Business is Human

"When we courageously stand tall in our stories and share them with the world or each other in some way, we give others permission, courage, whatever they need for them to then stand tall in their own stories."In this episode of the Business is Human podcast, host Rebecca Fleetwood Hession sits down with Sarah Gormley, author of 'The Order of Things,' a memoir about chasing joy. Rebecca shares her personal excitement and emotional connection to Sarah's book, emphasizing the theme of detaching self-worth from career achievements. Rebecca and Sarah discussed the juxtaposition of business metrics and human needs, highlighting the importance of storytelling, vulnerability, and empathy in achieving better business outcomes and personal fulfillment. In this episode, you’ll learn:How to overcome struggles with self-worth and identityRedefining success beyond job titles and finding more joy in lifeFinding a meaningful career that aligns with your personal valuesThings to listen for:(00:00) Intro(09:53) Breaking free from the corporate life(11:19) Looking forward to the future(12:14) Struggles of over-achieving women(13:42) Why overachieving women tend to get stuck in a certain career path(15:48) The toxicity of anchoring your identity to your job(21:40) Empowering others by sharing your storyConnect with Sarah:Website: http://www.sarahgormley.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gormleysarah/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scgormley/Connect with Rebecca:https://www.rebeccafleetwoodhession.com/

“It’s about owning and loving your story, no matter how challenging it might be."In this episode of the Business is Human podcast, host Rebecca Fleetwood Hession sits down with Emmy-winning sports broadcaster, author, and keynote speaker Lauren Sisler. They discussed the importance of blending human needs with business strategies to achieve meaningful success. Lauren shares her poignant life story, highlighting her parents' tragic struggle with addiction and how it shaped her journey towards owning her story and helping others. Rebecca and Lauren emphasize the need to balance ambition with vulnerability, making intentional efforts to connect with others meaningfully. The conversation underscores the value of authenticity, overcoming shame, and finding purpose in personal and professional lives. In this episode, you’ll learn:Embracing both the positive and negative aspects of your life experiences is essentialLiving with intention, celebrating small wins, and consistently seeking purpose are key to fulfillmentStaying present and purposeful with your time is crucial to preventing burnoutThings to listen for:(00:00) Understanding the Business is Human Framework(06:08) How to set email boundaries and avoid burnout(14:01) Lauren Sisler’s story of overcoming tragedy(31:09) The unexpected journey of loss(31:47) Inheriting shame and finding healing(32:33) The seven-year transformation(37:39) How to embrace faith and purpose(38:43) The huge impact of sharing our stories(51:47) The power of intentionality(54:16) How to embrace redirectionConnect with Lauren:Website: https://www.laurensisler.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurensisler/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurensisler/?hl=enConnect with Rebecca:https://www.rebeccafleetwoodhession.com/

"Teaching leaders to care about their energy and its impact on others can link behavior to organizational outcomes."In this episode of the Business is Human podcast, host Rebecca Fleetwood Hession sits down with Kristin Mackey, author of two books and thought leader on the principles of communication, energy management and transformation. Kristin talks about the significance of energy and frequency in fostering employee engagement and leadership. She shares insights from her books, discussing the role of cellular vibrations, human connection, and managing energy for better business outcomes. Rebecca and Kristin also explore the low employee engagement rates and the effective strategies to overcome this through understanding and improving personal and organizational energy.In this episode, you’ll learn:Establishing a shared language around concepts like frequency and energy can create a cohesive work environment and overcome traditional engagement challengesManaging personal energy and frequency can have profound effects on leadership outcomesFocus on small, manageable changes (micro changes) to achieve substantial, overall transformation (macro transformation)Things to listen for:(00:00) Understanding the Business is Human Framework(04:08) The importance of employee engagement(06:21) How leaders can drive engagement through energy(31:49) The decline in employee engagement(35:34) The importance of internal service(36:42) How to align with company values(42:38) The importance of regulating the nervous system in leadership(49:50) How to balancing being and doing(54:41) The role of stillness in personal growth(01:05:36) Micro changes for macro transformationConnect with Kristin:Website: http://frequencyMatters.orgLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristinmackey/Connect with Rebecca:https://www.rebeccafleetwoodhession.com/

