How to Help

Aaron Miller

Every single day, you do something to help other people. It might be at home, at work, in your neighborhood, or even for total strangers. And you might not think much of it. Helping is just part of who you are. I'm Aaron Miller, a professor of social innovation, nonprofits, and business ethics at Brigham Young University. I'm fascinated by how all of us can be better helpers. And so I started this podcast and it's called How to Help. Each episode, I talk with fascinating people who can teach us about helping others, whether it's through their research, experience, or example. I love every conversation and I'm confident that you'll enjoy them, too. How to Help is for everyone who wants a life and career with more meaning, integrity, and impact on the world and on the people around them. read less
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Episodes

Explaining Science for Everyone • David Pogue, award-winning science and tech journalist
Feb 28 2023
Explaining Science for Everyone • David Pogue, award-winning science and tech journalist
SummaryWe're bombarded daily with news about groundbreaking science or shiny new technologies. More than ever, we have to rely on the explainers who can help us understand why and how these achievements actually matter. Will they improve our lives, or more importantly the lives of the vulnerable, in meaningful ways? In this episode, we'll hear from one of the most prolific science and tech journalists of the last few decades to help us make sense of it all.About Our GuestDavid Pogue was the New York Times weekly tech columnist from 2000 to 2013. He’s a six-time Emmy winner for his stories on CBS Sunday Morning, a New York Times bestselling author, a five-time TED speaker, host of 20 NOVA science specials on PBS, and creator/host of the CBS News/Simon & Schuster podcast Unsung Science.He’s written or cowritten more than 120 books, including his 2021 magnum opus, How to Prepare for Climate Change. After graduating summa cum laude from Yale in 1985 with distinction in music, Pogue spent ten years conducting and arranging Broadway musicals in New York.Useful LinksThe Unsung Science podcast: https://unsungscience.com/How to Prepare for Climate Change: AmazonDavid's Website: https://davidpogue.com/Pleasant Pictures MusicJoin the Pleasant Pictures Music Club to get unlimited access to high-quality, royalty-free music for all of your projects. Use the discount code HOWTOHELP15 for 15% off your first year.
Expanding Access to Proof • Ashish Gadnis, CEO of BanQu
Jan 31 2023
Expanding Access to Proof • Ashish Gadnis, CEO of BanQu
SummaryHow easily could you prove that you are, indeed, you? For most of you, it would be no sweat. In fact, you've probably done it hundreds of times. As a result, you can do things like get a bank account, rent a car, or buy an apartment.In much of the world, proof is harder to come by. Many people don't have a way to prove things like their income or identity. And yet companies that rely on these workers claim to have sustainable supply chains while leaving behind the people who make them possible.My guest, Ashish Gadnis, runs BanQu, a blockchain company working to make supply chains transparent and give access to proof for 100 million people so they can escape from poverty. About Our GuestAshish Gadnis is the co-founder of BanQu, the first ever blockchain supply chain and economic identity platform for refugees and people in extreme poverty.Growing up in poverty in Bombay, Ashish never forgot how it felt to stand in food lines to survive. He went on to build a successful career as a serial entrepreneur, serving as founder and CEO of multiple technology startups. In 2012, he sold his last tech company to a multi-billion-dollar consulting firm and soon after, BanQu was born.In addition to his role at BanQu, Ashish is also a senior strategic advisor to the United Nations on the Sustainable Development Goals 2030 agenda.(Adapted from https://sustainablebrands.com/is/ashish-gadnis)Useful LinksBanQu: https://www.banqu.co/Ashish's TEDx Talk, "Do You Know the Farmer?": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PBKOzJPazNMFollow Ashish on Twitter: https://twitter.com/agadnisFollow Ashish on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashishgadnis/Solvay Uses Blockchain Software: https://www.foodingredientsfirst.com/news/solvay-utilizes-banqus-blockchain-software-to-secure-guar-supply-chain-and-promote-farmers-digital-autonomy.htmlPleasant Pictures MusicJoin the Pleasant Pictures Music Club to get unlimited access to high-quality, royalty-free music for all of your projects. Use the discount code HOWTOHELP15 for 15% off your first year.
