The Other Side Of Potential

What does it mean to truly process loss and turn it into a source of growth? In this solo episode of The Other Side of Potential, Dr. Sharon Spano delves deep into the multifaceted experience of loss and the journey toward resilience. Considering recent natural disasters and global challenges, Dr. Spano provides a heartfelt exploration of the emotions that often accompany loss and how these can serve as opportunities for growth.

Dr. Spano unpacks the concept of survivor’s guilt, exploring its emotional complexity and the toll it can take if left unchecked. Drawing from personal experiences, Dr. Spano explains the shared nature of loss and the universal struggle to process it. She also shares actionable steps to cope with survivor’s guilt, including the importance of focusing on what you can control, limiting media exposure, and attending to self-care. 

This episode offers a roadmap for changing the weight of loss into a catalyst for resilience and personal growth. Tune in to this empowering conversation and learn to embrace loss as a pivotal step toward resilience and self-leadership. Tune in now!

What you’ll learn about in this episode:

• The shared and universal nature of loss and how survivor’s guilt manifests. 
• Dr. Spano's experiences with survivor’s guilt as a result of the recent hurricanes.
• Hear practical steps for coping with survivor’s guilt and emotional overwhelm.
• Explore why limiting media exposure is critical for mental well-being.
• Discover the important role of self-care in navigating loss and guilt.
• Insight into non-dual thinking as a way to reframe challenging events.
• Learn about the impacts of persistent feelings of sadness, anger, or self-blame.
• Advice for taking small, meaningful actions in the face of adversity.

Transcript: Here

Sharon Spano:

Website: sharonspano.com

Facebook: facebook.com/SharonSpanoPHD

Instagram: instagram.com/drsharonspano/

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sharonspano/

Book: thetimemoneybook.com

Contact: [email protected]

X: x.com/SharonSpano

The Other Side of Potential Podcast: sharonspano.com/podcast/

When you’re in the midst of burnout, it can be difficult to recognize the signs and take action. Things may feel the same, but with a depleted amount of overall energy to take on what you normally would. So how can we learn to recognize the signs of burnout? And how can we build resilience in the process?
 
 Joining us today to discuss this complex topic is Dr. Gary Simonds, who, for the past 14 years, has immersed himself in the study of burnout and building resilience. He’s the author of three books on the subject, namely, Building Resilience in Neurosurgical Residents, The Thriving Physician, and Thriving in Healthcare. 
 
Having spent the bulk of his career as a neurosurgeon, Dr. Simonds is no stranger to the toll that this type of work can take on healthcare workers. Tuning in you’ll hear him expand on the nature of burnout, why it can be so difficult to recognize, and what we can do to build resilience. To hear his insights on this complicated subject, and his advice on how to address it, be sure to tune in today!

What you’ll learn about in this episode:

• Why burnout isn’t a binary condition, but rather, exists on a spectrum.
• Indicators of burnout that Dr. Simonds learned to recognize in his peers.
• A breakdown of how burnout affected his team.
• How he helped them build resilience in weekly meetings over many months.
• The transformative impact that building resilience had on his team.
• Why repetition, consistency, and offering a range of methods are key to building resilience.
• Unpacking the impact the COVID pandemic had on the healthcare industry.
• What you can do to combat burnout at an individual level in the absence of systemic reforms.
• Training students to deliver compassionate care with resilience.
• Why finding meaning in your work acts as an antidote to burnout.
• How being resilient can have a positive effect on the resilience of others.
• Dr. Simonds's foray into fiction and how he got the idea for his book Death’s Pale Flag.
• The courage, grace, and humanity of his patients and their families (and why they never fail to inspire him).

Transcript: Here

Additional Resources:

Website: https://garyrsimonds.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-simonds-5b0225a/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/garyrsimonds/

X: https://twitter.com/garyrsimonds

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/garyrsimonds

Sharon Spano:

Website: sharonspano.com

Facebook: facebook.com/SharonSpanoPHD

Instagram: instagram.com/drsharonspano/

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sharonspano/

Book: thetimemoneybook.com

Contact: [email protected]

X: twitter.com/SharonSpano

The Other Side of Potential Podcast: sharonspano.com/podcast/

We never understand why disasters happen, but we can use them as an opportunity to be more present, loving, and generous within our communities. Asheville has displayed the most incredible sense of community in the wake of the devastating hurricane that has squashed many homes and businesses and even taken lives. 

