What's Betwixt Us

On this episode of What’s Betwixt Us, we chat with international SaaS sales whiz Jakob Thusgaard. Jakob is the founder and CEO of YourSales, whose mission is to help organizations all over the world—including zanie!—to scale, reach goals, and connect products and solutions to the people who need them. Jakob was born in Denmark, lives in Amsterdam, has traveled widely, and speaks five languages. He approaches his work and his life with a posture of playfulness and curiosity. We talk about authenticity in sales, international psychology, and how living abroad makes people more accepting of other cultures. 

On this episode of What’s Betwixt Us, we chat with author and licensed psychotherapist Linda Feyder. Linda recently released her new collection of short fiction, All’s Fair and Other California Stories. We discuss the deep kinship between psychology and writing and the human need to both listen and tell stories as a way to know ourselves and each other better.

In this episode of "What's Betwixt Us," we speak with tech career strategist Raj Subrameyer. Raj is an international keynote speaker, coach, and author of the book Skyrocket Your Career. As a former self-proclaimed “toxic leader,” Raj reveals how he walked through the fire of his own life transformation, from being insecurity-driven to harnessing fear as a catalyst to drive him to the next level. We discuss self-experimentation, mindset changes, and helping people create lives they love.

In this episode of What’s Betwixt Us, we speak with the delightful and generous Empathy Strategist, Ajit Dodani. Ajit is the CEO of EmpathifyU. He brings his extensive background in business and finance consulting to his work as a keynote speaker and workshop facilitator, helping companies foster a healthy, positive work culture. We talk about the importance of self-care and self-love, and the need for leaders to learn to recognize and deal with trauma among their employees. 

In episode 030 of What's Betwixt Us, we chat with executive coach, team developer, psychotherapist, and self-proclaimed “soulpreneur” Sue McDonnell. Sue combines her years of business experience with her intuitive empathy skills to bring energetic alignment to clients across a variety of industries. We talk about doing vs. being, post-traumatic growth, and listening to the wisdom of your body. 

In this episode of What’s Betwixt Us, we talk with with Caralie Chrisco, the People Operations Manager at Chaincode Labs and the Content Lead at Hello Bitcoin. Coming from a background in theater, film and TV as a talent manager, Caralie moved into the tech industry and found her ability to empathize and bring warmth to the table to be a unique asset within the team. We discuss leading by example when it comes to vulnerability, setting boundaries as a woman in tech, and her favorite tools to implement for engagement and wellbeing. 

Asiya Hasan-Damen joins us for episode 027 of What's Betwixt Us. Asiya is a workplace culture strategist, coach, team-builder, workshop facilitator, and the co-founder of Cultuurloop. We talk about change fatigue, acknowledging the feelings in the room, the resistance that might be present around them, and the empowerment to build a business from scratch if you really believe in it. She discusses how you can still care about people in the workplace and have a bottom line.

In this episode of What’s Betwixt Us, we chat with Paul Peglar. Paul is a performer, producer, musical director, and the co-founder and Artistic Director of ECHT, an arts non-profit that believes “authentic expression creates genuine connection.” We talk about the empathy muscles that are naturally built through artistic collaborations and how those skills are transferrable anywhere. We also discuss the importance of learning to meet people where they are, dealing gracefully with big transitions, and the intelligence of the gut.

In today's episode of What's Betwixt Us, we talk with Melissa Boles. Melissa is a lifelong storyteller, writer, and the Marketing Manager at BookClub, which brings authors and readers together via online book clubs, led by the authors themselves. Melissa is passionate about mental health awareness, and we discuss how empathy for mental health issues can be built by reading. We talk about the importance of self-knowledge and self-reflection to raise empathy by talking through what you’re processing. 

In this episode of What's Betwixt Us, we chat with Rajkumari Neogy. Rajkumari is an executive coach, speaker, and self-professed "AwesomeSauce Alchemist." She is the Founder of the iRestart coaching framework and the Biology of Belonging Bootcamp. Rajkumari uses her expertise in epigenetics and neurobiology to develop empathy in leadership and work culture at companies all over the world. We chat about bringing conscious practices into meetings, the importance of sitting with our own discomfort, the permission to mourn, the value in psychological dynamics in team culture, and the dark side of belonging. 

On this episode of What's Betwixt Us, we talk with Rabbi Jessica Marshall.  Rabbi Marshall discusses her journey in finding a connection to Judaism, going from a traditional setting with a synagogue and congregation to "exploding paradigms” with heart-centered connection. Her work is now focused on building creative, diverse, and personal offerings for lifecycle rituals, retreats, women’s gatherings, and spiritual coaching. We talk about the power of sitting with and witnessing people in pain, seeing everything as an invitation to the sacred, and the wisdom in our hearts that’s as knowledgeable as what’s in our brains.

