Connected Nation

Meet “The Energy Expert” who says she can help revitalize your remote workforce

• Jessica Denson • Season 6 • Episode 23

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Why does workplace energy matter — and how can we build it? 

Dana Spencer, known as “The Energy Expert,” joins us to share how she’s helping organizations revitalize employee productivity, morale, and team dynamics using her Five S framework. 

From remote work boundaries to self-awareness and the power of a simple smile, this episode will leave you feeling recharged.

Recommended Links: 

Dana Spencer's LinkedIn

Jessica Denson (00:08):

This is Connected Nation, an award-winning podcast focused on all things broadband from closing the digital divide to improving your internet speeds. We talk technology topics and impact all of us, our families, and our neighborhoods. On today's podcast, we're talking to a very unique guest, a woman who calls herself and quote, energy expert. This probably is the type of energy you're imagining. She says she can boost productivity in the workplace. Well ask for some of her top tips for doing so. Find out what earned her that awesome title, and ask what it takes to revitalize employees in an increasingly remote workforce. I'm Jessica Denson, and this is Connected Nation. I'm Jessica Desen, and today my guest is Dana Spencer, the energy expert. Welcome, Dana. Dana Spencer (00:58):

Thank you so much, Jessica. I'm super excited to be here. Jessica Denson (01:01):

I am so excited to talk to you. This is one of those that I've been looking forward to just because even just your title, it's like, oh, what does that mean, <laugh>? What does that, it's very exciting. So I'm excited to talk to you today, and thank you so much for taking time out of your busy schedule to join us. Um, usually I like to begin with our discussion with some background on our guest. So, um, our people, so people who are listening understand who we're talking to. So I'd love to share some of your actual, your professional background and how you became interested in utilizing energy. Dana Spencer (01:34):

Absolutely. So obviously I have a corporate background. I was in corporate for over 17 years, and what I saw was a lack of energy in the workplace. You know, you would ask somebody, Hey, how are you doing? And they'd be like, dragging and just like, so, like lethargic. And so I was wondering like, what can we do? And one of the things that I hear a lot about myself is that people say, I love your energy. I love your energy. And I be, I began to ask myself the question, is energy a gift? Is it something that you can teach? Like, is it contagious? And so I just began to just ask myself those questions because we all know that solutions come from asking the right questions. So I just began to ask myself those questions. And then I started, you know, coming up with the framework and then they started to begin with s and I'm like, okay, I might be onto something <laugh>. So just like I said, continuing to ask myself those questions and unpacking and peeling back the layers. And that's, that's pretty much how I came up with the idea. And, and then I just called myself the energy expert, Jessica Denson (02:42):

<laugh>. I love it. I love it. Um, so, but your background is actually in, you have a bachelor of a mid business business. I can't say all of a sudden business administration at Eastern Kentucky University. Right. And you've done other things like real estate life coach, you're an author. Talk a little bit about that before we really dive into energy expert. Dana Spencer (03:02):

Yeah, so since you're going back to the EKU days, <laugh>, actually my major was accounting and that was really my mother's dream. And when I was at EKU, I got an A in marketing and an A in finance, and then I just struggled in my accounting classes and nothing in my mind said, you know what, maybe you should change your MA major to marketing. Maybe you should change your major to finance. But I just trudged through the whole thing and got my degree in accounting. And I actually was pregnant when I graduated from college. And so that was my out, believe it or not, <laugh>, I was like, I gotta just get a job. I can't wait on, oh, no, I gotta get a job in accounting. No, I have a baby on the way. I have to get a job, <laugh>. And so it was at that point that I finally was able to say, you know what, mom, that was your dream. Because then the applications to sit for my CPA was starting to come to the house. And I finally just had to tell her like, I don't want to do that <laugh> <laugh> that I know it crossed your dreams, but it just, it just wasn't, Jessica Denson (04:05):

It just wasn't in it though, Dana Spencer (04:07):

<laugh>. And when you think about accountants, no shade on accountants and you think about my personality, it just would not have worked out Jessica Denson (04:14):

<laugh>. Yeah, I could see it. We've only been talking for a few minutes and I could tell you definitely are, you would be somebody I'm sure that was described over and over as high energy. Dana Spencer (04:23):

