The Power of Storytelling: Human Stories in a Digital World

In a world that can feel more isolated than ever, we need stories. In fact, stories may be one the most important tools we have to fight the isolation of modern life. Storytelling powers imagination and innovation, providing a path for meaningful growth and deep connection in our shared humanity. In this talk, I'll share the stories of how I've seen ordinary people like you and me use stories to create extraordinary outcomes in learning, persuasion, and emotional health.

How to apologize

Sometimes apologies don't quite *feel* right, and it can be hard to figure out why. Often, it's because they weren't really apologies; they were performances made to deflect responsibility, excuse away behavior, and with the hopes of calming negative feelings. Whether you've received one of these types or given them yourself, this talk will allow you to recognize what makes a good and authentic apology and how to construct one yourself.

From Trauma to Tech: Using a Person-Centered approach

Tech can be so detached from people. We have users and developers and titles. And sometimes, we forget that there are human beings with complex lives behind those titles. This talk both acknowledges that and focuses on the importance of community, psychological safety, and being open to growing as part of every experience, as informed by my own experience with trauma and applying the person-centered approach.

I'll start with my own journey through trauma and how that lead me to change careers and eventually start the Virtual Coffee developer community.

We'll explore the four principles of a person-centered approach and how to apply them. Every team, workplace, and person has different needs; identifying these needs and considerations allows for a more informed and personal application of this approach.

Through an understanding of this application, we can do a better job of avoiding gatekeeping, creating strong and supportive workplaces and communities, and allowing for growth.

- Talk previously given to Venture Cafe Philadelphia and a version given to Virtual Coffee (https://virtualcoffee.io/)