Jennifer McClure`

Empowering Organizations and People Leaders to thrive in the ever-evolving world of work

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Written by Jennifer McClure

Poetry, Hip Hop, and HR: Creativity and Leading in the Future of Work With Arend Boersema

Have you ever thought of poetry as a tool for revolutionizing your thought process and sparking creativity? Well, my guest on episode 84 of the Impact Makers podcast has!

Arend Boersema, is a human resources leader, hip-hop enthusiast, spoken word poet and writer, and in our conversation, he shares how we can use art forms like poetry to disrupt our thinking, and to unlock creativity in the workplace.

Having lived in various countries and cultures around the world, Arend embraces his diverse identity as a global citizen, and utilizes his passions and experience to help leaders to tap into their creativity, and to think differently about work and life. He’s a firm believer that writing poetry can be a useful activity to explore self-expression and uncover new ideas.

During the pandemic, Arend found solace in writing and capturing his experiences through spoken word poetry, and this creative expression culminated in the publication of his book, “Poetry at the Heart of Business.”

As an HR and organizational development expert, Arend incorporates spoken word poetry, hip-hop, and haikus into training classes, retreats, and summits as tools to encourage creative thinking, and to foster a sense of community among participants.

This episode is a fascinating blend of art, creativity, and leadership that you wouldn’t want to miss. I hope that it sparks something in you, and inspires you to use poetry, hip hop lyrics, or some other form of art that you may be passionate about to engage your own creativity and self-expression in your leadership journey going forward.

Topics Discussed In Today’s Episode:

  • The importance of HR in creating a positive employee experience and fostering company culture.
  • How incorporating storytelling and spoken word poetry into your work can make concepts and feelings come to life in unique ways.
  • How embracing creativity and self-expression can enhance leadership skills and help us to connect with others on a deeper level.
  • Using poetry and art as tools for personal growth, self-reflection, and making sense of the world.

LISTEN TO IMPACT MAKERS PODCAST – EPISODE 84

Listen on Apple podcasts, Google podcasts or Spotify

People & Resources Mentioned In This Episode:

Arend Boersema – Website, LinkedIn Profile

Book – Poetry at the Heart of Business : Spoken Word Poetry Exploring the Concept of Company Culture & Belonging by Arend Boersema

DisruptHR Philadelphia Talk – Do You Even Hear Yourself? (Leadership & Self-Reflection) | Arend Boersema

DisruptHR Philadelphia Talk – Turns Out, You Can Fix Stupid | Arend Boersema

Categories: Blog, Human Resources, Leadership, Podcast
Posted on July 21, 2023

Written by Jennifer McClure

The Power of Nonverbal Communication: Insights from a Counterintelligence Agent with Derik Clark

Impact Makers podcast episode 83 with Derik Clark

On episode 83 of the Impact Makers podcast, I’m chatting with Derik Clark, a human resources leader and recently retired Army counterintelligence agent who has a passion for teaching others about the power of nonverbal communication.

Derik is a US Army veteran with 22 years of service, who specialized in counterintelligence investigations and intelligence informant operations. Through those responsibilities he became a subject matter expert in body language assessments and high stakes interviewing in threatening environments, and he’s taught those skills to thousands of US soldiers in both the official Army counterintelligence school, as well as in live environment military operations.

Derik founded Bodysights body language training to help leaders and organizations to notice key nonverbals during interviews, client interactions, investigations, performance reviews, and negotiations.

In our discussion, we chat about the importance of reading and understanding body language, and the impact it can have in various contexts, as well as how understanding these concepts can help leaders to foster stronger relationships, make better-informed decisions, and navigate complex interpersonal dynamics more effectively.

Topics Discussed In Today’s Episode:

  • The power of nonverbal communication and its impact on human interactions.
  • The limitations of relying solely on body language for determining truthfulness and the importance of considering other factors.
  • How social distancing and the shift to more digital communication has impacted our ability to read body language and facial expressions, which helps us to perceive comfort levels and emotions.
  • Why demonstrating empathy is the key to deepening connection, and encouraging open and honest discussions.
  • The value of training to develop effective nonverbal observation skills and categorizing comfort levels.
  • The importance of considering diverse factors like neurodivergence, cultural differences, upbringing, and personal trauma when assessing body language, especially in job interviews or other stressful situations.
  • Enhancing hiring decisions, employee investigations, and communication skills through improved body language understanding.
  • The practical applications of nonverbal communication in business contexts.

LISTEN TO IMPACT MAKERS PODCAST – EPISODE 83

Listen on Apple podcasts, Google podcasts or Spotify

People & Resources Mentioned In This episode:

Derik Clark – Website, LinkedIn

Categories: Blog, Effective Communication, Interviewing, Podcast
Posted on July 17, 2023

Written by Jennifer McClure

Building Influence and Impact: The Executive’s Guide to Personal Branding With Claire Bahn

Impact Makers podcast episode 82 - Claire Bahn

On episode 082 of the Impact Makers podcast, I chat with Claire Bahn, the CEO and Founder of Claire Bahn Group, a strategic marketing communications and branding agency.

For over 15 years, Claire has been helping leading businesses, high-achieving CEOs, executives, investors, and founders to maximize their authority and influence in order to accelerate business growth, gain recognition and increase opportunities.

In our conversation today, we dive into the concept of personal branding, why it’s important for everyone – but especially for executives – and what it takes to develop an effective personal brand in a world where most everyone is sharing online, and AI is being used more than ever to create content for people who may not have been previously good at it.

