Meet the Macs

"Hope is not a strategy, negotiating is"This time a conversation with Carol Frohlinger about a fascinating subject: Negotiating. It's something we all do without knowing. About what we should eat tonight, on our way home while driving, what time our daughter must come from a party. But also, about our salary, benefits and days off.  When we really, really need something we realize it's not that easy! Especially when we are emotionally involved. Carol Frohlinger knows all about it. She is the President of Negotiating Women, Inc., an advisory firm committed to helping organizations to advance talented women into leadership positions. She wrote Her place at the table: A Women's Guide to Negotiating Five Key Challenges to Leadership Success and Nice Girls don't get it: 99 Ways to Win the Respect You Deserve, The Success You've Earned, and the Life You Want.In the interview we talked about “The Tiara Syndrome”, the best way to negotiate and why we should negotiate. Also when women negotiate, everybody wins. And about research done by McKinsey about the fact that the playing field for man and women is not even yet. And what we should do about it Listen to this episode! Carol gives us a lot of great tips how to make sure we get what we deserve.More about Carol:www.negotiatingwomen.comMore about Fief:www.fiefmacrander.cominfo@fiefmacrander.com

Be bold, be brave, be honest. A conversation with Ralf Specht. A co-founder of communications company Spark 44, Ralf Specht has spent the last couple of years plumbing the depths of …. corporate soul! (and how to make soulless companies a thing of the past). Ralf's new book Building Corporate Soulwill launch on 2/22/2022. He was kind enough to join me for an extremely wide-ranging conversation and a bit of a sneak preview. Our 50-minute sojourn touched on soft factors, hard reality and shared purpose. Along the way, he shared some surprising insights on organizational forms and on weaving corporate fabric. An offhand remark about “exchange programs”, for example, once led to just such a thing in his company's own geographic matrix. The cost? A month's Airbnb rental. The benefits? Incalculable! Spirit, shared behaviors, belonging. Soul elements. Combining topics as mundane as flip charts (“Flip the question if you're not making progress!”) and as uncommon as soul building (“it's defined by employees,” he emphasized, “not management”), Ralf deftly tacked toward the OC Tanner waypoint before gybing downwind to his own soul index. I'm looking forward to the 22nd.Intrigued? Please come on aboard for an invigorating sail. Just press play.More about Ralf:https://ralfspecht.comhttps://audible.comHis book: Building Corporate Soul:Powering Culture & Succes with the Soul SystemTMMore about Fief:www.fiefmacrander.comfief@fiefmacrander.com

Donald Robertson was one of my first guests for Meet the Macs podcast! He is an author, trainer and writer. He has written 6 books and a lot of articles about psychotherapy and philosophy, specifically about stoic philosophy.  Back then we spoke about his book How to think like a Roman Emperor, number 1 bestseller in philosophy in the US. About Marcus Aurelius, my favourite stoic philosopher. So…what did we talked about this time? About his 2 new great projects! First, we talked about his project of building a world class international conference centre just beside the original Plato's academy in Athens, Greece. Besides promoting Greek philosophy and literature, he has a higher goal than this: to promote the values of civil discourse exemplified by Socrates. Where people learn to discuss the most profound questions in life, replacing irrational thinking with civil and rational debate. And to learn more about the Socratic method.  Secondly, about his latest book. The graphic novel Verissimus , the Stoic Philosophy of Marcus Aurelius. Yes, again about Marcus! It was a project that took a couple of years of his life. Verissimus is similar to How to Think Like a Roman Emperor but also very different. It's much more focused on telling the story of Marcus' life and so there are no references to modern psychology. Instead, it tries to show how Stoic philosophy played a part in his personal journey, as he coped with various challenges along the way.  And he talks about anger. He has an interesting view on it! Information about Plato's academy:www.Platosacademy.org Information about Donald Robertson:www.donaldrobertson.name Information about Fief and her Leadership Programs:www.fiefmacrander.comfief@fiefmacrander.com   

