Shows
The Being Playful PodcastS1E13: Playfulness Fuels Strategic Thinking with Stephen MatiniEver wondered how playfulness emerges in the creative process and strategic thinking? In this episode, Chris talks with Stephen Matini, a multifaceted professional who wears many hats as a business coach, podcast host, professor, and aspiring fiction writer. Stephen shares how his approach to leadership development and personal creativity is deeply intertwined with playfulness and cognitive flexibility.
Stephen offers a compelling perspective on problem-solving, revealing how solutions often come to him in the most unexpected ways: "I do my homework, I get all the data and then I let it go. I cannot keep thinking about it...
2025-03-0637 min
PITY PARTY OVERBridging Divides: Dov Baron on How Curiosity Shapes Leadership in Polarized TimesThis episode of Pity Party Over couldn't be more timely following the US presidential election results, which have left voters and the world feeling equally joyful and hurt. This pivotal moment highlights the importance of listening to bridge divides and overcome polarization, which destroys relationships and the opportunity to create a system that accommodates everyone's needs. Dov Baron, a leadership consultant, author and speaker, helps leaders find more profound meaning and fulfillment in their work. Our conversation centers on the transformative power of authenticity and curiosity in creating genuine connections in our polarized world.
2024-11-0644 min
Vanilla Small Talks15- Stephen Matini - Mostrati, che è una roba che fa pauraÈ il founder di Alygn una consulting boutique agency italo-americana con sede a Firenze e ha un podcast – Pity Party Over – che vi consigliamo perché siamo sicuri che vi lascerà con riflessioni e idee per reinterpretarvi e scoprire lati nuovi di voi stessi professionalmente e personalmente.La voce narrante? Stephen Matini che oggi abbiamo avuto il piacere di intervistare qui da Vanilla Small Talks.Con lui abbiamo avuto modo di ricordarci che ogni incontro può portare a nuove idee, nuovi punti di vista e nuovi ricordi felici e che, anche per i più timidi, mostrarsi e mostrare la propri...
2024-11-0614 min
PITY PARTY OVERShift Energy: Michelle Kuei on Why Permission to Reset Is Your SuperpowerMichelle Kuei is a visibility marketing coach. At age 11, a car accident left Michelle permanently disabled. She shares her journey, highlighting how growth and transformation stem from shifting our mindset, embracing personal responsibility, and allowing ourselves the permission to be vulnerable. Michelle highlights about the importance of recognizing when we’re stuck in a negative space, allowing ourselves to feel those emotions, and then consciously choosing to move beyond them by focusing on our strengths and making deliberate decisions. In our conversation, we explore the importance of taking agency over our journey, learning from life's pa...
2024-10-1739 min
PITY PARTY OVERShow Up for Myself: Selena Blackmore on Becoming Independent and Finding PurposeWhen we constantly prioritize others' expectations over our needs, we become mentally and emotionally exhausted, leaving little room to focus on what truly matters to us. In this episode of Pity Party Over we explore how embracing authenticity and purpose can lead to both personal and professional freedom, even in the face of fear and uncertainty. Our guest today is Selena Blackmore, an intuitive life and transformation coach who helps individuals reconnect with their life purpose. Selena spent nearly 20 years in the corporate world, constantly seeking new challenges. However, she ultimately felt unfulfilled by the...
2024-10-0239 min
PITY PARTY OVERArtful Cultures: Dr. Fateme Banishoeib on Creating Work Cultures like a Piece of ArtDr. Fateme Banishoeib is a visionary in organizational development. She blends analytical prowess with poetic sensitivity to craft innovative work cultures through storytelling and creative methodologies. Dr. Banishoeib underscores the transformative power of cultivating empathy, care, and creativity within workplace environments. She highlights how facilitating open discussions enables teams to tap into diverse perspectives and insights, leading to more innovative solutions and inclusive decision-making processes. When leaders shift from focusing solely on metrics to considering employees' emotional and psychological needs, workplace satisfaction, resilience, and engagement improve. Listen to the episode on Spotify, Apple...
2024-09-1832 min
PITY PARTY OVERNegotiation Guru: Prof. Carolyn Goerner on the Lifelong Learning of Influence & EmpathyProf. Carolyn Goerner is a leadership and development expert and negotiation guru at Indiana University's Kelley School of Business. Prof. Goerner suggests approaching conversations with a sense of curiosity. By being genuinely interested in people’s needs and perspectives rather than solely focusing on our agenda, we can create a more collaborative and less adversarial environment. Prof. Goerner emphasizes that authentic leadership requires ongoing learning and empathy, especially in understanding others' perspectives and needs. This empathy extends into negotiations, where it's crucial to balance our needs with those of others to maintain long-term, positive relationships....
2024-07-2731 min
PITY PARTY OVERBeyond Perceptions: How Motivation Shapes Our Goals with Prof. Emily BalcetisProf. Emily Balcetis at New York University is an award-winning social psychologist and author of Clearer, Closer, Better: How Successful People See the World. In the book, she highlights how the perception of our goals conditions our motivation and ultimate success. Prof. Balcetis views motivation as the difference between where we are and where we want to be, warning that limiting stereotypes or narrow definitions of success impact our motivation and ability to reach goals. When addressing the challenge of sustaining motivation, Prof. Balcetis suggests balancing short-term and long-term perspectives, allowing for incremental progress while ma...
2024-07-2731 min
PITY PARTY OVERPaulinho Muzaliwa - Social Entrepreneurship in African Refugee CampsPaulinho Muzaliwa is a social entrepreneur passionate about regenerative agriculture and founder of the Unidos Social Innovation Center in Uganda, East Africa. As a refugee facing personal setbacks and challenges, Paulinho’s dream is to transform refugee camps into regenerative communities where every refugee can access clean water, abundant food, and quality education. He believes that change and progress come from within the community and demonstrates how refugees can become change-makers by leveraging their unique experiences and skills to develop innovative solutions. In our conversation Paulinho emphasizes the importance of moving beyond reliance on h...
