Intrinsic First

Episode 12 of the Intrinsic First Leadership Podcast continues the exploration of the concept of persona in leadership. We discuss the importance of self-awareness, aligning personal values with leadership roles, and the challenges of external expectations. We also share anecdotes, including a story about a baseball player who realized he didn't want to play anymore after a leadership training session. Make sure to watch through the end to hear our funny not so funny joke.
If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and share your thoughts or questions in the comments below. For leadership training and consulting support, feel free to reach out to Intrinsic First at [email protected].
See below for more information and references to articles, books, and topics discussed in this Podcast.
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Achieve Leadership Genius Book – https://amzn.to/3Sbts7S 
The Leader Within Book -- https://amzn.to/4919H9j 
Hoosiers (movie) - https://amzn.to/40TSxXx 
12 O'Clock High (movie) - https://amzn.to/40ZlIIz 
Gandhi (movie) - https://amzn.to/3QSikdR 
Mandela (movie) - https://amzn.to/3SSksVC

©2025 Intrinsic First, LLC. All Rights Reserved

In Episode 11, the podcast delves into the concept of persona as the third element of the prepare practice of leadership in context. Persona involves understanding the mask individuals put on, especially in response to societal expectations and pressures. The discussion covers the shadow self, which represents the aspects people may dislike about themselves and the masks they wear to fit societal expectations. The conversation expands to leadership, highlighting the challenges leaders face when societal and organizational expectations conflict with their values and disposition. 
The podcast draws analogies to cutting into an onion, symbolizing the discomfort and challenges involved in peeling back the layers of one's persona. The hosts stress the importance of choice in the process, acknowledging that leaders need the freedom to make choices aligned with their authentic selves.
If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and share your thoughts or questions in the comments below. For leadership training and consulting support, feel free to reach out to Intrinsic First at [email protected].
See below for more information and references to articles, books, and topics discussed in this Podcast.
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Achieve Leadership Genius Book – https://amzn.to/3Sbts7S 
The Leader Within Book -- https://amzn.to/4919H9j

©2025 Intrinsic First, LLC. All Rights Reserved

©2025 Intrinsic First, LLC. All Rights Reserved

In this episode, we continue our discussion about values and how they impact decision-making and behavior. We explore the difference between acquired values and developed values, with an emphasis on the importance of the latter. Using the example of smoking, we delve into how individuals form their values and consider the impact on themselves and others. We also touch on the concept of justice, discussing the balance between self and other rights, the implications of decisions, and the quest for harmony in value-based choices.
If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and share your thoughts or questions in the comments below. For leadership training and consulting support, feel free to reach out to Intrinsic First at [email protected].
See below for more information and references to articles, books, and topics discussed in this Podcast.
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Achieve Leadership Genius Book – https://amzn.to/3Sbts7S 
The Leader Within Book -- https://amzn.to/4919H9j

©2025 Intrinsic First, LLC. All Rights Reserved

In Episode 9, we delve into the second topic of prepare: values. We discuss the origins of intentions and what drives people based on instinct and disposition. The episode highlights that values play a crucial role in shaping one's behavior and decision-making, often driven by enduring beliefs. These beliefs can be personal, developed over time, or socially oriented. We also touch on the development of values, using examples like the moral development stages proposed by Lawrence Kohlberg. We explore concepts of fairness, justice, and reciprocity in the context of values.
If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and share your thoughts or questions in the comments below. For leadership training and consulting support, feel free to reach out to Intrinsic First at [email protected].
See below for more information and references to articles, books, and topics discussed in this Podcast.
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Achieve Leadership Genius Book – https://amzn.to/3Sbts7S 
The Leader Within Book -- https://amzn.to/4919H9j 
Kohlberg, L., & Hersh, R. H. (1977). Moral development: a review of the theory. Theory into Practice, 16(2), 53–59.

©2025 Intrinsic First, LLC. All Rights Reserved

In Episode 7 of the Intrinsic First Leadership Podcast, we continue the discussion on leadership in context. We talk about leadership in various contexts including self and 1-to-1 context, highlighting the importance of understanding self-development and the challenges of changing oneself. We touch upon how people often resist change due to fear and a lack of models for personal growth. We also briefly discuss the concept of power and influence in 1-to-1 interactions.
If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and share your thoughts or questions in the comments below. For leadership training and consulting support, feel free to reach out to Intrinsic First at [email protected].
See below for more information and references to articles, books, and topics discussed in this Podcast.
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Achieve Leadership Genius Book – https://amzn.to/3Sbts7S 
The Leader Within Book -- https://amzn.to/4919H9j

©2025 Intrinsic First, LLC. All Rights Reserved

In this episode, we discuss the concept of disposition, which refers to preferred behaviors that are often exhibited without conscious thought. We explore various dispositional modes of response, including extroversion and introversion, fight-or-flight responses, risk-taking versus risk-assessing, and accepting versus controlling. We emphasize the importance of self-awareness regarding one's disposition and how understanding it can lead to greater versatility and effectiveness in different situations.
One of the key takeaways from the episode is that disposition is closely tied to unconscious affect, or the feelings and sensory experiences associated with certain behaviors. We also touch on the idea of "flow," a state of heightened focus and skill in a particular task, and how it differs from disposition in terms of the conscious application of learned skills. The episode highlights the significance of understanding and recognizing one's disposition to become a more effective leader and adapt to different situations.
If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and share your thoughts or questions in the comments below. For leadership training and consulting support, feel free to reach out to Intrinsic First at [email protected].
See below for more information and references to articles, books, and topics discussed in this Podcast.
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Achieve Leadership Genius Book – https://amzn.to/3Sbts7S 
The Leader Within Book -- https://amzn.to/4919H9j 
“Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience” by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi -- https://amzn.to/3MnvLBi

©2025 Intrinsic First, LLC. All Rights Reserved

In this episode of the Intrinsic First Leadership Podcast, we introduce a new framework for leadership. This episode provides an initial overview of the leadership-in-context framework that sets the stage for the upcoming series of podcasts, each delving into different aspects of leadership. We begin by discussing the complexity of leadership in various contexts, including self, 1-to-1, team, organization, and alliance. The complexity and dynamics of leadership grow exponentially as you move from self-management to leading teams, organizations, and alliances.

