Breakfast Leadership Show

Finding Serenity through Creativity: Nancy Dillingham Marks Goes From Corporate Stress to Mindfulness in a Glass Art Studio

I want to share my journey of discovering a new career in my 60s, which led me to a community filled with warmth and compassion, where the joy of making art binds us. This experience has shown me how creativity can be a powerful path to mindfulness and inner peace. I’m excited to share the beauty and serenity it has brought into my life.
https://www.glassartscollective.com/
https://www.instagram.com/glassartscollective
https://www.facebook.com/glassartscollective
https://www.youtube.com/@glassartscollective
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancymarks/
 
Transitioning From Corporate to Glass Art Studio
Michael and Nancy discussed Nancy's transition from a corporate career to running a glass art studio. Nancy shared her experience of stress and burnout in the corporate world, attributing it to her logical thinking style and the inability to find a creative outlet. She mentioned working for big names like IBM, Toshiba, Sony Pictures, and ABC. Nancy emphasized the importance of asking questions and seeking improvements in the workplace. She also expressed regret for not finding her creative sanctuary earlier in life. Michael encouraged Nancy to continue pursuing her passion for glass art and acknowledged the positive impact of creativity on mental health.
Exploring Career Changes and Personal Growth
Michael and Nancy discussed their career changes and the importance of self-reflection and exploration. Michael, who initially pursued a career in public accounting, shared his realization that he needed a change. Nancy, who initially believed she lacked creativity, discovered her passion for working with fuse glass. Both emphasized the importance of giving oneself permission to change directions and explore new interests. They also discussed the process of working with fuse glass, which involves breaking glass and stacking pieces in a kiln at a temperature of 1,500 degrees.
Embracing Imperfections in Glass Art and Teaching
Nancy shared her passion for glass art, emphasizing the importance of embracing imperfections and respecting the material. She described her teaching approach as helping people understand the beauty in uniqueness and the joy of creating one-of-a-kind pieces. Michael appreciated Nancy's perspective and shared his own thoughts on the importance of focusing on dreams rather than worries. He also expressed his growing appreciation for the arts, mentioning his love for music and his interest in visiting art studios and museums.
Exploring Art, Stories, and Singular Focus
Michael shared his perspective on art and the stories it tells, emphasizing the importance of understanding the choices and reasoning behind a piece. He used the example of a sculpture by Picasso to illustrate this point. Michael also shared a personal story about a paper mache bottle he made in 6th grade, which his mother kept and his brother now has. He reflected on the process of creating the bottle, highlighting the singular focus required for such tasks. Nancy agreed, noting the benefits of single focus and the decline of multitasking as a valuable skill.
Exploring Paper Mache and Stress Relief
Michael and Nancy discussed their past experiences with paper mache and the potential for future projects. Michael expressed interest in trying the project again, possibly with his wife, and suggested adding more color to the project. Nancy shared her stress-relieving experiences at her studio, where she focuses on her work and decompresses. She also mentioned the occasional breakage of glass in the kilns, but reassured that the broken glass is often reused to create something new. The conversation ended with Michael drawing parallels between the creation of byproducts in cost accounting and the potential for scraps to create something magical.
Exploring Art Therapy and Creative Outlets
Michael and Nancy discussed the therapeutic benefits of creating art, such as reduced stress and improved perspective. Nancy shared how customers are amazed by their creations, even if they claim to lack creativity initially. Michael suggested that being creative leads to clarity in other aspects of life. Nancy recommended finding simple creative outlets like doodling or gardening to boost well-being and happiness. They emphasized that engaging in creative activities can positively impact one's mindset and understanding of others.
Fused Glass Artist's Work and Promotion
Michael and Nancy had a lively conversation about Nancy's work as a fused glass artist. Nancy shared her website, gift shop, and social media handles, encouraging everyone to visit and support her unique, handmade art.

