The Influential Executive

E55: How to Optimize Your Return-On-Attention (Neen James)  Our attention is the scarcest resource in the world. Every second, our subconscious mind processes 11 million bits of information, while our conscious mind processes “only” 50 bits per second.  Which part do you choose to pay attention to?  Every moment of every day, there are thousands different things we could be doing. Yet we can only focus our attention on one thing at a time. Which one thing do you choose?  Our ability to take control and manage our attention this way is probably the biggest predictor for our success in life and business.  Neen James has made attention management her core focus and she interviewed over one hundred CEOs on the topic. She speaks on stages all over the world and wrote the book titled “Folding Time”. In today’s interview, Neen shares dozens of attention management tips we can start applying today.  The fun part is… her tips focus on human connection much more than on achieving abstract targets.  Enjoy my meaningful conversation with Neen James. Click here to watch the interview on Youtube  Interesting stories and strategies that came up in our conversation:  Tips for making a good first impression  Which daily strategic appointment with yourself is an absolute must  How “systemized thoughtfulness” can boosts all of your relationships  Why Nido Qubein, president of High Point University, is such an inspiration to Neen James  Which types of attention exist How intention and attention go hand in hand  A powerful communication tip which Neen learned from her 5-year old daughter  TIP: How to benefit most:  1) which insight resonated?  2) how will you apply it today?  3) do it,  4) reflect and decide how you will do more of it.   Stay in touch with Neen James:  Neen James’s website: https://neenjames.com  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neenjames/  Twitter: @NeenJames  Resources from Neen James for you:  Folding Time: the complete book  Sample book Chapters of Attention Pays  Neen James Speaking Kit  Resources for Meeting Planners  Neen James Showreel  Attention Pays Book on Amazon  Attention Pays Media Kit  Must-watch tips from Neen James:  Erin Gargan King  Tami Evans  Dr Nido Qubein  Credits (intro and outro music)  Song: Ehrling - Dance With Me (Vlog No Copyright Music)  Video Link: https://youtu.be/fjhT9IPukoY

E54: Why Attention Management is the Skill of The 21st Century (Tony Crabbe) Do you want to grow your impact? The impact you make is directly related to what you focus your attention on. Because our attention is our scarcest resource. When we focus on one thing, we automatically do not focus on the other thing. So how do you make sure that all day every day, you focus on exactly that one thing that’s most important of all? Tony Crabbe is one of the world’s top business psychologists. He’s an author and consultant, working with big brand such as Disney, Microsoft, HSBC, Johnson & Johnson and Salesforce.com. Tony is best known for his international bestseller “Busy – how to thrive in a world of too much”. In his book, Tony describes an interesting viewpoint. Namely that while most people are focused on managing their time, it is attention management what it’s really all about. What does that mean, attention management? And how does this apply in all kinds of practical real world situations? You find out in our conversation. Enjoy! Click here to watch the interview on Youtube Interesting stories and strategies that came up in our conversation: -  How to manage negative thoughts -  Tony’s definition of “attention” -  What Tony learned from playing pingpong -  How to have better meetings? -  How to give feedback in a way that’s easier to digest -  The power of asking the right questions TIP: How to benefit most: 1) which insight resonated? 2) how will you apply it today? 3) do it, 4) reflect and decide how you will do more of it. Stay in touch with Tony Crabbe: Tony Crabbe’s website: www.tonycrabbe.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tony-crabbe-2726643/ Twitter: @TonyCrabbe Credits (intro and outro music) Song: Ehrling - Dance With Me (Vlog No Copyright Music) Video Link: https://youtu.be/BBkOI-NpaHE

E53: The Life Story of a Time Management Influencer (Harold Taylor) When you decide to live on purpose, you decide to walk your own path. In today;s episode we zoom out and we hear the stories of a long-time influencer. Harold Taylor has been an influencer for over 50 years. Over the course of his career, Harold Taylor (85 years old today) wrote over 20 books and developed over 50 time management products. Since 1981, when he incorporated the original time management company, he has personally presented over 2000 workshops, speeches and keynotes on the topic of time and life management. How did he get started? How did he build and grow his reputation? How did he keep innovating? Which principles from the pre-internet age are still critical for influencers today? Harold Taylor is full with wisdom and experience. Over the course of the interview I only asked a few questions, and time simply flew by, listening to his stories. Listen carefully, because Harold’s stories contain many life lessons and tons of time management tips. Enjoy my conversation with Harold Taylor! Click here to watch the interview on Youtube Interesting stories and strategies that came up in our conversation: - How to position yourself as an expert in your topic of choice - Why it is a good idea to raise your fees - How to grow old without growing old - Why Harold chose time management as his only topic of expertise - Why Harold loves his planner so much - How to write a book without having to write a book - Why Harold chose to always keep Sundays free TIP: How to benefit most: 1) which insight resonated? 2) how will you apply it today? 3) do it, 4) reflect and decide how you will do more of it. Stay in touch with Harold Taylor: · Harold Taylor’s professional website: www.taylorintime.com · Subscribe to Harold Taylor’s free quarterly time management newsletter: https://www.taylorintime.com/time-management-newsletter/ · Facebook: HaroldTaylor · Twitter: @HaroldTaylor Credits (intro and outro music) · Song: Ehrling - Dance With Me (Vlog No Copyright Music) · Video Link: https://youtu.be/8j83Xpn7JCM

