In this episode of Biz-Souls, Rona Lewis and Jeffrey Hansler don their industry oracle hats and dive into the latest State of the Industry Report. As they dissect key trends, expect witty digressions, bursts of creative insight, and the occasional “what were they thinking?” moment about outdated business practices.

Jeffrey points out a major hurdle: companies clinging to old strategies for attracting and retaining talent while the best and brightest move on to greener (and more flexible) pastures. Meanwhile, Rona highlights the growing importance of weaving creativity and innovation into corporate DNA to stay ahead of the curve. Together, they unravel a vision of the future where opportunities abound for companies bold enough to evolve.

Can companies embrace change fast enough to keep up with the rapid pace of industry shifts? Tune in to find out and laugh a little along the way—because the future isn’t all serious business.

Past episodes tie in beautifully:

Episode 128: Insuring HR is Taken Care of with Innovative Approaches

Episode 139: Play for Better Living! Why Play Makes Every Life Better

Episode 144: Happy Employees and Customers - The Ripple Effect of Great Leadership

In this episode of Biz-Souls, Rona Lewis and Jeffrey Hansler tackle the ultimate chicken-and-egg question in business: Which comes first, the customer or the employee? Spoiler alert: they both agree—the employees are the golden goose here!

The discussion reveals how focusing on employee experience (EX) builds the foundation for outstanding customer experience (CX). Companies expecting their teams to champion innovation and engage with customers authentically must first create environments where their employees feel valued, supported, and—dare we say it—excited to show up to work. Jeffrey notes that the real challenge lies in navigating the lag time between leadership decisions and how employees and customers respond to them. A leadership misstep? You might not see the ripple effect for weeks.

Rona and Jeffrey’s verdict? Empower your employees, and your customers will thank you later—possibly with a 5-star Yelp review.

Connect the dots with past episodes:

Episode 128: "Insuring HR is Taken Care of with Innovative Approaches" – A deep dive into leadership’s role in employee satisfaction and engagement.

Episode 139: "Play for Better Living!" – Highlighting how fun and fulfillment can re-energize employees, leading to better CX.

Episode 140: "Giving and Receiving Instructions – A Playful Journey!" – The impact of communication and expectations on employee effectiveness.

Related Sources:

hrexchangenetwork.com - Employee Experience Links to Customer Experience

cmswire.com - Why Great Employee Experience Leads to Great Customer Experience

businessleadershiptoday.com - How Customer Experience Is Related to Employee Experience

qualtrics.com - Customer Experience and Employee Experience

cultivatedmanagement.com - Customer Experience Follows Employee Experience

johnspence.com - Which Should Come First? The Employee or the Customer?

Are you a leader stuck in the tug-of-war between chasing ROI and igniting creativity? In this compelling episode of Biz-Souls, Rona Lewis and Jeffrey Hansler dive deep into the high-stakes drama of creativity, innovation, and production—and the unsung hero holding it all together: psychological safety.

ROI has a purpose, they argue—but could this laser-focused metric actually be creativity’s worst enemy? With razor-sharp insights (and a few belly laughs), our hosts explore how relentless ROI-driven goals can smother the sparks of bold, game-changing ideas before they catch fire.

But wait! There’s hope. Rona and Jeffrey unravel how skilled leadership serves as the ultimate tightrope walker, balancing the expectations of change while fostering a safe space for creativity to thrive. Learn why it’s essential to understand the why behind every stage of change and how psychological safety unlocks innovation’s potential like a backstage pass at a rock concert.

Expect humor, heartfelt stories, and actionable takeaways as Rona and Jeffrey remind us: without visionary leadership, the symbiotic magic between creativity and production is nothing but an impossible dream.

Don’t let your team’s big ideas get lost in the ROI shuffle. Tune in and learn how to lead the way to innovation—one bold step at a time!

This episode complements other Biz-Souls sessions delving into the essential interplay of creativity, innovation, and production, emphasizing how psychological safety and clear expectations create the fertile ground where these elements thrive ensuring creativity doesn’t become stifled by the rigid constraints of ROI.

Checkout the following Biz-Souls episodes:

Episode 127: "Tickled about Piccles!" – Exploring how innovative ideas, like Piccles, thrive in environments where creative expression is prioritized.

Episode 139: "Play for Better Living!" – Discussing how play nurtures creativity and trust, similar to the role of psychological safety in innovation.

Episode 128: "Insuring HR is Taken Care of with Innovative Approaches" – Showcasing how innovation flourishes when leadership provides clarity and alignment, mirroring psychological safety’s importance in building trust.

Episode 140: "Giving and Receiving Instructions – A Playful Journey!" – Drawing parallels to the importance of clarity and expectations in leadership to foster innovation.

These episodes explore how metrics like ROI, while necessary, can inadvertently crush creative sparks. Leaders must understand and align their strategies with the stages of change while fostering environments of accountability and safety—a concept championed by Amy Edmondson and Stephen Shedletzky in their insights on psychological safety

Related Sources:

the-amplifii-podcast.captivate.fm - The Power of Psychological Safety with Shed Shedletzky

mattreiner.com - Bridging Psychological Safety and Innovation with Michael Bungay Stanier

haas.berkeley.edu - Amy Edmondson & Steve Brass on Psychological Safety

Despite all the tech advancements, meetings still feel like we're stuck in a time loop from the ‘80s. But what if change didn’t mean a revolution—just a fresh perspective?

