Malaika Simmons

Last week, Peter and I learned that our podcast received 1000 downloads, and we are still riding that wave of excitement. Let's keep the momentum going!!! 🙌🏼 Our latest episode is now live. You can listen here 👉🏽 https://bit.ly/dtpep28 or on your favorite podcast platform. #designthinkerpodcast #designthinking #designthinkers #podcast #podcastepisode #newepisodealert

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I’m a certified ICF leadership coach so I take to heart the stats ICF puts out and want to share these with you. How ready are you to level up your leadership and your personal growth?

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Last day to pre-order the new #burnout book by me and Erin Alexander, DNP! Click here for your guidebook to prevent and overcome burnout: https://lnkd.in/gF-pDD6s #bookrelease #bunoutbook #burnoutspeaker #healthcareburnout

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HUMAN. is happening in Charlottesville, VA, in 2 days. I can't wait for this conversation! #HUMANEVENT #spillteem #authenticleadership #authenticconversations #panel #humancentereddesign #humancentered #spillonpurpose #innovation #behaviordesign #leadership #leadershipdevelopment #humanleadership #insights #inspiration #professionaldevelopment #leadershipevent #leadershipsummit #leadershipconference #Conference #businessevent #charlottesvilleva #forum #leadershipConference #humanresources #change #changemanagement #transformation #organizationalchange

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"How to Avoid Micromanaging" - From Episode 017 of the “Conversations on Leadership with Dr. Dave” podcast with special guest Susan Collins. Check out the full episode at https://vist.ly/xum4 Linktr.ee/DrDaveMiles #leadership, #podcast, #DrDave, #executive, #CEO, #transformativealignment

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"The Impact of Reporting Structure" - From Episode 017 of the “Conversations on Leadership with Dr. Dave” podcast with special guest Susan Collins. Check out the full episode at https://vist.ly/x77x Linktr.ee/DrDaveMiles #leadership, #podcast, #DrDave, #executive, #CEO, #transformativealignment

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"Creating Balance in the Organization" - From Episode 017 of the “Conversations on Leadership with Dr. Dave” podcast with special guest Susan Collins. Check out the full episode at https://vist.ly/arz Linktr.ee/DrDaveMiles #leadership, #podcast, #DrDave, #executive, #CEO, #transformativealignment

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"Leadership, Influence & Impact" - From Episode 004 of "Conversations on Leadership with Dr. Dave” featuring Robert Kittridge. Check out the full episode at https://vist.ly/34rgr Linktr.ee/DrDaveMiles #leadership, #podcast, #DrDave, #executive, #CEO, #transformativealignment

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From Tokenism to Transformation: Making DEI Work Count “War does not wait for your readiness.” – Iron Flame DEI is not a checkbox or a one-time effort - it’s a deep commitment that requires urgency and follow-through. Yet, many organizations hesitate to fully invest in DEIB work, delaying actions even as harm persists. This hesitation often leaves marginalized employees to navigate these environments without support or change, bearing the brunt of inaction. As DEIB practitioners - especially those from communities of color - we’re often brought in with promises of change but are positioned as symbols rather than as agents with true influence. When we push for necessary action, we may hear, “Our staff isn’t ready.” To that, I ask: If not now, then when? Each day DEIB efforts are delayed is another day employees face outdated policies, microaggressions, and inequities. These individuals are forced to either remain in these conditions or leave, taking with them their talent, passion, and the diversity that drives innovation. “We can’t run from truth no matter how hard it is or what it costs.” – Iron Flame Organizations routinely implement policies without waiting for everyone’s readiness - yet we’re asked to “wait” when it comes to dismantling harm. DEI requires acknowledging the difference between our stated values and the realities in our workplaces. If our practices uphold exclusion or inequity, we must act boldly to address them. If your organization is serious about DEI, here are essential steps: Provide Authority & Resources: Give DEI leaders the power, resources, and support they need to enact real change. Measure & Communicate Progress: Set measurable goals and report progress transparently to build trust. Challenge “Readiness” Resistance: Question the cost of waiting versus the impact of action. Listen to Affected Voices: Center the voices of those impacted by inequity; their experiences highlight the urgency of change. Lead with Accountability: DEI is foundational, not optional; leaders should be accountable for fostering true inclusion. The time for DEI work is now. Let’s commit to the values we uphold and make meaningful change. #DiversityAndInclusion #DEIB #EquityAndBelonging #WorkplaceInclusion #InclusiveWorkplaces #DiversityMatters #Leadership #OrganizationalChange #WorkplaceCulture #InclusionMatters #EmployeeEngagement #DiversityInLeadership #ChangeManagement #InclusiveLeadership #BelongingAtWork #DiversityEquityInclusion

