Connect the Dots

Hello Connect the Dots community!

In our latest episode, titled "Unlocking the Value of Learning and Development in Business," we dive deep into the importance of individual and collective efforts in impacting learning and development within organizations. This is the first of a three part series. Heather highlights key insights and thought-provoking ideas that both leaders and individual contributors can apply to foster a culture of continuous growth and learning.

In this episode, we recap six takeaways from the Training Industry Conference and Expo 2023, including the necessity of personal development to help others succeed, understanding the business and its goals, and being adaptable in various learning modalities. We emphasize the importance of moving from reactive to proactive to predictive leadership to solve problems and avoid unnecessary reactive situations.

This episode is a really exciting one because we are welcoming in a guest that has made more of an impact on Heather’s journey than he probably knows or will ever know.

*****I do want to start with a quick disclaimer today. This episode may touch on mental health topics. I am not a doctor or certified mental health professional. If you are  or someone you know is in crisis, please call 988 if you are in the US. If you are outside the US, there is a link in the below to a list of international options. 

Are you trying to be a better leader, change industries, reset after a layoff, or looking for ways to bring your whole self to work?  Have you recently or maybe are still going through an extremely challenging time in your life?  Are you currently coping with loss and wondering how you can start celebrating the blessings you have in your life again? If any of these questions resonate with you then this episode is for you. 

On today’s episode I will share where I have been for the past 131 days, what happened during that time and what 3 steps I found myself taking over and over which in the end showed me that I can now tackle any problem if I just follow these steps. 

Resources

No man really becomes a fool until he stops asking questions.
- Charles P. Steinmetz

When I met with my mentor yesterday, she had me answer 3 questions about the lay off situation. These questions really made me stop and think so I wanted to put them out there for you. Asking ourselves questions helps us process through the feelings.

But these questions aren’t just for those that were laid off. Maybe you are one of the people that got to stay, which is not always an easy place to be. Ask yourself these questions too.

In recording the podcast, I decided to add a bonus question for points and cookies to help us start moving forward.
*Please note that points and cookies will not actually be awarded. 😉

3 Reflection Questions

1. What is the best thing that has comes from it so far?
2. What is the most shocking thing so far?
3. What is the worst thing so far?

Well now...here we are... together again. It's Season 4 of the podcast and this season is all about bringing all of you to work. I will say I had a different plan to start this season but it seems I have more time on my hands now. Today I was laid off from my job. Ouch. Me and thousands of others were impacted by the layoffs at Amazon. I'm hurt, confused, sad, angry....all the feelings. So let's do this together. Come along on my journey as I navigate this new space and let's connect the dots together. 

My heart goes out to all those from Amazon and other companies that have been affected by the recent layoffs. Sending you all love and peace! 

It’s the second week of the month so we are talking about neurodiversity. Today, I’m going through an update on my neurodiversity journey. I am still at the beginning stages of my journey and there is a lot to learn. I want these types of conversations to be helpful to anyone else who may be going through something similar. It’s important to know that you are not alone in this.

Links Referenced:

On today’s episode I’m welcoming one of my dearest friends. Lori and I became friends while working at Apple together. We both left the company last year but get together for coffee or cocktails a couple times a month. One of the things we realized in leaving our last company was that we both had forgotten our worth. We wanted to bring that conversation to you. I hope you enjoy this chat.

Laughter, Love, and Blessings,
Heather

Check out Lori's new venture: https://www.instagram.com/lightforgeemporium/ 

I recently read the book, How to be a Human by Ruby Wax. There were a good bit of things that made me go, "What???" so I had to dig a little deeper to understand Ruby and the background behind the book. 

Join me as I talk through my thoughts on the book and Ruby. 

Links Referenced: 

It's the last day of the 100 day challenge. Can you believe it? I would say I'm speechless but then you wouldn't have a podcast to listen to. LOL! Today we are celebrating the accomplishment of 100 days of podcasts and talking about what to do after you accomplish a big goal. 

Links from today's podcast:

One more day...I am so incredibility proud of myself for this. Today I actually attended a workshop called "I am remarkable." This workshop is focused on helping you learn how to self-promote. It's something I definitely struggle with. Take al listen to the podcast and check out the link below. I'll see you tomorrow for Day 100.

If you want to know what I'll be covering in the months to come, listen up! I've spilling all the beans today so you can get excited about what's coming up.

Laughter, Love, and Blessings,

Heather

Social Links

Today I'm just sending out well wishes to you as you go about your weekend. Happy Easter!

