Today, we are honoured to have Bayo Akomolafe with us—writer, speaker, and philosopher who brings a radically different lens to how we engage with the world’s complexities. Known for his concept of "staying with the trouble," Bayo challenges the conventional rush to fix things, urging us instead to embrace the confusion and uncertainty that arise when we encounter the limits of our knowledge.

Bayo’s journey began in Nigeria and has taken him across continents, from the trauma of personal loss to exploring the wisdom of Indigenous cultures and the profound teachings of traditional healers. Founder of The Emergence Network and author of These Wilds Beyond Our Fences, Bayo’s work calls on us to rethink how we face crises, not by offering solutions but by creating new spaces for deeper inquiry and transformation.

In this episode, Bayo shares his thoughts on decolonisation, collective responsibility, AI’s challenge to our human centrality, and the transformative power of post-activism. This is a conversation that will change how you see the world—and yourself.

In this thought-provoking conversation, Bayo Akomolafe invites us to explore the depths of uncertainty, confusion, and the beauty found within the "cracks" of our understanding. He encourages us to "stay with the trouble," using moments of confusion as opportunities for growth, rather than rushing to solve or escape them. Throughout the discussion, Bayo explores themes of decolonisation, Indigenous wisdom, and the collective responsibility we all share in times of global crisis. Reflecting on his personal journey through grief and loss, Bayo shares how moments of personal darkness often spark profound philosophical inquiry.

The conversation further delves into the impact of AI, not just on technology, but on our claims to human exclusivity. Bayo introduces the concept of post-activism, urging us to reconsider our roles in the movement for change, moving beyond traditional activism to embrace a deeper, more transformative approach.

Key Takeaways:

• Listening Deeply: Cultivate the art of listening with the same passion you wish to be heard.
• Embrace Confusion: "Staying with the trouble" means embracing confusion and using it as a space for inquiry, not resolution.
• Cracks as Wisdom: New ways of thinking emerge from the cracks in our understanding, offering pathways to greater wisdom.
• Decolonising Our Narratives: Reclaiming diverse voices and integrating Indigenous wisdom is essential for reshaping the future.
• Inner Work Beyond the Self: Inner work must always be considered within the broader context of our ecological and communal responsibilities.
• Grief and Hope Coexist: Even in moments of crisis, grief and hope can find balance and coexist, each informing the other.
• Personal Loss as Catalyst: Grief, when embraced, can deepen one's philosophical and spiritual journey.
• AI as a Challenge: Artificial Intelligence challenges our central role in the world, questioning humanity's sense of superiority.
• Post-Activism: Moving beyond traditional activism, post-activism asks us to rethink how we engage with social and systemic change.

Chapters Breakdown:

• 00:00 – Introduction to Bayo Akomolafe
• 02:20 – What Does it Mean to 'Stay with the Trouble'?
• 10:47 – Embracing the Cracks: Learning from Monsters and Uncertainty
• 18:54 – Decolonising Narratives and Reclaiming Indigenous Wisdom
• 24:14 – Inner Work, Collective Responsibility, and Ecological Thinking
• 30:21 – Grief and Hope: Navigating Crisis with Both in Hand
• 38:13 – Bayo's Personal Journey Through Grief and Transformation
• 42:48 – Translating Knowledge from the Cracks and Empowering Others
• 51:14 – AI and the Colonisation of Intelligence: What It Means for Humanity
• 01:00:58 – Rethinking Social Change: The Idea of Post-Activism

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sandra Colhando, co-founder of Transform Me, joins us to discuss the importance of purpose and transformation in leadership. She shares her personal journey of overcoming challenges and discovering her purpose, highlighting how moments of frustration can serve as powerful catalysts for change. Sandra explains a practical process for uncovering one's purpose, which includes identifying core values and natural talents. She provides insights into the mission of Transform Me and its role in bringing transformation to the workplace, emphasising the shift towards human-centric leadership.

In this conversation, Sandra explores the essential skills and mindset shifts leaders must adopt to thrive in today's evolving world, such as adaptability, emotional intelligence, and resilience. She delves into the challenges women face in leadership and the importance of genuine support and empowerment among women. Sandra also tackles the topic of diversity and inclusion, advocating for moving beyond tokenism to create a culture of true inclusion. Finally, she discusses the intersection of AI and human potential, encouraging listeners to embrace the opportunities AI presents and focus on creativity and meaning in their lives.

