Bring Your Whole Self To Work

It has become my tradition to use the week in between Christmas and the New Year to reflect back on what transpired during the year and take a personal inventory of any wins and challenges I experienced. 2017 has been quite a year, eh? In this final podcast episode of the year, I share the six completion questions I ask myself to consciously complete any items I don’t intend to bring forward into 2018. This is a powerful process we can use to make space for creativity and opportunity in the New Year.   Key Takeaways:   [5:00] Completion questions used for reflecting on the past year. [13:14] Taking inventory of the wins and the challenges. [15:24] Making space for the new by declaring the old completed. [19:01] Take time for yourself.   Resources: Mike Robbins Website Mike Robbins Podcast Mike Robbins on Facebook Mike Robbins on Twitter Men... We Have to Do Better blog post

This week I talk with writer and speaker, Scott Stabile. Scott is a fascinating guy who shares his life experiences in his book, Big Love: The Power of Living with a Wide-Open Heart. The book is a collection of essays that developed from the stories of love and authenticity he posted on his Facebook page. During our discussion, he openly reveals the challenges he faced after losing his parents in a tragic act of violence at the age of fourteen, why he shares his personal story with others and overcoming his fear of being judged, and how he finds the courage to bring his whole self to his work, his writing, and his creativity.   Key Takeaways:   [1:53] What the phrase ‘bring your whole self to work’ means to Scott. [3:37] Scott shares the challenges he faced after losing his parents in a tragic way. [11:56] Why do we have a hard time talking about loss, death, and grief in our culture? [19:45] A Facebook page was the catalyst Scott needed to start sharing his personal story. [24:35] How Scott deals with digita

This week I chat with Diana Chapman. Diana is a trusted advisor to senior leaders within some of the top companies in the world. She is an advocate for personal growth, personal responsibility, and conscious leadership. I find her no-nonsense approach to life and business refreshing. Diana is the co-founder of the Conscious Leadership Group and the co-author of 15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership: The New Paradigm for Sustainable Success. During this episode, Diana shares her important outlook on life, leadership, and success.   Key Takeaways:   [2:54] What the phrase 'bring your whole self to work' means to Diana. [4:03] The work of Gay and Katie Hendricks changed Diana's life. [8:38] Selling soft skills to businesses. [15:12] How to create conditions to have effective sweaty-palmed conversations. [22:31] 15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership [29:00] Finding a playground that is fun to play on.   Resources: Mike Robbins Website Mike Robbins Podcast Mike Robbins on Facebook Mike Robbins on Twitter Diana C

This week I speak to someone who shares my passion for authenticity, Henna Inam. In 2010, she left her successful corporate job to start her own consulting company, Transformational Leadership Inc. Henna works with leaders and organizations - helping them enhance their team culture and performance. Her approach to authenticity starts at the foundation of awareness and appreciation of self. Her book, Wired for Authenticity, and her keynote speeches help people shift perspectives and deepen trust.   Key Takeaways:   [2:00] What the phrase ‘bring your whole self to work’ means to Henna. [6:18] The motivational differences between genders and generations. [14:43] Henna separates her identity from her authentic self. [28:29] Befriending our bodies. [40:24] Give yourself an ‘A’ for Appreciation. [44:18] Moderating who you are in the moment.   Resources: Mike Robbins Website Mike Robbins Podcast Mike Robbins on Facebook Mike Robbins on Twitter Transformational Leadership Inc. Wired for Authenticity: Seven Practices

This week, I speak to the inspirational Gay Hendricks. I have respected and admired Gay for many years. Through his best-selling books, especially The Big Leap and Conscious Loving, he helped shift my mindset and my approach to relationships and success. For 45 years, Gay has been a leader in relationship transformation, peak performance, and mind/body therapies. He joins me today to share his insights, perspectives, and examples of what bringing your whole self to work means to him. Gay’s curiosity and passion have made him a true Renaissance man.   Key Takeaways:   [2:52] What the phrase ‘bring your whole self to work’ means to Gay. [7:51] The benefit of having an alignment of a life’s purpose and purpose at work. [9:42] Figuring out your genius. [13:11] Dealing with Upper Limit problems. [20:17] Expressing emotion through sweaty-palmed conversations. [33:19] True leadership is free of blame and criticism. [41:45] How to break through the Upper Limit barrier.   Resources: Mike Robbins Website Mike Robbins P

