The Plant Yourself Podcast

Remember Donna the Deer Lady, and her call to a radio talk show that electrified the nation?To refresh your memory, she was wondering why the highway department place the "Deer Crossing" signs at the busiest sections, where the deer were most likely to get hit by a moving vehicle. “Why are we encouraging deer to cross at the interstate? I don’t get it. That’s a high- traffic area,” she said.That’s exactly the kind of oddball story that grabbed me from minute one with Todd Cherches — a man equipped to wring out profound and useful truths from tales like that one.Todd is not your typical leadership guru—he earned his stripes in Hollywood, teaching actors how to deliver scenes, and later as a project manager sketching theme parks in China.These days, he coaches executives and trains leaders using what he calls visual leadership—a way to help people "see" what you’re talking about, not just hear it.In this episode, Todd unpacks how metaphors sneak into everyday chat (“Feed me, Seymour!” anyone?), why a CEO fetching potato chips for the staff says more about leadership than a big speech, and how to stay real and connected when half your team is working in slippers on Zoom.Show HighlightsHow a radio caller’s confusion about a deer crossing sign turned into a killer leadership metaphorWhy metaphors are baked into 50–70% of our language—and how to notice when you’re spooning them outTodd’s Hollywood adventures—including delivering lunches for Aaron Spelling and battling Mt. Hollywood traffic for extra chicken saladThe three lenses of leadership: microscope, telescope, and kaleidoscope – and why you’ll need ’em all in today’s hybrid, VUCA worldDigital leadership in 2025: making hybrid teams feel seen when you can’t just pop by their desksAI’s place in education and leadership—and how to stay mentally fit in spite of its pullThe four G’s of leadership everybody can start practicing today: Genuine, Generous, Gracious, and GratefulHow a single thank-you note from a student or client can become your secret stash of joyAbout Todd CherchesTodd is the CEO and co-founder of BigBlueGumball, a management and leadership consulting firm. He’s the author of Visual Leadership: Leveraging the Power of Visual Thinking in Leadership and in Life, and a globally recognized speaker and executive coach. A two-time TEDx speaker, Todd teaches at NYU and Columbia University and brings a unique blend of pop culture, practical tools, and visual metaphors to leadership and communication.Connect with Todd on LinkedInLearn more at toddcherches.com and watch his TEDx talk on visual thinkingGet VisuaLeadership at Bookshop.org

Five short years from now, 2030 will be here—and the world of work (and life) is shapeshifting at warp speed. We're all going to have to do some serious surfing to stay afloat, let alone to participate in creating the world we want. Executive coach Anna Glynn helps sales leaders, which isn't me and probably isn't you either. But what she teaches them can help us all stay effective, engaged, and sane in the rough seas ahead. In this conversation we unpack her STRONG framework—six evidence-based levers anyone can pull to build performance, wellbeing, and joy.What We Talk AboutS – Strengths: spotting and flexing what you’re already good at to create robustnessT – Trust (and psychological safety): the foundation for experimentation, feedback, and growthR – Resilience: bouncing forward (not just back) when the unexpected hitsO – Optimism: the power of realistic optimism to fuel action, not complacencyN – Networks: cultivating diverse, generous relationships that expand perspective and opportunityG – Goals & Purpose: aligning what you chase with why you’re here, to avoid burnout and boost meaningMicro-habitsHow to run a quick STRONG self-audit—and choose one lever to pull this weekLinksAnna’s home base: AnnaGlynn.com.auBook: STRONG: How the Best Sales Letters Engage, Achieve, and ThriveConnect with Anna on LinkedIn