Finding and Developing Good Ideas • Dr. Cecilia Conrad, CEO of Lever for Change
Nov 29 2022
Finding and Developing Good Ideas • Dr. Cecilia Conrad, CEO of Lever for Change
SummaryWhat would you do with $800,000 that came with no strings attached? This actually happens to about two dozen MacArthur Fellows every year. Or better yet, a grant of $100 million, like MacArthur gave away in its 100 and Change program? It sounds exhilarating, but what if getting the money depended on you having a good idea for how to use it?Dr. Cecilia Conrad's work is finding and developing good ideas, formerly as the Managing Director of the MacArthur Fellowships, and now as the CEO of Lever for Change, an affiliate of the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation. In these roles, she's led the effort to: find and support the most creative people in the US, fund and support the organizations making big impacts on the world, and change how big philanthropy is done today.In this episode we'll learn Dr. Conrad's insights from the secret selectors of MacArthur fellows, what it's like being one of the few Black women in Economics, and what it was like growing up in Dallas during the height of the Civil Rights movement. Most of all, we'll learn about the how to find and develop the overlooked great ideas that waiting to be discovered.About Our GuestCecilia A. Conrad, Ph.D. is Senior Advisor, Collaborative Philanthropy and MacArthur Fellows and CEO of Lever for Change.Dr. Conrad was formerly a Managing Director at the MacArthur Foundation, where she led the Fellows program and steered the cross-Foundation team that created MacArthur’s 100&Change—an athematic, open call competition that periodically makes a single $100 million grant to help solve a critical problem of our time. She continues to manage the 100&Change competition.Before joining the Foundation in January 2013, Conrad had a distinguished career as both a professor and an administrator at Pomona College in Claremont, CA. She held the Stedman Sumner Chair in Economics and is currently a Professor of Economics, Emerita. She served as Associate Dean of the College (2004-2007), as Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the College (2009-2012), and as Acting President (Fall 2012). From 2007-2009, she was interim Vice President and Dean of the Faculty at Scripps College.Before joining the faculty at Pomona College, Dr. Conrad served on the faculties of Barnard College and Duke University. She was also an economist at the Federal Trade Commission and a visiting scholar at The Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies.Dr. Conrad received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Wellesley College and her Ph.D. in economics from Stanford University.Useful LinksThe MacArthur Fellowship ProgramThe Lever for Change FoundationThe 100 & Change programDr. Conrad explains the MacArthur Fellows program at MIT (YouTube)Wikipedia's list of all MacArthur FellowsPleasant Pictures MusicJoin the Pleasant Pictures Music Club to get unlimited access to high-quality, royalty-free music for all of your projects. Use the discount code HOWTOHELP15 for 15% off your first year.
You Deserve Ethical Government • Walter Shaub, senior ethics fellow at POGO
Nov 1 2022
You Deserve Ethical Government • Walter Shaub, senior ethics fellow at POGO
SummaryNo matter what political ideology we have, we all agree that we deserve ethical government. But, trust in government in the US and around the world is at historic lows. Much of this falling trust comes from seeing political officials use their power to enrich themselves at the cost of the public good.In this episode, Walter Shaub—a leading voice—helps us understand why ethics in government is worth fighting for. He also shares his fascinating experiences doing just that, along with issues at the forefront today. Shaub is one of my personal heroes, and I'm excited for you to hear why I admire him so much.About Our GuestWalter Shaub is a government ethics expert and one of the most important voices advocating for integrity and accountability in government. He leads the Government Ethics Initiative for the Project on Government Oversight.Before joining POGO, Shaub served in key roles with other nonprofit watchdogs, government agencies and private sector employers. He served for four years as the Senate-confirmed Director of the U.S. Office of Government Ethics (OGE). While in that role, he was a member of the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency (CIGIE) and CIGIE’s Integrity Committee. Shaub served at OGE for a total of nearly 14 years as a staff attorney, a supervisory attorney, Deputy General Counsel and, finally, Director. Before that, he served in the General Counsel offices of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Outside government, he also worked for the law firm of Shaw, Bransford, Veilleux & Roth, P.C., and as a CNN contributor.Shaub is the winner of multiple awards and recognitions. He's also written opinion pieces for a variety of publications, including the New York Review of Books, the Washington Post, the New York Times, USA Today, CNN, the LA Times, and other publications. Shaub is licensed as an attorney in both the District of Columbia and Virginia. He earned his J.D. from American University’s Washington College of Law and his B.A. in history from James Madison University.Useful LinksFollow Walter Shaub on Twitter: https://twitter.com/waltshaubThe Project on Government Oversight: https://www.pogo.org/Shaub's podcast, The Continuous Action: https://www.pogo.org/series-collections/the-continuous-actionThe US Office of Government Ethics: https://www.oge.gov/Alarming trends in trust of government: https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/2022/06/06/public-trust-in-government-1958-2022/A New York Times report on Congressional conflicts of interests: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2022/09/13/us/politics/congress-stock-trading-investigation.htmlPleasant Pictures MusicJoin the Pleasant Pictures Music Club to get unlimited access to high-quality, royalty-free music for all of your projects. Use the discount code HOWTOHELP15 for 15% off your first year.
