Bring Your Whole Self To Work

This week’s podcast is a conversation with the authors of the new novel B.S., Incorporated, Jennifer Rock and Mike Voss. The duo met at Best Buy, a company based in the “nice” city of Minneapolis, MN. They spent the better part of two decades in corporate America writing speeches and running Internal Communications. This experience contributed to their innate knowledge of the B.S. that resides in most large groups of people and lends itself to their insightful, and funny, commentary on work today. Currently, Jennifer and Mike provide communication support to top level executives as well as small business entrepreneurs. During this week’s episode, Jennifer and Mike share how their idea of writing a book morphed from a patio bar conversation into a fun fiction and why storytelling is the best way to engage an audience.  Their insights are relevant to how all of us can cut through the B.S. of work and show up more authentically.   Key Takeaways: [1:56] The inspiration behind and crafting of B.S., Incorporated. [

From the moment we are aware our first child is coming, we become parents. We continue to be parents for the rest of our lives. We don’t stop being parents when we show up at work, have a date with our spouse, or when we end a relationship. During this week’s episode, I speak with Vicki Hoefle about all aspects of parenting.   Vicki Hoefle is a professional parent educator and certified ICF (International Coaching Federation) coach with over 20 years’ experience. She is the author of Parenting as Partners, Duct Tape Parenting, and The Straight Talk on Parenting. She shares her wisdom and perspective on the expectations placed on both mothers and fathers, how to raise respectful, responsible and resilient children, how corporations can support parents in the workplace, and how parents can transfer the relationship skills from their home life into their work life.   Key Takeaways:   [2:29] What the phrase, ‘bring your whole self to work,’ means to Vicki. [6:06] Vicki’s personal journey accidentally led to a ful

My guest on this week’s podcast is Tami Simon. Tami is the Founder and CEO of Sounds True, a wonderful publishing company in Boulder, Colorado that disseminates spiritual wisdom. Tami started Sounds True in 1985 with live conference recordings of Ram Dass and Stephen Levine. Over the last 32 years, Sounds True has grown and evolved.  They continue to produce spiritual audio and learning programs, as well as books and apps. I met Tami a few years ago at a Wisdom 2.0 conference, and at the most recent Wisdom 2.0 conference she gave a speech, which was all about bringing your whole self to work and creating a healthy work culture. During today’s episode, Tami shares her thoughts on what it means to bring your whole self to work, how she navigates through tough business issues holistically, how people are hungry for meaningful work, and what she and her team at Sounds True do to create a productive culture.   Key Takeaways: [2:30] What does ‘bring your whole self to work’ mean to Tami? [5:03] How Tami makes a saf

This week’s episode focuses on leadership and having an attitude of gratitude. My guest, Cindy Elkins, joins me to share how her experiences at Genentech and as a board member of Weight Watchers International, have shaped her perspective on life. Cindy acknowledges she didn’t always bring her whole self to work, but during her journey, she did create environments where people could flourish within corporate communities. Binding people together without using functional, structural strategies is what makes Cindy’s cultural leadership qualities a powerful asset in life and in business.   Key Takeaways: [3:14] What does the phrase ‘bring your whole self to work’ mean to Cindy? [7:29] Cindy is acutely aware of what it feels like when someone doesn’t feel safe to bring their whole self to work. [12:37] Sometimes people in senior roles need to be vulnerable. [21:57] How Cindy came to be on the board at Weight Watchers. [27:55] The body image differences between men and women. [37:11] Practical strategies to link the

This week I spoke with my friend, the amazing Gabrielle Bernstein. You may know Gabby from her appearances on Oprah’s Super Soul Sunday, The Dr. Oz Show, The Today Show, or maybe you’ve read one of her New York Times bestselling books, like her latest, The Universe Has Your Back. During our conversation, Gabby shares some of the key moments of her life which called her to her life’s work.  She shares some insights, tips, and suggestions for how we can step more into our power and do the work we are meant to do.  Gabby believes there will be more and more people waking up and being called...and that bringing our whole selves to work is as important as ever right now! To find out more about Gabby’s free video training and her Spirit Junkie Master Class, visit Mike-Robbins.com/Gabby Key Takeaways: [3:49] What the phrase ‘bring your whole self to work’ means to Gabby. [5:12] There are few other addictions that get you as much praise as Workaholism. [13:46] The Universe Has Your Back was Gabby’s most vulnerable bo

