From Start-Up to Grown-Up

#55, Jerry Colonna, Author and Executive Coach — the distinction between vulnerability and honesty, the power of radical self-inquiry, and why you need to heal core wounds to be a great leader

Nov 21, 2023

Jerry Colonna, Author and Executive Coach, discusses radical self-inquiry, the power of positive feedback, and the distinction between honesty and vulnerability. Discover how self-awareness and curiosity play a role in personal growth and leadership. Explore the concept of the shadow and its impact on leaders. Learn about the importance of breaking the bonds of othering and creating systemic belonging. Gain insight into strategies for empathy in the workplace and how to address imposter syndrome.

01:07:15

Episode guests

Jerry Colonna

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Radical self-inquiry is essential for personal growth, fostering self-awareness and promoting a healthier and more authentic way of being.

Recognizing and acknowledging others' accomplishments and strengths through positive feedback is crucial for effective leadership, alongside embracing vulnerability and creating an environment of open and honest communication.

Deep dives

Radical self-inquiry and its importance for personal growth

Radical self-inquiry refers to the process of asking deep and introspective questions to uncover hidden aspects of ourselves. It involves stripping away the masks we hide behind and exploring the reasons behind our behaviors. This practice is essential for personal growth as it encourages curiosity and allows us to understand the underlying needs that drive our behaviors. By uncovering these needs, we can make positive changes and transform our behavior patterns. Radical self-inquiry requires approaching ourselves with loving kindness and letting go of expectations of perfection. It fosters self-awareness and promotes a healthier and more authentic way of being.

Introduction

2min

Radical Self-Inquiry for Personal Growth and Leadership

9min

Behavioral and Identity Change

22min

Exploring the Concept of the Shadow

15min

Starting the work and breaking the bonds of othering

4min

Being Co-Conspirators in Building a Better World

6min

Exploring Othering in the Workplace and Strategies for Empathy

4min

Self-Inquiry and Imposter Syndrome

5min

Not all feedback is created equal.

Giving positive feedback offers far more benefits than simply showing gratitude for someone’s work.

It also helps as a vital step to personal self-discovery and self-inquiry. This is a central theme of Jerry Colonna’s brand new book, Reunion: Leadership and the Longing to Belong.

Jerry joins me on the newest episode of From Start-Up to Grown-Up to discuss the process of radical self-inquiry, why it’s essential for you to do if you want to grow, and the difference between honesty and vulnerability.

Jerry helps people lead with humanity and equanimity. His unique blend of Buddhism, Jungian therapy, and entrepreneurial know-how has made him a sought-after coach and leader, working with some of the largest firms in the country.

In his work as a coach, he draws on his experience in Venture Capital (VC) as Co-founder of Flatiron Partners, one of the most successful, early-stage investment programs. Later, he was a partner with J.P. Morgan Partners (JPMP), the private equity arm of J.P. Morgan Chase.

As a partner with J.P. Morgan Chase, Jerry launched the Financial Recovery Fund with The Partnership for the City of New York, a $10 million-plus program aimed at creating grants for small businesses impacted by the attacks on the World Trade Center.

Along with a strong commitment to the nonprofit sector, Jerry is the author of two books: REBOOT: Leadership and the Art of Growing Up and REUNION: Leadership and the Longing to Belong.

Reboot was met with critical acclaim, stirring up a big question in the hearts and minds of people: “How have I been complicit in creating the conditions I say I don’t want?” Jerry’s second book, Reunion, builds on this question, asking us what benefit we get from the conditions we say we don’t want.

Learn more about Jerry at reboot.io | Website

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