Hope and optimismWe held our conversation weeks ago. But Peter Docker's story about the flight attendant still has me pondering. No such thing as a difficult passenger??Peter does many things – pilot, negotiator, teacher, leader, writer. His recent book “Leading from the Jumpseat” piqued my interest in meeting him. I wanted to know more, and firsthand, about his approach to leadership. I'm thrilled that we met. His insights inspired me to reflect more on how I lead myself, my family, and on nurturing a sense of belonging, commonality. I know you'll find this podcast a rewarding listen.Peter offers some seemingly counter-intuitive views on leadership. Nurturing the potential of others will make sense to most. As will reflecting on the inevitable. Or the idea that leadership involves the creation of simplicity (not easy). But recognizing the value in fear? Or that optimism about unmet goals eats into your soul? What about everything being driven by either fear or love?Have a listen! You'll find that his explanations resonate – for you personally and for your business. Practical, applicable, enlightening. So what's your stance? Just press play.More about Peter:1. Smart link for book purchase options (paperback, hardcover, eBook and audiobook): https://smarturl.it/gypw4g2. Link to his website: www.leadingfromthejumpseat.com3. Link to headshot: https://www.dropbox.com/s/7yvau6ee7k7mg1u/Peter_Docker5616_v2_sml.jpg?dl=0More about Fief and her leadership programs:https://fiefmacrander.comIf you like to talk about this episode or about (stoic)leadership, please contact me! fief@fiefmacrander.com

Staying in shape The Dutch press thinks Stoicism is being misused as modern-day self-help tripe. Massimo Pigliucci takes another view. He also knows how to tell science from bunk. He wrote the book on it. “Prove it!” he challenges. How could I NOT engage him in discussion?Massimo Pigliucci is a biologist, and a philosopher, a skeptic and a-theist who teaches philosophy at the City College of NY. He publishes extensively in evolutionary biology, ancient philosophy and the philosophy of science. Recent books from his pen include How to be a Stoic and A Field Guide to a Happy Life. Massimo is also an engaging and rewarding conversationalist. I was delighted to have him join me for a podcast in which we touched on the four Stoic virtues, the hedonic treadmill and how to stay in shape (stoically speaking, that is.)A couple of nuggets from our exchange: “Want to appreciate things? Do without them. "… and "Deprivation is not sustainable.” Go ahead: try to square these with each other. Somehow, Pigliucci makes it effortless.Please join us. I think he'll leave you wanting more as well. Just press play!Books of Massimo: How to live a good life: A guide to choosing your personal philosophy How to be a StoicA Handbook for New StoicsMore about Fief and her Leadership Programs:www.fiefmacrander.comfief@fiefmacrander.com    

This time for once a different episode than you are used to! It's more than a year ago since I started the Meet the podcast. Let me start telling you: I never thought I would start a podcast!  As some of you know I worked as a psychologist and coach for almost 30 years, I was a business trainer for maybe more than 30 years. When someone suggested to start a podcast myself I wasn't enthusiastic at first. I had all sorts of excuses: there were too many podcasts already, Should I start a podcast in English realizing it isn't my native language. Blah blah. Sure, I was afraid as well. In my work I love to communicate with people it's my life. But I'm also an introvert. I bet some of you will be surprised…. I like to observe, analyse, read and write.   I knew being afraid  was the main reason why I didn't start a podcast before. Now that I look back at it I'm soo glad I PUSHED through this. With the help of the stoics and their premises in the back of my mind: An obstacle is the way. In my situation the fear of the unknown  and having no control  over what would happen at the other end of the podcast…… And with the help of friends and clients who convinced me to reach out to more people with my experience and drive to inspire others with the things that inspire me. When for a big part the Stoics off course, but that's no surprise!! As a result I started with Meet the Macs and I would like to express my gratitude to all the people I spoke to, helped me with editing the episodes and helped my writing an introductory piece about each episode.  in the meantime I spoke to a lot of interesting, challenging and great people. Just to highlight a few Jonas salzgeber who wrote the the little book of stoicism but also has a great blog where he and his brother inspire lots of people with their search for growth and knowledge. The one about meaning of life with Vic Strecher. His story about his daughter still resonates.  Or what about Donald Robertson who wrote a lot of books mainly about stoic philosophy. And about my idol Marcus Aurelius, one of best Roman Emperors, writer of the Meditations and a stoic example for lots of people including me. The funny and a bit crazy Ben Aldridge who wrote the book about practical philosophy. The 43 weird and wonderful exercises to become more resilient. Partly because of him I'm running the Berlin Marathon because its all about feeling uncomfortable at times, on purpose. Because we can only experience personal growth when we push ourselves to the limit. Or the sympathetic David Allen about his method to be more organized. Because of him I have a trusted system and I really got a better perspective in life. I also would like to mention Lois Frankel. She is a great inspiration for women who don't want to have the corner office.    All the people I spoke to as well but whom I didn't mention now are certainly worthwhile to listen to as well.  The goal of this podcast is to be inspired by those wonderful people who are more than willing to share their knowledge and experience with us. I'm grateful that I had the opportunity to speak to them.Grateful that I was able to speak to these wonderful people who were willing to give their time to us. Grateful for the inspiration I got from all my wonderful guests. Grateful for all the feedback and conversations I had with leaders, entrepreneurs and others about the episodes. In my introduction a year ago I wrote down I believe in the power of connection and inspiring each other: we're all in this together! And that's what we did last year and I'm very much looking forward in having of this. In the next 2 episodes I will speak to two Bigshots of stoic philosophy Massimo Pigliucci and Donald Robertson. So stay put.......... there is more to come!Fief xMore  about me and my Leadership Programs:www.fiefmacrander.comfi

New Friends Parting words resonate. Sharon Lebell concluded our conversation by saying we should “rescue philosophy from the philosophers, rescue virtue from the sanctimonious and rescue art from the critics.” Provocative stuff. But how we got to that point makes for even more gripping listening. Sharon, a composer, author, and hammer dulcimer player, is also a mother and a thinker. And she is kind. She gave time and thought generously to our conversation. She even fessed up to a love affair with a very old white man. And both she and Thich Nhat Hanh wrote books with the same title! Our fondness for the Stoics is what first brought us together. But we connected, too, in our love of music and distillation. She distilled many “I/we” virtues (prudence, temperament, judgment, courage, acceptance, altruism) into one: kindness. “Kindness is paramount,” she mused, “the other virtues are secondary expressions of kindness.” We spoke about raising children, moral education, the danger of idolatry, seeking virtue and how to live a good life. What's a good life? Daring to place your bet on meaningfulness in an apparently absurd world. What's the best we can do? No credos: focus on self-reflection; act accordingly. And seeking virtue? Lebell called it “a series of micro-pivots.” Away from the bad, toward the good. “In the aggregate,” she said, “they add up to beauty.” I'm still chewing on this conversation. Sharon Lebell must have experienced vulnerability, but we didn't get into that. Her humility showed through in her pursuit of connection. After all, what do we have but each other? Her music and writings and some small, sensible things live on her website. Oh, and this podcast lays out a banquet for thought. Hungry? Just press play. More about Sharon:www.sharonlebell.comMore about Fief and her Leadership Programs:www.fiefmacrander.comfief@fiefmacrander.com   

This time we're back with Simon Drew Part II, a polymath and a delight to interview. Simon wrote an article: The Miles Method- A Theory of Transformative Artistry.  He asked the question: How does anyone become so creatively transformative? In order to answer this question we have look at the philosophy behind the creations of Miles Davis.  We could have talked about coaching, he and I, since we're both coaches. Or about podcasts. After all, he produces and hosts a terrific podcast himself – The Practical Stoic. Or about Stoicism itself, or Seneca's letters, a passion for both of us. Or about his poetry, photography, or myriad other things. And we did brush on all that, but only briefly.  Nope. Music, jazz, Miles: that's where we took off. Simon has his own ideas about creativity and music. He's given it a lot of thought. “Humans are sticky,” he said, “we have trouble getting away from our thoughts.” As a trumpet player, singer and with his jazz band, he's inspired by Miles Davis' unfettered curiosity and refusal to classify. Look within and without but shed the judgment. This has become his lodestar. He even offered a practical idea about freeing yourself from ignorance and staying playful. “Be fearless in your creation; remove ideas of ‘this is wrong' or ‘this is right'. Get past all that, just play.” As a brilliant poet once wrote: “The soul becomes dyed by the color of its thoughts.”  Instruction enough, I'd say. Just press play.More about Simon:www.simonjedrew.comMore about Fief and her Leadership Programs:www.fiefmacrander.comfief@fiefmacrander.com

Talent Simon Drew is a polymath and a delight to interview. We could have talked about coaching, he and I, since we're both coaches. Or about podcasts. After all, he produces and hosts a terrific podcast himself – The Practical Stoic. Or about Stoicism itself, or Seneca's letters, a passion for both of us. Or about his poetry, photography, or myriad other things. And we did brush on all that, but only briefly.  Nope. Music, jazz, Miles: that's where we took off. Simon has his own ideas about creativity and music. He's given it a lot of thought. “Humans are sticky,” he said, “we have trouble getting away from our thoughts.” As a trumpet player, singer and with his jazz band, he's inspired by Miles Davis' unfettered curiosity and refusal to classify. Look within and without but shed the judgment. This has become his lodestar. He even offered a practical idea about freeing yourself from ignorance and staying playful. “Be fearless in your creation; remove ideas of ‘this is wrong' or ‘this is right'. Get past all that, just play.” As a brilliant poet once wrote: “The soul becomes dyed by the color of its thoughts.”  Instruction enough, I'd say. Just press play.More about Simon:www.simonjedrew.comMore about Fief and her Leadership Programs:www.fiefmacrander.comfief@fiefmacrander.com 

Gratitude Chester Elton made my day. Not just because he's a big Orange fan and a fascinating thinker. He's also a genuinely gifted listener and a reassuring soul. You'll be thankful – no pun intended – for his take on gratitude. I certainly am. Chester's most recent book (his 14th) is entitled Anxiety at Work: 8 Strategies to Help Teams Build Resilience, Handle Uncertainty, and Get Stuff Done. He was good enough to join me for a podcast conversation to talk about leadership and mental health. Along the way, we touched on what it takes to overcome anxiety – both our own anxiety and that of colleagues; on tennis phenomenon Naomi Osaka, fondue and what propels perfectionists. Ever heard of the “duck syndrome”? They seem to glide across the water so effortlessly but below the surface they're actually paddling like mad. “Everyone's anxious,” he says. “And it's OK.” There are ways to tamp this down. Be where your feet are, get to know each other's story. If you manage others, lead with gratitude, vision and purpose. Gratitude first. In the words of that football player: “Great leaders don't think less of themselves. They think of themselves less.” One particularly valuable take-away from our meandering dialogue was this: Don't mask your mental health. No one should feel alone. So if you're in a position to do so, normalize this conversation. Destigmatize! It should be emotionally safe to talk about mental health. Empathize. Adaptability in this context is more important than strength. We're here to make work and each other's' lives more enjoyable. Intrigued? Just press play.More information about Chester:www.chesterelton.comwww.thecultureworks.comMore about Fief and het Leadership Programs:www.fiefmacrander.comfief@fiefmacrander.com 

Anderson Silver - Accountant by day, Stoic by conviction.Anderson Silver came by his revelation honestly: through success. As he tells it, money, family, the perfect “white picket fence life” all did little to fill a remaining void of purpose and direction. For him, unhappiness was the trigger. In the middle of a life of doing without thinking and a lack of fulfilment with his “success”, Anderson discovered stoicism. It changed his life. And we talk about it!Join us for an energetic exchange of thoughts about joy and purpose and re-education. Anderson’s approach may not be for you (he can meditate all day long!), but you’ll certainly be provoked by his thoughts on happiness as a consequence. Along the way, we touch on Buddha’s revelation and Marcus Aurelius’ maxim of “If it’s good, do it.” It’s all so simple, really. Especially with Anderson as a proponent and guide.Maximize your equanimity for the next 40 minutes. Just press playMore information about Anderson:www.patreon.comIf you like to know more about me and my Leadership Programs:www.fiefmacrander.comfief@fiefmacrander.com

