R.O.G. Return on Generosity

“Luxury is about experiences, not things. We all have the opportunity to give someone a luxury experience.” “Personalization requires information, customization requires connection.” “Listen with your eyes.”   Episode summary | In this episode of ROG, Shannon Cassidy interviews Neen James, a leadership strategist known for her insights on generosity and luxury. Neen shares her background, emphasizing the influence of her mother’s generosity on her life. The conversation explores how generosity can elevate experiences in leadership and the importance of attention in making people feel valued. Neen discusses her research on luxury mindsets, revealing that luxury is a mindset that varies among individuals. The episode concludes with Neen's insights on creating exceptional experiences and the launch of her new book, 'Exceptional Experiences.'   R.O.G. Takeaway Tips | * Generosity transforms leadership and relationships. * Attention is a powerful form of generosity. * Luxury is a mindset, not just about money. * There are four luxury mindsets: reluctant, pro prioritizer, confident, and luxury lover. * Creating exceptional experiences requires understanding individual needs. * Champagne moments can elevate everyday life. * Listening with your eyes enhances communication. * Personalization in leadership fosters connection. * Generosity can be practiced in small, everyday actions. * Luxury experiences can be created without high costs.   Chapters |  00:00 Introduction to Generosity and Leadership 01:54 Neen James: A Journey from Australia to Leadership 06:22 The Role of Generosity in Elevating Experiences 12:33 Redefining Luxury: A Mindset Shift 17:13 Exploring Luxury Mindsets 22:07 Insights from Luxury Research 23:55 The Power of the A Outfit 25:08 Creating Champagne Moments 27:33 The Ripple Effect of Self-Care 30:04 Leading with Intention and Attention 32:52 Understanding Team Mindsets 34:43 Elevating Experiences through Generosity 36:00 Rapid Fire Insights and Reflections   Guest Bio | Neen James is a leadership strategist, dynamic keynote speaker, and the author of Folding Time, Attention Plays, and the upcoming Exceptional Experiences. With boundless energy, quick wit, and actionable insights, she serves as a confidante to C-suite leaders to help them elevate experiences and achieve greater focus, communication, and influence. Recently appointed to the board of the World Luxury Chamber of Commerce, James has been named one of the Top 30 Leadership Speakers by Global Gurus multiple years in a row for her work with some of the world’s most prestigious brands, including Viacom, Comcast, Virtuoso Travel, Four Seasons, and the FBI. She empowers individuals to prioritize what matters most so they can create exceptional experiences that drive results and foster lasting connections. Originally from Australia, James is living her best life in Tampa, Florida.   Guest Resources:  * ExceptionalBook.com  [https://exceptionalbook.com/] * NeenJames.com [http://neenjames.com]   Bridge Between Resources: * 5 Degree Change Course [https://bridgebetween.thinkific.com/] * Free N.D.I. Network Diversity Index  [https://bridgebetween.com/network-diversity-index/] * Free Generosity Quiz [https://bridgebetween.com/generosity-quiz/]    Credits: Bill Straub, Host Shannon Cassidy, [https://bridgebetween.com/coaches/shannon-cassidy] Bridge Between, Inc. Coming Next: Please join us in two weeks, Episode 248, Special Guest, Bill Straub.

“If you give credit to people who deserve it, you will be recognized as a great leader giving your team members the ability to have a voice.” “Trusting your team leads to better outcomes.” “Being able to read a room, understand an audience, disarm when you need to, and uplift when you can is the best gift I can give or offer.”   Episode summary | In this episode of Return on Generosity, host Shannon Cassidy speaks with Jon Sichel, Executive Vice President and General Counsel of Hallmark Media Family Networks. They explore the themes of generosity in leadership, the importance of humor, the value of mentoring, and the balance between compliance and innovation in high-stakes environments. Jon shares personal anecdotes about his upbringing, the influence of his parents, and the lessons learned from both good and bad leadership experiences. The conversation emphasizes the significance of creating a supportive workplace culture where individuals feel valued, their voices heard, and empowered to contribute their best.   R.O.G. Takeaway Tips | * Humor can change the dynamic in stressful situations. * Generosity in leadership fosters a positive workplace culture. * Mentoring relationships are mutually beneficial. * Learning from both good and bad experiences shapes effective leaders. * Navigating change requires empathy and support for colleagues. * Generosity can manifest in small acts of kindness at work. * Listening and understanding are key to effective leadership. * Creating a safe environment encourages innovation and collaboration. * Generosity in the workplace leads to happier employees. * Most challenges in business are solvable with the right mindset.   