Paradigm Shifting Books

In Part 2 of our conversation with social psychologist and best-selling author Amy Cuddy, we delve deeper into the transformative science of presence and its impact on our confidence, success, and personal growth. Known for her groundbreaking TED Talk and book Presence, Amy shares the power of body language and its profound impact on our emotional states and performance. From power poses to overcoming self-doubt, this episode explores practical tools for embracing your personal power, connecting authentically, and overcoming life's challenges with unshakable confidence.Tune in to discover how small changes in posture and mindset can help you tap into your fullest potential when it matters most, whether in the boardroom, on stage, or in daily life. Amy's insights on how our bodies influence our minds and the world around us will leave you empowered to take on any challenge with poise and assurance.What We Discuss:[00:00] Introduction to the Science of Presence[03:00] The concept of power posing and how it affects both our internal confidence and how we are perceived by others.[08:40] Amy discusses how power posing has made its way into popular media, from Ted Lasso to Grey's Anatomy, and what these portrayals teach us about confidence.[13:06] Practical ways to apply power posing and mental visualization techniques in everyday situations to boost personal power.[19:09] Amy reflects on the societal struggle with self-doubt and confidence, offering insights on how we can reconnect with our authentic selves to cultivate true inner power.[28:11] Amy shares a practical exercise to help listeners identify their core values and affirm their true selves for greater confidence and reduced stress.Notable Quotes:[25:59] - “Presence is about getting people to a place where they really see each other and can affirm them in that way.” - Amy Cuddy[26:18] - “When we are present with somebody else, we invite them to be present with us. Genuine attention is so rare, and it’s a gift we can give.” - Amy Cuddy[13:26] - “Confidence isn’t about being perfect. It’s about owning who you are, flaws and all, and embracing the power you already have within you.” - Amy Cuddy[20:59] - “To avoid criticism, do nothing. But when you’re focused on growth, even mistakes become part of your progress.” - Amy CuddyResourcesParadigm Shifting BooksPodcastInstagram YouTube BookPresence: Bringing Your Boldest Self to Your Biggest ChallengesAmy CuddyWebsiteInstagramLinkedInBritain CoveyLinkedIn InstagramStephen H. CoveyLinkedInX

Amy Cuddy, a social psychologist and author known for her work on confidence and presence, joins Stephen and Britton Covey to discuss how we can unlock our best selves in high-stakes situations. She highlights the importance of preparation in building confidence and warns against the pitfalls of over-preparation. Cuddy explains the concept of self-affirmation, illustrating how anchoring personal values can enhance performance and mitigate self-doubt. Join them as they explore practical ways to embrace challenges with calm and confidence.

In this episode of Paradigm Shifting Books, hosts Stephen and Britain Covey continue their thought-provoking conversation with Dr. Craig Manning, author of ‘The Fearless Mind’. In this second part, Dr. Manning expands on how understanding your core identity and staying true to your strengths is the key to unlocking consistent high performance in any area of life. This episode digs deep into the concept of "task orientation" vs. "ego orientation" and how to shift your mindset for success.Dr. Manning, a performance psychologist, provides a masterclass on building mental resilience, explains the profound impact of fear on human performance, and gives practical advice for overcoming insecurity in both professional and personal contexts. Whether you’re an athlete, a business leader, or someone looking to improve everyday performance, the principles discussed here are universally applicable.What We Discuss:[00:00] Introduction[00:17] How task-oriented focus leads to better performance[01:41] Trust is earned through competence, not titles[05:08] How staying present and focused on tasks reduces anxiety and improves performance[15:11] How to overcome insecurity and trust yourself more deeply[17:39] Why focusing on the process, not the outcome, is essential for sustained success[18:26] Dr. Manning’s final advice on embracing your strengths and continuing the journey to self-improvementNotable Quotes:[00:06:45] “When you know who you are and you trust yourself, you don’t care what others think, you just perform.” — Dr. Craig Manning[00:10:29] “Fear is a concept we create. The opposite is learning. A learning mentality opens up new possibilities.” — Dr. Craig Manning[00:13:42] “Focus on the process, not the outcome. The outcome will take care of itself when you execute the process well.” — Dr. Craig Manning[00:19:08] “Flow state is a superpower. Knowing who you are is the gateway to unlocking it.” — Dr. Craig ManningResourcesParadigm Shifting BooksPodcastInstagram YouTube BookThe Fearless Mind: 5 Steps to Achieving Peak PerformanceDr. Craig ManningWebsiteInstagramLinkedInBritain CoveyLinkedIn InstagramStephen H. CoveyLinkedInX

