Worry is a natural phenomenon that many experience, but excessive worrying can be draining and distracting. In this episode, I discusses the importance of understanding worry as a signal of what we care about as well as the need to differentiate between what we can control and what we cannot. By letting go of the need to control everything - particularly events outside of our personal responses - we can reduce the heaviness of worrying and focus on actionable steps. I also invite you to understand that worry and care are in a spectrum. When we shift perspective from worry to care, this can empower us to take positive action. Do let me know if you apply any of these insights into strategies.Key points:Worry is a normal human condition that can be draining and distracting if excessive. It's essential to distinguish between what we can control and what we cannot. Recognising that worry often stems from a desire to care about important aspects of life. Shifting focus from worry to care can help us take positive actions that matter. Understanding that worrying is a process can help alleviate the pressure of labelling ourselves as 'worriers'. Using worry as a signal to identify what we genuinely care about can lead to meaningful actions.
Time is our most valuable commodity, and how we manage it can significantly impact our lives and businesses. Abigail Barnes shares her insights on the 888 formula, which emphasizes the importance of balancing sleep, work, and personal time to create a fulfilling life. She discusses the necessity of understanding our individual circumstances and setting long-term goals while remaining adaptable to change. The conversation also delves into the deeper narratives we tell ourselves about productivity and time management, highlighting the importance of self-awareness and personal choice. Abigail emphasises that true productivity stems from aligning our actions with our values and recognising the stories that shape our perceptions of time.Key Points:Time is our most valuable commodity, and how we manage it shapes our lives. The 888 formula suggests we allocate eight hours each to sleep, work, and life. Understanding our values and goals helps us make better choices with our time. Sleep is essential for productivity; neglecting it leads to long-term health issues. Self-awareness and reflection are crucial for identifying time-wasting behaviours and patterns. Human design can help us recognise our unique strengths and how to manage our time effectively. Chapters:00:00 - Intro: The Value of Time00:02 - Understanding Time Management00:13 - The 888 Formula Explained00:59 - Setting Goals for the Future00:23 - The Impact of Sleep on Productivity04:03 - Identifying Personal Time Wasters42:54 - The Inner Child and Time Management44:46 - Overcoming Limiting Beliefs48:15 - Conclusion: Making the Most of Your TimeAbigail's BIO & InformationAbigail Barnes is the founder and CEO of Success by Design Training, an award-winning entrepreneur, author, speaker, and corporate trainer on time management and productive wellbeing. She is a qualified coach, creator of the renowned 888 Formula and host of The Time Management Podcast.Success by Design Training is on a mission to teach 1 million people how to Become more Productive using The 888 Formula by 2025. Abigail holds a BA Hons Degree in Business & Marketing Management, a Professional Postgraduate Diploma in Marketing, DipM ACIM, a certificate in Neuroscience Professional Development, and is a qualified coach.LINKSLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abigailrbarnesThe Time Management Podcast: https://bit.ly/LISTENEPISODEWebsite: www.successbydesigntraining.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/successbydesigntrainingFree Chapter: Time Management for Entrepreneurs & Professionals: https://bit.ly/YOURFREECHAPTER
This episode delves into the crucial distinction between first order and second order change, especially for founders and business owners facing challenges. First order change involves making small adjustments to systems without altering the overall framework, while second order change requires a revolutionary shift in worldview that can fundamentally transform an organization. The discussion emphasizes the importance of recognizing when a problem is merely a symptom that can be fixed with a tweak versus when it calls for a deeper, systemic re-evaluation. As listeners reflect on their own challenges, they are invited to consider whether they need to refine their approach or fundamentally rethink their perspective. This exploration not only encourages growth but also highlights the potential for significant transformation in both personal and professional realms.Key Themes:First order change involves tweaking the existing system for better efficiency without altering its core. Second order change requires a complete shift in perspective, fundamentally altering how we approach problems. Founders often face blocks that necessitate a reevaluation of their worldview to find effective solutions. Short-term fixes might seem appealing, but they often overlook the potential for deeper systemic change. Understanding the difference between first and second order changes can transform the way challenges are addressed. Embracing second order change allows individuals and organizations to unlock greater potential and growth opportunities. Chapters:00:01 - Introduction to Mindset, Mood and Movement00:09 - Understanding First Order Change01:24 - Exploring Second Order Change02:52 - Identifying Your Challenges04:05 - Conclusion and Call to Action
