Seen by Birkman

About Seen by Birkman

You know that moment when someone names something about you that you’ve never had words for… and suddenly, you feel seen. Not in a way that’s flattering or critical. Just really… real. That’s what this podcast is about. On Seen by Birkman, hosts Amy Shepley and Torri Olanski explore real stories, practical applications, and honest conversations about what it actually looks like to be understood through the power of perception. Each episode dives into the patterns behind behavior and how greater awareness can transform the way we work, lead, and relate to each other.

Publisher

Amy Shepley and Torri Olanski

Category

society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

5 May 2026

Latest episode

29 Sept 2026

Latest episodes

11 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   29 Sept 2026

   Understanding Social Energy: It’s More Than Introvert vs. Extrovert

   Social energy is one of the most misunderstood dimensions of personality, and it has almost nothing to do with whether you like people. Amy and Tori open a new series diving deep into the components of the Birkman Method, starting with the one that shapes more relationships, conflicts, and quiet resentments than almost any other.From the couple who nearly divorced over backyard barbecues to the leader who schedules week-long retreats that exhaust her entire team, the stories here are familiar. What is less familiar is the framework underneath them, one that explains why the same person can light up a room and then disappear for three days without it being a contradiction.The conversation covers all four social energy patterns, including the one Amy calls the most important and least understood: the person who looks like they want to be left alone but is quietly waiting to be invited in.Key Takeaways- Why social energy and extroversion are not the same thing, and why collapsing them creates real blind spots- What the most common social energy pattern looks like from the outside versus what it actually costs the person living it- Why a leader's idea of a great team retreat can be another person's idea of a slow drain- How the least common social energy pattern gets misread by almost everyone around it, including the people who care most- What it actually means to model self-care for the people who depend on you, at work and at home- Why the data a person shows you is often the worst place to look for what they actually needTimestamps0:00 - Introduction and series overview1:40 - The couple who almost divorced over social energy4:25 - Extroversion vs. social energy - clearing up the confusion9:56 - What social energy scores do and do not tell you31:40 - The high-usual, low-need pattern - the social butterfly who needs to disappear53:00 - The low-low pattern - selectively social and often overlooked1:01:00 - The rarest pattern - quietly waiting to be pulled in

2. 

   15 Sept 2026

   Seen & Unscripted: Collaboration Is a Skill, Not a Personality Trait

   Can you actually be a “collaborative person,” or is collaboration something all of us have to learn?In this episode of Seen & Unscripted, Amy and Torri explore why collaboration is a skill, not a personality trait. They unpack how different Birkman scores can shape the way we collaborate, why seemingly collaborative strengths can be overused, and how quieter, more independent or competitive people can bring exactly what a team needs.Key Takeaways- Collaboration is a skill that every personality can develop.- Traits that look collaborative on the surface do not automatically make someone a better collaborator.- Your personality can explain why something takes more effort, but it should not become an excuse for avoiding that work.- When someone disagrees with their Birkman report, curiosity is more useful than trying to convince them they are wrong.- Self-awareness is an ongoing practice because how you show up changes depending on who else is in the room.Timestamps01:19 - Why collaboration is a skill, not a personality trait04:26 - Can you be too collaborative?08:20 - What quieter and more competitive people bring to collaboration09:35 - The danger of calling yourself “self-aware” or “collaborative”12:18 - When a coworker uses their personality as an excuse17:35 - What if someone disagrees with their Birkman report?28:01 - Amy and Torri see their own Birkman patterns in childhood

3. 

