I’m joined by AJ Crabill to talk about the evolution of education and how we can better empower students and schools to unlock their full potential. We dive into why curiosity should come before judgment when it comes to understanding student behavior and why teaching behavioral skills is just as important as academic ones. AJ shares some powerful insights from his own experiences and stresses the importance of giving students the right tools to succeed, all while tackling the systemic issues that too often affect marginalized students.

We explore themes like communication, trust, and engagement in education, talking about how active listening and understanding student apathy are key to building connections. AJ also highlights the importance of student-led initiatives in developing leadership and pushing for more options in students' lives. By the end of our conversation, we call for a shift in mindset within the education system, one that’s focused on empowering both students and educators with the right tools and resources.

Key Takeaways:

Students often lack the tools they need to succeed, leading to behavioral issues.

Behavior should be treated similarly to academic skills, with a focus on teaching and support.

Restorative practices can be more effective than punitive measures in education.

Education systems must recognize and address the disparities faced by marginalized students.

Apathy in students often stems from a lack of trust.

Connection and belonging are crucial for student engagement.

Resources Mentioned:

Building Effective School Boards with AJ Crabill

Connect with AJ:

Website: www.StudentLedRP.org

LinkedIn: @ajcrabill

YouTube: @ajcrabill7

More About Building Thinkers:

I'm your host, Tracy Clark, and this is where potential becomes reality through deliberate curiosity, reflection, practice, and play. The Building Thinkers podcast is based on the realization that there's exponential potential in the things we build.

And so, in my little corner of the internet and podcasting land, I want to take my 12 favorite problems, these are my constant curiosities, and I want to go deeper. I want to build thinkers. This is a community of multi-potentialites who may be disoriented by all the possibilities of success we envision but haven't yet achieved.

If any of that sounds like you, come listen in. Welcome to the Building Thinkers podcast.

Vanessa Alves-Ruiz has a background in journalism and facilitation, and we dive deep into the power of mindset shifts, how creating space for new ways of thinking can truly transform learning and leadership.

We talk about the role of intuition in facilitation, why simplicity in communication is so important, and how teams can shift from blame to responsibility. Vanessa also shares a fascinating case study in occupational health and safety, showing what it really takes to change mindsets within organizations.

This one is full of practical takeaways and fresh perspectives on fostering collaboration, leadership, and growth. Let’s get into it!

Key Takeaways:

How to create space for mindset shifts that drive real change.

Why true transformation starts with expanding your awareness.

How intuition can be a powerful tool for decision-making.

The role of simplicity in effective learning and facilitation.

How honoring past experiences helps create lasting change.

Facilitation is about collaboration, not control.

Why mindset shifts require more than just knowledge.

How better listening can transform teams and leadership.

Resources Mentioned:

TEDTalk: Your Body Language Shapes Who You Are: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ks-_Mh1QhMc

Non-Violent Communication by Marshall Rosenberg: https://www.amazon.com/Nonviolent-Communication-Language-Life-Changing-Relationships/dp/189200528X/ref=asc_df_189200528X?mcid=644e079a48633d63964efcdbd6720495&hvocijid=16278184952188666608-189200528X-&hvexpln=73&tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=721245378154&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=16278184952188666608&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9191417&hvtargid=pla-2281435179058&psc=1

Connect with Vanessa:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessaalvesruiz/

Website: https://lifetransition.club

More About Building Thinkers:

I'm your host, Tracy Clark, and this is where potential becomes reality through deliberate curiosity, reflection, practice, and play. The Building Thinkers podcast is based on the realization that there's exponential potential in the things we build.

And so, in my little corner of the internet and podcasting land, I want to take my 12 favorite problems, these are my constant curiosities, and I want to go deeper. I want to build thinkers. This is a community of multi-potentialites who may be disoriented by all the possibilities of success we envision but haven't yet achieved.

If any of that sounds like you, come listen in. Welcome to the Building Thinkers podcast.

In this episode of Building Thinkers, I sit down with Tom Goulooze to discuss the power of intentional experience design and how it’s reshaping the way we approach meaningful moments at work and beyond.

Tom shares his unique journey from agile coaching to creating his freelance business,Tomfoolery, where he specializes in crafting transformative experiences for teams and organizations. We dive into the need to rethink traditional team-building practices and corporate rituals, and how focusing on human connection can lead to real, lasting change.

Tom challenges the conventional approach to solving problems by encouraging us to look at the root causes rather than relying on quick fixes.

We also explore how "broken soundtracks" and limiting beliefs can hold back innovation, and how shifting mindsets can unlock new potential. This episode is all about reimagining how we create impact in the workplace, whether it’s through a meeting, a team-building event, or even a company ritual.

If you're someone looking to innovate and challenge the status quo in experience design, this conversation will inspire you to rethink how you connect with others and create authentic, impactful moments. Tune in for fresh ideas and practical advice on designing experiences that prioritize people and purpose over outdated methods.

Key Takeaways:

The importance of focusing on feelings before diving into experience design.

Rethinking how traditional team-building activities could be reshaped for deeper connection and purpose.

Recognizing how limiting beliefs might be impacting your team’s growth.

Learn how shifting mindsets could open new doors for team collaboration and innovation.