E52: Simple Breathing Techniques to Heal, Destress and End Anxiety (Max Strom)  In my quest to enhance my emotional intelligence I have decided to open my mind and go back to the basics. During my corporate career I found that I got sucked into an energy flow with its own rules and practices… which are far removed from reality. The reality is that we are human beings living in a marvellous body. That we are subject to the laws of nature and that happiness coms from living in harmony with these laws. I realized that as I was striving to make an impact and to climb an imaginary ladder… I was mainly focused on the external world. Until I listened to spiritual teachers explaining that our external world is merely a reflection of what is going on inside of us. As an operations manager I learned that I always want to focus on the inputs, and monitor what happens to the outputs.  Since then I’ve been focused more on my inner world: finding balance inside of myself. Magical things started to happen. The more I calmed down, the more things were speeding up. I found that breathing has been instrumental to my growth. My body and mind are my most important tools, and oxygen is my main fuel. For this reason I am very excited to announce my conversation with Max Strom. I first met Max at the 2018 Wisdom in Business event in Amsterdam. He is one of the most impactful speakers I’ve ever seen. Both on stage and in his program Breathe to Heal, he speaks about a topic so fundamental that almost nobody speaks about it… The subtle art of breathing. Whatever you are looking to achieve right now, it starts with putting oxygen into your body. Think about it… what does it mean for you when your body is supercharged with oxygen all day every day? What would it mean for you to resolve any long-term stress or anxiety once and for all? Max Strom explains how this works. Enjoy my meaningful conversation with Max Strom! Stay connected, Alexander P.S. Want to know more about Max Strom’s online programs? Go to https://breathetoheal.maxstrom.com for more information and use the code MAXSTROMTIE to receive a nice 25% discount on The End of Anxiety Online video Course (90 min).    P.P.S. Want to see Max Strom live in Amsterdam on 4 October 2019? The tickets are sold at www.wisdominbusiness.org and with promo code ALEXANDER the ticket price point is reduced -10%. Interesting stories and strategies that came up in our conversation: - What to do when you have trouble breathing - How to let go of stuck emotions - Which 2 exercises can help you destress within minutes - How did Max develop this beautiful deep voice? - Why humanity is slowly losing its ability to smell and hear well - What is the primary cause of anxiety? - The difference between transformative breathing and transformational breathing - What does Max mean with Dream Logic TIP: How to benefit most: 1) which insight resonated? 2) how will you apply it today? 3) do it, 4) reflect and decide how you will do more of it. Stay in touch with Max Strom: • Max Strom’s personal website: www.maxstrom.com (subscribe to his newsletter on this page) • Max Strom’s online courses Breathe to Heal and The End of Anxiety: https://breathetoheal.maxstrom.com/ • Twitter: @maxstrom2 Credits (intro and outro music) • Song: Ehrling - Dance With Me (Vlog No Copyright Music) • Video Link: https://youtu.be/1wgiT7dk-dk

E51: The Immense Value of a Trusted Support Network (Dave Mammano) Why figure out everything by yourself when you can do it together? When two or more minds come together in a spirit of harmony, something magical happens. Together we see more clearly, together we reach higher thoughts, together we find creative solutions to our biggest challenges. When you surround yourself with true business friends, you find that they function as a “mental mirror”. What happens when you can freely express your thoughts, ideas, challenges a nd emotions to people whom you trust? You see clearly which thoughts make sense and which of your thoughts have been fooling. The ultimate value you gain from a trusted support network: clarity and confidence. Think about it… clarity and confidence are the two most important building blocks for entrepreneurial success. David Mammano (Dave) has discovered this superpower many years ago. Since then, he has been hosting tons of networking and masterminding events for entrepreneurs in upstate New York. Dave is the founder of the Avanti Entrepreneur Network and the Avanti Entrepreneur Show. As an event host, coach and connector he is continuously focused on the question: how can I create value for entrepreneurs by bringing them together? Enjoy my conversation with Dave Mammano! Click here to watch the interview on Youtube Interesting stories and strategies that came up in our conversation: - Dave’s tips for having maximum benefit from a mastermind session - The beautiful new business idea which Dave is exploring (an education-based community centre) - What does the Italian word “avanti” mean and why is it so powerful? - The #1 recommendation Dave has to show up prepared for a mastermind meeting - The biggest lessons Dave  learned from a book called “The Miracle Morning” - The power of “The Next Step” TIP: How to benefit most: 1) which insight resonated? 2) how will you apply it today? 3) do it, 4) reflect and decide how you will do more of it. Stay in touch with Dave Mammano: · Dave Mammano’s business website for the Avanti Entrepreneur Group: http://avantientrepreneurgroup.com · Dave Mammano’s personal website: http://davidmammano.com/ · Email: david@davidmammano.com Credits (intro and outro music) · Song: Ehrling - Dance With Me (Vlog No Copyright Music) Video Link: https://youtu.be/Bgw1ETfBSLM 

