In the final episode of the Anti-Burnout summer series, Jonathan Collier and Alan Briggs discuss the topics of cynicism and curiosity. They explore the difference between being critical and being cynical, and the dangers of cynicism in leadership. They emphasize the importance of curiosity in overcoming cynicism and finding new possibilities. The conversation also touches on areas where cynicism is prevalent, such as politics, economics, and even preseason football. The hosts encourage leaders to cultivate curiosity and hope, and to believe in the possibility of change.   Takeaways Cynicism is a mindset marked by deep skepticism and distrust, while curiosity is the opposite of anxiety and opens up new possibilities. Cynicism keeps leaders stuck and prevents them from shaping the future, while curiosity invites exploration and growth. Cynicism can show up in various areas of life and leadership, such as politics, economics, and personal relationships. Being critical is different from being cynical, as critical thinking involves asking questions and seeking understanding. Leaders need to cultivate curiosity and hope, and believe in the possibility of change in order to make a positive impact. Sound Bites "There's a difference between being critical and being cynical." "Cynicism is a dead end, curiosity is an on-ramp." "If we don't believe that it's possible for leaders to change, then we need to get out."

Resistance can often stand in the way of our goals, yet it's a shared experience in leadership and life. Embracing and normalizing these feelings can help us take action and move forward. Identifying where we're stuck and taking small, brave steps is crucial for growth. The discussion introduces a unique annual energy map to help navigate seasonal challenges and opportunities. By confronting internal fears and seeking community support, listeners can transform resistance into meaningful action.

In this episode of the Stay Forth Leadership Podcast, Jonathan Collier and Alan Briggs discuss the importance of clarifying expectations to avoid disappointment. They explore the concept of the expectation gap and how unmet expectations can lead to disappointment. They emphasize the need to name and clarify expectations in order to protect relationships and move beyond disappointment.    takeaways The Right Side Up Journal is a helpful tool for grounding oneself and clarifying priorities Disappointment often arises from unmet expectations, both internally and externally Naming and clarifying expectations is crucial for protecting relationships and avoiding disappointment Taking action and course correcting are key to moving beyond disappointment Sound Bites "We wanted to spend just a few minutes to talk about this guy and why we believe it is the standard." "We often don't even realize what we expected until we experience this awful thing called disappointment." "When you experience disappointment, it's always about unmet expectations." Chapters 00:00Introduction to the Right Side Up Journal 04:05Disappointment and Naming Things 09:07Clarifying Expectations 12:39Taking Action and Course Correcting

Hal Donaldson, CEO of Convoy of Hope and author of "What Really Matters," shares his journey from overcoming childhood challenges to leading impactful community initiatives. He discusses crucial self-care strategies for leaders, emphasizing the need for physical, emotional, and spiritual health to avoid burnout. Donaldson reveals how success can become detrimental if it leads to self-reliance and neglect of personal well-being. He encourages embracing hardships as avenues for growth and fostering a healthy culture within organizations.

In this episode of the Say Forth Leadership Podcast, we delve into why every leader must confront pain. Pain is an inevitable part of being human and even more so as a leader. The more people you influence, the more pain you'll be exposed to. This discussion unpacks how leaders often overlook their own pain while focusing on the next task or goal, much like a rock climber so focused on the climb that they ignore their injuries. We emphasize the importance of acknowledging both macro and micro pains to move toward healing and connection. We also explore the role of friends, therapists, coaches, and fellow strugglers in navigating this journey. By confronting pain head-on, leaders can foster deeper connections and healthier communities. Tune in to learn practical steps to manage pain and build supportive relationships.

In this episode, Alan and Jonathan discuss the topic of change and the importance of embracing experiments as a way to navigate through change. They highlight the need for clarity and awareness before taking appropriate action, and encourage small steps and experiments to shift the needle and gain momentum. They also emphasize the importance of not trying to control things that are outside of our responsibility. Overall, the episode provides practical insights and encouragement for leaders facing change.   Takeaways Change is a constant in life and leadership, and it is important to embrace it rather than resist it. Experiments are a powerful tool to navigate through change, as they allow us to test the future without pressurizing it. Clarity and awareness are essential before taking appropriate action in times of change. Small steps and experiments can help shift the needle and gain momentum in the midst of change. It is important to focus on what is within our responsibility and not try to control things that are outside of our control. Quotables "Experiments test the future without pressurizing it." "Experiments limit the pressure and increase our curiosity." "You can't try something new until you know where to free up space"