2024-07-2439 min
PITY PARTY OVERLead Compassion: Gunnar George on Creating a World of Hope and JoyHow can we make our common road lead to a world of hope and joy? Our guest today is Gunnar George, author of the book Aha... Wow! Yes, and leadership development expert. Gunnar George believes that the most effective leaders are those who are compassionate, inspirational, and have a vision that promotes hope, joy, and sustainability. He challenges the notion of transactional communication in business and personal interactions, advocating instead for authentic and emotionally engaging exchanges. By developing others and maintaining a vision that encompasses societal and global impacts, compassionate leaders can play a significant...
2024-07-2429 min
PITY PARTY OVERSocial Impact: Andy Eberechukwu Akukwe on Sustainable Business Practices Andy Eberechukwu Akukwe serves as the Vice President of the PlungeSmile Foundation, which provides education, health, nutrition, and infrastructure programs to support rural communities in Nigeria, Africa. PlungeSmile exemplifies how corporations can forge impactful partnerships to tackle pressing societal challenges. Our conversation explores how authentic corporate social responsibility drives sustained business success and why it should be central to every company's mission. Corporations elevate their brand reputation through these collaborations and showcase a solid dedication to social causes. Additionally, these alliances offer valuable insights into pressing societal issues, empowering companies to gather data for refining...
2024-07-0929 min
PITY PARTY OVERThe Future Is Now - Chris Marshall on Big Trends, Playfulness, and Disruptive ChangeChris Marshall is a futurist, behavioral scientist, and founder of the Playfulness Institute. Futurism is not about predicting the future, but it involves looking beneath surface-level events to identify trends that drive seismic changes. Chris's journey as a futurist highlights the importance of curiosity. In his experience, being multi-passionate and embracing diverse interests is advantageous in a world of rapid change and disruption. A curious mindset fosters resilience and creativity, allowing entrepreneurs to adapt more effectively to uncertain environments. Our conversation revolves around adapting to change and embracing a multi-dimensional perspective in navigating disruptive environments. ...
2024-06-2642 min
PITY PARTY OVERAdaptive Leaders: Damian Goldvarg on Mastering Leadership in Current TimesIn the evolving post-COVID word, the leadership paradigm is changing to keep up with the evolving requirements of the new generations and a fast changing technology. In Dr. Damian Goldvarg’s lastest book, Leadership for Current Times, empathy emerges as a crucial trait for effective leadership, which requires a genuine willingness to understand and connect with others’ perspectives. Dr. Goldvarg also underscores the practical benefits of strategic thinking and foresight in leadership. By developing skills in anticipating future trends and challenges, leaders can make informed decisions and stay ahead in a rapidly evolving landscape. Lis...
2024-06-0932 min
PITY PARTY OVERLeading Generations: Kathryn Landis on Creating Inclusive Multi-Generational WorkplacesThis episode of Pity Party Over revolves around the importance of intentional leadership and its impact on team dynamics, especially in the context of diverse generational workforces. Kathryn Landis, Executive and Team Coach and Professor of C-Suite Leadership at New York University, emphasizes the need for leaders to understand and address the unique needs and values of different generations, particularly Gen Z. She highlights the importance of aligning these needs with organizational goals while creating a culture of psychological safety and transparency. Listen to the episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, or your favorite...
2024-05-2225 min
PITY PARTY OVERSimplifying Numbers - Frederic Neus on Unveiling the Power of Numbers for Strategic GrowthMy guest today is Frederic Neus, Founder of JK7 Consulting. Frederic is known for simplifying financial management for his clients so they can confidently focus on growing their businesses. In our conversation, we explore the crucial role of financial management in fostering cross-functional synergy. For Frederic Neus, cross-functional synergy starts with the CEO's clear strategic vision, with goals cascading down through different functions to foster collaboration among departments. Many professionals, even those with business backgrounds, need more financial literacy. For Frederic, this is a significant gap in our educational system, leaving many entrepreneurs and CEOs g...
2024-05-1527 min
PITY PARTY OVERA Purpose Bigger Than You: Finding Success through Learning, Helping, and Loving - Featuring Paolo GalloPaolo Gallo, author of, The Seven Games of Leadership and The Compass and the Radar, brings a wealth of experience from his leadership positions at the International Finance Corporation, The World Bank, and The World Economic Forum. Paolo stresses the significance of aligning our decisions with our genuine passions and skills. He also underscores the importance of clarity in discerning our priorities and recommends embracing confusion as a regular aspect of self-discovery. Listen to the episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, Podbean, or your favorite podcast platform. Please check Paolo Ga...
2024-04-2342 min
PITY PARTY OVERLifelong Learning: Unlocking Your Endless Potential - Featuring Dr. Marcia ReynoldsOur guest today is Dr. Marcia Reynolds, one of the most influential figures in the coaching world. She has contributed to the industry through groundbreaking books Breakthrough Coaching and Coach the Person, Not the Problem. How do you make time for learning and growth with a jam-packed schedule? When we stop learning, challenges feel like giant puzzles. To succeed in the many facets of life, Dr. Reynolds encourages us to make learning a core value. Lifelong learning is not about seeking perfection but the journey of a lifetime. Dr. Marcia Reynolds suggests “wandering” as the mind...
