From Illumination To Innovation

In this episode, guest Rusty Brindle, a seasoned trades professional, shares his journey and insights into the world of skilled labor. Rusty Brindle is 53 years old, with 20 years in the trades, 15 years as an ASE Master Mechanic, and 12 years in law enforcement. In 2018, he started Terrarium Homes, a business built on values like quality over quantity, ethics, perseverance, and fostering long-term customer relationships. Rusty emphasizes the importance of knowing your customers, fair pricing, profitability, and even when to "fire" a customer if they're not the right fit. Like this video? Subscribe and turn on notifications for From Illumination to Innovation (FITI) on YouTube:    / @fromilluminationtoinnovation   Watch our other episodes of the 'FITI Vodcast' here:    • From Illumination To Innovation   Key Discussion Points The growing appeal of skilled trades and the shift away from corporate careers Rusty's journey from law enforcement to skilled trades and lessons learned along the way Tips on building strong client relationships and creating a sustainable business Why This Matters As more professionals seek fulfilling and practical career paths, skilled trades offer a unique combination of independence, hands-on work, and purpose. Rusty's story serves as inspiration for those looking to escape the corporate grind and find meaning in their careers. This episode highlights the value of trade work, the rising demand for skilled labor, and practical advice on running a successful business. Upcoming Episodes The next FITI Vodcast episode airs on 11/28/24! Stay tuned for more illuminating conversations with Shaniqua Brown, Stephanie Crain, and fascinating guests. Join the Conv...

In this Halloween episode, the third and final part of our Brand Shadow Series, Stephanie and Shaniqua bring you an unforgettable blend of spookiness, insights, and corporate horror in Shadow Stories. Gather around your screen and get ready for frightful tales like "Overtime Despair" and "The Steel Shroud"-stories that reveal the shadows lurking in everyday corporate life and the hidden horrors behind it all. Inspired by real-life events, these four unique stories explore the darkest sides of corporate life, consumerism, and technology. From toxic work cultures to products that terrorize their own users, each tale sheds light on systems that drain our energy, creativity, and humanity. To make it even scarier, we collaborated with the "AI Monster" to craft these stories — think of it as Augmented Intelligence with a real human touch. Here's What to Expect: Overtime Despair – A chilling look into the endless overwork and economic oppression cycle. The Haunted Convenience – A haunting reminder of the hidden human costs of convenience and tech reliance. The Steel Shroud – The terrifying story of a product gone rogue, showcasing the nightmare of unchecked innovation. The Phoenix Pocket – A tale of resilience and creativity as one engineer stands against corporate apathy.  Why This Matters: Through these haunting stories, we spark a conversation about the real issues behind corporate culture, toxic systems, and the importance of ethical consumer choices. These tales will resonate whether you're dealing with workplace challenges or tech skepticism. Let us know your thoughts in the comments! Subscribe for More: Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to From Illumination To Innovation (FITI) on YouTube for more stories on leadership, workplace culture, and personal growth. Don't miss our latest Brand Shadow Series episodes! Shadow Stories Featured in This Episode: The Haunted Convenience by Shaniqua Brown The Steel Shroud by Stephanie Crain Overtime Despair by Shaniqua Brown The Phoenix Pocket by Stephanie Crain ️ Upcoming Episodes: Stay tuned! Our next FITI Vodcast episode airs on November 14th with a focus on the evolving world of employment, including the latest in trade work and fractional consulting trends. Engage with Us: What's your scariest workplace experience? Have you felt trapped by corporate culture or consumer habits? Share your story below and join our FITI community as we explore the shadows of corporate life together. HOST BIOS: STEPHANIE’S BIO:  Stephanie Crain is a Corporate Mystic, a visionary collaborator who empowers organizations and individuals to align their core values and unleash their authentic expression. With 25 years of experience in branding, culture, and creative strategy, Stephanie excels as an executive leader, fostering collaboration and talent elevation across diverse industries. As a Certified Master Jungian Coach specializing in Success Mindset, she guides executives, creators, and entrepreneurs to overcome obstacles and #vibratehigher by activating their true potential. SHANIQUA’S BIO Shaniqua Brown, Founder and Talent Strategist at Elevated TA brings over a decade of expertise in Talent Acquisition, with a distinguished background at industry leaders like Kforce and Google. Merging her academic prowess in Interdisciplinary Social Science with insights gained from a dynamic career as a professional dancer and NFL cheerleader, she infuses Elevated TA's mission with precision, agility, and an innovative spirit. Focused on revolutionizing talent acquisition strategies for mid-sized com...

