Claim OwnershipLeanMind
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© beninbrighton
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A short little podcast for experienced leaders, founders, creators helping stop your drift and reclaim what comes next, and with it your agency, clarity, simplicity and joy - in work, at home.
Consider each episode, coming weekly, a reset; a single idea, thought or friendly provocation helping you to life, family and work richer in joy, deeper in meaning, fuller in purpose.
Clearer thinking. Calmer action. Wiser leadership.
Consider each episode, coming weekly, a reset; a single idea, thought or friendly provocation helping you to life, family and work richer in joy, deeper in meaning, fuller in purpose.
Clearer thinking. Calmer action. Wiser leadership.
31 Episodes
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In this episode of Lean Mind, Ben Johnson explores the hidden beliefs, outdated stories, and calcified habits we cling to — and what it might mean to start letting go. Using insights from football managers and nature itself, Ben invites thoughtful leaders, founders, and creatives to consider: where in life or work are you gripping too tight? And what might grow if you had the courage to cut some of it away? This is your weekly reset — a moment to interrupt the drift and reclaim clarity, agency, and joy.
In this episode of Clearer, Calmer, Wiser, Ben Johnson explores a powerful question: to collaborate or to compete? Drawing on the rivalries of tennis greats Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, and cycling legends Tadej Pogačar and Jonas Vingegaard, Ben reflects on the moments of respect, appreciation — even love — that transcend winning. He reveals how these examples from elite sport hold lessons for leaders navigating high-pressure environments. What if your work was driven less by rivalry and more by collaboration? Could respect and shared growth become your competitive edge? This is a reset for thoughtful people who want to lead with clarity, calm, and wisdom — especially when the stakes are high.www.leanmindway.com
Caught in a thought loop? Overthinking a decision, problem, or conversation—again? This episode explores why trying to “outthink thinking” only fuels mental overload, and what to do instead.Ben Johnson shares grounded tools from the LeanMind approach to help you shift out of overwhelm, regulate your emotional state, and access real clarity. Drawing on Buddhist wisdom, Einstein’s creativity, and real-world leadership pressure, you'll learn how to reset fast—especially when you're anxious, triggered, or burned out.Whether you're leading a team, stuck in indecision, or lying awake at 3:42am, this is a practical guide to coming back to your senses—literally.Key themes:overthinking • burnout • decision fatigue • clarity • thought loops • mindfulness • leadership tools • sensory reset • emotional regulation • daily pause • LeanMind
What if chasing isn’t the answer? In this soul-reset of an episode, Ben Johnson explores the hidden cost of constant striving — for new roles, clients, success, or simply relief from overwhelm. Drawing from the quiet wisdom of walking meditation, Polynesian wayfinding, and even an unforgettable tale involving a raft and testicles (!), Ben offers a grounded alternative to the modern chase: a posture of orientation, presence, and letting what comes, come. Whether you’re stuck in pursuit or craving clarity, this episode is a gentle call back to steadiness, intention, and the art of sensing and responding. For thoughtful leaders, founders, and parents navigating transition — this one’s for you.
What do a 20-year career, a 50-mile bike ride, a silent retreat, and a 14-year-old’s nosebleed have in common?In this episode, Ben Johnson explores the universal experience of the messy middle — the often-overlooked phase where early momentum fades and the real growth begins. Through personal stories and grounded reflections, Ben reveals how long journeys (in work, life, or on two wheels) call us to let go of old stories and find a new rhythm built on patience, clarity, and quiet endurance.This is not a how-to. It’s a reminder: that steadiness and patient endurance, even when things get tough, is a deeper kind of strength. And that the wisdom we need often shows up in unexpected places — like sitting on your bike when you don't want to. 🔑 Keywords: messy middle, leadership fatigue, clarity, silent retreat, long-term growth, endurance, parenting, resilience, LeanMind, transition, leadership resetFor more tools and reflections, visit leanmindway.com
In today’s episode of Clearer, Calmer, Wiser, Ben explores the hidden force that often blocks our personal and professional growth — our money stories. Whether you're aiming to grow a business or step into more meaningful work, these deeply ingrained beliefs about money can silently influence your decisions, your sense of worth, and your willingness to take bold steps.Ben shares personal reflections and practical insights from LeanMind, Buddhist teachings, and conversations with entrepreneurs — all pointing to one powerful idea: it’s not about "letting go," it’s about understanding what you're holding on to.If you’ve ever felt stuck despite having big goals, this short daily reset will help you pause, reflect, and begin to shift.🎧 Topics include:• The real reason your growth plans stall• How money stories silently shape your choices• Practices to loosen the grip of fear, scarcity, and old beliefsFollow Clearer, Calmer, Wiser for daily resets that help you lead with strength and humility — even when life gets messy.