This week I speak to my dear friend Kristine Carlson. I met Kris through her late husband, Richard. Richard mentored me and generously helped me to get my publishing career started. His groundbreaking bestseller, Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff, impacted me like no other book ever has. During this episode, Kris and I fondly remember Richard’s selflessness, discuss how our culture deals with loss, and Kris tells me about her very personal new book, From Heartbreak to Wholeness, which will be released in June 2018.   Key Takeaways:   [5:42] What ‘bring your whole self to work’ means to Kris. [11:14] The birth of the Don't Sweat the Small Stuff series. [18:12] There were many things to admire about Richard. [23:16] Kristine’s book, Heartbroken Open came directly from her journal. [28:58] How our culture deals with loss, in life, and at work. [40:03] From Heartbreak to Wholeness is a collection of personal wisdom.   Resources: Mike Robbins Website Mike Robbins Podcast Mike Robbins on Facebook Mike Robbins on Twitter

This week I have the pleasure of talking to Kim Scott, the Author of the New York Times bestselling book, Radical Candor: Be a Kickass Boss Without Losing Your Humanity. Kim has had a very successful career in technology - working for startups and tech giants Apple and Google, and then working as a CEO coach and advisor at Dropbox and Twitter, among others. During our conversation, Kim shares her insights about gender, leadership, teamwork, writing, and her important work around radical candor.   Key Takeaways:   [1:55] Why do we put pressure on ourselves to be something different than who we really are? [7:06] Before writing Radical Candor, Kim wrote three novels about relationships. [12:50] Both Google and Apple are relationship-driven companies. [14:52] Kim describes the theme of her book, Radical Candor. [26:20] Being consciously aware of your gender.   Resources: Mike Robbins Website Mike Robbins Podcast Mike Robbins on Facebook Mike Robbins on Twitter Radical Candor @candor on Twitter Candor, Inc. on Fa

This week I talk to the multi-talented and inspiring Jenna Ushkowitz. You may know Jenna from her work on Broadway, as Tina on the hit TV show Glee, or from one of her podcasts. Last year, I had the pleasure of being on an episode of her Infinite Positivities podcast.  Her new podcast, Epic Fail, asks actors to share what they believe to be their biggest failure and what they learned from that experience. During today’s show, Jenna talks about being committed to the career in show business she started at age three, what it felt like to be involved in a project (Glee) that changed her life and the lives of others, the importance of embracing vulnerability in her work and life, and her new film Hello Again.   Key Takeaways:   [5:05] How authenticity integrates into Jenna's work. [8:59] What early life was like for Jenna. [15:23] Glee set Jenna's career and soul on fire. [23:56] Jenna's latest project is an Epic Fail. [32:04] What it’s like to be in the tabloids. [34:49] “Hello Again” is a movie about human conn

Recent natural weather-related disasters and the abundance of political crises prompted me to verbalize my thoughts about the fundamental uncertainty of life. When we are not pushed into decisions by things that are out of our control, how much risk do we actually take? How many unknown journeys do we embark on? It is always easier to stick with what we know but how does that help us grow? What would embracing uncertainty look like in your life?   Key Takeaways: [:58] Braving the Wilderness that is our world. [5:31] What would you take if you had to leave in an emergency? [11:35] Leaning into and embracing the fundamental uncertainty of life.   Resources: Mike Robbins Website Mike Robbins Podcast Mike Robbins on Facebook Mike Robbins on Twitter Braving the Wilderness: The Quest for True Belonging and the Courage to Stand Alone, by Brené Brown  

In this solo episode, I explore how human beings engage with one another, how we take a stand or speak up, and how we express ourselves when faced with hot-button, emotional issues. Last week, the President publicly commented about the athletes and teams who are taking a knee during the national anthem to protest racial oppression and inequality. And as a former pro-athlete, who always stood with my hand over my heart in front of the flag during the national anthem, I wonder what I will do the next time I am at a sporting event and the national anthem is played? I believe this issue goes deeper than politics, deeper than the social commentary it’s about who we are as human beings. How do we respectfully take a stand for what we believe in?   Key Takeaways: [1:07] Taking a knee and what it says about who we are as human beings. [6:24] It's hard for 'privileged' white men to talk about race and inequality. [16:51] Using dehumanizing language is at the genesis of genocide. [21:37] The false choice we are faced w

