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Infuse Compassion

Amy Quesenberry & Mark Carpenter

Infuse Compassion, a podcast hosted by Amy Quesenberry and Mark Carpenter, explores the transformative power of compassion in both professional and personal spheres.

This insightful podcast offers actionable strategies to integrate compassion, enhancing results, relationships and overall well-being. By prioritizing human connection, listeners can build trust, inspire teams, and create lasting impact.

Designed for current and aspiring business and community leaders, Infuse Compassion delivers authentic and vulnerable conversations that help to release barriers, open minds fostering meaningful connection to prioritize humanity in interactions.

Tune in to gain tools for stronger communities, thriving businesses, and enriched personal lives through the power of compassion.

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  • 30 episodes
  • weekly
  • Avg 34 min
  • English

Episodes 30

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  • October 27 · 40 min

    E91: Deep Listening With Oscar Trimboli

    Deep listening changes not just how we hear others, but how we relate to ourselves. In this episode of the Infuse Compassion podcast, Amy and Mark talk with Oscar Trimboli, host of the “Deep Listening” podcast and author of “How to Listen,” about what it means to listen beyond the words. Oscar defines deep listening as hearing what isn’t being said as much as what is—and explains why it starts with listening to yourself, just as compassion starts with self-compassion. He shares how our brains think at 900 words per minute while people speak at about 125 wpm, and how that gap leads us to jump ahead in conversations. In this conversation, you’ll learn: - Why the goal of listening is not to understand others, but to help them understand themselves - A simple question to ask yourself before and during conversations: “What would make this a productive conversation?” - Why great listening happens in the space between speaker and listener Oscar’s insights offer practical ways to slow down, stay present, and create more meaningful, compassionate connections. Oscar Trimboli is an award-winning author, host of the Apple award-winning podcast Deep Listening and a sought-after keynote speaker. His third book is “how to listen – discover the hidden key to better communication” – the most comprehensive book about listening in the workplace. Along with the Deep Listening Ambassador Community, he is on a quest to create 100 million deep listeners in the workplace. Through his work with chairs, boards of directors, and executive teams, Oscar has experienced firsthand the transformational impact leaders can have when they listen beyond words. Learn to listen better: https://oscartrimboli.com/howtolisten www.listeningquiz.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • October 20 · 31 min

    E90: Intentional Leadership: Reflections on Coach Jim Johnson

    Compassionate leadership doesn’t happen by accident. It requires intentionality. Join Amy and Mark in this episode as they reflect on the stirring conversation from last week’s episode with Coach Jim Johnson. We highlight some of our favorite principles that Coach Jim shared, including: • The importance of knowing the people you serve as individuals. • The power of clarity in communication and correcting with kindness. • How establishing daily non-negotiables helps keep you grounded in who you are. Compassionate leadership creates stronger teams and better outcomes. Listen in as we discuss how being intentional about leading in accordance with your values is not only possible, but essential, in today’s world. Coach Jim Johnson is a basketball coach and professional speaker who speaks on realizing dreams, teamwork, and sportsmanship. He is the author of the book “A Coach and a Miracle”, which is based on a decision he made and a promise he kept in 2006 while coaching Greece Athena’s high school basketball team in upstate New York. Some of you may have seen the video and remember the story of J-Mac, who was the team’s manager that year and played in the final miraculous game of the season. Coach Johnson has received numerous coach of the year honors and was presented with a National Sportsmanship Award. He’s known for turning struggling progams into winners, but more importantly, building young men with a winning foundation for life. He retired from coaching in 2015 and has rolled his accomplishments and experiences into two speaking presentations, “Dreams Really Do Come True” and “Leadership Lessons from Half-Court”. Website: coachjimjohnson.com Email: coachjimjohnson@gmail.com Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/CoachJimJohnson LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachjimjohnson/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CoachJimJohnson Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachjimjohnson/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • October 13 · 36 min

