31: How to Do Hard Things in a Human Way, with Rasmus Hougaard, Founder and CEO, Potential Project

Meet Rasmus Hougaard:

Rasmus Hougaard is the Founder and Managing Partner of the Potential Project. He is the author of “The Mind of the Leader,” “One Second Ahead,” and recently published “Compassionate Leadership: How to Do Hard Things in a Human Way.” Rasmus is also a contributor for the Harvard Business Review, Forbes and Business Insider. He received a Master’s degree in Organization and Behavior Studies from Roskilde University.

Key Insights:

Rasmus Hougaard is on a mission to create a more human world of work.

• Behind the Why. While working for a large corporation, Rasmus realized that many of his coworkers were burned out, drained of creativity, and not living up to their potential. Armed with meditation and other practices he learned from Buddhist traditions, Rasmus set out to found the Potential Project and change the working world. (1:02)
• Rethinking the Great Resignation. An unprecedented number of employees are quitting, or considering quitting. Rasmus reframes this as an opportunity for leaders to be compassionate to their existing employees, and a chance to attract new talent. (19:32) 
• Get Enough Sleep. Get enough sleep and make time for yourself. Self-compassion is fundamental to resiliency. Before you can take care of others, and the world, you need to take care of yourself. (25:30)

This episode is hosted by Gary Bisbee, Ph.D. He is the Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Think Medium.

Relevant Links:

• Learn more about the Potential Project
• Check out Rasmus’ book “Compassionate Leadership: How to Do Hard Things in a Human Way”
• Read Rasmus’ contributions to Forbes on Leadership Strategy