My Word with Douglas E. Welch

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Over the years I have often wondered if maybe nice guys really do finish last. I am not the most competitive person in the world and sometimes think it has held me back. That makes “The Compassionate Instinct: The Science of Human Goodness” a good read for me. It is made up of short essays which use hard science to tease out the existence, need and desire for compassion in all its forms. There are essays on hope, empathy, forgiveness and the whole continuum of compassionate behaviors in all primates, including humans.

The essay-based format allows for quick dives into the content, so you don’t feel you have to swallow the entire book at one sitting. Time spent thinking about what you have read is important, and almost required, as you delve into some of the deepest aspects of what makes us human.

I first head about this book from an interview with the two of the editors on Tech Nation with Moira Gunn. You can listen to the program using the link below.

The Science of Human Goodness Dacher Keltner, Jason Marsh Psychology Professor and Editor, Greater Good magazine

Dr. Moira Gunn talks with UC Berkeley Psychology Professor, Dacher Keltner and the editor of Greater Good magazine, Jason Marsh, about how humans are naturally programmed to be good and what separates those who are from those who are not.

Listen to Tech Nation: The Science of Human Goodness

* Find more books and products in The WelchWrite Bookstore.

“Wow!”

That is the thought that has been with me since yesterday morning around 830am. People had started to arrive to check in for CareerCampLA 2010. it was really going to happen! After 3 months of preparation we were coming down to the wire.

For those of you who haven’t heard. CareerCampLA is “A FREE, hybrid conference/unconference dedicated to “helping you build the career you deserve”. The day will include scheduled speakers, ad hoc presentations and breakout sessions on all aspects of building your career. CareerCamp is for anyone who wants to build and/or improve their career.”

What this really means is an amazing group of people came together for 8 hours to present, to talk, to think, to grow and otherwise “Build the Career They Deserve.” Throughout the day I was amazed at what I was seeing and hearing. Conversation never stopped. There was never a lull in the low roar of talking in the lobby area we had set up. The breakout sessions were passionate, energetic and thoughtful. The speakers were insightful and in one case I saw tears in the eyes of someone emerging from a session to tell me how wonderful the last speaker had been.

The effusive thanks I, and the other organizers, received threatened to overwhelm me. All I could do was thank them in return for coming and helping to make the day a success. The truth is, as with any unconference, the quality of the experience is directly related to the quality, energy, knowledge and openness of the attendees. No amount of planning or preparation can make up for that. While I may have set the wheels in motion, it was truly they who made it the success it was.

Again, “WOW!”

I tend to be a worrier, so I had a few butterflies about how the day would proceed. Still, everything had come together do well that there was really little for me to worry about. Looking back, I knew the day was going well when I realized I couldn’t stop smiling. I haven’t seen a lot of pictures yet, but I am sure that I look like a grinning fool in most of them. There was no stress, no crises, no worries — the day simply proceeded logically from one point to another.

After having been involved in many projects in the past, including events similar to CareerCampLA, I must say that this has been the most amazing event I have ever worked on. My co-chairs, Jennifer Oliver O’Connell, Danielle Gruen and Susan M. Baker were, by far, the best team I have ever worked with. It is rare to be on a team without at least one squabble over something, but this team seemed hyper-focused on the end product and this allowed every bit of energy to be focused on making CareerCampLA the best conference possible. I would work (and plan on working with them again) in a heartbeat.

CareerCampLA Co-Chairs (L-R): Susan M. Baker, Jennifer Oliver O’Connell, Douglas E. Welch, Danielle Gruen

You know an event is going well when you are asked, “When will you be holding the next one?” I must have been asked this 10 times over the course of the day. Myself, I hadn’t even thought about another event. I was still so wrapped up in this one that I couldn’t even contemplate another. Then, of course, I didn’t want to jinx myself by assuming this one would be such a success that it would require a sequel. You don’t want to tempt fate. Still, in the back of my mind, I saw a future CareerCampLA and what it might be like.

