The Resilience Lab

<p>Hosted by researcher and author, Rex Miller, The Resilience Lab explores how we can integrate resilience into our work and our lives through the journey and stories of others. In a time when change is all around us, it’s important that we seek/look to understand ourselves better and discover ways that we can grow through change. </p>

The Power of Asking “Why?”

What does it truly mean to design your life—not just your workspace? In this episode of The Resilience Lab, Rex Miller chats with Dianne Kimiko, founder of Kimiko Designs and Kimiko Green, on the deck of the Tarkett showroom during NeoCon Design Days—Chicago trains rumbling by in the background.Dianne’s journey takes us from choosing furniture over funeral homes early in her career to building a design practice grounded in curiosity, sustainability, and resilience. She explains how asking “why” can transform projects, how saying “no” became one of her most powerful leadership tools, and why 17 billion pounds of office furniture ending up in landfills annually is both a challenge and an opportunity.Whether you’re reevaluating your career, your workplace, or how to make more sustainable choices, Dianne’s perspective will open your eyes to what’s possible when design goes beyond spaces to shape the way we live and lead.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

10-02
30:19

Are We in a Monet Moment? Ryan Anderson on Seeing the Workplace Anew

Forget rehearsed soundbites. This is the kind of conversation where you lean in, lose track of time, and walk away seeing the world differently. Recorded on an iPhone in the lively chaos of Design Days at the MillerKnoll Showroom, Rex Miller and Ryan Anderson dive into an unscripted exchange about what the future of work really looks like when you zoom out — and then in.As MillerKnoll’s VP of Global Research and Insights, Ryan gathers input, research, and conversations from across the globe, spotting patterns others miss. He likens this moment to standing before a Monet — the colors, textures, and brushstrokes of the human experience of work are blurring old certainties and reshaping how we see the workplace.Listen for how Ryan is seeing the office anew — as a counterbalance to digital overload, a stage for unplanned human moments, and a canvas for building belonging. You’ll hear the questions he’s asking leaders to help them rethink not just the space, but the purpose it serves.Monet’s work transformed the way people understood art, forcing viewers to step closer, look differently, and rethink what was possible on a canvas. Today, we’re at a similar inflection point — one where the way we see, design, and experience the workplace is ready to be reimagined through entirely new eyes.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

09-25
30:00

Show Me the Meaning: Sid Meadows on Betting on Yourself

Every industry has its stars — the ones who know the game, hit the numbers, and climb the ladder. But what happens when you realize the ladder’s leaning against the wrong wall? That’s the moment Sid Meadows faced when he walked away from a secure, high-profile career in the contract furniture world to start over on his own terms.In this conversation, recorded live at NeoCon in the Sandow Podcast booth, Sid shares his “Jerry Maguire moment” — the leap from chasing deals to chasing meaning. He opens up about the fear, the freedom, and the surprising lessons learned from building his own path. From redefining success to mentoring the next generation, Sid’s story is a masterclass in trusting your gut and holding fast to your values.If you work in facilities, corporate real estate, design, or workplace strategy, this is more than a career conversation. It’s an invitation to ask yourself the same question Sid did: What am I really here to do? And am I brave enough to do it?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

09-18
42:30

First Through the Wall: Kay Sargent on Neuro-Inclusive Design

In Moneyball, the owner of the Boston Red Sox tells Billy Beane, “The first one through the wall always gets bloody.” That’s where Kay Sargent stands today. As Director of Workplace at HOK and author of Designing Neuro-Inclusive Workplaces, she’s breaking through a wall our industry has quietly built — the unspoken assumptions about how spaces should work for people who think, sense, and process the world differently.Neurodiversity in the workplace isn’t tidy. It’s complex, it’s personal, and it sparks strong opinions. Kay steps into that complexity with eight years of research, a career of leadership, and the lived experience of raising five children, some of whom navigate the world differently. She’s not just adding to the conversation — she’s creating a new category of it, one that challenges the safe, performative gestures and invites real, sometimes uncomfortable, change.In this episode, you’ll hear how designing for the edges benefits everyone in the middle, why “one size misfits all,” and how even small, intentional changes can transform a person’s ability to thrive. If you’re in facilities, corporate real estate, design, or workplace strategy, this is more than a professional conversation — it’s a chance to rethink the spaces you influence, the people you serve, and the courage it takes to go first.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

09-11
41:01

The Three-Way Street to Loving What You Do

What if the key to living with meaning and energy in the high-pressure, ever-changing world of the workplace wasn’t about landing the perfect role, but about mastering a rhythm? A blend of purpose, relationships, and resilience. In this candid, unscripted conversation recorded during Design Days and NeoCon, Love What You Do host Doug Shapiro and Rex Miller delve into how to cultivate a passion for your work that transcends the pursuit of the ideal job.Doug shares how “grace” — given to others, received from others, and offered to yourself — can transform your life, your office, and your culture. You’ll hear how JSI turns listening into a recipe for success, why clarity beats cleverness in defining purpose, and how to sustain joy in a world of constant change.Whether you’re navigating return-to-office debates, leading through uncertainty, or trying to reignite your own passion for the work, this episode will leave you with practical ways to lead with presence, build trust, and create a workplace where people truly love what they do.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

09-04
56:42

Buried Tension, Broken Trust—Now What?

