Closing The Gap With Denise Cooper

Have you ever wondered how neuroscience can be utilized to enhance Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) within an organization? In what ways can we use data and a tech-driven approach to build diverse, inclusive teams that set new records in productivity?In this intriguing episode, our host, Denise Cooper, is interviewing Diana File, the founder and CEO of DF Analytics. With a background in organizational psychology and expertise in workforce analytics, team building, and conflict resolution, Diana has been driving results for businesses all around the world. Utilizing her neuroscience-based approach to DEI, she has helped companies uncover the deep neuroscientific factors that contribute to success or failure in their teams. Whether it's analyzing years of data to improve managerial effectiveness or overhauling business strategies to combat systemic bias, her innovative approach has been transformative for a variety of clients, including NASDAQ, Genentech, and the US Centers for Disease Control.If you've b

Have you ever wondered what it takes to navigate the most challenging conflicts, resolve disputes that seem unsolvable, and negotiate deals with confidence and success?In this episode, Denise Cooper sits down with the extraordinary Hesha Abrams, a world-renowned mediator, negotiator, and author with more than 30 years of experience in resolving conflicts and negotiating deals. Hesha has tackled some of the most difficult cases in the fields of intellectual property, antitrust, securities, and beyond. Her ability to navigate through challenging personalities, cultural barriers, and highly political situations makes her a sought-after professional in her field.From international symposiums to domestic and international cases, Hesha's knack for crafting pragmatic solutions has made her a revered figure in the world of conflict resolution. Her expertise goes beyond standard practice, encompassing complex emotional dynamics and unique approaches that stand out in the world of mediation. Her upcoming book, "Holding

Your company's next big break might not be a product or strategy. It could be a story waiting to be told.In today's episode, our esteemed host, Denise Cooper, sits down with the multifaceted CEO and Founder, Dan Cooley. Dan's journey from being a young enthusiast in the world of theater to establishing himself in the competitive realm of business is nothing short of inspirational. He began his exploration of storytelling and directing at the Actors Playground School of Theatre and, over the years, transitioned into the world of marketing and business. With the inception of his boutique marketing agency, Cooley Creative Media, Dan honed the art of helping businesses narrate their unique tales.But Dan’s story doesn't just end at business. He's a dedicated husband and father of two, and his personal experiences deeply enrich and inform his professional insights. As he discusses the nuances and challenges of modern storytelling, especially in the age of social media, listeners are bound to find resonance and valu

Are you wondering how to move your business from strategic guessing to strategic innovation? If so, this episode of our podcast might just be the one you've been waiting for. Our host, Denise Cooper, is joined by none other than Pamela Brooks Richards. As an executive coach with an undying passion for facilitating positive change, Pam has a wealth of knowledge to share with us today on the pivotal topic of strategic innovationThis episode's discussion takes a deep dive into the heart of strategic innovation and how it not only pertains to business but also our personal lives. Pamela Brooks Richards points out the inherent tension and potential conflict in this process. She emphasizes the need to think out of the box, to step out of our bubble, to see things in broader strokes before narrowing down to specifics. This, she says, helps us get out of our own way, view things from a fresh perspective, and prevent ourselves from prematurely discarding ideas that could lead to innovation.So, if you've been seeking i

Have you ever wondered how to navigate office politics, lead your team effectively, and take challenging decisions in the face of change? In this episode, host Denise Cooper engages in an enlightening conversation with the savvy and experienced Deborah Snow Walsh. Deborah, a builder of organizations, DEI advocate, and a leading talent executive, discusses strategies for dealing with office politics and power plays. With her unique background in sales and talent acquisition for Fortune 200 companies and successful entrepreneurship, Deborah possesses a wealth of knowledge and insights that will guide listeners through the often challenging terrain of office dynamics. "The most valuable people are those who focus on finding a solution and executing on it. These are the people who bring others into the process, making them feel like they are part of the solution," says Snow-Walsh.This often requires having the courage to be disliked in the office. We know that some decisions are not popular, but they're right for