    E89: How to Lead Responsibly with Coach Jim Johnson

    Leadership lessons don’t always come from the office. This week’s Infuse Compassion guest shares leadership principles he learned up close on the basketball court and in the locker room. Coach Jim Johnson was at the heart of a miraculous moment that became a phenomenon 20 years ago as the coach of Greece Athena’s boys high school basketball team. You may remember the story and YouTube video of “J-Mac” but you probably don’t know the backstory and the leadership lessons learned from that experience. Listen in to our conversation where you’ll hear: • The importance of leaders knowing who they are and having a personal mission. • The power of specific praise in connecting with your team so you can correct as needed. • Coach Jim’s seven keys to effective leadership that you can apply in any leadership role. You’ll be inspired and informed by our conversation to look for ways to strengthen your team by applying Coach’s proven leadership skills. Coach Jim Johnson is a basketball coach and professional speaker who speaks on realizing dreams, teamwork, and sportsmanship. He is the author of the book “A Coach and a Miracle”, which is based on a decision he made and a promise he kept in 2006 while coaching Greece Athena’s high school basketball team in upstate New York. Some of you may have seen the video and remember the story of J-Mac, who was the team’s manager that year and played in the final miraculous game of the season. Coach Johnson has received numerous coach of the year honors and was presented with a National Sportsmanship Award. He’s known for turning struggling progams into winners, but more importantly, building young men with a winning foundation for life. He retired from coaching in 2015 and has rolled his accomplishments and experiences into two speaking presentations, “Dreams Really Do Come True” and “Leadership Lessons from Half-Court”. Contact Coach Jim: Website: coachjimjohnson.com Email: coachjimjohnson@gmail.com Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/CoachJimJohnson LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachjimjohnson/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CoachJimJohnson Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachjimjohnson/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • October 6 · 33 min

    E88: True Leadership is Kind: Reflections on Cindy Smarsh

    Kindness and leadership – true leadership – go hand in hand. In this episode of the Infuse Compassion podcast, Amy and Mark discuss what we learned and how we were inspired by our conversation in last week’s episode with Cindy Smarsh, creator of the K.I.N.D.N.E.S.S. Code. Listen in as we share our examples of the key principles of the K.I.N.D.N.E.S.S. Code and how you can apply the principles in your leadership and life. Listen in as we discuss: • The power and importance of listening as a key factor in communication. • How kindness includes making tough decisions and holding people accountable. • The multitude of reasons leadership requires knowing your team members personally. Join the conversation and consider how you can benefit from applying principles of kindness to your leadership. Cindy Smarsh has been counseling, coaching, speaking, and writing for over 35 years helping people create meaningful lives personally and professionally. Most recently, Cindy followed an inspiration to become a workplace wellbeing expert who teaches kindness-based initiatives to people in leadership positions. She found a plethora of research backing the validity of creating a wellness-focused culture in corporations to increase employee engagement, improve productivity, raise employee satisfaction and retention, decrease team conflict, enhance morale, save time & money, and drive collective success. Based on her findings, she created The K.I.N.D.N.E.S.S. Code™ a framework for up leveling the skillsets of professionals companywide to build a culture where everyone can thrive. She is on a mission to support people from all walks of life to be healthy and joy-filled with meaningful, impactful lives. She believes together we can make the world a better place and is determined to use what she has been given to make that possible. Contact Cindy: Email: cindy@cindysmarsh.com; Website: cindysmarsh.com; LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thekindnesscode/; YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbmX1Iyas873jLCale6MjBw; Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • September 29 · 36 min

