Live Into Your Brilliance

This week I'm flying solo whilst Mark is away. Inspired by a recent eye-opening client interaction, I look to peel back the layers of the illusion that we control our thoughts and moods, and reveal the liberating power of acceptance. Like a pivotal scene from The Matrix, I'll share how you can identify when your mind clenches like a 'closed fist' and the choices that await you at that crucial intersection. You'll learn the art of mindful reaction – stepping back, pausing, and engaging with life's challenges only from a place of clarity and openness.As we delve further into acceptance and curiosity, I'll walk you through the process of separating hard facts from the mentally constructed narratives that often intensify our stress. You'll discover how quiet reflection can illuminate the path to the right actions – and sometimes, the best action is inaction. We'll examine the teachings of Krishnamurti, pondering the transient nature of the 'thinker' and the innocence in our mental chatter. This episode is a heartfelt exploration of the inner workings of our minds and how we can navigate our internal landscapes with grace and wisdom, whether we're riding a high or wading through the lows.This podcast is produced in partnership with podlad.com

Have you ever found yourself ruminating over roads not taken, opportunities missed, and the elusive 'what ifs'? Mark and I open the year with a deep dive into the concept of opportunity cost—a journey prompted by the insightful curiosity of our friend Alan Carson, Founder of CloudSmith. We peel back the layers of this economic principle, applying it to the richness of life's decisions to uncover how our beliefs and attachments can create an illusion of lost chances. As the conversation unravels, we reveal the freedom we've found by releasing preconceived notions and pressures we place upon ourselves. By sharing stories from our own lives, we illustrate the profound insights that surface when we surrender to curiosity and the beauty of the here and now. It's about debunking the myth that there's always a better choice waiting in the wings and recognizing that the diversity of perspectives can serve as our liberation from the chains of likability and the pursuit of success.Lastly, we wrap up this episode with a heartfelt invitation to observe yourself with kindness and to trust in the unique ebb and flow of your life's ocean. By acknowledging our innate brilliance and challenging the narratives that limit us, we open doors to a more genuine, empowered existence. This podcast is edited and produced by podlad.com

In this week's episode we delve into the intricacies of collaboration, performance, and personal growth with our guest Dr. Chris Shambrook. Drawing from his experience as a sports psychologist to the British Olympic rowing team across 5 Olympics, Chris highlights the need for self-awareness as a catalyst for transforming organisations. He emphasises the importance of individuals consistently showing up in a way that narrows the gap between good and bad days. Through cultivating self-acceptance, self-compassion, and self-love, individuals can build a solid psychological foundation for growth and contribute more effectively to their teams.This episode offers valuable insights into the importance of collaboration, trust, and self-awareness in maximising individual and team performance. By understanding the significance of collaboration, adopting a patient approach to results, and nurturing trust through open communication, teams can create an environment where individuals can thrive and achieve their full potential. Chris laid down the challenge for leaders to focus on building team strength from the beginning rather than having to retroactively correct for dysfunction and points to the fact that the teams that do this win!There are so many nuggets of wisdom to be had from this episode regardless of whether you are a leader, individual contributor or someone looking to squeeze the marrow from the bone of life. This episode was produced in partnership with www.podlad.com

This is the final episode of 2023! Wow, how time flies when you are having fun. This episode is inspired by an email we got sent entitled ‘ Come Back Happy’. The premise of the email was that for many in the business world it had been a tough year which has lead to a lot of people feeling exhausted, cynical and unmotivated. So, what would it take for people to be able to come back happy in 2024?We had a lot of fun exploring this idea! Looking at where happiness lives and what do we actually mean by happiness? We looked at the nature of circumstances and whether or not our performance and indeed our frame of mind is dependent on them or not. Finally we also looked at some of the practices that we can engage in to help us come home to our happy place regardless of what is going on outside of us! This episode talks right to the heart of our mission and we hope that you find something here that brings forth your innate wellbeing and good feelings. All that is left is to wish you all love, peace and joy for the holiday season and the very best for 2024!This podcast is produced in partnership with Podlad.com

Discover the journey of executive coach Amy Jen Su, blending ancient wisdom with leadership for authenticity. Dive into embracing change, surrendering to life's flow, and the role of spirituality in the corporate world. Explore team bonding, collaboration, and the link between self-love and genuine connections. Hear insights on personal evolution, embracing presence, and gratitude for courageous leadership.

