Strong communities don’t happen by accident, they’re shaped by the clarity of the leaders behind them.In this episode of Talk About Your Community, host Todd Nilson, founder of Clocktower Advisors, is joined by Dain Dunston - author, executive advisor, and founding partner of Reservoir LLC - for a conversation on the role of clear thinking in community building at the executive level. Drawing from decades of coaching senior leaders and insights from his latest book, Being Essential, Dain will lead us on an exploration of how self-awareness, focus, and disciplined thinking influence the way leaders support, invest in, and sustain communities.This conversation is for business professionals and community leaders who work with—or within—executive teams and want to build communities that are aligned, intentional, and built to last.ABOUT DAIN DUNSTONDain Dunston has spent thirty years as an author, advisor and coach to leaders, helping them frame the foundation of their personal and professional journeys. He is a founding partner of Reservoir LLC, a company designed to bring deep resources to leaders, led by a coalition of some of the most respected executive coaches in the U.S. His latest book is Being Essential: Seven Questions for Living and Leading with Radical Self-Awareness.https://www.linkedin.com/in/daindunston/ABOUT THE SHOWTalk About Your Community is a biweekly live stream for leaders, technologists, entrepreneurs and community builders. Todd Nilson interviews experts from a variety of fields who have input on how communities are both built and sustained online and off. Tune in to talk about community building and digital strategy.Talk About Your Community is produced by Clocktower Advisors, a global consultancy specialized at helping organizations like yours to build thriving, sustainable communities online.Clocktower Advisors Privacy Policy: https://lnkd.in/dS64AhxUConnect with Todd Nilson on LinkedInhttps://lnkd.in/gi9gh6NNFollow Clocktower Advisors on LinkedInhttps://lnkd.in/gu9CXE_sSchedule a call:https://lnkd.in/gmYK3rwf

As organizations embrace AI to scale customer interactions, community leaders face a deeper question than "how do we keep it human." The real risk isn't that AI feels impersonal. It's that AI becomes another layer of abstraction between brands and the people they serve, further distancing organizations from genuine customer relationships.In this episode of Talk About Your Community, host Todd Nilson is joined by Bill Johnston - founder of Structure3C and a pioneer in enterprise community strategy - to explore the growing tension between AI-driven efficiency and relationship-driven trust. With decades of experience building communities at scale at companies like Autodesk and Dell, Bill brings a perspective on what should (and should not) be automated.This conversation will explore the balance between AI implementation and relationship building within a community, when loyalty, trust, and long-term value are on the line.📅 February 20th at 10am Central👉 RSVP to join live and participate in the discussion: Bring your questions, perspectives, and real-world challenges as we unpack where AI belongs in community, and where it absolutely doesn’t.ABOUT BILL JOHNSTONBill Johnston runs Structure3C, a strategy firm focused on making customer relationships a serious business asset through communities and networks. He previously held senior community leadership roles at Autodesk and Dell, and pioneered many "first wave" community events, including the Online Community Unconference.https://www.linkedin.com/in/billj/ABOUT THE SHOWTalk About Your Community is a biweekly live stream for leaders, technologists, entrepreneurs and community builders. Todd Nilson interviews experts from a variety of fields who have input on how communities are both built and sustained online and off. Tune in to talk about community building and digital strategy.Talk About Your Community is produced by Clocktower Advisors, a global consultancy specialized at helping organizations like yours to build thriving, sustainable communities online.Clocktower Advisors Privacy Policy: https://lnkd.in/dS64AhxUConnect with Todd Nilson on LinkedInhttps://lnkd.in/gi9gh6NNFollow Clocktower Advisors on LinkedInhttps://lnkd.in/gu9CXE_sSchedule a call:https://lnkd.in/gmYK3rwf