    E87: Exercise the Kindess Code with Cindy Smarsh

    Kindness in business is sometimes considered soft, even fluffy. But this week’s Infuse Compassion podcast guest sees it differently. Cindy Smarsh has done the research to “crack the code” for successful business leadership, and she found that kindness is the key. Listen in as Cindy shares how she developed the K.I.N.D.N.E.S.S. Code, eight components that improve leadership, strengthen teams, and lead to serious business outcomes. In this episode you’ll learn: • The one factor that 92% of employees say will keep them at their job and their company. • An overview of the K.I.N.D.N.E.S.S. Code and how it is the key to organizational and team success. • Examples of how kindness improves business outcomes. Join us for an inside look at how you can access the code to leadership effectiveness and business success. Cindy Smarsh has been counseling, coaching, speaking, and writing for over 35 years helping people create meaningful lives personally and professionally. Most recently, Cindy followed an inspiration to become a workplace wellbeing expert who teaches kindness-based initiatives to people in leadership positions. She found a plethora of research backing the validity of creating a wellness-focused culture in corporations to increase employee engagement, improve productivity, raise employee satisfaction and retention, decrease team conflict, enhance morale, save time & money, and drive collective success. Based on her findings, she created The K.I.N.D.N.E.S.S. Code™ a framework for up leveling the skillsets of professionals companywide to build a culture where everyone can thrive. She is on a mission to support people from all walks of life to be healthy and joy-filled with meaningful, impactful lives. She believes together we can make the world a better place and is determined to use what she has been given to make that possible. Contact your favorite Smarshmallow: Email: cindy@cindysmarsh.com; Website: cindysmarsh.com; LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thekindnesscode/; YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbmX1Iyas873jLCale6MjBw; Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • September 22 · 32 min

    E86: Whole Self Leadership: Reflections on Liz Watt

    Leadership begins from the inside. Amy and Mark focus on the concept of “whole-self leadership” that Liz Watt shared with us in our last episode. We talk about key points of Liz’s THRIVE framework and how they tie to infusing compassion into the world. Join us as we discuss: - The power behind some of the questions Liz suggested as part of her THRIVE framework. - What gets in the way of following our promptings to serve others. - How caring for yourself increases your capacity to create and discover options. Listen in and consider how you can apply THRIVE to your life and build your own “whole-self leadership” personally and professionally. Elizabeth Ann Watt is a dynamic leader, holistic wellness expert, and CEO. She is dedicated to empowering others to live their fullest potential. As a multi best seller author, public speaker, and podcast host, Liz uses her voice to inspire positive change, sharing her life’s mission to uplift and serve others. Together with her husband of over 33 years, she coordinates Utah’s largest natural health and wellness conference, helping her community embrace proactive, natural health. A mother of six, Liz lives by her motto, “Live today to bless others tomorrow,” making each moment purposeful in her journey to impact the world for the better. Contact Liz: ElizabethAnnWatt.com (free 7-day wellness journey) BeHealthyUtah.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • September 15 · 36 min

    E85: How to THRIVE with Liz Watt

    What does it look like to thrive? In this episode of the Infuse Compassion podcast, Amy and Mark talk with author and speaker Liz Watt, co-creator of the “Be Healthy Utah” conference and the creator of the THRIVE framework about her journey through her own health challenges that led to her mission to help others. In this conversation, you’ll learn: - The THRIVE framework -- Team, Health, Resilience, Invest in Growth, Value People, and Elevate – and how to apply each step. - How some simple questions can help keep you on track with the THRIVE framework. - The importance of starting with your own health to enable you to more effectively serve others - How whole-self leadership helps you show up better—for yourself, your team, and your customers Liz’s message is powerful for individuals as well as leaders. Listen in to learn how you can honor your own well-being and you expand your capacity to lift and serve others. Elizabeth Ann Watt is a dynamic leader, holistic wellness expert, and CEO. She is dedicated to empowering others to live their fullest potential. As a multi best seller author, public speaker, and podcast host, Liz uses her voice to inspire positive change, sharing her life’s mission to uplift and serve others. Together with her husband of over 33 years, she coordinates Utah’s largest natural health and wellness conference, helping her community embrace proactive, natural health. A mother of six, Liz lives by her motto, “Live today to bless others tomorrow,” making each moment purposeful in her journey to impact the world for the better. Contact Liz: ElizabethAnnWatt.com (free 7-day wellness journey) BeHealthyUtah.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • September 8 · 34 min

