Most leaders believe their biggest hurdle is execution, but what if the real problem is an identity crisis? In this episode, Mike Turner sits down with executive coach and leadership consultant Desiree Cocroft to discuss the philosophy behind her company, Destination Life.

With over 22 years of experience, Desiree shares why high-performing professionals often fall into the trap of "proving energy"—constantly trying to validate their worth—rather than leading from a place of secure identity and "being energy". The conversation explores how to move beyond productivity systems to focus on intentional growth, the importance of psychological safety in the workplace, and why leadership is a skill that must be cultivated rather than a trait you are simply "born with".

Whether you are feeling stuck in your career or simply need a reminder to pause, breathe, and reset, this episode provides actionable insights on how to enjoy the journey of leadership while managing the stressors of today’s fast-moving world.

Key Discussion Points:

• Identity vs. Execution: Why your inability to reach a goal is often an identity or root-cause issue, not a lack of strategy.

• The "Proving" Trap: How to shift from "proving energy" (scarcity-based) to "being energy" (security-based).

• The Art of the Pause: Practical habits for self-care and re-centering yourself to neutral throughout a high-stress workday.

• Cultivating Leadership: Why leadership is a learnable skill that requires constant cultivation, similar to athletic training.

• Defining Success: How to chase a feeling of peace and joy rather than just chasing the next job title.

→ I’m Up He See’s Me I’m Down — real conversations about rising when life knocks you down.