Live Into Your Brilliance

Are you gripping the wheel too tight? Maybe it’s time to get out of your own way and let the magic happen. In today’s episode, we’re diving into a week of big revelations from our CEO gathering in New Hampshire. It was a two-day experience where seven founders gathered to explore themselves, their businesses, and what it really means to let go of control.

Fresh off our time together in New England, we’re exploring how the universe often works best when we’re not trying to orchestrate every outcome. From the awe of autumn in New England to the insights that emerged by just being there, it was an event that felt crafted by something greater than us—and this episode is all about the power of stepping back and letting life do the heavy lifting.

We uncover:

• Why the best things often happen when we leave space for them.
• The “magic carpet ride” principle—letting go of the hamster wheel approach to goals and allowing your true self to lead.
• Why practicing self-awareness and choice in each moment is where real transformation begins.
• How the unfolding of events (from small conversations to big insights) can bring clarity we can’t create by force.
• Why trusting yourself to be yourself is the ultimate practice.

Quote of the Episode: “You are life, and life is practice.”

If you’re craving more ease and flow in your life, tune in for a refreshing take on how to create it—not by doing more but by getting out of your own way. Because when you leave space for the universe to step in, magic really does happen.

This podcast is produced in partnership with Podlad.com

Do you actually want to lead, or are you just playing the role? That’s the hard question we’re tackling in today’s episode. Al & Bilos dive into what it really means to step into leadership—and why so many people find themselves stuck between the idea of leading and the reality of it.

We’re talking bonsai trees, Vince Lombardi, and the brutal truth that leaders aren’t born—they’re made. But here’s the kicker: it’s not just about having a leadership title. It’s about the effort you’re willing to put in to nurture and grow the people around you. Because wanting a beautiful garden doesn’t make you a gardener. You’ve got to do the work. And if you don’t want to, maybe it’s time to admit you’re not a gardener at all—and that could be the most freeing thing you ever do.

In this episode, we uncover:

• The difference between holding a leadership position and actually wanting to lead.
• The danger of being in a leadership role without the desire or commitment to grow into it.
• Why self-awareness and honesty are the real keys to success—in leadership and in life.
• How admitting you’re not a leader (or gardener) might be the most freeing thing you ever do.

Quote of the Episode:

"If your plants are dying, it’s not the plants’ problem—it’s the gardener’s problem."

This episode is about more than leadership—it’s about getting real with yourself about what you actually want. Whether you’re leading a business, a team, or simply navigating your own life, it all comes down to this: are you truly in, or are you just pretending?

If you’ve ever felt conflicted about your role as a leader or questioned your commitment to the path you’re on, this episode is for you. We’re here to blow up the illusions and get down to what really matters—aligning with your true desire.

Tune in, and as always—live into your brilliance.

Produced in partnership with http://www.podlad.com

Still think success is all about the grind? Time to shatter that illusion. In this episode, Barnaby Lashbrooke, founder of Time Etc and author of The Hard Work Myth, reveals how working less—not more—transformed his business and life. This conversation isn’t just about productivity—it’s about identity.

Barnaby went from pulling 100-hour weeks to cutting down to just 35 hours—and guess what? His business exploded. His wake-up call wasn’t a strategic business decision, but a moment of deep reflection: Was the constant grind really worth missing out on life? This episode dives into the pain we avoid, the guilt we live with, and the transformation that happens when we let go of the hustle mentality.

We break down how most of us aren’t just working ourselves into the ground—we’re tying our worth to our work. The grind has become part of our identity, and that's where the real damage begins.

Quote of the episode:

"You don’t need more hours to grow; you need to stop tying your identity to the grind."

In this episode, we explore:

• Why hustle culture is the ultimate trap.
• How guilt and shame fuel the workaholic mindset.
• The powerful shift from seeing work as a measure of worth to realizing your true potential.
• How facing your pain can set you free, instead of running from it.
• Why letting go of 'busy' doesn't just reclaim your time—it reclaims your life.

This is an episode for those ready to ask: What if the grind is what’s keeping you small?

Barnaby’s transformation didn’t just unlock his business growth—it unlocked his life. Ready to stop working harder and start living into your brilliance? Let’s dive in.

Time Etc.

The Hard Work Myth

produced in partnership with www.podlad.com

Brace yourself: in this episode, Al and Bilos pull no punches. They take on the beliefs you think are guiding your life but are actually quietly sabotaging you. Are you ready to face the hard truth? The beliefs you hold about yourself, others, and the world might not be lifting you up—they might be anchoring you in mediocrity.

This raw conversation cuts deep into:

• The Lies We Tell Ourselves: Your beliefs didn’t just magically appear. They’ve been conditioned into you, shaped by experiences and people you might not even remember. So ask yourself, are these beliefs your truth or someone else’s illusion?
• The Trap of Certainty: If you’re holding your beliefs like they’re sacred, you’re building a prison out of your own mind. What happens if you dare to question the “truths” you cling to? How much of your potential is locked behind the walls of your own thinking?
• The Power of Letting Go: Holding your beliefs lightly could be the key to unleashing everything you say you want in life. But are you bold enough to step into the unknown?

