Stand in the & with Heather Gates

On this “expert in the &” episode, Heather and Dr. Ahmad Hariri, a professor of psychology and neuroscience at Duke University, unpack some complexities of the human brain and how understanding it can help us live more intentional lives. Dr. Hariri shares some brain-circuit basics, along with details on how our neural architecture influences behavior and emotional regulation. This episode also includes a few reminders and tools to help us all hold ourselves with compassion and support us in thriving individually & collectively. Send us your questions… we’re doing a Part 2!Disclaimer: The views and opinions shared in this episode belong solely to the host and the guest and do not necessarily reflect those of their employer or affiliated organizations.Host: Heather Gates, MPH, Owner & Strategy Partner, Human-Centered Strategy, LLC Guest: Dr. Ahmad Hariri, Professor of Psychology & Neuroscience, Duke UniversityResourcesMichael Pollan on PsychedelicsSecret of Secrets by Dan BrownWhole Brain Living by Dr. Jill Bolte TaylorLooking Inside the Disordered Brain by Ahmad HaririDr. Dan Siegel “Brain in the Hand” modelWhy Zebras Don't Get Ulcers by Robert Sapolsky'sConnect About the PodcastEmail us with your ideas and feedback: [email protected] the Podcast for more episodesSee what we’re up to on Instagram with all things “&”To request strategy partner & facilitation support from Human-Centered Strategy, visit us online at https://human-centeredstrategy.com/contact/Purchase the MerchStickers, mugs, and touchstones can be purchased here https://human-centeredstrategy.com/gifts/

On this episode, Heather Gates and Meghan O'Malley explore the nuanced dance between control, surrender, and agency. This conversation delves into how embracing paradoxes, regulating our nervous systems, and fostering connection can unlock human potential and foster authentic leadership.Disclaimer: The views and opinions shared in this episode belong solely to the host and the guest and do not necessarily reflect those of their employer or affiliated organizations.Host: Heather Gates, MPH, Owner & Strategy Partner, Human-Centered Strategy, LLC Guest: Meghan O'Malley, MS, Author, Speaker, Coach & Consultant Resources•Meghan O’Malley Coaching •“Unstuck Yourself: Thrive Beyond Burnout & Discover Your True Purpose” by Meghan O'Malley MS, Laura Cardwell •“Unshakeable: The Power of Connection When Everything Is Crumbling” by Meghan O’Malley, TedXAsheville •The Imaginal Change Podcast •Dr. Lisa Miller - researcher, professor and published author at Columbia University who studies the brain as it relates to spiritual connection Connect About the PodcastEmail us with your ideas and feedback: [email protected] the Podcast for more episodesSee what we’re up to on Instagram with all things “&”To request strategy partner & facilitation support from Human-Centered Strategy, visit us online at https://human-centeredstrategy.com/contact/Purchase the MerchStickers, mugs, and touchstones can be purchased here https://human-centeredstrategy.com/gifts/

In this episode, Heather Gates and Daniel Carnegie explore the importance of balancing acceleration and stewardship in tech and data innovation. They discuss the critical role of listening, the challenges of implementing technology, and the need for humility and curiosity in fostering effective communication. Through personal anecdotes and insights, they highlight the lessons learned from past innovations and the importance of creating a culture that values inquiry and collaboration. They discuss the importance of defining success in tech solutions, the complexities of innovation, and the necessity of incorporating human elements into deployment. The dialogue emphasizes the need for open communication, judgment in decision-making, and the challenges of navigating complexity in a rapidly changing technological landscape.Disclaimer: The views and opinions shared in this episode belong solely to the host and the guest and do not necessarily reflect those of their employer or affiliated organizations.Host: Heather Gates, MPH, Owner & Strategy Partner, Human-Centered Strategy, LLC () Guest: Daniel Carnegie, MD, MPH, MBA Chief Data Officer, North Carolina Department of Health & Human Services Connect About the PodcastEmail us with your ideas and feedback: [email protected] the Podcast for more episodesSee what we’re up to on Instagram with all things “&”To request strategy partner & facilitation support from Human-Centered Strategy, visit us online at https://human-centeredstrategy.com/contact/Purchase the MerchStickers, mugs, and touchstones can be purchased here https://human-centeredstrategy.com/gifts/

