NeuroConversant Leadership

"Leadership isn't for the few...it's for everyone" In this episode of NeuroConversant Leadership, Jeremy Doran speaks with Jacob Niemeyer, founder of Vera Aqua Vera Vita, a nonprofit organization focused on providing clean water solutions to rural communities in Peru. Jacob discusses the importance of empowering communities through education and ownership. While it's important for those communities, he feels very deeply about empowering all people to achieve their own greatness.Learn more about Jacob at linkedin.com/in/jacob-niemeier-p-everaaquaveravita.org/meet-our-founder Chapters00:00 Introduction to Jacob Niemeyer and His Mission03:16 Understanding Varrocovara Vida's Approach06:00 Technical Aspects of Water Solutions09:00 Empowerment and Community Engagement10:42 Navigating Government Relations13:36 Motivation and Ownership in Communities16:17 Leadership and Dignity19:12 Communication and Final ThoughtsTakeawaysEmpowerment is fundamental to sustainable solutions.Community ownership is crucial for project success.Effective communication is key in leadership roles.Engaging communities from the start enhances buy-in.Technical expertise is essential for implementing water solutions.Training and education are vital for community development.Motivation comes from creating a supportive environment.Asking questions fosters a culture of learning.Leadership is about unlocking greatness in others.Sustainability is achieved through community involvement.

When engineers have big ideas, they sometimes become entrepreneurs...but the journey is not an easy one. Andrew Haughian has worked with hundreds of engineers who have made that transition and has some advice to share! You can learn more about Andrew at http://www.pangaeaventures.com/ andhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewhaughianChapters00:00 Introduction00:31 Andrew's Journey in Venture Capital01:22 Secrets of Successful Hard Tech Investments02:49 Aligning Engineering and Market Needs05:22 Transitioning from Engineer to Entrepreneur07:21 The Importance of Leadership in Venture Capital08:43 Challenges for Technical Entrepreneurs11:03 Navigating Growth and Team Dynamics13:00 Developing Vision and Strategy15:44 Building Cohesive Teams in Startups17:40 The Value of Diversity in Teams19:32 Communication and Transparency in LeadershipTakeawaysEngineers often find it harder to transition into leadership roles.Successful hard tech investments require understanding timing and market readiness.Customer-centric approaches are essential from the start.Aligning engineers, sales, and customers is crucial for success.Transitioning from technical roles to leadership requires a shift in mindset.Business education can provide valuable insights into leadership and people management.Technical entrepreneurs often struggle with delegation and leadership.Recognizing when to scale leadership is key to growth.A clear vision is necessary for guiding a company.Diversity in teams fosters creativity and innovation.

Just because something works for one person, doesn't mean it will work for another. As a coach, Mila Bassett helps people to come up with their own strategies for being more effective.In this episode of NeuroConversant Leadership, Jeremy Doran interviews Mila Bassett, a neurodiversity coach, about her journey from project management to coaching, driven by personal experiences with neurodiversity in her family. They discuss the challenges and strengths of neurodivergent individuals, particularly in the tech industry, and the importance of self-advocacy and personalized strategies for success.Learn more about Mila at https://www.linkedin.com/in/milabassett orhttps://www.MilaBassettCoaching.comTakeawaysNeurodiversity encompasses various neurochemical differences affecting how people function.Mila Bassett transitioned from project management to neurodiversity coaching due to personal experiences.Coaching focuses on helping clients discover personalized strategies for success.ADHD is often misunderstood as a lack of attention rather than a focus on different interests.Self-advocacy is crucial for neurodivergent individuals to thrive in personal and professional settings.Hyperfocus can be both a strength and a challenge for those with ADHD.Creativity and innovation are often linked to neurodivergent individuals.Diversity in teams, including neurodiversity, enhances innovation and development.Personalized strategies, like tracking challenges, help manage ADHD effectively.Effective communication involves asking what support is needed rather than making assumptions.Takeaways

