In this episode, Dr. David Zierk delves into the hidden dynamics of mindsets that drive our immediate reactions and interactions. Exploring the continuum from cynicism to dreaming, Dr. Zierk helps leaders and teams identify their default mindsets and understand how these influence collaboration, innovation, and relational dynamics. Discover practical strategies for balancing healthy skepticism with visionary optimism to foster powerful connections and effective leadership.

Episode Highlights:

➔ (40:20) "Introducing the Perception Spectrum": Discover the default mindsets that immediately shape your reactions in team scenarios.

➔ (42:58) "Understanding Cynicism": Exploring the protective yet limiting nature of a cynical mindset in leadership.

➔ (46:21) "The Power of Healthy Skepticism": Why evidence-driven skepticism can be beneficial yet challenging for team cohesion.

➔ (48:33) "Optimism's Strengths and Pitfalls": Learn how an optimistic mindset boosts morale but may overlook critical realities.

➔ (50:52) "Dreamers as Visionaries": How visionary thinking can inspire innovation, balanced by practical execution to maintain realistic outcomes.

Handouts:

Download Dr. Zierk’s helpful guide about this episode: Human Perception Spectrum

Follow Dr. David Zierk

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-zierk-psyd-ab99302/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drdavidzierk/

Website: www.davidzierk.com

Subscribe to his re.fresh newsletter: www.davidzierk.com/resources/newsletter/

About Dr. David Zierk:

With a substantive background in psychological work with individuals and teams, Dr. Zierk enjoys bringing his experience to the stage and to corporate clients by providing them with the tools and language necessary for effective outcomes. Most recently, he’s published a book called Mind Rules: Who’s In Control—You or Your Mind?

Dr. Zierk is a graduate of the University of Denver with a Master of Arts and Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. He earned his Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology at the University of Colorado. He’s affiliated with the American Psychological Association, American Psychotherapy Association, Association of Family and Conciliation Courts, and National Academy of Neuropsychology.

He currently resides in Denver, Colorado with his wife and has three children. When he’s not on stage or working with a team, David loves to cycle in the mountains with his wife, Carol.

Follow, rate, and review Dr. Z on Apple and Spotify!

If you love Dr. Zierk’s episodes, here's how to follow her so you never miss one!

1. For Apple, click the “Follow” button at the top of the page on the right.

For Spotify, click the “Follow” button below Dr. David Zierk’s show tile.

In this episode, Dr. David Zierk explores the profound impact that empathy—and its absence—has on leadership, teamwork, and personal relationships. Introducing the novel concept of "dysempathy," Dr. Zierk explains how missed empathetic opportunities can harm connections and how recognizing and addressing these moments can dramatically improve interactions. Discover where you fall on the empathy spectrum and learn practical strategies to move from disconnect to deep connection, strengthening your relational intelligence in the process.

Episode Highlights: ➔

(02:13) "Defining Empathy and Introducing Dysempathy" Understanding empathy as real-time relational responsiveness and identifying its opposite, dysempathy.

➔ (04:36) "Empaths vs. Empathy": Exploring differences between highly sensitive empaths and effective empathy in everyday leadership and relationships.

➔ (06:34) "Repairing Dysempathy Moments" Actionable strategies for addressing missed empathetic opportunities and rebuilding connections.

➔ (09:02) "Understanding Neuro-Atypicals" Insights into why some individuals struggle more frequently with empathy and how leaders can effectively engage them.

➔ (11:21) "The Danger of Apathy": Exploring apathy’s destructive impact on teams and relationships and how leaders can counteract this damaging mindset.

Handouts:

Download Dr. Zierk’s helpful guide about this episode: Empathy Versus Dysempathy here >> https://www.davidzierk.com/resources/free-ideas/

Follow Dr. David Zierk

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-zierk-psyd-ab99302/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drdavidzierk/

Website: www.davidzierk.com

Subscribe to his re.fresh newsletter: www.davidzierk.com/resources/newsletter/

About Dr. David Zierk:

With a substantive background in psychological work with individuals and teams, Dr. Zierk enjoys bringing his experience to the stage and to corporate clients by providing them with the tools and language necessary for effective outcomes. Most recently, he’s published a book called Mind Rules: Who’s In Control—You or Your Mind?

