The Man Kind Podcast

The Man Kind Podcast is back! IntroHave you ever felt like it's too hard to be a kind business leader? That "Kindness" and "Business" are just like oil and water, they just don't mix. Sure, kindness is good in your personal life. But business is dog-eat-dog, and good guys finish last. Or maybe it's more personal than that. Have you ever struggled with how to be nice to someone who's just a jerk? And excuse my language here, but truth is, we have or will one day work with an asshole, or two. It's unavoidable. So what is a kind, empathetic person to do in those situations? Well, after a long break the Man Kind Podcast is back! On today's show, I get the privilege of interviewing, Ted Beasley. He is an executive coach and helps entrepreneurs, he's an entrepreneur himself, and he teaches business classes for MBA students. Today on the podcast he's going to give us some very practical how-tos if you are an empathetic-type leader, as well as what to do if you happen to be a jerk in the workplace. He's going to highlight the value the empathetic leaders bring, as well as show how to navigate some of the pitfalls and struggles that many emotionally-open leaders experience - just in working in the workplace. CoachingStart with the business issues. Coaches. "Most business problems have some sort of origin in personal problems." - Ted BeasleyHow do you identify true leadership talent?The driver has changed over the decades: In the 1920's the dominant business leadership trait was IQ. In the 1970's it was "competencies" (a.k.a. skills). In the 1990's Daniel Goleman identified Emotional Intelligence (EQ) and other soft skills as the most identifiable trait in effective leaders. Defining EQ as using the emotions of yourself and others. But in the wake of the financial crash of 2008, it wasn't EQ anymore, but more about potential - intangible characteristics like grit, comfortability with risk, confidence, and performance. And leadership became about identifying "high potential" candidates with these specific traits. EQ and IQ are now just a piece of the pie. Empathetic leaders continue to thrive in their roles building "worker engagement" - the willingness for a worker to care and go above and beyond. Turns out, Austin, TX has the most engaged workforce in America. - GallupThe number one factor in worker engagement is how connected you are with your direct supervisor. Pitfalls for Empathetic LeadersMost empathetic leaders struggle in the E-suite class because they don't lead from a place of drive, belief, and do-whatever-it-takes. What to do about itPut systems and the right people around the leadership challenges. Partner with a well-organized, meticulous general manager, COO, or board of directors who'll push for the harder calls. Because it's tough to hold the goal of building an empire when you care about people. A lot of alpha founders turn their endeavors over to highly empathetic people because managing expectations and managing hearts is very difficult. When empathetic leaders excell find ways to tap into what motivates in the team be very clear early on what the expectations are. Empathetic leaders need to lean into negotiating with hard-driving board of directors or CEOs. Give clarity to executives, by delivering Definitions of A-tpesType A - obsessed with goal-acheivment. Alpha leaders - like a type A, but focus on stepping into leadership vacuums and drive teams towards goals. Assholes - has Alpha and Type A traits, but will use people to their own ends, lacking self-awareness of the impact they have on others. "You can't be an empathetic asshole" - Ted Beasley How to work under Assholes:Find out the key performance triggers they care about, [Notes to be continued ... ] Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/themankindpodcast Instagram: https://instagram.com/the.man.kind.podcast

Got to jump on with my good buddy Benjamin Sledge today to talk about his story growing up in a community where he was ostracized and mocked for being himself. These negative messages became wounds he carried around with him and tried to mask. As he lost pieces of himself, he shipped off to war where he was wounded in combat. After two tours in some of the worst warzones on the planet, Ben had to learn to heal. Fortunately, there were men around him to show him just how. Check out ben's work at https://www.benjaminsledge.com/ (BenSledge.com). His writing on https://benjaminsledge.medium.com/ (Medium) One of the best resources for veterans https://www.heroesandhorses.org/ (Heroes and Horses) he recommends.

Got to jump on with my good buddy Benjamin Sledge today to talk about his story growing up in a conservative community and the messages he got as a kid who loved metal, martial arts, and so much more. Part two, which drops next week will have all the parts about his military service and how he began his journey to develop healthy relationships, starting with other men. Check out ben's work at https://www.benjaminsledge.com/ (BenSledge.com). Resources for veterans https://www.heroesandhorses.org/ (Heroes and Horses).

