Past the Profile

Dr. Tondi Mondoloka on Legacy, Vulnerability, and Thriving in Flux

Back in our PhD days at The Chicago School, (now Dr.) Tondi Mondoloka and I first crossed paths in lively online discussion boards, then cemented the connection during our program’s inaugural weekend residency. That spark ignited a friendship still shaping both of our journeys. In this episode of Past the Profile we retrace that journey from late-night data coding marathons to career pivots and bold creative leaps, exploring how to honor a legacy, reconcile past and present, and move with courage when everything feels in flux.
In this episode you’ll hear:
How two doctoral students became “anchor friends” who cheered each other across the finish line then and continue to support each other years later.
Tondi’s take on showing vulnerability at work and online, and why she’s doubling down on LinkedIn and launching a Substack.
Lessons from the historic Mann Gulch fire on decision-making under pressure and why hindsight bias still trips us up.
How systems thinking, risk management, and a “curiosity first” mindset (thanks, Mom!) guide Tondi’s consulting lens.
Practical advice for professionals and organizations navigating layoffs, flux, and the fast-arriving future of work.
Connect with Tondi
LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/tondi-mondoloka/
Substack → https://tondimondoloka.substack.com/
Speaking & consulting → http://www.tondimondoloka.com/

Dr. Tracey Benson on Unpacking Baggage, Exploring Identity, and Building Authentic Community

Join Dr. Tracey Benson and Dr. Liz Sweigart as they reflect on their serendipitous meeting at a conference in Brisbane — where being a little lost led to finding an unexpected and enduring connection.
In this episode, Tracey and Liz explore the richness of perception, memory, and what it means to co-create meaning over time. Tracey opens up about the values that guide her beyond the professional bio: a deep commitment to community, environmental stewardship, and respectful partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and culture.
They also dive into Tracey’s latest creative project, Baggage — a playful, layered exploration of identity, consumption, and the emotional weight we carry (often in secondhand handbags).
This conversation is a celebration of friendship, curiosity, and creative courage. It’s about leadership without pretense, and the joy of saying yes to wacky, beautiful ideas.
If Baggage sparked something in you, Tracey would love to hear your story.
You’re invited to contribute:
In person: Drop by the Treecreate studio on Bribie Island and share your story (or your actual bag).
From afar: Send a photo of a bag and a short personal reflection to Tracey via email at baggage.story@gmail.com.
Every contribution becomes part of an evolving installation about identity, memory, and what we carry—by choice or by habit.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bytetime/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bytetime/
More about Tracey and her work: https://linktr.ee/bytetime
 

Dr. Virginia Whitlock on Legacy, Love, and Leadership That Opens Doors

Join Dr. Virginia Whitlock and Dr. Liz Sweigart for a heartfelt conversation about legacy, leadership, and the relationships that shape us.
What began in an online classroom has grown into a friendship rooted in respect, vulnerability, and a shared commitment to equity. In this episode, they reflect on their personal and professional journeys—navigating academia, allyship, and the often unseen labor of building spaces where others can thrive.
Together, they explore what it means to plant seeds you may never benefit from, the power of storytelling in healing generational patterns, and the courage it takes to ask uncomfortable questions in pursuit of a better, more inclusive future.
Whether you're in academia, leadership, or simply working to create change in your corner of the world, this conversation will move you to reflect on the legacy you're building and the doors you’re opening for others.
 
Connect with Dr. Virginia on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-virginia-l-whitlock-doctorate-in-organizational-leadership-psychology-80b20a24/
Read her dissertation here: https://www.proquest.com/docview/3047954221

Dr. Lata Dhir on Harnessing Positive Psychology for Personal and Collective Growth

Join Dr. Lata Dhir as she unravels the nuances of creating genuine human connections, drawing upon her personal experiences and passions in cultivating safe spaces. Delve into the transformative power of positive psychology, leadership development, and the importance of leveraging strengths over weaknesses.
In this episode, Dr. Dhir shares her journey as an educator, a woman, a mother, and a wife, revealing the struggles and triumphs behind her impressive professional profile. Explore her insights on shaping minds, nurturing trust, and the pivotal role of optimism and possibilities in personal growth.
Discover her fervor for designing impactful experiences in leadership labs, where individuals explore their vulnerabilities and forge lasting bonds. This conversation illuminates Dr. Dhir's mission to create meaningful change and foster a collective spirit of empathy and purpose.
Connect with Dr. Dhir on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lata-dhir-00956916/

Mark Curtis on Curiosity, Collective Intelligence & Carved Stone Gods

Mark Curtis is the CEO of HiveWise, Board Chair at Washi, Inc., and a lifelong builder of tools that help teams think better together.
In this premiere episode of Past the Profile, Mark answers five (not-so-fast) questions that reveal what really drives him. We go beyond the bio to explore participative leadership, ancient artifacts, and why real leadership begins after the decision is made.
Connect with Mark on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markacurtis/