A rich exploration of the concept of North Star thinking unfolds as Will Polston joins me, Sal Jefferies to discuss the importance of aligning one’s business and personal life with a mission that transcends traditional goal-setting. We dissect the all-too-common 'when-then syndrome,' where individuals conflate future achievements with happiness, often leading to burnout and dissatisfaction. Will shares his transformative journey, revealing how a pivotal moment of introspection led him to redefine his life’s mission, focusing on empowering others rather than merely accumulating wealth. The conversation emphasises the need for founders to cultivate a mindset that prioritises growth and contribution, rather than being fixated on specific milestones. Furthermore, they address the power of perspective in shaping one’s reality, underscoring that our interpretations of experiences can significantly influence our emotional states. I trust Will and I provide a compelling roadmap for achieving deeper fulfilment in both personal and professional realms.Key learnings: Understanding the difference between reality and actuality allows for a more fulfilling life experience. Identifying your North Star helps provide direction and fulfillment in both personal and business endeavors. Goal-setting is often driven by the desire to change how we feel emotionally. Resourcefulness can often outweigh the perceived lack of resources in achieving success. Perspective shifts can dramatically influence our reality and overall happiness in life. Engaging with mentors can provide valuable insights and guidance, enhancing personal growth. Chapters:00:00 - Introduction to North Star Thinking00:03 - Understanding Reality vs. Actuality00:11 - The Emotional Drive Behind Goals00:23 - The Concept of the North Star00:25 - The Importance of Having a Mission00:49 - The Essence of North Star Thinking00:18 - The Gravitational Force of a North Star03:37 - Will's Personal Journey to North Star Thinking04:26 - The Lightning Moment of Realization01:35 - The Distinction Between Happiness and Expectations01:29 - The Power of Perspective in Changing Reality31:01 - Resourcefulness Over Lack of Resources42:53 - The Role of Mentorship in Personal Growth48:26 - Aligning Goals with Personal ValuesLinks referenced in this episode:Learn more about Sal Jefferies Learn more about Will Polston North Star Thinking: Learn more here or find The Book at Amazon
This podcast episode delves into the concept of being intentional in our daily decisions and actions, emphasising the importance of micro moments of intention. I explain how our nervous system often defaults to reactive behaviour, which can hinder our ability to achieve our larger goals. By introducing the "one breath rule"—a simple practice of taking a breath before making decisions—listeners can cultivate a more thoughtful and intentional approach. I invite you to reflect on your own intentions and consider how small, intentional choices can lead to greater alignment with their personal and professional goals.Key Points:Being intentional in micro moments can significantly improve decision-making and outcomes. The one breath rule helps shift from reactive to responsive decision-making processes. Slowing down to find intention is crucial for aligning actions with long-term goals. Practicing intentionality in small decisions reinforces larger goals and impactful outcomes. Micro moments of awareness can transform how we engage with our daily choices. Repetition of intentional practices embeds them into our way of being over time. Head to my site for more info or to get in touch - saljefferies.com
Are you a founder or entrepreneur struggling to find your purpose? In this episode, I discuss messaging and purpose expert Brad Bucceri to uncover the secrets behind living and working with purpose. Brad shares powerful insights on how to align your life and business with a deeper sense of meaning. Discover how to identify your "golden thread," overcome emotional roadblocks, and create a purpose-driven business that resonates with your audience.Key topics include:How your purpose is hidden in your biggest problemDefining purpose in a business contextThe balance between logic and emotion in decision-makingHow purpose drives success in business and personal growthHow to use your story and unique journey to connect with customersWhy small impacts can lead to big transformationsIf you're a founder, business owner, or entrepreneur seeking to deepen your understanding of purpose and make a meaningful impact, this episode is for you!Chapters:[00:01] Brad Raw’s Journey to Finding Purpose[00:03] How Your Purpose is Hidden in Your Problem[00:04] What Does Purpose Really Mean?