Look, the new year is here, and the holidays are behind us, and that means you likely spent significant time with loved ones and friends. Being around others means we might have had some conversations that made us squirm and were at times uncomfortable. You might have even been offended. But what do you do when you're offended? My go-to move? Bury my head in the sand and don't come back up until the tension has settled, but that's now how a real adult should with things, is it? In this episode I share what I'm learning about conflict and offensiveness that I think might help us all the next time the holidays roll around! Links:We have a new https://www.patreon.com/themankindpodcast (Patreon page)!

How do you create a thriving business and brand with kindness and respect? I had the privilege of sitting down with the co-founder of S.L.A.B. BBQ, Raf Robinson, to hear how he built one of the most recognizable restaurant brands in Austin, Texas with these values at the forefront.

How do you create a thriving business and brand with kindness and respect? I had the privilege of sitting down with the co-founder of S.L.A.B. BBQ, Raf Robinson, to hear how he built one of the most recognizable restaurant brands in Austin, Texas with these values at the forefront.

What does it mean to be kind during the holidays?In a season of hustlin' and bustlin', there is a key item we need to survive the holidays. Can you guess what it is? It gives life, brings wisdom, and restores our vision. Still not sure? Well, take a listen to today's episode of The Man Kind Podcast to find out! THE CHALLENGEList out every project you have this month/season that will take over one hour. Prioritize your events and tasks, so you know what you must do and what you'd like to do. Work through your list with any and all partners, spouses, roommates, or relatives who will help you execute these items. Anything non-essential, find ways to downsize or delete. Assign everything on your list, so that all parties know who is responsible to own what, and how to show up best in each event - bringing your joy and warmth to the season! Happy Holidays! - Justin Girdler LINKS:https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress/art-20047544 (https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress/art-20047544)

I don't pick favorites. Period. It's just not fair. All episodes of The MKP are amazing, unique and special, and everyone I record one, I'm wowed by the incredible men I get to connect with. This episode is no exception, and might I dare to say, very special to me. Non only did I get to record with a fellow creative, and friend, Andre Bradford, but I realized just how amazing his journey, perspecive, and the work he does is, in a world that needs to hear, "Empathy Matters!" We released the bite-sized interview last week, but here it is for you today, the entre-sized episode you all have been waiting for! I hope you jump in and get some special reassurance that you matter, that the work you do matters, and that your voice as a man, matters. This episode strikes at the heart of The Man Kind Podcast, hearing from incredible men who are making a difference and speaking up for kindness, empathy, and emotional intelligence. In this episode, I got to interview Andre Bradford (or by his stage name, S.C.). We dive into funny moments we've shared, but also get to some incredibly real stats about manhood that, if you're like me, will take your breath away. You can Find Andre online at:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scsays/ (@SCSays) Website: http://www.scsayspoetry.com/ (scsayspoetry.com)

I have to be honest, I almost didn't release this as an edited, shortened episode. My conversation with my friend, and slam poet, Andre Bradford was so incredible, I almost didn't want to give you the option to skip anything. But I know for some, they need the bite-size. But just know, you'll be missing out on a feast! That entre-sized episode will drop next week. And I hope you don't skip it. It features one of Andre's poems that will have you stunned. But this edited-down episode is incredible too! And it strikes at the heart of this show, hearing from incredible men who are making a difference and speaking up for kindness, empathy, and emotional intelligence. In this episode, I got to interview Andre Bradford (or by his stage name, S.C.). We dive into funny moments we've shared, but also get to some incredibly real stats about manhood that, if you're like me, will take your breath away. You can Find Andre online at:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scsays/ (@SCSays) Website: http://www.scsayspoetry.com/ (scsayspoetry.com)

Okay! It seems like I hear everywhere that kids are just born knowing how to be kind, but is that really true? It sure doesn't seem to be true around the house, where the apparent goal is to antagonize one another, ruin each other's moods, and compete for nothing but the bragging rights of winning against each other. Any other parents dealing with this? Can I get an '"Amen"? I don't think it's unique to kids either, I notice this kind of one-upping and desire to look better extends to the workplace, sports, and our own lives. And we have a way of making really good excuses to hide behind. In this bonus episode, we explore the reasons my kids give for inflicting wounds on one another; hopefully, it'll open our eyes to see the excuses we are making in our own lives.

