Mojo for the Modern Man

For this special episode I am joined by Stephen Shedletzky, and our conversation begins by unraveling the core themes of his new book, "Speak Up Culture: When Leaders Truly Listen, People Speak Up." Stephen expands on the book's title - delving into the vital role of vulnerability, curiosity, and grounded optimism in fostering environments where voices are heard. We explore the nuances of emotional agility, discuss stories from the book illustrating the impact of authentic leadership, and reflect on the personal growth that emerges when leaders embrace genuine communication. Join us for a heartfelt conversation on the power of creating spaces where individuals feel empowered to speak up, whether in corporate settings or family dynamics.Bio:Stephen Shedletzky — or “Shed” to his friends —  helps leaders make it safe and worth it for people to speak  up. He supports humble leaders — those who know they  are both a part of the problems they experience and the  solutions they can create — as they put their people and  purpose first.  A sought-after speaker, coach, and advisor, Shed has led  hundreds of keynote presentations, workshops, and  leadership development programs around the world. As a  thought leader on psychological safety in the workplace, he supports leaders and  organizations in all industries where human beings work. He is the author of Speak Up Culture: When Leaders Truly Listen, People Step Up (October 2023).  After years on a corporate track, Shed was introduced to and inspired by the work  of Simon Sinek and, soon after meeting him, became the fourth person to join his  team. For more than a decade, Shed has contributed at Simon Sinek, Inc., where, as  Chief of Staff and Head of Brand Experience, Training & Development, he headed a  global team of speakers and facilitators. Shed continues to speak and facilitate with  Simon Sinek helping to create a more inspired, safe, and fulfilled world.  Shed graduated from the Richard Ivey School of Business with a focus on  leadership, communication, and strategy. He also received his coaching certification  from The Co-Active Training Institute. He lives in Toronto with his wife and two  young children. Website: https://www.shedinspires.com/LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenshedletzky/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shedinspires/Twitter: https://twitter.com/shedinspiresYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqS1_nB34wWVIOSK3ZxvrnA

I am joined once again by Jerome Green, and we continue our conversation by diving right into what makes working with challenging individuals so rewarding for Jerome. He speaks about his journey of addiction, reflecting on pivotal moments, and finding clarity through spirituality. That journey led Jerome from university work to a distinctive career, Jerome shares insights into his passion for working with “assholes” and his commitment to understanding the unique complexities of each person. We take some time to reflect on the pandemic's impact, the importance of empathy, and the pursuit of excellence over perfection. Before wrapping up our conversation, Jerome imparts insightful words of wisdom, providing a thoughtful send-off that resonates beyond the realm of personal development.Bio by Jerome: I spent 24 years working in higher education, university management, leadership development, and human resources, and just as many years in the pressurized sports world running a youth sports basketball business, coaching young adults, and consulting coaches and athletes both on and off the court. All of my experience, education, and training have helped me build quite a collection of tools and methods to support those I work with and open their doors to discovery. My background translates beautifully to my business today and all aspects of my life. It helped me through what was perhaps my most difficult year, as it was for many, 2020. What I thought was once simple, I no longer take for granted. By embracing a growth mindset and gaining new personal and professional insights, I am now doing some of the best work of my career.Website: https://jeromegreencoaching.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeromegreencoachLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerome-green-3173b012/Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/IcanwinnowYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChez2vl-MVIoHJ9vbJwxScg

Today I am lucky enough to have a conversation with Jerome Green, whose path towards a career in counseling and university leadership roles was paved with moments of self-discovery. He begins by unfolding the story of his youth, detailing the influence of Mr. Miller, a mentor who played a pivotal role in steering him from compliance to rebellion to the complexities of identity and the ongoing process of self-discovery. With a keen focus on heart-centered living, Jerome encourages us to embrace curiosity and face the shadows within and before wrapping up Act 1, Jerome imparts a powerful piece of advice: find your frequency, discover your identity, and remember that all is well.Bio by Jerome: I spent 24 years working in higher education, university management, leadership development, and human resources, and just as many years in the pressurized sports world running a youth sports basketball business, coaching young adults, and consulting coaches and athletes both on and off the court. All of my experience, education, and training have helped me build quite a collection of tools and methods to support those I work with and open their doors to discovery. My background translates beautifully to my business today and all aspects of my life. It helped me through what was perhaps my most difficult year, as it was for many, 2020. What I thought was once simple, I no longer take for granted. By embracing a growth mindset and gaining new personal and professional insights, I am now doing some of the best work of my career.Website: https://jeromegreencoaching.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeromegreencoachLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerome-green-3173b012/Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/IcanwinnowYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChez2vl-MVIoHJ9vbJwxScg 

 Today I am joined by Charlie Savill once again, and we dive right into Act 2 of our conversation by delving into the intricate realms of artificial intelligence, its societal impacts, and the ethical considerations that accompany its rapid evolution. Charlie takes time to discuss the balance between technological advancement and ethical responsibility, contemplating the potential consequences of our increasingly interconnected world. From the ethical implications of AI in healthcare to the broader societal implications, Charlie leaves us with insights that challenge societal preconceptions and spark contemplation about the future we are collectively shaping.

