The Self Aware Leader with Jason Rigby

Buckle up, leaders—this isn’t your typical fluff-filled corporate pep talk. In this raw, no-nonsense episode, Jason from Self Aware Leader cuts through the noise and calls out the harsh truth: most leaders are faking it, their teams are surviving them, and the chaos of 2025 demands real resilience. If you’re ready to stop being a liability and start leading like a badass, this is your wake-up call. Jason lays out 4 Laws of Leadership Resilience with actionable steps to fix your leadership game and ignite your team. Here’s what you’ll get: 🔥 Episode Highlights The Ego Check You Need: Jason admits he’s been the leader whose team covered for him—and odds are, yours is too. Are they thriving or just patching your sinking ship? The Ugly Truth: 97% of execs say resilience matters, but half suck at it. Spoiler: You’re probably in that half. February 22, 2025 Reality: Uncertainty is the default. Your vague “we’ll get through this” speeches? They’re trash. Your team deserves better. The Fix: Four laws, step-by-step, to ditch the cowardice, build trust, and lead through the storm. 🛠️ The 4 Laws of Leadership Resilience Law #1: Face Your Weakness – Build Personal Resilience Problem: You’re mentally fried, emotionally drained, and faking confidence. Your team sees it—and resents you for it. Fix It: Daily Mirror Check: Write down “What’s breaking me today?” (e.g., personal drama) and “What’s building me today?” (e.g., a solid workout). Clarity fuels resilience. Decide Fast: Start with yes/no calls. Overthinking is a confidence killer—momentum is your friend. Own Your Chaos: Admit when you’re stuck. Self-awareness isn’t weakness; it’s strength your team will respect. Why It Works: If you trust yourself, your team will too. Stop leaning—start leading. Law #2: Forge Your Team – Stop Making Them Fake It Problem: Your team’s not fragile—they’re just cleaning up your messes. You’re the chaos, not the solution. Fix It: Spill the Truth: Not about you—about the mess, the fight, and why you’ll win. Clarity kills the guessing game. (Ex: “We’re down 10% in sales. We need marketing muscle. Here’s how we win.”) Give a Real Why: Tie their work to impact, not just numbers. Ask them how they see it—make it personal. Let Them Fail Safely: Space for risk = a tougher, proactive team. Decentralized leadership (shoutout to Jocko Willink) turns fakers into owners. Why It Works: A team with clarity and purpose doesn’t just survive—they crush it. Law #3: Master Uncertainty – Lead, Don’t React Problem: Chaos owns you. You freeze in crises (supply chain? AI shifts?), and your team’s lost without direction. Fix It: Decide Fast: Act at 70% certainty. Commitment isn’t permanent—it updates like software. Adapt Faster: Kill what’s not working, pivot, and move on. Ask your team for pros/cons—save weeks of waste. Paint the Win: Stop doom-scrolling problems. Give a bold, clear vision of victory. Winners inspire action. Why It Works: Momentum and trust turn uncertainty into your edge. Your team attacks problems, not each other. Law #4: Ignite Inspiration – Make Them Believe Problem: Your corporate motivational noise sucks. Your team’s waiting for a real leader worth following. Fix It: Ditch the Script: Drop the slides, lock eyes, and speak with conviction. Show the Stakes: It’s not a job—it’s a mission. Tie the grind to real-world impact. Prove It: Take bold action. Risky moves skyrocket trust and rally your team. Why It Works: Inspiration isn’t fluff—it’s belief. A team fighting for a real mission doesn’t pretend; they deliver. 💡 Key Takeaways You’re the Problem: If your team’s surviving you, it’s on you to step up. Resilience is a Muscle: Build it daily with clarity, decisions, and action. Trust is Everything: From self-awareness to bold moves, trust turns chaos into wins. Lead Like a Badass: The world’s a mess—your team’s watching. Will you suck or soar? 📚 Resources Mentioned Jocko Willink’s Books: Timeless leadership gold. Check out Extreme Ownership and Leadership Strategy and Tactics for decentralized command principles. Military or not, they slap. 🎯 Call to Action Look in the Mirror: Start with Law #1 today—write down what’s breaking and building you. Lead Through the Storm: Pick one law, apply it this week, and watch your team shift from faking it to owning it. Drop a Comment: Leaders, what’s your biggest struggle? Let’s unpack it below. Subscribe to Higher Density Living: If you’re done with weak leadership and ready to level up, hit that subscribe button. Jason’s dropping real talk to make you unstoppable in 2025 and beyond. Timestamped Highlights: [00:00] Wake-up call: Are you faking it? [02:08] Your team’s surviving, not thriving. [04:34] Law #1: Face your weakness. [09:10] Law #2: Forge your team. [13:10] Law #3: Master uncertainty. [17:12] Law #4: Ignite inspiration. [19:13] Final challenge: Lead or suck—it’s on you. #LeadershipResilience #HigherDensityLiving #LeadLikeABadass