Beth Green has lived many lives: activist, Marxist, spiritual channeler, intuitive counselor, and founder of the Healing Arts Network. In this moving and provocative conversation, she shares stories from her remarkable life—beginning with her expulsion from Smith College for protesting nuclear weapons at age 16—and the wisdom she’s gained through decades of navigating political and spiritual contradictions.We explore how ego shows up in both activism and spirituality, and how Beth integrates the two by grounding them in a simple yet radical truth: our job is to care for people and the Earth. She challenges the commodification of human creativity, the spiritual bypassing of systemic injustice, and the failure of both capitalism and traditional leftist movements to recognize the deeper roots of human suffering.This episode also features a powerful (and private) counseling session where Beth guides me through deep personal insight—so powerful that most of it didn't make it into the final cut. What remains, though, is the transformation that session catalyzed, and a conversation that just might do the same for you.Links and Resources:Beth’s counseling and spiritual work: bethgreen.orgFree books, music, and teachings: healingartsnetwork.orgBeth’s nonprofit and activist platform: thestream.infoThe New Declaration of Independence: thestream.info/next-steps Topics We Cover:The cost of courage in a conformist worldThe problem with both capitalism and spiritual escapismHow ego hijacks politics and spirituality alikeWhat it means to live “at the intersection of the human and divine”A radically compassionate vision for collective thriving

Zach Stone’s life arc runs from teenage “knucklehead” to crisis negotiator, trauma-informed facilitator, and head-of-product for thirty health-ed dev teams. In this rich, funny, and occasionally hair-raising conversation we drill down into the how of navigating chaos — on a subway platform, in a corporate boardroom, and inside your own nervous system.Trigger warning: there's a conversation about suicide at about 15 minutes into the episode. Skip to minute 17 if you want to avoid this section.Here's a tasting menu of our conversation:Gang manuals & purple binders – How a Quaker-adjacent conflict resolution course turned a 15-year-old troublemaker into a group dynamics geek.From union hall to board hall – Lessons learned refereeing SEPTA labor fights and why the same “rubber-and-glue” listening works on Zoom stand-ups.OARS in rough water – Using Motivational Interviewing (Open questions, Affirmations, Reflections, Summaries) to defuse rage, whether from a bus driver or the voice in your own head.Simulated danger, real breakthroughs – How well-designed role-plays can heal trauma if you hold the container (and what happens when a participant suddenly starts to undress).Signs you’re in a chaotic system – Chronic absenteeism, cortisol tummy, “my work doesn’t matter” syndrome, and 70% burnout in tech.Habit > culture – A shout-out to Paul Gibbons, Prochaska & DiClemente, and the myth of top-down culture change.Martial arts as somatic therapy – TaeKwonDo to Muay Thai to boxing; what Zach saw when veterans laid down their canes and kids in shelters stopped fighting.Virtual heartbreak – Coaching a Kharkiv dev team while missiles shook their bomb shelter.Chaos surfing 101 – Why you don’t control chaos, you ride it; plus simple team-level practices to build collective resilience.TakeawaysName the elephant first. Start every workshop by voicing the resistance in the room; it evaporates faster than you’d think.Watch for survival mode. Tight shoulders, skipped meals, rolling eyes? Slow down before you roll out another initiative.Move the meat-sack. Five minutes of mindful movement (shadow-boxing, Tai-Chi, hallway laps) resets the neuro-chemistry better than another latte.Change habits, not slogans. Draft tiny incentives that make the preferred behavior the easy behavior; culture follows.Links & ResourcesZach on LinkedIn – the easiest place to connect and geek out about behavioral science.Red Kite Project – trauma-informed organizational change (Charlotte DiBartolomeo).AFSC Help Increase the Peace curriculumBooksPeter Levine – Waking the TigerBessel van der Kolk – The Body Keeps the ScorePaul Gibbons – The Science of Organizational Change