Today I am joined by Charlie Savill, whose roots in Shropshire have profoundly shaped his perspective of the world. We begin by exploring Charlie's upbringing, marked by a deep connection to nature and farming, and we delve into his experiences in hunting - all a part of the transformative impact of his move to the countryside. We unravel the intricate relationship between humanity and the natural world, and our conversation takes us through the beauty and challenges of rural life, touching on themes of sustainability, conservation, and the evolving dynamics of living close to the land. Before wrapping up Act 1, Charlie imparts some wisdom that will undoubtedly resonate, leaving us with valuable reflections on our own place in the world.

Today I am joined by Ashanti Branch for Act 2 of our conversation, and almost immediately, we explore the genesis of the "Million Mask Movement," a powerful initiative aimed at helping individuals unmask their true selves and fostering empathy. Ashanti shares deeply personal stories, revealing the challenges he faced during a workshop and the wake-up call that fueled his commitment to continuous growth. As we journey through Ashanti's experiences at the Kennedy Center and his reflections on receiving the Surgeon General's medallion, we witness the humility and dedication that define his work, and before wrapping up our conversation, Ashanti leaves us with a profound reminder that the movement is not just about reaching a million masks; it's about creating a world where people feel seen and valued, fostering empathy on a global scale.Bio: Mr. Branch, born and raised by a single mother on welfare in Oakland, California, took the road less traveled to get out of the ghetto and attended one of California’s premier engineering colleges, California Polytechnic - San Luis Obispo. Ashanti studied Civil Engineering and worked as a construction project manager in his first career. After tutoring struggling students and realizing his true passion was teaching, Mr. Branch changed careers. He had suddenly found the “fire” that was missing in his life and he hoped to ignite a similar enthusiasm in his young students.In 2004 as a first year teacher, Ashanti started The Ever Forward Club to provide a support group for African American and Latino males, who were not achieving to the level of their potential. Since then, The Ever Forward Club has grown to serve both young men and women and become a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. The Ever Forward Club has helped 100% of its members graduate high school and 93% of them have gone on to attend college.With over 19 years mentoring youth and 10 of those years as a math teacher educating inner city youth, Ashanti was awarded with a Fulbright Exchange Fellowship to India, a Rotary Club Cultural Ambassadorial Fellowship to Mexico and a 2010 Teacher of the Year Award from the Alameda-Contra Costa County Math Educators.Mr. Branch is on a mission to change the way that students interact with their education and the way schools interact with students.Website: https://everforwardclub.org/ashanti-branch-bioLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch/

In this episode, I sit down with Ashanti Branch, an inspiring educator, to discuss his transformative journey as a teacher and mentor. We delve into the challenges he faced and the innovative methods he employed to connect with and guide struggling students, and throughout our conversation, we explore the power of mentorship and the profound impact of creating a supportive environment for students to thrive. We also uncover the personal struggles that Ashanti encountered and the profound changes that occurred as he navigated the complexities of teaching, and before wrapping up Act 1, Ashanti shared some wise words about the invaluable lessons and insights gained from his dedication to empowering students and fostering a sense of community and growth. Bio: Mr. Branch, born and raised by a single mother on welfare in Oakland, California, took the road less traveled to get out of the ghetto and attended one of California’s premier engineering colleges, California Polytechnic - San Luis Obispo. Ashanti studied Civil Engineering and worked as a construction project manager in his first career. After tutoring struggling students and realizing his true passion was teaching, Mr. Branch changed careers. He had suddenly found the “fire” that was missing in his life and he hoped to ignite a similar enthusiasm in his young students.In 2004 as a first year teacher, Ashanti started The Ever Forward Club to provide a support group for African American and Latino males, who were not achieving to the level of their potential. Since then, The Ever Forward Club has grown to serve both young men and women and become a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. The Ever Forward Club has helped 100% of its members graduate high school and 93% of them have gone on to attend college.With over 19 years mentoring youth and 10 of those years as a math teacher educating inner city youth, Ashanti was awarded with a Fulbright Exchange Fellowship to India, a Rotary Club Cultural Ambassadorial Fellowship to Mexico and a 2010 Teacher of the Year Award from the Alameda-Contra Costa County Math Educators.Mr. Branch is on a mission to change the way that students interact with their education and the way schools interact with students.Website: https://everforwardclub.org/ashanti-branch-bioLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch/

