Keeping It Real with Tiff and Carl

This episode introduces the first segment of a class taught by Tiffany at the CalWORKs Training Academy for helping professionals from counties across California. The conversation reframes the role of CalWORKs social workers, case managers, and employment counselors, challenging the traditional gatekeeper mindset rooted in compliance and rules. Tiff facilitates an exploration of what it means to a...

In Part Two of this special Parent Voices panel, Tiff and Carl continue the conversation with powerful firsthand stories from parents whose lived experience is shaping real policy change in California’s human services system. The panel highlights how authentic parent partnership has influenced reforms—such as reducing sanctions for new parents, improving childcare transitions, expanding measures o...

In Part One of this special two-part series of Keeping It Real with Tiff and Carl, Carl introduces us to an incredibly meaningful experience for he and Tiff while serving as co-emcees at the CalWORKs Training Academy. In this episode, listeners are introduced to a powerful parent panel featuring members of Parent Voices, an organization of parents who have navigated the human services system first...

In Part Two of this segment, you'll hear the second half of the CTA class, "Empowering Clients Through the Coach Approach". Tiff and Carl continue the conversation by unpacking the Persecutor and Rescuer roles within Karpman’s Drama Triangle and how these patterns quietly show up in human services, leadership, and client interactions. They explore how well-intentioned behaviors—overc...

In this episode of Keeping It Real with Tiff and Carl, recorded live from the California CalWORKs Training Academy in Sacramento, Tiff and Carl reflect on a powerful week of teaching, facilitating, and connecting with human services professionals, while serving as the co-emcees of the conference. They dive into the Academy’s focus on resiliency and client-centered service, exploring how shifting p...

In Part Three, Carl and Tiffany reflect on the realities of leadership and the shift from peer to supervisor, with Carl sharing his experience becoming a boss in a small community and the importance of consistency, trust, and accepting that leaders can’t control how others perceive them. They dive into effective feedback practices, emphasizing the power of timely, supportive communication that hol...

In Part Two of the episode, Carl and Tiffany explore how real learning happens when skills are practiced, not just taught, with Carl sharing his shift from lecture-based instruction to interactive, experiential learning that transfers into everyday life. They dive into the upcoming California Training Academy and the move toward a more client-centered culture, highlighting the power of a coaching...

To kick off our episode, Tiff and Carl swap stories about dancing—from stage nerves and overthinking moves to family dance routines and playful traditions at home. The conversation shifts to Thanksgiving plans, creative takes on turkey, and shared gratitude for family, along with a joint commitment to a post-holiday spending blackout. They then dive into a humorous yet thoughtful discussion about...

In this segment, Carl and Tiff unpack the power of discomfort, vulnerability, and intentional leadership in helping people grow. They explore why effective coaching isn’t about giving quick answers but about guiding individuals to develop their own problem-solving abilities and build new neural pathways for thinking and decision-making. The conversation highlights the role of leaders in challengin...

In the second part of the episode, Carl and Tiff dive deeper into the art of coaching and leadership, beginning with Carl’s insights from a strength-based counseling class that highlighted the importance of helping people build their own problem-solving abilities and the neuroscience behind motivation. They explore the balance between support and independence in leadership—drawing parallels to par...

In this episode, Carl and Tiffany reflect on Tiffany’s recent trip to the Bay Area, where she witnessed stark contrasts between wealth and poverty and taught a class on government funding during the federal shutdown, emphasizing civic engagement. Their conversation expands into empathy in multilingual education as Tiffany describes teaching highly educated students facing language barriers, prompt...

The final segment of our conversation explored the foundations of authentic leadership and inclusive workplace culture, emphasizing the need for genuine human connection, alignment between values and actions, and environments that foster true belonging. Tiffany, Koi, and Carl discussed how organizations must move beyond surface-level commitments to embed authenticity and inclusion into everyday pr...

In Part Two of this episode, Tiffany, Carl, and Koi dive into the complex dynamics of cultural privilege, bias, and belonging—both in society and the workplace. They explore how lived experiences shape perceptions, why getting proximate to others’ stories breaks down stereotypes, and how intentional curiosity can build bridges across social divides. The conversation also shines a light on the over...

We were honored this week to be joined by Koi Rivers, owner of Movemeant Coaching and Consulting. In this first part of our conversation, we learn about Koi's journey from corporate marketing and communications to starting her business. We'll also hear about her process of helping leaders discover their leadership presence, starting with identifying their "6-word story". Koi'...

In the final segment of our conversation, our hosts share their thoughts on addressing resistance to change and provide models that helps to better understand where resistance comes from. Tiff and Carl then share their Top Five Halloween Candies!

In Part Two, our hosts discuss how they approach change and the importance of honoring and learning other's change responses. They then dive into the ADKAR model of leading teams through a change process.

We brought our emotions to this one y'all! In this episode Tiff and Carl explore the need to thread the needle between utilizing skills and relationship building , and how it very often comes down to be good with both the Poetry and Plumbing in our professional and personal lives. Also, you'll hear our answers to the question of the week.

In our last installment of our conversation with Melissa, we shared our top ways to relieve stress and decompress after a long day and week.

We were fortunate to be joined by our good friend Melissa , who has devoted much of her career to providing services that strengthen communities. In Part Two Melissa shares her story of finding herself in the face of burnout and disillusionment.

We were fortunate to be joined by our good friend Melissa , who has devoted much of her career to providing services that strengthen communities. Part One of our conversation touches on how our hosts individually met Melissa and the bond that has grown over time, especially with Tiff. Then we talk about the challenge of burnout and the effects of working with people in crisis and experiencing the...

Part Two of our conversation with our esteemed guest continues the conversation on the trends and challenges faced in the leadership sphere, as well as a discussion on how Human Resources can been seen as an effective partner. We hope you appreciate Rob's thoughtful and unique perspective on effective leadership in today's work world. Dr. Lion's bio is below. Dr. Rob Lion (pronounced “...

Our milestone episode features a conversation with author, professor and thought leader on Leadership and Human Resources Development, Dr. Rob Lion. Dr. Lion shares the story of his journey to education and entrepreneurship, as well as his thoughts on effective engagement of direct reports and new hires. Dr. Lions bio is below. Dr. Rob Lion (pronounced“Lee-own”) is a professor of human resource de...

Emotions are the most underrated, and least appreciated factors in our professional, as well as personal lives. They are connected to our subconscious and often show up in our first reactions to things unannounced and without our permission. Denying our emotions means not recognizing how we, and others around us, are are responding to and making decisions about situations, which is the definition...

Emotions are the most underrated, and least appreciated factors in our professional, as well as personal lives. They are connected to our subconscious and often show up in our first reactions to things unannounced and without our permission. Denying our emotions means not recognizing how we, and others around us, are are responding to and making decisions about situations, which is the definition...

How did we ever manage with a cell phone, a laptop, or Wi-Fi? It was not that long ago that we got through our day in a more analog way. In this episode, Tiff and Carl explore different factors of the advancements in technology that have become ingrained, and have defined today's society. They also discuss why History is a maligned, but vital subject to embrace, and moving out of a scarcity mindse...