

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

Jan 19, 2026 • 13min
Episode 366: Favoritism, Family Systems, and the Work of Differentiation
Favoritism doesn’t just haunt families; it seeps into workplaces too. Discover how parental favoritism shapes lifelong mental health and relationships, influenced by birth order and shared values. Explore the concept of family systems and how patterns of favoritism manifest in adult life. Learn practical strategies for leadership that promote fairness, regulate anxiety, and foster connection. Uncover the importance of breaking intergenerational cycles to create healthier environments at home and work.

Jan 12, 2026 • 13min
Episode 365: Three Ways to Take Responsibility for Self (Rebroadcast)
Self-differentiated leaders take responsibility for themselves (and no one else). This will increase self-discipline in a way that helps you in all aspects of life. Here are three strategies to help you do this.Show Notes:Why this type of self-discipline will make you a better leader by Jody MichaelBecome a Patron for as little as $5/month.Subscribe to my weekly Two for Tuesday email newsletter.

Jan 5, 2026 • 15min
Episode 364: Differentiation at the Edge: Why Your Growth Depends on the Hardest Moments
Discover why rare but stressful edge cases can expose the fragility of relationships. Learn how escalating conflicts reveal predictable patterns rather than isolated issues. Reflect on the leap-day bug metaphor that illustrates system weaknesses. Gain insights into the reasons we often fail to prepare for these challenges. Explore five actionable steps to enhance self-differentiation and maintain clarity in stressful moments. This captivating discussion highlights the opportunities for growth that arise from navigating emotional edge cases.

Dec 29, 2025 • 15min
Episode 363: 5 Tips to Start Your New Year Well (updated)
Explore practical strategies for a transformative start to your year. Discover how using temporal landmarks can create a fresh start effect. Focus on one exciting improvement for 10-12 weeks. Make a specific plan to tackle daily decisions with ease. Learn to manage friction to boost positive habits while minimizing the negative. Embrace a big vision through small, consistent actions, and track your progress for ongoing motivation. Celebrate your small wins to keep the momentum going.

Dec 22, 2025 • 14min
Episode 362: Leadership through Self-Differentiation (Part 4 of 4) – Self-Regulation and Integrity in the Moment of Choice (Rebroadcast)
Self-differentiation is acting in accordance with your goals and values, especially in anxious moments. This episode shows you how, as well as what to do when you don’t.Show Notes:Anxious Church, Anxious People: How to Lead Change in an Age of Anxiety If You Met My Family, You’d Understand: A Family Systems PrimerBecome a Patron for as little as $5/month.Subscribe to my weekly Two for Tuesday email newsletter.

Dec 15, 2025 • 18min
Episode 361: Leadership through Self-Differentiation (Part 3 of 4) – The Problem with Seriousness and Reactivity (Rebroadcast)
The emotional intensity that comes from being super-serious can turn a challenge into a problem. Likewise, when we react automatically to the anxiety of others, it can make a bad situation worse. This episode digs into why this is the case and what you can do about it.Show Notes:Anxious Church, Anxious People: How to Lead Change in an Age of Anxiety If You Met My Family, You’d Understand: A Family Systems PrimerTriggers: Creating Behavior That Lasts–Becoming the Person You Want to Be by Marshall GoldsmithBecome a Patron for as little as $5/month.Subscribe to my weekly Two for Tuesday email newsletter.

Dec 8, 2025 • 17min
Episode 360: Leadership through Self-Differentiation - Part 2 of 4 – Emotional Process, Sabotage, Pain & Responsibility (Rebroadcast)
Recognizing emotional process will not only help you avoid getting stuck, it will enable you to persist through the inevitable sabotage that comes when you are leading change.Show Notes:Anxious Church, Anxious People: How to Lead Change in an Age of Anxiety If You Met My Family, You’d Understand: A Family Systems PrimerBecome a Patron for as little as $5/month.Subscribe to my weekly Two for Tuesday email newsletter.

Dec 1, 2025 • 16min
Episode 359: Leadership through Self-Differentiation - Part 1 of 4 - Triangles (Rebroadcast)
The key to effective leadership is the ability to remain a non-anxious presence. Understanding triangles, as well as how to manage them, makes this easier.Show Notes:Anxious Church, Anxious People: How to Lead Change in an Age of Anxiety If You Met My Family, You’d Understand: A Family Systems PrimerBecome a Patron for as little as $5/month.Subscribe to my weekly Two for Tuesday email newsletter.

Nov 24, 2025 • 13min
Episode 358: 7 Ways Leaders Get Stuck and What to Do about It - Part 2 of 2
Discover how to overcome common leadership challenges known as 'blockers.' Learn about perfectionism and how a curious mindset can ease the pressure of making mistakes. Explore the pitfalls of comparison and why it's more effective to coach others instead. Find out strategies for setting boundaries to protect your energy. Finally, tackle feelings of not belonging by affirming your unique contributions and purpose. These practical tips can help you break free and lead authentically.

Nov 16, 2025 • 13min
Episode 357: 7 Ways Leaders Get Stuck and What to Do about It - Part 1 of 2
Discover the concept of "blockers" that can keep leaders stuck in their roles. Learn how the need to be involved can lead to micromanagement and ways to break this cycle. Explore the urgency bias that pushes leaders to act quickly, raising anxiety within their teams. Delve into the certainty trap, where being right can hinder connection and collaboration. The discussion ties these blockers to family systems, providing deeper insights into leadership dynamics. Stay tuned for more strategies in the next installment!


