A World of Difference

In this episode, you will be able to: Embrace diverse identities in the workplace to foster inclusivity and collaboration. Overcome barriers for Latina leaders and unlock your full potential in corporate environments. Implement successful strategies for business acquisitions to drive growth and expansion. Lead authentically and build team trust to elevate your leadership impact. Understand the impact of geopolitical tensions on immigrants to navigate challenges effectively. My special guest is Tricia Montalvo TimmTricia Montalvo Timm, a powerhouse in the corporate world, is no stranger to breaking barriers and achieving remarkable success. As a first-generation Latina, she has carved a path of influence in Silicon Valley, driving strategic counsel for high-tech giants and playing a pivotal role in the acquisition of Looker by Google. Her outstanding contributions have earned her prestigious accolades, including the 2020 Women of Influence and Latino Business Leadership Awards. With her recent book, "Embrace the Power of You: Owning Your Identity at Work," Tricia empowers others to embrace their cultural heritage and excel in their professional journeys. Her invaluable insights and unwavering commitment to diversity and inclusion make her a relatable and inspiring voice for Latina professionals navigating the complexities of corporate environments.The key moments in this episode are:00:00:02 - Introduction to the podcast 00:00:32 - Importance of therapy during trauma 00:04:48 - Influence of culture and family on personal development 00:08:14 - The power of sharing personal story 00:13:55 - Embracing the power of own identity at work 00:13:58 - Overcoming Barriers to Diversity and Inclusion 00:18:25 - Impact of Geopolitical Tensions on the Workplace 00:23:56 - Lessons in Authentic Leadership 00:26:21 - Psychological Safety and Self-Awareness in Leadership 00:27:03 - Conclusion and Final Thoughts 00:27:05 - Embracing Values and Authenticity 00:28:14 - Advice for Women in Leadership 00:31:43 - Leading a High-Stakes Deal 00:34:35 - Inspiring Aspiring Leaders 00:37:16 - Embracing Human Kindness 00:41:27 - Embracing Diversity and Inclusion 00:42:23 - Own Your Identity at Work 00:43:33 - Inclusive Decision Making 00:45:26 - Overcoming Bias 00:47:12 - Making a Difference Subscribe to the podcast to stay updated on future episodes and continue leaning into these important conversations. Leave a review for the podcast to share your thoughts and help the community grow. Share this episode with someone who might need to hear it, spreading the message and impact of the conversation. Check out Tricia Montalvo Timm's book, Embrace the Power of You: Owning Your Identity at Work, available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble, to gain further insights and inspiration. Connect with Tricia Montalvo Timm on LinkedIn or Instagram to stay updated on her work and insights. "Believe in yourself. Take a leap of faith. Go for it. Don't be afraid to fail. The way I look at failures, it's just data. It's information. It's information. It didn't work. Why didn't it work? We'll figure out another way and continue to just believe. I got through with resilience and grit." - Tricia Montalvo TimmConnect with us: https://www.aworldofdifferencepodcast.com Linkedin YouTube Substack FaceBook Instagram Threads Patreon (for exclusive episodes just for Difference Makers) Bluesky TikTok Subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who might need to hear it. Your support helps the community grow and keeps these important conversations going. If you need professional help, such as therapy: https://www.betterhelp.com/difference Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, you will be able to: Learn to challenge and change sexist attitudes in your church community. Discover the untapped potential of women in church leadership roles. Understand how patriarchal norms impact women in various industries. Uncover ways to recognize and overcome unconscious sexism and bias. Explore effective strategies for empowering and supporting women in church leadership. My special guest is Heather MatthewsHeather Matthews, a dedicated advocate for women in church leadership, brings a unique blend of practical experience and academic expertise to the conversation. With a background in pastoral work, church planting, and leadership roles in nonprofits and academia, she offers a well-rounded perspective on confronting sexism in the church. Holding a DMin from Fuller Seminary, a master's in educational ministry, an MA in Counseling Ministry from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, and a bachelor's in biomedical engineering from Northwestern University, Dr. Matthews' qualifications speak to her commitment