Closing The Gap With Denise Cooper

Did you know 80% of the global workforce is deskless? Vivek Kumar reveals the secrets of engaging this massive yet often overlooked segmentIn this week's episode, our dynamic host, Denise Cooper, sits down with the remarkable Vivek Kumar, CEO and Co-founder of Teamforce AI. Teamforce AI is breaking barriers by helping organizations connect with and positively influence their deskless workforce.In this riveting episode, Denise and Vivek delve into how Teamforce AI uses gamified and multilingual strategies to gather data to better understand employee engagement. If you're a team leader, entrepreneur, or HR professional keen on maximizing your team’s potential in a hybrid work environment, you can’t afford to miss this conversation!THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOWWhat did you learn from your pilot study? [05:52] As you collected more and more data on employee engagement, what are the trends that started emerging?[10:16]How does anonymizing data impact workers and their ability to be heard?[25:16]Given that the use

Does the complex world of neuroscience seem like a maze to you? In this enlightening episode, host Denise Cooper engages in a rich conversation with Hana Kabele Gala, PhD, Director of Corporate Coaching for North America at Leadership Associates. Delving into the fascinating world of neuroscience, they discuss its pivotal role in self-discovery and personal growth, offering guidance for individuals and teams navigating their paths of self-discovery. Cooper and Gala discuss a variety of important topics, such as the significance of looking inward for validation, the importance of feelings and experiences in personal transformation, and the value of understanding both personal strengths and weaknesses. Dr. Gala brings a unique perspective on complexity modeling, highlighting the importance for today's leaders to understand and embrace this paradigm. She emphasizes the changing leadership landscape, advocating for leaders who are open to safe-to-fail testing, experimentation, and empathy over the traditional act

Do you find yourself intrigued by the seemingly elusive mechanics of identifying and securing top-tier executive talent? In this insightful episode, host Denise Cooper interviews Deborah Snow Walsh, an experienced executive search professional. Snow Walsh offers a profound exploration of the executive search industry, providing guidance for both search firms and businesses in search of talent. Deborah emphasizes the significance of a 'white page mentality' for search firms, suggesting a receptive approach that prioritizes understanding the client's needs. Her experiences illuminate the value of identifying and advocating for talented individuals who may have been overlooked in traditional recruitment processes.For businesses seeking talent, she recommends a thoughtful approach to choosing a search firm, much like interviewing potential employees. Our guest highlights the importance of finding a firm that listens more than it talks, one that provides insightful feedback, and can identify candidates who will su

Are you challenged by conflict? Do you have what it takes to be a successful mediator? If you feel like you are constantly navigating a maze of disagreements, misunderstandings, and hard feelings, know that you are not alone. Conflict is a significant part of human interaction, and it's particularly present in our professional lives. After all, we spend more than a third of our lives in the workplace, a space that brings together different personalities, perspectives, and values. When conflicts arise, as they inevitably do, they can be buried, mishandled or left unresolved, marring our experience and performance.In this episode, we delve into an in-depth exploration of the nature of conflict and its role in both our professional and personal lives. We attempt to unpack the complexities and dimensions of conflict, looking at its root causes, its evolution, and its potential to catalyze change and growth. Rather than viewing conflict as an undesirable aspect of our lives that needs to be eradicated, we aim to

In the beautifully diverse tapestry of our modern world, cultivating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive (DEI) workspace isn't just an option—it's a vital necessity. Embracing this diversity isn't about ticking boxes or meeting quotas; it's about recognizing and valuing the unique perspectives, experiences, and contributions that every individual brings to the table. It not only strengthens an organization's cultural fabric but also significantly improves employee retention. In this enriching episode, host Denise Cooper interviews the illustrious Geronda Wollack-Spiller, a DEI expert known for helping leaders build self-awareness and create psychologically safe spaces for historically marginalized employees.Geronda brings to the table her wealth of experiences, both personal and professional, as a queer black woman who has surmounted myriad obstacles to find joy, connection, and success. She discusses the importance of authentic expression, community, reflection, and finding spaces that align with your value

