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"Courage is not the absence of fear—it’s choosing to lean into fear, to learn from it, and to act despite it."
In this BiteSize Friday episode, Jason explores the concept of contrarian courage—a mindset that challenges conventional thinking about fear and resilience. He dives into the importance of embracing fear as an ally, redefining vulnerability as strength, and practicing courage as an intentional, incremental process. Through the contrarian lens, Jason offers strategies to transform fear into a driving force for personal empowerment and growth.Key Topics Covered:
What Is a Contrarian Mindset?It’s about challenging the usual ways of responding to life’s obstacles, choosing thoughtful and unconventional paths for resilience and success.The contrarian mindset is structured into three clusters:Mastering SelfMastering PerspectiveMastering ResiliencePracticing Courage Through the Contrarian Lens:Fear is not an adversary to be defeated but a companion to understand and transform into a motivator.True courage is not about fearlessness but about engaging with and learning from fear to foster growth and self-awareness.The Role of Vulnerability in Courage:Vulnerability is often misinterpreted as weakness, but it’s the foundation of authentic courage.Leaders and individuals alike grow stronger when they embrace vulnerability, fostering trust, connection, and personal development.Three Practical Strategies to Cultivate Contrarian Courage:Fear Reflection:Use introspection or journaling to identify the origins and triggers of fear.Map out fears to diminish their power and track progress over time.Incremental Exposure:Gradually face fears in manageable steps, building tolerance and resilience over time.A technique borrowed from psychology that desensitizes fear’s intensity.Courage Accountability:Partner with a trusted individual or mentor to stay accountable for your growth.Regular check-ins provide motivation, perspective, and constructive feedback.Contrarian Courage in Action:Examples include entrepreneurs and artists who face fear head-on to achieve their goals.Embracing fear as an ally leads to personal empowerment and new opportunities for growth.Additional Resources:
Interested in building a contrarian mindset for resilience, fortitude, and psychological strength? Check out the other episodes in this series linked in the show notes, and subscribe to It’s an Inside Job for more insights on resilience, well-being, and personal growth.
Part 1 – Discover the Power of The Contrarian Mindset: A New Approach to Rewiring Your Brain for Resilience and Growth
Part 2 – Discover the Power of The Contrarian Mindset: A New Approach to Rewiring Your Brain for Resilience and GrowthSupport the show
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“Adaptability is the number one skill set we need in 2025 and beyond. The ability to pivot, stay composed, and problem-solve in real time is what will separate strong leaders from the rest.” – Cynthia Pong
In this episode of It’s an Inside Job, I sit down with award-winning executive coach, speaker, and thought leader Cynthia Pong, founder and CEO of Embrace Change. Cynthia specializes in career advancement and leadership development, particularly for women of color. As a Forbes contributor and LinkedIn Top Voice, her expertise has been featured in Harvard Business Review, The Atlantic, NPR, and NBC.We dive into leadership in uncertain times and explore the skills necessary to lead oneself and others through change, volatility, and complexity. Cynthia shares strategies for sharpening self-awareness, building adaptability, fostering resilience, and creating psychological safety in teams. If you’re navigating leadership challenges in 2025 and beyond, this episode is packed with insights and practical tools you can apply right away.
Key Topics Covered:
Adaptability as a Core Leadership Skill – How to pivot and respond effectively to change
Exploring Workplace Mental Health with Dr. Bill Howatt
The Power of Self-Leadership – Understanding your sphere of control (what you control, influence, and cannot control)
Managing Panic & Uncertainty – Overcoming the brain’s negativity bias and staying grounded in difficult moments
Deep Listening & Effective Questioning – Strengthening communication by asking the right questions and truly listening
The Role of Silence in Leadership – How intentional pauses can encourage reflection and deeper insights
Bio
Cynthia Pong, JD, is an award-winning executive coach and speaker who empowers women of color leaders to advance their careers into positions of power. A Forbes Contributor and LinkedIn Top Voice for Job Search and Career, she has been featured in HBR, The Atlantic, and on NBC, CBS, NPR, and more. As Founder and CEO of Embrace Change, Cynthia leads an elite, all-BIPOC team who provide specialized coaching and training programs for high-performing women of color up to the C-suite. Equipped with Cynthia’s strategic guidance, her clients break down barriers, lead with authenticity, and have collectively negotiated over $750K in salary increases. Her Anthem Award-winning Leadership Accelerator program has propelled women of color to prestigious fellowships, promotions, and top graduate program admissions. Cynthia’s book, Don’t Stay in Your Lane: The Career Change Guide for Women of Color, has cemented her as a foremost voice on career advancement, negotiation,
Learn the why, what and how of fostering a mentally healthy workplace with Dr Bill Howatt
Eye-Opening Moments Podcast
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"Progress celebrates movement, even messy, because it values the process of becoming over the illusion of already being."