Overcoming Paralysis • Dr. Dale Hull, Executive Director of Neuroworx
Sep 29 2022
Overcoming Paralysis • Dr. Dale Hull, Executive Director of Neuroworx
SummaryOver 5 million people in the US live with paralysis, caused by injury, stroke, or disease. Recovery is incredibly hard because nerve damage is difficult and sometimes impossible to heal. Moreover, our medical and insurance systems are inadequate, designed to help people live with their injuries rather than heal from them.A pioneering therapy clinic called Neuroworx is leading the way into life-changing treatment for people with paralysis. In this episode, we'll learn from Dr. Dale Hull, an OBGYN doctor who became suddenly paralyzed more than 20 years ago. Now, not only can he walk again, but he and his co-founder Jan Black have aided thousands of patients to live happier and more active lives.About Our GuestDale is the cofounder and Executive Director of Neuroworx. He graduated from the University of Utah School of Medicine in 1985. Following graduation, he completed a residency in obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Utah Medical Center. He practiced general obstetrics and gynecology for ten years in the south portion of the Salt Lake metropolitan area.In 1999, he suffered a spinal-cord injury that resulted in paralysis from the neck down. This life-altering event, which prevented him from returning to active practice, required Dr. Hull to devote approximately three years to his rehabilitation. He joined his therapist in forming a non-profit organization and opening Neuroworx in 2004.During 2002, Dale had the opportunity to be an Olympic torchbearer for the Salt Lake Winter Olympics. In 2009, he completed an underwater marathon in the Neuroworx pool to commemorate the ten-year mark of his injury. He returned to school and in 2012, completed a Master’s of Public Administration degree from the Romney Institute of BYU. Dr. Hull is married and has four sons.Useful LinksNeuroworx: https://www.neuroworx.org/News coverage of Dr. Hull's work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2NIGMtMJbiEDr. Hull's Tedx Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FgfT0OyASrUPleasant Pictures MusicJoin the Pleasant Pictures Music Club to get unlimited access to high-quality, royalty-free music for all of your projects. Use the discount code HOWTOHELP15 for 15% off your first year.
HIV In Ghana, Hardship and Hope • Dr. Naa Ashiley Vanderpuye-Donton
Jul 26 2022
HIV In Ghana, Hardship and Hope • Dr. Naa Ashiley Vanderpuye-Donton
SummaryFor over 20 years, Dr. Naa and her husband Eddie have led efforts to care for people with HIV and AIDS in Ghana. During that time, their clinic has treated more than 15,000 patients and their foundation has reached millions of Ghanaians to reduce the spread of the disease and the stigma faced by those who have it.In this episode, we’ll learn about Dr. Naa’s journey from her childhood in rural Ghana to becoming a Dutch-trained medical doctor treating patients with nowhere else to turn. She’ll also share one of the best falling-in-love stories you’ve ever heard. Dr. Naa is an unstoppable force for healing and encouragement and this interview with inspire you with hope and confidence in the face of difficult challenges.About Our GuestDr. Naa Ashiley Vanderpuye-Donton is the CEO of the West Africa AIDS Foundation and Medical Director of the International Health Care Clinic in Ghana. She’s also the author of the book, Hardship and Hope: Dr. Naa's Love Affair with Persons Living with HIV and AIDS. Dr. Naa earned her MD from Catholic University of Nijmegen in the Netherlands, with additional studies in tropical diseases at The School of Public Health in Utrecht. Together with her husband, Eddie Donton, the two have worked tirelessly to treat and improve the lives of people with HIV and AIDS throughout Ghana.Useful LinksDr. Naa’s book:https://www.amazon.com/Hardship-Hope-Affair-Persons-Living/dp/1684701155West Africa AIDS Foundation programs and services:https://waafweb.org/areas-of-work/IHCC Ghanahttps://ihccghana.comThe Wli Waterfallshttps://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g2209381-d2332594-Reviews-Wli_Waterfalls-Afegame_Volta_Region.htmlA video interview with Dr. Naa on The Standpointhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fKoWDBSupD8About Merit LeadershipTo learn more about how you can develop ethical skills that turn peril into opportunity, visit http://meritleadership.comPleasant Pictures MusicJoin the Pleasant Pictures Music Club to get unlimited access to high-quality, royalty-free music for all of your projects. Use the discount code HOWTOHELP15 for 15% off your first year.
Home • Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity International
Jun 14 2022
Home • Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity International
SummaryEveryone needs and deserves a home. It’s our place to be safe, healthy, and loved. In this episode, we’ll learn from Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity International and author of the book, Our Better Angels. Jonathan will teach us about the critical failures that are keeping people from having a safe and decent place to live, as well as the solutions that work.We'll also learn about Jonathan's winding career path to CEO of Habitat, one that took him through investment banking, real estate, retail leadership, church management, and even a stint as the head coach of the Olympic men's rowing team for South Korea. Jonathan will share how he eventually found his professional home at Habitat.About Our GuestJonathan T.M. Reckford is chief executive officer of Habitat for Humanity International, a global Christian housing organization that has helped more than 39 million people construct, rehabilitate, or preserve their homes. A graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill and Stanford University, Jonathan has been leading Habitat since 2005 and was named the most influential nonprofit leader in America in 2017 by The NonProfit Times. He is the author of Our Better Angels: Seven Simple Virtues That Will Change Your Life and the World. Jonathan and his wife, Ashley, have three children and live in Atlanta.Useful LinksJonathan’s bio:https://www.habitat.org/about/habitat-for-humanity-leadership/ceoJonathan’s book:https://www.amazon.com/Our-Better-Angels-Simple-Virtues-ebook/dp/B07PBR744JHabitat for Humanity’s programs and services:https://www.habitat.org/our-workA short biography of Clarence Jordan:https://www.plough.com/en/topics/faith/witness/clarence-jordanA short biography of Rep. Millicent Fenwickhttps://www.historicamerica.org/journal/2021/3/11/from-fashion-editor-to-famous-representative-the-life-of-millicent-fenwickAbout Merit LeadershipTo learn more about how you can develop ethical skills that turn peril into opportunity, visit http://meritleadership.comPleasant Pictures MusicJoin the Pleasant Pictures Music Club to get unlimited access to high-quality, royalty-free music for all of your projects. Use the discount code HOWTOHELP15 for 15% off your first year.
