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Nancy L. Weaver, PhD, MPH, helps businesses, schools and communities develop and use public health programs and policies in ways that work for them. She holds a bachelor’s degree in mathematics, a master’s degree in biostatistics and a PhD in behavioral science.
As a tenured, full professor of Behavioral Science at Saint Louis University, her research has been funded by the National Institutes of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Missouri Foundation for Health, among others, and has led to the widespread dissemination of effective programs. More recently, she launched Support Over Silence to provide bystander training to support parents and children struggling in public. Dr. Weaver is Co-director of the Community Engagement Core of the Center for Innovation in Child Maltreatment at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri.
Dr. Weaver is also a performer and improvisational theater coach, and she uses tools from applied improv to strengthen collaboration and innovation in work settings. Using a systems lens, Dr. Weaver grounds her research, teaching, and practice in the rigor of the scientific approach, the art of storytelling and the importance of connection across people and sectors.
Dr. Weaver talks to Cynthia about the various hats she wears – wife, mother, professor, entrepreneur, researcher, improv coach, and many more. She personifies her philosophy of mixing science and creativity into a form of play that helps her students internalize concepts and be battle tested for the real world. Dr. Weaver’s career path is non-traditional in every sense, and she embraces that for others. She encourages us to use all of our gifts to live the most fulfilling life possible. This is a fun episode with and abundance of practical advice for becoming a better version of yourself.
Chapter 1: Introduction to the She Lift Project Podcast
Timestamp: 00:02-00:25
Description: Cynthia Kirkpatrick introduces the She Lift Project podcast, which aims to help women achieve higher levels of success in the workplace. She briefly mentions her professional background as a CPA, CFP, and senior financial advisor at Moneta Group.
Chapter 2: Interview with a High-Level Professor and Entrepreneur
Timestamp: 00:35-09:21
Description: Cynthia Kirkpatrick interviews a high-level professor and entrepreneur. Nancy is involved in various roles, including being the founder and executive director of Support Over Silence, a professor at SLU, Weaver, and highly skilled in transdisciplinary. The conversation highlights Nancy’s expertise and overwhelming number of accomplishments.
Chapter 3: The Science and Art of Storytelling
Timestamp: 09:21-18:57
Description: Nancy discusses the importance of storytelling and learning with communities. They mention the science and art of storytelling, and how it can help understand complex issues and connect with others on a deeper level.
Chapter 4: Support Over Silence Program
Timestamp: 22:50-23:49
Description: Nancy talks about their program called Support Over Silence, which focuses on supporting parents and grandparents in challenging circumstances. They emphasize the importance of compassion, empathy, and non-judgmental support.
Chapter 5: Understanding the Impact of Trauma and Stress on Parenting
Timestamp: 23:49-33:55
Description: Nancy explains how they conducted research and analysis on the effects of trauma and stress on parenting. They discuss the neurobiology of a child and the need to support individuals in need with compassion and empathy.
Chapter 6: Facilitating Dialogue and Collaboration through Play
Timestamp: 36:46-48:30
Description: Nancy shares their insights on using play and collaborative exercises to facilitate dialogue, improve leadership skills, and encourage divergent thinking. They mention the importance of listening, building on ideas, and embracing disagreement as part of the collaborative process.
Chapter 7: Embracing Personal Stories and Multidimensional Identities
Timestamp: 49:30-54:34
Description: Nancy emphasizes the significance of personal stories and multidimensional identities. They encourage individuals to embrace all aspects of themselves and see their unique experiences as valuable assets. The conversation touches on the challenges of breaking away from traditional paths and charting one’s own course.
Chapter 8: Challenging the Status Quo and Building a Better Future
Timestamp: 57:17-1:08:48
Description: The discussion revolves around challenging the status quo and finding new ways to educate and build individuals into successful adults. Topics include the importance of listening, embracing new ideas, and creating a moment of shared humanity. The conversation concludes with a mention of Nancy’s website, SupportOverSilence.com.