This week’s episode looks at how we can be empathetic and compassionate towards people in our lives who are experiencing grief or other difficult situations. The author of the There is No Good Card for This: What to Say and Do When Life is Scary, Awful and Unfair to the People You Love. Dr. Kelsey Crowe shares her insights based on her many years of research on the subject. During the conversation, we touch on things organizations can do to gain loyalty by respecting their employees as whole beings, what to do and what not to say when someone you know experiences grief, and how we can become empathetic and compassionate during difficult times.   Key Takeaways: [2:23] What the phrase ‘bring your whole self to work’ means to Dr. Kelsey Crowe. [6:10] Kelsey details the inspiration behind There is No Good Card for This: What to Say and Do When Life is Scary, Awful and Unfair to the People You Love. [11:26] What should I do when something happens to someone I love? [15:08] The more humane policies we have around p

In this week’s episode, I have the pleasure of talking with Chef, Author, Speaker, and Podcast Host Chris Hill. Making the Cut is the title of Chris’s book and podcast; both are interview-based explorations into the success principles of entrepreneurial elite. During the podcast, Chris describes his journey from being in a high-profile marketing position to switching gears and following his dreams to become a chef and restaurateur. Chris eventually turned his blogging into a book and his love of cooking into an enterprise. Chris shares the inspiration behind his forthcoming book, Lead Like a Chef, and about the ups and downs that accompany being a leader and changemaker.  Key Takeaways: [2:32]  What does the phrase ‘bring your whole self to work’ mean to Chris? [3:31] Chris describes the path he took to becoming a chef and an entrepreneur. [10:26] The challenges of the restaurant business. [22:53] While writing Making the Cut, Chris is privy to an example of a chef who brought his whole self to work. [33:16]

In this week’s solo episode, I examine how we deal with loss, the passing of time, the aging of our bodies, grief, and being human. I’m currently reading Facebook COO, Sheryl Sandberg’s book, Option B: Facing Adversity, Building Resilience and Finding Joy, and it reminds me we all are going through some type of loss. As humans, when we go through something painful, we just can’t snap our fingers and move on. We still have to be responsible, show up for work and be there for our families. So how do we deal with loss and grief in the workplace?  Permission to be human in the workplace is what my book, Bring Your Whole Self to Work, is all about.  In this episode, I explore ways in which we can be even more human and vulnerable with ourselves, and others - especially when facing big challenges and changes. Key Takeaways:  [1:19] Option B: Facing Adversity, Building Resilience and Finding Joy is not just about grief. [8:36] Using the phrase, “If you really knew me you would know this about me…” [13:28] Seeing the

In this week’s solo episode, I discuss trust and how we can expand our ability to trust. Many of us believe trusting is naive. We spend a lot of time and energy shielding ourselves from being embarrassed, taken advantage of, or compromised. But, what are we really protecting ourselves from? Vulnerability is power, and trust is a generating energy. What would happen if we learned to embody trust and lead from a place of trust? How would our lives be different?   Key Takeaways: [1:06] What does authenticity mean? [3:42] Being a leader means we go first. [6:50] How much time and energy do we spend protecting ourselves? [13:02] The hardest person to trust is ourselves. [15:49] The concept of basic trust [19:41] The impact of the lack of trust in our lives   Resources: Mike Robbins Website Mike Robbins Podcast Mike Robbins on Facebook Mike Robbins on Twitter "The Power of Authenticity" TEDx talk, by Mike Robbins Be Yourself Everyone Else is Already Taken, by Mike Robbins Life Loves You, by Louise Hay and Robert Ho

In this week’s solo episode, I explore stepping out of our comfort zone. I was inspired to discuss this topic based on my experience of walking through the streets of Bangalore, India. When traveling to a place with a different language or culture, our self-sufficiency is stripped. It forces us (or gives us the opportunity) to be vulnerable in a purified way. When we stay in our comfort zone, we stay away from risk and discomfort. Can innovation or revolution happen without risk?   What does it take for you to have the courage to be bold, to show up, to step out of your comfort zone and bring all of who you are, to everything you do?   Key Takeaways:   [5:14] Chris Sacca's travel question exposes vulnerability. [8:52] Are we really challenging ourselves to get out of our comfort zone? [11:44] Opening yourself up to discomfort and risk can encourage the use of your inner resources. [12:33] We all exist on a continuum of fixed and growth mindset. [13:43] Admiration for those who constantly change and adapt. [18

