Hey there, Jason here. I just wrapped up a video podcast about something I'm deeply passionate about - helping new leaders succeed in their first 90 days. As someone who's been through the leadership crucible multiple times, I want to share some hard-earned wisdom about what it really takes to thrive in those crucial early months. Let's get real for a minute. Those first 90 days as a new leader? They're intense. You're drinking from the firehose while trying to look like you've got it all...

In this episode of The Self Aware Leader Podcast, Jason Rigby challenges conventional notions of leadership and emphasizes the importance of self-leadership as the foundation for effective leadership. He explores the real challenges leaders face, including time scarcity, the complexities of human behavior, and the dynamics of power. Jason provides practical strategies for cultivating self-awareness, mastering reactions, and leading with empathy and integrity. Key Takeaways: Self-leadership...

Awakening Your Inner Giant: My Personal Take on Tony Robbins' Actionable Steps Hey there, Self Aware leaders! I recently revisited Tony Robbins' masterpiece, "Awaken the Giant Within." It's a treasure trove of practical wisdom for personal transformation. Today, I want to share my personal perspective on some of the key actionable steps that have resonated with me. 1. Raising My Standards It all starts with a decision. A decision to refuse mediocrity. To stop tolerating anything less than...

Leadership is a demanding path. We're constantly navigating complex challenges, making tough decisions, and trying to inspire those around us. But in the midst of all this, it's easy to lose sight of our own personal growth and spiritual well-being. Recently, I embarked on a 12-stage journey towards spiritual transformation. I'm excited to share the first three stages with you today. My hope is that my experiences might resonate with you, or perhaps even inspire you on your own path. 1....

As a self-aware leader, I’ve learned that one of the biggest challenges we face isn’t external—it’s the internal battle with our own ego. Ego can be tricky; it often disguises itself as confidence or ambition, which is why many leaders don’t even realize when it's in control. But make no mistake: if left unchecked, ego will slowly erode your leadership, relationships, and your team's ability to thrive. I’ve fallen into the ego trap myself, and I’m not afraid to admit it. The ego wants to be...

Hey there, leaders! Just got back from an amazing trip to the Pacific Northwest, where I spent some time reflecting on the power of nature and how its principles can be applied to leadership. Today, I want to share some insights on how we can harness the natural flow of creation to build stronger businesses and teams. We're going to dive into three fundamental laws that I believe are key to unlocking your leadership potential. These aren't just abstract concepts; they're practical tools you...

As an introverted leader, I've always been fascinated by the dynamics of human interaction, especially when it comes to building and nurturing relationships. If you're like me, you might find social interactions a bit draining, but also recognize their immense value. So, how do we balance our need for solitude with the essential task of forging meaningful connections? Introversion as a Strength Contrary to popular belief, introversion isn't a weakness. In fact, it's a superpower! Our...

Hey leaders, Jason Rigby here, your host of The Self-Aware Leader Podcast. Today, we're diving into the first three of the 11 Leadership Principles of the United States Marine Corps (link here for PDF). These principles aren't just for the military – they hold powerful insights for any self aware leader looking to excel. Principle 1: Know Yourself and Seek Self-Improvement This is the foundation of leadership. It's about understanding your strengths and weaknesses, seeking honest feedback,...

Ever felt like you're stuck, like success is just out of reach? Robert Kiyosaki's "Rich Dad Poor Dad" hit me hard with this truth: our mindset is everything. Kiyosaki contrasts his "rich dad" (his mentor) and his "poor dad" (his own father), showing how different views on money and success can make or break us. I've struggled with this myself. Growing up, most of the people around me had that "poor dad" mindset. They were good people, hard workers, but they saw money as something you just...

To My Fellow Self-Aware Leaders, Procrastination is often painted as the villain of productivity, a time thief we must tirelessly battle. But what if I told you that procrastination can be a valuable ally, a signal worth heeding? As self-aware leaders, we know that our habits and behaviors often hold deeper meanings. By turning our attention inward, we can uncover hidden insights within our procrastination patterns. Understanding Procrastination Through Self-Awareness Self-awareness is...

Hey everyone, I've always believed in the power of personal growth, especially as a self aware leader. Recently, I've been diving deep again into Stephen R. Covey's "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People," and it's been a game-changer. I wanted to share some of my takeaways and how I'm applying these habits to my own leadership journey. Habit 1: Be Proactive This one's all about taking ownership. I've realized that I have more control over my environment and outcomes than I sometimes...

Every System is Perfectly Designed... To Change Your Perspective Have you ever found yourself caught in a cycle of frustration, questioning why you and your team keep hitting the same walls despite your best efforts? I've been there too, feeling the weight of repeated failures and the temptation to point fingers at myself or others. But then I came across a profound insight from W. Edwards Deming, a pioneer in quality management, who famously said, "Every system is perfectly designed to get...

