The greatest cause of death is suicide, and the rates are unfortunately increasing throughout the year, especially during COVID-19. Our mental state seemed to be shrouded with clouds of toxicity that pushed most people into the dark. In this sensitive conversation, a recovery expert, addiction treatment specialist, inspirational speaker, and bestselling author, TJ Woodward, joins Adam Markel to bring a fresh perspective on addiction. He concocts the formula for a Conscious Recovery to empower you in enjoying your life and nurturing healthy, enriching relationships by removing the toxicity in life. TJ discusses some of the toxicities in life, such as unresolved trauma, spiritual disconnection, and toxic shame. He also introduces his new book, Conscious Creation. Join TJ in destroying our destructive patterns to let go of our Core False Beliefs that lead us into addictive behaviors.

Show notes:

• 01:37 – Greatest Cause Of Death
• 07:40 – Core False Beliefs
• 14:11 – Conscious Recovery
• 16:05 – Unresolved Trauma
• 26:25 – Spiritual Disconnection
• 29:43 – Toxic Shame
• 35:35 – Conscious Creation
• 41:23 – Resilience In The Workplace

Nothing in life is random; you just have to see the connection points, the pivotal moments, that lead you to where you are now. “Recovering” corporate consultant turned anti-hustle, pro-equity productivity coach, Sandra Halling, believes in this. Rewriting the narrative of her life story backwards, she reflects on the pivotal moments that taught her both personal and professional resilience. In this episode, she talks about our need for safety and fear of change, and how learning to ask for help relates to selling. Sandra also discusses the 3Ps (Persistent Action, Perfection, and Patience) and the art of asking powerful questions to transform your life. From finding the courage to overcome the status quo bias to seizing creative opportunities, Sandra gives us so much wisdom to help us in our paths to success, purpose, and impact. Join this episode and embark on an exhilarating quest for self-discovery!

What does No Bullsh!t Leadership look like in a business? Why is this leadership concept a fail-proof tool, and how can it ensure your company's success? To unravel the mystical curtains behind this leadership concept is a leadership performance expert, author, and podcaster, Martin G. Moore. From sorting his principles on leadership, defining resilience in the modern workplace, and sharing his insights on the future of work, Martin brings so much value in this episode. So, let's unwrap Martin's secret to practice resilience and keep growing. Don't miss this insightful conversation because one thing I can assure you: There's no bullsh!t here!

Life is an intricate journey filled with highs and lows, joys and sorrows. In this episode, Adam Markel sits with Andrew Bennett, a keynote speaker, workshop leader, coach, and two-time TEDx presenter. Together, they explore the essential facets of resilience, highlighting the transformative power of embracing change. They discuss how life's hardships, much like its moments of joy, are transient and emphasize the importance of savoring every experience. Andrew brings up his upcoming book, The Restorative Mindset: The Magic of Finding Inner Peace, and shares sneak peeks at its insights about significant loss, seeking greater purpose, and rewriting your life’s chapter. Throughout the episode, Andrew emphasizes that our stories, even the most challenging ones, can become a source of healing for ourselves and a lifeline for those who need it. Tune in to start your journey towards a more resilient, peaceful, and fulfilling life.

Have you ever felt like work was taking over your life, leaving you with little time for personal pursuits? Dr. Baktari knows the feeling, and he's here to guide us through the strategies he's learned in his journey. In this episode, we have Dr. Jonathan Baktari, the CEO of eNational Testing, e7 Health, and US Drug Test Centers, who shares his wisdom on achieving a harmonious balance between career and personal well-being. Dr. Baktari discusses the evolving nature of the workforce, emphasizing how each generation brings unique challenges and opportunities. From the industrial era to the digital age, one thing remains constant – change. Are you ready to adapt? Dr. Baktari also expounds on the role of a CEO, believing that it’s not just about profits but improving the lives of everyone in the organization. Find out how Dr. Baktari maintains balance in his life, from regular workouts to family time, hobbies, and a commitment to mindfulness. Tune in now!

Sarah Conger is the VP of Customer Experience at VGM Fulfillment. She joins Adam Markel in this conversation about the right way to deliver valuable feedback. They discuss the importance of creating a safe and caring environment to make feedback easier to digest and apply. Sarah points out why you should revisit the way you provide such comments to avoid initial responses centered on anger or defensiveness. They also talk about turning your problem-solver mode off when helping others to stop yourself from overreaching or overreacting. Sarah shares how she sets personal boundaries to help her decide when to act and when to listen.

Show Notes:

00:00 – Introduction

01:18 – Why Sarah love problems

03:34 – What to fix and not to fix

11:54 – How a leader came to Sarah’s help

22:04 – Giving valuable feedback

29:42 – Creating a safe workplace environment

37:05 – Today’s concept of resiliency

44:43 – Sarah’s daily ritual

The best leaders are often those that care about their people, seeing them as humans who seek growth in their personal and professional lives just as much as we want it for our business. Tom Peters, the co-author of the bestselling book, In Search of Excellence, believes this is one of the great foundations of creating excellence in business. In this episode, Tom reminds us of the value of managing people effectively in a way that facilitates their professional and personal growth. How do we do that? What kind of leadership style can help us lead our people? Tom answers this and more. At the end of the day, it’s 100% people’s business. Tune in and become a leader desperate for your people’s growth.

At the end of the day, business is all about the people. Its success hinges on the very individuals who give their best because they feel valued and empowered. This is what Shaw Industries, one of the largest flooring manufacturing companies in the world, believes. Mike Fromm, its Chief Human Resources Officer, sheds light on the company’s philosophy: “Our people and our business are not separate. They are one and the same. When our people thrive, our business thrives.” In this episode, Adam Markel interviews Mike to talk about the importance of creating an environment where people feel safe to challenge the status quo and develop. They discuss how leaders can work towards empowering their people, providing psychological safety for their voices to be heard. Mike also talks about humility in leadership, the current market cycle, developing a learning organization, and the difference between training and development. All of these topics show the vital role of leaders as they lead their people and business to overcome challenges and take hold of opportunities. 

Hope isn't just a feeling; it's a weapon we wield against life's challenges, forging resilience in the fires of adversity. Join us in this episode as we dive into an impactful conversation about mental health, resilience, and the power of hope. Our guest, Tom Campbell, former Army Sergeant Major and founding member of the US Army Drill Sergeant Association, shares his deeply personal journey through the challenges of PTSD, burnout, and the path to healing. Through his story, he reveals the pressures of maintaining a façade of invincibility while grappling with the burden of trauma. Tom highlights the pivotal moments and lessons he learned along the way such as finding resilience amidst adversity, using hope as a weapon, and shifting the narrative. Tune in and get inspired to view mental health, hope, and resilience in a new light.

Despite the changes we have seen in the world, being a woman of color remains challenging. Moving up the corporate ladder, for example, can feel like the odds are already stacked against you. International bestselling author Kelly Markey is well-familiar with the struggle. She is a Nobel Prize nominee for both literature and peace, a Woman Changing the World award finalist, and Top Executive of the Year 2023 - International Associations of Top Professionals. In this episode, she shares the challenges she faced across her journey—from living under the apartheid regime to moving to New Zealand and Australia, where she worked towards every corporate opportunity available. Kelly shares the challenges she faced along the way, tapping into psychological safety in the workplace and DEI. With her book, Don’t Just Fly, SOAR, Kelly provides inspiration and tools to find resilience and overcome life’s adversities. So follow this conversation and don’t miss out on the wisdom Kelly imparts and more!