In this episode of BiteSize Fridays, I continue the Contrarian Mindset series by exploring the fourth skill under "Mastering Perspective"—Focusing on Progress, Not Perfection. This essential mindset shift replaces the rigidity of perfectionism with the dynamic, adaptable power of progress. I share actionable strategies to overcome perfectionism, celebrate incremental improvements, and build a life of resilience, adaptability, and fulfilment.Key Takeaways:
Perfectionism vs. Progress:Perfectionism fosters anxiety, paralysis, and dissatisfaction by chasing unattainable ideals.Progress celebrates action, learning, and adaptability, prioritizing growth over flawlessness.Why Progress Matters:Perfection demands you arrive fully formed; progress allows you to grow into your potential.Studies show that progress-oriented thinking promotes creativity, resilience, and emotional well-being.Overcoming Barriers to Progress:Reframe failure as feedback: Analyze setbacks for lessons instead of personal flaws.Normalize feedback and mistakes as part of the learning process.Replace impatience with a focus on incremental, achievable steps.Progress-Oriented Thinking for Teams:Leaders who prioritize progress create environments of trust, innovation, and engagement.Case studies and retrospective analyses transform failures into stepping stones for future success.Additional Resources:
Interested in building a contrarian mindset for resilience, fortitude, and psychological strength? Check out the other episodes in this series linked in the show notes, and subscribe to It’s an Inside Job for more insights on resilience, well-being, and personal growth.
Part 1 – Discover the Power of The Contrarian Mindset: A New Approach to Rewiring Your Brain for Resilience and Growth
Part 2 – Discover the Power of The Contrarian Mindset: A New Approach to Rewiring Your Brain for Resilience and GrowthSupport the show
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“You can’t split a person in half—what happens in their personal life affects their work. Truly caring leaders acknowledge this and create space for real conversations.” - Germain St-Denis
In this episode, I sit down with Germain St-Denis to explore caring leadership—what it truly means to lead with empathy, build trust, and create strong, people-first workplace cultures. Drawing from decades of leadership in tech consulting, Germaine shares powerful insights from his experience navigating industry upheavals, mergers, acquisitions, and even his personal battle with cancer.We dive into how leaders can balance performance and well-being, manage tough conversations like layoffs and restructuring, and why emotional intelligence is essential—not just for leading others, but for leading ourselves. Germaine also shares practical strategies for fostering psychological safety, empowering employees, and making tough leadership decisions with compassion and integrity.
This episode is packed with real-world wisdom that any leader, manager, or coach can apply today.
Exploring Workplace Mental Health with Dr. Bill Howatt
Bio
Germain St-Denis is an advocate for Caring Leadership, a style that he embodies and promotes through his extensive experience as a middle manager and executive in Tech Consulting Services.
His professional journey, marked by resilience and adaptability, emphasizes the importance of nurturing and empowering individuals to build high-performing, cooperative, and loyal teams. Awarded for his outstanding achievements and having navigated significant industry challenges, including the aftermath of 9/11 and three acquisitions, Germain's leadership approach is deeply rooted in trust, empowerment and people-first strategies.
After overcoming cancer, he embraced a reflective sabbatical before returning to the consulting sphere, now focusing on fostering caring leadership and people-centered cultures, and sharing his insights through speaking, coaching and mentorship.
St-Denis is creator of Architect of People First™, a strategic approach to becoming a successful Caring Leader and achieving the right mindset that goes with it. In January 2024, Germain published a new book, Empowering People Through Caring Leadership: Strategies That Actually Work. He is on a mission to share proven principles of Caring Leadership mindset and People First culture and develop caring leaders and a better workplace for everyone.
Contact
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/germain-st-denis
Website: https://germainstdenis.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=572059489
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/germainstdenis/
Learn the why, what and how of fostering a mentally healthy workplace with Dr Bill Howatt
Eye-Opening Moments Podcast
Eye-Opening Moments are stories of adversity, encounters, and perspectives. They are...Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
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"Your imperfections are not just natural—they’re extraordinary. Embrace them as a testament to your resilience and growth."
In this episode of BiteSize Fridays, Jason dives into the third skill in the "Mastering Perspective" cluster of the Contrarian Mindset series: Accepting Imperfection as Natural. Drawing inspiration from Japanese philosophy, personal stories, and practical insights, this episode unpacks how embracing imperfections strengthens resilience and fosters authentic connections.Jason explores the idea that imperfections aren't flaws to fix but gifts to cherish, offering lessons and a chance to grow. Through examples like the Japanese art of Kintsugi, anecdotes about overcoming fears, and reframing mistakes, Jason inspires listeners to see the beauty in imperfection and adopt a more liberating mindset.
Key Takeaways:
Reframe Imperfections as Strengths:Imperfections are not weaknesses but markers of growth, resilience, and individuality.Drawing from Kintsugi and Wabi-Sabi philosophy, embrace cracks and flaws as part of your unique story.The Courage to Be Vulnerable:Vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness. Sharing your struggles or asking for help deepens connections and builds trust.As Brene Brown states, vulnerability means showing up as your authentic self, even without control over the outcome.Practice "Good Enough" Thinking:Striving for perfection can be paralyzing. Instead, focus on effort and process over outcomes.Sometimes delivering 80% is not just sufficient but liberating.Celebrate Mistakes as Learning Opportunities:Mistakes are not failures but stepping stones to wisdom and growth.Reflect on what you learned from each challenge to build a stronger sense of resilience.Embrace Self-Compassion:Treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding you would offer a friend.Acknowledge small wins and affirm your worth, even in moments of struggle.Additional Resources:
Exploring Workplace Mental Health with Dr. Bill Howatt
Interested in building a contrarian mindset for resilience, fortitude, and psychological strength? Check out the other episodes in this series linked in the show notes, and subscribe to It’s an Inside Job for more insights on resilience, well-being, and personal growth.
