Reweaving Our Social Fabric with Diana McLain Smith, Ph.D.

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The media landscape poses significant challenges in the current political climate. As media outlets continue to monetize and make financial profits from citizen-consumers they contribute to the polarization affecting political perceptions. Here we explore the need for constructive dialogue and collaboration across boundaries to address the fractures in American society. Research has uncovered practical strategies to move us from overwhelm to solutions. Smith shares insights into finding trustworthy news sources and how to spot media biases. She shares many examples of social movements that have successfully brought unlikely allies together. Without denying our hugely complex world she is hopeful we are moving toward a reimagining of the uncharted territory of an inclusive, multi-group democracy. Friendship is the key that builds alliances and crosses boundaries providing unparalleled advantage for a better future for all. (hosted by Justine Willis Toms) 

BIO

Diana McLain Smith, Ph.D. has worked with families, organizations, communities, and in some of America’s most iconic businesses and entrepreneurial nonprofits. She has developed an approach that converts debilitating intergroup conflict into constructive outcomes. This work is known as Leading through Relationships (LTR™). She’s a former partner at the Monitor Group and former chief executive partner at New Profit. Her approach is to educate practitioners to develop the skill for engaging and fact-based dialogues, learning from different perspectives, and partnering across boundaries. 

Diana McLain Smith’s books include: 

•  Divide or Conquer: How Great Teams Turn Conflict Into Strength (Portfolio 2008)
• The Elephant in the Room: How Relationships Make or Break the Success of Leaders and Organizations (Jossey-Bass 2011)
•  Remaking The Space Between Us: How Citizens Can Work Together To Build A Better Future For All (Ballast Books 2024)

To learn more about Diana McLain Smith go to www.remakingthespace.org.

 Topics explored in this dialogue include: 

• Brian Eno writes about reimagining the need to rebuild our world
• What are “conflict entrepreneurs” who are monetizing the climate of controversy
• What does research show regarding thousands of grassroots groups effectively creating alliances across boundaries
• How to navigate media bias and differentiate between factual reporting and outrage-based reporting
• What are some resources to trustworthy news sources
• Why it is important to understand our own implicit biases and beliefs
• What are some examples of groups who have been successful in bringing unlikely allies together
•  What is the story of Derek Black disavowing his former allegiance as a white nationalist and KKK member 

Host: Justine Willis Toms    Interview Date: 7/5/2024     Program Number: 3822

Music Playlist

From Album: Music for Airports
Artist: Brian Eno

Opening Essay: Track - 1/1

From Album: Disfarmer
Artist: Bill Frisell

Music Break 1: Track 05 Focus
Music Break 2: Track 06 Peter Miller's Discovery
Music Break 3 Track 25 Natural Light