What if the secret to lasting engagement isn’t more rewards, but better play?In this episode of Talk About Your Community, host Todd Nilson welcomes Toby Beresford, a longtime champion of online community platforms and one of the leading voices in practical, purpose-driven gamification.Toby’s career has taken him across industries and continents—from using leaderboards to motivate United Nations leaders, wearable tech innovators, and global blogging communities, to his current work at the British and Foreign Bible Society, where he explores how online communities grow through meaningful connection in Bible study groups. Together, Todd and Toby will break down the Infinite Gamification Framework, a player-centered approach designed to help community managers stop relying on one-off incentives and start creating systems that support continuous engagement, learning, and intrinsic motivation.ABOUT TOBY BERESFORDToby has been a passionate advocate of online community platforms throughout his career. Most recently he used to use Leaderboards to gamify community and used them to reach into the world of the United Nations leaders, Wearable Tech, Bloggers and many more. Nowadays he can be found at the British and Foreign Bible Society looking at how online communities best form as Bible study groups. His vibe project, Portalry.com, focuses on improving attendance and engagement at recurring meetings, all using gamification.https://uk.linkedin.com/in/tobyberesfordABOUT THE SHOWTalk About Your Community is a biweekly live stream for leaders, technologists, entrepreneurs and community builders. Todd Nilson interviews experts from a variety of fields who have input on how communities are both built and sustained online and off. Tune in to talk about community building and digital strategy.Talk About Your Community is produced by Clocktower Advisors, a global consultancy specialized at helping organizations like yours to build thriving, sustainable communities online.Clocktower Advisors Privacy Policy: https://lnkd.in/dS64AhxUConnect with Todd Nilson on LinkedInhttps://lnkd.in/gi9gh6NNFollow Clocktower Advisors on LinkedInhttps://lnkd.in/gu9CXE_sSchedule a call:https://lnkd.in/gmYK3rwf

What can anthropology reveal about the power of community? In this episode of Talk About Your Community, host Todd Nilson welcomes Andi Simon, PhD—an internationally recognized leader in corporate anthropology and the founder and CEO of Simon Associates Management Consultants (SAMC). For over twenty years, Andi has helped organizations step outside their assumptions and see their work through fresh eyes. She guides companies through transformation, innovation, and culture change. Her award-winning books and her upcoming release, Rethink Retirement, continue to push the boundaries of how we think about community, belonging, and human behavior at work. Together, Todd and Andi will cover the impact of community on work, leadership, life, and overall well-being. What does it mean to lead in a lonely world? RSVP now to secure your spot and join us to be part of the live conversation January 9th!ABOUT ANDREA SIMONAndi Simon, PhD is an internationally recognized leader in corporate anthropology and the founder and CEO of Simon Associates Management Consultants (SAMC). For over two decades, she has used anthropological theory, methods, and tools to help organizations see their businesses through fresh eyes, sparking transformation, innovation, and culture change.Andi is the award-winning author of two influential books, and her third book waspublished in 2023. She is working on her fourth book entitled Rethink Retirement.ABOUT THE SHOWTalk About Your Community is a biweekly live stream for leaders, technologists, entrepreneurs and community builders. Todd Nilson interviews experts from a variety of fields who have input on how communities are both built and sustained online and off. Tune in to talk about community building and digital strategy.Talk About Your Community is produced by Clocktower Advisors, a global consultancy specialized at helping organizations like yours to build thriving, sustainable communities online.Clocktower Advisors Privacy Policy: https://lnkd.in/dS64AhxUConnect with Todd Nilson on LinkedInhttps://lnkd.in/gi9gh6NNFollow Clocktower Advisors on LinkedInhttps://lnkd.in/gu9CXE_sSchedule a call:https://lnkd.in/gmYK3rwf

