Bring Your Whole Self To Work

When it comes to the topic of mindfulness and self-compassion, my friend Dr. Shauna Shapiro is an internationally recognized expert. A clinical psychologist, professor at Santa Clara University, and author, Shauna has published over 150 papers and three critically-acclaimed books, including her latest work, Good Morning, I Love You: Mindfulness and Self-Compassion Practices to Rewire Your Brain for Calm, Clarity and Joy, which comes out today. Interest and awareness of mindfulness and self-compassion has expanded quite a bit in recent years, and Shauna has been at the center of it all. She shares her own journey to mindfulness, the insights she has gained from her scientific exploration of the practice, and some tips for how we can rewire our brains to create more calm, clarity, and joy in life.   Key Takeaways: [2:21] Shauna's latest book has just been released. [3:38] What has Shauna's journey been to get to where she is today? She shares how she found meditation, mindfulness, and self-compassion through a

As an author and researcher, Tom Rath has impacted countless people with his ideas on how work can improve human health and wellbeing. His ten books, including How Full Is Your Bucket?, Eat Move Sleep, Wellbeing and Strengths Finder 2.0, have sold more than 10 million copies and have made hundreds of appearances on global bestseller lists. His latest book, Life's Great Question: Discover How You Best Contribute to the World, seeks to help people bridge the gap between who they are and what the world needs. Tom shares his insights from his personal journey as an author and dealing with health challenges, and highlights the importance of focusing on your strengths. We also discuss the different aspects of wellbeing and how you can discover your best contribution to the world.   Key Takeaways: [3:45] Tom co-wrote the book How Full is Your Bucket? with his grandfather. What was that initial journey like and how did Tom get on the path of writing? [7:41] There is a lot to be gained and learned just by asking good

Bill Cates is the President of Referral Coach International and author of multiple books including Get More Referrals Now and Beyond Referrals. His latest book, Radical Relevance, is all about how we can break through the noise to get our message out and engage people effectively. Drawing on his over 30 years of experience, Bill shares some essential insights about relevance, resonance, and the importance of creating a human connection. In this illuminating interview, Bill also reveals why internal marketing is just as important as external, and his strategies for getting people to engage.   Key Takeaways: [3:50] Bill has a wealth of expertise and experience in writing and speaking. What got him started on this journey? [9:21] In addition to talent and hard work, there is an X-factor of timing and things falling into place that contributes to success. [11:46] What is the difference between something that people really engage with and something that fails to get a reaction? Bill talks about relevance and reson

Happy New Year! Continuing the theme of making positive change as we head into 2020, I want to share a technique that you can use to get some clarity now and over the course of the year - for yourself and for your team. The Start-Stop-Continue technique is a simple, healthy, and positive prompt that you can use for yourself personally, with your teams as a group exercise, or even as a whole team exercise. I explain how to use this effective technique in different ways - to give and receive feedback and to make important changes individually and collectively. As we kick off this new year, consider what can you start, stop, and continue?   Key Takeaways: [2:50] Mike shares an anecdote about asking and receiving feedback and communicating with team members. [8:07] Mike has started using variations of the Start-Stop-Continue technique personally, with his team, and the teams and leaders he works with. [8:25] You can use the Start-Stop-Continue technique to set goals and intentions for the new year. [11:45] Use th

It’s the last day of 2019.  We’re about to start 2020. There’s often a focus around this time of year on ‘new year, new you’ and making resolutions. This can be tricky for a number of reasons.  If we go about it consciously, it can be a sacred and powerful time of creation as we step into the new year.  In this episode, I have some specific questions to help guide your process of creation for the new year.  I also share some thoughts about how you can think about your goals at different levels — intentions, outcomes, and actions. I’m excited about this new year and new decade, how about you?   Key Takeaways: [3:35] As we think about 2020, what is it that you really want for yourself, for the people around you, your team, your work, and your life, personally? [4:36] There’s a difference between fixing and changing. Change is more about choice, fix is more about shame — approach setting your goals, intentions, and resolutions from a place of change. [8:42] Mike shares his creation questions to prepare himself f

