Mo-ments of Experience – Détails, épisodes et analyse

In this episode, Geoffrey Smith sits down with Jen Marr, author, speaker, and relationship leadership pioneer, to explore how leaders can navigate uncertainty, disruption, and human challenges in the modern workplace. Drawing from over a decade of research into human behavior during crisis and upheaval, Jen shares how our instinctive responses to distress are often misaligned with what people truly need, and how leaders can develop practical skills to better support others.  

They discuss the impact of generational shifts, the rise of digital communication, and why face-to-face human connection remains essential for building trust, engagement, and belonging in teams. Jen also shares powerful insights from her work in the aftermath of the Sandy Hook tragedy, revealing how well-intentioned actions can sometimes miss the mark when people fail to ask what support is truly needed. The conversation challenges the common understanding of empathy and compassion, highlighting why emotions alone are not enough and why the right actions must come first. This episode offers a practical and deeply human perspective on leadership, showing how intentional connection, clear conversations, and consistent check-ins can transform both workplaces and lives.

Additional Resources:

Follow Jen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenmarr/
Visit Jen's website: https://jenmarr.com/home
Check out Jen's books: https://www.showing-up.com/books

Visit Mo-Ments of Experience's website: www.mo-mentsofexperience.com

Subscribe to Mo-Ments of Experience on YouTube! https://youtube.com/@mo-mentsofexperience?si=IZAB036xX1mmrn2C\

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/peopleforward-network/

Learn more about PeopleForward Network: https://peopleforwardnetwork.com/

Key Takeaways:

- Humans often respond incorrectly to distress or uncertainty, making practical care skills essential for effective leadership.
- Empathy and compassion are emotions, but meaningful support requires the right actions, not just good intentions.
- Face-to-face connection and frequent check-ins help employees feel seen, valued, and supported.
- Generational differences and digital communication are reshaping how people connect and collaborate at work.
- Leaders can strengthen culture by building clear communication frameworks and focusing on human relationships first.

In this episode, Geoffrey Smith sits down with Meredith Mangold to explore how lived patient experience can reshape the way digital health tools are designed, implemented, and adopted. Drawing from her journey through severe illness, surgeries, and years of navigating chronic conditions, Meredith shares how personal experience reveals the emotional and practical realities patients face that systems often overlook.

They discuss the critical gap between innovation and usability, why healthcare solutions must serve patients, clinicians, and administrators together, and how technology must go beyond functionality to foster trust and connection. Through powerful stories from the bedside, coaching, and product design, the conversation highlights how validation, empathy, and storytelling transform engagement. This episode offers a human-centered lens on innovation, reminding listeners that the most effective solutions are those patients choose, trust, and rely on.

Additional Resources:

Follow Meredith on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meredithmangold/

Visit Empower Health Strategies website: www.empowerhealthstrategies.com

Visit Mo-Ments of Experience's website: www.mo-mentsofexperience.com

Subscribe to Mo-Ments of Experience on YouTube! https://youtube.com/@mo-mentsofexperience?si=IZAB036xX1mmrn2C\\

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/peopleforward-network/

Learn more about PeopleForward Network: https://peopleforwardnetwork.com/

Key Takeaways:

• Lived patient experience brings insight that data and research alone cannot provide.
• Adoption improves when digital health tools make patients feel seen, supported, and empowered.
• Healthcare solutions must consider patients, clinicians, and administrators as part of one system.
• Storytelling is a powerful mechanism for trust, validation, and human connection.
• Resistance to innovation often stems from misalignment between real needs and designed solutions.

As Mo continues on the mend after a challenging few months of poor health, I wanted to replay a "Greatest Hits" episode of Mo-ments of Experience as I continue a brief sabbatical from new content to nurse Mo back to himself. This is one of my all-time favorites as I get to "geek out" on research behind workplace well-being with my amazing guest, Paula Allen.

What if the secret to a thriving workplace culture came down to just five simple leadership behaviors?

In this replay, Geoffrey sits down with the brilliant Paula Allen, global mental health researcher and champion for workplace wellbeing. Together, they geek out over the five leadership behaviors that shape thriving, resilient teams.

From psychological safety to the magic of gratitude, this episode is packed with actionable insights that are just as relevant today as when it first aired. Whether you're leading a team or hoping to inspire change in your workplace, this one's a must-listen.

