Lori Adams-Brown

International Speaker, Business Executive, Podcast Producer & Host

What if I told you 80% of your team is carrying workplace trauma, but only 56% even recognize it as trauma? This massive gap between experience and awareness represents one of the biggest blind spots in leadership today. We're operating with traumatized workforces while completely missing the signs. That employee who flinches during feedback sessions. The colleague who can't seem to trust the team. The high performer who's brilliant but feels disconnected from everyone around them. Here's what most leadership books won't tell you: trauma-informed leadership isn't just compassionate - it's strategic. When we start conversations with curiosity instead of assumptions, we create psychological safety. When we recognize that "we need to talk" can trigger panic responses, we make tiny pivots that change everything. When we understand the difference between cultural differences and trauma responses, we build teams where people actually want to show up. The research is clear. Organizations that prioritize psychological safety see better retention, higher performance, and stronger bottom lines. Yet we're still operating like trauma doesn't exist in our workplaces. Your team members aren't broken. They're carrying experiences that shape how they show up. As leaders, we can either ignore this reality or leverage it to build stronger, more resilient cultures. The choice is yours. But the opportunity to attract top talent, increase innovation, and open up human potential in your workplace starts with awareness. Listen to this episode with researcher, COO of TCK Training and trauma-informed leadership coach Elizabeth Vahey Smith. Link in bio. @elizabeth.vaheysmith @loriadamsbrown @tcktraining #workplacetrauma #leadership #podcast #podcastersofig #expat #globalleaders #workculture #culture #traumainformedleadership #trauma #workplacebullying #toxicworkenvironment #hostileworkenvironment #organizationalculture #highperformingteam #workplace #corporatetraining #managertraining #executivecoaching #COO

Cultural conflicts in your organization aren't personality clashes. They're misunderstood value systems. When your Dutch colleague gives you brutally direct feedback, they're not being mean. When your Latin American team member wants to discuss your family before diving into quarterly projections, they're not wasting time. They're operating from completely different cultural roots. Here's what changed everything for our guest Maria Angela Calmet: Stop judging the visible behaviors and start understanding the invisible beliefs. Think of culture like a tree. What we see from the communication style, the meeting behaviors, the decision-making approach, those are just the flowers and leaves. But the real culture lives in the roots: the values, assumptions, and beliefs that shape everything above ground. The mistake most leaders make: They try to explain other people's "flowers" using their own "roots." Your German engineer isn't being rude when she interrupts your presentation with corrections. In her cultural framework, withholding feedback would be unkind. You'd miss the chance to improve. Your Mexican business partner isn't being inefficient when he asks about your children before discussing the contract. In relationship-focused cultures, trust comes before tasks. Here's your cultural competence framework: Pause when you feel judgment about someone's behavior. Ask what values might be driving their actions. Explore how their cultural roots differ from yours. Adapt your approach to bridge the gap The leaders winning in our global economy aren't the ones who assume everyone thinks like them. They're the ones curious enough to understand that different doesn't mean wrong. It means opportunity. What cultural assumption are you ready to challenge in your leadership? Check out this week's podcast with Cultural Intelligence Expert and CEO of Allopoli, Maria Angela Calmet who has trained clients from @berkeleyhaas and more. Link in bio. #podcast #global #leaders #crosscultural #CQ #globalteams #expat #culturaltraining #globalleadership #globalenterprise #globalbusiness #business #cultureshock #Dutch #Peruvian #siliconvalley

In this exclusive episode just for Difference Makers on @patreon, host @loriadamsbrown interviews guest Garry Ridge, Former CEO of @wd40brand and author of Any Dumbass Can Do It. In this exclusive episode, just for you as patrons, to answer this question: "How can you be someone who changes a work culture to make it better when you aren't the one in charge?" His answer is insightful and impactful as someone who has seen it from the CEO seat with an eye on every aspect of a world-renowned global enterprise. Link to this exclusive with Garry Ridge at link to our Patreon community in bio. @auzridge @loriadamsbrown #CEO #podcast #patreon #podcastersofig #authorsofinstagram #bookstagram #business #work #workplace #workculture #burnout #humancentered #leadership #purpose #authentic #aussie #worldleaders