Many managers are introverted and need to spend time talking with others or are logical people who need to address emotional issues. Just because those things aren't your tendency, doesn't mean you can't do them. It just takes some extra thought and attention.Chapters00:00 The 80-20 Rule in Leadership02:33 Navigating Introversion and Logic in Management03:10 Advice for introverted people03:58 Advice for extroverted people04:38 Make people feel seen and heard05:09 Advice for logical people05:44 Advice for feeling people06:16 The advice is the same for both types of people!07:05 Feedback please!TakeawaysIntroversion and logic can pose challenges in leadership.Engaging with employees is crucial for effective management.Structure in conversations helps facilitate communication.Employees who feel seen and heard are more productive.Emotional engagement is important for logical thinkers.Address both logical and emotional aspects in discussions.Recognizing core values aids in effective communication.Flexibility in leadership is essential for growth.Finding common ground enhances team dynamics.

I have been thinking about self awareness and our ability to really accept feedback. This is a short episode on this topic. I am in my new studio which isn't quite there yet, and am getting over a chest cold, so my voice is a bit off...but, we march on! On the topic of feedback, I would love yours! reach out to me on linked in at JeremyDoranSpeaks and let me know what you think of both this episode and the podcast in general. I look forward to hearing from you!Self-awareness is crucial.Feedback reveals blind spots.Record yourself for insights.Honest feedback is rare.360 evaluations are valuable.Listen without defending.Anonymous feedback is honest.Consider feedback carefully.Measure what you can.Seek diverse feedback.

We think we are making important decisions all the time. But are they? Or are they inherited decisions ...or default decisions. What is the difference? Dr. Apollo Emeka , FBI Analyst, Green Beret...and a big decisions guy talks about 3 types of decisions and what they mean. He helps executives make decisions so bold, that the path becomes clear. You can find him on LinkedIn (he is on there so much, he might need a support group) at linkedin.com/in/apolloemekaChapters00:00 Introduction to Leadership and Decision Making03:02 The Importance of Big Decisions05:51 Quitting vs. Starting: The Key to Focus08:35 Understanding Decision Boxes11:48 The Role of Big Decisions in Management14:43 Data-Informed vs. Data-Driven Decisions17:41 Personal Stories of Big Decisions20:33 Navigating Change as a New Manager23:27 The Importance of Understanding Existing Systems26:23 Fractals in Decision Making29:11 Communication and the Back Brief TechniqueTakeawaysDecisions determine your trajectory, while habits optimize it.Quitting is more important than starting; it frees up resources.Inherited and default decisions often limit our choices.Big decisions should light you up and align with your mission.Data should inform decisions, not drive them.A back brief ensures everyone is on the same page.New managers must understand existing systems before making changes.Personal mission statements can clarify decision-making.The importance of context in decision-making cannot be overstated.Engaging your team in decision-making fosters inclusivity and clarity.

From the Air Force, to Advertising to Technology. Scott's journey has helped him to find ways to communicate with just about anyone. He shares some of his key pieces of advice for people who need to translate what they would say, into something the other person can hear.Learn more about Scott on Linkedin at linkedin.com/in/scottpuccinelliChapters00:00 Introduction to Scott Puccinelli and His Background03:53 Transitioning from Sales to Tech: A Unique Journey07:44 Understanding the Communication Gap: Sales vs. Engineering12:10 Bridging the Gap: Effective Communication Strategies16:28 The Role of Sales and Marketing as Translators18:14 Advice for Engineers in Startups22:39 Final Thoughts on Communication and Asking QuestionsTakeawaysScott started his career in the Air Force as a systems engineer.Transitioning from sales to tech requires understanding both fields.Creativity is essential in both sales and engineering.Marketing often lacks feedback from sales, leading to miscommunication.Engineers and salespeople communicate differently, creating gaps.Asking questions is crucial for effective communication.Engineers should explain technical concepts in layman's terms.Startups need to communicate simply to attract investors.Understanding customer needs is vital for product development.Effective communication can prevent misunderstandings and enhance collaboration.

