Bring Your Whole Self To Work

My guest today, Susan Peppercorn, is a Speaker and Coach who focuses on Positive Psychology through her organization, Positive Workplace Partners. During our conversation, she shares key strategies for shifting perfectionism into excellence, the importance of feedback from others, and the benefits of an accountability partner from her new book, Ditch Your Inner Critic at Work: Evidence-Based Strategies to Thrive in Your Career.   My book, Bring Your Whole Self to Work comes out May 1, 2018.   Key Takeaways:   [2:12] What the phrase ‘bring your whole self to work’ means to Susan. [3:14] Susan attended the first Positive Psychology course given by Tal Ben-Shahar. [9:19] The challenges of finding work we love. [15:41] The difference between the dream, perfectionism, and excellence. [23:34] How do we authentically embrace failure in a productive way? [27:04] The importance of support, accountability, and feedback. [38:21] Strategies to Ditch Your Inner Critic at Work.   Resources: Mike Robbins Website Mike Robbin

My guest today, Joe Sweeney, is passionate about his work and living the best life possible. His diverse career has included being a Sports Agent representing Brett Favre, President of Wisconsin Sports Authority, an Investment Banker and a Private Equity Investor. He has written three books, Networking is a Contact Sport, Moving the Needle, and his most recent, After Further Review, is a book that encourages readers to take a timeout, take stock of their lives and inspires them to live a better life.   During our conversation, we discuss how to navigate life, death, and change, with appreciation and gratitude.   My book, Bring Your Whole Self to Work comes out May 1, 2018.   Key Takeaways:   [2:09] Networking is a Contact Sport. [7:41] Does birth order affect how you navigate life? [11:52] Is it better to lose or to win? [24:21] The art of letting go. [32:48] After Further Review focuses on inspiring people to live a better life. [36:57] What is your ‘why’? [41:19] What ‘bring your whole self to work’ means t

When change happens, be it an individual change, an organizational change, or changes in our family, navigating through the disruption is easier said than done. We are often more comfortable when things stay the same. In this solo episode, I share my thoughts and personal experiences on dealing with the necessary and inevitable subject of change. I present three strategies to using change as a tool for personal and professional growth.   My book, Bring Your Whole Self to Work comes out May 1, 2018.   Key Takeaways:   [1:33] Sometimes we choose change and sometimes change chooses us. [6:05] Dealing with change and managing chaos. [13:47] Three ways to navigate through and grow during change, uncertainty, and chaos. Feel your feelings. Ask for help. Stay in the present moment as much as possible.   Resources: Mike Robbins Website Mike Robbins Podcast Mike Robbins on Facebook Mike Robbins on Twitter

My guest today is someone who has had a profound impact on my life. My friend, Ray Arata, is the founder of the Better Man Conference and co-founder of the Inclusionary Leadership Group. He's the author of Wake Up, Man Up, Step Up: Transforming Your Wake-Up Call into Emotional Health and Happiness, and the forthcoming book, The Power of the Heart: A Guidebook for Inclusionary Leaders. Ray encourages change by leading by example. Ray is an integrative leadership coach who is focused on teaching and inspiring men to be allies for the support and advancement of women in the world. Key Takeaways: [2:51] Ray felt stuck by recent events but is now hopeful for the future. [5:09] Choosing to opt out of the gender conversation. [14:16] How men can make an impact in women’s lives. [19:01] The Better Man Conference is focused on engaging men as allies. [24:17] Aware men can push, promote, and protect women. [32:04] Recognizing blind spots and having an open mind.  Resources: Mike Robbins Website Mike Robbins Podcast Mi

My guest today is Ron Carucci. Ron is the Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Navalent, a consulting firm working with top-level executives from influential companies. Ron and I discuss how leaders can show up fully to fill the enormous expectations placed on them, the common pitfalls many new executives face and how leaders can anticipate and preemptively tackle the challenges that arise from being placed in a position of power.   Ron contributes to the Harvard Business Review and Forbes. His most recent book, Rising to Power: The Journey of Exceptional Executives and his TEDx Talks focus on power and influence in the world of business.   Key Takeaways:   [1:44] What the phrase “bring your whole self to work” means to Ron. [5:40] Common pitfalls newly appointed executives face. [10:08] Bringing other people’s stories to life. [14:51] We are still sending leaders into battle unprepared. [22:28] The unregulated world of business and life coaches. [25:41] Abandoning power is abusing it.   Resources: Mike Robbins

