The H2 Leadership Podcast

In today’s episode, Alan shares how a rare open Saturday—spent hiking into the Colorado mountains to fly-fish—quickly turned into another to-do list. He realized that our most life-giving pursuits (hobbies) are constantly at risk of becoming tasks we “have to” check off. In this conversation, Alan unpacks why hobbies are essential to flourishing, offers a framework for rediscovering them, and gives practical steps to reclaim joy, creativity, and rest in the midst of our busy “have-to” lives. What You’ll Learn: Why Hobbies Matter: How leisure activities serve as mental rest, spark creativity, and renew passion for work and family. Focal Practices: The power of “idle,” present-moment activities that reconnect you to what truly matters. Benefits of Hobbies: From distraction of weighty issues to replenishment cycles that boost productivity. Rediscovery vs. Discovery: Tips for uncovering the hobbies you loved as a kid—or stumbling on new ones today. Practical Steps: How to schedule your first hobby session in two weeks—no guilt, no strings attached. Key Takeaways: Hobbies are “get-to” activities in a “have-to” world. Even large organizations credit “white-space” time for breakthroughs. Simple focal practices (gardening, evening walks, hammocking) anchor joy and presence. Your work, relationships, and well-being depend on carving out hobby time. Action Challenge: Block off a 2-hour window in your calendar this week for your rediscovered hobby—whether it’s fly-fishing, woodworking, dancing, or simply sitting in a hammock—and notice how you feel afterward. Resources Mentioned: Anti-Burnout: A Coaching Pathway The Sabbatical Journey Field Guide Have questions or want to share your hobby rediscovery story? Drop us a note at hello@stayforth.com or leave a comment wherever you listen.

Halfway through summer and already feeling the rush of back-to-school and end-of-year deadlines? In this episode of the H₂ Leader Summer Series, Alan Briggs and Jonathan Collier challenge the “grind-only” mentality by uncovering the power of relational leadership over mere transactions. You’ll learn: The difference between transactional (BNI-style) and relational (Coharbor-style) approaches How a high-trust culture drives better engagement, retention, and results The 3 Cs every leader needs—Curiosity, Care, and Consistency—and how to practice them Real-world signs your organization is drifting into “just manage” mode Reflection questions to help you shift from “What can they do for me?” to “How can I serve them?” Whether you lead a small team or a global enterprise, you’ll come away equipped to strengthen trust, spark engagement, and multiply your impact—one authentic connection at a time. Show Notes Welcome & Summer Check-in Mid-summer realities: schools shopping in July, transactional everywhere Why relational leadership matters now Two Networking Models Transactional: “Get leads, hit quotas” (BNI-style) Relational: “Get to know the person first” (Coharbor-style) Why Trust Trumps Transactions As goes the leader, so goes the culture Real-life boardroom example: cold, closed vs. warm, open Signals of Low-Trust vs. High-Trust Cultures Do people feel safe to speak up? Are values just on the wall, or lived daily? Celebration vs. checkbox mentality The 3 Cs of Relational Leadership Curiosity: Ask what’s really on people’s minds Care: Show genuine concern for the human, not just the role Consistency: Do your values and words match your actions—every day Practical Steps to Shift Check your own inbox: person or task? Communicate context + clarity + candor Use “three strikes” principle: when a tool or process fails repeatedly, pick up the phone Reflection Questions How relational is my current leadership? Where am I defaulting to transactions over relationships? Who needs more of my presence (not just my direction)? Resources & Links Anti-Burnout ⇒ https://a.co/d/89z1Vrr The Sabbatical Journey ⇒ https://a.co/d/i5dXSLS How to Subscribe & Review If you enjoyed this episode, please: Subscribe to “Stay Forth Leadership” on Apple Podcasts Rate & Review—your five stars help others find the show! Share with a friend or colleague who’s ready to lead from relationship, not just transaction  