I'm so grateful for this A World of Difference podcast community of Difference Makers, and for each guest who has shown up to bring their differences around the table to make a difference with us over the past year. As we bring in #AI tools to our #workplaces, staying human-centered requires intentionality. This will not happen by accident, but we will keep humans in the driver's seat to center what keeps us human if we keep having conversations around the table about building a world we want. We get to create the future of work that we want. Yesterday, as I gathered around the table here in California with a turkey, sweet potato casserole, cranberry sauce and all the other yummy sides, I was grateful for the relationships I have with each of my family members all around me. As we expressed what we are thankful for, I reflected on how I am thankful for those at the table with me, my family, who have been there for me and shared their perspectives with me all year in good times and bad. As I continue to bring podcast conversations around the table to you with authentic leaders who are bringing their differentiators to the table each week, I want to express once again how grateful I am to each of you who listen, who learn and who lead in ways that are making a difference wherever you are. You are making the world a better place, and for that I am so very grateful. I'm so grateful for my family, friends and loved ones who encourage me to show up authentically in good times and bad. In the A World of Difference podcast community, I am so grateful for each of you who listen, learn and lead all around the world. You are making a difference. Thank you. #grateful #Thanksgiving #podcast #humancentered #community #conversations #table

Authentic leadership isn't about maintaining perfect composure through every crisis. It's about holding multiple truths simultaneously. As leaders in C-Suites, in communities and in classrooms we face a constant tension: acknowledging real organizational challenges while maintaining team morale and forward momentum. Here's what host Lori Adams-Brown has learned through navigating layoffs, market pressures, and workforce transformations: You can simultaneously: Recognize that layoffs are traumatic for your people AND express genuine gratitude for team strengths and individuals. Acknowledge market uncertainties AND celebrate wins and opportunities Validate employee concerns about AI transformation AND maintain confidence in your strategic direction This isn't toxic positivity that dismisses workplace trauma with empty reassurances like "everything happens for a reason." Instead, authentic leadership means creating space for both the difficulty AND the possibility. When your team member shares concerns about job security, don't rush to say "I'm sure you'll be fine." That feels dismissive. Instead, acknowledge their valid concerns while offering concrete support - whether that's skills development, network introductions, or transparent communication about company direction. Your people need leaders who can witness their struggles without minimizing them, while also holding vision for what's possible ahead. This dual capacity - to sit with discomfort while maintaining hope - is what separates authentic leaders from those who either catastrophize or minimize real challenges. What truths are you holding simultaneously in your organization right now? The most effective leaders to work with have learned this skill: they don't choose between acknowledging problems OR maintaining optimism. They do both. Listen to this week's special #Thanksgiving episode with host @loriadamsbrown on gratitude and holding space for two truths at once as we listen to understand each other- one of the greatest gifts we can give this season. #podcast #gratitude #jobloss #unemployment #layoff #managers #leaders #friends #hiring #recruiting #authenticleadership #makeadiﬀerence

The biggest threat to authentic leadership isn't AI itself. It's how we're choosing to use it. Both approaches miss the mark entirely. Here's what @harvardkennedyschool lecturer Allison Shapira learned working with executives navigating this shift: The human isn't just "in the loop" the human IS the loop. This reframe changes everything. Instead of letting AI write your emails, presentations, or leadership messages from scratch, start with YOUR voice first. Draft your authentic thoughts, then use AI as a thinking partner to refine clarity or explore different angles. The key question to ask leaders before any communication: "If this message appeared on a billboard in your hometown with your name and face, would you feel proud of it?" That gut check matters more than ever. Because here's what's happening: As AI-generated content floods our inboxes and feeds, the effort you put into crafting something genuinely human becomes increasingly valuable. People can feel the difference between authentic leadership and AI slop. Your voice, your real perspective shaped by your experiences and values, that's your competitive advantage in an AI world. The goal isn't to avoid these tools. It's to use them in ways that amplify your humanity rather than replace it. What's one way you could use AI this week to strengthen your authentic voice rather than substitute for it? This week's episode with @allisonshapira will be a great start. Episode is out Wednesday. Link in bio. #podcast #bookstagram #authorsofinstagram📚 #author #podcastersofinstagram

