Dadville with Dave Barnes and Jon McLaughlin Stephen James: Leadership and Scented Candles
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Jan 13, 2026 Stephen James, founder of Council Leadership and an expert in leadership and psychology, joins the conversation to redefine leadership as a lived experience. He highlights the importance of stillness and presence, moving away from the hustle culture. Stephen shares insights on parenting, stressing the need for parents to recognize their own worries as personal responsibilities. He discusses his personal evolution, including creating meaningful rituals and the joy of embracing one's 'weirdness' while fostering community through his signature candle.
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Leadership As A Living Practice
- Stephen James stopped practicing as a licensed therapist to pursue leadership work that addresses more than "what's wrong."
- He reframes leadership as a lived practice blending psychology, neuroscience, philosophy, and spirituality.
Practice Stillness Daily
- Cultivate stillness with daily disciplines like prayer, meditation, journaling, and sleep to access your core "I am-ness."
- Treat these practices like workouts — consistency, not occasional effort, builds presence.
I Am-Ness Over Labels
- Identity is layered: the temporary labels change, but the underlying I am-ness remains.
- Tuning to that permanent awareness reduces the need for constant productivity or control.
