Things you call dead haven't had a chance to be born
12/27/23 • 24 min
Welcome back to your favorite leadership podcast with your host, Bo McDonald! This episode is dedicated to the stutters of life, our self-imposed limitations and traumas that hold us in a vice - a tale intertwined with my journey and that of the unforgettable Scatman John!
Scatman John's story's connection with my own reveals similarities and gems about embracing our authentic selves and overcoming seemingly insurmountable barriers, so, join me as we dig into the grip of past traumas, the fear of vulnerability and how these affect the leadership path!
From my childhood classrooms to Scatman's John stuttering journey, I hope to illuminate lessons about overcoming what we think is holding us back and turning it into a catapult for extraordinary success. Get ready to redefine your setbacks into setups and awaken the dormant possibilities in your life. Here's to becoming better, not just as leaders but as individuals as a whole. Spoiler alert - every "stutter" has a silver lining!
Time Stamps:
[1:24] - I am reflecting on a song quote and how Ash Davis's book transformed my life.
[2:43] - I recollect childhood lessons about self-limitations and overcoming past traumas.
[4:08] - I discuss overcoming my public speaking trauma and embracing my leadership positions.
[6:14] - I spun Scatman John's upbeat hit at the skating rink, a song which made him rise from a struggling jazz musician to a global sensation.
[9:12] - Scatman John overcame a severe childhood stutter, taking a huge musical risk blending jazz, scat, dance, and hip hop, creating a new genre that resonated globally.
[11:13] - Scatman John, overcoming substance abuse and childhood questions, found clarity, realizing that his identity extended beyond his stutter.
[12:34] - I encourage you to redefine yourself beyond perceived limitations.
[14:47] - Scatman John transcended his stutter, receiving applause for his unique sound, proving that he was more than his perceived limitations.
[17:02] - In a keynote speech, Scatman John revealed that success didn't “fix” him; he just embraced being different.
[19:20] - I encourage reflecting on your own "stutters," reframing them as potential talents; past trauma shouldn't hinder progress.
[22:12] - It’s very important that leaders allow themselves to be vulnerable.
Resources Mentioned:
Welcome back to your favorite leadership podcast with your host, Bo McDonald! This episode is dedicated to the stutters of life, our self-imposed limitations and traumas that hold us in a vice - a tale intertwined with my journey and that of the unforgettable Scatman John!
Scatman John's story's connection with my own reveals similarities and gems about embracing our authentic selves and overcoming seemingly insurmountable barriers, so, join me as we dig into the grip of past traumas, the fear of vulnerability and how these affect the leadership path!
From my childhood classrooms to Scatman's John stuttering journey, I hope to illuminate lessons about overcoming what we think is holding us back and turning it into a catapult for extraordinary success. Get ready to redefine your setbacks into setups and awaken the dormant possibilities in your life. Here's to becoming better, not just as leaders but as individuals as a whole. Spoiler alert - every "stutter" has a silver lining!
Time Stamps:
[1:24] - I am reflecting on a song quote and how Ash Davis's book transformed my life.
[2:43] - I recollect childhood lessons about self-limitations and overcoming past traumas.
[4:08] - I discuss overcoming my public speaking trauma and embracing my leadership positions.
[6:14] - I spun Scatman John's upbeat hit at the skating rink, a song which made him rise from a struggling jazz musician to a global sensation.
[9:12] - Scatman John overcame a severe childhood stutter, taking a huge musical risk blending jazz, scat, dance, and hip hop, creating a new genre that resonated globally.
[11:13] - Scatman John, overcoming substance abuse and childhood questions, found clarity, realizing that his identity extended beyond his stutter.
[12:34] - I encourage you to redefine yourself beyond perceived limitations.
[14:47] - Scatman John transcended his stutter, receiving applause for his unique sound, proving that he was more than his perceived limitations.
[17:02] - In a keynote speech, Scatman John revealed that success didn't “fix” him; he just embraced being different.
[19:20] - I encourage reflecting on your own "stutters," reframing them as potential talents; past trauma shouldn't hinder progress.
[22:12] - It’s very important that leaders allow themselves to be vulnerable.
Resources Mentioned:
Previous Episode
Starting with the basics: A toolkit for Accidental Leaders
Welcome back to the show, everyone. Join me in this episode as I dive into the intricacies of leading through change and fear. Joined by first-time podcast guest Denise Hackendahl, Executive Director for Inspire Culture, we unpack the challenges leaders face while trying to navigate comfort zones and push into new territories.
Denise also shares insightful thoughts on her experiences in managing organizational culture, nurturing new leaders, and emphasizing HR's critical role in shaping a successful working environment.