Chapter 9: Conclusion and Call to Action
Timestamp: 1:08:48-1:09:24
Description: Cynthia Kirkpatrick concludes the episode of the She Lift Project podcast, encouraging listeners to subscribe to the show and visit the website for more episodes and information.
Note: The timestamps provided are approximate and cover the main sections of the conversation. The chapter divisions are based on the content and flow of the discussion.
Action items:
1. Explore the She Lift Project podcast for more episodes dedicated to helping women achieve success in the workplace.
2. Look into Nancy Weaver’s background and expertise as a high-level professor, entrepreneur, and principal strategist.
3. Research Weaverly LLC and Support over Silence, the organizations founded by Nancy Weaver, to learn more about their work in public health program development and supporting parents.
4. Consider pursuing a career in public health or behavioral science, as these fields offer opportunities to make a positive impact on communities and individuals.
5. Understand the importance of storytelling and learning with communities in order to develop effective policies and programs.
6. Recognize the value of shared humanity in supporting others, especially in challenging situations such as parenting or witnessing distressing behavior in public.
7. Seek training or resources in improvisational theater, as it can help develop skills in listening, collaboration, and innovation.
8. Embrace disagreement as an opportunity for growth and innovation, and learn how to navigate disagreements with empathy and respect.
9. Explore the importance of play, authenticity, and bringing one’s full self to work or personal endeavors.
10. Consider the impact of societal norms and rules on personal and professional growth, and challenge the idea of following a predetermined path.
11. Seek out diverse skill sets and perspectives in teams and collaborations, as they can lead to more innovative and successful outcomes.
12. Connect with Nancy Weaver through LinkedIn or visit supportoversilence.com for more information and to engage in further conversations.
13. Reflect on the concept of charting one’s own course and embracing one’s unique strengths and passions.
14. Consider the impact of authenticity and bringing one’s full self to work on mental health and overall satisfaction.
15. Explore opportunities for collaboration, innovation, and connection in various fields and industries.
16. Support the mission of the She Lift Project in helping women reach higher levels of success in the workplace.
Content Notice
This podcast and all She Lift Project content represents the opinions of Cynthia Kirkpatrick and her guests. The content here is for informational purposes only, and should not be taken as professional advice – financial, legal, medical, or otherwise.
Views and opinions expressed in the podcast and across all She Lift Project media channels are our own and do not represent that of our places of work. While we make every effort to ensure that the information we are sharing is accurate, we welcome any comments, suggestions, or correction of errors.
“Young Shannon became an overachiever because she was a people pleaser. She needed to please others. And so that really developed in my adulthood as well. “
“They say, I’m still working 60, 80 hours a week. I got into this so I could pick my kids up from school and so I could attend their soccer games that are after school and I haven’t been able to attend one. I got into this so that we could go on great family vacations. And I haven’t been on a vacation now in five years. More people are coming to us for those reasons…it’s the lifestyle sacrifices that are causing people more pain than taking home a paycheck that isn’t what they thought it would be.”
It’s not about me selling and, you know, me making money. It’s about you being satisfied and happy with what you want and what you need. And I’ve always had that kind of philosophy, and my dad had that, too. And people recognize you’re not in it for yourself, you’re in it for them. And you’re sincere, and it really goes a long way.
Leadership is not about the leader. And I equate this back to basketball. When you have coach or coaches, they can’t go out on the court and shoot the ball and dribble the ball and pass the ball. But coaches have to be really good at getting work done through others. And so from a leadership perspective, that’s how I see it. As a leader, I have to be really good at getting work done through others.
“Gallup just got done with their survey for 2022. They found 25% better profitability in companies that have great employee cultures. Because when you have happy employees, happy employees make your customers happy. Happy employees want to invite other people to come work at their company. Happy employees want to share their ideas to make the company better. All of a sudden, you’ve created this culture where people want to contribute, and that’s the reason we do what we do.”
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