In this episode of What's Betwixt Us, we get an inside look into the creation of zanie and the philosophy behind it from fellow zanie builders Jumana Abu-Ghazaleh (founder and CEO) and Shaina Stigler. This episode was recorded LIVE as part of the IEEE ISTAS Conference, which brings together a variety of pioneers in new and emerging voices in advancing technology. We talk about the transformation of work culture to be more empathetic, the importance of being seen and heard to foster innovation, and what it means to feel safe. 

Please visit https://www.ieee.org/ to learn more about the conference advancing technology for humanity. 

In this episode of What's Betwixt Us, we chat with Amy Giddon, the Co-Founder and CEO of Daily Haloha. She talks with us about the story behind this exciting new app that promotes empathy and positivity, the importance of connecting with one another globally, and what inspired Amy to be a pioneer for empathy. She tells us her story working in corporate finance, in women's leadership, and how this paved the path she is pursuing today.

Please visit https://dailyhaloha.com/ to download the app and learn more about the work Amy is doing.

In this episode of What's Betwixt Us, we are joined by Bob Kulhan. Bob is the Founder and CEO of BusinessImprov and the author of the wonderful book, Getting to Yes, And. Through the corporate training and development he offers through his company and the actionable practices mentioned in his book, Bob is teaching companies how to implement improvisational methods into their work cultures to promote engagement when it comes to communication, teamwork, and empathy. We discuss the psychology of safe spaces, the pillars of reacting, adapting, and communication, and the importance of making others look good both on stage and off.

Be sure to learn more about Bob and the amazing work he is doing by visiting https://businessimprov.com/

Jared Karol is a speaker, facilitator, and coach who works in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging. On this episode of What's Betwixt Us, Jared talks with us about his journey and why it's important for cis white men to enter into conversations around DEIB. He shares anecdotes and insights into how to implement empathy at work and the power that is inherent in strategic storytelling.

Please learn more about Jared by visiting https://jaredkarol.com/

In episode 017 of What's Betwixt Us, we are joined by Tony-nominated Broadway director Kristin Hanggi. Among her many projects for stage and screen, Kristin is also the author of God, Sex, and Musical Theater. Kristin is a deeply inspired, compassionate, and wise coach, mentor, and creative guide. She talks with us about trust in teambuilding, the importance of play in your work, and inner listening. She says, “Fun has a way of unlocking things.” 

Please learn more about Kristin by visiting her website at https://www.kristinhanggi.com/.

In this episode of What's Betwixt Us, we are joined by Patrick McAndrew. Patrick is an actor, podcast producer, and tech philosopher who works towards having humanity at the core of all of the projects he pursues. We discuss how acting and improv training helps fuel empathy, the concept of digital wellness, and what it means to be authentic and to create personal brands online. 

To learn more about Patrick's work, please visit https://www.patrick-mcandrew.com/.

Bernadette Smith, who is a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion speaker, strategist, and trainer, joins us on What's Betwixt Us for this episode. Bernadette is the author of Gay Wedding Confidential, as well as several other books, and has been featured everywhere--in Forbes, the New York Times, CNN, the Washington Post, the Today Show, the BBC, NPR, Fast Company, and beyond. Bernadette speaks with us about psychological safety, love languages of business, and the "true employee revolution." She brings her raw, honest, and personal experiences of vulnerability to her work and emits unmistakable warmth, and fierce, unbridled optimism.

In this episode of What's Betwixt Us, we chat with Jess Kimball Leslie, the creator, writer and Executive Producer of Kings of America, a forthcoming drama series for Netflix about the Walton family, produced by Amy Adams and Adam McKay. This project is Jess’s first foray into Hollywood, having previously worked as a journalist, writing about tech, the economy, and authoring her book, “I Love My Computer Because My Friends Live In It.” Jess shares her unfiltered passion for justice, equity, and uncovering the truth. She also chats with us about the humbling, empathy-building experiences of pitching, networking, and production for TV. 

Katina Michael, a professor, speaker, writer, and a passionate pioneer of thought leadership in the future of technology, joins us on this episode of What's Betwixt Us. From the School for the Future of Innovation at Arizona State University to Wollongong University in Australia, Katina’s impressive credentials pale in comparison to her unwavering commitment to deep, expansive compassion and empathy in technology and academia. Through her impactful words, Katina talks with us about how humans truly wield the power for empathy in our everyday lives. 

