Bridging Divides with Diana McLain Smith

Our world feels increasingly divided, largely because we tend to surround ourselves with people who think the same way we do. This creates a cycle where we constantly reinforce our own beliefs and opinions. Over time, this makes it challenging to see or appreciate different viewpoints, as we're not regularly exposed to them. In this episode of the HAPPINESS SQUAD Podcast, Ashish Kothari and Diana McLain Smith, Founder and Author of Remaking the Space Between Us, discuss overcoming our divides by transforming how we interact and understand each other in a divided world.Diana McLain Smith is a distinguished author and consultant specializing in leadership and organizational development. She has a robust academic background in psychology and social systems, and her work primarily focuses on helping leaders and teams navigate complex relationships and organizational challenges. Diana is also well-known for her insightful book, "The Elephant in the Room: How Relationships Make or Break the Success of Leaders and Organizations," where she explores the dynamics of human relationships within a professional context. Her expertise is frequently sought by leading organizations looking to enhance their leadership effectiveness and team collaboration.In the conversation, Ashish and Diana share their insights and provide actionable advice for improving societal and personal connections.Things you will learn from this episode:• Ending the Epidemic of Loneliness• Hope as a crucial political act• Empathy as a superpower• Transforming conflict into an opportunity for improvementTune in now and find out how you can take part in remaking the space between our divided world!Resources:• Diana’s website: http://www.dianamclainsmith.com/ • Company website: http://www.newprofit.com/ • Remaking the Space Between Us on Substack: https://remakingthespace.substack.com/about • Citizen Connect Organization: https://citizenconnect.us/ • Listen First Project: https://www.listenfirstproject.org/ • Roots & Shoots Organization by Jane Goodall: https://rootsandshoots.org/ • Solutions Journalism Network: https://www.solutionsjournalism.org/ Books:• Remaking the Space Between Us by Diana McLain Smith• Elephant in the Room by Diana McLain Smith• Divide of Conquer by Diana McLain Smith• Waking Up White by Debbie Irving: https://www.debbyirving.com/the-book/ • Primal Fear: Tribalism, Empathy, and the Way Forward by Rob Smith• Ask: Tap Into the Hidden Wisdom of People Around You for Unexpected Breakthroughs In Leadership and Life• Begin Again by Eddie Glaude• Difficult Conversations by Bruce Patton• Getting to Yes by Roger Fisher and William Ury• Hardwired for Happiness: 9 Proven Practices to Overcome Stress and Live Your Best Life.https://www.amazon.com/Hardwired-Happiness-Proven-Practices-Overcome/dp/1544534655