In this episode of the Brand Shadow Series, we dive deep into the hidden forces that shape corporate culture and impact employees. Leah Stiegler, an Equity Partner, and management-side employment Lawyer, teams up with Stephanie Crain, a Corporate Mystic, and Shaniqua Brown, a Talent Strategist, to explore how leadership decisions and unseen corporate shadows affect workplace dynamics and success. Leah Stiegler shares her expertise as a Lawyer who helps HR and management navigate workplace challenges, shining a light on how organizational shadows can create or prevent corporate toxicity. Leah also co-hosts 'What's the Tea in L&E' of the ‪@woods-rogers‬ firm's channel. With 25 years of experience in creative strategy and leadership, Stephanie Crain discusses the role of value alignment and transparency in unleashing a company’s full potential. Shaniqua Brown, founder of Elevated TA, brings her expertise in talent acquisition and innovative strategies to help companies align their teams with a vision of success and efficiency. Like this video? Subscribe and turn on notifications for From Illumination To Innovation (FITI) on YouTube: /@fromilluminationtoinnovation Watch the latest full episodes of the 'Brand Shadow Series' here: • Brand Shadows Key Discussion Points: Organizational Shadows: Understanding how unseen factors in leadership and culture impact employees and workplace dynamics. Corporate Toxicity: Strategies to prevent toxic corporate shadows from affecting employee well-being and organizational successLeadership's Role: How to value alignment, transparency, and creative strategy foster a healthy, vibrant work culture. Why This Matters: Addressing corporate shadows and toxicity is key to building healthier, more transparent organizations that thrive on innovation and effective leadership. Hear from experts who know how to create environments where individuals and companies can flourish. Upcoming Episodes: The next episode of the Brand Shadow Series airs soon! Stay tuned for the Brand Shadow Series finale, coming on 10/31. Join the Conversation: Share your thoughts and experiences on overcoming organizational shadows and corporate toxicity by leaving a comment below. Engage with the FITI community and keep the conversation going! Like, Share, Comment, and Subscribe for more valuable insights on leadership, workplace culture, and personal growth from the FITI Vodcast.

Enjoyed this Uncovering Individual Shadows: How Personal Traits Impact Business Performance video? Subscribe and turn on notifications for From Illumination To Innovation (FITI) on YouTube:    / @fromilluminationtoinnovation   Intriguing Questions Discussed: How do personal shadows influence leadership styles? What are the signs of an individual shadow showing up in business? How can understanding your shadow enhance corporate culture? Get the Brand Shadow book: https://a.co/d/hGhKCLe Upcoming Episodes: Our next episode continues the conversation by examining brand shadows, how organizations express them, and how you can identify or avoid them. Join the Conversation: Share your thoughts in the comments! How do you see personal traits impacting your business environment? What strategies have you used to navigate corporate shadows? Subscribe & Stay Tuned: Don't miss our future episodes! Like, comment, and subscribe for more thought-provoking content from the FITI Vodcast.   #CorporateShadows #PersonalGrowthInBusiness #LeadershipDevelopment #BusinessCulture #FromIlluminationToInnovation #FITIPodcast #StephanieCrain #WorkplaceHealing

Welcome to the grand finale of the Generation Jeopardy series on the FITI Vodcast! Join hosts Shaniqua and Stephanie as they present an electrifying face-off between Millennials and Gen Z. Victoria, a trust and vulnerability coach with a passion for redefining workplace dynamics, represents the millennials, and Chloe, a spirited dancer and grad student, champions Gen Z.   In this final episode, you can expect: Generational Showdown: Millennials and Gen Z will compete in a battle of wits, perspectives, and cultural knowledge. Unexpected Revelations: From surprising trivia to deep insights, uncover the nuances that set these two generations apart. Engaging Discussions: Experience lively conversations on social justice, workplace culture, and technological evolution. Intriguing Questions Discussed: What values and priorities shape Millennials and Gen Z today? How do both generations tackle mental health and social impact? What does each generation think about the future of work?   Upcoming Episodes: The series finale, but the conversation continues! Stay tuned for new series and engaging topics! Join the Conversation: Leave your thoughts in the comments! Which generation do you think won the ultimate battle? What myths or misconceptions about Millennials or Gen Z do you want to debunk? Subscribe & Stay Tuned: Don't miss out on our future episodes! Like, comment, and subscribe for more thought-provoking content from the FITI Vodcast. Together, let's bridge the generational gap and vibrate higher!   TEAM BIOS: STEPHANIE CRAIN Stephanie Crain is a corporate mystic and a visionary collaborator who empowers organizations and individuals to align their core values and unleash their authentic expression. With 25 years of experience in branding, culture, and creative strategy, Stephanie excels as an executive leader, fostering collaboration and talent elevation across diverse industries. As a Certified Master Jungian Coach specializing in Success Mindset, she guides executives, creators, and entrepreneurs to overcome obstacles and #vibratehigher by activating their true potential.   SHANIQUA BROWN Shaniqua Brown, Founder and Talent Strategist at Elevated TA brings over a decade of expertise in Talent Acquisition, with a distinguished background at industry leaders like Kforce and Google. Merging her academic prowess in Interdisciplinary Social Science with insights gained from a dynamic career as a professional dancer and NFL cheerleader, she infuses Elevated TA's mission with precision, agility, and an innovative spirit. Focused on revolutionizing talent acquisition strategies for mid-sized companies, Shaniqua's approach blends empathetic partnership with dynamic, data-informed solutions, ensuring businesses align their teams with their strategic vision for success and efficiency.   #GenerationJeopardyFinale #MillennialsVsGenZ #FutureOfWork #VibrateHigher #Intergen...

