Jim's Take

Jim's Take

By: Jim Frawley, Bellwether

Language: en

Categories: Business, Management, Education, Self Improvement, Health, Fitness, Mental

The world is changing - faster than we can keep up. But change is a distraction, and the way to respond to macro change is to focus on micro you. Jim's Take creates an environment that’s ripe for learning practical, tangible and interesting ways to remain relevant while improving yourself and the people around you. Jim Frawley is an arbiter of change; working as an executive coach and business consultant with a unique capability in getting people to do things they didn’t think they could. After some experimentation on using this capability for good or evil, he decided on t...

Episodes

Making 2026 Your Year - an exercise in cutting the noise (Ep 161)
Dec 15, 2025

Jim’s Take – Episode 161

Setting Up 2026 for Success: Five Categories That Actually Matter


As the year winds down, everyone becomes reflective. Journals come out. Goals get rewritten. Plans feel serious ... until February.


In this final episode of the year, Jim cuts through the seasonal noise and lays out a practical framework for entering 2026 with intention instead of hope. Rather than resolutions or vague goals, this episode introduces a five-category executive checklist designed to surface blind spots, force trade-offs, and create clarity in an increasingly chaotic world.

.<...

Duration: 00:29:43
Gratitude Without the Holiday Hangover (Ep. 160)
Nov 24, 2025

Episode Summary:

In episode 160 of Jim’s Take, Jim dismantles the idea of gratitude as a seasonal, soft, feel-good emotion and rebuilds it as a year-round cognitive discipline. Instead of treating gratitude like a holiday prop, he explores how to turn it into a sustainable, repeatable practice that still works in February when it’s cold, gray, and noisy.


Drawing from research (including the work of Richard Boyatzis on the parasympathetic nervous system) and his own cranky mood while recording, Jim reframes gratitude as an interpretation: your brain notices, assigns value, and then...

Duration: 00:21:55
Never Enough: The Pressures of Our Environments (Ep. 159)
Nov 10, 2025


Title: Never Enough: The Pressures of Our Environment and the Path Back to Self-Worth | Jim Frawley


Description:

In Jim’s Take Episode 159, executive coach Jim Frawley examines why “enough” never seems to be enough anymore. Today’s social, digital, and economic environments constantly shift expectations—pushing achievement over meaning and visibility over value. Jim offers a direct, practical reframe: trade projection for contribution, performance anxiety for self-assurance, and empathy overload for actionable compassion.


Listeners will learn:

Why external scorekeeping (titles, metrics, followers) breeds conditiona...

Duration: 00:24:34
Nothing is Real Anymore: On Trust, Suspicion and Thinking for Yourself (Ep. 158)
Oct 13, 2025

Nothing Is Real Anymore: Trust, Suspicion, and Thinking for Yourself | Jim Frawley


Description:

Trust is the glue that holds society together - yet it’s eroding fast. In this episode of Jim’s Take, executive coach Jim Frawley tackles why “nothing feels real” anymore and how to respond with clarity instead of cynicism. From AI deepfakes and manipulated narratives to algorithm-driven outrage, Jim maps the landscape and offers a practical way forward: rebuild trust locally, reduce isolation, and reclaim your ability to think.


You’ll learn:

What’s cha...

Duration: 00:19:17
Sober October and Sobriety Revisited (Ep. 157)
Oct 06, 2025

Title: Sober October and Sobriety Revisited


Description:

In this episode of Jim’s Take, executive coach and Bellwether founder Jim Frawley shares the story of why he quit drinking - and what happened next. It wasn’t about hitting rock bottom or joining a 12-step program. It was about accountability, honesty, and realizing he no longer liked what drinking brought to his life. From those first awkward days of saying “no thanks” to a beer, to rediscovering presence and clarity, Jim’s reflections offer both humor and hard truth about what it means to g...

Duration: 00:24:51
That's Not The Flex You Think It Is (Ep. 156)
Sep 22, 2025

Title: That’s Not the Flex You Think It Is | Jim’s Take


Description:

Flexing. We all do it. The humble brag on LinkedIn. The “I never sleep” grind culture line. The social media post that screams, “Look at me.”


But here’s the truth: most of those flexes aren’t the wins you think they are — they’re red flags of insecurity.


In this episode of Jim’s Take, I dive into the difference between the personality you feel inside versus the one others actuall...

Duration: 00:18:45
You Will Never Be Ready - So Stop Waiting (Ep. 155)
Sep 08, 2025

Title: You’ll Never Be Ready - So Stop Waiting

Host: Jim Frawley

Theme: “Readiness” is a socially acceptable form of procrastination. Action creates readiness; waiting doesn’t.


Episode Summary

If you’re waiting until it feels safe, you’ll wait forever. In this episode, Jim dismantles the myth of “being ready” and shows why we hide behind planning, perfectionism, and permission-based thinking. Through real-world examples-from founders and athletes to new leaders-he outlines how progress happens in motion. You’ll leave with concrete tools: the smallest viable action, the 24-hour rule...

Duration: 00:18:08
The Myth of Work-Life Balance (Ep. 154)
Aug 11, 2025

Title: The Myth of Work-Life Balance: Why You’re Already Doing It (and How to Do It Better)


Description:

You’ve been told for decades to “find your work-life balance” — but what if you’ve already got it? In this episode of Jim’s Take, I break down why the traditional idea of a perfect 50/50 split between work and life is unrealistic, guilt-inducing, and—frankly—a corporate PR creation from the 1980s.


