Amy Kean on Communicating Effectively

The Human Risk Podcast

What makes communicating effectively such a critical skill in today’s world?
On this episode, I dive into the fascinating world of communication with Amy Kean, a psychosociologist, educator, and the founder of Good Shout, a company redefining how we teach and communicate. Amy brings her unique blend of humour, honesty, and sharp insights to a conversation that will leave you thinking differently about how you connect with others.
We explore Amy’s journey from advertising to launching a learning and development company focused on experimentation and creativity. She explains why she believes education and workplace communication are fundamentally flawed and shares practical ways to fix them. From seven types of listening to giving constructive feedback, Amy’s approach is both revolutionary and refreshingly human.
We also tackle societal trends, such as the “worshipped entrepreneur” and the dangers of pathologising creativity. Amy’s perspective on embracing imperfection and finding joy in experimentation is as inspiring as it is thought-provoking. This episode will make you laugh, reflect, and rethink your own communication habits.
Guest Biography
Amy Kean is a psychosociologist, educator, and the founder of Good Shout, a learning and development company that challenges traditional approaches to training and communication.
Known for her sharp wit and unapologetic honesty, Amy combines humour with actionable insights to help people communicate more effectively.
A former advertising professional, she has a deep understanding of human behavior and uses her sociological expertise to teach skills like public speaking, feedback, and creative articulation.
Beyond her work with Good Shout, Amy is also an author and poet. Her poetry collection House of Weeds reimagines weeds as metaphorical human traits, showcasing her ability to find beauty and meaning in the overlooked.
Amy is a regular speaker at conferences, including TEDx, and her work continues to inspire individuals and organizations to embrace experimentation and imperfection.
AI-Generated Timestamped Summary of Key Points
[00:00:00] Introduction to the episode and Amy Kean’s background.
[00:01:00] Amy’s journey from advertising to founding Good Shout.
[00:03:00] Why education and workplace communication systems are fundamentally flawed.
[00:06:00] The seven types of listening and their everyday impact.
[00:09:00] Good Shout’s unique, experimental approach to training and feedback.
[00:13:00] The societal consequences of poor communication and the rise of “people-pleasing.”
[00:19:00] Amy’s social media presence and her critiques of societal trends.
[00:23:00] Discussion on the “worshipped entrepreneur” and BrewDog’s controversies.
[00:35:00] The importance of feeling heard and Amy’s advocacy for public speaking in schools.
[00:45:00] Exploring creativity through Amy’s poetry and the metaphor of weeds.
[00:51:00] The dangers of pathologising daydreaming and the value of imagination.
[00:57:00] Amy’s TEDx talk on the sociology of normality and the concept of weirdness.
Relevant Links
Amy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amycharlottekean
Amy on Twitter/X: https://x.com/keano81
The Good Shout: https://goodshoutcommunity.com/
Creative Schools, the book by Ken Robinson (https://www.sirkenrobinson.com/creative-schools-the-grassroots-revolution-thats-transforming-education/)
The one-sentence book called Herscht 07769: https://www.ndbooks.com/book/herscht-07769/]
Amy’s book of poetry called House of Weeds: https://www.flyonthewallpress.co.uk/post/introducing-house-of-weeds-by-amy-kean-and-jack-wallington
Jack Wallington’s Book https://www.laurenceking.com/products/wild-about-weeds
BrewDog and the Qatar World Cup controversy: https://www.cityam.com/qatar-world-cup-brewdog-will-give-profits-to-human-rights-groups-but-will-show-tournament/
Alastair Green’s parody of Brewdog: https://youtu.be/-wP3BjTdogY?si=j_ejfj1EiaRZJWCi
Philosopher Alain de Botton’s philosophy and writings: Website
Amy’s talk at TEDx Shoreditch, ‘Gravitas is a Work of Fiction’: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UKistHI6AMA