Feeling trapped in your job? You're not alone! Discover the seven key reasons behind your dissatisfaction, from burnout and financial pressures to fears about job security. Learn how to reclaim your mental health and create a work-life balance that values you. Explore how to engage with meaningful work that inspires you and take proactive steps towards career advancement. This conversation is packed with insights and actionable strategies to empower you to escape the job trap and find fulfillment in your career.

Feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unfulfilled in 2025? You’re not alone. Despite living in an era of unparalleled abundance and convenience, something feels off for many of us. This isn’t another motivational fluff episode—this is a raw, unfiltered wake-up call that might just change your life. In this episode, Jason Rigby reveals 5 hard truths about why you’re struggling and what you can do to take back control of your life: 🔥 Hard Truth #1: Nobody’s Coming to Save You The system is broken. No one is coming to fix your life. Take extreme ownership or stay stuck. 🔥 Hard Truth #2: Comparison Is Stealing Your Joy Social media’s highlight reel is a lie. The more you compare, the less you value yourself. 🔥 Hard Truth #3: The Future You’re Waiting for Doesn’t Exist Happiness isn’t out there—it’s created in the present. Stop chasing, start living. 🔥 Hard Truth #4: Most People Want the Fantasy, Not the Grind Success isn’t glamorous—it’s boring, disciplined work. Stop fantasizing and fall in love with the process. 🔥 Hard Truth #5: Abundance Breeds Narcissism When you have more than you need, you start obsessing over what you don’t have. Real abundance is needing less and building meaning. 🎯 Key Takeaways: Responsibility is your greatest weapon against suffering. Blame keeps you trapped; ownership sets you free. You’re not lazy—you’re overstimulated. Control your attention, or someone else will. If you’re tired of waiting for change and ready to take control, this episode is for you. 🔔 Subscribe now for more no-BS truth bombs on mindset, personal growth, and living with purpose. 💬 Leave a review if this episode resonated with you. #WakeUpCall #Mindset2025 #SelfMastery #PersonalGrowth #TakeResponsibility #OwnYourLife #PodcastForGrowth #StopWaitingStartLiving

Discernment vs. Judgment: The Leadership Divide Judgment is a sneaky trap for leaders. It masquerades as confidence, decisiveness, and authority. But let’s be real: judgment doesn’t build teams, it breaks them. It doesn’t solve problems, it compounds them. And it doesn’t make you a better leader—it keeps you stuck. If you’re a leader, especially in middle management, you’ve probably found yourself caught between the weight of expectations from above and the demands of your team below. When things get messy, judgment becomes the default. But judgment isn’t leadership. Discernment is. And there’s a critical difference between the two. Judgment: A Reactive Mindset Judgment stems from fear, insecurity, and unresolved inner conflict. It’s a knee-jerk reaction that labels people and situations as “good” or “bad,” “right” or “wrong.” Judgment says: “My boss is impossible.” “This team member is lazy.” “This plan is doomed to fail.” When you lead with judgment, you alienate your team and limit your ability to navigate challenges. Why? Because judgment isn’t about solving problems—it’s about avoiding discomfort. It creates an “us vs. them” mindset, locking you into defensiveness and blame. Discernment: An Empowered Approach Discernment, on the other hand, is intentional. It’s the ability to evaluate situations and people with clarity and wisdom. It’s not reactive—it’s reflective. Discernment asks: “What’s the root cause of this issue?” “What strengths can this team member bring to the table?” “How can I adapt this plan to achieve better results?” Discernment doesn’t tear down—it builds. It doesn’t alienate—it connects. Discernment transforms challenges into opportunities and turns conflict into growth. The Root of Leadership Judgment So why do leaders fall into judgment? It’s often about control. When your responsibilities feel overwhelming, judgment offers the illusion of authority. But it’s a trap. Here’s why: It’s a Projection of Stress Judgment often reflects unresolved stress or insecurity. If you feel unsupported by upper management or overwhelmed by team