Join us for an enlightening and heartfelt conversation with our guest Rob Desmond. Listen in as we journey through discussions about mental health, suicide prevention, and the importance of breaking the stigma surrounding these topics. Rob's vulnerability and power in sharing his personal experiences lend a unique perspective to these important conversations.Throughout our discussion, we touch on the tragic recent suicides in our community and emphasize the crucial need for support and open conversations about mental health. Rob shares his insights on the impact of societal pressures, the lack of understanding from the medical community, and the significance of emotional expression. We also explore the struggles faced by individuals dealing with suicidal thoughts, and the impact on their loved ones.We discuss life's shaping moments, the power of empathy, and the importance of being present. Rob shares his personal experiences and the impact they've had on his perspective, and we explore concepts like an "open hand" and a "closed fist" as they relate to living in the moment. Tune in to gain valuable insights into mental health, support, and understanding. This episode is not only enlightening but is also a testament to the power of open dialogue and empathy.Rob's Speech Samaratans organization provides Suicide prevention services & programs globally.  https://samaritanshope.orgAmerican Foundation of Suicide Prevention.  www.afsp.orgSurvivors of Suicide book by Rita Robinson was one I found helpful.After Suicide Loss, Coping with your Grief by Dr Jack Jordan and Dr Bob BaugherThis podcast is produced in partnership with www.podlad.com

In this episode, Al and Mark dive deep into the complexities of cultural sensitivity and communication, offering powerful insights and personal anecdotes. They explore the transformative power of connection, vulnerability, and curiosity in fostering authentic conversations and breaking down barriers. With a focus on love, compassion, and understanding, they address the challenges of navigating conversations in today's "woke" environment and encourage listeners to challenge fixed identities and embrace their shared humanity. This thought-provoking episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to create meaningful connections across cultures and foster a more inclusive society.

There are stories that shape us, alter our perspectives, and ultimately define who we are and what we become. This episode is one such story as we immerse ourselves in the world of Dr. Al Tillery, the founding director at Northwestern's Center for the Study of Diversity and Democracy. As a child, Al found himself navigating the complex layers of a racialized caste system in America. His intriguing journey, marked by an early exposure to racism and prejudice, propelled him into the world of academia where he dedicated himself to the fight against racial and class inequalities, a pursuit beautifully reflected in his national award-winning book, Between Homeland and Motherland.We explore the profound impact of Al's childhood experiences, his deep understanding of American caste systems, and his remarkable ability to maintain curiosity while overcoming bitterness. Al's narrative is a testament to the power of resilience and the ability to turn adversity into a driving force. His journey reveals the importance of mentorship and the profound effect of intergenerational pressure in shaping his life. Al’s experiences at Harvard, where he faced intense racism, and his relationship with his mentor, shed light on his transformative path from a young boy growing up in a racialized environment to an inspiring educator and scholar.In the final part of our conversation, Al shares his insights on shifting perspectives, promoting equity, and the need for truth and reconciliation in America. He emphasizes the role of powerful stories in creating understanding and shaping the collective consciousness. Al’s journey is an example of how empathy, curiosity, and a global perspective can help bridge differences and promote unity. We hope that his story will inspire listeners to explore their own origin stories and unleash their true potential, and how in doing so, we can begin to heal and grow together as a society.This podcast is produced in partnership with podlad.com

Can we navigate the complexity of life with a more resilient mind? Are you tired of succumbing to your fears and self-judgments? Let's redefine mental fitness and unravel its mysteries. Our conversation will challenge your understanding of mental fitness and distinguish it from mental health. We'll discuss how a strong foundation in mental fitness empowers us to navigate tricky situations with grace and mindfulness. Having meaningful conversations, embracing vulnerability, and nurturing trust can contribute immensely to our mental fitness. We'll share personal anecdotes and insights from our lives to illustrate the crucial role of human connection in fostering a stronger sense of self. Hear about the South African Rugby team, a phenomenal example of how diversity and trust can lead to astounding achievements when coupled with mental fitness. As we explore the concept of mental fitness, we'll shed light on the importance of maintaining the 'mental garden' of our minds. Drawing from Michael Singer's analogy, we'll discuss how consistent and compassionate practice can ensure the health of our mental garden. Join us for an enriching conversation that will inspire you to cultivate your mental fitness, liberate you from your judgments, and shine a light on your innate brilliance.This podcast is produced in partnership with Podlad.com

We're beyond thrilled to welcome Annette Johnson, a leading voice in diversity, equity, and inclusion. Annette's story is a captivating tale of transformation, from grappling with a victim mentality to embracing a life of empowerment. As an author, speaker, and certified leadership coach, she's dedicated her career to encouraging others to take charge of their lives. Her insightful book "Forgive and Love Yourself" and her thought-provoking podcast "Living in the Good Space" are just a glimpse into her inspiring journey.Annette's mission to mentor and uplift other women of color, borne out of her experiences in corporate America, will leave you inspired. She candidly discloses her realization of potential as a mentor and advocate for victims of intimate partner violence. She delves into the essence of discovering our true identities and the joy in connecting with similar souls on a shared journey. Annette's stories reveal the power of authenticity and the transformative effect it has on leadership.In our candid conversation, we explore her journey to authentic leadership, the importance of self-awareness, and how personal and professional values can sometimes clash. Annette offers invaluable insights on taking control of your presence, and the role of inner work in leadership. Her journey of self-awareness and reconciliation of personal values with professional ones serves as a blueprint for fostering an environment of authenticity within a team. So, join us for an episode filled with wisdom, laughter, and a lot of soul-searching as Annette invites us all to live a life we love.This Podcast is produced in partnership with www.podlad.com