebenstreit who brings a long list of accomplishments to the conversation. Karl is a certified Executive Coach, Leadership/Team/Organization Development Consultant, and international speaker who has over 25 years of experience coaching leaders and their teams (from Individual Contributors to CEOs. He holds a PhD in Organizational Psychology and authored three books: “The How & Why: Taking Care of Business with the Enneagram” (now in its 3rd Edition), “Nina and the Really, Really Tough Decision” (now available in English, Spanish, French, and Greek), and the newly-released “Explicit Expectations: The Essential Guide & Toolkit of Management Fundamentals.” Karl is an “International Enneagram Association (IEA) Accredited Professional with Distinction” and “IEA Accredited Professional/Provider/Teacher.” We talk about:·     Understanding the Enneagram·     Challenges in Modern Business Practices·     The Oz Principle and Mindset Shifts·     Head, Heart, and Gut Leadership·     Exploring the Enneagram Types·     Understanding Organizational Culture Through Enneagram·     Hiring Bias and Personality Assessments·     Integrating Enneagram in Decision Making·     Enneagram's Role in Broader Worldview·     Children's Book: Teaching Enneagram Early·     Empowering Choices and Psychological SafetyConnect to Karl here: www.performandfunction.comConnect with me on LinkedIn!Contact or follow host Dawna Jones on one or more of these channels:Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawnahjones/Twitter: EPDawna_JonesInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/insightful_dawna/Navigating Uncertainty Newsletter: https://dawnajones.substack.com/Medium: @dawnajonesWebsite: https://www.dawnajones.com