The Real Intelligence Podcast

In this episode of The Real Intelligence Podcast, Jenny Swim talks with executive coach, speaker, facilitator, and author Keith Lewis about feedback, blind spots, and the role feedback plays in leadership, relationships, and personal growth.

We all have blind spots. The challenge is that we often can’t see them without help. Keith draws on his experience as a mascot for Northwestern University and the Chicago Bulls to explain why we sometimes need “guides” around us—people who can see what we can’t.

Jenny and Keith explore:

• Why receiving feedback can feel threatening
• The difference between criticism and useful feedback
• How to find the “kernel of truth” in difficult feedback
• What makes feedback “clean” rather than reactive or personal
• How specificity can reduce defensiveness and increase clarity
• Why positive feedback matters just as much as corrective feedback
• How feedback can become a source of greater self-awareness and better decision-making

If you’ve ever struggled to receive feedback, avoided giving it, or wondered why a simple comment can trigger such a strong reaction, this conversation offers a different way to think about feedback—not simply as criticism or correction, but as information that can help you see what you may not be able to see for yourself.

Connect with Keith Lewis (https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithdlewis/):
VeraSpark: www.veraspark.com
Facebook: VeraSpark Consulting

Get your copy of Sparking Your Inner Leader by Keith Lewis:
https://www.amazon.com/Sparking-Your-Inner-Leader-Perspective/dp/B0FRX18V94/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2J8AT3TNTMZKV&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.am_ycEKYycjeVN_Fcu0uuQ.111pLmLKwzEYjHlIdaWRZycZIhvMbHAZHqorlbtzBCY&dib_tag=se&keywords=sparking+your+inner+leader+keith+lewis&qid=1779487093&sprefix=sparking+your+inner+l%2Caps%2C451&sr=8-1

Connect with Junto Coaching: https://www.juntocoaching.com/

Music by Pumpupthemind https://linktr.ee/Pumpupthemind

In this episode of The Real Intelligence Podcast, Jenny Swim talks with executive coach, speaker, facilitator, and author Keith Lewis about feedback, blind spots, and the role feedback plays in leadership, relationships, and personal growth.

We all have blind spots. The challenge is that we often can’t see them without help. Keith draws on his experience as a mascot for Northwestern University and the Chicago Bulls to explain why we sometimes need “guides” around us—people who can see what we can’t.

Jenny and Keith explore:

• Why receiving feedback can feel threatening
• The difference between criticism and useful feedback
• How to find the “kernel of truth” in difficult feedback
• What makes feedback “clean” rather than reactive or personal
• How specificity can reduce defensiveness and increase clarity
• Why positive feedback matters just as much as corrective feedback
• How feedback can become a source of greater self-awareness and better decision-making

If you’ve ever struggled to receive feedback, avoided giving it, or wondered why a simple comment can trigger such a strong reaction, this conversation offers a different way to think about feedback—not simply as criticism or correction, but as information that can help you see what you may not be able to see for yourself.

Connect with Keith Lewis (https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithdlewis/):
VeraSpark: www.veraspark.com
Facebook: VeraSpark Consulting

Get your copy of Sparking Your Inner Leader by Keith Lewis:
https://www.amazon.com/Sparking-Your-Inner-Leader-Perspective/dp/B0FRX18V94/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2J8AT3TNTMZKV&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.am_ycEKYycjeVN_Fcu0uuQ.111pLmLKwzEYjHlIdaWRZycZIhvMbHAZHqorlbtzBCY&dib_tag=se&keywords=sparking+your+inner+leader+keith+lewis&qid=1779487093&sprefix=sparking+your+inner+l%2Caps%2C451&sr=8-1

Connect with Junto Coaching: https://www.juntocoaching.com/

Music by Pumpupthemind https://linktr.ee/Pumpupthemind

Have you ever had a feeling about something before you could explain it? A thought that came out of nowhere, a sense that something was off, or an instinct you couldn't ignore?

In this episode, Jenny explores intuition as an often-overlooked source of intelligence. She shares personal stories and practical insights on what intuition is, why we tend to dismiss it, and how to tell the difference between intuition and anxious feelings.

You'll learn why intuition can help in a world full of noise and information and how we might build a better relationship with our intuition.

-----------------------------------

References & Resources:

This episode draws on ideas from the following sources:

• Gary Klein, Sources of Power — Research on intuition, expertise, and pattern recognition in decision-making. 

