Author Guest Post with Dr. Mark Smutny, Thrive

Imagine meetings where everyone is heard and all people matter.

Welcome to one of the November 10th stops on the blog tour for Thrive by Dr. Mark Smutny with iRead Book Tours (schedule linked.) Be sure to follow the rest of the tour for spotlights, author guest posts & interviews, and a giveaway! More on that at the end of this post.

Please note that this post contains affiliate links, which means there is no additional cost to you if you shop using my links, but I will earn a small percentage in commission. A program-specific disclaimer is at the bottom of this post.

Author Guest Post

Every Meeting Inclusive, Engaging and Energetic

I wrote Thrive because I’ve sat in zillions of meetings and in many of them been bored out of my mind. A few people dominated while most remained silent. I wanted to share insights accumulated over a lifetime about how to facilitate meetings marked by energy, creativity, and the engagement of everyone.

I also wanted to fill a unique niche in my writing. Books on diversity, equity and inclusion have mushroomed in response to the Black Lives Matter movement and other racial justice initiatives. Most address topics such as how to recognize unconscious bias, stereotypes and system racism. Others describe how to have honest conversations about difficult topics in polarized times. My unique focus is on inclusive meetings—the landscape in which we live a good portion of our organizational lives.

I have been asked many times by people why I think I am an expert on diversity and inclusion since I am a straight, White man with lots of advantages. My response is that I am not an expert on diversity and inclusion, especially when it concerns race. I am still learning be more empathic. I do have a passionate commitment to social justice. I am an expert on how to design and lead meetings that are fun, productive, and inclusive. Plus, I want to help young and midcareer nonprofit leaders who spend a huge portion of their lives in meetings. My hope is to introduce them to principles and practices that transform meetings from dull to dynamic and inclusive.

I also write to help build my consulting business. A book serves as ginormous business card. My consulting business, Civic Reinventions, helps nonprofit by facilitating their strategic plans with an emphasis on diversity, equity and inclusion. I also facilitate annual planning retreats. I am developing a series of webinars on inclusive meeting practices that will launch in 2022.

My love of writing also means I am hip deep in researching and writing a book on inclusive leadership practices for nonprofit leaders.

In my spare time and when I need a break from an intense schedule, I tether my two, high energy Brittany Spaniel dogs to my mountain bike and off we go like Huskies pulling a sled in Alaska. The neighborhood children see us tootling along at 15 miles per hour and call out “I love your dogs!” The exercise clears my brain and I get a big dose of joy in my heart.

About the Book

Thrive
The Facilitator’s Guide to Radically Inclusive Meetings
by Mark Smutny

Published 25 October 2021
Emerald Lake Books

Genre: Business Communication / Meetings & Presentations
Page Count: 262
Add it to your Goodreads TBR!

Imagine meetings where everyone is heard and all people matter.

Picture organizations that embrace all voices and are committed to justice, equity and opportunity. Imagine businesses, nonprofits and the public sector creatively engaging people in thousands of ways—seeking their best ideas, empowering the silenced, and building communities where all are treated with dignity and respect.

That’s what Thrive seeks to create.

Each chapter contains practical insights and accessible stories that transform meetings from dull to dynamic.

You will learn how to:

• capitalize on diversity’s strengths.
• keep meetings task-oriented and collegial.
• facilitate effectively in polarized or conflicted settings.

Thrive includes chapters on privilege and power, multilingual and virtual meetings, and full inclusion of people with disabilities.

Whether you are a skilled practitioner or new to leadership, Thrive will teach you techniques for facilitating more effective, inclusive and energizing meetings.

Amazon US | Amazon CA | Amazon UK

About the Author

Dr. Mark Smutny is a professional facilitator, consultant, speaker, author and founder of Civic Reinventions, Inc. He is known for helping organizations uncover the wisdom hidden in their diversity, build cohesion, and achieve their goals.

He draws upon decades of work planning and leading retreats, facilitating meetings, and working with nonprofits and businesses. He teaches and writes on the arts of inclusive facilitation and inclusive leadership skills. He has worked in the fields of homeless services, affordable housing, transportation services for special needs populations, business and resident associations, faith-based groups, and public/private partnerships dedicated to strengthening civic engagement.

Mark received his Master of Divinity degree from the Harvard Divinity School, one of the most religiously diverse theological institutions in the world. His doctorate focused on organizational revitalization in multicultural settings. He is a Program Associate with the Kaleidoscope Institute, an agency that equips leaders to communicate effectively across cultures, ethnicities and race.

When not working, Mark and his wife, Barbara Anderson, enjoy the Cascades, cooking, gardening, exercising their dogs, and playing with their granddaughters.

Website | Goodreads

Giveaway Alert!

Enter to win a signed copy of THRIVE: The Facilitator’s Guide to Radically Inclusive Meetings by Dr. Mark Smutny. Plus ONE HOUR FREE CONSULTATION with Dr. Mark Smutny (1 winners/USA only) (ends Nov 26)

Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.