E50: How to be More Authentic and Conscious (John Christian)  No matter how hard you push and which strategies you put to work. If it is not authentic, you only create more struggle for yourself and the people around you. Authenticity is probably one of the least talked about success factors in life. Yet in life and in business it is everything. Authenticity breeds trust. When there’s trust, business moves 10x faster than when there’s no trust. John Christian (now 71) has been a famous popstar. Some of his friends are mega rich and mega famous… yet often something is still lacking in their lives. John has several masters who mentor him on how to develop his intuitive intelligence. This has set him off on a path of true authenticity and made him one of the calmest and wisest people I has the privilege of being around. I feel blessed to call John my friend and consciousness mentor. He is one of those rare diamonds who does not show off his wisdom, and instead patiently waits until the student appears and asks him the right questions. After spending 2 transformational days together at my home, I felt compelled to share John’s wisdom with you as well… so I asked to interview him. Please open your mind and be prepared to question everything you think you know… because with this conversation John takes you on a journey that goes beyond the realm of the mind. Enjoy! Click here to watch the interview on Youtube Interesting stories and strategies that came up in our conversation: - How to be more creative - The one priority in self-development that most entrepreneurs are overlooking - The value of taking full personal responsibility - What we can learn from ancient wisdom from the East - How to recognize if you’re being authentic or subconsciously trying to buy approval - Why meditation is so powerful - The difference between our mental fantasies and what’s really going on TIP: How to benefit most: 1) which insight resonated? 2) how will you apply it today? 3) do it, 4) reflect and decide how you will do more of it. Stay in touch with John Christian: · John Christian’s website: http://lifebalanceportal.com · John Christian’s free e-book “How to Develop Intuitive Intelligence”: http://www.lifebalanceportal.com/new/index.php/products/free-ebook-how-to-develop-intuitive-intelligence · Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/john.christian.54922169 Credits (intro and outro music) · Song: Ehrling - Dance With Me (Vlog No Copyright Music) Video Link: https://youtu.be/SXiCWB3kTjI

E49: Entrepreneurship Lessons from a Purpose-Driven Startup (Simon Standaert) So you want to be a purpose-driven entrepreneur? Plenty of influencers, experts and gurus out there are eager to tell you what to do. “Use the magic 7-step formula and all riches will be yours!” There’s only one challenge. We do not learn through words, we only learn through experience. Today I spoke to Simon Standaert, who is 10 months underway in setting up a new business called JES Academy. How did he approach the launch? Which business lessons has he learned underway? This is the real story of a real purpose-driven entrepreneur. Enjoy our conversation with Simon! Click here to watch the interview on Youtube Interesting stories and strategies that came up in our conversation: 3 Real-life business lessons that almost nobody talks about How to create a top quality product or service Which books have inspired Simon to grow as a person and as an entrepreneur The difference between coaching youth versus adults How to prioritize your projects and ideas TIP: How to benefit most: 1) which insight resonated? 2) how will you apply it today? 3) do it, 4) reflect and decide how you will do more of it. Stay in touch with Simon Standaert: Websites of JES Academy: jes.be and soon available www.jesacademy.be Social Media: JES vzw LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/simon-standaert-90b51254/ Credits (intro and outro music) Song: Ehrling - Dance With Me (Vlog No Copyright Music) Video Link: https://youtu.be/SZpyXoQf1Hs

E48: How to Live a Life On Purpose  How do you create a life of great adventure? Simon Alexander Ong was once stuck in an office job, then decided to break free. Today, Simon lives his most adventurous life: he travels the world inspiring audiences and sharing the stage with some of the world’s best-known speakers. Everything that Simon Alexander Ong does is built around inspiring people to see their world differently.  He ignites their imagination of what is truly possible so that they can lead meaningful, purposeful and extraordinary lives and businesses. Simon shares his insights, lessons and wisdom with all who are committed to upgrading their life and business to that next level. He speaks at international events from organizers such as Google, O2, London School Of Economics, Virgin, Salesforce and many more. Simon’s has been featured in world-class media such as The Financial Times, Women's Health, HuffPost, Cosmopolitan, Forbes, Harvard Business Review and BBC Radio London.   Prepare for one hour of inspiration and world-class education. Enjoy! Click here to watch the interview on Youtube Interesting stories and strategies that came up in our conversation: - Why Thomas Edison was the worst fisherman in the world - Which 2 power questions help Simon focus on the right things - Why we should focus on identity and habits - Why doing less makes you more productive - How leaders can practice the skill of visualization - 3 Focus areas that every leader should understand TIP: How to benefit most: 1) which insight resonated? 2) how will you apply it today? 3) do it, 4) reflect and decide how you will do more of it. Stay in touch with Simon Alexander Ong: · Check out Simon’s website and sign up for his newsletter: www.simonalexanderong.com · Youtube: Simon Alexander Ong, https://www.youtube.com/user/simonong · Instagram: @simonalexandero · Twitter: @simonalexandero Credits (intro and outro music) · Song: Ehrling - Dance With Me (Vlog No Copyright Music) · Video Link: https://youtu.be/F4ssDvAYhkw