and breadth of knowledge. Her book, "Confronting Sexism in the Church: How We Got Here and What We Can Do About It," not only reflects her extensive research but also resonates with her personal experiences, establishing her as a credible and relatable voice for those seeking to address the challenges faced by women in church leadership.The key moments in this episode are:00:01:55 - Confronting Sexism in the Church00:06:06 - Sexism in Politics00:13:26 - Personal Journey and Advocacy00:15:00 - Recognizing Sexism in Evangelical Churches00:16:29 - Hidden Sexism in Egalitarian Spaces00:20:54 - Gender Bias in Leadership Positions00:27:38 - From Biomedical Engineering to Ministry00:30:52 - Historical and Cultural Factors of Sexism00:31:03 - The Influence of History on Sexism in the Church00:32:02 - Political Impact on Women in the Church00:33:33 - Recognition of Women's Contributions and Achievements00:39:51 - Sexist Tropes and Stereotypes00:45:12 - Creating Supportive Environments for Women in Churches00:46:40 - Challenges for Women in Church Leadership00:48:10 - Intersection of Sexism, Abuse, and Trauma00:49:22 - Traditional Beliefs and Abuse in the Church00:51:35 - Confronting Sexism in the ChurchChallenge patriarchal norms and advocate for gender equalityIn a world where patriarchal norms still dominate, confronting sexism in the church becomes crucial to advocate for gender equality and challenge traditional power structures. Through insightful discussions and personal experiences, the episode sheds light on the importance of addressing deep-seated biases and promoting inclusivity in church leadership roles. By encouraging dialogue and action, listeners are empowered to challenge patriarchal norms and create a more equitable environment for women in church communities. Purchase the book Confronting Sexism in the Church by Dr. Heather Matthews on Amazon or any other online book retailer to educate yourself and continue the work on the issue of sexism. Subscribe to the podcast and leave a review to help spread the word and support the community's growth. Share this episode with someone who might need to hear it to help spread awareness and start important conversations about confronting sexism. Join the Difference Makers community to gain access to exclusive content and continue the conversation about the future of church leadership and gender equality. Connect with us: https://www.aworldofdifferencepodcast.com Linkedin YouTube FaceBook Instagram Threads Patreon (for exclusive episodes just for Difference Makers) Bluesky TikTok Subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who might need to hear it. Your support helps the community grow and keeps these important conversations going. If you need professional help, such as therapy: https://www.betterhelp.com/difference Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you stuck in a toxic work environment, feeling drained before even opening your laptop? What if I told you that the key to a healthy workplace culture lies in psychological safety? Join me on a journey to identify the red flags of toxicity and learn practical steps to protect yourself. But here's the unexpected twist: toxic work environments don't have to be the norm. Discover how recognizing the signs early and choosing supportive environments can create a world of difference for you and those around you. It's time to break free from the cycle of toxicity and step into a space where you feel respected, valued, and safe. Ready to make the change? Let's dive in and find out how.In this Live recorded episode, you will be able to: Recognizing Toxic Work Environments: Learn how to identify signs of toxicity in your workplace to protect your well-being and mental health. Importance of Psychological Safety: Discover the significance of feeling safe and supported at work, and how it impacts your overall job satisfaction and productivity. Effects of Burnout on Employees: Understand the detrimental effects of burnout on your mental and physical health, and how it can impact your work performance. Strategies for Leaving a Toxic Workplace: Explore effective ways to navigate and ultimately leave a toxic work environment, reclaiming your peace of mind and motivation. Creating Healthy Workplace Culture: Uncover the key elements of fostering a positive and healthy work environment, benefiting both employees and the organization as a whole. "You're not stuck. There are healthier workplaces out there. You deserve to work in a space where you feel respected, valued, and safe." - Lori Adams BrownImportance of Psychological SafetyPsychological safety in the workplace is essential for fostering a culture where employees feel valued, heard, and respected. Creating an environment that promotes psychological safety