Julienne Ryan: The Gift of Listening in a World That Won't Stop Talking

We've never had more ways to communicate and never felt further apart. This conversation unpacks why and what it actually takes to connect again. In this episode, Dante and Julienne discuss: Communication vs. genuine connection Hearing versus listening Vulnerability as a leadership trait Communicating under stress and crisis Storytelling, authenticity, and the 68-draft book Key Takeaways: More communication channels haven't produced more connection; they've produced more places to lose each other. Hearing is reacting to noise while writing your own script; listening is being present without projecting yourself onto the other person. Two prompts do most of the work in any conversation: "Tell me more" and "Give me some context." The strongest leaders admit what they don't know, ask for help, and show up without making false promises. Vulnerability and honesty can build stronger connections than trying to appear like you have all the answers. Waste time to save time. Rushing conversations and jumping to conclusions creates the nightmare you were trying to avoid. Listening costs nothing, and its ripple effects are usually invisible; the person you heard out may not snap at someone else two minutes later. “I think listening is about waiting and not filling it with your own voice.” - Julienne Ryan About Julienne Ryan: Julienne B. Ryan began her professional career at age five through TV commercials, where she learned early lessons like “the teamsters always eat first,” her Social Security number, and how to endorse checks for bank deposit. She later studied psychology to better understand people, conducting her “fieldwork” across various professional roles and navigating countless mergers, reorganizations, and downsizing initiatives. After earning a graduate degree from an Ivy League school, Ryan transitioned into Talent Management, where she used creativity, storytelling, humor, and even snacks to motivate teams despite limited resources. Over time, she discovered that her greatest strength was not applying fancy theories or traditional HR practices, but connecting with people through stories and humor. Encouraged by those she worked with, Ryan shifted her focus toward storytelling and continues to help people find their “true selves in the world of work.” She is also a guest contributor to The Procurement Foundry, LifeBlood, Women in Media, Blended Pledge, and the global storytelling community. Connect with Julienne Ryan: Website: https://jryanpartners.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julienneryan/ Connect with Dante Royster: Website: https://www.danteroyster.com/ Epic Mortgage Website: Epic Mortgage, Inc. NMLS 1885086 Facebook: EpicMortgage1885086 Epic Mortgage Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/epicmortgage/ “The Ultimate Mortgage Guide” book: https://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Mortgage-Guide-Secure-Best/dp/1956220631 LinkedIn: Dante Royster | LinkedIn Twitter: https://twitter.com/DanteRoyster YouTube: Epic Spotlight Email: dante@epic.mortgage The 9 states that Epic Mortgage is licensed in are: Illinois/Indiana/Michigan/Colorado/Maryland/Virginia/Florida/Georgia/Texas Show notes by Podcastologist: Francine Poblete Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.