    E84: Look Up to Connect: Reflections from Talmage Erickson

    You can’t see people without looking up. And one of the biggest factors pulling our eyes down is often in our own hands. In this episode, Amy and Mark reflect on our conversation with Talmage Erickson, one of “The Screen Guys,” and his mission to infuse compassion by connecting outside of technology. We talk about our own experiences and efforts to reduce screen time, and the negative impact we’ve seen when people get lost in their technology. Listen in and join our discussion on: - The potential negative impacts of social media, not just on youth, but on all of us. - How Talmage’s efforts tie to Amy’s COMPASSION framework - Our ideas to “look up” more and Talmage’s suggestions we like most We love Talmage’s new take on FOMO – focus on meaningful opportunities – and invite YOU to join us in a commitment to look up and connect more. Listen to the end for a challenge from Amy, and let us know if you’re joining in! Talmage Erickson is a 23-year-old who is taking on the world of screens. He and his father, Jeff Erickson, have come together and started "The Screen Guys." "The Screen Guys" are dedicated to teaching digital discipline in an ever-increasing digital world. They speak at churches, schools, and groups all around the U.S. and specialize in helping you and your family get back to living life beyond the screen. Connect with Talmage: screenguy.com https://www.instagram.com/talmage_erickson/ coaching@talmageerickson.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • September 1 · 39 min

    E83: Disconnect to Connect with Talmage Erickson

    Life beyond the screen is possible—and it’s worth fighting for. This week, Amy and Mark talk with Talmage Erickson, co-creator of “The Screen Guys,” about digital discipline and reclaiming real connection in an always-on world. Talmage shares research on how excessive daily screen time affects youth—disrupting sleep, study time, family interactions, and mental health. While technology can be helpful, he explains how constant dopamine hits from devices offer instant gratification without genuine connection, and why true well-being comes from looking up and engaging with real life. In this conversation, you’ll learn: - Why parents’ tech habits shape how kids use technology - The SCREEN framework to reduce screen time: Schedule, Codes, Rest, Everyone, Easy, Nights and Nevers - How to reframe FOMO from “fear of missing out” into “focus on meaningful opportunities” by looking up from the screen and being more present Listen in as Talmage shines a light on an issue we know exists but don’t always know what to do about. Learn how you can help create a world of more connection in our digital age. Talmage Erickson is a 23-year-old who is taking on the world of screens. He and his father, Jeff Erickson, have come together and started "The Screen Guys." "The Screen Guys" are dedicated to teaching digital discipline in an ever-increasing digital world. They speak at churches, schools, and groups all around the U.S. and specialize in helping you and your family get back to living life beyond the screen. Connect with Talmage: @Screen_Guys screenguy.com https://www.instagram.com/talmage_erickson/ coaching@talmageerickson.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • August 25 · 36 min

    E82: Align With Intention: Reflections on Jen Pestikas

    Your body will speak to you – first in a whisper, then in a shout -- that your work is out of alignment with your purpose. In this episode of the Infuse Compassion podcast, Amy and Mark reflect on their conversation with Jen Pestikas, founder of Brave Women at Work, and share their own stories of how their bodies “keep score” when they ignore inner signals. They unpack what it feels like physically, mentally, and emotionally when you’re off-purpose—and what shifts when you finally listen. Amy and Mark also explore the fears that surface when considering a career leap, and practical steps to move through those fears with compassion. In this conversation, you’ll learn: - How to notice the body’s early warning signs that your work is out of alignment - Common fears around taking a career leap—and how to face them - Ways to find people who build your energy (and gently step back from those who drain it) - How to share your positive energy to support others’ dreams The episode closes with a challenge: bring intentional, uplifting energy to someone this week as a way to infuse compassion. Jennifer Pestikas is an executive with over 20 years of experience in the financial services industry. She is currently the Chief Experience Officer of a Chicagoland financial institution. Jen understands the necessary skills to make significant leaps in your career, including mindset, asking for what you want, interviewing skills, the ability to negotiate, professional presence and more. In addition to her corporate work, Jen leverages her experience with her personal company, Brave Women at Work. At Brave Women at Work, Jen offers individual and group executive and leadership coaching for women. She helps her clients better identify their strengths, what they want, what is holding them back and how to remove these barriers so they can take bolder and braver action in their careers. Contact Jen: Bravewomenatwork.com Jenniferpestikas.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferpestikas/ Search for “Brave Women at Work” on Amazon to find the books in Jen’s series Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • August 18 · 34 min

