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.

#50: Ask an Executive Coach with Dr. Eric Bean and Siana Sylvester 01/24/2024

#49: Unlocking the Power of Adaptability with Ross Thornley 01/10/2024

#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: /episode/index/show/coachingthroughstories/id/29228288

#47: Tragic Optimism Two Things Can Be True At Once with Dr. Eric Bean 12/13/2023

#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: /episode/index/show/coachingthroughstories/id/28820358

#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: /episode/index/show/coachingthroughstories/id/28631858

#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: /episode/index/show/coachingthroughstories/id/28426178

#43: Break Free from Approval Addiction: The People-Pleaser's Journey with Dr. Eric Bean 10/18/2023

#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: /episode/index/show/coachingthroughstories/id/28220624

#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 /episode/index/show/coachingthroughstories/id/28074867

#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: /episode/index/show/coachingthroughstories/id/26234097

#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: /episode/index/show/coachingthroughstories/id/26087040

#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 /episode/index/show/coachingthroughstories/id/25934736

#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: /episode/index/show/coachingthroughstories/id/25781637

#36: The Power of Unlearning with Dr. Eric Bean 01/18/2023

#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: /episode/index/show/coachingthroughstories/id/25499355

#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: /episode/index/show/coachingthroughstories/id/25391175

#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: /episode/index/show/coachingthroughstories/id/25245999

#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: /episode/index/show/coachingthroughstories/id/25091823

#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 . /episode/index/show/coachingthroughstories/id/24925326

#30 Being aware of your assumptions enables greater leadership, communication, and connection 03/16/2022

#30 Being aware of your assumptions enables greater leadership, communication, and connection Can you think of a time when you jump to conclusions and imagine all the worst-case scenarios even before they happened? Well, that, my friend, is part of making assumptions. If you want to be an effective leader, you must learn how to stop making assumptions. Otherwise, you risk harming your credibility and workplace relationships. Issues come up when a leaders responds to a situation in the absence of sufficient knowledge – particularly when emotions are high. Similarly, expectations are typically fueled by an emotion and when that expectation is not met, we feel let down. When we set goals, we provide time to develop strategy and execution plans to achieve them instead of having unrealistic expectations that are thoughtlessly assessed in the moment. In today’s podcast, you’ll learn how to address three meaningful topics to enhance your leadership. Dr. Eric Bean discusses (1) how to avoid treating assumptions as facts, (2) how to understand the difference between expectations and goals, and (3) how to remove or limit judgements. The story of the Chinese farmer by Alan Watts serves as a reminder that we live in a complex world. And when we can withhold from making immediate judgments about our experiences, challenge our assumptions, manage expectations, and be open to reality, we can find greater inner peace and be more in the flow of life. Key Points: Get clarity that you’re making an assumption and then challenge it by asking questions. Embracing the practice of letting go of expectations. Move past the rejection of reality to a place of acceptance. Episode Highlights [0:15] Unraveling the dangers of assumption [1:15] The story of a Chinese Farmer [2:13] The whole process of nature is an integrated process of immense complexity, and it’s tough to tell if the consequences result to good or bad [2:40] The practice of removing judgments in one’s life [3:31] The three elements that are core to Eric’s coaching approach (1) Don’t make assumptions, (2) Understand the difference between expectations and goals, (3) The three possible responses to what happens in life [3:49] The idea of making no assumptions [7:10] You have to recognize that you don’t have to believe every thought that comes into your mind [8:18] Not treating our automatic assumptions as data or as truth [8:31] Understanding the difference between expectations and goals [10:21] Expectations should happen, but goals are the target [11:43] Three ways to respond to reality: Reject it, Accept it, or Appreciate it [12:31] Acceptance is simply acknowledging what happened Resources Mentioned: /episode/index/show/coachingthroughstories/id/22462109

#29 Applying Olympic Mindsets to Business with Jean-Francios (JF) Menard 03/02/2022

#29 Applying Olympic Mindsets to Business with Jean-Francios (JF) Menard Watching the winter Olympics this year, you may have noticed that there is a slim difference between an athlete taking goal and not making the podium at all. This year, the best of the best athletes performed on the world’s stage despite the unique challenges of a politically charged environment and Covid-19 protocols. Consider the mental and emotional skills that are needed for athletes to manage significant distractions and the added stress perform, similar to the modern business environment, it's obvious that there is heightened stress and conflicting demands. Today’s guest, is widely recognized for his contributions to the field of performance psychology. At the age of 25 and fresh out of graduate school, he joined the world-famous entertainment company Cirque Du Soleil, where he coached circus artists to deal with pressure and perform at their best, on demand, up to 450 times a year. Five years later, he founded Kambio Performance and has since become one of the most sought-after mental performance specialists in the country. During the 2016, 2018, and 2020 Olympic Games, his clients stepped on the podium eleven times and received 5 gold, 2 silver, and 4 bronze medals. He is a bestselling author, a radio personality and professional speaker with over 750 keynote speeches delivered to organizations such as the FBI, PepsiCo, RedBull, SunLife Financial, and NASA. His private clients are proven winners: Olympic Gold Medalists, SuperBowl and X-Games champions, professional athletes, surgeons, pop stars, and corporate leaders. In this Coaching Through Stories episode, JF shares why clowns were his favorite artists with Cirque Du Soleil, how visualization helped him with his work with a pediatric surgeon, why reinventing himself is a part of his philosophy, and how there’s always a "no" attached to a "yes." Additionally, JF and Dr. Eric Bean discuss his new book, Train Your Brain Like an Olympian: Gold Medal Techniques to Unleash Your Potential at Work. Listeners leave this episode feeling energized by JF's colorful stories and real-life takeaways to implement. Highlights [5:02] His current role and what he's passionate about? [8:16] What are the underlying principles of helping people change? [13:49] A quick overview of his life story [19:47] What is his experience in Cirque du Soleil where he helped somebody see through a new lens? [29:49] What drives and motivates him to do what he’s been doing? [37:23] What’s his philosophy on high performance for himself? [49:57] How did it come about for this company, and what are some of the benefits of having a deep-focused time block and eliminating distractions? Resources Mentioned: Kambio Performance- Profile Links: JF Menard’s LinkedIn- /episode/index/show/coachingthroughstories/id/22305671

#28 Great Leaders Aren’t Perfect ft. Joe Folkman 02/16/2022

#28 Great Leaders Aren’t Perfect ft. Joe Folkman A company, business, or a team needs leaders to drive it towards a productive result. Therefore, leaders are essential for all lines of the field, especially since with good leadership, you can create a vision and make it a reality. But, of course, you don't have to be faultless to become a leader. All of us have quirks and fatal flaws that are inevitable. Sometimes these flaws may overshadow leadership strengths, but that doesn't end there. Building complementary skills for your abilities is the best way to dissolve any hindrance and make up for your shortcomings. "Progress not perfection" is the best way to go. Making yourself indispensable and taking charge of who you are, what you do, and how you do it is one of the most proven paths in building trust from the people around you. You can go beyond the extra mile and develop your nature as a leader with these abilities. The best leaders come from those who have the drive, determination, and heart to compete and become the best version of themselves. Today we will be sitting down with Joe Folkman, the co-founder and President of Zenger Folkman. Join us in this episode as we will have a conversation on how you can be a great leader by following the Zenger Folkman leadership competency model. Joe also shares how his research has shown that you don't have to be "perfect" to be extraordinary. Highlights: [3:24] How we can be great leaders and have a tremendous impact on the people we lead, even if we have gaps. [5:22] Joe’s role in his corporation and what does he do? [10:00] It’s your strengths that really help you succeed. [25:16] You don’t have to be perfect to be a good leader. Progress not perfection. [25:49] The role of competitiveness in leadership and how a leader can use these competencies on their own? [26:45] On how the best leaders are both empathetic and competitive. [27:50] Figuring out who your enemy is and who you are competing against? [34:46] Addressing your fatal flaws. [39:52] Asking people to do hard things is a great formula for you to be inspired. [46:40] Joe’s take on leadership trends and development for the next five to ten years. [55:50] High level of trust is an important factor in leadership. Resources Mentioned: The Extraordinary Leader Book by John H Zenger and Joseph Folkman- The Trifecta of Trust- Zenger Folkman- Profile Links Joe Folkman - . /episode/index/show/coachingthroughstories/id/22150730

#27: Exploring Workplace Resiliency with Karen MacNeill 02/02/2022

#27: Exploring Workplace Resiliency with Karen MacNeill The journey of self-discovery takes a lifetime to unfold. Considering the adversities that are guaranteed along with it, how can we sharpen our axes with resilience? What does a mitigation strategy entail for us to get through and eventually overcome what we must go through? Humanity has an innate potential to face life's most overwhelming moments, regardless of what aspect in life it is. One's ability to regain presence in times of anxiety and negative thought dictates the reaction we can muster towards the situation at hand. Developing this skill paves the mentality of resilience and healthy coping to any problem thrown at our way. Join us in this episode to hear from Dr. Karen MacNeill about her journey from years of sports psychology and as an athlete herself. She imparts the life lessons of freeing oneself from a psychological prison and maintaining recovery strategies in the midst of challenges. Highlights: [3:54] The importance of accepting challenging situations as Dr. MacNeill tells about her role and passion [5:23] On how how her passion came to be transitioning to to and fro between Sports psychology and her own career in playfield hockey [9:15] Starting the practice of mindfulness during events and prioritizing her emotional regulation in dealing with the athletes under her [11:46] Space between the space: having that buffer of mental clarity in deciding how you want to respond to a situation and developing a recovery strategy through mindfulness [15:14] On being in the Canadian Olympic Committee, a performance consultant and an advocate for resilience through talks [17:55] She quotes George Mumford in saying "failure is feedback" and explains how painful moments and hard-earned lessons shape your career [19:32] The three phases in breaking free from one's psychological prison and cites the counseling psychology lifeline exercise [24:03] On understanding how you think and the essence of resilience in the workplace [27:03] Preparing for the challenge before it even happens and building resilience through the three C's [31:14] She talks about core contributions and the process of stepping into the unknown [34:37] Her take on protecting resiliency despite the pandemic and the use of psychological hygiene tools [39:00] Dr. MacNeill emphasizes the skill of connecting to yourself [44:48] The demand for mental well-being coaching considering the people are the biggest asset in today's economy [48:16] Knowing oneself on a deeper level is the most crucial action to start on building resilience Resources Mentioned: Canadian Olympic Committee - Mindflow performance - Brené Brown - Profile Links Karen MacNeil - /episode/index/show/coachingthroughstories/id/21991187

#26: Where are you? Above or below the line with Dr. Eric Bean 01/19/2022

#26: Where are you? Above or below the line with Dr. Eric Bean One question that leaders ask themselves over and over again is, "Where am I?" Imagine that a black line could serve as your guide to answering this question? There are times in leadership where we live above or below this line. In today's Coaching Through Stories episode with your host, Dr. Eric Bean, you'll learn the difference between leading above or below the line. Above the line leaders are: Open, Curious, and Committed to learning. Below the line leaders are: Closed, Defensive and Committed to being right. Additionally, the way that you listen can impact where you are as a leader. Leaders who are above the line understand the difference between self-focused listening, content-focused listening, and whole-person listening. Leaders who interact with self-focused listening are listening for their own agenda; they are listening for what’s important to them and not what’s important to you. Leaders who interact with content focused listening have suspended their own agenda and are listening for what is being said but missing critical elements. Leaders who are practicing whole person listening are giving their full consciousness to the other person; they have suspended their own agenda and are listening to what is unsaid. We have all experienced times where we know when someone is listening to us with their whole self; when we feel like the most important person in the world to that listener, because for the moment you are. We all also know what it feels like when another person is only partially listening and when they’re listening to you for their agenda. The key to this topic is not that leaders won’t go below the line, but instead knowing when we drift below the line and take action to come back above the line. Once leaders find themselves below the line, they must ask themselves: Am I willing to shift? This is a powerful question because sometimes leaders are not ready to shift above the line. Dr. Eric Bean discusses some approaches that leaders can take to get back above the line even when they're not quite ready. Key Points: Above the line leaders are: Open, Curious, and Committed to learning. Below the line leaders are: Closed, Defensive and Committed to being right. Leaders who practice whole person listening, give their full consciousness to the other person. [01:39] “The sound of the forest”: how is it related to coaching and leadership [05:00] The three types of listening people engage in /episode/index/show/coachingthroughstories/id/21818894

#25: It's not you, it's your leadership style with Dr. Suzanne Peterson 01/05/2022

#25: It's not you, it's your leadership style with Dr. Suzanne Peterson It is important that we are our authentic selves and be seen as leaders in control. But, as a leader, how often do you think about how people perceive you? Also, do you contemplate how to change their perception of you? We all lead differently. Your leadership style influences how you interact with people, how they perceive you, and ultimately how they respond to you. Becoming a good leader means being aware of your own “style” and developing others. In this episode, join me and Dr. Suzanne J. Peterson as she talks about different leadership styles and shares her secrets on how leaders can recognize and flex their authentic style. Highlights: [03:38] The foundations of understanding leadership style and how can one make a long-term lasting change in their stop [05:35] What leaders can do to make a shift if they are looking to make a change [06:52] How can a leader maintain their authenticity while being adaptable to the needs of their team [08:28] Dr. Suzanne’s career and passion [19:30] How do we define leadership style and how has style informed by our personality [21:33] How do we add to our resources in areas where we're not as comfortable, confident and experienced [23:17] A deeper understanding of the status markers: Verbal vs. Non-verbal styles [26:11] How to choose your own style to make people perceive you differently [30:40] The argument around authenticity and blended leadership style [34:58] How can CEO’s and seniors adopt and embrace new styles of leadership [37:37] Why do you need to be slightly more peer-like [40:14] Finding the right balance for women and minorities [45:31] What the study “Developing and Validating a Scale of Eudaimonic Workplace Wellbeing” is about [48:44] Dr. Suzanne’s book recommendation Resources Mentioned: Understanding well-being at work: Development and validation of the eudaimonic workplace well-being scale Leading with the Heart: Coach K's Successful Strategies for Basketball, Business, and Life /episode/index/show/coachingthroughstories/id/21680612

#24: Who do CEO’s report to? Ft. Paul Barrett 12/22/2021

#23: Challenge the status quo and get out of your own way with Dr. Eric Bean 12/08/2021

#22: Encouragement can change everything with Sue Sommer 11/24/2021

#21: Utilizing Your Strategic Plan During Crisis with Jim Knowlton 11/10/2021

Coaching Through Stories

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