Ever wonder what it really takes to step into your full influence as a woman in STEM? Hear how one leader faced tough choices and stayed empowered while navigating workplace dynamics and advocating for change. Our exclusive with @andrea.l.mohamed of Quantum Bloom is something you don't want to miss. Building strong networks isn't just a safety net. It’s a launchpad for your next move. This is all about owning your political power within office politics and shaping the path for those who follow at work. Head over to @patreon to check out this exclusive, and if you missed the full episode with her, go back and find it. It's one you do not want to miss. Link to Patreon in bio. #womeninSTEM #STEM #career #officepolitics #work

There comes a time when we all face a situation where our values are crossed. What will you do? We are living in those times now. It's time to speak up. Not sit down. Not shut up. It's time to let your voice be heard. What do you stand for? When your values are misaligned with those in the room with you, do you nod your head? Or do you say, "This isn't right?" Join us on this week's special episode with host @loriadamsbrown where she speak at a soul level about why you and why now. #standup #speakup #values #valuesdrivenleadership #timetospeak #permissiontospeakfreely #freedomofspeech #firstamendment #yourvoicematters #1111

Daylight Savings Time brings darkness in a world that feels so dark and heavy already. How do you find the light in dark times? Lori Adams-Brown writes about what is saving her right now, and what she learned in her Indonesia years of tsunami relief that helps her find a way in dark, uncharted waters. Link to latest @substack in bio. #Light #darkness #hellodarknessmyoldfriend #people #burnout #shinebright #Substack

Ever thought that the messiest chapters of your life might actually be the best invitations to something new? On this episode of A World of Difference, host Lori Adams-Brown sat down with Laura Munson (she’s a bestselling author and the founder of Haven Writing Retreats) to talk about how those curveballs life throws at us can actually wake up our creativity. We got real about divorce, loss, and those times when it feels like everything’s falling apart. Laura shares how writing and storytelling helped her find freedom and even a little bit of wonder, right in the middle of the chaos. She’s traveled everywhere...Montana, Ireland, Morocco, Tuscany...and it’s clear that travel and a willingness to see things differently can open up a whole new side of ourselves. If you’ve ever felt stuck or wished for more meaning in your day-to-day, this one’s for you. We dig into why connecting with others, telling your story, and leaning into a little bit of wonder can help you bounce back and even feel more alive. You don’t have to be a writer to get something out of it. Just bring your curiosity and maybe let yourself be surprised by what you find. Listen to the full episode, out Wednesday. Link in bio.

Ever notice how being “nice” at work sometimes just means keeping quiet when you really want to speak up? Lori Adams-Brown had an amazing conversation with Amira Barger on A World of Difference that you won’t want to miss. We talk all about what happens when we choose comfort over honesty in the workplace, and how that can quietly hold our teams back. Amira has seen it all, from Fortune 500 boardrooms to nonprofit galas, and she shares some wild stories that really drive the point home. We get into why avoiding conflict might feel safe but actually makes things worse for everyone. Plus, Amira breaks down the difference between kindness and niceness in leadership (and why real kindness takes guts). There’s also a bunch of practical tips on how to build real psychological safety at work, so people actually feel okay speaking up, even when it’s uncomfortable. If you’re managing a team or just want your workplace to feel a little more real and a lot more inclusive, give this episode a listen. It’s full of down-to-earth advice and fresh perspectives that might just change how you lead. Check out the full conversation here at link in bio. If this hits home, go ahead and share it with a friend or teammate. And if you like what you hear, leave a quick review to help more folks find the show. Let’s start making work better for everyone. #guts #nerve #work #speakup #courage

Ever feel like work keeps asking for more while you’re running on empty, and wonder if there’s a better way? You’re not alone. Host Lori Adams-Brown just sat down with Dr. Nona Djavid, and she’s living proof that you don’t have to buy into nonstop hustle to be a strong, effective leader. We get into what it looks like to actually lead with your values, avoid burning out, and still get things done. Dr. Djavid brings her neuroscience background to the table and shares how our brains and nervous systems respond to this crazy, always-on work culture. Think practical tips for breaking old stress habits, real talk about why self-awareness matters, and some surprisingly doable ways to set boundaries at work—without losing your edge. We also talk about her “one week per month” lifestyle (yes, you read that right) and how it’s changed how she leads, how her team shows up, and how she actually feels at the end of the day. If you’re a manager or leader who’s tired, stressed, or just wondering if there’s more to this whole leadership thing, this episode might give you the nudge you need. So if you want to lead more like a human, and less like a burnout machine, give this one a listen. There’s a different way to do this, we promise. Full episode out tomorrow Oct 7. Link in bio. #podcast #burnout #leadership #worksmarternotharder #hustle #workculture #resilience #mindset

