In this episode of The Present Professional, John and Tony welcome Sonya Ware, a prominent leadership and executive coach from Houston. Sonya shares her insights on the concept of "Wisdom at Work," emphasizing the importance of making intentional decisions that extend beyond the workplace. She discusses the balance between reaction and choice, highlighting how being present in decision-making can lead to smarter work practices. You will gain valuable tools and perspectives to enhance your personal and professional development. Join us for an enlightening conversation that encourages proactive choices in both life and work.

In a powerful podcast episode with Sonya Ware, the concept of a "moat" is introduced as a metaphor for your unique competitive edge. Just like a moat protects a castle, understanding and embracing what sets you apart, including your strengths, skills, and experiences, can protect and elevate your personal and professional life. Your moat is the collection of qualities that make you unique. It includes your natural talents, passions, and life experiences that give you an advantage. Sonya draws from Warren Buffett’s use of the term in investing but applies it to personal growth. Knowing your moat allows you to stand out and thrive in your career and life.

Self-awareness is essential. Reflect on what energizes you, what people often praise you for, and the experiences that have shaped your perspective. Sonya suggests creating a personal board of advisors, which consists of mentors who offer honest insights and help you uncover your hidden strengths. Once you have identified your moat, it is important to put it to work. If you are a great communicator, pursue roles that highlight those skills. If you are naturally creative, seek out projects that allow for innovation. This process is ongoing because your moat can evolve as you grow.

While it is important to focus on your strengths, it is equally necessary to acknowledge your areas for improvement. Recognizing these areas and working with others who can complement your abilities allows you to navigate challenges effectively without losing sight of what makes you exceptional. Practicing mindfulness helps you stay connected to your instincts and refine your moat over time. Regular reflection allows you to align your actions with your core strengths and make smarter and more fulfilling decisions.

Owning your moat means recognizing and nurturing your unique advantage. By staying self-aware, seeking mentorship, and balancing your strengths with growth, you build a strong foundation for success. As Sonya Ware beautifully puts it, everything you need already exists within you. Embracing your moat will open new opportunities and lead to more meaningful growth in both your personal and professional life.

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For more information and ways to connect with Sonya, visit her website to learn more, and you can connect with her directly via LinkedIn.

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In this episode of The Present Professional, we dive into the concept of managing your performance not just at work, but in all aspects of life. John and Tony discuss the importance of self-reflection and understanding where you stand in relation to your goals and feelings. They emphasize that knowing your performance is not solely about statistics; it also involves examining your mindset and emotional state. The episode highlights practical methods for self-assessment, including journaling, and encourages listeners to take time for themselves to evaluate their current situation. This episode serves as a reminder that performance reviews can extend beyond the workplace, guiding personal growth and future action plans. Tune in to discover how to better manage your performance in all areas of your life!

Managing your performance, whether in work or life, isn’t just about pushing harder; it’s about pausing to reflect and understanding what’s really driving you. Taking time for self reflection helps you check in with yourself, recognize what’s working, and uncover what’s holding you back. Whether it’s through journaling, quiet moments of thought, or simply being honest with yourself, reflection creates space for growth.

At the same time, tracking personal habits like how well you’re sleeping, how active you are, or how you’re spending your time gives you real insights into how your daily choices impact your energy and focus. It’s not about being perfect but noticing patterns and making small, meaningful adjustments.

When you combine self reflection with tracking personal metrics, you create a powerful system for growth. You’re not just chasing goals blindly, you’re learning from your experiences and using real data to guide smarter decisions.

By staying self aware, being open to feedback, and surrounding yourself with supportive people, you can navigate challenges with more clarity and make steady progress toward becoming the best version of yourself.

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In this episode of The Present Professional, John and Tony welcome Brett Larson, a seasoned leader with over 30 years of experience in manufacturing and leadership development. Brett shares insights from his journey, discussing the significant role leaders play in enhancing team performance and impacting lives. He emphasizes the value of practical experience in leadership, reflecting on the lessons learned from his own mistakes. Brett also introduces his new book, "Leaders with a Capital L," which aims to revolutionize leadership development. Tune in for valuable insights and practical advice on becoming a better leader.

