As the New Year gets underway there is a lot of focus on resolutions, goals, and intentions, which makes sense and can be both important and impactful.&nbsp; However, what we’re usually wanting to experience with whatever healthy practices or desired achievements we focus on is feeling good about ourselves.&nbsp; And what can often get in the way of our success and fulfillment is being harsh and critical of ourselves.&nbsp; What if we started with self-kindness and made a commitment to be kind to ourselves, regardless of the circumstance, situation, or outcome?&nbsp; On this episode, I talk about how important this is and I share some specific techniques for how to accept, appreciate, and have compassion for ourselves. Resources:

Let’s Be Kind to Ourselves

If you’re anything like me, you find yourself worrying from time to time about the people and things that matter most to you.&nbsp; While this makes sense for a number of reasons, worrying that bad things may happen doesn’t usually help and can actually be quite detrimental to us and those around us.&nbsp; On this episode, I talk about how we can shift our mindset and ask different questions when facing important or even stressful situations.&nbsp; When we change our approach, not only can it reduce our anxiety, it can actually inspire us and others in new and productive ways. &nbsp; Description: &nbsp; Resources:             &nbsp;

What If It All Works Out?

With all the recent discussion and debate about DEI, it seems to me that some pretty important aspects of inclusion and belonging haven’t been a part of this conversation.&nbsp; On this episode, I offer some of my perspective on these important issues.&nbsp; I also share some specific things we can do to focus on creating authentic environments of inclusion and belonging, which are fundamental elements of healthy and effective teams and organizations. &nbsp; Resources:           &nbsp;

The Importance of Inclusion and Belonging

With all that is going on in the country and the world these days, as well as inside our families, teams, and businesses, it can sometimes be difficult to stay authentically hopeful.&nbsp; On this episode, I talk about some of the uncertainty that is impacting me and many of the people I know and work with right now.&nbsp; I then share five specific things we can do to stay as grounded and positive as possible. &nbsp; Resources:

Staying Grounded and Hopeful When Things are Uncertain or Challenging

Giving credit to other people is such an important thing for us to do as leaders, teammates, family members, and friends.&nbsp; However, it can be challenging for several reasons.&nbsp; On this episode, I talk about some of the things that can get in our way.&nbsp; I then share both specific ways we can give credit to others more authentically and generously, as well as why it’s essential to do so for the benefit of everyone involved, including us. &nbsp; Resources:           &nbsp;

The Power of Giving Other People Credit

This is the 400th episode of this podcast!&nbsp; As I reflect on this meaningful milestone, I realize that most of our biggest goals are accomplished by simply putting one foot in front of the other and moving in the direction of what matters most to us.&nbsp; On this episode, I talk about why it can be challenging, especially at certain times, to go for our dreams.&nbsp; I then share some specific things we can do to manifest our most important goals…step by step. &nbsp; Resources:

Reaching Big Goals is a Step by Step Process

Many of us, myself included, are obsessed with solutions.&nbsp; And while this makes sense, especially when we find ourselves in times of challenge and uncertainty as we do these days.&nbsp; What if asking questions was more powerful than finding answers?&nbsp; On this episode, I discuss this dynamic and the paradoxical nature of curiosity.&nbsp; Asking questions can lead to authentic connection and important innovation. &nbsp; Resources:

Ask More Questions

With all the change, disruption, and uncertainty swirling around us these days, I’ve been feeling quite humbled.&nbsp; Being humbled is not only an inevitable aspect of life, leadership, parenting, working, relationships, and more…it’s actually a powerful state of being, if we’re willing to embrace it.&nbsp; On this episode, I talk about some of the paradoxical aspects of being humbled.&nbsp; I then share some specific things we can do to embrace authentic humility in a way that empowers and inspires us and those around us, especially when things are unsettled. &nbsp; Resources:            &nbsp;

The Power of Being Humbled

We all face challenges, both personally and professionally, yet sometimes we make things much harder than they need to be.&nbsp; On this episode, I talk about some of the paradoxes involved when we’re dealing with hard things.&nbsp; I then share some specific things we can do when we’re facing difficulties to navigate them as effectively as possible and keep things in a healthy perspective. &nbsp; Resources:

What if it Wasn’t So Hard?

