Stefanie Simmons ( https://www.linkedin.com/in/stefaniepettigrewsimmons/ ), and Thomas Hallin (https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomashallin/) discussed with host Ruud Janssen the importance of planning and spontaneity in conversations, the impact of entrepreneurship on personal and professional growth, and the value of creating a safe environment for learning and experimentation. They also explored the concept of 'offboarding' from experiences like Imex, the use of AI for note-taking and reflection, and the importance of note-taking and soft skills in learning and memory retention. The conversation ended with gratitude for the participants and a discussion about potential future meetings.

Offboarding Strategies at Imex Experience

Ruud initiated a discussion about offboarding from an experience like Imex, asking for insights from Thomas and Stefanie. Stefanie shared her intentional approach to offboarding, reviewing her intentions versus what she actually did, and leaving time for unexpected connections. She has been attending Imex for about 8 years and has designed her own prototype for experiencing the event. Thomas, who has been attending Imax since 2011, also shared his approach, emphasizing the importance of early engagement and interaction with others to build strong relationships and understand their challenges. Both agreed on the value of a holistic view when attending such events.

Offboarding Strategies and Reflections Discussed

Ruud and Thomas discussed the concept of 'offboarding' in the context of their work and personal experiences. Ruud explained that offboarding refers to the process of decompressing and readjusting after a period of intense activity or immersion, such as a conference or event. He shared his personal experience of needing time to process and reflect on the conversations and experiences from such events. Thomas shared his own strategies for managing the fast pace of his work, including waking up early, working out, skipping meals, and finding time to reflect on his experiences. Both agreed on the importance of staying organized and setting clear goals before, during, and after events.

AI for Note Processing and Reflection

Thomas and Ruud discussed the use of AI to process and summarize notes taken during their conversations. Thomas shared his daily practice of reflecting on his notes and using AI to provide an executive summary. Ruud found this approach impressive and beneficial for real-time learning. They also discussed the importance of reflection and the role of technology in enhancing their work. Stefanie joined the conversation, highlighting the holistic perspective she brings to her work and her professional development journey. The conversation ended with Ruud appreciating the value that Thomas and Stefanie offer to others, emphasizing the importance of empowering diversity, stimulating connectivity, and building prosperity.

Gratitude, Note-Taking, and Future Meetings

Ruud expressed gratitude to Stefanie, Simmons, and Thomas for their participation in the conversation. He encouraged them to listen back to their previous discussions to see how their perspectives have evolved. The team discussed the importance of note-taking and soft skills in learning and memory retention. Stefanie shared her past as a "color printer" and her affinity for note-taking. The team also discussed potential future meetings, including a possible meeting in Atlanta for a Women's Conference. Ruud promised to send out an invite for next year's conversation and to share the recording on social media.

___

UPCOMING EVENT as mentioned by Thomas include: 

August 22-25, 2025   Entrepreneurship For Everyone Conference & Expo
Inaugural inclusive innovation and entrepreneurship conference, with focus on providing equal access to resources - we're shaping a world where entrepreneurship knows no boundaries.
Orlando, FL

Stefanie Simmons & Thomas Hallin  #DESIGNtoCHANGE BACKstage PODcast with Ruud Janssen

In this episode of Inside Personal Growth, host Greg Voisen sits down with Dr. John Bamforth and Dr. Roy Zwahlen, co-authors of Race to Innovation: Unleashing the Power of Entrepreneurship for Everyone. Together, they explore how diversity, inclusion, and entrepreneurship intersect to drive meaningful innovation and create economic opportunity for all.

John and Roy share how their distinct backgrounds — from a coal mining town in England to growing up across the Middle East — shaped their perspectives on innovation and inspired this book. They discuss how untapped communities hold massive potential for creativity, problem-solving, and growth, and how we can unlock that value by rethinking access to capital, ownership, and education.

The conversation dives into the difference between iteration and true innovation, the economic cost of excluding marginalized groups, and why ownership is key to generational wealth creation. They also highlight inspiring examples from communities like Tulsa’s Black Wall Street and showcase new approaches such as venture studios that empower underrepresented founders.

Listeners will also hear powerful insights about how AI is reshaping innovation, making tools and opportunities more accessible than ever — and how the real key to progress lies in understanding problems deeply before creating solutions.

This episode is an eye-opening look into how innovation thrives when everyone gets the chance to contribute, reminding us that the race to innovation is not about competition — it’s about inclusion, collaboration, and shared progress.

🎧 What Listeners Will Learn
The difference between iteration and true innovation
Why diversity and inclusion are crucial for innovation and growth
The economic impact of excluding marginalized communities
The importance of ownership in building generational wealth
How AI and venture studios are empowering underrepresented innovators

Our Guests, John Bamforth & Roy Zwahlen:
➥ Book: Race to Innovation: Unleashing the Power of Entrepreneurship For Everyone
➥ Buy Now: https://a.co/d/ejn7UPk
➡️John's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnb1963/
➡️Roy's LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/roy-zwahlen-abba7112/

Learn more about your Inside Personal Growth host, Greg Voisen:
➥ https://gregvoisen.com
➡️Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/insidepersonalgrowth/  
➡️Facebook:   https://www.facebook.com/InsidePersonalGrowth/
➡️LinkedIn:     https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregvoisen/ 
➡️Twitter/ X:  https://twitter.com/lvoisen/

Podcast 1264: Race to Innovation: Unleashing the Power of Entrepreneurship for Everyone - with John Bamforth & Roy Zwahlen

Inside Personal Growth provides listeners with over 1000 high quality interviews featuring leading authors in the field of personal development. This online podcast program is curated with content from international experts in the art of transformation. It is our mission here to tune listeners into an audio experience that will entertain and educate to help improve every facet of their lives. 

Since 2007, Inside Personal Growth has connected people with the wisdom and resources they need to work through challenges and strengthen their internal compass on the pursuit toward wellness and mastery. Our archive features over 800+ podcasts. Each show offers insight into the minds of writers behind leading book titles. 

Visit the website to browse our archive. We hope you enjoy this important, public resource. 

Are you an author, speaker or publisher in the field of personal growth? Contact us to learn more about how to get interviewed, advertise on our site and become an affiliate member. Find more information on our website: www.insidepersonalgrowth.com

New tracks tagged #Entrepreneurship for Everyone