We're All in This Together

Kindness is often misunderstood as soft or optional, but in leadership and life it's one of the strongest forces we have. On this episode, I talk about why leading with kindness is not only good for our relationships and well-being, but also a powerful driver of trust, engagement, and performance at work. I share some of the research about how kindness impacts culture and effectiveness, and explore practical ways we can bring more of it into our work, our leadership, and our lives, especially during times of stress, change, and challenge.   Resources: We're All in This Together (book), by Mike Robbins Mike Robbins Website Mike Robbins Blog Mike Robbins Podcast Mike Robbins on LinkedIn Mike Robbins on Instagram Mike Robbins on Facebook Mike Robbins YouTube Channel Mike Robbins on TikTok Mike Robbins on X Mike Robbins on BlueSky  

Fear is part of being human, but when it drives us, it limits our courage, creativity, and connection. On this episode, I talk about how we can notice and work with fear more effectively using Brené Brown's "above and below the line" framework. I explore what it looks like to lead from awareness rather than reactivity, and how we can move from fear and control toward curiosity and courage in our work, relationships, and life.   Resources: We're All in This Together (book), by Mike Robbins Mike Robbins Website Mike Robbins Blog Mike Robbins Podcast Mike Robbins on LinkedIn Mike Robbins on Instagram Mike Robbins on Facebook Mike Robbins YouTube Channel Mike Robbins on TikTok Mike Robbins on X Mike Robbins on BlueSky Strong Ground (book), by Brene Brown Dare to Lead podcast episode by Brene Brown  

Gratitude is one of the most powerful forces we can tap into—for our mindset, relationships, and work. Yet it's also full of paradox. It can be hard to access authentic gratitude when things are messy, stressful, or hard and it can even become hollow when we use it to cover up discomfort. On this episode, I talk about the power and the paradox of gratitude, especially at this time of year. I share how genuine appreciation can help us stay grounded, connected, and strong, even in the midst of uncertainty or challenge.   Resources: We're All in This Together (book), by Mike Robbins Mike Robbins Website Mike Robbins Blog Mike Robbins Podcast Mike Robbins on LinkedIn Mike Robbins on Instagram Mike Robbins on Facebook Mike Robbins YouTube Channel Mike Robbins on TikTok Mike Robbins on X Mike Robbins on BlueSky Gratitude and Grief Can Coexist (blog post)

This is an episode to honor the late, great John Beam who passed away last week.  John was the Athletic Director and former Head Football Coach at Laney College in Oakland, CA.  He and I met in 1989 when I arrived at Skyline High School in Oakland where he coached football for 22 years.  John and his Laney College Eagles were featured in the series Last Chance U on Netflix in 2020.  As an incredibly successful high school and college football coach over more than 40 years, John knew a lot about how to build a winning culture – in football, business, and life.  This interview was conducted in August of 2020 and we are re-airing this conversation in honor of John's great life, wisdom, and legacy.   Resources: We're All in This Together (book), by Mike Robbins Mike Robbins Website Mike Robbins Blog Mike Robbins Podcast Mike Robbins on LinkedIn Mike Robbins on Instagram Mike Robbins on Facebook Mike Robbins YouTube Channel Mike Robbins on TikTok Mike Robbins on X Mike Robbins on BlueSky Skyline High School Laney College Last Chance U on Netflix John Beam on Wikipedia John Beam on X  

In challenging times, optimism can seem hard. But honest optimism isn't about ignoring the difficulties or uncertainties; it's about choosing to see what's possible while telling the truth about what's real. On this episode, I talk about the difference between false positivity and genuine hope, and why authentic, grounded optimism is one of the most powerful traits we can bring to leadership, culture, and life right now. I also share specific ways to practice honest optimism in our work and relationships every day.   Resources: We're All in This Together (book), by Mike Robbins Mike Robbins Website Mike Robbins Blog Mike Robbins Podcast Mike Robbins on LinkedIn Mike Robbins on Instagram Mike Robbins on Facebook Mike Robbins YouTube Channel Mike Robbins on TikTok Mike Robbins on X Mike Robbins on BlueSky  

In times of uncertainty, fear, and negativity—both at work and in the world—our mindset and energy matter more than ever. On this episode, I talk about what it means to be a positive force in leadership and in life, not by ignoring challenges, but by facing them with authenticity, courage, and perspective. I explore how our attitude shapes culture and I share specific ways we can bring steadiness to our teams and the people around us, especially right now.   Resources: We're All in This Together (book), by Mike Robbins Mike Robbins Website Mike Robbins Blog Mike Robbins Podcast Mike Robbins on LinkedIn Mike Robbins on Instagram Mike Robbins on Facebook Mike Robbins YouTube Channel Mike Robbins on TikTok Mike Robbins on X Mike Robbins on BlueSky

