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/