Category Archives: Personal Development

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Episode #130: Success at Work Through Improv

With Cathy Salit, author of Performance Breakthrough

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cathy salitThe relatively new science of Performative Psychology is one with which I’m quite fascinated.

It is, according to EastSideInstitute.org, “a shift from a natural science-based and individualistic approach to understanding human life, to a more cultural and relational approach.”

For 20 years, today’s guest has been creating custom workshops that artfully blend techniques from theatrical performance with this new science with dramatic results.

Cathy Salit is the CEO and founder of Performance of a Lifetime, a consulting firm specializing in helping leaders and companies with the human side of business and strategy.

She is a sought-after speaker and executive coach who has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, Fast Company, and Wired.  And, she is also the author of Performance Breakthrough: A Radical Approach to Success at Work.

Listen to our chat below

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Episode #129: Creating Extraordinary Change

A conversation with Adam Braun of Pencils of Promise

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adam braunI am pleased to present to you today my conversation with Adam Braun, founder of Pencils of Promise.

This was the interview that at one point was feared to be lost forever. Thankfully, the computer and internet Gremlins smiled upon us and saw fit to return to us what was rightfully ours.

Pencils of Promise is an award-winning organization that has broken ground on more than 350 schools for children in poverty around the world. In 2015, Adam served as the Director of the Global Education Platform, an initiative conceived by the UN Special Envoy for Global Education to accelerate breakthroughs in learning innovation.

He has also been featured as a speaker at The White House, the United Nations and the Clinton Global Initiative. And, he’s been named to Business Insider’s 40 Under 40, Wired Magazine‘s 50 People Who Are Changing the World, and was selected as one of the World Economic Forum’s original ten Global Shapers.

Today, Adam and I talk about how an ordinary person (like you, for example) can create extraordinary change. His book is called The Promise of a Pencil, and his story is a fascinating one.

Listen to the audio below

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Episode #128: The Mindfulness Edge with Matt Tenney

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matt tenneyOver the last several years, I’ve heard a lot about the concept of Mindfulness.

What it was I couldn’t say for sure as, anytime I came across the topic either in my reading or in conversations with others, I lost interest and changed the subject. The reasons why are a mystery really. I’d concluded somewhere along my path that mindfulness was, in the words of Han Solo, a bunch of “mumbo jumbo.” “That’s one of those new age concepts,” I thought. “That’s not for me.”

Then I came across the work of Matt Tenney. At first, I was put off again. What could a middle-aged, been-around-the-block-a-few-times guy like me learn from a young, fit, good-looking, obviously ‘born with a silver spoon in his mouth’ guy like Tenney? Turns out, quite a bit.

In this case, obvious would be a euphemism for, “Look at me and all the ASSumptions I keep making!”

So, yeah. Matt’s been teaching mindfulness since 2002, and his clients include Wells Fargo, Marriott, Keller Williams, The Four Seasons, and many other companies, associations, and universities. Oh, and in his spare time, he writes books.

The book we discuss today is his second one, released in March. It’s called The Mindfulness Edge: How to Rewire Your Brain for Leadership and Personal Excellence Without Adding to Your Schedule.

Listen to the audio below

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Episode #126: Ask Me Anything

Jeff answers listener questions

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Jeff BrownFor a few days, I’ve been asking those in the Read to Lead Facebook group to Ask Me Anything, whether about books, reading, leadership, business, me personally, or anything else.

Several responded via the feedback button to the right (and near the bottom of this posts like this one), and I’ve included a few of them here.

Listeners like you asked for tips on how I manage to read a book a week, to retaining what I read, and even what I consider my greatest success and (failure) as an entrepreneur these last few months.

I had a lot of fun answering them. So much so that I’ll likely do it again later in the year. Thank you to Marcus, Keith, John, Sheryl, Doug and Travis for their questions.

To enjoy the episode from you computer, just click the play button below.

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Episode #125: How to Find a Job, Career and Life You Love

With Louis Efron

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louis efronToday’s guest has enjoyed a broad set of experiences in his relatively brief time on earth.

Louis Efron’s career credits include Head of Global Employee Engagement for Tesla Motors, International VP of HR for JDA Software, VP of HR for the Fortune 300 medical device company, Stryker and Broadway theatre. He is an award winning human resources executive, entrepreneur, writer, theatre director, producer, consultant, speaker and founder of the charity World Child Cancer USA.

He has lived and worked throughout the US, Europe, Africa, and Asia. He studied Labor Relations at Cornell University, New York State School of Industrial and Labor Relations, and Advanced Leadership at Harvard Business School. He holds a BA from California State University, Fullerton, as well as a BS and JD from Saratoga University School of Law.

Oh, and in his spare time, he writes books. He’s currently working on his second book concerning the organizational intersection between purpose and execution. The book we discuss today is his first. It’s called How to Find a Job, Career and Life You  Love: A Journey to Purpose, Fulfillment and Life Happiness.

To join our conversation, just click the play button below.

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