VAST Institute Podcast

Taste of Original Thinking - Imagination Your Next Superpower

Our guest Paula Intravaia, a bold and enlightened designer of educational daydreams is co- founder of Cloud Club Collective and stanch advocate for our right to daydream, YEA!

Paula is dedicated to the enhancement of human creativity by bringing research-based techniques via mobile technology and digital tools to individuals wanting to discover and unlock their latent creative. We explore the role of imagination in resilience and hear from Paula how educators, bleeding edge entrepreneurs and fourth graders each utilize the Purposeful Daydreaming to enhance their problem-solving capabilities and access their CREATIVITY VIRTUES.

We discuss the value of Positive Imagination and Purposeful Daydreaming via the lens of her experience and the many who’ve gathered at Cloud Club Collective to hone their innovative edge as Original Thinkers.

 

• Master tools for creating the future you want to experience
• Hone techniques for activating your positive imagination
• Design a transformative creative practice that seamlessly integrates into your daily life
• Learn how to spend quality time with your Imagination

 

Cloud Club is an organization dedicated to the enhancement of human creativity. We combine research-based techniques with mobile technology to create digital tools that help individuals discover and unlock their latent creative potential. If you'd like to learn more, please visit their  website at Cloud Club Collective

Leading from the Empathy Edge

Join Michelle and Maria Ross, author of The Empathy Edge, as we explore the whole unvarnished truth about the role  empathy plays in the business realm.

Discover Maria’s motive for her extensive research into the business case for creating empathetic cultures. Hear her lessons and scientifically based approach to what she learned.

“Cultures driven by competition or ones that induce action through fear can never truly innovate.” (Maria Ross) …and as we all know the name of the game today is innovation.

You will learn:

• What is empathy in a business context? What is it NOT? (myths)

• The role of presence and curiosity in leadership.

• Is empathy an effective strategy for leaders and brands?

• How can I begin today to bring key elements of empathy into my work environment and team?

Sound and Light Episode 4 - Fast Forward

Sound and Light is an animated, unscripted dialogue with Jim Cohen and Michelle Sherman, as they recount the impact that music has made on their lives, from the ’50’s to today. 

Join Jim and Michelle as they fast forward to the music of today and how it continues to influence their lives.  They reflect on symphonic music, rock and roll, rock stars past and present and the powerful magic of music as a universal harmonizer.

• The imagination and math of music
• Transcendence, and the power of community
• Music as magic incarnate

 

Jim Cohen is an accomplished innovation design strategist, trusted advisor, mentor, and transformation sherpa. He has the soul of an artist, the mind of a business leader and the heart of a guru.

For more about Jim visit https://www.jimcohensherpa.com 

 

Michelle Sherman is a renaissance woman, international business strategist, Inspirational speaker, published author, transformational coach, leadership mentor, citizen diplomat and visionary pioneer.

For more information about Michelle visit https://www.vastinstitute.com

 

Sound and Light Episode 3 - Adolescence, Part 2

Sound and Light is an animated, unscripted dialogue with Jim Cohen and Michelle Sherman, as they recount the impact that music has made on their lives, from the ’50’s to today. 

More about Jim and Michelle’s adolescent relationship with music in their lives. They have a lively chat about life and music in the naughty 70’s and other intrigues.

• Exploration of all kinds - let’s go there
• The Dead and their magical influence
• The Byrds, the Springfield, CSNY, being in the room
• The spirit, the power, and the magic in the poetry

 

Jim Cohen is an accomplished innovation design strategist, trusted advisor, mentor, and transformation sherpa. He has the soul of an artist, the mind of a business leader and the heart of a guru.

For more about Jim visit https://www.jimcohensherpa.com 

 

Michelle Sherman is a renaissance woman, international business strategist, Inspirational speaker, published author, transformational coach, leadership mentor, citizen diplomat and visionary pioneer.

For more information about Michelle visit https://www.vastinstitute.com

 

Sound and Light Episode 2 - Adolescence

Sound and Light is an animated, unscripted dialogue with Jim Cohen and Michelle Sherman, as they recount the impact that music has made on their lives, from the ’50’s to today. 

We continue the dialogue, moving on to those geeky years of adolescence. Listen in as Jim and Michelle recount tales from the neighborhood, being caught up in the heartbeat of the music that shaped them.