dynamics, judgment is a way to offload that pressure. But it doesn’t fix the problem—it magnifies it. It Distracts From Solutions Judgment focuses on assigning blame, not finding solutions. When you label a team member as “lazy” or a directive from your boss as “unrealistic,” you close yourself off to creative problem-solving. It Erodes Trust Judgment isolates you. Your team feels criticized instead of supported. Your boss senses resistance instead of alignment. Trust is the currency of leadership, and judgment spends it recklessly. Why Discernment Matters in Middle Management As a middle manager, you’re in a unique position. You’re the bridge between the strategic vision of your boss and the operational realities of your team. Judgment severs that bridge; discernment strengthens it. Upward Leadership Your boss isn’t perfect—no one is. They may hand down directives that seem disconnected from the day-to-day realities of your team. Judgment says: “They don’t get it.” Discernment says: “How can I translate their vision into actionable steps?” Leaders who practice discernment manage up effectively. They clarify expectations, offer constructive feedback, and align their boss’s goals with their team’s capabilities. Team Leadership Your team looks to you for guidance, support, and advocacy. Judgment says: “They’re not motivated.” Discernment asks: “What’s blocking their performance, and how can I help them succeed?” Discernment enables you to see beyond surface-level issues, fostering a culture of accountability and collaboration. Breaking the Cycle of Judgment If you find yourself judging your boss, your team, or even yourself, it’s time to pause and recalibrate. Here’s how: Recognize the Pattern Judgment often stems from frustration or fear. When you feel the urge to judge, ask yourself: “What am I avoiding?” Maybe it’s a tough conversation, a risky decision, or a need for vulnerability. Identifying the root cause helps you shift from judgment to discernment. Own Your Role Leadership isn’t about pointing fingers—it’s about taking responsibility. If your boss’s expectations feel unreasonable, have you communicated the constraints your team faces? If a team member is underperforming, have you provided clear guidance and support? Discernment starts with accountability. Get Curious, Not Critical The next time you’re tempted to judge, get curious. Instead of labeling a team member as “lazy,” ask: “What’s causing their disengagement?” Instead of dismissing a directive as “unrealistic,” explore: “What’s the bigger goal, and how can we adapt to achieve it?” Curiosity leads to solutions; criticism leads to dead ends. Build Bridges, Not Barriers Judgment isolates. Discernment connects. As a middle manager, you’re the bridge between two worlds. Strengthen that bridge by practicing active listening, offering constructive feedback, and fostering collaboration. Lead With Compassion Leadership is a human endeavor. Your boss is human. Your team is human. And you are human. Compassion is the antidote to judgment. It allows you to see challenges as opportunities for growth rather than threats to your authority. Practical Tools for Discernment Set Clear Goals Ambiguity breeds judgment. Clarify expectations with your boss and set measurable objectives for your team. When everyone knows the “why” behind the work, judgment dissipates. Develop Emotional Agility Emotional reactions often drive judgment. Practice mindfulness or journaling to process emotions before reacting. This creates space for discernment. Seek Feedback Discernment thrives on perspective. Regularly seek feedback from both your boss and your team. Their insights will help you navigate challenges with wisdom and empathy. Focus on Strengths Judgment fixates on flaws. Discernment amplifies strengths. Shift your mindset to identify what each team member—and your boss—brings to the table. The Leadership Transformation Judgment may feel like control, but it’s not. It’s fear dressed up as authority. Discernment, on the other hand, is real leadership. It’s the ability to navigate complexity with clarity, empathy, and purpose. As a leader, your job isn’t to criticize—it’s to empower. Your job isn’t to assign blame—it’s to inspire solutions. Your job isn’t to create conflict—it’s to build bridges. Whether you’re working with your team or managing up to your boss, discernment will transform your leadership. It will strengthen trust, foster collaboration, and drive meaningful results. So the next time you catch yourself judging, pause. Breathe. And choose discernment instead. That’s the choice that makes great leaders. That’s the choice that will elevate you and everyone around you.