E47: Productivity Secrets for Purpose-Driven Entrepreneurs  Do you truly want to make a bigger impact?  The impact you make today is a direct reflection of your productivity. Rather than pushing harder and slowly exhausting yourself, let’s zoom out for a moment and look at which simple things you can change to make a BIGGER impact with LESS resources. I invited Filip Van Houte to address this question. Filip Van Houte shows ambitious entrepreneurs how to maximize their productivity, master their mindset and multiply their sales. He is on a mission to teach impact-driven entrepreneurs how to achieve so much more with less effort than ever before. Currently, Filip’s private Facebook Group consists of more than 2500 growth-oriented entrepreneurs. I got to know of Filip because a good business friend was extremely positive about how Filip changed his life. After our deep and meaningful conversation I agree wholeheartedly… Filip Van Houte thoroughly understands things that every purpose-driven entrepreneur needs to know. Click below for one hour of world-class education. Enjoy! Click here to watch the interview on Youtube   Interesting stories and strategies that came up in our conversation: - Filip’s definition of “Productivity” - One powerful productivity question everyone should ask themselves - The importance of managing your emotional state (all day every day) - Why systems are to your business what habits are to you personally - How Filip experienced watching “The Secret” for the first time - What we can learn from the movie “Groundhog Day” - Why high achievers are masters of empathy - The pitfall of many entrepreneurs, called “information masturbation” TIP: How to benefit most: 1) which insight resonated? 2) how will you apply it today? 3) do it, 4) reflect and decide how you will do more of it. Stay in touch with Filip Van Houte: · Join Filip’s private Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/productivitysecrets · Connect personally with Filip on Facebook: Filip Van Houte · Youtube: Filip Van Houte · Free resource #1 ’Focus Finder’: https://habitbootcamps.com/focusfinder(A guide with the 15 best apps to remove digital distractions, find focus and reclaim time) · Free resource #2 ’Goal Getter: https://habitbootcamps.com/goalgetter(A strategic roadmap on how to set and reach your goals without fear of failure) · Free resource #3 ’Habit Hacker’: https://habitbootcamps.com/habithacker(A guide with the 11 best apps to build, measure, and track your habits) Credits (intro and outro music) · Song: Ehrling - Dance With Me (Vlog No Copyright Music) Video Link: https://youtu.be/RJMQsz2flFM

E46: The Ultimate Purpose-Driven Organization (Alexander den Heijer, @Purposologist) What does the ultimate purpose-driven organization look like? The world is waking up. We are shifting from an era of individualization and personal success to an era of community, cooperation and sustainability. Companies who do not take great care of every single stakeholder will vanish over the next years and decades. Only truly purpose-driven organizations will flourish and be sustained in the long run. In today’s conversation we take a blank canvas and think about what that really means: how does that look, a truly purpose-driven organization? I explored this question together with Alexander den Heijer, the Purposologist. For years, Alexander has been sharing his unique insights on Instagram. Currently, 102k followers are enjoying his regular snippets of wisdom. The purpose of Alexander’s work is to help people flourish by sharing insights and inspiration for personal transformation. Alexander helps organizations flourish through his workshops and his inspirational talks. Today I had the pleasure of welcoming Alexander in my living room. What made this conversation unique is Alexander’s ability to apply ancient wisdom in today’s “real” world. Enjoy our conversation! Click here to watch the interview on Youtube Interesting stories and strategies that came up in our conversation: - The most important question asked by inspirational managers - What Alexander learned during his multiple Vipassana retreats (=10 days in silence!) - What your team can learn from a musical orchestra - What is the definition of purpose? - Why psychological safety is the glue that holds all teams together - The characteristics of an ultimate purpose-driven organization - Why you want volunteers in your team TIP: How to benefit most: 1) which insight resonated with you? 2) how can you apply it in your own team? 3) apply the insight in a small experiment, 4) reflect and decide which adjustments to make in your team’s habits and routines. Stay in touch with Alexander den Heijer (@Purposologist): · Visit Alexander den Heijer’s website: www.alexanderdenheijer.com · Instagram: @purposologist · Alexander den Heijer’s book “Nothing You Don’t Already Know”: www.alexanderdenheijer.com/book Credits (intro and outro music) · Song: Ehrling - Dance With Me (Vlog No Copyright Music) Video Link: https://youtu.be/p5XXDBCbp2Y