2019 is coming to a close, and I have a tradition for the week between Christmas and New Years — completing the year. Whether you’ve had a great year or a bad year or a mixed year of ups and downs, it’s important to take some time to complete the year by acknowledging and honoring it. Reflecting on the events of the year and the things that have happened can be a valuable and powerful exercise, and I have a set of questions I use to guide this process. I encourage you to complete your year and give yourself space to move into the New Year consciously and deliberately.   Key Takeaways: [1:30] Mike expresses his gratitude for 2019 and reminds us that it’s important to also be kind and compassionate with ourselves. [3:09] As the year draws to a close, take some time to complete the year. What are you going to do to honor, acknowledge, and complete the year? [6:30] Mike shares his completion questions to reflect on the year that has come to a close. 1) What were the top lessons? 2) What was the actual theme of th

In this solo episode, I’m diving into feedback. Here’s the thing about feedback, in general, for me — I don’t always love it. But really, receiving feedback (and giving it) is so important to growth. I share my recent experience of receiving feedback from my editors on my latest manuscript, and how having a “sweaty-palm” conversation really helped move me forward with integrating that feedback. We can all benefit from enhancing our capacity to give and receive feedback, so I have some strategies to move ourselves from a space of defensiveness and self-criticism, into a growth mindset and openness of receiving and accepting feedback.   Key Takeaways: [2:23] What stands between you and the relationships you really want to have with people is a 10-minute ‘sweaty-palm’ conversation you're too afraid to have — but they're such a critical part of every single relationship. [3:21] There are two primary areas where you might have a ‘sweaty-palm’ conversation — conflict and feedback. [7:00] When we get feedback from s

On today’s show we’re re-playing my interview from last year with Scott Harrison, CEO and Founder of Charity: Water. We’re doing this in honor of Giving Tuesday and because the work of Charity: Water is so important and powerful.  There are over 600 million people on the planet who don't have access to clean drinking water; this is a solvable problem since the technology and resources are available and it has been Scott’s and his team’s mission for the past 13 years.  Scott’s story is remarkable. I hope this conversation touches and inspires you. And, if you’re moved to contribute to Charity: Water, that will be amazing.   Takeaways: [5:44] Scott Harrison talks about Charity: Water’s mission which is to end the water crisis. [7:43] Giving Tuesday was created as a response to the overcommercialization of Thanksgiving. [9:59] The beauty of the problem about accessibility to clean water is that it is a solvable issue. [12:48] Dirty water kills more people around the world than all forms of violence. [13:50] It i

On today’s show, Anese Cavanaugh joins me for the second time. She’s an author and speaker, who shares her knowledge around the country about leadership, culture, being positively contagious, nurturing our relationships and creating impact. Anese and I chatted about some of the concepts included in her latest book Contagious You: Unlock Your Power to Influence, Lead, and Create the Impact You Want during our conversation.  We talked about intentional energetic presence (IEP), how to prevent burnout, and how to detect workaholism.  Anese also shares a useful tool for leaders called DENT.   Takeaways: [4:39] Anese talks about what prompted her to write her new book called Contagious You. [6:07] Anese shares the meaning of Intentional Energetic Presence. [7:18] Mike shares his own personal example and how having a high level of energy can sometimes get in the way of being fully intentional, present, and aware. [9:25] The concept of meeting the group where it is, without compromising your energy. [1

My good friend and Stanford teammate Kyle Peterson joins me today.  He was an All-American at Stanford and a first round draft pick of the Milwaukee Brewers in 1997.  Kyle made his Major League debut with the Brewers in 1999, but injuries to his pitching arm ended his playing career in 2003. He then pursued a career in broadcasting and was hired by ESPN, where he has been the lead college baseball analyst for the past 16 years.  In addition to his successful career in broadcasting, Kyle is also the president and CEO of Colliers International, a commercial real estate firm, in Nebraska. And, in his spare time, Kyle also runs a business called D1baseball.com which is the primary online portal for anything and everything related to college baseball.  Kyle shares great stories, wisdom, and insights from his time in baseball, broadcasting, and business on this show.   Takeaways: [6:02] Kyle Peterson talks about the experience of coming from Nebraska to Stanford University. [9:33] Mike remembers living together wit

