Inclusion is one of the most important values that we can foster in the workplace. When employees feel like they are a part of a team, and that their unique perspectives are valued, they are more likely to be productive and innovative. In this episode, we will discuss how to create a culture that values inclusivity. We also explore the benefits of building such a culture in business. How can we build cultures that value inclusivity? If our workplaces foster a sense of inclusion by providing opportunities for individuals to celebrate their differences, what happens in business?

Highlights:

01:36 We all have an opportunity to have our own little drop in the pond or drop in the ocean to make a difference to those around us.

04:29 Allow those ambiverts, extroverts and introverts to share the floor equally.

07:07 If we are present listening, taking in the information and pausing and making sure that what we then have to contribute is appropriate, respectful and on target with the conversation at hand.

08:12 Having a crucial conversation and allowing people to, when you listen to them and you hear what they want out of it, it allows them to open up further. .

10:58 We can think especially as leaders, we can think we have a lot of the answers and especially in areas like including people and building a workplace culture or corporate culture there can be this sense that okay I know what I'm doing, I know how to lead, I know how to be a leader and what don't I know?

Contact

Kristin Gupta website

Special Guests:

Sara Deacon: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saradeacon/

Jonathan Heider: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-d-heider/

Part of the barrier to getting started building a DE&I strategy is not knowing the difference between these three concepts, and therefore how to address each. To help get us started, we’ve broken down the individual parts: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Let's define the terms.

As leaders, we need to be aware of the different types of mined resources and how to use them effectively. Diversity, equity and inclusion is a process that requires commitment and action from everyone involved. In this episode you'll hear from the group as they discuss what it means to define diversity, equity and inclusion, and discuss some of the challenges that businesses face when trying to create an inclusive workplace. Find out some tips on how you can get started.

Highlights:

03:00 Within an organization, what we really emphasized is that it becomes part of the culture.

03:51 It's not just about who you bring into your organization. It is how welcome you are to the people you bring in, making them feel at home or welcome as well.

07:22 They may be afraid to challenge directly or give direct feedback on something that somebody could do to improve.

10:33 When it comes to tokenism, it's simply taking somebody and utilizing their minority status in one way and asking them as if they are the expert for that entire minority group.

19:12 Continue to educate yourself on terminology, language and overall kind of respect for their culture.

Contact

Kristin Gupta website

Special Guests:

Jonathan Heider

Sheila Buechel

Kris Giuntolli

The internet has transformed the way we live and work, and virtual events are one of the most exciting aspects of this new era. Virtual events have many advantages over traditional in-person events, including increased reach and flexibility. However, some people worry that virtual events lack the personal touch that makes in-person events so special.

In this episode Kristin and her group discuss the importance of choosing the right platform and equipment, as well as the need to create engaging content that will appeal to your target audience. Do you want to know how to be a better attendee of virtual events? Or, how to lead excellent ones? This week's discussion is adding value to the way you attend and lead these events. Virtual events are not going away. Learning how to master this skill will drastically help now and in the future!

Highlights

02:40 - Getting a quality internet wherever you are going to be because if you do everything else and you have crummy internet, it won't matter.

04:46 - I think one of the biggest things in this space is the intention of which the meeting is for.

07:10 - It is absolutely 100% key to know who is my audience, what is going to light them up, and really understanding what I can do to make it fun and engaging.

21:04 - I would say to spend the time, learn how to use your technology and get quality equipment. If people can't hear you it's going to reflect on you.

Contact

Kristin Gupta Website

Special Guests:

Sara Deacon - https://linkedin.com/in/saradeacon

Kurt Bocksenbaum - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kurt-bocksenbaum/

Sheila Buechel - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheilabuechel/

Ben Zang - https://www.linkedin.com/in/benzang6/

Anette Conrad - https://www.linkedin.com/in/edibleimpressions/

What is the secret to most great leaders? It’s not title or position that makes them who they are or what they become. It is their power to influence those around them.

In this episode of the show, Kristin and her group discuss Leadership is Influence. In particular, they talk about how a leader is someone who can influence others to achieve a common goal. They discuss the different ways in which people can exert their influence, and how effective leadership depends on understanding the needs and motivations of those being led. The conversation is informative and thought-provoking, offering listeners valuable insights into what it takes to be an effective leader.

Highlights:

02:15 - As an influencer what is the importance of your followers and what do they like? And should you know? Should you be targeting?

04:14 - You always have the capacity to influence with every interaction. And what are you influencing? You`re influencing the character of someone, you`re influencing the behavior of someone.

15:53 - I think the expertise you need to have is to be an expert on yourself.

18:08 - When people are looking up to us it can be really easy, but if we stop focusing on ourselves we`re going to lose our audience, we`re going to lose ourselves.

Contact

Kristin Gupta Website

Special Guests:

Peter Stipan

Sheila Buechel https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheilabuechel/

Sara Deacon https://linkedin.com/in/saradeacon

Stuart Mason

Connecting with new people can be uncomfortable, but there is a difference between just attending virtual events and doing actual networking. In this episode, you'll find out how to be a better attendee or lead a virtual event because virtual events are not going away. Listen to the group as they discuss how to add value to the way you attend and lead virtual events because this is a great resource for you to have people that can help you with more opportunities.

Highlights:

01:57 Virtual events have really had to grow with these changes and dynamics when it comes to the business world.