encourages open communication, diverse perspectives, and innovation. When employees feel psychologically safe, they are more likely to thrive, leading to improved well-being and overall productivity. Subscribe to the A World of Difference podcast on your preferred podcast platform to stay updated on future episodes and discussions. Leave a review for the podcast on the platform you use to help the show reach more people and continue having important conversations. Share this episode with someone who may benefit from the discussion on toxic work environments and the signs to watch out for. Consider seeking professional help, such as therapy, if you are currently experiencing a toxic work environment and need support in navigating the situation. Document any toxic behavior in your workplace to keep records in case you may need proof in the future. The key moments in this episode are:00:00:02 - Introduction to A World of Difference podcast00:01:08 - Creating Psychological Safety in the Workplace00:04:26 - Red Flags of Toxic Work Environments00:09:04 - Toxic Leadership and Fear-Based Culture00:12:09 - Grind Culture and Overwork00:12:58 - Importance of Work Life Boundaries00:13:23 - Human Limits and AI Partnership00:14:25 - Values Alignment in the Workplace00:15:37 - Transparency and Communication00:16:28 - Coping Strategies and Seeking SupportConnect with us: https://www.aworldofdifferencepodcast.com Linkedin YouTube FaceBook Instagram Threads Patreon (for exclusive episodes just for Difference Makers) Bluesky TikTok Subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who might need to hear it. Your support helps the community grow and keeps these important conversations going. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Chuck DeGroat, a professor specializing in pastoral care and a licensed therapist, dives deep into healing from trauma and abuse. He discusses the transformative role of therapy, particularly within church contexts, emphasizing the need for introspection in the face of narcissistic leadership. Dr. DeGroat highlights the toxic patterns of shame in relationships and the importance of self-worth. He advocates for creating safe spaces for women in workplaces and churches, urging men to engage in self-reflection to foster healthier dynamics.

Special Bonus episode for US Inauguration Day and MLK Day for those who just need rest to build resilience for what lies ahead. If you're feeling overwhelmed and exhausted from pushing yourself to the limit, trying to be productive, and yet still feeling burnt out, then you are not alone!In this episode, you will be able to: Discover effective burnout prevention strategies for high-stress work environments. Learn how to cultivate resilience and thrive in the face of stress and pressure. Explore the power of body awareness as a tool for managing and reducing stress. Master the art of setting healthy boundaries to maintain well-being in the workplace. Embrace the Danish concept of Hygge to enhance overall well-being and happiness. The key moments in this episode are:00:00:02 - Introduction to A World of Difference podcast 00:03:57 - Body Awareness: The Key to Preventing Burnout 00:08:35 - Setting Healthy Boundaries for Resilience 00:10:48 - Embracing Being Cozy and Just Being 00:12:58 - Discovering Hygge 00:13:48 - Embracing Hygge Practices 00:16:36 - Collective Responsibility 00:18:29 - Burnout Prevention 00:20:44 - Gratitude and Call to ActionLori Adams-Brown, the host of "A World of Difference," shares a personal journey of learning about burnout prevention and resilience. From her experiences working in disaster relief in Sumatra to her current role in Silicon Valley, she emphasizes the importance of body awareness, setting healthy boundaries, and embracing the concept of "hygge" for well-being. Her narrative-style delivery paints a relatable picture of her struggles and growth, evoking empathy and understanding from the audience. Through her candid storytelling, Lori invites the listeners to join her in exploring the path to resilience and burnout prevention, creating a sense of camaraderie and shared experiences. With so many disrupting, resisting and making a difference to prevent oligarchy in global politics leading up to the US inauguration day and remembering the collective good that came from Dr. King's leadership that we celebrate on MLK Day, it's ok to rest and to protect your peace for what lies ahead. Let's take care of ourselves and each other. There is much work to do to make our world a better place, and it starts with rest and resilience-building. Subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who might need to hear it. Your support helps the community grow and keeps these important conversations going. Check out the LinkedIn article The 