In this episode Heather sits down with long-time friend and singer songwriter Eric Erdman for storytelling around Eric’s background and the experience of writing the song Stand in the & together. They chat about “the ANDs” in a career within music and in the song writing journey. Through stories of co-creating music in real time, they highlight the messiness, patience, trust, courage, and vulnerability required to bring something new into the world. You’ll hear all the background and next steps (sort of), and at the end of the episode you’ll hear Eric sing and share “Stand in the &” recorded for the first time.  Disclaimer: The views and opinions shared in this episode belong solely to the host and the guest and do not necessarily reflect those of their employer or affiliated organizations.Host: Heather Gates, MPH, Owner & Strategy Partner, Human-Centered Strategy, LLC  Guest: Eric Erdman, Owner & Magic Maker, Eric Erdman Music ResourcesEric Erdman’s Website Eric Erdman’s InstagramConnect About the PodcastEmail us with your ideas and feedback: [email protected] the Podcast for more episodesSee what we’re up to on Instagram with all things “&”To request strategy partner & facilitation support from Human-Centered Strategy, visit us online at https://human-centeredstrategy.com/contact/Purchase the MerchStickers, mugs, and touchstones can be purchased here https://human-centeredstrategy.com/gifts/

In this episode, Heather and Kirsten explore the intricate dance between empathy and accountability in leadership, team dynamics, personal relationships, and with ourselves. They discuss the importance of connection, clear expectations, and the necessity of pre-work in preparing for difficult conversations. They emphasize the value of curiosity, care, and the normalization of discomfort in fostering trust and effective communication all while finding the balance between being empathetic and holding ourselves and others accountable. Disclaimer: The views and opinions shared in this episode belong solely to the host and the guest and do not necessarily reflect those of their employer or affiliated organizations.Host: Heather Gates, MPH, Owner & Strategy Partner, Human-Centered Strategy  Guest: Kirsten Cone, Executive Director, Givens Estate Resources "Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High" by Joseph Grenny, Kerry Patterson, Ron McMillan"Crucial Accountability: Tools for Resolve" by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, David Maxfield, Ron McMillan, Al SwitzlerConnect About the PodcastEmail us with your ideas and feedback: [email protected] the Podcast for more episodesSee what we’re up to on Instagram with all things “&”To request strategy partner & facilitation support from Human-Centered Strategy, visit us online at https://human-centeredstrategy.com/contact/Purchase the MerchStickers, mugs, and touchstones can be purchased here https://human-centeredstrategy.com/gifts/

In this episode, business owners and makers, Heather and Erin explore the intricate relationship between our internal narratives and the work to make our visions real in the world. They discuss the practice & challenges of moving from imagination to reality, the duality of anchoring and expanding in the creative process, and how fear can serve as a passageway. The dialogue emphasizes the significance of choice, the messy middle of creativity (in the broad sense), and the feeling of fierce responsibility to create meaning in our lives. Through their shared experiences, they highlight the interconnectedness of our “inward & artward” journey of inside reflection AND external creation and connection. The conversation honors an inclusive understanding of creativity and community, with a nudge to continue making what we can imagine as possible.Disclaimer: The views and opinions shared in this episode belong solely to the host and the guest and do not necessarily reflect those of their employer or affiliated organizations.Host: Heather Gates, MPH, Owner & Strategy Partner, Human-Centered Strategy, LLC Guest: Erin Hallagan Clare, founder of Story ParlorResourcesThe Story ParlorBattery Park Book Exchange & Champagne Bar The Inward & Artward School of CreativityYoga with Adrienne“Daring Greatly” by Brene Brown“Beauty” by John O'Donohue, Irish Philosopher – The Approach of Reverence “Writing Down the Bones” by Natalie Goldberg "Pedagogy of the Oppressed" by Paulo Freire "Teaching to Transgress" by Bell Hooks"The Anti-Racist Writing Workshop" by Felicia Rose Chavez Connect About the PodcastEmail us with your ideas and feedback: [email protected] the Podcast for more episodesSee what we’re up to on Instagram with all things “&”To request strategy partner & facilitation support from Human-Centered Strategy, visit us online at https://human-centeredstrategy.com/contact/Purchase the MerchStickers, mugs, and touchstones can be purchased here https://human-centeredstrategy.com/gifts/