The truth? You’re already balancing every single day. The challenge isn’t achieving balance — it’s defining it for you...

Duration: 00:24:02
Everyone is So F***ing Angry (Ep. 153)
Aug 04, 2025

EPISODE 153 – Everyone Is Still So F***ing Angry

Host: Jim Frawley

Length: ~27 minutes

Keywords: anger, judgment, rage economy, stress management, performative outrage, curiosity, emotional regulation, AI disruption, parenting, digital detox

Show Notes

In this episode of Jim’s Take, we revisit one of the most popular and cathartic episodes from years ago: "Everyone Is So F*ing Angry."** Why now? Because five years later, the anger hasn’t gone away. In fact, it’s gotten worse—and we need to talk about it.

We’re living in a rage econo...

Duration: 00:24:33
How to Network Without the Grossness and Anxiety (Ep. 152)
Jul 28, 2025

Honest, no-fluff advice on how to actually enjoy networking and use it as a strategic tool to prepare for change—especially in the face of AI and workplace disruption.


EPISODE SUMMARY

In this episode of Jim’s Take, we tackle one of the most anxiety-inducing but essential career skills: networking.

Not the elevator-pitch, hustle-your-way-to-the-top kind. But real networking—how to make human connections without feeling like you’re selling something.


Whether you’re preparing for changes in your job due to AI or just want to build r...

Duration: 00:22:13
Pride is the Point: You've Already Done the Hard Part (Ep. 151)
Jul 14, 2025

EPISODE TITLE:

Pride Is the Point: You’ve Already Done the Hard Part | Jim’s Take #151


DESCRIPTION

We’re surrounded by pressure to “move forward” at all costs—new goals, new challenges, new technologies. But what if the secret to knowing what’s next… is looking back?


In this episode of Jim’s Take, executive coach and speaker Jim Frawley challenges you to reclaim pride—not the arrogant kind, but the personal, powerful kind that reminds you what you’re capable of.


Jim introduces a...

Duration: 00:18:03
The Philosophy of Failure (Ep. 150)
Jul 07, 2025

Jim’s Take Episode 150: The Philosophy of Failure — Are You Even Dreaming Big Enough?

New York | Global Coaching | Personal Growth | Business Mindset


Description

Failure isn’t real. Not like you think it is.

In episode 150 of Jim’s Take, executive coach Jim Frawley tackles one of the most misunderstood concepts in business, personal development, and life: failure.


Is failure actually what you’re afraid of—or is it what people will think when you fail?

This episode dives deep into:


...

Duration: 00:20:01
Nothing Matters. Be Selfish. (Ep. 149)
Jun 23, 2025

This week, we're flipping the script.


In a world that’s endlessly screaming for your attention—but rarely in your interest—it’s time to talk about healthy selfishness. This isn’t about giving up. It’s about giving up on the noise, the “shoulds,” and the imaginary expectations placed on you by people who don’t share your values.


When nothing matters the way we think it does, we get to decide what actually does. That’s freedom.


In this episode, we cover:

Why we’re so stres...

Duration: 00:15:47
The Cost of Constant "Influence" and the Inundation of Marketing (Ep. 148)
Jun 09, 2025

Episode 148 – Marketing is Breaking Us: The Cost of Constant Influence and How to Push Back


Keywords: marketing fatigue, digital burnout, attention economy, wellness strategies, New York podcast, personal development, mental clarity, stress relief, modern lifestyle


Summary:

In this explosive episode of Jim’s Take, Jim Frawley takes a hard look at the overwhelming barrage of marketing messages infiltrating every part of our daily lives—from inescapable airplane ads to influencer-driven nonsense and fake "choices" built to manipulate you. With over 10,000 ad impressions a day, Americans are drowning in noi...

Duration: 00:19:37
Are All of Our Problems Social Problems? (Ep. 147)
May 21, 2025

Episode Title: Are All of Our Problems Social Problems?

Episode Number: 147

Host: Jim Frawley

Keywords: social wellness, mental health, fear of failure, social anxiety, belief systems, social comparison, loneliness, imposter syndrome, personal development, human connection


Episode Summary

In this thought-provoking episode of Jim’s Take, Jim Frawley explores a radical idea: most of our personal challenges—fear, anxiety, even financial stress—are actually rooted in social disconnection.

Jim breaks down how the overlooked pillar of social wellness impacts everything from our self-confidence to our day-to...

Duration: 00:25:04
The Lost Art and Skill of Leisure (Ep. 146)
Apr 23, 2025

In this episode, Jim breaks down something we’ve all lost touch with: leisure—not vacations, not performative “self-care,” but the daily, essential ability to check out and truly recharge.

From the illusion of optimized rest to the guilt we carry when we’re not being productive, Jim explores why doing nothing might be the most human thing you can do today. If you're burnt out, stuck in hustle mode, or just can't remember the last time you lost track of time, this one’s for you.


What You’ll Learn:

Why most of us...

Duration: 00:17:37
Where Has All the Civility Gone? (Ep. 145)
Mar 26, 2025

Episode Summary

Why does it feel like everyone is constantly on edge? In this episode of Jim’s Take, Jim explores the steady erosion of civility in modern life. From political hostility to comment section outrage and tension in the workplace, he breaks down the core reasons we’re seeing less respect and constructive dialogue—and what we can do to change that.

Jim examines three key forces driving today’s decline in civility:

A divisive political climateThe rise of digital communication and loss of human nuanceEscalating stress and pressure in everyday life

He chall...

