The CoCreators by CoCreate Work

We're closing out our AI and Culture series with Nikki Silvestri, CEO and Founder of Soil and Shadow, international keynote speaker, and environmental advocate. Nikki has spent her career asking hard questions about who benefits and who bears the cost, and she brings that same lens to AI. This conversation covers environmental impact, personal responsibility, and what it means to lead with ethics when technology is moving this fast.What We CoverThe Commons vs. the Wild West – AI is actually both happening simultaneously, and the education gap is the biggest driver of why.The urgency is real – The pressure to adopt AI isn't false. Productivity expectations are shifting and jobs are being replaced. But individual blame isn't the answer.Environmental impact in context – Data centers use energy and water, but so does streaming, Zoom, and Spotify. A systems view means holding the whole picture, not just the sound bite.The regional advocacy gap – Placing data centers in drought-prone or already-stressed regions has real consequences, and local advocacy matters more than most people realize.BYO AI and Shadow Tech – 70-75% of organizations have no AI policies, but the same percentage of people are using it individually. That gap is where risk lives.Using AI to reclaim your time – Nikki's personal case for how AI is giving her back the mental and psychic energy that intellectual work used to drain, especially for women and neurodivergent leaders.What to actually do – Understand your footprint, advocate for democratic infrastructure, use free templates to get your team aligned before you spend money on outside help.Bullish or bearish? – Both. The power of the tool is real. The incentives of the companies building it are not in your favor.Key Takeaway Growth mindset. A lot is changing fast and it is scary. Stay at the growth edge, but you don't have to make yourself unsafe to do it.Guest Resource Nikki Silvestri and Soil and Shadow: soilandshadow.com We Want to Hear From You Send your questions to podcast@cocreatework.com and subscribe to our newsletter at cocreatework.com.As always, thank you for your leadership.Resources:Leading through growth takes intention. Our capabilities deck shows how we help founders and leadership teams lead boldly and build cultures that scale.Think coaching might be right for you? Schedule a free consultation to explore how we can help you step into your next level of leadership.We would love to connect with you!CoCreate Work on LinkedInCoCreate Work on InstagramLa’Kita on InstagramChloe on InstagramVisit our Podcast PageQuestions you would like us to answer on the podcast? Email us at podcast@cocreatework.com

Andrea Jordan is the Founder and CEO of Empathium, and she's building something radically different in the AI space. While everyone else is focused on automation and efficiency, Andrea is building emotionally intelligent AI for the moments that matter most.What we loved about this conversation is Andrea's willingness to sit with the tension. She's not blindly pro-AI, and she's wrestling with big questions about what it means to use these tools to create more equitable systems.What We Talked AboutAndrea walked us through why companies are rolling back their automation efforts—turns out removing humans from human care is an expensive mistake. We explored how AI can actually help people develop empathy, attunement, and relational confidence instead of replacing those skills. She shared why Empathium is designed to work in places with limited or no connectivity (because if it only works in optimal conditions, who are we really serving?). And we grappled with Audre Lorde's wisdom about the "master's tools" and what it means to build from inside systems we're trying to change.Key TakeawaysThe self-checkout, robo-customer-service era taught companies a hard lesson: you can't just remove humans from the loop and expect it to work. Empathium is building on that recognition—not automating human interaction, but attuning humans themselves.AI's best qualities are agility, adaptability, and scale. The question is whether we use those to replace human connection or to support it. Andrea is betting on support—building tools that help people show up better in high-stakes moments.If we want better systems, we need tools that make emotionally intelligent care scalable. That means designing for healthcare, education, and human services where communication failures have the highest human and economic costs.Empathium is designed as a global product that works without constant connectivity. As Andrea puts it: "If we can't foster human connection there, are we really doing the work?"On using the "master's tools": Andrea openly wrestles with this tension. Her take? She's not trying to dismantle the house but to "make space for all of us to live in it." Use the tools we have strategically while staying grounded in intention.AI isn't the answer to everything. We need critical thinking about which tools to use when—and to recognize when we're using a hammer for a wrench's job.About Andrea JordanAndrea's background spans social work, behavioral health, and systems-level leadership. She specializes in designing products at the intersection of trauma-informed care, AI, and high-stakes communication. With Empathium, she's developing adaptive emotional intelligence infrastructure focused on where communication failures cost the most. Her belief is simple: if we want better systems, we need to build tools that make emotionally intelligent care scalable—not by replacing humans, but by building a bridge to human connection.Connect with AndreaAndrea welcomes conversations about what she's building:LinkedIn: Andrea Jordan GoubeauxWebsite: empathium.ai (join the waitlist)Early access to Tynd: Reach out to Andrea directly on LinkedInResources:Leading through growth takes intention. Our capabilities deck shows how we help founders and leadership teams lead boldly and build cultures that scale.Think coaching might be right for you? Schedule a free consultation to explore how we can help you step into your next level of leadership.We would love to connect with you!CoCreate Work on LinkedInCoCreate Work on InstagramLa’Kita on InstagramChloe on InstagramVisit our Podcast PageQuestions you would like us to answer on the podcast? Email us at podcast@cocreatework.com