    E81: Being A Brave Woman with Jen Pestikas

    What if your career wasn’t meant to be a ladder, but a lattice—where sideways or even downward moves move you closer to your purpose? In this episode of the Infuse Compassion podcast, Amy and Mark talk with Jen Pestikas, founder of Brave Women at Work, about recognizing when your work is out of alignment and how to make a compassionate “career leap.” Jen shares her story of burnout, how “her body kept score” when she ignored the signs, and what shifted when she stopped raising the bar for achievement and started listening to herself. She also talks about navigating critics, separating energetically from people who don’t support your dreams, and finding those who help you “fly your plane higher.” In this conversation, you’ll learn: - How to know when it’s time for a career leap - Why a “shower of self-compassion” is essential when starting a new path - A simple practice to track who boosts your energy and who drains it - What it really means to be a “Brave Woman at Work” in the face of imposter syndrome Jen’s tip for compassionators: if you’re not listening to yourself, it’s hard to be genuinely compassionate to others. This episode will help you begin that listening. Jennifer Pestikas is an executive with over 20 years of experience in the financial services industry. She is currently the Chief Experience Officer of a Chicagoland financial institution. Jen understands the necessary skills to make significant leaps in your career, including mindset, asking for what you want, interviewing skills, the ability to negotiate, professional presence and more. In addition to her corporate work, Jen leverages her experience with her personal company, Brave Women at Work. At Brave Women at Work, Jen offers individual and group executive and leadership coaching for women. She helps her clients better identify their strengths, what they want, what is holding them back and how to remove these barriers so they can take bolder and braver action in their careers. Contact Jen: Bravewomenatwork.com Jenniferpestikas.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferpestikas/ Search for “Brave Women at Work” on Amazon to find the books in Jen’s series Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • August 11 · 31 min

    E80: Slow Down For The Long Haul: Reflections from Lindsay Schiess

    Our neural pathways create defaults in how we react in emotional situations. The only way to change these neural pathways is to slow down, be aware of your thoughts, and stay curious. In this episode, Amy and Mark discuss what we learned from Lindsay Schiess in our last episode about overcoming the challenging emotions we can so easily face in today’s achievement-focused world. Join our discussion about: • The importance of slowing down and listening to our body when we feel strong emotions. • Keys to listening more effectively to create stronger relationships and connected teams. • The power of breathing as an emotional reset. • The importance of connecting to a higher power to maintain perspective in difficult situations. We’ll share personal perspectives on the skills Lindsay discussed last week and how each of us can create more connectedness with ourselves and others with a few simple skills. Lindsay Shiss is a speaker, therapist, professor at the University of Utah, and podcast host—which basically means she asks a lot of questions and never stops being fascinated by what makes people tick. This ties to her identify as a curious soul! Through her work, she helps individuals, teams, and organizations build resilience, strengthen relationships, and navigate life and work with more courage and compassion. She loves people, pancakes, and sleeping under the stars, although not necessarily all at once. She is a mom to four and wife to one patient man and believes families are the greatest classroom for learning how to love, grow, mess up, say sorry, and try again…and again and again. More than anything, she loves people and believes deeply in the goodness of people and the remarkable capacity we all have to heal, grow, and show up for one another. Contact Lindsay: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsayschiess/, lindsayschiess.com, https://www.instagram.com/lindsay.schiess/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • August 4 · 33 min