Small, thoughtful changes could have a big impact, without resorting to one-size-fits-all solutions.

Resources Mentioned:

The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker

The Power of Moments by Dan & Chip Heath

The Book of Symbols by Ami Ronnberg

Connect with Tom:

Website: tomfoolery.co

https://www.kaospilot.dk/product/experience-design-offline-training/

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomgoulooze/

More About Building Thinkers:

I'm your host, Tracy Clark, and this is where potential becomes reality through deliberate curiosity, reflection, practice, and play. The Building Thinkers podcast is based on the realization that there's exponential potential in the things we build.

And so, in my little corner of the internet and podcasting land, I want to take my 12 favorite problems, these are my constant curiosities, and I want to go deeper. I want to build thinkers. This is a community of multi-potentialites who may be disoriented by all the possibilities of success we envision but haven't yet achieved.

If any of that sounds like you, come listen in. Welcome to the Building Thinkers podcast.

In this episode of Building Thinkers, I sit down with Adis Sophie to talk about how to bring more flow and creativity into our work. After spending years in the corporate world, Adis now leads How to Design Your Life workshops in Amsterdam, helping people create more meaningful careers and lives.

We dive into what it means to find work that truly energizes you, the role of intuition in making career decisions, and how to break free from limiting beliefs that no longer serve us. Adis shares insights on personal growth, the power of connection, and how small, intentional shifts can create big changes over time.

We also explore how joy and creativity impact the workplace and why acceptance and small steps are key to lasting transformation. Plus, Adis shares some of her favorite books and podcasts for anyone looking to deepen their own journey of self-discovery and career fulfillment.

Key Takeaways:

Finding alignment in your career is essential for personal fulfillment.

Deconstructing beliefs can help you identify what truly serves your growth.

Small, intentional steps lead to powerful personal transformation.

The journey of self-discovery and growth is ongoing and unique to each person.

Joy and creativity can completely shift how we experience work and life.

Resources Mentioned:

Books:

Designing Your Life by Bill Burnett & Dave Evans https://amzn.to/4hFtQoz

The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg https://amzn.to/42AHFjW

The Four Tendencies by Gretchen Rubin https://amzn.to/3PUyjYW

Podcasts:

Pause (French podcast) with Alexandre Mars https://open.spotify.com/show/05r8AC9YA77tH68JSoUHIc?si=86d11c0cf0ee4de9

Curiosity Chronicles with Sahil Bloom https://open.spotify.com/show/4VS1y9v0uwWoxZ8BzugigN?si=9446ec2251e3446e

Diary of a CEO with Steven Bartlett https://open.spotify.com/show/7iQXmUT7XGuZSzAMjoNWlX?si=5821c50f31dd402d

Connect with Adis Sophie:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adissophie/

Website: https://designingyourlife.nl/

More About Building Thinkers:

I'm your host, Tracy Clark, and this is where potential becomes reality through deliberate curiosity, reflection, practice, and play. The Building Thinkers podcast is based on the realization that there's exponential potential in the things we build.

And so, in my little corner of the internet and podcasting land, I want to take my 12 favorite problems, these are my constant curiosities, and I want to go deeper. I want to build thinkers. This is a community of multi-potentialites who may be disoriented by all the possibilities of success we envision but haven't yet achieved.

If any of that sounds like you, come listen in. Welcome to the Building Thinkers podcast.

As we kick off the start of the new year, I'm reflecting on the season of amazing guests and their insights. I dive into the topic of clarity and share how it can be a game-changer for decision-making, goal-setting, and overall life satisfaction. I talk about how gaining clarity can help build momentum, and also how slowing down to focus on what truly matters is just as important.

I walk you through my 2025 Goal Guide, which includes vision planning and strategic reflection activities designed to help you use discernment, self-awareness, and purposeful living to achieve your goals. Whether you're setting personal or professional goals, this episode gives you practical tools to gain clarity and make more intentional decisions.

Key Takeaways:

• 
  

  The importance of pausing and reflecting at year's end to gain clarity on personal and professional goals

• 
  

  How clarity provides direction and acts as a filter for decision-making, especially crucial for multi-potentialites who see endless possibilities

• 
  

  Practical tools for achieving clarity, such as vision boarding and goal-setting exercises

  
  

• Resources Mentioned:

  
  

  2025 Goal Guide - https://courses.buildingthinkers.com/goalguide

  
  

  Books:

  
  

  Four Thousand Weeks by Oliver Burkeman: https://amzn.to/4akxgL0

  Good to Great by Jim Collins: https://amzn.to/40zNv3E

  
  

  Connect with Me:

  
  

  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracyannclark08/

  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buildingthinkers/

  
  

  More About Building Thinkers:

  
  

  I'm your host, Tracy Clark, and this is where potential becomes reality through deliberate curiosity, reflection, practice, and play. The Building Thinkers podcast is based on the realization that there's exponential potential in the things we build.

  
  

  And so, in my little corner of the internet and podcasting land, I want to take my 12 favorite problems, these are my constant curiosities, and I want to go deeper. I want to build thinkers. This is a community of multi-potentialites who may be disoriented by all the possibilities of success we envision but haven't yet achieved.

  
  

  If any of that sounds like you, come listen in. Welcome to the Building Thinkers podcast.