Are you teetering on the edge of change? Whether it’s your role, your company, your relationship—or simply the quiet sense that *this chapter is over*—this short reset is for you.Ben explores:* Why so many leaders hit an inflection point around year 3, 5, or 10 in their company life cycle * What the natural rhythm of “death and rebirth” means for your work and life* How to respond wisely instead of reacting destructively when the old road endsWith stories from startup cycles and ancient wisdom alike, this episode offers grounded reflection for thoughtful men navigating career transitions, restlessness, or burnout.
In this reflective episode, Ben Johnson shares a powerful train encounter that sparks a meditation on father-son relationships, emotional legacy, and the subtle forces shaping how we show up in stressful moments, at work or home. From Zen monk Haemin Sunim to regenerative thinker Giles Hutchins, Ben explores the tension between hot-headed reactions, cold withdrawal, and the grounded clarity of the "middle way." Drawing from LeanMind’s practical tools, listeners are invited to consider how past stories and silent wishes influence their everyday leadership—especially in the heat of parenting, work, and self-worth.
You’ve met the voice in your head. You’ve named it—“I see you, Mara.” Now comes the harder bit: meeting it with kindness. In this final part of the Know it, Name it, Love it series, Ben shares what it really means to love that inner critic—not with grand gestures, but with grounded, daily rituals that shift your chemistry, build your capacity, and grow your happy.We talk about resetting after the metaphorical punch in the face. Why oxytocin matters. What elite athletes and ancient monks have in common. And how one simple gesture—hand to chest—can transform cortisol into calm.This is for thoughtful men leading with strength and humility. Who get triggered. Who wrestle with self-doubt, procrastination, judgment. Who want to lead better at work, at home, and inside their own heads.
Welcome to Clearer, Calmer, Wiser — a short daily reset for thoughtful men navigating leadership, life, and family with strength and humility. In this episode, the second of a two parter, Ben Johnson explores the subtle sabotage of the inner voice — the one that undermines your choices, fuels procrastination, and echoes past criticisms. Drawing on Buddhist wisdom and lessons from elite athletes like Serena Williams, Ben introduces a powerful practice to create pause, reset your nervous system, and reclaim your clarity. If your mind races at 3:42 a.m., or you're stuck at a decision point, this one's for you.Tools. Clarity. Calm. Let’s lead wisely.Everything we offer here available over at LeanMind
This episode of Clearer Calmer Wiser is for thoughtful people who lead with strength and humility, and sometimes feel overwhelmed by self-doubt, procrastination, or pressure to get everything right. Ben introduces “Mara,” the ancient Buddhist name for that internal voice that creeps in at 3:42 a.m. or triggers anxiety before tough decisions. Through grounded tools and stories—from executive clients to Serena Williams—Ben offers a daily reset to help you think clearer, act calmer, and lead wiser. Part one of a three-part series on the voice in your head: Know it. Name it. Love it.Everything we cover here is drawn from LeanMind. Head on over for tools and teachings and to join a community of like minded others.
In this episode of Clearer, Calmer, Wiser, Ben explores how to stay grounded when someone else's anxiety triggers your own. Whether you're facing tension at work, unpredictability in a new venture, or chaos at home, this episode introduces one simple but powerful tool: just three breaths. Learn how to interrupt reactive spirals, return to clarity and calm, and lead wisely—even when it feels like everything’s unraveling. For thoughtful men who lead with strength. Everything we cover here available over at LeanMind
In this episode of Clearer, Calmer, Wiser, Ben shares a follow up simple tool for calm leadership, emotional regulation, and clear thinking under pressure. Using the metaphor of "Redhead vs. Bluehead" — impulsive reaction versus cool calculation — he offers practical ways to manage stress, improve communication skills, and handle difficult conversations. Building on the "WAIT" method ("Why Am I Talking?") and the "Three Breaths" tool to build resilience, stay steady in conflict, and lead with strength and humility - today he shares the Red / Blue Line - a tool to help you reset in even the most complex, challenging high stakes meeting or negotiation. Perfect for thoughtful men (and anyone really!) seeking better stress management, responsive leadership, and emotional clarity in business, family, and life.Everything we share is available over at LeanMind.