Hey there, Jason here. I just wrapped up a video podcast about something I'm deeply passionate about - helping new leaders succeed in their first 90 days. As someone who's been through the leadership crucible multiple times, I want to share some hard-earned wisdom about what it really takes to thrive in those crucial early months. Let's get real for a minute. Those first 90 days as a new leader? They're intense. You're drinking from the firehose while trying to look like you've got it all figured out. I've been there, and I want to help you navigate this challenging transition with confidence and authenticity. 1. Build Your Credibility From Day One Here's something I learned the hard way: credibility isn't about knowing everything or being the smartest person in the room. It's about being authentic and demonstrating competence while staying humble. Show your team you're capable, but don't be afraid to admit when you don't know something. I've found that saying "I don't know, but I'll find out" actually builds more trust than pretending to have all the answers. 2. Relationships Are Your Foundation You know what's made the biggest difference in my leadership journey? Building genuine connections with my team members. I make it a point to have one-on-one conversations with everyone early on. Not just about work, but about their aspirations, challenges, and what makes them tick. When people feel seen and heard, they'll move mountains for the team. 3. Decode the Culture Code Every organization has its own DNA, its unwritten rules and norms. I spend my first few weeks observing and asking questions: How do decisions really get made here? What behaviors get rewarded? What stories do people tell? Understanding these cultural nuances has saved me from countless missteps. 4. Crystal Clear Expectations I've learned that nothing creates more anxiety than ambiguity. That's why I'm now religious about setting clear expectations and goals. I work with my team to establish where we're going and how we'll get there. It's not just about what needs to be done - it's about painting a picture of success that everyone can see. 5. Embrace the Resistance Change is hard, and resistance is natural. Instead of getting frustrated when team members push back on new initiatives, I now see it as valuable feedback. I involve them in the process, listen to their concerns, and incorporate their input. It's amazing how resistance often turns into enthusiasm when people feel their voices matter. 6. Master the Information Avalanche The amount of information you need to process in those first 90 days is overwhelming. I've developed a system: I categorize everything into "need to know now," "need to know soon," and "nice to know later." This helps me stay focused on what's truly critical without getting lost in the details. 7. Time Is Your Most Precious Resource One of my biggest early mistakes was trying to do everything at once. Now I ruthlessly prioritize. I use the 80/20 rule: what 20% of my efforts will drive 80% of the results? That's where I focus first. Everything else can wait. 8. Make Peace with Imperfect Decisions Here's a truth bomb: you'll never have all the information you want. I used to agonize over decisions, waiting for perfect clarity. Now I gather what information I can, trust my instincts, and move forward. Perfect is the enemy of good, and in leadership, speed often matters more than perfection. 9. Develop Your Team's Potential Your success as a leader is directly tied to your team's growth. I spend time identifying each person's strengths and areas for development. Sometimes this means having tough conversations about performance, but it always means being their biggest champion for growth opportunities. 10. Kick Imposter Syndrome to the Curb Can I be vulnerable for a moment? I still sometimes wake up feeling like I'm not qualified for this role. But I've learned that self-doubt is normal - it's what you do with it that matters. I use it as fuel to keep learning and growing, rather than letting it paralyze me. 11. Navigate the Political Waters Organization politics isn't a dirty word - it's simply how things get done. I focus on building authentic relationships across departments, understanding different perspectives, and finding ways to create win-win situations. This network becomes invaluable when you need support for your initiatives. 12. Flex Your Leadership Style One size definitely doesn't fit all in leadership. I've learned to adapt my style based on what my team needs. Sometimes they need direction, sometimes support, sometimes autonomy. The key is being flexible while staying authentic to your core values. 