Michael Collins is an audio engineer and leads a successful company. He also has ADHD. One of his secrets is to surround himself with people unlike himself, who's strengths compliment his.You can learn more about Michael atlinkedin.com/in/michael-collins-0460417 or https://www.bluefoxproduction.com/Chapters00:00 Introduction to Leadership in STEM02:12 The Intersection of Music and Engineering05:58 Navigating Leadership and Communication11:32 Coping with ADHD in the Workplace15:41 The Importance of Strengths in Leadership20:38 Final Thoughts on Communication and PreparationTakeawaysEffective communication is crucial in leadership roles.Understanding different communication styles can enhance team dynamics.Preparation is key for effective public speaking.Coping with ADHD requires awareness and strategies.Leveraging team strengths can lead to better outcomes.Documenting communication is essential when working with contractors.Practice speaking out loud to improve delivery.Recognizing personal energy levels can aid in productivity.Building a diverse team can fill in individual gaps.Continuous learning and adaptation are vital in leadership.

Prathiba started her work life as a hardcore engineer in India, has helped multiple start-ups and is now the COO of a FinTech company based in San Francisco. She has learned many lessons along that journey. She owes much of her success to her understanding of interpersonal dynamics and her ability to ask the right questions to foster dialogue. You can learn more about Prathiba at https://www.linkedin.com/in/prathibadavidChapters00:00 Introduction to Leadership in STEM02:12 Pratibha's Journey: From Engineering to Leadership04:33 The Importance of Interpersonal Dynamics09:30 Vulnerability as a Strength in Leadership11:40 Challenges in Transitioning to Business Roles19:01 Effective Communication Strategies20:12 Cultural Differences in Communication23:46 Outro & Thank YouTakeawaysPratibha is the COO of a fintech company focused on sustainability.She emphasizes the importance of interpersonal dynamics in leadership.Vulnerability is a strength that fosters trust and openness.Effective communication requires understanding the audience's perspective.Cultural differences significantly impact communication styles.Asking questions is crucial for understanding others.Transitioning from technical roles to leadership can be challenging.Data-driven decisions are easier for tech-oriented individuals.The art of communication involves adapting to the audience's reactions.Leadership is a continuous journey of personal growth.

The skills that make a great engineer don't naturally translate into being a great leader. Julia shows that with good mentors and coaches, it is very achievable! She has had great mentors and coaches, and makes a coach available to everyone on her team. Her team is now filled with creative and self-aware engineers who are great at building effective teams.Chapters00:00 Journey from Engineer to Leader06:09 Cultivating Soft Skills in Technical Teams09:26 The Importance of Coaching and Emotional Intelligence11:38 Mission-Driven Leadership and Client Relationships12:29 Thank you!TakeawaysJulia transitioned from technical roles to leadership roles in her career.Her company focuses on developing meaningful connections and team growth.Soft skills are essential for technical team members transitioning to leadership.Radical candor is a key focus in their soft skills training.Emotional intelligence plays a crucial role in effective leadership.Julia experienced anxiety that led to personal growth and self-awareness.Coaching is vital for leaders and their teams to succeed.Good client relationships are built on awareness and communication.Julia's company is selective about their clients to ensure cultural alignment.Starting with oneself is crucial for resolving relationship issues.

