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A World of Difference

A World of Difference

By: Lori Adams-Brown
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 Tired of the same old leadership advice? Step into a new era of leadership with the A World of Difference podcast. Hosted by Silicon Valley tech executive, global leadership expert, and advisor to Silicon Valley CEOs, Lori Adams-Brown, this podcast is for leaders who want more than just surface-level strategies—they want to lead with authenticity, purpose, and impact. Each episode features real stories and hard-won lessons from authentic leaders across industries who have faced challenges, embraced change, and built inclusive cultures that drive success. Whether you’re leading a team, scaling a business, or making a difference in your community, this podcast gives you the tools to lead boldly and inspire real change. If you’re ready to move beyond traditional leadership, subscribe now and discover how to lead with authenticity and create the lasting impact you’ve always dreamed of.© 2023 Lori Adams-Brown Economics Personal Development Personal Success Social Sciences Travel Writing & Commentary
Episodes
  • Transforming Workplace Culture: Insights from Mita Mallick, Author of The Devil Emails at Midnight: Leadership Lessons from Bad Bosses

    Transforming Workplace Culture: Insights from Mita Mallick, Author of The Devil Emails at Midnight: Leadership Lessons from Bad Bosses
    Nov 6 2025
    In this engaging conversation, Lori Adams-Brown interviews Mita Mallick about her book "The Devil Emails at Midnight: What Good Leaders Can Learn from Bad Bosses." Mita shares personal stories and insights on leadership, workplace culture, and the impact of bad bosses on mental health. The discussion covers the importance of self-awareness, setting boundaries, and the role of personal relationships in professional settings. The genesis of Mita's book started with a personal experience of her mother's home being flooded. Mita found an old notebook with stories about bad bosses, which inspired her book. Fear-driven workplaces may achieve short-term results but harm long-term culture. Mita shares a 'water test' to identify toxic workplaces during interviews. Setting boundaries is crucial for respect and inclusion in the workplace. Personal relationships can complicate professional decisions, especially in leadership roles. Mita emphasizes the importance of self-care for effective leadership. The conversation highlights the normalization of toxic behavior in workplaces. Mita advises doing reference checks on potential employers. The book encourages readers to learn from bad bosses to become better leaders. My special guest is Mita Mallick Mallick is a highly sought-after speaker who has advised Fortune 500 companies and start-ups alike. She is a LinkedIn Top Voice and was named to the Thinkers 50 Radar List. She’s a contributor to Harvard Business Review, Fast Company, Adweek, and Entrepreneur. Mallick has been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, Time Magazine, Forbes, Axios, Essence, Cosmopolitan Magazine and Business Insider. Mallick holds a B.A. from Barnard College, Columbia University and an M.B.A. from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business. Learning from Bad Bosses The Devil Emails at Midnight Leadership Lessons from Mita Mallick Navigating Toxic Workplaces Setting Boundaries for Success The Impact of Bad Bosses Self-Care in Leadership Identifying Toxic Workplaces The Role of Personal Relationships in Leadership Transforming Workplace Culture Key topics: leadership, workplace culture, bad bosses, mental health, self-awareness "The Devil Emails at Midnight" "Fear kills culture in the longterm" "Set boundaries for respect" "Personal relationships complicate decisions" "Self-care is key to leadership" "Normalize toxic behavior in workplaces" "Do reference checks on employers" "Learn from bad bosses" "Water test for toxic workplaces" "Respect is a basic need" 00:00:01 Introduction and Book Overview 00:00:29 Inspiration Behind the Book 00:01:27 Fear-Driven Workplaces 00:02:27 Impact of Bad Bosses 00:04:10 Setting Boundaries 00:07:30 Personal Relationships in Leadership 00:11:39 Self-Care and Leadership 00:18:54 Cultural and Personal Background 00:25:20 Advice for Navigating Workplace Dynamics 00:30:51 Conclusion and How to Connect with Mita Connect with us: https://www.aworldofdifferencepodcast.com Linkedin YouTube Substack FaceBook Instagram Threads Patreon (for exclusive episodes just for Difference Makers) Bluesky TikTok Subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who might need to hear it. Your support helps the community grow and keeps these important conversations going. If you need professional help, such as therapy: https://www.betterhelp.com/difference If you are looking for your next opportunity, sign up for Lori’s Masterclass on Master the Career Pivot: https://www.loriadamsbrown.com/careerpivot Difference Makers who are podcast listeners get 10% offf with the code: DIFFERENT Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    39 mins
  • Ways Awe and Wonder Can Transform Your Life: Lessons from Bestselling Author Laura Munson