13. Communication Is Everything Clear, consistent communication is your best friend as a new leader. I over-communicate important messages, ensure my words match my actions, and create multiple channels for two-way dialogue. When in doubt, I err on the side of more communication, not less. 14. Connect the Dots to Strategy Your team needs to see how their work connects to the bigger picture. I regularly share context about organizational goals and help my team understand how their efforts contribute to broader success. This creates meaning and purpose beyond daily tasks. 15. Take Care of Yourself Finally, and this might be the most important point: you can't pour from an empty cup. Leadership is a marathon, not a sprint. I've made self-care non-negotiable - whether it's exercise, family time, or quiet moments for reflection. Taking care of yourself isn't selfish; it's essential for sustainable leadership. Wrapping Up These first 90 days will test you, challenge you, and ultimately transform you. But remember, every great leader started exactly where you are now. Trust yourself, stay authentic, and focus on progress over perfection. You've got this, and your team is lucky to have a leader who cares enough to prepare for this journey. What strategies have helped you in your leadership journey? I'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. Want to dive deeper into leadership insights? Check out my podcast where I break down each of these points in detail and share real-world examples from my own leadership journey.

In this episode of The Self Aware Leader Podcast, Jason Rigby challenges conventional notions of leadership and emphasizes the importance of self-leadership as the foundation for effective leadership. He explores the real challenges leaders face, including time scarcity, the complexities of human behavior, and the dynamics of power. Jason provides practical strategies for cultivating self-awareness, mastering reactions, and leading with empathy and integrity. Key Takeaways: Self-leadership is essential for effective leadership. Before you can inspire and guide others, you must first master yourself. Leadership is about people. Understanding and connecting with your team on a human level is crucial. Self-awareness is a superpower. Honest self-reflection and feedback are essential for growth. Master your reactions. Don't let emotions dictate your actions. Respond with clarity and composure. Lead with empathy and integrity. Create a positive and supportive environment where individuals can thrive. From the Host "After three decades in leadership, I've discovered that true leadership begins with knowing yourself. This podcast is your guide to unlocking your highest potential while serving others with purpose and passion." - Jason Rigby Join us weekly for transformative conversations that will revolutionize your approach to leadership. Subscribe now to embark on a journey of profound self-discovery and leadership mastery. The Self Aware Leader Podcast: Where Timeless Wisdom Meets Modern Leadership

Awakening Your Inner Giant: My Personal Take on Tony Robbins' Actionable Steps Hey there, Self Aware leaders! I recently revisited Tony Robbins' masterpiece, "Awaken the Giant Within." It's a treasure trove of practical wisdom for personal transformation. Today, I want to share my personal perspective on some of the key actionable steps that have resonated with me. 1. Raising My Standards It all starts with a decision. A decision to refuse mediocrity. To stop tolerating anything less than the best version of myself. I've started setting higher standards for myself in every area of life. It's not about being perfect, it's about striving for excellence. It's about pushing my boundaries and refusing to settle. 2. Changing My Limiting Beliefs We all carry beliefs that hold us back. For me, it was the nagging voice saying "I'm not good enough" or "Success isn't for me." I'm actively working on replacing those limiting beliefs with empowering ones. Every day, I remind myself that I'm capable of achieving anything I set my mind to. 3. The Power of Decision Decisions shape our destiny. I'm learning to make more empowering decisions, even small ones, every day. It's about being decisive, taking action, and learning from the outcomes. 4. Mastering My Emotions Emotions can be powerful, but we don't have to be their slaves. I'm practicing taking control of my emotional state. Whether it's through changing my physiology, focusing on positive thoughts, or using empowering language, I'm learning to cultivate a positive, resourceful state. 5. Taking Massive Action It's not enough to just have a plan. It's about taking immediate, massive action towards our goals. I'm breaking down my big goals into smaller steps and taking action every single day. It's about progress, not perfection. 6. Focusing on Results, Not Activities Busyness doesn't always equal productivity. I'm learning to focus on the results I want to achieve. Every day, I ask myself: "What's the most important thing I can do today to move closer to my goal?" 7. Pain and Pleasure This one is powerful. I'm associating massive pain with the idea of staying stuck and massive pleasure with taking action towards my goals. It's a simple but effective way to push through resistance. 