3B's of Burnout Prevention for Resilient Leaders written by Lori Adams Brown and share your thoughts in the comments section. Incorporate the three Bs (Body awareness, Boundaries, and Being cozy) into your life and leadership to build resilient teams equipped to navigate challenges with strength and clarity. Share your thoughts and research on burnout prevention on social media or in the comments section of the episode to contribute to the ongoing conversation. Take a moment to thank someone who has made a difference in your life and remind them that their efforts matter whether it's resisting oligarchy, working in global politics this US inauguration day, resisting with MLK Day or being a caring influence in your life. "Burnout prevention is not just an individual responsibility, it's a collective one. Together we can create workplaces that prioritize well-being, foster resilience, and drive sustainable success together." - Lori Adams BrownConnect with us: https://www.aworldofdifferencepodcast.com Linkedin YouTube FaceBook Instagram Threads Patreon Bluesky TikTok Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode was our most downloaded in 2024.TW: Support for Domestic Violence Survivors in Religious SettingsThe conversation explores the sensitive topic of domestic violence in religious contexts, emphasizing the need for awareness and support for survivors. Tia's experiences within her religious community highlight the challenges faced by individuals trapped in abusive situations. The episode encourages proactive involvement in recognizing and addressing abuse, promoting justice, and providing ongoing support for survivors seeking safety and healing.Trauma took your past, but it does not have to have your present and your future, too. And you are the one in charge of that. - Tia LevingsIn this episode, you will be able to: Explore personal stories of escaping Christian patriarchy and find inspiration for your own journey to empowerment. Learn about the profound impact of religious trauma on mental health and discover strategies for healing and resilience. Uncover the complexities of domestic violence within religious contexts and gain insights into supporting survivors. Gain a deep understanding of deconstructing fundamentalism in modern politics and its implications on society. Discover effective strategies for healing and recovery from religious abuse, empowering yourself to move forward with strength and confidence. My special guest is Tia LevingsTia Levings is an insightful writer, podcaster, and speaker, with a focus on the realities of Christian fundamentalism, evangelical patriarchy, and religious trauma. Her expertise has been featured in notable publications such as Salon, the Huffington Post, and Newsweek. As a content strategist, Tia delves into the impact of religious trauma on mental health, domestic violence within religious contexts, and the deconstruction of fundamentalism in modern politics, shedding light on these critical issues. Her forthcoming memoir, "A Well Trained Wife," chronicles her personal journey of escaping Christian patriarchy, presenting a compelling and courageous narrative that promises to resonate with those seeking empowerment and healing from religious abuse. Tia's work is driven by her passion for advocating resilience and recovery from religious trauma.The key moments in this episode are:00:02:25 - Growing Up in Mainstream Fundamentalism00:05:22 - Trauma and Dogmatism00:07:42 - Effects of Fundamentalism on Women00:14:08 - The Influence of High Control Religion00:15:34 - The Pressure of Traditional Gender Roles00:16:55 - Red Flags and High Control Religion00:20:47 - The Manipulative Nature of Patriarchy00:25:53 - Addressing Pushbacks and Myths00:27:34 - The Incredulity of Religious Trauma00:28:22 - Challenges in Seeking Justice00:29:26 - Empowering Survivors00:32:35 - Finding Solidarity and Community00:38:27 - Building Healthy Relationships00:41:09 - The Impact of Religious Trauma00:43:18 - Coping with Discomfort and Denial00:44:50 - Healing from Religious Trauma00:46:31 - Advocating for Survivors00:53:18 - Taking Action and Making a Difference00:56:22 - Understanding Mental Illness and Abuse00:57:45 - Supporting Victims of Domestic Violence Buy Tia Levings' best-selling book A Well Trained Wife: My Escape from Christian Patriarchy to support the author and gain deeper insights into her story and experiences. Join the Difference Maker Community on Patreon to access exclusive interviews, including a deeper conversation with Tia Levings, and support the podcast. Follow Tia Levings on social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram to stay updated on her work and engage with her content. Share this podcast episode with others who may benefit from hearing Tia Levings' story and gaining insights into religious trauma and domestic violence. Connect with us: https://www.aworldofdifferencepodcast.com Linkedin YouTube FaceBook Instagram Threads Patreon Bluesky TikTok Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lori reflects on the past year of podcasting, the 20th anniversary of the tsunami and the way leading in a polycrisis led to lessons she implemented in the Covid-19 pandemic. Whatever lies ahead in 2025, reflecting on the lessons of the past will give us tools to handle whatever comes our way this year.Follow a more in depth conversation with Lori here: Lori posted on LinkedIn some more thoughts from a white paper from the Center for Creative Leadership on polycrises. Lori posted on Instagram about her time working in the tsunami relief efforts as a liason in the UN meetings and with tsunami victims on the 20th anniversary on Dec 26, 2024. Lori wrote a lament on her Substack on the 20th Anniversary of the tsunami in Indonesia. Go back and listen to some of our episodes from 2024. There were some outstanding guests who gave us some insights from their own lived experience with authentic real life stories that will give us tools to handle 2025 together.Join us on Patreon for exclusive interviews not available anywhere else.Leave a five star review of the podcast if you liked listening last year. It only takes 30 seconds, but it makes a big difference in how people find us and join us here.Connect with us: https://www.aworldofdifferencepodcast.com Linkedin YouTube FaceBook Instagram Threads Patreon Bluesky TikTok Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Does this sound familiar? Have you been told to just forgive and forget, to move on and put it all behind you, but the pain of not being believed or supported after abuse is still lingering? The ineffective advice you've been given has left you feeling isolated and unheard, but there's hope for finding the understanding and validation you truly deserve. Let's talk about how to heal from the trauma of not being believed and find the support you need to move forward.In this episode, you will be able to: Mastering strategies for overcoming narcissistic abuse in marriage. Discovering the path to healing from church-related trauma. Learning effective strategies for escaping abusive relationships. Cultivating emotional intelligence and mastering boundary setting. Navigating the journey of life after divorce and loss. My special guest is Michelle MoffittMichelle Moffitt is a dynamic psychotherapist and leadership consultant known for guiding individuals and organizations through change using evidenced-based strategies. As a facilitator and speaker, she specializes in teaching Emotional Intelligence through effective communication, including conflict resolution, feedback delivery, negotiation, and setting boundaries. Her upcoming book, Cracked Open: A Journey to Resilient and Independent Mindset slated for release in January, dives into her real life journey to a resilient mindset, providing valuable insights for those navigating narcissistic abuse and church-related trauma. An overly optimistic Enneagram 7 wing 8, she infuses her work with positivity and actionable insights. A dedicated mom to five amazing adults, she seamlessly blends her professional knowledge with real-life experiences to empower her clients and audiences. Her passion for growth and development shines through in every aspect of her work, making her a sought-after voice in the fields of personal and professional transformation.The key moments in this episode are:00:00:23 - Walking Through Trauma00:03:33 - Michelle's Resilience and Boldness00:09:47 - Cracked Open: A Journey to Resilient and Independent Mindset00:13:02 - Not Being Believed00:14:24 - Recognizing Impression Management Systems00:15:28 - Meeting Wade Mullen00:16:30 - Prioritizing Well-being and Children00:19:36 - Presenting Abuse to the Board00:24:23 - Understanding Narcissistic Abuse00:28:38 - Narcissistic Personality Disorder in Religious Systems00:30:05 - Unpacking the Impact of Religious Expectations00:33:11 - Early Realizations of Marital Issues00:37:44 - Creating a Safety Plan and Seeking Help00:43:01 - Struggling with Basic Human Needs00:43:47 - Providing Safe Escape00:44:23 - Repeated Storytelling for Healing00:46:34 - Coping Strategies and Grief00:51:35 - Navigating Holidays and Identity00:56:50 - Journey of Healing00:57:43 - Unbelievable Betrayal01:00:23 - Finding Light in Darkness01:06:41 - Tools for Healing01:08:29 - Empowerment through Sharing Pre-order Michelle Moffitt's book Cracked Open: A Journey to Resilient and Independent Mindset on Amazon, available in Kindle, paperback, and hardback editions. Connect with Michelle Moffitt on LinkedIn and Instagram for more