Bring Your Whole Self To Work

This week, we continue exploring the themes of gender, equality, and inclusion and discuss finding a common ground in this time of intense polarization. It’s often a challenging and uncomfortable conversation, but I feel it is a crucial one in order for us to show up authentically and really bring our whole self to work and life. I believe it’s time we stand up, speak up, really listen to each other, and then see if we can find common ground from a place of authentic connection and vulnerability.   Key Takeaways: [5:22] We have been polarized as a country for a long time. The divisiveness over oppression and victimization of people seems to be at an all-time high, and action must be taken. [11:34] Explore your own personal ideas on what finding common ground would like to you. How would we debate and even disagree with each other in a respectful and supportive manner? [12:29] It’s not just politics where the “me vs. you” battle exists. In work, we also tend to find like-minded people, and then make the “other

For so many reasons, not the least of which is the current news dominating all forms of media here in the United States right now about the Supreme Court nomination of Brett Kavanaugh, gender is such an important issue for us to address. I hear things from women all that time that leave me humbled, confused, angry, and feeling like something has got to change in a big way. Gender can be a messy and confusing topic to talk about for many reasons, but it’s a conversation that must be had in order to move the world towards a real sense of equality and inclusion. As we cover in this episode, it’s so important for us to listen, pay attention, and remember that we are all in this together. Key Takeaways: [2:07] The recent news of Brett Kavanaugh’s sexual assault accusations has become an intense hot-button issue in politics that reflects a microcosm of where we are in our culture. [5:27] Just a few generations ago, there were only three primary professions for a woman in the working world: nurse, secretary or teach

Trust is something I’ve been focused on for most of my life. Sometimes it’s been easy to trust myself and others and sometimes it’s been a real challenge. Today, I’ll share my own insights and breakthroughs on trust and the four different types that are important in every aspect of our life. Trust me, it will be a good one!   Key Takeaways: [2:55] This episode covers the four different types of trust that are important to everything we do in life and our relationships with ourselves and others. Trust in: ourselves, others, our groups, and life. [3:44] Trusting yourself doesn’t always mean being right. It means having faith in your instincts, making decisions that come from our opinions and taking actions based upon your own creative process. It can also mean forgiving ourselves when we make mistakes. [5:13] Oftentimes, our lack of trust in others has to do with the lack of trust in ourselves. I share an experience where I discovered this firsthand and had a breakthrough leading me to trust in myself and propo

This week, we are joined by a powerhouse of a life coach, university lecturer, public speaker, and author, Lauren Handel Zander. Lauren has over 20 years’ experience of challenging people to tell the truth, change their habits and really “cut the crap” in their life. She talks about the steps in her life that led her to found the Handel Group, an International Corporate Consulting and Life Coaching Company, that employs her no-nonsense and practical approach, the Handel Method. Her coaching methodology is not for the faint of heart and is sought out in over 35 universities and institutes of learning around the world including MIT, Stanford, and NYU. Lauren practices what she preaches, and shares the way she takes the principles of her book, Maybe It’s You: Cut the Crap. Face Your Fears. Love Your Life, and uses them in her work with CEOs, teams, and organizations.  Key Takeaways: [2:23] Lauren brings her whole self to work and life and encourages others to be transparent, and act in a way where what you see i

In today’s solo episode, we pull the cover off a “dirty word” almost all of us, myself included, try so hard to avoid — disappointment. I talk about what happens when we avoid it, how to recognize it and move through it, and what to do when someone or something disappoints us — or even worse — we disappoint others. Authentically feeling disappointed can actually allow us to unlock greater success and fulfillment.   Key Takeaways: [4:59] A recent session with my coach Eleanor brought up some truths about why I was engaging in certain habits that didn’t align with my highest and healthiest self. We got to the core of what I was avoiding — the feeling of disappointment. [7:47] We tend to view emotions as “good” (joy, love, fulfillment) or “bad” (anger, fear, shame). The emotions aren’t actually positive or negative, it’s our ability to authentically feel them. There is power in expressing our emotions, and liberation on the other side. It’s often the withholding that is the most detrimental. [10:42] Often times,

