Being Human

▶️ Connect with Richard on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardatherton-firsthuman/   This week’s episode is perhaps one of the most uncomfortable I’ve yet recorded. A conversation with Jeffrey Pfeffer, the renowned author of "Power: Why Some People Have It and Others Don't" and “Leadership BS: Fixing Workplaces and Careers One Truth at a Time”,  and professor at Stanford Graduate School of Business, we dive deep into the principles of power, influence, and career acceleration.  Jeffrey offers his view on the raw truth about what it takes to stand out, thrive, and succeed in a world shaped by competition and perception. From strategies to gain influence to the controversial role of self-promotion, this conversation is packed with insights that challenge conventional wisdom about leadership and integrity. Learn why keeping your head down might be holding you back, how deliberate practice can transform your career, and why following Jeffrey’s proven methods have made many of his students wildly successful.  As Jeffrey takes a torch to leadership development orthodoxy, we cover: How many leadership authors espoused values don’t match the reality of their behaviour To change the world, we must first have power Leadership training fails—because it ignores power and influence dynamics. Authenticity at work? Not so much if you want to be a leader, says Pfeffer. Pfeffer’s 7 rules of power—practical, provocative, uncomfortably effective. Links: Jeffrey’s Website Jeffrey’s Books   Whether you're a budding leader or seasoned professional, this episode will inspire and empower you to take charge of your path. Don't miss out on this transformative discussion—subscribe for more thought-provoking conversations about what it means to be human.

▶️ Connect with Richard on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardatherton-firsthuman/   This week, I sit down with Douglas Mulhall, author of the bestselling book Discovering the Nature of Longevity: Restoring the Heart and Body by Targeting Hidden Stress. Douglas has spent over 30 years creating products that are not only good for people but also the environment, with significant contributions in collaboration with European governments. We take a deep look at elastin, a major area of interest for Douglas. It’s a vital protein key to your body’s resilience. Elastin is in more than 30 organs. It’s in your arteries. It’s essential for everything in your body to expand and contract.  We talk: Elastin defined The tragedy that spurred his quest The story of calcification How to reverse the hardening of our bodies Hope for a heart disease breakthrough Links: Discovering the Nature of Longevity - The Book Douglas’ Website   If you’re curious about unlocking your body’s potential, this episode is an absolute must-watch! Don't miss out—subscribe for more thought-provoking conversations about what it means to be human.

In this engaging conversation, Bill Benjamin, co-owner of The Last 8%, shares his journey from software to emotional intelligence expert. He emphasizes the significance of handling life's toughest moments—the 'last 8%'—that truly define us. Bill offers real strategies for prepping for difficult conversations and managing emotional triggers effectively. He also discusses the essential balance of empathy and assertion in communication, and how these elements contribute to cultivating a high-performing team culture.

▶️ Connect with Richard on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardatherton-firsthuman/   This week, we are thrilled to feature two remarkable guests: Sensei Zen Takai and Edward Olver. Sensei Zen Takai, is a 16th-generation samurai warrior. After a brief stint as a punk rocker, he chose to return to his roots. With no descendants of his own and to ensure it lives on, he's on a mission to share his family's samurai tradition with the world.  He teaches mastery of the familiar samurai arts with creative expressions like calligraphy, poetry, and dance. Dedicated to self-mastery and spiritual alignment, Sensei encourages others to live harmoniously and connect deeply with their life's purpose. A former military man and banker, Edward Olver experienced a profound awakening after realising that external success—the Hollywood actress girlfriend and the Knightsbridge corner office—did not fulfill him. Through personal upheaval, he rediscovered his dharma and embraced growth aligned with life's natural rhythms. Now based at Broughton Hall - a UK hub for cutting edge research into consciousness - Edward focuses on regenerative practices, living in harmony with nature, and integrating timeless wisdom to foster holistic well-being. Their combined perspectives will offer insight into purposeful living. We talk: Training Samurai as a boy Samurai and the five elements How poetry can make you a better warrior Three-pointed thinking Beyond competition Links: Sensei Zen Takai at Broughton Sanctuary   Subscribe for more transformative conversations! 

In this enlightening discussion, Byron Katie, a renowned author and speaker known for 'The Work', shares her transformative journey from struggle to self-realization. She explains her method of self-inquiry, urging listeners to question their negative thoughts through four powerful questions. Topics include the fallacy of a positive mindset, the illusion of pain as a mental construct, and the importance of self-awareness and kindness in overcoming ego. Katie's insights promote a profound understanding of personal freedom and emotional clarity.

