Category Archives: Personal Development

Posted on

488: Always Make Your Future Bigger Than Your Past with Dan Miller

by

One of my favorite guests of all time, and one of my favorite humans in general, is joining me again for this episode. His fourth visit thus far.

dan miller

I’m talking, of course, about New York Times bestselling author, Dan Miller.

His latest book, unconventional in that he made all the “wrong” choices during its creation, is called An Understanding Heart.

Some of those choices include:

  • A simulated leather book
  • 406 pages
  • 84 vignettes in all
  • Color pages
  • A satin bookmark
  • A gift box with key quotations
  • A bonus medallion
  • And more.

It’s about as excited as I’ve ever seen Dan about one of his projects. It’s the kind of book you can dive into for a few pages, put it down, and then come back to it later, without the guilt typically associated with approaching a book in that way.

For this reason and many others, it makes a fantastic gift! I loved it, and I think you will too.

I hope you’ll click the play button below to learn more about Dan and his work. For a summary, just keep scrolling.

Join in on our chat below

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | RSS

Continue Reading »
Posted on

487: Closing the Confidence Gap with Kelli Thompson

by

Over the years, I’ve been exposed to a number of coach-written books. Many, though certainly nowhere near all, serve as little more than business cards or lead magnets to their coaching programs.

kelli thompson

Some are good, some are just okay. Few, however, would I consider to be as well-written and well-researched as the one I want to expose you to today.

It is written by Kelli Thompson and is called Closing the Confidence Gap: Boost Your Peace, Your Potential, and Your Paycheck.

In it, Kelli asks, What would you do if you had a little more confidence? Would you take the next step in your career, assume more leading roles, set boundaries, ask for a raise, or even run for office?

She goes on to say that doubt and imposter feelings are a big reason women hold back and play small instead of going for what they truly desire at work. Coupled with the systemic gender equity issues and the resulting burnout that plagues women in the workplace today, it’s no wonder that so many women are undervaluing themselves and their abilities.

These doubtful thoughts and systemic issues, she says, are expensive―they cost women their peace, their potential, and their paychecks.

To close the confidence gap and see more women showing up in their full potential at work, Kelli says we need more women leaders at the top of organizations. Her book will show you how to advance with confidence, despite the systemic issues that women face every day at work. You’ll hear deeply personal stories and walk away with practical tools to show you how to claim your role as a confident leader.

“It’s time to own who you are, trust yourself, and take your bravest next step.” — Kelli Thompson

I hope you’ll click the play button below to learn more about Kelli and her work. For a summary, just keep scrolling.

Join in on our chat below

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | RSS

Continue Reading »
Posted on

484: The Surprising Science of High-Performing Teams with David Burkus

by

This week’s guest is making a repeat appearance (or should I say, “three-peat” appearance?). It’s been a while since his last visit, but I can say it is definitely worth the wait.

david burkus

His name is David Burkus. We previously chatted with David about his books Friend of a Friend and Under New Management.

His new book is called Best Team Ever! The Surprising Science of High-Performing Teams.

Talent, David says, doesn’t make the team—the team makes the talent. But why are some teams more motivated, innovative, and successful than others? Why do some groups of talented people fall short against lesser teams? And how do you go about building a high-performing team?

David understands that to build the best team, you must first shape the habits and practices that bring out the best in each member. Best Team Ever reveals what some of the world’s most effective teams do, and shows you how you can do the same.

Banish the frustration of having a team of talented people who can’t perform optimally. Discover how to develop a clear, concise understanding of how your team’s culture affects its performance. Follow this simple, practical blueprint to cultivate a Best Team Ever environment and set your team on a path to success.

I hope you’ll click the play button below to learn more about David and his work. For a summary, just keep scrolling.

Join in on our chat below

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | RSS

Continue Reading »
Posted on

482: How Leaders Can Move Teams From Isolated to All In with Steven Van Cohen

by

I was in a crunch for time the week I sat down with today’s guest and needed to get through his book (a seven- to eight-hour read) in a single day. What to do?

steven van cohen

I had a physical copy of the book in hand, but needed to get through it quickly. I decided to use one of my favorite speed reading tricks. I purchased the audiobook version. Then, following along in the physical book, I cranked up the audiobook to 2X speed. Instead of nearly eight hours, I was through the book in less than four!

Now, to be clear, you can do this with audiobooks (and podcasts) all day long if you like. But with books, unless you’re following along in either the ebook or have a physical copy, don’t expect to retain much of the book’s content later, let alone comprehend any of it.

Who is this guest and book? His name is Steven Van Cohen. His new book, co-written with Ryan Jenkins, is called Connectable: How Leaders Can Move Teams From Isolated to All, and connect we did.

I found Steven to be quite personable. He’s extremely good at what he does, as he’s been doing it for nearly two decades. Here’s a bit about what the book dives into:

The book covers how tackling the issue of worker loneliness head-on can transform an isolated workforce into one that’s happier, more engaged, and more productive.

Steven and his co-author, Ryan Jenkins, distill their methodology, showing you what’s causing today’s loneliness, the role inclusion plays in solving it, and how you can decrease loneliness and increase belonging, engagement, and performance with employees at every level―including yourself. 

I hope you’ll click the play button below to learn more about Steven and his work. For a summary, just keep scrolling.

Join in on our chat below

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | RSS

Continue Reading »
Posted on

479: Finding Clarity, Confidence, and Courage with Dr. Heather Penny

by

Once in a great while, a book title just grabs you in a way that makes you want to stop what you’re doing right then and there and open it up to experience the gems you know are waiting inside.

dr. heather penny

I recently discovered just such a book, and its gems were numerous to say the least.

I’m talking about a new book titled The Life You’re Made For: Finding Clarity, Confidence, and Courage to Be Fully Alive by Dr. Heather Penny.

Heather helps you blaze a path to the life of your dreams through a transformative process she calls 3C Living. Her guidance helps individuals and teams get traction in their personal and professional lives.

Whether you’re new to executive leadership or are feeling like your career is on pause and your personal life is dragging you down, 3C Living provides a practical, proven blueprint to take you from where you are to where you want to be.

But don’t worry. This isn’t one more book about doing more. You’re probably already doing too much.

This is a book about building rest into your hectic schedule, recognizing and reducing mind chatter, identifying the Givers in your life as well as those who may be taking too much.

You’ll read about the art of receiving, how to “spiral up” rather than down, and how to pursue that unique dream that goes beyond just surviving day to day to actually thriving. Along the way, Heather provides a few simple exercises, questions, and cautions to empower you to stay on track.

I hope you’ll click the play button below to learn more about Heather and her work. For a summary, just keep scrolling.

Join in on our chat below

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | RSS

Continue Reading »