Lori Adams-Brown

International Speaker, Business Executive, Podcast Producer & Host

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

Five years ago today, during a time of uncertainty, isolation, and reckoning in our world, A World of Difference stepped into the public square with one goal: to honor the differences that make us human, and to show how those differences are our greatest strength. There were no conference stages, no office corridors buzzing with conversation, no in-person panels to gather around. But somehow, this podcast found its way into your ears—and, for many, your hearts. ❤️ You listened while navigating loss, burnout, reinvention, and breakthrough. You tuned in from over 100 countries, reminding us that while we may speak different languages or lead in different systems, the longing to build workplaces—and lives—rooted in empathy, fairness, and purpose is universal. The show was born from decades of global experience, cultural immersion, and a deep belief that differentiators aren’t a buzzword—they are part of the blueprint for the future of leadership. What began as a single microphone has become a global community of Difference Makers. 137,000+ listens. 250+ episodes. Countless stories, perspectives, and lives changed. You’ve kept the podcast in the top 3% globally. You’ve shared it in boardrooms, in book clubs, in talent strategy meetings, and in the quiet moments of your own transformation. You’ve invited others to this growing table. Thank you for every listen, every share, every DM, every moment you chose to lean in. Thank you for choosing to lead differently, for seeing that the future of work is deeply human. This podcast has always been about one thing: Love. Love for what makes us different. Love that transforms culture. Love that doesn’t wait for permission to lead because it knows the world is ready. 🌏 The work isn’t done. But if these five years have taught us anything, it’s that when we honor our differences, we make a world of difference. 💛 Scroll through to see a few of the many pinch-me moments from the last five years—and tag someone who’s been part of your journey. We’re just getting started. #DifferenceMaker #AWODpodcast #Globalleader #CQ #EQ #Leadership #podcastersofig

You’re not here to sit on the sidelines. You’re here to lead conversations that matter.🔥 🎧 The A World of Difference Podcast is a space where: ✨ Culture meets courage ✨ Inclusion meets real-world action ✨ You become part of a global leadership movement Our top 5% podcast is listened to in 100+ countries 🌎 and we want your voice in the room. 🎧 Follow us and tap the bell to never miss an episode. 🌟 Let’s create change—together. 💬 Comment “I’m in” if you’re ready to make a difference. #LeadershipDevelopment #FutureFluent #InclusiveLeadership #GlobalLeaders #Podcast #ChangemakersUnite #WomenWhoLead #ExecutivePresence #SocialImpactLeaders #AWODpodcast #ThoughtLeadership

🎉 We’re almost there! Tomorrow marks 5 years of A World of Difference, and we’re just getting started. 🎧 Over 137,000 downloads 🌍 Listeners in more than 100 countries 🎙 250+ courageous, global conversations And YOU made it possible. 🙌 This podcast is full of the stories, lessons, and inspiration you’ve helped create. Thank you, listeners! Thank you, guests! Thank you, Difference Makers! ➡️ Turn on post notifications so you never miss an episode. 🎧 Catch up on past episodes via the link in bio Let’s celebrate the movement you helped build. 💫 #AWODTurns5 #GlobalLeaders #LeadershipDevelopment #PodcastMilestone #MakeADifference #TopPodcast2025 #WomenInPodcasting #StorytellingThatMatters #ExecutiveCoach #DifferenceMakers #Aworldofdifference #authenticleaders #podcast #5thanniversary

Are you craving real conversations about what actually makes a difference in today’s world? 🌍✨ Then you’re already one of us. 🎙️ The A World of Difference Podcast is where thought leaders, changemakers, and everyday Difference Makers gather to share powerful insights on culture, leadership, belonging, and the future of work. Be part of a global movement that’s breaking barriers, building bridges, and amplifying unheard voices. ✅ Follow us ✅ Hit “Listen” on your favorite app ✅ Tag someone who’s a true Difference Maker 💛 🔗 Link in bio to join us #PodcastCommunity #DifferenceMakers #GlobalVoices #LeadershipPodcast #InclusionMatters #WomenInLeadership #SocialImpactPodcast #FutureOfWork #Belonging #AWODpodcast