Welcome to a special episode of the FITI Vodcast! Join hosts Shaniqua and Stephanie as we connect with nine individuals from different generations—Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z—in a frank and revealing conversation. In this episode, we explore the real stories, challenges, and triumphs that define each generation.   Why Listen: Break Stereotypes: Hear directly from each generation as they debunk common myths and misconceptions about their age group. Personal Stories: Learn about the pivotal events that have shaped each generation’s worldview—from the civil rights movement to the rise of social media. Connection Across Ages: Discover how different generations socialize, work, and connect in today’s world. Unique Traits: Understand the distinct qualities each generation brings to the table, and how these can complement one another in the workplace and beyond.   Key Discussion Points: What is the biggest myth about your generation? Which historical events have had the most impact on you? How do you prefer to connect with others—digitally or face-to-face? What qualities do you admire in other generations?   Why Generational Conversations Matter: Discussions about generations are often sparked by workplace dynamics, pop culture, and societal shifts. Understanding these perspectives helps us build stronger, more inclusive communities and work environments. By listening to each other’s stories, we can bridge gaps and find common ground.   Upcoming Episodes: Episode 2: Gen X vs. Gen Z – The clash continues! Series Finale: Who will come out on top in Generation Jeopardy?   Join the Conversation: Leave your thoughts in the comments! How have you experienced generational differences in your life? What's a myth or misconception about your generation that you want to debunk?   Subscribe & Stay Tuned: Don't miss our exciting episodes! Like, comment, and subscribe for more engaging content from the FITI Vodcast. Let’s bridge the generational gap together!   #GenerationalWisdom #FutureOfWork #IntergenerationalDialogue #WorkplaceCulture #CommunityBuilding           [Unfiltered generational views, Candid thoughts from Boomers to Gen Z, Breaking generational stereotypes, Real stories from different generations, Challenges and triumphs of each generation, Understanding generational perspectives, Connecting across ages, Impact of historical events on generations, Debunking myths about Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z, How generations socialize and work today, Distinct qualities of each generation, Building stronger communities through generational understanding, Generational conversations in...

Welcome back to round 2 of the Generation Jeopardy series on the FITI Vodcast! Join hosts Shaniqua Brown and Stephanie Crain as they present a captivating clash between Gen X and Gen Z. Representing Gen X is Ed, an experienced IT professional, and for Gen Z, we have Chloe, a vibrant professional dancer and grad student.   In this episode, you can expect: Generational Clash: Witness Gen X and Gen Z go head-to-head, exploring their unique perspectives on work, technology, and life. Humorous Moments: Enjoy light-hearted banter and trivia that highlight generational differences in a fun way. Valuable Insights: Learn about hybrid work models and how the digital divide shapes communication across generations.   Key Questions Discussed: How do Gen X and Gen Z approach work-life balance? What lessons can younger generations learn from Gen X's resilience and experience? How does technology influence communication across generations?   Upcoming Episodes: Series Finale: Who will emerge victorious in Generation Jeopardy?   Join the Conversation: Leave your thoughts in the comments! How have you experienced generational differences in your life? What's a myth or misconception about Gen X or Gen Z?   Subscribe & Stay Tuned: Don't miss our exciting episodes! Like, comment, and subscribe for more engaging content from the FITI Vodcast. Let’s bridge the generational gap together!   #vibratehigher #GenXvsGenZDynamics #FutureOfWork #IntergenerationalDialogue #WorkplaceCulture STEPHANIE’S BIO:  Stephanie Crain is a Corporate Mystic, a visionary collaborator who empowers organizations and individuals to align their core values and unleash their authentic expression. With 25 years of experience in branding, culture, and creative strategy, Stephanie excels as an executive leader, fostering collaboration and talent elevation across diverse industries. As a Certified Master Jungian Coach specializing in Success Mindset, she guides executives, creators, and entrepreneurs to overcome obstacles and #vibratehigher by activating their true potential.   SHANIQUA’S BIO Shaniqua Brown, Founder and Talent Strategist at Elevated TA brings over a decade of expertise in Talent Acquisition, with a distinguished background at industry leaders like Kforce and Google. Merging her academic prowess in Interdisciplinary Social Science with insights gained from a dynamic career as a professional dancer and NFL cheerleader, she infuses Elevated TA's mission with precision, agility, and an innovative spirit. Focused on revolutionizing talent acquisition strategies for mid-sized companies, Shaniqua's approach blends empathetic partnership with dynamic, data-informed solutions, ensuring businesses align their teams with their strategic vision for success and efficiency.     [Generational clash, Gen X, Gen Z, hybrid work models, digital divide, Understanding Gen X and Gen Z, generational diversity in the workplace, Gen X vs Gen Z dynamics]