Humility • Prof. Brad Owens
Jul 13 2021
Humility • Prof. Brad Owens
SummaryIf you want to improve yourself and could choose only one trait to begin, you should start with humility. It's called the "mother of all virtues" because it opens the door to all kinds of personal development. But humility is also sorely misunderstood. It isn't just an internal attitude about ourselves, but an outward set of behaviors that people can observe. It's also essential to effective leadership.This episode, we'll be taught by humility expert, Prof. Brad Owens. He's done award-winning research on humility in leaders and has shown that leadership humility is key to getting better engagement, more creativity, and higher functioning teams. Prof. Owens will teach us about the specific ingredients of humility that you can practice and encourage in others. About Our GuestBrad Owens (PhD, University of Washington) is a Professor of Business Ethics in the Marriott School of Management at Brigham Young University. His research has been published in the Academy of Management Journal, Journal of Applied Psychology, Organization Science, Personnel Psychology, Leadership Quarterly, Journal of Management, Journal of Business Ethics, and Public Administration Review. Under the general umbrella of Positive Organizational Scholarship, his research focuses on the impact of leader humility on individuals and teams, ethical leadership, and relational energy. Brad's teaching interests include business ethics, organizational behavior, and leadership.Useful LinksProf. Owens' Bio Page"Motivation to Lead: A Meta-Analysis and Distal-Proximal Model of Motivation and Leadership.", Journal of Applied Psychology, Volume 105, Pages 331-354, 2020"How Does Leader Humility Influence Team Performance? Exploring the Mechanisms of Contagion and Collective Promotion Focus", Academy of Management Journal, Volume 59, Pages 1088-1111, 2016"Initiating and Utilizing Shared Leadership in Teams: The Role of Leader Humility, Team Proactive Personality, and Team Performance Capability", Journal of Applied Psychology, Volume 120, 2016Kant and the Ethics of Humility Jeanine Greenberg argues that we can indeed speak of Aristotelian-style, but still deeply Kantian, virtuous character traits. She proposes moving from focus on action to focus on a person, not leaving the former behind but instead taking it up within a larger, more satisfying Kantian moral theory. Self-Renewal: The Individual and the Innovative Society is a book based on why learning is important to creativity and leading. Humility: An Unlikely Biography of America's Greatest Virtue
History of Innovation • Dr. Anton Howes
Jul 6 2021
History of Innovation • Dr. Anton Howes
SummaryWe are surrounded by the fruits of human creativity and innovation. This capacity to improve our world has done immeasurable good. But where does innovation come from and how do we get more of it?Looking back to one of the most potent periods of world history, my guest this week—Dr. Anton Howes—guides us through the lessons we can learn from the British Industrial Revolution and how those lessons reveal the nature of innovation today. His concept of an "improving mentality" cuts across all of our everyday experiences, and shows us how we can improve our lives and the lives of those around us.About Our GuestDr. Anton Howes is head of innovation research at The Entrepreneurs Network, a UK-based think tank focused on encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship. He is also historian-in-residence at the Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures, and Commerce, having written its latest history. Previously, he was also lecturer in Economic History at King's College London, and before that a post-doctoral research associate at Brown University's Political Theory Project. He received my PhD in Political Economy from King's College London in 2016.Dr. Howes' first book—Arts and Minds: How the Royal Society of Arts Changed a Nation—is out now from Princeton University Press. It tells the story of the Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures, and Commerce - essentially, Britain's national improvement agency, in any and every way imaginable.Useful LinksDr. Howe's website: https://antonhowes.comHis book: Arts and Minds: How the Royal Society of Arts Changed a NationHis Newsletter: https://antonhowes.substack.comThe Royal Society of Arts: https://www.thersa.orgAbout Merit LeadershipTo learn more about how to develop ethical skills in your organization, visit http://meritleadership.comPleasant Pictures MusicJoin the Pleasant Pictures Music Club to get unlimited access to high-quality, royalty-free music for all of your projects. Use the discount code HOWTOHELP15 for 15% off your first year.
