Inside Influence cover image

Inside Influence

Latest episodes

undefined
Mar 9, 2021 • 1h 3min

Pip McKay - Your Influence Archetype: A hidden language of growth, persuasion and getting unstuck

There are some episodes of this podcast where I feel like I come into the conversation with at least some basic knowledge of the subject or, or the journey we're about to embark on. And then there are others where it's probably equally as new territory for me as it might be for you. And in my experience, those ones, the ones where I have the least experience usually make the best conversations. And they also usually lead to places and nuggets of gold that would be hard for me to reach otherwise. Mainly because I don't come at the conversation with my biases or with my own knowledge or own experiences. I am simply able to sit completely in a beginner's mind. And today is one of those episodes. For a long time, I've had a long running fascination into the mysterious world of archetypes. Now archetypes is not a topic that's discussed often or even a word that's probably often used. But use of archetypes typically has and continues to form the foundation of pretty much every brand identity, advert film storyline, reality TV show or a marketing campaign that you have encountered. Now most of the people who work in those worlds can and do talk about this particular subject at length, but outside those walls, you barely ever hear it mentioned. In fact if you've ever taken any kind of a form of personality test, which as we know form the basis of billions of dollars worth of recruitment and training decisions, you'll basically have been given a giant list of what your archetype is usually in the context of work, and how to make that archetype work for you. Now, the simplest way to think about archetypes or how I have come to think about archetypes is they just describe a pattern of behavior that is either permanent ie- I am a Heidi for anyone familiar with the Myers Briggs model of personality testing, or they form a part of a very specific phase of a journey, such as the phase of the journey called the call to adventure in Joseph Campbell's classics hero's journey, which if you haven't heard has been used to design the storylines of pretty much every blockbuster movie of our time. Just think Luke Skywalker in Star Wars.So there has to be a key in here, right? Understanding the world of archetypes would seem to give us some kind of unique vantage point on what makes a story, a human, a political party, movie or leadership team so compelling. Basically why some are successful and why others fail. And that, my friends, is a very long rationale as to why I sought out my next guest Pip McKay. Pip is a world leading coach, mentor and author on the subject of NLP and breakthrough performance, author of two best selling books ‘The eight principles of achievement, love and happiness’ and ‘Four tribes on Earth’, both of which reached Amazon Number one in the US, Australia, UK, Canada - the list goes on. She is also an expert on archetype or coaching, which is predominantly what we dive into as part of our conversation today. In this conversation we cover:-What exactly an archetype is and how we can use that understanding to build greater insights into where the leaps in our performance might lay. How to get ourselves unstuck - The four phases of growth, How we move between them, where we often find ourselves, what feels like right back at the beginning, aka Thank you 2020.The price of feedback and why powerful vulnerability does not mean standing in front of the firing line alone. The concept of thresholds and click through points, usually describing those moments that feel like freefall, but are in fact, usually an invitation to something else. Why at various times, we all need to learn how to stop blaming and pay the price.I've thought a lot about this conversation since it was recorded. Strangely enough more thanmost and probably my biggest takeaway and something I'd really love you to listen out for. While you're soaking all of this up today is this simple reframe. The next time you're stuck there are usually only ever two ways out of it. The first is to stop beating your head against that brick wall - you know the one and get some support. Now that might be a partner, a coach, a friend or a mentor. Essentially, whatever place it is they won't judge how you got yourself there in the first place. And then the second is to consciously surround yourself with a genuine diversity of perspectives on the where to from here.As that age old Einstein quote goes “We can't solve our problems with the same thinking that we used to create them.” Now both of these strategies sound really simple, but in my own reflections, and as someone who's been stuck more than my fair share of times it's rare that we do either. On that note sit back, sip on your latte, stride out and enjoy the fascinating mind of one of the true sages in this space, the amazing Pip McKay. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
undefined
Feb 23, 2021 • 1h 5min