For us to have the kind of relationships and impact we truly want to have - as leaders, parents, friends, spouses, family members and more - apologizing and forgiving are essential.&nbsp; These things, however, can be challenging for a variety of reasons.&nbsp; On this episode, I talk about some of what gets in the way of us being able to effectively apologize and forgive.&nbsp; I then share some specific things we can do to make it more conducive for these things to happen authentically in our relationships, within our families, and on our teams. &nbsp; Resources:            &nbsp;

The Importance of Apologizing and Forgiving

While knowledge may be power, curiosity is a superpower.&nbsp; We often get so obsessed with knowing things and sharing our wisdom with others, we forget how important it is to focus on learning.&nbsp; On this episode, I talk about why our “know-it-all-ness” can be a detriment to us and annoying to others.&nbsp; I then share some specific things we can do to tap into the power of curiosity and learning, in a way that empowers us and those around us. &nbsp; Resources:

Shifting from Knower to Learner

As people, leaders, parents, and more, we often waste a lot of time and energy thinking we aren’t good enough.&nbsp; On this episode, I talk about this common but detrimental phenomenon, and offer some ideas and techniques for us to embrace being enough.&nbsp; I also talk about why it’s important to say “enough,” when it comes to certain negative patterns, habits, and behaviors - both ours and others. &nbsp; Resources:

The Power of Enough

Mark Shapiro is the founder of AreYouBeingReal.com and the host of the podcast, The One and Only. Mark reached out to me about my work on authenticity a while back and invited me to be a guest on his podcast, right around the time I was planning to launch this podcast.&nbsp; We did the interview, hit it off, and he has helped me in some wonderful ways. In this interview, Mark shares the story of what it took for him to trust and challenge himself enough to leave his 12-year, steady paycheck job at Showtime; how the breakdown of a personal relationship may have been the catalyst he needed to change his life; and how choosing to be authentic led him to follow his calling. &nbsp; Key Takeaways: [2:57] What does ‘bring your whole self to work,’ mean to Mark? [4:17] Mark’s career dream was to have an impact on what aired on Showtime. [15:26] Mark’s big wake-up call came when his boss told him his ideas were not valued. [23:06] Going back to the drawing board, to figure out what you really want. [25:51] Mark was told he was inauthentic when he presented to groups, or facilitated workshops. [30:21] Creativity, and connecting with people, became Mark’s new pastime. [34:42] Playing dual roles led Mark to realize he was chasing a title, but didn’t really want the job. [40:33] If you have a calling which is deep within your heart, even if others don’t support you, you should go for it. [44:13] Mark shares the most enlightening, and the most frightening, parts about following his heart and running his own business. [46:48] Mark is grateful for the inspiring, encouraging people in his life right now. &nbsp; Resources: Are You Being Real? The One and Only Podcast Mike Robbins Website Mike Robbins Podcast Mike Robbins on Facebook Mike Robbins on Twitter

Are You Being Real? with Mark Shapiro

Today’s episode is the first in a series of podcasts in which I discuss the five main principles of my new book Bring Your Whole Self to Work: How Vulnerability Unlocks Creativity, Connection, and Performance. During this episode, I address the foundational first principle, Be Authentic. This principle is the most important and profound because it is the one all the other principles in the book build upon. It is not easy to be authentic. It takes conscious effort and mindful intentions to move from an inauthentic and phony place and into a vulnerable, authentic space. I share the authenticity equation and a group activity that help can help an organization shed the fear associated with being vulnerable and demonstrate the human connection we all share. &nbsp; Over the next few episodes, I will be exploring the additional four principles of my book. They are Utilize the Power of Appreciation, Focus on Emotional Intelligence, Embrace the Growth Mindset, and Create a Championship Team. &nbsp; Order Bring Your Whole Self to Work: How Vulnerability Unlocks Creativity, Connection, and Performance from 1-800-CEO-READS to get a bulk discount price when buying for your organization. &nbsp; Key Takeaways: &nbsp; [3:39] Being authentic is hard, but it is important. [9:40] What does it mean to ‘Be Authentic’? [11:40] When do we justify being phony or inauthentic? [17:02] The Authenticity Equation. [27:00] The ‘If you really knew me you would know…’ exercise. [39:23] The two types of credibility. &nbsp; Resources: Purchase Bring Your Whole Self to Work and gain access to bonus material. Mike Robbins Website Mike Robbins Podcast Mike Robbins on Facebook Mike Robbins on Twitter Mike Robbins on Instagram