Do you have some things that you think of as a disabilities or challenges? Is it possible that those very challenges are what makes, or could make, you excellent?In this episode of NeuroConversant Leadership, Jeremy Doran interviews David Goyal, founder and CEO of Think.ai and Disabledpreneurs. They discuss David's journey as a disabled entrepreneur, the challenges and opportunities he faced, and his insights on leadership, team building, and effective communication. David emphasizes the importance of mindset, mentoring, and the need for deeper listening in leadership roles. He also shares his experiences with cultural differences in communication and the significance of asking questions to foster understanding.You can find out more about David at⁠linkedin.com/in/davegoyal⁠or https://davegoyal.com/Chapters00:00 Introduction to Leadership and Communication01:19 Journey of a Disabled Entrepreneur03:19 Transitioning from Engineering to Leadership06:14 The Impact of Disabilities on Leadership09:07 Building a Team and Leadership Development12:09 Mentoring and Coaching in Leadership15:07 Cultural Differences in Communication18:19 Vulnerability and Asking Questions in Leadership21:20 Closing the Loop in CommunicationTakeawaysDavid Goyal is a disabled entrepreneur who aims to inspire others.Mindset is crucial in overcoming limitations and achieving success.Transitioning from engineering to leadership can be challenging but rewarding.Building a team requires recognizing individual strengths and passions.Mentoring and coaching are essential for developing future leaders.Cultural differences can impact communication styles and effectiveness.Asking questions is vital for clarity and understanding.Closing the loop in communication enhances relationships and effectiveness.AI is changing the landscape of technology and leadership roles.Creating a supportive community for learning and growth is important.

Have you ever been in a conversation where the other person wasn't really paying attention? How did that feel? Have you ever done it to others? Did you remember the details afterwards?Being truly present in conversations is so important, but can be difficult for many of us. This episode offers practical advice on how to be more present, appear more present and practice in order to be present.Chapters00:00 Introduction02:10 Remove distractions03:14 If you can't remove distractions, ignore them04:55 Eye contact and body position05:54 Actually listen!06:35 Practice being present with meditation07:45 The Importance of Presence in Conversations08:13 Please share your ideasTakeawaysEffective communication is crucial in leadership roles.Changes to the podcast format aim to enhance listener engagement.Hot seat episodes will feature real-life challenges faced by engineers.Minimizing distractions is key to being present in conversations.Using a Pomodoro timer can help maintain focus.Eye contact is essential for showing engagement.Avoid thinking about your response while listening.Meditation can improve your ability to be present.Focusing on your senses can enhance awareness in conversations.Paying attention can significantly improve interpersonal interactions.

Mark is a Chief Product Officer who successfully made the lead from programmer, to sales to leadership. He has a lot of insights about making that transition successfully. He also talks about story telling, the use of AI and the fact that the best strategy in the world won't succeed without excecution.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Leadership in STEM03:07 The Role of a Chief Product Officer05:27 Leadership Styles in Growing Companies08:05 Transitioning from Technical to Leadership Roles10:58 The Importance of Storytelling in Leadership13:16 Adapting to Company Growth and Change16:04 The Power of Asking Questions17:59 Strategy vs. Culture in Business20:29 The Impact of AI on Communication23:17 Final Thoughts and Communication AdviceTakeawaysThe role of a Chief Product Officer involves setting product direction and understanding market needs.Transitioning from technical roles to leadership requires different skill sets.Storytelling is a crucial skill for effective communication in leadership.Companies need to adapt their culture as they grow and bring in new people.Strategy without execution is ineffective; execution is key to success.AI can be a powerful tool for improving communication skills.Asking the right questions is essential for effective leadership.Understanding your strengths and weaknesses is crucial for leadership development.Continuous learning and adaptation are necessary in the fast-paced tech environment.

I am so grateful to all of the great guests I have had over the first 100 episodes. I always ask for one piece of communication advice we can all learn from. There were too many great ones for me to play them all...but there were themes!Appreciate the differences in communication.Stop assuming other people think the way you do.Communication is a two-way street.Stories connect us and teach us.Find a third option for collaboration.Be present and be genuine.I played one example from each theme which goes a bit more in depth.Thanks everyone!