8. Modeling Success There's so much we can learn from those who have already achieved what we want. I'm actively seeking out mentors and role models. It's about studying their strategies, mindset, and actions. 9. Setting Clear, Compelling Goals Goals need to be more than just wishes. I'm setting SMART goals and visualizing the outcomes with emotional intensity. It's about creating a clear picture of where I want to go. 10. Practicing Gratitude Gratitude is a game-changer. I'm making it a daily practice to focus on what I'm grateful for. It shifts my focus from lack to abundance and puts me in a more resourceful state. 11. Neuro-Associative Conditioning (NAC) This is about rewiring our minds to associate pleasure with positive behaviors and pain with negative ones. I'm identifying triggers for my bad habits and creating new, positive responses. 12. Changing My Environment Our environment shapes us. I'm surrounding myself with positive, supportive people and creating a physical environment that supports my goals. 13. Committing to Lifelong Learning Growth is a lifelong journey. I'm committed to continually educating myself and expanding my knowledge. My Journey Continues These are just a few of the steps I'm taking on my journey of personal transformation. It's an ongoing process, but I'm already seeing positive changes in my life and leadership. Remember, Self Aware leaders, we have the power to awaken our inner giant. It's about taking action, pushing our boundaries, and constantly striving for growth. Let's continue this journey together!

Leadership is a demanding path. We're constantly navigating complex challenges, making tough decisions, and trying to inspire those around us. But in the midst of all this, it's easy to lose sight of our own personal growth and spiritual well-being. Recently, I embarked on a 12-stage journey towards spiritual transformation. I'm excited to share the first three stages with you today. My hope is that my experiences might resonate with you, or perhaps even inspire you on your own path. 1. Awakening Awareness Understanding and Admitting My Limitations The first step was about waking up. I had to look in the mirror and honestly acknowledge that I don't have all the answers. As leaders, we often feel the pressure to appear infallible, but the truth is, we're all human. Admitting my limitations wasn't easy, but it was an act of courage. It opened the door to growth, allowing me to seek help, learn from others, and foster a more collaborative environment. Realizing That My Current Path Is Unsustainable I also came to the realization that the way I was operating was simply not sustainable. The relentless pursuit of goals without self-care was leading to burnout. This wasn't just affecting me personally, it was impacting my team and my overall effectiveness as a leader. Recognizing this was a pivotal moment. It became clear that I needed to make a change—not just for myself but for everyone who depended on me. Exercises in Self-Awareness and Mindfulness To cultivate this newfound awareness, I started incorporating mindfulness practices into my daily routine. Simple exercises like mindful breathing, journaling, and taking short breaks throughout the day to reflect helped me stay present. These practices increased my self-awareness, reduced stress, and improved my decision-making skills. I found that when I was more attuned to my own thoughts and feelings, I could lead with greater empathy and clarity. 2. Recognizing Universal Connection Accepting That a Greater Wisdom or Energy Can Guide Us The second stage involved recognizing that we're all part of something larger than ourselves. I started to accept that there's a greater wisdom or energy that can guide us if we're open to it. This wasn't about adopting a specific religious belief but about embracing the idea that we're interconnected with the world around us. Exploring Various Spiritual Traditions and Beliefs I began exploring different spiritual traditions and philosophies—reading about Buddhism, Stoicism, and even delving into indigenous wisdom. Each offered unique insights into the human experience and our connection to the universe. This exploration broadened my perspective, allowing me to see beyond the immediate challenges of leadership and consider the bigger picture. Meditation Practices to Connect with the Universe Meditation became a key practice during this stage. Techniques like loving-kindness meditation helped me cultivate compassion, while mindfulness meditation improved my focus and presence. These practices not only enhanced my personal well-being but also had a positive impact on how I interacted with my team and approached problem-solving. 