Takeaways

• Ask yourself where you are now and where you want to be in the future.
• Frustration can be a catalyst for change and lead to personal transformation.
• Discover your purpose by identifying your values and natural talents.
• Human-centric leadership focuses on employee well-being and purpose.
• The shift towards human-centric leadership is driven by the need for interpersonal collaboration and sustainability.
• Leaders need to embrace adaptability, emotional intelligence, and resilience to navigate the evolving world.
• Genuine support and empowerment among women is crucial for progress in gender equality.
• Creating a culture of true inclusion requires moving beyond tokenism and checklist approaches.
• The emergence of AI opens up opportunities for individuals to explore their creativity and find meaning in their lives.
• Storytelling is a powerful tool for connecting, inspiring, and influencing others.

Chapters

• 00:00 - Introduction and the Importance of Purpose
• 05:17 - Early Life and Shaping of Sandra's Leadership
• 08:36 - Discovering Purpose and the Journey to Transformation
• 12:21 - Finding Purpose and Delivering a TED Talk
• 18:03 - The Shift towards Human-Centric Leadership
• 26:28 - Transforming the Workplace with Transform Me
• 33:57 - Key Shifts in Leadership and the Future
• 36:48 - Adaptability, Emotional Intelligence, and Resilience
• 44:09 - Support and Empowerment in Gender Equality
• 55:07 - Moving Beyond Tokenism in Diversity and Inclusion
• 01:06:22 - Exploring Human Potential in the Age of AI
• 01:11:04 - The Power of Storytelling in Influence

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode Summary: In this episode of the DNA Of Purpose Podcast, host Rebecca delves into a fascinating conversation with Nigel Mendonca, General Manager and Vice President for Asia Pacific at Smartsheet, a global leader in work management solutions. With over 20 years of experience in sales and general management across the technology industry, Nigel shares his insights on leading in an era where technology and human potential converge.

Key Discussion Points:

• The Human Element in Tech: Rebecca reflects on her recent experience with Smartsheet and how the company’s mission to unlock human potential is at the forefront of their technology and culture.
• Early Catalysts for Purpose: Nigel discusses the turning points in his younger years that shaped his purpose as a leader, offering a glimpse into the experiences that fuelled his passion for inspiring teams and scaling businesses.
• Mindsets for Managing Change: Drawing from his extensive career in the digital space, Nigel reveals the powerful mindsets he's cultivated—and observed in others—that are essential for thriving amidst rapid change.
• Inspiring Leadership and Business Growth: The conversation explores the attributes that Nigel believes are crucial for inspiring teams and driving successful business growth, including advice he’d give his younger self about leading with purpose.
• Insights and Smartsheet’s Mission: Nigel shares the transformative impact of his sabbatical before joining Smartsheet, discussing how this period of reflection reshaped his leadership approach and aligned him with Smartsheet’s mission.
• The Smartsheet Edge: Nigel provides an overview of Smartsheet's platform, explaining what sets it apart in helping organisations adapt and thrive in today’s dynamic environment.
• Remote Work and Organisational Flexibility: As remote work becomes a permanent fixture, Nigel discusses how Smartsheet balances flexibility and connectivity, offering insights into new ways of measuring workplace performance.
• AI and Ethical Integration: Nigel shares advice on leading the integration of AI in a way that is both ethical and enhances the customer experience, providing guidance for leaders on the brink of adopting AI.
• Asynchronous Collaboration: Nigel explains how asynchronous collaboration—one of Smartsheet's key features—maintains innovation and efficiency without the constraints of linear time.
• Closing the Strategy-Execution Gap: Addressing a major challenge in strategic transformation, Nigel discusses why 80% of strategic value is lost at the execution level and the skills or tools needed to close this gap.
• Final Wisdom: To conclude, Nigel shares what he would say if given the world’s largest billboard—one powerful message that encapsulates his leadership philosophy.

Tune in to explore:

• How to navigate the intersection of technology and human potential.
• The importance of aligning with a purpose-driven mission.
• Practical advice for leading teams in an era of rapid change and technological advancement.

Connect with Us:

• Follow Rebecca on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccamaklad/
• Learn more about Smartsheet: https://www.smartsheet.com/
• Subscribe to the DNA Of Purpose Podcast for more inspiring conversations: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/dna-of-purpose/id1449459661

Join the Conversation: We'd love to hear your thoughts on today’s episode. Share your insights and continue the conversation on social media using #DNAOfPurpose.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, I am thrilled to welcome back the remarkable Paul Zak. Paul is a Professor at Claremont Graduate University and is ranked among the top 0.3% of most cited scientists, with over 200 published papers and more than 20,000 citations to his research.

