Stand Up to Stand Out
Stand Up to Stand Out

Stand Up to Stand Out

Stuart Paap

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The Stand Up to Stand Out Podcast Empowering Life-Sciences Professionals to Turn Ideas into Reality through weekly episodes. A Five Star Rated Podcast Free access to expert insights https://dnate.com/podcast/

Recent Episodes


                    Episode 22: The Psychology of Disagreement with Julia Minson
JAN 5, 2026
Episode 22: The Psychology of Disagreement with Julia Minson
Join us for a fascinating conversation with Dr. Julia Minson, a Professor of Public Policy at the Harvard Kennedy School and a leading decision scientist. Dr. Minson's research addresses the psychology of disagreement—how and why we engage with views that conflict with our own. She shares data-driven insights and practical tools, including the HEAR Framework, to move past negative conflict and harness the incredible value found in diverse perspectives. Discover how to transform disagreements into opportunities for learning, better decision-making, and stronger professional relationships. Key Insights from This Episode:The difference between Disagreement and Conflict: Why disagreement is valuable and how it devolves into destructive conflict. The Core Problem in Conversation: We spend far too much time conveying our own information and not enough time seeking to understand the other person's perspective. The "Unrealistic" Goal: Why persuading someone in a single conversation is rarely a realistic or productive objective. Alternative, Productive Goals: How to shift your intent from persuasion to learning, strengthening a relationship, or showcasing your competence. The Power of Acknowledgment: Learning the language to make your counterpart genuinely feel heard, which is critical for turning a destructive argument into a constructive conversation. The HEAR Framework: A four-step technique for conversational receptiveness, designed to build trust and maintain a positive exchange even when making your own point. The Vulnerability of Leadership: Why expressing curiosity and receptiveness makes you appear more competent, not less, and helps you become a more effective leader. Episode Timestamps – “Stand Up To Stand Out”(00:00) Intro (00:27) Dr. Julia Minson introduction (01:54) The universal nature of disagreement (02:50) Defining disagreement vs. conflict (05:54) Why persuasion is often the wrong goal (08:35) The power dynamic in conversations (10:45) Shifting the balance of time from conveying to seeking information (13:16) The value of considering context and setting ground rules (15:10) Intent vs. Perception: Power dynamics in the workplace (18:24) The importance of questioning your own assumptions (21:04) The need for safe forums for disagreement (23:17) Thinking about the goals of disagreement (persuasion, learning, relationship building)(26:30) Why seeking information (curiosity) is critical(29:33) The paradox of genuine curiosity (31:38) The HEAR framework for conversational receptiveness (33:16) H: Hedging (softening your language) (34:39) E: Emphasizing agreement (35:28) A: Acknowledgment (showing you heard their point)(37:25) R: Reframing (using positive language) (40:17) The connection between vulnerability and competent leadership (43:20) Why the skills of disagreement are critical for a complex world (45:00) Details on the book, How to Disagree Better Catch More From Our Guest – Dr. Julia Minson‍ Dr. Julia Minson is a Professor of Public Policy at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, a decision scientist, and the founder of Disagreeing Better LLC. Book: How to Disagree Better (Available March 2026) LinkedIn: Julia Minson Website: https://www.google.com/search?q=julieminson.com Catch More From Our Host – Stuart Paap️ Host of Stand Up to Stand Out, a podcast dedicated to empowering life sciences professionals to turn ideas into reality through insightful conversations on leadership, communication, and influence. LinkedIn: Stuart Paap Website: dnate.com Disclaimer:The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or positions of the host or this channel. This content is for entertainment and informational purpose...
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57 MIN

                    Episode 21: Beyond the Loss—Reframing Grief in Life and Work with Melissa McCreery Douaire
DEC 15, 2025
Episode 21: Beyond the Loss—Reframing Grief in Life and Work with Melissa McCreery Douaire
Join us for a profoundly insightful and essential conversation with Melissa McCreery Douaire, an ordained UCC Minister and certified Grief Counselor. Melissa shares her deeply personal journey that led her to dedicate her life to helping people acknowledge, name, and process the universal impacts of loss and change—not just death. She introduces powerful frameworks, including the Fish Tank Model, for understanding our emotional capacity, setting healthy boundaries, and ensuring we are present and productive both at home and at work. Tune in to gain valuable insights on: The true, universal definition of grief and how it applies to all major life changes, from job loss and divorce to retirement. The psychological and physiological cost of avoiding grief and how this "presenteeism" costs companies billions. Why active listening is a powerful, difficult skill that requires non-judgment and "holding space" for others. The "Fish Tank Model": A brilliant metaphor for understanding your emotional boundaries, managing stress, and protecting your capacity from external pressures. How to create a culture of safety and compassion in the workplace, and why leaders have a financial incentive to support their employees' mental health. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to navigate personal hardship, become a better friend or colleague, or build a more supportive and productive work environment. Episode Timestamps – “Stand Up To Stand Out”(00:00) Intro (00:27) Melissa McCreery Douaire introduction (01:50) Defining grief and the culture of avoidance (03:55) Is grief always a negative experience? (05:54) Melissa's personal journey to grief counseling (09:12) The power of listening and "holding space" (12:54) The danger of hijacking the narrative (15:40) The importance of labeling emotions (18:25) The "Fish Tank Model" for emotional capacity (23:42) Managing boundaries and external "rocks" (25:48) The dynamics of change (The 3 Axes of Loss) (29:20) Grief is not just for death: retirement and other milestones (31:40) The business case for supporting employee mental health (33:15) Why companies lose billions to "presenteeism" (36:12) How to have "whole person" conversations (38:15) Practicing listening and self-awareness (40:10) Final thoughts: empowerment and positive change Catch More From Our Guest – Melissa McCreery Douaire‍ Melissa McCreery Douaire is an ordained UCC Minister, a certified Grief Counselor, and a compassionate expert dedicated to helping people navigate loss and change. LinkedIn: Melissa McCreery Douaire Website: https://www.wholepersonconversations.com/ Catch More From Our Host – Stuart Paap️ Host of Stand Up to Stand Out, a podcast dedicated to empowering life sciences professionals to turn ideas into reality through insightful conversations on leadership, communication, and influence. Stuart is deeply committed to helping individuals unlock their potential and make a meaningful impact in their fields. LinkedIn: Stuart Paap Website: dnate.com Instagram: @stuartpaap Twitter: @stuartpaap Facebook: Stuart Paap Disclaimer:The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or positions of the host or this channel. This content is for entertainment and informational purposes only.
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49 MIN

