Coaching Through Stories
High performing leaders are able to be their best when it matters the most. This bi-weekly, Wednesday podcast provides listeners with stories, research, and interviews that spark connection between people, concepts, thoughts, and behaviors. Dr. Eric Bean, a published peer-reviewed author, and Certified Mental Performance Coach, coaches listeners through stories from mythology, current events, research, and popular literature that serve as a window into high performance and powerful leadership. Dr. Bean brings in thought leaders from various fields like business, sport, and military to give listeners tips and strategies from their own experiences. His goal is to provide you with practical tools you can use to become a more resilient and adaptable leader and reach your leadership potential.
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#60: Be Bold! Get out of your comfort zone, take chances, and win with Mike Plaia
10/23/2024
#60: Be Bold! Get out of your comfort zone, take chances, and win with Mike Plaia
When you think of some of your favorite leaders, leaders who've inspired you, what characteristics come to mind? Typically, people want leaders who are purposeful, curious, self-aware, present, engaged, and caring. Your favorite leaders tend to care about you as a person, not just a number. Our guest today – is all of those and more. In this last episode of season 6 in Coaching Through Stories, Dr. Eric Bean speaks with PharmaPoint’s CEO, Mike Plaia about navigating leadership challenges through bold decisions and resilient mindset shifts. Mike Plaia, is a seasoned leader with over 30 years of experience in business and leadership. As the CEO of PharmaPoint, a technology-driven, pharmacy management company, Mike has overseen its recognition as one of the fastest-growing private companies and an industry leader in healthcare innovation. Previously, he co-founded Source Medical, the largest provider of IT solutions for ambulatory surgery centers, and Industriaplex, an Inc. 500-ranked company. Mike also spent time at General Electric, leading initiatives in acquisition integration and Six Sigma. A graduate of West Point, Mike served in the U.S. Army as a Field Artillery Officer, earning multiple commendations. Outside of business, he’s passionate about mentoring youth through sports and serves on several community boards, including Rise Above and gotURback, both focused on supporting local initiatives. In today’s episode, Mike shares his experiences from West Point, the military, and leading high-growth companies, emphasizing the importance of taking risks and stepping out of comfort zones. He reflects on how failure is a necessary part of success and the critical role of trust and compassion in leadership. You will gain practical insights into managing fear, building resilient teams, and fostering a culture where both success and failure are embraced as part of growth. Listeners will leave this episode feeling motivated to be bold and take on new challenges. Key Takeaways: The importance of boldness and embracing discomfort to achieve growth How to build trust and compassion as a leader Why failure is essential to long-term success and development The value of journaling leadership lessons and learning from both good and bad examples Strategies for balancing mental toughness with support and empathy in leadership roles Highlights: [6:00] Mike's journey from West Point to leading high-growth companies [10:24] The significance of bold decisions and taking risks [14:40] Embracing failure and building resilience in leadership [16:46] Trust, compassion, and accountability in leadership [23:19] Key leadership lessons from journaling and reflection [43:56] Why you need the “keep going” mentality [51:16] How Mike evolved as a leader Resources: The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt - PharmaPoint - Connect with Mike Plaia on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-plaia-676b71/
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#59: Paradoxical Leadership with Dr. Eric Bean
10/09/2024
#59: Paradoxical Leadership with Dr. Eric Bean
Whether you’re a new or seasoned leader, it’s universal to experience the challenges that come with balancing competing demands and priorities of an organization. In this episode of Coaching Through Stories, Dr. Eric Bean takes listeners through the art of balancing support and challenge as a leader. He explores the importance of adaptability, focusing on the mental flexibility required to navigate leadership’s paradoxes like stability or innovation and be nurturing or drive results. Dr. Bean helps leaders understand paradoxical leadership, addresses the challenges that arise, and offers practical strategies to develop both supportive and challenging leadership styles. Listeners will gain valuable tools for building adaptive leadership frameworks, incorporating active listening, and finding creative ways to blend structure with flexibility in their teams. Key Takeaways: How to embrace both supportive and challenge to create a more dynamic and responsive leadership approach The three key components of adaptability in leadership Instead of “or” use “and” thinking How to develop mental flexibility and respond to paradoxes in leadership Active listening as the foundation for understanding and supporting your team Balancing short-term goals and long-term vision thinking in leadership decisions Highlights: [0:06] The balance between being supportive and challenging [1:36] Three main components of adaptability [2:10] Developing mental flexibility [3:04] The paradox of leadership [3:31] Causes of paradoxical challenges in leadership [5:56] Active listening as a core leadership skill [9:35] Finding creative ways to balance structure and flexibility [12:16] Balancing short-term and long-term thinking Resources: Episode #49: Unlocking the Power of Adaptability with Ross Thornley -
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#58: Grow yourself, inspire others, make an impact with Nicole Bean
09/26/2024
#58: Grow yourself, inspire others, make an impact with Nicole Bean
In this special episode of Coaching Through Stories, Siana Sylvester steps in as co-host alongside Dr. Eric Bean to welcome guest Nicole Bean. Together, they dive into Nicole’s impressive career journey from pharmaceutical sales to becoming Head of Oncology Marketing. Nicole shares her experiences of personal and professional growth, revealing how she transitioned from a road warrior to a corporate leader while constantly striving to make a bigger impact in healthcare. The episode highlights her leadership philosophy, the challenges of imposter syndrome, and how she fosters a psychologically safe environment for her team. Key Points: Nicole’s journey from pharmaceutical sales to oncology marketing Leadership insights: empowering teams, fostering collaboration, and creating psychological safety Overcoming imposter syndrome and external criticisms The value of retrospectives for continuous team improvement Episode Highlights: •[6:20] Nicole’s background and transition into healthcare •[9:35] The challenges of moving from a field role to a corporate setting •[13:35] Leadership lessons: creating a safe space for teams •[6:44] The value of listening and connecting to your team •[5:40] Delegating leadership while maintaining individual contributions •[6:00] DISC assessment: Navigating different leadership styles in the workplace •[4:25] Cross-departmental collaboration and building coalitions •[1:02:29] Managing workplace criticism and personal growth through retrospectives Resources: •How Women Rise by Sally Helgesen-
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#57: Kicking Ass Between the Ears with Chicago Bears Mental Performance Coach, Andy Riise
09/11/2024
#57: Kicking Ass Between the Ears with Chicago Bears Mental Performance Coach, Andy Riise
In this episode, host Dr. Eric Bean sits down with Andy Riise, Director of Mental Performance and Leadership for the Chicago Bears, to dive into the mental and emotional strategies that separate elite performers from the rest. With years of experience as a mental performance coach in professional sports and the military, Andy shares how training the mind is as crucial as training the body. He unpacks the intangible qualities of leadership and explores the intersection of high performance and joy. Listen in as Andy reveals how to navigate ego interference, practice courageous conflict, and build resilience in high-pressure environments. Key Takeaways: - Developing the intangible attributes of leadership - The critical elements of mental and emotional performance - Navigating ego and staying grounded - The art of courageous conflict in leadership - Being intentional in everything that you do Highlights: •[12:07] How can leaders develop these intangible attributes of leadership? •[20:34] Training your mind like training your body •[23:52] The critical elements of high performance when it comes to mental and emotional stance •[27:32] The ego interference and how to navigate it •[34:33] The art of courageous conflict •[35:39] Can high performance and joy co-exist? •[42:57] What’s Andy’s role in supporting his team and players? •[1:02:51] Goal setting and how to drive consistency? For More of Andy: •Check out Andy on:
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#56: Performing with Poise Under Pressure with Dr. Eric Bean
08/28/2024
#56: Performing with Poise Under Pressure with Dr. Eric Bean
How do you respond when the pressure is on? Pressure can cloud judgment and derail performance, turning high-stakes situations into overwhelming challenges. And you need the right mindset to avoid being daunted by it. In this solo episode of Coaching Through Stories, host Dr. Eric Bean examines the art of leading with poise under pressure. Drawing from psychology and leadership principles, Dr. Bean explores why stress often leads leaders to close off. He delves into the power of loss aversion, which can overshadow the pursuit of gains. Through thoughtful insights, he guides listeners on how to shift their mindset from seeing threats to recognizing opportunities, and how to actively focus on what can be controlled. Key Takeaways: Performing and leading with poise under pressure Understanding why leaders become close-minded under stress The power of loss aversion versus the pursuit of gains Introduction to "pressure training" and strategies you need to know to minimize pressure Highlights: [2:33] The power of loss aversion [4:22] Enhancing poise under pressure [9:11] Minimizing the effects of pressure on performance [12:15] Distinguishing between consequence and risk [14:33] Shifting from threat to opportunity [16:32] Focusing on what you can and cannot control Resources: Performing Under Pressure The Science of Doing Your Best When It Matters the Most by Hendrie Weisinger -
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#55: The Actions of Confidence Come First with Zach Brandon
08/14/2024
#55: The Actions of Confidence Come First with Zach Brandon
In today’s Coaching Through Stories episode, Dr. Eric Bean is joined by one of his favorite people, Zach Brandon, the Head of Mental Performance and Coach Development with the Arizona Diamondbacks. Zach is in his sixth season leading the mental performance department for players, coaches, and staff with the Arizona Diamondbacks. In his role, he also assists the front office and leadership staff with coach development initiatives. He also provides customized coaching and workshops to performers and organizations through his personal company, MVP Mindset Consulting. Within the first few minutes of this conversation, Zach talks about his main motivation is to help people be the best version of themselves. A lot is covered in today’s episode including, Zach’s framework of high performance that includes 3 overarching components. First is the mind and being able to not only manage but also leverage our thoughts, emotions, and attention. The second piece is the body which for Zach includes our ability to accept when we’re not feeling 100% but having the courage to step in the arena anyway with the self-belief that what you do in this moment is enough and is good enough to compete. And the final prong of his framework is spirit which includes awareness of your mission, your values, and your purpose. And that’s just one of many great lessons Zach shares throughout our conversation. You will learn how elite performers can accept when they're not feeling 100% and have developed strategies to navigate these uncomfortable moments. In moments of doubt, elite performers muster the courage to step into the arena with the self-belief that what they do in the given moment is enough, despite not feeling their best. This conversation will leave you feeling inspired to take on challenges even when failure is possible. Key Takeaways: Can you have joy and fulfillment alongside high performance? Three things to look out for in order to get the most out of your body The willingness and readiness to go deeper The idea of “quick fixes” and how to work against that Highlights: [9:38] Is elite performance and personal joy at odds with each other? [17:55] Informational vs Educational vs Transformation [26:07] Zach’s philosophy to high performance [31:31] The mind being the “surface layer” [35:01] The disconnect between knowing and doing [46:38] Simulating the external and internal environment [53:52] The detrimental effects of sabotaging your own confidence and well being [58:11] The gap and the gain mindset [1:06:59] How to shift the mindset of an entire organization? Resources: LinkedIn: The Gap and The Gain by Dan Sullivan:
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#54: Begin with Excellence: How to Get the Best People on Your Team with Jim Lemming
07/31/2024
#54: Begin with Excellence: How to Get the Best People on Your Team with Jim Lemming
Jim Lemming, CEO and owner of Partners in Building and Houston-based industry veteran, joins us for a candid conversation. With a strong foundation in business management, Jim brings a wealth of experience in home construction, renovations, and residential budgets. In this episode, Jim takes us on a personal journey, sharing insights into leadership, the homebuilding industry, and the entrepreneurial spirit. Jim details how early in his career he worked for a small home building company in Northern California and when a leadership development opportunity was proposed to him, he jumped at the bit. He goes on to share that he entered into this program as a confident, cocky, egotistical, successful young man to realizing how little he really knew about other people, their experiences, and the way they view the world. He became an empathetic, understanding, and open leader. Jim goes onto share how this experience served as a launching pad for him to become the leader he is today. In our conversation Jim shares how he built his company and from the moment he took the leap and how he hires for excellence, and works to get the best out of his people without sacrificing engagement and buy-in. Jim has an incredible balance of a leader who is driven and committed to achieving lofty goals, and yet caring with a people-first mentality. Join us to learn from someone who has put in the work to develop his knowledge in all aspects of his business and as a leader. Key Takeaways: The power of seeing things from different angles How your mindset can transform your leadership style Building a solid foundation for business growth Cultivating entrepreneurial habits and values The incredible impact of referrals and accountability Highlights: [5:17] Jim’s personal and professional journey [11:29] The game-changing impact of diverse perspectives [11:55] How a shift in perspective transformed Jim’s leadership [13:51] The mindset and guts it takes to take the plunge [17:09] Essential first steps in building a business [23:00] Establishing core values and routines [26:22] Identifying and nurturing entrepreneurial talent [38:51] The magic of referrals in business growth [44:09] The importance of delivering results Resources: Partners In Building -
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#53: Zoom Out: The Power of Putting Things in Perspective with Dr. Eric Bean
07/17/2024
#53: Zoom Out: The Power of Putting Things in Perspective with Dr. Eric Bean
This solo episode explores how the way we see things (our perspective) affects everything from our daily interactions to big decisions and relationships. We'll look at how optimists and pessimists view the world differently, the difficulty of seeing things from another's point of view, and how we learn to understand the world around us. Today we go beyond just positive thinking. We'll discuss the idea of focusing on growth instead of just avoiding mistakes, and how finding meaning beyond ourselves can make a big difference. Join us to learn how these strategies can help empower you to overcome challenges and approach life with a fresh outlook. Key Takeaways: Perspective influences our daily interactions, decision-making, and relationships. The significance of the ability to see things from different angles. Insights from the social learning theory. The importance of gap vs. gain thinking. Finding purpose beyond oneself. Perspective beyond short term results Highlights: [01:50] The power of perspective [02:52] How perspective influences our daily interactions, decision-making, and relationships [03:20] Optimistic vs. pessimistic viewpoints [06:53] The lack of ability to see things from a different angle [07:33] The social learning theory [13:38] The gap vs. the gain thinking [18:22] Purpose beyond ourselves [20:57] Pursue mastery, not results [22:00] Failures and success are just an illusion Resources: by Dan Sullivan by Jim Murphy
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#52: Leadership Lessons from Coach K's Center on Leadership and Ethics with Sanyin Siang
07/03/2024
#52: Leadership Lessons from Coach K's Center on Leadership and Ethics with Sanyin Siang
Sanyin Siang, an expert in leadership and a practitioner of what she calls a portfolio career, joins us in this episode. Wearing multiple hats, Sanyin aids leaders in optimizing their unique strengths and creating super teams for next-level success. Throughout our conversation, Sanyin shares insights on how to navigate imposter syndrome, transition from manager to leader, and the profound impact of the stories we tell ourselves. She also discusses the parallels between leadership and parenting, emphasizing that parenting is indeed an act of leadership. Join us for an enriching discussion packed with valuable leadership lessons and personal growth strategies, as Sanyin imparts wisdom from her extensive experience. Key Takeaways: Overcoming feelings of imposter syndrome Transitioning from manager to leader for individual contributors The power of the stories we tell ourselves Parenting as a form of leadership Highlights: [5:09] Sanyin’s life updates: current role, passion, and interest [17:00] Drawing on diversity [20:39] Building a sense of belonging in group settings while being a bridger [23:33] Easing leaders' imposter syndrome [36:26] The importance of having goals and objectives [41:32] Taking the time to get to know your people [56:22] The need for experts with deep domain knowledge to step up and lead [59:47] Leadership through parenting [1:02:25] Moving forward together as a team For More of Sanyin: Sanyin’s Newsletter: Sanyin’s LinkedIn: Website:
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#51: Mastering Your Mindset with DMac (Derin McMains)
06/19/2024
#51: Mastering Your Mindset with DMac (Derin McMains)
As we kick off our sixth season, we are joined by Derin McMains who goes by DMac. Derin McMains is a Mental Performance Coach to some of the highest performing athletes, teams, and business executives in the world. The former professional baseball player and manager began working in the mental performance space in 2012. Over the past 12 years, he has built out mental performance programs for the San Francisco Giants, Seattle Mariners, and the University of Notre Dame. He continues to work in professional baseball as a mental performance consultant with the Arizona Diamondbacks. This season with the Diamondbacks will mark his 24th year in professional baseball. In addition to his work in professional baseball, he consults with professional athletes in the NFL, MLS, and professional Tennis. In 2021, he began to take the lessons he’s learned from sports into the corporate space. He's currently the Director of Mental Performance at ReliaQuest. ReliaQuest is a global cybersecurity company headquartered in Tampa, Florida that protects some of the largest corporations in the world. Derin McMains is the Director of Mental Performance at ReliaQuest. The former professional baseball player and manager began working in mental performance in 2012. He has built out mental performance programs with the San Francisco Giants, Seattle Mariners, and the University of Notre Dame. He currently consults with athletes in the NFL and MLS, in addition to consulting with the Arizona Diamondbacks. In today’s episode, DMac connects the worlds of sport and business, discussing the overlaps and separations between the two industries. In this powerful discussion, DMac shares how you can use the power of mindset to perform your best when it matters the most. Join us as we kickoff our sixth season and get ready to be indulged with great stories and valuable insights on coaching, leadership, and growth. Key Takeaways: Learn how undisciplined strengths can become our weaknesses Learn how to reframe your view of failure. Do you fear failure or do you fear what people will say about your failure? Focusing just on the results and the things you can't control hurts performance Define the standards of high performance How Mental Performance Coaches are an extension of the CEO when working in the business world Learn how the five love languages apply to better understanding your athletes or people who report to you The difference between athletic coaching and leaders in business We limit ourselves to stories that we tell ourselves. It's important to have a coach or people that you trust who can help you read the label If you want to do things that you are proud of, you need to do the hard things Reflecting on experience is the best teacher. Highlights: [07:40] What sparked DMac’s journey into reexamining his goals [16:42] Gaining control and aligning with our goals [20:32] Transitioning from a player to a coach [24:37] Trusting the process and shifting your values [28:49] What holds people back from reaching their potential [32:00] Overcoming the fear of public perception [35:54] DMac’s role as Director of Mental Performance [40:08] The parallels and distinctions between sports and business [45:57] The importance of senior leadership [48:08] Getting an all-star performance from bench players [54:20] Advice to struggling new managers [58:35] Distancing oneself from the results [01:02:09] Taking care of yourself For More of DMac: LinkedIn: Instagram: Podcast:
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#50: Ask an Executive Coach with Dr. Eric Bean and Siana Sylvester
01/24/2024
#50: Ask an Executive Coach with Dr. Eric Bean and Siana Sylvester
As the curtain falls on our fifth season, we're shaking things up with a Q&A episode. In this episode, Dr. Eric Bean and Certified Mental Performance Consultant, Siana Sylvester will answer questions from listeners. Together they share their valuable insights on executive coaching, stress, flow, and silence. So, join us as we delve into these topics and persist on our path toward achieving high performance. Key Takeaways: We need truth-tellers in our lives. Stress management is a team sport. Don’t be afraid to reach out for help. Silence doesn’t always have to be bad. Highlights: [04:10] When should you consider getting a coach? [06:16] A mentor vs. a coach [09:48] The Coaching Industry: Navigating through the Wild West [17:48] Knowing the difference between counseling and coaching [21:41] What to expect in coaching and measuring its effectiveness [34:05] Coping with stress and deadlines [44:45] Remote work: Getting into deep work and connecting with your company [01:01:45] Understanding the value of silence References: For More of Dr. Eric: Website: E-mail: LinkedIn: Instagram: For More from Siana Sylvester: LinkedIn:
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#49: Unlocking the Power of Adaptability with Ross Thornley
01/10/2024
#49: Unlocking the Power of Adaptability with Ross Thornley
We tend to look at change from a linear rather than an exponential perspective. This point of view often leads to the feeling of anxiety and being overwhelmed by the change around us. This episode features Ross Thornley, the CEO and co-founder of AQai, a community of adaptability coaches aiming to transform how people and organizations adapt to change. Moreover, Ross is an author and keynote speaker on adaptability and the future of work. In this insightful episode, Ross helps us comprehend how fast change is happening and emphasizes the concept of viewing change exponentially. He also delves into AQai’s vision and assessment, the process of unlearning, and how organizations become adaptable. So, join us as we look at change from a new standpoint and prepare ourselves to adapt to the changes brought about by this new year. Key Takeaways: Most people overestimate what they can achieve in a year and underestimate what they can achieve in ten years. We can completely be at peace or be overwhelmed. It is the choice of which one you want to be in the driving seat. Any collapse is a failure to adapt. Highlights: [04:10] AQai and its vision [05:53] The threat of shifting roles and navigating through it [12:37] Understanding the rate of change [20:43] Looking at change exponentially [24:13] What led Ross to innovation and adaptability [30:20] AQai and the concept of adaptability [39:08] Ways to be more adaptable [46:50] Dealing with the challenges of unlearning and building tolerance [52:11] Adaptability in organizations [01:03:30] Building the adaptability quotient [01:11:03] The concept of unique ability References: For More of Ross: Website: LinkedIn:
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#48: The high-achievers search for self-compassion with Dr. Shannon Baird
12/27/2023
#48: The high-achievers search for self-compassion with Dr. Shannon Baird
In this episode, discover how high-achievers explore self-compassion with Dr. Shannon Baird. The conversation explores finding balance between ambition and self-care, offering practical tips for cultivating a compassionate mindset amid ambitious pursuits. Dr. Baird emphasizes acknowledging personal limits while striving for success, providing valuable lessons for those seeking the perfect blend of achievement and self-compassion. Dr. Baird earned her Ph. D. at the University of Iowa in Sport Psychology after earning a masters and bachelors in Kinesiology. Dr. Baird has over 20 years of applied experiences; more than a decade of which has focused entirely on the Military. In addition to her applied experiences, Dr. Baird is an invited lecturer, keynote presenter, and published author. She currently lives in Washington State with her wife and dog where she actively pursues her dream of running the Big Foot 200. Those of you who know Dr. Baird, will soon see that this episode is a true and accurate, albeit PG, expression of Shannon. Those of you who don’t know her might be uncomfortable with how open and transparent she is. In our episode we go deep in exploring the origins of her struggles with self-compassion, how some early experiences ingrained values that on the surface are admirable but when taken to the extreme landed her in the hospital… and not just once, and how self-compassion is not only a tool for her but an important tool for the elite warfighters she works with. Take a deep breath. Let go. And enjoy the authenticity of Dr. Shannon Baird. Key Takeaways: Stories are the foundation of our self-identities. Understanding the boundaries of sacrifice. Finding a way to not let the "bully" drive the bus. How do we embody self-worth, and how do we get there? Building your conscious awareness. The importance of making data-informed decisions not data-determined decisions Highlights: [5:04] Getting to know Dr. Shannon Baird [7:03] Forging relationships that are surrounded by trust [16:56] Sacrifice can be glorified in so many ways. [24:21] What is it like to live on the edge? [40:10] Dr. Shannon's philosophy on performance, excellence, and the education of psychological skills [46:47] Relying on implementations and intentions [53:07] How does Dr. Shannon help high-performers build a more robust mental framework through her frameworks? [58:04] The ability to understand your internal environment Resources:
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#47: Tragic Optimism Two Things Can Be True At Once with Dr. Eric Bean
12/13/2023
#47: Tragic Optimism Two Things Can Be True At Once with Dr. Eric Bean
In this Coaching Through Stories episode, Dr. Eric Bean delves into a profound exploration of Tragic Optimism, challenging the idea that life's tragedies and optimism are mutually exclusive. Through thoughtful reflection, he reveals the ability to simultaneously acknowledge and embrace both elements. Dr. Bean shares insights on navigating the delicate equilibrium between despair and hope in our experiences. Additionally, he explores concepts such as cognitive defusion, tragic optimism, and the pursuit of self-improvement. Join us for this insightful conversation as we navigate the nuanced terrain of embracing both tragedy and optimism in our life's journey. Key Takeaways: Creating space for two things can be true at once reduces anxiety When we foster self-acceptance we do not rely on societal expectations and validation from others Explore some examples of two things can be true, examine how embracing them can positively influence our life as individuals, team members, and leaders. Highlights: [1:40] The concept of cognitive defusion [4:23] Examples of how two things can be true [6:13] Be mindful of the words used, "but." [8:16] As a leader, you must set high standards for yourself and your team members. [8:53] Understanding our team members' strengths and weaknesses [18:09] Cultivating a purpose can inspire us to pursue something meaningful and impactful. [19:53] What is tragic optimism? Resources: by Dr. Becky Kennedy by Russ Harris by Brad Stulberg
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#46: Getting out of Suckville - with Dr. Bhrett McCabe
11/29/2023
#46: Getting out of Suckville - with Dr. Bhrett McCabe
As humans, it is our nature to dwell on our deficiencies. We focus on what we are missing and our shortfalls rather than appreciate the positive reality we are in. This behavior is what leads us to the sign that says Welcome to Sucksville. Today, we are with Dr. Brehtt McCabe, the Sports and Performance Psychologist for the University of Alabama Athletic Department and a trusted resource for amateur, collegiate, and professional golfers. Drawing on his experience as a champion athlete and his clinical training as a psychologist, he guides competitors in overcoming persistent challenges and crafting winning strategies in their chosen fields. Today, he sits with us and shares his insights on breaking free from Sucksville. Dr. McCabe discusses the nature of people to crave competition and look for validation due to pressure. He also talks about success and believing in ourselves and stresses the value of acceptance. This episode is brimming with insights drawn from Dr. Brehtt's extensive coaching experience. Come along with us, and let's delve into yet another insightful episode. Key Takeaways: Use experience as a learning laboratory and not a validation. Competition is a window and not a mirror. It is a window to look at who you are, not a reflection of what you are missing. Support your team after they fail and coach them hard after they win. Flow with what shows up rather than reaching for what is not there. Highlights: [03:27] Dr. Brehtt's work background [09:10] What shifted Dr. Brehtt's view on performance [21:05] Believing in yourself vs. seeking validation [27:15] Dr. Brehtt's success formula [29:58] Detaching from the need for validation [36:03] Being intrinsically motivated in the world of sports [38:28] Getting stuck in Suckville [42:38] Expectations: Living in a fantasy [45:45] Opening up about the yips and other challenges [54:06] How to kick anxiety's ass [01:00:39] About doubting yourself and seeking approval [01:06:30] Going with the flow and savoring the moments [01:11:06] Success in Dr. Brehtt's viewpoint References:
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#45: Treasure Hunting High Performance with Dr. Jonathan Fader
11/15/2023
#45: Treasure Hunting High Performance with Dr. Jonathan Fader
How do you deal when someone approaches you with a problem? Do you tend to jump straight into a solution? In this eye-opening episode, we are with licensed clinical and high-performance psychologist Dr. Jonathan Fader, and we delve into the importance of understanding the person to address their situation. Dr. Fader is the co-founder and director of Union Square Practice and SportStrata, a company dedicated to offering sports and performance coaching services across different fields. He is also a keynote speaker, media personality, and author of Life As Sport, a book on the psychology of peak performance. He dedicates himself to assisting diverse audiences in understanding how to implement the principles of performance psychology in their personal lives and professional pursuits. In today’s episode, he emphasizes the importance of demonstrating empathy and understanding in counseling. He also delves into the power of motivational interviewing, reflective listening, and modeling to help others with their problems. Key Takeaways: People have to know you care before they care what you know. If people feel good about who they are, they perform better. Ask yourself, “Is what you are saying right now for yourself or the person listening?” What we bring into relationships is more within our control than that of others. Highlights: [03:37] What helps people find their best self [06:49] The art of finding the answers within [08:48] Looking into Dr. Fader’s multifaceted work [10:50] What changed Dr. Fader’s perception of counseling [16:00] Dealing with the pressure to perform [18:32] Finding the balance between caring and not caring [22:57] Dr. Fader’s origin story [29:16] Core principles of uncovering one’s best self [31:46] Dealing with the challenge of pretending not to know [34:47] Learning the process of motivational interviewing [38:28] Being patient through the process [41:38] Finding calm under pressure [49:05] Approaching people who struggle with empathy [54:07] The importance of self-awareness and looking inward [58:26] Society’s significant shift into finding meaning and purpose [01:03:36] Living horizontally vs. vertically [01:06:01] Finding gratitude in life References:
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#44: Wholeness At Work with Erin Rocchio
11/01/2023
#44: Wholeness At Work with Erin Rocchio
How should we value achievement? Is it worth prioritizing to the extent that we compromise our wholeness? This insightful episode features one of Evolution’s senior partners, Erin Rocchio, as we find the path to sustainable high performance while living with meaning and fulfillment. Aside from being a coach, Erin is also the author of Wholeness at Work: Free Yourself From Burnout for Good. She has worked with C-level executives and top companies, helping them cultivate teams that perform at a consistently high level. In this episode, Erin shares her experience of being an achiever, experiencing the burnout cycle herself, and how this equipped her to support her clients. She also delves into looking at burnout from different perspectives in the workplace and emphasizes the pivotal role of leaders in the process. Join us as we seek the path toward success and inner well-being. Key Takeaways: Check-in with yourself every day. Recognize the gaps and dare to address them. In order to maintain both performance and well-being, it's crucial to consider the issue from the viewpoints of the individual, the community, and the overall structure. Pause and appreciate how much meaning is all around us. How you feel is equal if not more important than what you do. Highlights: [04:40] How Erin found her way to her passion [09:27] Assessing your integrity [13:24] Looking at the problem holistically [16:16] How Erin learned the value of self-compliance [23:47] The habit of ignoring the other parts of yourself [28:47] Slowing down and being intentional with your time [37:06] Erin’s process of helping people find meaning [42:06] How to Overcome Burnout and Build Resilience [46:15] Aiming for high performance through sustainable habits [52:02] Building sustainable work cultures and averting burnout [55:23] Leaders embodying the proper values and how they affect the workplace [59:12] Social media and how it can contribute to burnout [01:03:50] Pieces of advice on the pursuit of wholeness at work For more of Erin:
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#43: Break Free from Approval Addiction: The People-Pleaser's Journey with Dr. Eric Bean
10/18/2023
#43: Break Free from Approval Addiction: The People-Pleaser's Journey with Dr. Eric Bean
Are you someone who is concerned about how others perceive you? Do you often prioritize others' needs over yours? Do you feel bad whenever you experience conflicts? In this solo episode, Dr. Eric delves into the behavior called people-pleasing. He discusses the signs of said behavior and how it can be unhealthy and counter-productive. If you are a people-pleaser, these might sound familiar to you. He also highlights the false beliefs that push individuals into people-pleasing behaviors. Moreover, he advises on how to mitigate this behavior and emphasizes the importance of gaining a clear understanding of our values. If you tend to be driven by a need to be liked by others, this episode is for you. Tune in as we dig deep to understand the origins of this behavior. Key Takeaways: Conflict can be good. It can generate new ideas and solve problems. We cannot control what others think. We can only control how we act. Getting clarity of your values will help you control your actions. Seek out discomfort. Be comfortable being uncomfortable. Highlights: [01:16] What is people-pleasing? [04:37] Distinguishing people-pleasing from other behaviors [06:48] Signs that you are a people pleaser [11:15] Beliefs driving a people-pleasing behavior [15:47] Addressing and getting to the root of the behavior
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#42: Olympians perform with fear, so can you with Dr. Peter Haberl
10/04/2023
#42: Olympians perform with fear, so can you with Dr. Peter Haberl
In today’s episode, let us take a look at sports psychology from a different perspective and how we can integrate this into our daily lives. Today’s guest is Peter Haberl, a licensed psychologist working with elite athletes as a sports psychologist and a mental performance consultant. He was employed by the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee since 1998, giving him a wealth of experience in sports psychology. He continues to work with U.S. National Teams and athletes, focusing on mindfulness and ACT-based interventions. In this insightful episode, Peter shares how his experience working with athletes helped him realize the need for a significant shift in his approach to working with athletes. We discuss the fleeting and uncontrollable nature of feelings. Instead of relying on our feelings, it is possible to utilize our values to direct our behavior regardless of how we feel and to develop skills for responding productively to unpleasant emotions no matter how we feel. Throughout, Peter emphasizes the importance of staying connected to the present moment. So let's focus on the moment and take advantage of this opportunity as we learn from Peter Haberl. Key Takeaways: Success can be deceiving. Bear in mind the importance of continuous improvement. Accept what shows up emotionally and redirect your attention to action that will lead you to successful outcomes. You can choose what you do irrespective of your feelings. Values must serve as a guide to behavior. Attention is the currency of performance. It is essential to build curiosity and stay connected to the present moment. Highlights: [04:24] Peter’s passion and how it excites him [06:39] What inspired Peter to switch his approach to sports psychology [09:44] How success can be deceiving [10:37] Misperceptions of feelings [12:30] Function Over Form: Dispelling the myth of emotions in athletics [24:55] Values as a guide to behavior [31:29] How to be aware and navigate through emotional traps [34:33] Acceptance and being open with unpleasant emotions [39:32] Psychological flexibility and how you can build it [41:03] Building the ability to contact the present moment [43:45] Striking the balance between mindfulness and experiential avoidance [46:50] Training the mind to slow down [49:35] Building a state of curiosity with the present moment [51:35] The thin line between reacting and responding [53:10] Guiding teams towards cohesion through social mindfulness [57:38] Most impactful piece of advice for Peter Contact Peter Haberl:
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#41: Rising together: Learn how to break habits that are keeping you stuck with Sally Helgesen
09/20/2023
#41: Rising together: Learn how to break habits that are keeping you stuck with Sally Helgesen
What habits get in your way at work? Are there any instances in the workplace that may be limiting you? Are you comfortable sharing your achievements and discussing how you specifically generated a result? Would you rather let your accomplishments speak for themselves? This habit of being reluctant to claim your achievements may resonate more with women. However, this episode is for everyone. Not only did these habits resonate with me, but I also became keenly aware of how our organizational structures can make it difficult for women to break them. Today's guest is best-selling author, speaker, and leadership coach Sally Helgesen. Sally was cited by Forbes as the world's premier expert on women's leadership and was inducted into the Thinkers 50 Hall of Fame. Her latest book, Rising Together: How We Can Bridge Divides and Create a More Inclusive Workplace, offers practical ways to build more inclusive relationships, teams, and workplaces. It examines the behaviors most likely to get in the way of successful women as they move forward in their careers. In today's episode, we examine how Sally's early experiences working in corporate America sparked her journey of becoming a women's leadership expert. We dive into the beliefs that can provide a foundation for habits that get in the way of women's efforts to rise. We also discuss her new book, Rising Together, and what we can do to build better work cultures of belonging and inclusion. Let's get some integrity in our spines, bring our attention to this moment, and learn from Sally Helgesen. Key Points: We cannot control what others think; we can only control how we act. It is essential to have honest conversations. Communicate what you're interested in. Being reluctant to talk about your aspirations doesn't serve you. Making a simple request is not always leveraging. It can be a chance to give others an opportunity to feel good about themselves. Set boundaries based on your values, and learn to say no without elaboration. During difficult situations, build awareness of your reaction and find a path where you can move more productively. Episode Highlights: [00:56] Getting to know Sally Helgensen and her passion [02:44] Sally's Origin Story [07:38] Looking at exclusivity from both the individual and organizational standpoint [10:15] What keeps Sally going [11:52] Building awareness on beliefs that lead us to resist growth [17:54] Taking responsibility for getting your work noticed [25:49] Building relationships in the workplace and getting over the either-or thinking [30:28] Coping with the disease to please [31:00] Overcoming either/or thinking [38:58] How to give people the benefit of our goodwill [49:21] Managing diversity and creating psychological safety in the workplace [58:23] The most impactful advice for Sally Resources: "The Female Advantage: Women's Ways of Leadership" by Sally Helgensen by Marshall Goldsmith and Sally Helgesen "Rising Together: How We Can Bridge Divides and Create a More Inclusive Workplace" by Sally Helgensen
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#40: The Mental Game of Leadership with Dr. Angie Winter
03/15/2023
#40: The Mental Game of Leadership with Dr. Angie Winter
Do you struggle with staying focused and achieving your goals because of both internal and external pressures to fit into a specific mold? Our guest today is Dr. Angie Winter, a Senior High-Performance Consultant and Certified Change Management Practitioner at HigherEchelon, Inc. She specializes in mental performance coaching, working with individuals and organizations in sports and both government and private sectors to improve their leadership, cognitive abilities, and overall performance. In this episode, Dr. Winter shares her philosophy of high performance, which centers around the importance of authenticity and emotional processing. She emphasizes the benefit of feeling and discussing our emotions to encourage better performance and provides insights on how to help individuals overcome challenges such as lack of confidence, impostor syndrome, leaving one’s comfort zone, and ineffective time management. Dr. Winter earned her master’s degree in Sport and Exercise Psychology from California State University at Fullerton and a Ph.D. in Sport and Exercise Psychology from Michigan State University. She is also a certified mental performance consultant through the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP) and an Associate level coach through the International Coaching Federation (ICF). Join us as Dr. Winter shares her expertise on improving your mental fitness and achieving your goals through authenticity and confidence. Key Points: Focusing on authenticity in Dr. Angie Winters’ philosophy of high performance. The benefit of feeling, processing, and discussing our emotions in encouraging better performance How to help people beyond some of the challenges that get in the way of one’s mental fitness: (1) the lack of confidence, (2) Impostor’s Symdrome, and (3) ineffective time management Episode Highlights [00:00] Introduction [03:54] What inspired Dr. Angie Winter to pursue performance psychology [09:59] How she would coach her younger self [12:39] What inspired her to broaden her work beyond sports [19:05] What drives Dr. Angie Winter through her work [19:48] The focus of authenticity in Dr. Angie Winter’s philosophy of high performance [25:08] Having the balance of masculine and feminine voices in each individual for mental fitness and high performance [26:09] The issue of managing confidence as one of the biggest challenges in the way of an individual’s mental fitness [33:23] Other issues commonly encountered in the realm of coaching [38:42] Defining success [40:47] Helping people get outside of their comfort zone [42:43] On leadership [45:43] Advice for people who want to be more focused on their goal instead of worrying [48:48] Book recommendation for the listeners Resources The Culture Code: The Secrets of Highly Successful Groups by Daniel Coyle HigherEchelon:
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#39: The Value of Having No Expectations with Dr. Eric Bean
03/01/2023
#39: The Value of Having No Expectations with Dr. Eric Bean
What would your life look like if you had no expectations? If you showed up to every event, movie, dinner party, work meeting, or performance with NO expectations of how it would go? For some, this very idea might give you the shakes. You might be saying to yourself, “but expectations help me prepare” or “I need to have expectations of myself otherwise I will just phone it in, I won’t try hard.” In today’s Coaching Through Stories episode, you’ll learn how having no expectations can unlock great performances, reduce your stress and increase your overall well-being. Expectations are defined as a process by which we leverage past experiences and knowledge to predict future outcomes. In other words, expectations are beliefs about the future with conditions – what we believe SHOULD happen. For example, I worked hard on this proposal, I got the right team in place, we partnered with the best vendor, we should win the contract. If you hear yourself saying this “should” happen – then that is an expectation. Expectations are fixed and frozen, they are limited to our previous experiences, and they generate an unhealthy attachment to the outcome which can cause us to miss opportunities and fully experience reality as it is, not as we wish it to be. People with high expectations are attached to the outcome, their feelings are attached to the outcome, and their happiness is dependent on the outcome. All of which is interfering with their ability to perform in the present moment. Key Takeaways: We cannot deny the fact that our mind is a powerful asset in generating the right conditions to achieve our goals. It’s the reason why the placebo effect is so powerful. Keep your belief about your ability, about your goals, and about your dreams extremely high, just do so without the word “should.” Our minds are constantly generating expectations – our brains love patterns and are searching for patterns, being overly attached and expecting this result just because it’s happened in the past limits our ability to perform in the present and be consumed by the process. Resources HigherEchelon:
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#38: Cultivate Mental Health and Wellness in Your Workplace with Dr. Kensa Gunter
02/15/2023
#38: Cultivate Mental Health and Wellness in Your Workplace with Dr. Kensa Gunter
According to the , an estimated 12 billion workdays are lost annually due to depression and anxiety costing the global economy nearly US $1 trillion. What is your organization doing to accommodate the needs of workers with mental health conditions? Mental health is becoming more and more of a focus for many people as they become more aware of its role in their overall health. However, beyond the remaining stigma for mental health, some do not give it the priority it deserves—mental healthcare is treated more as a response rather than a preventative practice. We tend to forgo mental healthcare practices until we encounter stressors or challenges in our lives. But just like how we regularly exercise and maintain healthy diets for our bodies, our minds also require good habits to stay healthy. So, what can we do to put more preventative mental self-care methods into our lives? Our guest today is Dr. Kensa Gunter of Gunter Psychological Services. She is a renowned Clinical and Sport Psychologist (CMPC) based in Atlanta, Georgia, with a mission to humanize mental health and performance discussions while reducing stigma in the world of sports. She is the Director of the NBA Mind Health, an initiative focusing on the league's mental health and wellness. She has also served as the immediate Past President of the Association for Applied Sport Psychology and membership in the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee's External Mental Health Taskforce, demonstrating her commitment to advancing mental health initiatives on a larger scale. Join us as Dr. Gunter talks about how we can improve our care for ourselves and, in turn, our performance. Key Points: We should humanize the discussion surrounding mental health and performance in any context. There is no such thing as a quick fix regarding mental health and performance. It takes commitment and consistent maintenance We should maintain our mental health through healthy habits and preventative measures like (1) proper sleep, (2) movement, (3) social support, (4) mindfulness, and (5) activities that help us disconnect from noise and connect with the moment. Episode Highlights [01:34] Introducing Dr. Kensa Gunter [05:38] The stigma surrounding mental healthcare [07:05] Dr. Gunter’s current roles and passions [14:19] How Dr. Gunter developed her passion for mental health [20:07] How Dr. Gunter responded to the hardship she experienced [23:50] Dr. Gunter on humanizing the discussions in the overlapping circles of mental health, performance, wellness, culture, and sports [30:23] Humanity as the center of Dr. Gunter’s philosophy of high-performance [35:05] How Dr. Gunter helps individuals who are having difficulty reaching their desired level of performance [41:53] The “Quick Fix” misconception about sports psychology [45:30] The difference between mental health and mental performance [50:09] On how to further reduce the stigma about mental health [54:38] How a leader can balance challenge and support for their team [59:59] Strategies individuals can do to maintain their mental health. [1:04:45] Recommended reading Resources “The Four Agreements: A Practical to Personal Freedom” by Don Miguel Ruiz
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#37: The benefits of neutrality with Josh Lifrak
02/01/2023
#37: The benefits of neutrality with Josh Lifrak
Very often, our minds are actively focused on different things—events that have already happened, have yet to happen, or something we judge as either positive or negative. We rarely find our minds neutral, and that, in turn, affects how we interact in the present. A neutral mind leaves us fully in the moment, allowing us to accept what is, not wishing it were something else. Presence enables the mind to focus on what we can control. Our guest today is going to help you and your team find neutrality so that you can achieve your personal and professional goals. Josh Lifrak has been in the coaching field for 18 years. He has worked with elite athletes and corporate leaders in achieving peak performance and contributed to optimizing many organizational cultures for growth. He is the current Director of Performance and Coaching for Limitless Minds, a health and wellness technology company founded by Denver Broncos quarterback, Russell Wilson and the acclaimed Trevor Moawad, the author of “It Takes What It Takes.” Josh is also the president of Lift-Up Consulting from 2014 to 2019 and has worked in Major League Baseball with the Chicago Cubs and the New York Mets, helping both teams with mental performance—even helping the Cubs win a World Series. Today's episode delves into the importance of a neutral mind and understanding our internal narratives, providing strategies and habits used by elite athletes to excel. Join us! Key Points: The importance of having a neutral mind There is no single factor that yields good performance. It is the accumulation of several things that you can notice by building self-awareness. Achieving a neutral mind through (1) distancing yourself from what is occurring, and (2) noticing your behavior, what contributed to it, and the things you are grateful for Episode Highlights [00:00] Introduction to the episode [05:02] Josh’s work with Limited Minds and the power of a neutral mind [08:46] Why Josh got into sports psychology and why he decided to leave it [15:52] What drove Josh in his previous and current work [21:39] What contributes to high performance in both sports and business? [23:50] What are some behaviors that can help an individual reach a state of high performance? [26:47] What Josh learned while working in professional baseball [30:03] Why having work-life balance helps Josh mentally [35:37] How Josh helps his clients navigate the ups and downs of work by encouraging focus on the moment no matter the outcome, and why there is no singular factor that yields great performance [41:08] Arriving at neutral thinking through distance and noticing [46:54] Josh’s recommended readings [47:41] Conclusion Resources “It Takes What It Takes” by Trevor Moawad: “Getting to Neutral: How to Conquer Negativity and Thrive in a Chaotic World“ by Trevor Moawad and Andy Staples: “The Bomber Mafia” by Malcolm Gladwell:
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#36: The Power of Unlearning with Dr. Eric Bean
01/18/2023
#36: The Power of Unlearning with Dr. Eric Bean
Throughout our lives, we're bound to learn and propagate the wrong ideas and beliefs—some even end up harmful to ourselves and others. While humans are an adaptable species, changing our mindset is difficult. How can you fill a cup that’s already full? We have to unlearn. Unlearning is a powerful and often overlooked concept in personal and professional growth. It is the process of intentionally letting go of knowledge, beliefs, or behaviors that are harmful or obsolete to make room for new perspectives and development. The ability to unlearn is crucial in a world that constantly changes, allowing individuals and organizations to adapt, innovate, grow, and stay relevant. However, unlearning is not easy—it can be challenging to let go of our established, preconceived ideas and step out of our comfort zone. By actively engaging in the process of unlearning, we can help open ourselves to new knowledge and growth. Let’s discuss! Key Points: The importance of unlearning. The three types of unlearning: routine unlearning or fading, wiping, and deep unlearning The process of unlearning: building awareness, and making space for new ideas Episode Highlights [00:00] Introduction to the episode [01:13] The story of the Zen master and the cup of tea [02:46] Unlearning: how to empty your cup [04:14] The first type of unlearning: routine unlearning or fading [05:06] The second type of unlearning: wiping [06:29] The third type of unlearning: deep unlearning [07:50] The first step in unlearning: building awareness of personal biases [10:18] The second step in unlearning: making space for new ideas [11:41] Conclusion Resources “Unlearning in Healthcare” by Rushmer and Davies:
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#35: What leaders get wrong about resilience with Dr. Mustafa Sarkar
01/04/2023
#35: What leaders get wrong about resilience with Dr. Mustafa Sarkar
When you think of the word "resilience," what do you picture? Historically, it has meant the ability to withstand challenges and keep going. However, it can also be misunderstood to mean ignoring or suppressing negative emotions in order to seem strong. This can lead to unhealthy habits of hiding or ignoring negative feelings rather than taking the time and care to properly address them. True resilience includes acknowledging and dealing with your emotions, not just powering through difficult situations. Today, we are joined by Dr. Mustafa Sarkar, a leading expert in the study of resilience in both sporting and business settings. Dr. Sarkar is an associate professor of sport and performance psychology at Nottingham Trent University in the UK, and his research and consulting focuses on how high achievers thrive under pressure and maintain success and well-being, with a particular emphasis on resilience at the individual, team, and organizational levels. He also focuses on psychological safety. As a chartered psychologist with the British Psychological Society, Dr. Sarkar works with organizations such as Google, the Premier League, the English Football Association, and various international Olympic Committees to create environments and cultures that promote resilience and psychological safety. In this episode, we will learn about how Mustapha followed his own path into the field of sports and performance psychology, despite expectations from his family and friends. We will also discuss the role that the environment plays in influencing resilience and provide practical tools that individuals can use to build their own resilience. Mustafa is a skilled researcher and practitioner, and I'm sure you'll enjoy the depth and insight he brings to the topic of resilience. Key Points: Resilience is not the sole responsibility of the individual but rather, the environment and relationships play a meaningful role in one’s resilience. Resilience can be situational and can vary over time; Resilience is not a stable construct but rather varies. Resilience is a capacity that needs to be trained, not just reliant on one’s experiences. Episode Highlights [00:00] Introduction [01:27] Dr. Mustafa Sakar and his work. [06:47] The value of research and putting it into practice [09:36] Why Mustafa got into his career and work in sports psychology. [14:44] Balancing pressure and passion [19:42] Mustafa’s current motivations in his work and on making an impact [26:56] On resilience [32:08] Understanding resilience [37:21] The impact of resilience in an individual [42:30] Emotional experiences and how they affect one’s resilience and how perspective can help. [44:39] Leaders and how they can help build team resilience. [47:27] How leaders can balance challenge and support [51:02] The effect of one’s environment and how it can affect resilience, and what to do when present in a negative environment [58:33] Habits that matter the most for high performance: (1) consistency and (2) building self-awareness. Resources Website:
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#34: The intersection of coaching, counseling, mentoring and DEI&B with Tanya Martinez-Gallinucci, Esq.
12/21/2022
#34: The intersection of coaching, counseling, mentoring and DEI&B with Tanya Martinez-Gallinucci, Esq.
Discussions about leadership are often hyper-focused on goal setting, communication, and the development of the self and others. While those specific factors are important, leadership is more than that, and as leaders and coaches, we must become willing to broaden our leadership principles. Even broader than how we define leadership, humanity is made up of people who come from all walks of life, and part of our duty is to expand our frameworks to encompass the people we connect with. Tanya Martinez-Gallinucci, Esq. is here today to discuss Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEI&B) and how we can integrate them into our leadership principles. She is the Executive Director for the Office for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging for the New York City Bar Association. She got her BA from Yale and her Master’s from City College before earning her Law degree from Columbia Law School. Beyond her professional duty, Tanya is passionate about making DEI and B more prevalent in the discussion of leadership, educating people, and developing programs for young associates and students to help diversify the industry. Catch the full discussion in this episode of Coaching Through Stories. Key Points: Shifting leadership frameworks to include Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging best practices. The impact of creating spaces where people can belong, and why we should direct more energy into improving these efforts. The benefits of coaching as a tool for intrapersonal and interpersonal development. Episode Highlights [00:00] Introduction [01:25] Tanya Martinez-Gallinucci, Esq., her background, and work [05:17] Building awareness on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging [07:40] Tanya as the Director for the Office for DEI and B [16:15] On the impact of coaching on Tanya’s life [19:55] The shift in Tanya’s story from not belonging to belonging [24:12] How Tanya moved beyond the limiting external biases that can hinder complete belonging [30:40] On misconceptions about coaching and the benefits of it at every professional level [37:18] Tanya’s advice on how to move on from your limiting stories [41:43] On continuing to navigate external challenges to show up as her whole self [45:56] Balancing boundaries in a way that doesn’t compromise your career [51:09] On the challenges and progress she has faced and achieved regarding DEI and B. [56:49] Becoming more intentional when growing beyond your personal unconscious biases [1:01:08] How leaders can be part of changing systems to become more inclusive [1:04:17] What aspiring leaders can do to further their career growth while helping uncover the unconscious biases [1:06:18] Tanya’s one-book recommendation: there’s no one book. Resources Mentioned:
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#33: How to be Aimless: Cultivating a life of Purpose with Dr. Eric Bean
12/07/2022
#33: How to be Aimless: Cultivating a life of Purpose with Dr. Eric Bean
Perhaps at some point, you wondered what work was all about or tried to determine what was most important. Have you considered making a fresh start in life? But you discovered that you lack the skills necessary to be an effective leader for something significant in life. Finding your mission can be more challenging than it needs to be. For us to be able to begin our journey in life in a pleasant and engaging way today, let's find out what unlocks your best self with Dr. Eric Bean. The pressure of pursuing goals, achievement, and success can prevent us from deeply enjoying the process. Is it possible to have both? It depends on our ability to unlock joy in moments, even embracing a scary concept: Aimlessness. Learn how to strike a balance between being purpose-driven and utilizing aimlessness to your advantage in this Coaching Through Stories podcast episode with Dr. Eric Bean. Freeing ourselves from the pressure of focusing on goals and achievements can help you unlock the value of joy in the moments. Being overly focused on success can prevent you from experiencing the joy of the process. Learn how you can strike a balance between being purpose driven and utilizing aimlessness to your advantage in this Coaching Through Stories podcast episode with Dr. Eric Bean. Key Points A clear purpose can drive us when we lack motivation and feel aimless Aimlessness is valuable in appreciating the process. There are benefits of consciously accessing an aimless and purpose-driven mindset. Episode Highlights [00:07] Dr. Eric Bean [00:40] How to be aimless? [01:20] Dr. Eric Bean’s Mental performance coaching [01:54] Definition of aimlessness and what it generates [02:49] Generating a mission statement [03:31] Viktor Frankl [05:35] What is a shadow mission? [07:39] What causes you to be apathetic? [08:32] Discovering the purpose of life [12:50] Reflection about the short story Purpose of Life [15:08] Two paths to go down when you’re in a state of aimlessness Resources Mentioned:
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#32: Coach with compassion to inspire sustainable change with Dr. Richard Boyatzis
11/23/2022
#32: Coach with compassion to inspire sustainable change with Dr. Richard Boyatzis
It’s likely that, at some point, you have helped somebody make a change in their life. But while you may have meant well, you might have gone about it the wrong way–approaching the person as someone to be “fixed” instead of inspiring them to learn and create positive change. Coaching somebody for the sake of compliance more often than not ends up being a band aid solution. Results become temporary to appease an immediate need, but people are likely to return to their old ways if not invested in the change. Sustainable change happens when we deeply engage somebody with a positive vision of themselves–called by our guest as “Coaching with Compassion.” Today’s guest is Dr. Richard Boyatzis, a professor in the Department of Organizational Behavior, Psychology, and Cognitive Science at Case Western Reserve University. He has written books and numerous articles in the field of neuroscience, coaching, management education, and more, as well as Coursera MOOCs with over one and a half million enrollees. Armed with a PhD in Social Psychology from Harvard and a passion for development, Dr. Boyatzis is dedicated to providing ways to help people change that are leveraged with the latest in neuroscience. Key Points: Nurture human capital through motivation and inspiration. Emotional intelligence is an essential trait in leadership and coaching. Create sustainable change through encouraging introspection and learning. Episode Highlights [00:57] On creating sustainable, positive change in people [02:26] Dr. Richard Boyatzis [10:26] Effective leadership and activating the human capital [17:24] Dr. Boyatzis in Aerospace Engineering and finding his passion in Organizational Psychology [27:54] Dr. Boyatzis’ personal philosophy of shared visions and equal opportunity that applies to his body of work [34:44] The important role of emotional intelligence in leadership in both having self-awareness and dealing with others’ emotions [41:24] Recovering from the buildup of stress which affects your emotional intelligence [46:42] On goals sometimes having a negative emotional tractor [50:01] On choosing jobs based on the characteristics of it and the environment, instead of based on the job itself [52:03] Intentional Change Theory, applying it into one’s life, and creating sustainable change [1:02:41] Advice for leaders on how they can become better at coaching [1:06:16] Intentional Change Theory and applying it at the organizational level [1:08:41] Advice for people who want to become leaders: (1) stay consistent with practicing their personal vision; (2) have conversations about your vision, innovation, etc.; [1:10:58] Questions to stimulate a dissonant leader [1:12:31] On finding a medium that inspires you in leadership Resources Mentioned:
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#31: Failure is easier to digest when we live authentically with Dr. Graig Chow
11/09/2022
#31: Failure is easier to digest when we live authentically with Dr. Graig Chow
Have you ever held yourself back from airing out a grievance to a team member or leader? Have you ever kept yourself from giving something your 100%, or reprimanded yourself too hard for a simple mistake? The fear of making mistakes is one of the main problems that holds us back from achieving our full potential. It makes us more passive, lose confidence, or become perfectionists to the point of being too hard on ourselves. Our guest today provides concrete tools to help us be more self-aware of having this fear and how to navigate through it to authenticity and optimization. In this episode, you will hear from , a Certified Mental Performance Consultant and the Director of Mental Performance & Leadership Development at Cal Athletics. His portfolio of expertise is nothing short of impressive, broadly focusing on the optimization of mindset, mental skills, performance, involvement, enjoyment, culture, team dynamics, and leadership in sport and other performance domains. At Cal Athletics, he provides comprehensive sport and performance psychology services to student-athletes, teams, and coaches. In his private practice, he works with professional athletes and C-level business professionals, by providing valuable mental consultation and coaching to optimize the individual’s mindset into peak performance. Key Points: The fear of making mistakes keeps an individual from reaching their full potential. Authenticity creates opportunities for development and performance optimization. Tools that promote self-awareness, self-compassion, and acceptance mitigate the fear of failure and improve focus. Episode Highlights [00:00] Introduction [02:43] Dr. Graig Chow and his background and work [07:39] How Dr. Graig Chow started in sports psychology [11:18] His sports psychology work being the blending of two passions [14:34] How cultivating team culture creates better teams [16:10] Switching from education and into the application of his studies [21:20] How supporting athletes drives and challenges Dr. Graig Chow [27:39] On having the core value of commitment and accepting challenges [30:47] On the fear of pushback affecting athlete identity and application of their personal skillset [33:22] Why self-handicapping as a coping mechanism for failure mitigates accurate feedback on athlete performance [39:20] On being a scientist-practitioner, and his research on maladaptive perfectionism [45:28] Better and more sustainable techniques for motivation and building mental game [49:46] Frameworks of self-awareness, acceptance, and refocus and how they help develop an individual’s performance [56:21] On maintaining balance and focus on performance when it matters as found in professionals in both sport and business, and how forming routines help develop that focus. [1:02:43] Having intentions and how it sets a foundation for: (1) consistency and focus, and (2) performing to your identity [1:06:35] On developing a balance of not being too attached to results while remaining focused on achieving results without becoming lax [1:12:54] Dr. Graig Chow’s chosen medium of staying up-to-date on data that directly impacts his evidence-based research [1:15:43] Dr. Graig Chow’s one-book recommendation: Atomic Habits by James Clear Resources Mentioned: Help us grow by leaving a rating or review on – To learn more about how you can take your leadership to the next level, check out HigherEchelon service offerings, , and . Follow us on , and .
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