Bring Your Whole Self To Work

My guest on today’s podcast is a true inspiration, to me and to so many other people in Silicon Valley and elsewhere. My friend Gopi Kallayil is a yoga instructor, a musician, an author, and has worked at Google for the past 11 years. Gopi manifested his own position, Chief Evangelist of Brand Marketing, because he wanted to do something he loved at the company he loves and feels honored to work for. In addition to his successful career in technology and at Google, he is the author of The Internet to Inner-Net, which came out in 2015 and is published by Hay House (my publisher as well).  He is working on his second book, The Happy Human, which should be out next year sometime.  Gopi is a true renaissance man of technology, mindfulness, business, philanthropy, community, spirituality, and creativity.  He exemplifies bringing his whole self to work as well as just about anyone I know.   Key Takeaways: [4:03] What does ‘bring your whole self to work,’ mean to Gopi? [6:04] Gopi has had four seminal things happen

In this week’s solo episode, I delve into the phenomenon of things that get in our way. There are many things we conjure up to sabotage ourselves. We may have limiting beliefs about not being good enough, or we may be afraid of putting ourselves out there, due to fear of judgment. The common theme these things share is, they are all self-imposed. They are all stories we are telling ourselves. We are the common denominator in all of our relationships and experiences.  Therefore, nothing changes until WE change.   Key Takeaways: [1:06] Nothing changes until you do. [5:34] What is it we are protecting ourselves from? [8:47] There is risk associated with sharing your passion and creativity. [12:43] A “Real” fear of stepping out of the box. [17:00] The only thing holding me back is me. [18:26] My experience is not your necessarily your experience. [20:49] We have a choice.   Resources: Nothing Changes Until You Do, by Mike Robbins Mike Robbins Website Mike Robbins Podcast Mike Robbins on Facebook Mike Robbins on T

This week’s episode is a fascinating, behind-the-scenes glimpse of a venture firm. My guest, Brett Berson, works with founders of startups as a Partner with First Round Capital. In 2000, Brett was immersed in NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts filmmaking program. He wanted his summer internship to broaden his horizons. So, Brett made a list of the talented people he knew and the list led him to First Round Capital. After graduation, Brett has moved forward within the organization to become a partner in less than 9 years. Brett shares the attributes innovative leaders of successful companies have, what First Round Capital looks for when vetting a company for investment purposes, and why now is a great time to start a company.   Key Takeaways: [2:37] What does ‘bring your whole self to work,’ mean to Brett? [5:14] Brett was looking for something different when he came upon First Round Capital. [8:13] The craft of filmmaking is very similar to building a company. [9:48] Execution and focus are key defining factors o

This solo episode was, in part, inspired by a post from Facebook’s COO, Sheryl Sandberg. In the post Sheryl addressed a policy she implemented at Facebook to give employees additional days of bereavement leave - 20 days total. But what had a deeper impact for me was how Sheryl shared her own personal experience of going through the sudden loss of her husband at the end of 2015, and how hard that was and still is for her. Having lost my father, my mother, and my sister Lori just a little over a year ago, I know a lot about loss and grief, and what an intense journey it can be. In a business with employees, it is important to have policies and parameters around people showing up at work, in the face of losses or other life changing events. In this episode I talk about how business leaders and influencers can create a work environment that is more conducive to allowing people to be human beings.   Key Takeaways: [4:02] In the midst of bereavement, life goes on. [6:56] Are the conditions in which we work conduciv

My guest today on today’s show is my friend Rachel Macy Stafford.  She is sharing bite-sized portions of her personal revelations in a beautiful new book, Only Love Today: Reminders to Breathe More, Stress Less and Choose Love. Her previous two books were best sellers, and her blog, HandsFreeMama.com, has been read by millions, and referenced by Arianna Huffington during a Wisdom 2.0 conference. The reference, and a recommendation from my wife, prompted me to reach out to Rachel a few years ago, and we’ve become friends since then.   Rachel was once one of the many people who let their phone take precedence over their time, their children, and their life. She had what she calls a breakdown/breakthrough moment, which miraculously provoked her hand to put down the phone. In an effort to take her life back, she started with a small break from the technology, so she could start to breathe again. Her story resonates with so many of us, because many of us are experiencing the same struggles, especially in the fast-