[00:06] Purpose vs. Impact in Business[00:09] The Golden Thread: Discovering Your Recurring Themes[00:13] Shifting from Perception to Perspective[00:20] Using Purpose to Drive Business Success[00:27] How to Find Purpose: A 6-Step Process[00:35] Emotional Alignment: Connecting with Your Audience[00:43] The Risks of Ignoring Purpose: Burnout and Depression[00:48] The Power of Asking the Right Questions[00:52] Final Thoughts on Finding Purpose and Business SuccessGet in touch with SalIf this episode has caught your attention and you wish to learn more, then please contact me.Get in touch with BradIf this episode has caught your attention and you wish to learn more, then please contact Brad.Link to the episode I mentioned about Anthropology with Jenny Powers -, "On The Origin Of Being'
In this episode, I am joined by Sam Thomas to explore the evolving concept of success. Sam, an entrepreneur and podcast host, shares personal stories about how his view of success shifted from a purely financial goal to one centred around relationships, fulfilment, and well-being. We discuss how societal pressures, especially on men, shape our success definitions and how these pressures can lead to feelings of failure and self-worth issues. We share our experience on the importance of aligning success with values like love, relationships, and personal integrity, rather than just financial milestones. Sam also reflects on a pivotal moment when he faced deep emotional struggles, which eventually transformed his perspective on success, teaching him to appreciate the love and relationships surrounding him.Key Learnings:Redefining Success: Success is not just about financial achievements but also about relationships, fulfillment, and personal growth.Societal Pressures: There is a strong societal focus on financial success, especially for men, which can lead to feelings of inadequacy and failure.The Journey Matters: The process and experiences along the way are more important than reaching specific financial or status milestones.Emotional Health: Success should not come at the cost of personal relationships or emotional well-being.Living in the Present: Finding joy and fulfilment in everyday moments and aligning actions with personal values lead to a deeper sense of success.Timestamps:[00:00] Introduction – How do we define success? Meet Sam Thomas and his journey.[00:02] Early Views of Success – Sam’s early ambitions for wealth, cars, and status.[00:04] The Pressures of Success – How society pushes financial success and the toll it takes.[00:06] External Validation Trap – The dangers of seeking approval from others and how to find inner fulfillment.[00:09] Sam’s Turning Point – A personal story of emotional struggle and a shift in perspective.[00:18] Success and Relationships – How love and relationships redefined Sam’s idea of success.[00:23] Breaking Free from Comparison – How comparing yourself to others leads to feelings of failure.[00:33] The Power of Present-Moment Awareness – Learn how to find happiness now, not in the future.[00:42] Stories of True Success – Real examples of people finding fulfilment beyond financial success.[00:52] Final Thoughts – Aligning your life with your values for long-lasting fulfilment.Get in touch with SamIf this episode has caught your attention and you wish to learn more about Sam at County Business Clubs, please contact him here. Get in touch with SalIf this episode has caught your attention and you wish to learn more, then please contact me.
To have good business arrangements, we need to know as much as possible. Often, there can be gaps in our knowledge. So, I recommend this model to help uncover what we know and what we need to find out. The 3 areas / questions we use to clear up ambiguity and get the full picture are as follows:'The Known knowns' - What do I know that I know? 'The known unknowns' - What do I know that I don't know? 'The unknown unknowns' - what don't I know that I don't know?!Each of these questions will uncover facts, opportunities, threats and areas for more attention. Finding out what you don't yet know is a smart strategy for all new business arrangements. I strongly recommend doing work in this space before committing to agreements. On a positive note, this really does open up the conversation with business partners and hopes build trust and openness.The last one, the 'unknown unknowns' is interesting. It opens up space for creative thinking and possibility. It also creates a margin for if/when unknown, and often unexpected things happen, you can be resilient and adaptable.Get in touch with SalIf this episode has caught your attention and you wish to learn more, then please contact me. I offer a free 20 min call where we can discuss a challenge your facing and how I may be able to help you.
