Run Your Life Show With Andy Vasily

Send us a textIn today’s episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Mark Bennett, a Performance Architect whose work in performance psychology has shaped the way individuals and teams think about success. Our conversation dove into some powerful concepts that have the potential to transform the way you approach both performance and well-being in your life and work.Mark Bennett has worked with elite athletes from multiple different sports for more than 25 years. As well he works closely with business leaders and other organisations helping them create the formula for success in their companies. Mark's approach, is built on the foundational principle that "performance is a behavior, not an outcome," In our conversation, he offers profound insights into how we can shift our focus from results to actions—actions that, when consistently applied, lead to lasting success. We also explored his unique philosophy on need-centered coaching, which differs from the traditional athlete- or person-centered models, as well as the symbiotic relationship between performance and wellness. Mark argues that many organizations treat wellness as a safety net rather than a proactive investment, and that shift in mindset is critical to maximizing potential.There are plenty of tools and strategies you will walk away with in this episode such as the Action Review Process, a tool that improves judgment and self-awareness in real-time, an essential foundation for anyone seeking to better themselves and their skillset, whether in sports or business. Mark’s approach is deeply rooted in the fundamental believe that we are the drivers of our own growth and learning and that once we make a decision we must fully commit to it and execute. Regardless of success or failure, fully committing and executing is the key to this process of learning which is also deeply rooted in honest, genuine reflection that allows us to truly unpack what went well and what we might do better next time around. You’ll find out about this and so much more in our conversation today.  Thank you for listening this episode and please do share it with anyone who you feel will benefit from tuning in. Connect with Mark Bennett:Website LinkedIn Twitter 'X'YouTube 25% Discount Code for Mark's Online Training Resources- yourlife25 You can access his training hereFind out about Edge Golf College here

Send us a textIn today's episode, you'll hear from Charles Feltman, a trust expert and leadership coach known for his work on building and sustaining trust in relationships, particularly in the workplace. His book, The Thin Book of Trust, is widely recognized for breaking down trust into four key distinctions: sincerity, reliability, competence, and care. What I most appreciate about Charles’ work is how practical and actionable it is, making it highly applicable in live time for leaders who want to foster trust, improve communication, and create stronger, more cohesive teams. His insights are particularly valuable in helping leaders navigate difficult conversations and maintain trust during challenging situations.World renowned, best-selling author Brene Brown herself has embraced Charles’ work over the years, recently saying that one of her favourite books on trust is the Thin Book of Trust by Charles Feltman. He definitions so beautifully capture what emerged from our data on trust. The 3rd edition of the book is now available and very much worth the read….In the conversation you are about to hear, we not only talk about what’s new in the 3rd edition of his book, we also take a deep dive into how the best leaders are able to build, maintain and most importantly, repair trust when it has been ruptured. It was a special treat to be able to spend time face to face with Charles recording this podcast. I hope you find as much value as I did in our conversation. You can find out how to contact Charles and where to buy his Thin Book of Trust by checking the links below. Connect With CharlesWebsiteLinkedInHis Trust on Purpose PodcastYou can buy the 3rd edition of his Thin Book of Trust here. I appeared on Charles Feltman and Ila Edgar's Trust on Purpose earlier in 2024. You can find part 1 and 2 of our episode below:Trust Around The World Part 1Trust Around the World Part 2