In episode 011 of What's Betwixt Us, we chat with Rabbi Karen Glazer Perolman. She leads Congregation B’nai Jeshurun in New Jersey and talks about being the first out clergy member of her synagogue. Rabbi Karen is a wealth of knowledge as she shares how she has cultivated empathy through mentoring young people (especially women), handling major lifecycle events with grace, and how, in her words, “Being vulnerable really helps people relate to you.” She also discusses the differences between sympathy and empathy and why its important to distinguish the two.

Comedian Myq Kaplan joins us for episode 010 of What's Betwixt Us. Myq has performed on the Tonight Show, Conan, the Late Show with David Letterman, Late Night with Seth Meyers, the Late Late Show with James Corden, and in his own specials on Comedy Central, Netflix and Amazon. He also recently released a new album called A.K.A.  In this episode, Myq explores the different facets where empathy shows up in comedy, particularly when interacting with an audience. He breaks down, in his signature stream of consciousness style, how comedy, if performed mindfully, can be one of the most empathetic career pursuits there is.

Please learn more about Myq and his work by visiting http://myqkaplan.com/

In this episode of What's Betwixt Us, we chat with Michael Todd Cohen, a content strategist, creator, and brand and marketing specialist. MTC has created work for organizations such as CNN, IBM, Netflix, and American Express and infuses empathy through the lens of curiosity in everything he does. He thrives to place human story at the core of brands and products.

Please visit https://www.michaeltoddcohen.com/ and http://curiouser.co/ to learn more about Michael Todd Cohen and his work.

Mai Al-Nakib joins us for episode 008 of What's Betwixt Us. Mai is a writer and professor of literature at Kuwait University. Her award-winning book of short stories, The Hidden Light of Objects, tackles big issues of war and family, as well as poignant everyday moments of longing and connection often overlooked. She spent the early part of her life traveling the world and, through traveling, observed human behavior in all its variety of facets. These experiences have led Mai to some deep truths about empathy in the intimacy of our creativity, the rigor of academia, and how we might pass on compassion to the next generation.

Elz Cuya Jones, the Deputy Director of the North Star Fund, joins us for the next episode of What's Betwixt Us. The North Star Fund is a community foundation working to create a more just and equitable New York. Elz, as an enthusiastic and passionate activist, is a bright spot in a dark time, and she brings her love for grass roots justice, wealth redistribution, and learning deeper empathy onto the job with her every day. In our conversation, she discusses the key to unlocking empathy in the social justice system. Her intelligence and enthusiasm shines right through.

In episode 005 of What's Betwixt Us, we are joined by professional stage manager, activist, and professor at Northwestern University, Barbara Butts. Barbara shares a wealth of wisdom with us on honest communication, dealing with difficult people, and leading and reading the room with diplomacy and finesse. Barbara also shares some key gems in this episode about facilitation and communication that you will want to take with you when this episode concludes. 

For episode 004 of What's Betwixt Us, Liz Glazer joins us to talk about cultivating empathy in her life. Liz Glazer is a law professor turned comedian and writer. Her unique take on empathy covers a wide spectrum from her time as a student and teacher to her days as a performer, working in a difficult field that often tests her at every corner. Cultivating empathy and a compassion for oneself is not only ideal; it's mandatory to survive and thrive.

Renée Cummings joins us in episode 003 of What's Betwixt Us. Renée is a criminologist, criminal psychologist, and an AI ethicist and strategist. She is the Founder of Urban AI and she provides us with a unique take on empathy and technology and the current biases present within its development.  Renée believes deeply in the possibilities of AI, augmented intelligence, and collective intelligence and strives to implement empathy into the design of new technologies.

In this episode of What's Betwixt Us, we are joined by Robin Gelfenbien. Writer, storyteller, comedian, speaker and creative director, Robin is a ball of energy who wears many hats. She describes herself as an "ambassador of fun," and encourages us all to expect the funexpected. She is the host and creator of the critically-acclaimed storytelling show, "Yum's the Word," for which she makes homemade ice cream cakes. Robin's experience is as diverse as working in advertising from driving the Oscar Meyer Weinermobile. She gives her personal take on empathy and how we can harness it better in the workplace. 

In our inaugural episode of What's Betwixt Us, we are joined by tech ethicist, David Ryan Polgar. David Ryan Polgar is the founder of All Tech Is Human, which connects the organizations and people of the Responsible Tech movement. He is also an international speaker, commentator and passionate leader on how technology is affecting our lifestyles as humans. We discuss the difference between our physical selves and our online avatars and what this all means in terms of discovering empathy.