In this episode of Paradigm Shifting Books, hosts Stephen and Britain Covey begin a powerful two-part conversation with Dr. Craig Manning, author of The Fearless Mind. Part 1 unpacks why knowing who you truly are and unapologetically embracing your strengths is the foundation of consistent high performance.Dr. Manning shares his journey from athlete to performance psychologist, explains why he reframed “high performance” as human performance, and reveals how to build skills around your unique strengths instead of chasing someone else’s path. From the science of confidence to stories of elite athletes like Giannis Antetokounmpo scoring 50 points in the NBA Finals, this conversation makes mental performance training both practical and inspiring.The episode also highlights how the same principles apply outside of sports, in business, leadership, and everyday life. Because at its core, high performance isn’t about outcomes, it’s about identity.If you’ve ever felt the weight of comparison, pressure from authority figures, or uncertainty about your strengths, this episode offers a new framework to unlock your potential.What We Discuss[00:00] Introduction[01:27] Why Dr. Manning wrote The Fearless Mind and how it began as a personal project[08:18] Giannis Antetokounmpo’s “unapologetically ourselves” mindset before scoring 50 in the NBA Finals[11:19] Why comparison leads to insecurity and how to break free from it[22:32] Generational shifts: why Gen Z thinks differently and how collaboration beats hierarchy[30:39] Why trying to be someone you’re not sabotages performance[32:05] The power of owning your lane in a collaborative, commitment-based cultureNotable Quotes[00:08:54] “When you know who you are and you trust yourself, you don’t care what others think—you just perform.” — Dr. Craig Manning[00:11:37] “Comparison leads to insecurities. Insecurities lead to needing approval. And needing approval destroys confidence.” — Dr. Craig Manning[00:14:42] “The key to success is not being a stereotype. It’s being the best version of yourself.” — Dr. Craig Manning[00:22:07] “Your identity is here in the present. Too many people live out in the future, and that future never arrives.” — Dr. Craig ManningResourcesParadigm Shifting BooksPodcastInstagram YouTube BookThe Fearless Mind: 5 Steps to Achieving Peak PerformanceDr. Craig ManningWebsiteInstagramLinkedInBritain CoveyLinkedIn InstagramStephen H. CoveyLinkedInX

Despite rapid changes in the workplace and technological advancements, many leaders continue to rely on outdated “command and control” methods.In this episode of Paradigm Shifting Books, hosts Stephen and Britain Covey continue their powerful conversation with their father, Stephen M. R. Covey, about his groundbreaking book Trust and Inspire. Part 2 of the discussion dives even deeper into how leaders can shift their mindset, their language, and their relationships to become the kind of leader people actually want to follow.Stephen explores the difference between managing things and leading people, the practical application of stewardship agreements, and how even in moments of pressure, when our “style gets in the way of our intent”, we can choose to lead with trust and inspiration. From stories about Steve Jobs and Lin-Manuel Miranda to personal family experiences, this conversation makes Trust and Inspire practical, relatable, and transformational.The episode also highlights how trust and inspire leadership apply far beyond the workplace, in parenting, teaching, coaching, and everyday relationships. Because at its core, leadership isn’t a position, it’s a choice.If you’ve ever wondered how to balance accountability with empowerment, or how to unleash the potential already inside your team, this episode offers the roadmap.What We Discuss[00:17] Introduction[01:29] Steve Jobs and the tension between inspiration and micromanagement[07:00] Command and control as the “native tongue” of leadership[08:07] Becoming a Trust and Inspire person before becoming a leader[10:16] The difference between management and leadership[16:00] Lin-Manuel Miranda’s teacher and the power of seeing potential[19:04] Why Trust and Inspire is not just idealistic, but practical[25:13] Practical steps: clarifying expectations and accountability[32:30] A practical invitation: identify one relationship to transform with Trust and InspireNotable Quotes[13:00] “Always remember this: with people, fast is slow and slow is fast.” — Stephen M. R. Covey[17:22] “Leadership is seeing and communicating people’s worth and potential so clearly that they come to see it in themselves.” — Stephen M. R. Covey[33:50] “Trust and Inspire is not soft leadership. It’s the strongest form of leadership there is because it’s grounded in expectations, accountability, and belief in people.” — Stephen M. R. CoveyResourcesParadigm Shifting BooksPodcastInstagram YouTube BooksTrust and Inspire by Stephen M. R. CoveyThe SPEED of Trust by Stephen M. R. CoveyThe 8th Habit by Stephen R. CoveyStephen M. R. CoveyLinkedInInstagramBritain CoveyLinkedIn InstagramStephen H. CoveyLinkedInX

