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Businesses that Care Podcast (formerly Mere Mortals Unite)

Mere Mortals Unite (MMU) and Businesses that Care (BTC) are two distinct series in this podcast. BTC is focused on building a business culture that allows your business to recruit and retain good talent. Our guests share ideas that work, to create a culture of engagement. On previous episodes of MMU we share superpowers that everyone has although they may not have discovered them yet, or forgotten them or given them away. Take them back, increase their use in your life. provides skills and techniques so you can discover your superpowers. The result is an increase in success and joy in your life and the lives of those that surround you. Let’s change the world one person at a time, starting with you!
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Now displaying: July, 2016
Jul 29, 2016

Optimism, Relationships, Fear, Passion, Leadership

 

Episode 045: Choose to be an Optimist - Beth Caldwell

URL: http://www.julieannsullivan.com/choose-to-be-an-optimist-beth-caldwell/

 

On this episode of Mere Mortals Unite, we interview Beth Caldwell. She was my very first mentor and continues to teach me as our friendship has grown. Beth says that being an optimistic person gives you better bounce back ability. In addition, being an optimist is attractive and draws people to you. It’s a quality that can shine through to draw friends and clients alike to want to know more about who you are. Natural optimists can also see what others are capable of even before they do. Optimists are realists, too. They have fears like anyone else. Beth delves into fear and how it makes you freeze and stop doing what your passion wants you to do. One way out, Beth says, is to ask yourself, “What’s the best possible outcome for today?” So what do you do when life doesn’t work out? Beth’s got some great ideas.

You’ll discover:

 

  • Several benefits of being an optimist.
  • What Beth learned about conquering fear when she established her leadership academy.
  • Why Beth says that the greatest problem with people today is that they are afraid of what people will think of them.
  • Why Beth describes optimism as a way of being, not something she does.
  • The power of the question, “What’s the best possible outcome for today?”
  • Actionable steps for increasing your optimism.

 

Interview Links & Other Resources

 

Follow Beth Caldwell on Twitter

Connect with Beth Caldwell on LinkedIn

Connect with Beth Caldwell on Facebook

How to Say No and Still Be Nice

Biggest mistakes made by women in leadership

Culture doesn’t have to be complicated. You just have to pay attention to these two things

I Wish I’d Known That! by Beth Caldwell

iTunes - Subscribe, Rate & Review

 

Jul 28, 2016

Abundance, well-being, relationships, perspective, business, gratitude, awareness

 

Episode 044  Living in Abundance

URL:    http://www.julieannsullivan.com/living-in-abundance/

 

Summary

 

This episode of Mere Mortals Unite explores the super power solution of abundance.  Abundance is an aspect of your life that you can choose.  It is just as useful for your professional life as your personal life.  The knowledge of this super power creates a more positive outlook  in all of your relationships.  The feeling of overflowing fullness can be cultivated.  This enhancement can be accomplished through perspective, gratitude and being acutely aware of what comes into your life on a daily basis.  This episode includes ideas, tips, and a few stories to assist you in creating a more abundant life view.

 

You’ll discover:

 

  • How abundance can change relationships
  • The importance of a broad perspective
  • Gratitude as a pathway
  • The importance of being acutely aware of your daily life moments

 

Links & Resources

 

Julie Ann Sullivan on Facebook

Julie Ann Sullivan on LinkedIn

Julie Ann Sullivan on Twitter

Email Julie Ann Sullivan

iTunes - Subscribe, Rate & Review

Jul 27, 2016

Humor, Laughter, Fun, Attitude, Enlightenment

 

Episode 043: Humor is a Super Power - Lenny Ravich

URL: http://www.julieannsullivan.com/humor-is-a-super-power-lenny-ravich/

 

On this episode of Mere Mortals Unite, I talk to my dear friend Lenny Ravich all the way from Israel. In Lenny’s own words, he was born at a very young age, so it won’t be any surprise that his superpower is humor. It’s not so much about making other people laugh, but about finding the humor in everyday life. As he puts it, humor greases the hinges of life to make it more fun. As a teacher, being funny was not considered to be a good attribute of his teaching skills. Now research tells us that when people have fun, they learn more and retain information longer. Lenny is so glad that at 80 years old he’s finally being validated. He’s got some great tips to bring more humor into your everyday activities. Listen up and take a few notes.  

