Making Work Not Suck: Fresh Perspectives with Rachel Platt

Making Work Not Suck: Fresh Perspectives with Rachel Platt

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2279957/fan_mail/new] Welcome back to another episode of Discover Fresh Perspectives! This week, host David Gouthro sits down with leadership and people strategy expert Rachel Platt for an honest conversation about a challenge we can all relate to: how to make work "not suck"! Drawing on her experience working with organizations and leadership teams, Rachel delves into the signs of a workplace culture that’s faltering—think high turnover, disengaged employees, and unclear expectations—and explores practical, budget-friendly ways to create meaningful change. From empowering managers and ditching the “ping pong table culture” myth, to fostering genuine curiosity and learning from mistakes (without blame), this episode is packed with real-life examples, actionable insights, and a dose of humour. Whether you’re a leader searching for ways to engage your team, or you simply want your workplace to feel more energizing and less draining, David Gouthro and Rachel Platt offer candor, clarity, and a few fresh perspectives that might just change the way you think about work. A Bit About Rachel Rachel Platt is a dedicated consultant specializing in leadership and team dynamics. Throughout her career, Rachel has worked closely with leadership teams who often feel challenged by lack of engagement and initiative among employees—likening the experience to “pulling teeth” and reading minds. She’s also deeply empathetic to the employee perspective, observing how rising expectations and stagnating compensation can leave individuals drained and unfulfilled at work. Her insightful approach bridges the gap between organizational leaders and their teams, helping workplaces become more connected, effective, and motivating environments for everyone. For More Info Rachel's Website: PLATTinum Consulting [https://www.plattinumconsulting.com] Rachel's LinkedIn Profile [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelplatt/] *************************************************************** You can connect with David Gouthro at: * Website:https://davidgouthro.com/ [https://davidgouthro.com/]  (where you can also subscribe to my Blog) * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidgouthro/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidgouthro/] NOTE: If you wish to join in the podcast fun, please click here to book your own episode with me: https://calendly.com/gouthro/podcast-pals [https://calendly.com/gouthro/podcast-pals]!

Staying Relevant in the AI Age: Wisdom from Terry Brock

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2279957/fan_mail/new] Welcome to Discover Fresh Perspectives! In today’s episode, host David Gouthro sits down with renowned technology expert and speaker, Terry Brock, to explore the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence. From demystifying what AI truly is and discussing its transformative potential, to tackling common myths and concerns, this conversation dives deep into how AI is changing every aspect of our lives and work. You'll hear real-world examples—from saving lives in medicine to revolutionizing research—and learn why embracing change and continuous learning is crucial in this AI-driven era. Whether you’re a skeptic, enthusiast, or just curious about where technology is heading, Terry brings clarity, humour, and actionable advice for engaging with AI in practical, responsible ways. Don't miss out on this wide-ranging exploration about the opportunities and challenges of our tech-powered future! A Bit About Terry! Terry Brock has always been fascinated by technology and its power to transform lives. Throughout his career, he has explored how innovations, like artificial intelligence, can help us accomplish tasks faster and more efficiently than ever before. Terry recognizes that AI brings tremendous benefits—from automating activities to unlocking new possibilities—and believes it can change our world for the better if we approach it thoughtfully. Yet, he also acknowledges the need to address potential challenges that come with any new technology. By championing responsible and positive use, Terry aims to guide others toward making the most of AI’s promise in an ever-changing world. Please check out Terry's Website [https://terrybrock.com] or his LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/marketerterrybrock/]to learn more! *************************************************************** You can connect with David Gouthro at: * Website:https://davidgouthro.com/ [https://davidgouthro.com/]  (where you can also subscribe to my Blog) * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidgouthro/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidgouthro/] NOTE: If you wish to join in the podcast fun, please click here to book your own episode with me: https://calendly.com/gouthro/podcast-pals [https://calendly.com/gouthro/podcast-pals]!

Building Self Worth in Kids in Crisis . . . with Suzanne Simpson

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2279957/fan_mail/new] This week on Discover Fresh Perspectives, host David Gouthro welcomes guest Suzanne Simpson, an educator with deep experience supporting kids in crisis. Drawing from her many years as a French immersion teacher and her time teaching on a psychiatric unit, Suzanne shares her passion for helping youth who struggle with issues like anxiety, depression, and trauma. She offers powerful stories and research-backed insights into what kids truly need most from adults—highlighting the transformative impact of support, understanding, care, and authentic connection. Whether working with students facing debilitating mental health challenges or those simply struggling with self-worth, Suzanne explains how building a sense of belonging and success can change a young person’s life trajectory. She also tackles the tough realities of parenting, the importance of taking responsibility without shame, and why real healing for kids in crisis often begins long before clinical intervention. If you care about youth mental health, this episode delivers practical wisdom, heartfelt encouragement, and a fresh perspective on what it really means to see and support young people through their hardest times. A Bit About Suzanne Suzanne Simpson has always been passionate about supporting children in crisis. After spending 20 years teaching French immersion—a highly regarded and competitive program in Canada—Suzanne discovered her true calling by reaching out to students who struggled with learning disorders, low self-worth, and mental health challenges, even within this elite environment. Her work began by recognizing and advocating for those kids who needed extra support, sparking a lifelong commitment to helping children overcome adversity and thrive. For More Info Suzanne's Website [https://www.drsuzannesimpson.com] Suzanne's LinkedIn Profile [https://www.linkedin.com/in/drsuzannesimpson/] *************************************************************** You can connect with David Gouthro at: * Website:https://davidgouthro.com/ [https://davidgouthro.com/]  (where you can also subscribe to my Blog) * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidgouthro/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidgouthro/] NOTE: If you wish to join in the podcast fun, please click here to book your own episode with me: https://calendly.com/gouthro/podcast-pals [https://calendly.com/gouthro/podcast-pals]!