Welcome to ourAI Workplace & Culture series! Over the next four episodes, we're diving deep into the real impact of artificial intelligence on work, culture, and leadership.We sat down with four incredible experts who are doing transformative work at the intersection of AI and their respective fields. This isn't about fearmongering or hype—it's about understanding what's actually happening on the ground and how we can navigate this evolution thoughtfully and ethically.Featured Guests in This Series:🎙️ Martha Shaughnessy - Founder & CEO of The Key PR Working with tech startups and implementing AI within her own company🎙️ Andrea Jordan - Founder & CEO of Empathium Developing emotional intelligence through AI with an ethical foundation🎙️ Jordache Johnson - Founder & CEO of Never Tech Behind Helping organizations adopt AI ethically and effectively🎙️ Nikki Silvestri - Founder & CEO of Soil and Shadow Environmental leadership and the ethical implications of AIEach conversation offers both practical advice for using AI in your company and big-picture thinking about culture, ethics, and the future of work.What to expect: Real insights, surprising perspectives, and actionable takeaways. Grab a pen and paper—you'll want to take notes!📧 Share your thoughts: podcast@cocreatework.com🔔 Subscribe for weekly episodes and join us in co-creating the future of work!Resources:Leading through growth takes intention. Our capabilities deck shows how we help founders and leadership teams lead boldly and build cultures that scale.Think coaching might be right for you? Schedule a free consultation to explore how we can help you step into your next level of leadership.We would love to connect with you!CoCreate Work on LinkedInCoCreate Work on InstagramLa’Kita on InstagramChloe on InstagramVisit our Podcast PageQuestions you would like us to answer on the podcast? Email us at podcast@cocreatework.com

In this special year-end episode, Chloe shares her top six TikTok creators who have brought inspiration, insight, and joy to her feed throughout 2025. From heartwarming dog rescue stories to powerful career pivots, these accounts offer valuable perspectives that extend far beyond social media entertainment.Featured Creators:1. Simon Sits (@simonsits)Creator: Isabelle KleeIsabelle fosters dogs with severe behavioral issues, abuse histories, and special needs in Brooklyn. Her beautiful writing and narrative approach showcase the transformative power of care, love, and environment. She has a book releasing soon.2. Josie Balka (@josiebalka)New York Times bestselling author, writer, and poetJosie creates relatable poetry about life, relationships, and self-acceptance. Her work offers refreshing perspectives on beauty standards and what truly matters in how we remember and value people.3. Coach Jackie (@jcubedhax)Sports journalist highlighting women's sportsCoach Jackie brings attention to achievements in women's sports with compelling storytelling. Featured video covers Lindsey Vonn's historic comeback at age 41, returning to competitive skiing after partial knee replacement surgery.4. Nate B Jones (@nate.b.jones)Tech creator covering AI, tech trends, and careersNate provides accessible insights into the technology world, particularly AI developments. His year-end prompts for ChatGPT (applicable to any AI tool like Claude) offer fun ways to reflect on how we use AI.5. Amy Woods Fitness (@amywoodsfitness)Endurance athlete and running coachAmy shares running training insights with a focus on identifying limiters rather than just adding more training. Her approach of asking "what's getting in my way?" applies to any goal-setting context.6. Air It with Arit (@air.it.with.arit)Former tech leader turned bookstore employeeArit documents her career pivot from 15 years in tech to working at a bookstore and launching her coaching business. Her perspective on alignment and knowing when something feels right resonates with anyone considering major life changes.Episode HighlightsWhy curating your social media algorithm matters for your mental dietThe power of narrative in sharing transformative storiesHow different creators offer lenses for examining our own lives and goalsThe value of diverse perspectives—from dog rescue to endurance sports to career pivotsComing in 2026Look forward to special episodes about AI in early 2026, plus our regular content on leadership and the future of work.Happy New Year from the CoCreators team! Thank you for your leadership.Resources:Leading through growth takes intention. Our capabilities deck shows how we help founders and leadership teams lead boldly and build cultures that scale.Think coaching might be right for you? Schedule a free consultation to explore how we can help you step into your next level of leadership.We would love to connect with you!CoCreate Work on LinkedInCoCreate Work on InstagramLa’Kita on InstagramChloe on InstagramVisit our Podcast PageQuestions you would like us to answer on the podcast? Email us at podcast@cocreatework.com

