The Power of Real Conversations with Adrienne Giffen
Mike is sitting down with Adrienne Giffen to dive into the big stuff—personal growth, leadership, creativity, and how we really connect with each other in a screen-heavy world. They chat about those early life experiences that shape us (yes, even high school memories!), the surprisingly personal journey of writing a book, and the magic of a board game designed to spark meaningful conversations. Adrienne is an Executive Recruiter and Digital Entrepreneur who is passionate about the difference she can make in the world. Through adversity, she discovered what makes her dance in love, family, friendships and career. Almost twenty years ago, Adrienne had a spiritual experience so profound and lasting, it prompted her to write a book called UNRAVEL YOU, encouraging women to connect the dots to discover what makes them dance.
That game, Now You're Talking, isn’t just about fun—it’s about creating space for real talk, laughter, and those unexpected "wow, I didn’t know that about you" moments. It’s all about getting past small talk and really seeing each other, no matter your age or background. Mike and Adrienne also reflect on the tougher stuff—like how challenges can lead to serious growth, and how sticking to your core values can help guide your biggest decisions. They touch on the courage it takes to make bold choices, the power of having great mentors, and why trust really starts with understanding people as human beings first.
This episode feels like a reminder we all need: that deep conversations matter, and they can happen anywhere—even around a game board. It’s also a nudge to share what we’ve learned with others, especially across generations. Whether it's letting kids express themselves freely or dreaming of a future where connection comes first, this conversation is full of heart and hope. So if you're craving a little inspiration and some thoughtful storytelling, this one’s definitely worth a listen.
00:00 Reconnecting After a Decade
03:04 The Power of Top Grading in Leadership
05:57 The Journey of Writing a Book
11:52 Now You're Talking: The Importance of Conversation
18:00 Core Values: The Foundation of Intentional Living
28:07 Influential Mentorship
30:56 The Role of Mentors in Leadership
32:17 The Game of Connection
35:41 Building Trust Through Conversation
39:53 Navigating Adversity and Growth
Episode Resources:
Get in touch with Adrienne on LinkedIn
Family Enterprise Canada - Arienne
ViRTUS: Website / Instagram / LinkedIn
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