Let's revisit the science of being more human, because culture starts with how we lead 💛

Additional Resources:

Connect with Paula on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paula-allen-2717206/

Learn more about Telus Health: https://www.telushealth.com/en-us/https:/go.telushealth.com/telus-mental-health-index

www.mo-mentsofexperience.com

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/peopleforward-network/

Learn more about PeopleForward Network: https://peopleforwardnetwork.com/

• Leader behaviors, not titles, define workplace culture.
• Kind, collaborative leadership builds team trust and safety.
• Inclusivity fuels creativity and engagement.
• Purpose-driven leaders inspire extra effort.
• Clear, decisive leadership reduces anxiety.

As Mo continues on the mend after a challenging few months of poor health, I wanted a re-release a "Greatest Hits" episode of Mo-ments of Experience as I continue a brief sabbatical from new content to nurse Mo back to himself.

I quote my friend and brilliant guest Stephen Beeson often… we talk all things purpose, leadership, and how "engagement is a local phenomenon."  Enjoy this inspiring conversation and send our beagle all the positive vibes you can spare!

What if the key to transforming healthcare isn't another system, but the human connection right in front of us?

Geoffrey sits down with Dr. Stephen Beeson, founder of Practicing Excellence, to explore a question we should all be asking: how do we support the people who care for others?

Through stories, insights, and a few hard truths, Stephen reminds us that real change in healthcare starts with the people leading teams every day—those shaping culture through connection, not just policy.

From micro-learning to the power of being present, this conversation is a refreshing take on what it means to lead with heart and build a system that actually works for humans. If you're ready to rethink leadership from the inside out, this one's for you.

Additional Resources:

Connect with Dr. Beeson on LinkedIn

Learn more about Practicing Excellence

www.mo-mentsofexperience.com

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/peopleforward-network/

Learn more about PeopleForward Network: https://peopleforwardnetwork.com/

• Engagement starts locally, not top-down.
• Great leaders use evidence-based behaviors.
• People development is essential, not optional.
• Purpose-driven care fuels clinician fulfillment.
• Measure engagement through feelings, not just surveys.

Have you met my beagle Mo?

In light of his recent 15th birthday and some difficult health challenges he is currently facing (with his tail still wagging), I wanted to replay my very first episode of Mo-ments of Experience that tells the origin story of why this podcast is named after my best boy.

Please send some positive vibes Mo's way by joining me and my close friend and colleague Pantea Vahidi as we explore all things compassion… both human and canine.

Through heartfelt stories, from patients in the hospital to her own father showing up with tea and flatbread late at night, Pantea reveals how presence and small acts of care can completely change the course of someone's journey.

Together, Geoffrey and Pantea unpack how compassion shows up in the toughest moments, why it's more powerful than we think, and how it gives hope not just to the person receiving it, but to everyone watching.

This conversation is a reminder that sometimes the most meaningful thing we can offer is simply to be there.

Additional Resources:

Connect with Pantea on LinkedIn

Learn more about Compassion Clinic

www.mo-mentsofexperience.com   

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/peopleforward-network/

Learn more about PeopleForward Network: https://peopleforwardnetwork.com/

• Compassion = empathy plus action.
• Presence often matters more than solutions.
• Small acts show people they matter.
• Honest words should still leave room for hope.
• Compassion impacts giver, receiver, and observer.

In this episode of Mo-ments of Experience, I sit down with the insightful Katie Swenson.  We talk healthcare innovation, challenging the status quo, and the importance of trust in building high-performing teams.  Katie shares how her athletic and military background shaped her as a leader, tells the story of being a freshman at the Air Force Academy during the September 11th attacks, and speaks to her deep personal commitment to meaningful, sustainable change in healthcare.

𝗔𝗱𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲𝘀:

Follow Katie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-swensonpa-c/

Mo-ments of Experience website: http://www.mo-mentsofexperience.com/

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/peopleforward-network/

𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗮𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀:

• Katie's leadership mantra is to lead like an athlete.

• The military experience provides unique perspectives on leadership and teamwork.

• Innovating in healthcare requires overcoming the status quo.

• Building trust is essential for high-performing teams.

• Shared experiences can deepen trust among team members.

If you enjoyed today's conversation, please consider subscribing, commenting, or sharing with a friend. Thank you for listening!

As an exclusive offer for Mo-ments of Experience listeners, Astra Wellbeing is offering a 3-month pilot of the platform. To learn more about this opportunity or how you can stay informed, feel free to fill out our interest form here-https://www.astrawellbeing.com/interest-form

In this episode, Geoffrey Smith converses with Kristin Nelson, a speech language pathologist and life coach, who shares her inspiring journey of resilience and self-empowerment through health challenges. Kristin discusses her long path to diagnosis, the emotional and physical struggles she faced, and how yoga therapy transformed her understanding of healing. The conversation emphasizes the importance of finding joy in simple moments and the power of self-advocacy in the face of adversity.

