The Warrior Poet

Sri and Brandon Jenkins do a Round 2. This time they discuss the role of a leader when it comes to delivering quality. And Sri has a household mishap. 

Sri and Brandon Jenkins talk about optimizing your mind as a leader -- as well as finding systems that work for you (not the other way around). Brandon "Jenks" Jenkins is a former Navy helicopter pilot and squadron commander. He founded Tier One coaching, which helps growth-minded leaders to align purpose with impact so they lead with confidence and elevate their teams. Jenks is a Naval Academy grad and has an MBA from the University of Florida. 

Michael Kainatsky shares how to build REAL relationships and recognition in a crowded world full of useless content. Sri and Michael's discussion includes:  Challenging the conventional approach to social media Genuine interactions over vanity metricsHow to provoke real thought and engagement The lurker effect Combating content-creation procrastinationWhat a personal brand really isHow to start postingHow a give-first mindset fosters genuine relationshipsMichael is a 20+-year sales professional and Chief Strategy Officer at House of Bricks. Reach out to Michael on LinkedIn. keywordssocial media, LinkedIn, authenticity, engagement, content creation, metrics, personal reflection, humor, seasons, mood, LinkedIn, mindfulness, human connection, personal branding, authenticity, social media impact, overcoming barriers, content creation, sales strategies, personal growth

"The endocannabinoid system regulates all these other systems."  -Will KleidonSri learns *all* about CBD from futurist and entrepreneur Will Kleidon (LinkedIn). Will is the founder and CEO of Ojai Energetics, the first company to create organic, water-soluble CBD, which also has third-party testing that is traceable to the lot on your product. Will goes deep into the science of CBD in terms of human benefits, affects on pets, and safe manufacturing. He and Sri cover uses for: PTSDbetter sleeppeak performanceThey also cover: the best recipe for flow states (caffeine + CBD)what the endocannabinoid system (ECS) is and how it worksthe neuroscience of CBDreduction of inflammationquantum biologyRhabdomyolysis (Rabdo)early agriculturehow all vertebrates have an ECSCheck out the research for yourself on Pubmed. #cannabinoids, CBD, THC, health, recovery, exercise, inflammation, wellness, endocannabinoid system, quantum biology, flow state, PTSD, neuroscience, neurodiversity, health benefits, serum, stress response

Sri discusses the self-discovery journey with Brian Lafontaine (imdb | website | LinkedIn | Instagram). Brian is a professional actor whose long career has included roles in: OzarkStranger Things Dawson's Creek One Tree HillHomeland NashvilleTURN: Washington's SpiesThe Hate U GiveOuter BanksBrian coaches high achievers in public speaking. Brian shares his life and career lessons through the (harsh) lens of entertainment. Work habits Building confidenceThe value of vulnerabilitySetting career boundariesHow Brian overcame self-doubt How to balance two jobs/businesses Brian's battles with procrastination (and how to solve it) Brian's 1-Liners of Gold"I know all the tricks, man.""I'm a grand wizard of procrastination.""Preparation is key in this business.""Fear of failure, fear of success.""I'm a person, I'm a human.""You didn't get here by mistake.""You keep it inside for a reason."#voiceover, public speaking, acting career, performance, boundaries, work habits, procrastination, coaching, storytelling, entertainment industry, acting, procrastination, self-doubt, entertainment industry, confidence, risk-taking, personal growth, public speaking, vulnerability, career advice

Sri talks with career U.S. Army officer Chris Rogers about his 5 Disciplines of Leadership. Think of Chris as the James Clear of leadership.  Chris is an instructor for Simon Sinek Inc. and also runs his own consultancy. Chris didn't just lead in the Army over 30 years, he taught other officers how to lead, strategize, and execute. So his expertise is unparalleled.  Chris also talks about:His transition from the military to the private sectorStrategic vs. operational leadership Managing emotions as a leaderCommunication skillsActive listeningBuilding habitsInfluenceReach out to Chris: crogersusa@gmail.comFREE DOWNLOAD: A summary of Chris' 5 Disciplines model is available on The Warrior Poet website here (no email required).---TakeawaysLeadership is a journey, not a destination.Active listening is one of the hardest skills for leaders.Emotions are natural, but how we respond is key.Effective communication is essential for influence.Continuous learning is crucial for leadership development.Thoughtful reflection helps improve the quality of ideas.Building time into your calendar for reflection is vital.The five disciplines of leadership can enhance effectiveness.Creating a culture of initiative empowers team members.Understanding different perspectives broadens problem-solving capabilities.leadership, healthcare, military transition, five disciplines, emotional intelligence, active listening, effective communication, continuous learning, thoughtful reflection, personal development, veteran