Send us a textIt gives me great pleasure to introduce Kevin Bartlett, the Founding Director of the Common Ground Collaborative. This episode is part of my 'Perspectives on Pedagogy' podcast series which are education-based in nature, but rooted deeply in what it means to lead and learn with purpose and intentionality. A quote comes to mind when I think about Kevin: "A great educational leader possesses a unique set of qualities and skills that enable them to effectively guide and shape the educational institutions they oversee."Kevin does just that and has done it for decades in the field of education. He has a long history of creating true change in educational institutions. Throughout his decades of experience in the field of education, Kevin has learned to combine visionary thinking, strong communication, empathy and his genuine commitment to learning and growth into everything he does both personally and professionally in his life. He leads with integrity and is a true advocate for inclusivity which is evidenced by the schools he's helped transform over the years. Not only does he speak his truth with clarity and conviction, he is probably one of the biggest supporters of teachers I have ever come across. As a very experienced educational leader, Kevin has committed himself to making the professional lives of teachers more meaningful, manageable and rewarding. He knows how difficult a teacher’s job is and, as a consultant, he works on the ground with them, in their own space. He choses to teach and learn alongside them rather than from an ivory tower preaching about what good teaching practice is. In our conversation today, Kevin shares his thoughts on educational leadership and what each leader's role/responsibility is in creating schools that truly prioritize meaningful learning. We also dive into Kevin’s story and what drives him in the work that he does. Kevin also shares a genuine example of what a great school actually looks like in action, using one of the organizations that he works closely with through his consulting role. You will hear all about this school in our podcast today. I want to thank Kevin for his time and energy and agreeing to come on my podcast. It was an honor to have this conversation with him. I hope that any educational leader out there listening to this learns something new from Kevin today that they can immediately applied in their own leadership practice.Thanks for listening and please share this episode and my new podcast with any educator who you feel will benefit from tuning in.About Kevin:Kevin has held leadership positions in the UK, Tanzania, Namibia, Austria, and Belgium, where he was most recently Director of the International School of Brussels from 2001-2015.Kevin has co-designed accreditation systems for the European Council of International Schools (ECIS), the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEAS&C) and is currently engaged with a small team developing ACE, an innovative new accreditation protocol for NEAS&C.Kevin is a regular author of articles on a range of topics, a keynoter/workshop leader at multiple international and national conferences, and on-site consultant on a wide range of topics.He is a writer and trainer in the field of curriculum design and leadership for learning for the Principals’ Training Center. As a curriculum designer, he was the initiator and early leader of the IB Primary Years Programme.Connect With Kevin:TwitterLinkedInWebsite

Send us a textIn the latest Wisdom of Alignment series, we explore the intrinsic and extrinsic motivations driving people to pursue leadership roles. While some leaders may be motivated by career advancement or recognition, many seek to drive positive change, mentor others, and bring out the best in their teams. However, leaders often face barriers that lead to complacency and stagnation, hindering their ability to inspire and motivate.The greatest leaders are aware of these barriers and consistently align their actions with a cause greater than themselves. They excel at connecting with their teams, making informed decisions, developing talent, and keeping empathy and compassion at the forefront.A powerful story from the Finding Mastery podcast with Dr. Michael Gervais illustrates this. A young pilot, after a series of mistakes, is supported empathetically by his commanders, who guide him through reflection and learning. This approach creates a psychologically safe environment, fostering growth and connection.The episode emphasizes that human-centered leadership, grounded in empathy and compassion, is the key to success. True leaders mentor, guide, and create platforms where everyone can thrive, learning from both successes and failures.Reflective questions are provided to help listeners assess their own leadership approach:To what extent do you choose empathy, compassion, and kindness over control and compliance?To what extent do you mentor those you lead, guiding them toward better versions of themselves?To what extent do you take full accountability for your own growth as a leader, admitting shortcomings and seeking support?Listeners are encouraged to share their thoughts and experiences on building trust and mentoring in the workplace. Thanks so much for your support. Connect with AndyPlease connect with me through any of the social media platforms below:Twitter 'X'LinkedInFacebook

Send us a textIn today's Wisdom of Alignment episode, we explore Joseph Campbell's idea that "invisible hands" help us when we're on the right path in life. Delving into Aristotle's ancient teachings on eudaimonic well-being, we discuss how aligning our actions with our true purpose brings much deeper fulfillment and purpose in our pursuit of things that matter most to us. In today's episode, we'll also reflect on personal growth, meaningful goals, self-acceptance, positive relationships, autonomy, and environmental mastery.Through the story of a first responder finding a new career path, we see the courage required to pursue the right path for us based not only on our unique context, but also on the skills, talents and values we possess. I hope you enjoy this episode and that it helps you to reflect on your own path and discover ways to live more authentically in your life. Thanks for listening.Connect with AndyPlease connect with me through any of the social media platforms below:Twitter 'X'LinkedInFacebook