Dr. Zierk is a graduate of the University of Denver with a Master of Arts and Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. He earned his Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology at the University of Colorado. He’s affiliated with the American Psychological Association, American Psychotherapy Association, Association of Family and Conciliation Courts, and National Academy of Neuropsychology.

He currently resides in Denver, Colorado with his wife and has three children. When he’s not on stage or working with a team, David loves to cycle in the mountains with his wife, Carol.

Follow, rate, and review Dr. Z on Apple and Spotify!

If you love Dr. Zierk’s episodes, here's how to follow her so you never miss one!

For Apple, click the “Follow” button at the top of the page on the right.

For Spotify, click the “Follow” button below Dr. David Zierk’s show tile.

In this episode, Dr. David Zierk introduces a powerful concept that reveals why communication often fails and conflicts deepen, both at work and at home. Unpacking his "Broken X Syndrome," Dr. Zierk explains how strengthening the invisible axes of insight, empathy, skills, and willingness can transform conflict into meaningful connection. Leaders and teams gain actionable insights to repair misunderstandings, foster empathy, and communicate effectively, resulting in healthier, more resilient relationships.

Episode Highlights:

➔ (02:05) "Introducing the Broken X" Understanding the hidden reasons behind failed communication in teams and relationships.

➔ (04:22) "Insight: The Inner Look" Why self-awareness is crucial in recognizing and addressing relational conflicts.

➔ (06:16) "Empathy as the Bridge" How genuine empathy can significantly ease conflict and foster deeper connections.

➔ (08:37) "Three Essential Conflict Skills" Practical skills to handle disagreements constructively, improving workplace dynamics.

➔ (13:58) "The Willingness Factor" Exploring why personal willingness to engage positively is essential in resolving conflicts and rebuilding trust.

Handouts:

Download Dr. Zierk’s helpful guide about this episode: The Broken X >> https://www.davidzierk.com/resources/free-ideas/

Follow Dr. David Zierk

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-zierk-psyd-ab99302/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drdavidzierk/

Website: www.davidzierk.com

Subscribe to his re.fresh newsletter: www.davidzierk.com/resources/newsletter/

About Dr. David Zierk:

With a substantive background in psychological work with individuals and teams, Dr. Zierk enjoys bringing his experience to the stage and to corporate clients by providing them with the tools and language necessary for effective outcomes. Most recently, he’s published a book called Mind Rules: Who’s In Control—You or Your Mind?

Dr. Zierk is a graduate of the University of Denver with a Master of Arts and Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. He earned his Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology at the University of Colorado. He’s affiliated with the American Psychological Association, American Psychotherapy Association, Association of Family and Conciliation Courts, and National Academy of Neuropsychology.

He currently resides in Denver, Colorado with his wife and has three children. When he’s not on stage or working with a team, David loves to cycle in the mountains with his wife, Carol.

Follow, rate, and review Dr. Z on Apple and Spotify!

If you love Dr. Zierk’s episodes, here's how to follow her so you never miss one!

For Apple, click the “Follow” button at the top of the page on the right.

For Spotify, click the “Follow” button below Dr. David Zierk’s show tile.

Do you want to become skilled in relating to others and enhance your leadership style at work and home? It’s about thinking with connection in mind, or “re.think.”

This powerful term means “relationship-enhanced thinking.” While thinking is something we naturally do, re.thinking takes some tinkering. To re.think involves a sweeping awareness, unending curiosity, creative reflection, and plenty of practice…always keeping mutuality in mind, as it is the pinnacle of human development. This is how you elevate your relationship intelligence to the next level.

In this episode, we tackle the common issue of over-attending to other people’s needs at the expense of our mutual connections. Too often, we exhaust ourselves trying to fix others when our relationships would thrive if we prioritized the bond of "us."

Hi, I’m Dr. David Zierk, and I’m excited to get you rethinking your relationships and embracing healthy conflict as a means of connecting. Get ready to rethink your connections in life with The re.think Podcast. Learn more at davidzierk.com.

In this episode of the re.think podcast, Dr. David Zierk dives into the fascinating elements that shape who you are, how you interact with others, and how you see the world.

