Managing Stress and Anxiety for Optimal Performance with Elle Ingalls
The Enlightened Family Business Podcast Ep. 148: Managing Stress and Anxiety for Optimal Performance with Elle Ingalls In this episode of the Enlightened Family Business Podcast, host Chris Yonker sits down with Performance Coach and stress expert Elle Ingalls. They discuss strategies for handling stress responses, especially in high-pressure situations. Elle shares her journey from a symphonic conductor to a coach for athletes and executives, highlighting techniques to interrupt stress and improve performance. The conversation covers the biological aspects of stress, misconceptions about dealing with stress, and practical exercises to stay calm and focused. By exploring how to create a supportive environment and maintain inner awareness, this episode offers valuable insights for anyone looking to perform their best in both personal and professional realms. · 01:28 Meet Elle Ingalls: From Music to Mental Toughness · 03:39 The Birth of a Coaching Journey · 08:49 The Science Behind Stress and Performance · 16:08 Addressing Anxiety in Today's World · 24:23 Debunking Myths About Stress · 27:26 Personal Breakthrough and Client Success Stories · 28:18 Understanding the Stress Response · 29:00 Individual Reactions to Stress · 30:33 Self-Awareness and Stress Management · 35:13 Practical Techniques for Reducing Anxiety · 43:00 The Role of Conductors and Musicians · 48:37 The Impact of Stress on Health and Longevity Websites: · fambizforum.com. · www.chrisyonker.com · elleingalls.com Elle's Books: The Pressure-Free CEO Pressure-Free Parenting Elle Ingalls Bio: Elle Ingalls is the author of Pressure-Free Parenting and The Pressure-Free CEO. She's the creator of The Pressure-Free Method, a revolutionary performance method designed to help high-achieving individuals from CEOs to students to break free from stress and unlock their full potential. With a unique blend of expertise as a performance coach, executive, college athlete, and professional musician, Elle developed this method to stop the fight-or-flight stress response before it starts, enabling sharper decision-making, increased resilience, and greater success without burnout. People turn to Elle when the pressure is high and the stakes are higher. Her method offers practical, science-based tools to navigate intense demands while maintaining clarity, confidence, and health. Whether you're leading an organization or team, feeling the pressures of performance at work or school, or have challenges with your health or relationships, Elle empowers you to rise above stress, boost productivity, and thrive in both business and life—pressure-free.
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The Inner Work of Leadership in a Family Business with Kevin Hancock
The Enlightened Family Business Podcast Ep. 147: The Inner Work of Leadership in a Family Business with Kevin Hancock In this episode of the Enlightened Family Business Podcast, host Chris Yonker interviews Kevin Hancock, Chair of Hancock Lumber, about his journey and transformation in leadership. Kevin shares his personal and professional challenges, including losing his father to cancer, navigating a significant economic recession, and coping with a rare voice disorder. Kevin's experiences led him to initiate major cultural changes at Hancock Lumber, focusing on putting employees first and fostering authentic, meaningful work environments. He also discusses his connection with the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, where he found inspiration and a new perspective on leadership and the human experience. The episode delves into themes of self-discovery, healing, family business governance, and preparing future generations to lead with heart and authenticity. · 00:54 Meet Kevin Hancock: A Legacy of Resilience · 03:42 Navigating Personal and Professional Challenges · 13:36 The 2008 Economic Crisis and Its Impact · 18:58 A Journey of Self-Discovery and Healing · 27:25 Finding Purpose at Pine Ridge · 32:22 The Emotional Draw to Pine Ridge · 36:25 The Power of Presence and Authenticity · 40:21 The Impact of Prioritizing Employee Experience · 50:47 The Role of Ownership and Family Legacy · 59:24 The Importance of Inner Work and Self-Discovery Websites: · fambizforum.com. · www.chrisyonker.com · hancocklumber.com · doortwo.com Kevin's Books Not For Sale: Finding Center in the Land of Crazy Horse The Seventh Power: One CEO's Journey into the Business of Shared