  On today’s episode, I talk with Kelly Palmer.  Kelly is the Chief Learning Officer at Degreed and Co-Author of the brand new book, The Expertise Economy, How The Smartest Companies Use Learning to Engage, Compete, and Succeed. Prior to that, she was the VP of Learning at Yahoo and Chief Learning Officer at LinkedIn.   Kelly’s passionate about shaking up the antiquated models of learning and development in the corporate world and is an advocate of using technology to support an environment that fosters growth in an adaptable and modern way.   Key Takeaways: [3:12] One of Kelly’s first experiences of seeing people bring their “whole self” to work was while she was at LinkedIn as the Chief Learning Officer. [3:55] Kelly’s love for, and background in, education, leadership, and technology led her to blend them into creating a modernized method of how people seek out and receive curated content. [5:42] Many forward-thinking learning leaders of today came from the business world and apply business principles to t

In today’s episode, I talk with leadership author, speaker, and entrepreneur Drew Dudley. Drew inspires us to appreciate leadership in all forms and rewire the way we think of what it truly means to be a leader. He shares some practical tips on how to discover the leader within ourselves, the power in recognizing leadership in ways that may not be traditional, his famous lollipop story from his viral TED talk, and the low down on why Canadians are so polite. Drew’s brand new book, This is Day One: A Practical Guide to Leadership That Matters just came out last week. Key Takeaways: [4:14] Drew fell into his current path by accident. He recounts his time and takeaways from Cystic Fibrosis Canada and a role at Leadership Development at the University of Toronto. He loved mobilizing the college students and translating corporate and business speak into a youthful language. [6:26] Often in leadership, the terms “accessible, practical, and simple” can be seen as pejorative. Drew feels that precisely the opposite is

During this week’s episode, Kevin Eikenberry, Chief Potential Officer of The Kevin Eikenberry Group and author of many influential leadership books joins me to discuss his new book, The Long-Distance Leader: Rules for Remarkable Remote Leadership. Kevin expresses the importance of an achievement mindset, how to encourage better choice management and the process of building trust through interactional, not transactional experiences.   Key Takeaways:   [2:40] What the phrase ‘bring your whole self to work’ means to Kevin. [4:25] The difference between management and leadership. [9:01] The Long Distance Leader is clear about their intentions and expectations. [20:50] Building trust in an organization when people don’t see each other. [33:30] Challenges in the current business landscape. [40:29] It’s choice management, not time management. [45:30] Tips for tuning out and taking a break.   Resources: Purchase Bring Your Whole Self to Work and gain access to bonus material. Mike Robbins Website Mike Robbins Podcast

My guest on this week’s episode, Carley Hauck, is the founder of Living Well Awake. Her organization blends mindfulness, resilience, and responsible leadership with profitability through executive coaching and well-being consultations. Inspired by the Art of Happiness, by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Carley creates a curriculum designed to make others feel safe bringing their authentic selves to work and to inspire them to have a positive impact on the world. She teaches at Stanford, UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business and has worked with LinkedIn, Pixar, Bank of the West, and others.  Key Takeaways:  [2:43] What the phrase ‘bring your whole self to work’ means to Carley. [3:29] Carley is a spiritual seeker who found her place in the corporate space. [8:54] Ecological debt and economic debt are connected. [18:09] How Carley links well-being with being profitable within businesses. [31:09] People, profit, and the planet are highlighted in Carley’s forthcoming book, Shine. [42:14] How to get a free gift from

My guest on this week’s episode, Dave Blum, transforms different places in the world into living board games. He is the Founder and CEO of Dr. Clue, a team-building treasure hunt that builds trust, camaraderie, and empathy within the teams of some of the largest organizations in the world. His games give team members a common goal outside of the traditional office environment. He created his unique business based on what he thought he could contribute to the world. I'm grateful to have been part of Dave’s inspiring and creative organization early in my career. Key Takeaways:  [4:14] Dave explains what Dr. Clue is and why he created it? [10:48] The process of building a treasure hunt. [14:52] Why Dave chose collaboration and comradery over competition. [21:28] Do we limit ourselves because of technology? [23:31] How empathy plays a part in team building. [28:51] What teams can do to build trust and empathy. [40:23] What the phrase 'bring your whole self to work' means to Dave.  Resources: Purchase Bring Your W