Finally - a not only-nice girl! After all, the only nice ones don’t get rich and they definitely don’t get the corner office. It was a thrill to have Lois Frankel join me for a conversation on Meet the Macs. Lois, an ex-therapist, is an executive coach, an author, an evocative thinker, and the founder of the MOSTE and Bloom Again Foundations. Our time together was far too brief but was replete with recognition and powerful insights. Why don’t women speak up or stand out? What’s so important about being polite? We discussed these limitations - the ones we place on ourselves – along with women’s tendency to use far too many words. Why do we do this? Do we really think we have to explain? And how can we communicate better? Lois navigates this “thin pink line” with aplomb, with handholds for when to stop. She clarifies how headline communication can help us get our messages across. Number, sort, categorize, be more structured. Combining eastern face-saving and western assertive approaches, she sketches a brilliant rejoinder to all those condescending mansplainers out there (you know who you are) who interrupt and appropriate ideas. Want to learn how to have a difficult conversation? It’s easier than you think. Just press “play” and join us!About Lois:www.drloisfrankel.comBooks: Nice girls don't get the corner office , Nice girls don't speak up, See Jane lead, Ageless women, timeless wisdom, Nice girls don't get rich, Stop sabotaging your career, Nice girls just don't get it, Women, Anger & Depression.www.Bloomagain.org If you like to know more about me and my Leadership Programs:www.fiefmacrander.comfief@fiefmacrander.com    

This time an interview with Richard Borden, an environmental geologist AND a fascination by world’s traditions and wisdom. In his book Sage advice he examined the lives and the maxims of eighteen sages selected for their unique contributions to human thinking. From Confucius to Ghandi. From Elizabeth Tudor to Benjamin Franklin. Despite the great separation in time, space and culture their teachings are remarkably consistent, he found out. Richard likes to look at their common strenghs and insights instead of the distinctive flaws of the world’s different religions and philosophical tradition. He lives a sustainable lifestyle. And with his 6 years old mobile phone he surely puts into practice what he preaches!About Richard Borden:Richardkborden.comIf you like to know more about me and my Leadership Programs:www.fiefmacrander.comfief@fiefmacrander.com

An Intellectual Johnny AppleseedJulian Baggini is no musician, he’s a philosopher, a journalist and writer (The Godless Gospel, Babette’s Feast, How the World Thinks, A Short History of Truth…). But he knows how to make music. It’s about awareness of otherness, he says, attention to underlying unity. Spin the knobs, adjust your value sets, create more tolerance, nothing is completely alien. Julian’s ideas resonate across domains and make for captivating conversation. Sharing small thoughts about big things and big thoughts about small things, our conversation touched on ballet, the NHS, comparative philosophy, jazz and, oh yes – leadership and ethics.Along the way, we discuss what Covid has exposed in individuals and society. Our culture, for example, hasn’t equipped us for transience. And the myth of self-sufficiency has blinded us to how the individual and the collective intertwine. Cutting yourself off makes you less creative; it’s precisely collaboration that allows for the expression of individuality. You never really piss in just your end of the pool.Julian mentions the embarrassment of non-awareness - that there’s more than one way to be intellectual and rational. The history of western thought is NOT the history of thought, he emphasizes. The attempt to understand the world by applying reason, without religion or mythology, has been underway for centuries, everywhere. And while admitting that philosophy is a luxury – requiring time to think – this generous intellectual Johnny Appleseed forged ahead, scattering seeds of thought everywhere along the way. I wish we could have elaborated on his view of universal basic income. Join us. Stay tuned!About Julian Baggini:www.julianbaggini.comIf you like to know more about Fief Macrander and her Leadership Programs:www.Fiefmacrander.comfief@fiefmacrander.com 