In this episode, I speak with Jenny Powers, co-author of On the Origin of Being, about how understanding our evolutionary biology can guide us back to health and fulfilment. We explore the concept of evolutionary mismatch - how modern lifestyles conflict with our ancestral biology - affecting sleep, work, and overall well-being. Jenny shares insights on reconnecting with nature, aligning with our natural rhythms, and prioritising community to counteract the negative effects of modern life. By making small, practical changes, we can improve health, reduce stress, and find lasting fulfilment.Key Learnings:Evolutionary Mismatch: Our bodies haven't evolved to handle the modern environment, causing chronic stress, sleep issues, and diseases.Importance of Sleep: Blue light exposure and irregular sleep patterns disrupt our circadian rhythms, affecting our mental and physical health.Role of Nature: Regular exposure to natural light and outdoor environments can reset our natural rhythms, improving overall well-being.Work Culture: Modern work culture's focus on long hours and productivity is unhealthy. A balanced approach, emphasizing rest and community, is more sustainable.Human Connection: We thrive in communities, and prioritizing relationships and social support is crucial for mental and physical health.Flourishing Over Success: True fulfillment comes from balance, connection, and living in harmony with our environment, rather than the pursuit of material success.Show notes with timestamps.[00:00:00] Introduction to evolutionary health and wellness – Overview of the episode with Jenny Powers, co-author of On the Origin of Being.[00:01:20] Jenny Powers: From immunologist to author – Jenny shares her journey from science to writing about human evolution and health.[00:03:40] What is evolutionary mismatch? – How modern lifestyles disrupt our biology, causing health and wellness issues.[00:06:50] The science of sleep and circadian rhythms – Understanding how sleep patterns evolved and why blue light impacts us.[00:13:50] Sal Jefferies’ tips for better sleep – Personal insights on aligning sleep with natural light for improved performance.[00:16:10] Reconnecting with nature for mental health – How outdoor exposure can reset your circadian rhythm and improve well-being.[00:22:50] The impact of modern work culture on health – Why long work hours and productivity culture are harmful to our health.[00:26:30] Achieving work-life balance through community – The importance of community and connection for mental and physical health.[00:34:40] Consumerism vs. health and happiness – How materialism distracts us from achieving true health and fulfillment.[00:45:00] Rebuilding health through nature and connection – Why reconnecting with nature and people can improve overall health.[00:50:30] Eudaimonia: Flourishing vs. happiness – How pursuing long-term fulfillment leads to a more satisfying life.[00:56:10] Simple steps for a healthier, fulfilled life – Jenny’s actionable advice for improving health and well-being through small changes.To learn more about Jenny go to her Instagram and her book's site, On the Origin of Being, for more.
I dive into the topic of "How to Overcome Limiting Beliefs Around Money." Over the years, I've seen how deeply ingrained beliefs about money can hold people back from achieving financial success, and I’ve personally experienced it too. In this episode, I share how you can start to unravel these limiting beliefs and view money for what it truly is – a neutral, transactional energy. I'll help you separate the negative stories from your past and replace them with a mindset that encourages abundance and flow. Whether you're an entrepreneur or just seeking more financial empowerment, this episode will give you practical insights to transform your relationship with money.Chapters & Timestamps:[00:00:20] Why You Have Limiting Beliefs About MoneyDiscover why many of us develop negative associations with money and how these beliefs affect our lives.[00:00:50] Money is Like Flowing Water – Understanding Financial FlowI explain how money is like water, naturally flowing and neutral, until it is "colored" by personal beliefs.[00:01:40] How to Separate Money From Emotional BeliefsUnpack how personal stories and negative narratives cloud our view of money and stop us from achieving success.[00:02:30] How Your Upbringing Shapes Your Money MindsetExplore the role of family and societal messages in shaping limiting beliefs about money and how to overcome them.[00:03:00] Exercise: Identifying Your Money StoryUse this exercise to reveal your subconscious beliefs about money and start rewriting your money story.[00:03:50] The True Transactional Nature of MoneyUnderstand that money is simply a transactional energy, often earned by the value and impact you bring to the world.[00:05:20] Overcoming Emotional Blocks and Fear Around MoneyLearn how to disentangle emotional charges like fear, guilt, or shame from your financial beliefs to achieve clarity and abundance.[00:06:00] Final Thoughts and EncouragementStart applying these mindset shifts today to overcome limiting beliefs and unlock your financial potential.Get in touch with SalIf this episode has caught your attention and you wish to learn more, then please contact me. I offer a free 20 min call where we can discuss a challenge your facing and how I may be able to help you.