We’re living through a hurricane of distraction—constant pings, endless opportunities, and FOMO-fueled comparison. In Episode 5 of our H2 Leader Summer Series, Alan and Jonathan unpack why today’s leaders feel overwhelmed yet under-productive, and share a simple but counter-intuitive answer: do fewer things—better. Press play to learn how to develop “healthy tunnel vision” in a scattered world, why prioritization and elimination go hand-in-hand, and how to stay accessible (not available) so you can protect your best work. If you find yourself grasping at tasks like kids in a wind-tunnel booth grabbing dollar bills, this episode will give you a clearer, calmer path forward. Key Takeaways Scattered vs. Strategic: Today’s world bombards us like a wind-tunnel booth of swirling dollar bills. You must choose a few priorities—and let the rest go. Effectiveness > Efficiency: Machines optimize for efficiency; leaders optimize for impact by focusing on the right 2–3 actions. Prioritize & Eliminate: To truly excel, ruthlessly say “no” to good things so you can say “yes” to the best things. Accessible ≠ Available: You can remain reachable without being on-call 24/7—protect deep-work blocks as sacred. Model the Change: A leader’s bandwidth sets the bar for their team. Guard your own focus to help everyone guard theirs. Reflect & Apply Set aside 10–15 minutes today with your journal or notes app. Answer honestly: How scattered am I right now? Where is your attention leaking? What’s distracting me from what matters most? Identify the “dollar bills” you’re chasing. What’s one commitment I must say “no” to this fall so I can laser-focus on my top priorities? Links & Resources 📘 The Sabbatical Journey Field Guide → https://a.co/d/haM9rSR 📓 Right Side Up Journal (Weekly & Quarterly Audit) → https://a.co/d/fUaXcFh

We’re halfway through summer—and if you’re like most leaders, you’re both craving a break and wrestling with guilt, unfinished to-dos, and screen addiction. In Episode 6 of our H2 Leader Summer Series, Alan and Jonathan go deep on rest as a strategic, creative, and spiritual practice—not just “doing nothing.” Learn why resting well actually multiplies your impact, how to design your unique rest rhythm, and why trust (in God, yourself, your team) is the secret ingredient. You’ll discover: Why rest requires trust—and how to build it in real time The 7 types of rest (creative, sensory, spiritual, and more) that recharge you Real stories from their June adventures (Grand Canyon epiphanies, half-day schedules, family trips) How to move from negative-one burnout mode to a place of abundance The power of “accessible vs. available” boundaries for sustainable rest Press play, clear your mental clutter, and unlock the productive power of true rest. Key Topics Covered Rest ≠ Inaction: Rest as a powerful, generative action—an investment, not waste Trust & Rest: Why letting go (half-day schedules, family getaways) is the first step 7 Types of Rest: Creative, sensory, spiritual, and more (from Sacred Rest by Sandra Dalton-Smith) Negative-One vs. Abundance: How to tell if you’re operating from a deficit—and how to climb back to zero Accessible vs. Available: Setting rest boundaries while remaining dependable Reflect & Apply Grab a journal or open your notes app. Spend 10–15 minutes exploring: When was the last time I felt truly rested? (Six months ago? A year? More?) Which form of rest does my mind/body/spirit need most right now? (Creative, sensory, physical, spiritual, social, etc.) What’s my next single step to develop a healthy, repeatable rhythm of rest? Links & Resources The Sabbatical Journey Field Guide → https://a.co/d/haM9rSR Right Side Up Journal (Weekly & Quarterly Audit) → https://a.co/d/fUaXcFh Sacred Rest by Dr. Sandra Dalton-Smith (on the 7 Types of Rest) → [Search “Sacred Rest Dalton-Smith” on your favorite bookstore]

