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Episode 19 or Integrity and Joy:

Dr. Paul R. Williams has spent his career navigating the world’s most fragile moments. A lawyer, negotiator, and professor, he’s been a quiet force behind peace deals, post-conflict constitutions, and the pursuit of justice after war. In this episode, we dive into what drives him and how the spirit of entrepreneurship and service inspired his unique career path. We also discuss the central importance of integrity, developing critical thinkings skills, and figuring out what your "Wow!" is.

Paul's story itself is inspirational and his work has been so impactful. But it may be the conversation we have toward the end of the podcast — about the future of education, the impact of AI, building our personal realities, and building on your strengths — may be the best part!

Dr. Williams is a professor of Law and International Relations at American University where he teaches in the School of International Service and at the Washington College of Law. Dr. Williams is also the co-founder of the Public International Law & Policy Group (PILPG), a pro bono law firm providing legal assistance to states and governments involved in peace negotiations, post-conflict constitution drafting, and the prosecution of war criminals.

Dr. Williams was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.

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A former student of mine, Erica Lazarus, has been working with me on the Integrity and Joy social media presence since last fall. She's a pretty unique and special person — social worker, yogi, powerful spirit — and we talked a bit about how courage was a focal point for her while she was in the midst of a healing journey in Hawaii. Our discussion inspired episode 8 of this podcast, which dealt with courage.

At the time, we recorded one of our conversations in case we wanted to share it more broadly. Given everything that is happening these days, this felt like the right time to share a conversation about courage.

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Episode 18 of Integrity and Joy:

Transformation and transitions rarely happen all at once. They unfold in phases—something ends, there’s a disorienting in-between, and then, something new begins. In this episode, Transformation in Three Acts: Integrity Through Every Phase, we explore the emotional terrain of change and why it often feels harder than we expect. You’ll learn how to honor what’s ending, navigate the uncertainty of the limbo, and step into new beginnings with intention. With mindset shifts and a healthy dose of compassion and mindfulness, this episode is your invitation to move through change not just with resilience, but with joy and authenticity.

Let us know if you're gong through a significant transition or want to create a life transformation personally and/or professionally — text us or DM or tag us on social media: @integrityandjoy.

Visit www.integrityandjoy.com for information on how life coaching can help you transform your life.

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Integrity and Joy — Episode 17:

In this soulful and inspiring conversation, Steve reconnects with his former student — the dynamic Jillian Hervey, best known as the front woman of the genre-blending duo LION BABE. Jillian opens up about her creative journey, growing up as the daughter of Vanessa Williams, forging her own artistic identity, and what it’s been like to become a mother herself.

Together, they explore:

• How LION BABE came to life

• The evolution of Jillian’s voice, style, and purpose

• The beauty and complexity of legacy

• What artistry and motherhood are teaching her now

Whether you’re a fan of music, creative reinvention, or bold storytelling, this episode will leave you energized and inspired.

👉 Share this with a friend who loves LION BABE, soulful music, or stories of women coming into their power.

Jillian Hervey is an American singer, songwriter, dancer and performer, best known as the lead vocalist of the eclectic music duo LION BABE.

She has inherited a rich artistic legacy that she has seamlessly blended with her unique style and vision.

Jillian, alongside producer Lucas Goodman (also known as Astro Raw), formed LION BABE in 2012. The duo quickly gained attention with their debut single "Treat Me Like Fire," which showcased their distinctive sound—a fusion of R&B, soul, funk, and dance music. Jillian's powerful and soulful voice, combined with her striking stage presence and fashion-forward style, has made her a captivating figure in the music industry and art world.

LION BABE released their debut album "Begin" in 2016, featuring collaborations with renowned artists such as Pharrell Williams and Childish Gambino. The album received critical acclaim for its innovative sound and production, solidifying the duo's place in contemporary music. They followed up with "Cosmic Wind" in 2019, an album that further explored themes of empowerment, love, and self-discovery.

Beyond her work with LION BABE, Jillian is known for her advocacy of female empowerment and body positivity. She often uses her platform to celebrate diversity and promote self-love. Her music and public persona are imbued with messages of strength and confidence, resonating deeply with her fans.