In light of this tragedy, we welcome Wendy White back to the show to discuss her newest project, Asheville Rising, and to hear about her plans to uplift this community with love. Wendy is the CEO of Continuum Consulting Services and the founder of the non-profit organization Let’s Choose Love. Today, her focus is on helping Asheville recover from the devastation of the hurricane through an incredible initiative that shares positive stories from the community and even provides grants to people with dreams of giving back. 

In our conversation, we delve into personal experiences during the hurricane, what inspired this incredible project, some of the inspirational stories Wendy captured on video, what her plans are for the videos, and so much more! Hear about the Let’s Choose Love grants, how they will work, the criteria to receive one, and how they will be monitored. We even discuss how stories of hope will inspire people to do good before hearing all about how listeners can contribute to the grant and get involved in the project. Finally, be reminded to acknowledge your feelings in order to work through trauma. Let’s use Asheville’s wonderful display of love and collaboration as an example of how we should aspire to handle similar struggles. Let’s choose love! 

What you’ll learn about in this episode:

• Wendy tells us what the hurricane in Asheville was like for her and deciding to evacuate. 
• What inspired Wendy to create her new project and all about the interviews she conducted. 
• The lies being told about relief organizations and how the hurricane was politicized. 
• Wendy shares some of the inspirational stories she’s captured during this time. 
• The love and generosity in Asheville and how the incredible community will aid in recovery. 
• Wendy tells us about Asheville Rising and her intentions for the filming she is doing.
• Mass collaboration as a solution for some of these kinds of problems. 
• The criteria for rewarding Let’s Choose Love grants for this project and how they‘re monitored. 
• How stories of hope can inspire people to keep going through trauma and spread love too. 
• Some ways listeners can serve this project and contribute to the grant. 
• A reminder to acknowledge and feel your emotions if suffering from PTSD. 
• The importance of collaboration and prioritizing serving others. 

Transcript: Here

Links Mentioned:

Asheville Rising Intro: https://vimeo.com/1021070632/696a397406 

Sharon Spano:

Website: sharonspano.com

Facebook: facebook.com/SharonSpanoPHD

Instagram: instagram.com/drsharonspano/

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sharonspano/

Book: thetimemoneybook.com

Contact: [email protected]

X: x.com/SharonSpano

The Other Side of Potential Podcast: sharonspano.com/podcast/

Quantum leaps are those life-changing events that reshape every aspect of our existence. Collectively, are we approaching major disruptions as we should be, or are we still clinging to old ways that have zero effect on an increasingly unpredictable way of life? 

Mark Monchek is our go-to guest and friend of the show for topics that transform the way we think, so it’s no surprise that he’s back with us today to help us navigate the slippery slope of unexpected quantum leaps. Mark begins by sharing his thoughts on society’s approach to quantum leaps and major life disruptions before explaining why life’s only guarantee is the consistency of change. 

We discuss the value of presence and awareness and how these differ from consciousness, how to be more intuitive and less reactive in any situation, how crisis often brings out the best in us as compassionate human beings, and how Western capitalism has tried to destroy the thing all people need the most – community. 

To end, we explore the possibility of a world without borders and what it would take to have cultural, economic, and political integration on a global scale, and we learn about the importance of sports, arts, and travel in cultivating a more holistic view of the world. 

What you’ll learn about in this episode:

• Unpacking quantum leaps and major life disruptions. 
• The consistency of change, and the difference between awareness and consciousness. 
• Understanding the value of being present in your body and any given situation. 
• Why it’s always better to be intuitive rather than reactive. 
• How the best in human nature often reveals itself in times of crisis. 
• The power of community, and how Western capitalism has tried to destroy this.
• How carrying individualism across social boundaries impacts our ability to solve global issues. 
• Envisioning a world without borders. 
• Mark describes what it would take to have global cultural, political, and economic integration.
• The importance of travel, arts, and sports for cultivating an enriched worldview. 

Transcript: Here

Mark Monchek

Website: opplab.com/ 

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/markmonchek/ 

X: x.com/markmonchek 

Book: amazon.com/Culture-Opportunity-Grow-Business-Disruption/dp/0692811257 

Links Mentioned:

Crossroads Collaboratory - Our Earthshot Moment: crossroadscollaboratory.com/  

Theory U: amazon.com/Theory-Leading-C-Otto-Scharmer/dp/1576757633 

Sharon Spano:

Website: sharonspano.com

Facebook: facebook.com/SharonSpanoPHD

Instagram: instagram.com/drsharonspano/

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sharonspano/

Book: thetimemoneybook.com

Contact: [email protected]

X: x.com/SharonSpano

The Other Side of Potential Podcast: sharonspano.com/podcast/

What is a malignant narcissist? And what would America look like if it were run by someone who displays such extreme, grandiose, selfish, and destructive behavior? At such a critical time in our political history, this is a very real possibility with Donald Trump in the presidential running. 