▶️ Connect with Richard on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardatherton-firsthuman/   This week we see Marcel Schwantes return to the show.  Marcel is an author, leadership coach, and advocate for humane workplace practices. His journey into leadership began during his time working in a toxic hospital environment, where relentless stress landed him in the emergency room—an experience that profoundly shaped his views on leadership and well-being. He now challenges traditional, warlike business narratives, advocating for radical love and humanity in leadership.  His work inspires leaders to foster compassionate, thriving businesses by shifting focus from competition to collaboration and introspection. We talk: Agape love “Eufear”: the good fear Retiring "target customers"‘ Working for love The 5 principles of Love In Action Links: Humane Leadership: Lead with Radical Love, Be a Kick-Ass Boss - The Book Marcel’s Website Marcel’s LinkedIn Profile Marcel’s Substack Subscribe for more transformative conversations!

▶️ Join a free leadership masterclass: https://www.firsthuman.com/masterclass/ ▶️ Connect with Richard on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardatherton-firsthuman/   My guest this week is Dr.Ibrahim Karim, renowned for pioneering BioGeometry, a science that harmonizes energy in living systems and environments.  Educated as an architect, Dr. Karim initially followed in his father's footsteps. His talents were recognized by the Egyptian government who asked him to manage the plan for the whole Red Sea area and South Sinai, contributing to a huge rise in tourism. Dr. Karim later began to synthesize modern concepts of physics and harmonics with the insights he gained from his interest in ancient Egyptian knowledge, Radiesthesia, and Pythagorean theories. Culminating in his founding of BioGeometry, he started to integrate his knowledge with architectural principles to create designs that enhance the energetic quality of spaces. His work in BioGeometry has profoundly impacted urban planning, environmental design, and holistic health, offering innovative solutions for energy balance and well-being. We talk: The hidden life force driving everything Turning a Tesla into a healing cocoon Using shapes to boost milk production Why reincarnation is a flawed concept Who really built the pyramids Links: Dr. Karim’s Website Books by Dr. Karim The BioGeometry YouTube Channel   Subscribe for more transformative conversations!  

In this conversation with Matt Presti, a multidisciplinary artist and philosopher dedicated to Walter Russell's legacy, listeners discover the profound links between creativity, spirituality, and personal growth. They explore the concept of two-way thinking—reflecting inward while engaging with the world. Presti shares insights on overcoming trauma, achieving balance, and the transformative potential of embracing one's genius. Through discussions on the interplay of light and existence, he inspires a deeper introspection and connection with universal truths.

▶️ Join a free leadership masterclass: https://www.firsthuman.com/masterclass/ ▶️ Connect with Richard on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardatherton-firsthuman/   My guest this week is Peter Merry, multifaceted thinker and social entrepreneur with a background in languages and theater. Influenced by radical ideas on sanity and society, Peter's journey blends philosophy, social entrepreneurship, and education.  Peter’s extraordinary life path has taken him from avant-garde theatre in Paris, to delivering education in Ghana, to helping an IBM business unit achieve triple-digit business growth. He's now working on cutting-edge technology with the potential to help humankind make its next leap in consciousness. Meet the man on the frontier! We talk: How flatworms don't just grow back their heads The nature of time Working energetically with businesses Can we reintegrate the feminine? The ultimate magic lamp Links: Peter’s Website Subscribe for more transformative conversations! 

▶️ Join a free leadership masterclass: https://www.firsthuman.com/masterclass/ ▶️ Connect with Richard on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardatherton-firsthuman/   My guest this week is Kute Blackson, a transformational teacher and author. At 8, he was giving impromptu sermons in his famous father’s megachurch. At 18, he was expected to follow in his father’s footsteps. Instead, he left everything behind in Ghana to pursue his dreams in Los Angeles with just two suitcases and $800. Renouncing an ordained ministry that wasn't his true calling, Kute embraced the realm of personal growth and self-help, studying with mentors like Tony Robbins and Deepak Chopra.  Through extensive global travels, he has hosted numerous transformational retreats and seminars. If you’ve ever struggled with letting go, trusting your path, or feeling aligned with your purpose, this conversation is for you. We talk: The true nature of magic and how we unknowingly block it How to reconnect with intuition and hear life’s subtle guidance The balance between surrender and goal-setting Overcoming fear, ego, and conditioning to live authentically Get Kute’s book: The Magic of Surrender Learn more about Kute & his work: KuteBlackson.com Listen to Kute’s podcast: Soul Talk: http://podcast.kuteblackson.com/ Join his free course: 8 Levels of Gratitude: 8LevelsofGratitude.com   Subscribe for more transformative conversations! 🙌