Chapters |  00:00 Introduction to Generosity in Leadership 02:49 The Role of Humor in Leadership 05:40 Navigating Personal Loss and Growth 07:57 Empowering Teams Through Trust 10:14 Creating a Positive Work Culture 11:19 The Importance of Mentoring 14:23 Learning from Good and Bad Leadership 19:23 Embracing Change and Unexpected Opportunities 22:33 Choosing Positivity in Adversity 25:04 Generosity in High-Stakes Environments 29:50 Navigating Change and Supporting Colleagues 30:07 Balancing Compliance and Innovation 37:19 The Longest Banana Split: A Leadership Feat 41:08 Rapid Fire Insights on Leadership Guest Bio | Jon Sichel is executive vice president, general counsel and head of Business Affairs for Hallmark Media Family Networks, home of three linear networks, Hallmark Channel, Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, and Hallmark Drama; and subscription video-on-demand streaming service, Hallmark+. Sichel is based in New York and reports to Hallmark General Counsel Erin Kobler and President John Matts. In this role, Sichel leads all business and legal affairs matters associated with Hallmark Media, while also providing strategic guidance to the senior leadership team on issues impacting ad sales, marketing, digital, strategic alliances, production, international, and distribution. His oversight includes negotiating content rights, production and distribution agreements, talent deals, entertainment content acquisition, and development-related activities. Sichel serves as the primary legal liaison for the legal team at parent company Hallmark Cards, Inc. Sichel also consults on matters of corporate litigation, intellectual property, employment law, and compliance. Prior to joining Hallmark Media, Sichel was executive vice president of distribution sales and strategy at AMC Networks. Previously, he held various ascending roles at Discovery Inc. and Scripps Networks Interactive (SNI), including general manager of content acquisitions and operations at Discovery. His tenure with SNI also included the international role as managing director of global commercial affairs and managing director of Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Sichel earned a Bachelor of Arts degree with honors from Princeton University and graduated cum laude from Harvard Law School.   Bridge Between Resources: * 5 Degree Change Course [https://bridgebetween.thinkific.com/] * Free N.D.I. Network Diversity Index  [https://bridgebetween.com/network-diversity-index/] * Free Generosity Quiz [https://bridgebetween.com/generosity-quiz/]    Credits: Jon Sichel, Host Shannon Cassidy, [https://bridgebetween.com/coaches/shannon-cassidy] Bridge Between, Inc.   Coming Next: Please join us in two weeks, Episode 247, Special Guest, Neen James.

“Mateship is essentially a code of conduct that embodies friendship, equality, solidarity, and it's often forged in adversity.” “We all have something to give one another.” “Be generous with your time when you can.”   Episode summary | In this episode of the Return on Generosity podcast, host Shannon Cassidy speaks with Shayna Goodworth, a yoga teacher and community builder, about the importance of generosity in both personal and professional settings. Shayna shares her journey from Australia to the United States, her understanding of mateship, and how she fosters community through her initiative, Seagulls. The conversation delves into the healing power of the ocean, the significance of connection, and practical ways to be generous in our daily lives. Shayna emphasizes that generosity is not just about financial giving but about investing time and creating meaningful relationships.   R.O.G. Takeaway Tips | * We grow when we give. * Generosity is about being of service. * Mateship is a code of conduct that embodies friendship and equality. * Creating community is essential for combating loneliness. * Time is the most precious resource we have. * The ocean has profound healing effects on our well-being. * Mindfulness is about being aware of what's going on around us. * We all have something to give one another. * Home is where you make it, and it's in your heart. * Meditation is a crucial part of personal wellness.  Chapters |  00:00 Introduction to Generosity and Community 02:53 Shayna's Journey: From Australia to North Carolina 06:02 Understanding Mateship: Building Connections at Work 09:01 The Mateship Pyramid: Social Connections and Loneliness 12:13 Practical Ways to Be a Good Mate 14:53 Generosity in the Workplace: Personal Experiences 17:47 Seagulls Community: Women, Ocean, and Connection 22:06 Space Holding as Generous Leadership 24:52 Balancing Care for Others and Self-Care 28:05 Lessons from the Ocean: Healing and Growth 31:00 Rapid Fire Questions: Insights and Reflections   Guest Bio | Shayna Goodworth has been a student of yoga since 2012 and to deepen her practice, she took part in a RYT200 hour program in the United Kingdom in 2021 and is passionate about Vinyasa, Yin & Trauma Informed styles of yoga along with meditation as a way to heal the body. Yoga is integral in her daily life and she is currently Longwave’s Yoga resident SeaGal facilitator, devoted to fostering community through a shared connection with the ocean.    Raised on the Central Coast of New South Wales, Australia, her spiritual path began early through learning about the local environment and waterways. This instilled in Shayna a profound respect for nature and the power of place-based connection. Her vision for SeaGals at Longwave and Wrightsville Beach is rooted in this philosophy: to cultivate meaningful bonds among women and create space to ground, reflect, and honor ourselves in unity. Or simply, her mission is centered around Ocean, Women & Community. These three pillars have helped Shayna inform and hone her leadership styles of inclusion, authenticity and humility and she enters her first year as a 30 year old.   