In this insightful conversation, Jerry Colonna, CEO of Reboot.io and a seasoned executive coach, shares his journey from private equity to personal growth. He discusses the symbolism of his spider tattoo as a reminder of introspection. The dialogue covers tackling inner critics, the importance of communication, and how journaling can facilitate emotional healing. Colonna emphasizes the necessity of setting boundaries, navigating success-related stress, and courageously making choices that align with personal fulfillment.
01:55:53
forum Ask episode
web_stories AI Snips
view_agenda Chapters
menu_book Books
auto_awesome Transcript
info_circle Episode notes
question_answer ANECDOTE
Spider Tattoo Story
Jerry Colonna got a spider tattoo after a retreat experience.
The spider told him, "You worry too much. Your children are going to be fine."
question_answer ANECDOTE
Ground Zero Breakdown
In February 2002, Jerry Colonna felt suicidal after an Olympic bid meeting near Ground Zero.
His therapist's unexpected advice to go to Canyon Ranch began his healing process.
insights INSIGHT
Complicity in Suffering
We are often complicit in creating conditions we don't want.
This involves not saying what needs to be said, or not saying it in a way that can be heard.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
In this book, Sharon Salzberg explores the concept of faith in a way that is distinct from traditional religious interpretations. She draws on Buddhist teachings and her own life experiences, including a tumultuous childhood, to explain that faith is about trusting one's deepest experience and maintaining the strength to move forward even in difficult times. Salzberg emphasizes the interconnectedness of all beings and how faith can be a source of healing and peace, accessible to anyone regardless of their spiritual tradition.
Reboot
Leadership and the Art of Growing Up
Jerry Colonna
In 'Reboot,' Jerry Colonna shares his approach to leadership development through radical self-inquiry. The book helps leaders identify and address the emotional baggage and psychological habits that have both driven their success and hindered their relationships and well-being. Colonna draws on his experiences as a venture capitalist and executive coach, blending Buddhism, Jungian therapy, and entrepreneurial insights to guide leaders in finding meaning, building healthy interpersonal bonds, and becoming more compassionate and bold leaders. The book emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, mindfulness, honesty, and self-critique in transforming both personal and professional lives[2][4][5].
Radical acceptance
Embracing Your Life With the Heart of a Buddha
Tara Brach
Radical Acceptance by Tara Brach offers a transformative practice to help readers overcome habitual feelings of deficiency and better relate to their experiences and emotions. The book emphasizes two key pillars: observing one's experience clearly and responding with compassion. Through personal stories, case histories from her clinical psychology practice, and guided meditations, Brach provides practical guidance on mindfulness, compassion, and acceptance. The book helps readers stop being at war with themselves and live fully in every moment, addressing issues such as self-judgments, conflicts, addictions, and perfectionism. It also clarifies that Radical Acceptance does not mean self-indulgence or passivity but rather empowers genuine change and healing[1][3][5].
Let Your Life Speak
Listening for the Voice of Vocation
Parker J. Palmer
In 'Let Your Life Speak', Parker J. Palmer reflects on the journey of finding one's true vocation through a deeply personal and compassionate lens. The book encourages readers to listen to their inner selves rather than external expectations, and to embrace their true identities and integrity. Palmer shares his own experiences, including struggles with depression and unconventional career paths, to illustrate the importance of authenticity and self-awareness in discovering one's calling. The book emphasizes that vocation is not a goal to be achieved but a gift to be received, and that it involves aligning one's life with one's natural gifts and interests.
When Things Fall Apart
Heart Advice for Difficult Times
Pema Chödrön
In this book, Pema Chödrön offers life-changing tools for transforming suffering and negative patterns into habitual ease and boundless joy. Drawing from traditional Buddhist wisdom, she advises moving toward painful situations with friendliness and curiosity, rather than trying to escape them. The book emphasizes the importance of embracing uncertainty, impermanence, and groundlessness, and provides practical advice for dealing with difficult emotions like fear, anger, and sadness. Chödrön encourages readers to stay present with their feelings and to cultivate nonaggression and compassion, leading to deeper healing and understanding[1][3][5].
"You are not alone. And just because you feel like shit doesn't mean you are shit."— Jerry Colonna
Jerry Colonna (@jerrycolonna) is the CEO and cofounder of Reboot.io, an executive coaching and leadership development firm dedicated to the notion that better humans make better leaders.
Prior to his career as a coach, he was a partner with J.P. Morgan Partners (JPMP), the private equity arm of J.P. Morgan Chase. Prior to that, he cofounded New York City-based Flatiron Partners with Fred Wilson, which became one of the nation's most successful early-stage investment programs. His first leadership position, at age 25, was Editor-In-Chief of InformationWeek magazine, and now he has returned to the written word with his first book, Reboot: Leadership and the Art of Growing Up.
If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes? It takes less than 60 seconds, and it really makes a difference in helping to convince hard-to-get guests. I also love reading the reviews!
The Tim Ferriss Show 
