In this insightful episode, Alan sits down with Dan Rockwell, acclaimed author of The Vagrant, seasoned leadership coach, and consultant. Together, they dive into the ways we often stand in our own way, the personal growth practices that can elevate us, and the essential qualities leaders need to embody now more than ever. Packed with practical wisdom, this conversation hits close to home for us at Stay Forth and speaks directly to the heart of meaningful leadership. About Dan Rockwell Dan Rockwell delivered his first presentation at sixteen and has been captivating audiences with his insights and workshops ever since. In 2010, his passion for leadership inspired him to start the Leadership Freak blog, now read in nearly every country and followed by almost 500,000 people across social media. Named among Inc. Magazine’s "Top Fifty Leadership and Management Experts" and one of the “Top 100 Great Leadership Speakers,” Dan’s work has been widely recognized. The Center for Management and Organization Effectiveness has called Leadership Freak the “most socially shared leadership blog on the Internet.” Dan’s reach extends beyond the digital sphere through his keynotes and workshops with an impressive range of clients, including the National Institutes of Health, Home Depot, Ascension Health, Geisinger Health System, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Holding an MBA and degrees in Theology, Pastoral Ministry, and Construction & Design, Dan’s diverse background includes owning two businesses and working as a Workforce Development Consultant for Penn State. In this role, he designed courses, mentored instructors, and gave hundreds of presentations to audiences worldwide. Today, he continues his work as a leadership coach and consultant while actively serving in his local community. Dan lives in central Pennsylvania with his wife, his high school sweetheart of over 40 years. Connect with Dan Website: Leadership Freak Book: The Vagrant: Inner Journey of Leadership Parable

Alan Briggs discusses the significance of sabbaticals for leaders, sharing his personal experiences and insights gained from previous sabbaticals. He emphasizes the importance of planning, renewal, and recalibration during this time away from work. The discussion also touches on the challenges of stepping away from work, the need for engagement in everyday life, and the activities he looks forward to during his upcoming sabbatical. Ultimately, the conversation highlights the transformative power of sabbaticals in fostering personal growth and well-being.   Takeaways Sabbaticals help leaders renew their energy and recalibrate their vision. Personal experiences during sabbaticals can be both delightful and challenging. Planning for a sabbatical is crucial to ensure a smooth transition. Engagement in everyday life is more fulfilling than seeking escape through travel. Rest can take many forms, including physical activity and mental space. Sabbaticals are an opportunity to reconnect with family and friends. The importance of modeling healthy rhythms for others as a leader. Sabbaticals can lead to new insights and creative ideas for the future. It's essential to prioritize what truly matters during a sabbatical. Sabbaticals require faith and trust in the process of stepping away from work. Reclaim your brain with Magic Mind. Use Code BRIGGS at checkout for 20% off your order.  visit https://magicmind.com/

In this conversation, Alan Briggs shares his journey of self-discovery and leadership, emphasizing the importance of balancing future aspirations with present engagement. He discusses the psychological aspects of leadership, particularly the tension between hope and fear when planning for the future. Through practical tools like the Right Side Up Journal and the Innovation Triangle, he encourages leaders to reflect on their past, assess their current state, and strategically plan for the future. The conversation culminates in a call for self-reflection and the importance of maintaining health and sustainability in leadership roles. takeaways Leaders often focus on the future, which can lead to anxiety. It's essential to balance future planning with present engagement. Small practices can help leaders stay grounded in the present. A weekly review can highlight victories often overlooked. Quarterly audits provide a deeper reflection on goals and achievements. The Innovation Triangle helps leaders assess their focus areas. Self-reflection is crucial for personal and professional growth. Healthy leaders create healthy cultures around them. Understanding fears about the future can lead to better planning. Leaders are wired for impact, but must prioritize their well-being.    

In part two of our directions series, Alan shares his transformative experience during a bucket list trip to Scotland, emphasizing the importance of being present in both extraordinary and everyday moments. He discusses the challenges leaders face in maintaining presence amidst distractions and the need for intentional habits to foster engagement with family, friends, and teams. Alan wraps up this episode with practical questions for leaders to enhance their mindfulness and reflection, ultimately aiming for sustainable impact in their lives and communities.   takeaways The trip to Scotland was a bucket list experience. Staying present is crucial for leaders. Distractions can steal our attention from loved ones. Intentional habits help maintain presence. Reflection is vital for personal growth. Leaders shape the future but must stay grounded. The attention economy challenges our focus. Small disciplines can lead to significant changes. Engaging in the moment enriches relationships. Creating healthy cultures starts with being present.

Join a journey of reflection as a leadership coach dives into how our past shapes our leadership style. Discover the delicate balance between past, present, and future, and how memories can be both a source of joy and pain. Learn about the risks of romanticizing past successes and the importance of letting go to embrace new opportunities. Inspiring personal stories highlight how turning pain into purpose can lead to meaningful impact. Thought-provoking questions prompt you to consider your own formative experiences.