Impact Investing • Geoff Woolley
Jun 29 2021
Impact Investing • Geoff Woolley
Summary:How do we get more money for those who need it? Charity only accounts for less than 1% of all the money globally, and has stayed consistently flat over time. We need more ways to help people prosper.Impact investing is a rapidly growing approach that uses capital markets to solve social problems. My guest this week, Geoff Woolley, is a pioneering impact investor with experience growing social impact companies around the world. He'll change the way you think about traditional investing and about the good that business can do.About Our Guest:Geoff has been involved in impact investing and microfinance since he joined Unitus Labs as a board member in 2001. During his time as Unitus Lab’s Capital Markets Chair, he was instrumental in the launch of Unitus Equity Fund, the first commercially focused microfinance equity investment fund, and Unitus Capital, the first investment bank focused on serving microfinance institutions and social enterprises throughout Asia.As co-founder and current board chair, Geoff launched the largest and most successful student-led venture fund in the United States—the $18.5 million University Venture Fund—and the University Impact Fund, which partners university students with top-tier impact investing firms, social enterprises, developmental finance institutions, and philanthropic foundations for real-time impact investing projects and investments. Geoff has been active in private equity investing for over 25 years, founding two successful venture funds in the United States and Europe. He pioneered the concept of venture debt and has invested in over 400 companies in his career.Useful Links:Unitas Capital facilitates access to capital for the business to scale, innovate, and deliver deep social and environmental impact. Epic Ventures is an investment company working with driven entrepreneurs to build successful and lasting companies.Patamar Capital We are a leading venture capital firm focused on South and Southeast Asia’s mass market.Muhammad Yunus His objective was to help poor people escape from poverty by providing loans on terms suitable to them and by teaching them a few sound financial principles so they could help themselves.Merit leadership.com Help your team make good decisions in tough moments. With flexible delivery options, and customized versions for Health Care, Law Enforcement, Military, Cyber Security, and more—it’s easier than ever to help people make good decisions.Pleasant Pictures MusicJoin the Pleasant Pictures Music Club to get unlimited access to high-quality, royalty-free music for all of your projects. Use the discount code HOWTOHELP15 for 15% off your first year.
Meaningful Work • Prof. Andrea Veltman
Jun 22 2021
Meaningful Work • Prof. Andrea Veltman
Summary:People spend most of their waking hours working. It's no wonder that we want to enjoy our work, but that can be complicated. The world is full of dangerous or difficult jobs with low pay. How does meaningful work fit ethically in such a world?In this episode, we'll learn from Dr. Andrea Veltman, an expert in the philosophy of work. Together, we'll confront questions that are guaranteed to make you think differently about your job (and everyone else's too).About Our Guest:Dr. Andrea Veltman is a professor of philosophy at James Madison University, where she teaches courses in ethics and political philosophy. She specializes, among other things, in the philosophy of work and wrote the book Meaningful Work, one of my favorite reads of the past year.Useful Links:Meaningful Work- examines the importance of work in human well-being, addressing several related philosophical questions about work and arguing on the whole that meaningful work is central in human flourishing. Work impacts flourishing not only in developing and exercising human capabilities but also in instilling and reflecting virtues such as honor, pride, dignity,“Universal Basic Income and the Good of Work” in The Future of Work, Technology and a Basic Income, edited by Michael Cholbi and Michael Weber (Routledge, 2020), pp. 131-150. “What Makes Work Meaningful?” in The Philosophers’ Magazine 81:2 (2018): 78 – 83.  "Is Meaningful Work Available to All People?" in Philosophy and Social Criticism, Volume 41: Number 7 (2015).Autonomy, Oppression and Gender (New York: Oxford University Press, 2014).How to Help podcast episode Finding your calling Jeff Thompson Do you feel like you have a calling in life? Is there something when you wake up each day that you feel you are meant to do? If you don’t feel like you do, this episode will help you find what you’re missing. About Merit LeadershipIf you want help developing the ethical skills of your organization and its people, learn how Merit Leadership can help at http://meritleadership.com.Pleasant Pictures MusicJoin the Pleasant Pictures Music Club to get unlimited access to high-quality, royalty-free music for all of your projects. Use the discount code HOWTOHELP15 for 15% off your first year.