2024-04-1637 min
PITY PARTY OVERBeauty Unveiled: The Power of Beauty to Thrive in Business, People, and Life - Featuring Prof. Peter HawkinsOur guest is Prof. Peter Hawkins, a well-known figure recognized for his work in systemic coaching and developing coaching cultures in organizations. Professor Hawkins presents beauty as a transformative force, urging individuals and organizations to align with their core values for a sustainable and harmonious future. Beauty is found in authentic, vulnerable moments and genuine connections between people, emerging through acts of kindness, compassion, and service. Advocating for a move away from transactional leadership, Professor Hawkins calls for a model that recognizes each person's inherent beauty, fostering belonging and mutual respect. ...
2024-04-0337 min
PITY PARTY OVERWealthy Words: Break Down Financial Concepts into Simple Actionable Steps - Featuring Riccardo GrabbioFinancial advisors, attorneys, doctors, and fiscal consultants are essential professionals who help us navigate an ocean of information to make sound decisions. How do you choose a good one when the language they speak is a nebulous lingo few people fully understand? Riccardo Grabbio is a seasoned financial consultant known for his pragmatic approach and extensive experience as Chief Financial Officer. In this episode, Riccardo helps clarify some common financial lingo so you can build trustworthy and clear communication with your financial advisor or find the perfect one you understand. Listen to how to keep...
2024-03-2037 min
PITY PARTY OVERServant Leadership: The Humble Leader - Featuring Suzanne Harman MunsonHistorian Suzanne Harman Munson discusses her book Jefferson's Godfather: The Man Behind the Man, revealing the significance of servant leadership exemplified by George Wythe, a lesser-known Founding Father. Throughout the conversation, Suzanne offers valuable insights essential for navigating contemporary challenges, emphasizing the importance of individual impact, critical thinking, kindness, and humility. Listen to this episode of Pity Party over and discover how servant leadership and humility can transform lives on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, Podbean, or your favorite podcast platform. Subscribe to Pity Party Over Sign up for...
2024-03-0732 min
PITY PARTY OVERLeadership: Lateral Dialogues - Featuring Dr. Petros OratisDr. Petros Oratis, a leadership and organization development consultant, team facilitator, and executive coach, believes modern organizational success hinges on embracing lateral leadership and fostering collaboration across hierarchical boundaries. Lateral leadership refers to a leadership style that emphasizes collaboration, teamwork, and the ability to lead without relying on a formal position of authority. Dr. Oratis advocates for leaders to address these interdependencies by creating spaces for dialogue and understanding, particularly in environments where power dynamics and competition may exist. Listen to the episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, Podbean, or...
2024-02-2832 min
PITY PARTY OVERManagement Development: First-Time Manager - Featuring Eric GirardEric Girard, author of the book Lead Like A Pro: The Essential Guide for New Managers, assists professionals in transitioning from high-performing individual contributors to effective people managers. Eric discusses the psychological aspects of this transition, providing insights into managing change and setting realistic expectations. This conversation is a comprehensive exploration of the challenges and triumphs that managers face in their evolution to effective leadership. Listen to the episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, Podbean, or your favorite podcast platform. Subscribe to the Pity Party Over podcast
2024-02-2240 min
PITY PARTY OVERWell-Being: Letting Go - Featuring Kali PatrickKali Patrick is a Sleep, Health, & Well-Being Coach whose book Mastering Your Sleep Puzzle helps busy people who struggle with sleep due to stress and overactive minds. Kali highlights the importance of letting go, creating personal space, and making positive lifestyle changes for better sleep. Our interview revolves around understanding and addressing individualized sleep challenges through a comprehensive, mindful, and personalized approach. Listen to the episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, Podbean, or your favorite podcast platform. Subscribe to Pity Party Over Sign up for Live...
2024-02-1438 min
PITY PARTY OVERMindfulness: Authentically Me - Featuring Neil LawrenceNeil Lawrence is a well-being and transformational coach who reminds us about the importance of self-acceptance and authenticity to find purpose in life. Neil shares how mindfulness has helped him navigate neurodivergence as well as chronic conditions that have profoundly impacted his life, like Fibromyalgia and PSTD. Neil emphasizes the idea that everyone is good enough as they are, countering societal pressures that often lead to a sense of inadequacy, which heavily affects minority groups like neurodivergent individuals and members of the LGBTQ+ community. Listen to the episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google...
2024-02-0731 min
PITY PARTY OVERDisability: States of Ability - Featuring David D'ArcangeloDavid D'Arcangelo is the President of Arc Angel Communications, a Limited Liability Company that is a Disability Owned Business Enterprise. Legally blind from a young age, David is a passionate leader, advocate, and policy maker for people with disabilities and underserved populations. During our conversation, David emphasizes the power of positivity, love, and constructive discourse in addressing societal challenges and building bridges between differing perspectives. Listen to the episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, Podbean, or your favorite podcast platform. Subscribe to Pity Party Over Sign u...
2024-01-3132 min
PITY PARTY OVERCross-Functional Synergy: Common Ground - Featuring Simona OrsingherSimona Orsingher is an Italian executive who has developed a successful career in both Operations and Business Development, two functions that can sometimes clash within organizations. While Operations emphasizes efficiency, cost control, and stability, Business Development focuses on growth, innovation, and revenue generation. Finding common ground between these two functions entails developing shared goals and effective cross-functional communication, especially when dealing with short-term versus medium-term strategies. As a professional whose career has combined both Operations and Business Development functions, Simona highlights the significance of being true to oneself, maintaining transparency, and finding a...
2024-01-2437 min
PITY PARTY OVERTime Management: Weekly Resolutions - Featuring Chantal SouaidChantal Souaid is the creator of “The Weekly Resolution® Planner,” a time management tool that allows consistent progress without the cumbersome weight of perfectionism. Chantal's schedule is very tight as a business entrepreneur and a mom of young twins. She believes that any goal and dream is achievable with consistency and the awareness that the most crucial step is to enjoy the journey as it unfolds. For Chantal, staying in the moment holds greater significance than chasing perfection, firmly asserting that consistency sustains momentum while motivation initiates the trip. Chantal Souaid is a three...