Tackling Complex Community Issues through Connection and Collaboration with Dan Olivieri

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2279957/fan_mail/new] On this episode of Discover Fresh Perspectives, host David Gouthro sits down with consultant Dan Olivieri for a candid conversation about tackling complex community issues—like housing affordability, homelessness, and social service inequity—in bold and collaborative ways. Drawing on nearly two decades of experience in human performance, organizational effectiveness, and local government, Dan shares his approach to bringing the right people to the table and creating environments where true dialogue, trust, and change can happen. In this episode, you’ll hear practical insights about moving beyond ego to address the real needs of communities, the critical role of relationship-building among diverse stakeholders, and why telling the human stories behind nonprofit work can transform both community impact and funding. Whether you’re looking to spark meaningful collaboration or just want to think differently about the problems facing modern cities, this conversation is packed with strategies, anecdotes, and inspiration for making a difference—together. A Bit About Dan Dan Olivieri is dedicated to tackling the complex social challenges that affect communities on a large scale. Recognizing that these issues require innovative thinking and collaboration, Dan’s work centres on bringing diverse voices together and setting egos aside to focus on the heart of the problem.  Through fostering open dialogue and creative approaches, Dan strives to honour the complexity of these challenges while ultimately driving towards clear, effective solutions. For More Info Dan's Website [https://www.system2consulting.ca] Dan's LinkedIn Profile [https://www.linkedin.com/in/system2/] *************************************************************** You can connect with David Gouthro at: * Website:https://davidgouthro.com/ [https://davidgouthro.com/]  (where you can also subscribe to my Blog) * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidgouthro/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidgouthro/] NOTE: If you wish to join in the podcast fun, please click here to book your own episode with me: https://calendly.com/gouthro/podcast-pals [https://calendly.com/gouthro/podcast-pals]!

Lessons in Leadership and Life from 1,100 Skydives with Lana Starchuck

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2279957/fan_mail/new] Welcome to another episode of Discover Fresh Perspectives! This week, David Gouthro sits down with Lana Starchuck, a seasoned skydiver who brings more than just adrenaline to the conversation. With nearly 1,100 jumps under her belt and a unique approach to team formation skydiving, Lana shares insight-packed analogies between life on the ground and life in the sky. Together, they explore how principles like trust, awareness, confidence, and embracing failure are essential not just for successful skydives, but for navigating organizational change, personal growth, and everyday challenges. In this episode, you’ll hear what it takes to coordinate hundreds of skydivers, why fear can be a springboard for opportunity, and how “Plan B” in skydiving relates to risk management in life and work. Lana also previews her upcoming book and leaves you with practical questions to turn avoidance into action. If you’ve ever wondered what parachute mishaps can teach you about leadership, resilience, or making bold moves, this conversation is sure to lift you up with fresh perspectives and actionable advice. Tune in to get inspired by sky-high wisdom—no jumpsuit required! A Bit About Lana Lana Starchuck began her journey in competitive skydiving in 2007, quickly immersing herself in the sport’s vibrant community. Starting out at lower levels, she eventually became part of two, four-person teams and has competed nationally at both indoor and outdoor skydiving events. She also participated in a 250-person skydive attempt at Skydive Chicago in 2025.  In these disciplines, adult athletes—many with families and careers—form intricate shapes in the sky, gripping each other’s arms and legs to create set patterns that correspond to letters and numbers.  Lana’s passion for teamwork and her commitment to the sport have seen her soar to great heights, literally and figuratively, as she continues to embrace the challenge and camaraderie of competitive skydiving. For More Info Lana's Website [https://lanastarchuck.com] Signature Keynote [https://static1.squarespace.com/static/54cd4a7ae4b0cc4e11707edc/t/69446d38c828e26098f98573/1766092088380/Lana+Starchuck+Media+Kit_DEC172025.pdf] Lana's LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lanastarchuck/] *************************************************************** You can connect with David Gouthro at: * Website:https://davidgouthro.com/ [https://davidgouthro.com/]  (where you can also subscribe to my Blog) * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidgouthro/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidgouthro/] NOTE: If you wish to join in the podcast fun, please click here to book your own episode with me: https://calendly.com/gouthro/podcast-pals [https://calendly.com/gouthro/podcast-pals]!