Part 1 – Discover the Power of The Contrarian Mindset: A New Approach to Rewiring Your Brain for Resilience and Growth
Part 2 – Discover the Power of The Contrarian Mindset: A New Approach to Rewiring Your Brain for Resilience and Growth
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“Feedback isn’t about the past—it’s about building a better future together.” – Vindou Duc
In this episode of It’s an Inside Job, I sit down with Vindou Duc, a seasoned leader with over 25 years of global experience in marketing, human resources, and business transformation. Together, we dive into the nuances of team dynamics, the importance of building trust, and the critical role of communication in creating resilient, cohesive teams.Vindou shares practical strategies for overcoming self-doubt as a leader, fostering psychological safety, and developing a culture of open dialogue and feedback. Whether you're stepping into a new leadership role or managing a virtual team across time zones, this episode is filled with actionable insights to help you lead with confidence and adaptability.
Key Topics Discussed:
Understanding how cultural diversity, individual values, and communication styles influence team cohesion.The importance of creating a "team contract" to define shared values, behaviors, and expectations.
The Foundations of Team Dynamics:Overcoming Self-Doubt as a Leader:
Strategies for new leaders to build confidence and establish trust with their teams.Recognizing and addressing the root causes of closed or reserved behaviors among team members.Feedback and Feed-Forward Culture:
Shifting from traditional feedback to a "feed-forward" approach that emphasizes future growth and innovation.Embedding a culture of reciprocal feedback to foster transparency and continuous improvement.Navigating Virtual Team Challenges:
Tips for managing team cohesion across time zones and remote settings, such as shorter, structured meetings and regular one-on-ones.Establishing norms to respect cultural differences and time zone constraints.Actionable Takeaways:
Create a Team Contract:
Define team norms and expectations collectively to ensure alignment and mutual understanding.Foster Psychological Safety:
Build trust by encouraging open dialogue and creating a space where team members feel safe to express themselves.Adopt a Feedback Culture:
Regularly seek feedback from team members to refine your leadership and address potential issues early.Respect Diversity:
Recognize and adapt to different cultural and communication styles to avoid misunderstandings.Stay Attentive and Present:
Practice active listening and remain aware of subtle cues that reveal underlying issues or needs.If you found this episode valuable, subscribe to It’s an Inside Job for more in
Exploring Workplace Mental Health with Dr. Bill Howatt
Learn the why, what and how of fostering a mentally healthy workplace with Dr Bill Howatt
Eye-Opening Moments Podcast
Eye-Opening Moments are stories of adversity, encounters, and perspectives. They are...Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
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"Obstacles aren’t barriers; they are the stepping stones to becoming your best self."
In this BiteSize Fridays episode, Jason explores the second skill in the "Mastering Perspective" cluster of the Contrarian Mindset series: Embracing Obstacles as Opportunities. He unpacks the psychology behind challenges, the natural human aversion to failure, and how adopting a contrarian mindset can reframe obstacles as stepping stones for personal growth, resilience, and creativity. Jason shares personal insights, psychological strategies, and practical tools to help listeners approach life's challenges with grace, courage, and adaptability.Key Takeaways:
Reframing Obstacles as Growth Opportunities:Challenges often feel overwhelming, but they hold hidden opportunities for learning, adaptability, and self-discovery.The Contrarian Mindset encourages viewing obstacles not as roadblocks but as catalysts for personal growth.Psychological Flexibility and Resilience:Psychological flexibility—the ability to adapt thoughts, emotions, and behaviors—is key to overcoming challenges.Resilience is built through confronting obstacles and learning from setbacks.Learning from Failure:Failure is not an endpoint but a teacher. It fosters humility, creativity, and resilience.A growth mindset, as coined by Dr. Carol Dweck, sees failure as a natural step in the learning journey.The Role of Creativity in Problem-Solving:Creativity unlocks unconventional solutions to challenges.Drawing inspiration from other fields (e.g., biomimicry) or reframing perspectives can lead to innovative answers.Practical Strategies for Embracing Challenges:Break Problems Down: Deconstruct challenges into manageable parts to reduce overwhelm.Celebrate Incremental Wins: Recognize progress, no matter how small, to build confidence.Set Realistic Goals: Focus on what can be influenced, and let go of factors beyond control.Learn from Feedback: View feedback as an opportunity to grow, not as a personal attack.Explore Alternative Solutions: Seek inspiration from diverse perspectives or knowledge fields.Quotes to Reflect On:
"Obstacles are inevitable, but how we approach them defines our growth and resilience.""Failure is a mirror—it shows us our limitations, strengths, and areas for growth. Embrace it as a teacher.""Resilience isn't about avoiding storms; it's about finding the calm within the eye of the storm."Additional Resources:
Exploring Workplace Mental Health with Dr. Bill Howatt
Interested in building a contrarian mindset for resilience, fortitude, and psychological strength? Check out the other episodes in this series linked in the show notes, and subscribe to It’s an Inside Job for more insights on resilience, well-being, and personal growth.
Part 1 – Discover the Power of
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“The heart pumps blood, the lungs pump oxygen. The brain—well, for me, it has always pumped survival. .. Everything the brain does has a positive intent, but sometimes the way it goes about it is counterproductive. Fortunately, we can change that." - Jason Liem
This week's episode, is from a conversation I had with Annette Dragland on her fascinating podcast, Leger om Livet (Doctors about Life). This conversation is about the challenges I've faced beginning in the early months of 2024 and the lessons I've learned about building resilience.
