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  • Think You’re Off Track? This Might Be the Sign You’re Not

    Think You’re Off Track? This Might Be the Sign You’re Not
    2025/06/06
    Ever feel like your story needs a rewrite? In this episode, I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Kristin Hiemstra, and wow, what a conversation. Kristin's career journey is anything but linear, and she brings such a refreshing perspective on self-leadership and embracing the full spectrum of who we are. We talked about rewriting the stories we tell ourselves, moving through imposter syndrome, and owning our unique strengths, especially for those of us who consider ourselves multi-potentialites.What I loved most about our conversation is how honest and empowering it was. Kristin dives into how trial and error is not just okay but essential in discovering what truly lights us up. We also explored big, meaningful themes like creativity, regret, and parenting, how our childhoods shape the way we express ourselves, and how we, as adults, can help the next generation build agency and emotional intelligence.Kristin is working on an exciting initiative focused on personal power in education, and I think you’re going to be inspired by her vision. Key Takeaways:The stories you tell yourself elicit emotions.Nothing is a failure unless you fail to learn from it.You need to lean into your unique value proposition.Creativity from childhood influences learning experiences.Regret can serve as a valuable teacher.Empowering children fosters independence and decision-making skills.Teaching emotional management is crucial for student success.Agency in learning leads to higher motivation and success.Resources Mentioned:How Children Succeed by Paul ToughThe Case for Emotional Intelligence Education | TEDx TalkThe Happiness Advantage by Shawn AchorThe Power of the Myth by Bill Moyers and Joseph CampbellThink and Grow Rich by Dale CarnegieLetters of a Scattered BrotherhoodThank and Grow Rich Pam GroutE2 (energy squared) by Pam Grout Connect with Kristin:Website: https://www.kristinhiemstra.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristinhiemstra/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachkristinh/ More About Building Thinkers: I'm your host, Tracy Clark, and this is where potential becomes reality through deliberate curiosity, reflection, practice, and play. The Building Thinkers podcast is based on the realization that there's exponential potential in the things we build.And so, in my little corner of the internet and podcasting land, I want to take my 12 favorite problems, these are my constant curiosities, and I want to go deeper. I want to build thinkers. This is a community of multi-potentialites who may be disoriented by all the possibilities of success we envision but haven't yet achieved.If any of that sounds like you, come listen in. Welcome to the Building Thinkers podcast.
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    44 分
  • The Myth of Limitless Potential

    The Myth of Limitless Potential
    2025/05/23
    I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Mario Varvoglis, whose journey from Greece to becoming a thought leader in creativity and innovation is anything but ordinary. What really stood out to me, and what I think will speak to you, is Mario’s belief that creativity isn’t just this magical, spontaneous thing. It actually requires structure. That might sound counterintuitive, but trust me, the way he explains it will make you rethink how you approach your own creative process.We also dug into some big, personal questions about potential, timing, and the stories we tell ourselves. Mario shares why potential isn’t limitless and why that’s not a bad thing. There’s urgency to how we use our time, and embracing our limits can actually lead to more clarity and deeper transformation.We talked about perfectionism (hello, recovering perfectionists), the value of intentional pauses, and how to keep showing up creatively, even when life feels chaotic and AI is changing the landscape faster than we can keep up. Key TakeawaysCreativity requires both divergent and convergent thinking.Structure is essential for implementing creative ideas.Potential can grow but is also limited by time and biology.Accepting limits can lead to greater clarity and urgency.It's important to balance ambition with an understanding of our limits. There's an optimal timing for actions in life.Introspection is key to understanding personal direction.Resources Mentioned:Flourish by Martin SeligmanOut of Our Minds by Sir Ken RobinsonHow to Change Your Mind by Michael PollanReal Magic by Dean RadinWhy You Should Define Your Fears Instead of Your Goals by Tim Ferriss | TEDDo Schools Kill Creativity by Sir Ken Robinson | TEDConnect with Mario:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mario-varvoglis-3885853 Website: https://mariovarvoglis.com/ , https://designdevie-dyl.fr/en/b2b/ More About Building Thinkers: I'm your host, Tracy Clark, and this is where potential becomes reality through deliberate curiosity, reflection, practice, and play. The Building Thinkers podcast is based on the realization that there's exponential potential in the things we build.And so, in my little corner of the internet and podcasting land, I want to take my 12 favorite problems, these are my constant curiosities, and I want to go deeper. I want to build thinkers. This is a community of multi-potentialites who may be disoriented by all the possibilities of success we envision but haven't yet achieved.If any of that sounds like you, come listen in. Welcome to the Building Thinkers podcast.
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    46 分
  • Building Better Policy Starts with Questioning Your Bias

    Building Better Policy Starts with Questioning Your Bias
    2025/05/09

    If you're looking for an episode that challenges the way you think about leadership, personal growth, and the power of creating space for others, then you won’t want to miss this conversation.


