Real Business Real Lives

Today you get to hear a conversation with Usha Mayani, from the Beyond Limits Virtual Summit that took place last year. Usha attributes peace and love as the force behind business and shares how this force creates more authentic, deeper, connected experiences. Citing moments of joy and deep sorrow, she recounts the transformational journey of finding peace within and “coming alive” in business and life.   Usha Mayani is a visionary and entrepreneur with 30+ years of business experience in Panama's burgeoning capital, Panama City, and in the Colon Free Zone (CFZ), the largest duty-free zone in the Western Hemisphere. As the 2nd female president of the Free Zone Business Association (2016-2018), Usha Mayani led the effort to protect free trade between Panama and other countries at a time when trade partners like Colombia were blocking imports despite commercial treaties. Established in 1948, the CFZ continues to be a pillar of the country’s growing economy and a living, breathing monument to the contribution of immigrant families like the Mayani’s.

Today I speak to Jules Swales about the formless potential she accredits to the form of her business. Jules explains that though she didn’t have a specific vision for her business, the business began to naturally take shape when she simply “followed the nudges”. Jules shares what she’s learned about “settling in” to herself and accessing the real source of creativity.   Jules Swales has studied Method Writing with Jack Grapes for over 16 years and in 2017 she launched the original Jack Grapes’ Method Writing live online program. Her classes are four times a year, and each class runs for eight weeks.  Her main focus is to invite students to experience and write from the Creative Genius that lives inside us all. Jules is also a Creativity Coach supporting clients writing and editing their books. She ran a writing/editing class for four years and has studied with the poet David Whyte in both the British Lake District, and on Whidbey Island where she studied Conversational Leadership with him for nine months.  Jules has a BA in Human Behavior (emphasis on Interpersonal Dynamics) and a MA in Spiritual Psychology.

Today you get to hear a conversation with Peter Wilson, from the Beyond Limits Virtual Summit that took place last year. Peter describes his journey with self-improvement, from seeking tools and trainings to the realization that the tools needed are already within him. Peter shares how this insight has helped foster his leadership from a place of love and care.   Peter Wilson is Director of Business Improvement at GS1 UK, a trade association with over forty thousand retail and supply companies. He is a coach, facilitator and trainer, leading change initiatives and supporting others to thrive throughout.

Today you get to hear a conversation with Nikki & Ged Welch, from the Beyond Limits Virtual Summit that took place last year. Together they share what they’ve seen from taking a curious and playful approach to life and business. Nikki & Ged speak to the intangible arsenal of connection, creativity and resilience we’re all fully equipped with, which allows us to rise to the occasion and handle anything that comes our way.   Ged and Nikki Welch have been working together for the last 4 years helping organisations, businesses and individuals perform at the highest level by tapping into their innate wellbeing and potential. This results in innovation, engagement and transformation in the most surprising ways! Ged has been doing this work in his own business coaching practice for 18 years following a career in the drinks industry, predominantly running and managing whisky plants and businesses. Nikki is an author and start up founder in the hospitality industry having spent 20 years in the wine industry. Their business, Naturally High Performance is currently evolving to offer more options for organisations and individuals to explore and discover their own potential.

Today I speak with Tim Feess, Co-Founder and CEO of GNARBOX. Tim once held the belief that the volume and velocity of his thinking were responsible for his success in business. In reality, the speed of his mind only created more distortion and clutter. Tim shares about the numerous rewards that come with a calm mind, where he still gets “caught up”, and the transformative power of listening.   Tim Feess is Co-Founder and CEO of GNARBOX, a technology company based in Los Angeles that builds data management computers for a variety of applications. He is passionate about exploring nature, technology, and the human experience.

Today I speak to Tracey McBeath about an understanding that inspired a fresh perspective toward health and wellness. Once Tracey began to consider the inside-out nature of life, it completely shifted the way she approached health and work with clients. Tracey speaks about the transformation of her business, from things looking “too hard” to the evolution that took place from showing up present and taking a fresh look.   Tracey McBeath is a health coach in Melbourne Australia, and also a mum of 5. She helps women to go beyond diets and restriction to find peace from within. Tracey also works alongside a number of dedicated GP’s to help people reverse type 2 diabetes. Her passion is to show that we are far more than the bodies we present to the world.

Today you get to hear an interview from the Beyond Limits Virtual Summit, featuring thought leader and founder of One Thought, Aaron Turner. Aaron has helped numerous organizations and leaders improve performance by connecting the dots between clarity of mind and output. Aaron gives examples of this direct relationship in action as evidence that when we experience a shift in clarity of mind, we naturally experience a shift in our output.   Aaron Turner is the founder of One Thought, based in London, and primarily works with entrepreneurs, leaders and organizations from around the world. Aaron has dedicated his professional life to highlighting and applying the transformative potential of a new understanding of the mind to our current challenges and limitations. Through this understanding, he helps leaders move forward, connect more powerfully to their creativity, and unleash their best ideas. Aaron is also President of the Executive Board of the Three Principles Global Community, a non-profit organization, and a published author and international speaker.