This episode is our last combined episode of the year, and we're closing it out by sharing the books that shaped our thinking, challenged our perspectives, and kept us turning pages late into the night. From nonfiction that gave us language for the work we do to fiction that transported us to other worlds, these are the reads that resonated most with us in 2025.La'Kita's Top ReadsOn Tyranny by Timothy Snyder20 lessons from the 20th century on resisting authoritarianism. The lesson that stuck most: "Do not obey in advance"—don't comply or shift norms before you're required to. A call to action that feels urgent and applicable beyond politics.Living in Wisdom by Devi BrownA guide to embodying your authentic self, embracing grief, and developing self-mastery. All the work is internal—journaling, meditation, being in nature—pulled together in a comprehensive way that challenges you to make these practices a way of being, not just productivity tools.Positive Obsession: The Life and Times of Octavia E. Butler by Susana M. MorrisA biography that explores how Octavia Butler lived her life—her commitment to her calling despite doubt and rejection, her practice of manifestation ("so be it, see to it"), and how she created her own circumstances. Essential reading for anyone interested in creativity and creative leadership.Authentic by Jodi-Ann BureyA powerful exploration of how workplaces use "authenticity" disingenuously and what it actually means to be authentic. Filled with stories from women of color, Black women, and disabled women. Key line: "Authenticity invites us to declare I am not a worker, I am a person at work."The Source by Dr. Tara SwartCombines neuroscience with manifestation and intention-setting. A former psychiatrist turned coach who makes clear these are ancient ideas that neuroscience is just now catching up to. Step-by-step guidance on visualization, intention setting, and rewiring your brain.Here One Moment by Liane Moriarty (Fiction)A woman stands up on a flight and predicts exactly when passengers will die—and the predictions start coming true. Weaves together fate, science, coincidence, and anxiety in a page-turner that explores how much we make our own luck.Chloe's Top ReadsCareless People by Sarah Wynn-WilliamsAn eye-opening indictment of Facebook and tech culture that shifted perspectives on Meta products. A reminder that what we see isn't the whole story and it's worth digging deeper.Be Ready When Luck Happens by Ina GartenA memoir that beautifully acknowledges the role of both hard work and luck in success. Ina's honest about being in the right place at the right time with the right opportunities—and the privilege that created those circumstances.The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel WilkersonThe story of the Great Migration of African Americans from the 1940s-70s. A transformational read that raised the question: why wasn't this taught in school? Essential reading, especially for white folks in the US, to understand systemic racism and how recent this history is.Uncompete by Ruchika MalhotraChallenges everything we've been told about the benefits of competition. From being placed in "gifted and talented" programs as kids to operating in capitalist systems as adults, we're set up to compete—but this book offers a different path through abundance and collaboration.The Space Between Worlds by Micaiah Johnson (Fiction)Science fiction exploring different timelines and realities. Character-driven with themes of identity, privilege, and colonialism. The kind of fiction that makes you pause and think—and talk about what you're reading.Thanks for being with us this year. As always, thank you for your leadership.Resources:Leading through growth takes intention. Our capabilities deck shows how we help founders and leadership teams lead boldly and build cultures that scale.Think coaching might be right for you? Schedule a free consultation to explore how we can help you step into your next level of leadership.We would love to connect with you!CoCreate Work on LinkedInCoCreate Work on InstagramLa’Kita on InstagramChloe on InstagramVisit our Podcast PageQuestions you would like us to answer on the podcast? Email us at podcast@cocreatework.com

