INCOGNITO the podcast

On this episode of INCOGNITO the podcast, Michael interviews Ellie Krug! Ellie is a former civil lawyer and current national inclusivity trainer/speaker, author, radio host, and transgender rights activist based in Minnesota. In this conversation, Michael and Ellie discuss what it means to show up as you are, to practice compassion for yourself and others, and how the foundation of diversity and inclusion work is combatting the fear people have of “other.” Ellie shares the four commonalities of all people and how this can be used as a jumping off point for connection. 

Key Takeaways:

- Show up as yourself, whoever you are

- Practice gray area thinking - have compassion for others and yourself

- Ask yourself: am I trying my best under current circumstances? If yes, that has to be good enough

- Diversity and inclusion is about getting past the fear of other

- We all have four commonalities: everyone wants the children in their life to succeed, everyone wants to be free of physical/emotional violence, everyone wants twenty minutes of peace, everyone wants to love and be loved

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Ellie’s Media Recommendations:

- Machaela Cavanaugh, Nebraska State Senator

On this episode of INCOGNITO the podcast, Michael interviews Dr. Monica Cox! Dr. Cox is a change agent, disruptor, and trailblazer, as well as a Distinguished Professor of Engineering at The Ohio State University, the CEO of STEMinent, and an authenticity coach/DEI practitioner. In this episode, Michael and Dr. Cox discuss the burden of leadership, the need to speak up against the status quo, and the importance of continuing to move towards progress, even when no one follows you. Dr. Cox offers her take on what it means to be authentic and shares what she's learned from her many years of paving the way for those who come after her.

Key Takeaways:

- There may be costs to speaking up, but it is critical that we do it anyway

- The higher up you are, the more responsibility you have to do DEI work with your organization

- Move towards progress even if no one follows you

- Trust yourself and find accomplices

- Ask: how can I support you?

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Dr. Cox's Media Recommendations:

- The Hunger Games Series (films)

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Find Dr. Cox's work

On this episode of INCOGNITO the podcast, Michael interviews Katie Remington! Katie is the Research Director for the Minnesota Justice Research Center where she leads MNJRC’s efforts to engage in participatory and collaborative community-led research on topics including the criminal legal system, youth development, and education. In this episode, Katie and Michael discuss the need to address your own limitations and biases in order to better understand others and the critical role that shared experiences play in forging connections between people of different identities. Katie shares her biggest takeaways from her many years of research, including the importance of valuing the contributions of others as much as, or even more than, your own.

Key Takeaways:

Addressing our biases directly helps us better understand those around us

Don’t be afraid to ask questions

Shared experiences are the bridge between different identities – seek these out!

Give people the space to talk about themselves

Value the contributions of others

Katie’s Media Recommendations:

On this episode of INCOGNITO the podcast, Michael interviews Juan Acosta! Juan is a mental health advocate, activist, and author, whose advocacy work began in his hometown of Woodland, California at age 13. Since then, Juan’s work has focused on underserved communities, specifically the LGBTQ+, Immigrant, and Latinx community, and has impacted not only communities in California, but across the country and world. In this episode, Michael and Juan discuss the importance of making change at a local level, always keeping in mind the “why” when doing work in your community, and prioritizing collaboration in the pursuit of positive change. Additionally, Juan shares the critical role that acting with intentionality and respect plays in creating a foundation for bringing people together.  

Key Takeaways:

- Start with change at the community level

- Remember why you are doing the work

- Collaboration is crucial - allowing everyone’s voice to be heard yields the best results

- Make spaces safe through actions, not words alone

- Show up as you are - have respect for everyone

Juan’s Media Recommendations:

- Healing: Our Path from Mental Illness to Mental Health by Dr. Thomas Insel (Book)

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Find Juan’s work

Welcome back to another season of INCOGNITO the podcast! In the first episode of Season 4, Michael offers his thoughts on the challenging political conflicts we are facing today, including book bans, censorship of Black history, policies threatening LGBTQ+ rights, and more. Michael shares his insight into navigating these divides, and reminds listeners to focus on making connections with others, instead of finding differences, in order to create a more inclusive society. 