In this episode, we flush out the practical tips of emotional ROI's. Now that we know relationships can give a return on investment, how do we actually start investing? Well, in this episode, I'm going to give you 3 things you can do right now to begin that process. And what do we do with relationships that are difficult? Do we cut them off? Do avoid people who are haters and a-holes? What do you do? Well, I got some take-aways for that as well! Enjoy! Let me know what you think of the show so far! Leave a comment in the reviews. Thanks! Justin J. Girdler

Hey! Justin Here. I'm excited by the feedback we got on my interview with Tom Turco, several listeners reaching out and thanking me for this episode, and the insight they got hearing from Tom on his journey, leadership buckets, and the three principles he uses for delivering feedback that works! With so many comments, I decided I have to release the full interview! Especially if you work in software, or sales of any kind, or hold a leadership role in your company, Tom's framework is for you! Check it out and smash that subscribe button while you're at it. That will help me as I reach out to future guests, knowing that there's a community looking for expertise and practical takeaways at The Man Kind Podcast! Thanks! Justin J. Girdler

In this episode, I got to sit down with my friend, Tom Turco, to hear his incredible journey, and the system he's developed to go from being a manager of people to becoming a leader and champion for his team. He lays out 3 areas of focus that every leader should identify, and the 3 tools every leader should have in their arsenal when developing their team members! You're not going to want to miss it! This episode has been edited down for time, but if you want to hear the full interview Tom & I had, it will drop next week. It'll contain more details into the Sales Engineering world, and Tom's challenges in that space. I hope you enjoy!

This is a podcast committed to helping men/dudes/homies/guys/what-have-ya — anyone really, figure out WHY kindness is vital and how to shape our world with it. This is especially important in today's polarizing, drama-driven, social media blurting-and-backlash atmosphere. This podcast is to help you, and me, learn the tools necessary to live a life of awareness, intelligence, and empathy.  So I think about it, one of the most difficult things about Kindness is selling people on it. Not that anyone thinks kindness is bad, but why would anyone ever prioritize it, especially if it costs something. THAT is the question. I'm your host Justin J. Girdler, and in today's episode, I want to help you define your ROI of Kindness!

So excited for our conversation today with Jonathan Eng. As a community leader, pastor, and DEI advocate, Jonathan "Jon" Eng brings an incredible perspective on inclusion, stories we know, and how to navigate tension in diverse communities. I hope we are challenged to look at our own actions and ask if there are narratives we're holding onto that might be true for us, but untrue for others. LINKS:https://justpaxcollective.com/ (Just Pax Collective). Justpaxcollective on https://instagram.com/justpaxcollective/ (Instagram). Jonathan on https://www.instagram.com/thirdculturevox/ (Instagram). Bystander Effect https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1993-09-19-mn-36929-story.html#:~:text=%E2%80%9CThey're%20afraid%20it%20will,they%20would%20act%20if%20alone. (Story). Latasha Morrison's work with https://bethebridge.com/ (Be the Bridge). Marcie Walker on https://www.instagram.com/blackcoffeewithwhitefriends/ (Instagram). https://blackeyedbiblestudy.substack.com/ (Black-Eyed Bible Study). Sherwin Patton & https://www.elifeanew.com/ (Life Anew).

Last one! I promise, but this one is sooo good! I want to challenge us all, what are we doing to foster more kindness in our communities? What's your gift that you have to share?

When considering Kindness that is hard, costly, and good it's important to know the WHY behind it. Without a clear vision in my head of where I'm heading, it's likely I'll lose my motivation, my skills, and my reasons. In short, I'll likely just stop caring. The goal here isn't that YOU get kinder, or I get kinder, it's that we create A WORLD around us that is kinder, and that's why we need a space as we discussed in the last episode, in EPISODE 3, we dive into why we need better tools in our relationships, interactions, and encounters!