Brett is an iPEC Certified Leadership Coach and Leadership Development Program Manager at W.L. Gore & Associates. With 30 years of leadership experience and 3 years of experience developing leaders across an organization, we're thrilled to share his wealth of insight with you today.

He's also the author of the book "Leaders With A Capital L" which will be released in January of 2023. 

While typical development approaches involve shipping leaders off to an offsite course, Brett has been experimenting with more of a group and team coaching approach where leaders learn and develop in the environment where they have the most impact—with their teams. These experiential environments for development and accountability within the team can yield better results and a greater overall impact.

Brett shares some of the fundamentals from the HUM-B-LE methodology for developing HUMan Based LEadership qualities within yourself and your organization. Whether you're an aspiring leader, an executive, or a leader at home, you'll take away some gold.

If you want to bring this framework to your team or organization, visit this LINK to learn more and schedule a free consultation today, and you can connect with Brett directly via his LinkedIn profile.

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In this episode of The Present Professional, we dive into the essential insights for anyone considering leaving their nine-to-five job to pursue entrepreneurship. Hosts discuss the critical lessons they wish they had known before embarking on their business journeys. The conversation kicks off with the importance of understanding your "why"—the motivation behind starting your business. They emphasize the need for self-awareness and market research, highlighting that passion projects can succeed, but it’s vital to evaluate potential financial outcomes. Tune in for practical advice and strategies to help you navigate the unique challenges of entrepreneurship, so you can avoid common pitfalls and build a successful business. Grab your notebook and get ready to take notes!

Synopsis
Understanding your "why" is essential in entrepreneurship, serving as the foundation for your decisions and guiding you through challenges. It clarifies the core reason behind starting your business. Whether it’s for extra income or replacing your full-time job, this clarity helps set realistic goals. As Tony mentioned, ask yourself what you want to achieve and how your business fits into your life.

With a clear "why," you can set specific, attainable goals. The podcast encourages setting high yet realistic goals for your first year, allowing for motivation and adaptation as you grow.

Entrepreneurship is challenging, but your "why" provides resilience. When obstacles arise, staying focused on your purpose helps keep your long-term vision in sight.

Crafting a vision statement for your life and business gives direction. Breaking it into actionable steps allows you to track progress and stay aligned with your goals.

Living authentically fuels your passion. The podcast warns that if your business doesn’t align with your values, burnout can follow, especially if it’s driven by financial gain over fulfillment.

Support systems like mentors or coaches can help reinforce your "why." These individuals provide guidance, accountability, and a fresh perspective during difficult times.

Knowing your "why" influences every decision you make. By defining your purpose and creating a clear vision, you navigate entrepreneurship with confidence and clarity. Take time to reflect on your "why" and let it guide your journey to success.

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In this episode of The Present Professional, we delve into the significant topic of growth mindset versus fixed mindset. We discuss the characteristics of each mindset, exploring how they manifest in our daily lives and how to recognize when one is more dominant than the other. A growth mindset is defined as the belief in our capacity for continual change and development, emphasizing resilience and the idea that experiences—both good and bad—contribute to our growth. In contrast, a fixed mindset views individuals as having unchangeable traits, which can lead to stagnation when faced with challenges. Tune in to learn how to cultivate a growth mindset and embrace the journey of self-improvement. Grab your notebook and join us for insightful discussions!

Synopsis
A growth mindset is rooted in the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through effort and learning. This perspective nurtures a love for growth and resilience, essential for achievement. In contrast, a fixed mindset sees qualities as static, leading individuals to believe that their talents and intelligence are unchangeable.

Individuals with a growth mindset view themselves as continually evolving, learning from both positive and negative experiences. They emphasize the process over the outcome, focusing on effort, strategies, and perseverance. Feedback is valued as a tool for improvement rather than a personal attack. This mindset fosters curiosity, encouraging individuals to take risks and explore new experiences.

In contrast, a fixed mindset leads to a static view of abilities. Those with a fixed mindset fear failure, believing that any mistake defines their worth. This fear often prevents them from stepping outside their comfort zones, leading to stagnation. Perfectionism is common in this mindset, as individuals strive to always perform perfectly, avoiding risks that could lead to failure.

