Transcending Stuttering with Uri Schneider – Episode #77: Disruptions and Feedback Loops with Josh Moorer

In Episode #77 of the Transcending Stuttering Podcast, host Uri Schneider engages in a profound and insightful conversation with Josh Moorer, the former General Manager of Uber New York City and current Head of Global Operations at Levels Health. Released on July 11, 2022, this episode delves deep into Josh’s personal journey with stuttering, his professional triumphs, and his vision for the future of stuttering therapy. The discussion is rich with valuable insights, practical advice, and inspiring stories that resonate with both individuals who stutter and those supporting them.

1. Introduction

Uri Schneider introduces Josh Moorer, highlighting his impressive career trajectory from leading Uber’s largest market in New York City to his current role at Levels Health. Josh is portrayed not just as a successful executive but also as a dedicated husband and father who navigates life with authenticity and resilience.

"[...] he is a husband, a dad, an all-around just down-to-earth guy." (02:17)

2. Personal Journey with Stuttering

Josh opens up about his early experiences with stuttering, highlighting the misconceptions and challenges he faced growing up. He shares his discomfort with having his spoken words transcribed, fearing that the written version would misrepresent his intelligence and communication skills.

"One of my least favorite things is giving an interview in voice and then having it typed out and put in a newspaper because I always feel like I sound like an idiot." (00:00)

He reflects on his school years, where his academic strengths in math contrasted with his struggles in subjects that required extensive verbal participation. This disparity fueled his preference for objective fields over those that demanded continuous verbal interaction.

"Math is, like, there's an answer. That's it. I don't think I chose math because of stuttering. I think I was good at it anyway." (10:40)

3. Openness and Self-Advocacy

A significant part of the conversation revolves around Josh’s approach to being open about his stuttering. He discusses his technique of self-advertising—informing others about his stutter upfront to alleviate anxiety and create a more comfortable communication environment.

"Self advertising is what I've just done here. Now that it's out in the open, I'll never be nervous about it when we speak." (40:56)

Josh illustrates how this openness has transformed his interactions, both personally and professionally, emphasizing the importance of honesty and transparency in building authentic relationships.

4. Professional Success and Leadership

Josh shares his professional milestones, notably his role at Uber where he significantly grew the company’s presence in New York City. He discusses the pressures of leadership, public speaking, and high-stakes situations, revealing how his experience with stuttering has shaped his approach to managing teams and communicating effectively.

"These are all kinds of different experiences and roles where you need to communicate effectively, and I've had to navigate that while managing my stutter." (Varied throughout)

Despite the challenges, Josh highlights moments of confidence where public speaking and leadership roles became less daunting, attributing this growth to increased self-assurance and professional experience.

5. Remote Work and Levels Health

Transitioning to his current role, Josh explains the mission and operation of Levels Health, a company focused on helping individuals understand how food affects their health through continuous glucose monitoring. He delves into the company’s fully remote and asynchronous work model, championing its efficiency and flexibility compared to traditional office environments.

"We are, by design, not like a Covid response, but from the beginning, we were built as a company that is fully remote and fully asynchronous." (26:18)

Josh advocates for this disruptive work model, citing personal productivity gains and the elimination of unnecessary meetings as key benefits.

6. Tips and Advice for New Professionals with Stuttering

Uri shares a compelling story about a young professional facing anxiety about starting a job at a major bank due to his stutter. Josh offers practical advice, emphasizing the importance of connecting with others who share similar experiences and building confidence through shared understanding.

"The best thing would be you could send me your resume. I'll help you polish it up. You can send me any of your interviewing stuff we can get on a Zoom call." (52:23)

Josh underscores the value of community support and mentorship in overcoming fears and achieving professional success despite stuttering.

7. Future of Stuttering Therapy

Towards the end of the episode, Josh envisions the future of stuttering therapy, advocating for the integration of digital tools and online communities to provide continuous support and feedback. He draws parallels between advancements in health technology and potential innovations in stuttering therapy, suggesting that the internet can play a pivotal role in connecting individuals and disseminating effective strategies.

"There is an analog, I think, giving more voice, decentralizing this a little bit. Where in the past your organization might be, everyone's interacting with you. You've now created a space that other people can interact with each other in a way that you're not necessarily involved in all the time." (57:20)

8. Conclusion

In closing, Josh offers a heartfelt piece of wisdom to his younger self:

"Don't worry." (61:37)

This succinct advice encapsulates his journey toward self-acceptance and resilience. Uri and Josh wrap up the conversation by reflecting on the power of empathy, community, and feedback loops in fostering safe spaces for individuals who stutter.

Key Takeaways

• Self-Advocacy: Being open about stuttering can alleviate personal anxiety and foster authentic connections.
• Community Support: Engaging with others who share similar experiences provides invaluable support and practical advice.
• Innovative Work Models: Remote and asynchronous work environments can enhance productivity and accommodate diverse communication needs.
• Digital Transformation in Therapy: Leveraging technology and online platforms can revolutionize stuttering therapy by providing continuous, accessible support.

Notable Quotes

• "I never enjoy when it's written back. I feel like in voice it's fine." (00:00)
• "I just want to get my ideas across to other people and be understood." (40:10)
• "Don't worry." (61:37)

Final Thoughts

Episode #77 offers a blend of personal vulnerability and professional acumen, presenting Josh Moorer as a beacon of resilience and innovation. His insights not only shed light on the nuances of living with a stutter but also inspire listeners to embrace their unique journeys towards self-improvement and effective communication. Whether you stutter or not, this episode provides valuable lessons on leadership, empathy, and the transformative power of openness.