In this episode of Quick Tips from the C-Suite, Travis Thomas dives deep with bestselling author and transformative leader, Michael Dash. With gratitude for the Men of Means community that has influenced his executive journey, Travis explores Michael’s path from ambitious entrepreneur to thoughtful mentor. Together, they discuss how physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being are essential for executives in high-pressure roles. Michael shares essential daily practices for resilience and balance, highlighting empathy and human connection as the foundation of impactful leadership. More about Michael Dash:

Michael Dash on LinkedIn  |  Michael Dash on Instagram

Live Life Activated Retreats  |  www.michaelgdash.com

Michael Dash is a dynamic best-selling author of Chasing The High and the founder of the FATE program, which helps entrepreneurs reclaim their lives from addictive behaviors. After building a company with a yearly revenue of $5.5 million, Michael sold his business to pursue a more fulfilling path. His personal journey through addiction, coupled with his relentless pursuit of personal growth, led him to develop practical strategies to help others. As the Chief Brotherhood Officer and Partner at Men of Means, Michael fosters a global community of men who are emotionally liberated, sexually expressed, financially secure, and spiritually attuned. His work as a mentor, speaker, and philanthropist continues to inspire professionals seeking to transform their lives.

Show Notes:

• Michael Dash's Background (00:01:26) Michael shares his journey from addiction and entrepreneurship to mentorship and personal development.
• Gratitude for Men of Means (00:02:57) Travis expresses gratitude for the transformative impact of the Men of Means community on his leadership style.
• Connection Between Well-Being and Leadership (00:05:38) Michael discusses how physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being affect executive decision-making.
• Importance of Emotional Expression (00:08:44) Michael highlights the need for leaders to express and discuss their emotions openly.
• Reframing Setbacks as Growth Opportunities (00:10:12) Michael encourages viewing setbacks as opportunities for learning and growth in leadership.
• Daily Practices for Balance (00:13:19) Michael suggests various daily practices, including breathwork and meditation, to help leaders maintain balance.
• The Power of Breathwork (00:14:16) Michael explains how breathwork can enhance focus and emotional regulation for leaders.
• Sound Therapy Benefits (00:18:02) Michael shares his positive experiences with sound therapy as a tool for relaxation and anxiety reduction.
• Common Leadership Challenges (00:20:11) Michael identifies a lack of empathy and connection with employees as major challenges in leadership today.
• Establishing Trust Through Care (00:21:47) Michael emphasizes the importance of showing genuine care for employees' well-being to build trust.
• Purpose in Life Reflection (00:24:09) Travis reflects on a challenge regarding his purpose and the importance of emotional connections over achievements.
• Overview of Leadership Styles (00:25:21) Michael introduces six distinct leadership styles and their relevance in today's corporate environment.
• Disassociated Leadership (00:25:46) Leaders prioritize tasks over people, leading to low morale and high turnover.
• Resentful Leadership (00:28:15) Leaders with unresolved frustrations create toxic environments through passive-aggressive behavior and inconsistent communication.
• Efficient Leadership (00:29:51) Focus on productivity and processes may neglect emotional connections, risking burnout and team disconnection.
• Engaged Leadership (00:31:34) Leaders foster strong connections and actively support team growth, enhancing motivation and relationship-building.
• Empowered Leadership (00:33:03) Uplifting team members to take initiative builds trust and autonomy, enhancing performance and creativity.
• Embodied Leadership (00:34:19) Leaders align actions with values, inspiring teams through authenticity and vulnerability, creating deep connections.
• Identifying Leadership Styles (00:37:03) Leaders assess their values and actions to determine the most effective leadership style for their organization.
• Transformative Communication (00:41:39) Establishing trust and value in communication enhances relationships with employees, fostering a positive work environment.
• Common Communication Mistakes (00:48:59) Fear of authentic communication leads to poor relationships; vulnerability enhances connection and team performance.
• Intentionality in Leadership (00:52:59) Executives should incorporate intentional practices to deepen their leadership effectiveness and team engagement.
• Intentionality in Leadership (00:53:57) Discussion on the importance of intentionality in leadership and its impact on conversations.
• Raising Self-Awareness (00:54:35) Emphasizing the need for leaders to state intentions in meetings to foster authenticity.
• Creating Safe Spaces (00:56:31) The significance of trust and vulnerability in leadership through safe spaces for open sharing.
• Noticing and Feeling (01:00:25) Introduction of the "notice, imagine, feel" technique to enhance emotional awareness in conversations.
• The Role of Prayer (01:01:38) Exploring how prayer serves as an anchor for intentionality in leadership practices.
• Prayer as a Unifying Practice (01:04:20) A leader's experience of integrating prayer into meetings and its positive impact on team dynamics.
• Actionable Leadership Tips (01:07:15) Encouragement for executives to take courageous steps towards integrating well-being and communication in leadership.