#024 Leveling Up With Nico Van Slyke | Mind Shift Podcast  Unleashing Potential: A Deep Dive into Personal Growth and Crisis Management On this week's episode of the Mind Shift Podcast with Erwin and Aaron McManus - we interview Nico Van Slyke and talk all about the compelling characteristics we look for in a leader. From the outset, we tackle the crucial lesson of managing crises—learning not to absorb others' emergencies as our own. My brother Alex and I have embraced the philosophy that "your crisis is not my crisis." It's about prioritizing our life and choices, understanding that while empathy is valuable, taking on the weight of others' problems can detract from our path and growth. Aaron highlights the importance of surrounding ourselves with people who offer different perspectives during crises. These individuals aren't just voices in the crowd; they're the compelling few who elevate our performance and aspirations, steering us clear of the narcissistic echoes that often lead us astray. A significant part of our discussion revolves around community building and the nuanced dance with comparison and envy. I share my experiences of looking up to figures like Adam Grant, not with envy but as catalysts for personal growth. The concept extends to building communities—like Ted conferences—that serve as benchmarks for gathering like-minded individuals to elevate and inspire each other. However, comparison isn't a straightforward road. Aaron and I delve into its dual-edged nature, distinguishing between healthy comparison that sharpens our edge and unhealthy envy that undermines our self-esteem. It's about learning from others and adapting their processes to forge our unique path to excellence. Public speaking emerges as a poignant theme, with confidence and communication at its heart. We discuss the transformative power of discipline over raw talent and the importance of starting small, gradually building up to larger stages. This journey mirrors the process of a surfer, mastering the waves through persistence and the inevitable falls. The episode also touches on the creation of engaging events, the balance between introversion and extroversion as speakers, and the delicate art of pacing content to match the audience's needs. Personal stories of growth, from overcoming fears to embracing door-to-door sales, underscore the narrative of personal and professional development. Aaron's personal journey of overcoming challenges, including a significant injury and depression, serves as a powerful testament to the episode's overarching message: growth is a continuous process, often invisible during its most critical stages but monumental when viewed in hindsight. This conversation with Nico Van Slyke not only explores the depths of personal development and crisis management but also celebrates the journey of becoming better leaders, speakers, and ultimately, more fulfilled individuals. It's a reminder that in the pursuit of growth, the most compelling stories are those we write ourselves, fueled by determination, discipline, and the courage to step into the unknown.