Do you struggle to be assertive? Does it frustrate you that others never speak up and tell you what they want? The correct level of assertiveness is important in conversations, whether at work or with your family and friends.If you aren't naturally assertive, listen up for some advice on how to act assertively. If you may be a little too assertive, there is something for you too.At the end, I ask for advice on episode 100. Check out my linkedin page to vote on what you want episode 100 to cover.LinkedinChapters00:00 Navigating Assertiveness in Conversations02:01 Two reasons why people are not assertive02:23 How I realized I do have opinions03:59 How to be more assertive05:13 Strategies for people who are already assertive07:07 Dealing with assertiveness in a meeting07:45 Body language to look for in a meeting07:59 Balancing Assertiveness in Group Dynamics08:42 Finding the right balance09:08 I want feedback for my upcoming 100th episode!TakeawaysAssertiveness can be influenced by genetics, upbringing, and culture.Non-assertive individuals may not realize they have opinions.Practicing stating opinions can help build confidence.Avoid using qualifiers when expressing opinions.Sharing your opinion can give others a voice.Accept that you might not always get your way.Assertive individuals should allow others to speak first.Asking questions can facilitate better group discussions.Body language can indicate when someone has something to say.Finding a balance in assertiveness is crucial for effective communication.

"All conflict comes from some human emotion, that is a derivation of fear"In this episode of NeuroConversant Leadership, Jeremy Doran speaks with Ursula Taylor, an evolved litigation attorney, about the nuances of conflict resolution in leadership, particularly in the STEM workplace. They explore the differences between arbitration and mediation, the importance of self-awareness, and the role of emotions in conflict. Ursula emphasizes a holistic approach to resolving disputes, advocating for mindfulness and direct communication as key strategies. The conversation also touches on the significance of boundaries and the concept of specialness in fostering community and effective leadership.Find out more about Ursula at:linkedin.com/in/ursula-taylor-b0ba4729https://conflictreimagined.com/Chapters00:00 Introduction to Evolved Litigation02:07 Understanding Arbitration vs. Mediation04:33 Holistic Conflict Resolution Approach07:00 Self-Awareness in Conflict Management10:00 Strategies for Effective Communication12:44 The Importance of Energy and Intention15:23 Setting Boundaries in Conflict17:40 Navigating Logical vs. Emotional Conflicts20:23 The Concept of Specialness and Community22:41 Final Thoughts on Self-Awareness and Mindfulness29:01 Outro 3-20-24.mp4TakeawaysUrsula Taylor emphasizes the importance of self-awareness in conflict resolution.Conflict often arises from fear-based emotions.Mediation and arbitration are different processes with distinct outcomes.A holistic approach to conflict resolution addresses underlying emotions.Effective communication requires understanding energy and intention.Setting compassionate boundaries is crucial in managing conflict.Asking open-ended questions fosters better communication.Children often communicate more effectively than adults due to their purity.Mindfulness practices can enhance self-awareness and emotional regulation.Direct communication, when done with compassion, is highly effective.

Have you ever found yourself handing over a problem to someone else instead of asking for help to solve it yourself? Have you had half of your day taken up helping solve other people's problems? There is a better way!SummaryIn this episode of Neuroconversant Leadership, Jeremy Doran discusses the importance of empowering leadership through effective communication and the art of asking for help. He emphasizes the balance between saying yes and no, and how these responses can empower both leaders and team members. Jeremy shares personal anecdotes and practical advice on how to ask for help effectively, ensuring that requests are clear and actionable. He concludes by highlighting the shared responsibility of empowerment in the workplace and the significance of proactive communication.Chapters00:00 Empowering Leadership Through Yes and No06:17 The Art of Asking for Help07:57 When asking for help, ask for something specific11:14 Proactive Empowerment and Continuous Improvement12:27 Summarizing the steps12:58 Empower others and Empower yourself14:24 Share your feedback!TakeawaysEmpowering others involves knowing when to say yes and when to say no.Saying yes can lead to new opportunities and solutions.Saying no can help maintain focus on important tasks.Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.Be specific about what you need when asking for help.Propose solutions when presenting problems to others.Empower others by encouraging them to solve their own problems.Look for improvements even when things are working well.Communication is a two-way street; take responsibility for it.Empowerment is a shared responsibility in any team.