Are you intrigued by how personal and professional values intertwine and shape your actions? Then join Denise Cooper in this engaging episode as she chats with Pam Brooks Richards, a seasoned executive coach and expert in both personal and professional development.Denise and Pam examine the profound influence of aligning personal values with organizational ones, and how this alignment can translate into enhanced customer satisfaction. Pam emphasizes that workplace procedures should not be rigid constraints but rather guiding principles, inspiring employees to adapt and apply their own thinking. Brooks-Richards delves into the concept of 'brave spaces', a platform where employees can express their views and venture beyond the norm without fear of backlash, fostering a culture of innovation and creativity within the organization. The discussion takes a deeper turn towards psychological safety and the role of forgiveness in crafting a positive work environment. Pam underlines the necessity of clear boundaries, s

Are you navigating the often messy middle of growth in your mid-sized company? Are you searching for ways to get your teams to adopt new tech stacks, tackle old problems in new ways, and break down silos? Then this episode is just for you!Today, our host Denise Cooper sits down with Stefanie Krievins, the brains behind Stefanie Krievins & Co. Stefanie's company specializes in helping businesses that are innovating, scaling, and digitally transforming, but find themselves grappling with the complexities and challenges of mid-stage growth. With a diverse team of experienced coaches from a wide array of industries and roles, Stefanie Krievins & Co. offers an insightful intersection of self-leadership, team leadership, individual change readiness, and organizational change.In this engaging conversation, Denise and Stefanie explore the changing landscape of work-life balance, the evolution of business models, and the urgent need for a redefinition of leadership in our modern world. They dive deep into the

Have you ever wondered why some individuals in your workplace seem to be targeted with rumors, isolation, or even task manipulation? If so, you're not alone. In today's episode, we delve deep into an issue that's unfortunately widespread yet often swept under the rug – mobbing or workplace bullying.Host Denise Cooper is joined by the highly esteemed Organisational Psychologist, Zoe Fragou. Zoe brings a wealth of knowledge to this important topic, backed by her qualifications which include an MSc in Human Resources Management, a diploma in Business Coaching & Mentorship, and a Certificate in Agile Leadership. In this enlightening conversation, Zoe takes us through a deep dive on the topic of mobbing. Mobbing refers to the targetted act of trying to push someone out of an organization. Most often, this happens because a person thinks differently, they represent a change in the status quo, or they're being targetted for being part of a historically marginalized community. Fragou highlights that mobbing is n

Ever wondered how embracing the philosophy of "sharing is caring" could be the guiding force for leadership? Intrigued by how diversifying our understanding of entrepreneurship can be a powerful tool for social change? Then this conversation is for you.Our host Denise Cooper converses with Dani Bicknell, the Senior Manager of Programs at SecondMuse. Dani introduces herself as a woman, mother, lifelong learner, and a fervent advocate for inclusive economies. Her guiding mantra, "sharing is caring", transcends from a life lesson taught by her mother into her professional ethos, believing that sharing resources, time, and most importantly, power, is fundamental to effective leadership. Dani's unique approach contradicts traditional hierarchical leadership models, emphasizing a more collaborative and inclusive model.The conversation also unravels the often-overlooked aspects of entrepreneurship, a concept Dani believes has been unfairly "whitewashed" over the past few decades. She sheds light on the power and pot

Are you aware of how knowing queer history can empower everyone, not just queer individuals? In today's engaging episode, Denise Cooper, our host, has a thought-provoking conversation lined up with the guest, Lee Wind. A critically acclaimed author and fervent advocate of queer narratives, Lee has dedicated nearly two decades to penning stories that empower children and teenagers to be their authentic selves. His debut picture book, "RED AND GREEN AND BLUE AND WHITE," illustrated by Caldecott Medalist Paul O. Zelinsky, garnered five-starred trade reviews and was praised by The New York Times as "Beautiful… It’s a message the world can use, throughout the year." During the course of the conversation, Lee shares his valuable insights on the topic of queer allyship and intersectionality. He highlights how understanding and acknowledging sexual diversity can cause a significant shift in societal norms. Moreover, he emphasizes the importance of creating a safe and inclusive space in various settings, inc