Garry Ridge is the former CEO of WD-40 and the co-author of Any Dumb-Ass Can Do It, a book about building high-performance cultures through servant leadership, emotional safety, and consistent values. In this conversation, Garry shares not just what he learned during his 25+ years at WD-40, but how he lived it—and how other leaders can too.We talked about what it means to lead with a heart of gold and a backbone of steel, how culture can't be microwaved (spoiler: it's a crockpot), and why being a "dumbass" is actually a leadership superpower.Garry tells stories about turning fear into learning, eliminating the word "manager," and why clarity around values—especially in a hierarchy—gives everyone the confidence to make the right decision, no matter their title.We also explore:Why psychological safety isn't fluff, it's foundationalHow “the soul-sucking CEO” lives in all of us, and what to do about thatWhat happened when Garry went back to school as a CEOHow WD-40 went global using three simple marketing questionsWhy organizations should replace “failure” with “learning moments”The real-world power of love and belonging at workThe “Maniac Pledge” and how it eliminates finger-pointingHow even during COVID, WD-40’s engagement scores stayed sky-highThis episode is a warm bath of wisdom, humor, and hope for anyone who wants to lead—at work or in life—with integrity, humility, and heart.LinksGarry Ridge's website: thelearningmoment.netTake the Dumbass Proficiency Quiz hereConnect with Garry on LinkedInJoin the School of Dumb-Assery on LinkedInGarry’s book: Any Dumb-Ass Can Do It

DEI is under serious threat in a "post-Woke" world. Is it still relevant? Does it have to lead to shame?Can we promote diversity without creating zero-sum dynamics of winners and losers?Today's guest, Winitha Bonney, takes on DEI challenges with a clear and compassionate worldview grounded in empathy.Which, in her telling, is what DEI is all about. Ms Bonney helps me understand the importance of cultural context, the challenges of navigating discomfort and shame, and the ethical obligations of organizations to create a more just and inclusive world.AI Thinks These are the Key Takeaways, and Who am I to Argue?There's a lot of work to do in DEI.Cultural context is crucial in understanding DEI.DEI is often oversimplified in corporate settings.Navigating discomfort and shame is essential for progress.Corporate responsibility must align with ethical obligations.The future of DEI holds both challenges and hopes.Understanding different cultural perspectives enriches DEI efforts.Shame and guilt can hinder effective DEI work.Inclusion should focus on equitable resource distribution.The evolution of DEI is a response to societal changes.LinksWinitha.com (cool URL, no?)

Stephen Baxter lives in Tasmania, which has Tasmanian devils which sadly are nothing like the one that gave me nightmares as a little kid watching Looney Tunes cartoons on Saturday mornings.He’s a leadership mentor who promotes a style of leadership very different from the stereotypical command-and-control style of celebrated CEOs and generals: a humble, relational, and community-centered style of leadership rooted in influence, story, and service.Drawing from his diverse experience—as a former pastor, mentor to political leaders, and grassroots organizer—Stephen explains the power of "leading leaders" rather than followers, and how narrative, self-awareness, and collaboration shape a more human and sustainable model of leadership.He shows us how it’s possible to lead without ego and create culture without control. These qualities can foster change in  local communities and global systems.From church pews to parliament halls, from jazz bands to ultimate Frisbee teams, this conversation unpacks how leadership shows up in ordinary places—and why that's where it matters most.What We Talked AboutThe unique leadership ecosystem of TasmaniaHow leadership is different when people come voluntarily (vs. for a paycheck)The myth of the "alpha" leader and the power of facilitationLeadership as storytelling, not statusCultivating leadership in community, not in hierarchyHow fear and unmet needs distort leadershipThe hidden leadership potential in all of usTips for stepping into leadership in your family, workplace, or community

Jess Stuart, a former high-achieving executive turned leadership coach, shares her transformation from corporate burnout to advocating for sustainable workplaces. She discusses blending ancient wisdom with modern challenges, revealing signs of high-functioning burnout and the importance of redefining success. They also delve into the impact of generative AI on workplace dynamics, particularly regarding gender biases, and emphasize the need for emotional intelligence in leadership. Jess's insights inspire a more human-centered approach to both work and well-being.