In this powerful—and at times convicting—fourth episode of our H2 Leader Summer Series, Jonathan and Alan tackle emotional presence in leadership. Far too often we slip into “performance mode,” juggling screens, tasks, and to-do lists at the expense of our families, teams, and even our own well-being. Discover how a simple weekly audit in the Right Side Up Journal helps Alan pull back from the whirlwind, process his emotions, and plan ahead so he can truly be with the people he leads and loves. You’ll learn why: Leadership is about service, not performance. Emotional contagion means your mood sets the tone for every room you enter. Scheduled margin—micro-pauses, meeting buffers, and Sabbath—keeps you grounded. Non-transactional relationships (“friends who aren’t impressed by your title”) are vital. Private reflection unlocks public presence. Press play and prepare to be challenged—but also to find freedom in leading from a place of presence, not pressure. Key Topics Covered Performance vs. Presence: Why striving to “wow” hurts your authenticity The 3-Page Weekly Audit: Look Back: Wins, unfinished business, tough conversations, healthy choices, blessings Look Within: Emotional check-in—where you performed vs. where you were present Look Ahead: Intentional planning—block evening margin, “to-don’t” list, relational commitments Emotional Contagion: How the most anxious person wields the greatest influence Micro-Practices for Presence: 5–10 minute breathing breaks, buffer time between meetings Macro-Practices: A true Sabbath—one full day off to reset Reflect & Apply Set aside 10–15 minutes and journal through these prompts: Emotional Presence Audit: How present am I, emotionally, with those I lead and love? Avoidance Check: What emotions (fear, grief, frustration, etc.) have I been sidestepping? Next-Right Step: What one boundary or buffer will I schedule this week to protect my presence? Links & Resources Right Side Up Journal (Alan’s weekly–and–quarterly personal audit tool) → https://a.co/d/fUaXcFh

In Episode 4 of our H2 Leader Summer Series, Alan and Jonathan hit on one of the most liberating leadership truths: “Who you are matters more than what you do.” In a world that obsessively equates titles, achievements, and performance metrics with worth, it’s easy to lose sight of the unshakeable identity and purpose beneath the surface. Join them as they unpack: The difference between your role (what shows up on your org chart) and your identity (your character, values, and calling) Why chasing “praise, promotions, and posts” leaves you vulnerable to burnout and emptiness How to begin leading from who you are, not just from what you produce Practical first steps—daily rhythms, margin, and non­transactional relationships—that reinforce your true identity If you’ve ever felt like you woke up and realized your career had swallowed your self-worth, this episode is for you. Press play, and start rooting your leadership in purpose, not performance. Key Topics Covered Role vs. Identity: Why a job description can never define your lasting worth Performance Traps: How external accolades both feed and betray your soul Identity Anchors: The character traits, values, and deep “why” that outlast any project or title Practical Shifts: Small daily practices to remind yourself of your true self Building non-transactional friendships who “aren’t impressed” but love you anyway Creating margin (walks, lunches, buffer time) to reconnect with your purpose Reflect & Apply Set aside 10–15 minutes with a journal or blank page, and explore these two questions: Who am I becoming as a leader? What core truths do I need to return to regularly? Don’t rush—let these questions guide you toward leading from your identity, not just from your job description.

