James Ferguson is back on the show to talk about his new book, Seek the Good and Celebrate, and the leadership framework that came out of 12 weeks of chemotherapy. He shares what it was like to lose his job, get a cancer diagnosis, and watch his wife go into early labor all in the same week, and how that experience rewired the way he shows up as a leader. We get into his CONFETTI model, the mindset shift from protecting your team to preparing them, why engagement is a practice and satisfaction is just a promise, and the simple Friday habit he uses to celebrate small wins. Practical, honest, and full of ideas any leader at any level can put to work tomorrow.

Timestamps

• (00:00) Welcome and a quick word from our sponsor, Xenium HR
• (02:00) The mantra born during 12 weeks of chemotherapy
• (04:30) Job loss, a cancer diagnosis, and a premature birth in the same week
• (07:00) Finding the good in the worst day of your life
• (09:30) Why an attitude of gratitude has to be a daily habit
• (11:30) The CONFETTI framework explained
• (13:00) Why most leaders skip celebrating themselves
• (15:00) The Friday gratitude jar practice
• (18:00) Protect or prepare, the mindset shift every leader needs
• (21:00) Coaching your team by asking better questions
• (23:00) Engagement is a practice, satisfaction is a promise
• (25:00) What you want FROM people versus what you want FOR people
• (28:30) Why your biggest wins come on your worst days
• (31:00) What James would tell himself during treatment

Learn more about James Ferguson

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