    E79: Listen to Connect with Lindsay Schiess

    Many people today are feeling anxious, overwhelmed, and self-critical, according to this week’s guest, psychologist, counselor, and speaker Lindsay Schiess. At the heart of these emotions is a sense of lost connection, starting with connection to themselves. Lindsay shares her experiencing counseling and coaching individuals and teams to build resilience and create stronger relationships. In this episode you’ll learn: • The importance of connecting with yourself in order to connect with others. • How listening to your body is a vital first step in countering anxiety and overwhelm. • The power of listening as a key leadership skill to strengthen teams. • The positive impact of slowing down and remaining curious to regulate our emotions. You’ll get a master class in managing the challenging emotional moments you may face in today’s challenging times. Listen for ways you can lead yourself and others more effectively. Lindsay Shiss is a speaker, therapist, professor at the University of Utah, and podcast host—which basically means she asks a lot of questions and never stops being fascinated by what makes people tick. This ties to her identify as a curious soul! Through her work, she helps individuals, teams, and organizations build resilience, strengthen relationships, and navigate life and work with more courage and compassion. She loves people, pancakes, and sleeping under the stars, although not necessarily all at once. She is a mom to four and wife to one patient man and believes families are the greatest classroom for learning how to love, grow, mess up, say sorry, and try again…and again and again. More than anything, she loves people and believes deeply in the goodness of people and the remarkable capacity we all have to heal, grow, and show up for one another. https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsayschiess/, lindsayschiess.com, https://www.instagram.com/lindsay.schiess/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • July 28 · 37 min

    E78: We All Need Community: Reflections on Karen Eddington

    In our hectic world, feeling isolated can happen to many of us. Amy and Mark reflect on what we learned in the last episode from Karen Eddington about the “leave me alone era.” We discuss: • How isolation contributes to burnout. • The importance of creating community – not just co-workers – in the workplace. • Personal applications and examples of Karen’s research from “The Under Pressure Project.” Join the conversation by sharing your thoughts in the comments about where you’ve experienced the “leave me alone era” impact you personally or professionally. Then consider how you can help build communities to help counter the prevailing isolation many are experiencing today. Karen Eddington is a 20-year resilience researcher, keynote speaker, and author, who teaches you connection skills based on her research in The Under Pressure Project. Featured on ESPN for helping student athletes develop leadership skills, founder of a non-profit Outreach program in Utah, and neighborhood chalk artist, Karen teaches the importance of community at conferences across the country. Contact Karen: Website: KarenEddington.com Email: Karen@KarenEddington.com LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/kareneddingtonspeaker/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • July 21 · 34 min

    E77: Healing Doesn't Happen in Silos with Karen Eddington

    “Leave Me Alone.” Sometimes people say that with words, sometimes with actions. And the “leave me alone” culture is pervasive today. In this episode, we talk with Karen Eddington about her research findings for “The Under Pressure Project,” which identified mental isolation as one of the key reasons people feel pressure. Without feeling seen and understood, people can’t move forward, and every problem is magnified. Listen in as we discuss: • Environmental factors that have created the “leave me alone era.” • The importance of in-person communities to counter mental isolation. • Steps you can take to help yourself or others who are experiencing feelings of isolation. You’ll also love the end-of-episode tip Karen gives to infuse compassion into your week. Join us and join the effort to counter the isolation epidemic we face today. Karen Eddington is a 20-year resilience researcher, keynote speaker, and author, who teaches you connection skills based on her research in The Under Pressure Project. Featured on ESPN for helping student athletes develop leadership skills, founder of a non-profit Outreach program in Utah, and neighborhood chalk artist, Karen teaches the importance of community at conferences across the country. Contact Karen: Website: KarenEddington.com Email: Karen@KarenEddington.com LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/kareneddingtonspeaker/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • July 14 · 33 min