In this episode I'm in conversation with Alessandro Calzolari, a specialist in marketing psychology, about the importance of empathy in communication. We discuss its role in effective communication, and strategies for implementing empathetic approaches in both personal and professional contexts. We also unpack the D.I.S.C communication model with the impact of emotional states on communication styles, and the importance of authenticity in building trust and connection.🔑 Key topics:Defining empathy in communicationDISC communication model explainedEmotional intelligence in marketingAuthentic communication strategiesBuilding trust through empathyShow notes with Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to empathy in communication 01:10 Expert definition of empathy 02:40 Marketing psychology and empathy connection 05:00 The role of emotions in effective communication 06:20 Practical example of empathetic communication 10:30 The power of asking questions and active listening 14:20 Understanding the DISC communication model 19:20 Sharing experiences vs. giving unsolicited advice 25:40 How to identify and use DISC styles in conversations 31:00 Impact of emotional states on communication 34:40 Daily practices for empathetic communication38:20 The importance of open-mindedness in communication 41:40 Conclusion Alessandro Calzolari, based in Brighton and Hove, is an experienced Consumer Psychology & Marketing Consultant. He runs his own company, Alessandro Calzolari. Alessandro uses emotional intelligence (EQ) to improve marketing communication and build customer loyalty. He helps businesses in competitive markets that often struggle with price comparisons.Alessandro Calzolari's BIOBy combining psychology with cost-effective marketing strategies, Alessandro helps businesses and professionals grow and communicate better with their clients. This approach reduces frustration and anxiety, ensuring businesses are valued for their true worth. Alessandro focuses on understanding the needs and challenges of the target audience to ensure they are seen, heard, and understood.Get in touch with Alessandro Calzolari here (The Consumer Psychology and Marketing Consultant) Get in touch with Sal here
Mindset is the inner architecture of your experience. Your thoughts, values, beliefs, worldview, backstory, identity and emotional experience. There are multiple types of mindset we can use and it's important to understand how to do this.To identify and overcome mental blocks, we need to do the 'inner' work. Great news is that our mind is adaptive and we can learn and grow at any point. This, in turn, changes how you see the world, the actions you take and the impact in life and business. The inner work can change everything.Get in touch with SalIf this episode has caught your attention and you wish to learn more, then please contact me. I offer a free 20 min call where we can discuss a challenge your facing and how I may be able to help you.
In this episode of the podcast, Sal Jefferies and Gav Willis delve into the synergy between business and social impact. Gav, the founder of Search Seven, shares his journey of balancing profit with purpose, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. They discuss the "triple bottom line" approach, which integrates profit, people, and purpose to achieve sustainable success. Key topics include leadership strategies, maintaining a positive company culture, and the importance of community engagement. This episode is a must for entrepreneurs and business leaders aiming to make a positive impact while driving financial success.Key LearningsTriple Bottom Line: Successful businesses should balance profit, people, and purpose.Purpose-Driven Resilience: A clear purpose can help businesses navigate difficult times.Employee Engagement: Engaging employees through shared values and purpose enhances motivation and performance.Proactive Mindset: Adopting a "play to win" mentality fosters growth and innovation.Leadership and Growth: Effective leadership involves nurturing a growth mindset and promoting a positive company culture.Community Involvement: Actively participating in community and charitable activities strengthens business impact and team morale.Chapters00:00 - IntroductionIntroduction to integrating business with social impact.05:50 - Triple Bottom Line ConceptExploring the balance of profit, people, and purpose.06:50 - Purpose-Driven BusinessHow having a purpose helped during the pandemic.08:00 - Play to Win vs. Play Not to LoseImportance of a proactive, growth-oriented mindset.14:00 - Community EngagementThe role of community involvement and charitable work.26:50 - Employee Involvement and LeadershipEngaging employees and fostering a collaborative culture.28:00 - Human-Centric LeadershipUnderstanding and supporting the human aspects of team members.46:50 - Personal Well-being and ProductivityManaging stress, fitness, and maintaining work-life balance.54:10 - Impact Reporting and InspirationThe value of impact reports and inspiring social impact integration.55:10 - Final Thoughts and AdvicePractical tips and encouragement for incorporating social impact into business.You can reach Sal for a conversation here.You can reach Gav at Search Seven to learn more. They are purpose-driven, award-winning agency specializing in Data-Driven SEO & Paid Media. What sets us apart is our commitment to giving back, as we pledge 7% of our profits to charity.