Michael Grinder: Charisma, power and the School of Unlearning

Here’s a question – how do you feel about the word charisma?Does it inspire you? Make you think about world leaders or industry icons – those who are able to inspire others with their words and actions. Does it make you cringe? Feel somehow kind of hollow – like a veneer or side show designed to hide something? Or does it just feel like a super power you either do or do not have.The honest answer for me – is somehow all of those things. I’ve seen charisma – that illusive magnetic quality – move mountains, raise millions of dollars and build entire organisations from nothing but an idea.I’ve also seen the traditional definition of charisma – one of flamboyance, volume and a willingness to put on a show - be responsible for keeping some of the most incredible people, ideas and companies on the side lines. Resigned before they begin - by the mistaken belief that they don’t have what it takes to achieve that level of influence.So much power – for one very little word.Today’s guest takes that word charisma – and turns it inside out. Rather than an attribute that’s externally referenced – what people think of me, the end result I achieve – he believes it to be something that starts from within. He also believes that charisma – and influence – has very little to do with the words that we say – but rather in the space between the words – or non-verbal cues as he calls them.In other words – he’s someone I had to talk to.Michael Grinder has over 40 years of experience training thousands of groups. Known as the pioneer of nonverbal communication, Michael helps executives and educators assess people accurately, connect with others deeply, and build their charisma.He’s written 14 books, which have been translated into seven languages. He’s a sought-after speaker across seven continents. He was also Teacher of the year on three different occasions and a recipient of the 2019 DACH “Mediator of the Year.”In this conversation we dive into:How to avoid being shot as the messenger of bad news – especially if you’re in a leadership position that involves naming the unpopular elephant in the room.How to use your breath as a tool to immediately move your body from fight or flight – into a zone of powerful influence.Why the cracks in works of great art, hold the key to understanding the two spaces we need to occupy when lifting our charismaThe role of ‘planting’ when it comes to diffusing conflict – or igniting possibility. GAME CHANGERAnd finally, why there should be a school of unlearning, when it comes to the stories we tell ourselves about our own ability to influence – and the tools we are given (or in many cases not given) to make the leaps in impact we want to make.If you’re interested in even more tools from Michaels arsenal. Can only cover so many in an audio format – if you want to learn more – I can’t recommend highly enough that you check out Michaels newsletter ( http://michaelgrinder.com/free-charisma ). It’s packed full of tools, videos, resources on every area of this topic.In this episode, what I’d love you to reflect on – or keep at the back of your mind - is this line that you’ll hear us discuss: ‘If you can’t give solutions, give sanity’. I think all too often, as leaders, parents – salespeople – we fall into the solution trap. The idea that our role is to have all the answers. To have a clever strategy, or winning smile, that will make all the uncertainty disappear.The irony is that – more often than not – the people who look to you – or look up to you – they aren’t even listening. They’re measuring how you hold yourself. They’re reading your body language, your voice, your pauses and the strength and certainty of your presence.That’s charisma. That’s influence. And those are tools you can learn.On that note, sit back, cycle on, sharpen your pencil and get ready for a masterclass from one of the legends in his field – Michael Grinder. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
undefined
Feb 9, 2021 • 49min

Oberon Sinclair: From Unknown to Iconic: How one woman made Kale the world's most infamous vegetable