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🌍 "You're telling me I have to change. I hate it and don't understand it." Change is a constant in behavioral health, where leaders face evolving regulatory landscapes, workforce challenges, and new treatment approaches. However, poor change management strategies can quickly erode organizational performance, stifle morale, and increase turnover—significant challenges in an already overtaxed field. Studies have shown that when behavioral health organizations implement change without clear, well-communicated strategies, employees often experience higher levels of stress and job dissatisfaction. For example, research highlights that ineffective change management correlates directly with higher staff turnover and burnout rates, particularly in healthcare environments (Cunningham et al., 2010). In turn, this affects team dynamics, patient care, and the organization's reputation, as frustrated staff may seek new employment opportunities, reducing continuity and institutional knowledge (Cartwright & Cooper, 2002). ⛑️ Behavioral health leaders face unique challenges. Change efforts, if poorly managed, can deepen feelings of instability among staff, impacting morale, and engagement. These factors also influence organizational effectiveness, as studies show that organizations with poor change management have up to a 60% greater likelihood of experiencing productivity losses during transitions (Kotter, 1995). In other words, the organization's ability to serve its communities and patients suffers as a result of a poorly executed change. 🤔 Effective change management in behavioral health should prioritize communication, team involvement, and support systems. This approach can mitigate negative outcomes, ensuring that changes bolster—not hinder—the critical mission of behavioral health organizations. Let’s continue the conversation: How have you managed change within your teams, and what strategies have been most effective for engaging and retaining staff during transitions? #EngageEmpowerInspire #Leadership #ChangeManagement #BehavioralHealth #RisingLeaders #LeadershipDevelopment #BehavioralHealthLeadership #HealthCare

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Breaking intergenerational practices through policy and awareness. Thank you ACF!🎊🎊🙏🏽 Hopefully, the first of many categories of "Thankless Work" that we should be more thankful for. #CareWorkersRecognitionMonth

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Again, it seems I backed the right horse in my career direction. However, "psychologist" implies a doctorate and a scarcity of available jobs. At the same time, I-O Psychology applies to many ways practitioners can help workplaces improve how they deliver value and mitigate costly risks.

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I'm happy to share a clip from Episode 266 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast, to be released Monday, where I had an enlightening conversation with D. Lynn Kelley, PhD, the author of “Change Questions.” In this episode, Lynn recounts a pivotal mistake from her career that transformed her approach and fueled her success. From her early exposure to Lean methodologies in Japan to navigating cultural differences while leading transformation projects in the US, France, and Germany, Lynn's story is a powerful testament to the growth that comes from our most challenging experiences. 🌟 Key Takeaways: 🔴 The importance of aligning metrics with goals to drive meaningful change. 🔴 How understanding cultural contexts can impact the success of global initiatives. 🔴 The power of being open to learning from mistakes to foster continuous improvement. Watch the full interview using the YouTube link in the comments (available now). Let's celebrate the lessons we learn from our favorite mistakes and use them as stepping stones to greater success. #Leadership #ContinuousImprovement #Lean #MistakeLearning #ChangeManagement #Podcast

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Such a valuable conversation. The 3 questions offer us unique insight into organizational health.

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CONSULTING PSYCHOLOGISTS OF COLOR will be GATHERING in Atlanta, Nov 8-10 to expand Connections, engage in candid Conversations, and make Commitments. Visit www.cp-oc.org to see how this would be of value to you. It is an opportunity to learn together and grow together in a small, supportive GATHERING. Built around facilitated discussions rather than presentations, you will be able to draw on the experiences of others, be challenged to ask and answer important questions, and be enabled to take actionable next steps. WHY join us? As China Achebe might say, "because it is good for kinfolk to do so..." Like this. Comment on it. Share with others. Register to join us. It will NOT be the same without you. https://lnkd.in/eFCyaAwD #consultingpsychologistofcolor #consultingpsychology #drgpenn

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🤳 We live in an increasingly digital world. Instead of feeling guilt over screen time, we should embrace the opportunity to teach our children how to appropriately interact with technology. Take tech breaks with children. Set an example of healthy interaction. Check out the #inspiredinternetpledge in comments below. Screen time limits, recommended ages, and total restriction are not going to set up our youth for success in an increasingly connected digital world 🌎 . …go deeper with this Axios article https://lnkd.in/gdKRA6w6

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🌟 New Blog Alert! Anne C. Kelly, ICF PCC, CMC breaks down the new ICF Recertification Guide in her latest post. Simplify your journey to staying certified with clear insights and actionable tips. 📽 Watch the video clip for a sneak preview, click the link to read the full blog! 👉https://lnkd.in/eNJyXftC Update 2025 Guide to GROUP and INDIVIDUAL Mentoring with Anne Kelly. Preview the latest here: https://lnkd.in/eNJKbQWQ #ICFRecertification #CredentialingMadeSimple #AnneKellyInsights #CoachingJourney

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Join us in conversation with four ICF coaches as they share their experiences in creating inclusivity in their coaching engagements. They will share the role that cultural self-awareness, curiosity, and humility play in helping us recognize, appreciate, and support clients just as they are rather than by who we assume they are or how they should be. Learning objectives: Attendees will gain insights into how coaches can enhance their cultural self-awareness to improve their coaching effectiveness. They will explore strategies to recognize their own cultural biases and assumptions and understand their impact on coaching relationships. Attendees will learn about the significance of maintaining curiosity and humility in coaching engagements. They will discover techniques to approach coaching conversations with an open mind, valuing each client’s unique cultural context without preconceived notions. Participants will have the opportunity to reflect on real-life examples and case studies shared by panelists, including challenges and successes in coaching across cultural differences. They will consider how these experiences can inform and improve their own coaching practices.  Kai Stowers, MA, PCC Nancy Tylim, Psy.D., MCC Danielle Marshall, CDP, ACC (She/Her) Wendy Moomaw, MBA, MS, PCC https://lnkd.in/gr9Pnwaj #ICFLA #DEI #Coaching DEI

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"Creating Balance in the Organization" - From Episode 017 of the “Conversations on Leadership with Dr. Dave” podcast with special guest Susan Collins. Check out the full episode at https://vist.ly/asq Linktr.ee/DrDaveMiles #leadership, #podcast, #DrDave, #executive, #CEO, #transformativealignment

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