Absolutely. And so you just believe that energy is contagious. And just when I think about my first s of the framework is smile, like if you just smile at someone, it's contagious. They will smile back at you. They may, it might be begrudgingly, but at least they will smile back at you <laugh>. And so I just believe that if more people were smiling, if more people would, you know, elude the energy, it would be contagious and we would just have a better workplace, better communities, better families, just better everything. Jessica Denson (04:54):

Uh, I can't disagree with that. So give us a brief description of how you work with organizations or other, uh, uh, businesses to help them, you know, to, to harness that energy. What, how do you approach that? Dana Spencer (05:10):

Absolutely. So I first start with a conversation with the organization to listen to what's going on in the workplace, and then based off of what they say is happening, then I'm able to create a package that would be fine tuned for what they are going through. So every organization is experiencing something different, and just having that conversation so that I can fine tune for your, in, for your particular organization. So I like to use what I call the flight assessment. So I went through some extensive training with Dr. Eric Thomas, et the hip hop preacher, Uhhuh <affirmative>, and he's got a flight assessment. And what he did, he was on an airplane and the Lord gave him characters to go along with the disc assessment, the DISC. So, you know, there's a pilot, a flight attendant, a grounds crew, and an air traffic controller. And based off of your behavioral preferences, having that team of people and understanding who is on your team and who the players are, then we're able to double down into the fact to understand who's on the team where they need to be, and making sure that everybody is in the right role.
(06:21)
Because a lot of this is that people are in the wrong role and that's why they're frustrated, that's why they're angry, that's why they're not their best self. And so what I find is if we can get people connected with who they are, authentically connecting them to the right role is what is able to help with that energy level. Because now I'm not in a role that's frustrating to me because now I'm operating in my natural gifts and talents. Huh? Jessica Denson (06:51):

That it sounds so simple, but also something that I'm sure a lot of workplaces and organizations miss Dana Spencer (06:58):

Happen. Absolutely. Because you know, a lot of times, you know, you apply for a role and you on paper, it looks like it's gonna be spot on and it's gonna meet your needs and it's gonna be fulfilling. And then you get in the role and it's just something completely different that happens. Well, that happens to me a lot. So <laugh>, it happens so much and it's so common, but once you get in the role, it's hard to, you know, make that next move. A lot of companies have where you have to stay in the, in the role for a year, and then once you trudge through a year, then you're like, oh, let me just, let me just deal with it. And I see a lot of that. And so we don't wanna just deal with it anymore. I want you to be able to operate in your authentic self so that you can bring your best self to work every single day. Jessica Denson (07:43):

And I imagine when you do move people into those spots, the productivity is better for the company. So it helps the workplace and and in turn, correct. Dana Spencer (07:52):

Absolutely, because, so for example, with, you know, in the leadership role, if you don't like to solve problems, because that's what leaders do, they solve problems and they, they're able to solve problems quickly and they have to be confrontational. Just think if you were non-confrontational and you're in a leadership role and you're having to address <laugh> everyday things that are coming along in your day-to-day task, how frustrating that would be. And so just, just understanding that is just, oh my goodness, it's just so freeing and eye-opening and it's just like this big light bulb moment and just a weight that's lifted. Like, oh. So that's why, because a lot of people in roles now thinking, why, why do I hate this role? Well, it's really, it boils down to your strengths. And some people believe that, you know, you just need to work on your weaknesses and this, that and the other. I disagree with that. <laugh> like, operate in your strengths and then hire someone else for the things that you don't do. Well, Jessica Denson (08:50):

<laugh>, that's actually a great idea. Yeah, absolutely. That's the way I feel <laugh>, I wanna in some more on some things. So how would you define energy? Is it something you get from good rest or food or, or is there more to it? I think you've kind of touched on to it or that people might be in the wrong space, but how would you define energy? Dana Spencer (09:09):

Yeah, it, it's a blend. It is your disposition, your attitude towards your life and your surroundings, and based off of how you bring yourself to the table. That's what is energy is all about. It's like, how do you bring your best self? Who are you authentically and who are you bringing to the table? So in terms of defining energy, it is, it's internal, but you can spread it like a wildfire, right? <laugh>. So it can be either good or bad. And so just being self-aware and true to yourself helps you to really, you know, double down on, on the energy. So it's a, it's a mixture of things as well as it is. Getting rest, rest is a big part of it because what I have found with, even with drinking coffee, and I know, look, I'm, I'm about to step on some toes with this one <laugh>, but most of the time what I have found with myself personally is I don't necessarily need coffee, I need rest. Mm-hmm <affirmative>. So instead of, you know, two o'clock when you, when you're starting to need that second cup, what if we took a 25 minute nap? Jessica Denson (10:30):