In this episode of Biz-Souls, hosts Rona Lewis and Jeffrey Hansler tackle the eternal question: how can we transform meetings from soul-sucking snooze-fests into productive, entertaining power hours? They’ll dive into innovative strategies for keeping everyone engaged, reducing stress (ban a meeting day, anyone?), and—brace yourselves—actually having fun while getting work done.

Whether you're leading the boardroom or just trying to survive your weekly status update, this episode promises laughs, actionable tips, and maybe even a glimpse into the radical future of meetings. Spoiler alert: it’s better than you think … and better than the Tyson vs. Paul fight last night (November 18, 2024).

Tune in, level up your meeting game, and never suffer a pointless calendar invite again!

Ready to transform your work week? Listen to Biz-Souls now!

Reference Links:

- ted.com - Why Meetings Suck and How to Fix Them

- medium.com - Meetings are the Work

Join Biz-Souls’ hosts Rona Lewis and Jeffrey Hansler in a deep dive with Jonny Thomson, renowned Big Think contributor and modern-day philosopher, as he unpacks the realities of being a creator in today’s world. For aspiring influencers, writers, and media hosts, Jonny brings invaluable insights on crucial topics: the ins and outs of book royalties, navigating relationships with agents, mastering book sales, and how marketing strategies can make or break a career.

Explore the challenges and opportunities that AI presents to creative professionals and hear Jonny’s global perspective on how creators can thrive in an interconnected market. Jonny's practical take on managing career, family, and finances efficiently gives a refreshing perspective for anyone looking to balance passion with pragmatism.

Whether you're a creator, an entrepreneur, or just curious about the world of content, this episode is packed with wisdom and practical advice! Don’t miss out on a fun, eye-opening conversation. Tune in and let Biz-Souls bring you closer to a career that’s not only effective but truly enjoyable.

Subscribe, share, and get ready to be inspired!

#impact #leadership #podcasts #businesspodcast #bizsouls #positivepsychology #contentcreation #AI #bigthink #jonnythomson

In Special Session Episode 141 of Biz-Souls, hosts Rona Lewis and Jeffrey Hansler (behind the camera this time) explore the wonders of child-driven innovation with the inspiring team at Child Creativity Lab (CCL) in Santa Ana, California. Rona sits down with CCL's CEO, Tracy Hill, who shares her passion for nurturing creativity in young minds and the importance of incorporating STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) into children’s learning experiences. With their mission to inspire critical thinkers, problem-solvers, innovators, leaders, and environmental stewards, CCL exemplifies how creativity can transform everyday materials—and lives.

Get a behind-the-scenes look at CCL’s ingenious use of “trash-to-treasure” teaching methods. Their programs are packed with hands-on, creativity-enhancing kits and workshops built from reclaimed and upcycled materials, generously donated by local businesses and community members. The CCL team collects and repurposes tons of materials, turning them into resources that inspire wonder and curiosity for thousands of children each year. Through both in-person workshops and their traveling Makerspace-On-Wheels, CCL reaches communities across Orange County, offering unique educational tools that blend science with the arts.

Join us as we explore CCL’s vision to foster a generation of young innovators by helping them see the world from new angles. Child Creativity Lab’s approach to STEAM provides students with engaging opportunities to understand, explore, and innovate with sustainability in mind. Consider how you can contribute to this incredible mission by volunteering, donating materials, or even scheduling a Makerspace-On-Wheels visit for your school or community.

Meet the Team:

• CEO: Tracy Hill – Champion of creativity and learning through STEAM education

• Staff: Child Creativity Lab is supported by a dedicated team of educators and program coordinators who work tirelessly to bring STEAM-based learning to life.

Discover how Child Creativity Lab is making STEAM accessible, sustainable, and irresistibly fun for the next generation.

You could say Bryan Lewis and his partner, Morgan Kulessa, launched their “WingBar” on a wing and a prayer—and, thankfully, with incredible chicken recipes! In the unforgiving restaurant industry, where dishes are scrutinized daily and success stories are rare, Bryan and Morgan’s tale of building an award-winning restaurant in just one year is as remarkable as their flavors. Timing—and taste—are everything, but so is teamwork, and these two partners have it down to an art.

In this episode of Biz-Souls, hosts Rona Lewis and Jeffrey Hansler dig into Bryan and Morgan’s journey, with insights from Morgan on the digital marketing strategy that’s helped WingBar carve out its spot in McGinley Square. Morgan’s background in hospitality and sales has allowed her to amplify WingBar’s appeal and engage a loyal local crowd and wing-lovers statewide.

Whether it’s crafting unforgettable food or unforgettable connections, Morgan and Bryan prove that with the right partnership, you can achieve anything. Oh, and did we mention Bryan’s Rona’s nephew? Talk about family ties—and award-winning wings!

Join Bryan and Morgan journey in building a business one day at a time by keeping an eye on the food, front end, and backside of the business in a partnership certain to result in continued success as they continue to take WingBar from a concept to a staple in the Jersey food scene.