052 - Say "Yes, And!" to Long Term Adaptability with Alexander Bolkhovsky [From the Vault!]

055 - Say 'Yes, And!' to Change, AI, and Adaptability with Terrence Ryan

What happens when you go through 14 reorganizations and 7 managers in just two years? In this episode, I sit down with my longtime friend Terrence Ryan, a Developer Relations Manager at Google Cloud specializing in AI, to talk about what it really takes to navigate relentless change, without burning out, disengaging, or simply resisting reality. Terry shares practical strategies he's learned from nearly two decades in tech, including how to manage uncertainty, what leaders get wrong during times of change, and why radical acceptance may be one of the most underrated skills for success. We also dive into the biggest change facing nearly every industry right now: AI. Terry shares a refreshingly practical take on how to think about artificial intelligence, avoid the hype, and actually start using it in ways that make you more effective instead of more overwhelmed. Along the way, we also explore improv, adaptability, office politics, empathy, and why learning to say "That's interesting… let me think about it" might be one of the most powerful phrases in work and life. Key Takeaways * A practical strategy for handling uncertainty during organizational change * How leaders can communicate change without causing unnecessary anxiety * Why people struggle more with being blindsided than with change itself * The surprising connection between improv comedy and professional adaptability * Terry's take on AI: "We're selling power tools, not robots" * How to start experimenting with AI without getting overwhelmed * Why empathy may become an even more important skill in an increasingly technical world Relevant Links * Connect with Terry on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/terrencepryan/] * Learn more about Avish: Avish Parashar Website [https://avishparashar.com?utm_source=chatgpt.com] * Get Avish's book: Say "Yes, And! To Change. [https://a.co/d/07L4QY2Q]

054 - Say "Yes, And!" to Innovation at Work with Melissa Dinwiddie

In this episode I sit down with innovation strategist, improviser, and author Melissa Dinwiddie to talk about her new book, Innovation at Work: 52 Micro-Experiments for Brave Leaders Who Want to Unstick Teams, Spark Ideas, and Build What's Next. Melissa shares how organizations can build real cultures of innovation—not through giant retreats or complicated systems, but through small, playful, repeatable "micro-experiments" woven into everyday work. We explore why psychological safety matters, how constraints actually fuel creativity, the hidden danger of perfectionism, and why leaders must create environments where people feel safe enough to experiment, fail, and learn. As two improv-minded creatives, we also dive into how improvisation principles apply directly to leadership, innovation, and organizational change. If your team feels stuck, overwhelmed, overly cautious, or trapped in "innovation theater," this episode offers practical ideas you can start applying immediately. Key Takeaways * Why innovation often fails inside organizations * The difference between valuing innovation and practicing innovation * How "micro-experiments" create sustainable change * Why psychological safety is foundational for creativity * The power of constraints in unlocking innovation * How perfectionism blocks progress and experimentation * Why "making crap" is essential to breakthrough thinking * The role of curiosity in leadership and communication * How playfulness lowers defensiveness and increases engagement * Why teams underestimate other people's willingness to help Relevant Links * Melissa Dinwiddie Official Website [https://melissadinwiddie.com?utm_source=chatgpt.com] * Innovation at Work Book Page [https://melissadinwiddie.com/publications/innovation-at-work/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] * Melissa Dinwiddie on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissadinwiddie/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] * Innovation at Work on Amazon [https://a.co/d/04P4THBq]

053 - Say "Yes, And!" to My New Book!

Today is the day is launch day for my new book, "Say 'Yes, And!' to Change"!!! You can get it here: https://SayYesAndtoChange.com [https://SayYesAndtoChange.com] The E-Book is $0.99 during launch week! Thanks, and keep saying "Yes, And!"

052 - Say "Yes, And!" to Long Term Adaptability with Alexander Bolkhovsky [From the Vault!]

This week I am pulling one of my favorite interviews out from the archives. Why? Three reasons: 1. My last episode with Anish Mahajan really did quite well, so I wanted to follow up with another episode with an "industry veteran." 2. Since that episode did well, I wanted new subscribers to get an episode of a similar format. 3. I have been super busy myself preparing for the launch of my new book, Say "Yes, And!" to Change. You can learn all about that here: http://SayYesAndToChange.com [http://sayyesandtochange.com] Here's the episode info: In this episode, I sit down with one of my oldest friends and longtime ExxonMobil leader, Alexander Bolkhovsky, for a deep dive into leadership, motivation, and navigating organizational change. Over his 27-year career with ExxonMobil, Alex has held roles across engineering, technology, sales, and global strategy. But more than the titles, it's his mindset—curious, adaptable, and people-first—that makes him a standout. We explore everything from leading massive reorganizations and setting "impossible" goals to staying energized when your to-do list feels endless. Whether you're managing a team or just trying to lead yourself, this episode is packed with gold. 💡 Key Takeaways * Why adaptability is a learned skill, not an innate trait * How "bold goals" create breakthrough thinking—even if you don't hit them * The leadership superpower of assuming positive intent * How to balance long-term strategy with short-term urgency * The real reason motivation and fun matter more than discipline * Simple systems for making your workweek more productive and more enjoyable 🔗 Relevant Links * Connect with Alex on LinkedIn: Alexander Bolkhovsky [https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexander-bolkhovsky-a86b834/] * Learn more about Avish and the "Yes, And!" approach: avishparashar.com [https://www.avishparashar.com]

051 - Say "Yes, And!" to Leadership, Listening, and Change with Anish Mahajan

In this episode, I sit down with my longtime friend (all the way back to childhood!) Dr. Anish Mahajan for a fascinating conversation about leadership, listening, and leading through uncertainty. Anish has led at the highest levels of healthcare and public health, from helping implement the Affordable Care Act to leading a major public hospital through the COVID crisis in Los Angeles. What I loved about this conversation is how much of it applies far beyond healthcare. We talk about why great leaders listen first, how to navigate skepticism and resistance, what it means to lead with humility, and how to make decisions when the stakes are high and the answers are unclear. Whether you lead a team, run a business, or are simply trying to respond better to change, this episode is packed with practical wisdom. Key Takeaways * Great leaders listen before they lead * Relationships are foundational to effective leadership * Skepticism and curiosity can coexist * In times of crisis, leaders must return to the core mission * Leadership requires both collaboration and decisiveness * Change is easier when people feel heard * Sometimes the hardest path creates the biggest impact Links * Connect with Dr. Anish Mahajan: https://www.anishmahajan.com/ [https://www.anishmahajan.com/] * Subscribe to the podcast: https://pod.link/1767790956 [https://pod.link/1767790956] * Virtual Book Launch Party for Say "Yes, And!" to Change: https://avishparashar.com/BookLaunchParty [https://avishparashar.com/BookLaunchParty]