Sri talks with Jordan Paris, real estate entrepreneur, CEO of Zeus, and host of The Jordan Paris Show. They talk about how to get real with yourself in order to get unstuck and live your best life. Plus, Jordan walks through his real estate investing strategy. 

"Meditation saved my life."    --Jon MacaskillSri talks with former Navy SEAL commander and leadership speaker Jon Macaskill. Jon is also host of the podcast Men Talking Mindfulness. They discuss: How to recharge to prevent burnoutThe role of people-pleasing in burnout and anxietyStress reductionHow to begin meditating Leadership lessons through sportsTrust and delegation How to find purpose Gratitude as a superpower___

Matt Wilson is as insightful and energetic as they get. With incredible candor about his own mistakes and personal life, Matt talks with Sri about what it takes to get to the next level in marriage, career, and entrepreneurship. If you're feeling stuck, Matt helps you understand how to craft a mindset to get everything you want and leave your "unique footprint" in the world.  Matt invents the phrase "occupationally constipated." (Is that you?

Feeling stuck? LIMITED TIME: Book a free chat with Sri to see if coaching is right for you.

Sri talks with founder and coach Adam Mutschler about how to master the 'inner game' when it comes to startups (and life). They also manage to talk about cricket protein and ridding Midwest streams of invasive species :)  And Sri pretends "averagially" is a word

Sri and Evan Marks discuss how elite performers achieve their success. Spoiler: Mental performance. Evan is a veteran trader of Wall Street turned mental performance coach. He is the founder of M1 Performance Group. He has coached top-tier CEOs, hedge-fund traders, and athletes. He takes the best in neuroscience and psychoanalysis and applies it to give his clients the ultimate edge. Wherever you are in your career and life goals, Evan shares pearls of wisdom here you won't want to miss. Feeling stuck? LIMITED TIME: Book a free chat with Sri to see if coaching is right for you.

Sri talks with Pat Dossett about how to forge your best life path. We discuss: High performers run on self-hate -- and how to run on compassion insteadPat's trip to Mexico to experience plant medicines + ongoing research into things like ibogaine and ayahuasca (aka psychedelics) The science behind self-improvementWhether drinking more water really helps (hint: it does) Coaching and why it's importantBeing the best teammate for yourselfCultivating inner awarenessChoosing the path for youPat is a former Navy SEAL officer and is the cofounder of Madefor, a "step-by-step toolkit training you to thrive." (with Blake Mycoskie of TOMS Shoes) He coaches elite performers on how to be their best. He is the author of The Madefor Method . Pat has an MBA from Wharton Business School at the University of Pennsylvania. He is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis. _____

Suzanne Lesko (callsign: Xena) walks us through her framework for leadership, starting with resilience. We also talk about: Toxic leadersFemale empowerment in male-dominated domainsNetworkingPowerful communication Diverse work cultureHealing (and the parasympathetic nervous system)Suzanne's uses her Warrior Advisor brand to counsel companies on resilience and building strong teams. Find her at: suzannelesko.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/suzannelesko/Connect with Sri on Instagram: @sri_the_warrior_poet + @sri_actually Intro and/or outro music in most episodes is by Paul Sridhar ( Spotify ). Disclaimer: Any audio clips are included with every intent and steps taken to abide by Fair Use and serve the purpose(s) of illustration, education, augmentation, or promotion of source content.

It really sucks when you smile at someone and they pretend like you're not even there. Sri shares thoughts on being a leader on and off the field of play by bringing the magic to those around us. Connect with Sri on Instagram: @sri_the_warrior_poet + @sri_actually Intro and/or outro music in most episodes is by Paul Sridhar ( Spotify ). Disclaimer: Any audio clips are included with every intent and steps taken to abide by Fair Use and serve the purpose(s) of illustration, education, augmentation, or promotion of source content.