Hard Questions to Face:

• Are your beliefs giving you freedom, or are they slowly suffocating your potential?
• What are you afraid will happen if you loosen your grip on the beliefs you hold so dear?

Quote of the Episode: "Hold your beliefs lightly, for they tether you to your limitations." — Bilos

This podcast is produced in partnership with http://www.podlad.com

In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Carrie Goucher, founder of Fewer, Faster, Bolder, and a leading voice in transforming meetings and collaboration. Carrie’s work has been called game-changing for meeting science and has helped top organizations like BBC Worldwide, BP, and Pizza Express redesign how they meet for the collaborative era.

Key Topics:

• The Balance of Action & Letting Go: Carrie delves into the dance between making things happen and allowing things to unfold naturally, and why this balance is essential in both work and life.
• Revolutionizing Meetings: Discover how most meetings get it wrong by being too passive or overly rigid, and what a "complete meeting revolution" really looks like.
• Human Connection at Work: Carrie explains how fostering real human connection within meetings can change the game, and why meetings are a microcosm of your organization's culture.

Quote of the Episode: "We're letting go of the pretense that we can control, predict, and create the future. We do create our future, but not in a linear way that can be written down in a Word document." — Dr. Carrie Goucher

Connect with Dr. Carrie Goucher:

• LinkedIn: Carrie Goucher
• Website: Fewer, Faster, Bolder
• Newsletter: Friction Free

podcast produced in partnership with http://www.podlad.com

In this captivating episode of Live Into Your Brilliance, Al and Bilos sit down with Dr. Andrea Furst, one of the world’s leading performance psychologists, to uncover the paradoxical yet powerful concept of "slow down to go faster." With over 20 years of experience, Andrea has worked with elite athletes and high-performing teams, including Olympic champions and professional sports teams across the globe. This episode explores why the simple advice of slowing down is crucial for maximizing performance, improving well-being, and creating sustainable success.

From her personal experiences to her professional insights, Andrea shares actionable strategies on how slowing down, both mentally and physically, can lead to breakthroughs in performance. Whether you're an athlete, business leader, or simply striving for more balance in life, this episode is packed with wisdom on how to approach life and performance with a more sustainable and aligned mindset.

Key Takeaways:

1. Slow Down to Go Faster Slowing down is not about doing less—it’s about preparing and recovering properly so you can perform at your peak when it matters most. It’s a strategy that can apply to all areas of life.

2. The Power of Recovery Elite performers often undervalue recovery. Andrea emphasizes how intentional recovery is not a sign of weakness, but a key to sustaining high performance and avoiding burnout.

3. Facing Discomfort is Key to Growth Before the benefits of slowing down are realized, there’s often a period of discomfort. Many people resist stillness because they fear confronting their own thoughts. Andrea encourages us to push through this discomfort to experience the real breakthroughs on the other side.

4. Small, Sustainable Changes Matter Big, dramatic changes rarely stick. Andrea highlights how small, consistent behaviors—like breathwork, proper sleep, or intentional downtime—can make all the difference over time.

5. Individualized Approaches Win There is no one-size-fits-all solution to performance or well-being. The most effective strategies are those that are tailored to your individual needs, habits, and rhythms. Andrea’s advice? Give it a go and see what works for you.

6. Letting Go of the Narrative Performance often improves when we stop clinging to the stories and shoulds we tell ourselves. Detaching from expectations allows us to be present and truly show up, both in life and in work.

Final Thought:

True performance and brilliance come not from pushing harder but from allowing ourselves the space to slow down, recover, and reconnect. When we learn to pace ourselves, we can achieve more with less strain, less friction, and greater joy.

Connect with Andrea:

• Website: MentalNotesPsych .com
• LinkedIn: Andrea Furst

This podcast is produced in partnership with Podlad.com

In this episode, Al and Bilos tackle the elusive concept of harmony. Is it something we find in external circumstances, or does it come from a deeper alignment within ourselves? They explore how harmony shows up in different areas of life, why chasing it can lead to frustration, and how true harmony emerges when we listen to our inner wisdom rather than forcing things to be a certain way.

Key Takeaways:

Harmony Lives in Presence and Essence

Harmony isn't just about being present—it comes from a deeper connection with your true essence. When you align with who you are at your core, harmony follows naturally.

Disharmony is an Internal Alarm

Feelings of disharmony often signal an internal misalignment. Instead of looking for external fixes, it's a cue to look inward and reconnect with your deeper wisdom.

Chasing Harmony Creates Friction

The more you chase harmony, the further it gets. It's not something you can force—harmony is a byproduct of being true to yourself and letting go of judgments and shoulds.