Key Takeaways:

We have more in common than not: focus on making connections with others, not finding differences

Get involved – reach out to your representatives and push them towards positive change, or thank them for the work they’re doing!

We all have different perspectives, but we can’t let that get the best of us: check yourself and keep an open mind

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Rate and review the podcast! We rely on ratings and reviews to help others discover INCOGNITO, so please take a minute to leave a rating if you can.

On this episode of INCOGNITO the podcast, Michael interviews Steven Sapp and Mildred Ruiz-Sapp! Steven and Mildred are the founders and directors of UNIVERSES, a national Ensemble Theater Company of multi-disciplined writers and performers of color, who fuse theater, poetry, dance, jazz, hip hop, politics, down home blues and Spanish boleros to create moving, challenging and entertaining works for the stage. In this episode, Steven and Mildred talk to Michael about their experiences creating art with others and the importance of lifting every person’s voice in this pursuit, even if they cannot do it themselves.  Steven and Mildred share their philosophy of treating everyone in a rehearsal room how they want to be treated and how they were raised to treat others, and the essential truth that everyone always has something to bring to the table.

Key Takeaways

- Fight for your identity: it’s up to you how you identify, not others

- Treat people the way you want to be treated

- Everybody has something to bring to the table

- Everyone's voice deserves to be lifted

- Whether a person is in the audience or onstage, they are a part of the event

Steven & Mildred’s Media Recommendations:

- Use your technology to capture beautiful moments and your elders; save your memories

- Dive into your genealogy/family history

- Sidney (film) on Apple TV

- A Raisin in the Sun (film, 1961)

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Find Steven & Mildred’s work:

On this episode of INCOGNITO the podcast, Michael interviews Larry Thompson! Larry is a lawyer, law professor, and former US Deputy Attorney General under President George W. Bush. In this episode, Michael and Larry discuss the necessity of teamwork, transparency, and a willingness to listen and speak honestly to the cultivation of an inclusive workplace. Larry shares his insight into the incredible benefit of diversity in work environments, both for the employees as well as the company as a whole, and the words he lives by from his mentor Judge Griffin Bell: “there is no limit as to what you can accomplish so long as you don’t care who gets the credit.”

Key Takeaways

- There is no “I” in team

- Be willing to listen

- Be honest

- Speak with candor

- Be transparent, don’t have a hidden agenda

- Make sure everyone is on the same page

Larry’s Media Recommendations:

- Georgy Girl (film, 1966)

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Find Larry’s work:

On this episode of INCOGNITO the podcast, Michael interviews Trinity Villanueva! Trinity is an advocate on the intersections of justice, liberation, and creative and artistic spaces. An incredibly multi-talented person, Trinity now serves as a Managing Partner at TOSHA, an organization which partners with the creative industry to cultivate inclusive workplace cultures through mindful leadership practices. In this episode, Michael and Trinity discuss the importance of deciding your identity for yourself, meeting people where they are, and showing up to learn instead of to impress. And, Trinity shares her philosophy when it comes to creating workplaces in which everyone feels they have the opportunity to thrive.

Key Takeaways:

Trinity’s Media Recommendations:

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Find Trinity’s work

On this episode of INCOGNITO the podcast, Michael interviews Mary Amrita Arden! Mary holds a Master’s degree in public health, is a certified Neuro-Linguistic Programming coach, and, since 1991, has been a teacher and coach at the Hoffman Institute, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to transformative adult education, spiritual growth, and the personal dimensions of leadership. In this episode, Michael and Mary discuss the need to be present, get out of your own way, and surrender to change. It is truly an exploration of what it means to live a fulfilled and connected life by prioritizing introspection and growth above all.