   1 Sept 2026

   Seen & Unscripted: On Incentives, Change, What We'd Ask Dr. B & More

   Episode Description What happens when Amy and Torri answer questions they have not seen in advance? In this episode of Seen & Unscripted, they tackle four very different questions, from how to motivate a team with high Incentives Needs to how leaders should communicate change when they do not have all the answers. The conversation also gets more personal as they reflect on what they would ask Dr. Roger Birkman today and which single piece of Birkman information can reveal the most about a person. Along the way, they explore motivation, leadership, uncertainty, Image Management, and why Birkman becomes most useful when the data turns into conversation. Key Moments High Incentives Needs can be a major source of energy and motivation when leaders create clear paths for individual wins. Teams can become more competitive with each other when incentives are left undefined or unmanaged. Leaders do not need certainty to communicate change. They need honesty and as much clarity as they can provide. Vulnerability from a leader can invite better ideas and stronger participation from the team. Amy and Torri reflect on what they would want to ask Dr. Roger Birkman about the future. Image Management can reveal a great deal about how someone navigates identity, perception, and the social world. Timestamps 00:35 - Introducing another Seen & Unscripted episode 01:33 - How to motivate a team with high Incentives Needs 10:49 - Communicating change when you do not have all the answers 17:47 - What Amy and Torri would ask Dr. Roger Birkman 28:36 - The smallest Birkman insight with the biggest impact 31:17 - Why Image Management reveals so much 36:14 - Why the most meaningful Birkman insight depends on the person

4. 

   11 Aug 2026

   Seen & Unscripted

   What happens when Amy and Torri show up unscripted? In the first Seen & Unscripted episode, they answer questions they have never seen before, covering psychological safety, unmet Needs at work, overused strengths, and the thinkers who have shaped how they see people and leadership. The conversation moves from practical workplace challenges to personal reflections, with a common thread throughout: greater self-awareness requires paying attention to yourself, the people around you, and the impact you may be having without realizing it. Key Moments Psychological safety can be damaged by subtle leadership habits that seem harmless. Safety and comfort are different, and healthy teams need room for disagreement. Understanding your Needs can help you advocate for what allows you to do your best work. A strength can become counterproductive when it is overused in the wrong situation. Other people’s reactions can reveal blind spots that are difficult to recognize on your own. Amy and Torri share the thinkers and ideas that have influenced their approach to work, growth, and self-awareness. Timestamps 00:49 - Introducing Seen & Unscripted 03:27 - The leadership habits that quietly destroy psychological safety 07:04 - Psychological safety vs. psychological comfort 13:10 - What to do when your Needs are not being met at work 18:36 - How to recognize an overused strength 25:02 - What silence can reveal about psychological safety 26:13 - The thought leaders who inspire Amy and Torri

5. 

   28 Jul 2026

   The Problem With Conflict

   Conflict isn't usually the problem. In this episode, Amy and Torri explore why so much conflict at work, at home, and in our relationships begins with a simple misunderstanding: we assume other people see the world the way we do. They unpack why two well-intentioned people can experience the exact same situation in completely different ways, how hidden personality differences shape our reactions, and why trying to eliminate conflict often creates even bigger problems. Rather than seeing conflict as something to avoid, they argue that healthy conflict—paired with curiosity and understanding—is one of the most powerful drivers of trust, innovation, and stronger relationships. Key Moments -  Why most conflict starts with different perceptions, not bad intentions. -  The hidden assumptions that damage relationships. -  How different personality needs create completely different experiences of the same conversation. -  Why curiosity is more powerful than certainty. -  The difference between destructive conflict and productive tension. -  How understanding another person's perspective can completely change the conversation. Timestamps 6:13 - Why tension between teams is actually healthy 17:12 - The leader's real job: managing tension 30:13 - Why 99% of conflict is a misunderstanding 38:24 - Why productive conflict drives innovation 49:56 - Stop trying to eliminate conflict 1:03:11 - The question that changes every conflict Episode Links: Barry Johnson Ph.D., Polarity Management: Identifying and Managing Unsolvable Problems: https://www.amazon.com/Polarity-Management-Identifying-Managing-Unsolvable/dp/0874251761 (https://www.amazon.com/Polarity-Management-Identifying-Managing-Unsolvable/dp/0874251761)

6. 