I’m going to start today’s introduction with a quote from The Times: “If the vegetable kingdom had a supermodel it would be Kale.”  You know Kale - the green leafy vegetable that seems to be in everything? Steamed kale, baked kale, kale smoothies, dehydrated kale chips and my personal favourite – kale ice-cream.For those of you that have been living under a rock – kale has to be the world’s most talked about super food of the past few years. In 2014, Whole Foods went from barely stocking Kale to selling 22k bunches per day, and small-time kale chip producers became multi-millionaires practically overnight.From food to fashion - even Beyoncé sported a Kale sweatshirt in one of her popular music videos.So, like all things that seemingly come out of nowhere and suddenly become viral – it’s interesting to ask the question – what exactly happened? Who started these wheels in motion – how do they feel about what happened next - and more importantly – how on earth did they do it?So this episode started nearly a year ago – when I hadn’t yet asked myself any of those questions about my morning smoothie. It began with an email from someone call Captain Jack. The rough gist of the email was ‘I love your podcast and – if you haven’t already – you have to talk to a lady called Oberon Sinclair. She made Kale famous’. Full stop.Now we get a handful of these emails every week – some are interesting – some are down right strange - but there was something about Captain Jack – and the words ‘made Kale famous’ – that I think pretty understandably got me hooked. Pardon the pun.What followed was a six month conversation from various points around the globe, that led me to become more and more fascinated with the phenomenon that is Oberon Sinclair. In simple answer to the question – yes she did single handedly make Kale famous – but how she did it – and why she did it – is a story you have to hear. So here are a few background details…Oberon is the CEO and founder of the PR and creative agency, My Young Auntie. Over the past 20 years, she has collaborated with, consulted for and managed clients including Hermès, Vivienne Westwood, Jack Spade, Converse and Fabergé. On top of all of that she is also widely regarded and known – as the Queen of Kale. In this conversation we unpack:How to spot – and create trends - by making and creating space in your life for curiosityWhy deciding to act on that zing – is one of the most powerful decisions you can make in business and in lifeWhy she created the American Kale Association – and why it became the vegetable kingdoms best kept secret  How to create a network of influence – including creating natural, unforced connections – no faking it until you make it hereThe keys to putting together effective collaborations – including the three step rule - Connect, create, collaborateWhat I’d love you to reflect on when listening to this conversation – is how un-linear her journey has been. I think we can often fall into the trap of taking a a+b=c approach to influence – or to building any kind of business, career or movement from scratch. From my experience – and from any of the conversations I have had with those that have fire tested the tools – it just doesn’t work that way. It involves trusting your instincts, following the breadcrumbs when they appear, showing up and staying inspired when it feels like you’re on an unexpected detour (aka the whole of 2020). And finally – playing the long game with the people you meet along the way. If this conversation feels like it walks down many different paths - it’s because that’s what a truly inspired and influential life often feels like. The question is always our commitment to keep walking.On that note – sit back, pull out the kale chips and enjoy an insight into the brilliant mind of the Queen of Kale herself – Oberon Sinclair. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
undefined
Jan 26, 2021 • 19min

Cody Keenan - Finding your voice: Lessons from Obama in compelling communication

Today’s we’re going to dive into that last word – Nation.What does it take to write a speech so captivating - so compelling – that it has the ability to stop a Nation in its tracks? Make the planet literally sit up and pay attention – or define an entire moment in history for generations to come. Would it be fair to say that the writing of that speech would take a level of mastery that’s worth knowing?I’ve worked with speakers and presenters for twenty years. And this bit, the crafting of the story itself – what’s too much – what’s not enough – what’s too simple – what’s too complex – what does justice to the ideas – and what will just get lost amongst the noise. That’s always the most underestimated part. Presentations skills you can learn – an instinct for the unparalleled power of words – that’s a level of mastery that takes years or decades to develop. Unless… of course… you learn from the best.My guest today is exactly that. Someone I have admired for years as THE master of the craft. Keenan is a professional speechwriter who, as Director of Speech Writing for President Obama - has written or edited more than 2,000 speeches for his boss. Including the historical March 2015 speech, when Obama spoke in Selma, Alabama, marking 50 years since "Bloody Sunday". More recently he also worked on Obama’s Democratic National Convention speech, which is still being described by many pundits as a ‘historically unprecedented’. So what does that take? Where do you start? What words do you use when there are no words? Or – in moments when every single word counts so much – that each will be dissected a million times by the media. What you’re about to hear is basically a masterclass in compelling communication. In this conversation, we dive into… One of the most powerful questions I have ever heard when it comes to owning your space in a room – or an arena… ‘Why are you the only one who can tell this story?’ The importance of starting and ending a speech on purpose - how to grab the audience’s attention from the first word and send them home with a fire to move forward. Transitions and signposting – basically how to move seamlessly from one point to the next without losing your audience.Why the best speeches are like jazz – a piece of advice that came from President Obama himself – where the pauses and low notes are what allow the high notes to shine. Why you shouldn’t put anything in a speech that you wouldn’t say to a friend in a bar – try thinking about public policy this way and you’ll get what a mind flip that requires. And surprisingly, and reassuringly, that even for the man who writes to a nation, on some of the most pressing issues of our time... self-doubt and imposter syndrome are par for the course. The question is, can you put them to work for you - rather than letting them run the show.As a heads up – Cody does make a few references to mass shooting events - in the context of moments where it’s hard to find the words. I’ll leave you to decide how best to take care of yourself and your loved ones in those moments.What I do want you to reflect on here is that – as always - genius leaves footprints. Think of the last speech you witnessed that left you glued to your chair. That left you utterly committed to taking some action. Can you map out its basic structure? What caught your attention straight out of the gate? What were the core 3-5 points? How did they finished in a way that made sure you took action? Pay attention, all the clues are there.Oh and finally – if you write anything on a post it note and stick it to your desk today – let it be this: “What’s the story I want to tell – and why am I the only person who can tell it?”In the meantime, settle back and enjoy my conversation with the incredible mind that is Cody Keenan.... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
undefined
Jan 19, 2021 • 20min

