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

Smaller teams. Smarter tools. Outsized results. 🔥On the next episode of Talk About Your Community, Clocktower Advisors’ Todd Nilson is joined by entrepreneur and strategist George Samuels to unpack how micro teams are outperforming the old guard—with clarity, speed, and AI at their back.📅 Friday, June 11🕙 10:00am CentralGet ready to learn:✅ Why complexity favors the small and agile✅ How AI is unlocking focus, not just automation✅ What enterprise teams must rethink—fastThis isn’t about scale. It’s about leverage.And the smartest teams? They're already moving.🔗 Save the date. Challenge assumptions. Leave with a new playbook.#communitystrategy #AI #startups #digitalworkplace #innovation #futureofwork #leadership #microteams #productivity #communitybuilding #strategy #socialentrepreneurshipABOUT GEORGE SAMUELSGeorge Siosi Samuels is a Fractional Chief Community Officer (fCCO), 3x founder, and Managing Director of Faiā, a community growth partner for emerging tech companies. George goes by the nickname "Digital Wayfinder" due to his Polynesian ancestry and career history in tech. He introduced blockchain to the nation of Tuvalu, got involved in Bitcoin in 2013, and is an advocate for micropreneurs building micro-empires.https://linkedin.com/in/gssamuelsABOUT 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

How do you build an engaging community experience that keeps members coming back?Join Todd Nilson, Founder of Clocktower Advisors, for a high-impact conversation with game design pioneer Amy Jo Kim. Game designer, community architect, and innovation coach, Amy Jo is the CEO of Game Thinking, helping entrepreneurs and innovators to get market/product fit faster. Together, they will explore the journey design framework from the lens of building a high retention community, from progression to design to data. Whether you're launching something new or leveling up an existing space, you don't want to miss this stream!ABOUT AMY JO KIMNamed by Fortune as one of the top 10 influential women in games, Amy Jo Kim is a game designer, community architect, and innovation coach. Her design credits include Rock Band, The Sims, eBay, Netflix, nytimes.com, Ultima Online, Covet Fashion, & Happify.Amy Jo helps entrepreneurs & innovators bring their ideas to life through at gamethinking.io. She pioneered the practice of applying game design to digital services and is well-known for her books Community Building on the Web (2000) and Game Thinking (2018). In addition to her coaching practice, Amy Jo has taught Game Thinking at Stanford University and the USC School of Cinematic Arts, where she co-founded the game design program. She holds a PhD in Behavioral Neuroscience from the University of Washington and a BA in Experimental Psychology from UCSD.https://amyjokim.com/speaking/ABOUT THE SHOW Talk 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/dS64AhxU Connect with Todd Nilson on LinkedIn https://lnkd.in/gi9gh6NN Follow Clocktower Advisors on LinkedIn https://lnkd.in/gu9CXE_s Schedule 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

Technology was meant to bring us together—but too often, it gets in the way. When systems are fragmented or overly complex, they create friction that pulls people out of the moment and away from each other.Join us live on Talk About Your Community with host Todd Nilson and special guest Nasya Kamrat, entrepreneur and founder of Nia, a platform rethinking how we design human-centered experiences at scale. Together, they’ll explore how storytelling and intentional system design can create communities people want to return to—online and off:How reducing friction helps people feel more connected, present, and engagedHow AI—when designed for connection—can actually bring people closer togetherWhat it means to use technology not to replace interaction, but to make room for itWhether you're building, growing, or reimagining your community, this session will offer a fresh lens on what it means to truly design for belonging. Tune in Friday, May 30th at 10am Central to join the conversation live.ABOUT NASYA KAMRATNasya Kamrat is an entrepreneur and innovator transforming hospitality through AI-driven, human-centered experiences. As CEO of Nia, she is pioneering Concierge AI to create seamless, intelligent service experiences at scale. With over two decades at the intersection of technology, experience design, and storytelling, Nasya has built and exited companies that redefine how people connect, engage, and experience the world.https://www.niaxp.com/ABOUT THE SHOW Talk 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/dS64AhxU Connect with Todd Nilson on LinkedIn https://lnkd.in/gi9gh6NN Follow Clocktower Advisors on LinkedIn https://lnkd.in/gu9CXE_s Schedule a call: https://lnkd.in/gmYK3rwf

Community IS going to continue to change as technology continues to evolve.Clocktower Advisors is thrilled to announce Todd Nilson will be joined by Marius Ciortea, Chief Community Officer at IBM responsible for the digital experience at IBM TechXchange. Together, they will dive into his role and responsibilities, artificial intelligence, and more!Join the conversation on May 16th at 10am US Central Time for a chance to have your questions answered live!ABOUT MARIUS CIORTEACurrent Chief Community Officer at IBM responsible for the digital experience at IBM TechXchange. Also a beekeeper and love to cook and eat well. https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariusciorteaABOUT THE SHOW Talk 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/dS64AhxU Connect with Todd Nilson on LinkedIn https://lnkd.in/gi9gh6NN Follow Clocktower Advisors on LinkedIn https://lnkd.in/gu9CXE_s Schedule a call: https://lnkd.in/gmYK3rwf