“Empathy isn't just about connecting with someone's feelings, it's about asking, 'What comes next?' without immediately jumping into fixing the problem.”In this episode of Business is Human, Rebecca Fleetwood Hession and guest Liesel Mertes discuss the significant impact of empathy in the workplace and beyond. The conversation highlights how the industrial age has shaped our belief system and the critical need for a shift towards more human-centric skills in the age of artificial intelligence. Liesel also shares insights from her consultancy, Handle with Care Consulting, and introduces empathy avatars such as "Fix It Frank" and "Cheer Up Cheryl," illustrating practical tools for fostering trust and empowerment within teams.In this episode, you’ll learn:The balance between technology's benefits and threats to human connection and empathyThe detrimental effects of excessive technology use on children and how parents can proactively manage screen timeThe importance of creating safe, inclusive environments at work that foster empathy and its spillover into personal livesThings to listen for:(00:00) Do we need a workplace empathy consultant?(01:19) The challenge of empathy in the workplace(04:10) Creating a culture of trust and empathy(09:52) Impact of technology on empathy(20:00) Empathy in leadership and management(27:44) Balancing empathy and productivity at work(28:59) How to train managers for empathy(31:43) Practical tips for empathetic listening(45:29) Why empathy is crucial in businessConnect with Liesel Mertes:Website: https://www.lieselmertes.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lieselmertes/Connect with Rebecca:https://www.rebeccafleetwoodhession.com/

"Everything good in life comes from a place of fear. Harnessing that energy can lead to positive change and growth."In this episode of Business is Human, host Rebecca Fleetwood Hession sits down with Jackie Coffey, a real estate investor and entrepreneur, to explore the transformative power of fear and how it can be a catalyst for personal and professional growth. Jackie shares her compelling journey, sharing vivid anecdotes from her early days in real estate, including the FBI raid on her childhood home and the trials she faced while flipping her first house without any money, knowledge, or credit. She emphasizes the importance of perseverance and learning through trial and error, turning challenges into opportunities for success. Jackie’s reflections on her childhood, her mother’s resilience, and her own transformative experience at a skating competition show how fear can be harnessed for positive change and growth.In this episode, you’ll learn:Fear is not an enemy but an energy that can drive you to successRejection is a natural part of any journey, especially in business. When faced with setbacks, stay tenacious and keep knocking on doors until one opensInstead of seeing failures as endpoints, view them as beginnings that offer valuable lessons for future successThings to listen for:(00:00) Facing fear as a motivator(06:34) The impact of childhood experiences on motivation(11:21) How to overcome adversity and find success(13:51) Harnessing fear and love in business(21:20) How to start real estate business from scratch(25:43) The power of authenticity in business(26:30) From 201 no's to 1 yes(38:43) Key insights for transforming challenges into triumphsConnect with Jackie:Website: https://www.jackiecoffey.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackiecoffeyhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jackiecoffeyConnect with Rebecca:https://www.rebeccafleetwoodhession.com/

"Resistance to big ideas doesn't mean they're bad; it's often an indication of their significance."In this episode of Business is Human, Rebecca Fleetwood Hession discusses the intricacies of embracing change, managing internal challenges, and the profound impact of authentic leadership with executive coach and best-selling author Adam Weber.Adam Weber shares invaluable insights on tying storytelling to core values, overcoming insecurities, and the role of genuine leadership in professional growth. Rebecca and Adam discuss practical ways to integrate gratitude, self-reflection, and intentional relationships into a busy life while highlighting the importance of celebrating accomplishments and human motivation. Adam also offers actionable advice for HR professionals and executives on presenting innovative ideas confidently and embracing the nervousness that accompanies significant change.In this episode, you’ll learn:Recognize that career journeys don’t have to follow a traditional path by being open to new opportunities and allowing curiosity to guide your decisionsEmbrace the significance of storytelling to connect with your team, make decisions tangible, and celebrate accomplishmentsAdopt a growth mindset by leaning into your vulnerabilities and seeking honest feedback for continual improvementThings to listen for:00:00 Intro01:23 Meet Adam Weber07:00 Managing inner critic and centeredness19:00 The power of storytelling in leadership22:37 Practical tips for leaders and HR professionals36:03 Rebecca’s six takeawaysConnect with Adam:Website: https://www.adamweber.co/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetadam/Connect with Rebecca:https://linktr.ee/rebeccafleetwoodhessionauthor