In this episode, Brooke Nielsen Yang, a psychotherapist and coach, joins the podcast to discuss the concept of “parts work” and how it can help individuals understand different parts of themselves and manage internal conflicts. Heather and Brooke share examples from their own experiences and tools they use to help engage and navigate their human complexity. The conversation delves into the different types of parts within us, such as authentic self, protector parts, and exile parts, and how recognizing these can lead to living a more authentic life. The discussion also touches on the importance of curiosity in navigating our own internal landscape, and ways that it helps us connect with others too.Disclaimer: The views and opinions shared in this episode belong solely to the host and the guest and do not necessarily reflect those of their employer or affiliated organizations.Host: Heather Gates, MPH, Owner & Strategy Partner, Human-Centered Strategy, LLC (https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-gates-9a837913/) Guest: Brooke Nielsen Yang, Therapist, Coach & Educator for Highly Sensitive & Neurodivergent Leaders (https://www.linkedin.com/in/brooke-nielsen-yang-55437313/) Resources No Bad Parts By Dick Schwartz  Coming Home to Yourself: Recalibration for Sensitives Workshop Brookes website: intuitivewarriorway.comConnect About the PodcastEmail us with your ideas and feedback: [email protected] the Podcast for more episodesSee what we’re up to on Instagram with all things “&”To request strategy partner & facilitation support from Human-Centered Strategy, visit us online at https://human-centeredstrategy.com/contact/Purchase the MerchStickers, mugs, and touchstones can be purchased here https://human-centeredstrategy.com/gifts/

In this conversation, Heather and Rod explore the “and” of joy & adversity, reflecting on how these two forces shape personal and professional growth. They discuss how joy can be both a fuel for the journey and the reward on the other side of hardship. Rod shares his belief that mastery over adversity brings fulfillment, while Heather notes that joy can also exist in moments, offering connection and buoyancy during tough times. Together, they emphasize the importance of slowing down, being present, and allowing joy, even in challenging seasons.Disclaimer: The views and opinions shared in this episode belong solely to the host and the guest and do not necessarily reflect those of their employer or affiliated organizations.Host: Heather Gates, MPH, Owner & Strategy Partner, Human-Centered Strategy, LLC Guest: Dr. Rodney E. Jenkins, Sr., DrPH, MHA, Public Health Director, Durham County Department of Public HealthConnect About the PodcastEmail us with your ideas and feedback: [email protected] the Podcast for more episodesSee what we’re up to on Instagram with all things “&”To request strategy partner & facilitation support from Human-Centered Strategy, visit us online at https://human-centeredstrategy.com/contact/Purchase the MerchStickers, mugs, and touchstones can be purchased here https://human-centeredstrategy.com/gifts/

In this episode, Heather sits down with Dr. Sarah Banks to explore the lived reality of holding gratitude & grief at the same time—how life can feel full and heartbreaking in the very same breath. Through stories of leadership in crisis, collective loss, and Sarah’s personal experience of losing her father to suicide, they name many of the tangles we don’t usually talk much about: relief alongside guilt, love alongside sorrow, and the pressure to “be okay” when something inside still aches. Together, they offer a simple invitation: let what’s true be true, reach for connection, and remember you don’t have to carry the hard things alone.Disclaimer: The views and opinions shared in this episode belong solely to the host and the guest and do not necessarily reflect those of their employer or affiliated organizations.Host: Heather Gates, MPH, Owner & Strategy Partner, Human-Centered Strategy, LLC  Guest: Dr. Sarah Banks, PhD, RN, CPHN, Public Health Director, Haywood County Health and Human Services Agency Resources  988 Suicide & Crisis LifelineIf listeners are outside the U.S. Find A Helpline (global directory) “The Wild Edge of Sorrow” by Francis WellerConnect About the PodcastEmail us with your ideas and feedback: [email protected] the Podcast for more episodesSee what we’re up to on Instagram with all things “&”To request strategy partner & facilitation support from Human-Centered Strategy, visit us online at https://human-centeredstrategy.com/contact/Purchase the MerchStickers, mugs, and touchstones can be purchased here https://human-centeredstrategy.com/gifts/