Tough times for justice, equality, inclusion, and hope these days.With the "anti-woke" attack on DEI, I was wondering how my friend Keith Edwards was doing these days.His practice is one of "aspiring allyship" — how we can all come together to learn and grow, and work for our collective liberation from all forms of tyranny and discrimination.Are businesses, cowering before the Trump/Musk onslaught, running away from diversity, equity and inclusion as fast as they can?Turns out, no.Because these factors are critical to any business that wants to thrive in these turbulent times.As Keith points out, diversity isn't the opposite of meritocracy; it's the only way to get the right people into the right positions.And unlike the performative wokeness that spasmed through society in the wake of George Floyd's murder and the peak of the Black Lives Matter movement in summer 2020, companies that are bringing Keith in now are serious about making their organizations better. No more eye-rolling CEOs and checked-out senior managers.One of the ideas that Keith really hammers home is this: equity benefits everyone, not just marginalized groups. The things that really make our lives worthwhile — freedom, dignity, love, joy — aren't in short supply. In fact, the more of these that you have, the more that I can have as well.Leadership around these issues requires soul-searching, humility, a willingness to change and grow, and mindful presence.I shared my own struggles to become a useful ally with Keith, who shared some of his own "embarrassing moments," and pointed out that we're all "wildly unfinished," and as long as we're open, we can still act with integrity and power.Here are the takeaways that AI thought worth recording:Hope is a practice, not an emotion.Joy is a renewable resource that can be cultivated.Equity involves recognizing and removing unfair barriers.Allyship is about action, not identity.Being effective is more important than being right.Corporate language around DEI is shifting, but the work continues.The murder of George Floyd highlighted systemic issues in society.We are all works in progress and can change our perspectives.Helping marginalized groups ultimately benefits everyone.It's essential to recognize that joy and freedom are abundant resources. When we act for the collective, we are also benefiting ourselves.Mindfulness helps leaders stay grounded and centered.Slowing down can be a powerful leadership tool.Recognizing reactivity is the first step to choosing responses.Unlearning harmful beliefs is a gift to oneself.Aspiring allyship requires self-reflection and humility.Feedback should be seen as a gift for personal growth.Our liberation is interconnected with others' liberation.Performative actions can lead to genuine change over time.Creating accessible pathways for equity is essential.LinksKeithEdwards.comKeith's newsletterKeith's YouTube channelAspiring Allyship program"Riding Shotgun Down the Avalanche," by Shawn Colvin"The Big Payback" episode of AtlantaThe Book of Joy, by the Dalai Lama and Desmond TutuThe Lawn Sign Commitment studyThe Serviceberry, by Robin Wall KimmererCloud CultTokyo Vice

John Seed was a 3-piece suit tech worker, then a meditating hippie farmer, before stumbling into his lifelong calling as an environmental activist.He participated in the world's first direct action to preserve a rain forest in the 1970s. He co-founded the Rainforest Information Center and raised money and awareness to save the "lungs of the planet."John soon realized that raising awareness wasn't going to accomplish the mission. After all, most people were aware of the damage humans were doing to the planet, but still weren't taking action to stop it.His discovery of the Deep Ecology movement brought new clarity and led to the creation of new forms of activism. With Buddhist scholar and activist Joanna Macy, John developed what's now known as The Work that Reconnects (and Experiential Deep Ecology in Australia).This work invites us to honor our feelings, even the most painful and hopeless ones. It asks us to see the possibilities that can arise when we see ourselves as part of, rather than apart from and above, nature.In our conversation, we talk about capitalism, economics, advertising, right livelihood, psychedelics, 4 billion years of evolution that lives in each of our bodies, and the distinction between personal biographical trauma and that trauma that every living being experiences on a planet at war with itself.I feel so lucky to be able to imbibe John's wisdom and spirit and humility.I don't know if I have more hope than before, but I have more clarity, direction, and resolve.I wish the same for you, and all my human relations.LinksJohnSeed.netThinking Like a MountainThe Work That Reconnects