The Heart & Science of Leadership – Details, episodes & analysis

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John Maxwell once said, “If you think you're leading and no one is following, you're just taking a walk.” Leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about the team you build, develop, and inspire. In this episode, we’re breaking down the 5 P’s of Team Building—Pursuing, Promoting, Purging, Pushing, and Pulling—to help you create a high-performing team that doesn’t just follow but thrives.

From attracting top talent to making tough calls on underperformance, from fueling motivation to inspiring action, we dive deep into the behavioral science behind effective leadership. Join us as we explore the strategies that separate real leaders from those just taking a walk.

🎧 Tune in and learn how to build a team that wins—together.

Pick up a copy of the #1 bestseller: Adaptive Intelligence: The Evolution of Emotional Intelligence Through the Proven Power of Behavior Science

The Behavioral Toolbox  equips those charged with supporting behavior change in schools with practical applications of the science of human behavior for making a positive difference in the workplace. In this case, the classroom and school!

Be sure to subscribe to Dr. Paulie's Heart & Science YouTube channel for a variety of content related to behavior science and bringing out the best in yourself and others. 

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Unlock the secrets to impactful leadership with insights from Dr. Paul "Paulie" Gavoni and AJ Rinaldi. Discover how real leadership transcends titles and transforms cultures by focusing on influence and authenticity. Dr. Paulie reveals his journey from social work to leadership, driven by a passion for improving leadership practices. Meanwhile, AJ shares his wealth of experience in youth work and education, inspired by the wisdom of John Maxwell. Together, they offer a fresh perspective on the nuanced dance between leadership and management, urging us to look beyond mere positions to the heart of influence.

This episode promises to equip you with practical tools and real-world examples to enhance your leadership skills, no matter your formal position. Embark on a journey with us to redefine leadership as a set of behaviors that can transform not only organizations but also lives.

Pick up a copy of the #1 bestseller: Adaptive Intelligence: The Evolution of Emotional Intelligence Through the Proven Power of Behavior Science

The Behavioral Toolbox  equips those charged with supporting behavior change in schools with practical applications of the science of human behavior for making a positive difference in the workplace. In this case, the classroom and school!

Be sure to subscribe to Dr. Paulie's Heart & Science YouTube channel for a variety of content related to behavior science and bringing out the best in yourself and others. 

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Dive into the revolutionary world of professional sports through the lens of behavior analysis with my guest, Brett Yaris. Brett is breaking the mold by integrating Applied Behavior Analysis with NFL training methods. His unique path from special education to professional football coaching challenges traditional coaching methods and sparks new ways of thinking. In this episode, we'll take a look at Brett's career including the transition from special education to coaching NFL athletes.

This conversation is essential for anyone interested in how behavior analysis can be applied outside its usual settings. If you are interested in learning more about expanding your own career and pursuing your passion,  stay tuned for an upcoming webinar titled "The Path Less Taken: A Roadmap for Behavior Analysts Seeking New Avenues" where Dr. Nick Green and I unpack the behavioral principles that have not only supported our success but can also serve as a guide for others seeking to navigate their way to fulfilling careers outside the conventional applications of ABA. This webinar promises empowerment, offering strategies, insights, and the inspiration needed to take the plunge into new domains where behavior analysts can thrive, proving that with the right mindset and tools, the world truly is an expansive oyster waiting to be explored.

Football Behavior Newsletter
NFL Predictions With Football Behavior
Shaping the Basics w/ Kansas City Chiefs Lucas Niang

Pick up a copy of the #1 bestseller: Adaptive Intelligence: The Evolution of Emotional Intelligence Through the Proven Power of Behavior Science

The Behavioral Toolbox  equips those charged with supporting behavior change in schools with practical applications of the science of human behavior for making a positive difference in the workplace. In this case, the classroom and school!

Be sure to subscribe to Dr. Paulie's Heart & Science YouTube channel for a variety of content related to behavior science and bringing out the best in yourself and others. 