Intervention • Bill O’Rourke
Jun 15 2021
Intervention • Bill O’Rourke
Summary:Sometimes it's hard to be the hero. According to research, this is one of the most common dilemmas that people face. Bill O'Rourke will guide us through what intervention looks like and how to stand up to those we work with and know. Notice the skills Bill uses, things like gathering the facts, seeking perspective from others, acting confidently, and setting the tone as a leader. About Our Guest:Bill O’Rourke spent the majority of his career at Alcoa, Inc. a global aluminum manufacturing company. After Bill retired from Alcoa he continued to serve on the Board of the Alcoa Foundation and teach values at Alcoa’s Executive Leadership Program. He joined Alcoa as a Patent Attorney in 1975 and held a number of leadership positions including Corporate Patent Counsel, Vice President of Global Business Services (Financial Services, HR Services, Aircraft Operations, etc.), Chief Information Officer, Vice President of Procurement, Corporate Auditor, and Assistant General Counsel. From 2005 to 2008 Bill was the President of Alcoa-Russia. Bill was the Vice President, Environment, Health & Safety, and Sustainability three times under three CEOs at Alcoa.Bill lectures on Business Ethics, Corporate Compliance, and Safety at a number of companies and hospitals around the World, at Rotary Clubs, and at many universities including the University of Pittsburgh, Michigan, Nebraska, Arizona State, Florida, Illinois, Carnegie Mellon, Harvard Medical School, Northwestern, Chatham, San Jose, Viterbo, Benedictine, Marquette, Notre Dame, Gonzaga, Virginia Tech, the University of Dayton and Duquesne University.Bill is a co-author of The Business Ethics Field Guide.Useful Links:The Business Ethics Field Guide Power of Ethics Ethics: Creating an ethical organization in a hostile environment- Russia- Bill O'Rourke's experiencesYouTube Seek True North: Stories on Leadership and Ethics-Bill O'RourkeWSJ Story of the Alcoa Plant Manager About Merit LeadershipTo learn more about our products and services, visit http://meritleadership.comPleasant Pictures MusicJoin the Pleasant Pictures Music Club to get unlimited access to high-quality, royalty-free music for all of your projects. Use the discount code HOWTOHELP15 for 15% off your first year.
Creativity • Andrew Maxfield
Jun 8 2021
Creativity • Andrew Maxfield
Summary:You have a superpower, the ability to imagine completely different circumstances than what reality provides. Take a moment to look around; just about everything you see came from the fruits of someone's creativity. You have the same power, even if you don't think you do.In this episode, you'll learn how to expand and explore your creativity and our guide will be Andrew Maxfield—composer, entrepreneur, and idea factory. He's the most deliberately creative person I know and an excellent teacher.About Our Guest:Andrew studied music at Brigham Young University, where he was valedictorian and where he occasionally teaches. He has pursued advanced studies in counterpoint and harmony at the EAMA–Nadia Boulanger Institute in Paris, France, graduate composition studies at Boston Conservatory at Berklee, and doctoral studies at the University of Bristol (UK). His primary teachers include Philip Lasser (Juilliard), John Pickard, Jonathan Bailey Holland, and Marti Epstein, and he has also studied with Aaron Jay Kernis and Steven Sametz through the ACDA Choral Composers Forum. He also holds an MBA in Arts Administration from the University of Wisconsin–Madison.Andrew lives with his wife Liz Davis Maxfield—a professional cellist, expert in Irish traditional music, and rock climber—and their two handsome, high-octane boys (plus a hyper puppy) just downhill from Sundance in Provo, Utah.Below are some of Andrew's recent commissions, accomplishments, and those playing his music. The compositions of ANDREW MAXFIELD—hailed as “rhythmically vital … superbly judged … [and] tender” by Fanfare Magazine—have been performed throughout the U.S. and Europe. A recent winner of the King’s Singer’s New Music Prize (Jury Special Commendation), Andrew has been a Composer Fellow of the National Collegiate Choral Organization and Composer-in-Residence for Newburyport Choral Society. Recent commissions include choral works for the Barlow Endowment for Music Composition, Hillsdale College, and Salem Hills High School; an orchestral adaptation of the Caldecott honor book, They All Saw A Cat, for the Center for Latter-day Saint Arts in New York City; and a concert-length score for SALT Contemporary Dance, showcased at Lincoln Center. His album, Celebrating Wendell Berry in Music, was released by Tantara Records and his “well-crafted, approachable” works (Dr. George Case, The Boston Cecilia) are published by Walton, Santa Barbara, and Yalecrest. Ensembles which have performed Andrew’s music recently include USC Thornton Chamber Singers, Emporia Symphony Orchestra, Carroll University Symphonic Band and Choir, Wingate University Singers, Utah Philharmonic, The Piedmont Singers, University of Pennsylvania Chamber Choir, and Choral Arts Initiative.Useful Links:Andrew's websiteThe Door Virtually performed by Nightingale Vocal Ensemble. "The Door" is the final piece in trUSt: A Collaboration with Andrew Maxfield. April 19, 2021The Singing Bowl Virtually performed by Nightingale Vocal Ensemble. “The Singing Bowl” is the third piece in trUSt: A Collaboration with Andrew Maxfield. April 16, 2021The Artist's Way by Julia CameronOld Masters and Young Geniuses by David Galenson
Resilience • Melissa Sevy
Jun 1 2021
Resilience • Melissa Sevy