Joe Musselman founded the Honor Foundation, which has assisted countless Navy SEALs apply their high-impact skillsets to the private sector. He also cofounded the VC firm Broom Ventures and founded Bravo Victor Venture Capital, which is focused on so-called 'dual-use' technology. Broom Ventures is a venture capital fund that describes itself as follows: "Broom Ventures invests in extraordinary founders. We provide capital and sweep the floors to help early stage technology companies achieve their full potential."The Honor Foundation assists veterans of the Navy SEALs to transition to the private sector -- and assists companies in understanding the very unique and applicable skill sets that special operators have. Joe and Sri talk about the Human Operating System (HOS), how Joe picked himself up after his SEAL dream ended prematurely, and how to lead in highly innovative spaces. *** EXPLICIT EPISODE: If you have kids in the car, we hope you'll choose another.Intro and/or outro music in most episodes is by Paul Sridhar ( Spotify ). Connect with Sri on Instagram: @sri_the_warrior_poet + @sri_actually Intro and/or outro music in most episodes is by Paul Sridhar ( Spotify ). Disclaimer: Any audio clips are included with every intent and steps taken to abide by Fair Use and serve the purpose(s) of illustration, education, augmentation, or promotion of source content.

John Coleman tells us what we should be reading. And more importantly, he helps us craft our life's purpose. John is managing partner at Sovereign Capital, an alum of Invesco, and author of the Harvard Business Review Guide to Crafting Your Purpose. Connect with Sri on Instagram: @sri_the_warrior_poet + @sri_actually Intro and/or outro music in most episodes is by Paul Sridhar ( Spotify ). Disclaimer: Any audio clips are included with every intent and steps taken to abide by Fair Use and serve the purpose(s) of illustration, education, augmentation, or promotion of source content.

EXPLICIT EPISODE: If you have kids in the car, we hope you'll choose another.Nick Soman is the founder and CEO of Decent, which aims to provide affordable health insurance to all. He and Sri have fun mining Nick's vast music knowledge and talking about the role of luck and leadership in business. ANNOUNCEMENTSri is starting a 1-on-1 coaching program for up to 5 audience members. Get unstuck, and level up your leadership game with Sri. Fill out this Google form to save your spot and learn more! Connect with Sri on Instagram: @sri_the_warrior_poet + @sri_actually Intro and/or outro music in most episodes is by Paul Sridhar ( Spotify ). Disclaimer: Any audio clips are included with every intent and steps taken to abide by Fair Use and serve the purpose(s) of illustration, education, augmentation, or promotion of source content.

Sri interviews Mike Ettore. Mike is a career veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, accomplished Fortune-500 C-suite executive, and founder of Fidelis Leadership Group. Mike is the author of Trust-Based Leadership: Marine Corps Leadership Concepts for Today's Business Leaders. He also hosts the Fidelis Leadership Podcast (Spotify, Apple). He and Sri talk about controlling the controllables in Mike's battle against cancer and about how to put more trust into those who work for your organization. ANNOUNCEMENTSri is starting a 1-on-1 coaching program for up to 5 audience members. Get unstuck, and level up your leadership game with Sri. Fill out this Google form to save your spot and learn more!  -------------EXPLICIT EPISODE: If you have kids in the car, we hope you'll choose another.  Connect with Sri on Instagram: @sri_the_warrior_poet  + @sri_actually  Intro and/or outro music in most episodes is by Paul Sridhar ( Spotify ). Disclaimer: Any audio clips are included with every intent and steps taken to abide by Fair Use and serve the purpose(s) of illustration, education, augmentation, or promotion of source content. 

Learn the "three simple things" that will help you lead yourself, your family, and your team from former Navy SEAL and BUD/S instructor Thom Shea. Thom is the author of multiple books on leadership and is the founder of Unbreakable Leadership, a leadership consultancy for top-tier CEOs and corporations. EXPLICIT EPISODE: If you have kids in the car, we hope you'll choose another.Connect with Sri on Instagram: @sri_the_warrior_poet  + @sri_actually Intro and/or outro music in most episodes is by Paul Sridhar ( Spotify ). Disclaimer: Any audio clips are included with every intent and steps taken to abide by Fair Use and serve the purpose(s) of illustration, education, augmentation, or promotion of source content.