Judgment Breaks Connection

Judging yourself or others breaks the natural flow of harmony. Curiosity, compassion, and openness restore connection and allow harmony to return, even in challenging situations.

Harmony and Chaos Coexist

Even in chaotic or difficult moments, harmony is available. It's about how you show up and align with your inner wisdom, regardless of external circumstances.

Final Thought:

Harmony isn’t something you achieve; it’s something you allow. It lives within you, waiting to emerge when you stop chasing and start listening.

This podcast is produced in partnership with Podlad.com

In today's episode of the Live Into Your Brilliance podcast, Al and Bilos explore a deeply sensitive and thought-provoking question: Is there an underlying innocence within every person, regardless of their actions? Building on ideas from a previous episode, they examine whether it's possible to see the humanity in those whose behaviours seem incomprehensible or even evil. They discuss how judgement and compassion shape our views of others, and what it takes to see beyond the surface of people's actions to their core.

Trigger Warning: In this episode, we touch upon some highly sensitive topics, including references to violence, trauma, and moral dilemmas. We approach these discussions with care, and we acknowledge the difficulty of these subjects. If any part of this episode feels uncomfortable, please know that it is never our intention to cause harm. We ask for your understanding as we navigate these important but challenging topics.

Key Takeaways:

• Is Everyone Innocent? Al and Bilos reflect on the idea that every human being may have an inherent innocence, regardless of their actions, and how recognizing that can shift our understanding of compassion and forgiveness.
• Judgement vs. Compassion: They explore the role of judgement and how quickly we tend to condemn others based on their actions. But what happens when we take a step back and approach those actions with compassion and curiosity?
• The Power of Forgiveness: How forgiveness is not about condoning harmful behaviour but about releasing the burden of judgement for our own well-being. Al and Bilos also discuss the importance of self-forgiveness as part of this journey.
• Innocence in the Everyday: Whether in the workplace, family, or community, they reflect on how this principle of seeing innocence can be applied in our daily lives, even in the smallest interactions.

This episode will leave you questioning the way you view human behaviour, and perhaps even offer a new perspective on compassion, both for others and for yourself.

https://plumvillage.org/articles/please-call-me-by-my-true-names-song-poem

This podcast is produced in partnership with Podlad.com

In Episode 63 of the Live Into Your Brilliance podcast, Al and Bilos sit down with Tom Whittle, founder of Mission, to explore the driving forces behind extraordinary achievements. From cycling the length of South America to running 17 marathons in 10 days, Tom shares the mindset and moments that pushed him beyond perceived limits and how those lessons fuel his mission to create the world’s leading natural energy brand. This episode is a deep dive into what it takes to turn ambitious goals into reality, even when doubt creeps in.

Key Takeaways:

• Pushing Beyond Limits: Tom reveals how his greatest accomplishments came when he pushed through the moments he thought he was done—only to discover he was just getting started.
• The Power of Purposeful Pressure: Learn how aligning external pressure with personal purpose can propel you forward, rather than holding you back.
• Living the Vision: Discover how declaring big, ambitious goals can shape your actions and attract like-minded people to help you achieve them.
• Curiosity as a Driver: Tom’s journey shows that a curious mind can unlock new paths and opportunities, fueling both personal growth and business innovation.
• Facing Fear and Going Big: Tom and the hosts discuss how embracing fear and uncertainty is a key part of achieving greatness—and why it's essential to share those fears with others.

Call to Action: If you’re ready to take your life or your business to the next level, this episode is a must-listen. Whether you’re thinking about making a bold move, facing down fears, or simply curious about what it takes to go big, Tom’s insights will inspire you to push your boundaries and live into your brilliance. Go forth, fuel your extraordinary, and make your epic dreams a reality.

https://drink-mission.com/

Promotion Code: Tom20 for 20% discount

In Episode 62 of the Live Into Your Brilliance podcast, Al and Bilos tackle a common but overlooked truth: your well-meaning attempts to help might be doing more harm than good. This episode digs into the uncomfortable reality that sometimes our best intentions can create unintended consequences. Al and Bilos explore why trying to fix others’ problems often backfires and how practicing deep listening can be the real game-changer in your relationships.

Key Takeaways:

• Good Intentions, Bad Outcomes: Al and Bilos reveal how our desire to comfort and support often turns into a mission to fix things, which can leave the people we care about feeling unheard and misunderstood.
• The Empathy Trap: The duo exposes the trap of superficial empathy—when we think we’re connecting but are really just projecting our discomfort onto others.
• Shut Up and Listen: Learn why the most powerful thing you can do is often the hardest—saying less, listening more, and trusting that silence can be more supportive than words.
• What Do You Really Know? Al and Bilos challenge listeners to drop the assumption that they know what someone else needs, and instead ask, "What do you need?"—a question that can transform your approach to relationships.
• Energy Matters: Discover how the energy you bring to any interaction affects its outcome, and why being present is more important than finding the perfect thing to say.

produced in partnership with http://www.podlad.com