Ever wonder what real courage at work actually looks like? Spoiler: it’s not all about big speeches or dramatic moments. It’s about those everyday choices, like speaking up in a meeting when it would be easier to stay quiet or sticking to your values even when it feels risky. Host @loriadamsbrown just had an honest, no-holding-back conversation with Kristen Kavanaugh and Mike Randolph, who both helped lead at Tesla and now run The Agency Initiative. We dug into what fear actually looks like in organizations, why it can spread so fast, and how to break the cycle. They shared some real stories and practical ways to build a people-first culture where everyone feels like they can show up as themselves. We talked about everything from leading during wild uncertainty to why diversity isn’t just a box to check. Plus, we got into how you can use emotional intelligence and real respect to communicate better, even when things get tough. If you want your team to make fearless, values-driven decisions, and you want to create a place where everyone feels like they belong, this episode’s going to give you some serious food for thought along with tools you can actually use. So if you’re ready to rethink what courage at work really means, give this one a listen. Trust us, you won’t want to miss the behind-the-scenes stories and straight talk about building a culture where courage is contagious. Episode is out Wednesday. Link in bio. #corporatecourage #courage #corporate #corporateAmerica #notnormal #speakup #fearless #siliconvalley #business #workenvironment #toxicworkenvironment #healthyworkplace #workculture

Leading through change isn’t about avoiding uncertainty. It’s about guiding your team with clarity and confidence. 💡 Which of these strategies will you implement this week? Save this Reel to reference later and tag a colleague who needs to see it. #LeadershipDevelopment #ChangeManagement #ExecutiveLeadership #TalentStrategy #FutureOfWork #TalentDevelopment

📚🛡 History gives us the freedom to explore and understand. Intelligence analysis equips us to defend democracy. In this week’s A World of Difference Podcast, Dr. Holly Berkley Fletcher, Former CIA Analyst, historian, and author of The Missionary Kids, reminds us that the past and present are inseparable when it comes to building a resilient future. Her insight: 📖 History offers context. Intelligence provides strategy. Together, they safeguard the values we hold most dear. As leaders, citizens, and changemakers, we need both- the wisdom of history and the precision of analysis to shape a future where democracy thrives. 🔗 Dive deeper into this powerful conversation in our latest episode out this Wednesday ✨ Save this if you believe history + intelligence are vital for leadership. 👥 Share with someone passionate about defending democracy through knowledge. Tune in Wednesday, and subscribe today so you don’t miss it. @Hollyabf @loriadamsbrown @lori_adamsbrown Link in bio ⬆️ #HistoryMatters #LeadershipDevelopment #IntelligenceAnalysis #Democracy #Resilience #StrategicThinking #FutureOfWork #AWODpodcast #MissionaryKids #tck #podcasts #podcasting #government #politics #historical #culture #heritage #subscribers #podcaster #globalshift #reader #spiritual #alwayslearning

📚 History isn’t just what happened. It's how we prepare for what’s next. This week on A World of Difference Podcast, host Lori Adams-Brown sat down with Dr. Holly Berkley Fletcher — Former CIA Analyst, historian, and author of the brand-new book The Missionary Kids. 🎙️ Holly reminds us that history is more than a record of the past. It’s a library of intelligence that helps leaders, policymakers, and organizations make smarter, faster, and more strategic decisions today. Whether you’re in intelligence, leadership, or business strategy, the ability to leverage historical context is the key to anticipating challenges and creating the future with clarity. ✨ Let’s embrace the lessons of the past to build a wiser, more resilient tomorrow. 👉 Full episode out Wednesday 🔖 Save this for when you need a reminder that history is leadership’s most underrated tool. 👥 Tag a colleague who geeks out on history + strategy. Subscribe today so you don't miss it. Link to subscribe in the bio #FutureOfWork #LeadershipDevelopment #HistoryMatters #IntelligenceAnalysis #StrategicPlanning #AWODpodcast #ExecutiveLeadership #MissionaryKids #PodcastClip #TCK #expat #missionary #evangelical #exvangelical #MK #authorsofinstagram #podcastersofig