That said — yes — I think there will be another CareerCampLA and, perhaps, CareerCamps in other parts of the country. There were several people interested in hosting CareerCamps in their areas and an overview of CareerCamp is being pitched to some other conferences as a possible presentation, to spread the word even farther. If CareerCampLA has value to people, I would love to see it spread far and wide. That would be the biggest mark of success I could hope for.

Third time, “Wow!”

So, what’s next? Well, I think the unconference concept is an amazingly powerful way of engaging people in discussion and sharing their expertise with others. There is an inherent energy in and unconference that many traditional conferences lack. It is often said that the best part of any conference are the accidental meeting and conversations that happen in the hallways, and the bars, after hours. An unconference seeks to capitalize on this by providing as many people as possible, as many chances as possible, to talk about what interests them most.

I have scribbled thoughts in my journal for unconferences topics including New Media like YouTube, Facebook, Podcasting, etc., Music and Songwriting, Outdoors and Nature, Sustainability, and even Gardening. There are committed groups of people forming around all these topics and they all interest me greatly.

Watch this space for announcements about our next, big, unconference adventure!

Here is the list of sessions from yesterday’s CareerCampLA 2010. We recorded video of most non-Breakout sessions and will be releasing that over the next few weeks here on the blog. Subscribe to the RSS feed to receive each new session automatically.

See the CareerCampLA web site for more info.

Creating your “CHAMPION” mind with Danielle Gruen
Music Business Careers with John Braheny
Resume Writing: How to Get Your Foot in the Door with Markell Steele
Breakout: Acing the Interview
Breakout: Starting Your Own Business. Be Your Own Boss.

Entrepreneurship as an Alternative with Susan M. Baker
Career Path Patterns: Why the corporate ladder may not be for you with JoAnn Braheny
Showing up is not enough: Networking Tips and Tricks with Markell Steele
Breakout Resume Roundtable: Bring your resume for evaluation
Breakout: Using Social Media

Rethink, Refocus, Reinvent with Jennifer Oiver O’Connell
Panel: Traditional Media Career Paths: How they are changing?
Panel: Career Transitions and Should I Return to School?
Breakout: What’s working in your job search and what’s not?
Breakout: Job Search

Your Career, Your Terms (Live Video Skype Call) with Mary-Lynn Foster and George Kreuger of BiggSuccess.com
Network Marketing: Friends Doing Business with Patrick Boylan
The Art of Networking with Susan M. Baker and Danielle Gruen
Breakout: Money Saving Hints while you are looking for work
Breakout: How to find work in the health care field

What’s a resume for? With Mitch Krayton
10 Things to do while you are looking with Jennifer Oliver O’Connell
County of Ventura Jobs with Dan Breakman
Breakout: Are we meant to do only one career for a lifetime?
Breakout: Mindset in Career Search

Branding Online with Jungle Jenny
Use the Flip Camera to get your message out with Tracy Pattin
Adding to your job application with Howie Acosta, MSW
Breakout: Establishing your web presence with Eric B. Lopez
Breakout: People between jobs.org – Volunteer to help people get jobs

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

The second part of my interview for the VoiceRegistry podcast appears today. You can check it out using the links below.

Podcast- New Media/Social Media Strategies for Voice Actors (part 2)

March 23rd, 2010 Posted in Audio Podcast

Douglas E. Welch is a New Media/Social Media Consultant and pioneer podcaster. His early work in the theater prepared him well for a life of speaking and teaching about technology, computers and New Media and the amazing benefits they bring into our lives. Douglas spent 5 years at Walt Disney Imagineering, but eventually struck out on his own and has been working as a freelance consultant for almost 15 years. Douglas is also the founder of New Media Interchange (http://newmediainterchange.com), a free group dedicated to bringing the power of New Media to everyone. You can find links to all of Douglas’ projects on http://DouglasEWelch.com.

Standard Podcast: Hide Player | Play in Popup | Download

Related articles by Zemanta

• Douglas talks Skype on New Media Tea Time via Skype! (welchwrite.com)
• Douglas talks “Christmas Carol” on the Voicebank.net’s VoiceRegistry Blog – Part 1 of 2 (welchwrite.com)
• Douglas on New Media Tea Time Ep. 19 – Limoncello, Ning.com and more (welchwrite.com)
• Video: Douglas guests on New Media Tea Time: Part 3 (welchwrite.com)

I know that many people have said that over the centuries, even myself on occasion. Still, I have to remind myself of it from time to time. A lot of the work I do involves introducing people to new ideas, new technology, new cultures, new things. Such introductions are filled with fear. Fear of change. Fear of the unknown, Fear of the price. Fear of others. Even fear that they will find themselves lacking in some way. Not up to the battle to be fought.