2024-01-1724 min
PITY PARTY OVERThe Power of Words: Speak Green - Featuring Dr. Claudia GrossDr. Claudia Gross is a German consultant and trainer who lives in Cairo, Egypt, and has a soulful humanist approach to business. Our conversation revolves around the transformative potential of language in fostering positive connections, understanding, and personal growth. Inspired by approaches such as Nonviolent Communication and Positive Psychology, Dr. Gross emphasizes the concept that words create worlds. Dr. Gross is the author of the first Speak Green book, Words Create Worlds: Cultivating a Conscious, Life-Affirming Language. The idea is to move away from "red language," which is divisive and instead embrace "green language," which p...
2024-01-1029 min
PITY PARTY OVERCourage Unveiled - Featuring Dr. Cynthia PuryToday, we delve into the world of courage and what it truly means to stand up for what you believe. Our guest is Dr. Cindy Pury, Professor of Psychology at Clemson University and an expert in the psychology of courage. The episode explores the interplay among fear, bravery, and honesty, revealing why courage doesn't conform to a single, standardized model. Our conversation explores bravery, honesty, and the nuanced nature of courageous actions, emphasizing individual uniqueness. Dr. Pury warns against using courage for harmful ends and shares leadership insights for fostering a supportive environment.
2024-01-0431 min
PITY PARTY OVERContinuous Learning: Chain of Learning - Featuring Katie AndersonLeadership consultant Katie Anderson believes fostering a continuous learning culture within a leadership framework can lead to better outcomes and engagement. In today’s episode, we will discuss with Katie the challenges of shifting from a command-and-control to a learning approach, the role of purpose in leadership, and the impact of adopting a growth mindset. A culture of learning involves reconnecting with a sense of purpose, asking more open-ended questions, and creating a psychologically safe environment where mistakes are learning opportunities. Listen to the episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, Podb...
2023-12-2730 min
PITY PARTY OVERSustainable Future: African Startups - Featuring Yvonne Mose & Jeremiah MabiriaYvonne Mose and Jeremiah Mabiria are two entrepreneurs passionate about sustainability, working towards environmental solutions, and creating positive change to protect the planet and foster developmental opportunities in Africa. Yvonne and Jeremiah founded MOMA Renewable Energy (former SBIKE), a company that produces bioethanol cooking fuel from food waste to address energy and environmental issues in Kenya. Their business aims to reach rural Kenyan households and contribute to reforestation efforts. Yvonne and Jeremiah represent the rising potential of African startups and the need for support in achieving a more sustainable and interconnected world. Yvonne Mo...
2023-12-2026 min
PITY PARTY OVERCollaborative Relationships: Collabor(h)ate - Featuring Dr. Deb MashekWe engage in a thought-provoking conversation with Dr. Deb Mashek, business advisor, professor, and author of the book Collabor(h)ate: how to build incredible collaborative relationships at work (even if you’d rather work alone. Deb shares her unique perspective on collaboration, highlighting its importance in various settings and debunking common misconceptions. She believes that when people collaborate and learn from diverse perspectives, they can increase their effectiveness by embracing new resources, viewpoints, and identities. In our conversation, we explore the key ingredients of a successful relationship and dig into seeking growth through connections wit...
2023-12-1333 min
PITY PARTY OVERConscious Creativity: Cut Loose from Perfectionism - Featuring Michael SjostedtMichael Sjostedt is a wellness facilitator who uses art-making for self-reflection, personal growth, and team dynamics. Our conversation explores how engaging in creative activities can help individuals and teams better understand their thought patterns, deal with perfectionism, manage stress, and enhance communication. Michael highlights the importance of self-awareness and the value of using creative exercises to improve our approach to work and life. Listen to the episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, Podbean, or your favorite podcast platform. Subscribe to Pity Party Over Sign up for a...
2023-12-0621 min
PITY PARTY OVERNegotiation: Turn the Tide - Featuring Seth FreemanSeth Freeman is an award-winning negotiation and conflict management professor at New York University and Columbia University. In his book, "15 Tools to Turn the Tide- A Step-by-Step Playbook for Empowered Negotiating," Seth provides practical tools to navigate conflicts effectively, guiding individuals to create value, strengthen relationships, and approach negotiations with empathy. In the episode, Seth emphasizes "winning warmly," ensuring that negotiators can achieve their goals while considering the other party's needs. Seth believes combining strength and kindness can lead to better outcomes in conflict resolution, even when disagreements remain. Listen to the episode o...
2023-11-2940 min
PITY PARTY OVERCareer Development: What’s Next 4 You? Featuring Frank O’Halloran & Judith AsherFrank O'Halloran & Judith Asher are executive coaches and trainers with over 25 years of experience in leadership and communication. Their podcast ‘What's Next 4 You, launching in early 2024, is a testament to their dedication to helping people perform at their best and to helping younger professionals discover their talents and calling. Judith and Frank point out that the traditional educational system often neglects essential life skills, such as communication and relationship building, maintaining a positive mindset, cultivating gratitude, and embracing challenges with optimism. For Judith and Frank, developing good habits that boost productivity, seeking help, le...
