Intentional Leadership Podcast

Press Pause: Fall in Love With Fitness

If you're like many of the leaders I work with, finding time for fitness may seem like a puzzle piece that doesn't quiet fit into your busy schedule.

Yet, fitness isn't just about carving out time; it's about crafting a lifestyle change.

Consider this: Fitness is the fuel that powers all of your endeavors.

It's not just about being physically strong; it's about building resilience and energy you need to perform at your peak, both personally and professionally.

So, how do you do this?

Start small and stay consistent. You don't need the marathon sessions at the gym or the extreme diets. Make daily deliberate choices.

Your health is the most precious asset you have, and investing in has a pay off that extends beyond what you can see right now.

Press Pause: Stop Your Negativity Bias

In your day-to-day leadership, isn't it fascinating how the whispers of doubt or self-criticism linger far longer than your cheers for success? Allow this to be your gentle reminder: You, a beacon of inspiration and steadfastness for your team, deserve to be positive and self-compassionate. This is easy to say but can be so hard to do. It's because you and I are prone to a negativity bias without even realizing it. It's that inner voice that puts you down, and has you worried for the future. Every shift you make towards an optimistic mindset allows your leadership to grow. You become your teams inspiration in challenging times when you guide your own journey with positivity.

How to Strengthen Communication in Your Marriage in Times of Fear

Welcome back to another exciting episode of the Intentional Leadership Podcast. Because we've had amazing feedback from our community on our past conversations on healthy relationships and specifically marriage, we've recorded a special new podcast on this important topic. On today's episode, Graham and I will be discussing - How to Strengthen Communication in Your Marriage in Times of Fear. When was the last time you've checked in with your spouse to see how they are really doing? Let's face it, we are living in some pretty scary times right now. Compound this with challenges that arise in your professional and personal life, and it inadvertently strains communication and connection. It's a challenge I've faced myself: juggling the demands of leadership and ensuring my marriage doesn't bear the brunt of my stress. And while I don't have a magic solution, I've found that conscious, open, and empathetic communication becomes your biggest ally. Go check out this brand new podcast show and learn some practical ways to improve your communication and your marriage.

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.