Key Takeaways:

Mary’s Media Recommendations:

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Find Mary’s work

On this episode of INCOGNITO the podcast, Michael interviews Cecilia B. Loving! Cecilia is the Senior Vice President for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at PBS, where she is responsible for developing organizational strategy, providing ongoing advice and counsel, and cultivating future partnerships. With over 20 years of experience as a practicing attorney, Cecilia has held various DEI leadership roles for a wide variety of businesses and government agencies, including the New York Fire Department, New York City’s Commission on Human Rights, the Legal Aid Society, and more. In this episode, Michael and Cecilia discuss the essential building blocks of DEI work: finding common ground with those around you, deeply listening to what others have to say, and always taking time to breathe and practice mindfulness.

Key Takeaways:

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Find Cecilia’s work

On this episode of INCOGNITO the podcast, Michael interviews Toni Wynn! Toni is a museum content curator, DEI speaker, and poet who sees big and small to craft inspired opportunities for engaging and learning. In this episode, Michael and Toni discuss the importance of living in kindness, celebrating the arts, and having compassion towards both ourselves and others, and Toni shares her philosophy of being a kindness cheerleader for those around her.

Key Takeaways:

Toni’s Media Recommendations:

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Find Toni’s work

On this episode of INCOGNITO the podcast, Michael interviews Ronnie Malley! Ronnie is a multi-instrumentalist musician, theatrical performer, producer, and educator, who has collaborated with artists internationally, composed and consulted for many cultural music projects in film and theater, appeared as a guest artist on several works, and is executive director of Intercultural Music Production in Chicago. In this episode, Michael and Ronnie discuss the incredible universality of music, the importance of exploring cultures beyond your own, and using the arts as a means of connection. Ronnie shares stories from his experiences bringing music across the country and world, and his conclusion that Metallica can indeed bring us all together.

Key Takeaways:

Ronnie’s Media Recommendations:

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Find Ronnie’s work

On this episode of INCOGNITO the podcast, Michael interviews Alderman Debra Silverstein! Alderman Silverstein has been the representative of Chicago’s 50th Ward since 2011, working tirelessly to make her neighborhood a better place for the many residents who call it home through both groundbreaking projects and everyday actions. In this episode, Michael and Alderman Silverstein discuss the importance of reaching out to others, opening yourself up to engagement with those in your community, and treating people with the respect and recognition that they deserve. Additionally, Alderman Silverstein shares her strategies for connecting a community by recognizing its diversity as its greatest strength above all.

Key Takeaways:

Alderman Silverstein’s Media Recommendations:

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Find Alderman Silverstein’s work

On this episode of INCOGNITO the podcast, Michael interviews Angela Ford! Angela is the founder and executive director of The Obsidian Collection Archives, an organization that works to preserve Black historical journalism through digital archiving in hopes of making the historic and factual accounts of Black life in the United States accessible to the public and, in doing so, illuminating Black culture for the world to better see and understand. In this episode, Michael and Angela discuss the importance of being direct and deliberate, exposing oneself everyday to cultures outside of your own, and establishing trust with any community you wish to work with. Angela shares her belief that the majority of people do want to help and be a part of the solution, and discusses the incredible power that comes from harnessing this collective desire for good.

Key Takeaways:

Angela’s Media Recommendations:

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Find Angela’s work

Welcome back to another season of INCOGNITO the podcast! In the first episode of Season 3, I not only tell the story of how this podcast came to be, but also reflect on the many fantastic tools and practices towards creating a more diverse and inclusive society that guests have shared with me and INCOGNITO listeners throughout the first two seasons. I offer my pitch for why people should listen to INCOGNITO, and discuss the ways in which this podcast can offer valuable strategies and insight to listeners from all walks of life.

Key Takeaways:

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If you want to support INCOGNITO the podcast, here are some things you can do:

We have reached the end of season 2 of INCOGNITO the podcast! Thank you to everyone who has listened, left reviews, and shared with others; we have been so excited to see the response to the podcast so far, and hope to keep bringing you helpful insight and tools towards creating a more inclusive society next season. For the final episode of our second season, I reflect on the many incredible contributions this season’s guests have made in the exploration of identity and authenticity, and share my own thoughts and reflections about what it means to understand one’s own identity and the unique journeys we must all go on to reach this point.