What if your team isn’t a team at all?Why do some leadership groups thrive in crisis while others implode under pressure?What if the real dysfunction isn’t bad behavior—but broken structure and buried stories?In this episode of The Resilience Lab, Rex Miller shares a behind-the-scenes look at a two-day offsite with a senior leadership team facing seismic organizational change. Through real-life moments of breakthrough, Rex unpacks why trust breaks down, how hidden assumptions drive division, and what it actually takes to move from a workgroup to a high-performing team. If you’re a manager, team leader, or part of a hybrid workforce, you’ll walk away with practical insights and a new lens on team dynamics.Subscribe, share, and leave a comment—your feedback fuels our mission to explore what resilience really looks like in today’s workplace.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

08-21
16:05

Leading Through Pain to Transform a System

If you’re struggling with return-to-office resistance, disengaged employees, or rising mental health challenges—you’re not alone. But what if the key to transformation isn’t strategy or pressure... but empathy, presence, and lived experience?In this memorable episode, Rosalyn Van-Jackson—a senior leader in one of Oklahoma’s largest school districts—describes how she transformed her own trauma into the basis for systemic change. With an ACEs score of 7 and a childhood filled with abuse and suicidal thoughts, Rosalyn offers a level of insight, courage, and compassion that few leaders can match.Post-pandemic, she guided her 2,500-employee organization through one of the most practical and human-centered transformations you’ll hear about. She reimagined everything: childcare, mental health supports, wraparound services, and what it truly means to value each employee—from bus drivers to teachers.Her story is not only inspiring—it’s a masterclass in leading through disruption, rebuilding trust, and creating environments where people can heal and perform.Rosalyn’s life gave her the tools. Her leadership shows us the way.Content warning: This episode includes discussion of childhood abuse and suicidal ideation.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

08-07
37:52

Stop Chasing Purpose—Build It Instead: Why Knowing Who You Are Matters More Than Knowing Where You're Going

Forget the pressure to find your purpose like it’s buried treasure. In this solo episode of The Resilience Lab, Rex Miller dismantles the myth that your purpose must be crystal clear from the start. Drawing from ancient wisdom, brain science, and decades of coaching, Rex offers a refreshing framework: start with your “who,” practice your “how,” and let your “why” emerge naturally. If you've ever felt stuck, anxious, or like you’re chasing someone else’s mission, this episode will help you reframe purpose as a path, not a brand.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

07-17
14:18

When Life Says No: How Rachel Fox Turned Setbacks into Purpose and Power

What if the purpose you’ve been searching for is already inside you—buried beneath life’s traumas, systems, and setbacks? In this powerful episode of The Resilience Lab, Dr. Rachel Fox shares her extraordinary journey from single mom and caregiver to doctoral graduate and purpose coach. With unflinching honesty, she recounts her fight to save her daughter’s life against an indifferent medical system, the emotional toll of advocacy, and the persistence it takes to rise through broken systems.Rachel introduces Paraclete, a program she created to equip others to find their voice, become advocates, and build resilience from within. Whether you’re a caregiver, a leader navigating workplace change, or someone staring down a life you didn’t choose—this conversation will awaken something in you. It’s about reclaiming agency, discovering the calling you’ve always carried, and standing your ground when the system says no.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

07-03
25:50

The One-Minute Ritual That Unlocks Your Hidden Genius

What if the key to unlocking your hidden genius wasn’t more hustle—but one simple practice you can do in under a minute?In this solo episode, I reveal the bookends ritual I’ve used for over a decade to show up sharp, grounded, and fully alive. It’s the same brain science elite athletes use—adapted for real life. No coach. No hacks. Just a proven daily rhythm that reconnects you to your best self—and keeps you there.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