Valerie Young - Rewriting the script on Imposter Syndrome: How to stop playing small and break free

Have you ever caught yourself wondering if you’re the right person for the job? I’m talking about that feeling that eventually - everyone is going to figure out that you’re making it up as you go along. That questioning how you even found yourself in the position you are, doing the things that you’re doing? Wondering when (not if) anyones eventually going to ‘find you out’?And secondly - here’s the biggie - have these thoughts ever stopped you from shooting for something - or asking for something - that really mattered?Today’s topic is a deeply personal one for me...I know for me there has been countless times in my life, not just my career, where I’ve thought to myself “”? And now that you’re here, how on earth are you going to pull this off?” As a mum, a founder, a speaker, my inner voice can sometimes be deafening than the sound of the busy-ness, even louder than the sound of the triumph, can I probably don’t have enough fingers and toes to count how many times my inner voice has been loud enough to stop me at the last minute from taking a dive into something beautiful.That’s what makes today’s podcast guest and conversation, such a deeply personal one for me, because I know the grips that Imposter Syndrome has had on me in the past, and I’m sure for you as well, and So - as one of the first in the year - I went on a mission to find the No 1. Voice on the planet on imposter syndrome.Find we did - and her name is Valerie Young, Valerie has spoken at some of the world’s largest and most diverse organizations as Apple, Chrysler, Boeing, Microsoft, IBM, Facebook, BP, Google, TED - and the list just keeps going - as well as at over 85 colleges and universities including Stanford, Harvard, Princeton, MIT, and Oxford.I...:Just exactly how far-reaching the effects of imposter syndrome are - here’s a clue it doesn’t belong to an age group or a gender - in fact - the further up the tree you go - the more likely you are to deal with itWhat it can do, to even the most capable of people - and why it’s vital that we learn to deal with it or miss out on vast amounts of potentialThe tools to re-frame that voice in our heads when it appears - to literally take the ‘freeze effect’ and use it as fuelDeveloping new responses to failure and mistake making - this one has been huge for me this past year. Starting with my conversation with Mark Schulman - drummer for Pink and the phrase ‘Am I free to fail?’Why the belief that we are imposters relies on one fundamentally untrue assumptionAnd what to do when we feel that cycle of self-doubt kick inThis was one of those conversations, that started out for me - and hopefully will continue to gain traction as we start discussing - in more and more places - and certainly on this podcast - the stories that keep us small - in business, in society and in life - and ways to flip that narrative to make the largest contribution we’re capable of making.And that involves first believing that we deserve to be there.So grab your favorite biscuits, I’m all in on Tim Tams at the moment - make sure you’ve got your pen and paper handy - and let 2020 be the year you finally let that imposter go. Enjoy my conversation with - Valerie Young.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
undefined
Jan 17, 2021 • 55min