Leadership 48 Whispers from Pine Ridge and the Northern Plains Kevin's Bio: KEVIN HANCOCK is the Executive Chairman of one of America's oldest family businesses as well as an award-winning author and nationally recognized public speaker. Established in 1848, Hancock Lumber Company is led by its 720 employees operating 12 lumberyards, 3 sawmills, a truss manufacturing facility, and timberlands in Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts. Since 2014, Hancock Lumber has been recognized with the 'Best Places to Work in Maine' award. The company is also a recipient of the Maine Family Business of the Year Award, the Governor's Award for Business Excellence, the ProSales National Dealer of the Year Award, and the Maine Retailer of the Year Award. Kevin is a past chairman of the Northeastern Retail Lumber Association, the National Lumber & Building Material Dealers Association, and the Bridgton Academy Board of Trustees. Kevin has also served of the Board of Directors for the Hussey Seating Corporation in Maine, the Seneca Sawmill Corporation in Oregon, and the Maine Indian Tribal State Commission. Kevin is a recipient of the Ed Muskie 'Access to Justice' Award, the Habitat for Humanity 'Spirit of Humanity' Award, the Maine Development Foundation 'Ken Curtis Leadership Award', and the Maine Basketball Hall of Fame 'Directors Award'. Kevin also partners with the executive coaching firm DoorTwo to provide senior management training programs around the concepts of shared leadership, dispersed power, and deep employee engagement. Kevin is a frequent visitor to the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota and an advocate of strengthening the voices of all individuals—within a company or a community —through listening, empowering, and shared leadership. He is a graduate of Bowdoin College and lives in Maine with his wife Alison.
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How Great Leaders Turn Challenges into Puzzles with Radhika Dutt
The Enlightened Family Business Podcast Ep. 146: How Great Leaders Turn Challenges into Puzzles with Radhika Dutt In this, the first episode of the Enlightened Family Business Podcast, host Chris Yonker engages with guest Radhika, a seasoned advisor and published author, to discuss transformative strategies for family businesses. They delve into the concept of replacing traditional goal setting with a 'puzzle setting and puzzle solving' approach, emphasizing curiosity, adaptability, and collaborative learning. The discussion explores how family businesses can navigate succession, integrate innovative thinking, and balance risk while fostering clear communication and family alignment. This episode offers valuable insights for family business owners and leaders seeking sustainable growth and harmonious leadership transition. · 00:55 The Old Model of Goal Setting · 01:49 Guest Introduction: Radhika's Background · 06:37 The Puzzle Setting Approach · 07:38 The Importance of Succession Planning · 16:52 The Problems with KPIs and Target Setting · 21:48 Shifting from Goals to Puzzles in Business · 23:44 Implementing Puzzle Solving in Sales · 28:02 Collaborative Learning and Curiosity · 33:11 Navigating Family Business Transitions · 38:54 Balancing Risk in Family Businesses · 41:24 Learning from Other Industries · 43:59 Conclusion and Resources Websites: · fambizforum.com. · www.chrisyonker.com · OHLS Toolkit · linkedin: @radhika-dutt Radhika's Bio: Radhika Dutt is the author of Radical Product Thinking: The New Mindset for Innovating Smarter which has been translated into Chinese and Japanese. The methodology she introduced in her first book is now used in over 40 countries. She is an entrepreneur, speaker, and product leader who has participated in five acquisitions, two of which were companies that she founded. She is currently Advisor on Product Thinking to the Monetary Authority of Singapore (Singapore's central bank and financial regulator), and does consulting and training for organizations ranging from high-tech startups to multinationals on building radical products that create a fundamental change. Radhika has built products in a wide range of industries including broadcast, media and entertainment, telecom, advertising technology, government, consumer apps, robotics, and even wine. She graduated from MIT with an SB and M.Eng in Electrical Engineering, and speaks nine languages. Radhika is now working on her second book – it's about why goals and targets backfire and what actually works.