Key Takeaways:

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INCOGNITO the podcast will return after the New Year with more exciting episodes, so please subscribe and be on the lookout! Here are 5 things you can do in the meantime:

On this episode of INCOGNITO the podcast, Michael interviews Bessie Alcantara! Bessie is the executive director of Alternatives Inc, a nonprofit organization based in Chicago that inspires young people to create a just future through practices that heal individuals, restore communities, and transform systems. In this episode, Michael and Bessie discuss the importance of accountability and transparency in a workplace, inviting ownership of work and mission, and the incredible clarity that understanding the values of yourself and others can bring. Bessie shares the necessity for living in a way that is true to your values, whatever those may be, and how self-awareness around these values leads to authenticity.

Key Takeaways:

Bessie’s Media Recommendations:

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Find Bessie’s work

On this episode of INCOGNITO the podcast, Michael interviews Josie Whittlesey! Josie is the executive director of Drama Club Inc, a nonprofit organization that cares for youth, particularly those who are incarcerated and court-involved, by creating space for them to thrive, using improv as their guide. Through the use of play, storytelling, and role playing, Drama Club’s programs help young people to develop prosocial bonds, executive functioning skills, empathy, and imagination. In this conversation, Josie and Michael talk about the importance of play as a means of creating safe spaces, the necessity for consistency and persistence when it comes to this kind of work, and the reason that one of the best tools we have towards creating a more inclusive and just society is proximity.

Key Takeaways:

Josie’s Media Recommendations:

On this episode of INCOGNITO the podcast, Michael interviews Andre Watson! Andre is the Assistant Director for National Security under Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the principal investigative component of the Department of Homeland Security. In this interview, Michael and Andre discuss the nuances of navigating Andre’s various identities both in and outside of the workplace, what it means to foster strong relationships in the workplace based on mutual respect and curiosity, and the importance of aligning opportunities with individual passions wherever possible. Andre and Michael discuss what it means to be called to leadership and the truth proven time and again that we have more in common than not.

Key Takeaways:

Andre’s Media Recommendations:

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On this episode of INCOGNITO the podcast, Michael interviews Dr. Kimberly Narain! Dr. Narain completed her residency in Primary Care Internal Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco. Following fellowships at Harvard Medical School and UCLA, Dr. Narain served as a Specialty Training Advanced Research Fellow in the Department of General Internal Medicine & Health Services Research at UCLA, where she later earned a Ph.D. in Health Services from the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, and is now an Assistant Professor In-Residence at the UCLA School of Medicine. In this conversation, Michael and Dr. Narain discuss the importance of creating work environments in which everyone can contribute, seeing yourself as in relationships of mutual benefit with others as opposed to in competition with them, and looking for the win-win in every situation. Dr. Narain shares what inspired her to write her new book, The Cycle of a Dream: A Kid’s Introduction to Structural Racism in America, and the many benefits of seeking out different perspectives and untold stories at all ages.

Key Takeaways:

Dr. Narain’s Media Recommendations:

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Find Dr. Narain’s work

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On this episode of INCOGNITO the podcast, Michael interviews Illinois State Representative Theresa Mah. Representative Mah made history in 2016 when she became the first Asian American elected to serve in the Illinois General Assembly. She is a former college professor with a Ph.D. in modern American history and teaching experience in history, ethnic studies, and Asian American studies. Throughout Representative Mah’s time in public service, she has worked with advocacy groups on a variety of issues such as immigrant rights, workers rights, voting rights, language access, and health care. In this interview, Michael and Representative Mah discuss her journey to becoming a state representative and the barriers she faced in getting elected, what it means to truly listen to and champion the voices of the community you serve, and the importance of reaching down to pull others up alongside you every step of the way.