Oh, I like that idea. I'm a napper, <laugh>, <laugh>. Dana Spencer (10:33):

And I'm getting used to be, I used to be the type of person who, if I took a nap, I was gonna sleep for a couple hours. But I have learned to set a timer for like 25 minutes and taking a nap. And that is so refreshing. It's almost like you're giving yourself another day because you've taken that time and you've taken that break. And since, like you said, since we are working from home anyway Jessica Denson (10:54):

Mm-hmm Dana Spencer (10:55):

<affirmative>. Why not set aside some time to do that? And now, like I said, now you're a completely new person because you've taken that time and gotten you what you really needed as opposed to what your body is craving because you've been giving it caffeine or you've been giving it sugar. Jessica Denson (11:12):

That, that makes total sense. I, I'm, in fact, I'll be right back. No, I'm kidding. <laugh>, gimme 10 minutes. No, I'm teasing. Uh, but no, I love it. Um, uh, unfortunately burnout and, you know, having lower energy at, at, at work, it is common. A little more is common, especially, you know, um, sometimes even when you're at working at home, you just wanna work, work, work. 'cause it's right there. Uh, what are some things people can do to avoid burnout? I know you talked about some of that's being in the wrong space, but are there other things that lead to burnout and those lower energy levels? Dana Spencer (11:50):

Yeah, I think one of the things that we need to do is we have to separate work and home. Because a lot of times if your office is, let's say it's in your bedroom mm-hmm <affirmative>. Now you're not able to cut it off because even though you know it's time to rest, you still see the office, you still see that lap. Oh, let me just go check that one email. Well, let me just go see if somebody did this. Well, let me just go see. You have to cut it off. And we saw this with COVID as well, was that we were working, working, working, working. And then there was no, I don't like saying work life balance. There was no rhythm because we were working all the time. And since we felt like we were home doing nothing that we had to, you know, work so much.
(12:34)
So I definitely think number one, you need a separate space, whether that is your office is in the basement or a different room if possible. I know some people are not able to do that, but if possible have it in a completely different space. And then secondly, even though you're at home, you still need office hours. You still need to be able to take some breaks where you, you know, you go outside and you get some sun and have a scheduled lunchtime because we just develop so many bad habits. We stay at our, at our computers and we work through our lunches and we're not eating correctly, and we're not taking time away from the computer to actually go to lunch and separate ourselves. So I think now it's all blending together and we need to make sure we have that separation so that we don't have our kids who are saying things like, you know, mommy, you always at work. And you're, that's the worst thing is when you, you know, your kids are saying things like, I never get to spend time with you. You're always at work. And so we don't want those types of comments from our children because those are the things that really hurt. So making sure that we have a line in the sand. This is when I'm off and this is when I'm working. Jessica Denson (13:42):

Yeah. You can't see me 'cause we're audio only on this podcast right now, but, uh, I'm nodding my head like, oh yes, she <laugh>. Yeah, I feel what you're saying, uh, about, you know, having separate place, you know, making, making boundaries. And in fact, I, I've been, my boyfriend's talked to me about that before. It was like, you sit there so long, that's why you knee hurts when you get up <laugh>. I'm like, oh, you're right. Yes. Absolutely. Um, yeah, yeah. So you're really, you're, I'm, I'm, I'm picking up what you're putting down <laugh> <laugh>. Um, is, is there a different approach when it's an in-person job versus a remote job when it comes to energy? Are there different effects or different ways that you can improve? Dana Spencer (14:20):

I think it's pretty much the same thing. Same thing. Obviously there are some people who draw more energy off of being in person. So you can imagine, I love in person <laugh>, but I do believe <laugh>, I do believe you can bring the energy even virtually. But definitely my, my preference is in person. But since a lot of companies are going to completely virtual, we still have to think of ways and be creative in terms of having energy, even with a virtual company, a virtual, you know, organization. And so I think it's so important a lot of times, and I know this is <laugh>, this is not gonna go over well either, is turning on your camera. I know a lot of people don't wanna turn on their camera, but that too ends. Let me give you a third point as far as, you know, when you were saying in terms of being at home, this is not gonna be, you know, people aren't not gonna like this one either <laugh>, but get up in the morning and take your shower and come to work. Oh Jessica Denson (15:21):