Kevin Seiff is a former Navy SEAL and CEO of Flintlock Solutions, a recruiting firm that is changing the game for VC-backed biotech companies. Sri and Kevin discuss what to look for in candidates and how to run a great recruiting process. Connect with Sri on Instagram: @sri_the_warrior_poet  + @sri_actually Intro and/or outro music in most episodes is by Paul Sridhar ( Spotify ). Disclaimer: Any audio clips are included with every intent and steps taken to abide by Fair Use and serve the purpose(s) of illustration, education, augmentation, or promotion of source content.

How many people can say they had regular meetings with Jeff Bezos?Dave Glick is the CTO of Flexe, just heralded as Seattle's newest unicorn. Dave is a 20-year Amazon veteran, where he and Sri overlapped. Dave is one of those people who can thrive in a company as massive as Amazon as well as in startup culture. He and Sri talk leadership lessons at the intersection of operations and technology.  Connect with Sri on Instagram: @sri_the_warrior_poet  + @sri_actually Intro and/or outro music in most episodes is by Paul Sridhar ( Spotify ). Disclaimer: Any audio clips are included with every intent and steps taken to abide by Fair Use and serve the purpose(s) of illustration, education, augmentation, or promotion of source content.

Sri talks with author and professor Frank Cespedes about sales, strategy, and leadership. Frank Cespedes is a Senior Lecturer in the Entrepreneurial Management Unit at Harvard Business School.  He currently teaches the elective Entrepreneurial Sales and Marketing (ESM) course in the MBA program as well as modules in the Owner President Management (OPM) executive program and he heads the executive program on "Aligning Strategy and Sales."In addition to having run his own successful company, Frank's previous experience includes  global consulting at Bain & Company and elsewhere for startups all the way up to multinational companies across a diverse array of industries. Frank holds degrees from M.I.T., City College of New York, and Cornell. He has authored or co-authored six books. His most recent book is Sales Management That Works: How to Sell in a World That Never Stops Changing (Amazon).  Connect with Sri on Instagram: @sri_the_warrior_poet  + @sri_actually Intro and/or outro music in most episodes is by Paul Sridhar ( Spotify ). Disclaimer: Any audio clips are included with every intent and steps taken to abide by Fair Use and serve the purpose(s) of illustration, education, augmentation, or promotion of source content.

Sri talks with entrepreneur Katia Beauchamp about what she learned about leadership (and herself!) while upending the beauty industry. Katia is the cofounder of Birchbox, which raised $90 million in venture funding and was valued at one time at half a billion dollars. Katia shares her thoughts on the state of women in the startup world as well as how we all can balance family and work. As a graduate of Harvard Business School, she also opines on the value of an MBA. Connect with Sri on Instagram: @sri_the_warrior_poet  + @sri_actually Intro and/or outro music in most episodes is by Paul Sridhar ( Spotify ). Disclaimer: Any audio clips are included with every intent and steps taken to abide by Fair Use and serve the purpose(s) of illustration, education, augmentation, or promotion of source content.

Should you hire for skills or innate qualities? On this episode Sri interviews Rich Diviney, highly accomplished career SEAL officer and author of the book The Attributes. Rich makes the case that skills are a poor predictor of success, especially during times of stress or uncertainty. notesThe Attributes on AmazonIntro and/or outro music in most episodes is by Paul Sridhar ( Spotify ). EXPLICIT EPISODE: If you have kids in the car, we hope you'll choose another.Connect with Sri on Instagram: @sri_the_warrior_poet  + @sri_actually Disclaimer: Any audio clips are included with every intent and steps taken to abide by Fair Use and serve the purpose(s) of illustration, education, augmentation, or promotion of source content.

