Investing in Kindness--Amanda Fornal on Truthful Leadership Startup Innovation and Everyday Exploration

Amanda Fornal has traveled to 100+ countries—and she's also spent 25+ years advising teams, founders, and leaders. In this episode, we talk about what makes someone truly trustworthy in business and life, and why "being kind" isn't the same as "being nice." Amanda shares the story that still chokes her up—a man describing what it felt like to be unseen while homeless—and how that lesson shapes her approach to change management, feedback, and leadership. We also dig into her "Investing in Kindness" research project, plus simple ways to explore your world without spending a dime.   Kindness challenge: Make someone feel seen (through reflective listening). • In your next conversation, pause and ask one curious follow-up question instead of jumping in. • Say, "This is what I'm hearing…" and summarize in one sentence. • If they correct you, thank them: "I'm glad I checked—tell me more." • Do this once a day for a week (coworker, family member, stranger) and notice how the tone changes.   Stay Inspired so You Can Stay Kind: Turn curiosity into a weekly "learning + connection" ritual. • Pick a nonfiction, data-driven audiobook and listen to just one chapter per week (Amanda-style). • Talk about that chapter with one person: "What's one thing you agree with, and one thing you want to try?" • Add one "history spark" a week: read a short bio from a women explorers resource and share the story with someone as a quick voice note.   Get in Amanda's Orbit!               • https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandadfornal               • https://womeninexploration.org               • https://www.loveisthedocumentary.com               • https://www.investinginkindnessproject.com _____ Please visit our website to get more information: http://ourfutureiskind.com/   Michael G. Neece's Essential Information -Book a Call! https://ourfutureiskind.as.me -PressKit:https://onedrive.live.com/?redeem=aHR0cHM6Ly8xZHJ2Lm1zL2YvcyFBaVdyWHZsbEx3Ujl4WGJEZzRkcGE4ZDBWMUVGP2U9a3R6TTBP   🔔𝐃𝐨𝐧'𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐮𝐛𝐬𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐲 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐥 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬. https://www.youtube.com/@YourNextKeynoteSpeaker/?sub_confirmation=1   ⭐⭐⭐ Audio Podcast is currently on your favorite platforms: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7aQcfpaZkX9Wisd9c9BWXv ApplePodcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/our-future-is-kind-podcast/id1784037822 AmazonPodcast: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b3e101ff-9a05-4a17-9160-879012997d5c/our-future-is-kind-podcast   Podcast guests and key partners: @ShariAlyse @ThirdWaveVolunteers @Nataliesiston @bravehealerproductions2444 @mari_trademarks @erikwalkerneill9708 @lisapowellgraham @TheMyImpossiblePodcast_MK @_bernadette_smith @nikki-groom @laraheacock4059 @bravehealerproductions2444 @ChefaloConsulting @MindfulManagementPodcast   Michael is co-founder of The Human Summit,  Learn about The Human Summit: www.thehumansummit.com/home https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-human-summit https://www.facebook.com/groups/thehumansummit   🔗 Check Out My Books Here! 🔗 Check Out My Books Here! 🚀 "Tony Jenzano, Astronaut Trainer" https://www.amazon.com/Tony-Jenzano-Astronaut-Trainer-Stars/dp/1469659921 ⭐ "In Kind" https://www.amazon.com/Kind-Consciously-Craft-Meaningful-Career/dp/B0CT32X7LD 🏅 International #1 Best Seller "Joy Unleashed" https://www.amazon.com/Joy-Unleashed-Ultimate-Guide-Living-ebook/dp/B0G46K2MZC   🔗 Stay Connected With Me. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MichaelGNeeceAuthor Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelgneece/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yournextkeynotespeaker/ Website: https://www.ourfutureiskind.com/   📩 For business inquiries: [email protected] ============================= 🎬Suggested videos for you:   ▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0FP3M_hjbVM ▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dc3s0EP4b28 ▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QgQaO_LOGME ▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FkCL2dMi_e0 ▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T766pHw-7BA ▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8_SyObRtsY ▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3P3-mJeeu5Q ▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4UdJ66ej_yU ================================= For Collaboration and Business inquiries, please reach out: 📩 Email: [email protected]   🔔 Want to boost efficiency, innovation, and productivity through kindness? Subscribe for expert insights, inspiring podcasts, and powerful strategies! https://www.youtube.com/@YourNextKeynoteSpeaker/?sub_confirmation=1   =================================   🔎 Related Phrases: #leadership #Motivation #LeadershipDevelopment #TeamBuilding #CorporateCulture #EmployeeEngagement #ProfessionalDevelopment #MotivationalSpeaking #EffectiveCommunication #CareerSuccess #ProductivityHacks #FutureOfWork #WorkplaceKindness #InnovationInBusiness #WorkplaceWellbeing #InclusiveLeadership #GrowthMindset #KindnessMatters #ConflictResolution #SelfCareForLeaders #TrustInTeams #BetterTogether #Podcast #Kindness #future #Culture #Books #HumanSummit