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

What if the secret to transforming your online community wasn’t more content—but more curiosity?In this episode of Talk About Your Community, host Todd Nilson sits down with Dr. Debra Clary, leadership strategist, TEDx speaker, and author of The Curiosity Curve (coming in 2025 from Fast Company). After three decades leading powerhouse brands like Coca-Cola, Frito-Lay, Jack Daniel’s, and Humana, Dr. Deb has turned her focus to one transformational question: Can curiosity change the world?With an emphasis on community within digital spaces, Dr. Deb will share how leaders and everyday changemakers can:

• Intentionally cultivate curiosity to build bridges

• Ignite collaboration

• Spark collective action.

Curiosity isn't merely a personality trait. It's a capability that can be cultivated for thriving communities!Join us live to explore how you can create digital spaces that keep people leaning in, asking questions, and building together. Bring your curiosity, your questions, and your ideas—you’ll be part of the conversation!ABOUT DEBRA CLARYDr. Debra Clary is a leadership strategist, TEDx speaker, and author of The Curiosity Curve, set to be released by Fast Company in 2025. After three decades leading powerhouse brands like Coca-Cola, Frito-Lay, Jack Daniel’s, and Humana, she now devotes her work to one transformational question: Can curiosity change the world?Dr. Deb believes it can—starting with how we connect in our communities. Through her research-backed framework, The Curiosity Curve, she helps leaders and everyday changemakers use curiosity to build bridges, ignite collaboration, and spark collective action. Whether she’s coaching executives, speaking on global stages, or working with students and artists, her message is clear: curiosity isn’t a soft skill—it’s a social force. / drdebraclary 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 connection wasn’t just a feel-good concept—but a measurable strategy for building communities that thrive?In this episode of Talk About Your Community, host Todd Nilson is joined by Brian Fretwell, founder of Finding Good and creator of the Finding Blueberries framework. With a TEDx talk viewed by over 2 million people and viral videos on human connection seen by millions more, Brian brings a powerful blend of neuroscience, storytelling, and strategy to the community conversation.Together, they’ll explore:1. How to build measurable trust that fuels momentum2. What neuroscience reveals about why connection breaks down—and how to rebuild it3. How to help your community do the hard things they can’t do alone4. Why clarity, connection, and trust aren’t just ideals—they’re infrastructureWhether you’re just starting out or looking to deepen engagement in an existing community, this conversation will challenge your assumptions and leave you with actionable insights on what truly holds a community together.Join us and discover what’s possible when trust becomes tangible.ABOUT BRIAN FRETWELLBrian Fretwell is the founder of Finding Good and creator of the Finding Blueberries framework, helping people build clarity, connection, and trust to do the hard things they can’t do alone. His TEDx talk has been viewed over 2 million times, and his viral videos on connection have reached millions more. Brian’s work blends neuroscience, story, and strategy to build real community and measurable trust.https://www.linkedin.com/in/bfretwell/IG & TT: @brian_fretwellABOUT 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🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/4745023683035136

Join us for a special livestream event featuring Jillian Bejtlich, Sr. Community + Advocacy Program Manager at Calendly, as she expands on her acclaimed presentation from the Led By Community Summit in London. In this session, Jillian and host Todd Nilson will dive deep into the often-overlooked relationship between architecture—both digital and physical—and the success of online communities.Whether you’re building a new community or rethinking an existing one, this conversation will offer practical frameworks and real-world examples to help you move beyond platform selection and focus on intentional design. Jillian will share insights on how architectural decisions shape member behavior, foster engagement, and avoid the pitfalls of digital sprawl. Expect actionable advice on mapping physical space concepts to digital environments, setting up community “plazas” and “corridors,” and making design choices that unlock genuine connection.This livestream is a must-attend for community builders, strategists, and organizational leaders who want to create spaces that don’t just attract members, but truly support their goals and growth. Bring your questions and get ready to rethink what’s possible for your online community experience.ABOUT JILLIAN BEJTLICHJillian is a quirky, ambitious, and enthusiastic techie and community leader who is enamored with online communities and the complex data and psychological puzzles they present. She currently leads community at Calendly.Jillian has spent her entire career working in and on communities of all sizes, in all industries, and of all types. She has extensive experience with all things community and innovation management including engagement, strategies, metrics, analysis, and interface (UI/UX). She prefers the hardest, ugliest, and most inglorious community challenges.https://www.linkedin.com/in/jillianbejtlich/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

A conversation about creating Brave spaces through Online Communities🧨 What if the people we call “toxic” are actually carrying the wisdom we need most?I’m teaming up with Dr. Ruth Diaz, a social scientist, VR researcher, and community strategist whose work challenges everything you thought you knew about moderation, disruption, and digital belonging.Together, we’re asking:What does it really take to lead just, inclusive, and emotionally resilient communities in 2025?💬 Many orgs with online communities are obsessed with engagement metrics, Ruth suggests we should be measuring something else entirely:👉 Time to Courage (TTC).Because safe spaces aren’t always quiet ones.We’ll explore:Why most community platforms get conflict completely backwardsHow trauma shapes the way we lead, moderate, and protect digital groupsWhat immersive and hybrid spaces are teaching us about ritual, safety, and repairAnd why “community” without complexity isn’t community at allThis is not your average community talk. If you work in:Online community buildingDigital transformationDEI strategyOrganizational leadership…you’ll want to be here.Let’s move beyond control.Let’s build for courage.#communitystrategy #digitalcommunities #conflicttransformation #moderation #onlineleadership #digitalculture #web3 #trustbuilding #innovation #technology #belonging #DEI #socialnetworking #startups #communitymanagement #inspirationABOUT RUTH DIAZAs the developer of the Deepen Orient Transform (DOT) Model, Dr. Diaz combines psychological frameworks with XR innovations to create inclusive digital communities. She has designed numerous virtual worlds for social VR, including culturally-focused spaces for Meta, and leads ‘The Troll Project‘ to address un-belonging in virtual communities, and the BridgeMakers project to foster inclusive community building in the multiverse. She is also authoring ‘Conflict Culture (and what to do about it)‘ to introduce her conflict resiliency tool.https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruthdiazvrcreateconnect/

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