Send us a textToday, we have an inspiring guest, Munashe Masawi, whose journey from Zimbabwe to Canada is a powerful testament to discipline, commitment, adaptability, and resilience. Known as Mu by his close friends and family, his story is nothing short of inspiring.Growing up in Zimbabwe, Mu faced numerous challenges and barriers. His mother’s courageous decision to seek a better life led her to Canada, leaving Mu and his sister behind for three years. Reuniting in Ontario at the age of 12, Mu had to navigate a completely new lifestyle. Despite the difficulties, his passion for sports, especially basketball and later football, became his guiding light.Mu’s athletic prowess earned him a successful collegiate career at Queen's University, but his story doesn’t end there. Beyond sports, he embraced health, wellness, and fitness, continually striving for personal growth. Meeting his partner, Sav, introduced him to the world of long driving in golf, where he is making significant strides with a personal best of 416 yards.In this episode, we delve into what high performance means to Mu, how he cultivates the conditions to pursue his best self, and the profound role spirituality plays in his life. Mu's journey is a remarkable example of what is possible when we are disciplined for greatness.Join us as we explore the inspiring story of Munashe Masawi and uncover valuable insights on resilience, commitment, and the pursuit of excellence.Connect with Munashi MasawiInstagramWebsiteLinkedIn

Send us a textIn today's short Wisdom of Alignment podcast series, I dive into the work of Dr. Carl Jung and his focus on the 'shadow side' of self. His work has great application to leadership. In this episode, I share what it means to have a shadow side and how this side of us can greatly hinder our ability to lead in impactful ways. In terms of making this practical for any leaders listening to this, I've also included 4 very specific questions that can be used to gather the feedback needed to see what might be getting in the way of building the trust needed to lead with more authenticity in order to have the genuine impact we desire. Hope you enjoy this episode and that it provides you with some practical ideas to help you improve your leadership. Connect with AndyPlease connect with me through any of the social media platforms below:Twitter 'X'LinkedInFacebook

Send us a textToday’s conversation is with Daniel Carcillo, two-time Stanley Cup winner with the Chicago Blackhawks, and ten-year veteran of the NHL. Daniel also played with the Philadelphia Flyers, Los Angeles Kings, Phoenix Coyotes, and one season with the New York Rangers throughout his career.  Having had 4 Stanley Cup appearances over the last few years of his professional playing career, Daniel brings so much insight and wisdom into today’s discussion with me. From the highs of being an athlete at the top of his game to the lows of debilitating injuries that required multiple surgeries that ultimately resulted in a opioid addiction, he has seen and experienced it all and shares many gems of insight in this conversation.It’s clear that Daniel knows what it takes to be the best he can be when it comes to pursuing true passions in life, both personally and professionally. Despite having an amazing career that spanned ten years and two Stanley Cups over the course of 429 games and 164 fights in the NHL, Daniel is more defined by the human he is. He has done so much internal work to better understand his past trauma in order to live with much more authenticity, courage, resilience and purpose in his life. As a result, he continues to have such a positive impact on those who are lucky enough to come across his path. In our conversation today we cover the following themes:Early days in Daniel’s life and the strengths he developed that went on to serve him so well as an athlete and entrepreneurThe power of our internal voice and how to navigate it in ways that helps to bring out our best in lifeThe importance of having a mindfulness practice to help combat tough emotions brought on by past traumaThe power of vulnerability as a tool for being as honest as possible about our experiences, needs, and wants in lifeHow to maintain motivation and purpose regardless of our pursuitsAfter his playing days, Daniel began to suffer from mild-like dementia symptoms brought on by the many concussions he sustained while playing in the NHL. He knows all too well the physical and emotional toll that can accompany these injuries. Since retiring, Daniel has devoted his life to sharing his experiences, insights, and the transformative impact of emerging therapies, as well ancient and natural medicines in regaining brain health and quality of life. This conversation with Daniel was a special one that I hope you find value in. Please share it with anyone who you feel will benefit from listening. Hope you enjoy it!!Connect With Daniel CarcilloWebsite'X' Formerly TwitterLinkedInInstagramFacebookYouTube