Jillian Hervey continues to evolve as an artist, pushing the boundaries of genre and expression. Her influence extends beyond music into fashion and art, where she is celebrated for her bold and dynamic aesthetic. Through LION BABE, Jillian Hervey remains a powerful voice and a trailblazing force in the world of contemporary music.

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We’ve all been there—those moments when your heart races, your palms get sweaty, and you’re bracing yourself for a conversation that feels impossibly awkward or confrontational. Whether it’s addressing a conflict at work, setting boundaries in a relationship, or giving (and receiving!) feedback, difficult conversations can feel like walking through a minefield. But what if they didn’t have to?

In this episode, we’re diving into how to handle tough conversations with integrity and composure—without letting emotions hijack the moment. And you can actually strengthen the relationship and build trust! You’ll learn:

✅ The mindset shift that turns conflict into a shared problem to solve together

✅ How to keep your cool and channel your empathy and compassion

✅ The secret to delivering feedback that’s honest and more likely to have a positive impact

✅ Why acknowledging awkwardness is actually a good thing—and how to push through it

✅ How to respond (not react!) when you’re on the receiving end of feedback

Difficult conversations don’t have to be dreaded—they can be the doorway to deeper relationships, better leadership, and personal growth. Tune in and let’s tackle them together.

🎧 Listen now and take the first step toward more confident, clear, and constructive communication!

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In this deeply personal and thought-provoking episode of Integrity and Joy, host Steve Walker reconnects with a former student, Meharban Singh Sobti, whose journey from a challenging childhood to working at SpaceX is nothing short of extraordinary.

Meharban shares candid reflections on navigating identity as a Sikh American, enduring childhood bullying, and wrestling with the weight of familial expectations. He opens up about his early academic struggles, his unexpected love for physics, and the path that led him to one of the most revolutionary aerospace companies in the world.

From being underestimated and facing discrimination to becoming a leader in a high-stakes environment, Meharban's story is a testament to resilience, self-discovery, and the power of choosing one’s own path. Along the way, we explore the tension between innovation and ethics, the evolving role of private space exploration, and what it truly means to find purpose in our work.

This is an episode about breaking barriers—personal, professional, and societal—and embracing the unknown with integrity and courage.

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Integrity and Joy — Episode 14:

Mindfulness can be a life changing practice. While mindfulness — including meditation — has become tremendously popular in recent years, it is often misunderstood and many people deny themselves the benefits of a mindfulness practice because of the myths and confusion surrounding it.

In this episode, Steve shares his own experience with mindfulness and meditation, discusses the benefits of mindfulness, helps debunk the myths, and offers concrete suggestions on how to develop your own mindfulness practice.

In this episode, Steve mentions the book Altered Traits, by Daniel Goleman and Richard J. Davidson, which reviews the extensive research on meditation and mindfulness and their impact on the brain and human behavior.

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Integrity and Joy — Episode 13:

Dr. Jared Weintraub is a former student of mine and an Organizational Psychologist who explores the practical applications of generative AI, workplace nudges, mindfulness, and Flow Theory to help people and organizations flourish. Jared is a researcher, People Analytics Professional, coach, Founder of the Flow Group LLC, and Adjunct Professor at New York University, where he teaches undergraduate and graduate-level Industrial-Organizational Psychology courses.

In this episode, Jared and I discuss his passion for music and how he initially pursued that path — including an appearance on national TV! — before pivoting to organization psychology. He shares how he resisted the expectations of society and his childhood community to forge his own path.

We also discuss:

✅ Defining success on your own terms

✅ How preparation and luck go hand in hand when creating opportunities

✅ The power of daily nudges—like SMART goals—to build focus and flow

✅ Flow metacognition: why believing you can control flow helps you achieve it more often

✅ The role of grit and feedback in sustaining focus, growth, and high performance

✅ How mindfulness isn’t a one-size-fits-all practice (and how to find your way in)

✅ The role of being a moral compass for our kids and how we can help kids develop empathy, persistence, and a growth mindset by leading by example.

The fascinating discussion of flow metacognition and how it can unlock your flow state more easily is toward the end — don't miss it!

This episode is for anyone who wants to be more intentional, better achieve a state of flow, navigate career transitions, or create a life aligned with both integrity and joy.

🎧 Ready to step into more clarity, focus, and fulfillment? Listen now and don’t forget to follow, share, and leave a review—it helps more people like you find these conversations!

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