VP, Marketing & Partnerships | Digital Infrastructure Evangelist | Driving Innovation and Growth in Africa's digital landscape | MBA
I've been a listener of The Diary Of A CEO. A standout feature of DOAC is the diverse array of guests Steven Bartlett brings on board. Whether it's discussions about sexuality and marriage, the impacts of stress, or strategies for weight loss, each episode offers valuable insights from experts in their respective fields. What truly sets The Diary Of A CEO apart, however, is Steven's willingness to be vulnerable. He shares openly about his own experiences, fears, and anxieties, creating a space for genuine connection with his guests and listeners alike. He is also so emotionally tuned in to his guests that he knows the right follow-up questions to ask to get them to share. Most DOAC sessions, usually start with the typical quest for knowledge from the guest's research or work, but veers, via follow-on questions, into metaphysical or sublime thoughts. Great interviewers apply the skillsets of research, preparation, intuition, quiet pauses, active listening skills, and being able to pursue an important train for as long as possible, ensuring listeners follow the guest. Steven can prod on their thoughts with questions, and even share his experiences, which encourages his guests to share more about themselves. Very few interviewers have been able to go against the zeitgeist of interviewing, and "become the interview," fostering deep emotional connections that resonate long after the episode ends. For a long time, Google had been working on what made the perfect team. A study, identified ‘‘conversational turn-taking’’ and ‘‘average social sensitivity’’ as aspects of psychological safety that are important for a great team climate. A major highlight of the project was the interconnection between psychological safety and emotional conversations, and how people opening up about their struggles was important for group norming. Steven Bartlett embodies the principles identified by Google in their study on effective team dynamics. By prioritizing conversational turn-taking and cultivating psychological safety, Steven creates an environment where guests feel empowered to share authentically. As a listener, I've witnessed firsthand the transformative power of Steven's approach to podcasting. Each episode leaves me with actionable insights and a renewed perspective, a testament to the profound impact of open dialogue. Listening to some of the most successful and accomplished people openly discuss stress, depression, and anxieties was truly eye-opening. As someone who has faced my share of struggles, it resonated deeply with me to acknowledge the paradoxes of experiencing both positive and negative events simultaneously, and to persevere, irrespective. If you can, please listen to The Diary Of A CEO. My current favorites include the conversation with Wendy Suzuki, James J Sexton, Robert Greene, Africa Brooke, and of course, #BustaRhymes. https://lnkd.in/eAsCvAzZ