    E76: Find Your Way Home, Reflecting on Dr John Rivera

    Sometimes the winding journey of life leads us on paths away from compassion for ourselves and others. When the physical, mental, and emotional pressures of these unproductive paths catch up to us, we need to follow the warning signs to get back on a healthier path. Join Amy and Mark as they discuss their conversation last week with Dr. John Rivera about the importance of seeing others and yourselves as “a whole person.” The combination of physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional all work together to create your state of health. Listen in as we share: • How Dr. John’s experience applies beyond the medical field to all areas of business. • The value of changing the perspective of serving people as a privilege, not a chore. • Ways to look for early warning signs that you’re on the wrong path and how exploring different angles from which to solve problems can lead to simple solutions. • How small shifts and adjustments can make a big difference in your overall health. Seeing yourself and others as whole beings creates new perspective that allows you to get better results, build stronger relationships, and care for yourself and others more productively. We’d love to hear your perspective on this conversation in the comments. Dr John Rivera was raised by a nurse mother and minister father, and learned early that a meaningful life means showing up for others. As the oldest child and natural protector, he followed this parents' example into medicine, excelling through school and mentorship under a doctor who embodied everything he aspired to be—compassionate, socially aware, and respected. But two decades in corporate medicine took its toll. The calling became a grind. Personal struggles compounded by the loss of a spouse left John unmotivated and lost. Through a journey of self-discovery he found the courage to start his own practice. In that space of freedom, everything shifted. Gratitude became his lens. Empathy deepened. he rediscovered what he had always known: that caring for others is a profound privilege. Today, freed from corporate constraints, he practices medicine with compassion and humanity at the center—the way it was always meant to be. Contact Dr. John: tiktok/IG/FB @riveraobgyn YouTube @riveraobgyn www.Riveraobgyn.com Dr@riveraobgyn.com Affiliated with Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • July 7 · 37 min

    E75: Meet People Where They Are with Dr. John Rivera

    Showing up at work just for a paycheck takes a toll on our mental and physical well-being, regardless of the status of your position. As a physician, Dr. John Rivera experienced this toll personally – and it changed how he started seeing patients. Join as for this episode of the Infuse Compassion podcast to hear Dr. John share his path toward finding greater meaning and value in his work by seeing people as whole beings. You’ll hear Dr. John share his perspective about: • The importance of acknowledging the good in your life, even when facing challenges. • Changing perspective on working with people as a privilege rather than a chore. • Meeting people – including yourself -- where they are to fulfill their needs rather than treating everyone the same. • The value and importance of finding one act of self-care every week to maintain balance in your life. Dr. John’s story goes beyond the medical profession to all areas of life. Listen in and apply his experience and message to increase your health and well-being. Dr John Rivera was raised by a nurse mother and minister father, and learned early that a meaningful life means showing up for others. As the oldest child and natural protector, he followed this parents' example into medicine, excelling through school and mentorship under a doctor who embodied everything he aspired to be—compassionate, socially aware, and respected. But two decades in corporate medicine took its toll. The calling became a grind. Personal struggles compounded by the loss of a spouse left John unmotivated and lost. Through a journey of self-discovery he found the courage to start his own practice. In that space of freedom, everything shifted. Gratitude became his lens. Empathy deepened. he rediscovered what he had always known: that caring for others is a profound privilege. Today, freed from corporate constraints, he practices medicine with compassion and humanity at the center—the way it was always meant to be. Contact Dr. John: tiktok/IG/FB @riveraobgyn YouTube @riveraobgyn www.Riveraobgyn.com Dr@riveraobgyn.com Affiliated with Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • June 30 · 29 min