Paul was one of the pioneering scientists to integrate neuroscience and economics into the groundbreaking field of neuroeconomics. Along the way, he has also helped establish interdisciplinary fields such as neuromanagement and neuromarketing. He has authored three popular books and is a regular TED speaker.

In this episode, we will dive into Paul's latest book: Immersion: The Science of the Extraordinary and Source of Happiness. This book uncovers the neurological foundations of extraordinary experiences, using insights from 50,000 brain measurements to guide readers on creating high-impact marketing, entertainment, training, customer, and employee experiences. It demonstrates how extraordinary experiences not only boost customer lifetime value but also provide the neurological basis for increased individual happiness.

Why is this crucial? In an era defined by disruptive trends—exponential technological progress, a fundamental shift in work dynamics, and an urgent need to address climate change—it has never been more important for purpose-driven leaders to create deeply moving and extraordinary human experiences.

Today, we will discover how to achieve this.

• In this episode, we discuss the importance of creating extraordinary experiences in the experience economy and how it can boost customer lifetime value and individual happiness.
• We unlock the concept of immersion and how it can be measured using brain signals from the peripheral nervous system.
• We discuss the power of storytelling, the significance of the first minute in capturing audience attention, and the role of tension in inspiring action.
• We touch on the differences in immersion experiences based on personality traits and the potential of superfans in marketing.
• The conversation explores the intersection of AI and immersion, the unique qualities of human memory and learning processes, and the importance of adaptability in the face of technological shifts.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Paul Zak and the Importance of Extraordinary Experiences

05:11 Defining Immersion and its Relevance Today

08:45 The Experience Economy and the Power of Social Layer

25:29 Creating Tension for Action and Cognitive Dissonance

31:53 Differences in Immersion Experiences and the Role of Superfans

37:25 The Role of AI in Automation and Innovation

40:26 Adaptability in Remote Work

45:03 Finding Purpose through Energy and Connection

57:32 The Power of Love in Immersive Experiences

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome back to the DNA of Purpose podcast! After a brief hiatus, we are thrilled to return for Season 6, bringing you the stories and insights of the world's most purpose-driven leaders. I'm especially excited about today's episode because we have the incredible Jessica Hickman with us.

As the founder and director of Bullyology and an advocate of The Upstander Movement, Jess is a global speaker and TEDx presenter who equips schools, workplaces, and community groups with the tools and strategies to create thriving, respectful environments free of bullying, harassment, and violence. The Upstander Movement is all about empowering individuals to speak out and take action against injustice and harm in their communities.

Jessica is the acclaimed author of "The Bullyologist: Breaking the Silence on Bullying" and "The Upstander Leader: How to Develop a Speak-Up Culture," which has received prestigious awards, including the RDA - Australian Career Book Awards 2023, the UK 2023 Business Book Awards, and the Australian Business Book Awards for HR & Management.

Living in regional NSW, Jessica is passionate about regional and remote education. She serves as a mentor for Regional Development Australia, is a board member for Business Orange, and co-founder of Central West Inspired Women.

Today, we'll dive into Jessica's personal journey, the challenges she faced, and how she's turning bystanders and upstanders. We’ll explore the neuroscience behind bystanding, practical strategies for creating a culture of speaking up, and Jessica’s vision for the Upstander Movement. We'll also touch on her upcoming projects and talks, including addressing bystanding in business and the emergence of the Upstander Economy.

Takeaways:

• The power of one voice: Even in a world that is silent, one voice can be powerful in creating change and ending unnecessary human suffering.
• The bystander effect: People often choose to look the other way or diffuse responsibility when faced with uncomfortable or difficult situations, contributing to the perpetuation of harmful behaviours.
• Tall poppy syndrome: Australia has a cultural phenomenon where people tend to chop down those who excel or speak up, hindering progress and growth.
• The importance of upstanding: It is crucial to challenge the bystander effect and choose to be an upstander, speaking up against injustice and supporting those who are suffering.
• Addressing gender equality and domestic violence: These issues require awareness, prevention, and support systems to create a safer and more equitable society. Recognize the importance of shifting from being a bystander to an upstander
• Understand the four zones of the bystander model: unconscious, uncomfortable, avoidance, and upstander
• Explore the concept of the upstander economy and the bystander matrix
• Embrace qualities crucial for leaders in the upstander economy: empathy, ethics, equality, and humility
• Realise the power of one voice to change the world