Mike Hayes is the former commanding officer of SEAL Team TWO and the author of "Never Enough." He was a White House Fellow and subsequently Chief Operating Officer at Ray Dalio's hedge fund, Bridgewater Associates.  He currently serves as the Chief Digital Transformation Officer at VMware. He was held at gunpoint, drove the negotiation of a nuclear treaty, and oversaw special operations in both Afghanistan and Iraq.  Mike and Sri dive into "Never Enough" to uncover:* the intricacies of leadership * what Mike learned from Bridgewater vs. the military * how to be both humble AND confident* delivering constructive and direct feedback * how to invest in your relationships * and how to find purpose in life. EXPLICIT EPISODE: If you have kids in the car, we hope you'll choose another.Connect with Sri on Instagram: @sri_the_warrior_poet  + @sri_actually Intro and/or outro music in most episodes is by Paul Sridhar ( Spotify ). Disclaimer: Any audio clips are included with every intent and steps taken to abide by Fair Use and serve the purpose(s) of illustration, education, augmentation, or promotion of source content.

There are two kinds of boredom, but only one is good for you :) Hat tip to Maria Popova at Brainpickings, who writes frequently about the benefits of boredom in general. Highly recommend her site! This episode is part of the 4 Minutes Underwater series (4MUW). notesThe Joy Luck Club by Amy Tanbook (amazon)movie (prime video)Connect with Sri on Instagram: @sri_the_warrior_poet  + @sri_actually Intro and/or outro music in most episodes is by Paul Sridhar ( Spotify ). Disclaimer: Any audio clips are included with every intent and steps taken to abide by Fair Use and serve the purpose(s) of illustration, education, augmentation, or promotion of source content.

70s rock giants The Who help Sri explain nervous energy in organizations. This episode is part of the "4 Minutes Underwater" series (4MUW). notesThe rock opera Quadrophenia by the Who   (Prime Video)Album explanation  (Wikipedia)Outro: cover by Bank Street Band & The Hunterdon Symphony  (support them on Youtube)Connect with Sri on Instagram: @sri_the_warrior_poet  + @sri_actually Intro and/or outro music in most episodes is by Paul Sridhar ( Spotify ). Disclaimer: Any audio clips are included with every intent and steps taken to abide by Fair Use and serve the purpose(s) of illustration, education, augmentation, or promotion of source content.

Sri discusses how our decision-making models get outdated as we increase our experience in this second edition of our "4 Minutes Underwater" minisode series (4MUW). notes The book Decisive by Chip and Dan Heath (Amazon)Connect with Sri on Instagram: @sri_the_warrior_poet  + @sri_actually Intro and/or outro music in most episodes is by Paul Sridhar ( Spotify ). Disclaimer: Any audio clips are included with every intent and steps taken to abide by Fair Use and serve the purpose(s) of illustration, education, augmentation, or promotion of source content.

In this new format, Sri offers 4 minutes of musings on stoicism, abundance, and pursuing unbound upside. notes: Skin in the Game by Nassim Taleb

Sri and Edmund Hillary talk about the Japanese concept of Ikigai: how to figure out what to achieve & how to persevere in the face of adversity. notesErrata: Ugh, I think I said "Dorgay" instead of "Norgay." Apologies. Man on Wire: Amazing documentary about the tightrope walker who crossed between the twin towers. Connect with Sri on Instagram: @sri_the_warrior_poet  + @sri_actually Intro and/or outro music in most episodes is by Paul Sridhar ( Spotify ). Disclaimer: Any audio clips are included with every intent and steps taken to abide by Fair Use and serve the purpose(s) of illustration, education, augmentation, or promotion of source content.

"Water boils at 212 degrees. I was at 210." Will Branum is a former Navy SEAL who founded Naked Warrior Recovery based on his own struggles with anxiety. Sri talks with Will about veteran suicide (see charities below!) and leadership lessons from the military.After never wanting to be a leader, Will learned to be comfortable in this role. His experience will help you understand how to unleash "controlled chaos" on your team. CONTAINS MATURE THEMES: This episode does not contain explicit language but does contain references to alcohol and drugs. So if you have kids in the car, we hope you'll choose another.notesCBD from Naked Warrior Recovery. Listeners get 20% off with the code POET.GET INVOLVED! --> Ways to help veterans transition and improve vet mental health: VETS - charity focused on veteran suicide and traumatic brain injury founded by SEAL Marcus Capone and his wife Amber One Mile Leadership Project: focused on PTSD, suicide, addiction, and abuseCenturion Military Alliance: helps vets transition to civilian life across multiple facets of work and personal issues. The Honor Foundation: helps members of Special Operations Forces (SOF) transition to civilian life; founded by Navy SEAL Joe Musselman Other notable themes from Will in this episode: "You can suffer in the back, or you can suffer in the front.""Find your team." Connect with Sri on Instagram: @sri_the_warrior_poet  + @sri_actually Intro and/or outro music in most episodes is by Paul Sridhar ( Spotify ). Disclaimer: Any audio clips are included with every intent and steps taken to abide by Fair Use and serve the purpose(s) of illustration, education, augmentation, or promotion of source content.

A deep dive on some of the concepts from Sri's interview with Nat Thompson on episode #57. Namely, what it means to "cultivate appropriate levels of tribalism" on your team -- and examples of "work the problem" in combat and crisis.  Connect with Sri on Instagram: @sri_the_warrior_poet  + @sri_actually notesApollo 13 post-flight press conference (Youtube) The song "You Gotta Go To Work" by Rex Griffin, cover on Fiddle Hickey (Youtube)Intro and/or outro music in most episodes is by Paul Sridhar ( Spotify ). Disclaimer: Any audio clips are included with every intent and steps taken to abide by Fair Use and serve the purpose(s) of illustration, education, augmentation, or promotion of source content.

Nat Thompson, Sri's longtime brother from the SEAL Teams, teaches us how to hire and develop new leaders. Plus, how to nurture a sense of team exceptionalism without becoming Colonel Kurtz.Nat's experience ranges from conducting strategic military operations in austere environments to revamping operations at Amazon to leading teams at one of America's growth startups, Carvana. Regardless of your leadership maturity, you won't want to miss Nat's insights on running high-performing teams -- and a high-performing self. EXPLICIT EPISODE: If you have kids in the car, we hope you'll choose another.Connect with Sri on Instagram: @sri_the_warrior_poet  + @sri_actually notesMan's Search for Meaning by Viktor FranklTo Have and Have Not by Ernest Hemingway ("I can take it.")Intro and/or outro music in most episodes is by Paul Sridhar ( Spotify ). Disclaimer: Any audio clips are included with every intent and steps taken to abide by Fair Use and serve the purpose(s) of illustration, education, augmentation, or promotion of source content.

Sri emerges from his cave and sees six early weeks of spring -- plus exciting changes coming to the podcast soon. Thanks for your patience!!!

Sri distinguishes leadership from, well, other things. notesRelated episodes:  #48: Leader as TherapistIntro and/or outro music in most episodes is by Paul Sridhar ( Spotify ). Connect with Sri on Instagram: @sri_the_warrior_poet  + @sri_actually Disclaimer: Any audio clips are included with every intent and steps taken to abide by Fair Use and serve the purpose(s) of illustration, education, augmentation, or promotion of source content.

You can't compete if you don't have the best people. But interview processes are all the same these days. As a society we've converged on a method that is safe, supposedly rigorous, and predictable. But are the same old proxy checks, phone screens, power days, and consensus calls really helping you bring the best talent onboard? Sri explores alternate approaches with examples from pro baseball, Amazon, and the military. Connect with Sri on Instagram: @sri_the_warrior_poet  + @sri_actually notesSri's article on Medium: "The Portfolio Theory of Hiring: A Story of Flawed Beauty" Books by Jim Collins:Good to GreatBuilt to LastIntro and/or outro music in most episodes is by Paul Sridhar ( Spotify ). Disclaimer: Any audio clips are included with every intent and steps taken to abide by Fair Use and serve the purpose(s) of illustration, education, augmentation, or promotion of source content.

Listen before you make your 2021 resolutions! Oriah's 'The Invitation," tips to garden rare lettuces, and boot camp. 

Focus is all the rage in self-help culture, but what does it really mean? And what does true focus entail? "Tools and techniques" of successful people amount to self-help porn, which is worse than regular porn because of how easy it is to tell yourself you're being productive. Successful people are already focused, while you are probably not. No matter how much you optimize your mornings or drink the right mushroom tea, none of that will achieve your goal. Focus takes care of everything else. The problem is that most of us are too busy living up to society's expectations to actually focus, to truly commit. EXPLICIT EPISODE: If you have kids in the car, we hope you'll choose another.Connect with Sri on Instagram: @sri_the_warrior_poet  + @sri_actually notesGuy nails every accent (Youtube) Infinite Jest by David Foster WallaceLongest novels (Wikipedia)Intro and/or outro music in most episodes is by Paul Sridhar ( Spotify ). Disclaimer: Any audio clips are included with every intent and steps taken to abide by Fair Use and serve the purpose(s) of illustration, education, augmentation, or promotion of source content.

Sri talks about a type of knowledge that is largely ignored relative to its siblings: the unknown known. Connect with Sri on Instagram: @sri_the_warrior_poet  + @sri_actually notesWikipedia description of the Donald Rumsfeld press conference that brought the concept of "known knowns" (etc) to lighthttps://www.communicationtheory.org/the-johari-window-model/Intro and/or outro music in most episodes is by Paul Sridhar ( Spotify ). Disclaimer: Any audio clips are included with every intent and steps taken to abide by Fair Use and serve the purpose(s) of illustration, education, augmentation, or promotion of source content.

Organizations tend to value displaying coordination than truly being coordinated. Operating at world-class levels demands trust, mission orientation, clear division of responsibility, direct communication, and lack of BS. Contrast that with inefficient organizations, which prize meetings, trackers, asking permission, and slide decks to executives who are detached from the details. EXPLICIT EPISODE: If you have kids in the car, we hope you'll choose another.Connect with Sri on Instagram: @sri_the_warrior_poet  + @sri_actually notesJonathan Richman, father of punkin the classic Something About Mary "Tandem Jump" (Spotify)on Conan O'Brien“Silent Treatment” (YouTube)“I was dancing in the lesbian bar”  (YouTube)Merrill's Marauders (Wikipedia)The 1945 movie Objective, Burma! Intro and/or outro music in most episodes is by Paul Sridhar ( Spotify ). Disclaimer: Any audio clips are included with every intent and steps taken to abide by Fair Use and serve the purpose(s) of illustration, education, augmentation, or promotion of source content.

Party in the back: Four desserts that should exist in this world | "The Pitbull Option" Business in the front: It's tough balancing when to work on setting goals and planning vs. just executing with your head down like a bull. If you plan too much, you miss out on serendipitous relationships and opportunities. You sacrifice learning in favor of process. Meanwhile, if you just execute all the time, you find yourself in situations where you can't win -- or where your upside is severely limited. Connect with Sri on Instagram: @sri_the_warrior_poet  + @sri_actually Intro and/or outro music in most episodes is by Paul Sridhar ( Spotify ). Disclaimer: Any audio clips are included with every intent and steps taken to abide by Fair Use and serve the purpose(s) of illustration, education, augmentation, or promotion of source content.

It is fashionable to celebrate the idea that leaders can be quiet, unassuming, and uninspiring. Sri has a different take. Connect with Sri on Instagram: @sri_the_warrior_poet  + @sri_actually notesMusic video for "She Don't Use Jelly" by the Flaming LipsJack Black sings "She Don't Use Jelly" (Youtube)The Dancing Wu Li Masters by Gary Zukav (a physics book)Steve Jobs' rhetoric: post on study from Warwick Business SchoolIntro and/or outro music in most episodes is by Paul Sridhar ( Spotify ). Disclaimer: Any audio clips are included with every intent and steps taken to abide by Fair Use and serve the purpose(s) of illustration, education, augmentation, or promotion of source content.

Management is usually obsessed with things it can measure -- and rightly so. But this can go too far. One example is focusing too much on hard skills like coding, data analysis, or design skills. While these are important, they are generally learnable. Often they are a commodity. And they are less important as one advances in her career.  More importantly, failure to deliver results usually has little to do with a skills gap. More often it has to do with the beliefs and behaviors of the individual. Even when improvement is indeed needed in a certain functional area, the path to repairing the gap often turns the leader into more of a therapist than subject matter expert. Connect with Sri on Instagram: @sri_the_warrior_poet  + @sri_actually notesAmazon Leadership PrinciplesIntro and/or outro music in most episodes is by Paul Sridhar ( Spotify ). Disclaimer: Any audio clips are included with every intent and steps taken to abide by Fair Use and serve the purpose(s) of illustration, education, augmentation, or promotion of source content.