My guest on today’s podcast, Andy Molinsky, is an expert in cross-cultural adaptation. He is a Professor at Brandeis University’s International Business School with a joint appointment in the Department of Psychology. He received his Ph.D. and a Master’s from Harvard. He holds a Master’s in International Affairs from Columbia and a BA in International Affairs from Brown. He has been featured in and written for Harvard Business Review. During our conversation, we discuss the importance of authenticity, courage, and inclusion, as well as his books, Global Dexterity: How to Adapt Your Behavior Across Cultures Without Losing Yourself in the Process and Reach: A Strategy to Help You Step Out of Your Comfort Zone and Rise to the Challenge.  Andy delves into the concepts of cultural fusion and the art of cross-cultural relations. Key Takeaways: [1:41] What the phrase ‘bring your whole self to work’ means to Andy. [3:31] Liberal Arts, International Relations, and Brandeis University. [8:34] Andy’s education is a blen

My guest on today’s podcast, Anese Cavanaugh, is a pioneer in the field of corporate wellness programs. At a time when few corporations were investing in their organization’s welfare, Chevron hired Anese in the 1990s to develop a health and productivity leadership program. She has since started her own consulting firm, written the influential book, Contagious Culture, and raised two children.  During today’s show, Anese walks us through her IEP (Intentional Energetic Presence) method, how leaders can show up more powerfully, and how business culture is created.   Key Takeaways:   [1:42] What the phrase ‘bring your whole self to work’ means to Anese. [2:27] Anese’s career and life journey. [11:30] Anese’s business is a family business. [25:18] Contagious Culture and the IEP method is about showing up. [30:30] Embodying the athlete mindset to make the most of our body’s full potential. [38:18] How organizations are using IEP to thrive.   Resources: Mike Robbins Website Mike Robbins Podcast Mike Robbins on Faceb

My guest on today’s podcast, Will Marré, is a passionate women’s leadership advocate. He has worked for over 25 years helping corporations like Gap Inc., Nike, GE, and Johnson & Johnson create cultures of inclusiveness. During our discussion, Will shares the history of women in the corporate system, why male behaviors are favored in the hierarchal structure, and why the system needs to change in order for a corporation to flourish. He also shares five things women and men can do to create a workplace with a higher emotional intelligence and equal opportunity.   Key Takeaways:   [3:18] Why Will became a women’s advocate. [8:48] Why are ‘alpha’ male behaviors favored in the corporate system? [23:16] Creating cultures of inclusiveness that soften the hard edges of hierarchies. [27:05] Unpacking sexual harassment. [41:17] Why women disengage in the workplace. [53:04] Five things men can do to give women equal opportunities. [56:15] Five things women can do to empower themselves. [1:02:55] How Will stays mindf

Happy New Year! 2018 is now officially upon us. I know it’s common for us to make a new year’s resolution at this time. However, this can be tricky for a number of reasons.  On this week's episode, I share the process I use to set my intentions and goals for the new year. The key to this process is a series of questions I ask myself. As we discussed last week, there are six completion questions that help us reflect on the past year and bring closure.  There are also five creation questions that really shine a light on what is most important for us and what we hope to achieve and experience in the next 12 months. You might find this process helpful as well. Key Takeaways: [3:56] The six completion questions to ask yourself before you create your intentions for the new year. [6:31] The difference between fixing and changing. [8:55] Setting intentions for the domains of your life. [15:27] Five creation questions to ask to set yourself up for success in the new year. Resources: Mike Robbins Website Mike Robbins P

It has become my tradition to use the week in between Christmas and the New Year to reflect back on what transpired during the year and take a personal inventory of any wins and challenges I experienced. 2017 has been quite a year, eh? In this final podcast episode of the year, I share the six completion questions I ask myself to consciously complete any items I don’t intend to bring forward into 2018. This is a powerful process we can use to make space for creativity and opportunity in the New Year.   Key Takeaways:   [5:00] Completion questions used for reflecting on the past year. [13:14] Taking inventory of the wins and the challenges. [15:24] Making space for the new by declaring the old completed. [19:01] Take time for yourself.   Resources: Mike Robbins Website Mike Robbins Podcast Mike Robbins on Facebook Mike Robbins on Twitter Men... We Have to Do Better blog post