Today you get to hear an interview from the Beyond Limits Business Summit, featuring one of the pioneers in this field, George Pransky. George expands on a term he calls “psychological fitness” and stresses the importance of letting go of discouragement and instead, finding hope. As George says, “If you have hope, insights and opportunities will occur to you.”   Dr. George Pransky is one of the two professional founders of the understanding of The Principles of Mind, Thought and Consciousness. He has taught the Principles for forty years to individuals, couples, businesses and colleagues. Dr. Pransky is the author of The Relationship Handbook and over fifty audio recordings. During his career he has served on the faculty of three graduate universities and continues to pioneer this understanding in new industries. Currently, he is a partner at Pransky and Associates and on the executive committee of the Three Principles Global Community.

Today you get to hear an interview from the Beyond Limits Virtual Summit, featuring author, coach and thought leader, Michael Neill. Michael emphasizes the power of listening, the power of noticing, and identifies five “shifts in orientation” that he has personally witnessed to be absolute game-changers for any business or business person.   Michael Neill is an internationally renowned author, speaker, and thought leader, challenging the cultural mythology that stress and struggle are a prerequisite to creativity and success. His bestselling books, podcasts, keynotes, trainings, and retreats have inspired and impacted millions of people on six continents around the world. Michael’s mission is to unleash the human potential with intelligence, humor, and heart, and his unique brand of loving disruption has made him a beloved catalyst and creative sparkplug to CEOs, leaders, creative artists, and anyone who wants to get more out of themselves and their lives while making more of a difference in the world.

Today I speak with life and business partners, Katie Finney and María Mayor. Katie and María used to rely on the rigidity of routine and structure, thinking it determined their wellbeing and success. In our conversation, Katie and María speak to the flow, creativity and expansive potential that comes with letting go of restrictions, trusting wisdom in the moment, and going “all in”.   Katie Finney and María Mayor are the founders of Amity. Amity is a non-profit based in the UK that facilitates people to co-create thriving communities. Katie and María are fascinated by the process of bringing people together to take inspired action and lead change in their community. They care deeply about understanding the fundamental human factors for this being successful and put understanding this at the centre of their life and work together. With community groups they deliver programmes which combine facilitation and coaching to point people in the direction of inspired action for the benefit of their communities and neighbourhoods.

In today’s episode, I’m joined in conversation by Mitchell Bakst. In Mitchell’s project management role, he and his team are constantly creating plans that often don’t go as planned. Understanding his own innate resilience has given him the tools to adjust and adapt, even amidst rapid change within his organization. Mitchell shares how a neutral and flexible mindset allows him to access agility and creativity, whatever he’s up against.   Mitchell Bakst is currently the senior project manager with the Creative team in marketing for Madison Reed, a disruptor brand in the hair color industry. He is also a Certified Transformative Coach and brings that skill to the workplace, most recently spearheading Listening Circles for the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee of the company. He has managed creative teams in the beauty and toy industries for the past 20 years. Early in his career he was program director for a global nonprofit, The Hunger Project, where he founded a national network of students and teachers, and coached volunteer communities across the country working to end world hunger. Through his work he was recognized in Who’s Who Among Young American Professionals. He also co-founded two organizations devoted to the empowerment and transformation of men – Men’s Inner Journey and Echo of the Heart – leading retreats around the country and meditation groups in his community. Mitchell is also a Certified Professional Co-Active Coach.

Today I’m joined in conversation by Lisa Giruzzi, who shares her journey of finding peace of mind in business. Before Lisa began to appreciate the nature of thought, it felt like urgency, haste, and panic were required. Once she saw thought for what it was, she developed a different relationship to her thinking and naturally began to experience greater peace of mind. Lisa shares personal stories of resilience that illustrate how this understanding offers hope and grace in even the most challenging of circumstances.   Lisa Giruzzi is a peak performance coach, best-selling author, an accomplished speaker and an award-winning trainer with more than twenty-five years’ experience helping people to discover their inner magnificence and live life powerfully - free from regrets, judgments and fear. Lisa is the owner of Transformational Conversations, which specializes in causing breakthrough performance for individuals and organizations. Additionally, Lisa is the cofounder of EMS Leadership Academy whose purpose is to empower leaders to cause other leaders and to create bold visions that redefine the future of their organization and Emergency Services worldwide.

Today I’m in conversation with Meredith Bell, who describes how she was once blind to the impact of her own busy mind. Learning about the nature of thought created a meaningful shift that allowed her to slow down, gain perspective, and let go of criticism toward herself and others. Meredith shares personal insights from her unique entrepreneurial journey that opened the door to limitless creativity.   Meredith Bell has been an entrepreneur since 1982, and she’s an expert in helping companies develop the people side of their business. Meredith is co-founder and President of Performance Support Systems, a global software company based in Virginia. Their award-winning assessment and development tools have been used by all types of organizations to help leaders and team members become more effective performers.  Many clients have done business with her company for more than 20 years. Meredith is also author and co-author of two books published in 2020.  Her solo book, Strong for Performance: Create a Culture with Learning & Development Programs That Stick, and her new book, Connect with Your Team: Mastering the Top 10 Communication Skills, which she co-authored with Denny Coates, her business partner of 30 years.