In this episode, I explain how to create effective outcomes including a strategy to achieve your desired result. The steps include having a clear vision, developing a proper strategy, and aligning one's values and current state with the desired outcome. I explain in more depth concepts such as vision thinking, the Reticular Activating System (RAS), and the importance of breaking down big goals into micro-steps. There's a common mistake of thinking your happiness can be found in the future but if you focus on the present moment and create a pathway, you are already connected to success.Timestamps:00:00:10 - Introduction to effective outcomes00:00:40 - Vision thinking and the RAS00:01:50 - Visualizing your desired outcome00:03:00 - Breaking down goals into micro-steps00:04:20 - Avoiding the happiness trap00:04:50 - Values-led approach to goal setting00:06:20 - Aligning current state with future visionPS. Whenever you're ready – here are 3 ways you can make a ‘next-level’ shift in your mindset.🔗 Follow my insights & Mindset content on LinkedIn & Instagram.🔗 Want to know how successful you are (and could be)? Take the test.🔗 Ready to connect? Join me for an insightful conversation.
From Boxing Ring to Personal Growth: In this straight-talking episode, former boxer Ryan French shares his incredible story of overcoming adversity and embracing personal responsibility. Learn valuable lessons on self-awareness, mental toughness, and breaking negative cycles. Key Subjects and Learnings:1. Personal responsibility is crucial for personal growth and overcoming adversity.2. Toxic masculinity and the need to prove oneself can lead to unhealthy behaviors and decision-making.3. Self-awareness and facing one's fears are essential for personal development.4. Consistency in health, fitness, and personal relationships is key to maintaining balance in life.5. Breaking negative cycles from one's upbringing is possible with commitment and self-reflection.6. Finding joy and hobbies outside of work is important for overall well-being.7. Being a reliable and present parent can have a significant positive impact on children.Timestamps:00:00:00 Introduction: The power of taking responsibility00:01:40 Ryan's challenging upbringing and early boxing career00:05:10 The turning point: Learning personal accountability00:08:00 Boxing as a coping mechanism and identity struggle00:13:30 Military service and the road to professional boxing00:24:20 The dark side of boxing: Self-esteem and unhealthy behaviors00:29:50 Going pro: Expectations vs. reality in the boxing world00:35:00 The final fight: Triumph and consequences00:43:20 Post-boxing struggles and health issues00:50:00 Toxic masculinity and the pressure to prove oneself00:53:40 Reinvention: Ryan's new life as a health and fitness coach00:54:30 Finding balance: The importance of hobbies and consistency00:56:30 Personal growth in relationships and fatherhood00:58:40 Final thoughts: Embracing joy and overcoming challenges
I explore the concept of genuine choice-making. I challenge listeners to question whether their decisions are truly their own or influenced by external factors. I share insights from my coaching experiences and introduce the idea of "lean mind" thinking, emphasising intentionality and clarity in decision-making. This episode is essential for anyone looking to improve their decision-making process, increase self-awareness, and achieve greater fulfilment in both personal and professional life.Please 'FOLLOW' on Apple or Spotify or Subscribe on YouTube - it would mean a lot to me if you did. Thanks!Key Learnings:Question whether your choices are truly your own or influenced by past experiences and external factors.Practice intentional decision-making with clarity to make cleaner, more authentic choices.Recognize where you're holding onto ideas, beliefs, or identities that may be limiting your growth.Regularly reflect on your choices and their origins to increase self-awareness.Aligning your purpose and performance through authentic choice-making can lead to greater fulfillment.Show Notes with Timestamps:[00:00:00] - Introduction to the episode's theme: Whose choice is it?