In the last episode of The Other Side of Potential, author, Ph.D. survivor, Jungian analyst, and clinical psychologist Susan Schwarts joined Sharon to share a deeper understanding of narcissism, and today, we delve into specific extreme traits that make up a malignant narcissist; in particular, Donald Trump. While we cannot offer a diagnosis of him, we do analyze some of his behavior that is indicative of such a diagnosis.

Join us for this insightful conversation as Susan breaks down the malignant narcissistic characteristics Trump possesses, the dangers of having a president who lacks empathy, the implications these characteristics will have on US leadership, and so much more! We discuss where this kind of extreme narcissism comes from and how Trump’s behavior has escalated throughout the years. Finally, Susan shares her thoughts on how America can heal from Trump’s influence and what we need to learn from it. You don’t want to miss this one, tune in now!

What you’ll learn about in this episode:

• The extreme narcissistic traits and characteristics Donald Trump possesses.
• An explanation of grandiosity and the singularity of narcissism present in Trump. 
• His lack of empathy and inability to take responsibility and why that’s a narcissistic extreme. 
• How narcissistic extremes impact leadership and the destructiveness of narcissism. 
• Susan shares her thoughts on the idea of a false political world and ‘the big lie’.  
• How extreme childhoods can promote the kind of narcissistic behavior trump displays. 
• Why Susan believes that Trump’s behavior has escalated in his later years. 
• What conditions have allowed Trump to become so popular in America.
• Why Trump’s malignant narcissistic behavior does not allow him to care about this country. 
• The problems America will face if Trump comes into power again in the next election. 
• How America’s reputation will be tainted if we elect this person again. 
• Susan walks us through how American society begins to heal from this situation. 
• What we need to learn as a nation from Donald Trump’s behavior. 

Transcript: Here

Additional Resources:

Website: https://susanschwartzphd.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susanschwartzphd/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/susanschwartzphd 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susanschwartzphd/ 

Sharon Spano:

Website: sharonspano.com

Facebook: facebook.com/SharonSpanoPHD

Instagram: instagram.com/drsharonspano/

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sharonspano/

Book: thetimemoneybook.com

Contact: [email protected]

X: x.com/SharonSpano

The Other Side of Potential Podcast: sharonspano.com/podcast/

The word “narcissist” is thrown about so often these days. Nearly everybody thinks they know someone who displays narcissistic tendencies, but narcissism is more than an inflated ego or an infatuation with one’s own reflection; it’s a serious psychological disorder.

To learn more about this deeply misunderstood mental health issue, Susan Schwartz, Ph.D., a Jungian analyst and licensed clinical psychologist, joins us. In this episode, we discuss what narcissism looks like in real life, how it manifests itself at home or in the workplace, and how you can tell if you’re in a relationship with a narcissist.

Susan also explains why narcissists often have challenges in love and difficulty in relationships, including the relationships they have with themselves, and she highlights the need to have greater compassion for the painful burden that the narcissist carries as well. For deeper insight into this complex personality disorder, tune in today!

What you’ll learn about in this episode:

• What narcissism is and why it’s so deeply misunderstood.
• A narcissist's relationship with themselves and what “healthy narcissism” looks like.
• How to tell if you are in a relationship with a narcissist.
• If it’s possible to set boundaries with a narcissist effectively.
• Unpacking whether or not narcissists are capable of love.
• Insight into what it’s like to be a narcissist.
• The need to have compassion for the burden a narcissist carries.
• What to do once you realize you’re in a relationship with a narcissist.
• Defining gaslighting and how to know if it’s happening to you.
• How you can begin to recover from a painful relationship with a narcissist.
• Susan’s hope for narcissists who want to “find themselves.”