These lessons and insights I've had form The Contrarian Mindset series that I launched in January 2025. You can find the links to the series introduction at the end of the show notes.In the episode we talked about:
How do we build resilience? Can we reframe the way we view our life? Why is cognitive hygiene so important in life?Practical skills to improve our mental health and resilienceAdditional Resources:
Exploring Workplace Mental Health with Dr. Bill Howatt
Interested in building a contrarian mindset for resilience, fortitude, and psychological strength? Check out the other episodes in this series linked in the show notes, and subscribe to It’s an Inside Job for more insights on resilience, well-being, and personal growth.
Part 1 – Discover the Power of The Contrarian Mindset: A New Approach to Rewiring Your Brain for Resilience and Growth
Part 2 – Discover the Power of The Contrarian Mindset: A New Approach to Rewiring Your Brain for Resilience and Growth
Learn the why, what and how of fostering a mentally healthy workplace with Dr Bill Howatt
Eye-Opening Moments Podcast
Eye-Opening Moments are stories of adversity, encounters, and perspectives. They are...Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
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"By letting go of unrealistic standards, we reclaim our autonomy and align our actions with what truly matters, creating a life of authenticity and fulfillment."
In this Bite Size Fridays episode, Jason explores the second cluster of skills in the Contrarian Mindset series: Mastering Perspective. Specifically, he delves into the importance of identifying, challenging, and reshaping unrealistic standards that often hinder personal growth and well-being. Jason discusses how these unattainable expectations, driven by societal norms, inner critics, or external pressures, can lead to dissatisfaction, anxiety, and self-doubt. Through rational examination, mindfulness, and cognitive restructuring, Jason introduces practical strategies for breaking free from perfectionist mindsets and cultivating authenticity.Key Takeaways:
The Perils of Unrealistic Standards:Many of us set unattainable expectations in our careers, relationships, health, and personal goals.These ideals are often shaped by societal pressures, family dynamics, or our own inner critics.Unrealistic standards create cycles of dissatisfaction, anxiety, and fear of failure.The Power of Rational Examination:Reflect on whether your standards align with your values or are driven by external influences.Challenge unattainable goals by questioning their origins, feasibility, and purpose.Shift focus from perfectionism to self-compassion, viewing setbacks as opportunities for growth.Strategies for Redefining Standards:Cognitive Restructuring: Re-engineer thought patterns by questioning distorted beliefs like all-or-nothing thinking or magnification.Mindfulness Practices: Cultivate awareness of your thoughts without judgment, fostering a more flexible and grounded mindset.Daily Reflection: Begin each day by identifying what is within your control and practicing acceptance for external outcomes.Leveraging Modern Psychological Approaches:Techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can help dismantle distorted thinking and foster a value-driven approach to life.These therapies emphasize emotional regulation, self-compassion, and taking purposeful actions aligned with your values.Living Authentically:Moving away from unattainable standards allows for a life aligned with personal values and aspirations.By embracing imperfection, individuals can cultivate a stronger sense of fulfillment and resilience.Additional Resources:
Interested in building a contrarian mindset for resilience, fortitude, and psychological strength? Check out the other episodes in this series linked in the show notes, and subscribe to It’s an Inside Job for more insights on resilience, well-being, and personal growth.
Part 1 – Discover the Power of The Contrarian Mindset: A New Approach to Rewiring Your Brain for Resilience and Growth
Part 2 – Discover the Power of The Contrarian Mindset: A New Approach to Rewiring Your Brain for Resilience aSupport the show
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“Their emotions and choices do not mean I have to experience them the way they do. Empathy isn’t about absorbing their storm but understanding it from a safe distance.” - Eric Charron
In this episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Eric Chiron, an experienced executive and the author of Have You Ever Had a Boss That..., a practical guide to managing upwards and succeeding in challenging workplace environments. With over 25 years of experience at companies like Microsoft and Capital One, Eric has identified nine archetypes of difficult managers and shared strategies to help us navigate these dynamics with skill and confidence.Key Highlights:
Understanding the Nine Manager Archetypes:
Eric broke down common types of challenging leaders and shared insights into “The Raw Nerve,” a volatile and impulsive manager who often disrupts long-term goals with snap decisions. He explained how emotional intelligence, diplomacy, and proactive preparation are key to managing these personalities effectively.Setting Emotional Boundaries:
One of the biggest lessons I took away from our conversation was how important it is to separate our emotions from our manager’s volatility. Eric emphasized cognitive empathy—being able to understand someone’s perspective without absorbing their emotional state—as a powerful tool for staying grounded.Coping Strategies for Dysfunctional Workplaces:
Eric shared actionable tools like cognitive reframing, managing personal triggers, and anticipating challenging behaviors. These strategies help us not only navigate tough situations but also build stronger professional relationships with our leaders.Growing Your Manager:
Eric also talked about turning managing upwards into a relational strategy. I loved how he reframed this idea as a way to create mutual success. By focusing on empathy and understanding, we can help our leaders evolve alongside us, fostering a more collaborative environment.My Takeaways:
Take a moment to pause and reflect before reacting to emotional triggers. This simple step can help us respond with clarity and composure.Practice cognitive empathy by asking yourself, “What might this person be going through?” It allows you to understand their motivations without taking on their emotions.Develop a clear communication strategy to address impulsive or counterproductive behavior in a diplomatic way.Contact:
Exploring Workplace Mental Health with Dr. Bill Howatt
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericcharran/
Book: Have You Ever Had a Boss That . . .:
Learn the why, what and how of fostering a mentally healthy workplace with Dr Bill Howatt
Eye-Opening Moments Podcast
Eye-Opening Moments are stories of adversity, encounters, and perspectives. They are...Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
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"By challenging established fears and mindsets, we unlock the door to greater resilience, clarity, and the ability to thrive in life’s uncertainties."