Unlocking Calm and Creativity: Exploring Vedic Meditation and Its Life-Changing Benefits with Michael Miller

Jillian Lavender and Michael Miller are two of the world's most experienced teachers of Vedic Meditation. Co-founders of London and New York Meditation Centers have taught thousands of people to transform their lives. Their work has taken them to seven continents (including Antarctica) — teaching private clients in group settings and with fashion, tech, and finance companies. Jillian’s first book, Why Meditate? Because It Works. has been featured in The Guardian, The Times, and Vogue. Michael hosts the Speaking of Meditation podcast with guests, including functional medicine pioneer Dr Frank Lipman and Zoe app founder Tim Spector.
Jillian and Michael come from corporate careers—Jillian is the CEO of a global publishing company based in Paris, and Michael is an executive in the entertainment industry in LA. They recognized immediate improvements when they learned Vedic Meditation and were inspired to share this knowledge. They met in India in 2005 and have been working and teaching together.Instagram: @newyorkmeditationcenter @londonmeditationcentre @jillianlavender @miller_jiWebsites: https://newyorkmeditationcenter.com, https://www.londonmeditationcentre.com
Book: Why Meditate? Because It Works
Summary
 
 
Exploring Meditation and Its Benefits
Michael and Michael Miller had a conversation about meditation and its benefits. Michael Miller mentioned her partner's book, "Why Meditate? Because it works," and her podcast, "Speaking of Meditation," which she believes could be helpful for people looking to understand the potential impact of meditation. Michael agreed, noting that people often look for a quick fix, but sometimes it's easier than they think. They decided to record the conversation for future reference. Michael Miller also mentioned her work as a co-founder of the London and New York Meditation Center.
 
 
Exploring Vedic Meditation and Mindfulness
Michael Miller discussed the technique of Vedic Meditation, which has been practiced for thousands of years and involves quieting the mind and resting the body. Miller mentioned that this technique is taught to people from all walks of life, including high performers who understand the power of their mind and focus. Michael agreed on the importance of meditation, especially in managing stress and burnout, and expressed interest in the technique. He also shared his observation that people often take things personally. Michael Miller responded by discussing the importance of maintaining a clear signal amidst the noise in the mind and being present to detect what's happening.
 
 
Exploring Meditation's Benefits and Mental Focus
Michael Miller and Michael discussed the benefits of meditation, particularly its ability to enhance perceptual capability, reduce reactivity, and provide a sense of grace. Michael Miller emphasized that meditation allows individuals to be more present and available to others and to respond to situations more thoughtfully. Michael shared his experience with noise cancellation on his ear pods, likening it to a moment of silence amidst the world's noise. He also referenced a scene from a movie where a baseball pitcher, Kevin Costner, quiets himself down to focus solely on the game, illustrating the importance of mental focus.
 
 
Self-love, Meditation, and Inner Stability
Michael and Michael Miller discussed the importance of self-love and self-acceptance in achieving inner stability and calmness. Michael Miller used the metaphor of a wave on the ocean to illustrate how meditation can help individuals connect with their true selves beyond external achievements and material possessions. He emphasized the value of tapping into inner quiet and stability to navigate the outside world more effectively. Michael agreed, noting that this ability is crucial for elite athletes to continue thriving and winning.
 
 
Michael Miller's Book Meditation Guide and Writing Process
Michael and Michael Miller discussed Michael Miller's book, "Why Meditate? Because it Works". Michael Miller explained that the book came to fruition before the Covid lockdowns and was written to provide a comprehensive guide to meditation, as the technique requires a personal, in-person experience. The book aims to dispel misconceptions about meditation, such as its complexity or challenge. Michael Miller shared her disciplined writing process, which involved meditating at 5 am and writing for 6 hours daily. The book has resonated with people, mainly those interested in meditation but who have yet to attend in-person sessions.
 