• From folk music to the Beatles
• From black and white to technicolor
• Youth, the Who and lessons learned

 

Jim Cohen is an accomplished innovation design strategist, trusted advisor, mentor, and transformation sherpa. He has the soul of an artist, the mind of a business leader and the heart of a guru.

For more about Jim visit https://www.jimcohensherpa.com 

 

Michelle Sherman is a renaissance woman, international business strategist, Inspirational speaker, published author, transformational coach, leadership mentor, citizen diplomat and visionary pioneer.

For more information about Michelle visit https://www.vastinstitute.com

 

The Curly Girls Guide to Belonging

Join Michelle Purnell-Hepburn and Michelle Sherman as they explore how beautiful you are and life is, once we embrace our “curls”. Heartfelt sharing, inclusion wisdom and sincere encouragement abound with these two vibrant Curly Girls, who have seen a lot and endeavor to bring out the best in life.

Curly Girls Guide to Belonging will offer perspective, encouragement and practical tools to hone your world in a loving and compassionate manner.

Themes Discussed:

• Creativity
• Worthiness
• Self-Wisdom
• Authenticity

Sound and Light Episode 1 - In The Beginning

Sound and Light is an animated, unscripted dialogue with Jim Cohen and Michelle Sherman, as they recount the impact that music has made on their lives, from the ’50’s to today. 

• The parity of Jazz and innovation
• Stories that wind from Broadway show tunes to Pete Seeger and inclusion
• The value of courage, optimism, and performance

 

Jim Cohen is an accomplished innovation design strategist, trusted advisor, mentor, and transformation sherpa. He has the soul of an artist, the mind of a business leader and the heart of a guru.

For more about Jim visit https://www.jimcohensherpa.com 

 

Michelle Sherman is a renaissance woman, international business strategist, Inspirational speaker, published author, transformational coach, leadership mentor, citizen diplomat and visionary pioneer.

For more information about Michelle visit https://www.vastinstitute.com

 

How to remain buoyant and optimistic in times of fear, uncertainty and doubt

How to remain buoyant and optimistic in times of fear, uncertainty and doubt:

• How to stop negativity from pulling you down
• What is positive Imagination and how to use it 
• How to use it to dissipate the FUD in your life

Leading Your Team During Times of Crisis and Transition

Leading Your Team During Times of Crisis and Transition is part of the Don Graf bundle on Retaining and Developing Talent offered by the VAST Institute that explores the essential skills and benefits of applying Socially Intelligent Leadership skills to the art of guiding your team through times treacherous waters of crisis and market change. This episode provides guidance for those actively managing the people side of the equation in developing effective teams poised to achieve the best possible outcomes.

While many current project management training programs provide the traditional mechanics of managing the aspects of scope, schedule and budget, this VAST Learning Series boosts your ability to lead by managing interpersonal relationships judicially and empathetically for the benefit of all stakeholders.

Thought Leader Don Graf provides a finely-honed blueprint for leading a collaborative team aligned to achieving your project vision. In addition to traditional project management skills, this series will provide insights into what soft skills you and your organization need to enhance your project management proficiency.

In this Socially Intelligent Project Management Series you will learn how to create a project environment where:

• Members who are eager to solve your toughest problems and do their best work
• Unique, diverse talent pools both virtual and real-time are optimized for outcomes and profit
• Motivating your teams to perform to scope, schedule and budget, the holy trinity of PM is addressed and sustained.
• You identify client and project challenges before they become explosive
• New competencies learned
  • Socially Intelligent Leadership
  • Self-Wisdom
  • Positive Imagination
  • Healthy Relationships

That Still Small Voice Within - Guest Interview Jonathan Van Valin

Jonathan Van Valin, classical pianist, serial entrepreneur, global explorer and kindhearted change agent will explain how he witnesses and assists Spiritual Seekers ready to transcend their spiritual reluctance and Befriend the Still Small Voice Within.

• Hear Jonathan ’s amazing journey of Self-Discovery from skeptic to Spiritual Acolyte
• Explore the power of your presence and how to work with it for your greatest good
• Learn how to listen to that inner voice to bring greater peace you’re your world