Libsyn Directory

Jones Loflin - Cultivating Success

Release Date: 07/16/2024

Michael Frantl - Building a Strong Workplace Culture

The Legendary Leaders Podcast

Get ready for a thoughtful and down-to-earth conversation with our host, Cathleen O’Sullivan and guest is Michael Frantl, Global Lead for Culture, Engagement, and Performance Solutions at Novo Nordisk about what really shapes strong leadership and why culture matters more than ever. With a career that’s taken him across the US, UK, and Scandinavia, Michael shares his real-world experience of building workplace cultures that go beyond posters and buzzwords. Together, they talk about leading with trust, creating space for belonging, and the small, everyday actions that bring values to...

Cathleen O'Sullivan - How Leaders Can Reclaim Space for Strategic Thinking and Reflection

The Legendary Leaders Podcast

Are you constantly busy? In this solo episode of Legendary Leaders, Cathleen O’Sullivan explores a powerful but often overlooked leadership principle: the importance of creating space. Drawing from her experience coaching leaders worldwide, Cathleen unpacks how stepping away from constant busyness and perfectionism can unlock greater clarity, impact, and presence. She introduces her signature SPACE method, offering practical ways to build in reflection, set boundaries, and lead with intention. A must-listen for anyone looking to lead with more focus, energy, and purpose, at work or at home....

Joe Zentmyer - Reinventing Success and Passion-Driven Leadership

The Legendary Leaders Podcast

What if your biggest career breakthrough came from breaking your own rules about what “success” is supposed to look like? On this episode of Legendary Leaders, Cathleen O’Sullivan sits down with serial entrepreneur Joe Zentmyer for an honest, wide-ranging exploration of pivots, reinvention, and leading with genuine passion. With over two decades of experience spanning Fortune 500 sales, food manufacturing, rock climbing gyms, and now a thriving aquarium supply business, Joe’s unconventional story is living proof that authentic curiosity and adaptability trump following “the...

Nyree Ambarchian – Rewriting the Rules of Work

The Legendary Leaders Podcast

What if the working world wasn’t designed for you, and following the rules held you back from the leadership and life you actually want? In this episode of Legendary Leaders, Cathleen welcomes Nyree Ambarchian, co-founder of purpose-led communications agency Jack & Grace, for a bold and honest conversation about ditching outdated workplace norms and rewriting the “rules” of work. Nyree shares her journey from diligently following the rules to challenging and rewriting them, both in her own career and in building her business. This episode is a must-listen for...

Kelly Swingler – Burnout Isn’t a Badge of Honour

The Legendary Leaders Podcast

What if burnout wasn’t a personal failure, but a sign that something bigger at the system level needs to change? In this episode of Legendary Leaders, host Cathleen O’Sullivan sits down with Kelly Swingler, the renowned “burnoutologist” and founder of the Burnout Academy, to uncover the truth behind today’s burnout epidemic. With candour and compassion, Kelly challenges the norms that glorify stress and exhaustion, exploring why real burnout is so much more than long hours. It’s about broken systems, shame, and outdated definitions of success. Together, Cathleen and Kelly...

Nick Peel - Human-First Leadership

The Legendary Leaders Podcast

What if your greatest legacy isn’t what you build, but who you build with along the way? In this episode of Legendary Leaders, your host, Cathleen O’Sullivan, invites you into a candid conversation with Nick Peel, a leader whose career spans some of the world’s most ambitious projects, from Arsenal Football Club to the cutting-edge NEOM "Line" project in Saudi Arabia. You’ll hear how Nick’s human-first approach to leadership has empowered teams to thrive under pressure, transcending titles and status in favour of authenticity, humility, and genuine impact. Together, they explore why...