• Daniel Kahneman, Thinking, Fast and Slow — Insights into intuition, judgment, and decision-making. 

• Stephen Porges, The Polyvagal Theory — The concept of neuroception and the body's ability to detect safety and danger. 

• Robert B. Tucker, "Why Intuition Is the Highest Form of Intelligence" (Forbes, January 2026). 

• The Diary of a CEO with Steven Bartlett (March 1, 2026) featuring Gavin de Becker discussing intuition.

• New York Post (April 16, 2026), "Why Do Nearly 20% of Americans Believe They're Basically Psychic?" highlighting research on Americans' beliefs and experiences related to intuition. 

Quote referenced:
"The intuitive mind is a sacred gift and the rational mind is a faithful servant." — Albert Einstein

Music by Pumpupthemind https://linktr.ee/Pumpupthemind

Have you ever had a feeling about something before you could explain it? A thought that came out of nowhere, a sense that something was off, or an instinct you couldn't ignore?

In this episode, Jenny explores intuition as an often-overlooked source of intelligence. She shares personal stories and practical insights on what intuition is, why we tend to dismiss it, and how to tell the difference between intuition and anxious feelings.

You'll learn why intuition can help in a world full of noise and information and how we might build a better relationship with our intuition.

-----------------------------------

References & Resources:

This episode draws on ideas from the following sources:

• Gary Klein, Sources of Power — Research on intuition, expertise, and pattern recognition in decision-making. 
• Daniel Kahneman, Thinking, Fast and Slow — Insights into intuition, judgment, and decision-making. 
• Stephen Porges, The Polyvagal Theory — The concept of neuroception and the body's ability to detect safety and danger. 
• Robert B. Tucker, "Why Intuition Is the Highest Form of Intelligence" (Forbes, January 2026). 
• The Diary of a CEO with Steven Bartlett (March 1, 2026) featuring Gavin de Becker discussing intuition.
• New York Post (April 16, 2026), "Why Do Nearly 20% of Americans Believe They're Basically Psychic?" highlighting research on Americans' beliefs and experiences related to intuition. 

Quote referenced:
"The intuitive mind is a sacred gift and the rational mind is a faithful servant." — Albert Einstein

Connect with Junto Coaching: https://www.juntocoaching.com/

Music by Pumpupthemind https://linktr.ee/Pumpupthemind

Rejection doesn’t just hurt—it trains your system.

In this episode, Jenny Swim explores why rejection lands in the brain and body as something consequential—and how, over time, it begins to shape who you trust, how much you risk, and how open you stay.

You’ll learn the five common response patterns to rejection, the hidden cost of “just getting over it,” and the difference between true resilience and quiet self-protection.

Most importantly, you’ll walk away with simple, practical ways to process rejection without letting it define your identity—or dictate your next move.

Because the goal isn’t to avoid rejection. It’s to stay grounded enough that it doesn’t decide who you become.

Additional Resources:

Eisenberger, N. I., Lieberman, M. D., & Williams, K. D. (2003). Does rejection hurt? Science. 

University of Southern California. Your brain learns from rejection.

University of Southern California. What social rejection teaches your brain.

Business Insider. Gen Z and the rise of rejection in modern life.

Connect with Junto Coaching: https://www.juntocoaching.com/

Music by Pumpupthemind https://linktr.ee/Pumpupthemind

Rejection doesn’t just hurt—it trains your system.

In this episode, Jenny Swim explores why rejection lands in the brain and body as something consequential—and how, over time, it begins to shape who you trust, how much you risk, and how open you stay.

You’ll learn the five common response patterns to rejection, the hidden cost of “just getting over it,” and the difference between true resilience and quiet self-protection.

Most importantly, you’ll walk away with simple, practical ways to process rejection without letting it define your identity—or dictate your next move.

Because the goal isn’t to avoid rejection. It’s to stay grounded enough that it doesn’t decide who you become.

Additional Resources:

Eisenberger, N. I., Lieberman, M. D., & Williams, K. D. (2003). Does rejection hurt? Science. 

University of Southern California. Your brain learns from rejection.

University of Southern California. What social rejection teaches your brain.

Business Insider. Gen Z and the rise of rejection in modern life.

