It's a Fine Line: Not All Discomfort Signals Growth

Escaping Toxic Productivity: How to Design a More Intentional Life

In this episode of Thriving in the Messy Middle, host Amy P Wilkins converses with Jean Batthany, a groundbreaking thinker in regenerative creativity. Jean shares her journey from corporate success to personal challenges, including the loss of a job and a family member, which prompted a life-changing pause. Jean shares her exceptional journey from being a Chief Creative Officer to embarking on a path of introspection and growth. Jean's story is a beacon for anyone grappling with the challenges of constant productivity pressures. Tune in to discover how pausing isn't a moment of inefficiency but a critical element in nurturing creativity and fostering effective leadership. Listen in as Jean reveals the transformative power of taking deliberate pauses to harness creativity and restore well-being. Key Takeaways * The Art of Pause: Taking intentional pauses can restore creativity and foster productivity rather than deplete it. * Shifting Paradigms: Toxic productivity and constant hustle are not sustainable; regenerative creativity offers a fulfilling alternative. * Impact of Life Events: Transformative personal experiences can provoke profound career and lifestyle shifts. * Micro Pauses: Incorporating small, consistent pauses throughout the day helps reduce stress and improve cognitive function. * Systemic Change: Creating cultures of safety and collaboration is vital for unleashing human creativity and potential. Jean Batthany Quotes Pause isn't just a woo-woo personal indulgence. It's a proven way to reduce chronic stress and perform actually better.Are we creating cultures where ideas and people can truly thrive?When you take a step back, you notice what wasn't working and pave the pathway to regenerative creativity.We're human beings, not human doings.The world and the industry need creativity and human ingenuity more than ever. That's our superpower: return to human.It sounds so cliché, but you cannot pour from an empty cup. You cannot take care of others when you're at a deficit. Mentioned in this EpisodeJean's LinkedIn post: I'm not going anywhere." [https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:6995999248764874752/] Jean's TEDx Talk: The Art of the Pause [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lc1e4IUm3Tw] About Jean Batthany, Founder / Chief Creative Officer, The Art of the Pause [https://www.artofthepause.org/] Honored as one of Business Insider's 30 Most Creative Women in Advertising, Jean Batthany [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanbatthany/] is ruthlessly committed to creating impact. She is the founder of Art of the Pause [https://www.artofthepause.org/] and a pioneer of Regenerative Creativity. After 30 years in the business of creativity, Jean has created a new operating system and the conditions for ideas to flow with abundance vs being extracted through fear and scarcity. She has spoken at TEDx, Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity, and NASA JPL. As Walmart's first Chief Creative Officer, she led their evolution from a transactional company to an emotional brand. As VP, Global Creative at Disney, Jean transformed the in- house team into an award-winning integrated agency. She grew up making and leading creative agency side at DDB, Merkley + Partners, M+C Saatchi, BBDO, Saatchi, and is currently a fractional CCO, collaborating with mission-driven brands to win hearts, minds, spirits, and wallets. Jean Batthany LinkedIn Profile [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanbatthany/] Jean's websites: Art of the Pause [https://www.artofthepause.org/] and Jean Batthany Creative [https://www.jeanbatthanycreative.com/] Jean's TEDx Talk [https://youtu.be/lc1e4IUm3Tw?si=Fg1IIT9MNXJ7jjQY]

Behind the Scenes: How Messy Moments Make Strong Leaders

In this Messy Middle Moment, host Amy P Wilkins delves into the importance of authenticity and transparency as a leader. Amy candidly shares a personal story about a challenging day that serves to highlight the pressures leaders face to appear perfect, and how showing vulnerability can positively impact workplace culture. She reflects on how leaders inadvertently model behaviors that either empower or inhibit their teams. This episode provides a safe space for women leaders to glean insights into effectively navigating life's uncertainties without losing their core identity. Throughout the episode, Amy emphasizes that true leadership is not about maintaining a perfect exterior but about being real and relatable. Amy uses her own experiences to unpack themes of vulnerability, creativity, and the freedom that comes with embracing imperfection. By allowing others to see the "messy" parts of leadership, Amy contends that leaders can foster environments where their teams feel empowered to be innovative and open. This thought-provoking episode connects with listeners who find themselves in the throes of the "messy middle," encouraging them to embrace these moments with confidence and grace. Key Takeaways * Authentic leadership involves showing vulnerability and admitting imperfection. * Embracing the "messy" parts of life can foster a more creative and open environment within teams. * The way leaders present themselves impacts workplace culture, including attitudes toward rest, uncertainty, and accountability. * Leadership isn't about having all the answers; it's about creating a safe space for others to contribute and grow. * Consistently projecting perfection can hinder honest communication and stifle creativity. Quotes When we let a little bit of the messy show, we give people permission to be human.If we pretend we always have the answer, people learn to hide their uncertainty.What we make visible as leaders matters.Leadership asks for presence. It asks for accountability, but it doesn't ask us to be perfect.Creativity lives in spaces where people feel safe enough to speak, to try, not to have it all figured out.