Duration: 00:18:14
The Chaos of Capitalism (Ep. 144)
Mar 12, 2025

Episode Summary


The world feels like it’s on the edge of something big—markets are swinging, costs are rising, and everyone has suddenly become an economic or political expert. In this episode, Jim takes a deep dive into capitalism's chaotic nature, how it shapes our daily lives, and what we can do to take control amidst uncertainty. This isn't just about economics—it's about how we respond to change, where we spend our money, and how to reclaim financial and mental peace.


Key Topics Discussed:

The unpredictability of cap...

Duration: 00:26:48
Beliefs Amid Chaos (Ep. 143)
Feb 12, 2025

Episode 143: Belief Systems Amid Insane Changes

Welcome to Jim’s Take!

In this episode, Jim dives into the evolving landscape of belief systems as we navigate the relentless chaos of change. With nearly 45 days into a new presidency, he unpacks the leadership lessons from a change management perspective while addressing the rising tide of anxiety and uncertainty in today's world.

What to Expect in This Episode:

Grading Leadership in Times of Change – A no-holds-barred assessment of the early days of the new administration, focusing on leadership, communication, and decision-making.How Do We Resp...

Duration: 00:27:40
Defining Your Authentic Self with Ronan Rooney (Ep. 142)
Jan 29, 2025

Episode Summary: In this captivating episode of Jim's Take, Jim welcomes the incredible Ronan Rooney, a thought leader, author, and philosophy enthusiast from Ireland. Together, they dive deep into concepts of the authentic self, enlightenment, and finding meaning in a chaotic world. From Ronan’s journey through family business, personal struggles, and philosophical explorations to the practical ways we can reconnect with our true essence, this conversation is packed with insights.


Key Topics Discussed:

Ronan's Story:From running a third-generation family business to exploring life's big questions.Facing financial collapse, personal setbacks, and di...

Duration: 00:40:18
True Resiliency (with Claire Bowes) Ep. 141
Jan 08, 2025

Episode Summary:

In this deeply inspiring episode of Jim’s Take, we are joined by the extraordinary Claire Bowes from Northern Ireland. A mother, business owner, and music teacher, Claire shares her powerful journey of resilience and determination following a life-changing event. Blinded at the age of 15 in the 1998 Omagh bombing, Claire has not only overcome unimaginable challenges but has redefined what it means to live fully.

Claire discusses her journey from trauma to triumph, including founding the Omagh Music Academy, her philosophy on embracing discomfort for growth, and the profound joys of simple pleasures. Th...

Duration: 00:29:17
2025 and the Battle of Apathy (Ep. 140)
Dec 18, 2024

Episode Title: 2025 and the Battle of Apathy


Episode Summary:In this reflective final episode of 2024, Jim dives into an unexpected theme: apathy. As we transition into 2025, Jim opens up about his personal struggles with motivation, emotional detachment, and the overwhelming noise of modern life. He reframes the new year not as a time for hollow resolutions but as an opportunity to confront apathy with intentional engagement, presence, and personal meaning.


What You’ll Learn:


Defining Apathy: Understand apathy as more than just lack of in...

Duration: 00:20:48
Should There Be Billionaires? (Ep. 139)
Dec 11, 2024

**Podcast Show Notes: Jim’s Take - Episode 139**


**Title:** Should There Be Billionaires? A Reflection on Wealth, Society, and Change


**Episode Summary:**

In this thought-provoking episode of *Jim’s Take*, Jim explores the complex question: *Should there be billionaires?* Drawing inspiration from a bumper sticker he saw years ago, he reflects on capitalism, wealth inequality, and societal change. This isn’t just a theoretical discussion—it’s a deep dive into how unchecked capitalism, privatization, and societal expectations are reshaping our lives.


**Key Topics...

Duration: 00:21:14
Creating Joyful Spaces with Sharon McNulty (Ep. 138)
Dec 04, 2024

Episode Summary:

In this episode of Jim's Take, Jim is joined by Sharon McNulty, founder of Joyful Spaces and a multi-award-winning professional organizer with clients worldwide. Sharon, a master-level certified coach trained under Marie Kondo, shares her journey from a busy single mom overwhelmed by clutter to a black-belt organizer transforming homes and businesses globally.

Sharon dives into the philosophy behind creating joyful spaces, discussing the emotional and psychological impact of clutter and disorganization. She emphasizes the importance of intentionality, simplicity, and abundance, offering practical steps to organize your space and life effectively. Whether it’s...

Duration: 00:28:01
The Benefits of Struggle (Ep. 137)
Nov 21, 2024

Episode Summary:

In this short yet thought-provoking episode, Jim dives into the concept of struggle—not as a source of trauma, but as a necessary and fulfilling aspect of life. With technology and AI taking over much of our effort, Jim challenges listeners to actively seek purposeful challenges to maintain their sense of value and self-worth.

Drawing from personal experiences, philosophical reflections, and insights from a recent tech conference in Manhattan, Jim explores why embracing struggle is essential for growth, resilience, and pride in one’s accomplishments.


Key Discussion Points:

Wh...

Duration: 00:11:34
Navigating Political Conversations at Work (Ep. 136)
Oct 31, 2024

Times are changing. With information moving so quickly, and higher expectations of employees for their organization to “have their back,” executives are stuck between a rock and a hard place to navigate what’s appropriate and best for the business, their people and the company’s values.


Pairing this with the idea of individual executives (or front line employees) having their own “brand,” there is often a conflict between the personal views of people that make up and are representing the company. 