    My guest this week is Emmanual Guillory, a passionate advocate for higher education and a leader in student affairs. We dive deep into his journey from higher education to advocating for meaningful change in the field, discussing how to build confidence, find purpose, and embrace the discomfort that leads to true growth.


    Emmanual shares his insights on the importance of compassion and curiosity when connecting with people across differences, and how faith and self-awareness play a crucial role in reshaping our personal narratives. We also touch on the power of therapy, overcoming imposter syndrome, and intentionally rewriting the stories we tell ourselves to create lasting change.


    Key Takeaways:


    Confidence and purpose often begin with key moments of personal growth.


    Embracing curiosity and compassion, without judgment, fosters authentic relationships and progress.


    Inner work through therapy can lead to significant emotional and intellectual growth.


    Personal beliefs should be regularly examined and challenged to ensure they still serve us.


    Self-awareness and rewriting our stories are crucial for personal growth and resilience.


    Resources Mentioned:


    Daring Greatly by Brene Brown

    Attached by Amir Levine & Rachel S.F. Heller

    The Birth Order by Kevin Leman

    The 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman


    Connect with Emmanual:


    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_eguillory/


    More About Building Thinkers:


    I'm your host, Tracy Clark, and this is where potential becomes reality through deliberate curiosity, reflection, practice, and play. The Building Thinkers podcast is based on the realization that there's exponential potential in the things we build.


    And so, in my little corner of the internet and podcasting land, I want to take my 12 favorite problems, these are my constant curiosities, and I want to go deeper. I want to build thinkers. This is a community of multi-potentialites who may be disoriented by all the possibilities of success we envision but haven't yet achieved.


    If any of that sounds like you, come listen in. Welcome to the Building Thinkers podcast.
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    45 分
  • What Every Aspiring Author Needs to Know About Ghostwriting

    What Every Aspiring Author Needs to Know About Ghostwriting
    2025/04/25
    In this episode of the Building Thinkers podcast, I’m joined by Meghan Stevenson, a talented ghostwriter and collaborator in the publishing world. Meghan takes us through her journey, from being a passionate reader to launching her own ghostwriting and editing business. We dive deep into the world of prescriptive nonfiction, and I pick Meghan’s brain about the importance of finding the right fit in publishing and the challenge of narrowing down ideas and niches for aspiring authors.We also talk about the power of focus in entrepreneurship, how each author brings their unique perspective to their work, and the myth of originality in writing. We touch on the differences between influencers and thought leaders and discuss how society views modern content creation and value.Throughout the conversation, Meghan and I explore the multifaceted journey of authorship, the realities of influencer success, and the ins and outs of the publishing industry. We break down misconceptions around writing a book, talk about the fear of success versus the fear of failure, and highlight the crucial role an author’s platform plays in achieving publishing success.We also dig into the emotional side of writing, the connection between identity and the desire to write, and share some book and podcast recommendations that have resonated with us both. It’s a conversation packed with insights for anyone interested in writing, publishing, and finding their place in the industry.Key Takeaways:Finding the right fit in publishing is crucial for authors.Not all ideas are suitable for a book.Focus can be broad, allowing for creativity within a niche.Judgment around money and work ethics is prevalent in society. Influencer success often requires immense effort and dedication.Fear of success can be more paralyzing than fear of failure.An author's platform is crucial for book sales and visibility.Successful authors focus on serving their audience rather than personal validation.Resources Mentioned:Take the quiz here: https://www.meghanstevenson.com/quiz Worthy by Jamie Kern LimaBelieve It by Jamie Kern LimaRich AF by Vivian TuThe Briar Club by Kate QuinnMaintenance Phase Podcast by Aubrey Gordon and Michael HobbsConnect with Meghan:Website: https://www.meghanstevenson.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megstevenson/ Podcast: https://www.meghanstevenson.com/podcastMore About Building Thinkers: I'm your host, Tracy Clark, and this is where potential becomes reality through deliberate curiosity, reflection, practice, and play. The Building Thinkers podcast is based on the realization that there's exponential potential in the things we build.And so, in my little corner of the internet and podcasting land, I want to take my 12 favorite problems, these are my constant curiosities, and I want to go deeper. I want to build thinkers. This is a community of multi-potentialites who may be disoriented by all the possibilities of success we envision but haven't yet achieved.If any of that sounds like you, come listen in. Welcome to the Building Thinkers podcast.
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    49 分
  • 6 Powerful Tools to Transform Disruptive Behavior in the Education System

    6 Powerful Tools to Transform Disruptive Behavior in the Education System
    2025/04/11

    I’m joined by AJ Crabill to talk about the evolution of education and how we can better empower students and schools to unlock their full potential. We dive into why curiosity should come before judgment when it comes to understanding student behavior and why teaching behavioral skills is just as important as academic ones. AJ shares some powerful insights from his own experiences and stresses the importance of giving students the right tools to succeed, all while tackling the systemic issues that too often affect marginalized students.