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and the Power of One Voice

03:48 Personal Story: Workplace Bullying and Harassment

10:07 Tall Poppy Syndrome and Workplace Culture

14:32 Understanding the Bystander Effect

26:18 Advocating for Gender Equality and Addressing Domestic Violence

30:50 Inspiring Upstanders and Building Awareness

41:57 The Bystander Matrix: Ethical, Cultural, Social, Environmental

52:31 The Three E's of Leadership: Empathy, Ethics, Equality

55:46 Love and Compassion in the Workplace

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you're a returning listener, you'll recall our conversation with Andrew Leitch, the co-founder of Brave Spaces. Today, we're privileged to introduce the other visionary behind this venture – Jacinta McDonnell.

Jacinta's journey is nothing short of extraordinary. As one of Australia’s foremost entrepreneurs, she has carved her path with unparalleled success. Yet, what truly distinguishes Jacinta is her remarkable ability to delve deep within herself, employing a repertoire of mindset tools to create brave spaces that empower individuals, cultures, and communities.

Her entrepreneurial acumen came to the fore in 2008 when she pioneered the launch of Anytime Fitness in the Australian market alongside her brother, Justin. Under their stewardship, Anytime Fitness burgeoned into Australia's premier health club chain, boasting over 500 clubs nationwide. But Jacinta's pursuits extend beyond business – she is a purpose-driven visionary committed to leveraging commerce for the greater good. From 2015 to 2020, she helmed The Human Kind Project, a non-profit foundation catalysing life-altering initiatives in Africa and India.

Continuing her quest to redefine business, purpose, and leadership, Jacinta now channels her wisdom through keynote speaking engagements, coaching endeavours with A Founder’s Path, and her latest venture, Brave Spaces. This innovative platform offers transformative programs and experiences designed to empower individuals to lead purposeful, authentic lives.

In today's conversation, Jacinta and I delve into the essence of self-awareness, a cornerstone of effective leadership and personal growth. Together, we unravel the intricacies of courage, self-regulation, connection, and purpose, illuminating pathways for integrating pivotal moments into a life of fulfilment and meaning.

Ultimately, this conversation embodies the essence of Jacinta's ethos – a rare blend of achievement and humility, of success and service. It's a testament to her unwavering dedication to igniting human progress and fostering a more beautiful world for us all.

Takeaways

• Self-awareness is crucial for leadership and personal growth.
• Being curious and open-minded is key to cultivating self-awareness.
• We need to ask ourselves honest questions about how we show up and make decisions.
• Developing self-awareness requires reflection, mindfulness, and a willingness to challenge our own beliefs and behaviours.
• By breaking down our ego and developing self-awareness, we can level up as leaders in all aspects of life. Bravery involves being honest with oneself and having vulnerable conversations.
• Integration is crucial for transformation and involves grounding experiences in the body.
• The goal is to empower individuals to step into their potential and take the next step.
• The vision for Brave Spaces is to impact as many people as possible by training facilitators.
• The ultimate message is to be brave and step in.

Chapters:

• 00:00 The Importance of Self-Awareness in Leadership and Personal Growth
• 34:21 Asking Ourselves Honest Questions: How Do We Show Up?
• 43:56 Connection: Accepting and Loving Ourselves
• 57:47 Integration: Embodying Experiences and Feeling Grounded

https://www.bravespaces.com.au/

https://www.jacintamcdonell.com.au/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's fast-paced world, the urgency of transitioning towards renewable energies is more apparent than ever. The latest report from the International Energy Agency reveals a staggering surge in renewable electricity capacity with solar leading the charge. This data underscores the imperative driving this global shift—a necessity rooted in hard data and undeniable momentum.

But amidst these groundbreaking advancements, one question remains: How can we make these innovations accessible and affordable for all? Today, we'll explore a solution that not only addresses this challenge but also offers a compelling path towards a sustainable future.

Our guest today, Dean Spaccavento, co-founder of Reposit Power, has pioneered a solution that proves it's cheaper to save the world than to ruin it. Reposit Power's innovative approach integrates solar power, batteries, and a shared network of energy, providing sustainable and cost-effective solutions to power up homes and communities.

In my conversation with Dean, we unlock his determination to shed light on the urgency of addressing climate change. We delve into the historical evolution of electricity and the remarkable progress made in embracing renewable energy sources. Dean explains how Reposit Power's groundbreaking technology moves electricity efficiently across time and space, meeting consumer needs while transforming communities on a global scale.