E45: How to Build Character and Develop Mental Toughness (Les Evans) Do you truly want to live your most beautiful life? Coach Les Evans used to be a mail man at age 23, and today he’s a coach to movie stars and billionaires. What happened? He embraced personal development as his top priority. The works of Dale Carnegie (How to Win Friends and Influence People) and Brian Tracy (21 Secrets of Success for Self-Made Millionaires) changed almost everything he believed to be true about life. A former professional musician and award-winning songwriter, Les Evans is the past cofounder, Chairman & CEO of DGI-Advanz, a boutique alternative investment company based in Miami. Before retiring, Les personally sold over 1000 client accounts, advised 3 major airlines, and at peak the firm was trading $100 million daily. For the past 5 years, Les Evans has rocked the stage and coached thousands of entrepreneurs in 78 cities, 24 countries on 5 continents across the world. In this interview you’ll learn how to become a “Business Rockstar”. If you are an entrepreneur, there is one thing you definitely need: strong character. Today’s conversation is packed with great stories and golden gems for every person who truly wants to live on purpose. Click here to watch the interview on Youtube Interesting stories and strategies that came up in our conversation: - What to sort out before quitting your job and starting your own business - Why all business is essentially show business - How to create yourself (become the person you want to be) - What we can learn from Queen Elizabeth’s advisor - Why would anyone pay $100 (!!) for a simply bar of soap - The Indiana Jones moment… - Why asking “how to” does not really get you anywhere - The importance of having support from like-minded people TIP: How to benefit most: 1) which insight resonated with you? 2) how can you apply it in your own team? 3) apply the insight in a small experiment, 4) reflect and decide which adjustments to make in your team’s habits and routines. Stay in touch with Les Evans: · Instagram: @iamlesevans · Twitter: @iamlesevans · Facebook: LesEvansOfficial · Check out Les’ ROCK YOUR BIZ online course here:https://rockyourbiz.podia.com/rock-your-biz Credits (intro and outro music) · Song: Ehrling - Dance With Me (Vlog No Copyright Music) · Video Link: https://youtu.be/cOXbvAJO3RY

E44: Why “bandwidth management” is a leadership priority (Camille Preston) Camille Preston, PhD, PCC, is a leadership expert. She understands where people are, what is happening to them, and how to be their best selves most quickly. The biggest challenge for leaders from all over the world today: how to manage the volume, variety, velocity and veracity of the things that are coming at them. How to organize and prioritize that so they focus on what is most important? Camille has over 20 years’ experience in consulting and coaching. She is the author of Create More Flow: Igniting Peak Performance in an Overwired World and Rewired: How to Work Smarter, Live Better, and Be Purposefully Productive in an Overwired World, and a frequent guest expert on TV, radio, and blogs. We enjoyed a beautiful conversation with Camille Preston, secret agent of love. Enjoy the interview! Click here to watch the interview on Youtube Interesting stories and strategies that came up in our conversation: - How to find your flow at work - Is work-life balance achievable? - The neuroscience behind “writing things down” - Why donuts are crucial to the learning process - Different ways to beat infertility - Why emotional intelligence is a superpower for every leader TIP: How to benefit most: 1) which insight resonated with you? 2) how can you apply it in your own team? 3) apply the insight in a small experiment, 4) reflect and decide which adjustments to make in your team’s habits and routines. Stay in touch with Camille Preston: · Free resources: www.aimleadership.com/resources · Visit Camille Preston’s website: www.camillepreston.com · LinkedIn: Camille Preston Credits (intro and outro music) · Song: Ehrling - Dance With Me (Vlog No Copyright Music) · Video Link: https://youtu.be/F8y26SxxrEI

E43: How to succeed in a project driven world (Antonio Nieto-Rodriguez) Every task you work on either belongs to a project or to a process. And everything that has ever been created, from the first light bulb to the first Tesla… all is the result of a project. Truly, all people are project managers, except only few of us have been trained. If humans have been involved in projects for centuries already… then how come that most projects still miss their deadline and go over budget? Antonio Nieto-Rodriguez a thought leader, author, practitioner and professor who analysed 1000+ projects. Antonio is the creator of concepts such as the Hierarchy of Purpose, featured by Harvard Business Review, and the Project Manifesto. His research and global impact in modern management been recognized by Thinkers50 with the prestigious award "Ideas into Practice" and by the Global Gurus as #8 Educator in the world. Which projects are you involved in today? And which project gives you particular stress? Enjoy this episode and you will certainly find ways to bring your toughest project back on track! Click here to watch the interview on Youtube Interesting stories and strategies that came up in our conversation: - How to make your project “the sexy one”, so that you get the support you want - Which steps should we take beforestarting a project? - How come that projects typically miss deadlines and go way over budget? - Why the support of s strong sponsor is crucial to your project’s success  - The importance of WHY and how it applies in projects - Why project managers must be great at sales TIP: How to benefit most: 1) which insight resonated with you? 2) how can you apply it in your own team? 3) apply the insight in a small experiment, 4) reflect and decide which adjustments to make in your team’s habits and routines. Stay in touch with Antonio Nieto-Rodriguez: · Visit Antonio Nieto-Rodriguez’ website: www.antonionietorodriguez.com · Twitter: @ANietoRodriguez · LinkedIn: antonionietorodriguez Credits (intro and outro music) · Song: Ehrling - Dance With Me (Vlog No Copyright Music) · Video Link: https://youtu.be/PdGAnfUg-yc