insights and updates on her work and book release. Listen to the upcoming best of 2024 episodes of A World of Difference podcast to catch up on the most downloaded and impactful conversations from the past year. Dr. Wade Mullen episode. Give A World of Difference podcast a five-star review on your preferred podcast platform to help more people discover and join the community of difference makers. Share an episode of A World of Difference podcast with someone in your life who could benefit from the inspiring and insightful conversations, and have a meaningful discussion around it. "It takes a long time to figure out who you are, what your identity is, what your own strengths are. You deserve all the healing." - Michelle Moffitt Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Thanks to each of you who listened, shared the podcast, subscribed and recommended this podcast to your loved ones. Happy Holidays, Difference Makers!See you next year for an episode with Michelle Moffitt to start the New Year off.Connect with us: https://www.aworldofdifferencepodcast.com Linkedin YouTube FaceBook Instagram Threads Patreon Bluesky TikTok Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover the unexpected side of a remarkable leader, Julie Castro Abrams, as she shares her journey and vision for women's empowerment. Stay tuned to find out her surprising hopes for 2025 and the inspiring work she's doing to make a difference worldwide. Don't miss out on this exclusive conversation that will leave you feeling inspired and empowered.In this episode, you will be able to: Mastering the art of empowering women in leadership roles leads to increased career fulfillment and success. Uncover effective strategies for building diverse boards and creating an inclusive workplace culture. Explore the critical importance of diversity in corporate governance and its impact on organizational success. Discover powerful ways to support women entrepreneurs and startups, driving innovation and economic growth. Learn how to navigate career growth and seize board opportunities, propelling your professional journey to new heights. My special guest is Julie Castro AbramsJulie Castro Abrams, the CEO and Founder of How Women Lead, is a highly accomplished expert in empowering women in leadership roles and driving diversity in corporate governance. With a strong commitment to justice and community, Julie has played pivotal leadership roles in various organizations focused on women, children, Latinos, economic development, and the arts. Her extensive accolades, including the Women of Color Action Network Leadership Award and her role as Governance Chair for the Women's Funding Network, attest to her significant impact in supporting women entrepreneurs and startups. Julie's dedication to creating a supportive network for women and her proven ability to facilitate rich conversations that drive change make her an invaluable asset in navigating career growth and board opportunities for women.The key moments in this episode are:00:00:02 - Welcome and Introduction 00:03:27 - Personal and Professional Development 00:09:46 - The Credo of How Women Lead 00:10:16 - Supportive Network and Advocacy 00:12:44 - Visibility and Empowerment 00:13:27 - Taking Up Your Power 00:14:33 - Countercultural Behaviors 00:16:37 - Celebrating Black Women's Leadership 00:18:53 - Unabashedly Visible Struggle 00:23:31 - Disrupting Groupthink on Boards 00:26:16 - Importance of Diversity in Decision Making 00:28:35 - Empowerment through Women's Retreats 00:32:06 - Evolution of How Women Lead's Programming 00:33:18 - Addressing Gender Equity in Venture Funding 00:36:14 - Reversing Cultural Narratives of Division 00:39:32 - Encouraging Women to Pursue Leadership Roles 00:40:26 - Normalizing Conversations about Leadership 00:41:03 - Redefining Masculinity 00:43:36 - Creating Supportive Spaces for Women 00:49:33 - Hopes for 2025 Connect with Julie Castro Abrams on LinkedIn to stay updated on her work and initiatives. Visit www.howwomenlead.com to learn more about How Women Lead and their programs for women's leadership and board opportunities. Join the Difference Makers community on Patreon at www.patreon.com/aworldofdifference to access exclusive content, including additional insights from Julie Castro Abrams and other guests. Explore other interviews and articles featuring Julie Castro Abrams to gain further insights into her work and expertise. Consider supporting and advocating for women in your network by encouraging them to explore leadership roles and opportunities, and by recognizing and valuing their contributions. Connect with us: https://www.aworldofdifferencepodcast.com Linkedin YouTube FaceBook Instagram Threads Patreon Bluesky Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices