Finance Matters

Our guest for this two-part episode of Finance Matters is Valencia Harvey, Assistant Director of the Virginia College Advising Corps and member of the HoosBrave team.  You may have gotten to know Valencia as a UVAForward presenter; in this pod, we continue our conversation about Brave Space: a framework that allows us to have the courage to be challenged, to explore the uncomfortable, and to stret...

Our guest for this two-part episode of Finance Matters is Valencia Harvey, Assistant Director of the Virginia College Advising Corps and member of the HoosBrave team.  You may have gotten to know Valencia as a UVAForward presenter; in this pod, she talks with Patty and Brandi about the concept of Brave Space: a framework that allows us to have the courage to be challenged, to explore the uncomfort...

We're transforming our approach to learning in UVAFinance, with the aim of making sure learners are able to apply the concepts and skills they learn in a useful way that drives business outcomes.  It's all about results, and establishing a culture that supports the learning process.  Whether you work at UVA or not, check out today's pod for a discussion of how to get more from training, whether it...

Every great organization encourages teamwork and collaboration, and for good reason:  the rewards in productivity and morale are great.  As workplaces become more and more collaborative, though, there's something we should watch out for:  collaboration fatigue.  Did you know that 20 - 35 % of all value-added collaboration comes from just 3-5 % of employees?  That can put some employees on the path...

We're taking Finance Matters on the road today to the Contemplative Sciences Center, where we visit with Executive Director David Germano.  Our conversation this week is about contemplation: how to pause, reflect, and stay fully aware in the hectic lives we lead.  If you're interested in building resilience, responding better to change, and generally flourishing, please take a listen!   Visit the ...

It's not really possible to separate our work life and our home life -- our lives are busy, complex, stressful . . . and impossible to compartmentalize.  In part three of our three-part series with experts from FEAP, Mary Sherman talks us through how to achieve better work/life integration, and thus have a more harmonious, purposeful life.     Resources mentioned:   FEAP Website:   https://www.med...

Individuals with a higher level of mindfulness have greater resilience, which increases their life satisfaction.  Well, that sounds great, doesn't it?  But how do we become more mindful, and thereby more resilient?  Anna Delong is our guest on part two of a three-part series exploring FEAP, the services offered by its experts, and the very practical steps we can all take to become more whole and h...

You've heard of the Faculty and Employee Assistance Program (FEAP) and you may even think you know what they do.  On today's pod, we visit with Brenda Wilson,  FEAP's Director, and she shares information about the program that might surprise you, and also shares why you might seek them out during times of organizational change.   Part one of a three-part series with FEAP experts.    Resources ment...

Being an introvert doesn't mean you're shy or socially anxious; it just means you're different from extroverts, in ways that can make you a uniquely good manager.  In a society that sometimes makes much of the extroverted among us, the thoughts in today's podcast are for those of you who are managers or are on teams managed by managers with introverted qualities. Our guest today is Kelly Hochstetl...

If you put your goals together at the beginning of the year and then forgot about them, you'll want to check out today's podcast for some helpful tips on how to not only make the current mid-year review season more useful to you, but also, for some tips on how to use the goals/review process to your professional benefit going forward.     Resources Mentioned:   http://leadershipexcellence.virginia...

We've talked a lot about change on Finance Matters -- today we take on the very personal reasons that we as individuals often resist change.  It's good to be able to identify the reasons why you resist change, especially since there are steps you can take to address those reasons!    

On today's pod, Lean Experts Jack Jensen and Danielle Hancock join us for a lively discussion of Lean Concepts.  If you think that sounds boring, think again -- Lean is a common sense, all-access way for us to make our work lives better and more productive.   Resources:  Lynda.com:  http://foc.virginia.edu/lyndacom   (lots of great Lean Content!) Lean Fluency Class:  http://uvafinance.blogspot.com...

Patty and Brandi welcome Thomas Kim and Erika Priddy, two of the planning masterminds behind UVAForward.  Thomas and Erika talk about what they've learned about the appetite for professional development content and the immense pool of talent here at UVA.  They share what they've learned and what might be in store for future conferences.    Learn more about UVAForward:  forward.virginia.edu, or che...

Here at UVA, we don't suffer from lack of opportunities to learn new things.  We can take advantage of courses in professional and personal development, and we often must learn new computer programs or business approaches to be successful in our work.  With so much learning available and/or necessary, it can be hard to prioritize it and manage it within our already busy schedules.  In this pod, Pa...

The topic of today's pod is Confidence.  Some people seem to have it, all of us want it.  Patty and Brandi talk about six steps to becoming a more confident leader.  Read Patty's blog post about this:   http://uvafinance.blogspot.com/2018/06/6-ways-to-build-your-confidence-as.html   Talent Development site:   http://leadershipexcellence.virginia.edu/classes Search for personal and professional dev...

It's time for another UVAFinance Book Club selection.  We're tackling "Who Moved My Cheese?" by Spencer Johnson.  Get the book here. Read more about UVAFinance Book Club   There's still one more chance to talk with the group about the book:  join us June 19!

It's time to talk about the actual conversation (finally, after all that prep and soul-searching!).  In this podcast, Patty walks us through how to keep your thoughts straight and get the best results during a high-stakes conversation.  Resources mentioned:  Center for Leadership Excellence Classes:   http://leadershipexcellence.virginia.edu/classes A summary of Crucial Conversations Concepts from...

In situations where emotions are high and there's a lot on the line, the only thing you can control is yourself.  That's why it's so important to do some introspection before you actually have a crucial conversation.  On this episode of Finance Matters, Patty and Brandi walk through a common example of how easy it is to mistake feelings for facts. 

The conversation about Crucial Conversations continues -- on this pod, Patty and Brandi delve into how to identify crucial conversations and how to prepare for them. 

On today's pod, Patty and Brandi introduce Crucial Conversations.  Both a book and a framework, the ideas in Crucial Conversations can help you handle disagreements and high-stakes communication at work and in your home life.   Mentioned in this pod: Crucial Conversations The Center for Leadership Excellence

Patty and Brandi talk about the inaugural book choice for the UVAFinance book club.  Incoming UVA President James Ryan's book has some practical implications for all of our lives, both professional and personal, and how the questions Ryan identifies can be helpful during times of change.

In today's episode, Patty and Brandi talk about common challenges that face managers everywhere.  Don't suffer in silence with questions, worries, and frustrations:  there are resources close by to help, and you're not alone!