Topics Discussed In Today’s Episode:

  • What personal branding is, how it’s changed over the last few years, and why it goes well beyond visual elements like colors and logos.
  • Why differentiation is key to developing a successful personal brand, and key steps to take to determine what makes you different.
  • How CEO  and executive personal branding can positively impact a company’s brand.
  • Should you share only business/professional content online, or should you also be sharing more of your personal life? Does that help or hurt your personal brand and business?
  • Why storytelling – and the ability to tell a story well – is key to building and communicating an effective personal brand.
  • Do you have to do video in order to really stand out with your personal brand?
  • How AI is impacting personal branding, and what you need to focus on in order to keep your brand personal and differentiated.

LISTEN TO IMPACT MAKERS PODCAST – EPISODE 82

Listen on Apple podcasts, Google podcasts or Spotify

Supporting Links and Resources:

Claire Bahn – Website, YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter

Categories: Blog, Personal Branding, Podcast
Posted on July 7, 2023

Written by Jennifer McClure

Finding Balance and Success as Leaders by Focusing on Winning at Home First With Cory Carlson

On this episode of the Impact Makers podcast, I’m chatting with Cory Carlson, an executive coach and speaker, who helps leaders win both at home and at work.

With over 20 years of corporate experience, including managing large teams and holding executive positions, Cory understands the challenges and pressures that many leaders face firsthand.

In our conversation, he shares his personal journey of self-discovery as a leader, from battling with imposter syndrome to finding a better way to lead. He also opens up about the pivotal moment in his career that led him to seek out an executive coach, and how that decision helped him to transform his life, while also becoming a better father, husband, and leader.

We chat about some of the key lessons that he learned along the way, and we discuss the importance of embracing coaching, focusing on what truly matters, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Cory’s insights and practical strategies are not only beneficial for leaders but for anyone seeking personal growth and fulfillment. Whether you’re a seasoned executive or aspiring to make a meaningful impact, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways to inspire and empower you on your own career and life journey.

Topics Discussed In Today’s Episode:

  • The biggest challenge facing leaders today in regards to prioritizing both their work life and home life.
  • How leaders can address the need to be constantly available to their teams, and “always on the clock”, which can negatively impact their home life and relationships outside of work.
  • The life experiences that prompted Cory to write two business books focused on leaders – Win at Home First, and Rise and Go.
  • Why creating time and space to spend in solitude is important for improving self awareness and emotional balance.
  • The importance of shifting from a scarcity mindset to an abundant mindset, and simple steps that leaders can take to create a more positive mindset and enhance their overall well-being.
  • Where Cory believes leaders have the opportunity to create the greatest impact in the world today.

LISTEN TO IMPACT MAKERS PODCAST – EPISODE 81

Listen on Apple podcasts, Google podcasts or Spotify

Supporting Links and Resources:

Cory Carlson – Website, LinkedIn, Instagram

Win at Home First podcast

Win at Home First: An Inspirational Guide to Work-Life Balance by Cory M. Carlson

Rise and Go: How to Get Back Up with Courage and Move Forward with Confidence by Cory M. Carlson

Categories: Blog, Leadership, Podcast
Posted on July 3, 2023

Written by Jennifer McClure

Dress for Success: How Intentional Style Choices Reinforce Your Personal Brand With Image Coach Melanie Lippman

What does it take to unlock your true confidence and become the best version of yourself?

The answer may lie in your personal style. On episode 80 of the Impact Makers podcast, Melanie Lippman, an image coach and personal branding expert, shares her journey from the luxury fashion industry to empowering women leaders by defining their unique style.

In our conversation, we dive into the power of developing a positive mindset about our bodies and finding the clothes that work best for us. Melanie reveals how fashion can be a combination of math and science, but with the right formula, your look can be both comfortable and powerful. We also explore the unique challenges that women face in the corporate environment and how clothing can be used to either play bigger or look more approachable.

Don’t miss Melanie’s insights on building a versatile and intentional wardrobe to reinforce your personal brand, as well as tips on finding a balance between your authentic style and workplace expectations.

Tune in to level up your style game, make a lasting impact, and show up as your most powerful self!

Even though Melanie works primarily with women, her systems and approach – to create a wardrobe that makes you feel confident and reinforces your personal brand – make sense for everyone in the workplace.

Melanie and I chat about how important it is to develop a positive mindset about your own body, and the clothes that work best for who you are today, as well as how you can discover your own personal style and the powerful impact that can have on your confidence and success.

Topics Discussed In Today’s Episode:

  • Our clothes significantly influence our confidence and how we show up in various situations, so by understanding our personal style, we can feel empowered and in control of our wardrobe choices.
  • How your style and clothing choices can impact and strengthen your personal brand.
  • Overcoming negative mindsets around clothing and shopping experiences, and challenging limiting beliefs to embrace a new perspective.
  • How to develop a personal formula for dressing with impact, so you can show up with confidence.
  • The importance of understanding your own body shape, and finding clothes that work for you in the present moment, rather than waiting for a future weight loss journey.
  • How to adapt style for professional settings, and address some of the different expectations and challenges faced by women in corporate environments.
  • The importance of finding a balance between feeling confident and comfortable in your attire.
  • Why it does not have to cost you a fortune to restyle yourself, or to update your wardrobe.

LISTEN TO IMPACT MAKERS PODCAST – EPISODE 80

Listen on Apple podcasts, Google podcasts or Spotify

Supporting Links and Resources:

Melanie Lippman – Website, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn

Free Online Masterclass for those who are ready to break out of their style rut

Categories: Blog, Personal Branding, Podcast
Posted on June 28, 2023

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