But we don't stop there. Dean shares insights on the role of renewable energy in underprivileged areas, the challenges and opportunities of solar energy adoption, and the transformative potential of skipping centralised infrastructure. We also explore the changing sentiments towards the climate crisis, entrepreneurship's vital space between and social impact, the future of electric cars, and venture into the cutting edge of emerging technologies shaping the energy industry's future.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Purpose

03:30 Personal Journey and Purpose

09:19 Historical Evolution of Electricity

16:10 Progress in Embracing Renewable Energy

24:30 Technical Aspects and Benefits of Reposit Power

27:10 Shared Network and Community Power

28:48 Global Potential of Reposit Power

29:08 Access to Power in Underprivileged Areas

30:19 The Inconvenience of Solar Energy

31:13 Opportunity to Skip Centralized Infrastructure

32:11 The Role of Technology in Helping Economies Catch Up

33:18 Changing Sentiments in Relation to the Climate Crisis

34:19 The Need for Leadership and Incentives to Address Climate Change

35:50 Finding the Space In Between in Entrepreneurship

38:37 The Role of Reposit Power in EV Charging Infrastructure

42:46 Collaboration Between Reposit Power and Car Manufacturers

44:52 Emerging Technologies and Trends in the Energy Industry

47:45 Reposit Power's Goals and Milestones

51:54 The Importance of Recognizing New Technology

53:43Creating Certainty in Energy Solutions

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, we're delving into a vital question: What does it truly take to cultivate a purpose-driven, human-centric workplace where every individual's potential is not just acknowledged, but actively nurtured and celebrated?

While it may seem obvious that organisations would prioritise a human-first approach, the reality often falls short, with investment in employee development typically reserved for executives, leaders, and high potentials, leaving many behind.

So, as leaders, how do we dismantle outdated hierarchies to ensure that every individual's unique and shared potential is realised?

How do we embrace a more inclusive, purposeful, egalitarian view of our colleagues and co-workers?

And how can technology empower us to ignite all of the above?

To shed light on these questions, we're thrilled to welcome Fiona Vale and Paul Rush, the co-founders of Humanico, who are revolutionising how organisations cultivate their most valuable asset—their employees. Over the last year, Paul and Fi have navigated the unpredictable waves of startup life, gearing up for expansion after a series of successes. They secured nearly $1 million in Seed funding last year and were honoured with the Burning Heroes Award for Global Reach in November. This year, they're poised to expand Humancio's mission globally.

So Humanico's solution is a Human Map - which stands as the world's first digital interactive map of employees. This cloud-based platform visualises employee capabilities and engagement levels in a dashboard, providing data-driven insights that empower executives to optimise their workforce effectively.

With disengaged employees costing organisations trillions of dollars in lost productivity annually and workplaces struggling to keep pace with evolving trends, Humanico's AI-powered talent management platform offers a promising solution to enhance employee engagement and retention in today's competitive talent landscape.

Having Paul and Fi join me in the studio was an absolute joy as we explored a range of topics, from unlocking human potential to driving organisational transformation with a people-first approach. Our conversation spanned purpose, diversity, and inclusion, as well as the transformative potential of community building.

We also examined the surprising ways in which AI and technology can amplify human connection and experience. Throughout our discussion, Fi and Paul shared invaluable insights and highlights from their remarkable entrepreneurial journey. I'm confident you'll find this conversation as enlightening as I did. Welcome to another episode of the podcast.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Purpose

04:03 Fiona Vale's Journey to Humanico

08:27 Paul Rush's Journey to Humanico

13:57 Challenges in Human Asset Management

23:17 Embracing Mindset Shifts in a Changing Workplace

28:17 Leveraging Agile Frameworks for Human Performance

37:22 Building Internal Communities and Tribes

40:25 The Power of Communities and Positive Psychology

42:06 Data-Driven Decision Making and Intelligent Intuition

42:32 Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

45:48 Recognizing Diversity of Thought

47:43 Understanding Thought Process through Clifton Strengths Assessment

49:28 Playing to Strengths and Building Trust

53:13 Amplifying the Human Experience with AI

58:17 The Nature of Human Purpose and Meaning in the Workplace

01:03:46 Seamless Integration of Mergers and Acquisitions

01:11:05 Navigating the Challenges of Being a Female Co-founder

01:19:03 The Importance of Timing and Embracing Individual Identity

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.