3. Embracing Surrender Letting Go of Control and Trusting the Process Perhaps the most challenging step was learning to embrace surrender. As a leader, I'm used to being in control, steering the ship, and ensuring everything goes according to plan. But I realized that clinging too tightly to control was limiting possibilities. By letting go and trusting the process, I opened myself up to new ideas and solutions that I might have otherwise overlooked. Developing Faith in a Higher Self or Universal Intelligence I started to develop faith—not necessarily in a religious sense but in the belief that there's a higher self or universal intelligence at play. This faith allowed me to trust that things would work out as they should, even if the path wasn't immediately clear. It brought a sense of peace and reduced the anxiety that often accompanies leadership responsibilities. Practical Techniques for Surrendering Ego To surrender my ego, I practiced active listening and encouraged feedback from my team. I made a conscious effort to value others' opinions and admit when I didn't have all the answers. This not only built trust within the team but also fostered a more innovative and collaborative environment. By stepping back, I empowered others to step forward, which ultimately strengthened the organization as a whole. Conclusion Embarking on this spiritual journey has been transformative, both personally and professionally. By awakening awareness, recognizing our universal connection, and embracing surrender, I've become more attuned to myself and those around me. These stages have helped me lead with greater authenticity, compassion, and effectiveness. I encourage you, fellow leaders, to consider your own path. Maybe some of these experiences resonate with you, or perhaps they inspire you to explore new avenues of growth. Remember, leadership isn't just about guiding others; it's also about evolving ourselves. I'm excited to continue sharing my journey with you. In my next three blog posts, I'll delve into the next nine stages of my spiritual transformation. Stay tuned!

As a self-aware leader, I’ve learned that one of the biggest challenges we face isn’t external—it’s the internal battle with our own ego. Ego can be tricky; it often disguises itself as confidence or ambition, which is why many leaders don’t even realize when it's in control. But make no mistake: if left unchecked, ego will slowly erode your leadership, relationships, and your team's ability to thrive. I’ve fallen into the ego trap myself, and I’m not afraid to admit it. The ego wants to be in the spotlight, to be the one with all the answers, and to silence dissent. It makes us defensive when we should be open, and it compels us to micromanage when we should be empowering others. Worse, it leads us to take credit for victories and deflect blame when things go wrong. Sound familiar? Let’s be real: we’ve all been there. Whether you're a business leader, military officer, or spiritual guide, that voice inside sometimes says, “You did this. You made it happen. You’re indispensable.” While this might feel good in the moment, it’s a destructive path. When ego takes the wheel, the vehicle of leadership runs off course, and the collateral damage is trust, creativity, and collaboration. The first step to taming the ego is self-awareness. You have to recognize when your ego is running the show. Here are some signs I’ve encountered in my own journey: Feeling threatened by differing opinions. Do you bristle when someone challenges your perspective? Taking all the credit. Do you struggle to share the wins with your team? Blaming others for failure. Do you instinctively look for scapegoats when things go wrong? If you see yourself in any of these, don’t worry—you’re not alone. Self-awareness isn’t a destination; it’s an ongoing process. So, what can we do about it? 1. Cultivate Humility It’s crucial to remind ourselves that we don’t have all the answers. No matter how much experience we accumulate, there's always something to learn. This can be hard for those of us who’ve been rewarded for our confidence and decisiveness. But humility isn’t about shrinking away from responsibility—it’s about knowing that leadership is a team effort. I’ve found that when I actively ask for input, especially from less experienced team members, I get fresh perspectives that would’ve been lost if I let my ego dominate. 2. Practice Active Listening Too often, leaders think they’re listening when really, they’re waiting for their turn to speak. Active listening is about being present and fully engaged with what’s being said. It’s not just about hearing words; it’s about understanding the emotions, intentions, and perspectives behind them. I’ve had to train myself to ask more questions and offer fewer answers. Doing this doesn’t just help me grow—it empowers my team to own their contributions and ideas. 