 
Meditation vs Running: Mental and Physical Benefits
Michael Miller discussed the differences between meditation and running as mental and physical exercise forms. Miller explained that running can lead to a quieter mind due to the body's fight or flight response, and meditation induces a settled mental state with optimal brain functioning for creative insight. Michael Miller emphasized that meditation can lead to deep rest, improved brain functioning, and greater creativity. It can also help manage energy levels and reduce reliance on caffeine. Miller also mentioned that meditation can enhance the quality of sleep. Michael agreed with Miller's points, noting that once one experiences the benefits of meditation, one tends to seek it out again.
 
 
Discussing Meditation's Impact and Benefits
Michael and Michael Miller discussed the benefits of meditation and its impact on individuals. Michael Miller shared her podcast, "Speaking of Meditation," which features interviews with various individuals who have experienced the transformative power of meditation. Michael expressed his appreciation for the stories shared on the podcast, particularly those involving individuals who have found change through meditation, such as those in prison. He emphasized the potential of meditation to provide different perspectives and promote personal growth.
 
 
Overcoming Burnout and the Power of Meditation
Michael shared his experience overcoming burnout in 2009, emphasizing the importance of curiosity and avoiding self-judgment. He highlighted the benefits of meditation for improving relationships, productivity, and well-being. Michael Miller agreed on the benefits of meditation and stressed the importance of self-care and personal balance for positively impacting society. Miller argued that being happy and generous can contribute to a more peaceful world and urged individuals to take responsibility for their well-being.
 
 
Exploring Meditation Benefits and Resources
Michael Miller and Michael discussed the benefits of meditation and its potential to improve people's lives. Michael Miller offered resources for learning meditation, including the London and New York Meditation Centers' websites
 

Investing Unplugged: Will Nutting's Unique Perspective on Global Markets, Cannabis, and Emerging Technologies

Quick recap
Michael and William discussed Williams’s unconventional approach to investing, emphasizing freedom of thought and unique perspectives. They also discussed various investment opportunities and market trends, focusing on the potential in the marijuana and cannabis industry, offshore drillers, and the global economic landscape. The conversation also touched on the importance of more profound research into investments, the potential of embracing new technologies and markets, and the benefits of investing in their respective organizations.
 