Guest Resources:  * Find Seagals at https://longwaveyoga.com/schedule [https://longwaveyoga.com/schedule]  * Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/longwaveyoga/ [https://www.instagram.com/longwaveyoga/] * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/plasticoceanproject.inc/ [https://www.instagram.com/plasticoceanproject.inc/] * A Different Kind of Power by Jacinda Ardern [https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/744301/a-different-kind-of-power-by-jacinda-ardern/] * Figuring out Thirty by Bridget Hustwaite [https://www.penguin.com.au/books/figuring-out-thirty-9781761344862] * Blue Mind by Wallace J. Nichols [https://www.wallacejnichols.org/122/the-blue-mind-movement.html]   Bridge Between Resources: * 5 Degree Change Course [https://bridgebetween.thinkific.com/] * Free N.D.I. Network Diversity Index  [https://bridgebetween.com/network-diversity-index/] * Free Generosity Quiz [https://bridgebetween.com/generosity-quiz/]    Credits: Shayna Goodworth, Host Shannon Cassidy, [https://bridgebetween.com/coaches/shannon-cassidy] Bridge Between, Inc. Coming Next: Please join us in two weeks, Episode 246, Special Guest, Jon Sichel.

“Take more risks. Take them early and often.” “I think a generous leader is someone that looks at you for the long view and they see you.” “Generosity is having the courage to also have that moment when you have to deliver that moment that isn’t inspiring, the honest truth that we all sometimes need to hear as well… and encourage them along the way.”   Episode summary | In this episode of ROG, Shannon Cassidy speaks with Gemma Toner, founder and CEO of Tone Networks, about her journey from being an immigrant in the U.S. to becoming a leader in the tech and media industries. They discuss the importance of generosity in leadership, the need for accessible personal development, and the role of feedback in growth. Gemma shares her insights on navigating competition, daily acts of kindness, and the necessity of adaptability in a rapidly changing world. The conversation wraps up with rapid-fire questions that reveal Gemma's personal philosophies and favorite resources.   R.O.G. Takeaway Tips | * Generosity in leadership is about seeing potential in others. * Feedback is a gift that can lead to personal growth. * Taking risks early in your career can open new doors. * Learning should be a continuous and enjoyable process. * Not everyone has access to mentorship; we must create opportunities. * Daily acts of kindness can have a ripple effect on others. * Embracing change and adaptability is crucial in today's world. * Collaboration can lead to unexpected friendships and opportunities. * Curiosity drives innovation and personal development. * You don't have to know everything; asking for help is key.   Chapters |  00:00 Introduction and Farewell to ROG 05:04 Career Journey: From Media to Technology 10:51 Understanding the Needs of Leaders 16:37 Generosity in Leadership 27:15 The Power of Generosity in Community 32:23 Embracing Risks and Learning Opportunities 38:49 The Importance of Feedback and Continuous Growth   Guest Bio | Gemma Toner is a media and telecommunications leader known for driving innovation at the intersection of big data and digital media. As a senior executive in the cable industry for more than 20 years, Gemma experienced firsthand the transformative power of executive coaching and mentoring. With an eye toward helping others advance in the workplace, Gemma therefore created TONE Networks, an award-winning video content platform empowering diverse employees to reach their full potential through virtual, on-demand personal and professional development. Before founding TONE Networks, Toner was SVP of Business Insights and Strategy at Cablevision, where she also held roles in Marketing, Business Development, and Product Management. She led the launch of award-winning, first-to-market products including Optimum Online, Wifi, Rewards, Voice, and Select (interactive ads). Before Cablevision, Toner rose through the ranks at AMC Networks to become SVP, New Media Development. While there, she led the development of new media and interactive opportunities for AMC Networks, positioning the company to capitalize on emerging entertainment platforms. Her entrepreneurial spirit has awarded her a patent for The System and Method for Set Top Box Viewing Data, which enables the use of set top box data to measure audience viewing patterns. Currently, Toner is an active Advisory Council member for the Women’s Business Collaborative and also serves on the Board of Concern Worldwide, an international humanitarian organization. She has also served on the board of publicly traded companies including Sandvine and Engagement Labs, chairperson for CTAM and board member of multiple women’s organizations such as WICT (Women in Cable Television).   Guest Resources:  * TONE Network: www.tonenetworks.com [http://www.tonenetworks.com] * Daring Greatly [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DX6TNR1/?bestFormat=true&k=daring%20greatly%20brene%20brown&ref_=nb_sb_ss_w_scx-ent-pd-bk-d_k0_1_9_de&crid=2DRH9K0F9RR44&sprefix=daring%20gr] by Brene Brown   Bridge Between Resources: * 5 Degree Change Course [https://bridgebetween.thinkific.com/] * Free N.D.I. Network Diversity Index  [https://bridgebetween.com/network-diversity-index/] * Free Generosity Quiz [https://bridgebetween.com/generosity-quiz/]    Credits: Gemma Toner, Host Shannon Cassidy, [https://bridgebetween.com/coaches/shannon-cassidy] Bridge Between, Inc.   Coming Next: Please join us in two weeks, Episode 245, Special Guest, Shayna Goodworth.

