Shifting From Debate To Dialogue with Rooken Podesta
"What are you trying to take care of?" – a simple yet powerful question that shifts the way we engage in conversations.
In a world where men are often told to suppress emotions, solve problems alone, and dominate rather than dialog, how do we create space for deeper, more meaningful connections?
Rooken Podesta is the perfect man to explore this question. A facilitator and expert in generative dialog, Rooken helps individuals and organizations transform the way they communicate. His work centers on psychological safety, emotional literacy, and relational intelligence—all crucial for navigating leadership, relationships, and personal growth.
In this episode, we unpack:
- Why men struggle with emotional expression and connection
- The impact of rugged individualism and how it isolates us
- How Ubuntu and the I-Thou relationship can heal divides
- The power of language, nature, and safe dialogic spaces in reshaping how men relate to themselves and others
Now, more than ever, men need to listen, not just react. This episode is a call to step beyond surface-level conversations and into a new way of being, listening, and leading.
Tune in for a conversation that challenges the way we think, speak, and engage with the world.
Follow Rooken Podesta's work:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rookenpodesta/
Substack: https://rooken.substack.com/
website: https://thrivewiththefield.com/
Articles mentioned:
From control to connection: The leadership connection we need to thrive together
Hope you are enjoying the conversation so far.
Remember to take note of things that stand out to you while listening and take a moment to reflect in your own time or discuss this with some friends over some drinks, a meal or relaxing activity of your choice.
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Rooken Podesta
How Can You Future-Proof Yourself, Your Team, and Your Organization in an Uncertain World?
I work with client-focused, people-centered individuals and organizations committed to high performance and growth.
The ThriveTogether™ Approach:
With over 25 years of experience across diverse industries and communities, I've developed an integrated approach built on three key components.
1. ThriveTogether™ Framework – Eight focus areas with evidence-based practices to help individuals and teams to thrive in an increasingly complex and unpredictable landscape.
2. Focused Self-Assessments – Simple tools to identify specific growth areas.
3. Relevance-Led Action Learning – Work-integrated assignments that connect theory to practice for confident application, immediate impact, and maximum ROI.
The Eight ThriveTogether™ Practices:
1. Lead Collaboratively, Purposefully & Positively
- Enable Generative leadership throughout your organization, attuned to context, potential, and opportunities—intentional and focused on specific, desired results.
2. Build Resourceful Relationships
- Proactively create and sustain mutually beneficial partnerships.
- Nurture a safe and connected, community.
3. Manage Mindset & Presence
- Integrate thoughts, emotions, and physiology for effective self- and co-regulation.
- Cultivate resourceful and resilient ways-of-being.
4. Communicate Responsibly, Authentically & Clearly
- Express thoughts, emotions, and needs effectively.
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