Connect with Junto Coaching: https://www.juntocoaching.com/

Music by Pumpupthemind https://linktr.ee/Pumpupthemind

Every day, subtle forces shape how we think, what we prioritize, and the decisions we make—often without us noticing. In this episode of The Real Intelligence Podcast, Jenny Swim reveals the hidden pressures influencing modern leaders and why awareness is critical.

Learn the three most common influence traps—urgency, conformity, and stimulation overload—and why protecting your ability to think independently may be your most important responsibility.

Resources & References from This Episode:

• Junto Coaching – Learn more: www.juntocoaching.com
  

• YouTube Channel – Watch episodes: The Real Intelligence Podcast
  

• James Giordano – The Brain is the Battlefield of the Future: Small Wars Journal
  

• The Shawn Ryan Show, Episode #282 – Nik Seetharaman on AI Swarms: Apple Podcasts
  

• Todd Rose – Breaking Cultural Norms that Become Collective Illusions: Stand Together
  

• Casino Psychology – The Psychology-Gambling Connection: UTPB Online
  

Connect with Junto Coaching: https://www.juntocoaching.com/

Music by Pumpupthemind https://linktr.ee/Pumpupthemind

Leadership isn’t just strategy—it’s discernment.

Every day, subtle forces shape how we think, what we prioritize, and the decisions we make—often without us noticing. In this episode of The Real Intelligence Podcast, Jenny Swim reveals the hidden pressures influencing modern leaders and why awareness is critical.

Learn the three most common influence traps—urgency, conformity, and stimulation overload—and why protecting your ability to think independently may be your most important responsibility.

Resources & References from This Episode:

• Junto Coaching – Learn more: www.juntocoaching.com
  
  
• YouTube Channel – Watch episodes: The Real Intelligence Podcast
  
  
• James Giordano – The Brain is the Battlefield of the Future: Small Wars Journal
  
  
• The Shawn Ryan Show, Episode #282 – Nik Seetharaman on AI Swarms: Apple Podcasts
  
  
• Todd Rose – Breaking Cultural Norms that Become Collective Illusions: Stand Together
  
  
• Casino Psychology – The Psychology-Gambling Connection: UTPB Online
  
  

Connect with Junto Coaching: https://www.juntocoaching.com/

Music by Pumpupthemind https://linktr.ee/Pumpupthemind

You’re clear on the goal.
You know exactly what to do.
You’re motivated.

And it’s still not working.

If you’re a high-functioning leader or achiever, your first instinct is to push harder — tighten habits, optimize systems, fix your mindset. But what if the problem isn’t discipline?

In this episode of the Real Intelligence Podcast, Jenny Swim introduces a powerful reframe: most stalled growth isn’t a motivation issue — it’s a capacity issue.

When your nervous system is operating at its threshold, expansion feels like threat. And no amount of effort can override a system that doesn’t feel resourced.

You’ll learn:

• Why sustainable change requires surplus

• The difference between feeling rushed and feeling resourced

• How nervous system regulation impacts productivity and leadership

• One diagnostic question that instantly reveals what’s really happening

• Micro-practices that increase capacity without overhauling your life

If you’ve been trying to out-discipline a depleted system, this episode will change how you approach growth.

Real intelligence isn’t pushing harder.
It’s building capacity first.

Connect with Junto Coaching: https://www.juntocoaching.com/

Music by Pumpupthemind https://linktr.ee/Pumpupthemind

You’re clear on the goal.
You know exactly what to do.
You’re motivated.

And it’s still not working.

If you’re a high-functioning leader or achiever, your first instinct is to push harder — tighten habits, optimize systems, fix your mindset. But what if the problem isn’t discipline?

In this episode of the Real Intelligence Podcast, Jenny Swim introduces a powerful reframe: most stalled growth isn’t a motivation issue — it’s a capacity issue.

When your nervous system is operating at its threshold, expansion feels like threat. And no amount of effort can override a system that doesn’t feel resourced.

You’ll learn:

• Why sustainable change requires surplus
• The difference between feeling rushed and feeling resourced
• How nervous system regulation impacts productivity and leadership
• One diagnostic question that instantly reveals what’s really happening
• Micro-practices that increase capacity without overhauling your life

If you’ve been trying to out-discipline a depleted system, this episode will change how you approach growth.

Real intelligence isn’t pushing harder.
It’s building capacity first.

Connect with Junto Coaching: https://www.juntocoaching.com/

Music by Pumpupthemind https://linktr.ee/Pumpupthemind