This episode sucked to write! I haven't birthed a baby, but it was some sort of emotional-pain equivalent. Yet, I believe it is maybe the most important lesson on the podcast, and will be for years to come. Because if we don't establish our clear purpose, we will likely not stay the course when things get hard (and they will). Author Simon Sinek convicted me of this, when he pressed the importance of beginning any journey by establishing the fundamental question of why, "And it's those who start with why, that have the ability to inspire those around them or find others who inspire them." - Simon Sinek So here in episode two, we're diving into the purpose and intention of this podcast. And guess what? In establishing our clearest Why, we really wrestle through who we are and what we stand for. I know I did. NOTES:"Why" # 1: WE NEED A SPACE, TO TALK ABOUT THESE THINGS TO LEARN HOW TO DO BETTER, AND A PLACE TO HEAR STORIES OF THE GOOD BEING DONE.  This breaksdown as space for 3 things: To Talk about Empathy To help our impact be more Emotionally Intelligent To Hear about Acts of Kindness Welcome back to the SECOND EPISODE of The Kindness Project Podcast! I'm your host Justin J. Girdler, and I'm so enthusiastic that you're here for this episode! …Seriously I am pumped! If you haven't already, I do want to encourage you to go check out the first episode before we get into today's content, because Episode 1 is really meant to help set the framework for this entire podcast, specifically walking through the 3 Kinds of Kindness that we'll be talking about in this and future episodes: Kindness that is HARD, Kindness that COSTS something,  &  Kindness that is SO GOOOOD!  Well today, I want to ask/deal with the question many of you, (and for myself for the year): um, "Why bother with kindness?” WHYYY, even do this podcast?? Obviously, we need it… MORE than ever.  That may be obvious, that we need Kindness, but to get there, we need a space to talk about it, try it, fail at it, and learn from it … more than ever. Because we live in such a complex world, we have to be intentional about how we're going to show up in it. Because the change that's SOOOO needed in the world today doesn't just happen. People don't just wake up and say to themselves, “Man, today I'm just going to be incredibly generous! … or empathetic, or considerate, or likable, or I'm just going to be emotionally intelligent at work today!”  Haha, ...It doesn't just magically happen.   There are habits and practices that some people, maybe people you admire, that they rely on... but yeah, even they weren't just born that way, or wake up on the right side of the bed every day…  Kindness. Takes.  Work. ... and this podcast I hope will be your gym, and you'll join us to work those muscles!  Where we develop those muscles into the habits and practices you want to see in your life. I'm gonna take a moment to give you guys a little bit of a disclaimer here for a moment: I have tried writing this episode about 10 different times, in about seven different ways. Each time I'd get to a certain point, and then just realize like, “Nope! That's a whole different topic!”  I literally wrote so much content … I'd bet that all of it will show up in future episodes for the rest of the year. Because it IS good stuff, but none of it was really getting at the WHY… the WHY kindness, the WHY Kindness Matters question. But I wanted to take this episode to really focus in on WHY Kindness is vital, and WHY it's a topic worth investing in -- bothering with -- and WHY a podcast on kindness is worth the investment for all of us. I've already sunk like 13 hours into this episode, and that's before hitting record on it. The world needs kindness, so we need to find ways to BE kind. You ready for that?? Let's jump into Episode 2! Here we go! ... Why?  After a lot of thought I took the 3 points of WHY and...

True kindness takes guts. Unfortunately, our culture has placed it in the sissy-word category. That's a thing, right? We associate it with wimps or non-masculine archetypes, we assign it to effeminate personalities; as if to be a real macho man is to be stern, austere, and punishing. But in this episode, I want to break down three attributes of kindness that this podcast will delve into: First, Kindness that is hard. (you're going to be pushed out of your comfort zone here) Next, Kindness that is costly. And technically, all acts of kindness cost us something. But the point is that we'll see more examples of people going to great lengths to do good things! Last, Kindness that is goooood! Like, makes the world go 'round kinda good. If we want a better world, we're going to have to flip some modes of operating, starting with ourselves. I'm grateful to have you on this journey! If you're wanting to grow yourself in empathy, emotional intelligence, and inspiration, this is the place for you! - Justin J. Girdler