You’ll discover:

 

  • What Lenny told a man who asked what he would do if he only had five minutes left to live.
  • Why Lenny calls humor the “red cape” and why you should take it with you wherever you go.
  • The rituals Lenny uses to keep humor at the forefront of his life.
  • Why there is nothing more spiritual than a good laugh.
  • What you can learn from Viktor Frankl, who chose to have a good attitude despite being in a concentration camp.
  • Steps to expand the humorous way you see the world.

 

Interview Links & Other Resources

 

Connect with Lenny Ravich on LinkedIn

Connect with Lenny Ravich on Facebook

A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To Enlightenment by Lenny Ravich

Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl

Living in the Moment and Laughing Your Way to a Better Life

This Might Be the Most Valuable Video You’ll Ever See

Association of Applied and Therapeutic Humor

iTunes - Subscribe, Rate & Review

Jul 26, 2016

Business, relationships, success, disengagement, strategic,well-being, health

 

Episode 042 Strategic Disengagement

URL:   http://www.julieannsullivan.com/strategic-disengagement/

 

Summary

 

This episode of Mere Mortals Unite explores the super power solution strategic disengagement.  In a world where over 200 million emails are sent each day, it’s no wonder that there appears to be no time to relax.  However, the importance of disengaging is a necessity for mental and physical well-being.  Your health directly affects the work you do and the relationships you have.  Your success in business is directly proportionate to your successful relationships.  So learning how to strategically disengage is a pathway to better organizations and a healthier you.  

 

You’ll discover:

 

  • How to identify your stress triggers
  • Benefits of relieving stress
  • Advantages of disengagement
  • Ideas for creating “me” time

 

Links & Resources

 

Apps:  Headspace, Calm, Centered, Breathing

Why Sitting is the New Smoking

Julie Ann Sullivan on Facebook

Julie Ann Sullivan on LinkedIn

Julie Ann Sullivan on Twitter

Email Julie Ann Sullivan

iTunes - Subscribe, Rate & Review

Jul 25, 2016

Faith, Laughter, Humor, Purpose, Suffering

 

Episode 41: Faith - Maia Aziz

URL: http://www.julieannsullivan.com/faith-maia-aziz/

 

On this episode of Mere Mortals Unite, we interview our first Canadian, Maia Aziz. Maia has her own podcast called Morning Moments with Maia. She’s a mother of six, a wonderful wife, and works at Mackay Rehabilitation Centre in Montreal as their program director. I hear she’s a great cook and I know she can crochet awesome scarves. She can do it all, but none of that prevented her from having a child with some genetic anomalies.  


Maia shares her story and how it solidified her faith that all will be well. She reminds us that we have the ability to choose having faith that life has a great purpose for us, but we have to remember to make that choice. A key to her success is to accept that sometimes we have to suffer through and know that’s OK. We all have days that don’t go according to plan, so join us to find some helpful ideas on how to cope.  

You’ll discover:

 

  • What Maia means when she talks about faith.
  • The benefits of having an attitude of faith.
  • How Maia trusted that her daughter would be OK after discovering she had some genetic anomalies.
  • What it means to allow yourself to suffer through a hard situation.
  • Actionable steps to developing a deeper faith.

 

Interview Links & Other Resources

 

Follow Maia Aziz on Twitter

Connect with Maia Aziz on LinkedIn

Connect with Maia Aziz on Facebook

Morning Moments with Maia

Morning Moments With Maia: Sheva Carr on Humor and Human Trafficking

Morning Moments With Maia: Judith Henry on Humor and Caregiving

iTunes - Subscribe, Rate & Review

Jul 22, 2016

Awareness, unique, uniqueness, self-discovery, enhance, attributes, qualities

 

Episode 040: Honor Unique

URL:   http://www.julieannsullivan.com/honor-unique/

 

Summary

 

This episode of Mere Mortals Unite explores the super power solution of embracing what makes you different. Like the snowflake, no two of us is alike. You don’t want to run from what makes you unique. Instead, deliberately discover and enhance the many qualities that are your gifts. Once you start to really look for them, more appear. You also become more attuned to finding these attributes in others.  