In this week’s solo episode, I explore the topic of inner work and how it relates to our lives and our careers. One of the ways we can bring more of ourselves to the work we do, is to focus on the work we do internally. It is so easy to get caught up in the “doing-ness” of life and business.  However, what goes on within us, has so much to do with what shows up around us. How committed are you to your inner work?  Doing work on ourselves and really looking within can be challenging, emotional, and, at times, even painful.  However, it is essential to our journey of growth, success, and fulfillment.  I recently attended another Hoffman workshop and did some great inner work, which prompted this episode.  The more willing we are to do our personal work, the more likely we are to create the kind of life and results we truly want.  We are all spiritual beings having a human experience. We are all works in progress.   Key Takeaways: [1:43] The Hoffman Process focuses on healing issues we assumed when we were young

Nancy Collier joins me this week on the podcast to discuss her book, The Power of Off: The Mindful Way to Stay Sane in a Virtual World. She looks at the addictive side of technology, and how it is capable of removing us from our human relationships. Nancy believes we humans are giving up our capacity to think for ourselves, and are forfeiting the precious gaps between stimuli when our minds used to be free to run wild. Nancy shares her personal intention to make technology a tool at her disposal instead of a consumption engine which eats away at the moments in her life. I know this idea will resonate with many of you who feel, as Nancy says, Twired, tired and wired. Being able to bring all of who we are to work our and our life, requires us to unplug and turn off our devices at times, in order to think, feel, and re-engage with ourselves and each other.   Key Takeaways: [2:25] What prompted Nancy to write The Power of Off? [7:54] Technology has discouraged us from realizing our brilliance. [13:32] We are usin

My guest on today’s podcast is a true inspiration, to me and to so many other people in Silicon Valley and elsewhere. My friend Gopi Kallayil is a yoga instructor, a musician, an author, and has worked at Google for the past 11 years. Gopi manifested his own position, Chief Evangelist of Brand Marketing, because he wanted to do something he loved at the company he loves and feels honored to work for. In addition to his successful career in technology and at Google, he is the author of The Internet to Inner-Net, which came out in 2015 and is published by Hay House (my publisher as well).  He is working on his second book, The Happy Human, which should be out next year sometime.  Gopi is a true renaissance man of technology, mindfulness, business, philanthropy, community, spirituality, and creativity.  He exemplifies bringing his whole self to work as well as just about anyone I know.   Key Takeaways: [4:03] What does ‘bring your whole self to work,’ mean to Gopi? [6:04] Gopi has had four seminal things happen

In this week’s solo episode, I delve into the phenomenon of things that get in our way. There are many things we conjure up to sabotage ourselves. We may have limiting beliefs about not being good enough, or we may be afraid of putting ourselves out there, due to fear of judgment. The common theme these things share is, they are all self-imposed. They are all stories we are telling ourselves. We are the common denominator in all of our relationships and experiences.  Therefore, nothing changes until WE change.   Key Takeaways: [1:06] Nothing changes until you do. [5:34] What is it we are protecting ourselves from? [8:47] There is risk associated with sharing your passion and creativity. [12:43] A “Real” fear of stepping out of the box. [17:00] The only thing holding me back is me. [18:26] My experience is not your necessarily your experience. [20:49] We have a choice.   Resources: Nothing Changes Until You Do, by Mike Robbins Mike Robbins Website Mike Robbins Podcast Mike Robbins on Facebook Mike Robbins on T

This week’s episode is a fascinating, behind-the-scenes glimpse of a venture firm. My guest, Brett Berson, works with founders of startups as a Partner with First Round Capital. In 2000, Brett was immersed in NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts filmmaking program. He wanted his summer internship to broaden his horizons. So, Brett made a list of the talented people he knew and the list led him to First Round Capital. After graduation, Brett has moved forward within the organization to become a partner in less than 9 years. Brett shares the attributes innovative leaders of successful companies have, what First Round Capital looks for when vetting a company for investment purposes, and why now is a great time to start a company.   Key Takeaways: [2:37] What does ‘bring your whole self to work,’ mean to Brett? [5:14] Brett was looking for something different when he came upon First Round Capital. [8:13] The craft of filmmaking is very similar to building a company. [9:48] Execution and focus are key defining factors o

