Are you a leader stuck in the tug-of-war between chasing ROI and igniting creativity? In this compelling episode of Biz-Souls, Rona Lewis and Jeffrey Hansler dive deep into the high-stakes drama of creativity, innovation, and production—and the unsung hero holding it all together: psychological safety.

ROI has a purpose, they argue—but could this laser-focused metric actually be creativity’s worst enemy? With razor-sharp insights (and a few belly laughs), our hosts explore how relentless ROI-driven goals can smother the sparks of bold, game-changing ideas before they catch fire.

But wait! There’s hope. Rona and Jeffrey unravel how skilled leadership serves as the ultimate tightrope walker, balancing the expectations of change while fostering a safe space for creativity to thrive. Learn why it’s essential to understand the why behind every stage of change and how psychological safety unlocks innovation’s potential like a backstage pass at a rock concert.

Expect humor, heartfelt stories, and actionable takeaways as Rona and Jeffrey remind us: without visionary leadership, the symbiotic magic between creativity and production is nothing but an impossible dream.

Don’t let your team’s big ideas get lost in the ROI shuffle. Tune in and learn how to lead the way to innovation—one bold step at a time!

This episode complements other Biz-Souls sessions delving into the essential interplay of creativity, innovation, and production, emphasizing how psychological safety and clear expectations create the fertile ground where these elements thrive ensuring creativity doesn’t become stifled by the rigid constraints of ROI.

Checkout the following Biz-Souls episodes:

Episode 127: "Tickled about Piccles!" – Exploring how innovative ideas, like Piccles, thrive in environments where creative expression is prioritized.

Episode 139: "Play for Better Living!" – Discussing how play nurtures creativity and trust, similar to the role of psychological safety in innovation.

Episode 128: "Insuring HR is Taken Care of with Innovative Approaches" – Showcasing how innovation flourishes when leadership provides clarity and alignment, mirroring psychological safety’s importance in building trust.

Episode 140: "Giving and Receiving Instructions – A Playful Journey!" – Drawing parallels to the importance of clarity and expectations in leadership to foster innovation.

These episodes explore how metrics like ROI, while necessary, can inadvertently crush creative sparks. Leaders must understand and align their strategies with the stages of change while fostering environments of accountability and safety—a concept championed by Amy Edmondson and Stephen Shedletzky in their insights on psychological safety

Related Sources:

the-amplifii-podcast.captivate.fm - The Power of Psychological Safety with Shed Shedletzky

mattreiner.com - Bridging Psychological Safety and Innovation with Michael Bungay Stanier

haas.berkeley.edu - Amy Edmondson & Steve Brass on Psychological Safety

Despite all the tech advancements, meetings still feel like we're stuck in a time loop from the ‘80s. But what if change didn’t mean a revolution—just a fresh perspective?

In this episode of Biz-Souls, hosts Rona Lewis and Jeffrey Hansler tackle the eternal question: how can we transform meetings from soul-sucking snooze-fests into productive, entertaining power hours? They’ll dive into innovative strategies for keeping everyone engaged, reducing stress (ban a meeting day, anyone?), and—brace yourselves—actually having fun while getting work done.

Whether you're leading the boardroom or just trying to survive your weekly status update, this episode promises laughs, actionable tips, and maybe even a glimpse into the radical future of meetings. Spoiler alert: it’s better than you think … and better than the Tyson vs. Paul fight last night (November 18, 2024).

Tune in, level up your meeting game, and never suffer a pointless calendar invite again!

Ready to transform your work week? Listen to Biz-Souls now!

Reference Links:

- ted.com - Why Meetings Suck and How to Fix Them

- medium.com - Meetings are the Work

Join Biz-Souls’ hosts Rona Lewis and Jeffrey Hansler in a deep dive with Jonny Thomson, renowned Big Think contributor and modern-day philosopher, as he unpacks the realities of being a creator in today’s world. For aspiring influencers, writers, and media hosts, Jonny brings invaluable insights on crucial topics: the ins and outs of book royalties, navigating relationships with agents, mastering book sales, and how marketing strategies can make or break a career.

Explore the challenges and opportunities that AI presents to creative professionals and hear Jonny’s global perspective on how creators can thrive in an interconnected market. Jonny's practical take on managing career, family, and finances efficiently gives a refreshing perspective for anyone looking to balance passion with pragmatism.

Whether you're a creator, an entrepreneur, or just curious about the world of content, this episode is packed with wisdom and practical advice! Don’t miss out on a fun, eye-opening conversation. Tune in and let Biz-Souls bring you closer to a career that’s not only effective but truly enjoyable.

Subscribe, share, and get ready to be inspired!

#impact #leadership #podcasts #businesspodcast #bizsouls #positivepsychology #contentcreation #AI #bigthink #jonnythomson

In Special Session Episode 141 of Biz-Souls, hosts Rona Lewis and Jeffrey Hansler (behind the camera this time) explore the wonders of child-driven innovation with the inspiring team at Child Creativity Lab (CCL) in Santa Ana, California. Rona sits down with CCL's CEO, Tracy Hill, who shares her passion for nurturing creativity in young minds and the importance of incorporating STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) into children’s learning experiences. With their mission to inspire critical thinkers, problem-solvers, innovators, leaders, and environmental stewards, CCL exemplifies how creativity can transform everyday materials—and lives.

Get a behind-the-scenes look at CCL’s ingenious use of “trash-to-treasure” teaching methods. Their programs are packed with hands-on, creativity-enhancing kits and workshops built from reclaimed and upcycled materials, generously donated by local businesses and community members. The CCL team collects and repurposes tons of materials, turning them into resources that inspire wonder and curiosity for thousands of children each year. Through both in-person workshops and their traveling Makerspace-On-Wheels, CCL reaches communities across Orange County, offering unique educational tools that blend science with the arts.