In this week’s episode, I speak with a top expert on diversity and inclusion, Jennifer Brown. She is the Founder, President, and CEO of Jennifer Brown Consulting and author of the best selling book, Inclusion: Diversity, The New Workplace & The Will to Change. Jennifer works with Fortune 500 companies all over the world to equip people with a clear diversity roadmap and to educate them about why inclusive behaviors are good leadership behaviors.   Key Takeaways:   [3:39] What the phrase ‘bring your whole self to work’ means to Jennifer. [6:58] Jennifer beat the odds to become a successful business owner. [17:20] Give straight, white men a chance to speak about diversity. [24:28] The myth of meritocracy. [34:31] How to find common ground with other human beings. [46:32] Living outside of our comfort zone.   Resources: Purchase Bring Your Whole Self to Work and gain access to bonus material. Mike Robbins Website Mike Robbins Podcast Mike Robbins on Facebook Mike Robbins on Twitter Mike Robbins on Instagram

In this week’s solo episode, I talk about what it takes for us to push past our self-imposed limits and step out of our comfort zone. What limits us from taking risks in life and at work? What makes us stand on the edge and look over but not move forward? Consciously stepping out of our comfort zone is required for us to grow and develop but it can be scary to try new things. Making commitments, having clear deadlines, and being curious can help us make real progress towards growth. What risks are you willing to take? Key Takeaways: [2:15] Life begins at the end of our comfort zone. [7:58] Are we willing to try new things at work? [13:59] What limits us from taking risks? [21:15] Making commitments and creating benchmarks that challenge us. Resources: Purchase Bring Your Whole Self to Work and gain access to bonus material. Mike Robbins Website Mike Robbins Podcast Mike Robbins on Facebook Mike Robbins on Twitter Mike Robbins on Instagram

In this week’s solo episode, I share three different topics that are necessary for us to bring our whole selves to work and to life - taking breaks, creating healthy habits, and asking for help. Taking breaks is an essential part of our growth and success process, but can be challenging given the nature of technology, expectations, and the way we work and communicate these days. When we rest, it allows us to reflect, recharge, and gain important perspective and insight - all things that are necessary to do our best work and live our best life. Taking breaks is one of many important habits we can incorporate into how we live and work, which can provide huge benefits to us and those around us.  And, when we ask for help we allow ourselves to be vulnerable, to get the support we need, and to give other people the opportunity to do something most people love to do...help another human being. Key Takeaways: [2:00] The importance of taking breaks. [12:15] Habits — supportive and forgotten. [19:57] Three things that

In this week’s solo episode, I contemplate our ability to have authentic conversations about the divisive nature of the news and the complex issues we’re facing in our country and our world right now. By way of an example, I describe an interesting and challenging conversation I had on an airplane recently. The person was willing to share his passionate and very different political views with me. What if we took time to listen to each other’s views without self-righteousness? Could these conversations be a way for us to grow and evolve?  It’s hard, especially right now, but so important.   Key Takeaways:   [2:18] Conversations with the opposite ‘vex.’ [14:21] Do we have the courage to honestly engage with people around us? [17:30] Are protests and demonstrations the way to achieve connection, peace, and unity? [22:33] The problems are complex and the divides are deepening. [28:00] A call to action.   Resources: Purchase Bring Your Whole Self to Work and gain access to bonus material. Mike Robbins Website Mike

In order to bring our whole selves to work and to fully engage in our lives we need to make taking care of ourselves a priority.  In this week's episode I share some of my own current challenges with self-care and explore how we can take better care of ourselves.  The way we work and live these days doesn't always lend itself to prioritizing our well-being.  And, if we're going to do our work with authenticity, depth, and impact, and live our lives in a healthy and productive way, we have to figure out ways to care for ourselves that nourish us. Key Takeaways: [2:36] We all have busy lifestyles. [7:29] Are you on vacation or just working from a different place? [12:56] Technology can be a Pandora's Box. [17:23] The importance of taking care of ourselves. Resources: Purchase Bring Your Whole Self to Work and gain access to bonus material. Mike Robbins Website Mike Robbins Podcast Mike Robbins on Facebook Mike Robbins on Twitter Mike Robbins on Instagram

