Taking time off is essential for fostering creativity, innovation, and effective leadership within organizations, as emphasized by Shelly Paxton, former CMO of Harley Davidson. She shares her profound journey from perceived success to a deeper understanding of fulfillment, illustrating the importance of aligning personal values with professional life. Through engaging discussions, Shelly highlights the significance of setting boundaries to cultivate a healthier work culture and invites listeners to reflect on their own definitions of success. The conversation navigates the challenges leaders face in balancing personal and professional lives, encouraging a shift towards conscious leadership practices. By examining what energizes and drains us, Shelly offers actionable insights for creating meaningful change in both individual lives and organizational cultures.

Shelly Paxton, former CMO of Harley Davidson, recounts her transformative journey from corporate success to conscious living, highlighting the disconnection between societal definitions of success and personal fulfillment. Despite achieving a high-ranking position in a legendary brand, Shelly experienced an emptiness that led her to question the very foundations of her career. She emphasizes the importance of understanding one's values and aligning them with actions, urging leaders to set boundaries that foster well-being. Scott and Shelly discuss the necessity of taking time off as a catalyst for creativity and innovation, and how modeling such behaviors can shift organizational culture. The conversation invites listeners to reflect on their own definitions of success and the steps they can take to align their lives with their true values, ultimately advocating for a more conscious and authentic approach to leadership.

Takeaways:

• Taking time off is essential for enhancing creativity, innovation, and effective leadership.
• Success should be defined personally, focusing on feelings rather than societal expectations.
• Leaders can influence organizational culture by modeling healthy boundaries and prioritizing well-being.
• Understanding and aligning with personal values can lead to a more fulfilling career.
• Engaging in self-reflection exercises helps identify energy-draining tasks and fulfilling activities.
• Creating a dialogue about work-life balance normalizes the importance of individual well-being in the workplace.

Links and Resources:

• Shelly Paxton on LinkedIn
• shelleypaxton.com
• Changing Work
• Scott Shute on LinkedIn
• Nicholas Whitaker on LinkedIn
• Aimee Serene on LinkedIn

Thanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Changing Work? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube to leave us a review!

Welcome to the Changing Work Podcast! Hosts Nick and Scott engage in an enlightening conversation with Dr. Amy Johnson, a psychologist, coach, author, and speaker known for her groundbreaking approach to overcoming unwanted habits, anxiety, and self-doubt through insight rather than willpower. Dr. Johnson elaborates on the natural rhythms of life, the role of innate creativity, and how we can better align with our true nature. This episode challenges conventional goal-setting and productivity mindsets, offering a fresh perspective on achieving success by tuning into our natural flow rather than forcing outcomes. Whether you're an HR leader, manager, or someone keen on conscious business practices, this episode promises valuable insights that could transform your approach to work and life.

• 00:00 Welcome to the Changing Work Podcast
• 00:45 Introducing Dr. Amy Johnson
• 01:38 Exploring Human Conditioning and Survival
• 02:53 Animal Trackers and Life's Metaphors
• 05:11 Balancing Goals and Inner Guidance
• 18:15 Understanding Insight vs. Willpower
• 23:37 Practical Techniques for Inner Peace
• 24:59 Bringing Insights to the Workplace
• 26:36 Final Thoughts and Resources

Takeaways:

• The podcast emphasizes the significance of insight over willpower in overcoming anxiety and unwanted habits, suggesting that understanding our true nature can lead to lasting change.
• Listeners are encouraged to consider how their goals and desires may stem from fear or societal expectations rather than genuine passion or enjoyment.
• Life unfolds naturally when we relinquish control and allow ourselves to be guided by our environment and inner wisdom, much like animal trackers in nature.
• The conversation explores the interconnectedness of individuals, urging us to view ourselves and others as part of a collective experience rather than isolated entities.
• Scott and Nick highlight the importance of recognizing that our thoughts create subjective realities, which can lead to feelings of pressure and self-doubt.
• Through meditation, connection with nature, and self-awareness, individuals can cultivate a deeper understanding of their own thoughts and emotions, leading to better mental health.

A captivating exchange unfolds as Scott and Nick converse with Dr. Amy Johnson, exploring the profound insights into human behavior and workplace dynamics. The episode begins with an introduction to Amy, whose expertise lies in helping people break free from anxiety and self-doubt through a deeper understanding of their nature rather than relying solely on willpower. This foundational idea sets the tone for a discussion that challenges conventional views on productivity and success. The trio examines how much of what drives individuals in their professional lives is influenced by societal norms, expectations, and fears, rather than authentic desires. This realization prompts a critical re-evaluation of what it means to pursue goals and how to align one’s actions with their true self.

As the conversation progresses, they delve into the metaphor of animal tracking, illustrating the importance of remaining present and aware in our lives. They posit that just as experienced trackers adapt to their surroundings and trust the process, individuals can learn to navigate their paths with curiosity and openness. This shift in perspective advocates for a less rigid and more fluid approach to goal-setting, suggesting that by letting go of the need to control every outcome, one can tap into a more natural flow of creativity and productivity. Nick emphasizes that this mindset can lead to a profound reduction in anxiety and self-imposed pressure, allowing for a more enriching life experience.

Towards the end of the episode, the discussion turns to practical strategies for implementing these insights in the workplace.

In this episode of the 'Changing Work Podcast,' hosts Nick and Scott sit down with Howard Behar, former President of Starbucks, to explore his journey towards conscious capitalism and servant leadership. Behar discusses the true meaning of leading with purpose, the importance of serving others, and how these principles shaped his leadership at Starbucks. He shares valuable stories and lessons on fostering a people-first organization and the pitfalls of prioritizing numbers over people, and he offers practical advice for leaders on maintaining integrity and transparency. Tune in to learn how a commitment to servant leadership can transform workplace cultures and drive sustained success.

00:00 Welcome to the Changing Work Podcast

00:20 Introducing Howard Behar

01:12 Discovering Servant Leadership

02:24 Implementing Servant Leadership at Starbucks

04:32 Balancing Operational Goals and Service

06:54 Challenges in Public Companies

13:49 Setting and Achieving Big Goals

20:45 The Impact of Conscious Leadership

22:46 Affirmations and Goal Setting

24:11 The Power of Self-Talk

24:48 Daily Self-Assessment and Core Values

26:41 The Six Ps of Success

31:34 The Importance of Truth in Leadership

36:33 Empowering Employees: Choosing Their Tools

41:43 Current Endeavors and Contact Information

Links and Resources:

• Howard Behar on LinkedIn
• Changing Work
• Scott Shute on LinkedIn
• Nicholas Whitaker on LinkedIn
• Aimee Serene on LinkedIn

Thanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Changing Work? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube to leave us a review!