Key Takeaways:

Representative Mah's Media Recommendations:

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Find Representative Mah's work

On this episode of INCOGNITO the podcast, Michael interviews Jamie Price, the Executive Director of the Sargent Shriver Peace Institute (SSPI) and author of the new book, Spiritualizing Politics without Politicizing Religion: The Example of Sargent Shriver. In addition to his work with SSPI, Jamie holds several academic posts, including research professor and Founding Director of the Insight Conflict Resolution program in the School of Conflict Analysis and Resolution at George Mason University, and affiliate professor in the Mediterranean Academy of Diplomatic Studies at the University of Malta. In this interview, Michael and Jamie discuss the deep place from which one must approach public service, the importance of seeking to understand how someone is using their mind as opposed to trying to change it, and the simple truth that we all as people have much more in common than not. Jamie shares what his study of and work with Sargent Shriver and the SSPI have taught him not only about conflict resolution and leadership, but also the need for spiritual realism and self-transcendence in today’s divisive political climate.

Key Takeaways:

Jeff’s Media Recommendations:

On this episode of INCOGNITO the podcast, Michael interviews Randy Ryan! Since leaving the military, Randy has been working with underserved communities as a means of continuing his service to the nation as a civilian. Randy led the Teaching Gardens program for the American Heart Association, growing it to include over 500 schools nationally, and now serves as the Manager of the California Initiative for the Farmer Veteran Coalition (FVC), whose mission it is to mobilize military veterans to feed America. In this conversation, Randy and Michael discuss the power of healing others to heal oneself, the necessity of serving your community in a meaningful way, and the importance of exposing yourself to new ideas and cultures. Randy shares his insight as to what it means to be an engaged citizen and leader, and the deep connection he has found between authenticity and personal growth.

Key Takeaways:

Randy’s Media Recommendations:

On this episode of INCOGNITO the podcast, Michael interviews E. Patrick Johnson! E. Patrick is the Dean of the School of Communication and Annenberg University Professor at Northwestern University, as well as a prolific performer, scholar, and author, and a 2020 inductee into the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. In this episode, Michael and E. Patrick discuss the necessity of expressing grace towards others and leading with integrity, particularly when it comes to uniting people across a variety of identities. E. Patrick shares his technique of radical listening and holding space for others to fill as a means of seeing people in their entirety and moving closer towards understanding them.

Key Takeaways:

E. Patrick’s Media Recommendations:

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Find E. Patrick’s work

On the first episode of Season 2, Michael talks with Emmy-winning actor and meditation teacher Jeff Kober. Michael and Jeff discuss what it means to bring your whole self to every space, how to treat yourself and others with kindness and compassion, and the importance of recognizing our universal connection of love by fighting for the good instead of against the bad. In this interview, Jeff shares stories and observations from his own life that have led him to key insights about what it means to live and work alongside people who you may disagree with, but nevertheless respect and value as fellow human beings.

Key Takeaways:

Jeff’s Media Recommendations:

We have reached 10 episodes of INCOGNITO the podcast! Thank you to everyone who has listened, left reviews, and shared with others; we jumped in to make this podcast and were so pleased by the response. For the final episode of our first season, I reflect more on my work with individuals and organizations across the country and share in-depth the Seven Tools I have developed to help people have more authentic conversations. I hope these tools bring you reflection and value in the work to create a more inclusive society.

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INCOGNITO the podcast will return after Labor Day with more exciting episodes, so please subscribe and be on the lookout! Here are 4 things you can do in the meantime:

Our next guest on INCOGNITO the podcast is Quinton Alston-Spratt! Quinton is Head of Advisor Practice Management at Franklin Templeton, as well as a Diversity & Inclusion leader within the company working to bring employees together. Quinton’s process focused approach helps people have better conversations and thus, better relationships. Michael and Quinton discuss his growth in the financial services sector, the challenges of stereotype threat, the importance of multiplying your impact, and much more.