2023-11-2233 min
PITY PARTY OVERTeamwork: The Improv Approach - Featuring Caitlin DragoCaitlin Drago is an executive coach who uses improvisation to get people to communicate and work effectively as a team. Caitlin highlights how the principles of improv, such as yes and..., making each other look good, and building trust, can be applied in business, team dynamics, conflict resolution, and personal interactions. Caitlin is the founder of Inspire Improv & Coaching Inc. In her book, "Approaching Improv: Communication and Connection in Business and Beyond," Caitlin shares that the principles of improv aren't just for the stage; they have a remarkable impact on improving communication, teamwork, and conflict r...
2023-11-1435 min
PITY PARTY OVERDelegation: Scaling for Success - Featuring Zahra & Nourhan SbeihDelegation is one of the most critical skills for managers, as it creates time for strategic thinking while empowering others to grow. This episode's guests are Zahra Sbeih and Nourhan Sbeih, SVA Agency's founders, providing professionals with highly skilled virtual assistants to save time, increase productivity, and focus on strategic tasks. Zahra and Nourhan discuss the struggles when delegating tasks, such as perfectionism, control, and difficulty differentiating between short-term time investment and long-term time-saving benefits. Listen to the episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, iHeartRadio, Amazon Music, Podbean, or your favorite podcast p...
2023-11-0844 min
PITY PARTY OVERPositivity: Overcome Limiting Beliefs - Featuring Keith StoraceKeith Storace, an Australian psychologist and consultant, shares his experience helping clients overcome limiting beliefs and focusing on the positive to create meaningful lives. Keith highlights the power of the poetic principle in shaping our reality and emphasizes the importance of authentic relationships in our personal and professional lives. In therapy and leadership, Keith emphasizes the importance of understanding others, embracing their strengths, and fostering meaningful connections. Keith maintains a Psychology and Consulting Practice at kikuIMAGINATION® working with individuals, couples, families, and groups; conducts seminars and workshops; and consults on mental health, professional development, and l...
2023-11-0131 min
PITY PARTY OVERPositivity: Embracing Limiting Beliefs - Featuring Keith StoraceOur guest is Keith Storace, an Australian psychologist, who shares his experience helping clients overcome limiting beliefs and focusing on the positive to create meaningful lives.
Keith highlights the power of the poetic principle in shaping our reality and emphasizes the importance of authentic relationships in our personal and professional lives.
In therapy and leadership, Keith emphasizes the importance of understanding others, embracing their strengths, and fostering meaningful connections.
Listen to this episode of Pity Party Over to learn how to overcome limiting beliefs by adopting a positive attitude.
Subscribe to P...
2023-11-0134 min
PITY PARTY OVERResilience: Bouncing Forward from Adversity - Featuring Sara TruebridgeSara Truebridge EdD, is a researcher and author specializing in resilience. Sara is the Founder of EDLINKS, an organization whose mission is to educate, support, and sustain a global community by embracing the resilience of humanity. By recognizing the whole person, encompassing the cognitive, physical, social, emotional, and spiritual aspects of our being, Sara emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach to growth and development. Sara encourages us to follow our hearts. When we align our actions with our passions and values, we unlock our true potential and contribute to the oneness of hum...
2023-10-2334 min
PITY PARTY OVERSpeak-Up Culture: When Leaders Truly Listen, People Step Up - Featuring Stephen ShedletzkyOur guest today is Stephen (Shed) Shedletzky. Shed is a Speaker, Leadership Coach, and advisor. In the episode, we will discuss the importance of creating a safe and inclusive environment where individuals feel comfortable speaking up, sharing their thoughts, and being vulnerable. In his book “Speak-Up Culture: When Leaders Truly Listen, People Step Up,” Shed Shedletzky explores psychological safety, employee voice, and the benefits of fostering a culture where everyone feels safe contributing. Listen to this episode of Pity Party Over to learn the transformative power of psychological safety and its impact on productivity, creativity, and i...
2023-10-1739 min
PITY PARTY OVEREntrepreneurship: Ideas Bigger Than Fear - Featuring Mona MakkawiThe fight for gender equality still has a long way to go, with half of the world’s population facing cultural biases sedimenting over centuries. Our guest for this episode is Mona Makkawi, founder of Konsult, a consulting, advisory, training, and coaching firm based in Beirut, Lebanon. Mona highlights the importance of entrepreneurial ideas greater than fear and limiting beliefs. With a persistent, stubborn, and culturally aware attitude, Mona has successfully positioned herself as a kind and strategic voice in a male-dominated consulting world. Mona Makkawi is a three-month Barkat Entrepreneur program graduate, an...
2023-10-0931 min
PITY PARTY OVERLeadership Mindset: The Stories We Tell Ourselves - Featuring Tammy HeermannToday, we deep dive into the topic of reframing our thoughts. In this episode, leadership expert Tammy Heermann explores the power of mindset and its influence on behaviors and outcomes. Tammy openly discusses her path to mastering discernment and conquering perfectionism, advising that we begin by clarifying our vision and the impact we aim to make. Women in leadership can effectively challenge biases and shift perceptions by employing strategic questioning and adjusting their communication approaches. Listen to this episode of Pity Party Over to learn how to acquire a positive, successful mindset by c...
2023-10-0334 min
PITY PARTY OVERThe Perfect Mix: Embracing Self-Leadership for Leading Others - Featuring Dr. Helen RothbergSelf-discovery is one of the most exciting and scary journeys, where we navigate through self-doubts and societal expectations to unveil the best in ourselves. Our guest today is Dr. Helen Rothberg, a renowned Professor of Strategic Management and author of the book “The Perfect Mix,” in which she shares valuable lessons about management and leadership she learned while bartending. Dr. Rothberg states that only after mastering the art of self-leadership can we authentically connect with and uplift those around us, fostering an environment of trust, growth, and collective success. Join us in this epis...