 
William's Unconventional Investing Approach
Michael and William discussed Williams's unconventional approach to investing, which emphasizes freedom of thought and unique perspectives. They agreed on the conversational format of their chat, lasting around 20-25 minutes. Michael mentioned including relevant links in the show notes. The recording then began with Michael inviting William to elaborate on his successful investing business.
Nutstock Initiative: Active Equity Investment Strategy
William, a seasoned equity investor with a background in multi-strategy hedge funds and family offices, shared his vision for Nutstock, an initiative that has been running for five years. He expressed his desire to bridge the gap between macro geopolitics and stock selection investment thematics, which led to the development of a team of four to five people. They aim to identify exciting opportunities and publish their findings twice to three times a week, with a total fund published every Monday. William emphasized his preference for active equity fund management rather than simply reflecting the index, which he found challenging throughout his career.
Investment Opportunities and Market Trends Discussion
william’s and Michael discussed various investment opportunities and market trends. William highlighted the potential in the marijuana and cannabis industry, particularly in companies with economies of scale and low debt. He also mentioned offshore drillers as another area of interest, noting that they could benefit from favorable real and strong day rates. Michael emphasized the importance of researching and not expecting overnight success. The conversation also touched on the geopolitical landscape and its impact on investments. William suggested that life is becoming more like a Netflix series, making it more exciting and unpredictable.
Global Economic Landscape and Investing Strategies
William discussed his views on the global economic landscape, emphasizing the dominance of Western economies, particularly the US, and the potential for a shift in power to other regions. He criticized the US for its debt and demographic issues and suggested that the rest of the world is now catching up with US technology. William also expressed his belief in questioning and challenging conventional wisdom and his approach to investing, which involves identifying undervalued or underloved companies with growth potential. He mentioned his interest in extraordinary situation stories and small/microcap companies, which he believes could benefit from market catalysts.
Mainstream Media Critique and Investment Strategies
Michael and William discussed the superficiality of mainstream media and the need for deeper research into investments. They highlighted the importance of understanding the big picture and the potential impact of events on various industries. Williams expressed his interest in engaging high-net-worth individuals and those intellectually interested in markets and geopolitics. He also discussed the potential of cryptocurrencies, suggesting that if not banned, their market cap could significantly increase. Both agreed on the need for more in-depth analysis and understanding of investments.
Exploring New Technologies and Investment Opportunities
William discussed the potential of embracing new technologies and markets, particularly in tokenization and blockchain. He suggested that young people could consider alternative investment opportunities beyond traditional stocks, such as those offered by companies like Airbnb and Uber. William also emphasized the importance of seeking higher returns, noting that a 7% annual return, including dividends, is a significant achievement over 100 years. He highlighted the potential benefits of this return for young people who may not be able to afford a house or own a car.
Discussing Strategic Risks and Investment Opportunities
William discussed the importance of taking calculated risks and seeking opportunities for significant returns. He emphasized the need to understand the underlying themes and trends in various industries, such as AI and digital assets, and how they intersect with geopolitics and socio-economic factors. William also highlighted the importance of considering the needs and aspirations of different demographics and how they impact investment decisions. He suggested that investors should not shy away from often overlooked sectors, such as fossil fuels, and should respect the value of companies that generate strong cash flows and buy back their stock. Michael agreed with william’s's perspective, noting the importance of understanding the bigger picture and how different industries are interconnected.
Energy Infrastructure, Tokenization, and Sustainable Solutions
Williams and Michael discussed the future of energy and the role of fossil fuels. Williams emphasized the need for investment in the current energy infrastructure, likening it to a bridge that must be maintained to reach a cleaner energy future. He also highlighted the potential of tokenization in the energy sector, drawing parallels with the success of Tether in the financial industry. Michael agreed, noting the ongoing shift towards hybrid vehicles and the continued demand for gasoline-powered cars. Both agreed that technological advancements and the need for sustainable solutions will shape the future of energy.
Investing in Organizations and Nutstuff Overview
Michael and William discussed the benefits of investing in their respective organizations. William shared details about his organization, Nutstuff, including its website (www.nutstuff.co.uk), social media presence, and subscription options. He emphasized the importance of celebrating successes and learning from failures.

From Creative Passion to Profit: Success Strategies with Diane Strand, Serial Entrepreneur and Mindset Leader

Diane Strand is an award-winning serial entrepreneur, marketer, speaker, and coach who helps entrepreneurs turn their creative passions into profitable businesses — as she did with her own business, JDS Productions, a seven-figure media company creating engaging video content for organizations, people, and products.In 2024, she released the mindset-leadership book Creativ-Preneur, which details critical entrepreneurial steps such as creating a business concept, establishing your entity, working through challenges to level up, and leveraging your money and marketing for success.With her experience working on the production team for famous shows and organizations such as General Hospital, Friends, and The Walt Disney Company, Diane co-founded the JDS Actors Studio, which has launched 100+ mainstream actors and producers such as Corrine Massiah and Sierra Swartz.Diane also co-founded the non-profit organization JDS Creative Academy, which works with mainstream, foster, and at-risk youth and special needs adults to provide career-pathway opportunities in visual, performing, and digital arts.She has won many awards, including 10 Telly Awards, 7 Communicator Awards, 2 Anthem Awards, Standout Business (San Diego and Riverside Counties), and the 2021 Non-Profit of the Year by the Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce.On your podcast, Diane would be excited to discuss:How to turn your creative passion into a profitable business.How to successfully leverage money and marketing as an entrepreneur.How can I lead as a woman in business and lift other women?How to collaborate and create compelling marketing videos for consumer audiences.Creating an inclusive workforce for marginalized groups and special needs adults.To get a feel for Diane, check out her appearance on The Thoughtful Entrepreneur podcast, where she talks about turning her passion into a profitable enterprise.Website: https://jds-productions.com/LinkedIn Profile: http://www.linkedin.com/in/dianestrandFacebook Page - JDS, Inc. http://www.facebook.com/JDSProductionsFacebook Page - JDS Actors Studio https://www.facebook.com/JDSActorsStudioFacebook Page - JDS Creative Academy https://www.facebook.com/JDSCreativeAcademyCheck out our YouTube Channel http://www.youtube.com/user/JDSVideoProductions
 