Suggested tools:

-When your purpose becomes bigger than you, obstacles can become opportunities

-Be aware of moments of mistrust or conflict and address them upfront

-Don’t take things personally - it’s not about you, it’s about the other person’s perceptions

-Asking questions allows you to be in control while making the person on the other end feel like they are in control; show people how much you know through the quality of your questions

-Questions also drive intimacy and bring people along with you rather than them feeling pushed along

-Building relationships starts with being intentional and approaching with purpose

-Start by figuring out your “why”: once you know your “why” for what you are doing, look for people who align with that

-Create safety: remove titles & remove judgment (of yourself, other people, and your thoughts)

-Acknowledgements are key to creating space for questions - show people that you heard them and that you are seeking understanding

-Authenticity stems from self-acceptance; opportunity lies on the other side of your comfort zone

Quinton’s Book Recommendation:

The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz

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Thanks to Ned Doheny for providing our podcast music! You can find him and his music on Spotify.

Editing and co-production of this podcast by Farrah Sklar.

In this episode of INCOGNITO the podcast, we speak with Willa Taylor! Willa has a fascinating background and is currently the Walter Director of Education and Engagement at The Goodman Theatre where she has developed many exciting new programs such as InterGens, the August Wilson Youth Intensive, and Stage Chemistry. She is an adjunct faculty member at DePaul University and is recognized nationally as a storyteller and workshop facilitator on a number of theatrical and educational topics. Willa and I discuss both her successful and challenging experiences as a theater educator, the complexities in showing up as your full self, and the transformative power of stories.

Suggested tools:

-Find ways to interrupt the assumptions

-Sometimes you have to get out of the way of the mutual benefits of an alliance

-Create a safe space to talk

-Share stories and allow yourself to be changed by them

-Show up for others, not asking anything of them

-Finding and bringing your authentic self to different spaces is a work in progress

-Ask what is needed

-Share a meal; food can allow space for sharing culture and stories with people different from you

Willa’s Media Recommendations:

Teaching to Transgress: Education as the Practice of Freedom by Bell Hooks (Book)

Coda by Sian Heder, 2021 (Movie)

West Side Story adapted by Tony Kushner and Steven Spielberg, 2021 (Movie)

How to Catch Creation by Christina Anderson (Play)

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Thanks to Ned Doheny for providing our podcast music! You can find him and his music on Spotify.

Editing and co-production of this podcast by Farrah Sklar.

This episode of INCOGNITO the podcast features Steve Edwards! Steve is an award-winning journalist, interviewer, and radio host whose work has appeared on numerous radio stations across the country. He was the Executive Director at The University of Chicago’s Institute of Politics, and is the current Managing Director at Koya Partners, identifying and strengthening leaders across the civic and nonprofit sectors. Steve and I discuss the developments in his career as a journalist, how to connect with others through asking questions, and why it is so important to truly listen to others to find the things that fundamentally unite us as humans.

Suggested tools:

-Be more interested in questions rather than answers, the “why” and “how”

-Ask yourself how you are showing up: Am I learning? Am I listening? Am I creating space?

-The generous act of listening is a full body experience, versus the sense of hearing

-Ask open-ended questions to invite someone to share and find connections to shared human experiences

-”When we become fearful we cease to become curious, when we become aggressive and argumentative we often become righteous and we stop learning”

-Difficult cycles are not broken with accumulations of more power, they are only broken by getting to a space of grace, understanding, and curiosity

Steve’s Media Recommendations:

The Tennis Partner by Abraham Verghese (Book)

Goodnight Oscar by Doug Wright and starring Sean Hayes (Play)

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Thanks to Ned Doheny for providing our podcast music! You can find him and his music on Spotify.

Editing and co-production of this podcast by Farrah Sklar.

Our next guest on INCOGNITO the podcast is Scott Lanum! Scott works in the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency as a liaison for the organization to discuss matters of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and for employees to bring up any issues they encounter. Scott and I discuss his experience working in various parts of the Federal Government, what a model workplace can look like, and how we can all take small risks to make strong connections.

