Patti Is Still Learning

Seeing a vast disparity in diversity in the tech world, Josh helped form Black Orlando Tech, a successful nonprofit in teaching adults about technical fields to help them either change or advance their careers. He used his hunger to learn and passion for teaching to become an expert in cloud computing. His book, Venti Fried Chicken, explores his humble beginnings and how he evolved into a leader in the tech community, with all of the detours and speedbumps along the way. We talked to him about cloud computing, how he's helped BOT grow, his history of learning about different fields, and what he's learning about next. 

If you want to hear more of our thoughts about topics we discussed, you can always listen to previous podcasts that were centered around these themes: S2E11 - Being an Ally, Season 1, Number 9 - How to Juggle, Season 1, Number 5 - Marketing, Everybody’s Doing I, Season 1 - Getting Involved

We interviewed Janel Chambers, co-owner of the Minuteman Press in College Park, Orlando. Running a small business has a lot of different pressures, and when you run one with a friend, there are different dynamics you need to consider. We talked about maintaining trust, knowing your strengths and lanes, and keeping it light. You have to understand where a person came from and their environment to know who they are and what they believe. We also bring up time management, self-care, and allyship. If you like the content of this episode and would like to hear others like it, check out the following episodes from past seasons: S1E09 - How to Juggle; S1E10 - Building Trust; S2E01 - Giving and Receiving Feedback.

We are back with the first episode of our third season! We have changed the format and now have full format interviews with our friends. First up is our conversation with Marjorie Phoenix, founder of the Giving Voices Project. She's a leader for advocating for those recovering from violent acts, she's a student getting her masters so she can become a consultant in Diversity & Inclusion in the corporate world, she is an activist for having uncomfortable conversations through her Storytime & Wine program, and she's a Mom! The biggest lesson we learned from Marjorie is the importance of holding the space for listening to others. It's not always about needing to solve the problem, but it is important to listen to understand where the person is coming from. GivingVoicesProject.org All the social: Giving Voices Project Look up Storytime & Wine on Eventbrite If you like the content of this episode and would like to hear others like it, check out the following episodes from past seasons: S1E07 - Asking Good Questions; S2E03 Knowing Your Values; S2E08 - Self Care; and S2E11 - Being An Ally

In random learnings, Patti has gotten pretty good at hosting Zoom meetings and John has gotten into the music of Steven Sondheim. (Check out his 90th birthday tribute on YouTube!) The theme for this week was to just reminisce on what Patti and John miss bit also what they DON’T miss. Certain activities such as hitting punching bags and and hugs with friends they’re looking forward to getting back to. But they do not miss the commute to work or setting foot in a grocery store. The Microstory for the week was the first stop on their whirlwind Europe trip in Barcelona where they stayed in apartments in El Born... and the many flights of stairs to get into them.

Patti and John talk about different aspects of their current existence of sheltering in place. They’ve had to make big decisions in their volunteer organizations. They’ve donated to lots of charities. They still do their Date Nights and Nothing Nights. They know that video is important for keeping the humanity in work relationships. They order everything online but sourdough bread. They share how they stay up to date on the news.

Patti and John tell the story of their whirl-wind trip to Paris back in 2014. This Memorial Day weekend was jam packed and there were all the usual flight delays and changes of plans that made them realize that they handled stress well together. They now recommend that for anyone in a relationship ready to take it to the next level should try your hand at planning and executing a vacation that is filled with activities that help get you both out of your comfort zone.

In random learnings, John talks Census and Patti talks about her experience with Deep Work. The theme this week revolves around simplifying your life through routine and how it helps increase happiness and reduce anxiety and decisions. They walk through routines they practice as well as examples from others. If you want to start a routine, it helps to know who which of the Four Tendencies you are so you can set up how you hold yourself accountable for accomplishing the routine. Is there anything you can do in the morning that brings delight and repeatable? How can you take something that you do every day and simplify it? The Microstory focuses on their adventure in Glacier National Park on a snowshoeing tour. They saw a lot of critter prints and enjoyed the solitude of the area.

We made it to the 15th episode! With Patti recovering from the flu, John and she discuss the importance of know what your perfect day is and why visualizing it matters. If you don’t know what it looks like how will you ever know if you’re getting close to having one? Try thinking about it in great detail. When and how will you wake up? What do you do first? Then second? Then third? How do you wind down in your evening? If there’s something in your perfect day that you can incorporate now, then go ahead and do it! And knowing other people’s perfect days helps you appreciate how they want to lead their lives and you can help each other attain it. The Microstory for the episode continues on their adventures in Montana with a highly flatulent horseback riding tour of the Lonesome Dove Ranch. If you have a hankering for huckleberry jam, syrup, or even coffee you can find their brand on amazon by searching for “bounty foods huckleberry.”