 
Summary
Exploring Diane's Diverse Roles and Accomplishments
Diane and Michael had a casual conversation, with Diane sharing her various roles and accomplishments, including her work as a serial entrepreneur, executive producer, bestselling author, speaker, and nonprofit founder. Michael expressed his admiration for Diane's background and experiences, and they agreed to delve deeper into her work during their conversation. Diane also mentioned her involvement in festivals, teaching, and her work with adults with developmental disabilities, which led to her involvement in TV shows, radio shows, and podcasts. Michael indicated that he would not delve too deeply into Diane's past work in general hospital or Disney, but acknowledged the importance of her experiences in shaping her current endeavors.
Creativity and Entrepreneurship in Business
Diane and Michael discussed the importance of creativity in business and entrepreneurship. Diane, with her background in Disney and General Hospital, emphasized the need for creatives to stay at the forefront of their businesses. She also mentioned her work with entrepreneurs and creatives to help them launch and scale their businesses. Michael agreed, highlighting the importance of remembering one's past accomplishments and experiences, and approaching challenges with a childlike curiosity. He also mentioned his work in the burnout space, reminding people to remember who they are and where they've come from. The conversation concluded with the importance of creativity and curiosity in business and personal growth.
Embracing Challenges for Personal Growth and Success
Diane and Michael discussed the importance of stepping out of one's comfort zone and embracing challenges for personal growth and success. Diane emphasized the need to trust oneself, follow through on commitments, and not let fear hold one back. She also shared her acronym for 'dream' which stands for direction, realization, evaluation, action, and momentum. Michael agreed, highlighting the importance of being present and taking one step at a time, rather than overplanning. Both agreed that pivoting and adapting to changing circumstances is essential for success. They concluded by encouraging each other to find new experiences and challenges to continue growing and achieving their goals.
Embracing Gratitude, Growth, and Resilience in Life
Michael and Diane discussed the importance of gratitude, growth opportunities, and resilience in the face of challenges. They emphasized the value of creativity, determination, and collaboration, drawing parallels with their experiences in the arts and business. Diane shared her journey from dyslexia to a successful career, highlighting the importance of living in the moment and taking each step with gratitude. Michael agreed, noting that these experiences can lead to a contagious desire to create and grow. They also touched on the unpredictability of life, using the example of a last-minute speaker cancellation, and the need to adapt and exceed expectations.
Discussing Approaches to Value and Creativity
Michael and Diane discussed their respective approaches to providing value and creativity in their work. Michael emphasized the importance of self-accountability and striving to give the best possible service. Diane shared her focus on building personal and business brands, and the importance of creativity in marketing and storytelling. They also touched on Diane's experiences in the entertainment industry, including her transition from acting to writing, producing, and directing. The conversation concluded with the importance of being in the game to win, as emphasized by Michael.
Embracing Change and Pursuing Personal Growth
Michael and Diane discussed the importance of self-discovery and adaptation in life. Michael shared his experience of transitioning from acting to writing and directing, highlighting the importance of following one's passion and not being afraid to pivot when necessary. Diane agreed, emphasizing the need to live in the moment and celebrate small wins, as these contribute to achieving bigger goals. Both agreed that trying new things and sparking creativity can lead to personal and professional growth.
Exploring Social Media and Creative Business
Diane shared her various social media platforms and her business, Jds, which includes video production, actor studio, and the nonprofit Creative Academy. She emphasized her goal of moving the arts across America and helping creatives and businesses alike. Diane also mentioned her co-hosted TV show, "Spirit of Innovation Arts Across America," which is available on various streaming platforms. 

