Are you a leader grappling with startup burnout, decision fatigue, or feeling stuck despite your drive? This transformative episode reveals the counter-intuitive secret to leadership clarity and accelerated growth: discomfort.

Join Jason Rigby and Arielle Lechner, an acclaimed executive coach to leaders at Google, GitHub, and Peloton. They shatter the myth of the flawless founder and dive deep into how embracing resistance isn't a barrier, but your most accurate signal for progress and innovation.

🔑 In this essential leadership episode, you will discover:

• The Power of Discomfort: Learn how to lean into resistance and transform it into your competitive advantage for leader development.
• "Think Like a Scientist" Mindset: A radical approach to leadership that redefines failure as essential data, driving rapid learning and growth.
• Beyond Data Overload: How to harmonize your intuition with metrics for truly informed and strategic decision-making.
• The Lift & Thrust Model: A practical tool for diagnosing and energizing your team culture, fostering psychological safety.
• High-Leverage Communication: Master the direct, clear, and explicit strategies that separate effective leaders from those struggling with leadership gaps.
• Overcoming Impostor Syndrome: Practical insights for navigating identity challenges and leading with genuine authenticity.

Whether you're a seasoned startup CEO, an aspiring self-aware leader, or an executive seeking to deepen your emotional intelligence and drive organizational growth, this conversation offers practical tools and a profound leadership mindset shift. It's a masterclass in humble leadership that will reframe your entire leadership journey.

Timestamps for Easy Navigation:

• – Intro to Arielle Lechner: Disrupting the status quo
• – What founders really mean by frustration
• – You can’t think your way to clarity
• – Using discomfort as your competitive signal
• – What does “velocity of learning” mean?
• – Why your intuition is your most undervalued asset
• – Think like a scientist: Embracing failure as feedback
• – Lift and Thrust Model: A culture-check diagnostic
• – High-leverage communication: Clear. Explicit. Direct.
• – Impostor syndrome and identity gaps in leadership

Notable Quotes:

• “You can’t think your way to clarity—you experiment your way there.”
• “Discomfort isn’t a barrier—it’s a signal.”
• “Leadership is a learning loop; velocity matters more than perfection.”

Connect with Arielle Lechner:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ariellethecoach/
• Website: https://www.newpo.io/

Subscribe to The Self-Aware Leader for ongoing insights into conscious leadership, personal growth, and strategies for sustained organizational success. Your leadership evolution starts here.

Primary Keywords: leadership, executive coaching, leadership development, self-aware leader, humble leadership

Secondary Keywords: startup burnout, emotional intelligence, discomfort, clarity, leadership mindset, founder growth, psychological safety, innovation, authentic leadership, team performance, decision making, C-suite, strategic leadership.

Are you a leader seeking a truly transformative approach to leadership? In today's complex world, traditional leadership models often fall short, leaving many leaders feeling disconnected and seeking deeper impact.

On this groundbreaking episode of The Self Aware Leader Podcast, host Jason Rigby speaks with Charley Johnson, a TEDx speaker, founder of Chief Consciousness Officer Training, and a visionary in conscious leadership. Charley Johnson, a former high-powered business president, shares his profound journey from conventional success to a strategic exploration of consciousness in leadership.

This episode is a must-listen for any leader ready to evolve beyond the status quo. Charley unpacks how embracing core principles like clarity in leadership, neutrality, and presence can lead to a seismic shift from ego-driven actions to essence-driven impact. Discover why the role of a Chief Consciousness Officer is not "woo-woo," but a tactical necessity for modern organizations.

Key Learnings for Leaders:

• The Leadership Shift: Understand the critical transition from ego-based decisions to essence-driven leadership.
• Consciousness for Leaders: Explore how personal consciousness dissolves bias, fuels innovation, and bridges divides within your team and corporate culture.
• Beyond Traditional Leadership: Challenge conventional wisdom on wellness and consulting to achieve true organizational transformation.
• Clarity for Leaders: Learn practical tools to foster inner stillness, navigate chaos, and make decisions from a place of profound clarity.
• Humble Leadership: Embrace the power of leading from a place of shared humanity, not competing ideologies.