Embracing Vulnerability: A Journey of Growth, Faith, and Resilience

In this engaging episode of Thriving in the Messy Middle, host Amy P Wilkins speaks with Kenetta Bailey, a respected marketing leader, about navigating uncertainty and transitions in both professional and personal life. Kenetta shares her journey from thriving as a high-level marketer for renowned brands like Pepsi and Sony to overcoming personal trials. She emphasizes the importance of remaining open to new opportunities and how her career path has been shaped by unexpected yet fortuitous challenges. With experience across diverse industries, Kenetta highlights her adaptability and strategic leadership style that have propelled her success. Amidst the backdrop of career transitions, Kenetta recounts a pivotal messy middle moment involving personal upheaval when her father's health declined. She speaks candidly about stepping away from her professional life to take care of her aging parents, an experience that was both challenging and growth-inducing. Throughout this personal story, Kenetta underscores the significance of prioritizing what truly matters, learning from experiences, and being unapologetically true to oneself. As the conversation evolves, the focus shifts to adapting in dynamic professional landscapes, like adopting AI technologies and navigating organizational changes, and how these instances underscore the necessity of continuous learning and flexibility in the workplace. Discover insights on career agility, the importance of vulnerability, and embracing change with courage and resilience. The conversation touches on leadership, the evolving landscape of AI, and finding balance in life's messy middle moments. Key Takeaways * Adaptability in Career Transitions: Kanetta discusses the importance of being adaptable and open to seizing new opportunities while turning challenges into stepping stones for career growth. * Prioritizing Personal Responsibilities: The episode delves into Kanetta's decision to take a professional hiatus to care for her parents, illustrating the importance of prioritizing family and well-being. * Leading Through Change: Insights into leading teams through organizational shifts, focusing on transparency and the transferability of skills to navigate transitions effectively. * Unlearning and Relearning: Emphasis on the necessity to continuously evolve in the face of technological advancements such as AI, highlighting the importance of being proactive and adaptive. * Personal and Professional Support Systems: The significance of building a robust network, or a 'personal board of directors,' for guidance in both personal and professional spheres. Kenetta Bailey Quotes I've never been afraid of a challenge. If you challenge me, I'm taking you up on it.We've got to be comfortable being uncomfortable.Taking care of the people who took care of me made me a better and more compassionate leader.You can't take yourself too seriously all the time. You've got to protect your mental health.Be yourself, but always be true to who you are and what's important to you.I love to give people advice if they are seeking it, but I don't mean that my advice is the only way that something could be done. Mentioned in this Episode About Kenetta Bailey Kenetta Bailey [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenettabailey/] is a global marketing, communications, and growth executive with 25+ years of experience building and transforming B2B and B2C brands across advertising, media, consumer packaged goods, and entertainment. Known for driving revenue and building high-performing teams, she has a track record of delivering measurable results, from audience growth and digital innovation to product launches and P&L management, for some of the world's most recognized companies. Most recently, Kenetta served as SVP, Marketing at Clear Channel Outdoor Americas, where she led a high-performing team to create data-driven content, enterprise storytelling, and integrated ad sales and product marketing materials, generating multi-million-dollar revenue growth through a full marketing mix including SEO, paid search, and AI-powered search strategies across the company's 28-market footprint. She transformed and relaunched the company's social and digital presence into lead-generating platforms, co-championed CSR and partnership marketing with national nonprofit organizations, and was selected by the CEO to define and implement the company's Mission, Vision, and Values, then led the cross- functional effort to cascade them through the culture, driving measurable improvements in employee engagement and retention. Prior to Clear Channel, Kenetta held senior marketing leadership roles at CBS Radio, WPP/GroupM, Comcast/TV One, AMC Networks, NBC Universal, and Sony Music, and began her career in consumer packaged goods at PepsiCo and Kraft. Across these roles, she drove brand reinventions, launched new networks, won major global accounts, and delivered double- and triple-digit growth. Today, Kenetta is the Founder of The Marketing Den, a consultancy delivering strategy, AI- powered MarComms, growth marketing, media, and digital services to B2B, B2C, and nonprofit clients. Beyond her executive career, Kenetta has served on the boards of the Alliance for Women in Media, Arts Horizons, New Classrooms, and Planned Parenthood Federation of America, and taught persuasive and crisis communications to MBA students at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. Kenetta holds a bachelor's and master's degree in journalism from Northwestern University's Medill School and an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern. Kenetta Bailey LinkedIn Profile [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenettabailey/]