If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and share your thoughts or questions in the comments below. For leadership training and consulting support, feel free to reach out to Intrinsic First at [email protected].

See below for more information and references to articles, books, and topics discussed in this Podcast.

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Achieve Leadership Genius Book – https://amzn.to/3Sbts7S 

The Leader Within Book -- https://amzn.to/4919H9j 

©2025 Intrinsic First, LLC. All Rights Reserved

In this follow-on episode from Episode 4, the Intrinsic First Leadership Podcast continues the exploration of defining leadership. We delve into the essence of leadership, emphasizing the importance of values alignment, meaningful debate, and the impact of leadership on the welfare of all involved. We also touch on the challenges of our current polarized society and the need for leadership to guide us towards more productive discussions and decisions. 

If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and share your thoughts or questions in the comments below. For leadership training and consulting support, feel free to reach out to Intrinsic First at [email protected]. 

See below for more information and references to articles, books, and topics discussed in this Podcast.

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Bass and Bass Handbook of Leadership -- https://amzn.to/3PZO28v 

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James MacGregor Burns Book – Leadership --  https://amzn.to/3QmoRhW 

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Kets de Vries Book – Prisoners of Leadership - https://amzn.to/3S3XJFy 

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Warren Bennis and Philip Slater Book – The Temporary Society -- https://amzn.to/3ZZhhNg 

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Gardner, L, & Stough, C. (2002). Examining the Relationship between Leadership and Emotional Intelligence in Senior Level Managers. Leadership and Organizational and Development. Journal. 23, (2). 68-70.

©2025 Intrinsic First, LLC. All Rights Reserved

In this episode of the Intrinsic First Leadership Podcast, co-hosts Aaron Robbins, Dr. Drea Zigarmi, and Jimmy Karam discuss the essence of leadership. They emphasize that leadership is not a fixed trait but rather a set of actions that anyone can practice and develop. The hosts delve into various aspects of leadership, including the importance of defining it as a verb rather than a noun. The conversation explores the influence of genetics and environmental factors on leadership skills, emphasizing that while genetic traits play a role, the environment and learned behaviors significantly impact one's leadership abilities. They touch on emotional intelligence, discussing its role in effective leadership.

If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and share your thoughts or questions in the comments below. For leadership training and consulting support, feel free to reach out to Intrinsic First at [email protected].

See below for more information and references to articles, books, and topics discussed in this Podcast.

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Information about Twins and genetic/environmental studies

Amazing Race Twins, Emily and Molly 

Tellegen, A., Lykken, D.,T., Bouchard, T., Wilcox, K, J., Segal, N.L l, & Rich, S. (1988). Personality Similarity in Twins Reared Apart and Together. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 54, (6), 1031-1039.

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Aaron currently attends Claremont Graduate University (www.cgu.edu)

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Resources about Carol Dweck and Growth Mindset

Carol Dweck Book – Mindset -- https://amzn.to/46UxOEx 

Macnamara, B. N., & Burgoyne, A. P. (2022). Do growth mindset interventions impact students' academic achievement? a systematic review and meta-analysis with recommendations for best practices. Psychological Bulletin, (20221103). https://doi.org/10.1037/bul00003526:55

Burnette, J. L., Knouse, L. E., Vavra, D. T., O'Boyle, E., & Brooks, M. A. (2020). Growth mindsets and psychological distress: a meta-analysis. Clinical Psychology Review, 77. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpr.2020.101816

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The Ohio State Leadership Studies

The Ohio State Leadership Studies conducted in the 1940’s was a cornerstone for leadership research identifying two main categories of leadership: consideration and initiating structure. You can learn more about the studies at this link: https://fisher.osu.edu/blogs/leadreadtoday/blog/what-have-we-learned-from-the-100-year-history-of-leadership-research-part-ii#:~:text=Conducted%20in%20the%201940s%2C%20the,is%20measured%2C%20studied%20and%20developed. 

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Reference to the quote, “So you’re telling me there is a chance?” What a great movie!

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Howard Gardner Book – Multiple Intelligence https://amzn.to/490ozEy 

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Manager article referenced by Drea

Benson, J., Zigarmi, D., & Nimon, K., (2012).Manager’s Emotional Intelligence, Their Perceived Use of Directive and Supportive Behaviors and Resultant Employee Satisfaction. Journal of Business Administration Research, 1, (2), 30-50. 

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Article about Alexithymia

López-Muñoz F, Pérez-Fernández F. A History of the Alexithymia Concept and Its Explanatory Models: An Epistemological Perspective. Front Psychiatry. 2020 Jan 31;10:1026. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2019

©2025 Intrinsic First, LLC. All Rights Reserved