show episodes
 
Your Listening SUPERPOWER podcast will help become a more impactful communicator by listening effectively and in surprising ways. Join your host and listening catalyst Raquel Ark to be inspired by listening researchers and professionals as we share tips and stories on how to work smarter and feel better by growing our listening superpower together. Your listening SUPERPOWER podcast is much more than listening. It’s practical knowledge and inspiration that you can use right away. If you’re th ...
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Welcome to the Reconstructing Inclusion podcast, hosted by Mr. Amri B. Johnson. With over 20 years of experience in diversity, equity, and inclusion, Amri is the author of the book, Reconstructing Inclusion: Making DEI Accessible, Actionable, and Sustainable, a social capitalist, epidemiologist, and entrepreneur, whose mission is to create thousands of organizations that thrive via inclusive behaviors, leadership, structures, and practices. As CEO/Founder of Inclusion Wins, Amri and a virtua ...
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show series
 
In this episode, host Amri Johnson welcomes Dr. Jonathan Ashong-Lamptey, founder of The Element of Inclusion, to discuss evidence-based inclusion and its importance in creating more effective diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) strategies. Timestamps 06:46 Influences and Inspirations: Personal and Professional 16:12 The Importance of Evidence-Ba…
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Many organizations struggle to balance technical project demands with the human elements essential for successful change. This gap often leads to inefficiencies, low morale, and failed initiatives, despite thorough planning and structured processes. Ignoring the emotional aspects of teams prevents companies from unlocking their workforce's full pot…
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Do you find yourself struggling to navigate through the storms of life, both personally and professionally? It's easy to get lost amidst the distractions and challenges, leaving us feeling disconnected and unfulfilled. But there is a way to find clarity amidst the chaos: by listening to the voice of our own intuition and harnessing our inner streng…
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In the workplace, we encounter various personalities, some more challenging than others. Traits like narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy among colleagues or leaders can significantly impact workplace dynamics, leading to conflicts, manipulation, and toxicity within teams. Recognizing and understanding these traits can help you navigate su…
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Amri B. Johnson acknowledges the growing criticism of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts, but argues that DEI remains crucial for organizational success in creating truly inclusive cultures. He believes many current strategies treat inclusion as an add-on rather than fundamentally rethinking systems and cultures, often failing to drive …
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It's easy to feel drowned out, overlooked, or even silenced amidst the clamor of opinions and power plays. But what if, amid this chaos, we dared to pause and embrace a far reaching act—the profound power of listening? Imagine a world where instead of engaging in heated debates, we develop genuine, attentive listening. Not merely hearing words, but…
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How often do you catch yourself merely waiting for your turn to respond, not really noticing or even caring about what the other person is trying to communicate. This reactive mode of communication often stifles genuine expression, preventing us from fully emptying our thoughts and emotions. Consequently, a lack of authentic listening extends to va…
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In this episode of the Reconstructing Inclusion Podcast, host Amri Johnson interviews Raquel Ark, an expert on the art and science of listening. They discuss the importance of listening for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), and how it can be practiced and improved upon both personally and professionally. Raquel shares insights into her backgr…
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It's easy to overlook the power of listening to and reflecting on the pulse of the team, encouraging genuine connection and understanding. Before moving ahead towards our goals, why not take a moment to take a pulse of the collective team energy, ensuring alignment and fostering a more empathetic environment? As the Director of Engineering at Hotja…
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Navigating leadership authentically and self-care is not as easy, especially when it seems like everything around you is “crashing down”. Yet, what if this is an opportunity to find your purpose? Discover the power of listening in purpose-lead leadership through this thought-provoking podcast episode. Dive into a reflective conversation about the i…
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In this episode of the ‘Reconstructing Inclusion’ podcast, Amri expresses concerns over the perceived threats to DEI, outlining that the resistance stems from a misunderstanding of what DEI truly signifies, beyond just representation and affirmative action. He explores the concept of 'Iatrogenic effects'—a medical term, indicating a treatment that …
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Conflicts can cause major stress on your relationships and your wellbeing. And often it's hard to put your finger on what just happened or why the same thing keeps happening. What if in that moment of chaos, when you feel overwhelmed or frustrated, listening could be your answer to breaking unhealthy communication patterns. In this episode of your …
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In this episode of the ‘Reconstructing Inclusion’ podcast, Amri interviews Laura Smith, a celebrated organizational researcher and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) strategist. Laura shares her journey from Detroit to Europe, her encounters with distinct cultures, and the notion of work in different countries. She highlights the significance o…
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Imagine sitting in a chair looking into a camera and being seen in a new way that feels like complete belonging. And even though it's new, it's like it has always been there. It's always been you. Our guest filmmaker Nic Askew, shares a simple, yet profound way to experience listening, and his method may surprise you. He is the creator of Soul biog…
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In this episode of the 'Reconstructing Inclusion' podcast, host, Amri B. Johnson, engages in an enlightening conversation with his mother, Dr. Harriett D. Johnson, bringing out profound narratives about her life, family history, experiences, and take on DEI, and professional journey as an educator. They touched on the impact of history on current d…