    Ways Awe and Wonder Can Transform Your Life: Lessons from Bestselling Author Laura Munson
    Oct 29 2025
    So, what if the “messy middle” moments in your life—the stuff you’d rather sweep under the rug—are actually secret doorways to real creativity? Laura Munson, bestselling author and founder of Haven writing retreats, has wandered from Montana’s wild woods to ancient stones in Ireland, and she’s convinced that wonder isn’t something you stumble across—it’s something you can choose, even in the thick of heartbreak or change. Turns out, the story you’ve been telling yourself might just be the prologue. But here’s the twist: what if your biggest breakthroughs actually start when you stop trying so hard to “be creative” and start letting yourself just be? There’s a pretty wild story behind how Laura’s own life detours unlocked something unexpected for her (and for the writers who show up at her retreats). Want to know what happens when you give yourself permission to wonder again? Stick around… In this episode, you will be able to: Discover how life’s toughest challenges can unlock unexpected personal transformation and deeper self-awareness. Experience the unique ways writing retreats can ignite growth and unlock creative potential in your journey. Explore how embracing life’s surprises can open new paths to creativity and self-expression. Cultivate a sense of wonder in everyday moments to enhance emotional resilience and bring fresh meaning to your life. Build resilience by learning how storytelling connects your experiences and strengthens your authentic voice. My special guest is LAURA MUNSON is the New York Times, USA Today, and international bestselling author of the novel Willa’s Grove and the memoir This Is Not The Story You Think It Is. Founder of the acclaimed Haven Writing Retreats, she has been featured or published in Vanity Fair, Elle, Redbook, Time, Newsweek, The New York Times “Modern Love” column, The New York Times Magazine, O, The Oprah Magazine, and many others. She has appeared on Good Morning America, The Early Show, WGN, NPR, London’s This Morning, Australia’s Sunrise, and other global media outlets. She lives in Whitefish, Montana. The key moments in this episode are:00:07:03 - The Power of Storytelling and Finding Safe Listeners 00:09:18 - Travel as a Catalyst for Wonder and Personal Transformation 00:13:05 - Embracing Awe and Travel to Ignite Curiosity and Wonder 00:15:50 - The Value of Being Present and Slowing Down Through Travel and Life 00:19:31 - Finding Your Unique Voice and Creativity by Reconnecting with Inner Truth 00:21:47 - Cultivating Wonder and Empathy as Foundations for Connection and Civilization 00:23:29 - Writing True and Listening Deeply: Pathways to Self-Discovery and Connection 00:25:02 - The Power of Vulnerability and Storytelling in Personal Growth 00:27:05 - Cultivating Mindfulness and Wonder Through Journaling 00:29:57 - Mindfulness and Creativity in a Fast-Paced, Tech-Driven World 00:31:02 - Origins and Purpose of Haven Writing Retreats 00:34:26 - Writing as a Therapeutic Tool for Emotional Clarity 00:37:07 - Discovering Your Natural Strengths with the Working Genius Assessment 00:37:41 - Embracing Wonder as a Vital Life Force 00:38:17 - Supporting Independent Bookstores and Creative Communities 00:39:11 - Choosing Wonder and Creativity in Life’s Challenges Visit lauramunson.com to learn more about Laura Munson’s writing, in-person retreats, and online community Haven Nest. Go to Haven Writing Retreats to find information and sign up for Laura Munson’s transformative writing retreats in Montana and around the world. Purchase The Wild Why: Stories and Teachings to Uncover Your Wonder by Laura Munson, preferably through independent bookstores or online at bookshop.org to support local booksellers. Access exclusive extended conversations and bonus content by becoming a Patreon supporter at patreon.com/aworldofdifference. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    44 mins
  • The Price of Nice: Why Comfort Keeps Us Stuck and Growing up in Guam with Amira Barger

    The Price of Nice: Why Comfort Keeps Us Stuck and Growing up in Guam with Amira Barger
    Oct 22 2025
    Ever wondered if being “nice” at work could actually be making everything worse? Picture this: a leader so shielded by everyone’s politeness that a single, cringeworthy comment in the halls of Congress nearly tanks a $9 million deal—while everyone else sits silent, protecting comfort over honesty. Turns out, our obsession with not rocking the boat isn’t just awkward... it can be downright destructive. But here’s the twist: the real danger isn’t ego or greed. It’s this sneaky, everyday culture of niceness that’s quietly costing us big—more than we realize. So what’s the true price we pay for keeping the peace, and how can we start to flip the script? In this episode, you will be able to: Discover how the impact of niceness in workplace culture can quietly shape team dynamics and influence overall success. Unlock the keys to building psychological safety that encourages genuine conversations and boosts team confidence. Understand the hidden consequences of avoiding conflict at work and how it can stall growth and damage trust. My special guest is Amira Barger Amira K.S. Barger, MBA, CVA, CFRE is an award-winning communications and change management executive, author, and professor. She counsels Fortune 500 companies at the intersection of health equity, diversity, and trust. A scholar-practitioner with over 20 years of experience, Amira is also a marketing and change management Professor at California State University East Bay, shaping the next generation of leaders. Her forthcoming book, The Price of Nice: Why Comfort Keeps Us Stuck—And 4 Actions for Real Change (Berrett-Koehler, Oct 2025), critiques the cultural costs of “niceness” in the workplace and offers a roadmap toward equity-driven leadership. Amira’s thought leadership appears regularly in outlets such as MSNBC, Fast Company, and Nonprofit Quarterly. Raised on the island of Guam, Amira brings a global perspective, a deep commitment to public health, and a belief in building humanity-centered workplaces. The key moments in this episode are:00:01:00 - Navigating Niceness and Conflict Avoidance in the Workplace 00:04:00 - Bringing a Global Mindset to American Workplace Culture 00:08:00 - Understanding and Challenging Sacred Cows in Organizations 00:12:00 - The Cost of Comfort Over Candor in Leadership 00:13:32 - The Troubling Relationship Between Silicon Valley and Washington D.C. 00:15:12 - The Ladies Who Lunch: Power, Influence, and Performative Philanthropy 00:20:21 - Niceness, Leadership, and the Risks of Capitulation in Modern Organizations 00:22:58 - Challenging Stories and Leadership Narratives to Foster Change 00:25:25 - Vacation Hair and the Cost of Being Nice: A Personal Leadership Lesson 00:26:38 - Childhood Lessons on Speaking Truth and Its Consequences 00:28:17 - The Matching Principle and Effective Communication Types 00:31:37 - Navigating Voice and Nerve in Challenging Workplace Contexts 00:33:52 - Building Psychological Safety as a System in Organizations 00:37:53 - The High Price of Silence and Retaliation in the Workplace Find and follow Amira Barger on all social media platforms using the handle @amirabarger and visit amirabarger.com for information about her speaking engagements, book tour, and communications/propaganda analysis class on TikTok. Pre-order Amira Barger's book, The Price of Nice, to learn more about her insights and strategies for challenging workplace culture Connect on ⁠Substack⁠ at loriadamsbrown.substack.com to access behind-the-scenes content, exclusive in-depth articles, and become a paid subscriber for additional benefits. Linkedin YouTube Patreon Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode If you need professional help, such as therapy: https://www.betterhelp.com/difference Masterclass on Master the Career Pivot: https://www.loriadamsbrown.com/careerpivot Difference Makers who are podcast listeners get 10% offf with the code: DIFFERENT Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    46 mins
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