Overcoming “Yeah, But” Thinking
Update: 2025-10-15
Description
We speak with executive coach Marc Wolfe, author of the 2025 book Yeah, But: Cut Through the Noise to Live, Learn, and Lead Better. We discuss how “Yeah, But” thinking can impact anyone (including top leaders); the surprising ways this thinking can show up; and what you can do to overcome it.
As we’re all facing complexity and uncertainty, it can be natural for any of us to get caught up in our own habits of self limiting narratives that can impact different aspects of our lives. As a top leader, maybe your “Yeah But” is about not having time or the right people, or maybe it’s about taking a bold risk on a high-stakes opportunity. Or maybe your Yeah, But” is about taking a chance to develop an important relationship.
What does it take to become aware of and overcome “Yeah, But” thinking? That’s what we discuss with Marc Wolfe, author of the book “Yeah, But: Cut Through the Noise to Live, Learn, and Lead Better.” We discuss the hidden ways “Yeah, But” thinking shows up, the different categories of “Yeah But” thinking, and a story about how a top leader overcame his own “Yeah But” to create a more satisfying career opportunity for himself. We also discuss what each of us can do to overcome our own “Yeah, but” messages.
Marc is the founder and president of Marc A. Wolfe Enterprises. He’s also the author of the book, “Yeah, But: Cut Through the Noise to Live, learn, and Lead Better.” His professional journey evolved from pioneering Apple’s early computer market with clients like CNBC and Tiffany & Co. into decades of innovation consulting, executive coaching, and leadership development. As an ICF-certified coach and INC5000 Executive Coach, Marc has guided leaders across healthcare, entertainment, finance, and beyond—transforming stuck moments into meaningful progress for organizations like Bridgestone, Tufts Health Plan, Ramsey Solutions, and Choice Hotels Owners Council.
“Everything you’re going to work on requires change. And change requires a difference in thinking and acting.” — Marc Wolfe
This week on Growth Igniters® Radio:
* Marc’s perspectives on why even the most successful leaders can inadvertently fall into “Yeah, But” thinking, and what it takes to break out of it
* The five main categories of “Yeah, Buts,” and how to spot them in yourself and your team
* The real-life story of a C-suite leader who transformed his perspective, priorities, and relationships by confronting his own “Yeah, Buts.”
* Three practical ideas for moving from self-limiting “Yeah, Buts” toward what Marc calls “life agility”
Resources for This Episode:
* Read more about Marc Wolfe and connect with him on “LinkedIn“
* Read about Marc’s book, “Yeah, But: Cut Through The Noise To Live, Learn, And Lead Better“
* Download a complimentary chapter of “Yeah, But”
* Find out more about Pam’s keynote “Break Orbit: Achieving Long-Term Growth in a Short-Term World”
Accelerate to YOUR Next Level of Success
Thanks for listening to Growth Igniters® Radio. If you enjoyed this episode, spread the good word! Just leave a quick review wherever you get your podcasts and share on LinkedIn or Facebook.
<a href="https://tunein.com/podcasts/Business/Growth-Ingiters-Radio-p730703/...
As we’re all facing complexity and uncertainty, it can be natural for any of us to get caught up in our own habits of self limiting narratives that can impact different aspects of our lives. As a top leader, maybe your “Yeah But” is about not having time or the right people, or maybe it’s about taking a bold risk on a high-stakes opportunity. Or maybe your Yeah, But” is about taking a chance to develop an important relationship.
What does it take to become aware of and overcome “Yeah, But” thinking? That’s what we discuss with Marc Wolfe, author of the book “Yeah, But: Cut Through the Noise to Live, Learn, and Lead Better.” We discuss the hidden ways “Yeah, But” thinking shows up, the different categories of “Yeah But” thinking, and a story about how a top leader overcame his own “Yeah But” to create a more satisfying career opportunity for himself. We also discuss what each of us can do to overcome our own “Yeah, but” messages.
Marc is the founder and president of Marc A. Wolfe Enterprises. He’s also the author of the book, “Yeah, But: Cut Through the Noise to Live, learn, and Lead Better.” His professional journey evolved from pioneering Apple’s early computer market with clients like CNBC and Tiffany & Co. into decades of innovation consulting, executive coaching, and leadership development. As an ICF-certified coach and INC5000 Executive Coach, Marc has guided leaders across healthcare, entertainment, finance, and beyond—transforming stuck moments into meaningful progress for organizations like Bridgestone, Tufts Health Plan, Ramsey Solutions, and Choice Hotels Owners Council.
“Everything you’re going to work on requires change. And change requires a difference in thinking and acting.” — Marc Wolfe
This week on Growth Igniters® Radio:
* Marc’s perspectives on why even the most successful leaders can inadvertently fall into “Yeah, But” thinking, and what it takes to break out of it
* The five main categories of “Yeah, Buts,” and how to spot them in yourself and your team
* The real-life story of a C-suite leader who transformed his perspective, priorities, and relationships by confronting his own “Yeah, Buts.”
* Three practical ideas for moving from self-limiting “Yeah, Buts” toward what Marc calls “life agility”
Resources for This Episode:
* Read more about Marc Wolfe and connect with him on “LinkedIn“
* Read about Marc’s book, “Yeah, But: Cut Through The Noise To Live, Learn, And Lead Better“
* Download a complimentary chapter of “Yeah, But”
* Find out more about Pam’s keynote “Break Orbit: Achieving Long-Term Growth in a Short-Term World”
Accelerate to YOUR Next Level of Success
Thanks for listening to Growth Igniters® Radio. If you enjoyed this episode, spread the good word! Just leave a quick review wherever you get your podcasts and share on LinkedIn or Facebook.
<a href="https://tunein.com/podcasts/Business/Growth-Ingiters-Radio-p730703/...
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