   14 Jul 2026

   The Hidden World of Needs: Part 2

   In Part 2 of this conversation on Needs, Amy and Torri explore what happens after we become aware of our Needs. They discuss why unmet Needs create discomfort, how the stories we attach to them create unnecessary suffering, and how greater self-awareness can lead to more freedom, healthier relationships, and a deeper appreciation for who we are. Rather than trying to eliminate our Needs, they explore how accepting them, advocating for them, and loosening our attachment to unmet expectations can change the way we experience work, leadership, and everyday life. Key Moments - Part 2 explores the deeper emotional and personal side of Needs. - Unmet Needs create discomfort, but the stories we attach to them often create the greatest suffering. - Awareness is only the beginning. Growth comes through appreciation, communication, and practice. - Letting go of attachment does not mean ignoring your Needs or pretending they do not matter. - Understanding your reactions can become a powerful tool for self-awareness. - Loving your Needs instead of judging them can change your relationship with yourself and others. Timestamps 01:33 - When Needs become more than a workplace tool 06:02 - Are we becoming attached to our Needs? 11:29 - The stages of growth with Birkman Needs 20:44 - The story we tell ourselves when Needs go unmet 30:11 - Feeling discomfort without adding more suffering 35:13 - Why we notice others' flaws before our own 39:08 - Learning to appreciate your Needs instead of fighting them 45:00 - Why this conversation is the future of work

7. 

   30 Jun 2026

   The Hidden World of Needs: Part 1

   Needs are one of the most powerful and misunderstood parts of Birkman. In this episode, Amy and Torri begin a two-part conversation on what Needs are, why they matter, and how they shape the way people experience work, relationships, and themselves. They explore the difference between what people show on the outside and what they need on the inside. From Assertiveness to Social Energy to Emotional Energy, they unpack why people can look one way but need something very different from their environment. They also address common misunderstandings: Needs are not "needy", illogical, or a weakness. They are part of a person’s internal wiring. When people understand and communicate their Needs with awareness, they can move from frustration and reactivity toward healthier relationships, stronger teams, and more productive work. Key Moments Needs are the hidden layer that makes Birkman different. Usual Behavior shows how someone operates but Needs reveal what helps them stay productive. People often assume others need the same things they do, which creates confusion and conflict. Needs are not excuses or demands. They are information. When Needs are unmet over time, people are more likely to move into distress. Understanding Needs can help people feel seen, respected, and better equipped to manage themselves. Timestamps 04:55 - What Needs are and how they differ from Usual Behavior 07:27 - Why everyone has a different internal roadmap 12:24 - Examples of Needs in the workplace 19:28 - How unmet Needs can lead to Distress 31:31 - Common reactions when people first learn their Needs 46:17 - How Needs can shift from empowerment to entitlement 57:12 - Practical ways to use Needs information 1:01:52 - Amy and Torri reflect on their own Needs

8. 

   16 Jun 2026

   The Ideal Leader Profile

   What makes a great leader?Many organizations search for the perfect leadership profile, hoping to reduce risk and predict success. In this episode, Amy and Torri explore why that profile does not exist and why leadership is far more complex than personality alone.They discuss the hidden risks of hiring for a specific type, the value of diverse perspectives, and why leadership should be viewed as an ongoing practice rather than a title. Along the way, they unpack how self-awareness, emotional intelligence, trust, and development shape effective leaders in a world that is becoming more uncertain and rapidly changing.The conversation also explores how Birkman can support leadership development, not by identifying who will succeed, but by helping leaders understand their strengths, blind spots, and opportunities for growth.Key Takeaways- There is no single personality profile that predicts leadership success.- Hiring leaders who think alike can create organizational blind spots and increase risk.- Leadership is a practice built through development, experience, and self-awareness.- Great leaders create purpose, clarity, psychological safety, and opportunities for growth.- Birkman is most valuable as a leadership development tool, not a leadership selection tool.- Diverse perspectives strengthen decision-making and help organizations adapt to change.Timestamps02:06 – Why there is no profile for a great leader06:36 – The hidden risk of hiring the same type of leader repeatedly11:28 – Leadership as a practice, not a personality type20:20 – The five core responsibilities of effective leaders27:34 – Real examples of leadership that builds trust and loyalty37:01 – How Birkman supports leadership development48:11 – The mindset shift: Am I practicing leadership?

9. 

