Let's all get grounded and present in this moment together. When I was younger, I was encouraged to stand out. There's this one time in middle school I thought it would be a great idea to take my already permed blonde hair and dye it manic panic green.Who remembers manic panic. I wasn't trying to rebellious. I just thought it looked cool and I liked showing up in that way.Expressive and in the moment. And then I showed up to school and not only did I get sent immediately home, I actually got suspended for t ...

Problem & Impact - Burnout affects up to 65% of full-time engineers in the last year, indicating a widespread issue within the engineering field [6] - A disconnect exists where 84% of executives believe their companies prioritize employee well-being, while employees' experiences suggest otherwise [7] - Companies with healthy cultures deliver up to 200% higher returns to shareholders, highlighting the financial impact of culture [9] - Authoritarian, mechanistic cultures, originating from early mass production, are still prevalent despite their negative impact on people and finances [10] Root Cause - Current work organization principles are outdated, stemming from the 19th and 20th centuries, focusing on repetitive tasks [10] - While professionals recognize the importance of a healthy culture, they often lack the knowledge on how to achieve it [11] - Change is difficult, requiring the destruction of old ways of thinking, which can be intimidating [12] Solution & Characteristics of Thriving Cultures - Thriving cultures are characterized by psychological safety, shared purpose, and opportunities for self-growth [12][13] - Leaders in thriving cultures make room for humanness, embodying the desired culture, and nurturing individuals [15][17][18] - Leaders should create structures that allow everyone to be heard, embody the culture they want to achieve, and nurture individuals by reducing complexity and empowering them [17][18] - Leaders should act as gardeners, creating the perfect environment for individuals to thrive, providing support and nutrients based on individual needs [19][20]

[applause] Let's all get grounded and present in this moment together. When I was younger, I was encouraged to stand out. There's this one time in middle school I thought it would be a great idea to take my already permed blonde hair and dye it manic panic green.Who remembers manic panic. I wasn't trying to rebellious. I just thought it looked cool and I liked showing up in that way.Expressive and in the moment. And then I showed up to school and not only did I get sent immediately home, I actually got susp ...

[Applause] [Music] [Applause] What if I told you we were about to do an active shooter drill. What if we were going to run through the steps to secure the building. What if we were going to lock all the doors, turn off all the lights, and remain in place until the all clear is given.If this were real, what would your reaction be. What would be happening in your body. Is your breath shallow. Is your heart racing.Are your thoughts making plans to keep yourself safe. Now imagine what this is like for a child, ...

Core Argument - The prevailing belief that control is inherently good is challenged, suggesting it may lead to brittle systems rather than resilient ones [1][2] - Adaptive systems, characterized by trust and psychological safety, are proposed as more successful than those based on strict control [3][10] Psychological Safety & Trust - Psychological safety, not talent or intelligence, is identified as the key factor in successful teams [10] - Trust-based teams exhibit 50% more productivity, 76% better engagement, and 40% less burnout [12] - Creating a safe and trusted environment releases dopamine and oxytocin, fostering creativity, connectivity, and engagement [11] Letting Go & Influence - Letting go is presented not as weakness but as a form of influence and intention, creating space for growth and trust [16][17] - Overly regulated economies and autocratic systems are prone to collapse, highlighting the limitations of excessive control [14] - Parenting styles that support autonomy raise more resilient and emotionally intelligent children [15] Practical Application - Individuals are encouraged to relinquish control in relationships, teams, or parenting to observe potential positive outcomes [17][18] - In chaotic times, letting go is emphasized as a source of power, contrasting with the illusion of control [19][20]