Potent

What are your emotions really trying to tell and how can you use them to teach you?In part two of this two-part episode of Potent, Steven is joined once more by Andy Hickman, founder of hēl, as they explore personal growth through emotional insight and sensory engagement, emphasizing the significance of addressing physical sensations and emotions rooted in early experiences for breakthroughs. They emphasize the necessity of a balanced integration of intellectual, emotional, and physical aspects, presenting methodologies for fostering such harmony, as well as sharing practical exercises for recalling positive memories are introduced, aimed at facilitating personal transformation and growth.About Today's GuestAndy is the head coach and founder of hēl, a high-touch coaching practice that helps creators cultivate their spirituality through the reorganization of their physical senses. Interviewed by the David Allen Company® for his ground breaking research on the connections between medieval philosophy and modern project management, he's been invited to speak for members of the U.S. congress, Business leaders at organizations like FOCUS and Ernst & Young, and numerous popular podcasts.Show Notes00:00 - Introduction00:02:22 - Exploring Positive and Negative Stories00:05:58 - The Importance of Observing vs. Examining00:10:52 - The Detective Analogy for Thought Processes00:12:40 - The Hierarchy of Meaning00:17:08 - The Personal Nature of Change00:22:09 - The Challenge of Teaching vs. Coaching00:29:10 - Identifying Personal Preferences and Understanding Personal Patterns34:01 - Exploring the Connection Between Time and Personal Value37:12 - The Challenge of Articulating Complex Ideas41:04 - Overview of hēl's Four Behaviors46:09 - Clarifying: Making Sense of What You Recognize48:14 - Reviewing: Realigning Reason, Intuition, and ListsHow to Learn More About hēl:If these conversations with Andy Hickman are resonating strongly with you, you will want to read his Landmark Letters, which are a free and thoughtful distillation of the what and why of hēl. In this series of 13 letters you will:Hear audio clips of practitioners experiencing healing Learn the personal story of Andy's neurotic breakdown at age 17, which planted the seed for the creation of hēlRediscover the nature of organizationUnderstand how to make choosing in life easyTo read Andy's Landmark Letters for free, go to www.hel.co and click the "hēl your creativity" button". _The Potent Podcast is produced and edited by Justin Sinclair, who also composed the theme music. Additional editing support and mixing by Aaron Feeney.This podcast is brought to you by the Monk Manual. The monk manual is dedicated to providing best-in-class tools for helping you build a more potent life, and experience peaceful being and purposeful doing on a daily basis. If you'd like to be more intentional with your time and energy - please visit monkmanual.com.

Does completing ten menial tasks compare to completing one meaningful task?On today's solo episode of Potent, Steven explores the process of how to best prioritize essential tasks by zooming out on life goals and reducing unnecessary actions, as well as challenging the notion that doing and being are mutually exclusive, advocating for a harmonious relationship between external productivity and internal fulfillment. By focusing on time leadership over time management, creating outer order to facilitate inner peace, and using priorities as guiding principles, he explains how we can navigate a more intentional and meaningful life while providing practical advice on setting generative, objective, operative, and desirable (GOOD) goals, and emphasizes the importance of ongoing self-reflection and growth through journaling, reading, and supportive relationships.About Today's GuestSteven Lawson is the founder and creator of the Monk Manual, a productivity company on a mission to fix productivity by serving the whole person, mind + body + spirit. After searching high and low for a more holistic and fulfilling approach to work and human flourishing, he found it amongst the ancient path of the monks. Featured in Inc, Forbes, and Fortune magazine, this new (old) model for work and personal growth has already helped over 100,000 people cultivate peaceful being and purposeful doing in their everyday lives. Steven lives in Buffalo, NY with his wife and three children. Show Notes00:00 - Introduction to Being and Doing05:30 - Misconceptions about Being and Doing10:50 - Practical Steps for Integrating Being and Doing19:26 - Importance of Priorities Over To-Do Lists25:34 - Shift from SMART Goals to Focusing on the Good31:55 - Starting the Journey Towards Fullness of Being_The Potent Podcast is produced and edited by Justin Sinclair, who also composed the theme music. Additional editing support and mixing by Aaron Feeney.This podcast is brought to you by the Monk Manual. The monk manual is dedicated to providing best in class tools for helping you build a more potent life, and experience peaceful being and purposeful doing on a daily basis. If you'd like to be more intentional with your time and energy - please visit monkmanual.com.