My guest on this episode is Jen Glantz. Jen is definitely someone who brings all of who she is to everything she does. Jen has done a number of things in a relatively short amount of time. After graduating with an English degree, Jen was told she had two options, become a teacher or a lawyer. Knowing she had to create her own opportunities, she headed to New York City to follow her dreams and begin her career as a Creative Writer. Today, Jen runs her own bridal consulting business, has recently released her second book, Always a Bridesmaid (For Hire), has 15-20 monthly revenue streams, writes a successful blog and has an inner sense of urgency which propels her forward to do great things.   Key Takeaways: [3:10] What does ‘bring your whole self to work,’ mean to Jen Glantz? [4:42] From English major to professional bridesmaid, Jen shares her story. [11:42] Jen finds inspiration in the books, The Catcher in the Rye and Self-Help. [14:35] An inner sense of urgency pushes Jen to write and produce. [17:04] Copywr

In this week’s episode, I share my thoughts on the paradoxical nature of working hard. The value of hard work is foundational to so much of what we have been taught about how to succeed in our culture. The harder we work, the more effectively use our time, the more we demand of ourselves (and others), are all things which are validated everywhere in our society. But does hard work equal success?   In contemplating the difference between healthy hard work and workaholism, as well as the challenge of “efforting,” I wonder if maybe hard work isn’t all it's cracked up to be. Maybe the myth of hard work is actually getting in our way of real success and fulfillment?   Key Takeaways: [2:40] The woman who worked hard. [6:53] Is it possible to get things done effectively and in a timely manner? [9:52] Managing our energy and managing our time. [12:03] Validation for workaholism. [14:27] The difference between healthy hard work, workaholism, and efforting. [19:32] The emotional journey of creating anything great. [23:

In this week’s episode, I talk with Jon Gordon. Jon is an author and keynote speaker, whose core message is positive leadership. During our conversation, Jon details the times he received divine inspiration, which led him to discover his ultimate purpose. Jon is open about his faith, and tells of how it helped him to overcome the fear of trying something he believed he was meant to do, even when he wasn’t certain he had what it would take. He also shares how he helps coaches create great teams through communication, connection, commitment, and caring. Jon has written 14 bestselling books, including The Energy Bus and Training Camp. His tips have been featured on the Today Show, CNBC, The Golf Channel, and Fox and Friends. He works with companies and sports teams, including Southwest Airlines, Dell, the LA Dodgers, and the Miami Heat, to name a few.   Key Takeaways: [2:22] What does ‘bring your whole self to work,’ mean to Jon Gordon? [5:28] One of Jon’s early goals was to run for Congress, but after a City Co

In this week’s episode, I talk about our ability to fully express ourselves and bring all of who we are to the work that we do. We are just over a week into our new calendars, and many of us have started, or are preparing to start, moving forward with our intentions for 2017. Have you considered where you can bring more of who you are into the work that you do in 2017? Bringing ourselves more fully into our work, requires us to be present and engaged on a daily basis. If we depend solely on the outcome of a project or goal, what aspects of ourselves will be left untended? How can we incorporate all of who we are, to become more fully expressed in our work?  I discuss these and other questions related to this in today’s episode.   Key Takeaways: [2:18] How will you show up for work in 2017? [3:45] My personal journey to entrepreneurship. [11:50] School wasn’t for me, so I designed my own curriculum. [16:14] The Ten-Minute Sweaty-Palmed Conversation. [18:53] Using the outcome of a project as a gauge, doesn’t al

In this week’s episode, I talk about how we can create the life we want for ourselves in 2017. This special time of year has an energy, a newness, and a freshness about it. It’s time to set our course for what we truly want from life. Setting our intentions for the year ahead should be done from a place of truth and authenticity. Are we able to accept ourselves more completely? Are we able to set goals and resolutions based on our heart’s desire, instead of from our ego’s demand? Are we able to recognize, acknowledge, forgive, and change things which may have held us back in the past? If 2017 were your last year on this planet, what changes would you make in your life or in your work?   Key Takeaways: [4:25] Completion questions to help you move forward to 2017. [5:30] Creation questions to orient yourself with your intentions for the new year. [7:13] Resolutions may include intentions, actions, goals and practices. [9:58] Are fear and shame driving your New Year’s resolutions? [14:06] Being unplugged from te