Mastery Moments - Lessons learned from 100 episodes

So here we are, 2021 has to be one of the most eagerly anticipated years of recent times, and today’s episode marks 100 episodes into the Inside Influence journey. You know, honestly, I'm a little bit in shock with that last one. Three years ago, Inside Influence started out over dinner with a friend, we were talking about how the tools of influence had changed over the last decade. How we had watched the pyramid of influence completely turn on its head. These shifts had taken us from an analog to a digital world. From those with a platform having the power and the voice - to those with an iPhone. From brands being the central holder and focus of attention - to human beings. From the information age - to a world of Epic storytelling. From success equating currency in the bank - to success literally now being valued on the currents of attention and engagement you're able to command. I can still remember the day when we press go on the first episode. Since then we've been on a ride that I could not have imagined. Diving deep into the world of global movements, WWF wrestling (that was a trip), the underbelly of Hollywood, FBI hostage negotiation, Unskippable storytelling and presidential politics. Throughout it all, the single point of focus has not changed – that being trying to decode this new age of influence. Essentially, unpacking exactly what is it that makes the people, movements or ideas of this new age utterly and truly compelling.So for this episode, in case you've not guessed already, it's just me. I'm flying solo. I wanted to take a moment to just reflect on some of the lessons I've learned over the past hundred episodes. And not only that, but some of the core lessons I've seen play out and take quantum leaps over the past 12 to 24 months. However, before I do, it feels appropriate and somewhat necessary to me to take a moment just to acknowledge the year that has been. We started 2020 on a trajectory that changed very quickly. I remember when lockdown first happened, when our businesses, careers, lives and families first underwent this giant shift. In the beginning, all I can remember thinking was - I don't know what to say. I was being asked to speak on podcasts, interviewed for magazines and to be honest I felt like a fraud. The predominant voice in my head just kept saying the same words - I don't know what to say. I felt like I just needed to shut up and listen, because I didn’t have the words to describe this moment. I didn't have the words to be useful. I didn’t have the words to translate this in a way that I felt was helpful. And so that's what I did. I listened and it soon became apparent that nobody really knew what to say. And for me, as someone who defines my world through words, that was deeply unsettling. I think it was deeply unsettling for most of us. In particular, those in leadership positions, where you have people or communities looking to you to find the right words.It felt like we’d been rugby tackled off the road well-travelled and onto a dirt track, where nobody had a map or suitable shoes. Even the boldest amongst us stumbled as much, if not more, than we stood. And so it opened a different conversation. I got to watch a new conversation unravel and unfold, and that was one of bravery. This conversation became one of showing up - one of pulling close our communities, businesses, competition and communities. And one that, as I started to watch it unfold, began to amplify the speed and importance of the trends that, interestingly enough, we had already been uncovering in this podcast. These are the lessons I want to talk a little bit about in this episodeIn essence, it turns out that the right words don't matter as much as consistently showing up. It also turns out that relying on fear as a tool of persuasion can get you a very long way, a very long way, but not all the way. It also turns out that becoming fluent in the questions of those you are there to lead or serve, is way more important than being seen to have all of the answers. Now, as I recorded this, a third wave of COVID-19 was predicted to hit Sydney. It’s no longer shocking, and any adrenaline we had left has gone. Now it's about how quickly we can reset. How quickly we can reframe. How quickly we can focus on what is coming next, assuming and surrendering to the fact that it will probably contain just as many curveballs, if not more, than last year.So, that takes us back to where we began, where Inside Influence began 100 episodes ago. What can we double down on if we want to expand our sphere of influence? I've framed the five points within this episode as the Five Flips – the five essential shifts in thinking, strategy and mindset - that will be needed in order to stand out and own the power of our influence in 2021 and beyond. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
undefined
Jan 5, 2021 • 21min