E42: How Women Can Build Successful Careers (India Gary-Martin) India Gary-Martin is a shining example of a woman who made it to the top in a men-ruled work environment. India Martin is a 25 year veteran of financial services and a member of the Forbes Coaches Council. She has held a number of global C-Suite roles including expatriate assignments in London, Frankfurt, Tokyo and Hong Kong. In her final role at JPMorgan, India was Managing Director & Global Chief Operating Officer for Investment Banking Technology and Operations where she had multi-billion dollar budgetary management responsibility for 15,000 staff in more than 40 global locations.  Today, India Gary-Martin is a globally recognized leadership expert and coach with a clientele of Fortune 500 and C-Suite executives from around the world.  India is very passionate about the gender pay gap (which is still widening!) and ethnic equality in business. In today’s interview India hares what she has learned during her intense career. If you are a woman looking to make your career, or if you are a man who understands the power of diversity… you will love what India Gary-Martin has to say. Click here to watch the interview on Youtube Interesting stories and strategies that came up in our conversation: - How to have a successful career, being a woman - Why having a great career is extra challenging when you are a woman - The #1 thing millennials need to focus on to be successful - What will India Gary-Martin be doing 20 years from now - Why diversity is critical for you’re the success of your team(s) - How to manage people you don’t really like TIP: How to benefit most: 1) which insight resonated with you? 2) how can you apply it in your own team? 3) apply the insight in a small experiment, 4) reflect and decide which adjustments to make in your team’s habits and routines. Stay in touch with India Gary-Martin: Visit India Gary-Martin’s website: www.leadershipforexecs.com Subscribe to India Gary-Martin’s newsletter: www.leadershipforexecs.com Twitter: @india_gm LinkedIn: india-gary-martin-2a987589 Instagram:@official_indiamartin Credits (intro and outro music) Song: Ehrling - Dance With Me (Vlog No Copyright Music) Video Link: https://youtu.be/juqhtKU0wNc

E41: How to Solve Problems Through Meaningful Conversations (Jackie Stavros) Jeff Weiner, CEO of LinkedIn said, “the gap that employers need to fill is to make sure that their employees can lead, work in teams, and communicate”.  He said, “the bootcamp of the future is one that teaches you how have a conversation.” Because often, the solution to your biggest problem is only one question away. In our quest to help you work stress-free, we invited Jackie Stavros to educate us about how to have meaningful conversations at work. Jackie Stavros is internationally recognized for her creation of SOAR, a positive approach to strategic thinking, planning, and leading that focuses on strengths, opportunities, aspirations and results in strategic conversation. She has presented her research and work in over 25 countries. The heart of Jackie’s work is using Appreciative Inquiry (AI), a communication framework that is bringing out the best in people, their organizations, and communities to fuel conversations worth having that produce meaningful engagement and results.  Today’s conversation brings you world-class education and a highly positive mindset. Enjoy the podcast interview with Jackie Stavros! Click here to watch the interview on Youtube Interesting stories and strategies that came up in our conversation: - How to frame a situation positively - How to revitalise a business that’s about to shut down (within 14 months) - Why the word “but” is not really helping anyone - Why positive inquiry builds positive relationships - Why great communication helps you work stress-free - How to practice the art of asking generative questions - How to think and plan strategically If you only take away one thing, hang these questions at your desk and apply them in your meetings: Strengths: What are we great at? Opportunities: What are the possibilities? Aspirations: What re our dreams or wishes? Results: What are meaningful outcomes? TIP: How to benefit most: 1) which insight resonated with you? 2) how can you apply it in your own team? 3) apply the insight in a small experiment, 4) reflect and decide which adjustments to make in your team’s habits and routines. Stay in touch with Jackie Stavros: Visit Jackie Stavros’ website: www.conversationsworthhaving.today The Conversations Bootcamp: https://www.conversationsworthhaving.today/conversation-bootcamps/ Book: Thin Book of SOAR: Building Strengths-based Strategy: www.soar-strategy.com Twitter: @JackieStavros Linked In: jackie-stavros-0b45824 Instagram:@jackie_stavros Facebook: jacqueline.stavros Email: jstavros@ltu.edu,jackie@conversationsworthhaving.today Credits (intro and outro music) Song: Ehrling - Dance With Me (Vlog No Copyright Music) Video Link: https://youtu.be/n9DodNo5SKg