What are some strategies that diverse candidates can use to overcome employment barriers? In this thought-provoking episode, Denise Cooper interviews Vanessa Russell, the founder of Love Never Fails, a non-profit dedicated to the restoration, education, and protection of those involved or at risk of becoming involved in domestic human trafficking. Vanessa discusses her research on 114 barriers to employment faced by diverse candidates, the importance of diversity in the workplace, and how organizations can create more inclusive hiring processes to ensure success for everyone.During this conversation, Vanessa shares her personal experiences and journey, which led her to establish Love Never Fails, and the significant impact it has had on human trafficking survivors. She also delves into the challenges faced by diverse candidates in the job market, offering insights on how both candidates and employers can work together to break down these barriers.If you're looking to better understand the challenges faced by

In this episode of our podcast, we are joined by Meredith Broussard, an associate professor at the Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute of New York University and the research director at the NYU Alliance for Public Interest Technology. During our conversation, we discuss the importance of diversity and inclusion in the tech industry and how AI can be leveraged to improve belonging, inclusivity, and diversity in the workplace. We also delve into the ethical concerns that arise when developing and deploying AI systems in various sectors, such as healthcare or finance. Meredith shares her insights on how we can ensure that AI technologies are developed in a way that doesn't perpetuate or exacerbate existing biases and inequalities.Meredith's extensive experience as a former features editor at the Philadelphia Inquirer and a software developer at AT&T Bell Labs and the MIT Media Lab, as well as her research in AI ethics and data analysis for social good, provide a unique perspective on the intersection betw

How do you show your teammates recognition?In this insightful episode, host Denise Cooper is joined by Pamela Brooks Richards, an expert on change management. In this interview, Brooks-Richards gives us a deep dive look into the role that employee recognition plays in sustaining motivation over time. Pamela also shares her thoughts on the importance of celebration in overcoming challenges in our professional lives and how recognition and rewards play a crucial role in fostering a positive work environment.When an organization invests in celebrating its employees and recognizing their accomplishments, it fosters a positive work environment, which can lead to increased employee satisfaction, productivity, and loyalty. Pamela shares examples of how even small acts of recognition and appreciation can have a significant impact on employee morale and overall organizational success.Join us for this enlightening discussion with Pamela Brooks Richards and learn how to harness the power of celebration and recognition t

Your colleagues pay attention to your behavior, your values, and what you say. What message are you sending?In this week's show, we are flipping the script and having long-time guest Deborah Snow Walsh interview our host, Denise Cooper for a change. Deborah Snow Walsh is a talent executive who pulls on her experience selling outplacement services for large, multi-national organizations to demonstrate the levels an interview wants an applicant to speak to during their first meeting. During this interview, Denise Cooper describes her experiences working with a senior leader who wouldn't accept help and the importance of respecting and finding a way to work with difficult people. She also talks about her experience creating a global new hire orientation program and the importance of clearing obstacles for the teams underneath you. How do you display vision, your ability to be a change agent, your ability to drive financial results through teams, your drive for developing people, as well as your ethics and integ

When was the last time you listened to what your nervous system was trying to tell you?This week's conversation builds off of last week's interview with Zahara Jade. This week we're talking about how to tune into your body while you're at work, particularly in stressful situations like expanding workplace responsibilities or while you're in conflict with colleagues. Listen in while Zahara Jade shares her top tips for somatic exercises to help slow the nervous system in times of change. Stress ages our minds and bodies by putting often unnecessary weight on our processing systems. With these simple techniques, you can slow down, re-evaluate, and get the work done in a way that creates the largest impact for yourself, your team, and your organization. THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOWWhat do people not understand when it comes to our body's responses to change (fight, flight, freeze, and appease)? [03:44]What is the difference between "Big T" Trauma and"little t" trauma? [07:12] What are some of your techniques t