06-19
14:27

The Future Isn’t Hybrid: Phil Kirschner on Disrupting Work as We Know It

What if everything we think we know about the future of work is just a half-step forward from the past?In this provocative and insightful episode, Phil Kirschner—a former McKinsey consultant, WeWork strategist, and LinkedIn Top Voice—joins Rex Miller to challenge the conventional wisdom surrounding hybrid work, office design, and corporate real estate.Drawing on his experience across finance, tech, and consulting, Phil reveals why most workplace strategies are stuck in Horizon One thinking—and how AI, gig work, and employee expectations are rapidly rewriting the rules.You’ll hear fresh, candid takes on:Why “hybrid” is often a concession, not a strategyHow corporate real estate lost its seat at the tableWhat resilient organizations must embrace now to survive the next disruptionAnd the surprising traits that define leaders who actually move the needleSmart, surprising, and refreshingly honest—this is the conversation real estate and workplace leaders didn’t know they needed.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

06-05
01:16:36

The Magic Trick: A Simple Exercise That Changes Everything

What if one conversation could change how your team sees each other—and themselves? In this episode, Rex shares The Magic Trick—his favorite team exercise that consistently sparks appreciation, connection, and insight. Rex explores the 60-year-old research that transformed our understanding of genius and human potential. Drawing from over 25 years of experience and working with over 20,000 people, Rex shares insights on unlocking hidden potential and introduces a simple team conversation exercise. Find out more at surroundpodcasts.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

05-15
11:09

How a Viral Gen Z Study Launched Amanda Schneider to TEDx Stardom

How does a research project turn into a global stage moment? Amanda Schneider, entrepreneur and thought leader, shares the surprising journey of how a viral Gen Z study propelled her to the TEDx Fargo stage—and what it really took to get there. In this candid conversation, Amanda reveals the behind-the-scenes highs and lows of preparing for TEDx, from wrestling with self-doubt to navigating a flood of feedback without losing her unique voice. She also unpacks why understanding Gen Z’s "phygital" (physical + digital) fluidity is reshaping the workplace—and why most companies aren’t ready. Along the way, we explore the power of soft skills, the hidden cost of risk-aversion in leadership, and the personal rituals that keep Amanda grounded as a high-performing leader and mother. If you've ever wondered how big ideas go viral—or what it takes to turn research into real influence—this episode delivers.Find out more at surroundpodcasts.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

05-01
39:46

Shaping Schools with Bold Vision and Care

On this episode of The Resilience Lab, host Rex Miller sits down with Judith Hoskens, Senior Planner and Principal at DLR Group, to discuss how thoughtful design can transform schools into places of safety, connection, and brilliance. From an emotional journey with a Finnish elementary school to rallying a community after a disaster, Judy shares powerful stories of designing environments where students and teachers thrive. Her approach—grounded in empathy and deep listening—shows how visionary design can nudge systems toward bold change. Tune in to hear how architecture becomes more than just buildings—it’s about creating spaces that inspire joy, community, and resilience. Discover the Resilience Lab: https://ofs.com/imagine-a-place/podcast/the-resilience-lab Follow The Resilience Lab.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/resiliencelabpodcast/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/80048242/Follow Rex Miller on LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/in/rexmiller/ Get your copy of education-focused books authored by Rex Miller.Humanizing the Education Machine: How to create schools that turn disengaged kids into inspired learners. https://www.amazon.com/Humanizing-Education-Machine-Disengaged-Inspired/dp/1119283108/Whole: What teachers need to help students thrive.https://www.amazon.com/WHOLE-What-Teachers-Students-Thrive-ebook/dp/B0859NT635/ The Resilience Lab Podcast is an Imagine a Place Production.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

12-18
26:45

Reimagining Learning Spaces with Purpose

In this episode of The Resilience Lab with Rex Miller, Melissa Turnbaugh, Senior Principal, Firmwide PreK-12 Market Leader at PBK, shares her vision for transforming education through innovation and intentional design. Melissa discusses how connecting students to nature, fostering creativity, and designing spaces that reflect the identity of their communities can revolutionize the way schools serve their students. She dives into the power of public-private collaboration, the importance of creating equitable and sustainable learning environments, and how small changes—like reimagining outdoor spaces—can inspire pride and connection while addressing larger societal challenges. This conversation is a powerful exploration of how thoughtful design can shape the future of education and the communities it serves. Don’t miss this inspiring episode!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

12-16
28:18

Building Community through Higher Education Design

In this episode of Resilience Lab, Rex Miller sits down with Audrey Metz, Manager of Furniture and Design at Washington University, to discuss higher education design. Audrey talks about designing spaces across the whole campus that foster collaboration, enhance student well-being, and create a sense of community. Audrey offers insights into her approach to designing university spaces, emphasizing how power availability and user interaction drive effective learning environments. She dives into her experience with designing medical facilities, discussing how adapting to evolving space needs and balancing project expectations can be challenging. She also covers the collaboration with furniture dealerships and the evolving trends in educational design, including how technology integration is reshaping university environments. Discover the Resilience Lab: https://ofs.com/imagine-a-place/podcast/the-resilience-lab Follow The Resilience Lab.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/resiliencelabpodcast/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/80048242/ Follow Rex Miller on LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/in/rexmiller/ Get your copy of education-focused books authored by Rex Miller.Humanizing the Education Machine: How to create schools that turn disengaged kids into inspired learners. https://www.amazon.com/Humanizing-Education-Machine-Disengaged-Inspired/dp/1119283108/Whole: What teachers need to help students thrive.https://www.amazon.com/WHOLE-What-Teachers-Students-Thrive-ebook/dp/B0859NT635/ The Resilience Lab Podcast is an Imagine a Place Production.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