Here’s to the premiere of the Generation Jeopardy series on the FITI Vodcast! Join hosts Shaniqua Brown and Stephanie Crain as they kick off this exciting series with a battle between Baby Boomers and Millennials. Representing the Boomers is Ted, a retired aviator, and for the Millennials, we have Victoria, a trust and vulnerability coach. In this episode, you can expect: Amusing Anecdotes: Watch the hilarious rock-paper-scissors showdown that sets the tone for a fun and competitive game. Riveting Takeaways: Discover the surprising answers and learn something new about the cultural milestones that define each generation. Opportunities for Learning: Gain insights into how different generations perceive and engage with the world around them. Fascinating Questions Discussed: How do Baby Boomers and Millennials view financial planning differently? What can younger generations learn from the wisdom of the Boomers? How do cultural references shape the identities of each generation? Upcoming Episodes: Episode 2: Gen X vs. Gen Z – The clash of the titans continues! Series Finale: Who will emerge victorious? Subscribe & Stay Tuned: Don't miss out on our exciting episodes! Like, comment, and subscribe for more astute and engaging content from the FITI Vodcast. Let's bridge the generational gap together and vibrate higher!   #GenerationalDiversity #FutureOfWork #IntergenerationalDialogue #WorkplaceCulture #InnovationAtWork Generational gap, Baby Boomers, Millennials, workplace culture, intergenerational dialogue Exploring generational differences, Baby Boomers vs Millennials, bridging generational gaps in the workplace

Welcome to a special episode of the FITI Vodcast! Join hosts Shaniqua Brown and Stephanie Crain as they dive into the generational divide and its impact on our workplaces, society, and culture. From Baby Boomers to Gen Z, discover how each generation brings unique perspectives and skills to the table. In this episode, we explore: The importance of intergenerational relationships and mentorship How media and marketing fuel generational divides The benefits of a multigenerational workforce Insights from our upcoming Generation Jeopardy series   Key Questions Discussed: How can we bridge the generational divide for a more inclusive future? What can each generation learn from one another? How do generational differences shape our workplaces and communities?   Upcoming Episodes: Baby Boomers vs. Millennials Gen X vs. Gen Z The Grand Finale: Which generation will come out on top?   Show Resources: Harvard Business Review Article: Why We Need Intergenerational Friendships at Work Learn more about the benefits of intergenerational relationships: IRT Article   Join the Conversation: Leave your thoughts in the comments! Which generation do you think will win our Generation Jeopardy series? How do you experience generational differences in your life?   Subscribe & Stay Tuned: Don't miss out on our exciting episodes! Like, comment, and subscribe for more insightful and engaging content from the FITI Vodcast. Let's bridge the generational gap together and vibrate higher!       [Understanding generational differences, the impact of generational diversity in the workplace, trends in intergenerational communication, bridging the generational gap in America, fostering intergenerational relationships, and the role of different generations in modern culture.] #GenerationalDiversity #FutureOfWork #IntergenerationalDialogue #WorkplaceCulture #InnovationAtWork

Join us for a captivating recap of our HR series ‘The Good, the Bad, and the Potential’ with your hosts Shaniqua Brown and Stephanie Crain! In this episode, we revisit the most impactful moments from our HR series, highlighting the insights and expertise of our incredible guests: Prudence Pitter, Lisa Novak, Mindy Honcoop, and Emma Garcia. From exploring the future of HR and the integration of AI in recruitment to enhancing the employee experience and the strategic role of HR, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways. Guest Highlights: Prudence Pitter: Discusses the transformative power of DEI initiatives led by unconventional leaders. Lisa Novak: Explores the critical link between employee experience and customer satisfaction. Mindy Honcoop: Shares her vision of a human-centric workplace and the importance of viewing employees as investments. Emma Garcia: Delves into the role of AI in creating a more holistic employee experience. Gain insights into the evolving role of HR in modern organizations. Learn innovative strategies for integrating AI into your recruitment process. Discover the importance of a human-centric approach to employee experience.   STEPHANIE’S BIO:  Stephanie Crain is a Corporate Mystic, a visionary collaborator who empowers organizations and individuals to align their core values and unleash their authentic expression. With 25 years of experience in branding, culture, and creative strategy, Stephanie excels as an executive leader, fostering collaboration and talent elevation across diverse industries. As a Certified Master Jungian Coach specializing in Success Mindset, she guides executives, creators, and entrepreneurs to overcome obstacles and #vibratehigher by activating their true potential.   SHANIQUA’S BIO Shaniqua Brown, Founder and Talent Strategist at Elevated TA brings over a decade of expertise in Talent Acquisition, with a distinguished background at industry leaders like Kforce and Google. Merging her academic prowess in Interdisciplinary Social Science with insights gained from a dynamic career as a professional dancer and NFL cheerleader, she infuses Elevated TA's mission with precision, agility, and an innovative spirit. Focused on revolutionizing talent acquisition strategies for mid-sized companies, Shaniqua's approach blends empathetic partnership with dynamic, data-informed solutions, ensuring businesses align their teams with their strategic vision for success and efficiency.   #HR #HumanResources #LeadershipDevelopment #FutureOfWork #EmployeeExperience #vibratehigher 