    We explore themes like communication, trust, and engagement in education, talking about how active listening and understanding student apathy are key to building connections. AJ also highlights the importance of student-led initiatives in developing leadership and pushing for more options in students' lives. By the end of our conversation, we call for a shift in mindset within the education system, one that’s focused on empowering both students and educators with the right tools and resources.


    Key Takeaways:


    Students often lack the tools they need to succeed, leading to behavioral issues.


    Behavior should be treated similarly to academic skills, with a focus on teaching and support.


    Restorative practices can be more effective than punitive measures in education.


    Education systems must recognize and address the disparities faced by marginalized students.


    Apathy in students often stems from a lack of trust.


    Connection and belonging are crucial for student engagement.


    Resources Mentioned:


    Building Effective School Boards with AJ Crabill

    Our Tools They Deserve by AJ Crabill


    Connect with AJ:


    Website: www.StudentLedRP.org

    LinkedIn: @ajcrabill

    YouTube: @ajcrabill7


    More About Building Thinkers:


    I'm your host, Tracy Clark, and this is where potential becomes reality through deliberate curiosity, reflection, practice, and play. The Building Thinkers podcast is based on the realization that there's exponential potential in the things we build.


    And so, in my little corner of the internet and podcasting land, I want to take my 12 favorite problems, these are my constant curiosities, and I want to go deeper. I want to build thinkers. This is a community of multi-potentialites who may be disoriented by all the possibilities of success we envision but haven't yet achieved.


    If any of that sounds like you, come listen in. Welcome to the Building Thinkers podcast.
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    39 分
  • How to Change Your Mindset for Growth, Leadership & Success

    How to Change Your Mindset for Growth, Leadership & Success
    2025/03/28

    Vanessa Alves-Ruiz has a background in journalism and facilitation, and we dive deep into the power of mindset shifts, how creating space for new ways of thinking can truly transform learning and leadership.


    We talk about the role of intuition in facilitation, why simplicity in communication is so important, and how teams can shift from blame to responsibility. Vanessa also shares a fascinating case study in occupational health and safety, showing what it really takes to change mindsets within organizations.


    This one is full of practical takeaways and fresh perspectives on fostering collaboration, leadership, and growth. Let’s get into it!


    Key Takeaways:


    How to create space for mindset shifts that drive real change.


    Why true transformation starts with expanding your awareness.


    How intuition can be a powerful tool for decision-making.


    The role of simplicity in effective learning and facilitation.


    How honoring past experiences helps create lasting change.


    Facilitation is about collaboration, not control.


    Why mindset shifts require more than just knowledge.


    How better listening can transform teams and leadership.


    Resources Mentioned:


    TEDTalk: Your Body Language Shapes Who You Are: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ks-_Mh1QhMc

    Non-Violent Communication by Marshall Rosenberg: https://www.amazon.com/Nonviolent-Communication-Language-Life-Changing-Relationships/dp/189200528X/ref=asc_df_189200528X?mcid=644e079a48633d63964efcdbd6720495&hvocijid=16278184952188666608-189200528X-&hvexpln=73&tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=721245378154&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=16278184952188666608&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9191417&hvtargid=pla-2281435179058&psc=1


    Connect with Vanessa:


    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessaalvesruiz/

    Website: https://lifetransition.club


    More About Building Thinkers:


    I'm your host, Tracy Clark, and this is where potential becomes reality through deliberate curiosity, reflection, practice, and play. The Building Thinkers podcast is based on the realization that there's exponential potential in the things we build.


    And so, in my little corner of the internet and podcasting land, I want to take my 12 favorite problems, these are my constant curiosities, and I want to go deeper. I want to build thinkers. This is a community of multi-potentialites who may be disoriented by all the possibilities of success we envision but haven't yet achieved.