Today we welcome back Andraly Horn for Act 2 of our conversation, and he dives right into some profound insights on the healing power of touch and the importance of finding stillness in our busy lives. Throughout the conversation, Andraly touches on his deep connection with the land and how it has shaped his approach to farming and holistic well-being, leading us to the fascinating story behind Open Farms Retreat and how it serves as a sanctuary for those seeking peace and a deeper connection to the natural world. Andraly leaves us with an eloquent articulation of the interconnectedness between humans, nature, and the breath, offering practical tips for cultivating inner peace and harmony.Bio:Andraly Horn has been a Licensed Massage Therapist since 1999, and a devoted student and practitioner of Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy since 2007. He frequently is first assistant to Michael Shea, author and teacher of the definitive series Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy, and has studied long and short tides with numerous teachers over the years. He finds stillness within himself and his clients by not looking, and induces motion of the long and short cranial tides by not moving. He has a particularly long and close relationship with the back wall of the left ventricle of the heart – the space where the ectodermal/mesodermal/endodermal planes first emerged and began differentiating in the growing embryo. Born and raised in Nagodoches, Andraly has worn many hats in this life: Son, brother, father, husband, friend, healer. Theater Arts in New York City, long-distance trucking, Massage Therapy School in Florida, frequent bather in an open air cast iron hot tub in the piney woods of East Texas, and at last moving to Rhode Island twelve years ago. Andraly tends a large organic farm in Northern RI, where he climbs and cuts down trees, raises chickens, cultivates mushrooms and inspires the spirits of all who know him.Website: www.sagehealingcollaborative.com

Andraly Horn, known for his diverse background in theater, truck driving, and his current focus on bodywork and farming, shares the transformative narrative that shaped his multifaceted career. Reflecting on his upbringing in East Texas, Andraly highlights the profound influence of his childhood experiences on his enduring connection to the natural world. He muses about his transition from the realm of theater to the realm of bodywork, emphasizing the profound impact of stillness and the deep-seated belief in the spiritual connection between humans and nature. Throughout the interview, Andraly's emphasis on surrendering the ego to the divine unveils the spiritual foundation guiding his holistic healing practices, offering an insightful perspective on the intersection of spirituality and wellness.Bio:Andraly Horn has been a Licensed Massage Therapist since 1999, and a devoted student and practitioner of Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy since 2007. He frequently is first assistant to Michael Shea, author and teacher of the definitive series Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy, and has studied long and short tides with numerous teachers over the years. He finds stillness within himself and his clients by not looking, and induces motion of the long and short cranial tides by not moving. He has a particularly long and close relationship with the back wall of the left ventricle of the heart – the space where the ectodermal/mesodermal/endodermal planes first emerged and began differentiating in the growing embryo. Born and raised in Nagodoches, Andraly has worn many hats in this life: Son, brother, father, husband, friend, healer. Theater Arts in New York City, long-distance trucking, Massage Therapy School in Florida, frequent bather in an open air cast iron hot tub in the piney woods of East Texas, and at last moving to Rhode Island twelve years ago. Andraly tends a large organic farm in Northern RI, where he climbs and cuts down trees, raises chickens, cultivates mushrooms and inspires the spirits of all who know him.Website: www.sagehealingcollaborative.com

Today we welcome back Jason Frishman for Act 2 of our conversation, where we jump right into the idea of redefining the hero’s journey, emphasizing nurturing and everyday life experiences. Jason muses on the intricacies of fatherhood, supposing that men ought to reflect more, while advocating for the exploration of personal stories, overcoming obstacles, and connecting with family. Before wrapping up our conversation, Jason stresses the importance of creating spaces for men to express emotions, challenging typical notions of masculinity, which is the core of his work with fathers – fostering supportive environments and redefining fatherhood roles. Bio: Dr. Jason S. Frishman, PsyD has been working for over 20 years to support individuals, groups, families, organizations and businesses. Jason is excited to bring over two decades of work in offices, institutions, kitchens, farmers’ markets, woodlots and boardrooms to wild new environments. Whether as a psychotherapist, the creator and founder of JourneyMen, public speaker, thought leader or narrative consultant, Jason believes that our lives are adventurous, and we can and should be an active, engaged author of our own adventure stories! Website: https://www.journeymenfoundation.com/pages/about