In this Bite Size Fridays episode of It’s an Inside Job, Jason Liem dives into the fourth and final skill in the Mastering Self cluster of the contrarian mindset: embracing uncertainty. Jason explores why humans have an inherent drive for certainty and how the contrarian mindset equips us to face life’s unpredictability with resilience and strength. This episode provides practical steps to overcome our fears of the unknown, helping listeners build a life marked by courage, adaptability, and a sense of inner peace.Key Takeaways:
Understanding the Need for Certainty:
Jason explains the evolutionary roots of our need for certainty and how, while no longer essential for survival, this drive affects our modern lives. By redefining our relationship with uncertainty, we open ourselves up to growth and resilience.Embracing Uncertainty as a Pathway to Growth:
Success often requires venturing into the unknown. Rather than viewing uncertainty as a barrier, Jason reframes it as an opportunity for innovation, creativity, and self-discovery.Practical Steps to Cultivate Comfort with Uncertainty:
Jason provides actionable strategies such as setting flexible goals, practicing mindfulness, seeking diverse experiences, and building a supportive network. These steps help us move forward even when the outcome is unclear, reinforcing the contrarian principle of mastering self.Episode Highlights:
The Paradox of Certainty in Modern Life:
Jason discusses how, despite providing comfort, an over-reliance on certainty can stifle personal growth. He encourages listeners to find a balance between routine and the courage to explore beyond the “castle walls.”Developing Resilience through a Learning Mindset:
Facing uncertainty activates creativity, adaptability, and resilience. By viewing challenges as learning opportunities, we empower ourselves to navigate life’s inevitable ups and downs.Practical Tools for Embracing Uncertainty:
Jason shares techniques to help listeners face uncertainty more comfortably, such as focusing on effort over outcome, practicing mindfulness, and seeking diverse experiences that push them out of their comfort zones.Additional Resources:
Interested in building a contrarian mindset for resilience, fortitude, and psychological strength? Check out the other episodes in this series linked in the show notes, and subscribe to It’s an Inside Job for more insights on resilience, well-being, and personal growth.
Part 1 – Discover the Power of The Contrarian Mindset: A New Approach to Rewiring Your Brain for Resilience and Growth
Part 2 – Discover the Power of The Contrarian Mindset: A New Approach to Rewiring Your Brain for Resilience and GrowthSupport the show
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"Technical experts are the backbone of organisations, but their full potential remains untapped without the right support." – Alistair Gordon
In this episode, I sit down with Alistair Gordon, an expert in training and coaching technical subject matter experts (SMEs) worldwide. We discuss the unique challenges SMEs face when transitioning into leadership roles and how traditional leadership programs often fall short in addressing their needs. Alistair introduces the concept of "expertship"as a transformative framework to help SMEs break out of their technical bubbles and thrive in broader organizational roles.
This conversation dives deep into strategies for enhancing the value SMEs bring to organizations, including practical tools for developing enterprise skills like emotional intelligence, stakeholder engagement, and strategic thinking. Whether you're an SME looking to grow or a leader aiming to support your technical experts, this episode is packed with actionable insights.
Resources:
Exploring Workplace Mental Health with Dr. Bill Howatt
The Master Expert Book is 50 chapters of easy to digest, easy to implement processes and behaviours that elevate SMEs from mere Experts to guru Master Experts. Essential reading for technical subject matter experts who want to advance their career, have more fulfilling professional lives, and make a difference to their organisation.
Website: https://www.expertunity.global/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alistair-gordon-5a69349/
Learn the why, what and how of fostering a mentally healthy workplace with Dr Bill Howatt
Eye-Opening Moments Podcast
Eye-Opening Moments are stories of adversity, encounters, and perspectives. They are...Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
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In this Bite Size Fridays episode of It's an Inside Job, Jason White Birkevold Liem explores the third skill of the contrarian mindset—letting go of fixed outcomes and focusing on our actions and efforts. Jason delves into how this principle empowers us to live authentically and fully, embracing life’s uncertainties with grace. By emphasizing effort over outcome, we build resilience, develop a growth mindset, and find fulfillment in the journey rather than just the destination.
Three Key Takeaways from This Episode:
Effort Over Outcome as a Mindset Shift:
Jason discusses how valuing the process over fixed outcomes allows us to approach life’s challenges with a resilient and adaptable mindset. By focusing on our actions rather than the results, we can better navigate the unpredictable nature of life.Fostering Resilience and Adaptability:
The contrarian principle of focusing on effort cultivates resilience and fortitude, enabling us to face setbacks with courage and tenacity. This approach ensures that we remain open to possibilities even in adversity.Living with Intentionality and Gratitude:
Jason emphasizes that focusing on the journey and the effort itself enhances our appreciation for life. Living with presence, authenticity, and gratitude enriches our experience and creates a ripple effect that positively influences those around us.Episode Highlights:
The Contrarian Mindset of Letting Go of Fixed Outcomes:
Jason introduces the idea that focusing more on effort and less on specific outcomes allows for greater flexibility and inner peace, fostering an empowered approach to challenges.Personal Reflections on Effort Over Outcome:
Drawing from his personal journey, Jason shares how this mindset has helped him confront recent life challenges, fueling a positive and optimistic outlook.Practical Steps to Apply Effort Over Outcome:
Jason encourages listeners to celebrate small wins, find satisfaction in taking meaningful actions, and approach setbacks as opportunities for growth.Impact Beyond Personal Growth:
By embodying this principle, we can inspire others, creating a ripple effect that promotes resilience and adaptability in our communities and workplaces.Additional Resources:
Interested in building a contrarian mindset for resilience, fortitude, and psychological strength? Check out the other episodes in this series linked in the show notes, and subscribe to It’s an Inside Job for more insights on resilience, well-being, and personal growth.