Transcript: Here

Additional Resources:

Website: susanschwartzphd.com

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/susanschwartzphd/

Facebook: facebook.com/susanschwartzphd

Instagram: instagram.com/susanschwartzphd/

Links Mentioned:

The Absent Father Effect on Daughters: susanschwartzphd.com/product/the-absent-father-effect-on-daughters/

Imposter Syndrome and the 'As-If' Personality in Analytical Psychology: susanschwartzphd.com/product/as-if-personality-imposter-syndrome-and-illusions-in-the-mirror/

Sharon Spano:

Website: sharonspano.com

Facebook: facebook.com/SharonSpanoPHD

Instagram: instagram.com/drsharonspano/

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sharonspano/

Book: thetimemoneybook.com

Contact: [email protected]

X: twitter.com/SharonSpano

The Other Side of Potential Podcast: sharonspano.com/podcast/

Women are often required to juggle multiple roles and it can be a challenge to maintain balance, especially when life throws curveballs. Today, we explore the art of rebalancing your life and finding personal and professional fulfillment with Carol Enneking, an accomplished human resources executive, trusted adviser, and author of The Rebalancing Act.

With extensive experience in HR, operations, and marketing, Carol works with companies to transform company culture and lead talent. In this conversation, she shares insights from her book, a collection of interviews about the daily juggling act women face, and offers her perspective on the pressure women feel to do it all.

We also discuss how true success can be found in doing less, strategies for saying no to your boss, combatting decision fatigue, the power of legacy, and more. Tune in for key insights and actionable tips for rebalancing your life, finding fulfillment, and redefining success on your own terms!

What you’ll learn about in this episode:

• What inspired Carol to write The Rebalancing Act.
• Why women feel pressured to do it all and how more success comes from doing less. 
• A look at the women Carol interviewed and how their answers differed based on age.  
• The value of embracing vulnerability and asking for help and why it isn’t a weakness.
• Strategies for speaking with your boss (and even saying no sometimes!) 
• How “I’m busy” can come off as arrogant and tips to help you reframe that narrative. 
• The power of legacy and why the women who consider it are the most successful. 
• Ways to combat decision fatigue and the positive effect of pausing. 
• How the men Carol interviewed perceive the roles women play. 
• What the future holds for Carol and how to contact her to talk about the book.

Transcript: Here

Additional Resources:

Website: http://www.carolenneking.com/ 

Book: https://carolenneking.com/book/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caroltenneking/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolenneking.author 

Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/carolenneking/ 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CarolEnnekingSpeaker

Sharon Spano:

Website: sharonspano.com

Facebook: facebook.com/SharonSpanoPHD

Instagram: instagram.com/drsharonspano/

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sharonspano/

Book: thetimemoneybook.com

Contact: [email protected]

X: x.com/SharonSpano

The Other Side of Potential Podcast: sharonspano.com/podcast/

Leadership is more than a title; it’s a continuous journey of learning and growth. No one knows this better than today’s guest, Dr. David Robertson, a respected expert in leadership science and Director of the National Leaderology Association. 
 
 With a rich background in organizational development and leadership theory, Dr. Robertson joins us today to share his insights on the science of leadership and how to overcome fear-based decision-making to achieve better outcomes. Throughout the conversation, he emphasizes the power of perpetual learning, and why this is the mark of a true expert and an exceptional leader.
 
 We also dig into the various paths to leadership, from the traditional to the unconventional, how to mitigate the consequences of failure through identification and preparation, and the strengths that different personalities bring to leadership.
 
 To hear the full scope of our fascinating conversation with Dr. David Robertson on becoming a more effective leader, be sure to tune in!

What you’ll learn about in this episode:

• How Dr. Robertson started the National Leaderology Association (NLA).
• Insights into the science behind leadership development.
• Unpacking the history of leadership from ancient Greece to the modern era.
• What makes leadership different from management, and why it matters.
• How fear-based decisions limit growth and innovation in organizations.
• The key role that risk plays in growth and innovation.
• Different leadership paths and the value of being a perpetual student.
• Recommendations on how to prepare for failure.
• Appreciating the strengths that different people bring to their leadership roles.
• How to access leadership research and theories through the NLA journal.
• The National Leaderology Association (NLA); how to join, fundamental teachings, and their goals.

Transcript: Here

Additional Resources:

Website: www.NLAInfo.org

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertson76/

Links Mentioned:

Find an NLA Practitioner: https://nlainfo.org/directory

Sharon Spano:

Website: sharonspano.com

Facebook: facebook.com/SharonSpanoPHD

Instagram: instagram.com/drsharonspano/

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sharonspano/

Book: thetimemoneybook.com

Contact: [email protected]

X: x.com/SharonSpano

The Other Side of Potential Podcast: sharonspano.com/podcast/

True beauty and strength can be found through surviving life’s struggles. Your darkest moments are the ones that ultimately define you and help you realize when your life needs to be turned around. So many people in positions of leadership battle with isolation and the constant need to strive for greatness. But there is always a need for rest, restoration, and enjoyment in order to find true fulfillment. 