Get ready for the finale of our HR Series, "HR: The Good, the Bad, and the Potential." In our 10th episode, 'Is the Future of HR Human - Beyond Human Resources?' we explore the evolving landscape of Human Resources. With AI's increased presence and companies leaning on technology amid layoffs, the future of HR is at a pivotal crossroads. Join us as we chat with Emma Garcia, Executive Director of Workforce Innovation at ZPryme. Emma advocates for designing HR programs with a - and creating spaces that honor and support the whole self. Her vision for HR includes a shift towards strategic leadership roles and fostering an inclusive culture. Highlights Include: • Balancing AI and human touch in HR • Fostering an inclusive and empathetic work environemnt• Rebranding Human Resources to reflect its strategic importance #PeopleFirstHR #hrinnovation #WorkforceStrategy #VibrateHigher GUEST BIOEmma Garcia is the Executive Director of Workforce Innovation at Zpryme in Austin, TX. Her passion lies in advocating for a world of work built on principles of empathy and equity, fostering inclusive cultures where individuals can bring their whole selves to the table and excel. Emma champions workforce development and innovation through the lens of her deep commitment to trust, honest communication, psychological safety, and accountability. She is a board member of Solar Austin and a self-professed GenAI geek. Emma leads outreach and engagement efforts to create a robust community in support of smart city workforce development and sustainability initiatives.

Are you ready to redefine HR's role in your organization? Join us for the 9th episode of the and the fourth installment of our HR Series, ': —' ?' In this riveting episode, we uncover how HR can transcend its traditional boundaries to become a catalyst for transformative change. In this episode, we're thrilled to have , an HR luminary with 20 years of experience across industry giants like Microsoft, Expedia, Spiceworks, and TCP Software. As the Founder of Agile in HR and the VP of Customer Strategy & Ops at Mebebot, Mindy brings unparalleled insight into the evolving landscape of HR. Her expertise in developing vision and strategy for business growth, leading change, and mentoring executives will illuminate the path towards a more human-centric workplace. Mindy shares her compelling vision: "We need healthier communities and society, which in part requires us to view humans as an investment, not a spend, in our workplaces. There is something we all need to individually and collectively mine to start living and interacting differently.” This episode challenges you to rethink traditional workplace dynamics and embrace a culture of trust, inclusion, and care. GUEST BIO: Mindy Honcoop is an HR leader with 20 years of experience and career-spanning roles at Microsoft, Expedia, Spiceworks, and TCP Software. She specializes in developing vision and strategy for business growth, leading change, and coaching executives.  She is the Founder of Agile in HR and serves as the VP of Customer Strategy & Ops at Mebebot. She holds an MBA from Western Governors University and engages in mentoring the HR community. :LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mindyhoncoop/ Episode Sources: The evolution of Human Resource Development: Strategic HRD to transform organizations into high performance organizations (Journal for Advancing Business Education)   STEPHANIE’S BIO:  Stephanie Crain is a Corporate Mystic and owner of Tapas Innovation. A visionary collaborator, Stephanie empowers organizations and individuals to align their core values and unleash their authentic expression. With 25 years of experience in branding, culture, and creative strategy, Stephanie excels as an executive leader, fostering collaboration and talent elevation across diverse industries. As a Certified Master Jungian Coach specializing in Success Mindset, she guides executives, creators, and entrepreneurs to overcome obstacles and #vibratehigher by activating their true potential.   SHANIQUA’S BIO Shaniqua Brown, Founder and Talent Strategist at Elevated TA brings over a decade of expertise in Talent Acquisition, with a distinguished background at industry leaders like Kforce and Google. Merging her academic prowess in Interdisciplinary Social Science with insights gained from a dynamic career as a professional dancer and NFL cheerleader, she infuses Elevated TA's mission with precision, agility, and an innovative spirit. Focused on revolutionizing talent acquisition strategies for mid-sized companies, Shaniqua's approach blends empathetic partnership with dynamic, data-informed solutio...