Be Authentic: The First Principle of Bring Your Whole Self to Work

Chris Barbin is a serial entrepreneur and investor with more than 25 years of experience across a number of startups, companies, and enterprises. Chris joins the show today to talk with us about his work as a Venture Partner at GGV Capital, how he co-founded Appirio and stayed on as Chief Culture Officer when it was acquired from Wipro. Chris is an expert on company culture, team building and what it takes to scale a business. He also gives advice on building strong relationships when people work remotely, the upsides and downsides of being incredibly transparent, and how to create an environment where people feel safe to talk about the important stuff. &nbsp; Key Takeaways [3:27] Chris was born and raised outside of Boston and graduated from Bates College, of which he now sits on the Board of Trustees. He landed in Chicago and was in various tech and consulting gigs before he co-founded Appirio in 2006. [8:26] While others were experiencing hardships in the economy around 2007, Appirio found that their company provided a value around organizations saving money moving to the cloud. [11:49] Chris and the other founders of Appirio were in different cities when they founded the company, so they started with a mentality of creating great work from remote locations. They decided that instead of having a huge business office, they would connect to the right people using world-class processes and systems. They also started with a great amount of transparency where workers could see everything in a consumer-grade type of environment. [15:21] Chris and the founders of Appirio grew in a distributed way and set their workers up with the tools that they needed for a great work environment at home. [16:42] Remote culture can get much of the work done, but there still needs to be a level of in-person connectivity. Appirio put time into culture-building both virtually using Facetime, photos, and videos, and made the most of their quarterly in-person meetings. [21:02] Appirio had an all-hands meeting every two weeks virtually, and senior leaders met once a week virtually and once a quarter in person. They also displayed their commitment to transparency through time for a Q&amp;A, where any question was fair game. [26:52] One of Chris’s biggest lessons was in growing your team from within, as compared to upgrading them from the outside in. [31:34] The leadership team has a responsibility to not always engage in “happy talk,” but to really focus on making things better and pulling the bad things out so they can be talked about and solutions can be provided. [35:52] After the acquisition from Wipro, Chris stayed on as Chief Culture Officer to help catalyze and stimulate the culture. With a number of 2,500 employees sitting inside of 180,000 employees in 55 countries, Chris and his team had their work cut out for them. [42:40] Chris is also an operating partner at Thunderboss (a lakeside bar and grill in Green Lake, WI that he built and opened with his wife in 2018), as well as two tequila businesses — SipTequila.com (a premium tequila business focused on a direct to consumer model) and Compoveda (his own private label tequila). &nbsp; Resources: Purchase Bring Your Whole Self to Work and gain access to bonus material Mike Robbins Website Mike Robbins Podcast Mike Robbins on Facebook Mike Robbins on Twitter Mike Robbins on Instagram  TED Radio Hour GG Capital Venture Firm Sip TequilaCompoveda ThunderBoss Wipro Appirio Chris Barbin