E40: Understanding How the Business World Works (Howard Yu) Howard Yu is one of World’s Top 40 business professors under 40. Since 7 years, Howard is LEGO Professor of Management and Innovation at the prestigious IMD Business School in Lausanne, Switzerland. His articles have appeared in Forbes, Fortune, Harvard Business Review, The Financial Times, and The New York Times. Yu received his doctoral degree from Harvard Business School. Prior to his beginning his doctorate, he worked in the banking industry in Hong Kong.  Howard Yu’s unique collection of knowledge and experience from three different continents gives us amazing insight into how the business world works and which best practices help companies thrive today. Howard Yu recently authored the book “Leap: How to Thrive in a World Where Everything Can Be Copied”. In his book, Howard explains how companies use open innovation to accelerate their growth. In our conversation, we zoom out very far to observe some of the global trends in business. Howard Yu shares many amazing stories of innovation. Time and again we see… it only takes one smart out-of-the-box idea (and great execution of course) to revolutionize an industry. Enjoy our conversation with Howard Yu! Click here to watch the interview on Youtube Interesting stories and strategies that came up in our conversation: - How Howard completely surprised us during the rapid fire question round - Which skills do individuals need to thrive in the business world of tomorrow? - Is likeability a good business strategy? - What will the largest company in 2030 look like? - Why companies need to learn how to learn - How curiosity helps business leaders grow - 3 Reasons why Operations is a driver for business growth - How to build your career to be a future leader TIP: How to benefit most: 1) which insight resonated with you? 2) how can you apply it in your own team? 3) apply the insight in a small experiment, 4) reflect and decide which adjustments to make in your team’s habits and routines. Stay in touch with Howard Yu: ·  Visit Howard Yu’s website: www.howardyu.org ·  Howard Yu’s book Leap: www.howardyu.org/leap · LinkedIn: Howard Yu · Twitter: @howardhyu Credits (intro and outro music) · Song: Ehrling - Dance With Me (Vlog No Copyright Music) Video Link: https://youtu.be/uiLXYhi9M-w 

E39: How to lead with emotional courage (Peter Bregman) Peter Bregman has 30 years of experience helping leaders develop their leadership skills, build aligned, collaborative teams, and overcome obstacles. Peter is the host of the acclaimed “Bregman Leadership Podcast”, a regular contributor to the Harvard Business Review, and an award-winning, bestselling author. His most recent book is Leading with Emotional Courage: How to Have Hard Conversations, Create Accountability, and Inspire Action on Your Most Important Work.  Peter Bregman was on a roll during our conversation. He let it flow, spoke from the heart and shared his best stories and insights. We speak about leadership, ego, focus, communication and personal development. Enjoy our conversation with Peter Bregman! Click here to watch the interview on Youtube   Interesting stories and strategies that came up in our conversation: - How to recognize an “ego conversation” - What does it mean to have emotional courage? - The difference between “successful people” and “great leaders” - Peter’s trick to get himself into a boardroom - How to take in feedback - Should every leader meditate? - How to establish True Focus in your organization - Should you turn your passion into a career? TIP: How to benefit most: 1) which insight resonated with you? 2) how can you apply it in your own unique personal situation? 3) today, apply the insight in a small experiment, 4) reflect and decide whether you integrate it in your routine. Stay in touch with Peter Bregman: Visit Peter Bregman’s website: www.bregmanpartners.com Peter Bregman’s Emotional Courage Challenge: www.bregmanpartners.com/emotional-courage-challenge Peter Bregman’s Leadership Gap Assessment: www.bregmanpartners.com/where-is-your-leadership-gap-assessment LinkedIn: Peter Bregman Facebook: @peterbregmanadvisor Twitter: @peterbregman Credits (intro and outro music) Song: Ehrling - Dance With Me (Vlog No Copyright Music) Video Link: https://youtu.be/mlo8Wdq8Sck