Making Sense (Part 1) | Andy HickmanWhat are your emotions really trying to tell and how can you use them to teach you?On part one of this two-part episode of Potent, Steven is joined once again by Andy Hickman, founder of hēl, as they explore self-awareness and personal growth through a live therapy workshop, highlighting the mapping of experiences and excavating deep emotions through storytelling, sensing, and clarifying exercises. The two also discuss the transformative power of reflection, the importance of authentic living, and turning negative experiences into productive energy.About Today's GuestAndy is the head coach and founder of hēl, a high-touch coaching practice that helps creators cultivate their spirituality through the reorganization of their physical senses. Interviewed by the David Allen Company® for his ground-breaking research on the connections between medieval philosophy and modern project management, he's been invited to speak for members of the U.S. Congress, business leaders at organizations like FOCUS and Ernst & Young, and numerous popular podcasts.Show Notes00:00 Intro02:06 Live Workshop with Andy*12:38 The Concept of Self-Discipline15:12 Understanding Willpower and Desire20:05 Navigating Inner and Outer Worlds26:49 The Process of Sense Making54:40 Mapping Emotions and Stories01:06:55 Slowing Down the Story01:16:26 Breathing Through the Story01:25:44 Reflecting on the Process01:36:40 Concluding Thoughts and Next Steps_The Potent Podcast is produced and edited by Justin Sinclair, who also composed the theme music. Additional editing support and mixing by Aaron Feeney.This podcast is brought to you by the Monk Manual. The monk manual is dedicated to providing best in class tools for helping you build a more potent life, and experience peaceful being and purposeful doing on a daily basis. If you'd like to be more intentional with your time and energy - please visit monkmanual.com.

TITLE: What's the Purpose of Your Money | YNAB Founder Jesse MechamDo you have trouble in your relationship with the money you earn?On today's episode of Potent, Steven is joined by personal finance expert and founder of YNAB, Jesse Mecham, to discuss the philosophy and principles of YNAB (You Need a Budget), an app designed to help users align their spending with their personal values and goals. Jesse shares his journey of using money intentionally and the benefits of giving every dollar a job and covers four key habits promoted by YNAB: assigning every dollar a job, embracing true expenses, rolling with the punches, and aging one's money. About Today's GuestJesse Mecham is a personal finance expert and founder of YNAB, an app with a simple set of habits to help people change the way they think about money. Jesse hosts the top-rated financial podcast You Need A Budget (8 million downloads), as well as the business owners' guide to managing cash flow, the Beginning Balance Podcast. He is the Wall Street Journal best-selling author of, You Need A Budget and is regularly quoted in the media as a money management expert – Forbes, New York Times, CNBC, and Business Insider have featured him – to name a few!Jesse started YNAB in 2004, and back then, it was just a lil' bitty spreadsheet that helped him (a self-proclaimed cash-strapped, newly married college student) cover the cost of his textbooks without going into debt. Nearly two decades later, The TODAY Show described YNAB as a “cult-favorite,” and the YNABverse continues to expand – amassing passionate fan communities on every corner of the internet (that combined are larger than the population of Charleston). Every day they share stories of demolishing debt, paying for cars in cash, or quadrupling their net worth. YNAB the company is home to a fast-growing team living and working all around the world, and has built a thriving remote culture that earned recognition as Fortune's #1 best small company to work for. (YNAB was doing remote work before it was cool!). When not teaching the YNAB Method – four habits to help people spend, save and give without guilt or second-guessing –Jesse loves gardening, woodworking, marksmanship, and travel. He also spends a good bit of time with his wife and their seven children – yes, seven! To learn more, visit www.ynab.com. Show Notes0:00 Intro + Story and Philosophy of "You Need A Budget"04:59 YNAB's Four Habits14:06 First Steps to Giving Your Money A Job19:33 Scarcity Is Clarity26:53 Dealing with Debt: Pace and Prevention31:46 Taking Inventory, Making Decisions37:33 Rapid Fire Questions_The Potent Podcast is produced and edited by Justin Sinclair, who also composed the theme music. Additional editing support and mixing by Aaron Feeney.This podcast is brought to you by the Monk Manual. The monk manual is dedicated to providing best in class tools for helping you build a more potent life, and experience peaceful being and purposeful doing on a daily basis. If you'd like to be more intentional with your time and energy - please visit monkmanual.com

