Off The Comma by Paul Briley

Episode Summary:

‍In this deeply personal episode of Off the Comma, host Paul Brierley interviews Dr. Carrie Graham about her current comma - a place of uncertainty and discomfort as she works to more intentionally integrate her faith into her professional life. Dr. Graham shares how her childhood as an only child until age 13, often being the only person of color in educational settings, developed her into an exceptional listener who can hear what people say and what they're not saying. The conversation explores how these early experiences of isolation shaped her ability to support others through training and development programs that truly empower employees by honoring their individual experiences. Dr. Graham discusses the difference between being alone intentionally versus experiencing painful isolation, sharing how she's learned to find peace with uncertainty and discomfort. She reveals her journey from sports medicine and healthcare into adult learning, emphasizing how her natural listening abilities became the foundation for creating professional development plans that focus on understanding learners deeply rather than just delivering content. The episode delves into themes of faith, aging family members, and the evolution that comes with being in one's 50s. Dr. Graham's vulnerability about not knowing the "how" but being clear on her "why" - to uplift others and alleviate isolation - creates a powerful narrative about developing leadership qualities through authentic self-reflection and intentional growth. The conversation concludes with her metaphor for getting off the comma, describing the careful, intentional movement forward despite uncertainty about the destination.

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Listen Here > https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLzGrgg5Ez8

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10 Key Points:

1. Early experiences of isolation and being different can develop exceptional listening skills and empathy
2. There's a significant difference between being alone intentionally versus experiencing painful isolation
3. Faith integration in professional life requires careful balance between honoring oneself and respecting others
4. Aging and life transitions in one's 50s bring wisdom but also new forms of uncertainty
5. Natural strengths developed in childhood often become the foundation for professional expertise
6. Effective training and development must focus on understanding learners as individuals, not demographics
7. Pain and difficult experiences can become sources of strength when used to help others
8. Getting comfortable with discomfort is essential for personal growth and professional effectiveness
9. Sharing personal struggles reduces their power and creates connection with others
10. Professional development plans must address the whole person, including their spiritual and emotional needs

10 Takeaways/Action Items:

1. Develop deep listening skills by paying attention to what people say and don't say
2. Use personal experiences of struggle to empathize with and support others more effectively
3. Integrate authentic self-expression gradually and respectfully in professional settings
4. Create training and development programs that honor individual learner experiences and backgrounds
5. Practice being comfortable with uncertainty and discomfort as part of personal growth
6. Reflect regularly on how childhood experiences shaped current strengths and abilities
7. Lead with natural abilities rather than trying to fit prescribed professional molds
8. Build intentional alone time for reflection and personal development
9. Share personal stories strategically to reduce isolation and create connection with others
10. Develop professional development plans that address spiritual and emotional aspects of growth

Key Insights:

‍Dr. Graham emphasizes that effective training and development must begin with deep listening and understanding of learners as complete individuals with rich life experiences, not just demographic categories or job titles. She advocates for authentic integration of personal values and faith into professional work while maintaining respect for others, recognizing that true empowerment of employees comes from addressing their whole selves, including spiritual and emotional needs.

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Resources‍

Listen Here > https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLzGrgg5Ez8

Read >  Psychology Behind Blocks in Training Development

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