Often it’s no big deal, but when politics e...

Duration: 00:19:05
Building Social Wellness with Janine Kutliroff of Brya (Ep. 135)
Oct 09, 2024

There is a well known epidemic of loneliness in the world, and the increasing levels of change are exacerbating the challenge.


I'd argue there are three things needed for wellness: Physical health, Mental health, and Social health.


We were happy to be joined by Janine Kutliroff, CEO of Brya, a company focused on helping people build healthy and active in-person social connections.


Janine's comments will resonate to almost everyone - I hope you enjoy.

Duration: 00:27:47
On Being Socially Relevant with Sam Kelly (Ep. 134)
Aug 21, 2024

The Goddess is Back! Jim and Sam have a good discussion on the personal accountability of being social, how we build our own communities, and have a small battle royale on the value of in-person vs. online social groups.

Duration: 00:35:59
My Ayahuasca Experience (Ep. 133)
Jul 17, 2024

I recently took an Ayahuasca journey - eight days at Spiritquest Sanctuary in Iquitos, Peru. As requested, I've recounted the journey -from what Ayahuasca is, to why I picked Spiritquest and how the Amazon tradition was helpful, right on through the visions and the purging.

Duration: 00:40:50
The Desperate Need for Relevance (Ep. 132)
Jun 12, 2024

Jim gives his take on the "desperate need for relevance" - our innate desire for value, acceptance and belonging. As the world evolves, we are fearing being left behind ... and our fears drive action and behaviors. Come for the social media bashing, stay for tips on how to build in person social resources (thus building your relevance).

Duration: 00:22:10
Technology Truths with Catherine Murnin (Ep. 131)
Jun 05, 2024

Episode 131 - Jim and Catherine break down "technology truths." We are on the precipice of technological change unseen before. How do we prepare for change when we don't know what change is coming? Jim and Catherine break it down.

Duration: 00:25:04
On Resiliency with Catherine Murnin (Ep. 130)
May 22, 2024

Resiliency is a buzzword. But it's necessary. Jim sits down with Catherine Murnin, founder of The Wellbeing Pathway, to chat realistic resilience, why it's important, how we should think about it and build our own plan.

Duration: 00:23:26
Why Middle Management Sucks (Ep. 129)
May 15, 2024

Ahhhh middle management. Where you get to sandwich between theory and reality, with outrageous expectations and mitigated work life balance. This episode has a nice venting session on Middle Management, why it sucks, and strategies/responses we can use to dictate our next career path.

Duration: 00:19:00
Creativity with Purpose (avec Catherine Murnin) (Ep. 128)
May 08, 2024

In our second of four interviews with Catherine, we cover Creativity with Purpose, and how creativity is a massive drive to our wellbeing. Come for the reference to Seamus Heaney, stay for the learning on how creativity is everywhere (not just where you think).

Duration: 00:31:55
Addressing Insecurity (Ep. 127)
May 01, 2024

Let's cover the biggest issue in corporate nobody is talking about: Insecurity.


Not just a simple "impostor syndrome" conversation - but what causes it, what drives it, how we react to it, and how to identify it in other people. Change the game with your interactions on this episode.

Duration: 00:23:24
Connections and Community, With Catherine Murnin (Ep. 126)
Apr 24, 2024

In our first of four conversations, Catherine and Jim outline how to build ideal connections and community, based on aligning with your personal values and motivations.

Duration: 00:20:32
Rethinking the Seat at the Table (Ep. 125)
Mar 20, 2024

In the journey of our careers and social lives, the pursuit of a "seat at the table" has become a familiar phrase, symbolizing recognition, validation, and influence. However, like so many age-old metaphors, rarely do we take the time to look beyond their assumed surface-level meaning. Many still work tirelessly in hopes of earning a place here, without fully understanding exactly what it is they’re after, or what it may require to get there. 


Duration: 00:16:56
Breaking Down "Gentle Leadership" (Ep. 124)
Feb 07, 2024


In episode 124 of "Welcome to Jim's: Take Happy Week," Jim delves into the concept of gentle leadership, initially expressing skepticism towards the latest leadership trend. However, the episode explores the relevance of gentle leadership in today's discourse on leadership and personal development, emphasizing its focus on empathy, kindness, and collaboration. The host discusses the origins of gentle leadership, drawing parallels with the concept of gentle parenting, which gained popularity years ago.


While acknowledging the benefits of fostering psychological safety and creating environments where individuals can thrive, there are potential drawbacks. Excessive...

Duration: 00:17:01
Finding Optimism Amid Cynicism (Ep. 123)
Jan 10, 2024


Welcome to 2024. We are going to kick it off with lots of isms. 


Shedding the collective dumpster fire of 2023, much of what I’ve been hearing is that people are looking to start anew in 2024. Again. Just like last year. And the year before. I’m seeing a recurring theme. 


The theme … and this is something I’ve been dealing with … is that there seems to be a cynicism infiltrating much of the conversation style over the past six months to a year. 


On a rec...

Duration: 00:18:28
The Desperate Need for Simplicity
Dec 06, 2023

This week - we cover the desperate need for simplicity. The world is changing … we know this. It gives us a feeling of being out of touch, with a fear of being left behind. Clients of mine are PINING for simplicity, yet we don't make the time for it.


From too many things to accomplish, to things moving too fast - the world has been adjusted to make everything easier to accomplish at SPEED, yet the irony is that we feel more twisted and less valuable because of it.


Ma...