 

You’ll discover:

 

  • Unique is desireable
  • How to do a self-inventory
  • Practice can create new qualities
  • Your discovery creates a greater ability to see

 

Interview Links & Other Resources

 

Julie Ann Sullivan on Facebook

Julie Ann Sullivan on LinkedIn

Julie Ann Sullivan on Twitter

Email Julie Ann Sullivan

Book:  The Giver

iTunes - Subscribe, Rate & Review

Jul 21, 2016

Brilliance, Awareness, Curiosity, Focus, Initiative

 

Episode 39: Personal Brilliance - Jim Canterucci

URL: http://www.julieannsullivan.com/personal-brilliance-jim-canterucci/

 

On this episode of Mere Mortals Unite, we interview Jim Canterucci on the topic of personal brilliance. Personal brilliance is beyond being smart--it’s all about having the ability to use the resources you have to create a great idea or better process. Jim Canterucci shares his framework of four specific catalysts that stimulate this developmental practice. The catalysts are awareness, curiosity, focus, and initiative. Listen as Jim gives us the tools we need to polish our natural abilities to enhance our own personal brilliance.

 

You’ll discover:

 

  • The benefits of having personal brilliance.
  • The “persona” of each catalyst.
  • Why curiosity involves both a sense of wonder and a sense of doubt.
  • Why you have once-in-a-lifetime opportunities every day.
  • What Jim learned from a situation where a baby’s life was nearly at stake.
  • Practical steps to expand these catalysts in your own life.

 

Interview Links & Other Resources

 

JimCanterucci.com

Free Personal Brilliance Quotient Assessment

Personal Brilliance by Jim Canterucci

Connect with Jim Canterucci on LinkedIn

Follow Jim Canterucci on Twitter

Connect with Jim Canterucci on Skype via username “jcanterucci”

Thinking Big Enough?

iTunes - Subscribe, Rate & Review

Jul 20, 2016

Accountability, responsibility, blame, personal-power, empowerment, attitude, adversity, choice

 

Episode 038: Don’t blame me!

URL:  http://www.julieannsullivan.com/dont-blame-me/

 

Summary

 

This episode of Mere Mortals Unite explores the super power solution of responsibility and accountability in place of blame. It’s inefficient and unproductive to blame our parents, our job or our government for whatever troubles we have.  If you give away that type of control over your life, you can’t make choices to create more success and joy.  Take back your power!  It might sting a bit, but it’s worth the pain.  

 

You’ll discover:

 

  • How blame creates loss of control
  • Blame is easier but inefficient
  • As you change, so do those around you...in a positive way
  • Life’s a journey, ever evolving

 

Interview Links & Other Resources

 

Julie Ann Sullivan on Facebook

Julie Ann Sullivan on LinkedIn

Julie Ann Sullivan on Twitter

Email Julie Ann Sullivan

iTunes - Subscribe, Rate & Review

Jul 19, 2016

Listening, Empathy, Fear, Strengths, Courage

 

Episode 37: Listen with Empathy - Vanessa Spiller

URL: http://www.julieannsullivan.com/listen-with-empathy-vanessa-spiller/

 

On this episode of Mere Mortals Unite, we interview Vanessa Spiller, who has an amazing superpower of being able to recognize other people’s potential. As an adventure coach for Project Athena, she coaches participants to succeed where they never thought they could. Vanessa listens with empathy and doesn’t try to put herself in someone else’s shoes. Instead, she takes to heart that she’s never been in their shoes, which keeps her from judging others. Join us and find out how to use a 1 to 5 scale to cultivate self-awareness. Get ready for an episode filled with great lessons and a whole lot more.  

You’ll discover:

 

  • How Vanessa describes her superpower.
  • The benefits of seeing strengths in yourself and in others.
  • Why it’s important to ask yourself “What’s the worst that can happen?” when you are faced with fear.
  • Vanessa’s simple but effective exercise for getting rid of negative thoughts.
  • Why giving it all you’ve got is enough.
  • Why it’s important to say “yes” to things that make you feel positive.
  • A simple “1-5” exercise to help you develop more self-awareness.