I try to make it easy for people. I always assume they CAN do it, even when they, and others, don’t think they can. I try to be gentle. Leading them though the forest one step at at time, blazing a path through the undergrowth. I don’t talk down to them. I don’t treat men and women or races differently.

Still, there are often many people who shun my advances. They turn away from technology, even though it could make a big difference in their live. They actively strive to remain ignorant and carry their ignorance around like a shield or even a banner of courage. To these people I can’t even give my information, my knowledge and my skills away for free. For some the psychological cost of acknowledging that the world has changed is simply too much.

So, in my own life, and I recommend it in yours as well, you need to seek out the people who are hungry for new ways of coping with the world. People looking for new knowledge, new skills, new ways of understanding the changing world around them. This is where you can have the most effect, and where you will find the most fulfillment .

Just a thought for those times when the going gets tough. The tough do indeed get going — moving on to people who not only need your help, but also know they need your help.

A short video of our recent LA Friday Coffee where we met at Griffith Observatory in Griffith Park.

Join us for casual coffee and conversation around town. Visit the LA Friday Coffee blog for more information and meeting notices.

Want to tell your friends, family and co-workers about CareerCampLA?

About CareerCampLA 2010

A FREE, hybrid conference/unconference dedicated to “helping you build the career you deserve”. The day will include scheduled speakers, ad hoc presentations and breakout sessions on all aspects of building your career. CareerCamp is for anyone who wants to build and/or improve their career.

Print out this flyer and post on our local bulletin board, in the office kitchen, at your favorite coffee bar.

Help spread the word about CareerCampLA!

Download the CareerCampLA PDF Flyer – Ready to print

Register Now!

My past experiences with unconferences like BarCampLA, PodCampAZ and my own CareerCampLA started me thinking about some sort of gardening/nature/outdoors unconfererence here in the Los Angeles area (or elsewhere). I am totally sold on the concept of unconferences and their ability to facilitate sharing the knowledge we all have with each other and the world.

For a gardening unconference, I could see presentations by attendees on their own special and specific interests like roses, vegetables, sub-irrigated planters, and a host of other topics. For a nature or outdoor conference, I would be interested in bringing in interested individuals as well as groups dedicated to endangered species, habitat preservation, hiking and more.

Any interest in an unconference like this here in the Los Angeles area? Leave your questions and comments on this blog post using the Comments like above or below this post.

Please be aware that I am moving away from Feedburner over the next couple of weeks for all of my blogs and podcasts.

Since being purchased by Google, Feedburner has had regular, on-going issues with their service and little to no recourse for support when things so wrong. Moving to a locally controlled feed gives me much more control over the feed. I am using Blubrry Powerpress as the WordPress plugin to provide this new local feed.

Through a series of re-directs, I hope to migrate nearly all of my current subscribers over to this new local feed.

That said, if you don’t see updates from My Word with Douglas E. Welch over the next week or so, please resubscribe to the new feeds manually.

New My Word RSS Feeds

New RSS Feed: http://DouglasEWelch.com/blog/feed/ (All blog items)

New Podcast Feed: http://DouglasEWelch.com/blog/feed/podcast/ (Only contains podcast items)

Much like a professor at a university will have set office hours for their students, I have been offering up ad hoc meetings at the Corner Bakery in Encino for people to drop by, chat and ask questions and about New Media like blogging, podcasting, video sharing and streaming and more.

My schedule changes each semester due to my spouse’s changing schedule, so I don’t have a hard and fast time for them, but Wednesdays at 1pm seems to be a good time.

If you would like to come and talk about New Media, drop me a line via Twitter or email to let me know you are coming. Follow my Twitter feed at @douglaswelch, to get notices of upcoming meetups.