Deep, Provocative Success Strategies From the “Yoda of Silicon Valley” | Jerry Colonna
Nov 15, 2023
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Jerry Colonna, leading executive coach, discusses avoiding virtue signaling, the longing to belong, and the content and container of good leadership. He explores radical self-inquiry, navigating difficult conversations, seeking love and acceptance, and the significance of family history and ancestor work.
Radical self-inquiry and addressing problems in the world are important for personal growth and leadership.
Understanding our family history fosters empathy, compassion, and a sense of belonging.
Creating a healthy container and practicing equity are crucial for compassionate leadership.
Deep dives
Reunion: Leadership and the Longing to Belong
Jerry Kelona, former venture capitalist turned Buddhist executive coach, discusses the importance of radical self-inquiry and the responsibility to address problems in the world. He emphasizes the need to do our 'first works' over, which involves reconnecting with the stories of our ancestors to understand our own identities and biases. Kelona highlights the significance of creating a sense of belonging in all areas of life and explores how to navigate the challenges of virtue signaling and self-righteousness. He also emphasizes the importance of equity and creating a healthy content-container dynamic to foster compassionate leadership.
The Power of Ancestor Work
Kelona emphasizes the importance of understanding our own family history and how it informs our present-day beliefs and actions. By exploring the stories and experiences of our ancestors, we can develop empathy, compassion, and a deeper sense of belonging. This work involves examining the conditions our ancestors faced and the choices they made, recognizing the impact it has on our own lives, and using that understanding to foster a more equitable and inclusive world.
The Influence of Reunion in Leadership
Kelona highlights the role of reunion in leadership and the longing to belong. He discusses the importance of creating a healthy container and providing equitable opportunities for individuals to thrive. He encourages leaders to go beyond equality and consider equity in their decision-making and organizational practices. Kelona advocates for compassionate leadership that balances financial success with meaningful engagement and a sense of belonging for all team members.
Moving Beyond Victimhood and Self-Blame
Kelona challenges individuals to move beyond victimhood and self-blame through radical self-inquiry. He emphasizes the need to question one's own complicity in the conditions one claims to dislike, without engaging in victim blaming. By developing a deep understanding of oneself and examining personal biases and motivations, individuals can break free from destructive patterns and contribute to positive change in the world.
The Power of Empathy and Compassion
Kelona highlights the transformative power of empathy and compassion in personal growth and leadership. By recognizing the shared desire for love, safety, and belonging in ourselves and others, we can cultivate greater understanding and connection. He emphasizes the importance of doing the inner work to develop empathy and compassion, which can then be applied to create a more inclusive and equitable society.