Laughter, Love, and Blessings,

Heather

Social Links

Today we are talking through the plan for what happens next after the 100 days is over. I'm covering the new day for the podcast and the date it will start. 

Laughter, Love, and Blessings,

Heather

Social Links

Doing a TED talk is on my bucket list so today we are going to google and find out how I can do that. :) 

Laughter, Love, and Blessings,

Heather

Social Links

Today we walk through my website together. It's a mess. Goodness me! If you know someone that is good at websites, please send me a DM on Instagram with their information. I need some help!

Laughter, Love, and Blessings,

Heather

Social Links

Today I'm running down the list of individuals that I would like to interview on the podcast. It's a semi-long list but I think I can make this happen. 😉

Love and Blessings,

Heather

Social Links

Today we are doing a little breakdown of the topics covered and some feedback I got from yesterday's question. 

Laughter, Love and Blessings,

Heather

Social Links

As we start to wind down the 100 days of podcasts, I need your help in figuring out the next steps. I have 5 questions for you (see below). Please got find my post from 4/10/22 on IG and you can comment back or DM me with your answers. I want to make the next version of this podcast the best it can be for you. 

Here is what I want to know from you:

Question 1: What day of the week should I post? Monday, Wednesday, or You don’t care just make sure to post.

Question 2: If I do seasons, would you like each season to be focused on a category or just a mix of topics?

Question 3: Interviews. Who should I try to interview? We will talk through my picks and your answers on Day 93.

Question 4: Production value. Bring back the music/better production for main shows or You don’t care just make sure to post.

Question 5: Topics. Obviously this 100 days has covered a lot of topics. We will recap them on Day 92, but I want to know which ones you liked the best. Here is the list:

• Quotes
• Book Reviews
• Deep Thoughts like Perfectionism and Shame
• Music
• Movies/TV
• Travel
• Neurodiversity
• Navigating the workplace topics (time away, burnout, work/life harmony)

I am looking forward to shaping the future of the podcast with you. 

Laughter, Love, and Blessings,

Heather

Social Links

I'm a huge fan of "American's Government Teacher" on Instagram. Sharon does such a great job of making government, politics, and news very easy to understand. Check her out!

Here are 2 of the accounts I follow that never cease to make me smile and laugh.

I have been following Sarah on and off for a long time. I recently started following her again on my @msheatherbdot account and I'm so glad I did. She spreads joy, body positivity, and real life. I'm thankful for her in my feed. 

Today I'm sharing one of my favorite longe form podcasters, Kate Kennedy. She has such a good way of deep diving and explaining things. Really enjoy her take on things. Check her out!

Today I'm talking about one of my favorite interior designers on the gram. Carmeon has inspired me in so many ways. I am thankful for everything she brings to this world from her designs to her style to her love of people. Check her out!

Today I'm talking about 2 of my favorite ladies on IG and their podcast. Here are all the links....

Today I'm getting ready to start watching Season 2 of Get Organized with The Home Edit so I figured I would chat about these awesome ladies. The Home Edit really became a house hold name for me after Season 1 of Get Organized came out on Netflix. I am a big fan of how they organize and their aesthetic. Check out the links below. 

Today we are talking finances. I have 2 accounts that follow currently that have helped me shape up my budget and learn more about money. Check them out at the links below:

Carlos is one of my favorite people on Instagram. His content is funny, informative, and thought provoking. If you haven't followed him, go do it. Also go listen to the Human Hope podcast. 

Jessica McCabe is one of my favorite people/accounts to follow on Youtube. She runs the website and channel How to ADHD. She give wonderful insight on living with ADHD. Check her out at the links below.

Here's what I'm reading. What are you reading? Let me know on the socials.

It's my anniversary! But that's not what today's podcast is about. I'm talking about ways to get creative. How do you get creative? Do you paint? sing? garden?  Let me know over on the socials!

Laughter, Love, and Blessings,

Heather

Social Links

Let's talk about your vacation time. Are you maxed out? Have you stopped accruing time? If so, take some time off!! It's for your mental health, physical health, and to help you be a better employee. It's not a badge of honor to be maxed out on vacation time. 

Laughter, Love, and Blessings,

Heather

Social Links

Let's talk about your awesomeness today! Do you know you are awesome? Do you read your resume and think "I'm a bad ass?" Well either way, take a listen to today's episode to learn more about how my perspective changed when I had my resume written by a resume writer from Fiverr.

Laughter, Love, and Blessings,

Heather

Social Links

We are continuing the conversation about the book, Divergent Mind. I am really enjoying diving back into this book and giving you some of the insights I am learning.