I’m so pleased to have Megan McNealy joining me this episode.  She’s a wealth management advisor for one of the top financial firms in the world who specializes in working with senior corporate executives.  In addition to her work in finance, Megan started her own company called Well-Being Drives Success.  She just released her first book, Reinvent The Wheel: How Top Leaders Leverage Well-Being for Success, where she shares her own story of healing from some significant health challenges, as well as 18 different pillars for well-being and corresponding interviews with leaders who share their best practices. Takeaways: [5:16] Megan McNealy talks about what inspired her to write her new book. [7:15] Megan shares how being diagnosed with auto-immune diseases impacted her life. [11:21] The journey of healing herself. [13:55] The idea that overworking drives to success. [16:17] The difference between healthy hard work and workaholism. [22:01] The crucial importance of having a good night’s sleep. [27:31]

This week we explore the importance of appreciating the small things. How many things do we take for granted? The simplest things, such as having power or being able to take a hot shower are usually underappreciated. Our schedules tend to be packed with obligations and chores that can be urgent, but they can get in the way for us to be able to connect to what is most important and valuable. The confusion between urgency and emergency often prevents us from being truly present and connected to what is essential. Key takeaways: [2:19] Enjoying the small things in life. [6:11] How much do we take for granted? [7:35] The importance of being grateful for the simple things. [13:46] When the urgent gets in the way of the important. [15:37] The hectic speed of the daily schedules. [18:47] Can we slow down? [19:02] The difference between urgent and emergent. [20:29] Are we creating our own course? [26:21] When we are feeling “not good enough.” [28:01] You can do anything if you are committed. Resources: Purchase Bring

I’m very excited to welcome my friend, mentor, and former coach at Stanford, Dean Stotz, to the show this week.  He was the Associate Head Baseball Coach at Stanford University for 37 years, retiring in 2014.  Dean has been an incredibly important person in my life since he first started recruiting me back in 1991.  He has had a huge impact on me by exemplifying what it means to be a great coach, husband, father, leader, and human being. He and his family are like family to me and my family.  In this episode, Dean and I talk about how he went from coaching the freshman team when he was a senior at Stanford in the mid-70s, to building one of the top baseball programs in the nation, along with Head Coach Mark Marquess. He also shares how his own evolution as a parent affected his coaching, what he thinks are the keys to a great team from a cultural and chemistry standpoint, and what leaders can do to inspire those around them.   Key Takeaways [6:26] A few of the key aspects within a great team are members that

I was inspired by World Mental Health Day on October 10th to share some of my own story and to encourage us to address mental health challenges openly, without shame and stigma. Today on the show, we talk about why we need to be mindful of this, how we can proactively focus on our mental and emotional health and support others, and why more companies are realizing that well-being (both physical and mental) is a fundamental component of productivity and success at work. Key Takeaways [4:45] I grew up with an awareness of the shame and significant impact that mental illness can bring upon a family. [9:51] Depression was talked about in my family as the “family curse,” and in college, I found myself feeling very low and knew I needed some help. Luckily, I found support through the help of my Uncle Steve and visiting the student health center at school. There, I found a therapist to work with and get me the help I needed for that time. [11:21] Scary and challenging times can lead us to the biggest growth and tran

Fear is a natural, normal, and essential human emotion and experience, especially when we’re growing, changing, and taking risks. Today, I’ll share my own experience of how fear can creep up along with these times of expansion and ways we can rewrite the story we tell ourselves to embrace change, and the fear that often comes with it. We talk about acknowledging fear, viewing it as excitement, and reframing the way we experience it.   Key Takeaways [5:28] Going off on your own and starting a business can be great for flexibility, but there’s also the pressure of making it happen all on your own. [7:23] If you are wanting to change, grow and expand, you also have to confront your fears and reframe the story you tell yourself about the past. [11:32] Fear is not bad, it’s just an emotion. The real important thing is what we do with it. [14:33] A few ways to handle the sensation of fear: Realize that fear and excitement can be interchanged for one another. Acknowledge fear by speaking about it, or writing it dow