Human Success in Business: Rasmus Holst's Global Journey and Investing in Employee Growth with Sensai CEO

Quick recap
Summary
CEO and Michael's Conversational Meeting
Michael and Rasmus discussed their work and expectations for the meeting. Rasmus, the CEO of Sensai, a global Human Success Company, expressed his readiness to engage in a challenging and interesting conversation. Michael, looking forward to the conversation, mentioned that the meeting could last anywhere from 15 to 25 minutes and would be organic and conversational.
Rasmus' Career Journey and Global Experiences
Rasmus shared his career journey, which included living in Luxembourg and Silicon Valley and relocating his family, including their horse, from California to Denmark. He explained that there is an industry that moves horses around, even in first-class business class. Rasmus discussed his experiences after returning to Denmark after living abroad for 14 years, noting that it felt like moving backward and that he had become more aware of how the world works and how life is in different areas. He also mentioned his extensive travels and pride in being a global citizen. Michael agreed, adding that even when returning to one's hometown, it can feel like a new place due to changes over time.
Investing in Employee Growth and Success
Michael and Rasmus discussed the importance of investing in the continuing education of teams and leaders for workplace culture and retention. Rasmus emphasized the need for a shift in vocabulary from 'human resources' to 'human success,' highlighting the importance of investing in employees' growth and success, even if they leave the company. He also introduced the concepts of learning, engagement, and performance, suggesting that a balanced approach is necessary for employee success. Both agreed on the need for a cultural shift in how organizations view their employees and the potential for younger generations to drive this change.
Investing in Human Success and Growth
Rasmus and Michael discussed the importance of investing in human success rather than human resources. They agreed that when people are given the best possible chance to succeed in their work, the organization, customers, and individuals benefit. They also discussed the importance of creating an environment where people can thrive and grow, even if it means letting them go to better opportunities. Rasmus shared his experience hiring a new Chief Revenue Officer and how the company's focus on human success attracted many qualified candidates. They concluded that creating a positive work environment not only retains employees but also attracts new talent and fosters a sense of belonging among former employees.
Adapting to Changing Workplace Expectations
Rasmus and Michael discussed the changing expectations of younger generations in the workplace. They agreed that these generations want a different work experience that allows them to feel successful, challenged, and part of a team while also maintaining a balance between work and personal life. Michael emphasized the importance of human success and the need for organizations to adapt to these changing expectations. Rasmus shared his journey, highlighting how his career goals and aspirations have evolved.
Discussing 'Human Success' in Organizations
Rasmus and Michael discussed the concept of "human success" in the context of their respective organizations. Rasmus explained that "human success" encompasses personal and professional growth, emphasizing the importance of being a good human and achieving success. He also shared his experience finding his Chief Revenue Officer with a search firm, Heidrich. Michael agreed with Rasmus's perspective and expressed his intention to advocate for "human success" in his work.
https://zensai.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rasmusholst/
 

Empowering Women in Leadership: Insights from Lisa DeFrank-Cole on Diversity and Inclusion

Lisa is the Director and F. Duke Perry Endowed Professor of Leadership Studies at West Virginia University. She is widely known for her academic and practical expertise in women’s leadership.A leadership coach and author of the award-winning textbook Women and Leadership, Lisa overcame many stereotypes as a first-generation college graduate from Appalachia to reach where she is today. WV Living magazine named her a “Wonder Woman” in 2019, celebrating her for defying barriers and working towards uplifting West Virginia.She has 20+ years of experience working with academic and government institutions in West Virginia, including the Governor’s Office. As a Fulbright Specialist Scholar, she taught women in Bahrain about leadership and empowerment. Lisa has also conducted leadership workshops for women in Saudi Arabia.Lisa’s insights on leadership have appeared in outlets such as Forbes, the London School of Economics Blog, La Razon daily newspaper in Spain, and KDKA Radio in Pittsburgh.https://lisadefrankcole.com/about/https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-defrank-cole-7b32286b/https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/women-and-leadership-lisa-defrank-cole/1137845764
 