Send us a text

In this episode,  David Roth and I emphasize the critical need for the field of behavior analysis to delve deeper into the concept of resilience. While the concept of resilience is widely acknowledged, there's a gap in our understanding of it. It's our goal to ignite a conversation and inspire action on the pressing issue of defining and analyzing resilience. Today's discussion is driven by compassion and our personal experiences that have served as a catalyst to encourage this exploration.

Additional Resources:
Estes and Skinner Paper
Gavoni and Polk Paper

Pick up a copy of the #1 bestseller: Adaptive Intelligence: The Evolution of Emotional Intelligence Through the Proven Power of Behavior Science

The Behavioral Toolbox  equips those charged with supporting behavior change in schools with practical applications of the science of human behavior for making a positive difference in the workplace. In this case, the classroom and school!

Be sure to subscribe to Dr. Paulie's Heart & Science YouTube channel for a variety of content related to behavior science and bringing out the best in yourself and others. 

Send us a text

Ever been dumped? Remember that pain? Being broken up with is something that most people experience at some point in their life.  Many learn and continue to move forward. But for some, it's a painful experience they try to avoid but end up living many times over.  If you are one of those people, what might you have done more, less, or differently to avoid the breakup? Perhaps you wanted to get back together, but it didn't work out. Or maybe feelings are fading while emotional outbursts are increasing in your current relationship, and you'd like to learn some tips for improving it.  In this episode, I unpack the science behind human relationships with New York Times featured relationship coach expert, Lee Wilson.

In our conversation we discuss a number of relationship dynamics, offering an in-depth look at what he calls the "no contact rule," the power of self-reflection, and the role of support in relationships. Lee and I take a closer look at the concept of limerence, its role in driving us towards intimate relationships, and the dangerous consequences of imbalanced relationships. We tackle strategies to strike a healthy balance, alongside analyzing the impact of no contact in breakups, and then touch upon navigating changes in relationships and the importance of renegotiation to maintain a healthy connection.

Finally, we weave our way through the complexities of interpersonal dynamics, with Lee providing real-world solutions grounded in solid behavioral principles.
 
Coach Lee's Article on Limerence 
Why feelings fade
Coach Lee's YouTube Channel   

Pick up a copy of the #1 bestseller: Adaptive Intelligence: The Evolution of Emotional Intelligence Through the Proven Power of Behavior Science

The Behavioral Toolbox  equips those charged with supporting behavior change in schools with practical applications of the science of human behavior for making a positive difference in the workplace. In this case, the classroom and school!

Be sure to subscribe to Dr. Paulie's Heart & Science YouTube channel for a variety of content related to behavior science and bringing out the best in yourself and others. 

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Dive headfirst into the intriguing world of behavior analysis with my good friend, Dr. Merrill Winston. In this fascinating discussion, we challenge the norms of traditional functional analysis in education, shedding light on the holistic aspects of behavior challenges. Anchored in the teachings of field pioneers like Brian Iwata and Hank Pennypacker, our conversation unearths the need for a deeper understanding and more probing questions about behavior.

We delve into the issue of extreme reactions stemming from the aversive stimuli of everyday life. How can we better manage these situations? How can aversives build resilience and help achieve goals? Dr. Winston expertly guides us through these complex waters, highlighting the dynamic nature of behavior problems and the impact of varying reinforcement types from adults and peers.

We also touch on the essential role of behavior analysts in successful outcomes and the quest for meaningful behavior change. As we wade through the challenges of inclusion, we take a hard look at an ecological approach to behavior problems. We examine issues around curriculum, teaching, and repertoire problems, along with the complexities of punishment. We wrap up with practical tips on managing conflicts and maintaining balance in meetings.

If you'd like to find out more about Dr. Winston or connect with him, check out his website, Winston Behavioral Solutions

Also, be sure to check out the Stone Soup Conference. Dr. Winston, Anika Costa, and a stellar lineup of behavior analysts will be presenting on a range of topics!