Suggested tools:

-Nobody makes their path by themselves, we need to lean on the help of others

-Show people you care, be there for them

-Create an environment where we can always have conversations; a greater value for diversity will start 1 on 1

-Take small risks with people you don’t know; try to share something beyond how your sports team did or how the weather is and thank people for taking those risks to share

-Showing a little piece of our sincere selves can create connections, shatter stereotypes, and show our common humanity

-We tend to perceive vulnerability as a weakness, but it is a strength that can lead to greater trust and understanding

Scott’s Book Recommendation:

The Founding Fathers on Leadership: Classic Teamwork in Changing Times by Donald T. Phillips

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Thanks to Ned Doheny for providing our podcast music! You can find him and his music on Spotify.

Editing and co-production of this podcast by Farrah Sklar.

In this episode, we talk with Monty Schiro! Monty is the creator of Food Fight Restaurant Group, a locally owned and operated restaurant group in the greater Madison area with a group of unique and diverse restaurants. Here, Monty and I discuss the importance of prioritizing employees, how to provide for your community as a leader, and why the simplicity of truly caring for others is not overrated.

Suggested tools:

-You sometimes learn what to do in life by learning what not to do

-Listen to your employees; Know people’s stories

-Remember that nobody does it alone

-Driving test! Would you be able to take a road trip with someone and look forward to the conversation on the way back? If so, that could be a good person to hire!

-If you say you care about people, be sure to back up your words with actions

-Seek to understand before being understood

-You don’t want to surround yourself with people who just say “yes”, but with people who have the same end-goal

Monty’s Media Recommendations:

On the Brink: Life and Leadership of Norman Brinker by Norman Brinker

Mavericks at Work: Why the Most Original Minds in Work Win by William C. Taylor and Polly G. LaBarre

Good to Great: Why Some Companies make the Leap…and Others Don’t by Jim Collins

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Find Monty’s work

This episode of INCOGNITO the podcast features Julie Daley! Julie is a healer, teacher, and coach guiding people and organizations to a more creative, human way of relating and doing business. In this episode, Julie and I discuss her experience as both a student and teacher at Stanford, her thoughts on facilitating a grounded room, and how to connect with people more deeply.

Suggested Tools:

-Judgment, not discernment, separates

-Come in grounded; humans mirror each other, so bring the attitude and energy that you want mirrored

-Everybody is creative, resourceful, and whole

-Allow people to be heard or felt

-If appropriate, look into the eyes of others; search for similarities and extend an “invitation”

-Being “real” is a process of letting go of all the things you think you are supposed to be

Julie’s Media Recommendations:

The Midnight Library by Matt Haig

The Age of Adaline - Movie, 2015

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Find Julie’s work

In this episode of INCOGNITO the podcast, we talk with Jason LeVasseur! Jason is a speaker, camp counselor, and creator of The Rock Star Project. In this episode, Jason and I discuss activities to promote authenticity and inclusion, why everybody is a rock star, and how you can be the best band member possible.

Suggested tools:

-Be interested, not interesting

-Show up as yourself

-People are of value, they should matter to you

-Activity:

Write down words (traits) to describe another person,

Then write words (traits) you think others would use to describe you,

Then write words (traits) you would like used to describe you.

Choose three of the words you would like used to describe you 

and determine what behaviors you need to exhibit for others to describe you with those traits.

Jason’s Book Recommendation:

Hero on a Mission: A Path to a Meaningful Life by Donald Miller

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Find Jason’s work

Our first guest podcast is with Kirsten Kelly! Kirsten is a New York based Emmy-winning documentary filmmaker and producer. In this episode, Kirsten and I discuss her experience as an outsider in college, her work creating documentaries Stranger/Sister and The Homestretch, and the lessons she has learned sharing the stories of others.

Suggested tools:

-Come with your armor down

-Intentional curiosity

-Deep listening

-Play

Kirsten’s Book Recommendation:

Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times by Katherine May

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Find Kirsten’s work:

Welcome to Incognito the Podcast! In this inaugural episode, I share my story of self-discovery. This is the story of the search for my long-lost biological father and how this quest revealed a piece of my identity that changed my life forever. I discuss how this story transformed into my life’s work in the field of diversity, equity, inclusion, and leadership, and how my work has shifted over time.

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Connect with me: