Episodes

  • How to Spot Red Flags Before Accepting Your Next Role: Insider Interview Strategies with Dr. Laura Hambley Lovett
    Sep 10 2025
    What if the one thing that could save your sanity at work isn’t learning to “tough it out”—but actually doing the exact opposite? Dr. Laura Hamley Lovett spent 25 years studying toxic bosses and she’s not just got the research, she’s got the receipts from her own career. In this episode, she uncovers survival tactics you’ve probably never considered, reveals the surprising signs you might be walking into a toxic environment before you even accept the offer, and shares why the people who care the most often get targeted the hardest. But here’s the twist: the real game-changer for escaping toxic leadership isn’t what you think. Ready to find out what it is—and why it might change everything for your career and your mental health? In this episode, you will be able to: Discover how to survive toxic bosses and workplaces without losing your sanity or passion for your career. Learn strategies for navigating toxic leadership that protect your mental health and keep you moving forward. Spot red flags in job interviews early to avoid stepping into a toxic work environment. Understand the hidden impact toxic bosses have on your mental health and how to shield yourself from burnout. Build a supportive network that empowers you to stand strong against workplace toxicity and thrive. My special guest is Dr. Laura Hambley Lovett DR. LAURA HAMBLEY LOVETT is an organizational psychologist and thought leader sought-after internationally for her expertise on workplace culture, career development, toxic leadership, and burnout. Along with her 25 years of experience in her field, she holds a PhD in industrial/organizational psychology from the University of Calgary, where she is currently an adjunct professor. A passionate entrepreneur, she has founded several psychology practices in Canada and hosts the widely followed podcast Where Work Meets Life. In addition to I Wish I’d Quit Sooner, she has published two psychological thrillers, Losing Cadence and Finding Sophie, aimed at both captivating readers and raising awareness on important topics around mental health and domestic violence, currently being adapted for a TV series. Dr. Laura is also co-founder of the WITH HER movement focused on ending violence against women and girls. She received a Canadian Women of Inspiration Award as a Global Influencer in 2018. The key moments in this episode are: 00:01:20 - Defining Toxic Bosses vs Difficult Bosses with Dr. Laura Hambley Lovett 00:05:30 - Survival Strategies When Stuck with a Toxic Boss 00:11:40 - The Psychological Contract and Reframing Mindset to Cope 00:13:30 - Avoiding Toxic Bosses in Future Roles and Importance of Empathy 00:14:16 - Understanding Why Empaths Attract Toxic Bosses and Narcissists 00:16:01 - How to Avoid Reporting to a Toxic Boss: Due Diligence and Networking Strategies 00:18:21 - Assessing Workplace Culture and Leadership Authenticity Before Joining 00:22:37 - Why Organizations Retain Toxic Rock Star Leaders Despite Talent Loss 00:26:47 - Toxic Leadership’s Role in Burnout and Effective Systemic Interventions 00:28:45 - Understanding Toxic Leadership and Generational Burnout 00:30:00 - Navigating Multi-Generational Workplaces and Emotional Intelligence 00:33:00 - Advocating for Workplace Flexibility and Neurodiversity Inclusion 00:36:00 - Eradicating Toxic Leadership for Healthy Organizational Culture 00:37:30 - Parallels Between Workplace Toxicity and Gender-Based Violence 00:42:43 - Recognizing and Overcoming Toxic Leadership in the Workplace Check out the exclusive bonus episode coming soon with Dr. Lovett on Patreon at www.patreon.com/theWorldofDifference. Pre-order or purchase Dr. Laura Hambley Lovett’s book, I Wish I'd Quit Sooner, available for pre-order and soon on her website, Dr. Laura Live. Listen to the Where Work Meets Life podcast with Dr. Laura Hambley Lovett. Get 10% off your first month of therapy with BetterHelp by signing up at www.betterhelp.com/difference. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    49 mins
  • Empowering Vulnerable Youth: A Conversation with Dr. Pamela Donnelly
    Sep 3 2025
    Join us for an inspiring conversation with Dr. Pamela Donnelly, founder of the American Access Institute, as she shares her mission to support vulnerable teens, including those aging out of foster care. Discover how the Catapult platform is transforming lives through trauma-informed care, AI mentorship, and innovative partnerships. Key Highlights: Dr. Donnelly's journey from college admissions professional to ed-tech innovator. The impact of the Catapult platform on justice-involved youth and foster children. Insights into trauma-informed care and its importance in education. The role of AI and digital mentors in career readiness. Challenges and triumphs in scaling educational equity. Call to Action: Explore more about the American Access Institute and the Catapult platform through the links in our show notes. For exclusive content, join our Patreon community for a deeper dive into Dr. Donnelly's personal experiences and motivations. Learn more: https://americanaccessinstitute.org https://mentorship.pameladonnelly.com https://openthegate.usYouTube: @CollegeAdmissionsSimplified Instagram @pamelamdonnelly Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    45 mins
  • Dr. Holly Berkley Fletcher From Kenya to Washington DC: Lessons from Missionary Kids on History, Identity, and Evangelical America
    Aug 27 2025
    Ever wondered how growing up between worlds can actually make you see your own culture more clearly? This conversation with Dr. Holly Berkley Fletcher flips the script on what it means to be a missionary kid—not just as someone with wild stories or an identity crisis, but as a kind of secret decoder for understanding white evangelicalism’s grip on American politics. There’s a moment here where a single high school banquet in Kenya, complete with a Confederate flag, opens up a whole hidden history most of us never learned in Sunday school. What if the very things you thought were just “normal” missionary experiences are actually the missing puzzle pieces for understanding the rise of Christian nationalism today? Stick around, because the connections Holly draws between global childhoods and the current culture wars in the U.S. will surprise you—and might even change how you see your own story. In this episode, you will be able to: Explore how white evangelicalism shapes political landscapes and influences key decisions that affect society. Discover the unique role missionary kids play in decoding the complexities of evangelical culture worldwide. Understand the challenges third culture kids face as they navigate identity, belonging, and faith across different worlds. Trace the historical roots of Christian nationalism to see how it impacts modern cultural and political conversations. My special guest is Dr. Holly Berkley Fletcher Holly Berkley Fletcher is an author and historian who really knows what it means to live between worlds. Raised in Kenya as the daughter of Southern Baptist missionaries, Holly attended Rift Valley Academy and grew up balancing both her American roots and the culture around her. Her background extends far beyond childhood, though—she earned a PhD in American Studies, taught at the university level, and later worked as a CIA analyst specializing in Africa. Holly’s life as a third culture kid gives her a distinctive lens on white evangelicalism and Christian nationalism, while her research dives into how missionary kids navigate the complicated push and pull of belonging and identity. She brings a clear-eyed, honest perspective that connects personal experience with bigger questions about faith, power, and the impact of evangelical culture around the globe. The key moments in this episode are:00:11:00 - The Emotional Challenges of MKs: Privilege, Grief, and Sacrifice 00:13:30 - Impact of Missions on White Evangelicalism’s Global Narrative 00:14:05 - The American Influence on Global Evangelicalism and Missions 00:17:00 - Navigating the Complexities of Missionary Identity and Cultural Systems 00:19:01 - Missionaries’ Political Complicity and Moral Accountability 00:23:18 - Practical Ways Missionaries Can Advocate for Justice Amid Political Pressures 00:26:43 - The Disconnect Between American Evangelical Consumers and Missionary Realities 00:27:56 - Origins and Evolution of Christian Nationalism in White Evangelicalism 00:29:06 - Growing Up as a Missionary Kid Abroad and Its Impact 00:33:14 - The Authoritarian Culture of Evangelicalism and Biblical Inerrancy 00:36:40 - Favorite Books and Writers on Missions and Analysis 00:39:19 - Resilience of Missionary Kids and Comparing History Writing to Intelligence Analysis 00:41:07 - Common Stereotypes and Misconceptions About Missionary Kids 00:42:00 - Navigating Trauma and the Danger of Simplistic Narratives 00:43:44 - Complicity and Accountability Within Missionary Communities Order the book The Missionary Kids: Unmasking the Myths of White Evangelicalism by Dr. Holly Berkley Fletcher Join the Patreon community for exclusive content at https://patreon.com/aworldofdifference. Read A Just Mission by Mekdes Haddis for a non-white American perspective on missions. Subscribe to The Bulwark newsletter for insightful commentary (paid subscription recommended for Jonathan V. Last’s Triad newsletter). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    57 mins
  • Unleashing Perceptive Leadership: 7 Hidden Strengths of Highly Sensitive and Neurodivergent Professionals with Rachel Radway
    Aug 20 2025
    Does this sound familiar? You keep hearing that the only way to thrive as a highly sensitive or neurodivergent leader is to just “toughen up” and push through—so you try to fit into that mold, but end up feeling exhausted, misunderstood, and on the edge of burnout. It’s frustrating, right? You’re told your sensitivity holds you back, but all that’s doing is making you question your worth and lose touch with your real strengths. What if embracing your unique wiring is actually the secret to authentic, impactful leadership (and way less burnout)? In this episode, you will be able to: Discover strategies that turn high sensitivity into a leadership superpower for more authentic and effective influence. Unlock the unique advantages neurodivergent leaders bring that boost innovation and team success in unexpected ways. Learn how to recognize early signs and create habits that prevent burnout before it takes hold in neurodivergent professionals. Embrace neurodiversity to build a workplace culture that values different minds and drives inclusive collaboration. Harness the power of empathy to transform leadership style and deepen connections that inspire lasting team loyalty. My special guest is Rachel Radway Rachel Radway is a certified leadership coach, mentor, speaker, and author with 25+ years’ experience in corporate leadership roles in startups, national nonprofits, and global enterprises. Rachel helps high-achieving, highly perceptive and neurodivergent clients learn to lead with confidence, clarity and authenticity—and without burning out. Her book, Perceptive, has received endorsements and rave reviews from leaders from diverse backgrounds across industries. The key moments in this episode are:00:01:13 - Rachel Radway’s Background and Purpose of Her Book "Perceptive" 00:07:33 - The Meaning Behind the Book Title "Perceptive" and Reframing Sensitivity 00:11:34 - Recognizing High Sensitivity and Neurodivergence in Yourself and Others 00:14:41 - Understanding High Sensitivity and Neurodivergence 00:17:00 - Navigating Disclosure and Accommodations in the Workplace 00:20:31 - Leveraging Neurodivergent Strengths in Leadership and Teams 00:24:00 - Creativity, Pattern Recognition, and Inclusion in the Workforce 00:27:05 - The Impact of Global Culture on Sensitivity and Inclusion 00:29:07 - Understanding Empathy and Cultural Sensitivity in Leadership 00:31:35 - The Challenges of Burnout for Highly Sensitive and Neurodivergent Leaders 00:37:26 - Strategies to Prevent Burnout in Neurodivergent and Highly Sensitive Individuals 00:40:47 - Embracing Neurodiversity and Cognitive Diversity in the Workplace 00:42:13 - Leveraging Perceptiveness as a Leadership Superpower 00:43:06 - Unlocking Blue Ocean Strategies Through Perceptive Leadership 00:44:04 - Exclusive Insights: Leaders Unlocking Perceptive Superpowers 00:44:48 - Amplifying Impact: Sharing and Supporting Leadership Growth Listen to the episode featuring Minette Norman to learn more about inclusion at work and psychological safety. Take the online high sensitivity assessment at sensitivityresearch.com to determine if you are highly sensitive. Purchase and read Rachel Radway’s book, Perceptive, for insights on turning sensitivity into a leadership advantage. Access the exclusive Patreon interview for additional behind-the-scenes content with Rachel Radway.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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    51 mins
  • 90-Day Wins: Operationalizing Talent Management for Scalable, Aligned Leadership with Yvonne Jackson
    Aug 13 2025
    Ever wondered if your people strategy is actually holding your business back? Yvonne Jackson—who’s helped companies like Apple untangle their most stubborn people challenges—just dropped a truth bomb that might surprise you: equity isn’t a culture problem, it’s a process problem. And the fix? It’s way less complicated (and a lot quicker) than most leaders think. In this episode, you’ll hear how duct-tape solutions and “cute” values might be costing your business more than you realize—and what to do about it. But there’s one unconventional move Yvonne makes that flips the whole high-performing team playbook on its head… Want to know what it is? In this episode, you will be able to: Discover how crafting a future of work strategy can transform your leadership and keep your team ahead in a fast-changing world. Unlock the secrets to building high-performing teams that stay motivated and aligned with your business goals. Understand why treating equity as a process problem can shift your entire approach to creating a fair workplace. Learn how to operationalize equity in talent management to drive real, measurable change in your organization. Master succession planning techniques that fuel sustainable business growth and prepare your team for what’s next. My special guest is Yvonne Jackson Yvonne Jackson is an experienced business strategist specializing in organizational transformation, talent management, and operational equity. She has worked with major companies such as Apple and Oscar Health, where she led initiatives to align people strategies with core business objectives. Yvonne’s expertise includes business process reengineering and identifying process-driven solutions to equity challenges, making her