In this solo episode, I examine how we can be a force for good in the midst of all the intense, difficult and challenging things happening in the world right now. In the wake of a negative political climate, natural disasters, and the events in Charlottesville, among other things, it can be challenging to focus on the good stuff. Focusing on the good stuff doesn’t mean always being positive or accepting a spiritual bypass — I mean being a force for good. How can we show up and be a force for good when times seem dismal? Key Takeaways: [2:43] A question to ask yourself when facing difficult circumstances. [6:14] Sometimes just listening is enough. [8:15] Five Things we can do to be a force for good. ● Look for ways we can help. ● Be proactive with complaints. ● Don’t get caught up in the drama. ● Speak up with authenticity. ● Focus on gratitude. Resources: Mike Robbins Website Mike Robbins Podcast Focus on the Good Stuff: The Power of Appreciation, by Mike Robbins Mike Robbins on Facebook Mike Robbins on Twit

At age nine, after a fire burned 100% of his body, John O’Leary was given a 1% chance to live. John chose life. During his physical recovery, John was inspired by the people who were rooting for him to rise above the hardships and to live life to its fullest. His parents, classmates, and even a total stranger believed in his ability to overcome the tragedy. So he did. John embraced who he truly was and chose to be a victor. Today, John is a husband, father, author, podcast host, and a keynote speaker. Through his organization, Rising Above, John inspires others to embrace all the possibilities life has to offer and to live life ‘On Fire’.   Key Takeaways: [3:05] What ‘bring your whole self to work’ means to John. [4:24] The significance of January 17, 1987. [10:26] How the legendary Jack Buck transformed John’s life forever. [20:26] Heroes seldom wear capes. [23:00] John has been overwhelmed by the love he has received during his charmed life. [26:20] Choosing to be the victor over the victim. [30:17] Effecti

My guest this week, Sarah Brubacher, is remarkable and quite an anomaly in Silicon Valley. She has been with the tech giant, eBay, for 13 years, she has survived two different forms of cancer, she and her husband recently welcomed a new baby into the world, and she inspires other women through keynote speeches at her Alma Mater, Cornell University.   During our discussion, Sarah shares openly about her experience as Chief of Staff, serving on Devin Wenig’s leadership team.  As well as how it feels to be part of the community at eBay dedicated to inclusion and diversity.   Key Takeaways:   [2:49] What the phrase ‘bring your whole self to work’ means to Sarah. [6:19] Starting a relationship based on raw honesty. [13:03] The eBay community gave Sarah the opportunity to try new things. [27:46] eBay has always been a community of inclusion. [33:48] Sarah speaks on being a female executive in Silicon Valley. [42:17] How having a child has changed Sarah’s perspective on work. [51:53] As tragic as having cancer is, i

My guest this week, Prakash Raman, is the Senior Consultant in Executive Development at LinkedIn. Prakash facilitates conversations and programs that drive diversity and inclusion, among other things, within the organization. The primary goals of his work are to usher in compassion and awareness by understanding the values and differences of everyone in the company. Prakash’s passion lies in paying it forward by participating in Marshall Goldsmith’s 100 Coaches Project, and volunteering for the Sponsors for Educational Opportunity.   Key Takeaways:   [3:04] What does ‘bring your whole self to work’ mean to Prakash? [9:42] How LinkedIn is driving diversity, inclusion, compassion, and success. [18:21] How Prakash tries to bridge the gaps in understanding the values and differences of others. [22:10] Success should be measured in habits, not in outcomes. [29:38] The 100 Coaches Project.   Resources: Mike Robbins Website Mike Robbins Podcast Mike Robbins on Facebook Mike Robbins on Twitter Mike Robbins Workshop a

When you heard about the hate march in Charlottesville, Virginia how willing were you to talk about it? Did you discuss it at work? Did you discuss it with others who are different than you?  Did you consider how your personal history influenced your views? This week I explore the topics of gender, race, and diversity. I reflect on the privileges afforded to straight, white males, and how being aware of those privileges may be the key to unlocking empathy and compassion for others.   Key Takeaways:   [1:38] Reflecting on my Open Letter to My Fellow Straight, White Men. [5:50] Being aware of privilege and difference can open up the door to empathy. [12:23] How willing are we to talk about gender and diversity issues? [19:23] Is justifying prejudice based on actions racism? [21:36] Understanding what makes up how we see the world. [27:08] How much do you cover your authentic self?   Resources: Mike Robbins Website Mike Robbins Podcast Mike Robbins on Facebook Mike Robbins on Twitter Mike Robbins Workshop at 144