In this episode, Heather and Willysha explore the balance between passion and pause. They delve into personal experiences, emphasizing the importance of self-care and energy management. The conversation highlights the need for intentional pauses to sustain passion and prevent burnout, offering practical tools and insights for listeners to apply in their own lives.Disclaimer: The views and opinions shared in this episode belong solely to the guest and do not necessarily reflect those of their employer or affiliated organizations.Host: Heather Gates, MPH, Owner & Strategy Partner, Human-Centered Strategy, LLC Guest: Willysha Jenkins, MS, CSM, Chief of Staff-Health Portfolio, NC Department of Health and Human ServicesConnect About the PodcastEmail us with your ideas and feedback: [email protected] the Podcast for more episodesSee what we’re up to on Instagram with all things “&”To request strategy partner & facilitation support from Human-Centered Strategy, visit us online at https://human-centeredstrategy.com/contact/Purchase the MerchStickers, mugs, and touchstones can be purchased here https://human-centeredstrategy.com/gifts/

In this conversation, Heather and Dolly discuss the complexities of life transitions, focusing on the concept of being 'whelmed' and the importance of wringing out ‘our sponge’. They explore the challenges of balancing caregiving roles, personal aspirations, and the need for pauses to manage overwhelm. The conversation emphasizes the value of curiosity and self-awareness in navigating life's pressures – especially during midlife.Disclaimer: The views and opinions shared in this episode belong solely to the guest and do not necessarily reflect those of their employer or affiliated organizations.Host: Heather Gates, MPH, Owner & Strategy Partner, Human-Centered Strategy, LLC Guest: Dolly Pressley Byrd, CNM, PhD, Department of OB/GYN Chair, OB/GYN Specialists, MAHEC Takeaways•Midlife is a unique time of transition.•Being 'whelmed' is a state of constant re-balancing.•Curiosity helps in understanding personal needs.•Pausing can help manage overwhelm.•Life transitions sometimes require letting go.•Decision fatigue can lead to overstimulation.•Active listening fosters better relationships.•Leadership involves empowering others.Chapters•00:00 Introduction to Life Transitions•18:25 Balancing Caregiving and Personal Goals•30:47 The Importance of Pausing•55:33 Curiosity and Self-Awareness•57:58 Leadership and Empowerment•1:02:23 The Concept of Being “Whelmed” Connect About the PodcastEmail us with your ideas and feedback: [email protected] the Podcast for more episodesSee what we’re up to on Instagram with all things “&”To request strategy partner & facilitation support from Human-Centered Strategy, visit us online at https://human-centeredstrategy.com/contact/Purchase the MerchStickers, mugs, and touchstones can be purchased here https://human-centeredstrategy.com/gifts/

In this engaging conversation, Heather and Leah explore the themes of community transformation, resilience, and the importance of creating safe spaces for risk-taking. They discuss the metaphor of flailing and flying as a representation of learning and growth, emphasizing the need for leaders to foster environments where individuals can experiment and learn from their failures. The conversation highlights the significance of joy in the process of flailing and the necessity of self-compassion and reflection in personal growth.Disclaimer: The views and opinions shared in this episode belong solely to the guest and do not necessarily reflect those of their employer or affiliated organizations.Host: Heather Gates, MPH, Owner & Strategy Partner, Human-Centered Strategy, LLC Guest: Leah Ferguson, DrPH, Executive Director, Thrive Asheville TakeawaysFlailing is a necessary part of learning and resilience.Creating safe enough to fail spaces is crucial for growth.Leadership requires adaptability.Discomfort is a critical part of the learning process.Joy can be found in the flailing and experimentation.Your value is not tied to your productivity.We must support each other in the flail.Chapters02:43 Exploring Community Transformation05:24 Flailing and Flying: A Metaphor for Resilience11:33 Creating Safe Enough to Fail Spaces17:31 The Role of Leadership in Risk-Taking23:29 Navigating Discomfort and Growth29:24 The Importance of Joy in the FlailQuoted Resources & Tools in this Episodehttps://thecynefin.co/team/dave-snowden/ https://hbr.org/2007/11/a-leaders-framework-for-decision-making https://www.mos.org/why-did-dinosaurs-have-feathers Connect About the PodcastEmail us with your ideas and feedback: [email protected] the Podcast for more episodesSee what we’re up to on Instagram with all things “&”To request strategy partner & facilitation support from Human-Centered Strategy, visit us online at https://human-centeredstrategy.com/contact/Purchase the MerchStickers, mugs, and touchstones can be purchased here https://human-centeredstrategy.com/gifts/