a sought-after advisor for organizations aiming to build high-performing, equitable teams. Her academic background spans the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, as well as international study in Thailand and Milan, giving her a broad perspective on leadership and team dynamics. As the founder of her own leadership consultancy, Yvonne combines practical experience with a global outlook, focusing on sustainable succession planning and the integration of equity into everyday business operations. The key moments in this episode are:00:02:43 - Yvonne Jackson’s Background and Cross-Cultural Experiences 00:07:03 - Transitioning from DEI to Process-Driven Equity and Leadership 00:10:23 - Aligning Business Priorities with Equity for Sustainable Impact 00:12:53 - Operationalizing Equity through Process Improvement and Leadership Alignment 00:13:26 - Leveraging Tech and Process Reengineering in Talent Management 00:14:39 - Addressing Organizational Growth Challenges and Realignment Needs 00:17:19 - The Cost of Misalignment and Importance of Metrics in DEI 00:21:48 - Supporting Overwhelmed Leaders to Gain Strategic Clarity 00:25:32 - Revaluing Company Core Values as Decision-Making Tools 00:27:15 - Redesigning Organizational Values for Modern Equity and Decision-Making 00:31:09 - Embracing AI to Identify Workflow Inefficiencies and Drive Strategy 00:32:40 - Recommended Leadership Reading: The Courage to Be Disliked 00:34:07 - Prioritizing Sleep as a Key Productivity Ritual for Leaders 00:36:39 - Changing the World by Shifting Social Media Narratives 00:40:21 - Operationalizing Equity and Centering Humanity in the Future of Work Connect with Yvonne Jackson and her work by visiting her website or finding her on LinkedIn. Get 10% off your first month of therapy with BetterHelp by visiting www.betterhelp.com/difference. Join the Master the Career Pivot course at www.loriadamsbrown.com/careerpivot 10% off with the code: DIFFERENT Rate and review the podcast by tapping 5 stars and leaving a quick review to help more difference makers find the show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    47 mins
  • Five Years, 137,000 Listens: The Unexpected Ways Podcasting Builds Inclusive Global Communities
    Aug 10 2025
    Ever wondered what really happens when you bring together people from over a hundred countries—all tuning in for one simple reason: to embrace their differences and actually change the world? Five years ago, Lori was just longing for connection during lockdown, learning podcasting on the fly. Now, this community has quietly become a global experience, sparking conversations that ripple into boardrooms, classrooms, and living rooms everywhere. But there’s one lesson Lori never expected to learn along the way—and it’s something that could totally reframe how you see your own difference. Ready to find out what it is? In this episode, you will be able to: Discover how launching a podcast during challenging times can unlock new opportunities for authentic connection and leadership growth. Explore ways to use podcasting as a powerful tool to create inclusive spaces that amplify diverse voices and foster real community. Understand the transformative power of personal stories in shaping leadership styles that inspire trust and meaningful change. "Inclusion is not just some initiative. It's a mindset and a daily choice that shapes the future of work, leadership, and human connection." - Lori Adams-Brown The key moments in this episode are:00:00:00 - Celebrating Five Years of A World of Difference Podcast 00:04:42 - The Vision and Impact Behind the Podcast 00:07:43 - Lessons Learned on Inclusion, Leadership, and Teamwork 00:09:42 - Looking Ahead: The Future Season and Community Engagement "Let your difference shine as your differentiator. The world needs what only you can bring to the table." - Lori Adams-Brown Send this episode to five people in your text threads, Slack channel, or group chat who care about making the world better. Hit the follow button on the podcast so you don't miss the next conversation. Scroll down, tap five stars, and leave a quick review for the podcast. Get 10% off your first month of therapy at www.betterhelp.com/difference. Join the Master the Career Pivot course at LoriAdamsBrown.com/CareerPivot. Difference Makers who are podcast listeners get 10% offf with the code: DIFFERENT "Change is a team sport, and the best solutions emerge when everyone has a seat and a say." - Lori Adams-Brown Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    16 mins
  • From Burnout to Bold: How to Lead a Limitless Life Aligned with Your Values with Dr. Esther Zeledón (Re-release)
    Jul 30 2025