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It's easy to lose touch with our true selves in a world that constantly bombards us with external noise and expectations. We often find ourselves seeking validation and approval from others, forgetting that the most important voice to listen to is our own. Revealing our identities and embracing our unique qualities can be a transformative experienc…
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Are you ready to take your organization to the next level? When you decide to shift your time and resources towards systems, tools and processes for organizational listening to effectively listen to stakeholders, you will have impressive benefits that may surprise you. Be the pioneer. Jim Macnamara, a pioneer in listening research and Distinguished…
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In today's rapidly evolving business landscape, organizations are constantly seeking innovative ways to adapt and thrive. One key aspect that cannot be overlooked is the power and influence of peer-to-peer networks. These networks, consisting of smaller tribes within an organization, have the potential to shape the course of change and drive transf…
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In this episode of the ‘Reconstructing Inclusion’ podcast, Amri chats with Dr. Starling David Hunter III, who, having lived outside the U.S. for 18 years, recognizes the importance of cultural nuances in shaping organizational behavior theories. He shared valuable insights into his journey from engineering to organizational behavior, emphasizing th…
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Undoubtedly, AI has made significant contributions to various aspects of human life by automating countless tasks and eliminating the need for extensive manual labor. However, a notable challenge arises as AI replaces the human workforce in many companies, resulting in a decline in human interaction skills. This raises the question of whether life …
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In this episode of the Listening Superpower Podcast, we're joined by Nanna Holst to delve into how the media landscape's evolution, driven by new platforms, shifting consumption, and AI advancements, is swamping audiences with more information, but not necessarily more insight. We discuss how traditional media must transform, using active listening…
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In this episode of the ‘Reconstructing Inclusion’ podcast, Amri provides a deep dive into the complexities of DEI outcomes and calls for a broader, more inclusive approach that engages all individuals in fostering change. He encourages everyone to contemplate how to make DEI accessible, actionable, and sustainable for everyone, irrespective of thei…
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Politics is often described as a tough world to be in, filled with heated debates and difficult conversations. Navigating through these challenging situations can be a daunting task. However, there is a key element that plays a vital role in this process - that is listening. Our guest on the listening SUPERPOWER podcast, Matt Krayton is the Founder…
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In this episode of the ‘Reconstructing Inclusion’ podcast, Amri chats with Dr. David Livermore, founder of the Cultural Intelligence Center, and author of the book, Digital, Diverse & Divided: How to Talk to Racists, Compete With Robots, and Overcome Polarization. He shared insights into the profound importance of cultural intelligence (CQ) in our …
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Listening is a powerful skill that can transform our interactions and relationships. It opens up doors to deeper understanding, connection, and empathy and ultimately cultivates something equally valuable, and that is humility. Michal Lehmann is a post-doctoral researcher at Carnegie Mellon University, focused on exploring the intricacies of humili…
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Let’s go back the memory lane and look back at how this podcast started. The podcast started as "Listen In" but evolved into the Listening Superpower podcast to explore the impact and importance of listening. Over the course of the podcast's three-year run, Raquel has engaged in conversations with experts and individuals from various fields, all ce…
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How can listening help organizations have impact on critical global issues, while understanding and acting upon local needs? This tension is the space our next guest leans into in order to understand the real needs and potential. Jeff Hoffman is a Proven Public Affairs executive for The Walt Disney Company, the world’s most storied and admired medi…
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In this episode of the ‘Reconstructing Inclusion’ podcast, Amri discusses recent developments in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) primarily focused on the U.S. context but with global relevance. He emphasizes the importance of clear communication regarding DEI's impact and significance and to avoid becoming overly reactive to political statem…
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Storytelling has captivated humanity since the beginning of time. It has the unique ability to transport us to different worlds, evoke emotions, and convey powerful messages. But storytelling is not just about entertaining and fascinating us; it is also about listening. By truly engaging with a story, we can gain deeper insights into ourselves and …
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In this episode of the ‘Reconstructing Inclusion’ podcast, Amri is joined by 3 key members of the Diversity Atlas team: Peter Mousaferiadis, Rezza Moieni, and Michael Walmsley. The discussion delves deeper into the concept of intersectionality and its role in shaping diverse identities. Learn how Diversity Atlas takes a multifactorial approach, all…
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Discover the beauty of acceptance and the power of listening. Puneet Singh Singhal, founder of ssstart.org, joins Raquel Ark on the Listening Superpower podcast to discuss the power of listening and the importance of acceptance for people who stutter. Puneet shares his personal journey with stuttering and how it led him to create ssstart.org – a sa…
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In this episode of the ‘Reconstructing Inclusion’ podcast, Amri along with esteemed Philosophers, Dr. Subrena Smith and Dr. David Livingstone Smith offer profound insights into the complex dynamics of race and its impact on society. They argued that race is not simply about skin color but encompasses metaphysical views, evolutionary history, and so…
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As humans, we have an immense potential within us waiting to be unlocked. However, often we find ourselves stuck in a fixed way of being, limiting our growth and potential. It's time to break free from this mindset and embrace curiosity as a way of life. Mark Vandeneijnde’s keen sense of insight and market understanding was the source of many break…