What makes us better people? How do we grow to become better leaders, lovers, friends? I had just finished reading Jerry Colonna’s book “Reboot – Leadership and the Art of Growing Up”, and was chewing over childhood experiences and their impact on our own behaviors. Intense introspection may yield insight. But at what point does it get in the way of living life, pursuing our journey, growing? So I called him.Our conversation touched on Jung and Freud, alcoholism and spiders – grace notes in this week’s podcast. But we mainly discussed leadership. Jerry proved gentle, gracious and ruthless at once in his approach. He looks at behaviors we don’t want; conditions we (say we) don’t want. And asks us to acknowledge our own complicity in sustaining these behaviors and situations. This “CEO whisperer” even showed me the tattoo on his chest. “Alleviating suffering,” he said, has to do with “being what you choose to become.”                                   “You worry too much. It’s all gonna be OK.” Have a listen!About Jerry Colonna:www.reboot.ioAbout the book Jerry mentioned: To bless the Space by John O'DonohueAbout Joyce Rupp reading her poem Old Maps No Longer Work http:/vimeo.com/315916263If you want to know more about me and my Leadership Programs, please let me know!www.themacs.partnersfief@themacs.partners

I’ve got a lot of questions. In a fascinating 40-minute conversation, John Sellars answered them all succinctly. “How do I discern the right path?” “What is success?” “How can I reduce anxiety?” If similar life questions keep you busy, then this podcast is for you.John, a writer, professor of philosophy and founding member of Modern Stoicism, is a learned, approachable and accomplished thought-weaver. His most recent book, “The Fourfold Remedy”, follows on earlier works that include “The Art of Living”, “Lessons in Stoicism” and “Marcus Aurelius”. It drills down into the Epicureans' question about how best to live life (the short answer?: pursue tranquility), borrowing from his mailman along the way.Our interview carried us from the individual to the universal – from practical coping techniques and the avoidance of pain to the rationale of social existence. Turns out we are not isolated predators after all. All kinds of things may incline us toward egotism, but in the end, we’re unimportant. So cultivate social relationships. That’s where the joy lies.We also spoke about chosen and unchosen roles. The contingencies, duties and responsibilities these carry. And particularly about how to put these into perspective. Which roles can we choose and which ones should we choose? In the absence of religion and in a tsunami of social media voices, rituals and routines offer guidance. Observe yourself; get to recognize your own value judgements. How? By slowing down and reflecting. By spending time alone. By spending the next 40 minutes with your headphones on.Those 4 remedies? He ticks them off in a single sentence. About John Sellars:www.johnsellars.org.ukwww.modernstoicism.com If you want to know more about my Leadership programs and me:www.themacs.partnersfief@themacs.partners

David Langiulli claims he’s certain of one thing: uncertainty. This thought stayed with him on mountaineering expeditions throughout the world. It’s with him today on the jiu-jitsu mat. “Don’t react, respond!” he exhorts. “Get your mind right.”David and I sat down to mull over the Stoics and leadership. Our conversation romped off quickly toward responses to the things beyond our control. How to act. Whether (!) to act. Join me for an engaging half hour with the author of “The Essential Leadership Journal”. Along the way, he offers his take on rousing to motivation and about clarifying what’s essential.Does your work give you joy? You’re on the right track. Where, exactly, does that joy originate? (Be mindful: both the rational and the emotional may be floating your boat. And your “inner critic” often clouds vision, grabbing at the tiller.) David Langiulli, an experienced guide, provides insight.About David:www.fundraisingleaderhip.orgwww.davidlanguilli.com If you want to know more about Leadership and me:Fief@themacs.partnerswww.themacs.partners 

In the 90s, Tiffany Mika traveled the world playing pro tennis. Today she's at the top of het game .....of golf, tennis and life! I spoke with this remarkable athlete about her mental approach, about her recent book "Focus- How to Reach Your Potential in Sport, Business & Life" and about changes in her life.Join me for this enjoyable conversation with Mika in which she reveals how little wins lead to big ones. Little wins can be as simple as waking up in the morning the right way or just making your bed! We spoke about peeling back the "levels of why". And about her practical TFAR system(thoughts feelings actions results)-for use in your life both on and of the court.Discover more about Tiffany Mika's website and social media:tiffanymikapodcasttheladygolfteacher.com www.Tiffanymika.com

Ben Aldridge writes about practical philosophy, comfort zones, mental health and adventure. His first book How to Be Comfortable with Being Uncomfortable: 43 Weird & Wonderful Ways to Build a Strong Resilient Mindset is an exploration of unique ways to leave our comfort zones, face our fears and overcome our anxieties. Heavily influenced by Stoicism, Buddhism, Popular Psychology and CBT, Ben's challenges encourage us to get uncomfortable and experience the personal growth that we can only gain from pushing ourselves to the limit. Discover more at Ben's website and on social media: www.benaldridge.com Instagram: @dothingsthatchallengeyouTwitter: @iambenaldridge

A great interview with David Allen!David is widely recognized as the World's leading authority on personal and organizational productivity. He is an author, consultant, international lecturer, and Founder of the David Allen Company.Author of the book Getting Things Done, the Art of Stress-Free productivity (ISBN 978-0-14-200028-1)It has been a perennial business seller since it's publication in 2001, and is now published in 28 languages.Getting Things Done is a personal productivity methodology that redefines how you approach your life and work. With 5 clear steps that apply order in chaos.- Capture- Clarify- Organize- Reflect- EngageHe borrows a simile used in martial arts termed "mind like water". The opposite of "mind like water" is a mind that never returns to quiescence but remains continually stressed by every input. With a trusted system and a "mind like water" you can have a better perspective your life.His other books: Ready for Anything: 52 Productivity Principles for Work(ISBN 978-0-670-03250-1) and Making it all Work (ISBN:978-0-7499-4103-1)Check: www.gettingthingsdone.com 

An interview with dr. Vic Strecher. He is a pioneer in the field of behavior science, delivers groundbreaking work that shows how finding your purpose in life leads to better health and overall happiness. An American public health figure, professor, author, researcher, entrepreneur and visionary leader.  One of his books he wrote is Life on Purpose: how living what matters most. Going beyond the fads, opinions, and false hopes of "expert"self -help books, Life in Purpose explores the incredible connection between purposeful living and the latest scientific evidence on quality of life and longevity. Also by Vic Strecher: On Purpose: lessons in Life and Health from the Frog, The Dung Beetle, and JuliaLook at his course on Coursera! Finding Purpose and Meaning in Life: Living for What Matters Most Check out Vic Strecher:www.vicstrecher.comwww.coursera.org    

An interview with Bjørn Aris. He has been studying Eastern martial arts and Zen Philosophy for more than 35 years. He has been amongst Europe's top practitioners of the art of iaido within his league, the Japanese Way of the Sword.  Since 2000, he has been working as a trainer and coach to middle and higher management in the business world.One of the books is called The Cutting Edge: it offers a number of ground rules for being successful at work, based on Eastern philosophies and martial arts, at the heart of which lies the right balance between reason and intuition. The ground rules in this book are all you need to teach yourself to use your own strength to find the right answer to any situation in this constantly changing world and to be able to enjoy your work more, with less stress and strain.His latest book is called Lessen van een Samoerai, the ultimate guide for a meaningful life.For more Information about Bjørn Aris: www.bjornaris.com and www.returnonpeople.nl 

An interview with dr. Tim Pychyl. Tim is an associate professor in the Department of Psychology, the Director of the Center for Initiatives in Education. His research in psychology is focused on the breakdown in volitional actions commonly known as Procrastination and it's relation to personal well-being. He is a winner of numerous teaching awards, wrote several books and published a lot of articles. One of his books is called Solving The Procrastination Puzzle:a concise guide to strategies for change. Let's put some pieces of this puzzle together in this Episode!

An interview with Alkistis Agio! Alkistis is a Tedx Speaker, coach, author, wellness TV Host, "lover of Philosophy" and leadership trainer.She works with professionals to transform fear, frustration, anger and anxiety into calm, confident leadership. She uses her own system "The Alkistis Method" based on the teachings of Aristotle, Socrates, Plato and the Stoics.She wrote books like The answer within, Europhoria, From fear to freedom. In this interview we talk about "The Alkistis Method" and her book The stoic CEO.  Check out for more about Alkistis: www.alkistis.net -------- If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcast/Itunes? 

Part 2 of my interview with Donald Robertson. Author, trainer and writer. Donald wrote 6 books and a lot of articles about philosophy and psychotherapy. He leads online courses on Stoicism and Marcus Aurelius. AND is called The super glue of the stoic community.... His latest book is called How To Think Like A Roman Emperor. Number 1 bestseller in philosophy in the US. The book is about Marcus Aurelius. One of the best Roman Emperors, writer of The Meditations and a stoic example.  According to Ryan Holiday, bestseller author of The Obstacle Is The Way and The Daily Stoic: "This is a wonderful and important book that anyone interested in Stoicism or in being a better leader should read". In this Episode Donald and I explore:- How to deal with Anger?- About his new graphic novel- The stoic techniques Donald usesAND LOTS MORE! Check out Donald Robertson:https://donaldrobertson.com =====If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcast/Itunes?

Part 1 of my interview with Donald Robertson. Author, trainer and writer. Donald wrote 6 books and a lot of articles about philosophy and psychotherapy. He leads online courses on Stoicism and Marcus Aurelius. AND is called The super glue of the stoic community.... His latest book is called How To Think Like A Roman Emperor. Number 1 bestseller in philosophy in the US. The book is about Marcus Aurelius. One of the best Roman Emperors, writer of The Meditations and a stoic example.  According to Ryan Holiday, bestseller author of The Obstacle Is The Way and The Daily Stoic: "This is a wonderful and important book that anyone interested in Stoicism or in being a better leader should read". In this Episode Donald and I explore:- Confusion around what is Stoicism?- The Meditations Of Marcus Aurelius - Different ways of dealing with anxietyAND LOTS MORE! Check out Donald Robertson:https://donaldrobertson.com =====If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcast/Itunes? 

An interview with the intriguing Jonas Salzgeber about his life AND book The Little Book of Stoicism: Timeless Wisdom to Gain Resilience, Confidence and Calmness. Jonas is an online entrepreneur and together with his brother he has a popular development website called NJLivehacks.com. He writes about stoicism, self discipline, productivity: everything related to helping other in becoming a better version of themselves....His book Little book of Stoicism is a compelling, highly actionable guide that shows you how to deal more effectively with whatever life throws at you and live to your best self.On his quest to be the best he can be, he stumbled upon Stoicism, and got hooked. At the core of this actionable philosophy lies the goal of leading a happy life even (especially) in the face of adversity. His practical, rather than academic, writing style helps people put their wisdom into action!

A great interview with Hylke Faber. Hylke is a Leadership coach and author of the award winning book Taming your Crocodiles, unlearn fear and become a true leader. About the 7 common, fear based, personas that limit us and how we can grow through them and gain leadership strength. Hylke started his career as a business consultant in New York City at Towers Perrin, then at Strategic Decisions Group where he became one of the youngest partners elected. He founded Co-Creation Partners and Constancee. He leads the Growth Leaders Network, a community of leaders committed to self-growth and selfless service. Teacher at the Columbia Business School Executive Education and coach at The Crocodile School. His new book is Taming your Crocodiles, Practices. With daily Reflections for Leadership Depth.

Welcome to the Macs, a podcast for leaders and entrepreneurs. I’m Fief Macrander, a psychologist and owner of The Macs.partners.  I will share practical wisdom, like stoic philosophy. Talk with great writers about leadership and with leaders and entrepreneurs who had their part in life. I believe in the power of connection and inspiring each other: we all in this together!