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Navigating Reflective Leadership With Authentic Presence: Embracing Your True Self and Trusting the Process with Benjamin Achenbach

listening SUPERPOWER podcast

Release Date: 03/19/2024

The Art of Listening and The Power of Humor: A Conversation Connecting Life Experiences with Cartoonist Dave Coverly show art The Art of Listening and The Power of Humor: A Conversation Connecting Life Experiences with Cartoonist Dave Coverly

listening SUPERPOWER podcast

Imagine a cartoon opening a door to transform a challenging conversation into a productive and meaningful conversation in your team.  In this episode, we explore how listening and observation can engage humor which can shift our mindset and enhance our ability to engage with others meaningfully. Dave Coverly is the award-winning creator of the internationally syndicated cartoon Speed Bump, featured in hundreds of publications including The Washington Post, The New Yorker, and The Globe & Mail. A four-time winner of the National Cartoonists Society’s “Best Newspaper Panel” award,...

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listening SUPERPOWER podcast

 In this episode of the Listening Superpower Podcast, we're joined by Nanna Holst to delve into how the media landscape's evolution, driven by new platforms, shifting consumption, and AI advancements, is swamping audiences with more information, but not necessarily more insight. We discuss how traditional media must transform, using active listening and engagement to stay pertinent as a bridge between the public and those in authority, as outlined in her insightful report. (Link below) Nanna Holst is an experienced journalist, editor and project manager with a demonstrated history of...

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listening SUPERPOWER podcast

What if our effort to listen well actually interfered with the power of listening itself? What happens when we let go and allow listening to be about presence, depth, and genuine human connection? In this episode, we’re joined by James Cook, a learning and development specialist in coaching and team development at a large global organization. With 28 years of experience in fast-moving consumer goods—spanning process development, supply chain, business optimization, and leadership—James has spent his career fostering growth and transformation. An ICF- and EMCC-accredited coach, he’s...

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listening SUPERPOWER podcast

Have you ever felt unheard in a conversation?  Or wondered why society seems more divided than ever? Historian and podcast host Ramona Houston joins us to reveal how radical listening can bridge cultural divides, resolve conflicts, and reshape history. Ramona Houston is a U.S. historian specializing in African American and Mexican American history.  As we celebrate Black History Month, Ramona shares her insights on the power of listening and its impact on understanding history and resolving conflicts. In this episode, she highlights the significance of radical listening—truly...

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listening SUPERPOWER podcast

We all appreciate the dedication of healthcare providers. Yet, with only 10-minute appointments and research historically centered on men, the quality of care is impacted. Every day, countless women leave doctor’s offices feeling unheard, dismissed, or worse—misdiagnosed. Their symptoms are downplayed, their concerns minimized—especially with conditions like menopause and endometriosis, which often take years to diagnose. This doesn’t just affect women; it impacts their families and the men who support them. But what if there were a better way? In this episode of the listening...

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listening SUPERPOWER podcast

What if too much collaboration can hinder productivity?   Our guest, author Joe McCormack, a communication expert who helps professionals navigate information overload, shares practical tips on how to balance collaboration with the essential quiet time needed for deep thinking. Joe McCormack is a communication expert who helps professionals navigate information overload.  As an entrepreneur, he founded Sheffield Company and The BRIEF Lab, specializing in concise communication and leadership development. He's the author of "Brief," "Noise," and "Quiet Works," which address the...

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listening SUPERPOWER podcast

Curious about the art of asking questions? Mike discusses the importance of crafting the right questions and how they can lead to deeper connections. Dr. Michael W. Purdy (PhD Ohio University) is co–editor with Deborah Borisoff (NYU) of Listening in Everyday Life: A Personal and Professional Approach (2nd ed). He has authored articles for the International Journal of Listening, (including two articles in 2015). His publications include: Listening and Qualitative Research, in Listening and Human Communication in the 21st Century; Listening and the Non–Technologized Self in Cultura De...