When was the last time you listened to what your nervous system was trying to tell you?Do you know how to work with your bodily reactions to conflict in the workplace?Throughout the workday, your nervous system can come in and out of activated states as you enter into challenging conversations with your boss, colleagues, and vendors. More often than not, our reactions to difficult situations at work can often be linked back to experiences we've had throughout our life, sometimes even as early as foundational memories from childhood.In today's episode our guest, Zahara Jade, explains how and why traumatic memories are often stored somatically in the body, and how emotional access can be a crucial component of healing. Zahara also shares her wisdom on how childhood experiences can lead to disconnection from emotions and the importance of reconnecting with the body to access important emotional truths. By tuning in to this episode, you will not only gain a better understanding of your approach to conflict in the

What is trust? What factors make up trust? What factors make others feel trust towards us and vice versa? When the trust factor goes up, the work gets done. But how can we move towards building it authentically during times where people are more politically divided than ever before?In this week's episode, Denise Cooper interviews Pamela Brooks-Richards for her take on how we can build genuine trust in the face of change. It can feel extremely uncomfortable to say "no" to our bosses or other authority figures in our working life. What do we do when the noise in our head tells us we can't "be bad", and our nervous system gets activated in challenging work situations? Trust is not only about telling the truth and keeping promises, but it is also about being accountable and restoring trust when it is broken. Building authentic trust in the workplace takes time and effort. It requires accountability, restoration, and confidentiality. Trust is built and destroyed in small moments, so it is essential to be consiste

Have you considered how your tone of voice impacts your executive presence? When we think about growing our influence and presence in the workplace, we often think of driving business metrics, increasing sales, or making ourselves more visible to higher-ups. However the numbers are simply one facet of your contribution to your team. Have you considered that the language, tonality, and volume and inflection you use also plays a huge role in how others perceive you? In today's episode Dr. Miluna Fausch, an Executive Communication & Presence Coach, teaches listeners how to build confidence in their communication skills by leveraging one's whole self - physical, energetic, mental, and emotional - to influence others and achieve goals. If you're looking for tips to uplevel your communication and presence in your career, this is the episode for you.THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOWWhat do we do if other people perceive us to be communicating in ways they don't like? [06:44]How can I become more aware of my execut

Do you know how to set the pace for change in your organization?Are you aware of the ways in which our brain prepares us to embrace change?In this episode, Dr. Evian Gordon, founder of Brain Resource joins Denise Cooper to discuss the importance of change and innovation in today's rapidly evolving world. Listen in to hear Dr. Gordgon's strategies for individuals and leaders to develop the necessary mindset and habits to succeed in a constantly changing environment. The ability to embrace change is an inside job - it starts with you. With awareness of our own brains, mindsets, and habits, we can shift the needle and become the agents of change we aim to be. THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOWHow did you get into integrated neuroscience? [05:03]What do you mean when you say that our ability to embrace change is an inside job? [08:03]What is the link between knowing and doing? How do relationships empower us to change? [11:53]What does research show about our capacity for change over time? [24:09]What companies are e

What does it take to thrive as a female CEO? This week we're discussing how to thrive as a woman CEO in a male-dominated world. Although women have made significant progress in breaking through the glass ceiling, there is still a significant gender gap in leadership positions, especially at the CEO level. In this episode, Deborah Snow Walsh leads us through exploring some of the challenges that women face when trying to climb the corporate ladder and offers practical tips for women who aspire to become CEOs.One of the main challenges is the lack of access to coaching and information. According to a study, only 15% of women receive detailed information compared to 50% of men. Listen in to hear us delve into why this disparity exists and how it can be overcome.Lastly, we'll discuss the importance of networking, building a personal brand, and developing a leadership style that is authentic and effective. Deborah Snow Walsh also explore strategies for negotiating salaries and promotions, as well as ways to overco