Pull up a chair, pour yourself a warm drink, and join us for a special milestone of Talk About Your Community! Host Todd Nilson, founder of Clocktower Advisors, is gathering friends, past guests, and fellow community professionals to celebrate 100 incredible streams of stories, insights, and connection.In this cozy, fireside-style conversation, we’ll look back on how Talk About Your Community has grown, share the wins and lessons that shaped 2025, and dream together about what’s next for 2026. Whether you’ve been here since the first episode or you’re just discovering the show, this celebration is a heartfelt thank-you to everyone building communities that matter.So settle in—it’s time to toast to growth, gratitude, and the people who make community shine. Be sure to join us live and share your own wins as we close out this year!ABOUT THE SHOWTalk About Your Community is a biweekly live stream for leaders, technologists, entrepreneurs and community builders. Todd Nilson interviews experts from a variety of fields who have input on how communities are both built and sustained online and off. Tune in to talk about community building and digital strategy.Talk About Your Community is produced by Clocktower Advisors, a global consultancy specialized at helping organizations like yours to build thriving, sustainable communities online.Clocktower Advisors Privacy Policy: https://lnkd.in/dS64AhxUConnect with Todd Nilson on LinkedInhttps://lnkd.in/gi9gh6NNFollow Clocktower Advisors on LinkedInhttps://lnkd.in/gu9CXE_sSchedule a call:https://lnkd.in/gmYK3rwf

Slow growth. Shared wins. Strong hearts. That’s how lasting communities are made. In this episode of TAYC, Todd Nilson is joined by Sarah Hempel, a community builder, strategist, and advocate for inclusive leadership. Including growing a community to over 8,000 members and leading global leadership initiatives across 110+ countries, Sarah's work centers on designing human-first ecosystems that drive growth, equity, and lasting impact. Together, they will explore what it really means to lead and grow a community. That includes:- What makes conflict a powerful tool for connection- Why empathy and accountability go hand in hand- What a healthy community looks like in practice—slow growth, shared wins, and strong modeling from leaders. Whether you're just starting your own space or deep in the work, there’s something here for anyone building with heart. Join us live and be a part of the conversation!ABOUT SARAH HEMPELSarah Hempel is a community builder, strategist, and advocate for inclusive leadership. She’s helped grow the Blanchard Community to over 7,900 members, co-founded an LGBTQIA2S+ nonprofit, and led global learning initiatives across 17+ countries. Her work centers on designing human-first ecosystems that drive growth, equity, and lasting impact.https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-hempel/https://blanchardcommunity.com/https://store.blanchard.com/s/ABOUT THE SHOWTalk About Your Community is a biweekly live stream for leaders, technologists, entrepreneurs and community builders. Todd Nilson interviews experts from a variety of fields who have input on how communities are both built and sustained online and off. Tune in to talk about community building and digital strategy.Talk About Your Community is produced by Clocktower Advisors, a global consultancy specialized at helping organizations like yours to build thriving, sustainable communities online.Clocktower Advisors Privacy Policy: https://lnkd.in/dS64AhxUConnect with Todd Nilson on LinkedInhttps://lnkd.in/gi9gh6NNFollow Clocktower Advisors on LinkedInhttps://lnkd.in/gu9CXE_sSchedule a call:https://lnkd.in/gmYK3rwf

When you own your story, you don’t just lead—you inspire.In this episode of Talk About Your Community, host Todd Nilson sits down with award-winning entrepreneur, TEDx speaker, and storytelling powerhouse Victoria Carrington Chávez, founder of The Story Saloon™. Together, they’ll explore how owning your story can empower you, inspire others, and unlock deeper connection within your business and community.Discussion will include:1. Leading with Your Story – Your story is how you lead and show others what is possible.2. Stories that Inspire – Sharing your journey sparks courage, creativity, and hope.3. Building Genuine Connection – Storytelling from the heart creates trust, belonging, and community.Join us on Friday, October 17th at 10am US Central to be part of the live discussion! Get your questions answered on the spot and share your thoughts with the other participants.ABOUT VICTORIA CARRINGTON CHAVEZVictoria Carrington Chávez is an award-winning entrepreneur, TEDx speaker, and storytelling powerhouse featured on Telemundo, FIERCE by mitú, and multiple podcasts. Through her brand, The Story Saloon™, she helps creative entrepreneurs and thought leaders own their story, speak with confidence, and connect with their audience. She believes your story is your superpower.https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-carrington-chavez/Instagram @VictoriasharesstoriesWebsite https://lilacaspen.com/ABOUT THE SHOWTalk About Your Community is a biweekly live stream for leaders, technologists, entrepreneurs and community builders. Todd Nilson interviews experts from a variety of fields who have input on how communities are both built and sustained online and off. Tune in to talk about community building and digital strategy.Talk About Your Community is produced by Clocktower Advisors, a global consultancy specialized at helping organizations like yours to build thriving, sustainable communities online.Clocktower Advisors Privacy Policy: https://lnkd.in/dS64AhxUConnect with Todd Nilson on LinkedInhttps://lnkd.in/gi9gh6NNFollow Clocktower Advisors on LinkedInhttps://lnkd.in/gu9CXE_sSchedule a call:https://lnkd.in/gmYK3rwf