In this week’s episode, I talk about one of my favorite topics - consciously completing the year.  We often focus so much attention on the new year ahead, that we don’t take the time to bring the current year to a close.  This year has been challenging for many of us - with events in the world and politics, as well as in our personal lives.  For me, 2016 was filled with lots of change, loss, growth, and challenge.  Whether we had a great deal, an awful year, or a mix of both, it can be really powerful and useful to reflect on the year as it comes to an end.  I talk about some of the questions I ask myself and have asked my coaching clients over the years, and share some rituals you can use to bring the year to a close in the most mindful, helpful, and growth-filled way possible.   Key Takeaways: [1:41] The world has seen a great many challenges in 2016. [4:01] I have seen many changes in my life this year. [8:38] Be careful not to rush through completion, to get to the new resolutions of 2017. [10:05] The Hof

It is time to heal, and change, and transform. In this solo episode, I explore how we, Americans, can speak up and engage in an ongoing productive conversation, about things that are uncomfortable and disruptive. I explore how we can connect to each other, when there is an overwhelming desire to fight. I ponder about our abilities to adapt and adopt and engage in meaningful conversations, which could influence significant change.   Key Takeaways: [1:48] Looking at the state of the U.S. and the state of the world, after the recent U.S. election. [3:17] How to engage, when you feel compelled to speak up. [8:19] What happens when you have the desire to fight. [9:42] The undiscussed differences between males and females, in terms of physical safety. [14:06] The tribal ‘us against them’ phenomenon. [16:35] The third option of, we are all in this together. [19:18] Do you have the courage to engage in uncomfortable but important conversations? [23:40] Look for a solution and a way to connect. [25:06] Adopting an awa

Dan Henkle is a smart, successful industry leader who is one of the most humble and accessible people I have ever met. He started his career directly out of college, working for Oracle, and moved to Gap Inc., where he has worked for over 25 years. As soon as he started working for Gap Inc., Dan says he felt an immediate values connection with the management team. Employees were encouraged to share their input, wisdom, and expertise directly with the organization’s leaders. Dan is currently the President of the Gap Foundation, an organization that leads initiatives in the developing world, as well as hiring programs for low-income youth in the communities where Gap Inc. does business. He also serves as the Senior Vice President of Gap Inc.’s Global Sustainability division. Dan blends cross-cultural awareness with humanness, to improve working conditions for employees in the U.S. and abroad.   Key Takeaways: [2:46] What does ‘Bring Your Whole Self to Work’ mean to Dan? [7:35] Dan lives in the protected bubble o

Mark Shapiro is the founder of AreYouBeingReal.com and the host of the podcast, The One and Only. Mark reached out to me about my work on authenticity a while back and invited me to be a guest on his podcast, right around the time I was planning to launch this podcast.  We did the interview, hit it off, and he has helped me in some wonderful ways. In this interview, Mark shares the story of what it took for him to trust and challenge himself enough to leave his 12-year, steady paycheck job at Showtime; how the breakdown of a personal relationship may have been the catalyst he needed to change his life; and how choosing to be authentic led him to follow his calling.   Key Takeaways: [2:57] What does ‘bring your whole self to work,’ mean to Mark? [4:17] Mark’s career dream was to have an impact on what aired on Showtime. [15:26] Mark’s big wake-up call came when his boss told him his ideas were not valued. [23:06] Going back to the drawing board, to figure out what you really want. [25:51] Mark was told he was

This week I decided to do a special episode to share my thoughts, insights, and perspective about the election here in the United States.  It’s just me on this one, no guest, and I share openly, vulnerably, and passionately about how I feel about the election and this past week, as well as where we go from here as a nation. I also talk about how we can bring our whole selves to conversations about politics, even and especially when it is scary and uncomfortable…and, how authenticity is so important for all of us at this time.  Whatever our views are on politics and the election, our country and our world are getting smaller – we’re all in this together.   Resources: Mike Robbins Website Mike Robbins Podcast Mike Robbins on Facebook Mike Robbins on Twitter