We know social determinants of health play a role in 80% of healthcare outcomes. What about workplace outcomes? In this episode of our podcast, we have the pleasure of interviewing Jean Drummond, a seasoned healthcare professional with over three decades of experience in the industry. Jean is an expert in healthcare equity and disparities, and in this interview, she shares her insights on how social determinants of health affect the well-being of employees and communities.Doesn't it make perfect sense that if you have a chaotic home life, it's only a matter of time before it affects your work performance? Doesn't it seem that a team having access to good nutrition, exercise, and mental healthcare will improve outcomes for organizations? In today's episode, Jean Drummond, President and Founder of HCD International shares her expertise as a healthcare expert and a businesswoman. Whether you're a healthcare professional, an employer, or simply interested in learning more about healthcare equity and disparities,

Do you know how to improve your own sense of motivation? Why are some people more motivated than others? Is it possible to become more intrinsically motivated over time? What do we do when our potential doesn't seem to be matching up to our outcomes?In this week's episode, Denise Cooper interviews Pamela Brooks-Richards for how we can use neuroscience research on motivation to move closer towards work that lights us up. Brene Brown points out that dissonance is the opposite of integrity. Emotions like shock and anger are quick-burning emotions, with a short-half life. Meanwhile, dissonance will not disperse from our emotional landscape until it is dealt with. Join us as we deep dive into Get It Done by Sam Bennet and Atlas of the Heart by Brene Brown. If you're wondering how to understand what motivates you in the working world, this is the episode for you.THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOWHow do we create motivation? [10:25]What role does the mindset we have towards a task play in our ability to get it done? [14

What role does technology play in abolishing pay gaps?Pay discrepancies have long been a barrier to achieving gender equity in the workplace. In fact, studies show that it will take 208 years for women to achieve equal pay. This is a sobering statistic, but our guest Dan Kopp, cofounder of Dinamico is determined to change it. Through his work, he is on a mission to abolish pay gaps one employer at a time.Many organizations are still unaware of the pay inequities that exist within their own staff. To leaders who don't see this as an issue, Dan has a simple message: ignorance is not bliss. Pay gaps have real consequences for employees and the organizations they work for. Not only do they undermine employee morale and create an environment of mistrust, but they also limit the talent and potential of the workforce as a whole.So, what role does technology play in abolishing pay gaps? Dan believes that technology is a key tool in the fight for pay equity. With the right tools and strategies, organizations can analy

How can Gen-Z and Millenial workers grow their careers? With pensions and 30-year work tenures being a thing of the past, our approach to work has changed. This is especially true for younger workers, who have experienced a uniquely tricky entrance into the world. In this week's episode, Deborah Snow Walsh discusses the impact of the current generation, Gen-Z, in the workplace. This generation has grown up with different values and perspectives on work compared to previous generations especially around workplace cultures, compensation, work-life balance, and value-driven work. If you are a leader looking to better understand the tough challenges that employers may face in managing and connecting with this generation in the workplace. this is the episode for you. If you are a Gen-Z or Millenial worker looking to negotiate a stronger salary and connect with your manager in a meaningful way, you're in the right spot. When we understand each other's values without demonizing our differences, we build workplaces w

Do you know how to build goals that motivate instead of shame? As we start the new year, we've been talking about the importance of gratitude when it comes to setting goals for 2023. Goal-setting can often have an unfortunate effect on people, with many developing habits of setting unrealistic goals and spiraling into feelings of shame when they don't achieve them.In this episode, Pamela Brooks-Richards talks about the importance of leading with joy and integrity to create a more grateful space for ourselves and those around us. When we operate from a place of integrity, we strengthen our self-esteem and resolve (plus, we get a pretty sweet dopamine rush in the process!)If you are looking for ways of allowing your values to guide your actions and goal-setting, this is the episode for you. By incorporating these practices into our daily lives, we can build the habits necessary to achieve our goals and live a life of integrity and purpose.THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOWWhat’s your superpower? [03:51]What is the