In today’s solo episode, I use the Golden State Warriors as an example of a team that exemplifies a true championship team. As a lifelong fan of the Warriors, born and raised in Oakland, I’ve witnessed plenty of failure from this franchise over the years. The current incarnation of the Golden State Warriors, who just won their third NBA title in the past four seasons, however, is arguably one of the greatest teams in basketball history. And, not only have they been incredibly successful on the court, they have built a team culture that is remarkable (which I believe is one of the keys to their extraordinary performance). It doesn’t matter if it’s in business or in sports, when we make a commitment to each other and to the chemistry of the team, incredible things can happen. In this episode, I outline five specific things the Warriors have done to create their success, which I think any team can emulate in order to enhance their culture and performance.   Key Takeaways:   [7:49] Play with joy. [13:10] Root fo

Today’s episode is the final solo podcast in which I discuss the key themes of my new book Bring Your Whole Self to Work: How Vulnerability Unlocks Creativity, Connection, and Performance. During this episode, I review each of the five principles.  I also detail specific actions and practical applications that can be implemented independently or collaboratively in a team environment.  Key Takeaways: Action ideas for the five key principles of Bring Your Whole Self to Work: [5:10] Be Authentic [8:22] Utilize the Power of Appreciation [13:20] Focus on Emotional Intelligence [20:22] Embracing Growth Mindset [25:51] Create a Championship Team Resources: Purchase Bring Your Whole Self to Work and gain access to bonus material. Mike Robbins Website Mike Robbins Podcast Mike Robbins on Facebook Mike Robbins on Twitter Mike Robbins on Instagram

Today’s episode is the fifth in a series of solo podcasts in which I discuss each of the five principles of my new book Bring Your Whole Self to Work: How Vulnerability Unlocks Creativity, Connection, and Performance. During this episode, I unpack the fifth and final principal, Create a Championship Team. A positive culture is an intangible, foundational element of teams and organizations that achieve peak performance. Building a strong culture and good team chemistry involves fostering a psychologically safe environment where people can be real, develop, celebrate, connect, and embrace their humanness.   What can you do to bring your whole self to work and create a championship team around you?   Key Takeaways:   [3:01] Driving culture and chemistry in a positive direction. [8:34] Distinctions in teams. [16:13] The two key drivers of high performance. [24:51] The importance of inclusion. [27:47] Successful teams celebrate. [30:58] Culture is the heart of a company.   Resources: Purchase Bring Your Whole Self

Today’s episode is the fourth in a series of solo podcasts in which I discuss the five principles of my new book Bring Your Whole Self to Work: How Vulnerability Unlocks Creativity, Connection, and Performance. During this episode, I talk about the importance of embracing a growth mindset.  Growth mindset is a powerful concept introduced to the world over a decade ago by Stanford professor Carol Dweck.  Our ability to adapt to change, take feedback, and look at everything that comes our way, even and especially challenges, as growth opportunities dramatically impacts our success and fulfillment at work and in life.   Key Takeaways:   [3:36] Understanding a growth mindset. [9:43] Change can trigger a fixed mindset. [11:20] The Stop, Start, Continue Framework. [18:25] Becoming open to and accepting feedback. [23:11] Leaning into failure. [28:41] Bringing personal growth commitments to the forefront.   Resources: Purchase Bring Your Whole Self to Work and gain access to bonus material. Mike Robbins Website Mike

Today’s episode is the third in a series of podcasts in which I discuss the five principles of my new book Bring Your Whole Self to Work: How Vulnerability Unlocks Creativity, Connection, and Performance. During this episode, I talk about emotional intelligence and the core components that characterize it, as well as the importance of expressing our emotions at work and how we can listen more effectively. I also touch on blending mindfulness into our connected world and the essence of trust.   The five principles of my new book are #1 Be Authentic, #2 Utilize the Power of Appreciation, #3 Focus on Emotional Intelligence, #4 Embrace the Growth Mindset, and #5 Create a Championship Team.   When you order copies of Bring Your Whole Self to Work: How Vulnerability Unlocks Creativity, Connection, and Performance in bulk from 1-800-CEO-READ, you’ll get a nice discount on the books and you can contact us for additional bonuses and offers.   Key Takeaways:   [2:53] Success at work is largely based on emotional intell