Summary:"People who were not lacking in capability, but lacking an opportunity" Artisans in the developing world have incredible, valuable skills, but limited access to global markets. From jewelry to baskets, and pottery to blankets, Melissa Sevy creates opportunities for artisans to flourish, providing jobs, fair pay work, and dignity. But it hasn't been easy. Along the way she faced difficulty, hardship, and brick walls. Yet, her resilient nature overcomes and helped her to be there to strengthen others. About Our Guest:Melissa Sevy specializes in helping artisans in the developing world gain access to global markets. She is the founder and Executive Director of Mabira Collective (formerly Musana), a nonprofit working with jewelry artisans in Uganda.She also is the Co-founder of Fair Kind a for-profit social venture. Fair Kind is a social enterprise that sources handmade products from artisan groups around the world for corporate clients. Her newest company is Ethik Collective, platform that enables companies to source ethical handmade goods and materials from artisans around the world.Useful Links:Melissa Sevy is on Twiter.Fair Kind supports local artisans and creates a positive impact. You can buy their beautiful products directly.Mabira Collective creates a sustainable solution based in love and breaking the cycle of dependency by helping women develop as jewelry artisans and entrepreneurs. Ethik offers ethical sourcing of all things handmadeGrit shares that achievement is found through focused persistence called grit. Resilience Research Center has collaborated with local, national, and international institutions for more than 15 years to carry out innovative research that explores pathways to resilience across cultures. About Merit LeadershipOur Business Ethics classroom in a Box focuses on developing future leaders by developing ethical skills and tools in an easy-to-use course. Providing lesson plans, exercises, and assessments that help people succeed where good intentions fall short.Pleasant Pictures MusicJoin the Pleasant Pictures Music Club to get unlimited access to high-quality, royalty-free music for all of your projects. Use the discount code HOWTOHELP15 for 15% off your first year.
Character, Service, and Sacrifice • Chaplain George Youstra
May 25 2021
Character, Service, and Sacrifice • Chaplain George Youstra
Summary:What does a career look like when its very purpose is to embody character, service, and sacrifice? It looks exactly like the career of military chaplains. Chaplains play a critical role that touch every aspect of military service, from battlefield counseling to advising the highest levels of command. Being a good chaplain means being an influence for good, building relationships of trust, and continually focusing on others. These are abilities that all of us could use ourselves. Chaplain George Youstra will be our instructor.About our Guest:Chaplain George Youstra (Col. ret.) led a distinguished 38-year military career. He most recently served as Command Chaplain for the United States Special Operations Command (SOCOM).  Prior to that, he served as the Joint Staff Chaplain and command chaplain to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He also advised the Supreme Allied Commander of NATO, one of the eight four-star generals he served. Chaplain Youstra, a former Green Beret, is also an ordained minister for the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches. Useful Links:Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life...And Maybe the World, BY: William McRavenSea Stories: My Life in Special Operations, By: William McRaven It Worked for Me: In Life and Leadership, By: Colin PowellBonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy, By: Eric MetaxasThe Servant as Leader, By: Robert GreenleafSpecial Forces Ethics Field Guide: KSL interviews authors Brad Agle and Aaron Miller about their experience consulting the US Special Forces. Retirement Ceremony for Chaplin George YoustraAbout Merit LeadershipAt Merit Leadership, we teach ethics as a skill. With innovative training and consulting programs, we can help your organization turn Peril into Opportunity. To learn more, visit http://MeritLeadership.com.Pleasant Pictures Music:Join the Pleasant Pictures Music Club to get unlimited access to high-quality, royalty-free music for all of your projects. Use the discount code HOWTOHELP15 for 15% off your first year.
Blowing the Whistle • Tyler Shultz
May 18 2021
Blowing the Whistle • Tyler Shultz
Summary:"The real trade secret was that there was no secret." Elizebeth Holmes—Founder of Theranos—raised billions of dollars in startup capital. The entire company failed to produce a functioning technology, putting customer's lives in danger and defrauding investors. Tyler Schultz recounts his harrowing experience as a young graduate working in one of the Theranos labs. Insisting on doing the right thing, he blew the whistle on one of the biggest corporate frauds of all time. Along the way, he teaches us key lessons about having an ethical career and living an ethical life.About Our Guest:Tyler Shultz is the CEO of Flux Biosciences, a biotech firm. He graduated from Stanford with a Biology degree and entered the national scene when he blew the whistle at Theranos. Tyler complained to the public health regulators in New York and was a source for a series of Wall Street Journal articles exposing Theranos’ dubious blood-testing practices. Owing to his role in exposing the fraud. Useful Links:Thicker than Water is Tyler's Audible Original where he tells his story, first-hand. There's no better way to get his unique perspective on all that happened.Bad Blood, this book features Tyler Schultz and the Theranos scandal. Penned by John Carreyrou, the original author of the Wall Street Journal articles, “The Inventor” Alex Gibney’s HBO documentary Flux Biosciences, Inc., Shultz is the CEO and Co-Founder of a bay-area start-up that aims to bring medical grade diagnostics into the homes of consumers. Forbes name Tyler as “30 under 30” Health Care 2017 list.CNN highlights tech ethics venture Ethics in EntrepreneurshipWallstreet journal "Theranos Whistleblower Shook the Company - and His Family."Pleasant Pictures MusicJoin the Pleasant Pictures Music Club to get unlimited access to high-quality, royalty-free music for all of your projects. Use the discount code HOWTOHELP15 for 15% off your first year.