Duration: 00:14:22
Re-Thinking Time Management (Ep. 121)
May 17, 2023

Today the topic is time – how we think about it, frame it and manage it. 

Productivity appears to be the name of the game today, which becomes an incredibly frustrating aspect to focus on. We never feel productive enough, the end of our work time seems so far in the future, and our fleeting day to day never really meets our expectations to catch up to our long term goals and priorities. 

But when we think about a 30 year (or 20, 15, 10 or 5 year) horizon, we can break things down into a different sort of framework. When I pu...

Duration: 00:15:03
Your Mental Health is Your Responsibility (Ep. 120)
May 10, 2023

My commentary on my own mental health has been shared before, from my philosophy on it, to my own challenges with dark places and how to respond to massive levels of change. As it’s Mental Health Awareness month, I figured I would add one element to that mix: the reminder that our own mental health is our own responsibility. 

Mental health means so many things to so many people that there is no one single solution to solving it, and unsolicited advice on wellness, without your context, doesn’t do anyone any favors. 

We have s...

Duration: 00:18:10
The Case Against Empathy (Ep. 119)
May 03, 2023

Like many other buzzwords, the word ‘empathy’ has been thrown around so much that it has begun to mean something entirely different. When we hear the word empathy, we often think it to be something that is entirely positive and helpful, but what if this is not the case?

In reading Paul Bloom’s Against Empathy, I’ve found that much of the assumption around empathy can be misplaced and misunderstood. 

Empathy has its place. And, of course, it has value – when put in the appropriate context. But ultimately, what many executives I speak with are finding...

Duration: 00:18:23
TedX and Personal Accountability (Ep. 118)
Apr 19, 2023

It’s been a quarter of mayhem, and as I take a restock of where I stand, I’m excited to share all of the things we have been accomplishing. 

First, we did Not a Webinar with Bess Freedman, launching the new program to provide candid insights from executives that are rocking the new economy. 

Right after, I was off to Northern Ireland, where I had the privilege of speaking at TedX Downpatrick, at the incredible St. Patrick’s Centre. 

The speech was focused on Personal Accountability, and how we have an obligation to oursel...

Duration: 00:15:37
We Need a Guru We Can Trust (Ep. 117)
Feb 22, 2023

That feeling you’ve got? The one where you think it’s stress and frustration? I’ll re-frame it … for many, it’s fear and anxiety, otherwise known as vulnerability. 

So many words, I know. But if you know me, you know I talk about the change thing constantly, and we have a slight luxury in the fact that we can recognize things are changing faster than we can keep up … so we are able to create a strategy to adapt. 

But while creating our individual strategies, we also could use a little direction. We crave directio...

Duration: 00:24:04
AI and the Future of Work: What Matters to You (Ep. 116)
Feb 16, 2023

Ohhhhh the AI thing. It’s bananas. It’s crazy. It’s going to destroy humanity. And it’s so much fun. 

Today’s podcast – how AI will affect the future of work. But not in a bloviating, imaginary way, which is how much of the AI discussion is happening (paired with doom and gloom of the end of the world). But more of a measured, tangible and smart way to approach it, from corporate leadership to the individual being affected. 

It’s not hyperbolic to say that AI is similar to the rise of human li...

Duration: 00:21:40
What To Do With The White Men In Your Office? (Ep. 115)
Feb 09, 2023

Spicy headline? Yes. 

I will kick this off with this statement: diversity and inclusion in the workplace has become not only increasingly relevant in recent years, but increasingly important as well, and for good reason. A diverse and inclusive workplace not only benefits the employees who work there, but the organization as a whole. Research shows that diverse organizations are more profitable, resilient and successful than those that haven’t quite caught up to modern times.

That said, there is an undercurrent that is hushed and not spoken about in the open as muc...

Duration: 00:18:51
Episode 114: Where Has All The Ambition Gone?
Feb 01, 2023

It’s a hot topic, on multiple fronts: Where is the ambition? 

Organizations are working hard to “re-engage” their employees, based on the assumption that they should be excited to go “above and beyond.” Employees, and individuals in general, are fairly checked out – not sure where they should be focused or going on a personal level.

There are many obvious reasons for this: 

Burnout – on a major scale, beyond work. AI, society changes, and massive uncertainty have us constantly looking in the mirror trying to anticipate what’s coming.  Priorities have shifted – the pandemic showed u...

Duration: 00:28:13
The Four I’s of 2023 (Ep. 113)
Jan 04, 2023

Happy 2023.

We are tripping into this year with a bit of anxiety: 2022 wasn’t great for most of us, we are still in year 4 of the pandemic, uncertainty on the horizon and ChatGPT ruining our memories of writing high school papers.

There are very few things that make me think that 2023 is going to be a “good year.” And that’s because most of the time I’m looking externally for things to be good. One of the biggest changes I foresee is that many of our expectations and assumptions, especially in the US, are going to b...

Duration: 00:19:25
The Joy of Not Knowing (Ep. 112)
Nov 30, 2022

Does anyone remember the time where we didn’t know something and you had to be OK with it? 

Seems like ages ago, or maybe I’m feeling my age. But thanks to the advent and growth of technology, it’s easier than ever to obtain facts. The issue I have with this, is that we may be sacrificing wisdom for convenience. 

The more we know, ironically, drives anxiety. It lessens curiosity. It quashes our desire to learn. Quite frankly, it makes life boring. If we have all the facts available to us, what’s the point...