It's a Fine Line: Not All Discomfort Signals Growth

In this episode of Thriving in the Messy Middle, hosted by leadership coach Amy P Wilkins, listeners are invited to explore the often-overlooked phases of discomfort and uncertainty in their leadership journeys. Inspired by the conversation with Viktoria Degtar [https://chooseawe.com/the-truth-about-leading-through-uncertainty/], Amy addresses the inevitable moments in life when things seem messy and unclear, offering insights into how distinguishing among types of discomfort can lead to personal growth. This solo episode stands out as it delves into the nuanced differences between expansive and depleting discomfort, urging listeners to carefully assess their emotions and energy to understand which path they are on. Throughout the discussion, Amy unravels the complex emotions tied to discomfort, a necessary part of growth and change, and the courage it takes to assess whether such discomfort is truly pushing one forward or simply a signal of misalignment. As she reflects on personal experiences, she notes key triggers that helped her discern when to embrace challenges and when to recognize situations that were detrimental to her well-being. This theme resonates heavily with women leaders striving to reconcile personal empowerment with professional growth in unpredictable environments. Join her in understanding how to identify and move through these pivotal moments, leading with awareness and choice. Key Takeaways * Understanding Discomfort: Recognize that not all discomfort signals growth; distinguish between expansive and depleting discomfort to navigate life's challenges effectively. * Energy as a Signal: Use your energy levels as an indicator: expansive discomfort energizes and motivates, while depleting discomfort drains and disconnects. * Reflection and Awareness: Stay reflective and aware in the 'messy middle' to discern the lessons or signals your discomfort may be sending you. * Growth vs. Harm: Growth can be uncomfortable, but it's crucial to identify when discomfort is actually harmful rather than constructive. * Self-trust: Build self-trust and awareness to make informed decisions that honor your personal and professional well-being. Quotes If you're feeling uncomfortable, you're probably right where you need to be.Not all discomfort is the same…some can feel like expansion, some like depletion.The hardest part isn't being uncomfortable; it's knowing which kind you're in.Expansive discomfort might feel scary, but there's still a sense of possibility.Because this is the messy middle, the part of the journey where things aren't clear where you're in it, but you don't yet know what it's here to teach you.For me, it comes down to energy. Expansive discomfort might feel scary, but there's still a sense of possibility. Mentioned in this EpisodeThriving in the Messy Middle E26 The Truth About Leading Through Uncertainty [https://chooseawe.com/the-truth-about-leading-through-uncertainty/] with guest Viktoria Degtar [https://www.linkedin.com/in/viktoria-degtar-a5b1474/]

Balancing Motherhood, Marketing, and Professional Success in a Changing World

In this episode of Thriving in the Messy Middle, host Amy P Wilkins engages in a vibrant conversation with Michele Fino, a strategist renowned for her ability to bridge the realms of marketing and entertainment. Michele sheds light on her unique journey transitioning from corporate roles to running her own consultancy where she helps brands, nonprofits, and tech companies convey their stories through innovative content strategies. Michele's experience as a seasoned storyteller and consultant provides a window into the blend of creativity, leadership, and adaptability needed to succeed. Key topics include navigating the intersection of motherhood and career, the revolution in professional environments brought about by AI, and the importance of authenticity and making meaningful connections. With a particular focus on work-life balance, personal growth, and professional development, Michele offers practical advice for thriving during chaotic times and how meaningful storytelling can drive change and engage audiences. Through this episode, Amy creates a thoughtful space to explore pivotal moments and the challenges of the "messy middle" that women leaders often navigate. Key Takeaways * Balancing Roles: Michelle shares the intricate balance between being a mom and a marketing leader, illustrating the unique challenges and strategies in managing diverse responsibilities. * Career Transitions: Her leap from structured employment to establishing a consultancy highlights adaptability and creativity—keys to mastering the transition from employee to entrepreneur. * Navigating AI: The episode delves into how AI is transforming marketing, offering insights into leveraging technology while mitigating associated workforce challenges. * Storytelling & Strategy: Michelle emphasizes the power of storytelling in marketing, illustrating how purpose-driven strategies can bring brands to life. * Valuable Networking: Personal connections and remembered details about others can significantly enrich professional relationships and open doors to new opportunities. Michele Fino Quotes I like working for myself and helping as many companies as I possibly can.The definition of insanity is doing the same thing and expecting different results.Get out there and meet people. Remember something about them.The value of a firm handshake, eye contact, and a smile. You don't get that from staying in a cube all day for nine hours.It's important to know what you're good at and what you're not good at. Mentioned in this EpisodeBeth Comstock [https://bethcomstock.info/] About Michele Fino Michele Fino [https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelefino/] is the principal of her own minority owned, woman-run Branded Entertainment strategy consultancy. She is a Creative & Connected Strategic StorySeller. She helps brands, non-profits, production companies, media companies, tech companies, and networks with their content strategy and their StorySelling. She speaks at major conferences, runs thoughtful roundtables at events, & jumps in for creative ideations at agencies & brands. She believes that great storytelling can elicit behavior change. . . but people have to see it first. She is an idea generator that also plans, makes the right connections & writes deal terms for branded content, distribution, and marketing. She lives on the UES of NYC, has three kids, and owns a lot of gym shoes, but does not belong to an actual gym. Michele Fino Website [https://fino.marketing/] Michele Fino LinkedIn Profile [https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelefino/]