If you're an aspiring or established leader committed to self-aware leadership and elevating your organizational culture, this episode provides the strategic insights you need. Tune in to learn how to unlock your true potential as a leader and guide your team with authentic purpose.

Message Charley here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cjconsciousness/

Keywords: Leadership, Leader, Conscious Leadership, Charley Johnson, Chief Consciousness Officer, Self-Aware Leader, Humble Leadership, Emotional Intelligence, Clarity in Leadership, Conscious Business, Organizational Culture, Corporate Culture, Leadership Transformation, Strategic Leadership, Leadership Development, Business Leadership, The Self Aware Leader Podcast.

Unlock your organization's full potential by discovering who the real drivers of success are. Veteran leadership consultant Dr. Luis Luarca sits down with Jason Rigby on The Self Aware Leader Podcast to reveal a truth many leaders miss: the power lies within your employees.

Drawing from 25 years of experience, Dr. Luarca explains how shifting from control to empowerment leads to radical improvements in processes, innovation, and employee engagement. Hear compelling stories and gain practical strategies for leading with self-awareness, avoiding ego traps, and leveraging the invaluable insights of your team.

If you want to build a resilient, innovative, and high-performing organization, this conversation on employee empowerment and humble leadership is a must-listen.

Subscribe and listen to the full episode today!

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

• Learn more in Dr. Luis Luarca's book, "Do Employees Really Like Working Here?": https://www.amazon.com/Employees-Really-Like-Working-Here/dp/1678746614/
• Visit Dr. Luis Luarca's official website: https://luisluarcaphd.com/
• Connect with Dr. Luis Luarca on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luis-luarca-phd-0133022b/

Keywords: Employee Empowerment, Leadership, Organizational Transformation, Self-Aware Leader, Leadership Psychology, Business Growth, Humble Leadership, Workplace Culture, Leadership Skills, Dr. Luis Luarca, Management Tips.

Are you tired of toxic leadership undermining your team's potential? Is a lack of credibility and authentic connection causing a leadership crisis in your workplace?

In this powerful episode of The Self Aware Leader Podcast, host Jason Rigby interviews acclaimed leadership expert William Davis, who brings 38 years of experience transforming struggling teams into powerhouses.

William reveals the core reasons behind today's toxic leadership challenges and provides actionable insights on how to build high-trust, high-performing teams. Learn about the critical difference between management and true ethical leadership, the importance of servant leadership, and how to cultivate essential leadership skills.

Discover practical strategies for restoring trust, fostering genuine relationships, and leading with unwavering integrity. William shares lessons from his extensive career, offering a clear path for leaders ready to make a positive impact.

If you're looking to improve team management and create a thriving workplace culture free from toxic leadership, this episode is a must-listen.

Tune in to learn how to lead with heart and purpose.

William Davis Website: https://www.williamcdavis.net/

#Leadership #ToxicLeadership #EthicalLeadership #ServantLeadership #TeamManagement #LeadershipSkills #CredibilityInLeadership #LeadershipCrisis #Trust #Integrity #Podcast #Business #Management #SelfAwareLeader #WilliamDavis

n this episode of the Self-Aware Leader Podcast, host Jason Rigby sits down with Jones Loflin, author of Focus as a Bee, to uncover leadership strategies that transform chaos into clarity. Through Sydney’s bee-inspired journey, Loflin shares his 3P approach—powerful ideas, practical solutions, and personal touch—offering leaders actionable tools to prioritize, recharge, and celebrate wins. Learn how to shift from busyness to intentional focus, adopt a gardener’s growth mindset, and lead thriving teams with consistency and adaptability. Perfect for leaders seeking clarity and sustainable growth in a fast-paced world.

Jason Rigby hosts Jones Loflin, a globally recognized speaker with experience at FedEx and the U.S. military, to explore leadership through the lens of Loflin’s new book, Focus as a Bee. Using the narrative of Sydney and her friend Alicia, Loflin introduces the "hexagon of permissions"—a honeycomb-inspired framework with six steps to sharpen focus. Key insights include giving yourself permission to be unavailable, celebrating small wins, and adapting to change like bees. With practical strategies and metaphors, this episode equips leaders to move beyond survival mode into intentional growth.