Duration: 00:17:59
Real Resiliency: From Zero to One with Dan MacQueen (Ep. 111)
Nov 16, 2022

Sometimes you meet a person and know they have a story that should be shared. And that’s what happened with me and Dan MacQueen.

I hesitated to put resiliency in the title because the word has been almost ruined due to the hyperbolic nature of our click-bait world. Organizations preach “resiliency,” but it’s more of a “barrel forward” rather than a “be strong and bounce back” type of resiliency. Dan has real resilience.

We THINK we work hard. We THINK we have problems. We THINK our challenges are insurmountable and frustrating. But sometimes, when we hear a s...

Duration: 00:47:21
Fire All the Coaches (Ep. 110)
Nov 09, 2022

A month ago, I published an article on HR.com regarding how we measure the value of coaches and hold them accountable. 

It’s been an ongoing discussion in the tiny world of coaching – this challenge of showing value and ROI on what are typically “soft skills” and items difficult to measure. 

But what’s rarely discussed is how we hold coaches accountable for the promises of development that they make. 

We’ve seen the news recently of layoffs and changes happening across numerous industries. And what I’m seeing based on this is an increase in...

Duration: 00:11:10
The Accountability of Advocating for Yourself (Ep. 109)
Oct 05, 2022

Up this week: How to Advocate for Yourself. 

I recognize it’s not something we typically think about. We see change happening, we get frustrated, we look externally at what others have or have not done, we blame and move on. 

In addition, we are finding that more and more everything is done for us – technology makes everything easy. I speak to many groups who “defer to others,” i.e. wait for someone else to do things for us. 

The problem with this approach is multi-faceted – we can’t expect others to subscribe to our individu...

Duration: 00:15:55
The “New” Politics of the C-Suite (Ep. 108)
Sep 21, 2022

If you know my podcast and posts, you know I generally avoid politics. As a general rule, my mindset is around productive dialogue, and with divisiveness today, I’m not looking to stir up the crazies on either side, thinking they are on a mission from God to tell me how I’m wrong. 

This, similarly, has been the typical policy of organizations to follow this creed. Business was for work, not politics, and potentially alienating half of a staff or, worse, your client base, was not something most executives were interested in doing. 

Time...

Duration: 00:18:20
Quiet Quitting and Firing: A Game of Expectations (Ep. 107)
Sep 14, 2022

The buzz has been around for a bit this summer – first on quiet quitting, then on quiet firing, as if this were some new response to a dysfunctional working environment going through a difficult time. 

I need to catch myself on these things – and move away from my Gen X “get off my lawn this has been around forever watch Office Space” initial response (which is accurate) to a “this can be solved if we fully understood what we are talking about” more appropriate response. I explore both on the podcast.

As with most buzzwords, much of the c...

Duration: 00:23:21
Generational Battle Royale: Boomers, X, Millennial and Z (Ep. 106)
Jun 30, 2022

This week I cover generational differences, something consistently relevant but especially today. It’s a fun topic, mostly because we LOVE to hate on other generations. But the hate needs to be tempered – there’s lots of learning to be had.

We typically speak of generational differences in the context of work (Boomers vs. Millennials!), but the conversation needs to go significantly further than that. The differences have major impact on societal changes, political changes, community and home changes; and as we sit at major decision points, we have to be able to learn from different generations and in...

Duration: 00:18:53
Turning Believability Into a Skill (Ep. 105)
Jun 22, 2022

Hey folks – this week I want to cover another one of those “skills for the new economy” that breaks things down a bit differently than normal leadership development. This time – it’s about believability.

I’m seeing a significantly higher desire from individuals to be recognized for their influence or authority, and in an effort to drive this perception, they are building up their “answers” to big challenges, support with facts and limited research.

While this may have worked in the past, the challenge is now elevated. For others to recognize this influence, we have a new level of f...

Duration: 00:16:43
It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like 2007 (Here’s How to Prepare) Ep. 104
Jun 08, 2022

There has been a lot of discussion going around about the similarities between now and 2007. This conversation is happening in the marketplace, but I’ve also been involved in similar discussions with leadership teams throughout a fair number of industries. Despite organizational differences, the conversations are strikingly similar.

While we can name similarities (marketplace pressures, expected downside to the economy and organizational distress), I’m more focused today on what tactical steps individuals can take in order to be in a better position when whatever challenges come. 

There are two aspects that are relev...

Duration: 00:23:29
The Strength and Power of “Soft Culture” Words
Jun 01, 2022

Today we are talking about culture and how it relates to what I call the “soft words” of corporate. I’ve touched on some of these before, but I’m coming at it from this angle because it continues to be relevant, clients are still talking about it on the daily, and, also, because I love this stuff.

I also find it amusing that I speak so much on these topics given my background in finance, where “love” or “vulnerability” were replaced with F bombs.

We’ve all heard that culture eats strategy for breakfast. And...

Duration: 00:18:53
Why I Quit Corporate (And Could Consider Going Back) Ep. 102
May 18, 2022

This week marks 6 years since my last official day in corporate. I remember the day well – I turned in my badge, walked to the water, looked out over the Hudson river and took a deep breath. It’s been a wild, fun and challenging ride – and I must say I’m a much better person for it.

That said, I feel it’s a good time to revisit why I left corporate, considering the amount of people looking to make the jump today, and also the many who made the jump and are thinking about going back...

Duration: 00:19:23
On Forgiveness: In Conversation with Forgivity (Ep. 101)
Apr 13, 2022

This week I’m thrilled to have Dr. Veronica Ruelas and Denise Gaffney as my guests to chat Forgiveness. Veronica and Denise are the co-founders of Forgivity, an app designed to foster a habit of forgiveness.