Are you aware of the ripple effects that hiring the wrong talent can have on your organization? In this episode of Remarkable Leadership Lessons, our host, Denise Cooper, discusses the critical issue of the consequences of hiring the wrong talent with Deborah Snow Walsh, an authority on talent acquisition and management with an emphasis on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). Deborah Snow Walsh, who currently serves as the Head of Talent for Brown and Brown Insurance Company, shares insights drawn from her vast experience in talent acquisition, development, management, and more. As Denise Cooper introduces in the podcast, hiring the wrong person can lead to an array of problems such as a decrease in productivity, damaged relationships with customers, and potentially losing millions in revenue. For instance, Deborah highlights a scenario where the company hired a Vice President of Sales who turned out to be wrong for the role, causing significant harm to the business, to the extent of almost losing a $60 mi

Did you know 80% of the global workforce is deskless? Vivek Kumar reveals the secrets of engaging this massive yet often overlooked segmentIn this week's episode, our dynamic host, Denise Cooper, sits down with the remarkable Vivek Kumar, CEO and Co-founder of Teamforce AI. Teamforce AI is breaking barriers by helping organizations connect with and positively influence their deskless workforce.In this riveting episode, Denise and Vivek delve into how Teamforce AI uses gamified and multilingual strategies to gather data to better understand employee engagement. If you're a team leader, entrepreneur, or HR professional keen on maximizing your team’s potential in a hybrid work environment, you can’t afford to miss this conversation!THE FINER DETAILS OF THIS SHOWWhat did you learn from your pilot study? [05:52] As you collected more and more data on employee engagement, what are the trends that started emerging?[10:16]How does anonymizing data impact workers and their ability to be heard?[25:16]Given that the use

Does the complex world of neuroscience seem like a maze to you? In this enlightening episode, host Denise Cooper engages in a rich conversation with Hana Kabele Gala, PhD, Director of Corporate Coaching for North America at Leadership Associates. Delving into the fascinating world of neuroscience, they discuss its pivotal role in self-discovery and personal growth, offering guidance for individuals and teams navigating their paths of self-discovery. Cooper and Gala discuss a variety of important topics, such as the significance of looking inward for validation, the importance of feelings and experiences in personal transformation, and the value of understanding both personal strengths and weaknesses. Dr. Gala brings a unique perspective on complexity modeling, highlighting the importance for today's leaders to understand and embrace this paradigm. She emphasizes the changing leadership landscape, advocating for leaders who are open to safe-to-fail testing, experimentation, and empathy over the traditional act

Do you find yourself intrigued by the seemingly elusive mechanics of identifying and securing top-tier executive talent? In this insightful episode, host Denise Cooper interviews Deborah Snow Walsh, an experienced executive search professional. Snow Walsh offers a profound exploration of the executive search industry, providing guidance for both search firms and businesses in search of talent. Deborah emphasizes the significance of a 'white page mentality' for search firms, suggesting a receptive approach that prioritizes understanding the client's needs. Her experiences illuminate the value of identifying and advocating for talented individuals who may have been overlooked in traditional recruitment processes.For businesses seeking talent, she recommends a thoughtful approach to choosing a search firm, much like interviewing potential employees. Our guest highlights the importance of finding a firm that listens more than it talks, one that provides insightful feedback, and can identify candidates who will su

Are you challenged by conflict? Do you have what it takes to be a successful mediator? If you feel like you are constantly navigating a maze of disagreements, misunderstandings, and hard feelings, know that you are not alone. Conflict is a significant part of human interaction, and it's particularly present in our professional lives. After all, we spend more than a third of our lives in the workplace, a space that brings together different personalities, perspectives, and values. When conflicts arise, as they inevitably do, they can be buried, mishandled or left unresolved, marring our experience and performance.In this episode, we delve into an in-depth exploration of the nature of conflict and its role in both our professional and personal lives. We attempt to unpack the complexities and dimensions of conflict, looking at its root causes, its evolution, and its potential to catalyze change and growth. Rather than viewing conflict as an undesirable aspect of our lives that needs to be eradicated, we aim to