This week I talk with writer and speaker, Scott Stabile. Scott is a fascinating guy who shares his life experiences in his book, Big Love: The Power of Living with a Wide-Open Heart. The book is a collection of essays that developed from the stories of love and authenticity he posted on his Facebook page. During our discussion, he openly reveals the challenges he faced after losing his parents in a tragic act of violence at the age of fourteen, why he shares his personal story with others and overcoming his fear of being judged, and how he finds the courage to bring his whole self to his work, his writing, and his creativity.   Key Takeaways:   [1:53] What the phrase ‘bring your whole self to work’ means to Scott. [3:37] Scott shares the challenges he faced after losing his parents in a tragic way. [11:56] Why do we have a hard time talking about loss, death, and grief in our culture? [19:45] A Facebook page was the catalyst Scott needed to start sharing his personal story. [24:35] How Scott deals with digita

This week I chat with Diana Chapman. Diana is a trusted advisor to senior leaders within some of the top companies in the world. She is an advocate for personal growth, personal responsibility, and conscious leadership. I find her no-nonsense approach to life and business refreshing. Diana is the co-founder of the Conscious Leadership Group and the co-author of 15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership: The New Paradigm for Sustainable Success. During this episode, Diana shares her important outlook on life, leadership, and success.   Key Takeaways:   [2:54] What the phrase 'bring your whole self to work' means to Diana. [4:03] The work of Gay and Katie Hendricks changed Diana's life. [8:38] Selling soft skills to businesses. [15:12] How to create conditions to have effective sweaty-palmed conversations. [22:31] 15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership [29:00] Finding a playground that is fun to play on.   Resources: Mike Robbins Website Mike Robbins Podcast Mike Robbins on Facebook Mike Robbins on Twitter Diana C

This week I speak to someone who shares my passion for authenticity, Henna Inam. In 2010, she left her successful corporate job to start her own consulting company, Transformational Leadership Inc. Henna works with leaders and organizations - helping them enhance their team culture and performance. Her approach to authenticity starts at the foundation of awareness and appreciation of self. Her book, Wired for Authenticity, and her keynote speeches help people shift perspectives and deepen trust.   Key Takeaways:   [2:00] What the phrase ‘bring your whole self to work’ means to Henna. [6:18] The motivational differences between genders and generations. [14:43] Henna separates her identity from her authentic self. [28:29] Befriending our bodies. [40:24] Give yourself an ‘A’ for Appreciation. [44:18] Moderating who you are in the moment.   Resources: Mike Robbins Website Mike Robbins Podcast Mike Robbins on Facebook Mike Robbins on Twitter Transformational Leadership Inc. Wired for Authenticity: Seven Practices

This week, I speak to the inspirational Gay Hendricks. I have respected and admired Gay for many years. Through his best-selling books, especially The Big Leap and Conscious Loving, he helped shift my mindset and my approach to relationships and success. For 45 years, Gay has been a leader in relationship transformation, peak performance, and mind/body therapies. He joins me today to share his insights, perspectives, and examples of what bringing your whole self to work means to him. Gay’s curiosity and passion have made him a true Renaissance man.   Key Takeaways:   [2:52] What the phrase ‘bring your whole self to work’ means to Gay. [7:51] The benefit of having an alignment of a life’s purpose and purpose at work. [9:42] Figuring out your genius. [13:11] Dealing with Upper Limit problems. [20:17] Expressing emotion through sweaty-palmed conversations. [33:19] True leadership is free of blame and criticism. [41:45] How to break through the Upper Limit barrier.   Resources: Mike Robbins Website Mike Robbins P

This week I speak to my dear friend Kristine Carlson. I met Kris through her late husband, Richard. Richard mentored me and generously helped me to get my publishing career started. His groundbreaking bestseller, Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff, impacted me like no other book ever has. During this episode, Kris and I fondly remember Richard’s selflessness, discuss how our culture deals with loss, and Kris tells me about her very personal new book, From Heartbreak to Wholeness, which will be released in June 2018.   Key Takeaways:   [5:42] What ‘bring your whole self to work’ means to Kris. [11:14] The birth of the Don't Sweat the Small Stuff series. [18:12] There were many things to admire about Richard. [23:16] Kristine’s book, Heartbroken Open came directly from her journal. [28:58] How our culture deals with loss, in life, and at work. [40:03] From Heartbreak to Wholeness is a collection of personal wisdom.   Resources: Mike Robbins Website Mike Robbins Podcast Mike Robbins on Facebook Mike Robbins on Twitter

