The Better Life Better Business Podcast

What does leadership look like when life hands you an ending you didn't choose? In this episode, I sit down with my friend and mentor, Robert H. Thompson, for a deeply personal and perspective-shifting conversation about what leaders truly need today. Robert is the author of The Offsite: A Leadership Challenge Fable and has spent more than 30 years advising senior leaders around the world. His clients have included AT&T, Amgen, Hewlett-Packard, Johnson & Johnson, Lockheed Martin, Nike, Visa, and many others. He has also served as a senior consultant with the Tom Peters Company.  During our conversation, Robert shares something deeply personal — a diagnosis none of us ever want to receive. Yet what emerges is not fear, but clarity. Not urgency, but perspective. Listen in as we talk about: What leaders truly need right now The difference between reacting and responding The weight leaders carry — and how to carry it well Legacy, stewardship, and presence Robert's sixth C: Care This is not a polished, high-production interview. It's an honest conversation between two leaders reflecting on what matters most. If something resonates with you, I'd love to hear what stands out. And I'll make sure Robert sees your reflections as well. Also, be sure to share this episode with a leader who needs perspective right now.

In this episode, host Shawn Ellis interviews Mike Lee, former coach of elite athletes like Steph Curry and Joel Embiid, who now focuses on empowering leaders and organizations. Mike shares his journey from sports coaching to dealing with personal challenges like depression, and how embracing presence and mindfulness transformed his life and career. The conversation dives into practical tips for overcoming anxiety, burnout, and remaining present in both professional and personal settings. The episode also explores Mike's unique approach to teaching mindfulness in both sports and corporate environments, and how his experiences have shaped his mission to alleviate human suffering. Whether you're a parent, coach, or corporate leader, this episode is packed with actionable insights on winning the battleground of the mind. Tune in for a deeply engaging and transformative discussion! 00:00 Introduction to Mike 01:19 Mike Lee's Journey: From Coaching Athletes to Corporate Leaders 03:41 Overcoming Personal Challenges: Mike's Battle with Depression 07:05 Mindfulness and Meditation: Teaching the Next Generation 16:23 Applying Mindfulness in the Workplace 30:31 Heart-Centered Leadership: Stories and Impact 36:01 Conclusion and Final Thoughts For More from Mike and Shawn: Visit Mike's website at https://mindshiftlabs.com/ Get Mike's book at https://amzn.to/3ZikRnq  Book Mike to speak at your event at https://www.thespeakersgroup.com/speakers/mike-lee Visit Shawn's website at https://www.shawnellis.com  Get Shawn's book at https://amzn.to/4ekgP2q 

In this episode, host Shawn Ellis explores the theme 'Community Is Your Competitive Advantage.' He reflects on personal experiences, including his marriage, book release, and speaking at Toastmasters' 100th Annual Convention, to demonstrate the critical role community plays in achieving success and well-being. As an introvert, Shawn shares insights on the importance of building and maintaining a supportive network to navigate life's challenges and thrive. Practical steps are offered to help listeners assess and strengthen their own communities, emphasizing that true personal and professional growth is often fueled by our connections with others. 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 01:14 The Power of Community 02:01 Personal Stories of Community Support 05:18 The Importance of Community in Achievements 08:57 Practical Steps to Build Your Community 15:18 The Role of Community in Personal and Professional Growth 20:51 Final Thoughts and Encouragement 23:18 Conclusion and Future Episodes Additional Resources: Get Shawn's new book Mastering the Moments: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DBGJM6ZX Enroll in Shawn's "Rock the Reboot" online course: https://courses.shawnellis.com/courses/rock-the-reboot Book Shawn to speak at your event: https://www.shawnellis.com Find additional speakers at: https://www.thespeakersgroup.com ✨ Subscribe now and start your journey to live a better life and build a better business! _____________________________________ Connect and follow for more inspiration: Instagram: @‌shawnjasonellis YouTube: @‌shawnjasonellis Facebook: @shawnjasonellis Twitter: @‌shawnjasonellis TikTok: @‌shawnjasonellis _____________________________________ Don't forget to leave a review and share this episode with someone who needs to hear this!

In this special episode of The Better Life Better Business Podcast, host Shawn Ellis engages in a heartfelt discussion with his partner and now-fiancée, Megan. The conversation revolves around the significance of connection and community in their lives, particularly within the framework of 'Five Cs to Adapt & Thrive.' Shawn discusses his journey toward embracing community despite his introverted nature, and Megan shares her experiences with resilience in her personal life and professional work as a nurse practitioner specializing in trauma. The episode embodies the essence of their love, growth, and shared commitment to forming a strong, connected community... and is sure to inspire you to seek and cultivate more connection in your life and work, as well.  Show Timeline: 00:00 Introduction and Personal News 00:57 The Importance of Community 02:23 Personal Journey and the Power of Connection 03:52 Introducing Megan 04:32 Megan's Perspective on Their Relationship 09:21 The Role of Adaptability in Relationships 21:05 Megan's Personal and Professional Journey 28:09 The Power of Shared Values and Humor  29:49 Conclusion: The Living Organism of Community Mentioned on the Show: Adaptability by Max McKeown (https://amzn.to/3IlXkZk) For more inspiration and guidance to support you on your journey to create the life, work, or business that you truly love: Download Shawn's latest ebook titled "Adapt & Thrive: 5 Keys to Cultivate Resilience and Growth in Times of Change" at https://www.shawnellis.com/ebook   Read Shawn's latest blog posts and subscribe to his weekly newsletter at https://offers.shawnellis.com/posts. Follow Shawn on your favorite social network @shawnjasonellis.  Enroll in Shawn's signature online intensive workshop, "Rock the Reboot," at https://courses.shawnellis.com/courses/rock-the-reboot

In this episode, we explore the concept of the 'monkey trap' — a metaphor for how our own refusal to let go of certain beliefs, fears, or lies can hold us back in life. Shawn highlights the importance of self-awareness and courage in releasing these 'traps' to move forward personally and professionally. Listen and you'll be encouraged to examine your own 'traps' and consider whether they are serving you or holding you back. For more inspiration and guidance to support you on your journey to create the life, work, or business that you truly love: 1. Download Shawn's latest ebook titled "Adapt & Thrive: 5 Keys to Cultivate Resilience and Growth in Times of Change" at https://www.shawnellis.com/ebook.  2. Read Shawn's latest blog posts and subscribe to his weekly newsletter at https://offers.shawnellis.com/posts. 3. Follow Shawn on your favorite social network @shawnjasonellis.  4. Enroll in Shawn's signature online intensive workshop, "Rock the Reboot," at https://courses.shawnellis.com/courses/rock-the-reboot.