Welcome back to episode three of our Anti-Burnout Summer Series! This week, we tackle a phrase many leaders find all too familiar: "I'm so tired."  On this episode we dive into the different types of fatigue leaders face and the journey from exhaustion to replenishment. Discover practical strategies to identify and combat expected, extended, and extreme fatigue. Learn the importance of intentional replenishment cycles and how daily and weekly habits can transform your energy levels and the trajectory of of your leadership. If you're feeling drained, this episode is your guide to finding renewed vitality and balance. Tune in and take the first step towards a lighter, more fulfilling leadership journey. #AntiBurnout #Leadership #Replenishment #PodcastSeries #SelfCare Takeaways Exhaustion and fatigue can lead to burnout and should not be ignored. There are three types of fatigue: expected fatigue, extended fatigue, and extreme fatigue. It is important to identify the level and source of fatigue, whether it is physical, mental, relational, emotional, or spiritual. Creating a replenishment cycle with daily and weekly habits can help combat fatigue and replenish energy. The Right Side Up Journal is a useful tool for self-reflection and accountability in maintaining a replenishment cycle. Quotables "I'm so tired. I am so tired." "Exhaustion: The Obstacle to Replenishment" "Energy leaks effortlessly, but replenishment requires intentionality."   Grab a right side up journal:  https://www.rightsideupjournal.com Join a leadership development cohort: https://effective.stayforthcoaching.com

Tanner, the CEO of Every Home for Christ, shares his journey from rural Montana to leading a global ministry. He discusses the audacious mission of Every Home for Christ and the various ways they carry Christ to everyone and every place. Tanner also talks about his experience of taking over leadership from the legendary Dick Eastman and the challenges of succession. He emphasizes the importance of boundaries, play, and seeking support in maintaining health while traveling. Tanner shares his favorite cereal, guilty pleasure song, and a quote that inspires him. He concludes with a message of encouragement for those feeling discouraged. Takeaways Every Home for Christ has an audacious mission to carry Christ to everyone and every place. Succession can be a challenging process, but intentional communication and trust-building are key. Setting boundaries and prioritizing health, both physically and mentally, is crucial for leaders who travel frequently. Play and humor can humanize leadership and strengthen relationships within a team. Gratitude and taking small steps are important during difficult times. Every Home for Christ's website (www.everyhome.org) is a great resource to learn more about their work. Sound Bites "I think getting good at saying no, really weighing out whether this is truly important or not." "Play disarms and allows us to have relational connection." "Listen, you're in good company. The world is a hard spot. I think everybody in the world at some point experiences some kind of suffering."

In this episode of the Stay Forth Leadership Podcast, Alan and Jonathan  discuss the theme of finding newness and freshness when feeling stuck. They emphasize the importance of changing pace, place, and perspective to gain a new outlook. They also explore the mindset shifts necessary to move from feeling stuck to being a designer of one's own life. The conversation covers various strategies for finding newness, including getting away from technology, changing environments, and cultivating new relationships.   The episode concludes with reflection questions and a call to take action.   Takeaways Changing pace, place, and perspective can help bring newness and freshness when feeling stuck. Mindset shifts are necessary to move from feeling stuck to being a designer of one's own life. Strategies for finding newness include getting away from technology, changing environments, and cultivating new relationships. Reflection and taking action are key to transforming information into meaningful change.   Quotables "It's refreshing and it's just a different way to communicate important information." "Change of pace plus change of place equals change of perspective." "Being away from just instant information and supercomputers that fit in our pockets is probably one of the better ways that I can find newness."

In this episode, Jonathan and Alan introduce their summer series on living and leading in a lighter way. They discuss the purpose of the series and how it differs from their regular podcast episodes. The main theme of this episode is overwhelm and the opportunity for clarity. They explore the lies associated with overwhelm and the importance of taking action to find clarity. They provide examples and encourage listeners to identify the sources of overwhelm in their own lives and take steps towards greater clarity.   Takeaways The summer series is designed to provide a more transformational look at living and leading in a lighter way. Overwhelm is an obstacle that can be overcome through clarity. There are two types of overwhelm: positive overwhelm (having too many good things) and negative overwhelm (feeling burdened by responsibilities). The lies associated with overwhelm are the need for certainty and the belief that everything must be done by oneself. Taking action and seeking clarity are essential to overcoming overwhelm. Identify the sources of overwhelm in your life and take steps towards greater clarity. Quotables "When clarity goes up, overwhelm goes down." "Overwhelm is something that is standing between you and where you want to be." Chapters 00:00Introduction to the Summer Series 09:24Overwhelm and Clarity 13:27The Lies of Overwhelm 19:04Identifying Sources of Overwhelm 23:19Steps Towards Greater Clarity