“We should always test rigorously new innovation before putting it out in the wild to ensure stability.” “You can't really go after the really big things that you want to achieve if you don't get the small things right.” “One way to think about generosity is about exceeding, you know, expectations of what you're supposed to do and doing things over and above what you're supposed to do.”   Episode summary | In this episode of the ROG Return on Generosity podcast, host Shannon Cassidy interviews Kenon Chen, Executive Vice President of Strategy and Growth at Clear Capital. Kenon shares his unique journey that intertwines music and technology, emphasizing the importance of generous leadership and company culture. He discusses how Clear Capital aims to empower confident real estate decisions and the role of AI in the industry. The conversation also touches on networking with a generous spirit and the legacy Kenon hopes to leave for future leaders.   R.O.G. Takeaway Tips | * Kenon Chen emphasizes the importance of a generous company culture. * Generosity in leadership involves exceeding expectations. * Networking should focus on genuine connections, not just transactional relationships. * Empathy is a crucial leadership value in times of change. * AI can help remove mundane tasks in the housing finance industry. * Kenon believes in the power of music to inspire and energize. * Leadership is about being authentic and true to oneself. * Creating space for others to grow is essential in leadership. * The future of real estate will be shaped by technology and human connection.   Chapters |  00:00 Introduction to Keenan Chen and Clear Capital 03:35 Keenan's Journey: From Music to Technology 05:52 The Intersection of Art and Leadership 08:44 Defining Generous Leadership 11:55 Culture of Generosity in Action 13:55 Networking with a Generous Spirit 19:49 Understanding Clear Capital's Mission 22:10 Practicing Generosity in Leadership 26:11 Legacy and Future Aspirations 27:49 Navigating Disruption: Thriving in a Changing Landscape 28:28 The Human Element in AI: Embracing Change 32:00 Reframing the Narrative: AI as a Catalyst for Growth 34:59 Empathy and Innovation: Balancing Change with Stability 37:09 The Role of AI in Housing Finance: A Vision for the Future 39:33 Authenticity in Leadership: Lessons Learned 41:27 Rapid Fire Insights: Personal Preferences and Reflections   Guest Bio | Kenon Chen, EVP of Strategy and Growth for Clear Capital, embodies the company’s mission of building confidence in real estate decisions to strengthen communities and improve lives. In his current role, Chen sits at the intersection of Clear Capital’s executive, product, marketing, and sales teams, guiding growth and ensuring the delivery of consistent and long-term value to customers and partners alike.    His curiosity and entrepreneurial focus on intuitive, people-first solutions have brought financial technologies to market that have transformed the valuation space. As the industry continues to evolve, Chen remains at the forefront of solutions-driven conversations centered around holistic modernization and innovation – including the role of artificial intelligence (AI) and how to incorporate it into housing finance strategically.    His dedication in these areas has earned him a regular column in HousingWire, a seat at the table on Business Insider’s Workforce Innovation Board, a role as Team Lead in the FHFA Tech Sprint in 2023 and 2024, and speaking slots at prestigious industry conferences across the U.S. Prior to Clear Capital, Chen honed his engineering and tech leadership skills in San Francisco as a director of technology for Roundpeg. He was introduced to the mortgage industry in the early 2000s leading tech projects for a large lender. Chen has been a crucial member of Clear Capital’s leadership team for more than 20 years.   Guest Resources:  * https://www.clearcapital.com/company/about-clear-capital/   Bridge Between Resources: * 5 Degree Change Course [https://bridgebetween.thinkific.com/] * Free N.D.I. Network Diversity Index  [https://bridgebetween.com/network-diversity-index/] * Free Generosity Quiz [https://bridgebetween.com/generosity-quiz/]    Credits: Kenon Chen, Host Shannon Cassidy, [https://bridgebetween.com/coaches/shannon-cassidy] Bridge Between, Inc. Coming Next: Please join us in two weeks, Episode 244, Special Guest, Gemma Toner.