Originally released on Johnny Levy’s Workplace Delight podcast, this episode was too good not to share with our Stay Forth audience! Alan Briggs—leadership & sabbatical coach, “mountain guide for the leadership journey,” and co-host of the Stay Forth Leadership Podcast—joins Johnny to explore why intentional sabbaticals are the next frontier in workplace culture. Whether you’re in HR, the C-suite, or you’ve built a startup from scratch, you’ll learn: How a sabbatical can release outdated mindsets and reset your priorities Why “get-tos” vs. “have-tos” reignite creativity, trust, and long-term retention The Harvard Business Review research proving sabbaticals drive innovation Practical “stress-test” pilots to evolve your policy without upheaval The two phases every leader experiences after sabbatical: Release & Reset Press play for a healthy dose of adventure, abundance mindset, and people-first strategy—then return tomorrow for Episode 3 of our H2 Leader Summer Series! Key Topics Covered Defining Sabbatical: From academic “research leave” to genuine life-giving renewal Personal Story: Alan’s first 10-week gift sabbatical—what he released & how he reset Abundance Mindset: “Get-tos” vs. “Have-tos,” and why rest is a human right Business Case: HBR findings, Big Tech sabbaticals, and the real ROI on renewal Implementation: Evolving vs. revolutionizing your policy—stress tests, pilots & partnerships Outcomes: Release old habits → Reset priorities → Reinvigorate individual & organizational performance Reflect & Apply Inventory Your “Get-Tos”: What creative or restorative activities have you shelved for “someday”? Identify Roadblocks: Which of Fear, Pride, or Permission is blocking sabbatical at your company? Pilot a Pilot: What small “stress-test” could you run this quarter—for example, extend someone’s vacation by one week? Links & Resources Watch the Full Interview on YouTube https://youtu.be/EfHh61p0hPE?si=J3FHcHJR5wE5Opdp Workplace Delight Substack (Johnny’s full show notes & takeaways) https://workplacedelight.substack.com/

Alan and Jonathan expose the dark side of hustle culture and introduce a far better alternative: rhythms. We all know the story—“push harder, grind longer, you’ll get your big payday.” It glitters until you crash. Instead, learn why top performers thrive on repeatable, sustainable habits and how you can wage war on burnout with simple, life-giving routines. You’ll walk away with: A clear definition of hustle vs. sustainable push How “humble hustle” can keep you moving without flaming out The science behind rhythms—and why everything from tides to seasons obey them The 4 P’s of building lasting habits: Permission, Process, Perseverance … and People Real-world examples of how small daily actions compound into massive gains Whether you’re launching a new initiative or just trying to make it through your week, this episode arms you with the tools to step off the treadmill of constant go-go-go and design a leadership cadence that fuels your best work—for years to come. Key Topics Covered The Glamour & the Grind: Why hustle culture hooks us—and when “go-go-go” becomes toxic Humble Hustle: How to lean in intensely and know when to pull back Rhythms Over Ruts: Why setting predictable patterns beats random sprints every time The 4 P’s of Habit Design: Permission—Give yourself the green light to start Process—Map out the simple steps that make it automatic Perseverance—Keep showing up, even when it’s not fun People—Invite accountability partners to multiply your momentum Leader as Model: How your personal cadence shapes team culture—whether you mean to or not Reflect & Apply Grab your journal (or the Right Side Up Journal ) and spend 10–15 minutes with these prompts. Then, take one concrete step this week to weave a new rhythm into your life: Zoom Out: Where are you currently running on fumes—in work or life? Rhythm Check: What small habit (10 min/day or 1 hr/week) would shift you off autopilot? Barrier Busters: Which of the “P’s” (Permission, Process, Perseverance, People) is tripping you up? Next Right Step: What one change will you make in the next 24 hours to protect that new rhythm? Links & Resources 📘 The Sabbatical Journey Field Guide → https://a.co/d/haM9rSR 📝 Right Side Up Journal (Stay Forth) → https://a.co/d/fUaXcFh A coach-designed, undated leadership journal—10 min/day to align your daily actions with long-term vision. Available in paperback, hardcover “Adventure Edition,” or digital.

