Getting Unstuck – Cultivating Curiosity 364: From Prison Cell to CEO Coach – The Wisdom of Accountability
In this candid and compelling conversation, Paul Glover shares his journey from successful labor lawyer to convicted felon and how a transformative prison experience led him to embrace vulnerability, personal accountability, and leadership coaching. Drawing on the metaphor of the "medieval fool," Glover emphasizes the value of truth-telling advisors and the importance of self-care and legacy in leadership. His coaching philosophy demands commitment, honesty, and hard work.
Three Takeaways
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The Power of a "Fool": Inspired by the medieval fool who had the psychological safety to tell the king hard truths, Glover advocates for everyone to have a "fool" in their life – someone who provides honest, unfiltered feedback to expose blind spots and ensure accountability. His wife played this critical role during his imprisonment and continues to do so.
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Accountability as a Catalyst for Change: Glover's own profound transformation was rooted in taking full responsibility for his illegal actions and the devastating impact on his family. He emphasizes that true change and growth, both personally and in leadership, require unwavering personal accountability.
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Legacy and Self-Care in Leadership: Glover's coaching philosophy prioritizes building a lasting legacy—improving an organization for future leaders—over short-term, ego-driven gains. He also stresses that dedicated self-care is non-negotiable for effective leadership.
TEDx Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vsVweR4yXz4