Part 1 – Discover the Power of The Contrarian Mindset: A New Approach to Rewiring Your Brain for Resilience and Growth
Part 2 – Discover the Power of The Contrarian Mindset: A New Approach to Rewiring Your Brain for Resilience and GrowthSupport the show
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"Power within is the foundation—it’s about self-confidence and agency, and without it, collaboration and innovation cannot thrive." – Simona Costanzo Sow
In this episode, I sit down with Simona Costanzo Sow, Chief of Academic Partnerships at the UN System Staff College (UNSSC), to explore leadership strategies in addressing global complexities. We dive into the evolving nature of leadership in a world of "polycrisis," the value of collaboration across cultures and sectors, and the importance of fostering creativity and trust to navigate uncertainty.Simona shares her deep insights into resilient leadership, adaptive systems, and building the "power within" to create meaningful change. This conversation offers valuable lessons for leaders at all levels, whether you're working within an organization, leading a team, or managing your personal development.
Key Topics Discussed:
Leadership in Complexity:The shift from domain-specific expertise to holistic, collaborative approaches in addressing interconnected global challenges.Breaking cognitive biases and fostering a mindset of trust, adaptability, and openness to uncertainty.Power Dynamics in Leadership:Power Over: Traditional hierarchical power.Power To: The ability to make impactful decisions.Power With: Building collective influence through collaboration and shared goals.Power Within: Developing self-confidence, agency, and self-worth to drive personal and collective transformation.Strategies for Leading in Crisis:Creating safe spaces for reflection and peer support.Recognizing the importance of taking time to reconnect with purpose and motivation.The role of mindfulness and emotional awareness in staying grounded under pressure.The Quintet of Change (UN Framework for Leadership):Data-driven insights: Leveraging information to guide decisions.Digital transformation: Enhancing collaboration through technology.Innovation: Encouraging risk-taking and iterative learning.Foresight: Proactively identifying trends and shaping the future.Behavioral science: Understanding human behavior to drive effective strategies.The Value of Vulnerability in Leadership:Embracing vulnerability as a strength to build trust and adaptability.Seeking help, fostering diverse teams, and creating psychological safety.Actionable Takeaways:
Foster a Learning Mindset:
Reflect on your own leadership style. How can you embExploring Workplace Mental Health with Dr. Bill Howatt
Learn the why, what and how of fostering a mentally healthy workplace with Dr Bill Howatt
Eye-Opening Moments Podcast
Eye-Opening Moments are stories of adversity, encounters, and perspectives. They are...Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
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In this Bite Size Fridays episode of It's an Inside Job, host Jason Liem continues the series on the contrarian mindset by exploring the second skill: focusing on reality over emotional reality. Jason delves into how we can use emotional wisdom and disciplined perception to interpret life events more accurately. By understanding emotions as valuable messengers rather than obstacles, we learn to make informed decisions and build resilience, transforming challenges into opportunities for growth.
Three Key Takeaways from This Episode:
Distinguishing Reality from Emotional Reality:
Jason emphasizes the importance of perceiving situations as they are, rather than through the lens of emotions and biases. By adopting a disciplined approach to perception, we can make clear-headed decisions rooted in both rational thought and emotional insight.Practices for Developing Emotional Wisdom:
To harness the full potential of our emotions, Jason shares practical strategies like reflective practices, emotional literacy, seeking multiple perspectives, and building a strong mind-body connection. These skills help us understand our emotions deeply and use them as guides in decision-making.Integrating Emotional Wisdom in Decision-Making:
Jason discusses ways to incorporate emotions into decision-making, such as through emotional check-ins, balancing emotion with reason, scenario analysis, and building resilience. This balanced approach ensures our choices reflect our values and promote long-term well-being.Episode Highlights:
Understanding the Contrarian Mindset:
Jason defines the contrarian mindset as an approach that encourages questioning ingrained responses to challenges, aiming to foster resilience and adaptability.Skill 2: Focusing on Reality, Not Emotional Reality:
Jason explores how disciplined perception allows us to see situations clearly, free from emotional distortions. He underscores the value of viewing emotions as informative signals rather than barriers.Practical Strategies for Cultivating Emotional Wisdom:
Jason shares tools to develop emotional wisdom, including reflective practices like journaling, enhancing emotional vocabulary, reframing perspectives, and exploring physical responses to emotions.Applying Emotional Wisdom to Decision-Making:
Jason provides actionable tips for using emotional insights in decisions, such as emotional check-ins, balancing feelings with logic, and visualizing the potential outcomes of choices.Additional Resources:
Interested in building a contrarian mindset for resilience, fortitude, and psychological strength? Check out the other episodes in this series linked in the show notes, and subscribe to It’s an Inside Job for more insights on resilience, well-being, and personal growth.