This week’s episode comes on the heels of the finishing of my manuscript for Bring Your Whole Self to Work. I feel a sense of accomplishment in having my work completed, and I realize having a deadline was a motivator for me. But, did I enjoy the process? Starting any creative project opens us up to vulnerability and discomfort, because we don’t know how it will turn out. What if we could be satisfied with the growth that accompanies the creation, not just the achievement that is the finished product?   What can you do to support and empower yourself in a positive way to grow and engage in the things that mean the most to you?   Key Takeaways:   [:19] Sign up for the “Nothing Changes Until You Do” workshop September 15th -17th at 1440 MULTIVERSITY in Santa Cruz. [1:38] The power of completing what we set out to do. [4:52] The shitty first draft. [9:16] Being obsessed with, and attached to, an outcome limits our power.   Resources: Mike Robbins Website Mike Robbins Podcast Mike Robbins on Facebook Mike Robbins

I am recording this week’s podcast close to midnight on the eve of my manuscript’s due date. I happily share with you that I have finished the manuscript and will be sending it to Hay House (my publisher) after finishing my final review and writing the Acknowledgements. This week I was provoked to consider my motivation for wanting to change, fix, and heal myself through my personal development work, which is something I wrote a bit about in the book. What if instead of criticizing ourselves for things we feel are lacking, we practiced love, acceptance, and forgiveness? How might we grow, if we had gratitude for our whole selves?   Key Takeaways:   [:35] Sign up for the “Nothing Changes Until You Do” workshop September 15th -17th at 1440 MULTIVERSITY in Santa Cruz. [4:59] Growth mindset is about looking at everything that comes our way as an opportunity to learn and grow. [5:56] Forgiving instead of fixing helps keep you whole. [13:41] What's the motivation behind your growth? [19:46] Aging — it happens.   Re

I am recording this week’s podcast from a hotel room near Napa, CA, where I’m focused on finishing the manuscript for my book, Bring Your Whole Self to Work. As I write the growth mindset chapter, it’s forcing me to take an introspective look at the areas of my life in which I employ a growth or a fixed mindset. Growth often require us to be vulnerable and uncomfortable What triggers us to stay in a fixed mindset, when we know growth and development come from our willingness to try and to fail?   Key Takeaways:   [1:15] Sign up for the ‘Nothing Changes Until You Do’ workshop September 15th -17th at 1440 MULTIVERSITY in Santa Cruz. [4:16] The growth mindset is a willingness to fail and to learn. [12:45] Why we avoid the things we think we will fail miserably at. [16:25] Discovering our inner ‘grit.’ [20:56] The immediate feedback loop is more satisfying than delayed criticism.   Resources: Mike Robbins Website Mike Robbins Podcast Mike Robbins on Facebook Mike Robbins on Twitter Mike Robbins Workshop at 1440 M

I am recording this week’s podcast from a hotel room in Calistoga, CA where I’m focused on finishing the manuscript for my book, Bring Your Whole Self to Work, which is due August 1st. I find myself knee-deep in the creative process, having completed about 37,000 words of my intended 60,000 word objective. I’ve been thinking a lot about what it takes to inspire my creativity, specifically my writing, and how we’re all creative in some way, even if we all demonstrate it differently. In this week’s episode, I talk about how we can understand and embrace our creative process with more awareness and self-compassion.  So often the hardest part of the creation process is dealing with ourselves, not the project itself.  What do you need to have in place to nourish your own creative process?   Key Takeaways: [1:27] I have a love-hate relationship with writing. [5:29] We all create in different ways. [10:49] Embrace your creative process. [13:39] Writing is more than the physical, practical process of the written word

During this week’s podcast, I have a conversation with my dear friend, Dr. Robert Holden. Robert is a well-known author and spiritual psychologist from the UK. He has been featured on the Oprah Winfrey Show and Good Morning America, and his books, including Happiness NOW!, have made him a sought-after speaker. But, Robert is much more than his accolades. He is a husband, a father and a teacher with a deep understanding of the human experience. During this interview, he kindly shares his insights about why we feel inadequate, why it’s important to define our own success, the beauty of being honest and the four aspects of intelligence.   Key Takeaways: [2:46] What the phrase ‘bring your whole self to work’ means to Dr. Holden. [8:36] Considering the possibility of wholeness beyond our persona. [14:55] Honesty and truth are core values of Dr. Holden’s company, Success Intelligence. [19:54] Dr. Holden describes the many aspects of physical intelligence. [27:38] How much do you enjoy being you? [31:54] Spiritual i