"Businesses and work can be places of healing and transformation, not just places driven by profit."In this episode of Business is Human, Rebecca Fleetwood Hession speaks with Cari and Matt Hahn  about the extraordinary power of faith, resilience, and trusting in God’s plan despite life’s uncertainties.Cari shares her battle with cancer and her decision to rise as a "victor" despite the pain, and Matt talks about his journey with alcoholism and how that experience led him to help Christian men through a transformative program called Fight Club. Together, they discuss how healing, humility, and divine provision have led to their thriving business, Clutch and Kindle, which now gives back to breast cancer survivors and first responders.In this episode, you’ll learn:The profound impact of faith and belief on personal and professional resilienceHow embracing and enduring pain can lead to personal developmentThe importance of authenticity and purpose in businessThings to listen for:(00:00) Redefining success in a post-2020 world(04:27) Matt and Cari’s journey of pain and purpose(06:18) How Clutch and Kindle started(11:43) Matt's battle with alcoholism and redemption(15:01) Carrie's struggle and triumph over cancer(31:16) Starting the business from scratch(32:31) The role of faith in businessConnect with Cari and Matt:Website: https://www.clutchandkindle.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carahahn/Connect with Rebecca:https://www.rebeccafleetwoodhession.com/

"It's not just about the goals we set, it's about understanding who we set them for and why they truly matter."In this episode of Business is Human podcast, host Rebecca Fleetwood Hession sits down with a career advisor and executive coach for women, Anne Shoemaker. She emphasizes the non-linear paths to success, the power of grace and humanity in the workplace, and practical steps for those contemplating career transitions. Anne also shared the impact of her sports background on her professional mindset, stressing the value of learning from both success and failure.Tune in for an honest, uplifting conversation about bringing more humanity to the workplace, making genuine connections, and fostering a growth mindset.In this episode, you’ll learn:Recognize that career journeys don’t have to follow a traditional path by finding inspiration and joy in your work to guide your decisionsThe importance of starting cannot be overstressed, as action leads to valuable data points and information that can help guide further stepsAdopt a growth mindset and view failures as opportunities to learn by breaking down fears into smaller, manageable steps to make them less dauntingThings to listen for:00:00 Intro00:51 Meet Anne Shoemaker02:02 Anne’s career journey and mentorship04:03 Empowering women in their careers04:55 The non-linear path to success11:35 The role of failure in growth15:43 Grace and humanity in business24:33 Navigating career transitions29:37 Dealing with failure and fear32:32 Taking action and moving forwardConnect with Anne:Website: https://anneshoemaker.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anne-shoemaker-greensboro/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/careeradvisoranne/Connect with Rebecca:https://linktr.ee/rebeccafleetwoodhessionauthor

“We get so in our heads that we lose connection with our bodies. We keep going, checking our emails, marking things off the list, and ignoring those purposeful nudges."In this episode of the Business is Human podcast, Rebecca explores the transformative practice of a Monthly Clarity Day—essential for zooming out and gaining a broader perspective on both personal and professional life. Rebecca walks listeners through reflection exercises designed to reconnect with their feelings, acknowledge and act on inner nudges, and celebrate personal achievements. Additionally, she discusses the importance of releasing burdens, checking in on dreams, and practicing gratitude.Tune in to learn actionable strategies for incorporating monthly reflection into your routine and discover how it can lead to significant positive shifts in your life and work.In this episode, you’ll learnHow dedicating time each month to reflect on key questions about yourself, your team, and your organization can help gain fresher perspectiveActing on any internal nudges can lead to meaningful changes and personal growthIdentifying activities and prioritizing can help maintain your emotional well-being and balanceThings to listen for:00:00 Introduction to the episode00:51 The importance of monthly clarity day04:51 Reflection questions for personal growth09:29 Celebrating your achievements12:12 Letting go and embracing lightness13:17 Receiving compliments and checking dreams17:29 Soul food and stopping unnecessary actions19:28 Connecting with loved ones20:22 ConclusionsConnect with Rebecca:https://linktr.ee/rebeccafleetwoodhessionauthor