As a leader, I often grapple with an unsettling feeling – that people are against me. It's a heavy burden to bear, casting shadows on even the brightest days. Perhaps you've felt this too, my fellow leader. It's a lonely path, one that can make us question our purpose and abilities. The Spiritual Roots of My Struggle In my heart, I believe this struggle is more than just professional challenges or interpersonal conflicts. It's a spiritual battle, a tug-of-war between my ego and my higher...

Hey Self-Aware Leaders, I've been diving into Jocko Willink's book "The Dichotomy of Leadership," and it's sparked some serious reflection on the role of humility in leadership. As someone who's committed to personal growth and self-awareness, I believe this is a topic we all need to grapple with. Jocko makes a bold statement: "Humility is the most important quality in a leader." Now, that might seem counterintuitive in a world that often celebrates confidence and charisma. But hear me...

Hey Self-Aware Leaders, Today's episode is a special one, inspired by a recent conversation I had with a friend who's leading a team through some major uncertainty. It got me thinking about a powerful concept I stumbled upon in the Harvard Business Review: the importance of developing a clear vision when managing ambiguity. Now, I know what you're thinking – "Vision? That's easy to say, but how do I actually create one when everything feels up in the air?" Trust me, I get it. As leaders,...

Hey friends, I've been pondering a quote by Dennis Waitley lately, and it's got me thinking about the language we use as leaders – and how it shapes our reality. Waitley said: "Winners say, 'I must, I can, I will.' Losers say, 'I should have, I could have, I wish I had.'" Now, before you roll your eyes at another motivational quote, hear me out. As someone who's committed to the journey of self-awareness and higher thinking, I believe this quote offers a powerful insight into the...

If you're a leader – whether you're running a business, managing a team, or simply leading your own life – I've got a question for you: Have you ever felt torn between what you know is right and what others expect of you? Have you been called "stubborn" or "difficult" because you refuse to budge on your core beliefs? If so, you're in good company. I've worked with some incredibly successful people, from startup founders to Fortune 500 CEOs, and I can tell you – the best ones share a common...

Welcome to the Self Aware Leader Podcast with Jason Rigby. In this episode, we have the pleasure of hosting Scott Freidheim, author of "Code of Conduct," a memoir and guide to crafting your own principles in an increasingly complex world. Scott takes us on a journey through the extraordinary highs and challenging lows of his life, from the boardrooms of Wall Street to the personal brink of bankruptcy. Through tales of adversity and triumph, close encounters with global leaders, and...

We've all been there. Those moments as leaders when a project stalls, a key team member leaves, or that big initiative feels like it's crashing and burning. It's so easy to slip into a spiral: frustration, blame (at others or ourselves), and a sinking feeling of helplessness. That's the victim mentality, and as comfortable as it seems in the moment, it's incredibly destructive to our leadership. The Trap: How We Give Up Our Power Here's the thing about playing the victim: we surrender. We...

Dear Self Aware Leaders Just this week, I stepped onto a plane headed for a much-needed work trip. As the familiar safety briefing began, the flight attendant's voice caught my attention. "Remember," she said, "in case of an emergency, please secure your own oxygen mask before assisting others." Her next words hit me with newfound resonance: "...even though this trip is to Miami, I don't want to see any of you underwater." It was a playful reminder, but it struck a deeper chord. In the...

This morning, I woke up like I often do – caught in a whirlwind of thoughts and anxieties. We all face this, especially as leaders. The pressure to have answers, to define ourselves by accomplishments... it's easy to lose our footing. But in these moments, I'm learning something profound (inspired by the spiritual teacher Luuk Moelker's From Confusion to Clarity) – the very essence of our leadership lies in recognizing what confusion truly is. Moelker teaches that our mental chaos is just...

Hello fellow leaders, this is Jason. In today’s episode of The Self-Aware Leader, I’m taking a moment to share a more personal perspective on leadership. These aren't just abstract concepts; they're five core areas I am actively exploring in my own life. As we delve into these principles, I hope my journey resonates with you, offering both guidance and inspiration as you navigate your own path to becoming a more effective and self-aware leader. 1. Clarity: Seeking Light in the Shadows ...

Feeling stuck in a procrastination rut? It's a place I know well. You want to move forward with your goals, but that pesky voice of "I'll do it tomorrow" keeps you frozen, unable to actually start. Let's be honest – we all experience dips in motivation. Even the most enthusiastic leaders and dedicated employees have those days when getting fired up about work is tougher than usual. But the good news is it doesn't have to be permanent! In this podcast, I want to share some hard-earned...

"Ever feel like there's some invisible block sabotaging your money goals? Today, we're going deep. We're not talking surface-level 'think rich' stuff, but the real, messy emotions most leaders hide when it comes to abundance.  My Breaking Point: I hit a wall with the whole 'manifest your millions' mindset. Turns out, I had some major unresolved baggage around money – limiting beliefs, fear, you name it. Sound familiar? Money Mirrors Your Mind: We think money is about dollars and cents,...