Join us as we explore CCL’s vision to foster a generation of young innovators by helping them see the world from new angles. Child Creativity Lab’s approach to STEAM provides students with engaging opportunities to understand, explore, and innovate with sustainability in mind. Consider how you can contribute to this incredible mission by volunteering, donating materials, or even scheduling a Makerspace-On-Wheels visit for your school or community.

Meet the Team:

• CEO: Tracy Hill – Champion of creativity and learning through STEAM education

• Staff: Child Creativity Lab is supported by a dedicated team of educators and program coordinators who work tirelessly to bring STEAM-based learning to life.

Discover how Child Creativity Lab is making STEAM accessible, sustainable, and irresistibly fun for the next generation.

You could say Bryan Lewis and his partner, Morgan Kulessa, launched their “WingBar” on a wing and a prayer—and, thankfully, with incredible chicken recipes! In the unforgiving restaurant industry, where dishes are scrutinized daily and success stories are rare, Bryan and Morgan’s tale of building an award-winning restaurant in just one year is as remarkable as their flavors. Timing—and taste—are everything, but so is teamwork, and these two partners have it down to an art.

In this episode of Biz-Souls, hosts Rona Lewis and Jeffrey Hansler dig into Bryan and Morgan’s journey, with insights from Morgan on the digital marketing strategy that’s helped WingBar carve out its spot in McGinley Square. Morgan’s background in hospitality and sales has allowed her to amplify WingBar’s appeal and engage a loyal local crowd and wing-lovers statewide.

Whether it’s crafting unforgettable food or unforgettable connections, Morgan and Bryan prove that with the right partnership, you can achieve anything. Oh, and did we mention Bryan’s Rona’s nephew? Talk about family ties—and award-winning wings!

Join Bryan and Morgan journey in building a business one day at a time by keeping an eye on the food, front end, and backside of the business in a partnership certain to result in continued success as they continue to take WingBar from a concept to a staple in the Jersey food scene.

In the 139th episode of Biz-Souls, hosts Rona Lewis and Jeffrey Hansler sit down with Laura Haver—author, speaker, life coach, and all-around play advocate! Laura has transformed thousands of lives by helping people rediscover the joy, creativity, and fulfillment that play brings. Her new book, PLAY TOGETHER: Games and Activities for the Whole Family to Boost Creativity, Connectedness, and Mindfulness, is already making waves, published by Penguin Random House and featured on major networks like Today Show, Fox, and CBS!

During the pandemic, Laura discovered a powerful truth: adults often create barriers to fully embracing play. Inspired by Stuart Brown’s playful principles and her journey from athlete to children’s coach, she’s now on a mission to free adults for immersion in fun again! What better way to spark creativity and strengthen connections than through play?

Ready to let loose and learn how play can transform your life? Tune in, subscribe, and leave a review while you play—and maybe Laura is doing exactly that with her family right now in sunny San Diego!

Listen now to this inspiring episode of Biz-Souls and join Laura Haver on your journey from athlete to play advocate.

New in town? Need directions? If you're in Los Angeles, you’ll hear, “Take the 405 to the 101, then hop on the 10…” Sound familiar? Now, in Ronan, Montana, it’s more like, “Turn left at the third fence post after the big red barn.” The contrast is striking, and that's where the fun or the frustration begins!

And it’s not just about directions, it’s all forms of information exchange. Whether it's shooting out a shopping list as someone heads out the door, explaining how to log into a new system at work, or remembering navigation instructions as you weave your way through a sprawling Hampton’s mansion to find the bathroom, we all communicate differently.

In this fractured fairy tale of an episode of Biz-Souls, our hosts, Rona Lewis and Jeffrey Hansler, explore how people give and receive information based on their habits, from the hustle of city life to the quiet of rural settings. Join us for a lighthearted and tongue-in-cheek yet insightful look at this everyday activity that touches us all.

Can you relate? Whether you're a freeway navigator, a fence post counter, or a new employee ambassador, this episode has something for you. Share your favorite information-giving or receiving moments with us and enjoy this playful discussion! Now where is that bathroom?

Listen now and laugh along!

Ready to turn business challenges into playful opportunities? Join hosts Rona Lewis and Jeffrey Hansler as they explore how intentional play is transforming business strategies as they sit down with Alex Suchman from BarometerXP, the company transforming work with the power of play! Discover how BarometerXP’s games, like their insightful Pressure Gauge, are revealing hidden business problems and creating lasting solutions that are as fun as they are effective.

Curious about how play could smooth out political gridlock? We’ll even explore how playful collaboration might help the RNC and DNC work better together (imagine that!). From boosting leadership skills to fostering a culture of innovation, learn why games aren’t just for kids—they’re the secret weapon for smart businesses and even smarter politics. Enjoy this lively conversation full of laughs, learning, and actionable insights!

If you’re intrigued by how play can improve serious business, check out other Biz-Souls episodes, like "Episode 123: The Power of Humor in Learning and Development," where Jeffrey and Rona discuss the benefits of humor in fostering creativity and leadership. Both episodes align with the central theme of using unconventional methods to boost team dynamics and business performance.

Your hosts, Jeffrey Hansler, and Rona Lewis, bring a wealth of knowledge and a unique blend of humor and insight to every discussion. Jeffrey’s expertise in business development and leadership is complemented by Rona’s focus on using humor and play to tackle business issues. Together, they deliver entertaining, thought-provoking episodes that get to the heart, soul, and humor of business.

Tune in and find out how to make work fun again while driving better results! And for long lasting fun, subscribe to Biz-Souls and share with your friends and frenemies.