09-18
19:12

Roundtable: Redefining Education Spaces

In this roundtable podcast episode, join Rex Miller and our panel as they explore how education environments are transforming in response to new needs and challenges. Our roundtable panel guests include:Audrey Metz, Manager of Furniture and Design at Washington UniversityMelissa Turnbaugh, Partner and National Education & Innovation Leader at PBKAmanda Costell, Interior Designer at the University of ToledoJudy Hoskens, Principal and Senior Planner at DLR GroupJoin the conversation as they dive into the impact of neurodiversity on education design, the shift towards flexible learning environments, and the challenge of fostering community in hybrid learning models. They discuss how libraries and student unions are becoming the new hearts of campus life and emphasize the importance of collaborative partnerships in addressing broader issues affecting students.Packed with thought-provoking insights and innovative ideas, this episode is a must-listen for educators, designers, and anyone passionate about the future of education.How are you reimagining educational spaces? Share your thoughts and join the conversation! Discover the Resilience Lab: https://ofs.com/imagine-a-place/podcast/the-resilience-lab Follow The Resilience Lab.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/resiliencelabpodcast/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/80048242/Follow Rex Miller on LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/in/rexmiller/ Get your copy of education-focused books authored by Rex Miller.Humanizing the Education Machine: How to create schools that turn disengaged kids into inspired learners. https://www.amazon.com/Humanizing-Education-Machine-Disengaged-Inspired/dp/1119283108/Whole: What teachers need to help students thrive.https://www.amazon.com/WHOLE-What-Teachers-Students-Thrive-ebook/dp/B0859NT635/ The Resilience Lab Podcast is an Imagine a Place Production.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

09-03
39:55

Educating for the Real World

In this episode, Rex Miller speaks with Matt Wunder, the visionary leader, CEO, and Superintendent of Da Vinci Schools in Los Angeles. Discover how they are revolutionizing education by fostering personalized, project-based learning and nurturing resilience in a diverse student population. Hear the inspiring story behind Da Vinci's creation and its mission to address the challenges faced by students. Wunder shares how the schools have become a beacon of hope for those who haven't found success in traditional settings, providing a caring environment that unlocks their full potential. Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights redefining the boundaries of K-12 education. Follow The Resilience Lab.InstagramLinkedIn Follow Rex Miller on LinkedIn. Click here to get your copy of education focused books authored by Rex Miller.Humanizing the Education Machine: How to create schools that turn disengaged kids into inspired learners.Whole: What teachers need to help students thrive. The Resilience Lab Podcast is an Imagine a Place Production.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

08-21
55:44

Reflections: Reimagining the Education Machine

Step into the world of education design in this year's season of The Resilience Lab podcast. Join Rex Miller as he explores resilience through the lens of education, uncovering insights that extend beyond classrooms into our communities and workplaces. In this episode, Rex poses critical questions about the current state of education and how communities can rally around engaged learning. Drawing from research, personal experience, and collaboration with educators, Rex emphasizes the need for a paradigm shift in education toward personalized, community-centered learning environments. He reflects on transformative design stories that sparked a community-wide commitment to architecture and innovative education. Join Rex Miller for this season of The Resilience Lab as he shares compelling stories, interviews design leaders in education, and advocates to build a more resilient and responsive school system that meets the needs of students and communities. Follow The Resilience Lab.InstagramLinkedIn Follow Rex Miller on LinkedIn. Click here to get your copy of education focused books authored by Rex Miller.Humanizing the Education Machine: How to create schools that turn disengaged kids into inspired learners.Whole: What teachers need to help students thrive. The Resilience Lab Podcast is an Imagine a Place Production.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

05-09
25:59

Reflections: Designing the best version of you.

Step into the New Year with Rex Miller in this reflection episode of The Resilience Lab podcast.Join Rex as he discusses the seven elements to assess yourself, guides you through the art of designing your ideal day, and how to become the best version of yourself. It's a transformative conversation, an experiment in rewriting your story—one chapter at a time. Listen to the episode to start your step towards a resilient and fulfilling year ahead.The Resilience Lab is an Imagine a Place Production. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

01-24
26:32

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