Ever wonder if there’s more to your career than just climbing the next rung on the ladder? We just dropped a re-release episode of A World of Difference where @loriadamsbrown sits down with Dr. Esther Zeledón, and this one is for anyone feeling stuck, burnt out, or just ready for a real change. Dr. Zeledón is a total powerhouse. She’s done everything from serving as a US Diplomat to coaching global leaders and writing a book about building a life on your own terms. We get real about what it takes to make a meaningful career pivot, especially when you want your work to actually match your values. We talk about how to shake off burnout, get clear about what drives you, and step up as a leader—without losing yourself in the process. @be.act.change shares why knowing your “why” is so important, and how different perspectives and collective action can spark real innovation at work and beyond. If you’re thinking about making a move or just want to feel more fulfilled where you are, you’ll want to hear this. There’s plenty of practical advice and down-to-earth stories (including some wild ones from her own immigrant journey) that’ll help you see what’s possible. Ready for a conversation that’ll help you figure out your next step? Listen now, and find out how to lead and live with more intention and impact. Catch the episode and all the details in the link in the bio. #PurposeDrivenCareer #MissionDrivenLeadership #OvercomingBurnout#CareerPivotSuccess #LeadershipWithPurpose#DiversityInLeadership #InclusiveWorkplaceCulture#FindYourCareerClarity #ValuesAlignedWork #EmpoweredProfessionals

Are you eager to shake up the workplace dialogue and embrace the strength of different voices? Host @loriadamsbrown's enlightening chat with @elainelinhering, the brilliant author of Unlearning Silence, is a total game-changer for leaders in modern work environments. We dove into the profound impact of cultural differences on communication and powerful strategies for boosting team communication. Trust us, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone aiming to foster a positive change in their workplace. Tune in to the full episode on A World of Difference podcast and join the movement to unlearn silence. You're going to want to share this one with 5 colleagues or friends. Link in bio. #UnlearnSilence #DiverseVoices #LeadershipDevelopment #talentdevelopment #corporate #California #community #speakup #crossculturalcommunication #yourvoicematters #authorsofig #podcast #podcastersofig #DifferenceMakers

Feeling the weight of global unrest and workplace challenges as a leader? Let's dive into the value of trauma-informed leadership in navigating these turbulent times. Trauma-informed leadership isn't just a buzzword; it's a crucial skill set for leaders across all industries. My Lori Adams-Brown's experience translating for a trauma therapist after the 2004 Indonesian tsunami taught her firsthand the impact of trauma on individuals, communities, and workplaces. Understanding the neuroscience behind behavior and leadership has become her passion, and it's clear that creating psychologically safe environments is essential for high performance. She's integrated trauma-informed practices into executive coaching, culture building, and onboarding, and the results have been transformative. The recent insights from our guest Catherine Matisse align with this, emphasizing the need for leaders to become change agents inside organizations, especially in the face of deep conflict and trauma. So, we encourage you to explore trauma-informed leadership and consider how it can enhance your approach to leading teams. If you find these insights valuable, share this post and spark a conversation about the importance of psychological safety in the workplace. Link today's full episode in bio. #TraumaInformedLeadership #WorkplaceWellbeing #GlobalLeadership #Podcast #Podcastersofig #leadership #authenticleadership #authentic #disasterrelief #business #humancentered

Feeling the weight of the world in your leadership role? Dive into tomorrow's episode where I explore the crucial skill of trauma-informed leadership. Learn from my experiences in Indonesia and Silicon Valley, and gain insights from recent guest Catherine Matisse. This is a must-listen for leaders navigating cultural conflict, employee burnout, and global unrest. Listen on Wednesday for valuable strategies on creating psychologically safe workplaces. Link in bio. #TraumaInformedLeadership #WorkplaceWellbeing #GlobalLeadership

Feeling the weight of stress and the struggle to lead authentically in a high-pressure world? The newest episode of A World of Difference is out tomorrow, and it's a game-changer. Dive in with host @loriadamsbrown and Stephanie Simpson, a leadership coach, and former professional dancer, as we uncover the power of emotional intelligence in leadership. Together, we'll explore self-awareness, confidence building, and stress management, and how they can transform your leadership skills. Join us in the conversation as we tap into the potential of integrating mind, body, and spirit for success. Let's listen and learn how to lead with self-awareness and empathy. Link in bio #LeadershipDevelopment #EmotionalIntelligence #StressManagement #PodcastEpisode #AWorldofDifference

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Lori Adams-Brown

International Speaker, Business Executive, Podcast Producer & Host

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