Yes. Dana Spencer (15:21):

Rolling outta bed and, you know, starting work. And I know a lot of people do that, but for me personally, I just like to get up, you know, read my Bible and pray and then take a shower and then go to work. The times when I had to, I overslept or whatever and just rolled out of bed and started working. Those were my worst days ever. So I definitely believe that even though were at home and you're at home, there still needs to be a solid routine and rolling outta bed and working is not a good routine in my opinion. Jessica Denson (15:54):

So essentially it's another way of creating that boundary where you have, this is the time that for home mm-hmm <affirmative>. And now I've, I'm, I'm at work and I'm doing the work now in, in a sense, right? Dana Spencer (16:05):

Yes, you got it. Jessica Denson (16:06):

Yeah, I think, I actually think that makes a lot of sense, <laugh>, because it's easy when you're at home to blur those lines, you know, so much so that it, it does create low energy. I, I could definitely fill days when I've had to do that where I have lower energy. Absolutely. Um, why, you know, why does it matter? Why does it matter that we have more energy at work or why does it matter if there's less energy at work? What's, what's the impact of that in your mind? Dana Spencer (16:32):

Being miserable like we <laugh>, right? I mean, and I don't, that was the first thing that came to mind is that even when we're at work, we still want to feel like, you know, we're contributing and we're having impact as opposed to this is just a job, this is just eight to five. The people who say, you know, I'm here. Like, all of those things I do not like. And we have to overcome those things because okay, great, you're here and I'm thankful that you're here, but how about we go to the next level and have some joy in the fact that you are here as opposed to this is just a paycheck. Like, that's the worst thing I hear. Like, well, I'm just getting a paycheck. No, it should be more to it than that. And we gotta figure that out so that it's not just a paycheck. Jessica Denson (17:21):

So when you go to these companies and help, um, work through the energy issue and the need, uh, how, how do you identify that some of those people are maybe in the wrong space or they're in that just a paycheck mode, and how do we get 'em out of that? Dana Spencer (17:37):

Well, and that's when I use the assessment. So I have, you know, to have everyone to take the assessment and it really drills down, like it's a 19 page breakdown as to your preferences and how you are in your natural state, how you are when you are adapting. And what we have found is if we're in this mode of adapting too long, then that's what brings frustration. And also there is a section, my favorite section, but one of my favorite sections in the report is how people view you versus your opinion of yourself. Because like, for example, I would be considered a pilot, and so I can be very direct, I can be very aggressive and other people perceive that differently than I perceive myself. So that awareness is crucial. And once you are aware of these things, then we can make adjustments. But it really boils down to being aware.
(18:37)
Statistics say that only 15%, one five, 15% of people are truly self aware. And so once we start working on these things and we see the results of the assessment, then we can start making adjustments. But here's a, here's one critical piece of it as well is that, and this is coming from me being in corporate, when they would have us to take assessments and surveys and it would get to a point where you kind of would just be on autopilot or being robotic about it. But what we have to do is make sure that you're your authentic self and even taking the survey so that the results are accurate. Because a lot of times if you know, and I know we've heard the term code switching, but if we're in a, in the position where we feel like we're not heard, we feel we don't belong, then that's when the survey results can be a little bit different and not as accurate. But the thing is, is that once we start to have the conversations and we start peeling back the onion, we're able to really get to the core and the nucleus of the problem. And then once we know that, then we can make adjustments. Jessica Denson (19:44):

Yeah, I I think that's very interesting. A 19 page thing to really drill down to that. What, what are some, what are some areas you touched on a little bit, but what are some areas that a, if an employer were to use that assessment or, or to bring you in, are, are there five areas of focus? Is it, is it, is it broken down in some way where they can then utilize that? Uh, do you then help them come up with a plan of action? Like what are, what were the next, what are the next steps generally when you do an assessment? Dana Spencer (20:12):