    Does this sound familiar? You’ve been told to just keep grinding it out in your current job until the “right” opportunity magically appears, but all that’s gotten you is more stress, second-guessing, and the nagging feeling you’re wasting your potential. It sucks watching your energy drain away while your values get sidelined and you wonder if you’ll ever feel truly fulfilled at work. You deserve a career that’s actually aligned with who you are and the impact you want to make. Let’s talk about how to break out of that cycle and make values-driven pivots with confidence. In this episode, you will be able to: Discover how navigating career transitions with purpose can unlock clarity and confidence for your next meaningful move. Learn to build a mission-driven organizational culture that inspires teams and drives lasting impact. Uncover effective strategies for overcoming burnout in leadership to sustain your passion and performance. Explore the powerful connection between personal fulfillment and professional success to elevate your career satisfaction. Embrace the role of culture and inclusion in innovative leadership to foster creativity and breakthrough solutions. My special guest is Dr. Esther Zeledón Dr. Esther Zeledón is a globally recognized life and leadership coach, bestselling author, and former U.S. diplomat. With a Ph.D. from UC Berkeley and decades of impact in international development, she’s worked with governments, NGOs, and global corporations alike. Featured on Univision, Ticker News, Medium, and top 1–5% podcasts, Dr. Z empowers leaders to unlock their limitless potential through a powerful blend of neuroscience, strategy, and soulful insight. The key moments in this episode are:00:00:00 - Introduction to Trauma-Informed Leadership and Global Impact 00:04:19 - Reflections on Venezuelan Elections and the Importance of Collective Action 00:09:32 - U.S. Political Unity and Leadership Transition Insights 00:13:30 - Challenges and Opportunities in Diverse Political Coalitions 00:03:46 - Introducing Dr. Esther Zeledón: Strategist, Scientist, and Global Leadership Coach 00:14:43 - Collective Action and Individual Clarity for Social Change 00:18:20 - Empowering Communities Through Shared Vision and Ownership 00:21:33 - Challenging Scarcity Mentality in Immigration Narratives 00:24:50 - The Impact of Scarcity vs. Abundance Mindsets on Society 00:26:57 - Early Social Conditioning Shapes Scarcity or Abundance Mindsets 00:27:55 - Overcoming Scarcity Mindset and Embracing Abundance 00:29:23 - Immigration Realities and the Importance of Inner Work 00:32:43 - Personal Immigration Story and Access to Healthcare 00:35:46 - Navigating Systems, Networks, and Immigrant Challenges 00:38:01 - Bilingualism, Discrimination, and Overcoming Educational Barriers 00:40:36 - Overcoming Bias and Authenticity in Leadership 00:42:08 - Challenging Leadership Stereotypes and the Need for DEI Awareness 00:44:11 - Writing "Creating Your Limitless Life" to Inspire and Empower 00:48:02 - Navigating Scarcity Mindset and Building Empathy for Change 00:50:56 - Resources for Personal Growth and Creating a Limitless Life Send this episode to five people who care about making the world better. Tap 5 stars, and leave a quick review for the podcast. Join the Master the Career Pivot course at LoriAdamsBrown.com/CareerPivot. (Use the code: Different to get 10% off.) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    58 mins
  • Epstein Files and the CEO & CPO Scandal at the Coldplay Concert: The Integrity Imperative
    Jul 22 2025
    Does this sound familiar? You’ve been told to just slap some “core values” up on the wall and trust that your executive team will magically become models of integrity. But all that’s done is leave you frustrated, watching the same old drama play out—burnout, trust issues, and a culture that feels more performative than authentic. If you’re tired of seeing leaders talk the talk but never walk the walk, you’re definitely not alone. In this episode, you will be able to: Discover how integrity in executive leadership transforms decision-making and builds lasting trust within your organization. Uncover the profound impact leadership integrity has on driving business success and shaping company reputation. Learn actionable strategies to embed ethical leadership deeply into your company culture for sustainable growth. Explore why transparency and accountability are game-changers in creating credible and resilient leadership teams. Understand how addressing burnout and practicing empathy can revitalize leaders and foster healthier work environments. The key moments in this episode are:00:00:00 - Introduction and Invitation to Subscribe for Trauma-Informed Leadership Insights 00:01:39 - The Urgency of Integrity as an Executive Discipline in 2025 00:03:10 - The Neuroscience of Burnout and Its Impact on Leadership Integrity 00:05:10 - The Integrity Framework for Building Trustworthy Leadership Cultures 00:08:38 - Empowering Leaders to Model Integrity and Make Bold Career Moves "Integrity isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s also good strategy; it’s the foundation that builds trust, resilience, and lasting success in any organization." - Lori Adams-Brown 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    14 mins