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listening SUPERPOWER podcast

In this episode, we have the pleasure of speaking with Liz, a respected voice in the realm of listening and cultural dynamics. Liz brings a unique perspective on how listening varies across different cultures and the importance of adapting our listening styles to foster deeper connections. Dr. Elizabeth S. Parks is an instructor at the University of Nevada Las Vegas. An affiliate faculty with the Colorado School of Public Health. Dr. Parks' work is at the intersection of social science and the humanities and explores how we can improve listening across diversity and difference. Today, she has...

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listening SUPERPOWER podcast

Are you tired of being just another leader? Want to inspire your team, drive innovation, and build lasting relationships? The secret lies in a skill you may have overlooked: listening. Effective leadership often hinges on a surprising skill that can go unnoticed: listening. Raquel Ark shares that listening isn't just a soft skill; it's a powerful skill that can shape how you lead and influence. Imagine leading a team that's motivated, engaged, and full of ideas. Effective listening fosters trust, respect, and a positive work culture. It's can play an important role in increasing productivity...

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listening SUPERPOWER podcast

How can the power of empathy create deeper connections with others? And what are work hacks that create a safe space in teams? Sebastian Kremser is the host of Empathie Schenker, a podcast where he listens to guests with empathy and no judgment. Sebastian is a process facilitator who helps clients navigate dynamic and complex environments, addressing both current and future challenges. Known for his empathetic and needs-oriented approach, he creates space for individual and organizational needs while fostering awareness of personal responsibility and potential through structured process...

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More Episodes

Navigating leadership authentically and self-care is not as easy, especially when it seems like everything around you is “crashing down”.  Yet, what if this is an opportunity to find your purpose?   Discover the power of listening in purpose-lead leadership through this thought-provoking podcast episode.

Dive into a reflective conversation about the importance of being present, self-care, purpose, and trusting the process. Explore the journey of a working dad, leadership principles, and the impact of listening on personal and professional growth.

In this episode,you will enjoy listening to how Benjamin ‘Benny’ Achenbach  has navigated the challenges of entrepreneurship.  He shares a story about how he learned to listen to his inner voice amidst a family crisis that wiped his slate clean.  Benny is a sports enthusiast, a proud father of three, and the vice President of People & Culture at Just Spices GmbH .

Benny shares his experience around heart led leadership and decision making. Not only do we talk about fostering inclusive workplace cultures, our conversation transcends business by exploring resilience, self-awareness,  and the pursuit of happiness.  

Enjoy listening in.

"All leaders should be empathetic, and at the same time, capable of at least trying to actively listen” - Benjamin ‘Benny’ Achenbach

 

SUPERPOWER Notes:

01:22 - Raquel and Benny’s post-Wim Hof Expedition chance encounter. Reflecting on a serendipitous meeting that sparked a unique friendship and a transformative journey towards active listening mastery

03:09 - Uncover the power of reflection and connection in anchoring transformative experiences through active listening and shared reflections


06:14 -  Explore the transformative power of active listening in personal growth and communication, leading to deeper connections and understanding in relationships.

10:28 - The backpack method for reflection, delve into the art of active listening and the power of silencing distractions to truly engage and connect with others.

11:57 - Intention setting and reflecting on daily actions, uncover the hidden truths behind common social interactions and the power of active listening in fostering genuine connections.

17:05 - Benny’s  journey to Vice President of People and Culture
20:09 - Overcoming family business challenges
29:04 - The role of reflection and falling forward in business
34:26 - Trusting the process and maintaining positivity
40:29 - Integrating listening into business practices, thoughts on being present, reflecting, and self-care
53:22 - How to connect with the Benjamin Achenbach

Key Takeaways

  • "Try to be there for yourself because when you are there for yourself, you can also be caring for others."- Benjamin Achenbach

  • "Reflect about what you're doing every day, every second, every minute, every hour, the entire day, until your entire life is done."- Benjamin Achenbach

  • “Have a clear North Star for yourself and your team. It's about believing in the vision for the next five to ten years. For us at Just Spices, it's about going international and making cooking easier for our customers. This should be at the forefront of your mind. "- Benjamin Achenbach

  • on Listening “The more you are in the present moment and appreciate and be grateful for this journey in life, the more magical it can be." - Benjamin Achenbach

Connect with Benjamin Achenbach:

 

Connect with Raquel Ark: