Intentional Leadership Podcast

Press Pause: From Fear to Faith

Let's face it. In this time of uncertainty there's a balance between your success and the moments where fear intertwines with your decisions.

I see it; I've lived it. This space is the balance between fear and faith.

In these moments fear may steer you slightly off course leaving traces of doubt or a pit in your stomach. 

What if you could anchor yourself not in the overwhelm that fear often brings, but instead in the sturdy foundation of faith?

Leadership isn't a complete absence of fear but the presence of faith. When you remember this, you will be able to lead with more confidence, and impact those you influence in a positive way.

Press Pause: It’s Ok to Have a Bad Day

Have you woke up to one of those days?

Sometimes, you need a gentle reminder, it's perfectly okay to have a bad day.

Pause for a moment and let that sink in.

As an inspiring leader, you always push toward optimism, resilience, and showing up as your best self. And that's a beautiful testament.

But let's breathe and recognize that every so often, the clouds drift in. Days unfold where things just don't click, where you might feel a bit off, perhaps a tad more vulnerable, and you know what?

That's not just okay; it's human.

I want to affirm something to you: your worth is not tethered to always being at the top of your game. The moments where you are in a low place also hold value. This is where your resilience and strength come from.

So here's my invitation to you: Let's continue to embrace sunny days and hold space for the cloudy ones. 

Work and Family Success - You Can Have Both

Welcome back to another exciting episode of the Intentional Leadership Podcast. On today's episode, I have a special colleague and friend on the show, Dr. Katrina Ubell - a successful physician and a master certified life and weight loss coach. We will talk about Dr. Ubell's success in the field and at home, as well as the opportunity I had to coach her through an important work/life decision. Have you found yourself in a similar spot? The constant struggle to balance your professional opportunities and your family commitments, a challenge that no matter what you choose can leave you feeling like the other option was "right." What if I told you it's not about what's right but instead your decision should be driven by your values, priorities, and unique situations in your life? Your journey is uniquely yours yet can be shared with other leaders. This alternate perspective we have to share with you in today's episode, will allow you to see that you can be successful at work and at home.

Press Pause: 4-Minute Breathing Method to Calm You Down

In your pursuit of success, you may not recognize a subtle, yet important ally that is with you through every triumph and challenge: your breath. 

Your journey, , has had times of remarkable success - those wonderful times of leading your business and loving every minute of it. Yet, I understand firsthand, that beneath the accomplishments lies many challenges, often filled with overwhelm and pressure. 

How do you, as a devoted leader and caring family member, find your anchor amidst all these challenges?

Consider this: when stress and urgency become an issue, your breathing becomes shallow, stopping the soothing, reenergizing flow of oxygen through your body and mind. 

This is where intentional breathing comes in, a fundamental yet often overlooked aspect of your life, that can be a firm anchor to keep you grounded in times of stress.

Allow me to share a technique, uncomplicated yet profoundly impactful, designed to gently guide you back to your center - your place of calm and strength.

Press Pause: Reimagine Your Productivity

Navigating the pressures of leadership can often feel relentless. From making decisions that shape the future to managing the day-to-day intricacies of your business, the weight of responsibility is immense.

And in the middle of this pressure, the feeling of being overwhelmed can stealthily creep in, leaving you wondering if there's a better way.

You know, I've spend considerable time reflecting on the rhythm of being a business leader, and I have a game changing secret to share for you:

True productivity emerges from being well-rested.

Now, I know what you're thinking. "Rest? In the middle of all this chaos?" But stay with me for a moment.

It's not just about the hours of sleep you get, though that is undeniably important.

It's about a deeper rejuvenation. A time when you let your mind wander, unshackled from the pressures of decision-making, and allow yourself to simply be.

When you permit yourself this space, several transformations unfold:

• Your mind finds clarity, enabling you to cut through the noise and focus on what truly matters.
• Emotionally, you find balance. This state helps you lead with empathy and patience, nurturing your relationships with those around you.
• The world sees you, a leader ready to take on challenges head-on, setting a motivating example for the team.
• Your decisions become more aligned with your vision, as the fog of fatigue lifts, giving way to inspired clarity.
• And creativity? It thrives when given room to breathe. Those elusive solutions often appear when you're most at ease.

It's time to give yourself permission to step back momentarily, to recharge and rejuvenate.

How Nature Became My Co-CEO

On today's episode, Graham and I will be discussing - Eco-Therapy.

When was the last time you actually stopped to breathe? 

As a successful business leader, I know the demands on your time and energy are immense.

But consider this: the simple act of stepping outside, away from the confines of office walls and digital screens, can be your sanctuary. This is Eco-Therapy.

I promise it's not just one of those trendy terms; this is your chance to refresh your mind. 

Just by taking time to step outdoors, breathe in the fresh air, feel the sun, or even listen to the gentle rustling of leaves can offer clarity in times of challenge.

, you are choosing to disconnect from immediate stress and reconnect with yourself. This is your strategic pause.

Press Pause: Get Out Your Color Crayons

Do you recall those carefree days when a box of crayons and a coloring page could capture you undivided attention?

While the challenges and dynamics of your role as a business leader has evolved considerably, the profound benefits of coloring remain unchanged.

Surprised? So was I.

Adult coloring books have recently claimed a spot in popular culture. At first glance, it may seem like an unexpected diversion for a high-achieving leader like you.

But peel back the layers, and you'll find an activity with benefits tailored especially for you.

Coloring allows for a unique blend of mindfulness and relaxation. In your whirlwind of meetings, decisions, and responsibilities, a few moments with a coloring book or another simple yet creative task can ground you and switch off the barrage of thoughts in your head.

In this week's podcast episode, learn how you can implement some simple things into your day to add some fun while lowering your stress.

Watch the full episode on YouTube here.

Press Pause: Why Christians Should Meditate

Navigating the dynamic world of business often places a weight on your shoulders, doesn't it?   

Balancing responsibilities, making crucial decisions, and often, feeling like the weight of the world rests upon you.  

Yet, you have a valuable resource available, one that's been here since the beginning of time, that's often overlooked: meditation.  

As a person of Christian faith myself, I understand if the term 'meditation' gives you a pause. Often associated with Eastern traditions or New Age practices, it might seem a world away from your beliefs.   

But, meditation is for everyone, including a Christian practice waiting to be rediscovered by modern leaders like you.  

Recall the words from Psalm 46:10, "Be still, and know that I am God."   

This is not merely a call to pause but an invitation to intentional reflection, a moment to center yourself amidst the chaos, anchoring your thoughts on God's promises.  

As a business leader, I've face countless moments of turmoil and uncertainty. Yet, whenever I've paused to pray and meditate upon God's Word, I've found clarity, direction, and renewed strength, essential tools for any leader.  

So, why should you, as a devoted Christian and a business leader, delve into meditation?

Press Pause: Be the Best Version of Yourself

I see you. Deep in the trenches of entrepreneurship, striving for perfection, balancing deadlines with family dinners, and trying to capture a few of those precious 'me' moments. 

The constant juggling can often make you question: Am I truly bringing my A-game, not just to my business, but to every facet of my life?

In the office: Beyond the spreadsheets and calls, it's about how you show up. Are you truly serving as an inspiration? Are you leading with authenticity and making decisions that resonate with your core values?

At home: Those irreplaceable moments with your family and friends - are you genuinely there? Or do thoughts of work often cast a shadow on these cherished times?

Being the best version of yourself isn't about pushing harder; it's about aligning more closely with what truly matters.

And guess what? Both your business and our personal life flourish when you're in sync with your genuine self.

It's a journey, and sometimes, it requires you to pause, reflect, and adjust your sails.

The world doesn't need successful entrepreneurs; it craves authentic leaders who thrive in every realm.

Press Pause: Rest

As a fellow entrepreneur, I've seen you wear your packed schedules and sleepless nights as a badge of honor. You often convince yourself that working late into the night or on the weekends to "catch up" is the path to success. But let me ask you something: How often have you felt that despite all the hours you're putting in, you're running on a treadmill, not really getting anywhere? You're not alone in this, trust me. Over the years, I've worked with countless ambitious leaders like you. But here's a game-changing realization: Constant hustle without pause isn't always progress. It might seem like a paradox, but sometimes the most productive thing you can do is to step back and take a break. Imagine this: Your innovative ideas, the solutions to those problems that seem insurmountable, often lie just on the other side of rest. When your mind is constantly in the 'go-go-go' of business, you might miss the answers that emerge in moments of quiet reflection. Taking a break isn't a sign of weakness or lack of dedication. It's actually one of the most strategic moves you can make. Giving yourself permission to rest, even briefly, can recharge your creativity, bolster your resilience, and sharpen your decision-making. So, I challenge you today: Look at your calendar, find a spot, and block out some time just for you. No work calls, no emails, just pure, restorative downtime. Whether it's an afternoon off, a nature walk, or a weekend unplugged, give yourself that. Your future self - and your business - will be immensely grateful.