Sri discusses an overlooked Godfather character and why companies get fat.Innovative companies get caught in a no man's land, i.e. halfway, between innovation and collection of innovation 'rents.' And agile process can give the impression that true innovation is happening even though startups operate very differently than what are considered successful companies. Sri adds his own explanations -- and what to do about it in your own business -- to Clay Christensen's classic Innovator's Dilemma. Connect with Sri on Instagram: @sri_the_warrior_poet  + @sri_actually notesWired article on Innovator's Dilemma"How Will You Measure Your Life?" -- TED talk by Clay Christensen (Youtube)Anything You Want by Derek Sivers (Audible/Amazon)Intro and/or outro music in most episodes is by Paul Sridhar ( Spotify ). 

How a project-based focus can transform your work and lifenotesRelated article from Sri: "When Will We Escape the Prison of Work" (Medium)

This is not a political podcast. Sri's been “clean” from politics for years. But he takes a break to explain why he's not voting in the imminent election. Plus, curated covers of one of the best pop-rock songs of the 90s. EXPLICIT EPISODE: If you have kids in the car, we hope you'll choose another.Connect with Sri on Instagram: @sri_the_warrior_poet  + @sri_actually notesAcademic paper: What is a free radical? (link)Rocked reviews the New Radicals album Maybe You've Been Brainwashed Too  [sic]  on Youtube. (Leave a comment, and tell him we sent you :) The classic 90s song 'You Get What You Give' by New Radicals:That iconic video in the mall The covers in order as they appeared in this episode (all on Youtube): by Press Play, a live wedding band in the UKby Keetonby Grace Grundy by Sonja Midtune and Katie Ferrara Music Discovery Club reviews the album with songwriter Matt Farley. One of them *totally* disagrees with me on the title track (my video link starts when they discuss this song). 

Sri discusses what to do with your life with Charlie Munger and Temple of the Dog. Connect with Sri on Instagram: @sri_the_warrior_poet  + @sri_actually notesThe Psychology of Human Misjudgment, by Charlie MungerAyo, the author: How to Decide What to Do With Your Life Reagan - A Time For Choosing - YouTube“Hunger Strike” cover - Temple of the Dog performed by Steve Hall - YouTubeIntro and/or outro music in most episodes is by Paul Sridhar ( Spotify ). Disclaimer: Any audio clips are included with every intent and steps taken to abide by Fair Use and serve the purpose(s) of illustration, education, augmentation, or promotion of source content.

Tired of running through brick walls? There may be a better way. Sri discusses when to exercise "tactical patience" and why WALL-E is terribly overrated. EXPLICIT EPISODE: If you have kids in the car, we hope you'll choose another.Connect with Sri on Instagram: @sri_the_warrior_poet  + @sri_actually notesCover of the Wallflowers' "Sixth Avenue Heartache" is by von Bruecken (Youtube) Intro and/or outro music in most episodes is by Paul Sridhar ( Spotify ). Disclaimer: Any audio clips are included with every intent and steps taken to abide by Fair Use and serve the purpose(s) of illustration, education, augmentation, or promotion of source content.

How do you know when you should stop analyzing and start executing? This is a hard problem, perhaps a philosophical one. Sri takes a stab with help from Canada. 

When you're a midshipman at the Naval Academy, you often recalculate something called "the Happiness Factor" to encourage yourself (or torture said self, depending on the circumstances). The idea that one's happiness is a calculable quantity somehow distinct from the self is interesting on its own. Meanwhile, Sri discusses how happiness in the workplace might not be all it's cracked up to be. EXPLICIT EPISODE: If you have kids in the car, we hope you'll choose another.Connect with Sri on Instagram: @sri_the_warrior_poet  + @sri_actually notesIntro and/or outro music in most episodes is by Paul Sridhar ( Spotify ). Episode thumbnail photo courtesy of Brett Jordan on UnsplashDisclaimer: Any audio clips are included with every intent and steps taken to abide by Fair Use and serve the purpose(s) of illustration, education, augmentation, or promotion of source content.