02:40 Getting quality internet wherever you're gonna be because if you do everything else right and you have a crummy internet, it won't matter because people won’t be able to see you or hear you so, start with a high quality internet that is reliable.

07:19 It is absolutely 100% key to know who is my audience and what is gonna light them up and really understanding what I can do to make it fun and engaging.

11:21 We have to continue learning and not be afraid to say “I don’t know”.”

12:01 It’s really critical to take the time and to also have the hard topic to yourself and say “Hey, I don’t know everything and I need to learn,” and so, it’s a continuous process; continue learning.

Contact

Kristin Gupta website

Guest Speakers

Sheila Buechel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheilabuechel/

Ben Zang: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benzang6/ #usioneadvantage

Annette Conrad: linkedin.com/in/edibleimpressions/

Kurt Bocksenbaum: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kurt-bocksenbaum/

Sara Deacon: https://linkedin.com/in/saradeaconhttps://saradeacon.com

Leadership means facing challenges head-on. In this episode, you'll hear from the group as they discuss how to overcome challenges in leadership. As a leader, you have to know what obstacles lie ahead because a leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way. Find out the key principles to building a strong foundation in order to be prepared as a leader to lead your team in the right direction.

Highlights

03:39 Remember to check in with myself, check into what I–what works for me or what my strengths are and then collaborate or connect with people who can fill in the gaps or who can train me on something that I want to learn.

05:22 My way is gonna look different than probably every other way out there but I can take bits and pieces of what I’ve learned.

08:05 You have to keep an open mind and then listen to everybody you just can’t go on with a blinders on anymore because that doesn’t work in today’s environment so, just try to be positive.

09:18 When you stop growing, you stop living,right? So, we need to constantly be challenging ourselves.

10:06 Recognizing that none of us have all the answers and that we need to be in this together as well is important.

Guest Speakers

Sara Deacon: https://linkedin.com/in/saradeaconhttps://saradeacon.com

Rich Grobelny: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richgrobelny/

Link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/play/nlOalRZqc74mGClin-TX5zCSJiafghBcY5Hs9UBbbigeHEFZhSsX85EMTZLyKG7bKGXt5_hpyZUMNVXT.dPPesPVTDjkRf-nE (Passcode: &Y8*+x*U)

We've come to learn in leadership that crucial conversation requires a two-way street. Wherein, when you give feedback, you'll also have to be open to receiving it by actively listening. In this episode, you'll find out more about how important it is to have a foundation of trust and that having relationships is crucial as well for handling crucial conversations successfully and being able to talk with sincerity and integrity.

Highlights:

02:34 Layers of anonymity start to build trust where like okay, I won’t be singled out, I won’t be called out for my suggestion or my feedback because my name is not associated in it. It’s not part of my performance review or anything like that so I thought it was– that struck me as one way to build that culture of trust which can foster that ability to be more sincere and more kind in the feedback and more effective.

05:35 If I expect people to be honest with me because they care about me, well I need to know that they actually care and I need to be willing to do the same thing.

07:53 It’s a responsibility to actually speak up and give them the feedback or take care of the problem even though it’s a really difficult conversation to have.

08:51 It’s easier to have these conversations when it’s something objective versus something subjective.

09:17 Sometimes, us not saying that thing or us holding back from saying the hard thing is the worst thing we could do for that person.

Contact

Kristin Gupta website

Guest Speakers

Sarah Deacon: https://linkedin.com/in/saradeaconhttps://saradeacon.com

Susan Muenter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susanmuenter/

In order to create a successful business, it's important to foster a culture where people can thrive. This means creating an environment that is positive and supportive, where employees feel valued and appreciated. It's also important to have clear goals and expectations, so employees know what is expected of them. By creating a positive workplace culture, you'll be able to attract and retain top talent, which will help your business succeed.

In this episode you`ll hear the group share their thoughts about why people stay and why do people go? In the time of the great resignation, we are discussing how to foster a culture of loyalty where people not only stay but thrive.

Highlights

02:05 – I think the biggest thing that struck me in every feedback group, communication is always highlighted.

04:09 – One of the things that I feel privileged about is that they found ways to systematize this culture that allows people to thrive and I think that is important.

07:40 – Empowerment that allows people to feel connected to the company's culture and mission and feel like a valuable part of moving that forward.

09:33 – One component that we have to put in there is that it must be intentional. It's good to have an EOS system but if you`re not intentional about using it and implementing it then it's all going to be wasted.

14:11 – Know the “why”. The team needs to know the “why”. You can pull all the people you want together but if they don’t know the “why” then they are not going to accomplish what you said.

17:01 – Staying out of the lane and then having that fresh perspective and allowing employees to share what they need to say but also going to them.

Contact

Kristin Gupta website

Guest Speakers

Cassie Adesina: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cassie-adesina-cfp%E2%93%A1-financialwellness/

Sara Deacon: https://linkedin.com/in/saradeaconhttps://saradeacon.com

Sarah Marshall: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahmarshall12/ & https://www.linkedin.com/company/humanworks8

Robb Vogel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vogelrc13/

Jonathan Heider: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-d-heider/https://www.linkedin.com/company/split-star-productions

Ben Zang: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benzang6/ #usioneadvantage

Earl Smith: https://lsmith63.wearelegalshield.com

Sarah Vogt: www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-v-97b64211