

The Non-Anxious Leader Podcast
Jack Shitama
The Non-Anxious Leader Podcast uses a family systems theory approach to increase your spiritual, emotional and physical well-being so you can be the best leader possible. Each episode explores research and practical tips to help you be a personal and professional non-anxious presence.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 20, 2025 • 10min
Episode 353: How "Gray Rocking" Helps You Be a Non-Anxious Presence
Learn about 'Gray Rocking,' a technique for dealing with difficult people by acting boring and non-reactive. Discover how to maintain a neutral demeanor and deflect toxic interactions without conflict. Hear a personal story about using this method during a tense moment at a church. The discussion also touches on when gray rocking is most effective, especially in family dynamics. Finally, get four practical steps to implement this approach while understanding its temporary nature and the need for self-care.

Oct 13, 2025 • 11min
Episode 352: How "Fogging" Can Help You Be a Non-Anxious Presence
This episode explores what "Fogging" is and how you can use it in anxious situations.Show Notes:When I Say No, I Feel Guilty by Manuel J. SmithThe Fogging Technique - Assertiveness Skills ArticlesBecome a Patron for as little as $5/month.Subscribe to my weekly Two for Tuesday email newsletter.

Oct 6, 2025 • 14min
Episode 351: How Positive Intelligence Helps You to Be a Non-Anxious Presence (Rebroadcast Part 2of 2)
This episode continues with an explanation of Positive Intelligence and covers the three strategies to increase your PQ so you can be a non-anxious presence.Show Notes:Positive Intelligence: Why Only 20% of Teams and Individuals Achieve Their True Potential AND HOW YOU CAN ACHIEVE YOURS by Shirzad ChamineTake the Saboteur Assessment | Positive IntelligenceBecome a Patron for as little as $5/month.Subscribe to my weekly Two for Tuesday email newsletter.

Sep 29, 2025 • 13min
Episode 350: How Positive Intelligence Helps You to Be a Non-Anxious Presence (Rebroadcast Part 1 of 2)
Positive Intelligence is a practical approach to help you be your best through self-regulation and self-differentiation. This two-part series explains what it is and how it can help you.Show Notes:Positive Intelligence: Why Only 20% of Teams and Individuals Achieve Their True Potential AND HOW YOU CAN ACHIEVE YOURS by Shirzad ChamineTake the Saboteur Assessment | Positive IntelligenceBecome a Patron for as little as $5/month.Subscribe to my weekly Two for Tuesday email newsletter.

Sep 22, 2025 • 9min
Episode 349: How Seeing System Patterns Helps You to Be a Non-Anxious Presence
Observing the patterns in a system, not just the behavior of individuals, can help you to better self-differentiate. Here's how.Show Notes:When the Family Tightens Up - by Kathleen SmithBecome a Patron for as little as $5/month.Subscribe to my weekly Two for Tuesday email newsletter.

Sep 15, 2025 • 13min
Episode 348: Non-Anxious Leaders Manage Their Own Anxiety without Involving Others (Rebroadcast)
Self-differentiation means that you are able to manage your own anxiety without involving others. This episode unpacks what this does (and doesn't) look like.Show Notes:Being the Captain of Your Own Ship by Kathleen SmithBecome a Patron for as little as $5/month.Subscribe to my weekly Two for Tuesday emails.

Sep 8, 2025 • 15min
Episode 347: 6 Ways Self-Differentiation Builds Leadership Courage - Part 2 of 2
Courage is the strength to act in the face of fear, uncertainty, or adversity. This episode covers the final four types of everyday courage and how they relate to self-differentiation.Show Notes:6 Ways to Practice Everyday Courage by Alex BudakBecome a Patron for as little as $5/month.Subscribe to my weekly Two for Tuesday email newsletter.

Sep 1, 2025 • 11min
Episode 346: 6 Ways Self-Differentiation Builds Leadership Courage - Part 1 of 2
This discussion dives into the power of everyday courage and its connection to self-differentiation. It highlights the distinction between courage and bravery, emphasizing how aligning actions with personal values can help leaders face challenges. The speakers also share insights on cultivating moral and social bravery within teams, outlining key elements of courage. Practical strategies for maintaining integrity and ethical behavior in leadership are explored, empowering individuals to navigate doubt and fear effectively.

Aug 25, 2025 • 13min
Episode 345: How to Reduce Resistance to Change
Explore the intriguing dynamics of resistance to change. Discover Kurt Lewin's force field analysis, a framework that balances driving and restraining forces. Learn how design thinking can engage communities, using empathy and minimal viable products to spark enthusiasm. Delve into the emotional side of change, including its ties to grief, and find out how active listening can transform resistance into collaboration. This discussion is packed with practical insights for navigating change effectively.

Aug 18, 2025 • 13min
Episode 344: 5 Ways to Assess the Health of Any Relationship System - Part 2 of 2 (Rebroadcast)
The functioning of any relationship system is dependent on the level of self-differentiation among its members. In this two-part episode, I unpack a schema developed by Daniel V. Papero of the Bowen Center for the Study of the Family.Show Notes:Developing a systems model for family assessment. Family Systems: A Journal of Natural Systems Thinking in Psychiatry and the Sciences. 13, 2, 2018 by Daniel V. Papero.Subscribe to my weekly Two for Tuesday emails.Become a Patron for as little as $5/month.