Did you know that despite the changing workplace dynamics and technological advancements, many leaders still adhere to outdated "command and control" models?In this episode of Paradigm Shifting Books, hosts Stephen and Britain Covey sit down once again with their father, Stephen M. R. Covey, to dive into his book Trust and Inspire. They explore why so many leaders are still stuck in an outdated “command and control” model, even though the world, the workforce, and the nature of collaboration have changed dramatically.Stephen explains the origins of the Trust and Inspire framework, rooted in his work with The Speed of Trust and inspired by lessons from his father, Stephen R. Covey. He shares the core leadership paradigm shifts that move organizations from micromanaging to unleashing the greatness already inside their people.The conversation tackles common misconceptions, like the idea that Trust and Inspire is “soft” or unrealistic in high-pressure industries. With real-world examples from football coaching, Fortune 500 companies like Microsoft, retail standouts like Wegmans, and even the military, Stephen shows that this leadership style delivers results without sacrificing accountability.One of the big takeaways: leadership isn’t just about getting results, it’s about growing people, building trust, and inspiring them to give their very best. And that’s not just idealistic; it’s a competitive advantage.What We Discuss[00:17] Introduction[02:04] Origins of Trust and Inspire[05:53] Key leadership paradigm shifts[12:02] What Trust and Inspire is and isn’t[15:35] Strong leadership without micromanaging[20:09] Authenticity in leadership styles[22:00] Global response to Trust and Inspire[24:31] From idealism to practical application[29:45] Thriving cultures and unleashing greatnessNotable Quotes[13:35] “Trust and Inspire is a style of leadership that gets results in a way that grows people and inspires trust.” — Stephen M. R. Covey[16:06] “A Trust and Inspire leader can be strong without being forceful. They can be demanding without being demeaning.” — Stephen M. R. Covey[20:10] “The key thing is I see the greatness inside of people. I try to unleash it, but that might include being demanding.” — Stephen M. R. Covey[29:55] “Inspiring is learnable as a skill, that's like a paradigm shift.” — Stephen M. R. CoveyResourcesParadigm Shifting BooksPodcastInstagram YouTube BooksTrust and Inspire by Stephen M. R. CoveyThe SPEED of Trust by Stephen M. R. CoveyThe 8th Habit by Stephen R. CoveyStephen M. R. CoveyLinkedInInstagramBritain CoveyLinkedIn InstagramStephen H. CoveyLinkedInX

Dive into the powerful concepts behind execution beyond just willpower. Discover how focusing on what truly matters and using structured systems can transform both professional and personal realms. Hear relatable stories about sales teams and NFL strategies that illustrate the importance of clear scoreboards for motivation. Learn how to tackle life's chaotic challenges by applying simple principles effectively. One standout tip? Treat an area of your life that feels chaotic with the same care as an ICU patient for transformative results.

Discover the art of navigating tough conversations with ease. The hosts explore how avoiding crucial talks can harm relationships and organizations. Learn why addressing concerns promptly is vital to reducing emotional tension. They break down the three essential phases of effective discussions and highlight the importance of emotional control. Special insights from Joseph Grenny reveal real-life applications that enhance communication and foster growth. Get ready to transform your approach to high-stakes dialogues!

