The Learning Leader Show With Ryan Hawk

In this conversation, Simon Sinek, renowned author and leadership expert, shares insights from his new book, Together Is Better. He emphasizes that humans are social beings, thriving on relationships and support. Sinek contrasts effective leadership with unsatisfying jobs, illustrating how great managers enhance employee engagement. He discusses the importance of living with purpose and consistently practicing leadership skills. Through personal anecdotes, he reveals how vulnerability fosters trust, ultimately leading to stronger teams and fulfillment.

Amelia Boone, a world-class obstacle racer and three-time World's Toughest Mudder winner, balances her intense racing career with her role as a corporate attorney at Apple. In this engaging discussion, she shares insights on embracing pain as a vital part of her journey. Amelia emphasizes that high performers cultivate habits that foster drive and prioritization. She highlights the importance of community in racing, her process of finding joy in competition, and the mindset needed to tackle everyday challenges. Her reflections on injury recovery and adaptability are particularly inspiring.

Former elite endurance athlete turned health expert Mark Sisson discusses transitioning to a fat-burning lifestyle for improved energy. Topics include stress management, nutrient-dense foods, quality sleep, and breaking free from sugar addiction. The podcast explores sugar's harm, leadership qualities, paleo wines, cheat days, and biases in scientific research.

Dr. Robert Cialdini, a renowned psychologist and author of influential works like 'Influence' and 'Pre-Suasion,' shares his insights on the science of persuasion. He emphasizes the importance of empathy as a leadership quality and reveals how pre-suasion can prime individuals for compliance. Cialdini discusses the impact of framing on decision-making, the benefits of asking for advice to foster partnerships, and using small cues to drive significant choices. His insights into unity as a powerful principle of persuasion are particularly enlightening.

Join Charles Duhigg, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of The Power of Habit and Smarter Faster Better, as he explores the fascinating science behind habit formation and productivity. He shares insights on creating deep thinking habits and how to pair stretch goals with SMART plans for success. Duhigg delves into the importance of mental models and visualization in decision-making, plus his unique storytelling techniques that make ideas memorable. Discover why psychological safety is crucial for team success, drawing inspiration from the collaborative culture at SNL.

In this engaging discussion, Chris Voss, the former FBI lead international kidnapping negotiator and CEO of the Black Swan Group, dives deep into the art of negotiation. He shares how elite negotiators listen for subtle cues to uncover valuable information and emphasizes the importance of asking clarifying questions. Voss reveals techniques like mirroring to encourage dialogue and explains how to negotiate job offers for long-term gains. He also discusses the impact of tone and body language in communication, making negotiation accessible and strategic.

Jonathan Fields, founder of the Good Life Project and best-selling author, dives into what it truly means to live a good life. He emphasizes unique immersion in passions and relationships that energize us. The conversation reveals his journey from law to entrepreneurship, drawing insights from life's trials. Fields shares how he helps others find fulfillment through his project and discusses the importance of leadership in embracing processes and obstacles. He even touches on the significance of side projects and cultivating a personal creed for meaningful living.

Amy Trask, the former CEO of the Raiders and NFL analyst, discusses her groundbreaking journey in the male-dominated world of football. She emphasizes the importance of authenticity and hard work, recalling how a cold call led to her NFL career. Amy advocates for learning every facet of a business and encourages a collaborative approach to negotiation, focusing on what's important to all parties. Her book, "You Negotiate Like a Girl," challenges traditional stereotypes, highlighting that effective negotiation transcends gender.

Adnan Virk, an ESPN broadcaster known for his versatility and passion for film, shares insights on his journey in sports media. He discusses his top five Tom Hanks films, explaining why 'Cast Away' reigns supreme. Adnan reflects on how his love for cinema opened doors at ESPN and led to his podcast, Cinephile. He shares amusing anecdotes about interviewing Robert De Niro and emphasizes the importance of always saying yes to opportunities. His philosophy is simple: embrace the unexpected and let passion guide your path.

Hank Fortener, founder of AdoptTogether and speaker on adoption and leadership, shares insights on creating a fulfilling life. He emphasizes the power of consistency in achieving long-term success and discusses practical tools for establishing sustainable routines. Hank also explores the concept of writing your life story, encouraging listeners to visualize their future chapters. He reflects on leadership qualities like generosity and trust, and highlights the impact of his initiatives like World Adoption Day, illustrating how personal experiences shape one's mission.