Part 1 – Discover the Power of The Contrarian Mindset: A New Approach to Rewiring Your Brain for Resilience and Growth
Part 2 – Discover the Power of The Contrarian Mindset: A New Approach to Rewiring Your Brain for Resilience and GrowthSupport the show
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"The Unlock Moment is not about discovering something new—it’s about revealing what’s been there all along." – Dr. Gary Crotaz
In this long-form episode of It's an Inside Job, Jason sits down with Dr. Gary Crotaz, world-renowned executive coach, award-winning author, and host of The Unlock Moment podcast. From his journey as a medical doctor to professional ballroom dancer to a sought-after coach, Dr. Crotaz shares how pivotal moments of clarity—what he calls The Unlock Moment—can transform our lives. Together, Jason and Gary explore how identifying these moments can help us connect with our deepest sense of purpose, navigate life's complexities, and lead with authenticity and resilience.Key Topics Covered:
The Unlock Moment Defined:A sudden and profound moment of clarity that reveals a deeper purpose or direction in life.Often tied to a specific place, time, and realization, but not always linked to action.Personal Stories of Transformation:Dr. Crotaz’s own Unlock Moment when he realized he had permission to leave medicine.Jason shares his profound Unlock Moment during his cancer diagnosis and the realization of family as his core value.Finding Clarity Through Questions:Asking the right questions is crucial in uncovering purpose and values.Quieting the mind and creating space for introspection often leads to breakthrough moments.Practical Tools for Uncovering Your Purpose:Needs, Wants, and Compromises Framework:
Identify your non-negotiables, desires, and areas where you can adjust to align with your true priorities.The Spectrum of Control:
Focus on areas where you have agency, no matter how small, to gain momentum in constrained situations.Applying the Unlock Moment in Leadership and Life:Leaders who embrace these moments foster authenticity, adaptability, and trust within teams.The ripple effect of living in alignment with purpose creates resilience and well-being.If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who might benefit from discovering their own Unlock Moment. Don’t forget to subscribe to It's an Inside Job for more actionable insights and inspiring conversations.
Exploring Workplace Mental Health with Dr. Bill Howatt
Dr. Gary Crotaz:
Dr Gary Crotaz is an inspirational keynote speaker, a world-leading executive coach to top leaders in over 25 countries, an award-winning author and the host of The Unlock Moment leadership podcast. Originally trained as a medical doctor, his extraordinary career journey took him from the ballroom to the boardroom, as b
Learn the why, what and how of fostering a mentally healthy workplace with Dr Bill Howatt
Eye-Opening Moments Podcast
Eye-Opening Moments are stories of adversity, encounters, and perspectives. They are...Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
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In this Bite Size Fridays episode of It's an Inside Job, host Jason Liem introduces the contrarian mindset and its first skill: focusing on what we can control. The contrarian mindset is about challenging the status quo in our minds, questioning our typical reactions, and discovering unconventional yet effective ways to enhance resilience and navigate life’s unpredictability. Jason explores how the practice of focusing on controllable aspects can alleviate stress, streamline decision-making, and foster a proactive approach to achieving personal and professional goals.
Three Key Takeaways from This Episode:
Understanding Control vs. Influence:
Jason explains the importance of distinguishing between what lies within our control and what does not. By focusing on controllable elements in our lives, we can direct our energies more effectively and feel more empowered. This approach minimizes stress and allows us to allocate resources toward meaningful actions.Shifting from Reactive to Proactive Thinking:
Moving from a reactive stance to a proactive one is essential for building resilience. Jason encourages listeners to adopt a proactive approach by setting clear goals, anticipating challenges, and making informed decisions aligned with their core values. This shift ensures that we respond to life's uncertainties with flexibility and resilience.Mastering the Art of Letting Go:
The art of letting go is integral to the contrarian mindset. Jason discusses the benefits of releasing our need for control over external outcomes and instead focusing on internal strengths and adaptability. This approach not only reduces stress but also enhances mental clarity and emotional well-being.Episode Highlights:
Contrarian Mindset Overview:
Jason defines the contrarian mindset and explains how it can simplify life by cutting through fears, dysfunctional thinking, and unhelpful mental patterns.Skill 1: Focusing on What We Can Control:
The episode dives into the first skill in the contrarian mindset, focusing on controllable aspects and letting go of external uncertainties. Jason shares tips for implementing this approach to reduce stress, improve focus, and feel more empowered in daily life.Combatting Information Overload:
Jason touches on information overload in the digital era and how focusing on what's within our control can help counter this modern-day challenge.Additional Resources:
Interested in building a contrarian mindset for resilience, fortitude, and psychological strength? Check out the other episodes in this series linked in the show notes, and subscribe to It’s an Inside Job for more insights on resilience, well-being, and personal growth.
Part 1 – Discover the Power of The Contrarian Mindset: A New Approach to Rewiring Your Brain for Resilience and Growth
Part 2 – Discover the Power of The Contrarian Mindset: A New Approach to Rewiring Your Brain for Resilience and GrowthSupport the show
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In this solo episode, Jason continues laying the groundwork for The Contrarian Mindset series by delving deeper into the roots of negative thinking, rumination, and overthinking. Building on Season 7 Episode 1, he explores the interplay of evolutionary biology, neurochemistry, and cognitive distortions that shape our mental patterns. Jason introduces the 12 contrarian skills as practical tools for challenging negativity and fostering resilience.