In this episode of Clearer, Calmer, Wiser, Ben shares simple tools for calm leadership, emotional regulation, and clear thinking under pressure. Using the metaphor of "Redhead vs. Bluehead" — impulsive reaction versus cool calculation — he offers practical ways to manage stress, improve communication skills, and handle difficult conversations. Learn the "WAIT" method ("Why Am I Talking?") and the "Three Breaths" tool to build resilience, stay steady in conflict, and lead with strength and humility. Perfect for thoughtful men seeking better stress management, responsive leadership, and emotional clarity in business, family, and life.
Today’s episode is a raw, honest moment from Ben — struggling to record the podcast itself became the very topic of reflection. What do you do when you're stuck, when your plans won’t take shape, when the puzzle pieces won’t click? For Ben, the answer became clear in the midst of the fog: just start.This is a short, grounding reset for thoughtful men — especially those navigating leadership, fatherhood, or inner overwhelm. Whether you’re facing a creative block, a difficult decision, or the paralysis of overthinking, this is your reminder: clarity comes through action.🧭 Think less. Act more. 👥 If this lands with you, share it with someone who might need a breath of calm and courage today.🔗 Join the LeanMind community: leanmind.com
In this episode of Clearer, Calmer, Wiser, Ben explores how to stay grounded amidst a relentless stream of daily stress—what one friend calls “an endless stream of minor catastrophes.” Through the lens of a Real Madrid vs Arsenal football match, Ben reflects on the balance between frantic redhead energy and cool bluehead clarity, and why the sweet spot between them—what the Buddha might call the “middle way”—is where wise leadership lives. He offers a simple but powerful technique using breath and peripheral vision to reset your nervous system when life gets overwhelming. For thoughtful men navigating work, family, and life—this is a practical invitation to pause, settle, and lead with strength and humility.
What if the path to better leadership and more meaningful connection wasn’t in doing more, but in doing differently? In this episode, Ben explores the power of presence and the courage it takes to sit with discomfort rather than rush to fix it. Drawing on Buddhist principles and the work of performance psychologist Dr. Ceri Evans, he shares how finding the “middle way” between effort and ease can reshape how we lead, work, and live. Learn about redhead vs. bluehead thinking, the superpower of pausing, and practical tools from LeanMind to build resilience when the heat is on.Whether you're navigating tricky conversations, feeling undermined, or just trying to stay calm when your kids are pushing your buttons — this one’s for you.
What happens when success feels hollow? In this deeply personal episode, Ben shares the origin story behind LeanMind — a tale of two parallel tracks: external success and inner seeking. After a transformative business win, an unexpected thought ("maybe my work here is done") sparked a quiet shift. What followed was a journey through Buddhism, Taoism, meditation, and discomfort — toward a new kind of clarity.Ben reflects on the tension between the noisy grind of work and the quiet power of stillness. He explores how practicing presence, simplicity, and small daily rituals can radically shift how we show up as leaders, parents, and partners. This is a call to cut through complexity and realign with what truly matters.
When money gets tight, we often push harder—on ourselves, on others, on sales. But what if that pressure is sending out all the wrong signals? In this episode, we unpack how your early wiring still shapes how you show up today—at work, in sales, in life.You'll hear why your 'need' might be making you harder to buy, and what to do instead. We offer a ritual—Breathe. Love. Go.—just four minutes each day to shift your energy and soften your signal. Within three weeks, you'll find people leaning in rather than pulling away.For curious men leading with strength and humility. Tools to help you reset fast, think clearer, act calmer, and lead wiser. Check out LeanMind for all tools and and techniques.
I am prone to 3.42am wake ups. Or I am when I don't take care of something else later (or earlier?) in the day. In this podcast, Ben shares a practise and focus for 3.42pm which will help you sleep easier through the 3.42am worry shop. Enjoy. All the tools we share here are available over at LeanMind. Head on over and check them out.
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