    E74: Fostering the Potential in Others, Reflecting on Heather Nemelka

    Hiring is difficult work. Managers are often left evaluating people’s worth based on a resume and answers to a few basic questions. If we don’t take the time to see the potential in applicants, we often miss out on valuable, loyal contributors. Listen in as Amy and Mark discuss their perspectives on our conversation last week with Heather Nemelka, founder of Elavare, a non-profit dedicated to helping women entering the workplace after time away to raise families. We discuss our thoughts on: • The importance of creating the right narrative in interviews to emphasize your value to hiring managers. • The importance of tapping into others who can support your return to the workplace. • Why hiring for potential and cultural fit may be more important than hiring for specific skills. Without a compassionate lens, it’s easy to overlook candidates who may be loyal, high-contributing team members. We’d love to get your thoughts in the comments section. Heather Nemelka is the Founder of Elavare, dedicated to helping women build confidence and return to the workforce through training, mentorship, and community support. Drawing from over 20 years in leadership and marketing, as well as her personal journey of re-entering the workforce as a single mom of five, Heather created Elavare to empower women during career transitions. Beyond Elavare, Heather serves as vice-chair of the Silicon Slopes AI Chapter and sits on the board of Bear River Mutual and MomTribe. She holds a BA in Communications and an MBA from Brigham Young University. Above all, she loves being a mom to her five kids. Contact Heather: Email: hnemelka@elavare.com Website: www.elavare.com Event: https://elavareco.elavare.com/elavare-summit-2025 (Elavare Summit) Substack: https://heathernemelka.substack.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heathernemelka/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/elavare Youtube: @elavare Instagram: @heathernemelka Instagram: @elavareco Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heathernemelka Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • June 23 · 36 min

    E73: The Value of Moms on YOUR Workforce with Heather Nemelka

    Women entering (or re-entering) the workplace after spending time to raise children face unique challenges. Heather Nemelka, our guest this week on Infuse Compassion, knows all about those challenges because she lived them herself. Now as the founder of the nonprofit Elavare, she uses this experience to help other women in this stage of life to face and overcome those challenges. This episode is vital for employers as well as mothers returning to the workplace and anyone who knows a mother returning to work. Listen in to learn from Heather: • The top challenges facing women returning to work (it may not be what you think) and how to overcome those challenges. • What you can do to support friends who are returning to work after a break to increase their changes of getting meaningful work. • Why women returning to work should be considered top candidates by hiring managers. Don’t miss this powerful, compassionate, inspiring episode that emphasizes the potential and value that exist within everyone. Heather Nemelka is the Founder of Elavare, dedicated to helping women build confidence and return to the workforce through training, mentorship, and community support. Drawing from over 20 years in leadership and marketing, as well as her personal journey of re-entering the workforce as a single mom of five, Heather created Elavare to empower women during career transitions. Beyond Elavare, Heather serves as vice-chair of the Silicon Slopes AI Chapter and sits on the board of Bear River Mutual and MomTribe. She holds a BA in Communications and an MBA from Brigham Young University. Above all, she loves being a mom to her five kids. Contact Heather: Email: hnemelka@elavare.com Website: www.elavare.com Event: https://elavareco.elavare.com/elavare-summit-2025 (Elavare Summit) Substack: https://heathernemelka.substack.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heathernemelka/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/elavare Youtube: @elavare Instagram: @heathernemelka Instagram: @elavareco Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heathernemelka Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • S1 · E72
    June 16 · 31 min

    E72: Choose Contentment Over Comparison, Reflections on Kathie Gwilliam

    We’ve all seen – or experienced – times when comparison created division between people. When this happens, it keeps us from being the best version of ourself and moves us away from the results we want. In this episode, Amy and Mark share their thoughts about our conversation last week with Kathie Gwilliam, who has studied and speaks on the dangers of unhealthy comparison. We share our personal perspectives of times when comparison got in our way at work and at home, as well as some ideas you can implement to move away from unhealthy comparison. In this episode, you’ll hear: • The red flags you can expect to see when comparison starts getting in the way. • How our expectations often make comparison more challenging, personally and professionally. • Ideas for workplaces to change the way they talk about performance to reduce unhealthy comparison and recognize individuals. Comparison will happen, but it doesn’t have to diminish people. We love the phrase Kathie used that “conceit is comparison, but recognition is confidence.” Join us in helping us get past unhealthy comparison to seeing the value in each person. We’d love to hear how you will apply these principles in your life. Share in the comments section. Kathie Gwilliam is an author, motivational speaker, and host of the Project Confidence podcast. She helps individuals and organizations overcome the damaging effects of comparison so they can build confidence, connection, and compassion through her SOAR method and AIR principles. Kathie teaches practical tools that strengthen personal contentment and elevate workplace culture. Contact Kathie: Website: https://www.kathiegwilliam.com/ Instagram: @kathiegspeaks Email: kathiegwilliam@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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