E38: The Power of Peer Influence (Leo Bottary) In our intention to live and work stress-free, we are continuously experimenting with “shortcuts” that help us get more done with less effort. With today’s interview, Leo Bottary points our attention to a resource we all have, but typically we use it way too little: The enormous amount of knowledge, experience and willingness to help which rests inside the minds of our friends and peers. Leo Bottary is a keynote speaker, author, workshop facilitator, adjunct professor, and thought leader on the topic of peer advantage. During his tenure at Vistage Worldwide, Leo directed a thought leadership initiative on the power of peers in business, which resulted in a book he co-authored with Leon Shapiro titled:  The Power of Peers: How the Company You Keep Drives Leadership, Growth & Success. “A problem cannot be solved from the level of awareness which created it.” (Albert Einstein) If we accept this statement as truth, it opens our minds to the idea that our peers can give us tremendous value. When we have a seemingly huge challenge in front of us, one of our friends may hold the perfect answer. Of course there is a “catch”… it requires us to be vulnerable, humble and dare to askthe right questions. What would it mean for your life if you would ask for help sooner? The good news is… anyone can do this! Hence Leo Bottary’s new book (just released) is titled: What Anyone Can Do.  Find out how you can start leveraging the power of peers. Enjoy our fun and inspirational conversation with Leo Bottary! Click here to watch the interview on Youtube Interesting stories and strategies that came up in our conversation: - Why most adults find it difficult to ask for help - How to recognize talent inside your organization - Why you (yes, you!) were Time Magazine person of the year - How do you make new knowledge “stick” (instead of forgetting it the next day) - How the world is shifting from an individualistic to a more collectivist attitude - Why Leo believes the word “expert” can be banned - Why humility is a powerful trait for leaders - What is the weirdest animal Leo ever sat on? 😊 TIP: How to benefit most: 1) which insight resonated with you? 2) how can you apply it in your own unique personal situation? 3) take action today… view it as a small experiment, 4) reflect and see how it helped you be stress-free and achieve more. Stay in touch with Leo Bottary: ·  Visit Leo Bottary’s website: www.leobottary.com · Leo’s podcast “What Anyone Can Do”: www.leobottary.com/category/podcast · LinkedIn and Facebook: Leo Bottary · Twitter: @leobottary Credits (intro and outro music) · Song: Ehrling - Dance With Me (Vlog No Copyright Music) Video Link: https://youtu.be/XhFyPkAe6Dc

E37: How to Stay Fit in Your Office Job (Ben Coomber) What a “corporate athlete” can learn from a fitness expert. To stay stress-free means to stay healthy and fit. How do you do that when you work a full-time (and then some) office job? We asked Ben Coomber who has been active in the fitness industry for 10 years. Ben has the UK’s #1 rated Health and Fitness podcast Ben Coomber Radio and top 10 in the world.  Ben Coomber used to be obese and suffered with IBS, ADHD, Eczema and Asthma but woke up one day and decided to change. He then lost 5.5 stone of fat and put on 3 stone of muscle and developed himself into what he describes as an everyday athlete. Today, Ben runs a fitness nutrition business and as a coach he helps other people get fit. Enjoy our interview with Ben Coomber! Click here to watch the interview on Youtube Interesting stories and strategies that came up in our conversation: - How to make getting up in the morning easier - To drink coffee or not to drink coffee? - How to find your ideal coach - Is ionized water a fad or a revolution? - What to do when you have digestive issues? - Simple routines that improve your health instantly - How Ben grew his podcast to be the largest in his space in the U.K. - Why we should all chill out regularly TIP: How to benefit most: 1) which insight stood out? 2) decide to apply it in your own personal situation today, 3) reflect and see how it helped you feel better or achieve more Stay in touch with Ben Coomber: Visit Ben’s website: www.bencoomber.com iTunes: Ben Coomber Radio Google and social media: type Ben Coomber For bookings, media or collaborations contact chelsea@bencoomber.com  My PA, for Customer Service, event queries or deliveries, please contact katie@bencoomber.com  Business matters or company logistics please contact COO charlotte@bencoomber.com For anything BTN Academy related please contact tom@bencoomber.com For anything Awesome Supplements related please contact jack@bencoomber.com For accounts please contact accounts@bencoomber.com Credits (intro and outro music) · Song: Ehrling - Dance With Me (Vlog No Copyright Music) Video Link: https://youtu.be/W7VG2l43jo4

E36:  A Special Strategy For Making Your Dreams Come True (Yuval Abramovich) What would it mean for your life and career when you have a strategy to get what you want? When we show busy professionals how to work stress-free, one of the first things we do is we help them create their perfect to-do list. Yuval Abramovich takes the to-do list to the next level: instead of listing tasks for the day, Yuval lists dreamsfor the year. Yuval Abramovich is at the head of a wonderful movement which helps people make their dreams come true. As the author of the international bestseller "The List -shout your dreams out loud to make them come true”, Yuval advocates a very special strategy to get what you want… simply by asking for it. And it works! Every day, Yuval gets hundreds of emails from people who use his methodology to make their dreams come true. Do you want to be inspired to create your most beautiful life? Enjoy our conversation with Yuval Abramovich! Click here to watch the interview on Youtube Interesting stories and strategies that came up in our conversation: - How Yuval’s mom became a model at 60 years of age - What is the difference between a to-do list and a bucket list? - The power of taking small steps - Why is Yuval’s book so simple, yet so effective? - When you see a shooting star, should you make your wish quietly or shout it out loud? - What we can learn from Wonder Woman - How to become a singer or actor in 5 steps TIP: How to benefit most: 1) which insight will you apply in your personal situation today? 2) do it and see what happens, 3) reflect and decide whether or not to do it more often Stay in touch with Yuval Abramovich: ·  Visit Yuval’s website: https://uv-tlv.com/en/ · Yuval’s Twitter: @uvtlv · Follow Yuval on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yuval.abramovitz Credits (intro and outro music) · Song: Ehrling - Dance With Me (Vlog No Copyright Music) · Video Link: youtu.be/Zs5eA-rvCdE [SK1]Link to Youtube video