To be fair, when I first heard about turning forgiveness into a habit, I was a bit hesitant. Forgiveness as a habit was nowhere near anything I would have considered. Throw on top of it a neuroscientific and psychological angle, and all of a sudden I’m becoming a big fan.

I love the concept, especially in the c...

Duration: 00:39:18
Episode 100!
Mar 23, 2022

Milestone alert! This week I have published my 100th episode of the podcast – a milestone that has been a long time coming; with over three years of interviews and rambling, I hope that you have enjoyed it as much as I have.

I’ve learned a lot these past few years, and sometimes it’s fun to stick your head up, look around, and see where you are in relation to where you started and where you want to go. Starting with the great friends who did early interviews, through the pandemic, and now looking at new...

Duration: 00:16:51
Nutrition (sans the Nonsense) – In Conversation with Marissa Winters, MA RDN NBC-HWC (Ep. 99)
Mar 09, 2022

Food, diet, and nutrition are always difficult topics to cover – because everyone appears to be an expert. What shocks me is that all of the experts have very different solutions to what ails us. Thanks to marketing and processing and plain old deliciousness of bad food – we all have an issue with what we consume. And I’m tired of conflicting information. 

So, this being National Nutrition Month, I decided to get a real expert. Not a person who reads an article and can repeat it; not a person who did it 40 years ago and hasn’t ke...

Duration: 00:44:25
Wellness, Re-Organized (Ep. 98)
Mar 02, 2022

As we roll up on 100 episodes, I want to revisit one particular area that constantly rears its ugly head: ongoing change and the need to respond to stress. 

For context, the world is crazy, definitely stressful, outrageously distracting – and it’s pulling away from the focus you need on getting to where you need to be. Russia/Ukraine, pandemic, great resignation – the list goes on. I feel it, you feel it – it’s like a broken record – there is always “something.” 

That said, we also know that the only way to deal with macro change is to...

Duration: 00:30:26
Re-Finding Motivation (Ep. 97)
Feb 23, 2022

I generally avoid motivation as a speaking topic because it’s often filled with clickbait headlines and arbitrary, context-free advice that isn’t relevant to anyone, anywhere. (I’m not angry). 

I do, however, find it frustrating to get good counsel when there are challenging things going on – especially when it comes to something as individualistic as motivation. Yes, everyone struggles with motivation from time to time, but everyone’s solution is going to be different. And that’s one of the difficult aspects of development, for me – finding a bespoke solution to a problem everyone is dea...

Duration: 00:15:27
Adapting in Motion: Preparing for an Economic Downturn (Ep. 96)
Feb 16, 2022

Let's be proactive in preparing for the next downturn ... here's how.

Duration: 00:17:35
Master Mentors with Scott Miller (Ep. 95)
Dec 22, 2021

Scott keeps good company - the type that you learn from over and over again. Here's how to find a mentor.

Duration: 00:35:47
Estate Planning Basics with Joanne Seminara (Ep. 94)
Dec 15, 2021

PSA: Just having a will isn't enough - Joanne shares what you need and how easy (and important) it is to get it done.

Duration: 00:51:51
A Mental Health in the Workplace Discussion with David Jaques (Ep. 93)
Dec 08, 2021

David Jaques shares his mental health story and how we can start the conversation at work.

Duration: 00:50:41
Ted Lasso is a Metaphorical MasterClass on Corporate Culture (Ep. 92)
Dec 01, 2021

At its most basic, Ted Lasso is a macro, meta-level fight between good and evil; a social commentary on acceptable and productive workplace behaviors.

Duration: 00:26:56
Having Influence Without Authority (Ep. 91)
Nov 17, 2021

Today I wrap the insecurity series up with a few minutes on how to have influence, without necessarily having authority tied to it.

Duration: 00:20:55
Aiming Too Low (Ep. 90)
Nov 10, 2021

Within the context of insecurity, we ask the question: Are we aiming too low?

Duration: 00:23:25
Healthy Communication Styles in the Workplace (Ep. 89)
Nov 03, 2021

Your culture is driven by your communication; and knowing what makes healthy vs. destructive communication is one skill all leaders must learn.

Duration: 00:17:38
On Imposter Syndrome (Ep. 88)
Oct 27, 2021

Imposter Syndrome: No matter how many times we tell ourselves we are capable, we continually have a nagging voice in the back of our head that makes us question things.

Duration: 00:26:15
Let’s Chat About My (and Your) Insecurity (Ep. 87)
Oct 20, 2021

This week - we are covering insecurity. My insecurity. Your insecurity. And the reason it’s one of the bigger impacts on what we can accomplish.

Duration: 00:20:56
Women of Color in Tech: In Conversation with Susanne Tedrick (Ep. 86)
Oct 06, 2021

Susanne Tedrick, technology exec and author of “Women of Color in Tech” offers a blueprint for the leadership of any organization who wants to do the work to build a fair, equitable, diverse and inclusive workforce.

Duration: 00:00:00
Finding Passion, a Hobby and French Navy Watches (Ep. 85)
Sep 15, 2021

Sometimes it's not so complicated to find a purpose, hobby or passion. Scott shares how he found his spark, with plenty of sound advice on finding your own.