Yes. So, and all of those things, just looking at the, the person, individual and as a group, you know, we can have conversations as a group because they were, there would be obviously a lot of aha aha moments from associates just like, oh wow, that's, that's why, you know, Susie does what she does now. I underst understand. So just having the conversation. So we're having group workshops where, you know, I help you to understand all of the, the characters and then we take the assessment and then based off of the needs of company, then like I said, we figure out, you know, how much more work do we need to do? Do we need to, you know, have these conversations for a year, for six months because it's not, um, a one workshop that's gonna fix everything. It's going to definitely be an ongoing process. And as we know, like a lot of associates are like, oh, not another thing. Like this is this energy thing too, not another thing they're making me do. I I was there, I promise I was there. So helping associates to understand that this really is in their best interest as well and it's going to help them to become a better communicator, not just at work, but at home as well. Jessica Denson (21:26):

Yeah. That, that's, I think that's fantastic. Uh, you say that it is something that when we were looking in, when I was researching this for this podcast, for this discussion, I was looking at your LinkedIn and your website, and which I'll include, uh, links in the description of our podcast for our audience. But you say that you use something called the five s framework. What, what is that consist of and what is that really? What does that mean? Dana Spencer (21:48):

Yes, so the five s framework is the five Ss as to how we're able to rethink what we think about energy. And so the first one is to smile, like, and I've touched on that a little bit mm-hmm <affirmative>. Um, just smiling is it boosts your energy, it changes your mood. Just that contagious simple thing that we can do. What if we smile more and then we have to obviously be on camera in order to see someone else's smile, or you probably can hear the fact that I'm smiling while I'm talking. So smart. Mm-hmm. It's just so, so very, very important. I don't know if we need to get a mirror if we're not gonna be on camera. I dunno. So we can figure that out. And then secondly, we already talked about sleep. Um, pri prioritizing rest. I have figured out how much rest I need in order to be my best self, and it actually is six hours.
(22:42)
So that's another thing we can do is when we wake up and we feel our best, like how many hours of sleep did we get? And so what I do is, since I know that it's six hours, if I'm about to go to bed at 10, whatever, six hours is from that, that's how much sleep I I get. And so that is just been a game changer for me as well as, and this is, it is getting up at the same time every day. So if you go to, you always go to bed at 10 and your sweet spot is six hours, then always get up at four even on the weekends. And I know that's not gonna be
(23:15)
<laugh>, <laugh> very popular, but it's so, so very important. I promise you, if you normally get up at four, which I do, I typically get up at four because I typically go to bed, or if I'm gonna bed at 11, then I'll get up at five. So I make adjustments, but oh my goodness, the first time when I used to just, just get up at four when I didn't realize that six hours was my sweet spot and got up at four on a Saturday, you'll get everything done by 10 and you will give yourself another day because you're able to just so much more done because you get up at that same time every day. So, so important. And then small, I feel the best when I eat less. Oh my goodness, oh, that was a bar even. Listen, that's the best. And so just being aware of yourself and what you're doing in order to be your best self.
(24:06)
And for me personally, it was small. When I eat small abortions, when I eat less sugar, then I'm less lethargic. Like it's just a compound effect. And so then the fourth s is self-awareness. I said it already, only 15% of people are truly self-aware. So once we understand ourselves personally, then we can start making those adjustments that I talked about as well. And then finally is similarities. Like we have to start focusing on how we are similar as opposed to our differences. That's one of the problems in the workplace today is that we're, we're focusing too much on how we're different instead of focusing on how we are alike. And if we start focusing on that, then we won't have as many problems as it relates to our differences. Let's focus on how we're similar and then we'll decrease the problems in the workplace as well. Jessica Denson (25:03):

Oh, so you're really, you're tackling different parts of this as well, and then that all comes together to affect your energy levels and who you are when in the workplace when that happens? Dana Spencer (25:15):

Absolutely. Absolutely. Because when I'm, well, when I'm, when you were in the workplace and then looking over at that cubicle where you're, you know, your person next door to you or whatever, and you're focusing on how much you're different, that's what's pulling us apart. That's what causes division because we are like, we're thinking that we're not that much alike, but if we focus on how we're similar, then that's what our minds are going to as opposed to that division. Jessica Denson (25:44):