James Clear - Atomic Habits: How to lock out distraction and move to the next level

Now, hands up if you have a set routine whilst listening to this podcast. Maybe you listen whilst you’re in the gym or on your commute?Obviously, if you’re listening to this at the time of publishing – when most of us are in lockdown due to the Covid 19 pandemic - you’re not at the gym and your commute is probably a traffic-free 10 second stroll to the kitchen table. So, in that scenario, it’s likely that your podcast listening habit has shifted or changed. And if that habit has changed, then I imagine, like me, most of your other habits are either completely out the window or drastically re-engineered. And… I’d take a guess that you’re probably forming new habits for this new landscape; some good (like spending more time with your family and finally reading those books you’ve been meaning to get to), and some, like the daily baking of banana bread and drinking of red wine -  potentially bad. As the saying goes, we are creatures of habit. Habits ground us, they lead us, they calm us. According to researchers at Duke University, they also account for 40 percent of our daily behaviour.  So what happens when all our usual habits disappear – or become impossible? Although unsettling (which is a just a fancy way of saying a cause for being either frozen, frantic or freaking out), it can also present us with a massive opportunity to upgrade. To bed down new habits – atomic habits - that can become the foundations of whatever comes next.In times of crisis we are either catastrophic or catalytic – The habits we develop during this time – they will become the catalysts to who we become next.So, all you need to do to improve your habits; is put in some good new ones, remove the bad old ones. Easy, right? Well, it’s easier than you think, and my guest for this episode can help you... 1% at a time. James Clear is the author of New York Times Best Seller: ‘Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits and Break Bad Ones’. The central question to James’ work both in the book and on his website and (EXCELLENT) newsletter is: how can we live better? And as I’ve said, our habits are the foundation to how we answer that question.So what is an Atomic Habit? They are small 1% improvements in behavior that, over time, compound into full-blown transformation. And this isn’t just about ‘will power’ and ‘mind over matter’. This is about removing the mental load of intending to get something done every day – and beating yourself up when you don’t – into creating micro habits that you can achieve easily, consistently – and eventually automatically.In this episode we talk about: ●  Forming and enforcing new habits in this new environment - and what four things you need to focus on to cement those new habits. 
●  How to make the immediate outcome of your habit satisfying – even when the greatest returns may feel in the distant future – i.e. developing killer abs.●  The vital practices of Habit stacking and habit squashing - and how to master both. 
●  Why identity always trumps motivation when the going gets tough. First asking yourself “Who is the type of person I want to become?” and “What would they do right now”?And Warren Buffet’s two-list rule; how the most dangerous things on your to-do this are the ‘good’ uses of your time (and also that you're a rose bush and not a tree, but that’ll make a lot more sense later). I could go on with the sound bytes as this episode is packed with them, but perhaps the most striking insight for me, is that ‘every action you take is a vote for the type of person you want to become’. If you sit with that one sentence for long enough – other than potentially regretting that last bottle of wine – it brings every decision you make from here into blinding clarity.So, pick a chair, corner of the garden or just get comfy into whatever your life in lockdown looks like – and enjoy my conversation with James Clear....  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
undefined
Dec 29, 2020 • 11min

Marion Farrelly - How to be interesting: The keys to cut through and working out your X Factor

