Bring Your Whole Self To Work

Today’s episode is the third in a series of podcasts in which I discuss the five principles of my new book Bring Your Whole Self to Work: How Vulnerability Unlocks Creativity, Connection, and Performance. During this episode, I talk about emotional intelligence and the core components that characterize it, as well as the importance of expressing our emotions at work and how we can listen more effectively. I also touch on blending mindfulness into our connected world and the essence of trust.   The five principles of my new book are #1 Be Authentic, #2 Utilize the Power of Appreciation, #3 Focus on Emotional Intelligence, #4 Embrace the Growth Mindset, and #5 Create a Championship Team.   When you order copies of Bring Your Whole Self to Work: How Vulnerability Unlocks Creativity, Connection, and Performance in bulk from 1-800-CEO-READ, you’ll get a nice discount on the books and you can contact us for additional bonuses and offers.   Key Takeaways:   [2:53] Success at work is largely based on emotional intell

Today’s episode is the second in a series of podcasts in which I discuss the five principles of my new book Bring Your Whole Self to Work: How Vulnerability Unlocks Creativity, Connection, and Performance. During this episode, I talk about the power of appreciation and how to take on a mindset of gratitude. I also offer ways individuals, leaders, teams, and organizations can start practicing and utilizing appreciation to create a positive, healthy culture at work. Imagine if we all showed up to work today and made the choice to be grateful for all of it, even the stuff that ruffles our feathers.   The five principles of my new book are #1 Be Authentic, #2 Utilize the Power of Appreciation, #3 Focus on Emotional Intelligence, #4 Embrace the Growth Mindset, and #5 Create a Championship Team.   When you order copies of Bring Your Whole Self to Work: How Vulnerability Unlocks Creativity, Connection, and Performance in bulk from 1-800-CEO-READ, you’ll get a nice discount on the books and you can contact us for add

Today’s episode is the first in a series of podcasts in which I discuss the five main principles of my new book Bring Your Whole Self to Work: How Vulnerability Unlocks Creativity, Connection, and Performance. During this episode, I address the foundational first principle, Be Authentic. This principle is important because it is the one all the other principles in the book build upon. It's not always easy to be authentic. It takes conscious effort, mindful intention, and real courage. I share the authenticity equation and a group activity that help can help you, your team, or any group move through the fear of being vulnerable and demonstrate the human connection we all share. Over the next few episodes, I will be exploring the additional four principles of my book. They are #2 Utilize the Power of Appreciation, #3 Focus on Emotional Intelligence, #4 Embrace the Growth Mindset, and #5 Create a Championship Team. When you order Bring Your Whole Self to Work: How Vulnerability Unlocks Creativity, Connection, an

My new book is officially available today! During this episode, I share the behind-the-scenes reality of making this book and podcast come to life, and some of what made it challenging.  I discuss and explore the nature of creativity, grief, and inspiration, and how all of these things were aspects of me writing my new book...and, how you can embrace your own journey, wherever you may be right now.   Order Bring Your Whole Self to Work: How Vulnerability Unlocks Creativity, Connection, and Performance and you will have access to special audio bonuses. And if you live in the Bay area, you can join me on May 5th for a live book launch at Book Passage in Corte Madera at 7 pm.   Key Takeaways:   [3:13] Nothing Changes Until You Do is a very personal book. [8:29] What the phrase ‘bring your whole self to work’ means to me. [13:20] Why I waited for life to calm down to write my new book. [16:10] The inspiration behind this podcast. [38:12] Infusing our lives into our work.   Resources: Purchase Bring Your Whole Sel

My guest this week, Susan Stiffelman, is a parenting expert. She started her career as a teacher and a therapist. In her books, Parenting with Presence and Parenting without Power Struggles she acknowledges that parents are transforming and growing along with their children. She speaks to large organizations, like Google, and was the parenting expert for AOL and the Huffington Post for many years. She has been featured on the Today show and partners with other experts and authors in her online summits and programs. My book, Bring Your Whole Self to Work: How Vulnerability Unlocks Creativity, Connection and Performance comes out officially May 1, 2018, but you can pre-order it now and receive special audio bonuses. And, you can join me on May 5th for a live book launch at the Book Passage in Corte Madera at 7 pm. Key Takeaways: [3:21] Susan explores a person's ability to transform and grow while raising kids. [7:29] How Susan works with organizations to assist parents who often spend a lot of time at work. [10