This episode is for anyone who finds themselves caught off guard in meetings or difficult conversations—when your chest tightens, your mind races, and you struggle to respond from your best self. We talk about why activation happens, what to do in the moment, and how to build capacity so these moments happen less often.The Big QuestionWhat do I do in the moment when I'm having a conversation and I feel activated?What We CoverRecognize the fear response – Activation is your body going into fight, flight, freeze, or fawn. The first sign is somatic—chest tightening, shallow breathing, body tension.Use breath to get grounded – Box breathing (in 4, hold 4, out 4, hold 4) gets you back in your body. Then assess: Can I pause this conversation?Get curious, not defensive – Ask clarifying questions and challenge your assumptions. Someone asking lots of questions may be seeking understanding, not attacking you.Do the deeper work later – After the moment passes, explore what activated you, what old story you're protecting, and what capacity-building you need.Build resilience when you're calm – Use assessments and tools, practice self-awareness, celebrate small wins, and don't underestimate the basics like sleep and hydration.Key TakeawayIn the moment: breathe, pause if possible, get curious. Long-term: build capacity through self-awareness and tools so you respond from your best self, not your scared self.Resources MentionedSusan David, Emotional AgilityBrené Brown, Dare to LeadAmy Gallo, Getting AlongGretchen Rubin, The Four TendenciesEnergy Leadership Index assessmentGlobeSmart assessmentResources:Leading through growth takes intention. Our capabilities deck shows how we help founders and leadership teams lead boldly and build cultures that scale.Think coaching might be right for you? Schedule a free consultation to explore how we can help you step into your next level of leadership.We would love to connect with you!CoCreate Work on LinkedInCoCreate Work on InstagramLa’Kita on InstagramChloe on InstagramVisit our Podcast PageQuestions you would like us to answer on the podcast? Email us at podcast@cocreatework.com

This episode is for anyone who feels that nudge toward something new and isn’t totally sure how to move forward. We talk about how to trust the calling, work through limiting beliefs, and put real structure around your next step.The Big QuestionWhat am I being called to do next, and how do I actually get there?What We CoverTrust the vision – If you have the idea, it’s for you. That calling is data. Start by deciding you’re willing to explore it.Surface the blockers – Fear, other people’s opinions, the job market, sunk cost — name what’s keeping the idea in the background so you can address it directly.Come back to values – Ask, “Which of my values is this connected to?” When your calling is values-aligned, affirmations and decisions get easier.Use a framework that fits you – You can come at transition from spiritual, practical, or energetic angles. Pick the tool that helps you see your next move.Vision it in detail – Picture the future — what it looks like, how you feel, who’s with you. Visioning pulls the goal from “idea” into “reality.”Make personal working agreements – These are your values in action. Example: “I don’t say yes to work that compromises my freedom,” or “I don’t train injured.”Get support – Name what help you need — partner, coach, community, logistics — so the transition doesn’t sit on willpower alone.Key TakeawayCalling + values + vision + agreements + support = a workable path through transition.Resources MentionedGay Hendricks, The Big LeapLiz Tran, The Karma of SuccessEnergy Leadership Index (iPEC)Human DesignLa’Kita Williams & Chloe Andersen, To Put Your Company Values into Action, Create Working Agreements, Harvard Business ReviewGather & Grow (under upcoming events) at The Ladies Room SeattleResources:Leading through growth takes intention. Our capabilities deck shows how we help founders and leadership teams lead boldly and build cultures that scale.Think coaching might be right for you? Schedule a free consultation to explore how we can help you step into your next level of leadership.We would love to connect with you!CoCreate Work on LinkedInCoCreate Work on InstagramLa’Kita on InstagramChloe on InstagramVisit our Podcast PageQuestions you would like us to answer on the podcast? Email us at podcast@cocreatework.com

This week, we're exploring how leaders can navigate unexpected disruptions and rapid change, drawing from The Prepared Leader by Erica H. James and Lynn Perry Wooten.The Big Question: How can leaders stay grounded and prepared when change hits fast?The 9 Skills of Crisis ManagementPhase 1: DetectionSense-making - Scan for early warning signsPerspective-taking - Gather diverse viewpointsPhase 2: Preparation & PreventionInfluence - Build trust now, not during crisisOrganizational agility - Give people autonomyCreativity - Reframe problems as opportunitiesPhase 3: Damage ContainmentEffective communication - Stay calm, be transparentRisk-taking - Make decisions without complete certaintyPhase 4: RecoveryResilience - Support autonomy and confidenceLearning & reflection - Run retrospectivesKey TakeawayHope is an action word. Build these skills before crisis hits. If you micromanage, you're not building agility. Recovery isn't optional—make space for it.Resources: The Prepared Leader by Erica H. James & Lynn Perry Wooten | Gravitas by Lisa SunResources:Leading through growth takes intention. Our capabilities deck shows how we help founders and leadership teams lead boldly and build cultures that scale.Think coaching might be right for you? Schedule a free consultation to explore how we can help you step into your next level of leadership.We would love to connect with you!CoCreate Work on LinkedInCoCreate Work on InstagramLa’Kita on InstagramChloe on InstagramVisit our Podcast PageQuestions you would like us to answer on the podcast? Email us at podcast@cocreatework.com

This week, we're challenging the deficit-focused mindset that dominates work culture and exploring why celebrating wins is essential for sustainable success and growth.The Big Question: Why do we celebrate wins?The Core Reasons:Affirmation for the future: Celebrating wins proves you can achieve what you set out to do, building confidence for future challenges.Gratitude and ownership: Acknowledging wins helps you recognize what's going well and your role in making it happen.Breaking the negativity loop: Our performance-driven culture over-indexes on what's wrong. Celebrating wins gives you energy to tackle challenges without burning out.The psychology works: Your brain can't process negatives—it naturally does more of what you focus on. Focus on wins, create more wins.How to Start Celebrating Wins Today:Find your people: Identify someone who will genuinely celebrate with you, not diminish your success.Write them down: Journal your wins daily or weekly to reinforce what you did to make success possible.Bring it to your team: Start meetings with wins to model this practice for others.Hold the space sacred: When celebrating wins, resist listing what could be improved. Let wins stand on their own.Key Takeaway: Celebrating wins and continuous improvement aren't mutually exclusive—they're partners. Stop waiting to acknowledge success. You'll have more energy, clarity, and momentum for everything else.Your Assignment This Week: Write down your wins, share them with someone, celebrate with your team, and email us your wins at podcast@cocreatework.com—we'll celebrate with you!Want to read more about what the research says?On the power of small wins:The Power of Small Wins - Harvard Business ReviewOn how your brain reinforces what you focus on:Positive Reinforcement Mediated by Midbrain Dopamine Neurons - PLOS ONEOn why negative feedback rarely works:Negative Feedback Rarely Leads to Improvement - Harvard Business ReviewOn why negative self-talk undermines performance:Negative self-talk during sport performance - Journal of Sport BehaviorOn approach vs. avoidance goals:Approaching Success, Avoiding the Undesired: Does Goal Type Matter? - Psychology TodayOn the power of leader positivity:When Leaders Express Positivity Early On, Employees Perform Better - Harvard Business ReviewOn the brain's negativity bias:Our Brain's Negative Bias - Psychology TodayParadoxical Effects of Thought Suppression - Journal of Personality and Social PsychologyResources:Leading through growth takes intention. Our capabilities deck shows how we help founders and leadership teams lead boldly and build cultures that scale.Think coaching might be right for you? Schedule a free consultation to explore how we can help you step into your next level of leadership.We would love to connect with you!CoCreate Work on LinkedInCoCreate Work on InstagramLa’Kita on InstagramChloe on InstagramVisit our Podcast PageQuestions you would like us to answer on the podcast? Email us at podcast@cocreatework.com