And finally, if you are a behavioral consultant in school districts and you find yourself struggling with making a positive difference, check out The Behavioral Toolbox, the first online course of its kind that's bringing Organizational Behavior Management to behavioral consulting in education!

Pick up a copy of the #1 bestseller: Adaptive Intelligence: The Evolution of Emotional Intelligence Through the Proven Power of Behavior Science

The Behavioral Toolbox  equips those charged with supporting behavior change in schools with practical applications of the science of human behavior for making a positive difference in the workplace. In this case, the classroom and school!

Be sure to subscribe to Dr. Paulie's Heart & Science YouTube channel for a variety of content related to behavior science and bringing out the best in yourself and others. 

Send us a text

What does it mean to create healthier, equitable workplaces? How does behavioral science play a key role in this transformation? Join us as we welcome the insightful Portia James to answer these questions. Portia, a prominent leader in the field of behavior analysis, shares her experiences and passion for constructing fair workforces where people feel valued. She sheds light on the rapidly evolving industry, underlining the escalating demands and complexities of leadership.

Embark with us on Portia's personal odyssey as she navigates the challenges of leading in a domain that often prioritizes corporate power, money, and titles over human-centric approaches. Journey with us through the intricate world of entrepreneurship and leadership, where Portia emphasizes on the necessity for decision-making prowess and perspective-taking. We delve into the science of behavior analysis as the very DNA of leadership, stressing on the alignment of values and behaviors. As leaders, we must ensure accountability and resist the temptation to get overly absorbed in daily business trivialities.

In our concluding act, Portia and I focus on the essential subject of feedback and perspective in leadership. We scrutinize the dangerous notion of 'selling your soul' and how it cannibalizes a person's essence over time. Portia highlights the essence of humility in leadership and the need for feedback, both from industry veterans and team members within our organization. We wrap up with Portia sharing her insights on using social media effectively for communication and fostering engaging conversations. Tune in for an enlightening discussion on the significance of vision, integrity, and humility in leadership.

Pick up a copy of the #1 bestseller: Adaptive Intelligence: The Evolution of Emotional Intelligence Through the Proven Power of Behavior Science

The Behavioral Toolbox  equips those charged with supporting behavior change in schools with practical applications of the science of human behavior for making a positive difference in the workplace. In this case, the classroom and school!

Be sure to subscribe to Dr. Paulie's Heart & Science YouTube channel for a variety of content related to behavior science and bringing out the best in yourself and others. 

Send us a text

Hey there, fellow behavior analysts and seekers of knowledge! Get ready to dive into an eye-opening episode with Dr. Antonio Harrison, a true maverick in the field of applied behavior analysis (ABA). And guess what? We're not just sticking to the ordinary.

Sure, ABA is like a superhero when it comes to helping those on the autism spectrum, but in this chat, we're blowing the lid off its potential. But hold on, that's not all. Ever wondered how to blend your niche with your passions and craft your own ABA path? Dr. Harrison and I spill the beans on exactly that. Tune in to find out how to explore how to leverage your passion and unleash your potential through the magic of ABA.

Link to Antonio's letter discussed in the episode
Link to Antonio's website

Pick up a copy of the #1 bestseller: Adaptive Intelligence: The Evolution of Emotional Intelligence Through the Proven Power of Behavior Science

The Behavioral Toolbox  equips those charged with supporting behavior change in schools with practical applications of the science of human behavior for making a positive difference in the workplace. In this case, the classroom and school!

Be sure to subscribe to Dr. Paulie's Heart & Science YouTube channel for a variety of content related to behavior science and bringing out the best in yourself and others. 

Send us a text

From a behavior analytic perspective, trauma can be seen as an aversive event or series of events that have led to maladaptive behavior patterns or reactions to certain stimuli.  When we understand that an individual's behaviors might be a response to trauma, we can respond more effectively. But how can we better understand trauma? And what constitutes effective responses from a behavior analytic lens?