Ever wondered what missionary kids who are white evangelical of US citizenship experience by growing up in countries outside their passport countries? Ever wondered what their experience of white evangelicalism is like and if it has anything to teach us about why we are seeing a rise in Christian Nationalism in the US? Holly Berkley Fletcher, former CIA Analyst, Historian and missionary kid certainly has, and her research in her latest book The Missionary Kids: UnMasking the Myths of White Evangelicalism is full of some of those answers. Full episode of the interview with host @loriadamsbrown and @hollyabf is coming soon. #missionarykids #MK #TCK #expat #expatlife #missionarylife #book #bookrelease #historian @riverside.fm #authorsofinstagram📚 #podcastersofig

Ever get told you’re “too sensitive” or feel like you just don’t fit the corporate mold? What if that’s actually your biggest strength as a leader? Tomorrow we are dropping a new episode of A World of Difference with Rachel Radway, and it’s all about how being highly sensitive or neurodivergent isn’t a weakness. It’s a leadership superpower. Rachel’s a seasoned leadership coach, a true global thinker, and the author of Perceptive, which is getting a lot of buzz right now. We chat about how leaders like us can actually use our unique wiring to make work better—for ourselves and everyone around us. In this episode, we get real about: - Ways highly sensitive and neurodivergent leaders can lead with confidence (and avoid burning out) - Why teams actually need neurodivergent leaders to succeed - What masking looks like, why it’s exhausting, and how to break the burnout cycle - How you can create a workplace where all kinds of minds belong and thrive - The underrated power of empathy in leadership (and why it matters way more than people think) - How a global mindset can totally change the way we lead and connect If you want to see how being different can actually give you an edge at work—or you just want to support folks who think differently—this conversation is for you. Rachel also shares some behind-the-scenes stories about what really helps (or hurts) sensitive leaders at work, and how to stop seeing your “too much-ness” as a flaw. You don’t have to hide who you are to lead well. Tune in Wednesday and find out how to bring your real self to the table—and help others do the same. Catch the episode link in the bio. #neurodivergence #perceptive #sensitive #Actuallyautistic #ADHD #autismspectrum #neurodivergent #cognitivediversity #AuDHD #burnoutprevention #burnout #burnoutcoach #burnoutrecovery #resilience #corporate #tech #siliconvalley

Ever feel like your team is sprinting to keep up, but the way you work is stuck together with duct tape? You’re not alone. That kind of fast growth brings a whole new set of headaches, especially when it comes to people, equity, and actually getting everyone on the same page. Host Lori Adams-Brown had an eye-opening conversation with Yvonne Jackson on this week’s episode of A World of Difference. Yvonne has helped companies like @apple and @oscarhealth Health navigate big changes, and she’s got this down-to-earth, real-talk way of making strategy feel doable. We dug into what it really takes to move people teams from “just support” to real business partners, and why equity isn’t just a culture buzzword. It’s a process problem that you can actually fix. Here’s what you’ll get from this episode: - How to spot the misalignment that’s draining your team’s energy (and budget). - Simple ways to tweak your processes so equity becomes part of how you work, not just something you talk about. - Why updating your values and succession plans can be a quick win, even if you feel behind. - The bottom line on why ignoring these things costs way more than you think. If you lead a fast-growing team or company, and you’re tired of band-aid fixes, this episode will give you practical steps you can actually use—without needing months of offsites or endless meetings. Don’t miss this week’s episode with Yvonne Jackson. Link in bio. #FutureOfWorkStrategy #HighPerformingTeams #EquityInBusiness #OperationalizeEquity #TalentManagementStrategies #SuccessionPlanning #LeadershipAlignment #BusinessProcessReengineering #InclusiveLeadership #EquitableWorkplace

Is Travel Your Reset Button? 🌍✨ Discover how travel can be the ultimate reset button for global executives, leaders, and nonprofit visionaries as tomorrow's guest Yvonne Jackson shares about a trip to Japan that helped her see her next big, bold career step. Whether you're steering a business or a mission, stepping into new cultures can spark innovation and clarity. Ready to transform your leadership journey? Subscribe today at the link in bio. #GlobalLeaders #BusinessInnovation #NonprofitVisionaries #TravelReset #AIO

Lori Adams-Brown

International Speaker, Business Executive, Podcast Producer & Host

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