Broaden your understanding on the significance of brushing up on your HR 101 knowledge to ensure your leadership remains well-rounded and effective! Get set to uncover the secret ingredient in fostering a supportive environment, promoting professional growth, and masterfully balancing the challenge of leadership with personal life!
Tune in to this episode to hear about inspiring leadership legacies and how introspection can reboot your leadership journey, even amid chaos. You won’t want to miss this!
Time Stamps:
[0:51] - We talked a lot about fear back in episode 8.
[3:58] - Denise points out how promotions to leadership entail a complex mix of emotions; misconceptions hinder smooth transitions.
[6:18] - Recognizing diverse talents, role clarity, and understanding individual capabilities are crucial for effective leadership.
[9:20] - Denise emphasizes the importance of realistic expectations and comprehensive development plans following promotion.
[11:56] - Leadership transitions, like those at Apple, Disney, and T-Mobile, often face challenges in maintaining authenticity and navigating cultural shifts.
[13:03] - Embracing authenticity in assuming significant roles involves acknowledging fear, diverse emotions, and necessary change for growth.
[14:10] - I point out how new leaders often imitate iconic figures like Steve Jobs, facing failure without genuine understanding.
[15:36] - Denise has observed a shift toward shaping organizational culture, emphasizing understanding over formalities and compliance.
[17:37] - Promoting mid-level managers to the next level requires addressing challenges in understanding team dynamics and managerial skills.
[19:57] - I reflect on a strategic planning session, prioritizing basic infrastructure.
[21:55] - Buying a house with a great kitchen but neglecting basics mirrors leadership mistakes. Prioritizing fundamentals, like H.R. 101, reduces chaos and ensures success.
[23:35] - Denise argues that starting with a clear baseline enhances efficiency, instilling confidence in leaders.
[25:27] - In a crisis, introspection, acknowledging challenges, and methodical change ensure progress for leaders.
[27:24] - Acknowledging setbacks isn't failure, Denise points out; it's transparent self-awareness.
[28:59] - Effective leadership, exemplified by humility and fair treatment, fosters professional growth and confidence.
[31:24] - I started this podcast to emphasize the profound impact of a leader's actions on others.
[33:36] - Leading for four years now, Denise finds fulfillment in building partnerships and supporting clients nationwide.
[35:45] - In summary, as an accidental leader matures, the focus shifts from changing the world to self-improvement; acknowledging this fosters better leadership.
[37:02] - How can Denise be contacted?
Contact Denise:
Next Episode
Creating a drama free team
I am so thrilled to be sharing today's episode with you! I am joined today by special guest Dennis McIntee, CEO of the Leadership Development Group, author of Drama-Free Teams, and host of the Drama Free Living podcast. Dennis shares insights into creating self-directed, self-motivated work teams that yield great results. Our conversation delves into the challenges of leadership, overcoming overwhelm, and the power of understanding the stories we tell ourselves.
Listen in as Dennis and I explore the concept that feelings are just information, not facts. As leaders, we must refrain from coaching feelings directly but instead focus on coaching the underlying thoughts. Dennis encourages us to ask, "What are you thinking?" when team members express frustration or other emotions. By understanding the thoughts behind the feelings, leaders can guide their teams effectively, shaping positive narratives and fostering a drama-free workplace.
Join Dennis and me as we navigate the world of leadership, sharing experiences and discovering valuable insights on creating thriving, drama-free teams. If you're ready to enhance your leadership skills and explore the power of self-directed teams, dive into this episode with Dennis McIntee!
Time Stamps:
[1:10] - Today’s guest is Dennis McIntee!
[3:14] - Shifting from counseling to business, Dennis seeks adult-to-adult conversations for self-directed, efficient work teams.
[5:39] - Reflecting on a parenting class, Dennis emphasizes personal growth as a foundation for effective leadership.
[8:56] - Dennis advocates for leaders to clarify results, use tools like intent documents, and empower teams.
[11:45] - Dennis emphasizes the need for diverse facilitators to avoid shutdowns, encourages team-led meetings, and values individual strengths.
[14:00] - Dennis groups busy, overwhelm, and stress together, viewing feelings as information influenced by thoughts.
[17:07] - Dennis advises leaders against coaching feelings directly, instead focusing on understanding thoughts and fostering problem-solving discussions.
[19:02] - Feelings convey stories, often fabricated; wisdom lies in deciphering their narrative. Assigning meaning is subjective.
[21:43] - Dennis explores the concept that everything is made up; leaders shape meaning through storytelling.
[23:20] - Dennis reiterates viewing feelings as information and coaching thoughts instead of trying to directly coach feelings.
Resources Mentioned:
Leadership Development Group - Website
Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance: An Inquiry Into Values by Robert M Pirsig
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