#374 Nicole F. Roberts: Turning Science and Story into Impact—Part Two

What do janitors, jazz musicians, and neuroscientists have in common? According to Dr. Nicole F. Roberts, everything. In Part Two , the Doctor of Public Health and co-author of Generosity WINS unpacks how she and Monty Wood turned a business book into a narrative experiment—part fiction, part real-world leadership case study. She shares how they chose a fictional hotel manager named Emily to guide readers through generosity’s ripple effects, and how each chapter’s QR code links to a real leader with real lessons. We also explore her annual Brain Health Summit, hosted during Super Bowl weekend with NFL stars, neuroscientists, and 5,000 guests. It’s science, story, and social impact—all rolled into one unforgettable conversation. Key Highlights of Our Interview: Why No One Buys Healthcare Books—But Everyone Needs This One “People won’t read about systems. They’ll read about people. So we built a fictional character, Emily, to carry real wisdom forward.” Inside the Writing Process: Spreadsheets, Stickies, and Storytelling “We tracked every theme. We mapped each arc. It was my dissertation mind meets Monty’s business brain—and it worked.” Real Leaders, Fictional World: How Emily’s Journey Became Everyone’s “Each person Emily interviews is real. Every QR code leads to their profile. We didn’t make this stuff up—we brought it to life.” Redefining Generosity: It’s Not About Giving Money “Generosity is any act of kindness or support, given without expectation of return. If you expect something back, it’s just a transaction.” The Ripple Effect Is Real—And Unmeasurable “You can’t plug karma into a spreadsheet. But trust, reputation, and relationships? They’ll open doors years later.” A Thank-You Changed Everything “One reader started thanking hospital staff daily. It brought him—and others—to tears. That’s the ROI no one talks about.” Why They Made Emily a Woman—and Placed Her in Hospitality “Hospitality is about anticipating needs. It’s the perfect metaphor for generosity. Emily’s age and role made her ready to learn, not perfect.” Can Generosity Be Taught? Yes—With Grief and Grace “We found our answers in boys’ schools and in people who’d lost everything. Generosity grows when modeled—and when it’s all you have left.” Brain Summit at the Super Bowl? Yes, Really. “5,000 guests, jazz museums, NFL players, and neuroscientists. Every year, we throw a party with a purpose.” Next Year: San Francisco, Brain Health, and the Environment “Mark your calendar: Super Bowl weekend in SF. Brain Summit’s next theme? The intersection of neuroscience and nature.” _________________________ Connect with us: Host: Vince Chan | Guest: Dr. Nicole F. Roberts --Chief Change Officer-- Change Ambitiously. Outgrow Yourself. Open a World of Expansive Human Intelligence for Transformation Gurus, Black Sheep, Unsung Visionaries & Bold Hearts. EdTech Leadership Awards 2025 Finalist. 20 Million+ All-Time Downloads. 80+ Countries Reached Daily. Global Top 1% Podcast. Top 5 US Business. Top 1 US Careers. >>>180,000+ are outgrowing. Act Today.<<<