2023-09-2548 min
PITY PARTY OVERUnmasking Ableism: Empowering Dialogues through Words - Featuring Caroline VernonIn today's episode, we'll be shining a light on ableism, a form of discrimination faced by people with disabilities, whether physical, mental, or cognitive. Our special guest is Caroline Vernon, a business coach and diversity, equity, and inclusion champion. Caroline opens up about her connection to ableism, sparked by her sister with Down syndrome. Caroline highlights the importance of creating inclusive environments where individuals with disabilities are empowered to thrive. Listen to this episode of Pity Party Over to learn how, by advocating for accessibility and fostering empathy, we can build a more eq...
2023-09-1828 min
PITY PARTY OVERThe Dance of Change: 1 Step Forward, 2 Steps Back - Featuring Simona CurciThe guest of this episode of Pity Party Over is Simona Curci, an organizational development practitioner who has honed a practical approach to managing change from many years of helping people, teams, and organizations. Simona believes that change is a dynamic process that resembles a dance requiring forward and backward movements. Sometimes, the best option is to stay still and let things be as they are so people can adjust. Simona points out that you can’t force everyone to move in the same direction with the same tempo. If you push too hard, you ma...
2023-09-1137 min
PITY PARTY OVERThe Eyes of Resilience - Featuring Dr. Elie AbbeyVisual impairment and blindness are major public health issues worldwide, especially in low- and middle-income countries, according to the World Health Organization. In West Africa, blindness prevalence is a pressing concern. Resilience takes many forms. In this episode of Pity Party Over, Dr. Abbey shares his passion for ophthalmology, challenges, and the profound impact on patients through relentless optimism and resilience in a context with limited resources. Join us in this episode of Pity Party Over to learn how accountability and acceptance pave the way to incredible transformations. Spotify - https://tinyurl.com/5n8...
2023-09-0632 min
PITY PARTY OVERUnleashing Kindness - The Superpower Transforming Workplaces - Featuring Michael G. NeeceAre you curious about how organizational culture can foster kindness and transform challenging interactions? Today's guest on the podcast Pity Party Over is Michael G. Neece, a renowned author, speaker, and business strategist. In the episode, Michael takes us on a journey through his own experiences, where he discovers the value of kindness. He unveils how this remarkable virtue has shaped his understanding of human motivation and workplace dynamics. We explore the impact of kind awareness and the realization that we seldom know the true motives behind someone's behaviors. We also delve into the power...
2023-06-0146 min
PITY PARTY OVERFind Reasons to Smile - Seeking Meaning in Life’s Gifts & Challenges - Featuring Stuart Ross CarlsonDespite our differences, what brings all of us together, is our shared desire to be heard, supported, and loved. The guest of this episode of the podcast Pity Party Over is Stuart Ross Carlson, a violinist, violist, and music composer with autism who displayed his enormous talent from a young age. Stuart shares his unique experience with synesthesia, a condition where he sees colors when he hears music, and his mission to support neurodiversity and inclusion in education, the arts, and the world. Listen to this episode of Pity Party Over to learn ho...
2023-05-2534 min
PITY PARTY OVERDitch Your Ditties - Say Yes to What Matters & No to the Rest - Featuring Molly McGuiganAre you tired of feeling burdened by responsibilities that aren’t yours? The guest on the podcast Pity Party Over is Molly McGuigan, a Positive Change Practitioner and Appreciative Inquiry Expert. Molly discusses the project she co-founded called “Ditch the Ditty,” which aims to help women overcome unnecessary responsibilities and obligations. Ditch the Ditty explores ways to raise awareness of when women can say yes or no to things and the importance of valuing oneself. Join us on Pity Party Over and discover how to release yourself from the weight of responsib...
2023-05-1843 min
PITY PARTY OVERShakti - Closing the Leadership Gender Gap - Featuring Puneet SadchevToday's guest is Puneet Sachdev, a global people and culture leader passionate about leveraging data, technology, and humanity to create inclusive and innovative workplaces. In a world of incremental technological changes, Puneet believes staying close to people is the key to success. In this episode, Puneet will share his views on the existing shortfalls in how organizations are developing senior female leaders. Puneet talks about Shakti, which is the principle of divine feminine, and how it can help bring balance to leadership in a world that is still predominantly masculine. Listen to this ep...
2023-05-1829 min
PITY PARTY OVERSomething to Fight for - Featuring Dr. Liane DaveyIt's fair to say that most people do not enjoy experiencing conflict. Conflict is uncomfortable, and it's challenging to handle it properly when we are a piece of the equation. Today's guest is Dr. Liane Davey, bestselling author, keynote speaker, and facilitator on conflict. Liane is a spoonful of sugar in the world of conflict, combining a solid academic background with a wonderful sense of humor. In this episode of Pity Party Over, we will discuss many practical tools to handle conflict, like the importance of understanding the truth of others before sharing our own a...
2023-04-2745 min
PITY PARTY OVERThe Place Where We Belong: Find Your Purpose by Serving Others - Featuring Andy FrickAs human beings, we all face difficulties and struggles in life. However, during these moments of darkness, we can often learn valuable lessons that benefit us and those around us. Our guest for this episode of the podcast Pity Party Over is Andy Frick, Owner and Founder of A Place 2B Recovery Housing. Andy has a background in positive psychology and has provided a place where people recovering from substance abuse feel they belong. For Andy, adding value to the lives of others provides meaning, a sense of belonging, and mattering. When we help others...
