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The Audacity to Fail: Misstepping Into Success!

The Audacity to Fail: Misstepping Into Success!

Written by: Veterans Health Administration
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 The Audacity to Fail Podcast: Misstepping Into Success and it focuses on discovering leadership wisdom through experiences with failures and missteps. The podcasts dives into conversations and stories from leaders as they share that failure activates a growth mindset, is an important part of learning, and motivation for improvement!

We are interested in your feedback. If you have questions, comments, or ideas for future podcast topics, please drop us a line at VAChangeManagement@va.gov and please include the word podcast on the subject line.Copyright Veterans Health Administration Careers Economics Personal Success
Episodes
  • S5E1: Weathering The Unknown: Building Resilience in Times of Uncertainty with Dr. Chad Kessler

    S5E1: Weathering The Unknown: Building Resilience in Times of Uncertainty with Dr. Chad Kessler
    Jan 13 2025
    We’re back for the Season Five kick-off with a remarkable guest and friend to the show Dr. Chad “Chai” Kessler! On this season opener, Dr. Shari Dade sits down with Dr. Kessler and explores what it means to keep steady when the path forward is unclear, how to embrace mistakes as stepping-stones to growth, and ways to cultivate resilience. Whether you’re dealing with rapid change or simply wondering how to prepare for the unexpected, this episode is packed with inspiration and actionable advice that couldn’t be more timely or essential!

    Dr. Kessler is the National Director of Emergency Medicine for the Veteran’s Health Administration, and he is currently consulting and acting as a liaison for the Veteran’s Experience Office. He has also made an incredible contribution to our organization with his weekly vlog C20 and much anticipated blogs and emails on life and leadership.

    Closed Caption Transcript is available at: https://www.sharedfedtraining.org/Podcasts/TATF_S5E1.pdf ===============================

    Key Lessons:
    1. There are moments when you overcome uncertainty because there are big things that need to get done and you may be the best person, in that moment, to get it done.
    2. Getting started is the hardest part, but it can often lead to a sense of accomplishment that helps you keep moving during periods of change and uncertainty.
    3. Be sure to find your support team during moments of uncertainty and lean on them when you feel overwhelmed or like a failure.
    Interested in learning more about services offered by the National Center of Organization Development? Please check out additional services here: VHA National Center for Organization Development - Home (sharepoint.com)
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    40 mins
  • S4E10: The Moment That Changes Everything: Answering Life’s Most Important Calls with The Honorable Tanya Bradsher

    S4E10: The Moment That Changes Everything: Answering Life’s Most Important Calls with The Honorable Tanya Bradsher
    Oct 14 2024
    We’ve all had those moments – when life, opportunity, or circumstance presents us with a choice—to step up, lead, and embrace a new direction. How do you recognize that call, and more importantly, how do you find the courage to answer it?  On this episode Dr. Shari Dade is delighted to sit down with the Honorable Tanya Bradsher to discuss how to answer life’s most important call – your purpose! Ms. Bradsher is VA’s first woman deputy secretary, first woman of color to serve in the position, and the highest-ranking woman in VA’s more than 90-year history. A fourth-generation Veteran, Ms. Bradsher—a combat Veteran of the Iraq War—served in the United States Army for 20 years and retired as a lieutenant colonel. Since retiring, she served as the VA’s Chief of Staff and in senior positions with the Department of Homeland Security and on the White House National Security Council.

    Whether you’re on the brink of a new opportunity, feeling stuck in indecision, or just curious about how leaders handle those pivotal moments, this episode will give you the insight and inspiration you need.

    Closed Caption Transcript is available at: https://www.sharedfedtraining.org/Podcasts/TATF_S4E10.pdf ===============================

    Key Lessons:
    1. Your journey does not have to be planned to be purposeful. There are times, you are taken down the unconventional path to get to where you are supposed to be.
    2. Your experiences, identities, and values can leave you with just the right mix of life that will help you be successful at what you do. Allow those experiences to give you the learning you need to be prepared when the call comes.
    3. When the door closes, it’s best to accept that the opportunity may not be for you and another opportunity may be your calling.
    Interested in learning more about services offered by the National Center of Organization Development? Please check out additional services here: VHA National Center for Organization Development - Home (sharepoint.com)
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    35 mins
  • S4E9: Working Hand in Hand The Blueprint for a Supportive Work Culture with Dr. Alyshia Smith

    S4E9: Working Hand in Hand The Blueprint for a Supportive Work Culture with Dr. Alyshia Smith
    Sep 9 2024
    A supportive culture is the cornerstone of a workplace where people can fully engage and contribute – it’s central to any thriving team. It takes a delicate balance of both leaders and team members working together to create a culture where everyone feels supported and empowered. On this episode Dr. Shari Dade is joined by Dr. Alyshia Smith to discuss the idea of trust and authenticity—not just as a one-way street but as a dynamic relationship between leaders and their teams. Dr. Smith is the Executive Director of the Durham VA Health Care System and is responsible for setting the strategic and operational direction for the entire health care system. Through her role, Dr. Smith engages with employees, Veterans, Veteran service organizations, Veteran service officers, academicians, and the broader community to accomplish the VA’s overall mission.

    This episode isn’t just about leadership from the top down; it’s about the collaboration of building a workplace where authenticity, trust, and a shared commitment to well-being creates something truly special. Get ready to join us as we explore the journey to a supportive work culture. Whether you’re leading a team, a part of one, or just curious about what makes a great workplace, stick around.

    Closed Caption Transcript is available at: https://www.sharedfedtraining.org/Podcasts/TATF_S4E9.pdf ===============================

    Key Lessons:
    1. Communication is essential to developing a supportive work environment and, both, leaders and employees play a significant part in this.
    2. Leaders can use storytelling as a beneficial tool to help build connection and trust with employees.
    3. Making space for work-life integration is imperative. Ask employees what they need and encourage them to share their needs by active listening.

    Interested in learning more about services offered by the National Center of Organization Development? Please check out additional services here: VHA National Center for Organization Development - Home (sharepoint.com)
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    39 mins
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