 

Interview Links & Other Resources

 

ProjectAthena.org

Rev3Adventure.com

Connect with Vanessa Spiller on Skype via username “vanessa.spiller4”

iTunes - Subscribe, Rate & Review

Jul 18, 2016

Behavior, educate, tolerance, patience, listening, love, attitude

 

Episode 036: The World’s Gone MAD

URL:  http://www.julieannsullivan.com/worlds-gone-mad/

 

Summary

 

This episode of Mere Mortals Unite explores the super power solution of dealing with adversity. When the world seems like it’s going MAD, it’s the best time to practice techniques to not add to the chaos.  Acting out like those you may condemn adds to the problems.  To change the atmosphere, you have to rise above and be different.  

 

You’ll discover:

  • Techniques for dealing with adversity
  • The benefit of going beyond your own bias
  • Patience pays
  • Three immediate actions to take



Interview Links & Other Resources

 

Julie Ann Sullivan on Facebook

Julie Ann Sullivan on LinkedIn

Julie Ann Sullivan on Twitter

Email Julie Ann Sullivan

iTunes - Subscribe, Rate & Review

Jul 15, 2016

Gratitude, Leadership, Relationships, Appreciation, Thanks

 

Episode 35: See the Good - Lisa Ryan

URL: http://www.julieannsullivan.com/see-the-good-lisa-ryan/

 

On this episode of Mere Mortals Unite, we interview Lisa Ryan, who has discovered a way to find something good in every situation through her practice of gratitude. Lisa has used this as a basis to teach organizations that with a change in vocabulary and practice, a workforce environment can transform into a place where people want to be productive and engaged. Lisa will explain to you the practice of creating five “thank you’s” each day. It doesn’t take a lot of time, but the rewards are worth every moment of effort. She’ll even touch on the importance of how we receive a compliment, a part of the process you might not have considered. Come join us on this episode and see how you too can find an opportunity lurking almost everywhere.    

You’ll discover:

 

  • How Lisa describes her superpower.
  • Why being let go from her job was the beginning of a transformation for Lisa.
  • A compelling story of how Lisa helped employees in a sewer district be more productive and appreciative to one another.
  • How leaders can use the “apology approach” to foster more gratitude in their organizations.

 

Five ways to create “thank you’s” every day:

 

  1. Keep a gratitude journal.
  2. Send a thank you note in response to something specific.
  3. Write a letter of appreciation to someone telling them how you feel about them and the difference they have made.
  4. Verbally thank people.
  5. Meditate by focusing on the good things in your life.

 

Interview Links & Other Resources

 

Grategy.com

Read Lisa’s blog

Connect with Lisa Ryan on LinkedIn

Follow Lisa Ryan on Twitter

Connect with Lisa Ryan on Facebook

Connect with Lisa Ryan on Skype via username “mygrategy”

52 Weeks of Gratitude by Lisa Ryan

52 More Weeks of Gratitude by Lisa Ryan

iTunes - Subscribe, Rate & Review

Jul 14, 2016

Time, acceptance, control, positive, mindset

 

Episode 034: Precious Time

URL:  http://www.julieannsullivan.com/precious-time/

 

Summary

 

This episode of Mere Mortals Unite explores the super power solution of recognizing the precious gift of time. This gift becomes more visible with age and tragedy, but you can see it now. Listen to four tips on enhancing what you receive out of each moment of time. You only get it once, it’s free but you can’t buy more.

 

You’ll discover:

 

  • Time is a precious gift
  • How to find the gifts in your experience of time
  • How one man found attitude as his treasure, when it didn't seem possible
  • Time is free, how you use it is up to you.

 

Interview Links & Other Resources

 

Julie Ann Sullivan on Facebook

Julie Ann Sullivan on LinkedIn

Julie Ann Sullivan on Twitter

Email Julie Ann Sullivan

iTunes - Subscribe, Rate & Review

Jul 13, 2016

Thinking, Mind, Books, Writing, Clarity

 

Episode 33: Thought to Thoughtful - Mindy Gibbins-Klein

URL: http://www.julieannsullivan.com/thought-to-thoughtful-mindy-gibbins-klein/

 

On this episode of Mere Mortals Unite, we interview our first international guest, Mindy Gibbins-Klein. Mindy is a serial entrepreneur from England who thoughtfully ties all of her endeavors together with her idea of thoughtful leadership. Her focus is on the difference between having thought and being thoughtful in business, in leadership, and in life. What benefits does it bring? High on her list is the benefit of clarity, from the beginning of the thought process through the manner in which the information is being distributed. Being thoughtful at the outset saves time, money and creates better communication. Join us as we talk about the abundance of content that exists in our world today. Mindy gives us some great tips on how to stand out by having thoughtful content instead.  