As an exclusive offer for Mo-ments of Experience listeners, Astra Wellbeing is offering a 3-month pilot of the platform. To learn more about this opportunity or how you can stay informed, feel free to fill out our [interest form here](https://www.astrawellbeing.com/interest-form) and/or follow us on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/astrawellbeing.

Additional Resources:

Learn more about Kristin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-nelson-05a83219/

https://www.thealinker.com/

https://www.untangledrootscoach.com/

http://www.mo-mentsofexperience.com/

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/peopleforward-network/

Learn more about PeopleForward Network: https://peopleforwardnetwork.com/

Key Takeaways:

- Kristin's journey began at a young age with mobility loss.
- The importance of receiving a diagnosis to begin treatment.
- Resilience is about believing in oneself despite challenges.
- Moments of experience shape our paths and inspire growth.
- Self-empowerment is crucial for healing and recovery.

In this episode, Geoffrey Smith interviews Mohammad Anwar, founder and CEO, discussing the transformative power of love in business and organizational culture. They explore how individual actions can catalyze change, the importance of experiential learning in altering behaviors, and the necessity of measuring employee experiences to foster engagement. Anwar shares personal stories that shaped his journey and emphasizes the need for recognition and belonging in the workplace. The conversation concludes with a call to lead with love to create meaningful change.

As an exclusive offer for Mo-ments of Experience listeners, Astra Wellbeing is offering a 3-month pilot of the platform. To learn more about this opportunity or how you can stay informed, feel free to fill out our interest form here and/or follow us on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/astrawellbeing.

Additional Resources:

Learn more about Mohammad: https://www.softway.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/manwarsoftway/
https://www.loveasabusinessstrategy.com/

www.mo-mentsofexperience.com

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/peopleforward-network/

Learn more about PeopleForward Network: https://peopleforwardnetwork.com/

• Change must start with the individual.
• Everyone has the capacity to influence change.
• Experiences are crucial for changing behaviors.
• Love can be a strategy for business success.
• Recognition fosters a sense of belonging.

In this episode, Geoffrey Smith interviews Steven White, a healthcare innovator and former professional athlete, who shares his journey from personal health struggles to creating a preemptive healthcare model. The conversation explores the importance of compassion, gratitude, and trust in healthcare, as well as the role of evidence-based research in developing effective treatments. Steven emphasizes the significance of helping others and living with purpose, highlighting how small moments can lead to significant transformations in life and health.

As an exclusive offer for Mo-ments of Experience listeners, Astra Wellbeing is offering a 3-month pilot of the platform. To learn more about this opportunity or how you can stay informed, feel free to fill out our interest form here and/or follow us on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/astrawellbeing.

Additional Resources:

Check out The Pacific Clinic: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thepacificclinic/
https://www.pacific.clinic/

www.mo-mentsofexperience.com

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/peopleforward-network/

Learn more about PeopleForward Network: https://peopleforwardnetwork.com/

• Steve White emphasizes the importance of not being an expert to seek knowledge from others.
• His commitment to helping others stems from his own health journey.
• The PC focuses on preemptive healthcare rather than just preventative care.
• Building trust through information sharing is crucial in healthcare.
• Gratitude and helping others are key components of healing.

In this episode, Geoffrey Smith and Paula Allen discuss the critical intersection of mental health and workplace culture. They explore the importance of prevention in mental health, the significant role of team leaders in shaping workplace culture, and the key traits that make leaders effective. The conversation emphasizes the need for inclusion and social connections to foster creativity and well-being in the workforce.

As an exclusive offer for Mo-ments of Experience listeners, Astra Wellbeing is offering a 3-month pilot of the platform. To learn more about this opportunity or how you can stay informed, feel free to fill out our interest form here and/or follow us on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/astrawellbeing.

Additional Resources:

Follow Paula on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paula-allen-

Visit Telus Health: 2717206/https://www.telushealth.com/
https://go.telushealth.com/telus-mental-health-index

www.mo-mentsofexperience.com

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/peopleforward-network/

Learn more about PeopleForward Network: https://peopleforwardnetwork.com/

• Paula Allen transitioned from mental health clinician to researcher.
• Prevention in mental health is essential to avoid crises.
• Team leaders significantly influence workplace culture.
• Psychological safety is vital for team performance.
• Inclusion fosters creativity and innovation.