With the impeachment inquiry heating up, our already crazy political environment here in the United States seems to be getting even crazier. Many of us have strong opinions and beliefs about what’s happening right now and about politics in general.  Our differences on these fronts can lead to us feeling isolated and at odds with the people we work with, live with, and interact with in life. Today on the show, we talk about why it’s important for us to get out of our bubble, listen to different political opinions than our own, and how we can find common ground with those who may not see things the same way we do.  It’s about remembering that we’re all in this together.   Key Takeaways [2:46] Along with many people, I was surprised by the results of the 2016 Presidential Election. After seeing the divisiveness in the country, I wanted to challenge others to stand up and pay attention to those that felt vulnerable and scared. I wrote a blog post entitled “An Open Letter to My Fellow Straight White Men,” and got

Today we’re talking about bias and privilege, two topics that can be thorny and difficult to talk about, but extremely important for so many reasons, especially in today’s world. I talk about what bias and privilege are, why it’s essential for us to be aware of them, and some examples of each. We also talk about creating a team culture that acknowledges bias and privilege, and at the same time creates an environment of belonging and trust.   Key Takeaways [3:39] There are two types of bias: conscious, which is explicit bias against a group of people or a specific situation or environment, and unconscious, which is implicit bias we are not aware of. The first step is to be aware of it and to take responsibility for our biases. [8:09] It is important to be aware of the bias we have, and where we seek out confirmation for it throughout our day. Much of the news that is reported has a political bias, and when turned in to strong opinions, it shapes how we ultimately see the world. [12:05] We all have bias and pre

I’m inspired by Marie Forleo’s fantastic new book, Everything is Figureoutable, and I listened to a great podcast episode featuring Marie and her best friend Kris Carr last week when the book came out. It got me thinking about how we can figure things out and adopt a healthy approach to life and business that sets us up for success. On today’s show, we discuss the difference between a fixed mindset and growth mindset and why it matters, as well as what it takes to challenge ourselves to figure anything out, including: asking for help, acknowledging our privilege, and observing our limiting beliefs.   Key Takeaways [6:29] Figuring something out doesn’t always mean we have to do it ourselves. It’s okay, and even strong, to lean on others. [8:19] A fixed mindset is one where we think there is no changing or growing possible, and things are stuck the way they are. A growth mindset allows for trying new things out, challenging ourselves and learning through growth. We trust ourselves to figure it out, no matter ho

This week, we talk about healthy ways of feeling and expressing our anger (and all of our emotions), both at work and at home. I share my own personal experience of staying with anger to get to the root of the issue and why we tend to suppress our emotions in the first place. I also provide some of my personal favorite ways to get in touch with our emotions and express them in ways that are positive and give us our power.   Key Takeaways [2:28] When you lean into discomfort and have the sweaty-palm conversations, you often find better communication and a deeper understanding of the different perspectives and expectations. [5:53] Emotions aren’t positive or negative but become problematic when we suppress them and don’t feel them authentically. We’ve been trained as adults to suppress our emotions and be “adult” and professional, which means we can feel stuck and pent up with our feelings. [11:08] Anger is often a secondary emotion, and the bursts of anger can really be unresolved hurt and disappointment. [12:

Brian Cunningham, CEO of Wahiawa General Hospital and author of The Leadership Revolution, joins the show this week. Brian shares the story of his fascinating background from working as a parking lot attendant at a hospital, to gaining a position in leadership, all with the mission to serve as many people as possible. Brian talks about what life is like in Hawaii, how he works to create a culture where everyone in the organization is clear on values, and how the quality of service is everything when working in the healthcare industry.   Key Takeaways [5:46] Great leaders know what the right thing to do is, intellectually but they also follow through with it in times of frustration and crisis. [7:33] Brian witnessed how the healthcare industry is one where emotions are magnified and he realized how important it was to infuse service and care with every interaction. He started as a parking attendant and worked his way up until he was pulled into a leadership role. [8:46] No matter what role he is in, Brian is a