                    Anoushka Shahane on AI and the Future of Communication
OCT 20, 2025
Anoushka Shahane on AI and the Future of Communication
Join us for a fascinating conversation with Anoushka Shahane, who holds dual PhDs and brings a wealth of knowledge from computational neuroscience to cutting-edge enterprise software. Anoushka shares her groundbreaking research into how natural language and cognitive processes can literally impact human biology, including cardiovascular health. Now leading product strategy at ProS, she discusses the current state of Artificial Intelligence, how to leverage it responsibly, and why a focus on human flourishing must guide the next wave of technological innovation. Tune in to gain valuable insights on: The surprising link between the language we use and our physical health. The evolution of AI from the BERT model to today's agents and LLMs, and where humanity fits into this technological shift. Problem-solving strategies from academia and consulting that are applicable to any business challenge. Practical advice on how to get better, more reliable, and less-biased outputs from AI tools. Why leaders must prioritize human flourishing over mere productivity when developing AI. Whether you're a technologist, a healthcare professional, or an individual curious about the future of work and well-being, this episode will change the way you think about both language and technology. Episode Timestamps – “Beyond The Lab”(00:00) Intro (00:46) Anoushka Shahane introduction (02:08) The link between language, cognition, and health (05:10) Using AI to predict cardiovascular disease (07:44) The power of the BERT model and its relevance today (10:10) The value of problem structuring and consulting skills (13:20) The current state and speed of AI development (17:42) The AI innovation model (LLMs, Problem Solvers, Agents, Innovators, AGI) (19:11) Using language to create a better future (21:45) How to balance human effort with AI efficiency (25:07) AI’s role in optimizing B2B pricing (29:07) The challenge of quantifying 'context' in pricing (33:38) Practical tips for getting better output from AI tools (37:45) The human responsibility in the age of AI (40:30) The 'expectancy effect' and its link to belief (44:11) Final thoughts on human flourishing and AI Catch More From Our Guest – Anoushka Shahane‍ Anoushka Shahane holds dual PhDs in Computational Neuroscience and Biomedical Engineering from Rice University. She is currently a Product Strategy Lead at ProS, an enterprise software company utilizing AI for price optimization. Her research is focused on the intersection of human cognition, well-being, and technology. LinkedIn: Anoushka Shahane Website: pros.com Catch More From Our Host – Stuart Paap️ Host of Stand Up to Stand Out, a podcast dedicated to empowering life sciences professionals to turn ideas into reality through insightful conversations on leadership, communication, and influence. Stuart is deeply committed to helping individuals unlock their potential and make a meaningful impact in their fields. LinkedIn: Stuart Paap Website: dnate.com Instagram: @stuartpaap Twitter: @stuartpaap Facebook: Stuart Paap Disclaimer:The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or positions of the host or this channel. This content is for entertainment and informational purposes only.
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44 MIN

                    Episode 20: The Power of Vulnerability in Leadership with George Douaire
OCT 6, 2025
Episode 20: The Power of Vulnerability in Leadership with George Douaire
Join us for an insightful conversation with George Douaire, an experienced business expert, mentor, and CEO of Stride Tech Medical. George shares his journey from being a high school football star to finding his voice and confidence on the stage, a transformation that has significantly influenced his leadership style and business philosophy. Discover how his unique background in sports, theater, and corporate finance has shaped his approach to building successful teams and companies. Tune in to gain valuable insights on: - The significance of embracing vulnerability and getting outside your comfort zone. - How past failures and challenges can serve as powerful catalysts for personal and professional growth. - The art of effective communication and the importance of active listening in business. - Building a culture of psychological safety, where people are encouraged to share their ideas and feel valued. The importance of a leader's ability to delegate, trust their team, and foster an environment of shared ownership. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a seasoned leader, or simply looking for an inspiring story, this episode is a must-listen! Episode Timestamps – “Stand Up To Stand Out” (00:00) Intro (00:26) George Douaire introduction (01:50) From football star to theater kid (05:14) The butterfly effect and harnessing nervous energy (08:16) Combining athleticism and communication for leadership (11:00) Lessons from a terrible boss (15:10) George's career journey (18:25) The importance of self-awareness (20:25) Handling failures and setbacks (24:00) How to build a high-performance culture (27:38) The role of leadership in building a strong culture (30:22) Delegating effectively and managing expectations (32:20) Cardinal sins of an entrepreneur (36:12) Habits to unlearn as a leader (38:00) Stepping into a new leadership role (41:10) The importance of communication (43:10) Outro Catch More From Our Guest – George Douaire ‍ CEO of Stride Tech Medical, Entrepreneur in Residence at Venture Partners at CU Boulder, and Venture Partner at the CU Boulder Leeds School of Business. LinkedIn: George Douaire Website: stridetechmedical.com Catch More From Our Host – Stuart Paap ️ Host of Stand Up to Stand Out, a podcast dedicated to empowering life sciences professionals to turn ideas into reality through insightful conversations on leadership, communication, and influence. Stuart is deeply committed to helping individuals unlock their potential and make a meaningful impact in their fields. LinkedIn: Stuart Paap Website: dnate.com Instagram: @stuartpaap Twitter: @stuartpaap Facebook: Stuart Paap Disclaimer: The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or positions of the host or this channel. This content is for entertainment and informational purposes only.
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46 MIN