This week, we talk about the tension between going all-in on your biggest goals and avoiding burnout—especially as we see conversations about "the great lock-in" trending.The Big Question Can I square ambition and sustainability, or do I have to choose one over the other?The 4 StepsGet intentional about your vision: Write down your short-term and long-term goals, both personally and professionally. What's your bigger purpose? What do you want to accomplish?Think co-creation, not solo execution: Identify your zone of genius and find people to fill the gaps. This applies to both business and personal life—you don't have to do everything yourself.Build your wraparound support system: Map out the professional, personal, self-care, and community support you need. Remember: this doesn't always mean spending money—leverage community, skill swaps, and existing relationships.Create a decision-making matrix: Establish clear boundaries and criteria for saying yes or no to opportunities. Ask: Does this align with my top 3-5 goals? Is this the right time, partner, and place?Remember: You can do it all, but you can't do it all at one time. Balance isn't static—it changes based on your season and priorities.Key Takeaway: Don't limit your ambition by what you think is sustainable. Have the ambition first, then figure out how to make it sustainable through intentionality, co-creation, and community.Resources for this Episode: Rest is Resistance, Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of LessHave a question for the show? Email podcast@cocreatework.com. Subscribe to our newsletter for written framework and prompts.As always, thank you for your leadership.Resources:Leading through growth takes intention. Our capabilities deck shows how we help founders and leadership teams lead boldly and build cultures that scale.Think coaching might be right for you? Schedule a free consultation to explore how we can help you step into your next level of leadership.We would love to connect with you!CoCreate Work on LinkedInCoCreate Work on InstagramLa’Kita on InstagramChloe on InstagramVisit our Podcast PageQuestions you would like us to answer on the podcast? Email us at podcast@cocreatework.com

Welcome back to Season 4! This week, we discuss a question we hear frequently from our coaching clients: What does it mean when you have all the authority on paper, but still feel like you can't make decisions?The Big QuestionWhat does it mean when you are in the position of authority, but you don't feel like you can make decisions or feel empowered?The 3-Step Process to Reclaim Your AuthorityStep 1: Identify What's Blocking YouAsk yourself: "What's keeping me from making these decisions?" Tools like journaling and asking deeper questions can help you get clarity.Step 2: Address the Limiting BeliefsCommon blocks include fear of not being liked, not wanting to be wrong, or not trusting yourself. Once you identify these beliefs, you can address them through approaches like custom affirmations or professional support when needed.Step 3: Build Skills and ToolsAfter addressing mindset, you may find gaps in practical skills like having difficult conversations or making structured decisions—and that's when building those capabilities becomes essential.Remember: You must address the mindset first. All the skills won't help if you haven't made the decision to step into your authority.Key TakeawayThe blocker is usually something deeper than the surface-level decision. Start with introspection, get clarity through journaling, and take imperfect action.Have a question for the show? Email us at podcast@cocreatework.comSubscribe to our newsletter for additional insights and tools.As always, thank you for your leadership.Resources:Leading through growth takes intention. Our capabilities deck shows how we help founders and leadership teams lead boldly and build cultures that scale.Think coaching might be right for you? Schedule a free consultation to explore how we can help you step into your next level of leadership.We would love to connect with you!CoCreate Work on LinkedInCoCreate Work on InstagramLa’Kita on InstagramChloe on InstagramVisit our Podcast PageQuestions you would like us to answer on the podcast? Email us at podcast@cocreatework.com

We’re kicking things off with a fresh name and an expanded vision. In this episode, we share why we’ve rebranded to The CoCreators, what co-creation means to us, and what you can expect moving forward.We’re here for founders, HR leaders, and anyone committed to building culture with intention—and we’re so glad you’re with us.Resources:Leading through growth takes intention. Our capabilities deck shows how we help founders and leadership teams lead boldly and build cultures that scale.Think coaching might be right for you? Schedule a free consultation to explore how we can help you step into your next level of leadership.We would love to connect with you!CoCreate Work on LinkedInCoCreate Work on InstagramLa’Kita on InstagramChloe on InstagramVisit our Podcast PageQuestions you would like us to answer on the podcast? Email us at podcast@cocreatework.com