Language plays a crucial role in shaping our mindset. The words we use, particularly in self-talk, can either reinforce a fixed mindset or encourage growth. Reframing thoughts from "I am a failure" to "I haven't succeeded yet" shifts the focus toward learning and improvement. Feedback, when viewed through a growth lens, becomes an opportunity to grow rather than a threat.

By embracing a growth mindset, individuals can view challenges as opportunities and setbacks as part of the journey. Understanding the distinction between a growth and fixed mindset is vital for personal and professional development, allowing for continuous evolution and success.

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In this episode of The Present Professional, we delve into the topic of unconscious bias and its impact on our personal and professional lives. We start by acknowledging that having biases is a natural part of being human, rooted in our evolutionary history and social conditioning. The hosts emphasize the importance of granting ourselves grace as we recognize these inherent tendencies to feel more comfortable around those who resemble us in appearance and thought. By understanding the origins of our biases, we can begin to make more conscious choices that foster connection and inclusivity in our workplaces and communities. Tune in to explore strategies for transcending biases and building a more connected world. Grab your notebook as we embark on this important journey of self-awareness and growth.

Synopsis
Unconscious bias refers to automatic judgments we make based on characteristics such as race, gender, and more. These biases are ingrained in us through upbringing and social environments, influencing how we navigate personal and professional relationships. Recognizing that unconscious bias is a natural human tendency is key to fostering inclusivity.

As discussed in the podcast, these biases often stem from early experiences in homogeneous communities, where we feel safer with people like us. This tendency isn’t inherently negative; it's rooted in evolutionary survival instincts. However, in today’s diverse world, these biases can limit our ability to connect with others.

The first step toward inclusivity is acknowledging our unconscious biases. Becoming self-aware helps us understand that everyone has biases, often unconscious and deeply ingrained. The podcast emphasizes the need to reflect on our thoughts and actions, questioning first instincts and considering how they might be biased.

To overcome these biases, we must seek diverse experiences and relationships. Engaging with people from different backgrounds and stepping out of our comfort zones can help reduce fear and foster genuine connections. Building a diverse network allows us to gain broader perspectives, diminishing the influence of unconscious bias.

In workplace settings, fostering psychological safety is crucial. Creating environments where feedback is welcomed encourages open discussions about biases, allowing individuals to express themselves without fear of judgment.

Unconscious bias is natural, but recognizing and addressing it is essential for personal growth and creating inclusive spaces. Through self-awareness, diverse experiences, and open dialogue, we can move toward a more connected, understanding world.

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In this episode of The Present Professional, hosts John and Tony dive deep into the pervasive issue of burnout, a challenge that affects individuals across corporate cultures, entrepreneurship, and personal life. They explore the complexities of burnout, discussing what it is and how it can manifest in our daily lives, particularly in the wake of the pandemic and the fast pace of technological advancements. The hosts provide valuable insights on recognizing the signs of burnout and share practical strategies for overcoming it. Listeners will gain tips designed for individuals, leaders, parents, and anyone seeking a more balanced and fulfilled life. Tune in to discover how to proactively manage your energy and navigate the various sources of burnout for a more productive and holistic experience in life and work.

Synopsis
Recognizing burnout involves understanding personal energy levels, identifying obstacles, and noticing changes in relationships and self-perception. Burnout typically manifests as energy depletion. Monitoring your energy for different roles is key; most people can manage around six commitments at a time. Reflect on how you feel at the end of the day and assess which tasks drain or replenish your energy.

The metaphor of "locked doors" refers to stressors, such as work demands or personal obligations, that block progress and contribute to burnout. Recognizing these stressors can help reassess commitments and alleviate burnout's effects.

Burnout also impacts relationships and self-perception. Withdrawal from social connections or feeling disconnected from your values may indicate burnout. Open communication with loved ones and self-reflection can help rebuild connections and restore purpose.

In conclusion, recognizing burnout requires a holistic approach to your energy levels, obstacles, and relationships. Being proactive in these areas can help prevent burnout and promote a balanced, fulfilling life.

Through a coaching engagement, we look at a custom balance of roles and commitments unique to each individual. That takes time and investment. We wanted to provide something that could help you look at different areas of your life for FREE. Click here for a free life wheel exercise!