We all know that change is a constant, especially these days, yet our instinct is often to resist it or try to control it. What if we met change with curiosity instead of fear? On this episode, I talk about how curiosity can help us stay open, grounded, and resilient when things around us are shifting, as they are on so many levels right now. I explore why it can be hard to stay curious in the midst of uncertainty and share specific ways we can cultivate a mindset of learning and possibility even when there is a lot of disruption.   Resources: We're All in This Together (book), by Mike Robbins Mike Robbins Website Mike Robbins Blog Mike Robbins Podcast Mike Robbins on LinkedIn Mike Robbins on Instagram Mike Robbins on Facebook Mike Robbins YouTube Channel Mike Robbins on TikTok Mike Robbins on X Mike Robbins on BlueSky  

Many of us, myself included, can be incredibly critical of ourselves, especially when things are stressful and uncertain, as they are these days.  However, self-criticism not only gets in the way of our success and fulfillment, it also negatively impacts our ability to navigate change and the relationships with those we work with and live with.  On this episode, I talk about why it can be challenging to be kind and gentle with ourselves, and why it is so important for us to do so, particularly right now.  I then share some specific techniques for how to be more compassionate and appreciative of ourselves.    Resources: We're All in This Together (book), by Mike Robbins Mike Robbins Website Mike Robbins Blog Mike Robbins Podcast Mike Robbins on LinkedIn Mike Robbins on Instagram Mike Robbins on Facebook Mike Robbins YouTube Channel Mike Robbins on TikTok Mike Robbins on X Mike Robbins on BlueSky Karen Drucker (website)

These days it can feel like we're living in a world where disagreement is everywhere — in our country, our workplaces, and even within our families. And while conflict and differing opinions are part of life, the real challenge is finding the courage to stay connected when things get tense. On this episode, I talk about what it means to find common ground even when we don't see eye to eye. I share why this takes vulnerability, curiosity, and empathy, and offer some specific ways we can bridge divides, deepen understanding, and reconnect with one another…even when we disagree.   Resources: We're All in This Together (book), by Mike Robbins Mike Robbins Website Mike Robbins Blog Mike Robbins Podcast Mike Robbins on LinkedIn Mike Robbins on Instagram Mike Robbins on Facebook Mike Robbins YouTube Channel Mike Robbins on TikTok Mike Robbins on X Mike Robbins on BlueSky

Many of us, myself included, focus a lot of attention on the gap between where we are and where we want to be.  And while this makes sense, it's important for us to balance our focus a bit more on where we've come from and what we've accomplished to get where we are.  On this episode, I talk about this dynamic of the "gap and the gain."  I discuss why we tend to be much more obsessed with our gap and much less aware of our gain.  I then share some specific things we can do to balance this out in a healthy and effective way.   Resources: We're All in This Together (book), by Mike Robbins Mike Robbins Website Mike Robbins Blog Mike Robbins Podcast Mike Robbins on LinkedIn Mike Robbins on Instagram Mike Robbins on Facebook Mike Robbins YouTube Channel Mike Robbins on TikTok Mike Robbins on X Mike Robbins on BlueSky The Gap and the Gain (book), by Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin Hardy

We are dealing with massive disruption these days in just about every aspect of work and life.  As scary, uncomfortable, and even painful as it can be, there is also a great deal of opportunity for growth, innovation, and positive change baked into even the most significant disruptions.  On this episode, I talk about some of what makes this so challenging.  I then share specific things we can do to navigate disruption - both personally and with our teams.   Resources: We're All in This Together (book), by Mike Robbins Mike Robbins Website Mike Robbins Blog Mike Robbins Podcast Mike Robbins on LinkedIn Mike Robbins on Instagram Mike Robbins on Facebook Mike Robbins YouTube Channel Mike Robbins on TikTok Mike Robbins on X Mike Robbins on BlueSky  

Letting go can be much easier said than done.  And if we're going to create something new, we often need to let go of some of what no longer serves us.  On this episode, I talk about why we tend to hang onto both things and thoughts from the past, even those that hold us back.  I then share some specific things we can do to truly let go…thus providing a healthy and inspiring space for us to create what's next.   Resources: We're All in This Together (book), by Mike Robbins Mike Robbins Website Mike Robbins Blog Mike Robbins Podcast Mike Robbins on LinkedIn Mike Robbins on Instagram Mike Robbins on Facebook Mike Robbins YouTube Channel Mike Robbins on TikTok Mike Robbins on X Mike Robbins on BlueSky  

There is something magical that can happen when people come together in-person.  Given the pace of life, and the nature of technology and work these days, gathering in-person has become both more challenging and more important than ever.  On this episode, I discuss some of what makes it hard for us to get together right now…and why it is essential for our connection, collaboration, wellbeing, and more.   Resources: We're All in This Together (book), by Mike Robbins Mike Robbins Website Mike Robbins Blog Mike Robbins Podcast Mike Robbins on LinkedIn Mike Robbins on Instagram Mike Robbins on Facebook Mike Robbins YouTube Channel Mike Robbins on TikTok Mike Robbins on X Mike Robbins on BlueSky

