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,...

What Does It Mean to Be Truly Committed? On the most recent episode of The Self Aware Leader podcast, I dove deep into the concept of commitment. We often throw that word around – I'm committed to fitness, committed to this project, committed to my personal growth. But what does true, maximum commitment really look like and feel like? To dissect this, I like to rephrase the question: "What are you willing to sacrifice to achieve a goal or uphold a value?" That hits a little harder,...

Finding Leadership Strength in the Face of My Own Storms The weight of the world feels heavy on my shoulders lately. Deadlines pile up, personal challenges mount, and it seems like another chaotic day follows each chaotic night. In moments like these, I crave inspiration—a reminder of how to navigate the chaos and lead myself (and others) with purpose. Recently, while pondering leadership principles, I found myself revisiting the final days of Jesus Christ. I know it sounds like a heavy...

The latest episode featuring Ben Corliss, a renowned Men's Fitness Expert and the visionary behind Lifts with Wolves, serves as a testament to the podcast's commitment to exploring all facets of leadership and personal growth. Ben's approach to fitness transcends the physical, delving into the profound impact that strength training can have on mental and emotional well-being. The Journey Towards Holistic Leadership At the core of this episode is the idea that leadership is not a...

The Dichotomy of Leadership: Embracing Complexity for Authentic Impact As leaders, we are frequently taught to be decisive and project certainty. But the world, and the people we lead, are rarely black and white. Truly impactful leadership demands embracing the contradictory, the complex, and finding power in the uncomfortable "grey spaces." Teal Swan's thought-provoking exploration of dichotomy offers a powerful lens to re-examine how we lead, and how we see ourselves. The Discomfort of...

The Power of Incremental Progress: Unlocking Your Potential with the 1% Rule Have you ever looked at wildly successful leaders and wondered how they got there? It's tempting to think they possess some extraordinary talent or luck that we lack. But the truth, as revealed in Tommy Baker's book "The 1% Rule," is often far less glamorous and far more accessible. It's about the power of small, consistent improvement. The Secret? It's in the Process Baker's central premise is that if you commit...

It's no secret that leadership can be brutally demoralizing. Even the most passionate leaders experience those days when motivation wanes and it feels like the whole world is pushing back. But as Carey Nieuwhof rightly points out, succumbing to that discouragement is a surefire recipe for disaster. So, how do we navigate these tough seasons with resilience and emerge stronger on the other side? The Root of Discouragement Often, what brings us down isn't the challenge itself, but losing...

Forging Your Authentic Leadership Path: Insights for a Richer, Honest Life We're constantly bombarded with self-help advice and supposed blueprints for success. But the truth is, authentic leadership (and a truly fulfilling life) demands a deeply personal approach. It's about self-discovery, embracing the uncomfortable, and choosing your own way forward. Let's unpack some thought-provoking truths that illuminate this path: 1. "Build your own rules." There is no one-size-fits-all answer to...

Are lingering resentments in your relationships or workplace interactions leaving you frustrated and disconnected? Do unresolved conflicts keep you in an emotional tailspin? It might be time to consider a culprit frequently overlooked: projection. What is Projection, and Why Does It Matter? Projection is a sneaky psychological defense mechanism where we unconsciously attribute our own unresolved issues (often stemming from past hurts) onto someone else. It's easy to believe that our current...

If you're passionate about self-development and maximizing your potential as a leader, I want to introduce you to a concept that can change everything – the Zone of Genius. Popularized by the brilliant author Gay Hendricks, the Zone of Genius is a place where your deepest passions and your inherent abilities collide. Let's delve into a few questions he poses that will help you discover yours: What lights your fire? Think about the tasks you love so much you LOSE yourself in them, time...

We all crave change. We want to be better versions of ourselves – wiser, kinder, more successful, healthier. But the journey from where we are to where we want to be is rarely a straight line, and it certainly isn't quick. Real, lasting change isn't some lightning-in-a-bottle magic trick. It's a complex, multifaceted process. As self-aware leaders, it's crucial that we recognize this truth. We need to relinquish our tight-fisted grasp on perfectionism and acknowledge that the real...

Hey there, Self-Aware Leaders – get ready, because I'm coming at you with something serious today. We all need to hit pause on the spectator mentality we've fallen into and rediscover the thrill of being a player in our own lives. Let's talk about it.  How many nights do we spend glued to the TV, binge-watching Netflix or endlessly scrolling social media? It's entertainment, yeah, but while we're watching someone else's incredible journey, what's happening with our own story? Think about it...

Understanding Self-Sabotage in Leadership In the realm of leadership, the concept of self-sabotage often emerges as a baffling obstacle. Why do leaders, even with clear goals and strong convictions, sometimes act in ways that undermine their success? This phenomenon is not just a matter of professional development but also a deep dive into self-awareness. The Role of Misperceptions and Fears At the core, self-sabotage in leadership is frequently a result of misperceptions and fears. Leaders...

In the annals of history, few leaders exemplify self-awareness as profoundly as Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States. His leadership during one of the nation's most tumultuous periods, the Civil War, showcased a remarkable blend of self-awareness, empathy, and resilience. This post delves into the facets of Lincoln's self-aware leadership and the timeless lessons embedded therein. Self-Reflection: Lincoln's life was a testament to self-reflection and continuous learning....

Eclipses, be they solar or lunar, have always captivated human beings with their celestial splendor. From ancient myths and superstitions to modern-day scientific inquiries, eclipses have always been enveloped in an aura of mystery and intrigue. This blog post endeavors to explore the fascinating intersection between eclipses, human physiology, and evolution, delving into how these spectacular celestial events might have shaped our ancestors and potentially continue to influence us today.   ...

In this enriching episode of the Self-Aware Leader Podcast, host Jason Rigby delves into the game-changing philosophy of a 10x mindset, as championed by the esteemed strategic coach, Dan Sullivan. While there isn’t a direct conversation with Sullivan, Jason shares his insights on how adopting a 10x mindset can be a catalyst for unparalleled growth and efficiency in leadership and beyond. Key Takeaways: 10x Mindset for Greater ROI: Discussed the essence of focusing only on endeavors that...

Leadership & Self-Awareness: Controlling the Chaos Within and Without The art of leadership, in many ways, is a dance with chaos. As Napoleon Bonaparte, one of history's most formidable military leaders, once remarked, "The battlefield is a scene of constant chaos. The winner will be the one who controls that chaos, both his own and the enemy's." While many of us are not literally on battlefields, the sentiment holds profound implications for modern leaders in all spheres. The Chaos...

There's a secret that many successful leaders embrace but seldom openly share. They commit to doing the hard things every day, particularly the tasks others might shy away from. And, just like the principle of compound interest, this daily dedication to challenges accumulates over time, leading to exponential growth and success. Let's dive into some of these practices. 1. Physical Exercise: The First Victory of the Day Starting the day with physical exercise is akin to winning your first...