You’ll discover:

 

  • How Mindy describes her superpower.
  • The benefits of being thoughtful instead of just having thoughts.
  • The difference between “content” and “thoughtful content.”
  • Why the people who do best are the ones who are willing to think bigger.
  • Why we don’t need more books--we need more thought leaders.
  • How Mindy uses principles of thought leadership in her own life every day.
  • Why you must keep yourself strong if you are going to create anything.
  • Why Mindy recommends not checking social media or email the first thing in the morning.

 

Interview Links & Other Resources

 

MindyGK.com

24 Carat Bold by Mindy Gibbins-Klein

4 Ways to Step Up Your Thought Leadership

Real Thought Leaders Go to Bed with Their Clients

Follow Mindy Gibbins-Klein on Twitter here and here

Connect with Mindy Gibbins-Klein on LinkedIn

Connect with Mindy Gibbins-Klein on Facebook

Panoma Press

iTunes - Subscribe, Rate & Review

Jul 12, 2016

Worry, habits, trust, control

 

Episode 032: Don’t Worry...Be

URL:  http://www.julieannsullivan.com/dont-worry-be/

 

Summary

 

This episode of Mere Mortals Unite explores the super power solution of learning to not worry. Worry is an aspect of your life that is difficult to quit. You worry so much, up to 2 hours a day, that it becomes a part of your life like breathing.  So why worry? You worry about circumstances you can change or you worry about circumstances where you have no influence. Listen to how to recognize each and tips to have more time to make a positive difference in the world instead.    

 

You’ll discover:

 

  • How to recognize what you have control over
  • When to take action to relieve worry
  • The difference between caring and worry
  • The importance of trust

 

Interview Links & Other Resources

 

Julie Ann Sullivan on Facebook

Julie Ann Sullivan on LinkedIn

Julie Ann Sullivan on Twitter

Email Julie Ann Sullivan

Man's Search for Meaning - Victor Frankl

iTunes - Subscribe, Rate & Review

Jul 11, 2016

Adversity, Growth, Attitude, Mind, Relationships

 

Episode 31: Mental Muscle - Jake French

URL: http://www.julieannsullivan.com/mental-muscle-jake-french/

 

On this episode of Mere Mortals Unite, we interview the amazing Jake French, who shares with us his superpower of building mental muscle. Jakes lives his life with the attitude of “life happens … live it.” His story is heart-wrenching and incredibly inspiring.I’ve known Jake for years, and his smile is infectious and his wisdom bold. Listen for how he uses the routine of pause, reset, and re-evaluate. You also won’t want to miss Jake sharing what he considers are the worst cuss words out there: “can’t,” “won’t,” and “don’t.” Listen and learn how you can make people want to be around you.  

You’ll discover:

 

  • How Jake describes his superpower.
  • The benefits of working your mental muscles.
  • Jake’s heart-wrenching story of how he became a quadriplegic.
  • The mental muscles Jake uses when life throws him curves.
  • Why you must make the choice to not be a victim.
  • Why you don’t have room in your life for hate.
  • The importance of building a fun environment for the people around you.
  • Specific actionable steps that will help you develop your mental muscles.

 

Interview Links & Other Resources

 

JakeFrenchInspires.com

Do It Like Delta: How You Can Get People’s Attention

Life Happens. Live It! by Jake French

Connect with Jake French on LinkedIn

Connect with Jake French on Facebook

iTunes - Subscribe, Rate & Review

Jul 8, 2016

Influence, positivity, attitude, self-worth,impact

 

Episode 030: Notes to Yourself

URL:  http://www.julieannsullivan.com/notes-to-yourself/

 

Summary

 

This episode of Mere Mortals Unite explores the super power solution of creating a fuzzy file.  This file contains complimentary communication from people whose lives you have had a positive influence on.  Self worth is affected in a positive way from this collection.  People from all walks of life can benefit from keeping and referring to a fuzzy file.   