This solo episode was, in part, inspired by a post from Facebook’s COO, Sheryl Sandberg. In the post Sheryl addressed a policy she implemented at Facebook to give employees additional days of bereavement leave - 20 days total. But what had a deeper impact for me was how Sheryl shared her own personal experience of going through the sudden loss of her husband at the end of 2015, and how hard that was and still is for her. Having lost my father, my mother, and my sister Lori just a little over a year ago, I know a lot about loss and grief, and what an intense journey it can be. In a business with employees, it is important to have policies and parameters around people showing up at work, in the face of losses or other life changing events. In this episode I talk about how business leaders and influencers can create a work environment that is more conducive to allowing people to be human beings.   Key Takeaways: [4:02] In the midst of bereavement, life goes on. [6:56] Are the conditions in which we work conduciv

My guest today on today’s show is my friend Rachel Macy Stafford.  She is sharing bite-sized portions of her personal revelations in a beautiful new book, Only Love Today: Reminders to Breathe More, Stress Less and Choose Love. Her previous two books were best sellers, and her blog, HandsFreeMama.com, has been read by millions, and referenced by Arianna Huffington during a Wisdom 2.0 conference. The reference, and a recommendation from my wife, prompted me to reach out to Rachel a few years ago, and we’ve become friends since then.   Rachel was once one of the many people who let their phone take precedence over their time, their children, and their life. She had what she calls a breakdown/breakthrough moment, which miraculously provoked her hand to put down the phone. In an effort to take her life back, she started with a small break from the technology, so she could start to breathe again. Her story resonates with so many of us, because many of us are experiencing the same struggles, especially in the fast-

My guest on this episode is Jen Glantz. Jen is definitely someone who brings all of who she is to everything she does. Jen has done a number of things in a relatively short amount of time. After graduating with an English degree, Jen was told she had two options, become a teacher or a lawyer. Knowing she had to create her own opportunities, she headed to New York City to follow her dreams and begin her career as a Creative Writer. Today, Jen runs her own bridal consulting business, has recently released her second book, Always a Bridesmaid (For Hire), has 15-20 monthly revenue streams, writes a successful blog and has an inner sense of urgency which propels her forward to do great things.   Key Takeaways: [3:10] What does ‘bring your whole self to work,’ mean to Jen Glantz? [4:42] From English major to professional bridesmaid, Jen shares her story. [11:42] Jen finds inspiration in the books, The Catcher in the Rye and Self-Help. [14:35] An inner sense of urgency pushes Jen to write and produce. [17:04] Copywr

In this week’s episode, I share my thoughts on the paradoxical nature of working hard. The value of hard work is foundational to so much of what we have been taught about how to succeed in our culture. The harder we work, the more effectively use our time, the more we demand of ourselves (and others), are all things which are validated everywhere in our society. But does hard work equal success?   In contemplating the difference between healthy hard work and workaholism, as well as the challenge of “efforting,” I wonder if maybe hard work isn’t all it's cracked up to be. Maybe the myth of hard work is actually getting in our way of real success and fulfillment?   Key Takeaways: [2:40] The woman who worked hard. [6:53] Is it possible to get things done effectively and in a timely manner? [9:52] Managing our energy and managing our time. [12:03] Validation for workaholism. [14:27] The difference between healthy hard work, workaholism, and efforting. [19:32] The emotional journey of creating anything great. [23:

In this week’s episode, I talk with Jon Gordon. Jon is an author and keynote speaker, whose core message is positive leadership. During our conversation, Jon details the times he received divine inspiration, which led him to discover his ultimate purpose. Jon is open about his faith, and tells of how it helped him to overcome the fear of trying something he believed he was meant to do, even when he wasn’t certain he had what it would take. He also shares how he helps coaches create great teams through communication, connection, commitment, and caring. Jon has written 14 bestselling books, including The Energy Bus and Training Camp. His tips have been featured on the Today Show, CNBC, The Golf Channel, and Fox and Friends. He works with companies and sports teams, including Southwest Airlines, Dell, the LA Dodgers, and the Miami Heat, to name a few.   Key Takeaways: [2:22] What does ‘bring your whole self to work,’ mean to Jon Gordon? [5:28] One of Jon’s early goals was to run for Congress, but after a City Co