Send us a textThe podcast you are going to hear today is with Sharon Salzberg. She has been a true pioneer in the realms of meditation and mindfulness for more than four decades now. Sharon's influence has been pivotal in bringing these practices to the forefront of Western consciousness as far back as the early 1970s. As a co-founder of the Insight Meditation Society in Barre, Massachusetts, and a New York Times best-selling author, Sharon's wisdom resonates deeply with audiences worldwide because she makes meditation and mindfulness so much easier to understand and apply in people’s lives. In today’s conversation we unpack the themes of trauma, mindfulness, loving kindness, compassion and the importance of staying aligned to the core values that drive us in life. Although Sharon has written 12 books, it’s 3 of those 12 that we dive into the most in today’s conversation:Faith: Trusting Your Own Deepest Experience which was a deeply meaningful endeavor putting that book together as it was the first time she shared her true life story and the struggles she had to overcome in her life and how meditation and mindfulness allowed her to do so. As well we explore the theme of loving kindness and compassion which she wrote about in her 1995 book Loving Kindness, the Revolutionary Art of HappinessWe finish off today’s podcast talking about her latest book called Real Life: The Journey from Isolation to Openness and Freedom which she published a year ago in April 2023 and what it is she hopes audiences world wide will takeaway from reading this book. It was a genuine honor to have Sharon join me on the podcast. Her gentle, calm, and compassionate demeanor immediately shines through in our conversation, offering profound insights and life lessons drawn from her journey.As you listen, I hope you'll discover as much value as I did in our discussion. I encourage you to also explore Sharon's books, including her latest release, Real Life: The Journey from Isolation to Openness and Freedom.Connect with Sharon:WebsiteInsight Meditation SocietyTwitterFacebookLinkedInAs well, you can find all Sharon's books hereThanks for sharing my Run Your Life podcast with anyone who you feel will benefit from listening.

Send us a textMy conversation today is with Dr. Jim Knight, Founder and Senior Partner of Instructional Coaching Group (ICG). Jim is also a research associate at the University of Kansas Center for Research on Learning and has spent more than two decades studying professional learning and instructional coaching. He earned his PhD in Education from the University of Kansas and has won several university teaching, innovation, and service awards. He’s also authored several books including Unmistakable Impact (2011), High-Impact Instruction (2013), Better Conversations (2015), The Impact Cycle (2018), and The Definitive Guide to Instructional Coaching (2021).What I appreciate about Jim is the thoughtful way that he shares his learning. He’s been on my podcast several times, and our conversations are not just about me asking questions and him sharing his knowledge. Jim is very authentic and genuine in the way he shares and he doesn’t ever imply that he has the so called ‘right’ answers but rather remains very curious and centered on what might be rather than what is absolute. In today’s episode we explore themes of:Learning to better know self in order to best show up for those who we coach and leadWe also dive into strategies that help to promote and facilitate peer coaching in organizationsThe impact for culture on coaching conversationsKnowing the importance of taking a flexible approach when coaching others….When I reflect on my friendship with Jim and who he really is…. this quote comes to mind: "A meaningful life is not about being rich, being popular, being highly educated or being perfect. It’s about being real, being humble, being able to share ourselves and touch the lives of others."To me this is who Jim is, so generous with his time and very real. He’s a humble person who always strives to learn and grow and in the process change the lives of so many leaders and educators that are so lucky to work with him. You can find out where to connect with Jim in the show notes of today’s episode. If you haven’t connected with him, I highly recommend doing so and signing up for any training that you can. I hope you find value in today’s discussion with Jim Knight Please share this episode with anyone who you feel will benefit from listening. Thank you!Connect With Jim:TwitterWebsiteLinkedInFacebookJim's books can be found here.