Host: Erika McKellar, Host and Conflict Resolution Seeker
Guest: Dr. Elena Emma, Crisis Coach, Entrepreneur, and Educator

In this episode, Erika McKellar welcomes Dr. Elena Emma, a crisis coach, entrepreneur, and educator, to discuss the pervasive issue of unproductive meetings, with over 55 million held daily and up to 70% deemed ineffective. Elena shares her journey from financial controlling to coaching, emphasizing her apprenticeship approach to entrepreneurial education. They delve into innovative diagnostic tools that view organizations as living organisms, using methods like the vital sign test and human body scan to assess organizational health. The conversation highlights the importance of regular check-ins and continuous feedback over traditional annual surveys, stressing the need for ongoing evaluation to maintain organizational well-being.

Elena's experiences as a serial entrepreneur provide valuable insights into the addictive nature and inherent risks of entrepreneurship, as well as the lessons learned from multiple business ventures. She recounts a dramatic pre-meeting incident to illustrate resilience and decision-making in the face of unexpected challenges. The discussion covers strategies for handling long-term stress, the importance of adaptability, and maintaining authenticity in business. Elena also touches on the metaphorical significance of rainbows, symbolizing the multifaceted nature of identity and the beauty of embracing diverse aspects of oneself.

Key Time Stamps:

Introduction: 00:04
Elena's Background and Journey: 02:29
Innovative Diagnostic Tools: 09:35
The Importance of Regular Check-Ins: 11:52
Experiences as a Serial Entrepreneur: 13:49

Notable Quotes

"Meetings are a skill. Communication is a skill. And working together, those are things that are not just, you're not just born with those things. You have to work on them just like anything else." - Erika McKellar

"You need to set the example of how willing you are to change and adapt to a changing environment that might require that you change your habits or ways of working." - Dr. Elena Emma

Resources Mentioned

Diagnostic Tool:[OCS Diagnostics](http://ocsdiagnostics.com)
Dr. Elena Emma's TED Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aB_gn9a6dn4

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