Today I’m in conversation with Angus & Rohini Ross, also known in business as “the Rewilders”. Together they share their personal journeys of navigating their business partnership alongside their romantic partnership. Angus and Rohini explore the full gamut of experiences, from overcoming self-doubt and insecurity to reaching new levels of confidence and impact. Their stories highlight how our businesses can serve both ourselves and others when we’re willing to bravely show up as our full selves. Angus & Rohini Ross are "the Rewilders." They love working with couples and helping them to reduce conflict and discord in their relationships by pointing them to their innate wisdom and understanding. They work with couples who are struggling and couples who would like to deepen the love and intimacy they already have. They co-facilitate individualized couples intensives that rewild relationships back to their natural state of love. They are co-founders of The 29-Day Rewilding Experience and The Rewilding Community.  

In today’s conversation, Dror Amir explains how an insight about state of mind created a significant internal shift for him. Though he once held his intellect in the highest regard, he now has a greater appreciation for the creative potential of a quiet mind. Through personal stories about his career path and health journey, Dror illustrates how an awareness of his own innate capability shifted the way he moved through the world and in his business.   Dror Amir is the owner of Paulinox Consulting, a business strategy and growth consulting firm. Dror is a mentor, an executive coach and a Three Principles practitioner supporting a variety of businesses and executives. With more than 25 years of experience in developing effective digital business strategies for a broad array of companies, Dror assists clients in creating growth-oriented platforms, which enables them to both organically grow their digital presence and eCommerce businesses while having simplified and efficient backend systems.Dror is also the co-founder of SimpleSHIFT, a platform based on the "Three Principles" understanding, whose mission it is to help people create more health, well-being, and ease across all areas of their lives and businesses.

Today I’m in conversation with Eika Bugbee to discuss getting started in business. As a self-proclaimed perfectionist, she used to think she had to have all the answers in order to “get started”. Erika shares her insight that clarity isn’t always in the “what, when, and how”, but rather in the enthusiasm behind an idea. All we need to know is where to begin, allow ourselves to engage, and the rest will follow.   Erika Bugbee, M.A. is the founder of Erika Bugbee Coaching outside Seattle, Washington. For 22 years she’s specialized in working with teens, young adults, and parents through private video-call programs and 4-day face-to-face immersion programs. Erika also works extensively with individuals and couples, trains and mentors practitioners, and is a frequent international webinar and conference presenter. She has a bachelor’s degree and master’s degrees in psychology from University of Oregon and City University respectively. Erika has been married for 22 years and has two teenagers.

Today I’m joined by Aila Coats to discuss the true source of wellbeing and possibility in business. Aila is no stranger to form in business, and the sense of security structure and strategy provides. But as she’ll share, sticking solely to the structure limits our perspective and our sense of possibility. The real magic is “insight coming through in real time”. Aila illustrates how there are unlimited possibilities for everything we’re up to in life, thanks to the infinite potential of our minds.   Aila Coats has an international coaching practice, serving teens, athletes and their families, professional coaches and business owners. She loves supporting service-oriented entrepreneurs in bringing their visions to life. In fact, after running several small group coaching programs, she decided to take it up a notch and start a coaching school infused with a lot of soul, launching February 2021. Aila holds a Master’s Degrees in Spiritual Psychology with an emphasis in Consciousness, Health and Healing, a Bachelors in Human Behavior and is a Certified Life Potentials Practitioner. She has also studied meditation and personal growth work for over 22 years.

Today I speak with Wyn Morgan, Managing Director of Wynning Coaching and Training. In his previous business, Wyn attributed “efforting” and working harder as the source of his success. In our conversation, he reflects on waking up to the infinite potential we all have, that was invisible to him before. Wyn shares the importance of showing up as yourself, ditching the script, and being responsive in real time to experience more fulfillment, connection, and have greater impact in business. Wyn Morgan is a change agent based in Windsor, UK and works with corporations and private individuals in every continent around the world. Having been in people development for over 20 years and with his own coaching and training business for the past 14 years, Wyn has become sought after to develop leaders, teams, and organisations. He delivers dramatic step changes in business results by delivering a step change in people’s thinking and understanding about their role, who they really are and how they personally show up. A major part of his work is helping people to be at their best in every part of their life with less ‘efforting’ and more of their natural brilliance.

To Nicole Helprin, it used to look like overthinking and being extra-intentional were her superpowers, the tools that got her through each day. She was of the “if I can think it, I can build it” mentality, constantly relying on her thinking to determine the state of her wellbeing. In today’s conversation, Nicole shares what she’s learned since challenging these beliefs, and what she’s experienced since embracing an unknown future. She highlights what can happen when you remove “thinking” from the equation, and instead, open yourself up to possibilities beyond your momentary imagination. She sees now that, actually, it is possible to be OK, no matter what happens. Nicole Helprin is a creative leader with significant expertise and experience that she uses to make work and lives better. She is currently the Senior Vice President of Engagement, Performance, and Talent for a large, global tech company. Prior to this role, Nicole has worked in leadership and executive positions focused on Culture, Engagement, Diversity and Inclusion and Employee Communications at large, medium and small tech companies. She started her career in education as a teacher and trainer, and her love of teaching and coaching has been an integral part of all of her work and different roles ever since.

In today’s discussion, Mark Dewhurst credits his clients as the “source of success” when it comes to stepping in and helping make changes within their business. In a society where peoples’ abilities are often overlooked or underestimated, he makes it his intention to draw out the best in people. Doing this, he says, is not about “telling people how to think” but about “pointing them in a direction” and letting them come to their own conclusions. By showing up in a clear headspace, Mark sets the tone for his clients, allowing them the space to do the same. Since coming to his own understanding about state of mind, which he calls a “lifelong journey”, Mark has learned to put less stock in his ego, and more value in the potential of a carefree mind. He reminds us that there’s always more to learn and discover if we “connect, talk, explore and get curious”. Mark is the Chief Operating Officer of a UK AIM listed company. He has a Degree in Mechanical Engineering and an MBA, and has worked in a variety of industries in a number of senior Director level roles. His real passion is helping businesses create step change in performance by unleashing the potential of their employees.

Today I connect with a good friend, Jenée Arthur. In our conversation, she reflects on her recent career transition where she went from being her own boss & setting her own course in business to working for someone else. Jenée looks back on her difficult first year of employment, openly exploring the challenges that came with working under someone for the first time. She recounts the moment she experienced a substantial shift in perspective, seeing that stress and worry were optional. Jenée shares that she no longer looks to worry as her guidepost, but instead lives in the flow of life, unafraid to embrace the unknown. From publicist to brand architect and producer, Jenée has navigated a solopreneur career for nearly 30 years by crafting written and visual narratives for her clients. Today, Jenée works as the right-hand woman to a high-profile company owner of a large firm serving the luxury market in Austin, Texas. Jenée also writes a blog entitled Cathuddhist Buddhatholic, where her readers meet her and her cheeky perspectives at the crossroads of her indoctrinated upbringing and her chosen lifestyle path.

Today I speak with Adam Ashe, a professional Rugby player, about the understanding that completely changed the way he plays the game. For many years, Adam believed he had to achieve a certain level of success in order to feel fulfilled in his life. But after experiencing a considerable amount of success as a professional athlete, he found himself feeling incomplete still, and began searching for answers. Adam shares what he discovered in his search and recounts a moment of clarity that shifted his perspective on the world. He now knows he can rely on the power of a free mind to fall into a flow state. Adam speaks to this freedom of mind, and the natural wisdom, connection and effortless leadership that continually comes through. Adam is a professional Rugby player based in Scotland. He plays for the Glasgow Warriors and has represented Scotland at international level. Away from his day job Adam has always had an interest in the mind. As a young athlete, this interest was born out of wanting to succeed within his profession. Adam is still hugely inspired to achieve in rugby, although his interest in the mind is now more orientated around insight into our essence, innate health and wisdom. What is interesting, from his experience, is that both self improvement and insight into our innate health overlap in many ways.

In today’s conversation, Linda shares the insight that high performance does not always equal extra effort. When we stop thinking about success in terms of steps and strategies and instead look in the direction of our own thought, we make a change that is so simple, yet significant. Linda and I discuss the freedom and clarity that occurs by being present, the power of breakdowns that lead to breakthroughs, and seeing anxiety and worry for what it is: thought in the moment. Linda illuminates these ideas further by sharing both personal and professional examples where they have had great impact. Linda Riefler is a 25 year veteran of Morgan Stanley, an American Multinational financial services corporation. She began her career in capital markets and rose to serve on the Operating Committee and the Management Committee of the 60,000 person firm, prior to retiring in 2013. Linda has deep expertise in business strategy, succession planning, talent development and capital markets. She currently serves as a Director of CSX Corporation since 2017 and as a director of MSCI, Inc. since 2005 as well as serving on a number of boards.

A veteran of over three decades in the Aerospace, Defense, Intelligence and National Security market space, Don has worked in and led large, complex, successful businesses in premier corporations like Sanders Associates, Lockheed, Lockheed Martin and BAE SYSTEMS. Now retired, Don consults with businesses in various industries. He is one of the founders of The Three Principles Global Community, a non-profit corporation, and served as the president of its Executive Board from 2009 to 2017. In today’s conversation with Don we talk in-depth about his time as president of BAE. Under his leadership BAE became the undisputed world leader in its market, growing to nearly $2 Billion in annual sales. When I first heard Don speak about his time in leadership and their turnaround story, I was not only impressed but inspired. Don was ahead of the curve in many ways. Years before anyone was really talking about state-of-mind, he saw that his old tricks weren’t working, and he had to try something different. He was personally impacted by an understanding of state of mind and decided to bring it into the organization. Listen in as Don shares how in a short period of time, the worst performing division became the best and then became the model for all other divisions to follow.

Join us today as we celebrate 100 episodes of Real Business Real Lives. We’ve had 90+ incredible guests on the show, each with a unique experience, story, and journey. Yet, there are undeniable common themes shared throughout these varied experiences. In this episode, I break down 4 of the most essential and universal insights I’ve heard over the course of our show.

Today I speak with Dr. Noushin Bayat who describes past challenges around anxiety, stress, and hurt. When difficult feelings arose, it looked like something to think about, dwell on, and ultimately, “fix”. She found herself over preparing, overthinking, and living as if her “internal state of peace, contentment and joy was dependent on people being a certain way”. When Noushin began to see the truth of thought as transient, she realized her inner peace and clarity could never be impacted or damaged. Noushin shares why she now relies on her presence of mind when showing up to any challenge. Dr. Noushin Bayat is founder of Engaging Wisdom, Inc., a consultancy organization that provides coaching and organization development services in operations, change management, and leadership development. She supports executives/teams to engage clear thinking, psychological agility, and presence to collaborate effectively and deliver emergent innovative solutions within complex agile environments. She has a BS in computer science and communications, masters in public health and spiritual psychology, and a doctorate in organizational leadership, with advanced training in coaching, yoga, and meditation.

Elaine McCarthy and Orla Pearson are the creators and directors of MyClearText Ltd, a captioning service offering high-quality subtitles directly to deaf and hard of hearing people. The company has grown from strength-to-strength with a client list including, Google, Barclays Bank, The Cabinet Office, NHS England, Business Disability Forum, Department of Work and Pensions, Atos, Channel 4 Events and many others.  The company is known for its high-quality writers and expertise in delivering live subtitles at events and meetings, most recently providing the live subtitles for the coverage of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meetings in London. Today you get to hear from friends and business partners Elaine McCarthy and Orla Pearson, who reflect on a difficult time in their business. Elaine and Orla were living in a perpetual state of stress and exhaustion and their business looked like a colossal burden that could fail at any moment. They were bogged down by thought and limited by fear, but unable to see it. Together they share how a simple understanding completely transformed their business, restored their partnership, and helped them uncover their joy, courage and confidence.

Today you get to hear an interview with Sandy Krot from the recent Beyond Limits Virtual Summit. Sandy reflects on her experience working with leaders who innocently believed they were at the mercy of external factors. It looked like in order to creatively problem-solve and perform effectively, pushing and striving were required. Sandy speaks to the amazing resource we all have available to us, and shares stories to illustrate our endless, creative capacity for fresh thought in any moment. Sandy Krot’s vision is to make the workplace a setting for creative performance as well as the elevation of the human spirit. She is a pioneer in translating a principled understanding of human thought to leadership and organizational effectiveness. The early years of her career were dedicated to counseling and human development. The focus of her work today is with Fortune 100 executives, leadership teams, and working groups helping them achieve extraordinary results by unleashing the power of the human mind. She works with the consulting group Insight Principles, Inc. and coauthored with Ken Manning and Robin Charbit the book entitled, Invisible Power: Insight Principles at Work.

Today I’m joined by Kaja Flatøy, a nurse who worked in Italy amidst the Covid outbreak. Kaja used to struggle with fear and worry, particularly in regard to making mistakes, being wrong, and ultimately, feeling embarrassed. When she began to make the connection between fear and thought, she had a profound insight: she would be okay, no matter what. Kaja shares why she no longer fears making mistakes, and why she now sees them as an opportunity to learn, grow, and do better. Kaja Flatøy is from the north of Norway and has worked as a nurse for nearly 20 years, mainly in the Emergency ward. She has a coaching practice on the side and also gives lectures on topics including work environment, communication & leadership. She is also part of an Emergency Medical Team that is sent out in the world when countries need assistance, like Samoa during the measles outbreak and Italy during the Covid pandemic.

This week’s episode is a conversation between myself and Amy Johnson. It’s a different type of conversation because Amy and I share how the recent death of George Floyd, the protests and unrests in the United States and the Black Lives Matter movement has impacted us both deeply. This conversation takes place as we are both just “waking up”. It is clear we have a lot to learn and we are doing our best to listen deeply. We do not pretend to be experts or to have this figured out but we wanted to have the conversation in the hope that others in our communities may find value in being on the journey with us. Taking stock, looking at what we don’t know, listening to the voices of others while aligning to our deeper wisdom is helping us find our way. This is the beginning for both of us. I am forever changed by these events. I do not want to be your friend, guide, teacher and mentor in the easy times only. I’m here for it all including when I am clearly a student and in my own process. That said, I know we can learn and grow together. I’m grateful to have you here. As always.  

Today you get to hear an interview with Mara Gleason Olsen from the Beyond Limits Virtual Summit. She is the co-founder of One Solution, a global organization working to solve large-scale challenges. In our conversation, Mara points to a simple solution that has powerful implications for creating change in the world: clarity of mind. Mara shares a variety of examples to illustrate how an understanding of the mind has helped individuals, systems, and communities find sustainable solutions to even the most complex problems. Mara Gleason Olsen is the co-founder of One Solution, an international nonprofit dedicated to solving large-scale global challenges by helping individuals, communities and systems to change from within. It is Mara’s life passion to educate people about the mind so they can reconnect to their innate well-being, resilience, and capacity for new ideas because it is the most efficient and sustainable solution to any problem.

In today’s episode, Cheryl Wilkie shares how the timing of a recent career shift and the global pandemic has given her an opportunity to grow, learn and gain clarity. She shares how she is looking within, learning to listen beyond old habitual ideas and experiencing fresh thinking. Cheryl also articulates her passion for leadership and unapologetically invites leaders to bring more love to their interactions with employees, their organizations and its culture. Dr. Wilkie is the Former Chief Operating Officer at Farnum. She has led the premier substance abuse treatment programs at Farnum and Farnum North since 2008. She has been recognized by multiple community organizations, state offices and legislative committees for excellence in business management and healthcare advocacy. Her ability to understand the human experience is evident in her leadership and talent for empowering everyone to recognize their innate potential.

In today’s conversation, I speak with entrepreneur Chris Gauld. Chris used to believe the secret to success was to push, strive and constantly have his business on his mind. For years he wore his “efforting” as a badge of honor, until he began to explore and appreciate state of mind. Chris shares why he no longer equates effort with quality and success in business, and what he’s seen in the direction of his own wellbeing. Chris Gauld was co-founder of Spark, a business that would disrupt the heavily regulated utility industry, growing to £230m in revenue and a team of 450 people and featuring in Sunday Times Fast Track, Top Track, Profit Track and the FT1000 in consecutive years. In 2019 Chris launched D3 by Equator Assist – a private equity focused digital agency providing pre-deal Due Diligence and post transaction transformation services for portfolio businesses. Chris has also retained a role with Ovo and acts as NXD and advisor to scaling businesses. Chris was Entrepreneurial Scotland’s Emerging Entrepreneur winner in 2016 and went on to be named both regional and national EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2016.  

In today’s conversation I speak with entrepreneur and Leadership Coach, Elizabeth Lovius. Elizabeth talks about her passion for working with leaders and helping them to access new insights, find their own resilience, and follow their wisdom. We discuss the distinction between intellectual knowledge versus insightful knowing, the value and benefit of “creating headspace” in business and relationships, and how to meet the unknown in business with confidence and clarity. Elizabeth Lovius is a Leadership Coach, International Speaker, Author. She is also a Social Entrepreneur. Elizabeth offers leaders headspace to access their insightful wisdom and lead real change. Her specialties are in cultivating collaboration, creativity, clarity, confidence and core wellbeing. Elizabeth has over 25 years experience, having worked with over 100 organisations and trained, coached and mentored over 10,000 individuals.

Today I’m joined in conversation by Anna Debenham, Brooke Wheeldon-Reece and Eirik Olsen. These three individuals are all part of the IOS collective, a group with a mission to create individual, community and systemic change through an understanding of the mind. Anna, Brooke and Eirik share examples of how impactful an understanding of the mind can be, for themselves and their clients, and illustrate how this understanding has the power to transform the world. The IOS collective’s mission is to uncover the capacity of our mind to create individual, community and systemic change. It was founded on the idea that what we can do alone is nothing compared to what we can do together. Today the collective includes One Solution co-founded by Eirik & Mara Olsen, which focuses on personal, organizational and global change. The Spark Initiative led by President & CEO, Brooke Wheeldon-Reece is focused on educating youth through S.P.A.R.K. mentoring curricula and the Insight Alliance with founder, Anna Debenham which is focused on transforming the correctional system from the inside out.

In today’s conversation, I speak with solopreneur Julie Chazotte. Julie talks about her past experience of thinking “more” was always required of herself in order to grow and thrive in business. It was through deepening her understanding of the mind that she had the profound insight “I don’t have to be more than I am to grow my business.” Julie shares what happens when we realize we can show up exactly as we are in business. Julieanne Chazotte is a Transformational Coach & Three Principles Practitioner. She is passionate about helping people experience more fully their innate well-being and natural wisdom as they create a life and business that feels aligned and inspired!

Today I’m joined by Janet Durgin, Head of School at Sonoma Academy in Santa Rosa, California. It wasn’t long after Janet helped found the Academy that she came across an understanding of the mind that personally impacted her. Janet used to find herself fixated on “the drama” without understanding the fleeting and compelling nature of thought. Gaining this understanding played a major role in navigating the growth, change and sometimes tough terrain that comes with creating, running and growing a school. Janet shares how she continues to adapt and maintain perspective, no matter the circumstance. Janet Durgin is currently Head of School at Sonoma Academy, a private prep school she helped found over 20 years ago. Throughout Sonoma Academy’s development, she has been a stalwart proponent of an educational environment and methodology that maximizes the transformative time of adolescence.

In today’s conversation, Rebecca D’Angelo shares how an understanding of “moods” helped her to navigate tough terrain in both the workplace and the end of a marriage. Once she was able to recognize low moods, she was able to step away from unproductive conversations, take things less personally, and have more compassion and understanding toward herself and others. She also saw that her experience of stress was coming from her need to control, to ensure things go according to plan. When she saw that things have a way of working out in the end, in spite of our own expectations and plans, her experience shifted. Rebecca shares how loosening her grip on control allowed her to find true freedom within. Rebecca D'Angelo is the Managing Director and Founder of Mrs Splashback.

Today I’m joined by Mackenzie Young, a nurse working with patients on the frontlines of the Covid crisis, who also happens to be my niece! Mackenzie shares how an understanding of the mind has helped her to navigate even the most high stress situations in her line of work. Seeing the connection between thinking and feeling has allowed her to find resilience in moments of anxiety and reconnect to the present moment. Mackenzie shares how this insight reinvigorates her passion for her work and keeps her connected and grounded in moments of uncertainty. Mackenzie Young is originally from Belleville, IL but is currently a Travel nurse on assignment in San Diego, CA. She has a background in stroke and cardiac step down ICU and is currently working with COVID patients during this crisis. She is a loving daughter, sister and friend and cannot forget, favorite godchild to Barb Patterson.

In today’s conversation, you get to hear from Lane Zarate. In Lane’s line of work, dealing with conflict resolution and problem-solving is a big part of her day to day. She used to experience pressure and anxiety in her job, believing it was all on her to have the answers. These feelings began to shift when she heard something simple yet profound: “We all naturally have mental health, but for our thinking.” She realized the worry she felt was a result of insecure thinking, an insight that provided considerable comfort and relief. Lane shares how this understanding allowed her to approach her role in business with more ease, confidence and enjoyment. Lane Zarate is the Senior Capital Projects Officer in the Transportation and Public Works Department for the City of Fort Worth. She is responsible for managing two teams that deliver capital street reconstruction projects and plan the City’s pavement management programs. She is also responsible for the development of best practices for engineering design and construction on both capital and maintenance projects. Lane has over 14 years of civil engineering experience including roadway design, project management and construction management in both the public and private sectors. She has her Professional Engineering (P.E.) license, is a Certified Construction Manager (CCM) and is a Certified Envision Sustainability Professional. Lane first learned of the principles behind state of mind in 2016 through her husband, Rick Zarate, and has since brought State of Mind training to individuals in her organization and seen remarkable changes.

Today I welcome back serial entrepreneur, James Layfield, to discuss clarity of mind in turbulent times. James reflects on his tendency to seek stimulation and avoid boredom, and shares how this moment in time has presented a rare opportunity to settle down and get quiet inside. This stillness has allowed him to recalibrate, see beyond the momentary worry and reactivity, and step up as a leader. James highlights how even in times of tumult and turmoil, there is well being and clarity of mind to be found. James Layfield is a serial entrepreneur and tech investor based between New York & London. He has a FinTech innovation business in the UK and in the US, an AI-based platform to lead enterprise through the process of finding the perfect software for their business, http://HelloBlackbox.com. He is an investor in a number of FinTechs: Lex, Gambit Rewards, Covered by Sage.

Today I welcome back my friend and mentor, Aaron Turner, to discuss our greatest resource in times of uncertainty. Aaron presents us with an essential reminder: our state of mind is not at the mercy of circumstance. In this conversation, Aaron and I discuss the impact state of mind has on our resiliency, clarity of mind, and ability to adjust and adapt in any situation. Once we understand the fluid nature of thought, we are able to find our footing and rediscover our innate well being. Aaron Turner is the founder of One Thought, based in London, and primarily works with entrepreneurs, leaders and organizations from around the world. Aaron has dedicated his professional life to highlighting and applying the transformative potential of a new understanding of the mind to our current challenges and limitations. Through this understanding, he helps leaders move forward, connect more powerfully to their creativity, and unleash their best ideas. Aaron is also President of the Executive Board of the Three Principles Global Community, a non-profit organization, and a published author and international speaker.

Today I welcome back Colette Grant to discuss finding clarity in a time of significant and complex change. Last year, Colette made the decision to step out of Grant Property Investment, a business she co-founded over 20 years ago, in order to pursue a new business venture. Colette shares how understanding the nature of thought allowed her to maintain a free and present mind in the midst of transition, as well as navigate uncharted territory with clarity and confidence. Colette Grant is Founder of Optimise Your Potential Limited, Transformational Coaching and Mentoring. Colette is also a founding Board Member of Entrepreneurial Scotland, whose vision is to inspire and develop Scotland’s people to build the most entrepreneurial society in the world. Colette is also Chair of the Entrepreneurial Scotland Foundation Trustees Board, whose Saltire Programmes see over 200 young people participate every year in world-class, global development and internship programmes, specially designed for high potential individuals. Colette is also the co-founder of Grant Property Investment and helped it become a leading UK Residential Property Investment + Management Company until she sold her interest in 2019 to concentrate on her Coaching and Mentoring Business.

Today I speak with Chinese medicine practitioner and acupuncturist, Jeremiah Krieger. Since engaging with the understanding of the principles, Jeremiah has developed a playful approach toward life, deeper compassion for himself and others, and has connected more powerfully to his own resiliency. As a result of this compassion and inner wisdom, Jeremiah is able to point his patients to their own innate health and well-being. Jeremiah shares why he relies on the momentum of inspiration rather than thinking and wisely urges us to “never underestimate the power of kindness”. Dr.Jeremiah Krieger is passionate about healing, and this passion drives him in all areas of his life. A dedicated father of four and a busy Chinese medicine practitioner, his philosophy is to help his patients lead a balanced, healthy life and experience radiant health. He is a frequent speaker on Chinese medicine for such audiences as Paramount Studios, the National Alliance for Mental Illness, Safe Harbor and Golden Bridge Yoga, to name a few. He has studied and taught Chinese Yoga, Chi Kung, and philosophy for over 20 years.

Today I speak with Pam & John Dibbs, life partners and co-founders of The Plane Picture Company. John grew up in a culture that conditioned him to constantly worry about the future, resulting in a preoccupied and anxious mind. Pam had a subconscious habit of living in a state of urgency, measuring her progress in hustle, performance and perfection. Together they share how an understanding around clarity of mind helped them to unpack their old mindsets, creating more bandwidth, better collaboration and elevated creative thinking. John and Pam Dibbs are life and business partners and co-founders of The Plane Picture Company. The company has had many reinventions, including a move from London to Seattle 20 years ago. John Dibbs (known as Dibbsy) is a world renowned air-to-air specialist (think hanging out of one plane taking photos of another plane in flight!). Clients include British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Netflix, Boeing, Gulfstream, The US Air Force and Royal Air Force. Having authored 26 books and had hundreds of magazine front covers, these days you are more likely to find John on location filming a documentary. Specializing in factual entertainment, Dibbsy is directing and producing aviation stories from working on Spitfire the documentary (currently on Netflix and On Demand) to currently directing a documentary about the P-51 Mustang called American Warhorse. Pam Dibbs brings Production muscle to the partnership; structuring project funding and overseeing client and partner relationships.  Dibbs On Life is Pam's other business focused on comedic speaking and leadership coaching. Dibbsy is heavily involved in helping Pam with media and video and they can often be found crying with laughter as they co-write a new comedy set for Pam. A good sense of humor comes in handy when you have lived and worked together for nearly 30 years!

Today I welcome back Steph Wilson, to discuss her most recent insights after experiencing a significant change in her business. Steph shares how having this understanding has been a stabilizing force under pressure and in the face of considerable change and transition. Circumstances that would have looked scary or caused tension in the past now look like opportunities for growth and transformation. Steph shares how listening to and relying on her deeper knowing has provided a way forward and allowed her to brave change with more grace. Steph Wilson is the CEO of SK Chase. A present and insightful leader, Steph has a deep care for people and a generous heart. With nearly 15 years of entrepreneurial experience, Steph naturally sees what’s next, and is rigorous in her approach making sure that things get done properly.

Rick Zarate is an environmental scientist and project manager at Freese and Nichols, Inc. Rick works with private and municipal clients across Texas to deliver environmental studies and permitting for complex civil engineering and infrastructure projects.  Rick came across the principles behind state of mind in 2016 and it has profoundly impacted his personal and professional life – he has been sharing the principles with family, friends, work colleagues, and anyone who will listen, ever since. Rick lives with his wife, Lane, and two children, Micah and Luella, in Fort Worth, Texas. In today’s conversation, Rick Zarate talks about a time when he was experiencing significant success in his professional life, and along with that, a significant amount of stress and worry. Curious about his own stress and in search of answers, he came across a book about the inside out nature of life. Once Rick began to connect the dots between his feelings of worry and his own state of mind, things began to look very different. Decision-making in business no longer felt as “high stakes” and stress-inducing, knowing he could step back and rely on clarity of mind to step in. Rick shares how he has seen the impact of this understanding in both his profession and as a parent.

Don Donovan has worked in and led large, complex, successful businesses in premier corporations like Sanders Associates, Lockheed, Lockheed Martin and BAE SYSTEMS. Now retired, Don consults with businesses in various industries. He is one of the founders of The Three Principles Global Community, a non-profit corporation, and served as the president of its Executive Board from 2009 to 2017. Dr. George Pranksy is one of the original pioneers in the understanding of the Principles behind state-of-mind and its connection to the field of psychology and business. Dr. George Pransky is the founder and Senior Partner of Pransky and Associates and is the author of The Relationship Handbook. Today you get to hear a talk given by Don Donovan and George Pransky, from the Beyond Limits Business Summit in Portland. Don & George share their experience of working together at BAE SYSTEMS, from creating culture change within a huge organization to impacting the “bottom line” of business. Together, they shed light on the significant implications of one single variable: State of mind.

Mads Qwist runs a consulting company in Denmark sharing this understanding with organizations and leaders. Brooke Wheeldon-Reece is the president and chief executive officer for SPARK Initiative in Tampa, Florida. Cheryl Wilkie is the chief operating officer for Farnum Center in Manchester, New Hampshire. Melissa Palazzo-Hart is COO & managing director at Sid Lee USA in Los Angeles, California. Today you get to hear a panel discussion from the Portland Beyond Limits Business Summit. You will hear stories that demonstrate the impact of this understanding across a variety of organizations, each with a vastly different set of circumstances. Whether it’s creating culture change within a company, turning a company around, or helping a company close its doors, the understanding is the secret weapon that unites these stories of powerful transformation and hope.

Today I’m sharing a talk I gave last summer at the Mid-Year Reset & Refresh workshop, led by Angus & Rohini Ross, Amy Johnson, Scott Kelly & myself. What if you already have everything you need to create the life and work you desire? What if the answer is already alive within you? In my talk, I explore the topic of work & purpose through the lens of this understanding. When we go beyond our limited ideas of who we are we tap into new depths, new capabilities and have a whole new experience of ourselves in the world.

Today you get to hear a talk given by Nikki Welch, from the Beyond Limits event that took place in Edinburgh last spring. Nikki, who has been an entrepreneur for over 17 years, shares how this understanding has helped her navigate the world of startups. Nikki used to always worry about “what’s next” and spent a lot of time and energy making judgments about the potential outcomes of her ideas. Nikki shares how tapping into her own wisdom released her from her own constraints and gave her total freedom to play in business. Nikki Welch is a drinks entrepreneur and business coach who has spent the last 17 years making the often confusing world of wine, whisky and beer more accessible. She is a published author of 3 books and is the founder and creator of the WineTubeMap, WhiskyTubeMap and BeerTubeMap, flavour maps to decode wine, whisky and beer. She is currently working on a new project, Quenchable, bringing together her drinks knowledge and experience of how our minds really work to train hospitality staff.