In this episode of I See What You’re Saying, we explore how human-centered design and disciplined listening intersect to solve the right problems with educator and design thinking instigator David Phillips. Together, we unpack why finding problems worth solving matters more than rushing to solutions, and how curiosity, observation, and patience fuel better communication, collaboration, and innovation.

David shares practical frameworks for applying design thinking beyond product development, revealing how leaders can uncover hidden constraints, earn candid feedback, and create environments where people feel safe to think, speak, and contribute honestly. From the dangers of data delusion to the power of prototyping, beginner’s mindset, and asking better questions, this conversation highlights how listening is the foundation of meaningful progress in business and human relationships.

Join us as we examine why innovation is a contact sport, how to get comfortable being wrong, and what it really takes to design solutions that people will adopt, trust, and sustain.

Timestamps:

1. (00:00) Introduction: Why Solving the Right Problem Matters
2. (04:10) What Human-Centered Design Really Means
3. (09:00) Why Data Fails Without Context
4. (12:55) The Danger of Solving the Wrong Problem Well
5. (16:20) A Practical Design Thinking Framework
6. (20:00) Why Innovation Requires Behavior Change
7. (24:15) Prototyping to Get Honest Feedback
8. (29:00) Learning to Get Comfortable Being Wrong
9. (33:00) Ego, Identity, and Resistance to Change
10. (37:00) Why Innovation Is a Contact Sport
11. (45:00) Asking Better Questions to Drive Better Decisions
12. (50:20) How Environment Shapes Human Behavior
13. (58:30) Finding Problems Worth Solving
14. (01:05:20) Final Takeaways and Where to Learn More

Guest Information

1. David Phillips | LinkedIn
2. Faster Glass – Innovation Training, Facilitation, and Consulting -

Resources Mentioned in the Episode

1. Scout Mindset – Julia Galef (TEDx Talk) Why You Think You’re Right — Even If You’re Wrong

In this episode, we explore the transformative power of self-awareness and self-command in communication and leadership with mental wellness strategist Kasey Franco. Together, we uncover practical tools for managing mindset, regulating the nervous system, and turning negative emotions into productive growth. By examining actionable techniques like intention-setting and the Accept or Convert framework, we reveal how anyone can foster clarity, resilience, and authentic presence in both business and personal conversations. Join us to discover valuable strategies for elevating our mental fitness and unlocking true connection in every interaction.

Timestamps:

1. (00:06) - Introducing Kasey Franco, mental wellness strategist.
2. (03:31) - Kasey Franco shares her personal turning point for prioritizing mindset and nervous system awareness.
3. (07:41) - Explaining the concept of self command and moving from autopilot to intentional presence.
4. (09:29) - Techniques for practicing presence, such as breath work, sensory focus, and intention setting.
5. (13:35) - Intention setting explained as a powerful tool to guide mindset and filter information.
6. (20:28) - Strategies to make nervousness and worry more productive rather than eliminating them.
7. (22:57) - Breaking down four types of mental messaging and identifying spam thoughts.
8. (26:29) - Recognizing how stress and nervousness manifest physically and how to respond with regulation techniques.
9. (30:16) - Highlighting the Accept or Convert tool for managing challenging situations productively.
10. (50:15) - Celebrating progress and sustaining long-term mental fitness through small, consistent wins.

Links and Resources:

1. Kasey Franco | LinkedIn
2. Well-Being Strategist & Neural Rewiring Coach
3. Kasey Franco Professional Profile

Sponsor Links:

1. InQuasive: http://www.inquasive.com/
2. Humintell: Body Language - Reading People - Humintell
3. Enter Code INQUASIVE25 for 25% discount on your online training purchase.

In this episode, we dive into the dynamic relationship between sales and negotiation with expert guest Ted Stephany. We uncover strategies for preparing to face professional buyers, mastering deal time engineering, and leveraging anchoring techniques to maximize outcomes. Through real-world examples and actionable insights, we learn how mindset, preparation, and value-driven conversations can unlock stronger negotiation results and build lasting professional credibility.

Timestamps:

1. (00:00) - Michael Reddington introduces Ted Stephany.
2. (02:50) - Differences between sales and negotiation.
3. (07:22) - Preparing for professional buyers is discussed.
4. (10:12) - Importance of asking buyers about their process.
5. (16:12) - Mindset in negotiation and handling negative expectations.
6. (21:02) - Deal time engineering strategies are explained.
7. (25:08) - Anchoring tactics for negotiation are covered.
8. (34:28) - Controlling the pricing conversation and discount strategies.
9. (41:13) - The impact of pricing consistency on reputation.
10. (47:47) - Key negotiation planning points and making buyers champions.