• 00:38 – Introduction to Jones Loflin: Jason introduces Jones and his book Focus as a Bee.

• 01:26 – Sydney’s Story: How a chaotic bee encounter sparks transformation.

• 02:47 – Shifting the Leadership Mindset: Asking better questions and listening to teams.

• 04:21 – Permission to Prioritize: Discerning what’s most important.

• 07:08 – Gardener vs. Mechanic Mindset: Growing teams instead of fixing problems.

• 09:48 – Permission to Be Unavailable: Why stepping back is key for focus.

• 17:20 – Honey Flow State: Creating environments for optimal focus.

• 23:06 – Permission to Recharge: Bees rest more than they work—lessons for leaders.

• 26:55 – Adapting to Change: How bees and leaders thrive in new conditions.

• 33:56 – Consistency as a Superpower: Balancing structure with innovation.

• 39:28 – Permission to Celebrate: Recognizing small wins to build momentum.

• 43:44 – Thriving, Not Surviving: A key question for daily growth.

• Jones Loflin (06:03): "Focused is the intentional direction of your time and energy toward what matters most."

• Jones Loflin (10:17): "What your team needs is for you to have the clarity of vision to resource them in ways that help them grow."

• Jones Loflin (40:35): "Celebrating small wins is about saying to that team member, ‘I see growth in you—let’s celebrate.’"

• Jones Loflin’s Website: jonesloflin.com

• Podcast Resources: jonesloflin.com/podcast

🌐 Summary:

In this episode of The Self Aware Leader Podcast, Jason Rigby explores the transformative concept of Ikigai—a Japanese philosophy meaning "reason for being." Amid the relentless demands of leadership, Jason guides listeners on how to reconnect with their core purpose, helping leaders move beyond mere task execution to leading with authenticity and resilience. Discover how understanding and pursuing your Ikigai can become a powerful compass for effective, purpose-driven leadership.

📌 Episode Overview:

Navigating Leadership Chaos with Purpose
Leadership often feels like navigating a storm, with constant pressure, overwhelming tasks, and a relentless pace. In this episode, Jason Rigby dives into this reality, highlighting a critical question for leaders: "Why am I really doing this?" Drawing on the ancient Japanese concept of Ikigai, Jason offers a path to clarity and fulfillment, helping leaders transform their daily work from mere execution to a source of authentic joy and impact.

Understanding Ikigai: A Practical Framework for Leaders
Ikigai, which translates to "reason for being," is explored as a four-fold intersection of what you love, what you are good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for. Jason breaks down how leaders can identify and align these elements to create a meaningful leadership journey. He shares actionable insights on leveraging Ikigai to enhance engagement, improve decision-making, build resilience, and lead with authenticity.

⏰ Timestamps:

• [00:01] - The Leadership Storm: Why many leaders feel overwhelmed and disconnected.

• [02:25] - The Power of a Single Question: "Why am I really doing this?"

• [04:38] - Introducing Ikigai: Understanding the Japanese concept of "reason for being."

• [07:06] - Exploring Your Four Pillars: What you love, what you are good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for.

• [09:20] - Practical Value of Ikigai: How it fuels engagement, resilience, and authenticity.

• [11:47] - Overcoming the Ego Sandbox: Why reactive leadership leads to burnout.

• [15:47] - A Framework for Ikigai Discovery: 5 steps to uncover your leadership purpose.

💡 Memorable Quotes:

• "Leadership often feels like we're navigating a storm, doesn't it?" – Jason Rigby

• "Ikigai is not just a personal quest—it's a powerful tool for authentic leadership." – Jason Rigby

• "If you don't have your core values and purpose, what are you doing? You're just surviving." – Jason Rigby

📚 Resources Mentioned:

• Jason Rigby’s Self Aware Leader Podcast Website: selfawarepodcast.com

• Book: Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life by Hector Garcia and Francesc Miralles.

🚀 Call to Action:

Feeling overwhelmed in your leadership journey? Reconnect with your purpose. Subscribe to The Self Aware Leader Podcast and start your journey toward authentic, resilient leadership. Visit selfawarepodcast.com for more insights.

