Listen to Lead

Fostering Our Peaceful Natures with Anthropologist Douglas Fry

Dr. Douglas Fry has spent over 40 years studying humanity through an anthropological and cross-cultural indigenous lens. His books — The Human Potential for Peace, Beyond War, and Nurturing Our Humanity — confidently dispel the pervasive myth that our dominant nature is war-like, offering profound insight into what we are capable of as a deeply collaborative and inventive species. Dr. Fry is Professor of Peace and Conflict Studies at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Docent of Cross-Cultural Developmental Psychology at Åbo Akademi University in Finland, and Adjunct Senior Research Scholar at Columbia University's Advanced Consortium on Cooperation, Conflict, and Complexity. In this episode, Douglas gives us a sneak peek into his forthcoming book, Advanced Introduction to Conflict Resolution, available everywhere books are sold. In this episode: * Why our capacity for restraint and reconciliation is as human as our capacity for violence * The difference between "peace as the absence of war" and positive peace * The EU as a modern peace system — and what it teaches us about cooperation * How media war narratives distort our perception of human nature * Indigenous wisdom on conflict resolution and community harmony * What leadership looks like when mediation is the model Timestamps:00:00 Podcast Welcome 02:42 A Childhood Fight Lesson 04:10 Creative Calm in Conflict 05:41 Vietnam Draft and Conscience 07:40 Anthropology Beyond War Myths 11:28 Europe Union as Peace Model 16:59 Positive Peace and Flourishing 19:53 Equality Principle in Peacebuilding 22:26 Reconciliation After Conflict 24:03 Restraint Over Violence 27:25 Hope Through Reciprocity 30:55 Media Militarism Narratives 33:03 Indigenous Conflict Wisdom 38:11 Interdependence And Costs 41:31 Book Wrap And Final Hope

Teaching English in a Society at War with Dr. Roxanna Senyshyn

"How can I help?" This is what Penn State University Success Circle alum and Ukrainian citizen Dr. Roxanna Senyshyn (Assc Prof Applied Linguistics and Communication) asked when her country was attacked in 2022. She shares her journey to answering this question. Her book, "Voices of Courage and Vulnerability", is a compilation of stories from Ukrainian English language educators navigating ongoing conflict. Through their words, we witness the transformative power of language learning as an act of resilience and hope. This conversation is a reminder of our indestructible desire to learn, grow, and connect—a testament to the human spirit. Order your copy of Voices of Courage and Vulnerability: https://sunshinestatetesol.wildapricot.org/Sys/Store/Products/374915 [https://sunshinestatetesol.wildapricot.org/Sys/Store/Products/374915] For all things leadership development, visit us at www.the-next-level.com [www.the-next-level.com] #leadershipdevelopment #executivecoaching #successcircles #resilience #ESL #education #Ukraine #listentolead

Choosing Your Fight with Erin Renzas

Erin was killing it as a global marketing executive when she lost motivation. At the same time, she was learning to box. What she learned in the ring fundamentally changed her approach to life and leadership. Today, she leads Fight Co.Lab [https://fightcolab.com/], training top executives to fight with intention, presence, confidence, and deep relationality towards a bigger "why". www.the-next-level.com #Leadership #WomenInBusiness #Boxing #ExecutiveCoaching #CareerDevelopment #PowerDynamics #StrategicThinking #Resilience

Making the Workplace the Best Place with Jaime Klein

Jaime Klein, CEO of ⁠Inspire Human Resources⁠ [https://www.inspirehumanresources.com/]⁠, joins us for an energizing conversation about creating exceptional workplaces. Jaime shares her journey from playground mom to entrepreneur and discusses the evolution of workplace culture over two decades. We discuss: * Best practices for return to office * The changing role of HR as a growth partner rather than rule enforcer * How to maintain professional boundaries while supporting employee wellbeing * Why fractional work models are becoming increasingly vital in today's economy Whether you're a leader looking to improve your organization's culture or someone seeking to understand the future of work, this conversation provides actionable wisdom on making the workplace a great place for everyone. To learn more about Inspire HR, visit www.inspirehumanresources.com [www.inspirehumanresources.com] For all things leadership development, visit us @ www.the-next-level.com [www.the-next-level.com]

Healing Organizational Conflict with Sarah Watson

There's gold in the conflict you're avoiding. Sarah Watson (advertising exec turned advisor and coach) shares her journey from conflict-avoidant leader to helping leaders discover critical insights at the heart of conflict. She shares how to transform the conversations that no one wants to have into the unlock that everyone is asking for. We talk about: * Reframing difficult people as organizational intelligence * The potency of witnessing and how sorely needed that presence is for one another * Building businesses around who you are, not who you wish you were * Using language as a surgical tool for healing deep wounds * Her personal journey of turning her wounds into her mission To learn all about Sarah's work: www.sarahwatsonluminouscoaching.com [www.sarahwatsonluminouscoaching.com] For all things leadership development: www.the-next-level.com [http://www.the-next-level.com]