What's holding you back from reaching your fullest capability for creativity?On today's episode of Potent, Steven is joined by Syracuse University's Professor Elizabeth Wimer to discuss a range of topics from providing practical advice for avoiding burnout, to understanding the Pareto principle to identify impactful relationships, fostering creativity through thoughtful practices, and leveraging weak ties for idea generation. The two also touch on cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset and get into Professor Wimer's personal reflections on teaching and balancing professional life with genuine care for her students. About Today's GuestElizabeth Wimer is equally passionate about coffee and entrepreneurship – a combination that serves her well as a caffeinated educator for conferences, consulting, and as an Assistant Teaching Professor at Syracuse University's Whitman School of Management. Her experience in entrepreneurial ventures and her passion for marketing translates into courses, consulting, and speaking engagements in entrepreneurship, ideation, marketing, creative problem solving, personal selling, management, and customer service.Her consulting work has taken her throughout the United States and also to the United Arab Emirates, Asia, Africa, and the U.K. and her passion for education has led her to South Sudan to volunteer to teach at an understaffed school in rural Ariang. She is currently running an annual signature immersion experience for Syracuse University students to consult on-site with entrepreneurs, refugee artisans and underserved rural schools in Nairobi & Nakuru, Kenya.Although she resides in Syracuse, New York with her husband, sons and new puppy she remains an avid Boston sports fan – particularly for the Boston Bruins and especially when they win against the Habs or Rangers.Show Notes0:00 Intro02:21 Applying the Pareto Principle to Life07:16 Elizabeth's Journey Toward Teaching10:54 How to Find Your Purpose14:52 How to Reframe Problems and Generate Ideas18:13 The Problem with Brainstorming23:05 Are People Born Creative?28:13 Idea Generation with Steve: Who is Your Audience?34:30 The Intersection of Generosity, Curiosity and Creativity41:20 Processes & Practices_The Potent Podcast is produced and edited by Justin Sinclair, who also composed the theme music. Additional editing support and mixing by Aaron Feeney.This podcast is brought to you by the Monk Manual. The monk manual is dedicated to providing best-in-class tools for helping you build a more potent life, and experience peaceful being and purposeful doing on a daily basis. If you'd like to be more intentional with your time and energy - please visit monkmanual.com.

Do you know the real cause of why you procrastinate?On today's solo episode of Potent, Steven tackles the concept of procrastination, and how while many may view it as a lack of discipline, in reality it's more rooted as a fear response. Through his experience with the Monk Manual and coaching entrepreneurs over the years, Steven identifies patterns and consequences of procrastination he's observed, such as feelings of shame and lost potential, while detailing practical strategies like setting clear goals, sitting with discomfort, finding inspiration, and building a supportive community to better help confront and navigate procrastination effectively. About Today's GuestSteven Lawson is the founder and creator of the Monk Manual, a productivity company on a mission to fix productivity by serving the whole person, mind + body + spirit. After searching high and low for a more holistic and fulfilling approach to work and human flourishing, he found it amongst the ancient path of the monks. Featured in Inc, Forbes, and Fortune magazine, this new (old) model for work and personal growth has already helped over 100,000 people cultivate peaceful being and purposeful doing in their everyday lives. Steven lives in Buffalo, NY with his wife and three children. Show Notes00:00 Intro, Procrastination, Potential, and Malaise03:52 Procrastination is not about discipline, but fear and discomfort11:10 The Mechanics of Procrastination: Decision - Avoidance13:36 Confronting Procrastination: Strategies for Moving Forward17:38 Procrastination Beyond Actions: The Impact on Being_The Potent Podcast is produced and edited by Justin Sinclair, who also composed the theme music. Additional editing support and mixing by Aaron Feeney.This podcast is brought to you by the Monk Manual. The monk manual is dedicated to providing best in class tools for helping you build a more potent life, and experience peaceful being and purposeful doing on a daily basis. If you'd like to be more intentional with your time and energy - please visit monkmanual.com.

Does placing too much importance on personal individualism separate us from each other more than we realize?On today's episode of Potent, Steven is joined by Joe Rutten, Director of the Benedictine Leadership Institute at Mount Marty University, to discuss the importance and impact of communal monasticism based on the principles of St. Benedict. Joe outlines his role, which involves integrating the Benedictine way of life into the university's curriculum and fostering a community-based approach to personal and professional development, as well as highlighting the essential elements of a strong community: honesty, transparency, peacemaking, and accountability.About Today's GuestJoe Rutten is from Sioux Falls, SD where he lives with his wife Laura and their four boys. He is a passionate visionary, respected for his work in Catholic education, faith and business integration, and professional leadership development. In over two decades of work in Catholic education at the parish, high school, and university level, Joe has found his calling in helping people of all ages discover a deeper sense of meaning and purpose to their lives and helping university students navigate the peaks and values of life as they seek to impact the world personally and professionally. Beyond the classroom, he has been actively involved in the work of faith and business integration. His passion for helping men connect to their catholic faith through their work in business inspired him to create the Catholic Men's Business Fraternity in Sioux Falls, SD in 2012. In 2015, Joe started an annual Faith & Business Conference in Sioux Falls for men and women of all faiths to help them take Sunday into Monday by integrating faith principles into business practices. He is currently the Director of the Benedictine Leadership Institute and professor of Theology at Mount Marty University in Yankton, SD, where he builds the next generation of leaders through the Benedictine way of life. Show Notes0:00 Intro01:10 Benedictines and the origin of the Benedictine Leadership Institute at Mount Marty University05:12 Integrating Benedictine Principles into Education and Leadership11:26 The Importance of Community14:58 What Vows Do To Relationships22:51 Four Types of Monks according to Benedict27:47 Navigating Community in Our Tech Age29:57 The University Bubble: A Microcosm for Community Building_The Potent Podcast is produced and edited by Justin Sinclair, who also composed the theme music. Additional editing support and mixing by Aaron Feeney.This podcast is brought to you by the Monk Manual. The Monk Manual is dedicated to providing best-in-class tools for helping you build a more potent life, and experience peaceful being and purposeful doing on a daily basis. If you'd like to be more intentional with your time and energy - please visit monkmanual.com.

Are you holding yourself back from knowing the real you?On today's episode of Potent, Steven is joined by Leslie McDaniel to discuss her lifelong journey of self-awareness through personality typology and core gifts, as well as how her curiosity has shaped her life. Through emphasizing body awareness and presence, the two highlight some of the most common pitfalls in self-awareness pursuits and offer practical advice for living a more potent life. About Today's GuestLeslie is a self-discovery coach, podcast host, and curious human whose quest for self-understanding leads her to see the positive ripple effects of self-love. With her open heart, intuitive questions, and deep wisdom, she guides clients to have insight into all that is transpiring in their lives. Leslie's clients gain clarity on their life's path with tools such as personality typology and the Core Gift Discovery Process so that they can have an authentic impact on the things that matter most.https://hellopersonality.com/Show Notes02:24 The Role of Self-Awareness in Personal Growth09:32 Overview of Personality Models: MBTI, Enneagram, and Core Gifting14:14 The Scientific Debate: Validity of Personality Models28:46 Personal Growth and the Pitfalls of Personality Typing37:35 The Role of Myers-Briggs in Self-Awareness40:34 The Journey of Personal Growth and Self-Discovery44:56 The Core Gift Discovery Process50:32 The Impact of Core Gifts on Personal Development01:01:31 Expanding Self-Awareness Through New Experiences_The Potent Podcast is produced and edited by Justin Sinclair, who also composed the theme music. Additional editing support and mixing by Aaron Feeney.This podcast is brought to you by the Monk Manual. The Monk Manual is dedicated to providing best-in-class tools for helping you build a more potent life, and experience peaceful being and purposeful doing on a daily basis. If you'd like to be more intentional with your time and energy - please visit monkmanual.com.

Where is the unrest in your life truly coming from and what can be done about it? On today's solo episode of Potent, Steven describes his personal journey with the Monk Manual and shares lessons he's learned about honesty, dealing with unrest, embracing change, and focusing on serving others to achieve personal growth and reach one's full potential. About Today's GuestSteven Lawson is the founder and creator of the Monk Manual, a productivity company on a mission to fix productivity by serving the whole person, mind + body + spirit. After searching high and low for a more holistic and fulfilling approach to work and human flourishing, he found it amongst the ancient path of the monks. Featured in Inc, Forbes, and Fortune magazine, this new (old) model for work and personal growth has already helped over 100,000 people cultivate peaceful being and purposeful doing in their everyday lives. Steven lives in Buffalo, NY with his wife and three children. Show Notes00:00 Intro01:46 Steven's Journey with Monk Manual03:46 Lesson 1: By Definition, Visionaries Will Be or Feel Misunderstood05:27 Lesson 2: Success Doesn't Look The Same For Everyone10:12 Lesson 3: Unrest is a Messenger14:22 Lesson 4: Internal change is the important, neglected work20:02 Lesson 5: Shifting Focus from Self to Service26:18 Ending Questions for Reflection Toward Personal Growth_The Potent Podcast is produced and edited by Justin Sinclair, who also composed the theme music. Additional editing support and mixing by Aaron Feeney.This podcast is brought to you by the Monk Manual. The monk manual is dedicated to providing best-in-class tools for helping you build a more potent life, and experience peaceful being and purposeful doing on a daily basis. If you'd like to be more intentional with your time and energy - please visit monkmanual.com.

What's stopping you from returning to the truest version of yourself?On today's episode of Potent, Steven is joined by Kelly Wendorf, founder and CEO of EQUUS, as they talk about rewilding, authenticity, and integrating nature-based experiences for personal and professional development, along with the challenges of finding belonging beyond societal labels, specifically presence, and self-awareness. Throughout the episode, the two also discuss embracing wisdom traditions, opening up to new perspectives, and optimizing personal growth through connection with oneself and nature.About Today's GuestKelly Wendorf, Founding CEO of EQUUS, a leadership development firm, is an author, a socially responsible entrepreneur, disruptor, and expert in the art form of taking people through transformative change and onto meaningful levels of success, purpose, and profound fulfillment. She has been assisting her clients to navigate transformation for over 30 years, and in so doing has extensively researched this question: what conditions need to be created to allow people to live a life of deep authenticity, freedom, and joy? Having also experienced numerous tectonic shifts in her own life, she intimately knows the landscape of metamorphosis and transformative change. She has been called a corporate shaman and a CEO whisperer. Her work has been featured in Forbes, VOGUE, Huffington Post, and The New York Times. Her latest book Flying Lead Change – 56 Million Years of Wisdom for Leading and Living published by Sounds True, invites us to look to the evolutionary intelligence of nature, and nature-based wisdom to meet the challenges we face today. She works inside a spectrum of clientele – from Amazon to Microsoft to some of the most underserved communities. She serves her clients from all over the world remotely and also in person, alongside her talented co-facilitators––a herd of eight equines––on her small ranch just outside Santa Fe, New Mexico. ***Save 50% off Kelly's book "Flying Lead Change" by entering MONKMANUAL50 at checkout. https://kellywendorf.com/https://www.equusinspired.com/Instagram: @EQUUSinspiredLinkedIn @ Kelly Wendorf or @EQUUSFacebook: @EQUUSinspiredShow Notes00:00 Intro02:52 What is Rewilding?11:28 From Corporate to Coaching with Horses27:28 Navigating Spirituality and Business38:12 The Essence of Presence and Overcoming Categorization44:00 The Power of Presence54:43 The Essence of Presence in Equine Principles01:06:21 Practical Tips for Cultivating Presence01:09:22 Rapid Fire Questions: Insights and Advice_The Potent Podcast is produced and edited by Justin Sinclair, who also composed the theme music. Additional editing support and mixing by Aaron Feeney.This podcast is brought to you by the Monk Manual. The monk manual is dedicated to providing best-in-class tools for helping you build a more potent life, and experience peaceful being and purposeful doing on a daily basis. If you'd like to be more intentional with your time and energy - please visit monkmanual.com.

Why isn't your life making sense, and how do you fix it?On today's episode of Potent, Steven is joined by Andy Hickman, founder of hēl, as they discuss the coaching practice's core principles for achieving wholeness and alignment by reconnecting with physical senses and innate sensibilities. The two emphasize the importance of moving beyond abstract thought to nurture mental, emotional, and action-oriented aspects collectively, along with highlighting the significance of reflection, writing, and surrounding oneself with an inspiring community for personal growth and creativity.About Today's GuestAndy is the head coach and founder of hēl, a high-touch coaching practice that helps creators cultivate their spirituality through the reorganization of their physical senses. Interviewed by the David Allen Company® for his groundbreaking research on the connections between medieval philosophy and modern project management, he's been invited to speak for members of the U.S. Congress, Business leaders at organizations like FOCUS and Ernst & Young, and numerous popular podcasts.https://hel.co/Show Notes01:55 Intro02:22 What is hēl?05:23 Experience of mental breakdown that led to hēl?08:11 What's the way out of stress?12:35 Productivity- not an isolated problem15:53 We think of thinking as abstract20:57 Ruminating takes energy25:22 Practical advice to get moving?33:53 The problem you think, probably isn't38:32 Importance of pausing44:59 "Rhythm" instead of schedule53:05 1-year program_The Potent Podcast is produced and edited by Justin Sinclair, who also composed the theme music. Additional editing support and mixing by Aaron Feeney.This podcast is brought to you by the Monk Manual. The monk manual is dedicated to providing best-in-class tools for helping you build a more potent life, and experience peaceful being and purposeful doing on a daily basis. If you'd like to be more intentional with your time and energy - please visit monkmanual.com.

How can you make discomfort work for, rather than against you?On today's episode of Potent, Steven Lawson and Shannon Huffman Polson, founder of The Grit Institute, explore the transformational power of grit, and how you can build grit in your own life to live into a deeper potential through moving towards rather than away from discomfort, change, and difficulty. Uncover how discomfort, service, and challenging experiences pave the way for transformation and a more purposeful existence.About Today's GuestShannon Huffman Polson is the author of The Grit Factor: Courage,Resilience and Leadership in the Most Male Dominated Organization in the World, as well as the memoir North of Hope. She is the founder of The Grit Institute, a leadership institute committed to whole leader development, and host of The Grit Factor podcast. Polson also teaches on the faculty of the Tuck School's Leadership and Strategic Initiative Executive Education Program.As one of the first women to fly the Apache helicopter in the U.S. Army, leading line units on three continents, Polson combines her passion and firsthand experience in and study of leadership, grit, purpose and story to address the needs of her clients in the face of challenge and change with world-class keynotes and executive education.After serving for a decade in the armed services, Polson earned her MBA at the Tuck School at Dartmouth, and later her MFA. She went on to lead outstanding teams in the corporate world in the medical device industry and atMicrosoft. As a community leader, Polson successfully envisioned, founded and led the completion of a $6.5M new library and civic center.Polson has a decade of experience speaking to companies and organizations around the world, and is consistently the highest rated speaker at her events. Polson lives with her husband and two children in Washington State.https://shannonpolson.com/https://www.thegritinstitute.com/podcasts/Show Notes02:00 The Grit Factor03:20 Why grit?04:16 The double crucible05:50 What to do when the cards are against you?10:19 Encounters with death13:23 Courageously engaging death/life16:52 Danger to be consumed with purpose18:32 Trusting oneself19:42 Connect with inner compass22:36 A holistic approach24:29 Raising kids with grit 27:55 Belonging and significance29:55 Doomsday news32:32 Can't make friends?33:54 Comfortable with uncomfortable38:13 Outgrowing the box analogy39:13 how you navigate growing42:24 What does great look like46:14 Trust the process/love the work47:50 Mary Poppins50:27 Gratitude changes you52:36 Look for ways to serveThis podcast is brought to you by the Monk Manual. The monk manual is dedicated to providing best-in-class tools for helping you build a more potent life, and experience peaceful being and purposeful doing on a daily basis. If you'd like to be more intentional with your time and energy - please visit monkmanual.com. The Potent Podcast is produced and edited by Justin Sinclair, who also composed the the theme music. Additional editing support and mixing by Aaron Feeney. Design by Kristin Bural of Soulbeam Studios.

How Can You Redesign Your Internal Programming a Live a Full(er) Life?On today's episode of Potent, Steven Lawson and master coach and podcast host Chris Yonker dive into overcoming trauma, the power of spirituality and self-awareness, the impact of mentorship, and the journey toward self-acceptance and deeper connections.About Today's GuestChris is a Certified Family Business Advisor accredited through The Family Firm Institute. Chris helps to consciously navigate the challenges of succession, leadership transitions and family conflict, while creating long-term strategies for business continuity. Dubbed a “Life Journey Sherpa,” Chris' holistic approach allows each individual in the family to be seen as an integral piece to the work. He uses his experience as a Neuro- Linguistic practitioner, a student of Philosophy and Psychology, and a thought leader on Personal Performance and Transformation to create a one-of-a-kind methodology that fuses heart and soul — helping families achieve extraordinary results that become permanent ways of being. Drawing upon more than 25 years of driving change and leading sales with 3M, and over a decade in Family Business and Executive consulting, Chris has built a process that has become his special sort of alchemy. His strategy helps clients move beyond the obstacles family organizations face that often prevent them from leading deeply fulfilling lives, both individually as well as collectively. Many of Chris's clients say the process of working with him leads to profound healing within their families, bringing a sense of deep peace, better relationships and higher levels of happiness alongside a thriving organization. As a sought-after speaker, Chris has been a special guest of Camden Family Wealth, The Institute for Family-Owned Business, and The Center for Family Enterprise, and has been a featured contributor to Forbes. Education Chris is a Certified Family Business Advisor accredited through The Family Firm Institute. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Business and a Minor in Communication from Western Michigan University. He was personally mentored by Tony Robbins' original trainer in Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP). Personal Chris is a seventh-degree black belt in an Okinawan style of karate and a student of yoga and meditation. He enjoys fishing, travel, cooking and spending time with his wife of 28 years and their daughterwww.chrisyonker.comhttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-secret-thoughts-of-ceos-podcast/id1543246164Show Notes01:02 Chris early life02:03 Connecting with God03:24 Martial arts, validation04:37 Mentorship06:00 What is God teaching me?08:04 Developing a practice of connection09:04 Coaching thru end of life13:56 Immersion18:43 Developing personal presence22:28 Fear of loneliness26:43 Emotions, awareness, and karate28:53 The elevator from heart to head31:20 Potent presence; it's a soul massage33:04 Healing our bodies35:49 Parenting, upbringing, self-parenting36:54 Being/doing, Values alignment39:29 Community affiliation, fear of lone wolf, searching out your people41:26 Trusting the processThis podcast is brought to you by the Monk Manual. The monk manual is dedicated to providing best-in-class tools for helping you build a more potent life, and experience peaceful being and purposeful doing on a daily basis. If you'd like to be more intentional with your time and energy - please visit monkmanual.com. The Potent Podcast is...

What does a more Potent you look like?On today's episode of Potent, Steven Lawson is joined by producer Justin Sinclair to discuss the roots behind the Potent Podcast and how exactly we plan to serve.About Today's GuestSteven Lawson is the founder and creator of the Monk Manual, a productivity company on a mission to fix productivity by serving the whole person, mind + body + spirit. After searching high and low for a more wholistic and fulfilling approach to work and human flourishing, he found it amongst the ancient path of the monks. Featured in Inc, Forbes, and Fortune magazine, this new (old) model for work and personal growth has already helped over 100,000 people cultivate peaceful being and purposeful doing in their everyday lives. Steven lives in Buffalo, NY with his wife and three children. Show Notes0:00 Intro02:27 Starting Point02:43 Why Potent?07:05 Create good, fulfill potential07:28 Potent ideas change behaviors09:21 Potential - realizing, not just achieving13:47 Sprout - Oak - Potential14:41 Deathbed, meaning17:25 Two Pathways to meaning18:29 Play, creativity24:54 Tips & Tricks vs. transformative ideas26:21 Walls vs. foundation30:27 Journeying togetherThis podcast is brought to you by the Monk Manual. The monk manual is dedicated to providing best-in-class tools for helping you build a more potent life, and experience peaceful being and purposeful doing on a daily basis. If you'd like to be more intentional with your time and energy - please visit monkmanual.com. The Potent Podcast is produced and edited by Justin Sinclair, who also composed the the theme music. Additional editing support and mixing by Aaron Feeney. Design by Kristin Bural of Soulbeam Studios.

Scaling your life and businessOn today's episode of Potent, Steven Lawson and Brendan McGurgan discuss behaviors for success in life and business, the importance of mindset, finding purpose in one's work, and what it takes to scale your life.About Today's GuestBrendan is a global business leader who builds profitable, scalable businesses delivering on his strong personal belief that if you have a wonderful product or service then you have an obligation to bring this to the world. Over seventeen years, twelve as CEO of CDE Group, he helped the company achieve 25x revenue growth and become an industry leader. During his time as CEO the company delivered almost £500 million ($750 million) cumulative revenue and £50 million ($75 million) cumulative profit, scaled from 15 to almost 700 employees spanning 6 continents and exported to more than 100 countries. Driven by his own purpose to Inspire, Connect and Enable ambitious leaders of SMEs to scale with purpose, in 2020 he co-founded Simple Scaling with Claire Colvin with whom he co-authored the Amazon Best-Seller, Simple Scaling: 10 Proven Principles to 10x your business cited by Kirkus as comprehensive concrete counsel for business leaders. Through Simple Scaling he co-hosts the successful ScaleX Accelerator business scaling programme.He is host of the acclaimed podcast ScaleX™ Insider now ranked in the top 2.5% of podcasts globally.Brendan is a qualified Chartered Accountant and Chartered Director. In 2016, he was awarded the Institute of Directors, UK Young Director of the Year and Overall, UK Director of the Year. Brendan is also a coach and mentor to scaling CEOs, a regular keynote speaker, and graduated in 2021 as a Wim Hof Method Instructor. Outside of his professional work he has a love of all sports. He holds a 3rd degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do, a sport he has practiced for 25 years and has previously competed in triathlon (completing Mallorca 70.3 Iron Man in 2019). In 2021 Brendan graduated as a Wim Hof Method Instructor which he now integrates in his ScaleX Accelerator Scaling programme. Simple Scaling https://simplescaling.com/Personal LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendan-mcgurgan-11854a13/Links to social media and website: https://linktr.ee/simplescaling Show Notes0:00 Intro05:34 Why do you care about helping businesses?06:51 Becoming CEO - scaling to 70008:03 Finding why11:25 marga hoick "business for good is good for business"12:43 Growth for growth's sake13:48 Anchoring in purpose 15:18 Positive ripple effects18:06 Entrepreneurs in community19:47 People are usually stuck21:35 How can I make selling rugs purposeful?21:49 purpose 122:27 purpose 223:14 purpose 3 (Patagonia summary of 3 purposes)24:59 Different starting points26:18 Build people, not businesses29:09 Use the Three C's32:23 Hermit crab analogy34:28 Four personas39:48 Theater brain state - what were you told?43:35 Get into a 'scaling club'49:20 Community to scale your life52:14 Summit scale Everest54:07 The Scale X Framework01:01:03 Gratitude01:05:14 S.E.N.S.E01:08:18 Not about too busy, it's choiceThis podcast is brought to you by the Monk Manual. The monk manual is dedicated to providing best-in-class tools for helping you build a more potent life, and experience peaceful being and purposeful doing on a daily basis. If you'd like to be more...

How might narrative psychology change your life?On today's episode of Potent, Steven Lawson and Dr. Julie Helmrich dive into how shifting one's internal narratives could provide a hidden opportunity to 'unstuck' oneself and live a more potent life.About Today's GuestDr Julie Helmrich is a psychologist with over 40 years of helping high achieving individuals, committed couples and small business owners shift narratives so that they can get unstuck around health issues, relationship concerns, and wealth creation. She uses an 8-step framework that puts narrative shifting FIRST so that the TACTICAL efforts at a behavior level will work.She has worked in every sector (government, corporate, not-for-profits, and has taught psychology and leadership in higher ed since 1981.Dr. Helmrich has received multiple awards and accolades for her work, but her favorite one is being named as one of Milwaukee's Most Creative People for a program that she created and delivers called “Shrink n Drink” that thousands of people have attended.Dr Helmrich is accessible through her online programs for the public, couples, and small business owners at www.juliehelmrich.comHer SIGNATURE program is called StoryFORMULA.Show Notes00:32 Intro -03:52 Why Narrative Psychology?05:15 Julie's Story09:08 Genesis of Narrative Psychology11:31 The Strategy: providing resources to fix problems16:19 Iterations; Small Step Growth18:46 A Profound Life19:23 Self-care / Self-sufficiency19:27 Inner Authority21:22 Uncle Joe's Story24:46 Quick win27:33 Why do people do what doesn't work?28:53 Analogies (poison)30:51 Old Story -> Experience the impact32:57 You only can do it for you34:58 Fear of judgment38:14 Shame (vs. guilt)41:04 The role of community46:33 Bad narratives in relationships 50:20 Argument Skills: Observation, Recovery convo, skilled dependency54:06 Taller children, practicing skillful dependence58:32 Practical next stepsThe Potent Podcast is produced and edited by Justin Sinclair, who also composed the the theme music. Additional editing support and mixing by Aaron Feeney. Design by Kristin Bural of Soulbeam Studios.

Welcome to Potent, the podcast where we explore transformative ideas and practices to help you live into your unique potential and build a more potent life. I'm your host, Steven Lawson, a whole-person productivity coach and the founder of Monk Manual. This podcast is brought to you by the Monk Manual. The monk manual is dedicated to providing best-in-class tools for helping you build a more potent life, and experience peaceful being and purposeful doing on a daily basis. If you'd like to be more intentional with your time and energy - please visit monkmanual.com.