ronnie listens
"magic happens when we suspend our right to be right."
The Power of Deliberate Listening
A decade ago, during a difficult phone conversation with a reader who was furious and insulting about a story Ronnie had written, Ronnie made a split-second decision to ignore the name-calling and quietly listen to the woman. The beautiful conversation that resulted yielded a personal epiphany: Magic happens when we temporarily suspend our right to be right and just listen to those we are certain are wrong. The experience sent her on a quest to understand the true meaning of what she calls “deliberate listening” - hearing others out, especially when it seems impossible, in order to maintain connection and grow beyond the moment. Ronnie identifies the steps to become a more deliberate listener and uses powerful storytelling to show what's possible when we commit to a different way of being with members of the many worlds we inhabit: our families, our workplaces, our communities. This presentation restores hope to all who are disheartened by the vitriol that divides us and instills faith in our ability to reconnect, one conversation at a time.
ronnie's most requested keynotes and
strategic work sessions
Re-write Your Story to Re-right Your Life
We live our lives through stories - the ones we tell others, and the ones we tell ourselves. When things feel wrong, it's usually because of the limiting story we're telling about whatever is causing all that discomfort or strife. In this empowering, enlightening, and joyful session, Ronnie teaches non-journalists how to use the most pragmatic elements of news gathering to re-write their stories in ways that re-right their lives.
What If It's Always the End of the Tunnel?
You know the popular analogy that there is always a light at the end of the tunnel? In this remarkable call to action, Ronnie busts that analogy wide open by sharing how belief in the dark tunnel can actually keep us from ever seeing the light. She uses data and deeply reported, inspiring tales from business people, elected leaders, community organizers and everyday sages to reframe the ways we experience adversity. Attendees leave this presentation energized and eager to put this startling insight to work in their own lives.