Today on The Other Side of Potential, we welcome Nico Van de Venne; speaker, award-winning coach, and host of The Everlasting Fulfillment Podcast. After experiencing a period of dark depression, Nico found the light and, with an incredibly vast career, he has collected nuggets of wisdom that he now shares with his clients. Acting as a confidant, Nico uses his expertise to help guide his clients toward spiritual practices that will help them enjoy the journey of life. 

Today we delve into the downfalls of high achievers, loneliness in leadership, the power of meditation, how hearing other people’s struggles can help you find success, and so much more! Nico and Sharon share many similarities, including their missions to do good and help the people around them. This episode is inspiring, touching, and enlightening so be sure to tune in now!

What you’ll learn about in this episode:

• Introducing Nico Van de Venne and sharing some similarities between him and Sharon. 
• How Nico’s darkest days led him to start the incredibly successful business he has now. 
• Why high achievers often hit a wall and how meditation became a turning point for Nico. 
• How Nico gets people to move away from constant ‘striving’ to enjoyment and fulfillment. 
• The major theme Nico is focusing in his work on at the moment: isolation in leadership. 
• Nico shares some of the spiritual practices he finds most effective for himself or others.
• The importance of remembering to enjoy the journey in life and not just the destination. 
• A little bit about Nico’s ebook that’s available on his website and what his goal of it is. 
• He tells us about his podcast, the Everlasting Fulfillment Podcast and what his intention is.  
• Why Nico doesn’t like to ‘fake it till he makes it’ and what his mission statement is. 

Transcript: Here

Additional Resources:

Website: https://nicovandevenne.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicovandevenne/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicovandevenne/ 

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@everlastingfulfilment 

X: https://x.com/NicoVandeVenne 

Sharon Spano:

Website: sharonspano.com

Facebook: facebook.com/SharonSpanoPHD

Instagram: instagram.com/drsharonspano/

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sharonspano/

Book: thetimemoneybook.com

Contact: [email protected]

X: x.com/SharonSpano

The Other Side of Potential Podcast: sharonspano.com/podcast/

Travel has the power to transform. It opens your heart to compassion and understanding in ways that no book can fully capture. By immersing yourself in a new place, engaging with its people, and learning its history, you don’t just observe; you begin to empathize. The stories of a place come to life, deepening your connection and perspective.

Once again, we welcome a friend and colleague, Mark Monchek. Mark is the Founder and Chief Opportunity Officer of Opportunity Lab. He has worked with leaders from some of the most remarkable companies in the world, including Google, Apple, JP Morgan, General Electric, Goldman Sachs, and more. He’s also the author of the bestseller Culture of Opportunity: How to Grow Your Business in an Age of Disruption.

Today’s episode delves into why travel is essential for entrepreneurs and leaders, a passion shared by both Dr. Spano and Mark. Together, they explore how travel can profoundly shape your worldview, with Mark offering valuable insights along the way.

Listen in as Mark discusses how innovation emerges from embracing the unexpected, and how travel gives leaders a powerful perspective on both their significance and smallness in the world!

What you’ll learn about in this episode:

• What listeners can expect from today’s conversation with Mark Monchek.
• They reflect on how different places have moved them in their lives.
• What Mark means when he says “travel.”
• He recounts his first traveling experience as a young person.
• The biggest “Aha” moments of his recent travels to Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown.
• He shares the impact climate change will have on history and how that greatly impacted him. 
• How travel has enhanced his viewpoint and world.
• Last words of wisdom!

Transcript: Here

Additional Resources:

Company Website: https://opplab.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markmonchek/ 

X: https://x.com/markmonchek 

Book: https://www.amazon.com/Culture-Opportunity-Grow-Business-Disruption/dp/0692811257 

Email: [email protected]

Links Mentioned:

Untapped New York: https://untappedcities.com/ 

The Year of Living Constitutionally by A.J. Jacobs: https://www.amazon.com/Year-Living-Constitutionally-Constitutions-Original/dp/0593136748  

The Year of Living Biblically by A.J. Jacobs: https://www.amazon.com/Year-Living-Biblically-Literally-Possible/dp/0743291484 

Sharon Spano:

Website: sharonspano.com

Facebook: facebook.com/SharonSpanoPHD

Instagram: instagram.com/drsharonspano/

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sharonspano/

Book: thetimemoneybook.com

Contact: [email protected]

X: x.com/SharonSpano

The Other Side of Potential Podcast: sharonspano.com/podcast/