Are you ready to transform your workplace? Join us for episode 3 of our HR series, ': ℎ , ℎ , ℎ ,' where we discuss the : ’ ? Discover how prioritizing your employees can drive unparalleled organizational success. ✨ : : Understand how happy employees lead to satisfied customers and business growth. : Learn strategies to foster an engaging and supportive organizational culture. : Explore the impact of leadership on employee engagement and productivity, and uncover why leaders often fail to listen. : : Shaniqua explains how the Employee Experience begins at the prospect stage and extends through the entire lifecycle, emphasizing authentic employer branding. : Stephanie shares her revolutionary ideas on rethinking traditional corporate hierarchies, advocating for a flipped pyramid model to foster a more supportive and innovative culture. : Shaniqua and Stephanie discuss the importance of recognizing and celebrating employee achievements and transitions, highlighting the value of genuine recognition and support. ' : How to create a thriving organizational environment by prioritizing the Employee Experience. Effective strategies to engage and retain top talent. The essential role of leadership in fostering a positive workplace culture. , ’ ! ? ! ! !   Episode Sources: Clear Action: https://clearaction.com/employee-experience-faq/  Builtin Article: https://builtin.com/company-culture/positive-work-culture Gallup: U.S. Employee Engagement Needs a Rebound in 2023 https://www.gallup.com/workplace/468233/employee-engagement-needs-rebound-2023.aspx  FHSU.edu https://scholars.fhsu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1001&context=management_oer    STEPHANIE’S BIO:  Stephanie Crain is a Corporate Mystic, a visionary collaborator who empowers organizations and individuals to align their core values and unleash their authentic expression. With 25 years of experience in branding, culture, and creative strategy, Stephanie excels as an executive leader, fostering collaboration and talent elevation across diverse industries. As a Certified Master Jungian Coach specializing in Success Mindset, she guides executives, creators, and entrepreneurs to overcome obstacles and #vibratehigher by activating their true potential.   SHANIQUA’S BIO Shaniqua Brown, Founder and Talent Strategist at Elevated TA brings over a decade of expertise in Talent Acquisition, with a distinguished background at industry leaders like Kforce and Google. Merging her academic prowess in Interdisciplinary Social Science with insights gained from a dynamic career as a professional dancer and NFL cheerleader, she infuses Elevated TA's mission with precision, agility, and an innovative spirit. Focused on re...

Is HR your friend? Are any corporate departments your friend? In the second episode of our HR series HR: The Good, the Bad, and the Potential, we examine this question and go deeper into the real impact HR has in business. Using one of Stephanie’s more controversial IG reels as a kick start for our discussion, we explore difficult questions with our guest, Lisa Novak. Lisa brings a wealth of in-depth expertise combined with a passion and commitment to how HR can serve as an advocate for both the employee and the business. HR: Friend or Foe? is an elevated conversation that is guaranteed to illuminate your perspective on Human Resources and its impact or influence on corporate culture. GUEST BIO: Lisa Novak is a Fractional HR Leader serving the global tech startup market, headquartered in Austin, TX. She provides leadership guidance and program development that elevates culture, drives growth, and increases revenue performance for multiple evolving businesses. Lisa has over 25 years of experience in HR leadership, helping to build companies as they ramp up for significant growth or organizational change. She’s been responsible for the corporate strategy for acquiring, developing, and retaining talent, providing leadership development, curating effective compensation and benefits programs, driving DEIB, and helping to build positive, high-performing cultures. Prior to starting LMNHR, Lisa served on the executive teams for a number of organizations leading HR and Employee Experience for companies including data.world, RenewData, SigmaTel, and Brooktree through rapid growth, M&A activity, and turnaround situations. Episode Sources: HR is Not Your Friend -what is it? HR is NOT Your Friend - IG Reel   STEPHANIE’S BIO:  Stephanie Crain is a Corporate Mystic, a visionary collaborator who empowers organizations and individuals to align their core values and unleash their authentic expression. With 25 years of experience in branding, culture, and creative strategy, Stephanie excels as an executive leader, fostering collaboration and talent elevation across diverse industries. As a Certified Master Jungian Coach specializing in Success Mindset, she guides executives, creators, and entrepreneurs to overcome obstacles and #vibratehigher by activating their true potential. SHANIQUA’S BIO Shaniqua Brown, Founder and Talent Strategist at Elevated TA brings over a decade of expertise in Talent Acquisition, with a distinguished background at industry leaders like Kforce and Google. Merging her academic prowess in Interdisciplinary Social Science with insights gained from a dynamic career as a professional dancer and NFL cheerleader, she infuses Elevated TA's mission with precision, agility, and an innovative spirit. Focused on revolutionizing talent acquisition strategies for mid-sized companies, Shaniqua's approach blends empathetic partnership with dynamic, data-informed solutions, ensuring businesses align their teams with their strategic vision for success and efficiency.