🎯 Is your community ready to play—or just sitting on the sidelines?In this episode of Talk About Your Community, host Todd Nilson is joined by a powerhouse panel of gamification experts—Mimp Jiamton, Yuen Yen Tsai, and Said Saddouk—to explore how game mechanics can transform communities into vibrant, engaging spaces where participation thrives.From motivating members with meaningful rewards to designing playful experiences that spark loyalty and collaboration, this conversation will reveal practical strategies for bringing gamification to life in your own community. Whether you’re curious about leveling up engagement, curious about the pitfalls to avoid, or eager to create a more dynamic culture, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.✨ Join Play, Participate, Prosper: Gamification in Action on Friday, September 19th for live discussion!ABOUT MIMPMimp Jiamton is a British Thai Creative Designer, Community Builder, and Fun Facilitator based in the UK. She is passionate about bringing people together through creativity, interactive experiences, gamification, and learning, all while sparking positive change.Mimp collaborates with communities around the world, co-organising and hosting engaging events and designing visual communication assets for multiple projects. Her interests include languages, cultural bridging, exhibitions, and food blogging. Alongside her career, she is pursuing a Master’s Degree in Linguistics, inspired by a deep fascination with languages and culture. In her learning journey, Mimp embraces failing forward, lifelong learning, and the power of play.https://beacons.ai/mimp https://www.linkedin.com/in/mimpj/https://www.instagram.com/mimp_inprogress/ ABOUT YUEN YENYuen Yen Tsai is an independent facilitator, keynote speaker, and co-founder of WednesdayWebJam community. Her work has always revolved around the idea of how to dissolve resistance, channel play energy and spark bold creativity. She teaches professionals to facilitate creative sessions using just that.In her TEDx talk “How to Play. And Reach Your Business Goals”, she showed that play energy is not just fun—it’s a serious force for collaboration and transformation. Participants often describe her as someone who brings a refreshing and delightful perspective, blending humor with professionalism in a way that puts people at ease while stretching them to grow.Her sessions help people let go of assumptions, opening up new space for creativity and bold ideas. Colleagues and clients alike emphasize her ability to transfer passion, create co-creation, and infuse every process with energy and fun. The result is that participants not only learn, but also change—discovering how play can help them push past boundaries, reconnect with curiosity, and step into lasting transformation. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yuenyen/Insta: https://www.instagram.com/yuen_yen_tsai/Website: www.MakeMeSee.World ABOUT THE SHOWTalk About Your Community is a biweekly live stream for leaders, technologists, entrepreneurs and community builders. Todd Nilson interviews experts from a variety of fields who have input on how communities are both built and sustained online and off. Tune in to talk about community building and digital strategy.Talk About Your Community is produced by Clocktower Advisors, a global consultancy specialized at helping organizations like yours to build thriving, sustainable communities online.Clocktower Advisors Privacy Policy: https://lnkd.in/dS64AhxUConnect with Todd Nilson on LinkedInhttps://lnkd.in/gi9gh6NNFollow Clocktower Advisors on LinkedInhttps://lnkd.in/gu9CXE_sSchedule a call:https://lnkd.in/gmYK3rwf