Episode 17

full
Published on:

24th Dec 2020

The Role of Compassion and Authenticity in Business with Isaac Addae

This week in the Diner, I’m joined by Isaac Addae – a proud Ghanaian-American, father, and business professor. Per usual, we kicked things off with discussion around late night eats and our love of chicken wings. After food, Isaac shared about his tribe in Ghana and the history and make up of African tribes. I have always been curious to learn more about tribes and appreciated having him teach me. Isaac then shared about his experience growing up in a bicultural environment and the friction and benefits that come with that. We then got into a conversation about his business philosophy and how he instills compassion and ethics in his students. He also spent some time talking about ethics in business in a time of COVID-19. We rounded out the conversation talking about the role that authenticity and vulnerability play in business and the importance of instilling self-confidence in our rising leaders. 

About the Guest: 

Isaac Addae is a first generation Ghanaian-American, father and fiancée. He grew up in the Southern United States and began his collegiate journey at Tennessee State University in Nashville, TN. After completing bachelor's and master's degrees in engineering, Isaac began his career at IBM and eventually held roles at Raytheon, Booz Allen Hamilton and CACI. He is now a professor in the TSU College of Business where he teaches business strategy, entrepreneurship and leadership. Isaac is very involved in his community and has led many efforts and serves on numerous nonprofit boards. He's also an avid runner and cyclist and has biked 100+ miles on 4 separate occasions.

Connect with Isaac Addae and learn more:

Website: http://isaacaddae.com/

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

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


About the Host: 

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 alligned 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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Show artwork for Diner Talks With James

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.