In this episode of the "Stand in the &" podcast, Heather Gates and Lisa Macon Harrison discuss the complexities of public health leadership in a VUCA (Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, Ambiguity) world. They explore the importance of communication, trust, and connection in navigating challenges, emphasizing the need for active hope and collaboration. The conversation highlights the significance of understanding both the external environment and internal team dynamics to foster effective leadership and community engagement.Host: Heather Gates, MPH, Owner & Strategy Partner of Human-Centered Strategy, LLCGuest: Lisa Macon Harrison, MPH, Health Director, Granville Vance Public HealthTakeaways•Public health professionals are navigating increased complexity & uncertainty•Active hope is essential for effective leadership in public health•Communication must be clear & frequent to build trust•Understanding team dynamics enhances collaboration & decision-making•Trust takes time & is built through consistent engagement•“VUCA Prime” offers a framework for addressing challenges (Vision, Understanding, Clarity, & Agility)•Leaders must balance processing & doing in their roles•Human connection is vital in an increasingly technological worldChapters•00:00 Introduction & Background•08:50 Navigating Complexity & Uncertainty in Public Health•17:43 VUCA: Understanding & Responding to Challenges•26:29 Collaboration & Leadership in Public Health•26:54 The Gift of Collaboration in Public Health•29:41 Self-Awareness & Team Dynamics•34:59 The Importance of Communication •49:08 Navigating Human Connection in a Tech-Driven WorldQuoted Resources & Tools in this Episode Moments of Impact by Chris Ertel & Lisa Kay Solomon VUCA Prime Framework by Robert JohanssonHymn for the Hurting by Amanda GormanEverything hurts,Our hearts shadowed and strange,Minds made muddied and mute.We carry tragedy, terrifying and true.And yet none of it is new;We knew it as home,As horror,As heritage.Even our childrenCannot be children,Cannot be.Everything hurts.It’s a hard time to be alive,And even harder to stay that way.We’re burdened to live out these days,While at the same time, blessed to outlive them.This alarm is how we knowWe must be altered —That we must differ or die,That we must triumph or try.Thus while hate cannot be terminated,It can be transformedInto a love that lets us live.May we not just grieve, but give:May we not just ache, but act;May our signed right to bear armsNever blind our sight from shared harm;May we choose our children over chaos.May another innocent never be lost.Connect About the PodcastEmail us with your ideas and feedback: [email protected] the Podcast for more episodesSee what we’re up to on Instagram with all things “&”To request strategy partner & facilitation support from Human-Centered Strategy, visit us online at https://human-centeredstrategy.com/contact/Purchase the MerchStickers, mugs, and touchstones can be purchased here https://human-centeredstrategy.com/gifts/

In this Episode Heather and Rob explore the intricate balance between structure and flexibility in leadership, particularly within the healthcare system. They discuss the importance of human connection, trust, and creativity in navigating complex environments. The dialogue highlights the challenges and opportunities that arise when integrating diverse systems and emphasizes the need for leaders to be authentic and relatable. Through personal anecdotes and insights, they illustrate how effective communication and a willingness to be vulnerable can foster a culture of grace and understanding in organizations.Host: Heather Gates, MPH Guest: Rob Fields, MD, MHA, EVP Takeaways•Structure and flexibility are both essential in leadership.•Trust is built through authenticity and vulnerability.•Human connection is crucial in navigating complex systems.•Effective communication can ease uncertainty and fear.•Leaders should embrace their humanity to foster grace.•Creativity often requires a balance of structure and freedom.•Integration efforts need thoughtful planning and communication.•People are generally gracious if given the opportunity to connect.•The importance of being relatable as a leader cannot be overstated.•Navigating change requires mindfulness and adaptability.Chapters•00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest•07:06 Navigating Structure and Flexibility•15:35 The Balance of Control and Openness•24:22 Trusting the Audience and Each Other•26:17 Creating Structure in Meetings•29:46 The Balance of Structure and Flexibility•31:51 Understanding the SCARF Model•34:00 Integration Challenges in Healthcare•36:22 Navigating Uncertainty and Change•40:08 Balancing Local Autonomy and System Efficiency•43:50 Building Trust Through Human Connection•50:22 The Creative Process: Structure vs. FlexibilityQuoted Resources & Tools in this EpisodeChad LittlefieldThe SCARF Model Connect About the PodcastEmail us with your ideas and feedback: [email protected] the Podcast for more episodesSee what we’re up to on Instagram with all things “&”To request strategy partner & facilitation support from Human-Centered Strategy, visit us online at https://human-centeredstrategy.com/contact/Purchase the MerchStickers, mugs, and touchstones can be purchased here https://human-centeredstrategy.com/gifts/