   2 Jun 2026

   What AI Can't Replace

   Have you noticed that everyone is starting to sound the same? As AI becomes part of everyday work, communication is becoming faster, more polished, and in some cases, more uniform. In this episode, Amy and Torri explore what happens when technology begins to shape the way we express ourselves. They discuss why AI naturally gravitates toward the average, how personality creates trust and connection, and why our differences may become even more valuable in the future. They also examine the deeper challenge beneath the technology itself: the temptation to outsource our thinking, creativity, and self-expression. The conversation is an invitation to use AI as a tool while staying connected to the perspectives, experiences, and personality that make us uniquely human. Key Takeaways AI naturally trends toward average communication patterns. Personality plays a critical role in building trust and connection. Differences in perspective become more valuable as technology becomes more capable. Psychological safety and vulnerability remain essential for innovation. AI is most effective when it enhances human thinking rather than replacing it. Authenticity becomes a competitive advantage in an increasingly automated world. Timestamps 00:00 - Why everyone is starting to sound the same 07:09 - How AI develops a communication style 14:45 - The risk of losing personality in our work 18:26 - What vulnerability and psychological safety have to do with AI 25:32 - Why your differences matter more than ever 37:29 - The business impact of losing diverse perspectives 46:01 - How to use AI without losing your voice Episode Links: Who are you, ChatGPT? Personality and Demographic Style in LLM-Generated Content Dana Sotto Porat* , Ella Rabinovich (https://arxiv.org/pdf/2510.11434) Susan Cain, The power of introverts (https://www.ted.com/talks/susan_cain_the_power_of_introverts) Brené Brown, The power of vulnerability (https://www.ted.com/talks/brene_brown_the_power_of_vulnerability) Amy Edmonson, Building a psychologically safe workplace (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LhoLuui9gX8)

10. 

    19 May 2026

    Retaking the Birkman — Respecting Your Original Lens

    Should you retake the Birkman? It is one of the most common questions people ask after seeing their results, especially when they feel like they have changed, grown, or entered a new season of life.In this episode, Amy and Torri unpack why Birkman results are designed to remain stable, even when your context, behavior, relationships, or self-awareness shift. Through the metaphor of trees, they explore the difference between changing who you are and transforming into the healthiest version of who you have always been.They also address the deeper emotional layer behind wanting a new result: shame, discomfort, or the hope that growth will “show up” as a different score. Instead, they invite listeners to give their first Birkman a second look and consider that acceptance—not reinvention—may be the beginning of real transformation.Key Takeaways Birkman measures enduring perception, not temporary mood or current circumstances. Your context can change how you feel and show up without changing your underlying lens. Growth does not always mean becoming different; sometimes it means managing your lens more intentionally. Wanting to retake the Birkman can sometimes point to shame or discomfort with what the first report revealed. The goal is not to become a different “tree,” but to become the healthiest version of the one you are. Self-acceptance makes it easier to understand and accept others. Timestamps 00:36 - The most common Birkman question: should people retake it? 03:27 - Why personality is stable, not static 06:19 - Why retaking the assessment can reduce validity 07:47 - How context changes the way your Birkman feels 15:42 - When growth makes people want a new result 21:44 - When people do not like what their Birkman says 34:41 - Giving your first Birkman a second look

11. 

    5 May 2026

    Welcome to Seen by Birkman

    Feeling seen is not a luxury. It is a fundamental human need rooted in biology, belonging, and survival. In the first episode of Seen by Birkman, Amy and Torri define what it means to be seen and why this need shows up so strongly in relationships, leadership, and work. They explore how Birkman helps make invisible perceptions visible, and why understanding alone is not enough. Through personal stories, workplace examples, and the framework of understanding, empathy, and action, this episode shows how feeling seen becomes something people co-create through curiosity, vulnerability, and care. In a world shaped by loneliness, speed, and AI, the ability to see and understand people may be one of our most necessary human skills. Key Takeaways Feeling seen is a biological need tied to safety, not just emotion. Most conflict comes from misinterpreting someone else’s perspective. Understanding someone’s inner world requires curiosity, not assumption. Feeling seen is co-created through vulnerability and intention. Small actions, not big gestures, are what make people feel they matter. Timestamps 00:43 - Defining what it means to feel seen 01:53 - Why the need to be seen is ancient and biological 06:21 - Why humanness matters more in the age of AI 13:09 - The framework: understanding, empathy, and action 21:21 - Personal stories of feeling seen through Birkman 32:02 - Why curiosity is the antidote to assumptions 38:47 - Practical ways to help others feel seen

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

5 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

2 ratings

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Guest appearances

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