In the beautifully diverse tapestry of our modern world, cultivating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive (DEI) workspace isn't just an option—it's a vital necessity. Embracing this diversity isn't about ticking boxes or meeting quotas; it's about recognizing and valuing the unique perspectives, experiences, and contributions that every individual brings to the table. It not only strengthens an organization's cultural fabric but also significantly improves employee retention. In this enriching episode, host Denise Cooper interviews the illustrious Geronda Wollack-Spiller, a DEI expert known for helping leaders build self-awareness and create psychologically safe spaces for historically marginalized employees.Geronda brings to the table her wealth of experiences, both personal and professional, as a queer black woman who has surmounted myriad obstacles to find joy, connection, and success. She discusses the importance of authentic expression, community, reflection, and finding spaces that align with your value

What are some strategies that diverse candidates can use to overcome employment barriers? In this thought-provoking episode, Denise Cooper interviews Vanessa Russell, the founder of Love Never Fails, a non-profit dedicated to the restoration, education, and protection of those involved or at risk of becoming involved in domestic human trafficking. Vanessa discusses her research on 114 barriers to employment faced by diverse candidates, the importance of diversity in the workplace, and how organizations can create more inclusive hiring processes to ensure success for everyone.During this conversation, Vanessa shares her personal experiences and journey, which led her to establish Love Never Fails, and the significant impact it has had on human trafficking survivors. She also delves into the challenges faced by diverse candidates in the job market, offering insights on how both candidates and employers can work together to break down these barriers.If you're looking to better understand the challenges faced by

In this episode of our podcast, we are joined by Meredith Broussard, an associate professor at the Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute of New York University and the research director at the NYU Alliance for Public Interest Technology. During our conversation, we discuss the importance of diversity and inclusion in the tech industry and how AI can be leveraged to improve belonging, inclusivity, and diversity in the workplace. We also delve into the ethical concerns that arise when developing and deploying AI systems in various sectors, such as healthcare or finance. Meredith shares her insights on how we can ensure that AI technologies are developed in a way that doesn't perpetuate or exacerbate existing biases and inequalities.Meredith's extensive experience as a former features editor at the Philadelphia Inquirer and a software developer at AT&T Bell Labs and the MIT Media Lab, as well as her research in AI ethics and data analysis for social good, provide a unique perspective on the intersection betw

How do you show your teammates recognition?In this insightful episode, host Denise Cooper is joined by Pamela Brooks Richards, an expert on change management. In this interview, Brooks-Richards gives us a deep dive look into the role that employee recognition plays in sustaining motivation over time. Pamela also shares her thoughts on the importance of celebration in overcoming challenges in our professional lives and how recognition and rewards play a crucial role in fostering a positive work environment.When an organization invests in celebrating its employees and recognizing their accomplishments, it fosters a positive work environment, which can lead to increased employee satisfaction, productivity, and loyalty. Pamela shares examples of how even small acts of recognition and appreciation can have a significant impact on employee morale and overall organizational success.Join us for this enlightening discussion with Pamela Brooks Richards and learn how to harness the power of celebration and recognition t

Your colleagues pay attention to your behavior, your values, and what you say. What message are you sending?In this week's show, we are flipping the script and having long-time guest Deborah Snow Walsh interview our host, Denise Cooper for a change. Deborah Snow Walsh is a talent executive who pulls on her experience selling outplacement services for large, multi-national organizations to demonstrate the levels an interview wants an applicant to speak to during their first meeting. During this interview, Denise Cooper describes her experiences working with a senior leader who wouldn't accept help and the importance of respecting and finding a way to work with difficult people. She also talks about her experience creating a global new hire orientation program and the importance of clearing obstacles for the teams underneath you. How do you display vision, your ability to be a change agent, your ability to drive financial results through teams, your drive for developing people, as well as your ethics and integ