Now, what if I told you that I could capture your attention in 30 seconds or less. Then convert that attention into engagement so great – that you would voluntarily spend an hour of your day – every day – consuming my product. Then add to that maybe another hour of your day talking about my product to your friends, family, online networks. And then – and here’s the kicker – what if I told you I could turn that engagement into action - to the tunes of millions of dollars in revenue - in the space of one week? And I would do that by persuading you to spend your own money to vote on the fate of a group of people that you don’t know – in a situation that doesn’t impact you or your life in the slightest? And what if I could do that every week? Week after week. In various different forms. To the tune of 8 billion interactions and counting.So here’s the question - is that a formula you would be interested in knowing? My answer is a big fat yes. I’m talking of course about reality television. Now before you roll your eyes, and believe me I get it - let’s get real about the influence it wields. In the UK, more young people voted in the final of Britain’s Got Talent, than voted in the most recent general election. I’ll give you a second with that one. As a content tool, it exists within and shapes more conversations than the news. And as a force – it literally redefined the concept of celebrity and shaped an entire generation of attention spans. And on that note – I arrive at today’s guest.Marion Farrelly created, built and produced some of the most influential reality TV shows on the planet. Shows such as The X Factor, Big Brother, Celebrity Apprentice, Dancing with the Stars, The Farmer Wants a Wife. Her content has been watched more than eight billion times worldwide and she’s put more than ten thousand people on stage, who were then watched by hundreds of millions. She’s worked with everyone from Hollywood A listers to Astronauts, Politicians to Popstars, Cyber Security Specialists and CEOs. Having recognised one thing very early in her career - that the people who were world-class, charismatic and utterly influential, all had one thing in common – The X Factor. In today’s conversation we get into:The X-Factor – what it is, what it looks like and how to harness it from the fist moment – whether in a pitch, a video, or walking onto a stage. Casted over 12,000 people.The formula for turning engagement to action; i.e. getting people to ‘vote’ - either with their time, attention or money. The power of ‘sticky information’ i.e. how to have the largest impact with the least possible words.The A, B, C & D of presenting yourself in the best possible way whenever you’re required to step up. How to cut out the white noise; every industry has white noise – the words everybody else usesThe difference between hoping something will happen – and making it happen. And, in what has been possibly the most obvious and yet insightful piece of advice in the history of this podcast. Why the antidote to stage fright is one simple sentence: ‘no one knows what you’re going to say and so therefore, you can’t get it wrong’. Sounds obvious, but believe me it’s worth spending some time with that one the next time you feel any fear around using our voice. I’ve known Maz for a little while now. Other than being as brilliant as she is wholehearted. The reason I asked her on the show is really simple – I really believe that if you took everything she knows - about the levers behind attention, influence and action – and how to pull them – and then injected it into a brand or political party. It would rewrite the playing field.Imagine an election campaign so compelling you would pay to vote? Hard right? Hopefully not so hard by the end of this episode.So, turn on, tune in, put down the hashtags and enjoy my chat with the explosion of energy that is Marion Farrelly...  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
undefined
Dec 22, 2020 • 13min

James Kerr - Leading at speed: How to move like the All Blacks without burning out

My next guest is James Kerr -  the only person that has ever been allowed to go behind the curtain with the All Blacks -, to study what it is that makes them such an unrivalled force in the sporting world. He has spent most of his professional career studying the culture, patterns and habits of the world’s top performers including the Navy Seals, Manchester City FC and obviously the All Blacks - the fascinating insights of which became part of his widely acclaimed book Legacy. It’s his belief, that by unpacking what it is that makes generations of these teams so extraordinary, we can all learn to become better leaders – of ourselves, our teams and our chosen playing fields.  Background to how it came about…  Jules – can you add how you stumbled on James?  And so that’s how James and I found ourselves sitting down over a dodgy internet connection, he sat by an exotic pool in Bali and me sat in my makeshift studio surrounded by empty cups of tea, trying not to be jealous of said exotic pool. I think it’s pretty clear to anyone who has ever heard of the All Blacks, which let’s face it, is everyone, why I would be so keen to sit down with the man who’s spent more time studying them up close than anyone out there – as a team, they are the pin ups of high performance, from the moment they step onto the pitch, to the ground shaking impact of the Hakka, to what happens even in the changing room - the influence they have over themselves, each other and their opponents is mesmerising.  Now I’m not traditional known as a follower of sport, being surprised by the layers of Influence these players master on a day to day basis. From self influence, not letting high stakes situations crush you, to the influence of the collective, working together towards a higher order purpose as a team. James summed it up well when he said that the entire team has a mission that they strive towards that is talked about at every team meeting, and at every game and that is, to leave the jersey in a better place than when you first put it on. It’s this that I think will be the most powerful takeaway as you listen to James talk – a higher order purpose, bigger than one individual ego or performance, brought to life by captivating stories and delivered daily through habits and rituals is really the difference between an All Black, and – basically - everyone else. So what can we learn if we want to become the All black of our own space? In this episode we dive deep into:  Intensity vs. hustle – how to shoot for your goals without your team burning outMental tricks for standing your ground – the tools players use to keep a cool head on the field and how these can work in your high stakes situationsThe power of totems – why there are wine gums in every All Blacks locker room  Fierce Rituals – how the Haka has never lost its spine chilling power Shared mission – why the man who lays out the jerseys is as important as the men who wear them I’m confident that you’ll walk away from our time spent together today armed with the tools you need to set an intention, create a culture and operate at peak performance in a way that allows you to create your own legacy  whatever you're playing field. So sit back – or sit up straight if you’re driving – and enjoy my interview with James Kerr, peeling back the curtain and giving you unfiltered access to the sporting legends that are The All Blacks. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
undefined
Dec 8, 2020 • 1h 16min