 

You’ll discover:

 

  • How to create a life that will create a fuzzy file
  • A keen sense of awareness to detect compliments coming your way
  • Three consequences of utilizing this information
  • A change in perspective

 

Interview Links & Other Resources

 

Julie Ann Sullivan on Facebook

Julie Ann Sullivan on LinkedIn

Julie Ann Sullivan on Twitter

Email Julie Ann Sullivan

iTunes - Subscribe, Rate & Review

Jul 7, 2016

Decisions, Leadership, Relationships, Teamwork, Action

 

Episode 29: Right Decision, First Time - Annette Dubrouillet

URL: http://www.julieannsullivan.com/right-decision-first-time-annette-dubrouillet/

 

On this episode of Mere Mortals Unite, we interview Annette Dubrouillet, who has a company called Decision Makers. She shares valuable information on what we need to know to make a good decision. Are you a close-ended decider or an open-ended decider? Find out because it makes a difference. Annette shares what to look for in decision drivers, which might be personalities in the process or past experience. Both of these can get in the way of making an informed and thoughtful decision. Don’t get caught up in the syndrome of, “But we’ve always done it this way.” Join us as Annette assists YOU in making the right decision the first time.

You’ll discover:

 

  • How Annette describes her superpower.
  • Why a good leader doesn’t just focus on what decision should be, but how the decision should be made (i.e. an opportunity to build teamwork and learn to communicate).
  • Four steps to making better decisions.
  • The #1 reason why nothing gets done after a decision is made.

 

Formulas for controlling your open-ended or closed-ended decision making styles:

 

If you are an Open-Ended Decider:
1. Set a limit for the maximum number of options you will consider, using what you think to be a low number. Give yourself an actual number, don’t just say, “I won’t consider too many options.” Be specific, “I will consider no more than three options.”
2. Set a maximum time limit for your decision. Again, be specific, not just, “I’ll decide quickly.”  But make the time frame realistic. If you’re deciding on a new job, don’t say you’ll decide within ten minutes. A situation like that would be more of a one- to two-week decision.

If you are a Closed-Ended Decider:
1. Set a limit to the minimum number of options you will consider, using what you think to be a high number. Give yourself an actual number, don’t just say, “I will consider several options.” Be specific, “I will consider no fewer than four options.”
2. Set a minimum time limit for your decision. Again, be specific, not just, “I won’t decide too quickly.” But make the time frame realistic. If you’re deciding about applying for a grant for your organization that has a deadline of next week, you have to factor in how long it will take to create the grant application. You can’t postpone your decision until the day before the application is due.

Interview Links & Other Resources

 

Make No Mistake: How to Make the Best Decision the First Time by Annette Dubrouillet

Grazie, Prego - Worrying About Past Decisions

Decision Making in a Bureaucracy - The Good, The Bad and The Paradox

Follow Annette Dubrouillet on Twitter

Connect with Annette Dubrouillet on LinkedIn

iTunes - Subscribe, Rate & Review

Jul 7, 2016

Decisions, Leadership, Relationships, Teamwork, Action

 

Episode 29: Right Decision, First Time - Annette Dubrouillet

URL: http://www.julieannsullivan.com/right-decision-first-time-annette-dubrouillet/

 

On this episode of Mere Mortals Unite, we interview Annette Dubrouillet, who has a company called Decision Makers. She shares valuable information on what we need to know to make a good decision. Are you a close-ended decider or an open-ended decider? Find out because it makes a difference. Annette shares what to look for in decision drivers, which might be personalities in the process or past experience. Both of these can get in the way of making an informed and thoughtful decision. Don’t get caught up in the syndrome of, “But we’ve always done it this way.” Join us as Annette assists YOU in making the right decision the first time.

You’ll discover:

 

  • How Annette describes her superpower.
  • Why a good leader doesn’t just focus on what decision should be, but how the decision should be made (i.e. an opportunity to build teamwork and learn to communicate).
  • Four steps to making better decisions.
  • The #1 reason why nothing gets done after a decision is made.

 

Formulas for controlling your open-ended or closed-ended decision making styles:

 

If you are an Open-Ended Decider:
1. Set a limit for the maximum number of options you will consider, using what you think to be a low number. Give yourself an actual number, don’t just say, “I won’t consider too many options.” Be specific, “I will consider no more than three options.”
2. Set a maximum time limit for your decision. Again, be specific, not just, “I’ll decide quickly.”  But make the time frame realistic. If you’re deciding on a new job, don’t say you’ll decide within ten minutes. A situation like that would be more of a one- to two-week decision.

