179. The Evolving Landscape of DEI with Elena Joy Thurston
Release Date: 02/26/2025
191. Unscripted Pivots with Danielle Sprouls, Esq.
The Opposite of Small Talk
Have you ever found yourself at a crossroads, personally or professionally, wanting to make a long held dream or goal a reality? Today’s guest, Danielle Sprouls shares her transformative journey from commercial real estate to coaching and how it’s possible for anyone to make the powerful decision to “pivot,” face their fears, and grow both personally and professionally. In this insightful discussion, she touches on points in her book, “WTF: Women That Flourish: Transform Life’s ‘What the F#$k’ Moments Into Your Greatest Wins;” explores the importance of...
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190. #Danielle - Coaches Corner: JL Heather
The Opposite of Small Talk
In the latest installment of Coaches Corner, guest coach JL Heather, who holds over two decades of experience as an organizational transformation coach sits down with Danielle for a discussion on the topic of innovation and creativity. Guest’s Website: : If you are ready to start working with a life coach or just want to learn more about the impact that coaching can have in your life, visit Danielle's website at and schedule a complimentary exploratory session.
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189. Using Language and Mindset with Rebecca Bonnington
The Opposite of Small Talk
Today's guest is a Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) expert. If you are stateside, NLP may not be a term you’re very familiar with, but after today’s episode you may just find an appreciation for this fascinating area of study and how language and mindset can transform personal and professional experiences. Rebecca Bonnington sits down for a really enlightening conversation in which she demonstrates, using Kristy as her subject, practical NLP techniques, including how to change emotional states by manipulating sensory representations and understanding the power of self-talk;...
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188. Managing Up with Melody Wilding
The Opposite of Small Talk
In popular culture, there was a time where views of workplace relationships, between employees and managers, were seen through the lens of the likes of Emily and her over the top demanding boss, Miranda Priestly, in the 2006 movie, the Devil Wears Prada. Fast forward to 2025, workplace culture has evolved and terms like, managing up, the focus of today’s conversation, have become normalized and encouraged. Today’s guest is Melody Wilding, therapist, professor, executive coach and author of, Managing Up: How to Get What You Need from the People in Charge, released in...
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187. Learning Self-Compassion with Tara Cousineau, Ph.D.
The Opposite of Small Talk
Have you ever dealt with a negative voice inside your head that is constantly discouraging you, second guessing you, or telling you that you aren’t good enough? Even if you don’t self-identify as a perfectionist, this episode explores those tendencies we all have to chase perfection in our everyday life. Our guest, Tara Cousineau, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist; meditation teacher; life learner on resilience, self-compassion and healing; author of “The Perfectionist’s Dilemma: Learn the Art of Self-Compassion and Become a Happy Achiever,” and yes, a recovering perfectionist....
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186. #Kristy The Um Episode
The Opposite of Small Talk
When you use too many fillers it makes your message unclear and causes people to think you don’t have confidence in what you are saying. In this episode we are FINALLY talking filler words; why you use them, how to identify your unique fillers, and what to do about it. Get the free worksheet that goes along with this episode: 🌱 Tap here to work with Kristy: Follow on Instagram for more communication tips:
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185. New Ways to Network with Rosalind Chow, Ph.D.
The Opposite of Small Talk
Many professionals have likely encountered mentorship at one time or another, but may be less familiar with a different type of networking known as sponsorship and its many unique benefits. Today’s guest shares her deep insight into the key differences between mentorship and sponsorship, how sponsorship can open doors to stronger inclusivity in the workplace, and how you can take on this important role of sponsorship in your own workplace. Our guest, Rosalind Chow, Ph.D. is a professor of Organizational Behavior and Theory, researcher, and author of the new book , “The Doors...
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184. How to be a Grownup with Raffi Grinberg
The Opposite of Small Talk
As we officially welcome spring, many rites of passage including graduation season are almost upon us. If you are a member of the Class of 2025 or know someone who is graduating or has recently graduated, this episode includes an insightful discussion on real life skills that aren’t always taught in the classroom, but can prove extremely beneficial. Our guest, Raffi Grinberg is an educator, business leader, and author of the new book (released March 25th!), “How to Be a Grown Up: The 14 Essential Skills You Didn’t Know You Needed (Until Just Now).”
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183. Reach for Wild Courage with Jenny Wood
The Opposite of Small Talk
Have you ever winced at the thought that someone else might label you as weird, selfish, or wreckless? Today’s guest Jenny Wood, a former Google Executive, career coach, and author of the new book (released today!), “Wild Courage: Go After What You Want and Get It,” wants you to be courageous and run towards these labels rather than away from them. We discuss details of her new book including the 9 traits, three mentioned above, which can act as a deterrent to going after what we want as well as some useful tips on how we can flip the script and make them a positive instead...
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182. #Danielle - Coaches Corner: Suzanne Campi with Danielle McCombs
The Opposite of Small Talk
In the latest installment of Coaches Corner, guest coach Suzanne Campi, a life transition coach and community builder, sits down with Danielle for a discussion on the topic of Retirement. Guest’s Website: : If you are ready to start working with a life coach or just want to learn more about the impact that coaching can have in your life, visit Danielle's website at and schedule a complimentary exploratory session.
info_outlineIn 2025, the landscape of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) work is rapidly evolving and facing well documented challenges, but these challenges also offer new opportunities and growth. Today’s guest, Elena Joy Thurston, an HR consultant, discusses the evolution and challenges facing DEI; shares her personal journey of deconstructing internalized biases and how that informs her approach; and she closes out this insightful conversation by highlighting the important work that needs to be done moving forward. Throughout the conversation, Elena emphasizes the need to move away from an "us vs. them" mentality and instead focus on universal themes that bring people together.
Guest’s Website:
Guest Mentions:
Burnout Prevention Starter Kit — latitude
Dr. Russell A. Barkley - Dedicated to Education and Research on ADHD
Attention-Deficit Neuropsychology (ADHD) Part 1 with Dr. Russell Barkley — alie ward
TALK BIG QUESTIONS
Use these prompts to have the opposite of small talk in real life.
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What was your definition or understanding of DEI prior to this episode? Has it changed?
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Have you felt burnout personally or professionally?
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Prior to this episode were you aware of the nuances of the Gen Z professional?
Work with Danielle: If you are ready to start working with a life coach or just want to learn more about the impact that coaching can have in your life, visit Danielle's website at www.daniellemccombs.com and schedule a complimentary exploratory session.
Work with Kristy: You can work with Kristy one-on-one or hire her to speak with your team to improve workplace communication. Visit Kristy’s website at www.kristyolinger.com and find her work journal at Work Journal — Kristy Olinger.