As someone who has been passionately telling and listening to stories for most of my life, I know how powerful they can be.  However, many of the stories we tell ourselves don't inspire us or those around us.  On this episode, I talk about how our stories can, consciously or unconsciously, reinforce limiting beliefs and become self-fulfilling prophecies.  I then share some specific things we can do to change our stories in an empowering way.   Resources: We're All in This Together (book), by Mike Robbins Mike Robbins Website Mike Robbins Blog Mike Robbins Podcast Mike Robbins on LinkedIn Mike Robbins on Instagram Mike Robbins on Facebook Mike Robbins YouTube Channel Mike Robbins on TikTok Mike Robbins on X Mike Robbins on BlueSky

There are lots of numbers that we focus on at work and in life - revenue, health markers, net worth, social media followers, survey results, expenses, and many more.  And as important as these numbers can be, what's almost always more important are the people and vision behind the statistics themselves.  On this episode, I talk about some of what makes it challenging for us to keep our relationship with numbers in perspective.  I then share some specific things we can do to relate to our most important numbers in a healthy and empowering way.   Resources: We're All in This Together (book), by Mike Robbins Mike Robbins Website Mike Robbins Blog Mike Robbins Podcast Mike Robbins on LinkedIn Mike Robbins on Instagram Mike Robbins on Facebook Mike Robbins YouTube Channel Mike Robbins on TikTok Mike Robbins on X Mike Robbins on BlueSky  

While many of us, myself included, can get caught in the negative trap of self-criticism, it's essential for us to be able to critique ourselves in a healthy and empowering way if we want to grow, change, and take ownership of our journey.  On this episode, I talk about the important and tricky difference between negative self-criticism and healthy self critique.  I then share some specific things we can do to authentically reflect on where we are and any gaps that may exist for us and those around us to be where we truly want to be.   Resources: We're All in This Together (book), by Mike Robbins Mike Robbins Website Mike Robbins Blog Mike Robbins Podcast Mike Robbins on LinkedIn Mike Robbins on Instagram Mike Robbins on Facebook Mike Robbins YouTube Channel Mike Robbins on TikTok Mike Robbins on X Mike Robbins on BlueSky Oprah podcast episode with Richard Rohr

Work and life, especially these days, can be filled with ups and downs, wins and losses, opportunities and challenges, and much more.  What if everything went your way?  On this episode, I discuss this powerful mantra, how I have been using it, and how you can tap into the power of your intention by shifting your mindset to attract more of what you truly want.   Resources: We're All in This Together (book), by Mike Robbins Mike Robbins Website Mike Robbins Blog Mike Robbins Podcast Mike Robbins on LinkedIn Mike Robbins on Instagram Mike Robbins on Facebook Mike Robbins YouTube Channel Mike Robbins on TikTok Mike Robbins on X Mike Robbins on BlueSky

There seems to be a lot going on these days for me and just about everyone I'm working with and speaking to.  In face of so much change, disruption, uncertainty, and challenge, it can be difficult to access an authentic sense of calmness.  On this episode, I talk about some of what can make it challenging for us to stay grounded right now.  I then share some specific things we can do to more effectively operate from a healthy place of peace.   Resources: We're All in This Together (book), by Mike Robbins Mike Robbins Website Mike Robbins Blog Mike Robbins Podcast Mike Robbins on LinkedIn Mike Robbins on Instagram Mike Robbins on Facebook Mike Robbins YouTube Channel Mike Robbins on TikTok Mike Robbins on X Mike Robbins on BlueSky

There is so much change and disruption happening these days, whether we want to or not, we're all being forced to learn, unlearn, and adapt on multiple fronts.  On this episode, I talk about some of what makes this hard.  I then share some specific things we can do to embrace change, growth, and adaptability in ways that serve us and those around us.   Resources: We're All in This Together (book), by Mike Robbins Mike Robbins Website Mike Robbins Blog Mike Robbins Podcast Mike Robbins on LinkedIn Mike Robbins on Instagram Mike Robbins on Facebook Mike Robbins YouTube Channel Mike Robbins on TikTok Mike Robbins on X Mike Robbins on BlueSky

Many of us, myself included, are focused on success.  And while this is understandable and important, sometimes we erroneously think that greater success will lead to greater fulfillment, which often isn't the case.  On this episode, I talk about the paradox of success and fulfillment.  I share some specific things we can do to both redefine success and enhance our capacity for fulfillment.  Ironically, when we're more authentically fulfilled, true success becomes much easier to achieve.     Resources: We're All in This Together (book), by Mike Robbins Mike Robbins Website Mike Robbins Blog Mike Robbins Podcast Mike Robbins on LinkedIn Mike Robbins on Instagram Mike Robbins on Facebook Mike Robbins YouTube Channel Mike Robbins on TikTok Mike Robbins on X Mike Robbins on BlueSky Scottie Scheffler interview Oprah interview with Raz Iggrasci about the Hoffman Process Hoffman Institute Website