My guest this week, Aaron Schiller, is a coach, counselor, the co-host of the Muse + the Catalyst Podcast, which I will be a guest on next week. He blends his varied career experiences of working in education, business, and as a trainer and consultant at Yale University’s Emotional Intelligence Lab, to coach executives and start-ups on gender awareness and emotional intelligence.  My new book, Bring Your Whole Self to Work: How Vulnerability Unlocks Creativity, Connection and Performance comes out in two weeks (on May 1st), but you can pre-order it now and receive special audio bonuses. Key Takeaways: [3:33] What the phrase “bring your whole self to work” means to Aaron. [4:37] Alcohol was kryptonite for Aaron. [17:39] Do people resist their own transformations? [20:52] Parenting expectations in today's world. [26:56] Working with businesses to increase emotional and gender intelligence. [28:40] Gender differences are deeply ingrained in our society. [41:21] Diving deep into the world of feelings [47:51] When

My guest this week, Bob Burg, has been speaking, writing and inspiring people for over 30 years. His books have sold over a million copies. His groundbreaking book, The Go-Giver, came out a decade ago.  It inspired a movement and has become a real phenomenon. The American Management Association named Bob one of the 30 Most Influential Leaders and he is one of Inc. Magazine’s 100 Great Leadership Speakers. During our conversation, he shares the inspiration behind his new book, The Go-Giver Influencer, the 4th in the Go-Giver series.  This new book is all about how to communicate tactfully without compromising your views and the essence of influence. My new book, Bring Your Whole Self to Work: How Vulnerability Unlocks Creativity, Connection and Performance comes out on May 1st, but you can pre-order it now and receive special audio bonuses. Key Takeaways: [4:01] How Bob's sportscasting experience turned into a speaking business. [7:16] The essence of influence. [14:08] The Go-Giver Books explain how-to make ev

My guest this week, Ariane de Bonvoisin, has led a fascinating life. After attending London’s School of Economics and Stanford Business School, she had a prosperous business career in the media industry based in New York City. Ten years into her career her heart started calling her elsewhere. She wrote the book, The First 30 Days: How to Deal with and Go Through Change and built a company to support it. Again, her spirit told her she had a different path to follow so she started a spiritual journey which took her around the globe where she met her husband. She has written three spiritual books for children and is an Entrepreneur in Residence at the TED offices in New York. My book, Bring Your Whole Self to Work: How Vulnerability Unlocks Creativity, Connection and Performance comes out officially May 1, 2018, but you can pre-order it now.  Key Takeaways:  [4:23] What does the phrase ‘bring your whole self to work’ mean to Ariane? [5:31] After a career in finance, Ariane ventured out to find her true self. [13

My guest this week started his entrepreneurial journey early. By the time Ty Bennett was 21, he and his brother had created a multi-million dollar direct sales business. He was drawn to leadership training and public speaking. He sold his half of the business to his brother and pursued speaking and writing professionally. His books The Power of Storytelling, The Power of Influence, and Partnership is the New Leadership showcase his innate understanding of business leadership. He attributes his faith as a guiding influence in his career and his family life.   My book, Bring Your Whole Self to Work comes out May 1, 2018.   Key Takeaways:   [5:24] How Ty became a successful entrepreneur. [10:09] How faith played a part in Ty’s work and home life. [16:11] Talking points that connect people. [21:35] The evolution of relevant leadership. [30:18] How Ty shares his wisdom with different generations. [36:58] Being present is the best way to balance a career and a family. [39:14] What the phrase ‘bring your whole self

My guest this week is an Author, Speaker, Life Coach, Mother, and one of my favorite people on the planet, Amy Ahlers. For almost two decades, she has provided business coaching and support for people, leaders, and companies such as Google and Oracle. Her books, Big Fat Lies Women Tell Themselves and Reform Your Inner Mean Girl are both bestsellers. Her podcast and her Inner Mean Girl Reform School, Find Your Calling and Lift Off Business Academy programs help women (and us men too) find balance and success in both life and in business, as well as to tune into their voice of truth. Key Takeaways:  [4:47] The perils of showing your work to the world. [5:59] Amy’s career journey includes trading life coaching in exchange for office work. [11:46] How has the corporate environment changed in the last few years? [18:37] The expectations men and women put on themselves. [25:49] Why it’s important for women to be in leadership positions. [35:08] Tuning into inner wisdom. Resources: Mike Robbins Website Mike Robbins

My guest this week, Jim Kouzes, is a fascinating and accomplished man whom The Wall Street Journal calls one of the 12 best executive educators in the U.S. His groundbreaking work with Barry Pozner in organizational culture and leadership behavior is considered the foundation for many executive leadership programs in place today.  Jim is a best-selling author and an award-winning speaker. During our conversation, he shares his personal journey from eagle scout honor guard who got invited to JFK's inauguration, to serving in the Peace Corps, to becoming a pioneer in the world of executive development, to writing the ground-breaking book The Leadership Challenge with Barry Posner, to the work he is doing today to empower leaders, teams, and organizations all over the world.    Key Takeaways: [3:42] JFK was an influential person in Jim's life and career choices. [10:47] The early days of Executive Development work. [18:15] The Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership Model. [22:27] Encourage the heart and create c

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