Links and Resources:

1. Ted Stephany | LinkedIn
2. Ted Stephany | B2B SaaS Negotiations

Sponsor Links:

1. InQuasive: http://www.inquasive.com/
2. Humintell: Body Language - Reading People - Humintell
3. Enter Code INQUASIVE25 for 25% discount on your online training purchase.
4. International Association of Interviewers: Home (certifiedinterviewer.com)

Podcast Production Services by EveryWord Media

In this episode, we have the opportunity to learn from Dre Baldwin as he shares his transformative journey from a high school benchwarmer to a professional athlete and successful business leader. We dive into the powerful relationship between structure, discipline, and presence, uncovering practical strategies for developing confidence and turning consistent effort into true dominance in our careers. Through stories of personal growth and actionable insights, we discover how programming our mindset and asking better questions can unlock untapped potential in both business and everyday life.

Timestamps:

1. (00:00) - Michael Reddington introduces Dre Baldwin and previews episode topics.
2. (03:33) - Dre Baldwin explains unconscious communication.
3. (07:19) - Examples of context clues and perceptions in daily life.
4. (12:53) - Discipline and how it translates into dominance for business.
5. (14:07) - Dre Baldwin links discipline to structure, accountability, and sustained results.
6. (20:24) - Leading by example and embodying discipline for business success.
7. (26:35) - Dre's late start in basketball and journey to becoming a professional athlete.
8. (33:35) - Using marketing and self-promotion to overcome disadvantages.
9. (38:11) - The "third day" concept as the separator between amateurs and pros.
10. (46:42) - How better questions unlock discipline and drive mindset shifts.

Links and Resources:

1. http://ThirdDayBook.com
2. http://SalesDisciplineBook.com
3. Get Dre's #DailyMotivation texts: Text LIVE to 305.384.6894 or click http://www.DreAllDay.com/text
4. Power Presence Protocol: http://PowerPresenceProtocol.com

Sponsor Links:

1. InQuasive: http://www.inquasive.com/

In this episode, we have the privilege of exploring the authentic meaning of the warrior spirit and tribal leadership principles with our guest, DJ Vanas. We examine the importance of service, community, and the wisdom of elders, while also discussing practical ways to harness our inner strength and create intentional rituals in everyday life. Learn how to apply these time-tested concepts to leadership, personal development, and building a supportive tribe both at work and at home.

Timestamps:

1. (00:00) - Michael Reddington introduces DJ Vanas and previews the episode.
2. (03:19) - DJ Vanas explains the true role of a warrior in tribal culture.
3. (09:15) - Discussion of core tribal leadership principles beyond the warrior.
4. (12:07) - Importance of community, connection, and avoiding isolation.
5. (18:08) - Lessons learned from tribal elders.
6. (26:26) - The vital role of ceremony and ritual in building connection.
7. (31:07) - Modern ways to create everyday rituals and structure.
8. (38:39) - Techniques for drawing on personal inner strength.
9. (43:09) - Overview of six roles of tip of the spear leadership.
10. (56:03) - Where listeners can find DJ Vanas' books and connect further.

Links and Resources:

1. D.J. Vanas | LinkedIn
2. D. J. Vanas
3. The Warrior Within: Own Your Power to Serve, Fight, Protect, and Heal

Sponsor Links:

1. InQuasive: http://www.inquasive.com/
2. Humintell: Body Language - Reading People - Humintell
3. Enter Code INQUASIVE25 for 25% discount on your online training purchase.
4. International Association of Interviewers: Home...

In this episode, we have the opportunity to learn from Christian Meissner, a leading expert in credibility assessment and investigative interviewing. We uncover actionable strategies for assessing credibility, eliciting truthful information, and navigating resistance in high-impact conversations. From understanding the difference between knowledgeability and deception to practical techniques for building trust and rapport, every insight shared provides immense value for anyone looking to enhance their communication skills. Join us as we explore research-backed methods that empower us to ask stronger questions, listen more effectively, and uncover hidden value in all of our critical conversations.