[00:00:40] - Sal shares an anecdote about a coaching session on vision thinking[00:01:30] - The apple analogy: How external stimuli influence our choices[00:02:10] - Example of a client shifting their identity and overcoming limitations[00:03:20] - Introduction to the concept of "lean mind" thinking[00:04:00] - Discussion on intentionality and clarity in decision-making[00:04:30] - The principle of not holding on and knowing where you're holding on[00:05:00] - Challenging listeners to reflect on their recent choices[00:05:40] - Invitation to practice conscious, intentional choice-making[00:06:30] - The connection between authentic choices, purpose, and fulfillment[00:07:00] - Conclusion and call to action for listenersPlease check out episode 46 with Ben Johnson. Peripheral thinking. for more about 'lean mind'Contact me here 🔗 to learn more
In this thought-provoking episode, I'm in conversation with entrepreneur and coach Ben Johnson to explore game-changing concepts for business leaders and innovators. Discover the power of peripheral thinking and how it can revolutionize your approach to problem-solving and innovation. Learn about the 'lean mind' technique and why "unlearning" might be the key to your next breakthrough.Ben shares insights on navigating rapid change while staying true to your core values, and reveals strategies for letting go of limiting beliefs and identities. Whether you're a startup founder, seasoned executive, or aspiring leader, this episode offers practical wisdom to help you thrive in today's fast-paced business landscape.Key Learnings:1. Peripheral thinking involves exploring ideas on the margins that may shape mainstream thinking tomorrow.2. The concept of "lean mind" focuses on simplifying mental processes and letting go of unnecessary baggage.3. Unlearning is crucial for personal and professional growth, especially when facing rapid changes.4. Identifying too strongly with professional titles or roles can hinder personal development.5. Focusing on things that change slowly can provide stability and strategic advantage in fast-changing environments.6. Clarity of intention and orientation is fundamental for navigating life and business effectively.7. Awareness of where we're "holding on" can help us let go of unhelpful patterns and beliefs.8. Reconnecting with our core capabilities and values can lead to more resilient personal and professional lives.Show Notes with Timestamps:00:00:00 - Introduction of guest Ben Johnson00:01:00 - Discussion on the difference between thought and thinking00:02:00 - Origin of the term "peripheral thinking"00:05:00 - How peripheral ideas can shape mainstream culture00:08:30 - The challenge of keeping up with rapid cultural and technological changes00:13:30 - Introduction to the concept of "lean mind"00:18:40 - The importance of unlearning for personal growth00:26:30 - Explanation of the "lean mind" concept00:31:30 - The role of intention and orientation in personal and professional life00:36:10 - Discussion on over-identification with professional titles and success00:42:40 - Example of working with a client on finding freedom and space00:47:00 - Ben's personal experience of leaving his company and identity challenges00:51:00 - The importance of reconnecting with core self and capabilities00:54:00 - Closing thoughts and wrap-upGet in touch with SalIf this episode has caught your attention and you wish to learn more, then please contact me.Get in touch with BenIf this episode has caught your attention and you wish to learn more, then please see Peripheral Thinking and Ben's podcast If this episode has caught your attention and you wish to learn more, then please contact me.