And I do wanna pick apart one of those. You said self-aware. We've brought that up a couple of times. What do you mean by self? When you say 15% of the population is self-aware, as in, you know, your place in the world, you've, you've examined it. What, what does that mean exactly? Dana Spencer (26:00):

So I would say self-awareness is more so understanding who you are and what are your triggers, what makes you tick. Um, because being honest with ourselves, because we tell ourselves lies all the time. <laugh>. Yeah. So for example, um, I used to say I hate to read, I hate to read, I hate to read. And so obviously what we repeatedly tell ourselves becomes our reality. Well, in fact, the, the assessment helped me to understand like, I don't hate to read, I just don't like other people telling me what to do, <laugh>. And so really in college they say, oh, you have to read these three books, you have to do this. You have no, I don't, I don't have to read those three books. I can study the other parts more and not read these three books that you're telling me. So, and I love marketing. I love, I love reading about the things that I enjoy.
(26:55)
I love reading about real estate. I love reading about the topics that I, I like. So just understanding those things. <laugh> on your resume, you are putting things down. I would say, oh, I have attention to detail. The assessment helped me to realize, no, you know what, you're, you don't have the attention to detail that you thought. I'm the one that reads the coupon and says, excuse me, um, the coupon says buy one get one free. Uh, no, no ma'am. Actually it says I wanna get one 50% off. I'm like, oh, okay. Sorry. So the, the self-awareness is recognizing the lies that we tell ourselves so that we can understand who we really are and to reframe that. Jessica Denson (27:36):

Well, that's, that's fantastic. I think that's interesting. Um, I think this is also a great time for us to do a little myth busting. What are some common misconceptions or myths, which apparently I have a hard time saying on energy <laugh>. Uh, you know, what are some things that people don't understand that like maybe, uh, could be what people think productivity is versus what it actually is, things that make us lose energy versus what makes us gain energy, you know, um, maybe productivity is defined in a different way when you move, uh, you know, to a different role. Like how, what are some, um, misconceptions people have around this whole idea? Dana Spencer (28:15):

Well, and I think one misconception is that in terms of, you know, where energy comes from to your point, like, I can make adjustments and people are just not making those adjustments. If I'm in a mood or I'm in a funk, um, just acting like I have to stay there. No, I, I really don't. I can, I can go for a walk, I can do things that will change my energy and change my mood. I think we're not doing that well enough. And then when things happen, continuing to, to bring those things up. So for example, in terms of social media, if I'm having a bad day and I go and I put that on social media, now I'm continuing to feed that because then everybody comes along and, and feeds into that as opposed to, you know what, let's stop, let's make some, some changes so that I don't continue to be in that same mood.
(29:12)
We, we can't just allow ourselves to just continue to do the things that are making us unhappy and are making us frustrated and are robbing us of our joy. So let's, let's change the narrative. So the myth would be that we can't change the narrative. Yes, we can <laugh> to me that's the, that's one of the biggest myths. And then like I said before, like understanding your preferences and what you enjoy and what brings happiness to you and making sure that your role is fulfilling at least one of those needs. Or if not, then you have a nonprofit that you're volunteering for. So you can still get that, you know, that dopamine boost from something as opposed to, I hate my job, I hate my community, I hate my life. I'm like, no, no, no, no, let's make some adjustments here because we don't have to continue to live in a way that is frustrating to us. Like, no, let's stop that and then make some adjustments so that we are on the trajectory of living our best life. Jessica Denson (30:16):

There's kind of a, a thread throughout this that neg negativity can lead to lower energy. Is that true? Dana Spencer (30:23):

Oh, absolutely. Like <laugh>, I totally agree with that. You, you may have just summed it all up, like, let's transform that. And, you know, I'm really big on, and I didn't realize this re until recently, is self-talk. And like I said earlier, what we repeatedly tell ourselves, so if I, if I keep telling myself that I hate to read or I'm not good at this, or I'm not good at that, like I literally just was having a conversation with someone. And since I'm a coach as well, like if we're at a networking event like this, I promise you this happened to me and this lady just kept saying negative things about herself. And so then I have to go in a coaching mode like, okay, you said <laugh>, you said something negative like two or three times. And can we reframe that? Like, I'm so into this in terms of let's stop using words like try or I'm gonna try to do that.
(31:12)
No, either you are or you're not. Like <laugh>, like we have got to change this narrative and we can do it. But I think self-awareness because she didn't even realize she was doing it. And since I don't like the negativity, I don't like being around people who are negative and it's like, I can spot it out with the plague and I will avoid you like the plague if I, if I sense this from you because that negative spirit can be placed on you. And that's what we don't want. I don't want your negative, your negative disposition onto me. So my positive has to outweigh your negative or I have to remove myself from the situation. Jessica Denson (31:47):