Timestamps:

1. (00:00) - Michael Reddington introduces Christian Meissner.
2. (01:15) - Differentiating credibility from knowledgeability in conversation.
3. (04:23) - Key considerations for assessing someone's credibility.
4. (08:51) - Why verbal cues matter more than nonverbal cues for truthfulness.
5. (15:08) - Techniques to help others access and share truthful memories.
6. (23:29) - Strategies to reduce resistance and build cooperation.
7. (27:04) - Topic steering methods using summaries and self-disclosure.
8. (34:45) - Exploring the main motivations behind resistance.
9. (43:36) - Constructive confrontation: evocation and empathy in tough conversations.
10. (60:23) - Quick tips for building trust and rapport, and episode wrap-up.

Links and Resources:

1. Applied Cognition Lab – Department of Psychology, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, Iowa State University
2. Christian A. Meissner | LinkedIn

Sponsor Links:

1. InQuasive: http://www.inquasive.com/
2. Humintell: Body Language - Reading People - Humintell
3. Enter Code INQUASIVE25 for 25% discount on your online training purchase.
4. International Association of Interviewers: Home (certifiedinterviewer.com)

Podcast Production Services by EveryWord Media

In this episode, we dive into the key communication skills that set impactful leaders apart with expert guest Michael Delisser. We explore the crucial differences between self-awareness and self-perception, uncover common communication habits that hold leaders back, and learn actionable strategies for receiving feedback and turning data into insights. Through real-world examples and practical frameworks, we discover how to influence others, adapt to different personalities, and drive lasting results. By the end you’ll know how to strengthen relationships, lead effectively, and unlock your true leadership potential in any organizational setting.

Timestamps:

1. (00:00) - Michael Reddington welcomes Michael Delisser
2. (03:08) - Three key high-impact communication skills for leaders.
3. (06:11) - Common ineffective communication habits in leaders are discussed.
4. (08:45) - Exploration of why people interrupt and where those habits originate.
5. (12:24) - Difference between self awareness and self perception explained.
6. (14:46) - How to receive feedback and use it for self improvement.
7. (19:07) - The importance of balancing different personality types in teams.
8. (28:10) - Turning raw data into actionable insights.
9. (32:00) - The three means of persuasion based on Aristotle introduced.
10. (46:03) - Strategies for influencing without authority shared.

Links and Resources:

1. Michael deLisser | LinkedIn
2. de Lisser Leadership Consulting | leadership development consulting
3. Leadership Accelerators: High-Impact Communication Skills That Strengthen Relationships and Drive Results

Sponsor Links:

1. InQuasive: http://www.inquasive.com/
2. Humintell: Body Language - Reading People - Humintell
3. Enter Code INQUASIVE25 for 25% discount on your online training purchase.
4. International Association of Interviewers: Home (certifiedinterviewer.com)

Podcast Production Services by

In this episode, we dive into the essential components of leading with character alongside guest Kevin Basik, a seasoned Air Force leader and behavioral scientist. Uncover the three foundational elements of character-driven leadership, explore actionable strategies to build and maintain trust, and discuss how leaders can create environments that empower others to reach their full potential. Through relatable stories and practical frameworks, Kevin reveals how vulnerability, accountability, and clear communication transform teams and organizations. Gain powerful insights and proven techniques for becoming leaders of character in any setting.

Timestamps:

• (00:00) - Michael Reddington introduces Kevin Basik and the episode.
• (03:40) - Kevin Basik explains what it means to be a leader of character.
• (04:49) - The three components of leading with character are discussed.
• (11:07) - The four levers for successful leadership are revealed.
• (15:57) - Clarity in communication and expectations is emphasized.
• (23:09) - The Pygmalion and Gollum effects in leadership relationships are explored.
• (35:35) - Challenges in developing others with technical expertise are addressed.
• (39:14) - The "sayback" technique for clarifying expectations is explained.
• (44:04) - "Equifinality" and outcome-focused leadership are defined.
• (58:26) - The importance of elite cultures and consistent standards is highlighted.
• 
  

Links and Resources:

• Basik Insight – Bringing Character and Leadership into Focus.
• Kevin Basik (PhD, US Air Force retired) | LinkedIn
• The National Medal of Honor Museum

Sponsor Links:

• InQuasive: http://www.inquasive.com/
• Humintell: Body Language - Reading People - Humintell
• Enter Code INQUASIVE25 for 25% discount on your online training purchase.
• International Association of Interviewers: Home (certifiedinterviewer.com)

Podcast Production Services by EveryWord Media