Mental clarity and focus can be the difference between success and peace of mind and problems and chaos. In this episode, I share 3 specific tools you can use to help gain clarity. 1. Breathwork - understanding the correlation between breathing patterns and brain waves. A breathing pattern of nasal > diaphragm with a count of 4:4 can work well.2. Managing your state – your mental and emotional state is affected by breath work and through conscious choice. Be intentional vs reactive.3. Creating space – physical space between activities. Allowing space between meetings, sessions and tasks creates space for the brain to refresh.I explain the difference between working memory and long-term memory and why it matters. Working memory is a much smaller processing capacity and if we are overloaded with information, mental clarity fades away. Research has shown that most people can only hold 4 chunks of data in the working memory at any one time. So, managing your cognitive load is vital.
In this episode, I'm joined by Jamie Webb, a sports therapist, to discuss how to deal with physical pain and the connection between our physical and psychological states. Jamie emphasises the importance of understanding that pain is a signal, not necessarily an indicator of tissue damage, and that our thoughts, emotions, and life experiences can manifest physically in our bodies. We explore the polyvagal theory, which explains the different states of our nervous system (fight, flight, freeze, and flow) and how our bodies and emotions are interconnected. Jamie shares his approach of working with clients holistically, considering their physical, emotional, and psychological aspects, and the need to sometimes address the underlying psychological factors to alleviate physical pain. I trust our conversation add further understanding of the mind-body connection and the significance of being adaptable and able to transition between different nervous system states for overall well-being.Key Learnings:1. Pain is a signal, not necessarily an indicator of tissue damage.2. Our thoughts, emotions, and life experiences can manifest physically in our bodies.3. The polyvagal theory explains the different states of our nervous system (fight, flight, freeze, and flow) and how our bodies and emotions are interconnected.4. Addressing underlying psychological factors can help alleviate physical pain.5. Being adaptable and able to transition between different nervous system states is crucial for overall well-being.Show Notes:00:00 - Introduction02:15 - Jamie's background and approach06:00 - Understanding pain and its connection to emotions and life experiences14:00 - The mind-body connection and the role of beliefs19:00 - Polyvagal theory and nervous system states27:00 - The importance of adaptability and transitioning between states35:00 - Identity, emotions, and their physical manifestations44:00 - Body language and its impact on emotional states51:00 - Integrating psychological and physical approaches for holistic healing56:00 - The role of breathwork and final thoughtsYou can contact Jamie here
If you're a founder or business owner, you probably know it can get lonely at times. You're running things but who is there to support, challenge and share with?In this episode, I explain the challenges of loneliness that leaders, founders, and entrepreneurs often face. I share insights from my coaching experience, highlighting the signs and potential consequences of loneliness at the top. Loneliness is a signal to seek connection. I share a case study of a client, "John," who experienced a positive transformation by working with a coach to overcome his creative stagnation and regain a sense of fulfillment.Key Learnings:1. Loneliness at the top can lead to negative mindsets, lack of creativity, poor decision-making, and stagnation.2. Signs of loneliness include negativity, overworking, stress, and a tendency to avoid risks or opportunities.3. Seeking connection through mentors, coaches, or peers can provide the necessary support, challenge, and fresh perspectives to overcome loneliness and reignite creativity and problem-solving abilities.4. Humans are social beings, and flourishing often requires the exchange of ideas and validation from others.Show Notes:00:00:10 - Introduction to the topic of loneliness in leadership roles.00:01:00 - Signs of loneliness, such as negativity, stress, and overworking.00:01:30 - Mindset issues associated with loneliness, including avoiding loss and stagnation.00:02:00 - Potential consequences of loneliness, such as poor decision-making and lack of creativity.00:02:50 - The importance of seeking connection and processing thoughts with others.00:03:10 - The benefits of working with collaborators, mentors, or coaches.00:03:50 - A case study of "John," a client who overcame creative stagnation through coaching.00:05:30 - The positive transformation in "John's" mindset and creativity after working with a coach.00:06:30 - Suggestions for seeking connection through business buddies, cohorts, mentors, or coaches.00:07:10 - The importance of recognizing loneliness and taking action to seek connection.PS. Whenever you're ready – here are 3 ways you can make a ‘next-level’ shift in your mindset.🔗 Follow my insights & Mindset content on LinkedIn & Instagram.🔗 Want to know how successful you are (and could be)? Take the test.🔗 Ready to connect? Join me for an