Culture is Not One Thing, It’s a Bunch of Little Things with Chris Barbin

My friend Holly Dowling joins the show today.&nbsp; She’s a thought leader and a fantastic inspirational keynote speaker.&nbsp; Holly is passionate about creating inclusive environments within companies so that teams can thrive and organizations can retain talented people. She and I talk in-depth about how to create a culture where everyone feels a true sense of respect and belonging. &nbsp; Key Takeaways [4:25] What’s new in the world of inclusive leadership? [6:35] Why are more men showing up to inclusion talks than women? Holly believes they’re scared. They want more inclusion, but they don’t know how to start the conversation. [10:50] Unfortunately, by having women-only empowerment groups, these women are being siloed from a bigger purpose. The reality is, we need men included in on these conversations so that a healthy dialogue can be developed. [15:15] Men want to be included in the conversation, they just don’t know how. There are a lot of tools out there for women, but when it comes to men wanting to be more inclusive, they get stuck with the ‘how.’ There’s a different landscape happening now. [22:20] We need to share our stories! So often, people feel so alone and they can feel like the problem they’re facing is only happening to them, but by hearing about other people’s challenges and struggles, it gives those people a voice and a light. [28:20] With such a focus on women’s leadership and empowerment, where does that leave our young boys? Holly is currently raising three young boys herself and she sees first hand that there’s a lack of resources for them in this new environment. We are facing not only generational differences but cultural differences too. [32:45] Women want men to read their minds, but that’s impossible. It’s important that expectations are set before a conversation begins so that no one gets upset (from both parties). Do you want him/her to listen, problem-solve, or advise when you’re about to start a conversation? Let your partner know! [41:05] We have to stop putting labels on people’s foreheads, especially if we disagree with them. Remember, at the end of the day, everyone has a story and when you understand their story, you will have more compassion for one another despite the differences. [52:20] Social media can be so misleading. It’s important to get grounded and get authentic so that we don’t mislead the very people who look up to us and admire us. There’s nothing wrong with sharing your mistakes or faults on social media and being real with some of life’s challenges. &nbsp; Resources: Purchase Bring Your Whole Self to Work and gain access to bonus material Mike Robbins Website Mike Robbins Podcast Mike Robbins on Facebook Mike Robbins on Twitter Mike Robbins on Instagram  TED Radio Hour Holly Dowling A Celebration of You - Holly Dowling’s podcast&nbsp;

How to Create an Inclusive Culture with Holly Dowling

Today is the day...my new book, We’re All in This Together, is officially available!&nbsp; On this show, I share the origin story behind this new book, the specific reasons why I wrote it, the significance of the title and timing, and how it connects with what we’re going through right now.&nbsp; I also talk about the four pillars of the book and how these things relate to you and your team.&nbsp; The moment that we’re in calls for us to come together in a new and different way.&nbsp; Now more than ever, we truly are all in this together.&nbsp; &nbsp; The Four Pillars of the book are: &nbsp; 1) Create Psychological Safety &nbsp; 2) Focus on Inclusion and Belonging &nbsp; 3) Embrace Sweaty-Palmed Conversations &nbsp; 4) Care About and Challenge Each Other &nbsp; Resources:          &nbsp; Shareables: &nbsp; “We’re All in This Together.” —  &nbsp; “One of the great paradoxes of life is that we’re all unique, yet at the same time we have so much in common as fellow human beings.” —  &nbsp; “There is no ‘them,’ it’s all ‘us’.” —

We’re All in This Together

Our friend Glennon Doyle, best-selling author of Untamed, often offers a great reminder to us all that “we can do hard things.”&nbsp; I woke up this morning thinking about this quote and idea.&nbsp; Things in our country and our world seem pretty hard and bleak these days, and many of us are struggling in significant ways - physically, mentally, emotionally, financially, politically, organizationally, relationally, and more.&nbsp; And, as hard as things may be, it’s important for us to remember how strong and resilient we are - individually and collectively.&nbsp; Not only can we do hard things, we have done lots of hard things, over the course of our lives and careers, and just in the past few weeks and months in the midst of all of this.&nbsp; On this episode, we talk about how to remember this and tap into our individual and collective strength. Resources:              &nbsp; Shareables: &nbsp; “When things are hard, it’s important to remember that we can do hard things.” —  &nbsp; “Gratitude is a practice that shifts our perspective in a powerful and important way.” —  &nbsp; “You have more than this requires.” —  &nbsp; &nbsp;

We Can Do Hard Things

The country and the world lost a significant and legendary leader this past Friday with the passing of Ruth Bader Ginsburg (RBG).&nbsp; My guest today, Susan Katz, knows a lot about RBG.&nbsp; She’s the author of the bestselling book, The Story of Ruth Bader Ginsburg: A Biography Book for Young Readers, which came out in March.&nbsp; Susan is an award-winning children’s book author and a friend.&nbsp; Her forthcoming book, Meditation Station, teaches kids about the power and importance of mindfulness.&nbsp; We discuss the incredible life of RBG, how we can keep our kids and ourselves grounded during these challenging times, and more. Resources:            &nbsp; Shareables: &nbsp; “Ruth Bader Ginsburg was an icon who taught us so many important things.” —  &nbsp; “RBG inspired us to stand up, speak up, and fight for what we believe in.” —  &nbsp; “Teaching our children mindfulness is one of the best and healthiest things we can do.” —

Mike Robbins

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