Duration: 00:00:00
Bounce-Back-Ability (Ep. 84)
Sep 08, 2021

Bouncing Back is a process - and one that takes focus. Here's how to improve your "BounceBackAbility"

Duration: 00:15:54
Practical Resilience and Mental Health: In Conversation with Enda O’Doherty (Ep. 83)
Jun 30, 2021

Chatting with Enda O'Doherty on real resilience, mental health, and why he is climbing mountains with a washing machine on his back.

Duration: 00:58:19
Jumpstart Your Future: In Conversation with Ben Lampron (Ep. 82)
Jun 23, 2021

Bestselling author and manufacturing executive Ben Lampron is part of the crew of people who recognize that things can be different for a lot of people if they just had the right bit of knowledge at the right time.

Duration: 00:39:54
The Future of Video and Authentic Marketing with Anna Downes, CEO, Video Sherpa (EP. 81)
Jun 09, 2021

Video is now table stakes for businesses and entrepreneurs. We chat with Anna Downes about the balance of time vs. ROI, and what makes good video.

Duration: 00:41:01
Communicating to the C-Suite (Ep. 80)
Jun 02, 2021

There is an effective process to follow when communicating to the C Suite. Here are the steps.

Duration: 00:15:38
How to Run. (It’s a Metaphor.) (Ep. 79)
May 19, 2021

I love metaphors and I love running. So, let's use running as a metaphor for any new thing you want to try.

Duration: 00:23:31
Ready for the C-Suite? Re-Framing the Promotion Mindset (Ep. 78)
May 12, 2021

Getting to the C-Suite needs a different frame of mind - I explain how to get there.

Duration: 00:16:53
Defining Leadership. Psst – It’s Emotional. (Ep. 77)
May 05, 2021

I get it - "leadership" as a topic is a bit basic. But moving beyond "how" a leader should act and into the emotional connection of leadership is a step not enough people take.

Duration: 00:12:23
The Three Skills Your People Need in the New Economy (Ep. 76)
Apr 21, 2021

Much has been said about the “new economy” and where the world is going to go once the pandemic is over, but not enough around the vastly different ways that organizations are viewing their employees.

Duration: 00:14:18
Building Your Personal PR Plan (Ep. 75)
Apr 07, 2021

As the workplace evolves, the stakes get higher on making sure we are able to influence the story that precedes us. Reputation, personal “brands,” and other stories impact our ability to move up in an organization, as well as build our community of people around us.

Duration: 00:21:37
Irish Bellwethers: Sam Kelly, Tweeting Goddess Will Build Your Community (Ep. 74)
Mar 31, 2021

There will always be a debate on social media - the negatives and the positives - and that’s great; there should be. But at the end of the day, especially for entrepreneurs, the need for an effective social media presence is table stakes and won’t be going away.

Duration: 00:42:34
Building Your Virtual Community (Ep. 73)
Mar 24, 2021

Recents events have shown me that we now have the platform to have more influence to build the community to make us better.

Duration: 00:17:53
How to Adapt to Change: From the Office to Home. (Ep. 72)
Jan 13, 2021

From the office to the individual - adapting to change is the new skill set we can all use.

Duration: 00:21:44
On Career Coaching (Ep. 71)
Jan 06, 2021

From the "purpose" question to "how do I get a job" ... here are the fundamentals to a career coach session.

Duration: 00:30:44
2020 Year in Review. (Ep. 70)
Dec 09, 2020

While 2020 can be considered a dumpster fire, there are plenty of positive, important lessons to bring into the new year.

Duration: 00:17:22
What Do You Need Right Now? (Ep. 69)
Dec 02, 2020

The first question to start your inner dialogue is, "What Do I Need Right Now?" - Your ultimate response to managing change.

Duration: 00:15:06
What Are You Creating? (Ep. 68)
Nov 18, 2020

As we differentiate ourselves in the new economy, we have to ask ourselves: what are we creating that has value?

Duration: 00:20:31
On Burnout (Ep. 67)
Nov 11, 2020

This week we cover the burnout that is driven by uncertainty, stages of workplace burnout, and the only way to beat it: recovery.

Duration: 00:17:17
On Uncertainty and Building Resilience (Ep. 66)
Nov 04, 2020

This week - we’re covering the uncertainty aspect that 2020 has brought, and how tapping into the new favorite corporate buzzword: resiliency.

Duration: 00:17:52
Humility & Humiliation (Ep. 65)
Oct 07, 2020

Humility and Humiliation go hand in hand and can both be detrimental to your success in the new economy.

Duration: 00:20:37
“We Don’t Do Stress” – Lifestyle in the New Economy (Ep. 64)
Sep 30, 2020

Last week we chatted accountability; this week is about creating a filter to make decisions. All decisions I make are based on the filter of: will I have to worry about this later?

Duration: 00:21:52
Accountability Amid Craziness (Ep. 63)
Sep 23, 2020

Welcome to the final 100 days of the year. Let's dive into accountability and what we can accomplish before the year is out.

Duration: 00:15:46
Irish Bellwethers: Bill Reilly on the Sober St. Patrick’s Day Foundation (Ep. 62)
Sep 16, 2020

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RET1kiAMXcw If you know me, you know my favorite holiday is St. Patrick’s Day. I don’t celebrate just a day - I call it “the season,” and the events and celebrations can last for over a month. As a proud Irish American, the opportunity to celebrate the culture of my forebears brings happiness, pride and nostalgia. Many of my happiest memories revolve around something Irish.  And they should. The Irish have one of the most outsized influences on the world of any group of people. From the arts; literature, poetry and music, st...

Duration: 00:35:09