Bring Your Whole Self To Work

With all of the ups and downs we go through, especially these days, it can sometimes seem like life is just happening to us.  However, even in the face of challenges, we are way more at cause than at effect in life than we often realize.  My guest on this episode knows a few things about what it takes to design an extraordinary life.  Sheri Salata was the executive producer of the Oprah Winfrey Show and the President of the Oprah Winfrey Network.  She’s an author and teacher who, through her own extraordinary journey and her inspiring wisdom, reminds us to create a life we love, wherever we find ourselves in the process. Resources: We’re All in This Together (book), by Mike Robbins Mike Robbins Website Mike Robbins Blog Mike Robbins Podcast Mike Robbins on Facebook Mike Robbins on Twitter Mike Robbins on Instagram Mike Robbins on YouTube Sheri Salata (website) Design Your Life - 5-Day Challenge The Beautiful No (book), by Sheri Salata BestEverYou.com     Shareables:   “We have the power to design a life we l

There is such a strong need for transformation these days - in our work, our lives, our families, our organizations, our society, and our world.  As we have seen and learned in many painful ways over the past year or so, some of the ways we operate - personally and collectively - aren’t ideal, equitable, healthy, or sustainable. On this episode, I once again talk with my friend Scott Shute.  As the Head of Mindfulness and Compassion Programs at LinkedIn, Scott develops and delivers programs that assist in the well-being of leaders, teams, employees, and customers.  He also has a brand new book out today called The Full Body Yes. Scott’s book, his work, and his life are dedicated to changing our work and our world from the inside out. Resources: We’re All in This Together (book), by Mike Robbins Mike Robbins Website Mike Robbins Blog Mike Robbins Podcast Mike Robbins on Facebook Mike Robbins on Twitter Mike Robbins on Instagram Mike Robbins on YouTube TheFullBodyYes.com (book site) The Full Body Yes (book on

There’s an important difference between struggling and suffering.  Given all that we’ve been dealing with over this past year and the many challenging dynamics of work, family, health, relationships, and what’s going on in our world, many of us, myself included, have been struggling.  On this episode, I share vulnerably about some of my own challenges and talk about five specific things we can do to effectively navigate times of struggle, so that we don’t get caught in the trap of suffering. Resources: We’re All in This Together (book), by Mike Robbins Mike Robbins Website Mike Robbins Blog Mike Robbins Podcast Mike Robbins on Facebook Mike Robbins on Twitter Mike Robbins on Instagram Mike Robbins on YouTube   Shareables:   “There is a big difference between struggling and suffering.” — @MikeDRobbins   “It’s okay to struggle.” — @MikeDRobbins   “Telling the truth about our struggle with courage and vulnerability, allows us to not get stuck in suffering.” — @MikeDRobbins  

Setting healthy boundaries is both as important and challenging as ever these days.  Both at work and at home, being able to speak up, say “yes” and “no” authentically without guilt or pressure, as well as having the courage to negotiate for our preferences, desires, and needs, are all essential aspects of our well-being and success.  On this episode, I talk to my friend and colleague Terri Cole.  She’s a psychotherapist and the author of a brand-new book called Boundary Boss.  In our conversation, we discuss why boundaries are so difficult and necessary (both personally and professionally), especially right now.  We also talk about some specific things we can do to create healthy boundaries for ourselves, our families, and our teams. Resources: We’re All in This Together (book), by Mike Robbins Mike Robbins Website Mike Robbins Blog Mike Robbins Podcast Mike Robbins on Facebook Mike Robbins on Twitter Mike Robbins on Instagram Mike Robbins on YouTube Boundary Boss (book), by Terri Cole De Less with Boundarie

It’s almost always scary and uncomfortable to be vulnerable, yet vulnerability is necessary for us to learn, grow, connect, lead, and succeed personally and professionally.  My guest on this episode, Laila Tarraf, knows all about the importance of this paradox.  She was the Chief People Officer at Peet’s Coffee and Tea, and over the span of five years lost her husband, her father, and her mother, all while raising her young daughter and leading a cultural transformation for the company.  In her moving new memoir, Strong Like Water, Laila shares about her grief, growth, and personal transformation through these intense experiences.  In our conversation, we talk about her book, her journey, and how we can all find the courage to lead with vulnerability in business and in life. Resources: We’re All in This Together (book), by Mike Robbins Mike Robbins Website Mike Robbins Blog Mike Robbins Podcast Mike Robbins on Facebook Mike Robbins on Twitter Mike Robbins on Instagram Mike Robbins on YouTube Laila Tarraf Webs

