Joni Wickham

Just keep swimming, just keep swimming, just keep swimming. - Dory from Finding Nemo Our guest this week on Small Changes Big Shifts, Joni Wickham, is all about grit, grace, and getting things done. A native of Raleigh, North Carolina, Joni and her indisputable southern accent arrived in Kansas City almost 10 years ago after leading initiatives within state and federal government as well as advocacy organizations. In her eight years with the mayor's office—the majority of them spent as Chief of Staff—Joni has proven herself as an accomplished political strategist, communications expert, and organizational leader. Prior to her time at city hall, Joni worked with the American Federation of Teachers, the Missouri Department of Transportation, and in the office of Missouri Secretary of State Robin Carnahan. She is also the author of the new book The Thin Line Between Cupcake and Bitch: Taking Action, Driving Change, Getting Results. Joni has authored a LinkedIn series: Navigating Conflict While Female series addressing the unique workplace challenges women face surrounding conflict. Join Dr. Michelle and Joni as they talk about:  Her career and experience with witnessing workplace challenges for women. The moment that inspired her to write the book, The Thin Line Between Cupcake and Bitch, about communication and leadership differences between men and women. Unpacking how men and women can use their different styles of leadership and communication more constructively and effectively. What she misses the most and what she doesn't miss about working in local government. Exploring politics and what she wishes people would know more about it. How we can be better active listeners including doing less talking over one another. Learn new tools for better communication in your life including: Why you don't have to be best friends with someone to build good teamwork. Focus on whatever result or drive you're going for and figure out how to use the interpersonal relationship in a way that accomplishes it. Why sometimes we have to put aside the emotions and constructs that hold us back from getting work done. What steps we can take to have more conversations about the issues around gender bias. Why self-awareness is key to help resolve gender bias in organizations. The "You Matter" Manifesto You are enough. You have influence. You are a genius. You have a contribution to make. You have a gift that others need. Your actions define your impact. You are the change. You Matter. Mentioned In This Episode Joni Wickham The Thin Line Between Cupcake and Bitch: Taking Action, Driving Change, Getting Results by Joni Wickham LinkedIn Series: Navigating Conflict While Female Joni Wickham on A Thin Line Between Cupcake and Bitch Small Changes Big Shifts ep. 210 - Wendy Basch Connect LinkedIn Facebook Twitter