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In the final episode of the Emotional Intelligence series on The Present Professional podcast, the focus is on relationship management. We discuss the importance of putting social awareness into action and how it plays a key role in managing relationships effectively. We delve into the principles from Emotional Intelligence 2.0 and emphasize the significance of intuition in navigating relationships. As we wrap up the series, they express gratitude to their listeners, encourage continuous learning, and growth from the topics covered. The episode underscores the essential role of relationships in modern society and the art of relationship management in personal and professional development.

Synopsis
Investing time and energy into relationships is crucial for building meaningful connections. A recent podcast episode stressed the importance of being present, actively listening, and showing genuine care. Engaging in relationships by celebrating achievements, acknowledging feelings, and aligning intentions with actions enhances connections and fosters a supportive environment.

The hosts highlighted the value of acknowledging and validating others' emotions to deepen relationships. Neutrality when validating feelings ensures a safe space for expression, while validating statements like “I can see how that would affect you” can encourage openness and understanding. This empathy strengthens relationships and builds trust.

The episode also emphasized providing direct, constructive feedback with good intentions. Feedback should be concise and objective, removing personal biases to focus on the other person's growth. Following up with questions like “What do you think?” promotes a collaborative exchange and fosters mutual understanding. By integrating these practices, individuals can cultivate strong, fulfilling relationships that support personal and professional growth.

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This episode of The Present Professional delves into the concept of social awareness as part of emotional intelligence. Building on self-awareness and self-management, the hosts explore the importance of understanding and managing interactions with others in various aspects of life. We discuss strategies from the book "Emotional Intelligence 2.0" and offer personal reflections to help listeners navigate social encounters effectively. Join us as we unpack key principles and share insights to enhance social awareness for personal and professional growth.

Synopsis
In a recent episode of The Present Professional podcast, the hosts highlighted the power of greeting people by name as a simple yet impactful way to enhance social interactions. Using names adds a personal touch, showing respect and acknowledgment of individuals' unique identities. It deepens connections and makes conversations more meaningful by demonstrating attentiveness and presence.

The hosts recommended remembering names by jotting them down and noting details like birthdays to personalize interactions further. Using names in dialogue, whether for requests, questions, or compliments, significantly improves communication for both parties. While remembering names can be challenging, practicing this skill in everyday scenarios can boost confidence and make social interactions smoother.

Applying this practice in professional networking, social gatherings, and workplace dynamics can foster respect, enhance relationships, and create a more engaging environment. Additionally, actively listening and observing non-verbal cues, practicing empathy, and adapting to cultural norms are crucial for building authentic connections and promoting inclusivity. Overall, greeting people by name and genuinely engaging in conversations can profoundly impact social interactions and relationships.

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On this episode of The Present Professional, the focus is on self-management as part of emotional intelligence. Building upon self-awareness, self-management involves having agency over our emotions and being able to respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively. They discuss strategies from Emotional Intelligence 2.0, emphasizing the importance of creating space between stimulus and response to effectively manage emotions. They highlight the significance of keeping emotions in check and acting in alignment with personal values when faced with challenges.

Synopsis
Self-management is a continuous journey of growth, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness, emotional regulation, and decision-making aligned with personal values. It begins with understanding one’s emotions, triggers, and patterns. A significant point from the podcast is the impact of self-talk, with the average person having around 50,000 thoughts a day. Positive and honest self-talk is essential, as negative internal dialogue can hinder progress. Cultivating a positive mindset helps build resilience and tackle challenges more effectively.

The episode also underscores the value of seeking external support, whether from a coach or therapist. These professionals can provide objective perspectives, helping individuals navigate challenges, reframe their thinking, and focus on positive outcomes. Therapy, in particular, can help address deeper emotional struggles, offering insights and coping strategies for personal growth.

A key takeaway is the focus on visualizing the rewards of success rather than the penalties of failure. Winners tend to concentrate on positive outcomes, which fuels motivation and a proactive approach to achieving goals. Maintaining a positive mindset, reinforced by supportive self-talk, is crucial for overcoming obstacles with resilience.

In conclusion, self-management involves continuous self-reflection, growth, and seeking support when needed. It’s about progress, not perfection, and adopting a mindset that focuses on success can significantly enhance one’s journey of self-management and emotional intelligence.

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