Welcome to Year 3 of our Summer Series—and this time, we're going all in on what it means to become an H2 Leader: someone who is both healthy and high impact. In this kickoff episode, Jonathan and Alan introduce the theme for the summer, reflect on past unhealthy and high-impact seasons of their own leadership, and share why this H2 tension is so important in today's fast-paced world. You’ll get a clear picture of what this series will cover—and how you can follow along to grow in your leadership without burning out. 🔑 Key Topics Covered: What is an H2 Leader—and why is it so hard to be both healthy and high impact? How success creates more options—and why options without boundaries are dangerous Why burnout and overachievement often masquerade as productivity Why designing your leadership around your unique wiring is essential The power of seasons, filters, and healthy teams to sustain long-term leadership ✍️ Reflect + Apply: This episode includes 3 powerful questions to help you activate what you’re learning: What does health look like for you this summer? What does high impact mean in your current season? What would it look like to commit to this journey over the summer? Grab a journal, take 10 quiet minutes, and start answering these. These aren’t just questions—they’re the map for becoming an H2 Leader. Links + Resources: The Sabbatical Journey Field Guide (on Amazon) → https://a.co/d/haM9rSR The Sabbatical Journey Learning Experience (Self-Paced Course) → https://www.sabbaticalcoachinggroup.com/sabbaticaljourney FREE Whitepaper: Sabbaticals & Leadership (Harvard-backed research) → https://www.sabbaticalcoachinggroup.com/why-leaders-need-sabbaticals-harvard-research The Right Side Up Journal (Stay Forth) → https://a.co/d/fUaXcFh A purpose-driven journal created from hundreds of hours of coaching to help leaders align daily actions with long-term goals. Designed for just 10 minutes a day, this tool blends intentional planning, personal development, and reflection to build sustainable momentum. Available in paperback, hardcover “Adventure Edition,” and digital format. What’s Next: This summer series will explore the core characteristics of an H2 Leader in short, practical episodes you can apply immediately. Topics include: How to build healthy rhythms Leadership boundaries Personal sustainability Strategic rest (and yes, sabbatical!) Each episode is built for reflection, activation, and longevity in your leadership. Welcome to the H2 Leader Summer Series. Let’s get after it.

We’ve been holding this one close, and it’s finally time to share the big news... After years of coaching hundreds of leaders through sabbaticals—and taking a few ourselves—we’re beyond thrilled to announce a double launch that we believe could change how leaders rest, recover, and re-enter their work with purpose. In this episode, Alan and Jonathan unveil: The Sabbatical Journey Field Guide — a beautifully designed, practical, anti-book book that walks you step-by-step through your sabbatical. The Sabbatical Journey Learning Experience — a self-paced, story-rich, coaching-informed digital journey for those who want transformation without the 1-on-1 coaching price tag. If you’re a leader (or know a leader) who’s curious about sabbatical, overwhelmed by the idea, or already mid-journey but feeling a little lost—this episode is your invitation to breathe, recalibrate, and take a next step into one of the most meaningful investments you’ll ever make. This isn’t just theory. It’s the best of what we’ve learned after guiding leaders through deeply personal sabbatical seasons—and what we’ve lived ourselves. What You’ll Learn: Why sabbatical is essential (and not just a long vacation) The top mistakes leaders make when going into sabbatical What’s inside The Sabbatical Journey field guide—and why it’s not a traditional book How the new learning experience bridges the gap between content and coaching How to use these tools with your board, team, or organization to normalize and implement sabbatical culture What it really looks like to return from sabbatical reoriented, not just rested Resources & Links: The Sabbatical Journey Field Guide (Amazon) → https://a.co/d/haM9rSR The Sabbatical Journey Learning Experience (Self-paced Digital Resource) → https://www.sabbaticalcoachinggroup.com/sabbaticaljourney Free Whitepaper: Why Leaders Need Sabbaticals (with Harvard Research) → https://www.sabbaticalcoachinggroup.com/why-leaders-need-sabbaticals-harvard-research Visit the Sabbatical Coaching Group → https://www.sabbaticalcoachinggroup.com Call to Action: Buy Two Copies of The Sabbatical Journey — one for yourself, and one for the leader in your life who’s overwhelmed, burned out, or ready to step into a life-giving break from their work. And if you're curious about sabbatical but don't know where to start, head to the Learning Experience. It’s designed to meet you exactly where you are. 📩 Got questions or want to share your sabbatical story? Reach out through the contact form on the site — we’d love to hear from you.