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Welcome to the Enlightened Family Business Podcast
Welcome to the Enlightened Family Business Podcast. In this inaugural episode of the Enlightened Family Business Podcast, host Chris Yonker introduces his unique approach to family business advising. Shifting focus from traditional elements like structures and finances, Chris emphasizes the importance of communication, inner awareness, alignment, and adaptive governance to create lasting legacy and harmony. Drawing on his 15 years of experience, Chris shares insights into navigating critical transitions such as generational succession and cultural shifts. Listeners are invited to explore deeper strategies for thriving family enterprises and to join the conversation through free webinars and forums hosted on chrisyoker.com. · 00:00 Introduction to the Enlightened Family Business Podcast · 00:54 Purpose and Vision of the Podcast · 01:04 Host's Background and Philosophy · 01:35 Exploring Key Themes and Frameworks · 01:58 Call to Action and Resources Websites: · fambizforum.com. · www.chrisyonker.com
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The ROI of Inner Work: Why Conscious Leaders Outperform with Michael Brabant
Secret Thoughts of CEOS Ep. 145 The ROI of Inner Work: Why Conscious Leaders Outperform with Michael Brabant In this episode of 'Secret Thoughts of CEOs and Business Leaders,' host Chris Yonker delves into a profound conversation with Dr. Michael Brabant, a PhD, who specializes in leadership and personal development. They explore the future of leadership, emphasizing the importance of vulnerability, authenticity, and psychological safety within organizations. Dr. Brabant shares his personal journey, discussing his work on integrating higher states of consciousness into leadership and recounting his path from academia to leading meditation retreats and coaching top executives. The discussion also covers the interplay between individual and collective growth, the significance of nervous system regulation, and the transformational potential when leaders model true openness and humility. This episode offers valuable insights for leaders looking to deepen their impact and foster a more connected and empowered workplace. · 01:01 Exploring Leadership with Dr. Michael Brabant · 02:38 Michael's Journey and Insights · 07:46 The Importance of Vulnerability in Leadership · 15:52 Navigating Family Systems and Truth · 25:28 Codependency and Sovereignty in Leadership · 31:33 Inner and Outer Leadership Dynamics · 36:41 Emergent Leadership and Consciousness · 44:11 The ROI of Inner Work for Leaders · 48:46 Conclusion and Resources Quotes · " I think that in a world of AI and spoken wisdom that's not lived. People can try to close the gap of who they want to be and who they actually are by rhetoric and by tactics, and by complexity."[03:36] · " Most people aren't vulnerable unless they have to be."[11:40] · " And if my sparkler is lit because I'm lit, I have a lit relationship with my wife. I have a healthy relationship with my body. I'm connected spiritually. When I'm in my leadership role, I'm catalytic. I'm spiritually contagious, and it helps to light people's sparklers.' [45:04] Websites: · fambizforum.com. · www.chrisyonker.com · candorandcoherence.com · Instagram: @candorandcoherence
What if governance, succession, and leadership weren't just business strategies—but sacred opportunities for growth, healing, and transformation?
Welcome to The Enlightened Family Business Podcast with Chris Yonker—author, trusted advisor to ultra-high-net-worth families, and 7th-degree black belt whose work bridges legacy with soul.
This isn't your typical family business podcast.
Each episode dives deep into the inner and outer dimensions of generational success—where family dynamics, conscious leadership, custom-fit governance, and soul-purpose clarity come together to shape continuity that feels as good as it looks.
Rooted in Chris's Governance 2.0™ framework, the show explores:
• Strategic governance aligned with family values
• Transparent communication and relational repair
• Mental, emotional, and physical well-being as business drivers
• Personal development and transformation at every level
• Succession planning that honors identity, meaning, and legacy
Chris has guided some of the most complex family systems in the world—blending deep psychological insight, trauma-informed process, and spiritual intelligence.
Whether you're a founder, rising gen leader, or advisor to family enterprises, this podcast will challenge, inspire, and equip you to lead with intention—and fulfill the purpose your soul came here to live.
Subscribe now to discover what's possible when families align from the inside out.
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