Chad Lunsford, a sabbatical coach with expertise in organizational change, shares insights on effective leadership. He discusses how ineffective leaders foster dysfunction, while effective ones create vitality and meaning. The conversation emphasizes the transformative power of sabbaticals for personal and organizational growth. Chad highlights the importance of clarity in communication, trusting your team, and focusing on meaningful tasks over efficiency. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their leadership style and prioritize fulfillment for themselves and their teams.

In this engaging discussion, leadership expert Jonathan Collier shares insights on the essential differences between activity and true action. He urges leaders to prioritize effectiveness over mere efficiency, emphasizing the value of thoughtful, well-crafted work. Collier highlights the dangers of rushing and multitasking, advocating for deep work and clarity in decision-making. He also encourages listeners to reflect on their commitments and focuses on quality, reminding us that in today's fast-paced world, rare and valuable work is what truly stands out.

Join leadership expert Jonathan Collier as he unpacks the vital shift from efficiency to effectiveness in leadership. He explains how a focus on efficiency often stems from fear and a desire for control. Collier defines effective leadership as understanding one’s influence, living healthily, and being self-aware. He emphasizes the importance of meaningful connections over mere task completion and advocates for a sustainable pace. The discussion prompts reflection on enhancing leadership practices for long-term success.

Jon Tyson, a pastor and author known for his insights on manhood and faith, explores the modern challenges men face in a rapidly changing society. He discusses the vital role faith plays in shaping identity and purpose while addressing the pressures on Gen Z. Tyson emphasizes the importance of mentorship across generations and introduces his Primal Path program, which guides young men through meaningful rites of passage. His perspective combines personal experiences, cultural insights, and actionable advice for anyone navigating their journey to manhood.

In this episode, Alan and Jonathan dive into the fall season, a crucial time for leaders to gain momentum and prepare for the challenges ahead. They explore how to maximize this season's potential through key questions every leader should ask themselves. Whether you're leading a team, a family, or a community, this episode will provide you with actionable insights to help you navigate the busyness of fall without burning out. Key Takeaways: Momentum in Fall: Fall is a season of high momentum, with both opportunities and challenges. Alan and Jonathan discuss how leaders can harness this momentum to drive their teams and organizations forward. Critical Questions for Leaders: Alan outlines essential questions to ask yourself as a leader: How can I schedule for what I really care about? How can our team raise our level of impact? How can I guard against burnout before it’s too late? How do I get out of the weeds? How can I raise the leadership capacity of my team members? How can I be a unifying force in a disunified world? Importance of Prioritization: The hosts emphasize setting clear 90-day goals and the value of identifying and focusing on your top priorities. This ensures that leaders are not overwhelmed but are instead intentional about what truly matters. Guarding Against Burnout: With the increased pace of fall, it's crucial to be proactive in preventing burnout. Alan shares strategies for maintaining physical and mental health, highlighting the importance of keystone habits that anchor your well-being. Raising Team Leadership Capacity: Alan and Jonathan discuss the importance of developing your team members' leadership skills. They provide practical advice on how to help your team grow by focusing on a few key areas, rather than overwhelming them with too many expectations. Being a Unifying Force: In a divided world, leaders have a unique opportunity to be a voice of unity and hope. The hosts encourage leaders to stay grounded, remain hopeful, and avoid getting distracted by the chaos around them. Resources Mentioned: Right Side Up Journal: A tool for leaders to set and track their 90-day goals, manage priorities, and maintain a balanced life. Declutter Quadrant: A framework to help leaders identify and eliminate low-value tasks to focus on what truly matters. Annual Energy Map: A tool to plan and allocate energy throughout the year, especially during high-intensity seasons like fall. Cohort Opportunities: Effective Leader Cohort: Led by Chad, this cohort focuses on eight core leadership skills essential for any leader looking to grow. Anti-Burnout Cohort: Led by Alan, this cohort is based on his book, Anti-Burnout, and is designed to help leaders overcome obstacles and find opportunities amidst challenges. Call to Action: If you're ready to grow as a leader and not be left behind this fall, consider joining one of the Stay Forth cohorts. They offer a community experience at a fraction of the cost of traditional leadership coaching, providing you with the tools and support needed to take your leadership to the next level. Connect with Us: Visit Stayforth.com for more information on coaching and cohorts. Follow us on social media to stay updated on upcoming episodes and announcements. Subscribe and Review: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the podcast and leave a review on your favorite platform. Your feedback helps us improve and reach more leaders like you! Upcoming Episodes: Stay tuned for big announcements coming in the next few weeks. You won’t want to miss what we have in store!