🌟 Episode Description:
Stuck in the chaos of leadership stress? Discover how Will Watrous transformed his health and business by embracing the EOS model. In this episode of the Self Aware Leader Podcast, host Jason Rigby welcomes Will Watrous—entrepreneur, EOS implementer, and former stressed-out CEO. Will shares his journey from burnout to clarity, offering actionable insights on building discipline, boosting profits, and leading with peace. Learn how the six core EOS components—vision, people, data, issues, process, and traction—can transform any organization.

🎧 Listen now and start your journey to clarity.

🔗 Connect with Will Watrous:

• Official EOS Profile

• Will Watrous on LinkedIn

🌐 More Resources:

• SelfAwarePodcast.com – More episodes and tools

• EOS Worldwide – Official Site

• Traction by Gino Wickman – The book that changed Will’s life

• Death by Meeting – Patrick Lencioni

• Related episode: Discernment vs. Judgment

⏱️ Episode Timestamps:
00:01 – Stress Breakdown: Will’s 173% growth nearly breaks him.
01:27 – Health Wake-Up Call: How stress symptoms became a leadership turning point.
03:48 – Accountability Chart: Clear roles reduce chaos and confusion.
05:44 – Visionary vs. Integrator: Why Will had to stop doing it all.
08:09 – Clarity Brings Action: The discipline of weekly accountability.
10:37 – Level 10 Meetings: Elevating team conversations from a 3 to a 10.
13:29 – Six Key Components: The EOS framework that made it all work.
17:29 – The Power of Rocks: 90-day focus creates momentum.

💬 Notable Quotes:
“Clarity brings action. Complexity kills it.” – Will Watrous
“When the visionary and integrator align, the team unlocks peace and power.”
“If it’s human, it’s mentionable. If it’s mentionable, it’s manageable.”

🔍 Keywords:
humble leadership, EOS system, emotional intelligence, executive burnout, self-aware leader, leadership transformation, team alignment

📣 Call to Action:
Struggling with stress and chaos in your leadership journey? Don’t wait for a wake-up call. Subscribe to the Self Aware Leader Podcast now and discover how to transform pressure into clarity. Start your journey at SelfAwarePodcast.com.

In a world obsessed with metrics, image, and crowd approval, Jason Rigby delivers a powerful call to arms for leaders to return to themselves. Drawing on the radical philosophy of Soren Kierkegaard, this episode explores the timeless leadership truth: lead from the inside out—or don’t lead at all. Kierkegaard’s belief that “the crowd is untruth” challenges today’s culture of consensus and invites us to take the hard road of individual responsibility.

Jason weaves Kierkegaard’s concept of the “leap of faith” into modern leadership, making it clear that authentic leadership requires bold, often uncomfortable action without guarantees. He exposes the silent epidemic of leadership despair—not burnout, but existential misalignment. Through the archetype of the “knight of faith,” leaders are invited to walk calmly yet burn with divine purpose. This episode is a wake-up call for anyone who’s scaled success but lost themselves in the process.

• [00:44] – The Mirror Test: Are you becoming who you truly are?

• [01:15] – The Crowd is Untruth: How titles and systems mask personal responsibility.

• [02:04] – What Is True?: The radical ethical courage of true leadership.

• [03:10] – The Leap of Faith: Leading without certainty, only conviction.

• [04:25] – The Silent Killer: Why despair—not burnout—is eroding leadership.

• [05:32] – The Antidote is Truth: Return to self through confrontation, not optimization.

• [06:15] – The Knight of Faith: Calm on the outside, burning with purpose within.

• [07:26] – Journal Prompt: Where are you hiding behind the crowd?

• “To lead from the inside out—or don’t lead at all.” – Jason Rigby

• “The crowd is untruth—it erases the individual.” – Jason Rigby

• “True leadership begins where certainty ends.” – Jason Rigby

Internal:

• selfawarepodcast.com

• Higher Density Living Podcast

External:

• The Leap of Faith by Soren Kierkegaard

Feeling out of alignment? You’re not alone. Subscribe to the Self Aware Leader podcast and take the leap back to yourself. Journal your truth. Reject the crowd. Lead with conviction. Join the journey at selfawarepodcast.com — start today.