In this episode, I gathered accomplished behavior analysts Steve Ward, Dr. Adithyan "Dithu" Rajaraman, Dr. Jennifer Austin, and David Roth to dig into a number of questions as a call for nuance on the topic.

AN IMPORTANT AND PERSONAL NOTE ON THIS EPISODE:
I believe there are a number of very good and compassionate behavior analysts who feel one way or another about the concept and approaches associated with TIC. Unfortunately, in some cases, it's led to a classification of behaviors that might be labeled "cancel culture." This is an important topic, and engaging in these types of cancel culture behaviors can create defensiveness and division as opposed to open dialogue and learning. In addition, it tends to punish philosophical doubt, a fundamental underpinning of science.

Using coercion to drive a point home, even if it's a good point, too often leads to counter-control, which usually makes things worse. Let's make a stand on our points, but do so respectfully and in a way that keeps the conversation going. I was grateful to learn from these brilliant and compassionate behavior analysts.. #walkthetalk
Links:
1) Trauma-Informed Care, Assent, and Compassion - A Call for Nuance in ABA
2.) An Intellectually Honest Discussion about Punishment and CESS
3.) Assent and Compliance - When to Use Which
4.) Punishment on Trial in Behavior Analysis
5.)Trauma-Informed Care, Assent, and Compassion - A Call for Nuance in ABA
6.) Towards Trauma-Informed Applications of Behavior Analysis: Inside JABA Series

Pick up a copy of the #1 bestseller: Adaptive Intelligence: The Evolution of Emotional Intelligence Through the Proven Power of Behavior Science

The Behavioral Toolbox  equips those charged with supporting behavior change in schools with practical applications of the science of human behavior for making a positive difference in the workplace. In this case, the classroom and school!

Be sure to subscribe to Dr. Paulie's Heart & Science YouTube channel for a variety of content related to behavior science and bringing out the best in yourself and others. 

Send us a text

As an entrepreneurial Behavior Analyst, Dr. Emily Ice  has participated in founding organizations within the non-profit and profit sectors for over two decades. Additionally, she has expertise in consultation and mentorship with applying Applied Behavior Analysis for the treatment of sleep disturbances.

In this chat we discuss behavioral approaches for improving sleep; in addition, cover key principles for improving the performance and sustainability of behavior analytic organizations.

Dr. Ice’s consultation link: stepinautism.com/sleep

Here is a great overview of behavior analytic research provided by Dr. Ice

Luiselli, J. K. (2021). Applied behavior analysis measurement, assessment, and treatment of sleep and sleep‐related problems. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 54(2), 654-667. (link: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/James-Luiselli-2/publication/351117293_Applied_behavior_analysis_measurement_assessment_and_treatment_of_sleep_and_sleep-related_problems/links/60885e34907dcf667bcac1b4/Applied-behavior-analysis-measurement-assessment-and-treatment-of-sleep-and-sleep-related-problems.pdf)
*Check out his reference list and deep dive into some of the great articles out there exploring this realm!

Dr. Ice is on the public outreach committee for the Society of Behavioral Sleep Medicine (SBSM). The SBSM is an interdisciplinary organization committed to advancing the scientific approach to studying the behavioral, psychological, and physiological dimensions of sleep and sleep disorders and the application of this knowledge to the betterment of individuals and societies worldwide. (link: https://www.behavioralsleep.org/)

There is also a Facebook group to connect with other behavior analysts interested in sleep-related behaviors: (link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/403669074259028)

 

Pick up a copy of the #1 bestseller: Adaptive Intelligence: The Evolution of Emotional Intelligence Through the Proven Power of Behavior Science

The Behavioral Toolbox  equips those charged with supporting behavior change in schools with practical applications of the science of human behavior for making a positive difference in the workplace. In this case, the classroom and school!

Be sure to subscribe to Dr. Paulie's Heart & Science YouTube channel for a variety of content related to behavior science and bringing out the best in yourself and others.