Increasing Women in Senior Leadership Positions
Lisa and Michael discussed the importance of increasing the number of women in senior leadership positions. Lisa expressed her passion for this issue, citing the need for different perspectives and experiences in leadership roles. She pointed out the disparity between the number of women earning college degrees and their representation in leadership positions, stating that it would take over 200 years to achieve equal representation at the current rate. Michael agreed, using the example of Mary Barra, the CEO of General Motors, as a successful female leader who has navigated the company through challenging times. Both emphasized the need for equal access to leadership roles for women.
Diverse Teams, Creativity, and Business Success
Lisa discussed the benefits of diverse teams, highlighting that they are more creative and can solve problems better than homogeneous ones. She also mentioned that companies with women on board seats and in the C-suite tend to be more profitable. Michael shared his experience running a multi-site medical clinic with representation from 16 different countries, emphasizing the importance of creating an open and welcoming environment for people from different backgrounds. He noted that this approach improved access to care, particularly for patients who shared a common language or cultural background with their healthcare providers.
Fostering Inclusive Collaboration in Organizations
Michael and Lisa discussed the importance of creating a more inclusive and collaborative organizational culture. Michael emphasized the need for trust and understanding among team members, while Lisa highlighted the benefits of a collective approach to achieving goals. They also touched on the challenges of adapting to a traditionally competitive work environment and the need for change to foster a more egalitarian culture. Both agreed that organizations should strive to create an environment where individuals feel safe to be bold and innovative, and where collaboration is valued over competition.
Fostering Inclusive Workplace Relationships and Equity
Lisa and Michael discussed the importance of fostering relationships and community within the workplace. They highlighted the need for inclusive activities that cater to diverse needs, such as potlucks and childcare services. Lisa emphasized the impact of caregiving responsibilities on women's participation in the workforce, suggesting that paid childcare could be a significant benefit. Michael agreed, noting the need for work to be reinvented to accommodate individual needs and promote equity. They both expressed hope for a future where work is more accessible and equitable, leading to better products and services for everyone.

Exploring Leadership Styles for Effective Organizational Management

In this episode, we dive into the essential role leadership plays in shaping an organization's direction, success, and overall team dynamics. Leadership is the cornerstone of productivity and growth, but finding the right approach can be challenging. By exploring various leadership styles, you can better understand how to guide your team effectively and meet organizational goals.
 
**Key Leadership Styles Discussed:**
- **Transactional Leadership**: A structured approach focused on clear expectations, goals, and rewards for success. Ideal for efficiency but may limit creativity.- **Servant Leadership**: A people-first approach where leaders prioritize the well-being and empowerment of their team, fostering trust and collaboration.- **Directive Leadership**: A firm, decisive leadership style suited for swift execution in high-pressure environments, but it may stifle creativity.- **Bureaucratic Leadership**: Structured leadership that thrives in formal environments. It ensures stability but can be rigid, hindering adaptability.- **Laissez-Faire Leadership**: A hands-off approach promoting creativity and innovation, empowering teams to manage their own tasks while providing guidance.- **Charismatic Leadership**: Vision-driven leadership that inspires loyalty and motivation through the leader’s passion and personality, though it may lead to over-reliance on the leader.
We also discuss the importance of evolving leadership approaches to meet the ever-changing demands of both the team and the organization. A successful leader adapts, learns, and grows with their team.
- Subscribe to our newsletter for more insightful conversations on leadership, burnout, and workplace culture.- Tune into the **Breakfast Leadership Show Podcast** for interviews with top industry leaders and their unique leadership insights.- Check out the **Breakfast Leadership YouTube Channel** for personal development and leadership videos.- Need an expert speaker? Hire **Michael D. Levitt** for your next event.
Stay connected with us on LinkedIn and share this episode with your network for more leadership insights!