    If any of that sounds like you, come listen in. Welcome to the Building Thinkers podcast.
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    39 分
  • Building Human Connections in the Digital Age

    Building Human Connections in the Digital Age
    2025/03/15
    In this episode of the Building Thinkers podcast, John Puts joins me to explore the fascinating intersection of humanity and technology. We dive into how embodiment practices can help us reconnect with ourselves and others. John shares his journey, moving from a high-pressure career at Google to a more fulfilling path focused on human connection and growth. We discuss how to activate human potential, reclaim focus in our distracted world, and overcome the fear of missing out. John also emphasizes the power of mindfulness, self-awareness, and choice in shaping our lives. We talk about why personal growth should prioritize vertical development over horizontal, and why slowing down is key. John shares how shifting from self-referential thinking to a service-oriented mindset can transform the way we act, and we touch on the influence of thought leaders like Yuval Noah Harari in shaping his approach to human consciousness. It’s an insightful conversation you won’t want to miss!Key Takeaways:The AI era challenges us to redefine what it means to be human.Embodiment practices foster deeper connections with ourselves and others.Personal fulfillment often requires stepping away from societal expectations.Quality attention is essential for personal and professional growth.Workplaces should prioritize community and connection over competition. Reclaiming agency is crucial in a distracted world.Human-centered skills are essential for future work.Resources Mentioned:Make Time: How to Focus on What Matters Every Day by Jake Knapp and John Zeratsky: https://amzn.to/43u8nLA After the Ecstasy, the Laundry by Jack Kornfield: https://amzn.to/4iqB6oO The Way of Integrity by Martha Beck: https://amzn.to/41yWBgm Ikigai by Hector Garcia and Francesc Miralles: https://amzn.to/3QQGGoG The Drive (podcast) by Peter Itia: https://open.spotify.com/show/63AWQmsSnFNFHUqnRAOFtD?si=39a9f237d57c4499 The Making Sense Podcast by Sam Harris: https://open.spotify.com/show/5rgumWEx4FsqIY8e1wJNAk?si=a8ad7329ec7e4f17 The Waking Up App by Sam Harris: https://www.wakingup.com/ Heart IQ: https://www.heartiq.org/ Connect with John:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnputs/ Website: https://www.johnputs.com/ Evolution: https://evolution.team/ More About Building Thinkers: I'm your host, Tracy Clark, and this is where potential becomes reality through deliberate curiosity, reflection, practice, and play. The Building Thinkers podcast is based on the realization that there's exponential potential in the things we build.And so, in my little corner of the internet and podcasting land, I want to take my 12 favorite problems, these are my constant curiosities, and I want to go deeper. I want to build thinkers. This is a community of multi-potentialites who may be disoriented by all the possibilities of success we envision but haven't yet achieved.If any of that sounds like you, come listen in. Welcome to the Building Thinkers podcast.
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    55 分
  • Team-Building Without the Cringe: How Play Transforms Workplaces

    Team-Building Without the Cringe: How Play Transforms Workplaces
    2025/02/28
    I’m so excited about this episode because I get to chat with the incredible Emy Mylona about something we don’t always associate with the workplace, play!Emy shares her journey from being a shy student to becoming a passionate advocate for bringing play into professional spaces. We dive into how play can unlock human potential, spark collaboration, and make work more engaging. We also tackle some common misconceptions about gamification, the importance of being intentional with playful practices, and how to navigate resistance when introducing play at work.One of my favorite parts of our conversation is how Emy breaks down the real impact of play, how it’s not just about having fun, but about creating meaningful connections, fostering innovation, and even enhancing career development. We also get into visual mapping, the power of reflection, and how leaders can create environments where people feel safe to show up as their authentic selves.And of course, Emy shares some practical ways to incorporate play into your work life, plus some great book and podcast recommendations to keep the learning going. I can’t wait for you to hear this one!Key Takeaways:The power of play can transform team dynamics and foster collaboration.Gamification doesn't have to be complex; simple interventions can be effective.Finding inspiration for playful practices can come from everyday experiences.Resistance to play often stems from fear of appearing unprofessional.Play unlocks human potential in the workplace.Creating safe spaces fosters authenticity and openness in teams.Resources Mentioned:Ice Breaker Questions GeneratorEpisode: How Might We Create Space for Mindset Shift in Learning ExperiencesEdward Tufte: https://www.edwardtufte.com/books/ How We Learn by Benedict CareyPsycho-Cybernetics by Maxwell MaltzFour Thousand Weeks by Oliver BurkemanThe Realistic Happiness Podcast by Daisy IlariaThe Learning and Development Podcast by David JamesConnect with Emy:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emymylona/ Website: https://teamifyed.com/ More About Building Thinkers: I'm your host, Tracy Clark, and this is where potential becomes reality through deliberate curiosity, reflection, practice, and play. The Building Thinkers podcast is based on the realization that there's exponential potential in the things we build.And so, in my little corner of the internet and podcasting land, I want to take my 12 favorite problems, these are my constant curiosities, and I want to go deeper. I want to build thinkers. This is a community of multi-potentialites who may be disoriented by all the possibilities of success we envision but haven't yet achieved.If any of that sounds like you, come listen in. Welcome to the Building Thinkers podcast.
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    53 分