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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.
“But sometimes when you prove yourself and people don’t see your value, you need to remove yourself, which is what I did. And was it hard? Yes. Was the pay cut difficult? Yes. That first year was challenging. But I knew where I wanted to go and I knew I wasn’t going to get there by staying.”
“And I always say creativity dies in the courtroom, and I love creativity in cases. And I love people having the ability to have the power to decide what their parenting plan looks like, what their settlement’s going to look like. Judges don’t get that much say. They kind of have boxes they have to stay within.”
“I got to a point in Frank’s office where I realized there was kind of a ceiling. People that I had come in after me, I was training, were now moving up. And my ego got to the best of me. This is the dream job. Like, what happens after Frank Gehry? What could possibly be next after that?”
We’re catalysts for better conversation. And we know at Filament that the teams that we work with are not looking for the right answer, because there’s no such thing as the right answer. There is the next best answer to the questions that we’re asking.
“Research actually shows when there’s this lack of trust in a relationship, this lack of connection, the same part of our brain that processes physical pain gets activated when there’s an emotional pain. Right? And so if I’m feeling rejected or I’m feeling like I’m not part of the team or I’m not valued in any way, that part of our brain activates and says, like, pain. And so if you think about it in that way, think about the number of people who are walking around your office every day in pain.”
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