Are you an engineer but also yearn to be artistic? They are not mutually exclusive and you can be both! In this episode of NeuroConversant Leadership, Jeremy Doran speaks with Seth Greenwald, a mechanical engineer and creative warrior, about the intersection of engineering, creativity, and effective communication in leadership roles. They discuss the importance of balancing logic and creativity, the role of storytelling in communication, and how to navigate the complexities of project management. Seth shares insights on embracing open-mindedness and creativity, as well as practical advice for thriving in a VUCA (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, and Ambiguous) world. The conversation emphasizes the value of listening, collaboration, and the continuous journey of personal and professional growth.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Seth Greenwald03:02 The Duality of Engineering and Art05:51 The Journey of Creativity09:00 Exploring Different Types of Artistic Expression12:03 The Importance of Public Speaking14:46 Lateral Thinking in Project Management17:57 The Power of Curiosity and Listening21:02 Storytelling in Project Management24:06 Communication Advice and Embracing VUCA30:30 Outro 3-20-24.mp4TakeawaysSeth emphasizes the importance of balancing logic and creativity in engineering.Creativeness is not limited to traditional art; it's about innovative thinking.Effective communication requires understanding your audience and message.Storytelling is crucial for engaging presentations and briefings.Project managers must step out of the background and lead with confidence.Open-mindedness is essential for collaboration and problem-solving.Embracing the VUCA world helps communicators adapt to change.Listening is a key skill for learning from others.Curiosity can lead to deeper understanding and collaboration.Personal growth involves continuous learning and exploration.

Do you fear talking about your successes because you think it will make you a braggart? As business people, part of our job is to promote ourselves and let people know about our accomplishments. Whether we want a raise/promotion or are trying to sell a product or service, it is on us to let people know why that is a good idea.SummaryIn this episode, Jeremy Doran discusses the challenges of self-promotion, particularly in the context of leadership and communication within the STEM workplace. He explores the balance between humility and self-promotion, offering strategies for effectively communicating one's value without coming across as boastful. The conversation emphasizes the importance of having champions who can advocate for you and highlights the willingness of others to help when asked.Chapters00:00 The Challenge of Self-Promotion01:28 Nobody likes a braggart!02:21 Humble-Brags and Faux Complaints02:58 Answer honestly04:12 Share when other's share05:07 Find a champion06:38 Self-Promotion is like a guitar string...07:18 Promoting my own offer!TakeawaysSelf-promotion is a valuable skill for career advancement.Many people struggle with self-promotion due to fear of being perceived as bragging.Self-promotion can lead to worse performance reviews, especially for women.It's important to share accomplishments when asked to avoid appearing untrustworthy.Sharing personal achievements can foster a balanced conversation.Having a champion can make self-promotion easier and more effective.People are often more willing to help than we expect.Finding a balance in self-promotion is crucial for effective communication.Bragging can be off-putting, while humility can lead to missed opportunities.Promoting others can be more comfortable and beneficial than self-promotion.

Do you know what it takes to have more charisma? It's not just talking more and being the center of attention. It requires a person to really understand their own state and paying attention to what others are thinking and feeling. Richard Reid has literally written the book on Charisma...as well as one on Phobias!You can learn more about Richard at https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-reid/or https://richard-reid.com/Chapters00:00 Introduction to Charisma and Phobias01:28 Understanding Phobias vs. Fears02:07 Defining Charisma03:36 Strategies to Enhance Charisma07:04 Breathing Techniques for Emotional Management09:53 Body Language Insights11:49 Effective Communication in Remote Settings16:16 Engaging Conversations and Networking21:39 The Importance of Psychological SafetyTakeawaysCharisma is about channeling your inner resources.Phobias differ from fears in their irrationality.Managing your internal world is key to charisma.Breathing techniques can help regulate emotions.Authenticity is more impactful than presentation style.Body language reveals true emotions.Shorter sentences enhance communication effectiveness.Engaging emotionally makes interactions memorable.Psychological safety fosters creativity and engagement.Silence can be a powerful communication tool.