This episode provides insights into why negative thinking persists, how it impacts mental health, and how understanding these mechanisms can help us break free from unproductive cycles.
Key Takeaways:
The Evolutionary Roots of Negative Thinking:The brain's negativity bias evolved to prioritize threats, ensuring survival.In modern life, this bias often creates irrational fears and overemphasizes negative experiences, which hinder well-being.Biological Underpinnings:Elevated cortisol (stress hormone) heightens sensitivity to perceived threats.Dopamine imbalances can reduce feelings of reward, contributing to dissatisfaction and negative thinking.Impact on Mental Health:Anxiety: Amplifies catastrophic thinking and avoidance behaviors.Depression: Reinforces patterns of rumination and hopelessness, creating a self-perpetuating loop.Cognitive Distortions:Common distorted thinking patterns include all-or-nothing thinking, catastrophizing, mental filtering, and personalization.Recognizing these patterns is a crucial step in overcoming negative thinking.Rumination and Overthinking:Both habits trap individuals in unproductive cycles of distress.Habitual rumination deepens neural pathways, reinforcing negativity over time.The Contrarian Mindset:Challenges established fears and mindsets by shifting focus to constructive and adaptive ways of thinking.Draws on neuroplasticity to rewire the brain for resilience, tenacity, and psychological strength.If you’ve found this episode helpful, share it with someone who might benefit.
Additional Resources:
Check out the Season 7 Episode 1
Exploring Workplace Mental Health with Dr. Bill Howatt
Part 1 – Discover the Power of The Contrarian Mindset: A New Approach to Rewiring Your Brain for Resilience and Growth
Learn the why, what and how of fostering a mentally healthy workplace with Dr Bill HowattSupport the show
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Ever wondered why you feel a rush of anxiety before a big job interview? This familiar sensation is not just a simple reaction but a complex interplay of various factors. Psychologist Lisa Feldman Barrett offers a revolutionary perspective on such experiences, challenging traditional beliefs about how emotions are formed.
Welcome to this episode, where we delve into the groundbreaking "constructed emotion" theory by Lisa Feldman Barrett. For years, traditional neuroscience has viewed emotions as automatic brain responses shaped by evolution. However, Barrett proposes that our brain crafts emotions from a blend of physical sensations, social contexts, personal histories, and cultural influences.
Imagine gaining a deeper understanding of your emotional experiences, enhancing your emotional intelligence, and improving your well-being.
By listening to this episode, you can:
Understand Emotions: Learn about the constructed nature of emotions and how they are influenced by various factors.Enhance Emotional Intelligence: Gain practical insights into recognizing and managing your emotional responses.Improve Well-Being: Discover strategies to actively shape your emotional experiences for a more balanced life.Three Benefits You'll Gain:
New Perspective on Emotions: Understand how emotions are constructed rather than innate reactions.Practical Emotional Strategies: Learn techniques to manage and reframe emotional experiences.Enhanced Emotional Intelligence: Gain insights into improving emotional regulation and resilience.Are you ready to explore the revolutionary theory of constructed emotions and transform your understanding of emotional experiences? Scroll up and click play to join our enlightening conversation about Lisa Feldman Barrett's insights.
Gain the knowledge and tools you need to enhance your emotional intelligence and well-being.
Book:
How Emotions Are Made: The Secret Life of the BrainSupport the show
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Welcome to Season 7 of It’s an Inside Job! In this episode, Jason introduces a groundbreaking series focused on The Contrarian Mindset, a toolkit designed to counter unhelpful fears and mindsets while building resilience, tenacity, and psychological strength. Jason also explores how the brain’s negativity bias shapes our perceptions and how neuroplasticity empowers us to reshape those patterns for personal growth.
This episode lays the groundwork for a season dedicated to mastering the brain’s potential to overcome challenges and unlock a fulfilling, growth-oriented life.
Key Takeaways:
What Is the Contrarian Mindset?It’s about challenging the status quo of your mind, questioning fears, and embracing unconventional paths to resilience and growth.Composed of 12 actionable skills, the mindset is divided into three clusters: Mastering Self, Mastering Perspective, and Building Resilience.Understanding Negativity Bias:The brain’s survival software prioritizes threats and problems, creating irrational fears and unproductive thought patterns.This evolutionary tendency skews perceptions towards negativity, influencing emotions, relationships, and decisions.Harnessing Neuroplasticity for Growth:Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to rewire itself based on new experiences, thoughts, and behaviors.By intentionally practicing new habits and challenging fears, you can reshape neural pathways to build resilience, adaptability, and psychological strength.Examples in Action:Fear of public speaking can be rewired by confronting the anxiety in manageable steps, creating new positive associations and breaking old limiting beliefs.Episode Highlights:
Introduction to the Season:
Jason shares his personal journey of resilience, shaped by challenges over the past year, and introduces The Contrarian Mindset as a central theme for Season 7’s Bite Size Fridays.Practical Insights into Negativity Bias:
Understand how evolutionary survival mechanisms still influence modern mindsets and how to shift focus from negativity to constructive action.The Science of Change with Neuroplasticity:
Jason explains how repetition and conscious effort strengthen new neural connections, enabling us to overcome fears and adopt healthier mindsets.What to Expect in Season 7:
Bite Size Fridays will feature concise lessons on the 12 skills of The Contrarian Mindset.Long-form Monday episodes will alternate between solo reflections and discussions with expert guests on leadership, resilience, and well-being.Exploring Workplace Mental Health with Dr. Bill Howatt
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