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It's easy to fall into the trap of thinking we know everything. What if we took a step back and listened more? Not only to other people, but also to ourselves and to the situation? By opening ourselves up to different perspectives and experiences, we start on a journey of exploration and discovery, even in challenging conversations at work. In this…
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In this episode, Amri unpacks the social media backlash and the polarized opinions surrounding “Don’t Call Me Karen,” a series of dialogues facilitated by Uber’s Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer, Bo Young Lee. Amri encourages listeners to consider Lee’s profound message and the need to challenge our own strategic ignorance in order to foster s…
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How can you increase your mental and physical resilience so that you can choose your responses to the day-to-day pressures as well as navigate life’s changes? While physical health is crucial, it's equally important to prioritize mental well-being. On this episode of the Listening Superpower Podcast, we welcome Leah Scott, a Wim Hof Method instruct…
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We often don’t give space and energy to listen to what is not being said and instead focus on what we hear, our expectations and what we have “practiced” without paying attention to others or the space in between. This can cause a lot of misunderstandings and performance is often lowered. What if you could pave a way for beautiful moments of collab…
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In this episode of the ‘Reconstructing Inclusion’ podcast, Amri chats with April Thomas, Chief Solutions Officer of SDMS 360. She shares her story of how she came to be involved in diversity management work after her father, Dr. Roosevelt Thomas Jr.'s passing. April reflects on his approach to diversity, and discovered his work was based on princip…
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What does it mean to truly listen in a way that has enormous impact, also in the business world? When we commit to truly listening to someone, we open doors for quality connections that can lead to transformation and relationship satisfaction. It's through listening that we can build bridges of understanding, empathy, and trust that allow us to con…
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Have you ever thought about how listening develops in children and how this connects with listening in leadership development? You might be surprised by what you discover from our guest today. Marva Shand-McIntosh founded the I Love to Listen Day in 2005, and it's still going strong. This day is celebrated every year on May 16th. She is a licensed …
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In this episode of the ‘Reconstructing Inclusion’ podcast, Amri argues that while some individuals are engaging in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and anti-racism work with a generative spirit that deconstructs and reconstructs, many others are becoming entrenched and egoistic, resulting in a breakdown in relatedness. Key highlights The DEI …
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When it comes to Diversity and Inclusion, one hidden bias continues to hold businesses back: linguistic bias. This hidden bias affects much more than just non-offensive language, influencing the way we judge people from the moment they open their mouths. Where do these biases come from? How do they hinder hiring and promotion decisions? How can bus…
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In this episode of Reconstructing Inclusion, Amri chats with Doug Harris, CEO of The Kaleidoscope Group with over three decades worth of experience in diversity, equity & inclusion consulting. During this inspiring conversation, they discuss how DEI work is about making people better than when you found them - doing it all with love! Discover how p…
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What are the triggers that make you boiling mad? Do you notice what happens to you and the voices in your head when you feel like someone doesn’t understand you or does something “against” you? Do you want people to see and appreciate you for who you really are? And how do we authentically become fully aware of what we deeply want and need so that …
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As Raquel traveled back to Germany from visiting her family, she brought along stories that spoke volumes of her purpose in life – practicing and being surprised by our listening superpower. Reflecting on a routine she had while traveling as a younger person, she took time to look at the window from a cloud perspective and truly listen to what 2023…
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In this first episode of the Reconstructing Inclusion Podcast, hosted by Amri B. Johnson, a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion strategist and author of Reconstructing Inclusion: Making DEI Accessible, Actionable, and Sustainable, he shares at a high level what this podcast is all about. About the Host As CEO/Founder of Inclusion Wins, Amri and a virtu…
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On the shortest day of the year, known as the Winter Solstice, Raquel takes a moment to reflect on 2022. What brought you light this year? As the days start to get longer and extend, what would you like to extend further from 2022 into 2023? And as we take the opportunity to reflect on the year, how can we continue to raise the opportunities for mo…
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Have you noticed how your co-workers or team seem to have difficulty listening well to each other, having different understandings of what is important? Do you want to know how you can help a group listen to what is actually emerging in discussions? Visualize it. In today’s episode, our guest talks about how listening is a way for you to recognize …
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Have you ever thought you would not be an effective leader just because you are a naturally quiet person? Or are you only recruiting leaders who are outspoken and seem confident? We have long been stuck in a narrow and outdated view of what good leadership looks, sounds, and feels like. Often we assume there's a correlation between confidence and c…
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Achieving optimal results for ourselves and the organization requires engaging in authentic conversations. This involves listening that is not driven by fear, but by maximizing curiosity. And listening by curiosity motivates change, especially when it comes to receiving and processing feedback. Best-selling author, executive coach, and keynote spea…
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