This week I have the pleasure of talking to Kim Scott, the Author of the New York Times bestselling book, Radical Candor: Be a Kickass Boss Without Losing Your Humanity. Kim has had a very successful career in technology - working for startups and tech giants Apple and Google, and then working as a CEO coach and advisor at Dropbox and Twitter, among others. During our conversation, Kim shares her insights about gender, leadership, teamwork, writing, and her important work around radical candor.   Key Takeaways:   [1:55] Why do we put pressure on ourselves to be something different than who we really are? [7:06] Before writing Radical Candor, Kim wrote three novels about relationships. [12:50] Both Google and Apple are relationship-driven companies. [14:52] Kim describes the theme of her book, Radical Candor. [26:20] Being consciously aware of your gender.   Resources: Mike Robbins Website Mike Robbins Podcast Mike Robbins on Facebook Mike Robbins on Twitter Radical Candor @candor on Twitter Candor, Inc. on Fa

This week I talk to the multi-talented and inspiring Jenna Ushkowitz. You may know Jenna from her work on Broadway, as Tina on the hit TV show Glee, or from one of her podcasts. Last year, I had the pleasure of being on an episode of her Infinite Positivities podcast.  Her new podcast, Epic Fail, asks actors to share what they believe to be their biggest failure and what they learned from that experience. During today’s show, Jenna talks about being committed to the career in show business she started at age three, what it felt like to be involved in a project (Glee) that changed her life and the lives of others, the importance of embracing vulnerability in her work and life, and her new film Hello Again.   Key Takeaways:   [5:05] How authenticity integrates into Jenna's work. [8:59] What early life was like for Jenna. [15:23] Glee set Jenna's career and soul on fire. [23:56] Jenna's latest project is an Epic Fail. [32:04] What it’s like to be in the tabloids. [34:49] “Hello Again” is a movie about human conn

Recent natural weather-related disasters and the abundance of political crises prompted me to verbalize my thoughts about the fundamental uncertainty of life. When we are not pushed into decisions by things that are out of our control, how much risk do we actually take? How many unknown journeys do we embark on? It is always easier to stick with what we know but how does that help us grow? What would embracing uncertainty look like in your life?   Key Takeaways: [:58] Braving the Wilderness that is our world. [5:31] What would you take if you had to leave in an emergency? [11:35] Leaning into and embracing the fundamental uncertainty of life.   Resources: Mike Robbins Website Mike Robbins Podcast Mike Robbins on Facebook Mike Robbins on Twitter Braving the Wilderness: The Quest for True Belonging and the Courage to Stand Alone, by Brené Brown  

In this solo episode, I explore how human beings engage with one another, how we take a stand or speak up, and how we express ourselves when faced with hot-button, emotional issues. Last week, the President publicly commented about the athletes and teams who are taking a knee during the national anthem to protest racial oppression and inequality. And as a former pro-athlete, who always stood with my hand over my heart in front of the flag during the national anthem, I wonder what I will do the next time I am at a sporting event and the national anthem is played? I believe this issue goes deeper than politics, deeper than the social commentary it’s about who we are as human beings. How do we respectfully take a stand for what we believe in?   Key Takeaways: [1:07] Taking a knee and what it says about who we are as human beings. [6:24] It's hard for 'privileged' white men to talk about race and inequality. [16:51] Using dehumanizing language is at the genesis of genocide. [21:37] The false choice we are faced w

In this solo episode, I examine how we can be a force for good in the midst of all the intense, difficult and challenging things happening in the world right now. In the wake of a negative political climate, natural disasters, and the events in Charlottesville, among other things, it can be challenging to focus on the good stuff. Focusing on the good stuff doesn’t mean always being positive or accepting a spiritual bypass — I mean being a force for good. How can we show up and be a force for good when times seem dismal? Key Takeaways: [2:43] A question to ask yourself when facing difficult circumstances. [6:14] Sometimes just listening is enough. [8:15] Five Things we can do to be a force for good. ● Look for ways we can help. ● Be proactive with complaints. ● Don’t get caught up in the drama. ● Speak up with authenticity. ● Focus on gratitude. Resources: Mike Robbins Website Mike Robbins Podcast Focus on the Good Stuff: The Power of Appreciation, by Mike Robbins Mike Robbins on Facebook Mike Robbins on Twit