Clare Freshwater-Turner & Annabelle Richards - The Power of Job Sharing

The Legendary Leaders Podcast

Is leadership about going it alone, or could sharing the load lead to even greater success? In this episode of Legendary Leaders, host Cathleen O'Sullivan welcomes the dynamic duo Clare Freshwater-Turner and Annabelle Richards to explore how job sharing could be the key to enhanced leadership and personal fulfilment. Clare and Annabelle, senior managers in sustainable business at Lloyds Banking Group, have mastered the art of job sharing, proving that two heads can indeed be better than one. Join us to learn about the unique partnership they’ve built over nine years, sharing insights into...

Rachel McGill - Exploring Resilient Leadership

The Legendary Leaders Podcast

Are you merely enduring tough times, or are you truly thriving through them? In this episode of Legendary Leaders, army veteran and leadership expert Rachel McGill joins Cathleen to explore the nuanced art of resilience. Rachel unveils the clear difference between merely bouncing back and proactively moving forward. She shares her journey, from breaking a world record to creating Resilient Leaders Elements, a framework designed to help leaders like you build genuine resilience. Discover why true resilience is not about muscling through challenges but about adapting, making better decisions...

Keisha Hickson - Living Fully and Moving Beyond Fear

The Legendary Leaders Podcast

What if you stopped waiting for the right time and started living fully right now? In this episode of Legendary Leaders, Cathleen O'Sullivan welcomes the inspiring Keisha Hickson, a transformative thought leader and resilience advocate. Diagnosed with a rare incurable cancer multiple myeloma at a young age. Keisha's story isn't just about survival; it's about thriving and leaving a legacy on her own terms. She explores her experiences of overcoming fears and embracing authenticity daily, all while battling a rare incurable disease. Keisha also shares her insights on ‘daring to change’ and...

Nancy Ho - Overcoming the Professional Paradox

The Legendary Leaders Podcast

Are you still chasing the wrong kind of success? In this episode of Legendary Leaders, Nancy Ho joins host Cathleen O'Sullivan to discuss the hidden struggles of high-performing professionals and the paradox of success. Nancy shares how defining success externally can lead to a void of stress and unfulfillment. She talks about turning pain into gain, redefining what you truly want, and the importance of being authentic rather than conforming to societal pressures. Discover how your thoughts shape your reality and the power of self-reflection in transforming your life. Tune in for a...

More Episodes

In this riveting conversation, our host, Cathleen sits down with the inspiring Jones Loflin. Jones masterfully draws parallels between the principles of gardening and leadership, emphasising creativity, space for thinking, and nurturing sustainable growth.

In this episode, you'll hear about the origins of Jones' book Juggling Elephants, born from a casual discussion on life’s circus-like chaos, and Cathleen’s reflections on fostering creativity amidst our busy lives. Together, they tackle the ever-present challenge of balancing work efficiency with your personal life, stressing the importance of intentional habits and mindfulness.

Tune in to discover how to embrace the "gardener mindset" for proactive leadership, learn effective strategies for saying no, and explore how intentionality and small steps can lead to significant personal and professional development.

Episode Timeline:

15:34 Authentic writing comes from lived experiences.

19:36 Helping people identify unmet needs and make necessary changes in their lives and workspaces.

23:31 Storytelling and communication encourages positive change and possibility.

31:05 Surround yourself with encouraging mentors who are a few steps ahead of you.

33:36 Office friendships can create unnecessary pressure.

42:04 An elephant is anything that limits you.

43:38 Leaders aim to improve in key areas.

59:02 Showing palms indicates trust and confidence.

01:10:08 Delegate meetings to empower team members, and gain time.

Key Takeaways:

Jones Loflin emphasises the importance of adopting a ‘gardener mindset’ for leaders, focusing on creativity, growth, and nurturing sustainable systems rather than merely fixing problems.
Both Jones and Cathleen discuss the challenge of finding time for creativity and personal development, highlighting the significance of starting small and being intentional in cultivating habits that support free time and balance.
The episode underscores the value of storytelling and fostering open communication to drive change, with Jones advocating for leaders to delegate decision-making and empower their teams for strategic growth.

ABOUT Jones Loflin