Welcome to Episode 1 of our enlightening five-part series, 'HR: The Good, the Bad, and the Potential.' Dive into our first episode, 'HR: Then and Now, an Illuminating Education,' where we unravel the evolving landscape of Human Resources—from its administrative roots to its current significance as a strategic business partner. Join hosts Shaniqua Brown and Stephanie Crain and our distinguished guest, , a seasoned HR expert with over 27 years in the field. In this episode, Prudence shares profound insights on how - is pivotal for . We delve into HR's transformation, challenging the often negative portrayal seen in viral media and illustrating its true potential as a cornerstone of corporate success. This episode isn't just a historical overview; it's a forward-looking perspective on how HR impacts workplace culture and influences executive decisions. Listeners will gain valuable insights into HR's strategic role, understand its deep-rooted functions, and discover how it shapes every aspect of employee experience. . Learn why Human Resources can be a formidable ally in fostering workplace excellence and driving company growth when embraced and executed with dedication. GUEST BIO: Prudence Pitter is an executive with 27+ years of Human Resource leadership across several industries. In addition to her HR and consulting experience, she previously served as an Adjunct Professor of HR, for 9+ years. She is currently a Board Member and volunteers her time to help junior HR professionals. Her passion is delivering leadership development presentations to business leaders while also inspiring alignment of people practices to business priorities while keeping the employee experience as a key focus. Prudence enjoys writing about HR trends, and influencing leadership behaviors that enhance the employee experience. Episode Sources: The history of HR in the US 100 Year History of HR The History of HRM

In this must-listen episode of From Illumination to Innovation, David Greenspan and Justin Follin, founders of Blue Case Strategic Partners, share game-changing insights on how adaptive leadership styles can transform organizational culture and drive innovation. Discover the power of the TILT model for improving collaboration, the critical role of the CEO in shaping company culture, and practical strategies for creating an environment of openness, authenticity, and continuous learning. If you're a leader looking to navigate change, unlock untapped potential, and take your organization from mediocrity to greatness, this episode is for you. Tune in now and subscribe for more illuminating conversations on leadership and innovation. MORE ABOUT DAVID: David Greenspan, Ph.D., is the founder and President of BLUECASE Strategic Partners, a leadership development, strategic planning, and executive coaching consultancy headquartered in Austin, TX. He has a PH.D. in High-Performance Psychology with expertise in why certain individuals and teams perform at exceptional levels, even in suboptimal circumstances. BLUECASE facilitates strategic planning and teaches managers and executives at fast-growing companies how to create seamless cross-functional collaboration, feedback-rich cultures, and high levels of engagement. An expert in creating high-performance corporate cultures and teams, he is an energizing leader, coach, and facilitator known for his capacity to galvanize groups to generate breakthrough results. David has over fifteen years of experience working with senior executives at Fortune 100 companies and executive teams of fast-growing PE-backed companies with between $50 Million and $2 Billion in annual revenue. Notable clients include ESO, Intersys, Four Hands, AffiniPay, Logix, University of Texas, Tailos, Bypass Mobile, Austin Fitness Group/Orange Theory Fitness, Kerby Lane Cafe, ShippingEasy, Triangle Services, SKYGEN, Moby Capital, RPM living, and YPO. MORE ABOUT JUSTIN: Justin Follin is a lifelong student and teacher of what brings out the best in people, and a trusted advisor to CEOs and leaders in fast-growth business sectors. As the co-founder and CEO of BLUECASE Strategic Partners, Justin has successfully coached top leaders in fast-growing companies ranging from $20 Million and $2 Billion in annual revenue, and led hundreds of Executives, Directors, and Managers through cross-functional leadership development. Throughout his career, he’s coached public and private CEO's, business leaders, TEDx presenters, poker players, musicians, academic professors and athletes to perform at optimal levels. Justin graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill with a degree in Philosophy focusing on business and morality. He currently resides in Austin, Texas, where he plays music in his free time, does yoga, and beats the heat as often as he can at Barton Springs pool. Episode Sources: Empower Your Team: The Benefits of Empowerment in Leadership  A Better Team by Friday - David’s and Justin’s book  What Leadership Style Do You Major In?  Tilt360