In a world that glorifies talent and quick wins, this episode of Paradigm Shifting Books offers a refreshing take on what true success requires. Stephen and Britain Covey revisit Angela Duckworth’s Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance, exploring how real achievement isn’t about being born gifted; it’s about loving what you do enough to keep showing up.Through personal stories, from NFL training to parenting challenges, they unpack Duckworth’s core message: grit is the blend of long-term passion and perseverance. It’s not about grinding for the sake of it, but about aligning your effort with what matters most.They challenge the myth of talent, reflect on how passion develops gradually through exploration, and offer honest insights about raising resilient kids in a world that wants to cushion every fall. They also explore how grit doesn’t diminish happiness; it deepens it. When your effort aligns with your values, fulfillment follows.Whether you’re navigating your own career path, helping your kids build resilience, or simply trying to stay consistent with your goals, this episode will shift how you think about success. Grit isn’t just about surviving the hard days; it’s about being fueled by purpose through all of them. Tune in and discover what grit really looks like in action.What We Discuss[00:00:02] Introduction[00:01:31] Redefining grit: Passion and perseverance[00:05:27] Developing passion over time[00:10:55] The romance and reality of talent[00:14:44] Effort vs. talent at the highest levels[00:18:47] Fixed traits vs. malleable qualities[00:24:16] Parenting tips for grit: Letting kids struggle[00:29:17] Grit and happiness: Avoiding burnout[00:32:13] Living with integrity and alignmentNotable Quotes[01:31] “I define grit as the combination of perseverance and passion for long-term goals. It's not just about brute force; it's more about loving what you do for a very long time.” — Angela Duckworth[05:27] “The development of a passion is probably a better way to phrase this process than the discovery of a passion. Most of us grow into, develop, mature, and evolve into our eventual passions.” — Angela Duckworth[14:17] “So much of our success in life is really about what we do and not about what we were born with. It's the long, hard road to climb, but that's the truth of it.” — Angela Duckworth[29:49] “Happiness and grit are compatible. The moments in my life where I have felt the most good are when everything is lined up, that what I do well is good for others.” — Angela DuckworthResourcesParadigm Shifting BooksPodcastInstagram YouTube Britain CoveyLinkedIn InstagramStephen H. CoveyLinkedInMentioned Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela DuckworthWritings of Epictetus (Ancient Roman Stoic Philosopher)

In this episode, Stephen and Britain Covey dive into Getting Things Done (GTD) by David Allen, a groundbreaking book that redefines productivity. They explore how GTD isn’t just about checking off tasks but about creating a trusted system to free your mind, reduce stress, and focus on what truly matters.  Stephen shares his personal connection with David Allen, having worked closely with him early in his career. Together, they unpack the core principles of GTD, from "appropriate engagement" to the five-step workflow, and how these concepts can transform your work, relationships, and daily life.  Through engaging storytelling and practical insights, this episode challenges the traditional view of productivity and offers a paradigm shift for managing your mind and tasks with clarity. Let's jump in!What We Discuss[00:00] Introduction[05:44] Appropriate engagement: clear mind ⇒ full presence[09:13] Structure × freedom on the playing field[13:15] GTD as an “installed thought-process” for teams[17:37] The 5 steps: Capture · Clarify · Organize · Reflect · Engage[25:36] Next-action thinking stops mental “open loops”[28:52] Procrastination: signal of high stakes, not laziness[32:59] Paradigm shifts: presence over productivity & minds for ideasNotable Quotes[05:44] “The methodology is about being appropriately engaged with your life… Are you appropriately engaged with your cat? …with your career and your future?” — David Allen[07:05] “Productivity has a lot of baggage: work harder, sweat harder, clock more hours… Real productivity is doing what clears your mind so you can stay focused and present.” — David Allen[19:15] “Your brain is a crappy office—it can juggle about four things before it’s hijacked by the latest and loudest.” — David Allen[25:36] “If you haven’t nailed the next physical, visible action, you haven’t finished thinking—so your mind keeps looping: What about the Saturday meeting? The cat food?” — David AllenResourcesParadigm Shifting BooksPodcastInstagram YouTube BooksGetting Things Done by David AllenDeep Work — Cal NewportFour Thousand— Oliver BurkemanDavid AllenWebsiteBritain CoveyLinkedIn InstagramStephen H. CoveyLinkedIn