When we bring our whole selves to work (and to life), so much becomes available for us and those around us.  However, these things are easier said than done, especially right now.  On this episode, I talk to my new friend Cherie Healey about the importance of spirituality, allyship, and well-being.  Cherie is a coach, workshop facilitator, and speaker who is passionate about helping leaders unlock their potential and see what’s possible. Resources: We’re All in This Together (book), by Mike Robbins Mike Robbins Website Mike Robbins Blog Mike Robbins Podcast Mike Robbins on Facebook Mike Robbins on Twitter Mike Robbins on Instagram Mike Robbins on YouTube Cherie Healey Website   Shareables:   “Showing up fully and bringing all of who we are to work is so important.” — @CherieHealey   “We must be well to do well.” — @CherieHealey   “I am passionate about helping people see what’s possible.” — @CherieHealey  

Risk and uncertainty are parts of life, especially these days.  Whether we’re focused on a business idea, a creative endeavor, parenting, an important project, a big life decision, leadership, or any number of other things, our success and fulfillment often hinges upon an ability to embrace the unknown.  For a number of reasons, doing this can be incredibly challenging.  On this episode, I talk to my friend Victoria Labalme about the importance of leaning into uncertainty.  Her remarkable new book, Risk Forward, just came out.  In it she shares practical and inspiring ideas about how we can unlock our hidden genius and have the kind of impact we truly want. Resources: We’re All in This Together (book), by Mike Robbins Mike Robbins Website Mike Robbins Blog Mike Robbins Podcast Mike Robbins on Facebook Mike Robbins on Twitter Mike Robbins on Instagram Mike Robbins on YouTube Victoria Labalme Website Risk Forward: Embrace the Unknown and Unlock Your Hidden Genius (book) TED Talk: Victoria Labalme   Shareables:

Leadership is always important and challenging, especially in the times we find ourselves in right now.  On this episode, I had a chance to talk to a great leader and one of my favorite people, Dheeraj Pandey.  Dheeraj co-founded Nutanix in 2009 and was their CEO for over 11 years.  He’s currently on the board of Adobe and has had an incredibly successful career as an engineer, a leader, an entrepreneur, and as a co-founder and CEO of a rapidly-growing start-up that he took public in 2016.  In this conversation, we discuss the importance of curiosity, anti-fragility, authenticity, and more in today’s ever-changing world. Resources: We’re All in This Together (book), by Mike Robbins Mike Robbins Website Mike Robbins Blog Mike Robbins Podcast Mike Robbins on Facebook Mike Robbins on Twitter Mike Robbins on Instagram Mike Robbins on YouTube Dheeraj Pandey on LinkedIn   Shareables:   “There are only so many things we can remember - so relying on the wisdom of thought leaders and frameworks are important.” — @dhee

The concept of not “spiking the ball before we get to the endzone” is being referenced a lot these days given where things are with the pandemic.  While we’re all tired, weary, and ready for this to be over - it’s important for us to stay focused and safe as we make our way through.  This concept is also important and relevant with how we approach our goals and our dreams - both personally and collectively.  If we spike the ball too early because we think we’re already there or we’re simply tired of trying, we end up not getting to where we ultimately want to be.  On this episode, we talk about this phenomenon, and how to stay present, engaged, and keep things in perspective as we’re going for the things that matter most. Resources: We’re All in This Together (book), by Mike Robbins Mike Robbins Website Mike Robbins Blog Mike Robbins Podcast Mike Robbins on Facebook Mike Robbins on Twitter Mike Robbins on Instagram Mike Robbins on YouTube Authentic Leadership - New Udemy Digital Course by Mike Robbins Peak:

It’s been about a year since the pandemic took over the world and changed life and work as we know it.  And while there does seem to be a light at the end of the tunnel, things continue to be incredibly challenging and many of us are feeling understandably weary.  On this episode we talk about some specific things we can do to address our weariness and effectively navigate the coming days, weeks, and months as we make our way through this difficult time.  We have more than this requires...even when it’s hard for us to remember how strong we are. Resources: We’re All in This Together (book), by Mike Robbins Mike Robbins Website Mike Robbins Blog Mike Robbins Podcast Mike Robbins on Facebook Mike Robbins on Twitter Mike Robbins on Instagram Mike Robbins on YouTube   Shareables:   “Even when we’re weary, tired, and not sure we can go on...it’s important to remember how strong and resilient we are.” — @MikeDRobbins   “We can do this.” — @MikeDRobbins   “This, too, shall pass.” — @MikeDRobbins