3. Admit Your Mistakes We all screw up. What separates a good leader from a great one is the ability to own it when we do. I’ve found that apologizing—especially when my ego’s been the culprit—creates an environment of transparency. It shows my team that it’s okay to fail, as long as we own our missteps and learn from them. I once had a situation where I got frustrated and lashed out. Later, I went back, apologized, and said, “That was my ego talking.” That simple act of owning my fault didn’t just mend the relationship—it deepened the trust and respect within the team. 4. Celebrate the Success of Others Leadership isn’t about being the hero—it’s about creating heroes. If you're always the one getting the praise, you're limiting your team's growth. I’ve made it a personal mission to give credit away, and it’s transformed how my team operates. When people feel seen and valued for their contributions, they bring more to the table. As leaders, it’s our job to recognize and uplift, not hoard the spotlight. 5. Coach Your Team on Ego Awareness It’s not just about managing your own ego; part of your role as a leader is to help your team manage theirs. Encourage self-reflection and provide constructive feedback. When someone’s ego is harming the team dynamic, have an honest conversation. Ask them to consider how their actions are affecting the bigger picture. High performers in particular crave this type of coaching—don’t shy away from it. Conclusion Taming the ego is an ongoing challenge for all leaders. It requires constant self-awareness and a willingness to confront our shortcomings. But when we get it right, the benefits are immense. We create an environment where people feel valued, where creativity can flourish, and where trust isn’t just an ideal, but a lived reality. If you’re serious about leading well, it starts with checking your ego at the door. Create space for humility, active listening, and vulnerability. In doing so, you’ll unlock not just your own potential but the full potential of your team. After all, leadership isn’t about being the strongest, smartest, or most confident—it’s about guiding others to discover their own strength, wisdom, and confidence. Remember: The ego is not your enemy, but it must be kept in its place.

Hey there, leaders! Just got back from an amazing trip to the Pacific Northwest, where I spent some time reflecting on the power of nature and how its principles can be applied to leadership. Today, I want to share some insights on how we can harness the natural flow of creation to build stronger businesses and teams. We're going to dive into three fundamental laws that I believe are key to unlocking your leadership potential. These aren't just abstract concepts; they're practical tools you can implement right away. 1. The Law of Origin and Interconnectedness (Cause and Effect) In nature, every action triggers a reaction. The same is true in business. Every decision you make, no matter how small, sends ripples throughout your organization. As leaders, we need to be mindful of the potential consequences of our choices and take responsibility for their impact. Remember, your actions shape your company culture. If you want a positive, collaborative environment, you need to model respectful communication and recognize the contributions of every team member. Celebrate successes, big and small, and foster a sense of interconnectedness where everyone feels valued. 2. The Law of Reciprocity (Interaction) The law of reciprocity is simple: give, and you shall receive. In business, this means fostering positive relationships with your customers, partners, and community. When you genuinely value interactions and go the extra mile, you'll create meaningful connections that lead to loyalty and growth. As a leader, your communication style sets the tone for the entire organization. Model respectful collaboration, and you'll cultivate a supportive environment where everyone feels empowered to contribute their best. 3. The Law of Growth and Purpose (Motion & Striving) Nature is constantly evolving and adapting. To stay ahead in business, we need to embrace a similar mindset of continuous improvement and innovation. Define a clear mission and vision for your company, and inspire your team with a compelling purpose. Encourage personal and professional development, and set ambitious goals that challenge everyone to reach their full potential. Remember, challenges are simply opportunities for growth. Embrace them, learn from them, and keep striving for greatness. These three laws are just the beginning. There's so much more to explore in the world of creational leadership. I encourage you to delve deeper, experiment, and discover how these principles can transform your business and your life. Remember, leadership is a journey, not a destination. Let's keep learning, growing, and evolving together. Until next time, Stay self-aware!