Revolutionizing Kids' Coding Education: Exploring Hedy with Felienne Hermans

Felienne is the creator of Hedy, an open-source and accessible platform for kids aged ten and above to learn textual programming in multiple languages.The platform has about 500K users a month. It has been translated into 49 languages, including Chinese, Arabic, and Spanish, and has 400+ volunteer programmers, translators, and teachers who continuously improve and maintain it.To teach a child programming, a parent or teacher can use Hedy's built-in lesson plans or customize their kid's learning experience by authoring their lessons and loading these into Hedy's user interface.Felienne holds a Ph.D. in Software Engineering and has been a strong advocate for finding better ways of teaching programming and guiding the young generation into the programming world for more than ten years.She is also a professor of computer science education at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam in the Netherlands and a high-school computer science teacher one day a week at Lyceum Kralingen in the Codasium program, which teaches kids to code.On the podcast, Felienne would love to talk about:We must radically transform how we teach kids programming languages to prepare them for the next wave of computing.Breaking Barriers: The role natural languages and culture play in forging the future of programming.Why every parent should encourage their child to learn coding skills, and Felienne's best tips for teaching kids how to code.https://www.felienne.com/https://hedy.org/https://www.codasium.nl/
Summary
Discussing Programming, Coding, and Hetty
Michael and Felienne discussed the importance of learning programming and coding at a young age, especially in an increasingly technology-driven society. They planned to focus their conversation on Hedy, a project Felienne is working on. Michael emphasized the significance of Felienne's work and expressed his interest in understanding more about it.
Felienne Hermans' Journey in Teaching Programming to Children
Felienne Hermans, a university professor and school teacher specializing in teaching programming to children, discussed her journey into this field. She initially focused on professional programmers but switched to teaching 12-13-year-olds after realizing the potential impact of introducing programming skills to the next generation. Felienne shared her challenges while teaching her students Scratch and Python, including the language barrier and syntax difficulty. She then shared how she created a simplified Python programming language in Dutch, which grew into a globally used open-source project supporting 56 languages. This project also became a significant research area due to its technical and academic challenges.
Felienne's Multilingual Programming Tools Initiative
Michael appreciates Felienne's initiative to create programming tools in multiple languages, allowing more people worldwide to participate in coding. He shares an anecdote about a student struggling with code, emphasizing the importance of taking breaks to gain a fresh perspective. Felianne agrees, noting that her dual roles as teacher and product developer allow her to identify areas for improvement. She highlights that programming teaches both coding and problem-solving, and resilience.
Programming Skills and Student Education
felienne and Michael discussed the value of programming and problem-solving skills in students. felienne emphasized the importance of teaching students to analyze and understand code rather than memorize it. Michael concurred, highlighting that these skills help in coding and other areas of life, such as problem-solving and communication. They both agreed that students should understand that technology is human-made and that programming is essential in creating and maintaining it.
AI, Coding, and Life Skills
felienne and Michael discussed the potential and limitations of artificial intelligence (AI). Michael emphasized that AI will likely create new job opportunities and free up people for other tasks, but it's crucial to understand the coding behind it. He used a coffee machine analogy to explain that while AI can simplify tasks, people should still be able to perform them without it. felienne agreed, highlighting the importance of learning coding as a life skill. They both expressed concern about the current generation's reliance on technology and the need to understand the underlying systems.
Balancing Consumption and Creation in Digital Age
felienne and Michael discussed the imbalance between consumption and creation in the digital world, with Felienne expressing concern that children are not encouraged to be creators. They both agreed on encouraging and fostering creativity among future generations.