The Mind Takeaway Podcast

• The Hidden Costs of People Pleasing in Leaderdship

  In this episode , we join you from the picturesque Castel de Denia, where the sounds of the coast provide a vibrant backdrop to our discussion. Today, we tackle the challeging issue of people pleasing and its counterproductive effects on personal and team growth. We explore why individuals often feel compelled to please others, even at the expense of their own values and the team's well-being.As we explore this topic, we highlight the common tendency among leaders to avoid uncomfortable conversations in an effort to maintain harmony. We discuss how this behaviour can lead to a toxic atmosphere, stifling both individual and team development. By reframing the narrative around feedback and challenging behaviour, we encourage listeners to embrace discomfort as a pathway to growth.Throughout our conversation, we emphasise the importance of intentionality and curiosity when addressing difficult issues. By asking open-ended questions and approaching discussions with a positive mindset, leaders can foster an environment where team members feel safe to reflect on their actions and behaviours. We also touch on the implications of people pleasing, including the potential for escalating demands and the detrimental effects on team dynamics.This episode serves as a valuable reminder that true leadership involves challenging others to grow, rather than simply seeking to maintain comfort. Join us as we unpack the nuances of people-pleasing and offer strategies for fostering a more authentic and constructive approach to leadership.Timestamps:02:30 The impact of avoiding uncomfortable conversations05:12 The role of intentionality in feedback08:45 Fostering curiosity in challenging discussions11:20 The implications of people pleasing on team dynamics14:00 Strategies for addressing challenging behaviours16:30 The importance of personal growth in leadership19:00 Closing thoughts and resources for further exploration

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• Leading with Integrity: The Backbone of Effective Leadership

  In this episode of The Mind Takeaway Podcast, we find ourselves in the serene surroundings of Jardin le Albado, a beautiful Mediterranean garden near Alicante, Spain. As we stroll through this peaceful setting, we deeply discuss the crucial role of integrity in leadership. We explore how integrity is a moral compass, guiding leaders in decision-making and team interactions.We explore the importance of addressing conflicts and differences of opinion head-on, emphasising that authentic leadership requires the courage to engage in uncomfortable conversations rather than avoiding them. By leaning into these discussions, leaders can foster a culture of psychological safety and collaboration within their teams.Throughout our dialogue, we highlight that integrity also involves acknowledging mistakes and being open to feedback. We share personal anecdotes illustrating how humility and transparency can lead to growth and stronger relationships with team members. The episode delves into the balance between standing firm in one's values and knowing when to exercise discretion in communication.As we unpack the complexities of integrity, we also touch on the potential consequences of failing to act on one's moral compass, including burnout and stress. This episode is a powerful reminder that integrity is not just about being right; it's about creating a sustainable and trustworthy environment for oneself and others.Timestamps:01:16 Defining integrity in leadership02:12 The importance of addressing conflicts head-on04:54 The impact of avoiding difficult conversations07:57 Acknowledging mistakes and learning from them10:17 Balancing integrity with effective communication11:08 The consequences of ignoring one's moral compass12:47 Building trust through integrityReferencesJardín de l'Albarda

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  14:48
• Climate Justice and the University: Shaping a Hopeful Future for All with Jennie C. Stephens

  In this thought-provoking episode of The Mind Takeaway Podcast, we welcome back Jennie C. Stevens, a climate justice scholar and activist, as we delve into her latest book, "Climate Justice Universities". Jennie shares her journey from academia in the United States to her new role in Ireland, highlighting the urgent need for transformative change in higher education to address the climate crisis. Together, we explore the concept of climate justice universities, envisioning a future where academic institutions serve as powerful agents for systemic change rather than perpetuating the status quo. Throughout our conversation, Jennie discusses the importance of radical acts of resistance within academia, the need for unlearning outdated knowledge frameworks, and the critical role of emotional and relational knowledge in leadership. We also touch on the challenges posed by corporate interests in higher education, the implications of exnovation, and the necessity of integrating diverse perspectives, including feminist and indigenous viewpoints, into our understanding of climate justice. As we reflect on the interconnectedness of social, economic, and environmental issues, Jennie emphasises the importance of collective action and the potential for hope in the face of climate anxiety. This episode is a call to rethink our approach to education and activism, encouraging listeners to engage with these pressing issues and consider the transformative possibilities that lie ahead. Timestamps: 01:05 Jenny's transition from the USA to Ireland and her motivations 03:30 The concept of climate justice universities and its significance 06:45 Radical acts of resistance in higher education 09:15 The importance of emotional and relational knowledge in leadership 12:50 The impact of corporate interests on academic institutions 15:30 Understanding exnovation and its relevance to climate action 18:40 The need for unlearning outdated knowledge frameworks 21:15 Feminism and its role in reshaping climate justice discourse 24:00 The significance of integrating diverse perspectives in academia 27:30 Collective Action and the Climate Justice Universities Union 30:00 Closing thoughts on hope and the future of climate justice References Jennie C. Stevens Website Books Climate Justice and the University Diversifying Power Maynooth University

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• Creativity Unleashed: Lessons from Ivana's Artistic Journey

  We introduce you to Ivana, a Serbian artist and mother of three whose journey through self-care and artistic expression has been nothing short of transformative. With her family's support and a pivotal artist retreat in Berlin, Ivana navigated the challenges of guilt and self-doubt to emerge as a celebrated artist. Timestamps 00:37 We share our first client story of success, creativity, resilience, curiosity and leadership 01:33 Ivanas story from stressed-out mother of three and caregiver to successful artist 02:01 How Ivana started painting as a form of self-care and improve her wellbeing 03:11 An artist retreat was a big step forward in Ivana's development as a professional artist 03:59 How can strong feelings of pressure and guilt stop us from making change and moving forward 05:46 One of the first steps in personal transformation is changing how we see ourselves - changing that idea from "I'm a mother and caregiver to I'm an artist". 06:44 Why is it that when we take time for ourselves and what nourishes us, we become better humans and people around us benefit too 08:50 How it is never too late to start something that you want, like or are passionate about 10:17 How the practice of listening increases your curiosity and leads to creativity 12:31 A person can not be a leader if they are not listening and curious about themselves, others, and the world around them. 13:46 Ivana is now a prolific artist; her art is showcased in galleries, and she recently had her first solo exhibition. 14:37 Here are some questions you can ask yourself to help you reignite your passion or start something you have always wanted to.

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  17:15
• Twelve Insights for Impact in Leadership

  In this episode of The Mind Takeaway Podcast, we explore the second half of our leadership takeaways from five years of podcasting and working with leaders, teams, and executives. Building on the first six insights shared in the previous episode, we now explore the next six takeaways that have significantly impacted our approach and can transform your leadership style. Timestamps: 01:25 The seventh takeaway is about giving and receiving feedback 03:00 We circle back to the cultural fit part of leadership 04:48 You need to know your team well and what they are good at to delegate effectively. 07:20 Number nine is the importance of reflection and leaving yourself enough room for creativity 12:53 Being action-orientated might not always be a good fit as a leader 15:48 Number 11 is around decision-making for leaders 17:18 Being open to learning comes with lots of pressure and stress when making decisions 20:07 Number 12 is about bravery and vulnerability going hand in hand 24:37 The importance of emotional regulation in leadership. References The first six Leadership Insights Book: Elastic by Leonard Mlodinow Book: Emotional by Leonard Mlodinow

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