What happens when a business needs to innovate, but they haven’t nurtured a culture of innovation? A recent study by leadershipIQ showed clearly that while companies like to describe themselves as valuing innovation, they don’t actually like employees who exhibit innovative traits, such as a willingness to take risks or ask questions. How do we encourage leaders to value innovation without fear? That’s what we explore this week with our ultra-creative guest, Melinda Rothouse, author, speaker, and professional creativity and leadership coach.    Guest Bio: I am a professional creativity, leadership, and career coach, consultant, educator, and facilitator based in Austin, Texas. I am the founder of Austin Writing Coach and co-founder of Syncreate, which offers creativity coaching, consulting, workshops, and retreats designed to enhance creativity in life and work, and to foster communication, collaboration, and community. I'm a professor of Creativity, Innovation & Leadership within the Humanistic Psychology program at Saybrook University, and the host and creator of The Syncreate Podcast: Empowering Creativity. I am the author of two books: A Mindful Approach to Team Creativity and Collaboration: Creating a Culture of Innovation, drawing on insights from my doctoral research and my experiences working with organizational leaders and teams, published in 2020 from Palgrave Macmillan, and the co-author of the Silver Nautilus Award-winning Syncreate: A Guide to Navigating the Creative Process for Individuals, Teams, and Communities, published in 2021 from Mandorla Books. Episode Sources: The Artist's Way - https://a.co/d/agdKmOK  Son of Cormack - https://sonofcormack.com/  Randy Langford - https://www.shamanacana.com/  Jamie Gallagher - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie4thew/  LeadershipIQ Innovation Study - https://www.leadershipiq.com/blogs/leadershipiq/managers-don-t-love-innovators  Leadership Circle - https://leadershipcircle.com/leadership-assessment-tools/leadership-circle-profile/  Employee Churn - https://www.peoplekeep.com/blog/employee-retention-the-real-cost-of-losing-an-employee 

In this enlightening episode of From Illumination to Innovation, hosts Stephanie Crain and Shaniqua Brown explore the untapped power of intuition in business with Ann Humes, Chief Solutioneer at Pivotal Path. Examine the science and stories behind intuition's critical role in decision-making and leadership. Discover how embracing our innate instincts can revolutionize corporate culture, drive innovation, and enhance ROI. This is a must-listen for those looking to merge the analytical with the instinctual for transformative business success. Show Resources: UKG Workforce Study - https://www.ukg.com/about-us/newsroom/managers-impact-our-mental-health-more-doctors-therapists-and-same-spouses  GUEST BIO: Ann Humes is committed to helping business leaders and owners avert master disasters. Ann has worked in various roles, from Fortune 50 companies like Microsoft and IBM to startups and everything in between. Ann has created the Inflection Point Business and Pivotal Path methodology to help business owners harness the inertia from inflection points to bounce higher! Ann Humes SOCIAL HANDLES:   www.linkedin.com/in/annkelleyhumes https://www.linkedin.com/company/inflection-point-business https://www.instagram.com/inflection_point_biz/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBh_XEE2340jlV3Lb0XkaPA    

Are you harnessing and activating your organization’s core values? In this episode, we sit down with our charismatic guest and Healthcare Industry Disruptor, Margo Wickersham, to explore what activating organizational values looks like and how businesses and individuals can become more value-aligned. Margo brings wit, wisdom, and expertise as an employee benefits consultant to help us illuminate some of the challenges and opportunities business leaders have when navigating this sometimes tricky landscape. Join us for another great episode as we work together to help businesses and people vibrate higher!   More About Margo Margo is a seasoned professional dedicated to working with both enterprises and SMBs to revolutionize their approach to employee healthcare plans. With a focus on delivering cost-saving solutions and enhancing benefits, Margo has proven expertise in delivering innovative plans that help organizations retain and recruit the best workers. Known for fostering collaboration for mutual success, Margo excels in building relationships with the C-Suite at a variety of companies to build successful partnerships. She thrives when she’s creating cultures that are not only productive but also healthy and fun. Specialties: Strategic vision development Relationship building and partnerships Business development Collaboration for mutual success Communication strategies Motivational speaking and training   Resources: Margo’s Book: Gratitude in the Storm: When Not Dying Is Enough To Keep Fighting

Join co-hosts Stephanie Crain and Shaniqua Brown in a compelling episode of 'From Illumination to Innovation' as they explore the integral roles of Ethos and Intuition in business. This episode delves into how these elements shape decision-making and define the authentic character of a company. The conversation highlights the significant influence of leadership in cultivating genuine company culture and the hidden costs of a toxic work environment, with insights from Stephanie’s encounter with Mark Cuban and Shaniqua’s reference to 'The Great Reflection' by Gartner HR. The discussion progresses to aligning organizational values with employee and customer expectations, emphasizing the human element in leadership. It touches upon the necessity of understanding team needs and the importance of evolving company values alongside business growth. Concluding with a poignant reflection on labor exploitation and its ongoing impact, this episode offers thought-provoking perspectives and actionable insights for business executives, leaders, and managers. It underscores Ethos and Intuition as foundational to successful, authentic leadership.