2023-04-1334 min
PITY PARTY OVERFocus on People for Human-Centered Conversations - Featuring Diane LennardIn this episode, we'll discuss how leaders can communicate effectively by listening and paying attention to people. We have an extraordinary guest, Diane Lennard. Diane is a performance coach and faculty member at NYU Stern School of Business. With her background in theater and coaching, Diane has honed her exceptional communication skills and has a unique perspective on effective leadership communication. Diane believes that everybody wants to be seen and heard, and by establishing empathetic relationships based on respect and dignity, leaders can create more meaningful connections with any stakeholder. Spotify
2023-03-2938 min
PITY PARTY OVERInclusive Versatile Leaders - Featuring Wagner DenuzzoThis episode explores the vitality and richness of a diverse and inclusive leadership approach to help the success of organizations. The guest of this episode of Pity Party Over is Wagner Denuzzo, a Latino HR leader specializing in the future of work, talent strategy, and leadership development. Growing up in São Paulo, Brazil, Wagner moved to the United States at 22 with little means and big dreams. As a minority leader, Wagner's professional career has been committed to creating inclusive practices in organizations to foster effective leadership. Spotify Apple Podcast
2023-03-2337 min
PITY PARTY OVERDoing & Being - The Strategy of Sustainable Leaders - Featuring Beate KlingenbergIs it possible to be competitive and sustainable? Can leaders meet the needs of investors, employees, customers, and the environment? The guest of this episode of Pity Party Over is Beate Klingenberg, Professor of Sustainability and Supply Chain Management at FOM University of Applied Sciences for Economics and Management in Germany. Professor Klingenberg’s professional interests combine two needs often viewed as antagonists in business: a short-term focus on efficient operations that meet quarterly quotas and a long-term sustainable strategy addressing the interests of all stakeholders. For Professor Klingenberg, a sustainable mindset combines syst...
2023-03-1630 min
PITY PARTY OVERBe The Captain of Your Needs - The Life of An Unbroken Optimist - Featuring Kofi DouhadjiLife circumstances may sometimes appear discouraging and far removed from our biggest goals and dreams. That’s when we might feel voiceless, unrepresented, and trapped in a loop that leaves us with no options. The guest of this episode of Pity Party Over is Kofi Douhadji, an American entrepreneur, executive coach, and airman in the United States Air Force. Growing up in the village of Afagnan in Togo, Africa, Kofi has learned early on the power of an optimistic and curious mindset that intentionally focuses on opportunities rather than letting circumstances define who he is.
2023-03-0936 min
PITY PARTY OVERMaking Intentional Choices by Listening to Your Instincts - Featuring Dr. Lindsey GodwinIn our personal and professional lives, we all spend much time pondering problems, but focusing excessively on them may not help us overcome a challenge as quickly as we wish. The guest for this episode of Pity Party Over is Dr. Lindsey Godwin, one of the most influential voices for appreciative inquiry, emotional intelligence, and experiential learning theory. Whereas problem-solving focuses on deficits, appreciative inquiry is an approach to positive change that leverage strengths. For Dr. Godwin, inquiring means paying attention to our thoughts, emotions, and bodily signals to make intentional choices on wh...
2023-02-2445 min
PITY PARTY OVERMove Beyond Fear to Live With a Growth Mindset - Featuring Nina BresslerOur past experiences impact our lives, from how we interpret current events to how we view ourselves and others. Sometimes our past experiences are responsible for the fear that keeps us trapped in a loop despite our best efforts to move on. The guest for this episode of Pity Party Over is Nina Bressler. Nina is the Global Head of Societal Learning for Novartis, a multinational pharmaceutical corporation based in Switzerland whose mission is to discover new ways to improve and extend people's lives. Nina believes that learning from our experiences is the me...
2023-02-0932 min
PITY PARTY OVERHold Up A Mirror to See Infinite Potential - Featuring Minola JacOrganizations often view change as something to manage, an unfortunate and inevitable inconvenience that gets in the way of solid performance and results. My guest for this episode is Minola Jac, a transformational business professional whose background combines consulting, organizational development, and journalism. Minola has worked as a senior consultant for Deloitte and is currently the Group Change and Organizational Lead for the Syngenta Group, whose mission is reducing emissions and improving biodiversity. Minola believes that, too often, organizations focus predominantly on change management without fully understanding what change entails and its impacts on...
2023-01-1838 min
PITY PARTY OVERBegin With The Journey to Communicate Effectively - Featuring Brian HanssenExcellent communication requires an ongoing effort of self and social awareness to understand both the relationship and the context of the relationship. My guest for this episode is Brian Hanssen, Director of the Management Communication Program and a Clinical Associate Professor of Management Communication at New York University. For Brian, storytelling is a vital communication journey transcending cultures and experiences to help any audience transition from the present to the future. As Brian says, “begin with the journey” to be more inclusive, self-aware, empathetic, memorable, and persuasive. Listen to the episode: Spot...
2022-12-0931 min
PITY PARTY OVERThe Courage to Break Out of the Comfort Zone - Featuring Sergio AzzolariLiving a successful personal and professional life requires a lot of things, including tremendous commitment, strategy, gut feeling, and courage. This episode's guest is Sergio Azzolari, CEO of DSQUARED2, the high fashion brand launched by twin brothers Dean and Dan Caten. Sergio embodies the cosmopolitan spirit, combining worldliness, wit, culture, and wisdom imbued with humanity and kindness. Sergio's life experiences span from Benetton and Missoni to Luxottica and Hogan, speaking six foreign languages and living on five continents. Listen to the episode: Spotify Apple Podcasts Po...
2022-11-1041 min
PITY PARTY OVEREbb & Flow - Practice Resilience to Prepare for Change - Featuring Dr. Linda HoopesThe word resilience pops up everywhere these days. It has become a catchy term often abused and misused to indicate the importance of being flexible, stern, and adaptable. My guest today is Dr. Linda Hoopes, which I affectionately refer to as the Goddess of Resilience. Linda represents one of the most influential voices for researching resilience and helping people become resilient. For Linda, “Resilience is the ability to deal with high levels of challenge while maintaining a high level of effectiveness and well-being.” Linda believes everyone has the seeds of resilience and that learning to weath...