Well, why you were saying that while you were saying that, it really struck me that, you know, when you are around somebody who's always negative, it does drain you. Like it drain drains your energy levels. Um, so I, I completely understand what you're saying there. 'cause I've, I've, you know, you've heard that that person watch out <laugh> void for that reason. Dana Spencer (32:10):

Um, and you don't want that to be you in the workplace no place else, because you're like, well, and then they're like, well, why, why don't I have any friends? Why doesn't anybody like me? Well, <laugh> well, Jessica Denson (32:19):

You're kind of draining. Yeah. <laugh>. Um, so during this, I, I I could tell you love doing this, and, and it's, and it's, it definitely gives you energy and I feel energized just talking to you, <laugh>. So what are some surprising facts or things that you have discovered along the way? You don't have to give every away everything, but one or two things that maybe you've discovered during this path where you headed down this road, uh, uh, becoming the energy and expert Dana Spencer (32:46):

To your point, you know, thinking that you cannot change your disposition. Like we really can change and we have to do the work on ourselves in order to start the path of a new life. And so I really want everybody to realize you do have strength. So once we uncover that look, once we get past the negativity and realize this is what your strength is, and so let's do some things that allow you to operate in your strength, and that is what's going to bring the energy back, is that's what I believe is going to happen and it will happen. But it is recognizing the fact that what is it that's draining you? So just getting to the root cause and understanding and then being willing to make the change. Because we have a lot of people, unfortunately, that are not coachable, if you will. So if you're not coachable then and you wanna just stay in that negativity, then preferably we can help you to see that there is a better way out, if you will. Mm-hmm <affirmative>. But otherwise, I just uncovering the fact that the negativity is the root of everything and not operating in your strengths. And so once we are able to figure that out, now you're able to understand, be self-aware, and then make adjustments. Jessica Denson (34:22):

I, I feel like I could talk to you all day, but to wrap things up, what do you think, gosh, there's so many que what do you think the, the, a company should really take away from this? Like why does this matter? Why is it important to do these assessments and, uh, whether it's an in-person or remote workforce? Like our company is mostly work remote, but you know, a lot are hybrid, some are all one or the other. You know, we're in this new world where things are changing because of ai and so there's some scariness to it. But I guess what I'm trying to get to is how can this really benefit all of us and, and workplaces and improving everything we do in, um, a work setting, whether it's in person or remote, Dana Spencer (35:10):

Right. And so I believe that we have to, this work is so important because if we don't figure out what makes our employees excited and happy to be working for us, then we're gonna lose them. And so in terms of retention, you know, companies need to buy into this work because it's so much more costly for them to onboard an associate and then they get there and they're not happy. And the cost that it takes to get another associate and that whole process. So if companies would just tackle the problem and improve their overall retention rate because they're showing their employees how much they care. Because when, when you do that as an organization, then that's gonna help with your retention as well as the overall culture at your workplace. And then the people are going to, your associates are gonna become better communicators. So, and that's the one of the top things that we hear is retention and communication. So if I can help you to solve both of those, oh my goodness, right? <laugh>. Yeah, <laugh>. And then when you help your associates to be better, not only in the workplace, but at home as well, like, yeah, that's, that's a game changer. Jessica Denson (36:36):

Uh, well I gotta leave it there. That's the game changer. Uh, Dana, I could talk to you all day. You, you really are. You just the opposite of the person who feeds on your energy, you give energy. So I really appreciate that. Dana Spencer (36:49):

Absolutely. Absolutely. Jessica Denson (36:51):

Thank you for your time today. Again, we've been talking with Dana Spencer, the energy expert, which I love her title. I've included a link to her website and more in the description of this podcast. I'm Jessica Denson. Thanks for listening to Connected Nation. If you like our show and wanna know more about us, head to connected nation.org or look for the latest episodes on iTunes, iHeartRadio, Google Podcast, Pandora, or Spotify.

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