In this episode, Gillian and Michelle meet with Aspect CEO Darryl Kelly to explore various themes surrounding leadership, communication, and speed within productivity. They discuss the importance of authenticity, the role of inspiration within teams, and the emotional growth that comes with leadership. The conversation also delves into the balance between speed and simplicity in decision-making, the management of energy to avoid burnout, and practical takeaways for both leaders and doers. The hosts emphasize the need for awareness and margin in our professional lives, encouraging listeners to be present and mindful of their energy levels.

Takeaways

• Communication is key
• Know your audience
• Inspiration comes from the team dynamics around you.
• Emotional growth is essential for effective leadership.
• Focus is a lived experience, not just a theory.
• Speed with simplicity is crucial for organizational success.
• Managing energy is vital to avoid burnout.
• Creating margin allows for better decision-making.
• Delegation is important for maintaining productivity.
• Awareness of one's energy levels can enhance performance.

Learn more about Aspect at -

https://www.aspect.com/

Brought to you by Aspect and Alvaria

https://www.aspect.com/

https://www.alvaria.com/

© 2025 Aspect and Alvaria

AI isn’t just hype or headlines—it’s a tool. And like any tool, it’s only as useful as the person using it. In this episode, Michelle sits down with Emily Heavner, product manager at Aspect (and PhD in mathematics), to demystify artificial intelligence and its place in the modern workplace. Emily shares how AI works, clears up common misconceptions, and explains why data—not magic—is the true engine behind intelligent systems. If you’ve ever wondered how AI can support your work, or how to spot red flags in tools you're adopting, this one’s for you.

You’ll Learn
• Why AI depends entirely on good data
• How AI compares to other automation tools
• What AI can (and can’t) replace at work
• How to evaluate AI tools with privacy and values in mind
• Where AI shines in boosting productivity and decision-making

Perfect For
Workplace leaders, team builders, data geeks, skeptics of AI hype, and anyone curious about how to use AI as a helpful, human-supporting tool.

Keywords
AI, artificial intelligence, workforce, data, machine learning, algorithms, productivity, misconceptions, applications, technology

Takeaways

• AI helps parse large data sets into usable, decision-ready insights
• Automation doesn't always require AI; not all AI is automation
• Quality data is the foundation—bad data, bad results
• AI should be evaluated through privacy, compliance, and value alignment
• Not everyone needs a full AI “tool shed”—just the right tools for the job
• AI isn’t new—it’s been decades in the making and is here to stay
• A well-built AI system improves with feedback and updated data
• Trust in AI increases when people understand how it actually works

Sound Bites

• “AI can and will support actual work.”
• “It’s all about data.”
• “You don’t need a tool shed. Sometimes you just need a hammer.”
• “If it doesn’t align with your core values, don’t use it.”
• “AI is not a new concept.”

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Emily & AI
05:13 How Emily Got into Algorithm Development
11:30 Understanding What an Algorithm Actually Is
18:53 The Mechanics of Machine Learning
25:05 Common Misconceptions About AI and Automation
31:16 Data: The True Engine Behind AI
37:36 Evaluating AI Tools in the Workplace
44:25 Aligning Tools with Your Team's Values
50:12 Productivity, Trust, and Use Cases for AI
56:44 AI's Role at Aspect and the Future of Work

Related links for this episode:
· Emily Heavner – https://www.eheavner.com
· Aspect – https://www.aspect.company

Be sure to support this podcast by subscribing and reviewing!

Learn more about Aspect at -

https://www.aspect.com/

Brought to you by Aspect and Alvaria

https://www.aspect.com/

https://www.alvaria.com/

© 2025 Aspect and Alvaria

This episode of Futureworks dives into the intersection of lived experience and leadership with Tausha Simon—marketing manager at Aspect, executive coach, and host of the GreatFully You podcast. Tausha shares what it means to create safe spaces for emergence in the workplace, how her parenting journey with a non-verbal autistic son shaped her approach to communication, and why belonging starts with understanding. Whether you're building a team or rebuilding yourself, Tausha offers deep, practical wisdom on leading with empathy, presence, and purpose.

You’ll Learn

• What “emergence” means and why it matters more than labels
• How to spot when a team member isn’t feeling safe to share
• What joy and play have to do with leadership
• How to hold space as a parent, peer, and professional
• The difference between checking the DEI box and embodying it

Perfect For
Leaders, parents, DEI professionals, and anyone working to build more compassionate, inclusive environments—at home or at work.

Keywords
neurodivergence, emergence, workplace inclusion, leadership, parenting, executive coaching, belonging, communication, DEI, empathy at work, safe spaces

Takeaways

• Leadership is about creating environments where people feel safe enough to grow.
• Real inclusion happens in how we show up, not in what the policy book says.
• Asking “what do you need?” requires both presence and follow-through.
• Kids are incredible teachers of joy, presence, and creativity.
• A safe space at work begins with curiosity—not judgment.
• Showing up authentically helps others do the same.

Sound Bites

• “We’re all emerging into who we’re meant to be.”
• “Joy is the first sign of a healthy work life.”
• “If you’re too much for the room, maybe the room wasn’t built for you.”
• “Leadership starts in your one-on-ones.”
• “You don’t need grand gestures, just consistent empathy.”

Chapters

00:00 Welcome and Intro to Tausha
03:12 Parenting and Becoming a Safe Space
07:45 From Corporate to Coaching to Greatful YOU
12:30 What Emergence Really Means
15:40 Building Psychological Safety at Work
21:04 How Joy Unlocks Creativity and Capacity
26:10 Curiosity vs. Judgment in Leadership
30:00 Communicating with Different Processing Styles
36:45 The Power of Showing Up Fully
42:20 Creating Space for Neurodivergent Voices
46:50 Final Advice for Leaders and Individuals

Related links for this episode:
· GreatFully You – https://www.greatfullyyou.com
· Aspect – https://aspect.company

Be sure to support this podcast by subscribing and reviewing!

© 2025 Aspect

Learn more about Aspect at -

https://www.aspect.com/

Brought to you by Aspect and Alvaria

https://www.aspect.com/

https://www.alvaria.com/

© 2025 Aspect and Alvaria