Welcome to Mindful Monday!
This week, we focus on hidden prisons we all carry, the opening of applications for my Learning Leader Circle, building a performance culture, how to get promoted, and wise words about excellence.
#651: Shaka Senghor - An Oprah "Soul-Igniter"
Shaka Senghor spent 19 years in prison for killing a man. He’s transformed his life by not making excuses and taking full ownership of his decisions. Now, he’s a NY Times best-selling author who has been called a “soul igniter” by Oprah. We discuss Breaking Mental Barriers, Working with Mentors, and Leading Through Vulnerability, & How to Be Free. You can also WATCH our conversation on YouTube.
The Learning Leader Circle - NOW Accepting Applications
We open applications for my Learning Leader Circle once per year. That time is now. If you want to surround yourself with growth-focused, ambitious leaders who want to put a positive dent in the world, then apply now. If you're curious to hear from a current member, here is what Liam Murray has said about his last 4 years in my Learning Leader Circle: "When discussing ROI (return on investment), most start with a financial analysis, so I will too. The Learning Leader Circle can be compared to any MBA curriculum or a graduate degree in Executive Leadership. When coupled with the podcast/books, the education one receives through the Circle is comparable with any Ivy League graduate coursework (and I’d argue better), at a fraction of the cost. Next, for me, I believe your “who” is the most important place one can invest. As an adult with children and a full-time job, networking can be difficult. However, a Learning Leader Circle does all of the heavy lifting for you. Calls are scheduled for you along with an annual summit. Most importantly, everyone is vetted by Ryan beforehand, so you do not have to spend your most precious resource, time, to figure out if someone in the group is worth building a relationship with – they all are... Last, if you put in the work and effort, the ROI for the business is significant. Circle members have come into my business to serve as keynote speakers, consultants, advisory board members, and informal sounding boards. My firm quite literally has dozens of champions because of the Circle I have joined. One of the most rewarding things is seeing Circle members become friends with my work colleagues. All of this aside, the best ROI for me has been the friendships. Ryan has been a great friend and someone I call and text with regularly. I’ve also developed meaningful friendships with other members and have golfed, seen concerts, been to baseball games, etc., just to be around great humans." CLICK HERE to apply.
A Performance Culture
Frank Slootman's companies were built and run for performance, full stop. They were single-minded in their pursuit of goals and drove their people to become the best version of themselves. For the best people, it was an incredibly liberating experience. Most everybody subscribes to the notion of a so-called 'performance culture', even claims to have one, but few appreciate what that means, what that takes, and what you have to give up. CLICK HERE to read more.
How To Get Promoted
During the Q&A sessions of my keynotes (especially with audiences earlier in their career), one of the questions I get the most is “How can I get promoted?” They want to know what they need to do to advance, how to get noticed by decision-makers, and how to position themselves for leadership roles. After years of seeing what works and what doesn't, here are my straightforward thoughts…
Wise Words About Excellence
"The key to pursuing excellence is to embrace an organic, long-term learning process, and not to live in a shell of static, safe mediocrity. Usually, growth comes at the expense of previous comfort or safety." -- Josh Waitzkin
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