In this episode, Heather and Ashley explore the themes of fear, anxiety, presence, and patience in the context of personal and professional growth. They discuss navigating the 'not yet' or ‘in the meantime’ phase between what we can imagine and where we are now. The conversation emphasizes curiosity, self-compassion, and support from others as essential tools for overcoming obstacles and achieving goals. They also highlight the significance of celebrating small wins and grounding in purpose and joy.Host: Heather Gates, MPHGuest: Ashley Bishop, Operations ManagerTakeaways•Courage to imagine is a brave step towards improvement.•Navigating fear and anxiety is a common experience.•Curiosity and self-compassion can help in getting unstuck.•A supportive team is a game-changer.•Finding joy in the journey fuels motivation and progress.•You're enough already.Chapters•00:00 Introduction and Team Dynamics•03:20 The & Stand: What “&” are you standing in today?•10:59 Navigating The Not Yet: Embracing the Meantime•19:44 Getting Unstuck: Tools and Strategies•25:21 Navigating Frustration and Energy Management•37:15 Finding Joy in the Journey•43:59 Nurturing Growth and Progress•49:58 Embracing the Not Yet and Self-AcceptanceConnect About the PodcastEmail us with your ideas and feedback: [email protected] the Podcast for more episodesSee what we’re up to on Instagram with all things “&”To request strategy partner & facilitation support from Human-Centered Strategy, visit us online at https://human-centeredstrategy.com/contact/Purchase the MerchStickers, mugs, and touchstones can be purchased here https://human-centeredstrategy.com/gifts/

In the first episode of the “Stand in the &” podcast, host Heather Gates introduces the concept of embracing the complexity of the human experience. Joined by her son Nash, they discuss the importance of acknowledging the 'and' in life, where multiple truths coexist. Heather shares her journey of creating this podcast as a platform for honest conversations about human complexity, where we get stuck, and how we find forward – individually & collectively. The episode emphasizes the significance of curiosity and the hope that the podcast helps others feel seen and supported.Host: Heather Gates, MPH Guest: Nash Gates, Student & SonTakeaways•The 'and' represents the complexity of human experience.•Embracing the 'and' allows for multiple truths to coexist.•The podcast aims to help listeners feel seen and understood.•Fear and uncertainty are natural parts of the journey.•Curiosity helps us navigate complexity and find solutions.Chapters•00:00 Introduction to the Podcast & Its Purpose•02:13 The Journey of Motherhood & Business•05:56 Embracing the 'And': Understanding Complexity•13:04 The Origin of 'Stand in the &'•17:32 Why a Podcast? The Desire to Share and Learn•27:11 The Role of a Strategy Partner•33:49 Embracing Uncertainty & Complexity•39:31 Navigating the Human Experience•44:48 The Journey of Self-Discovery•49:09 Connecting with the AudienceConnect About the PodcastEmail us with your ideas and feedback: [email protected] the Podcast for more episodesSee what we’re up to on Instagram with all things “&”To request strategy partner & facilitation support from Human-Centered Strategy, visit us online at https://human-centeredstrategy.com/contact/Purchase the MerchStickers, mugs, and touchstones can be purchased here https://human-centeredstrategy.com/gifts/