When we’re struggling, one of the hardest but most important things we can do is tell the truth about it.  Even though this is vulnerable, having the courage to be authentic liberates us, gives other people permission to do the same, and often allows us to gain both perspective and support.  On this episode, we talk about the power of telling the truth, even and especially when things are challenging or scary, as is the case for many of us these days.  Although we each have different circumstances, experiences, and difficulties, we truly are all in this together. Resources: We’re All in This Together (book), by Mike Robbins Mike Robbins Website Mike Robbins Blog Mike Robbins Podcast Mike Robbins on Facebook Mike Robbins on Twitter Mike Robbins on Instagram Mike Robbins on YouTube The Truth Will Set You Free, But First it Will Piss You Off (book), by Gloria Steinem   Shareables:   “Having the courage to vulnerably tell the truth liberates us and gives other people permission to do the same.” — @MikeDRobbins  

Conscious leadership is so important, especially right now.  On this episode, I talk to my friend and colleague Carley Hauck about her brand new book, Shine: Ignite Your Inner Game to Lead Consciously at Work and in the World.  Carley is a leadership expert who works with top conscious businesses and teaches at both Stanford and UC Berkeley.  In this conversation we discuss how inner transformation leads to outer transformation, as well as the importance of creating a more inclusive and sustainable world.  Resources: We’re All in This Together (book), by Mike Robbins Mike Robbins Website Mike Robbins Blog Mike Robbins Podcast Mike Robbins on Facebook Mike Robbins on Twitter Mike Robbins on Instagram Mike Robbins on YouTube Carley Hauck Website Shine: Ignite Your Inner Game to Lead Consciously at Work and in the World, by Carley Hauck Community Events for Shine     Shareables:   “Inner transformation leads to outer transformation.” — @CarleyHauck   “We need conscious leadership now more than ever.” — @CarleyHa

I’m not a huge fan of making mistakes.  However, mistakes are a part of life, business, relationships, leadership, parenting, and being human.  Trying to avoid making mistakes or judging ourselves and others harshly when they happen, are detrimental to our success and well-being.  On this episode, we explore our relationship to mistakes and talk about how we can be more compassionate, forgiving, and kind when things don’t go the way we want them to go.    Resources: We’re All in This Together (book), by Mike Robbins Mike Robbins Website Mike Robbins Blog Mike Robbins Podcast Mike Robbins on Facebook Mike Robbins on Twitter Mike Robbins on Instagram Mike Robbins on YouTube It’s Okay to Make Mistakes (blog post) Shine: Ignite Your Inner Game to Lead Consciously at Work and in the World, by Carley Hauck     Shareables:   “It’s okay to make mistakes.” — @MikeDRobbins   “Failure is not the opposite of success, it’s part of success.” — @MikeDRobbins   “Having compassion for ourselves and others when mistakes are m

We all have different family situations, but just about everyone I know and work with these days is struggling at home to some degree.  From isolation, to disappointment, to illness, to worry, to irritation, to depression, to financial concerns, to grief, and more, this has been and continues to be an incredibly challenging time for our relationships and our lives.  On this episode, we discuss some of the hardest aspects of navigating the pandemic in our families.  We also talk about some specific things we can do at this time to take care of ourselves and our loved ones in a real and healthy way. Resources: We’re All in This Together (new book), by Mike Robbins Mike Robbins Website Mike Robbins Blog Mike Robbins Podcast Mike Robbins on Facebook Mike Robbins on Twitter Mike Robbins on Instagram Mike Robbins on YouTube Why Empathy is Important: How to Become More Empathetic The Language of Love - new podcast with Laura Berman Unlocking Us - podcast episode with Brene Brown and Melinda Gates   Shareables: “We

Asking for help is challenging for most of us, for a variety of reasons.  With everything going on these days and many of us feeling understandably depleted, it’s even more difficult to request the support that we need.  However, being able to ask for help is so important right now, not only for our own well-being, but for the health and success of our relationships, families, and teams.  On this episode, I talk about why support is so essential and offer some specific tips for how to successfully get it. Resources: We’re All in This Together (new book), by Mike Robbins Mike Robbins Website Mike Robbins Blog Mike Robbins Podcast Mike Robbins on Facebook Mike Robbins on Twitter Mike Robbins on Instagram Mike Robbins on YouTube     Shareables:   “The answer is always ‘no’ if you don’t ask.” — @MikeDRobbins   “Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.” — @MikeDRobbins   “When we ask for help, we give other people permission to do something most people love to do...support another human being.” — @Mike