Deb Gruenfeld - How to Access Your Power: Why you are far more influential than you believe

Today we’re going on a deep dive into the sticky subject of power. What it looks like, where it lives – and how we can access it – deliberately and specifically - to create more impact, choice and authority in our lives.If there’s two questions that have followed me throughout my career its these – firstly, how do you create influence? Is there a blueprint to owning your space in an industry, room or conversation – in such a way that you become the undisputed trusted authority.And secondly – is it possible to communicate with power and certainty - without being perceived as cold, aggressive or unapproachable?This conversation answers both of those questions.My guest today is Deborah Gruenfeld, social psychologist, Stanford Professor, in demand keynote speaker and author of ‘Acting with Power: Why We Are More Powerful than We Believe’. What I love about her book is that it puts to bed the story that there are two kinds of people in world: those who have power, and those who don't. Instead coming to the eye opening conclusion that we all actually have far more power than we think. Therefore making success not about how much power we have - but rather how we use it. In this conversation we dive into:Why in your next interaction or presentation - you have 100 milliseconds before we decide whether or not you are competent – and what to do to make them countWhy most of us prepare for any big moment by focusing on what we want to say – when only 7% of the impact we make is actually based on our words!The body language of power – how to move been playing high – a projection of authority – and playing low – a state where we are more connected and approachable. And why the real power lies in our ability to move between the two effortlessly and consciously.The keys to gravitas – and why the answer might just lie in the world of flamenco Our perceptions and behaviour towards women in power – and how body language is the most effective way to offset negative assumptions. These insights are incredible tools to either use – or share with the women you either manage, mentor or love.And finally, why being responsible for our state – and our ability to change it – has nothing to do with being inauthentic or changing the entire essence of who we are. But instead owning the fact that we have choice – in any moment – about which aspects of ourselves we choose to dial up. As a point of reflection while you listen to this conversation. If 2021 is going to be anything – I think we can all pretty much agree that it’s going to be a year of uncertainty. And, if history and politics have taught us anything, it’s that during uncertain times - our natural inclination as human beings is to avoid risk by seeking out those who communicate their ideas with power and certainty. Basically, we gravitate towards those we perceive as the trusted authorities. So now – as we close down on 2020 – it’s the perfect time to get curious about your current relationship with your own power. Where do you step into it? Where do you actively avoid it? Where do you overuse it? And where could you start to share it? All choice lives in awareness – and believe me our personal power is no different.On that note, sit back, stride out, steer carefully – or just sip a cup of coffee - and enjoy my conversation with the literal powerhouse that is Deborah Gruenfeld. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The AI-powered Podcast Player

Save insights by tapping your headphones, chat with episodes, discover the best highlights - and more!
App store bannerPlay store banner
Get the app