If you are a Closed-Ended Decider:
1. Set a limit to the minimum number of options you will consider, using what you think to be a high number. Give yourself an actual number, don’t just say, “I will consider several options.” Be specific, “I will consider no fewer than four options.”
2. Set a minimum time limit for your decision. Again, be specific, not just, “I won’t decide too quickly.” But make the time frame realistic. If you’re deciding about applying for a grant for your organization that has a deadline of next week, you have to factor in how long it will take to create the grant application. You can’t postpone your decision until the day before the application is due.

Interview Links & Other Resources

 

Make No Mistake: How to Make the Best Decision the First Time by Annette Dubrouillet

Grazie, Prego - Worrying About Past Decisions

Decision Making in a Bureaucracy - The Good, The Bad and The Paradox

Follow Annette Dubrouillet on Twitter

Connect with Annette Dubrouillet on LinkedIn

iTunes - Subscribe, Rate & Review

Jul 6, 2016

Creativity, change, control, adaptability, flexibility, opportunity

 

Episode 28: Create Your Own Reality

URL:   http://www.julieannsullivan.com/create-your-own-reality/

 

Summary

 

This episode of Mere Mortals Unite explores the super power solution of creating your own reality.  Life takes turns, unexpected changes and you can either lament or adapt. There are ways to continue the journey with a full heart and great success. It’s easier if your perspective is one in which recognizes that aspects that are out of your control are the reason your experience will be unique. Being unique is advantageous.

 

You’ll discover:

 

  • What you can do with circumstances out of your control
  • How to create opportunities out of detours
  • Expect the unexpected
  • It’s ok to ask for help

 

Interview Links & Other Resources

 

Julie Ann Sullivan on Facebook

Julie Ann Sullivan on LinkedIn

Julie Ann Sullivan on Twitter

Email Julie Ann Sullivan

iTunes - Subscribe, Rate & Review

Jul 5, 2016

Giving, Failure, Adversity, Influence, Relationships

 

Episode 27: Improving the Lives of Others - Greg Williams

URL: http://www.julieannsullivan.com/improving-lives-others-greg-williams/

 

On this episode of Mere Mortals Unite, we interview Greg Williams, a master negotiator and body language expert. Greg grew up deprived of many of the necessities of life. However, his mother always gave to those less fortunate than they were. Greg’s philosophy grew out of that generosity. When you pay it forward, the return will be tenfold. It's not about what you can receive but more about what positive changes happen in the world as a whole when you live your life like that. Our discussion includes how to engage others and when to back off. Join me in listening to a kind, intelligent, and helpful mere mortal.

 

You’ll discover:

 

  • How Greg describes his superpower.
  • Why growing up poor had a profound impact on Greg’s mindset, and how his parents taught him the value of giving.
  • Greg’s perspective on failure, and why he never fails at anything.
  • Why adversity teaches us the best lessons in life.
  • Actionable steps to positively influence others.

 

Interview Links & Other Resources

 

The Master Negotiator Blog

Body Language and Nonverbal Communications in Negotiations

Follow Greg Williams on Twitter

Connect with Greg Williams on Facebook

Connect with Greg Williams on LinkedIn

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Jul 1, 2016

independence

 

Episode 26: The Power of Independence

URL:   http://www.julieannsullivan.com/the-power-of-independence/

 

Summary

 

This episode of Mere Mortals Unite explores the power of independence. Like the 4th of July celebrates our independence as a nation, you too can celebrate your independence of thought. Don’t allow yourself to follow a crowd like lemmings into the sea.  Being independent means you educate yourself on your own beliefs. Sometimes that means understanding the other side.

 

You’ll discover:

 

  • How you can create your own bias
  • Why Searching for a difference of opinion can strengthen your own
  • Limitations caused by limiting knowledge
  • Rewards of an independent workforce

 

Interview Links & Other Resources

 

Julie Ann Sullivan on Facebook

Julie Ann Sullivan on LinkedIn

Julie Ann Sullivan on Twitter

Email Julie Ann Sullivan

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