Many of us find ourselves on an intense emotional roller coaster these days for a number of understandable reasons.  As challenging as it is for us to navigate the physical and practical realities of our work and our life right now, dealing with the intense fluxuations of our mental and emotional state, and that of those around us, might be even more difficult.  On this episode, I talk about the importance of embracing all of our emotions, even and especially our grief, and some specific ways we can do that right now to enhance our own well-being, as well as the well-being of our family, friends, teams, and more. Resources: We’re All in This Together (new book), by Mike Robbins Mike Robbins Website Mike Robbins Blog Mike Robbins Podcast Mike Robbins on Facebook Mike Robbins on Twitter Mike Robbins on Instagram Mike Robbins on YouTube A New Day in American - Finding Common Ground in These Divisive Times (interview with Bo Brabo)     Shareables:   “If we can feel it, we can heal it.” — @MikeDRobbins   “Feeling

As President Biden takes office, he is focused on unity, coming together, and finding common ground, especially in the midst of this incredibly challenging time.  Doing this is much easier said than done for a number of reasons.  On today’s show, I interviewed author, speaker, and Army veteran, Robert “Bo” Brabo.  Bo worked as the Chief of HR Operations for the White House Communications Agency and as a Presidential Communications Officer for George W. Bush and also for Barack Obama.  Bo and I talk about some of the lessons he learned in the military and working in the White House, as well as how we can come together and find common ground at this pivotal moment in the history of our country. Resources: We’re All in This Together (new book), by Mike Robbins Mike Robbins Website Mike Robbins Blog Mike Robbins Podcast Mike Robbins on Facebook Mike Robbins on Twitter Mike Robbins on Instagram Mike Robbins on YouTube The Social Dilemma Bo Brabo Website Bo Brabo E-Learning Courses From the Battlefield to the Whit

We’re at a dangerous moment in the history of our country.  And while I’m praying for peace, healing, and unity, I believe that truth and accountability must come first.  The lies, misinformation, and double standards that have gotten us to this perilous place in our society need to be challenged and changed.  On this episode, I talk about the importance of truth and accountability as it relates to what’s going on in our nation right now, and also how essential these things are to the health and well-being of our lives, families, and businesses as well. Resources: We’re All in This Together (new book), by Mike Robbins Mike Robbins Website Mike Robbins Blog Mike Robbins Podcast Mike Robbins on Facebook Mike Robbins on Twitter Mike Robbins on Instagram Mike Robbins on YouTube The Social Dilemma   Shareables:   “Before we can authentically work on healing and unity, we must first focus on truth and accountability.” — @MikeDRobbins   “A lack of truth and accountability can be incredibly dangerous and damaging.” —

I felt so sad, angry, and scared watching the violence take place on Capitol Hill in Washington DC yesterday.  I recorded a special episode of the podcast to address this, and share some thoughts and insights about how we navigate through these challenging times, find common ground with one another, and create the kind of change that is required at this pivotal moment. Resources: We’re All in This Together (new book), by Mike Robbins Mike Robbins Website Mike Robbins Blog Mike Robbins Podcast Mike Robbins on Facebook Mike Robbins on Twitter Mike Robbins on Instagram Mike Robbins on YouTube   Shareables:   “Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that.” — Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.   “We have no morally persuasive power with those who can feel our underlying contempt for them.” — Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.   “It’s time for us to dig deep to find the courage, strength, and love we need to create the change that is necessary.” — @MikeDRobbins

While the calendar has turned from 2020 to 2021, we still find ourselves in difficult and uncertain times.  We do have the opportunity to tap into the power of creation as we start this new year.  On this episode, I talk about how important and powerful it can be to create this new year with intention.  I also provide a specific process and series of questions we can answer as we set our goals for 2021.  Conscious creation is essential and can help us both manifest what we truly want and focus on what matters most. Resources: We’re All in This Together (new book), by Mike Robbins Mike Robbins Website Mike Robbins Blog Mike Robbins Podcast Mike Robbins on Facebook Mike Robbins on Twitter Mike Robbins on Instagram Mike Robbins on YouTube The Power of Completion   Shareables:   “Creation is the process of taking our intentions and putting them into action.” — @MikeDRobbins   “New year, be you.” — @MikeDRobbins   “There’s a big difference between fixing and changing.” — @MikeDRobbins