2022-10-2744 min
PITY PARTY OVERThe Edge of Glory: Help People Cross the Finish Line - Featuring Dr. Charlene ShawBusiness people tend to think of their jobs as results and efficiency. However, whether we like it or not, professional and personal relationships strongly affect performance. This episode explores the best way to care for ourselves and those we love, family members, friends, and colleagues, near the final days of life because of illness or age. My special guest is Charlene Shaw, a physician with 20+ years of experience providing care to vulnerable geriatric and terminally ill patients. Dr. Shaw points out that not knowing how to deal with mortality hinders our ability to be compassionate an...
2022-08-0325 min
PITY PARTY OVERChoices and Chances: Designing Successful Strategies - Featuring Jessy HsiehThis episode explores the importance of assumptions, choices, viewpoints, and purpose to formulate a successful strategy. My special guest is Jessy Hsieh, Clinical Assistant Professor at New York University Stern School of Business. Jessy’s research interests include strategy, creativity, digital sociology, and philosophy of education. A good strategy questions all certainties and assumptions with a curious, open, and flexible attitude. Strategy is not a rigid plan based on dangerous false assumptions but the smallest set of choices that optimally guide or force other choices. The best strategic ideas require leveraging different points of...
2022-07-2831 min
PITY PARTY OVERHuman to Human: Transformative Leadership Conversations - Featuring Carly AndersonThis episode explores how “Human to Human” conversations can help leaders bring the best out of people to deliver outstanding results. The special guest is Carly Anderson, an Australian-American leadership and executive coach. Carly began training as a coach in 1998 and became a Master Certified Coach in 2004 by the International Coaching Federation, the leading coach credentialing body. Since then, Carly has mentored hundreds of coaches, becoming one of the most authentic voices for leadership development. Leading people through change requires a carefully organized process. However, leveraging people’s potential and boosting motivation entails integrating a consult...
2022-07-2229 min
PITY PARTY OVERBoost Accountability: Overcome the Victim Mentality to Drive Results - Featuring Charles PanarellaThis episode explores the importance of being accountable for personal and professional success. Our special guest is Dr. Charles Panarella, Director at Florida State University International Programs in Florence, Italy. Charlie is Italian-American with a Master’s degree in Italian Language and Culture and is currently completing his Ph.D. in Applied Linguistics from the University of Nevada-Las Vegas. In the episode, Charlie shares his experience helping college students find their voice by overcoming the victim mentality. Accountability is a crucial developmental step for the managers and leaders of tomorrow, and an awareness seasoned professionals need to lev...
2022-07-0526 min
PITY PARTY OVERThrough Thick and Thin: Developing Resilient Leaders - Featuring Maria Giovanna VianelloThis episode explores the importance of resilience for leadership development. Our special guest is Maria Giovanna Vianello, Global Leadership Development Consultant at Novartis, a well-known Swiss-American multinational pharmaceutical corporation. In Maria’s experience, “Leadership is not the power you are giving yourself, but the power people give you because of the role model you represent.” Maria has been dealing with type 1 diabetes since she was a kid. Her story shows how our biggest struggles might reveal our life mission, in her case, helping leaders reach their highest potential. Resilience for Maria is being “mindfully...
2022-06-2337 min
PITY PARTY OVERThe Power of Empathy: Lead and Manage People Authentically - Featuring Elia NicholsEmpathy is the ability to understand others’ emotions and see things from their point of view. By understanding how people feel, empathy helps us respond efficiently to any situation. As professionals transition from non-managerial to managerial and then strategic roles, the ability to connect with people becomes crucial both to get things done, and make a vision become a reality. Can you learn how to become more empathetic? The special guest for this episode of PITY PARTY OVER is Elia Nichols, an actress who has worked in TV, film, and theatre in the Unit...
2022-05-2528 min
PITY PARTY OVERRunning in the Green: Achieving Goals at a Sustainable Pace - Featuring Rebecca MilnerMarathon runners know more than any other athlete about sustaining a proper pace while getting to the finishing line as fast as possible. "Running in the Green" is a heart-rate based training approach for marathon runners. This method aims at improving performance by training within a heart range that feels comfortable rather than pushing to the max. I learned about the "running in the green” approach from British designer Rebecca Milner, the guest of this episode of Pity Party Over. Rebecca is a surface pattern designer whose phenomenal work spans wallpaper, textiles, clothing, and furnishings for her in...
2022-05-2024 min
PITY PARTY OVERMake (Better) Decisions by Slowing Down - Featuring Stephen MatiniHow do you strike the perfect balance between jumping to a conclusion too quickly or missing out on an opportunity? I want to share some observations on the importance of slowing down to make sound strategic decisions. Listen to the episode: Spotify Apple Podcasts Podbean Google Podcasts Subscribe to Pity Party Over Sign up for a complimentary Live Session Contact Stephen Matini Connect with Stephen Matini Leadership & Management Development Transcript Welcome to Pity Pa...
2022-05-1024 min
PITY PARTY OVERBuilding Organizational Synergy by Overcoming Resistance to Change - Featuring Stephen MatiniEpisode 1 focuses on building greater organizational synergy, what creates synergy, typical symptoms when synergy is lacking, and the importance of communication and leadership when transitioning through change to build synergy. Listen to the episode: Spotify Apple Podcasts Podbean Google Podcasts Subscribe to Pity Party Over Sign up for a complimentary Live Session Contact Stephen Matini Connect with Stephen Matini Leadership & Management Development Transcript Welcome to Pity Party Over over the podcast for people, t...
2022-04-1420 min