Episode 24

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Published on:

11th Feb 2021

Reimagining education and leaving a legacy with Mr. Jeff Dess

Mr. Jeff Dess, educator, author, speaker, and activist, joins me in the diner this week! We kicked things off with a proud discussion about proper New York diner ordering protocol. We then took a hard left and Jeff told me about the hidden curriculum in education and who it’s hurting. Where are the priorities in schools with poorer students? Discipline or education?  We talked about when do people make the choice to give up on others, particularly educators. Jeff said something powerful when he shared, “You cannot have an ego and be an agent for change at the same time.” So in thinking about educators, we chatted about the power of relatability and authenticity in learning. Educators need to stop being afraid of letting their personalities shine! I then asked the ever-confident Jeff what his biggest fear is. We finished real deep discussing the weight of wanting to leave a legacy, how to go about doing just that, and the power of alignment. 

About the Guest

Jeff Dess is a dynamic public speaker, author, poet, emcee, and professor of Haitian descent. The native New Yorker known as the Disruptive Educator is also the Co-Founder of the Leadership Institute, Trill or Not Trill. He is a TEDx speaker who has delivered lectures, workshops, and talks at over 60 colleges and universities including UCLA, Columbia University, and Princeton University. He is the author of 5 books including his latest text, We Wear Kicks To Work which he co-wrote with Lenny A. Williams. Jeff is a seasoned Higher Ed professional, avid Knicks fan, and lover of The Office and A Different World.

 

Connect with Jeff Dess and learn more:

Website: http://trillornottrill.com/

Jeff’s Book: https://www.amazon.com/Wear-Kicks-Work-Leadership-Education-ebook/dp/B08HR7JSW3/ref=nodl_

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

 

 

About the Host: 

Friends! Here's a somewhat stuffy bio of me:  

I am an author, professional speaker, coach, host, and entrepreneur. My first book, Leading Imperfectly: The value of being authentic for leaders, professionals, and human beings, is available wherever people buy books. I speak internationally to willing and unwilling attendees about authenticity, vulnerability, and leadership. My clients include American Express, General Electric (GE), Accenture, Yale University, The Ohio State University, and many others. As a speaker, I am doing the two things I loves the most: making people think and making people laugh! 

 I host my own events multiple times a year. They are 2-day events called Living Imperfectly Live (and sometimes they are 1-day virtual events). They are a space where humans from every walk of life can come together to be part of a community on the pursuit of badassery. The goal is to help attendees start living the life we say we want to live.

 Alas, you're here because of an idea I had a number of years ago and didn't think I was good enough to pull it off. I finally acted on it and alas Diner Talks with James was born! As you can see from what I do in my professional life, Diner Talks is aligned with everything I believe in and teach. If this wasn't dry enough, and you would like to know more info about my speaking, events, or coaching feel free to check out my website: JamesTRobo.com.

 

Let’s Be Friends on Social Media!

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamestrobo

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesrobilotta/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/JamesRobilottaCSP

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/JamesTRobo


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About the Podcast

Diner Talks With James
Conversations That We Never Want to End, With Friends We Never Want to Leave
Remember the last time you and few close friends stayed up too late at the Diner because no one wanted to leave? You didn’t need that grilled cheese with a side of pancakes but damn if it didn’t hit the spot! You laughed until you cried or cried until you laughed. Regardless of which lead to what, you left feeling a little more thoughtful, grateful, and actually full. Those are the best conversations we have in our lives, and the reason why Diner Talks with James exists. I’ll be your bearded bespectacled host, James Robilotta. I’m an author and professional speaker who talks to willing and unwilling audiences on the role that authenticity and vulnerability must play in life and business. I am a life coach with a Masters in counseling and 16+ years of improv comedy experience. Most importantly, I am a fellow human being with a fervent curiosity for others’ passions, relationships, insecurities, ambitions, patterns, and food quirks. So, come join me in The Diner. Slide into the booth, place your order, and tell me a story.

About your host

Profile picture for James Robilotta

James Robilotta

Friends! Here's a somewhat stuffy bio of me:

I am an author, professional speaker, coach, host, and entrepreneur. My first book, Leading Imperfectly: The value of being authentic for leaders, professionals, and human beings, is available wherever people buy books. I speak internationally to willing and unwilling attendees about authenticity, vulnerability, and leadership. My clients include American Express, General Electric (GE), Accenture, Yale University, The Ohio State University, and many others. As a speaker, I am doing the two things I loves the most: making people think and making people laugh!

I also occasionally host my own event multiple times a year called: Living Imperfectly Live. It is a space where humans from every walk of life can come together to be part of a community in the pursuit of getting out of their own way so they can live a great story. The goal is to help attendees start living the life we say we want to live.

Alas, you're here because of an idea I had a number of years ago and didn't think I was good enough to pull it off. I finally acted on it and alas Diner Talks with James was born! As you can see from what I do in my professional life, Diner Talks is aligned with everything I believe in and teach. If this wasn't dry enough, and you would like to know more info about my speaking, events, or coaching feel free to check out my website: JamesTRobo.com.