"The magic happens when we stop trying to sell and start truly connecting. It's about showing up with a genuine desire to help and make a difference, rather than just closing a deal."In this Business is Human episode, Rebecca Fleetwood Hession and Becky Beckman discuss the transformative power of a customer-focused approach, built on genuine connections and active listening. Rebecca and Becky share insightful anecdotes from their careers, emphasizing the importance of aligning personal energy with impactful contributions. Becky recounts her transition from an executive marketing role to a consulting sales role, highlighting her core philosophy of waking up every day with a mission to help someone.Tune in to hear more about stepping outside comfort zones, taking risks, and cultivating a mindset focused on helping others—whether you're in sales, marketing, or any role that thrives on building meaningful relationships.In this episode, you’ll learn: Understanding clients' needs and making genuine connections are crucial in the sales processBeing aware of activities that energize or drain you greatly impact both your career and wellbeingAdopting a service mindset can greatly enhance your career satisfaction and impactThings to listen for:00:00 Introduction to the episode05:37 Becky’s career transition and personal growth09:26 Embracing change and finding impact11:23 Active listening and helping mindset25:07 Building a personal brand in a new market28:30 Aligning with the right energy30:31 The power of personal connection33:47 Building trust through genuine interactions38:46 Helping as a core valueConnect with Rebecca:https://linktr.ee/rebeccafleetwoodhessionauthor

“We've created a real problem over the last 75 to 100 years, and that’s because it's the humans that create the businesses and lead the businesses.”In this Business is Human episode, Rebecca Fleetwood Hession explains how integrating personal, emotional, and social needs into the workplace can lead to sustainable growth and success.Rebecca shares her personal journey through burnout and the impactful lessons she learned along the way. Additionally, she introduces the VRI (Value, Relevance, and Impact) methodology that she developed to help businesses thrive while honoring human needs.Tune in to learn about actionable strategies to foster a healthier and more fulfilling work environment.In this episode, you’ll learn: How personal, emotional, and social needs are equally important as business goals.To recognize the signs of burnout in yourself and others and understand that the root causes often include the drive to prove oneself and over-prioritizing business needs. Identify what's not working and be open to creating new, healthier ways to work. Use the chaos as an opportunity to innovate and build better systems.Things to listen for:00:00 Introduction to the podcast00:51 The human element in business01:41 Balancing business and human needs04:30 The burnout crisis07:13 Rebecca’s journey with burnout08:44 Podcast format and what to expect12:53 Final thoughts14:38 Outro and additional resourcesConnect with Rebecca:https://linktr.ee/rebeccafleetwoodhessionauthor

"I thrive in a challenging environment where I have to learn new things. If I'm not able to learn and implement new things, it's a challenge for me to stay in that space.”In this insightful conversation, Rebecca Fleetwood Hession and Rebekah Rush explore the journey of personal and professional growth, highlighting the importance of aligning expectations, finding fulfillment, and embracing change. They discuss the challenges of staying true to oneself in a nine-to-five job, the responsibility of individuals to find their fit within an organization, and the pursuit of time freedom, meaningful impact, and continuous learning.Focusing on change management, they emphasize the need for holistic approaches, considering the interplay between systems, culture, and technology to drive successful transformations. This engaging dialogue offers valuable lessons and perspectives on navigating the ever-evolving landscape of work and personal fulfillment.In this episode, you’ll learn:The importance of aligning your work with your personal values and aspirationsThe challenges and rewards of embracing neurodiversityThe transformative power of authenticity and self-discoveryThings to listen for:[07:30] Rediscovering your true self and pursuing authenticity[13:15] Navigating expectations, role conflicts, and the path to personal fulfillment[27:00] Balancing time, impact, and growth[36:10] Embracing change with The Everly AgencyResources:Learn more about Rebecca and her workGet your copy of Write Your Own StoryListen to Rebecca's Audiobook Write Your Own StoryTake the Badass QuizConnect with Rebecca:https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccafleetwoodhession/https://www.instagram.com/rebeccafleetwoodhession/https://www.facebook.com/fleetwoodhession/https://www.tiktok.com/@rebeccafleetwoodhession