Discover the four key components: the genetic gifts you inherit, your upbringing, and your relational history and the power of imagination, which together influence your personal identity and relationships.

With practical insights and thoughtful reflection, Dr. Zierk invites listeners to understand their past, rethink their connections, and harness the limitless potential of imagination to create a more fulfilling future. It's time to uncover the origin of you.

Episode highlights:

➔ (01:42) "Introducing the Origin of You: Four Elements Shaping Your Life" Dr. Zierk outlines the key components that create who you are.

➔ (03:48) "Genetic Gifts: Understanding Your Natural Strengths" Exploring how your genetics shape your personality and interactions.

➔ (06:12) "Your Upbringing: Invisible Lessons That Define You" Examining the profound influence of early life experiences and family dynamics.

➔ (10:26) "Relational History: Friendships, Teachers, and Firsts" Reflecting on how past relationships influence trust and expectations.

➔ (12:06) "The Power of Imagination: Your Unlimited Potential" How imagination helps you reinterpret your past and shape your future. Handouts: Download Dr. Zierk’s helpful guide about this episode: The Origin of You

Follow Dr. David Zierk:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-zierk-psyd-ab99302/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drdavidzierk/

Website: www.davidzierk.com

Subscribe to his re.fresh newsletter: www.davidzierk.com/resources/newsletter/

About Dr. David Zierk:

With a substantive background in psychological work with individuals and teams, Dr. Zierk enjoys bringing his experience to the stage and corporate clients by providing them with the tools and language necessary for effective outcomes. Most recently, he’s published a book called Mind Rules: Who’s In Control - You or Your Mind?

Dr. Zierk is a graduate of the University of Denver with a Master of Arts and Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. He earned his Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology at the University of Colorado. He’s affiliated with the American Psychological Association, American Psychotherapy Association, Association of Family and Conciliation Courts, and National Academy of Neuropsychology.

He currently resides in Denver, Colorado with his wife and has three children. When he’s not on stage or working with a team. David loves to cycle in the mountains with his wife Carol.

Welcome to re.think, the podcast where Dr. David Zierk, clinical psychologist, forensic expert, and author, invites you to pause, reflect, and explore new perspectives on leadership, connection, and personal growth.

Drawing on 25 years of transformational experiences, including a profound encounter with a young woman named Madison, Dr. Zierk introduces Relationship Intelligence, a groundbreaking approach to turning conflict into deep connection.

Each episode challenges conventional thinking, empowering listeners to engage authentically and skillfully with life's toughest moments. Join the journey and discover how rethinking with genuine connection in mind can make every interaction richer and every conflict an opportunity.

Episode highlights:

• (00:07) "Madison Never Maddie: A Story of Transformation" Dr. Zierk shares the profound encounter that inspired Relationship Intelligence.
• (05:40) "Introducing Rethink: Relationship-Enhanced Thinking" An explanation of the podcast’s foundational concept—rethinking connection.
• (07:44) "The Art of the Rethink: Turning Conflict into Connection" Illustrating the power of pausing and reflecting to enhance relationships.
• (11:04) "Upcoming Episodes: Exploring Conflict, Trauma, and Trust" Previewing insightful topics Dr. Zierk will unpack in future podcasts.
• "Paradigm Shifts: How Rethinking Changes Everything" Dr. Zierk highlights historical examples of rethinking and its transformative potential.

Follow Dr. David Zierk

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-zierk-psyd-ab99302/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drdavidzierk/

Website: www.davidzierk.com

Subscribe to his re.fresh newsletter: www.davidzierk.com/resources/newsletter/

About Dr. David Zierk:

With a substantive background in psychological work with individuals and teams, Dr. Zierk enjoys bringing his experience to the stage and corporate clients by providing them with the tools and language necessary for effective outcomes. Most recently, he’s published a book called Mind Rules: Who’s In Control—You or Your Mind?

Dr. Zierk is a graduate of the University of Denver with a Master of Arts and Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. He earned his Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology at the University of Colorado. He’s affiliated with the American Psychological Association, American Psychotherapy Association, Association of Family and Conciliation Courts, and National Academy of Neuropsychology.

He currently resides in Denver, Colorado with his wife and has three children. When he’s not on stage or working with a team, David loves to cycle in the mountains with his wife, Carol.