Today’s guest is my friend Jonathan Fields, the founder of a mission driven media and education venture called Good Life Project.  His books, Career Renegade, Uncertainty, and his brand new release, How to Live a Good Life, are his own soul-searching journeys, as he attempts to answer some deep and important questions that we all face as human beings. Jonathan enjoys hosting The Good Life Project podcast, where he shares powerful ideas and interviews with his global community on a quest to live more meaningful, connected, and vital lives. Jonathan is thoughtful, curious, and passionate about learning. He gives amazing advice. He is someone I truly believes brings his whole self to work.  And, he’s someone I’m grateful to know and to have had a chance to chat with here on the podcast.   Key Takeaways: [4:16] What does Bring Your Whole Self to Work mean to Jonathan? [5:56] The course, How to Live a Good Life, should be taught in schools, because not enough of us know how to do it. [8:02] When did Jonathan start

On today’s episode I interview my new friend Tom Kelly.  The first time I met Tom, he blew my mind. He is so full of life and love. My friend Robert recommended that we attend a yoga class Tom was leading. He truly brought all of himself to that class - it was extraordinary.  After class, when Tom and I first spoke, there was an instant connection. He is a one-of-a-kind guy with a one-of-a-kind story. In this conversation, Tom shares details and insights from his 25-years as a monk in the Self-Realization Fellowship, how he came to his decision to leave the ashram back in 1999, and how he lives and breathes love, every day of his life.  He also talks about starting his own yoga studio, The Soul of Yoga, and his new venture, Love Force Revolution, Inc.   Key Takeaways: [3:55] What does Bring Your Whole Self to Work mean to Tom? [7:22] Tom began the connection to the deepest part of himself through yoga. [9:55] When Tom added yoga to his life for the better, his friends were the first things to fall away. [14:1

I fly solo in this episode as I explore the common themes of these first fourteen episodes of my Bring Your Whole Self to Work podcast. I also share openly about some of what has been going on in my life, with my work, and behind the scenes with this project.  I ‘ve been fortunate to have amazing thought leaders, business leaders, and changemakers on my list of interviewees. My guests have been gracious enough to share the experiences that have shaped their perspectives, and the wisdom they have acquired during their wide-ranging careers, life changes, and personal adjustments. Recurring topics of conversation include passion, gender, change, sexual orientation, body image, leadership, culture, and more. Each guest has inspired me to look deeper within myself, to investigate what judgments I may have adopted in my own life, where I hold myself back, and how to bring more of myself to my work and life. I look forward to introducing my listeners to more amazing guests, on my quest to gain insights for my upcomi

My guest on today’s podcast is my friend Joe Greenstein. Joe’s latest creation, InnerSpace, focuses on teaching founders of startups how to take care of themselves and how to build cultures in line with their passions and products. Joe’s career history seems to align perfectly with what he is creating now. He had an entrepreneurial mindset as early as high school, and while in college a paper he wrote turned into a joint business venture with his professor at the time. His early attempts at the next big thing caught the public’s interest, but never showed the promise of longevity. It wasn’t until he created Flixster and acquired Rotten Tomatoes, with his friend and business partner, that he started to move the needle towards financial prosperity. While he is happy to have experienced the chaos of Silicon Valley during his start-up experience and the ultimate sale of his company to Warner Brothers, he is passionate about the work he and his team are doing at InnerSpace, and also about his new adventure of fath

My guest on today’s podcast is Anne Robie. I met her at a Wisdom 2.0 conference. IBM hired Anne immediately after she finished her graduate studies and sent her to Raleigh, North Carolina. She later transferred to the San Francisco Bay area to become the Head of People for StubHub and to spend time with her ailing father. Anne has recently started Darshan Leadership Consulting, a private leadership consulting and executive coaching business. Anne joins me to discuss the diverse meanings of Bring Your Whole Self to Work, her process of personal grieving, the mindfulness movement in business, and how a person’s gender may impact their ability to be accepted authentically in this new era of leadership.   Key Takeaways: [2:30] What does Bring Your Whole Self to Work mean to Anne? [9:16] Does Bring Your Whole Self to Work mean sharing everything that happens in our lives? [16:14] We all have the same fears, we all want to be seen and we all have the same stuff going on. [19:11] How do we simultaneously appreciate,