“Tension is a teacher. If you allow it, it will pull you and push you into this space where you can thrive.” In this heartfelt episode of the Stand Tall in Your Story series, Rebecca Fleetwood Hession has an inspiring conversation with Rebekah Rush. Rebekah courageously shares her personal story, from being an undiagnosed, neurodivergent child to the tragic loss of her daughter and how these experiences led her to launch her business, the Everlea Agency. Tune in to hear invaluable advice on how to turn life's challenges into opportunities for growth, and find out how embracing your true self can lead to greater personal and professional fulfillment.In this episode, you’ll learn:Creating safe spaces for authentic storytelling without judgment can significantly impact personal and professional growthEmbracing and learning from life's tensions can guide individuals to areas where they thrive and find peaceFoster environments in work and community settings that encourage authenticity, strength, and personal valueThings to listen for: [10:02] A dream-turned-painting had a profound impact [10:50] Turning tension into an anchor for creativity [16:17] Championing a safe and loving event environmentConnect with Rebecca:https://linktr.ee/rebeccafleetwoodhessionauthor

"I cannot be somebody else, but I can always be a better me." In this episode of Write Your Own Story, guest Felicia Li, Sourcing Manager at Delta Faucet Company, shares her courageous journey from China to the United States, overcoming language barriers, cultural differences, and personal challenges to carve out her own path to success. Felicia emphasizes the impact of self-acceptance, the importance of community support, and the necessity of embracing and celebrating our differences. Join us as we dive into Felicia's jaw-dropping journey, showcasing how authenticity and self-love can propel us toward becoming our best selves.In this episode, you’ll learn:Take time to explore and understand your true self, free from external expectationsPractice negotiation skills in low-stakes environments to build confidenceImplement self-care routines that cater to your mental, emotional, and physical healthThings to listen for: [04:22] Felicia is a skilled negotiator who struggles with self-advocacy [09:46] Becoming a certified nutrition coach and practicing self-awareness [12:52] An inspiring story is told exceptionally well without notes [14:48] Embracing diversity, resilience, and supporting othersConnect with Rebecca:https://linktr.ee/rebeccafleetwoodhessionauthor

"Authentic confidence, which includes vulnerability and humility and courage, will net huge payoffs in your life and in your career.”In this Write Your Own Story episode, Jessica Campbell joins us to share her inspiring resilience journey, from navigating a challenging childhood to becoming the VP of HR for Hays + Sons.Jessica shares the importance of self-advocacy, the transformative influence of supportive relationships, and the value of embracing one's unique story. Additionally, her experience embodies the rise and thrive journey, showcasing the impact of authenticity and courage in personal and professional growth.In this episode, you’ll learn:Seek out mentors, friends, or family members who can serve as your 'earthbound angels,' providing guidance and strength during challenging timesRecognize that embracing your vulnerabilities and facing challenges head-on can lead to personal growth and empowermentEmbrace what makes you special and harness those qualities to make a positive impact in your personal and professional lifeThings to listen for: [06:24] When Jessica learned to love her own story [09:06] Her complex relationship with addict mom, dad's struggle [11:32] Jessica’s supportive and caring ally [15:21] Jessica’s gratitude for the strong women who shaped her [20:43] Authentic confidence leads to career success and happinessConnect with Rebecca:https://linktr.ee/rebeccafleetwoodhessionauthor