Hope • David Williams
May 11 2021
Hope • David Williams
SummaryIf we look, we can see missing hope in all kinds of places. Some parents lack hope because their child struggles with chronic illness, some families don't even know if they can buy groceries next week, and some don't even have a home. Throughout his career, David Williams has become an expert in giving people hope, and he'll share what he's learned so that all of us can be better at building hope in others and ourselves.About Our GuestDavid Williams has served as the Executive Director of the Houston Food Bank, COO of Habitat for Humanity, CEO of the national Make-A-Wish Foundation, and CEO of GenesisWorks. He currently works as CEO for Shelters to Shutters, a national organization addressing homelessness through the real estate industry.Useful LinksA minute with David Williams: David Williams discusses what it takes to deliver inspiration to families with children faced with illness.What Melts Your Butter is David Williams TEDx Talk about Hope.GenesysWorks: GenesysWorks provides pathways to career success for high school students in underserved communities through skills training, meaningful work experiences, and impactful relationships. Our program consists of 8 weeks of technical and professional skills training, a paid year-long corporate internship, college and career coaching, and alumni support to and through college. Batkid Make-A-Wish: It all began with a new superhero who rallied the entire world as he confronted evildoers in San Francisco. Today Batkid is a symbol of everything that is right and good with the world.Houston Food Bank: Founded in 1982, the Houston Food Bank is a certified member of Feeding America, the nation’s food bank network, with a four-star rating from Charity Navigator. We distribute fresh produce, meat and nonperishables and prepare nutritious hot meals for kids in our state-of-the-art Keegan Kitchen.National Make-A-Wish: An Interview With Make-A-Wish President &CEO David Williams.Shelters to Shutters: We seek to change the trajectory of those experiencing homelessness in our country by providing two critical components- housing and employment. Charles Snyder developed a psychological framework for hope, using ideas like pathways-thinking and agency-thinking.About Merit LeadershipLearn more about Merit Leadership and its offerings at:http://meritleadership.comPleasant Pictures MusicJoin the Pleasant Pictures Music Club to get unlimited access to high-quality, royalty-free music for all of your projects. Use the discount code HOWTOHELP15 for 15% off your first year.https://pleasantpictures.club
Neuroscience of Altruism • Dr. Abigail Marsh
May 11 2021
Neuroscience of Altruism • Dr. Abigail Marsh
SummaryWhat makes some people more generous than others? And when it comes to altruism, how do we get more of it? In this episode, we learn about how altruism works in the brain, and the clues are surprisingly found in how psychopaths experience fear. Neuroscientist and professor Abigail Marsh will tell us what she's learned about altruism and the human brain.About Our GuestAbigail Marsh is a Professor in the Department of Psychology and the Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience at Georgetown University. She received her BA in Psychology from Dartmouth College in 1999 and her PhD in Social Psychology at Harvard University in 2004. Before Georgetown, she conducted post-doctoral work at the NIMH from 2004-2008. Her areas of expertise include social and affective neuroscience, particularly understanding emotional processes like empathy and how they relate to altruism, aggression, and psychopathy. Useful LinksHer book: The Fear Factor: How One Emotion Connects Psychopaths, Altruists, and Everyone In-Between Published by Dr. Marsh in 2017 "What is responsible for the extremes of generosity and cruelty humans are capable of? By putting psychopathic children and extreme altruists in an fMRI, acclaimed psychologist Abigail Marsh found that the answer lies in how our brain responds to others' fear. While the brain's amygdala makes most of us hardwired for good, its variations can explain heroic and psychopathic behavior."TED Talk: Abigail Marsh asks an essential question in her TED talk: If humans are evil, Why do we sometimes go to extraordinary lengths to help others even at a cost to ourselves?Google Scholar: Has over 8500 citations from Abigail Marsh.Twitter: Follow Dr. Marsh @aa_MarshOther ResourcesMatthieu Ricard: Points out that empathy on its own can lead to fatigue and burnout.Michael Krauss: Research shows that increased wealth can actually reduce empathy and altruism.David DeSteno: People who've experienced significant trauma or natural disasters themselves benefit from self-efficacy, which gives them the confidence to know what to do in a situation they are familiar with. More about Merit LeadershipBusiness Ethics Field Guide: The ability to clarify individual and organizational values and to find a way forward when these values conflict. This book will help you develop those skills and apply them in your organization to become a better leader.Classroom In Box: Do you teach ethics? Whether it's in a university, school, company, or agency you know how difficult it can be. Merit Leadership has compiled decades of award-winning experience teaching ethics and created...