APPLE PODCASTS EPISODE DESCRIPTION:

Episode Title: How to Lead Through Economic Chaos: CFO's 5-Star Strategy for Business Resilience

Episode Description:

Discover the proven framework that helped one CFO double revenue at five companies while others struggle with economic uncertainty. In this episode of The Self Aware Leader, host Jason Rigby interviews Karl Maier, seasoned CFO, business advisor, and author of "Surfing Economic Chaos: How American Business Can Prosper Despite Globalization's Collapse."

What You'll Learn:

• The revolutionary 5-Star Model for evaluating business resilience and market positioning
• Why demographic shifts are creating unprecedented leadership challenges and hidden opportunities
• How to identify and eliminate unprofitable customers that drain resources and morale
• The strategic planning framework that transforms crisis into competitive advantage
• Why traditional globalization assumptions no longer apply to modern business strategy
• How to implement weekly management systems that drive consistent growth and accountability
• The critical mindset shift from reactive "chess piece" to proactive "chess player" leadership
• How to challenge dangerous assumptions that keep businesses stuck in mediocrity
• Why return on capital analysis is now essential for business survival and growth
• When and how to bring fractional leadership expertise into your organization

Key Insights: Karl reveals why the average age of skilled workers is 58 years old and what this demographic shift means for wages, hiring, and business strategy over the next decade. He shares the shocking story of a chemical company president who discovered his entire understanding of which division was profitable was completely wrong—a $2 million blind spot that transformed the business once corrected.

Perfect For:

• CEOs and business owners navigating economic uncertainty
• Entrepreneurs seeking strategic frameworks for sustainable growth
• Leaders struggling with cash flow, payroll, and profitability challenges
• Executives wanting to transform reactive management into proactive leadership
• Anyone interested in applying ancient wisdom principles to modern business strategy

About Karl Maier: Karl Maier has over 25 years of experience starting, managing, and advising lower middle-market companies. He facilitates CEO peer advisory roundtable groups and speaks to companies about seizing opportunities in economic chaos. Karl holds a B.A. in Economics and MBA from Rice University and is the founder of Abundant.

About The Self Aware Leader: Hosted by Jason Rigby, The Self Aware Leader combines ancient wisdom with modern leadership challenges to help entrepreneurs and executives develop authentic, resilient leadership skills. Each episode provides practical frameworks for conscious leadership, emotional intelligence development, and strategic business transformation.

Connect:

• Karl Maier: LinkedIn @karlkmaier | www.abunden.com
• Jason Rigby: All platforms @TJasonRigby | www.selfawarepodcast.com
• Join our Circle community for deeper leadership discussions

Tags: leadership development, business strategy, economic leadership, conscious leadership, strategic planning, business transformation, executive coaching, financial leadership, crisis management, resilient leadership, self awareness, organizational culture, team building, authentic leadership, mindfulness leadership, CEO advice, entrepreneurship, business growth, management systems, capital allocation

Leaders spend $5-10K monthly on ads that disappear overnight. But what if there was a single asset that could instantly elevate your authority, attract ideal clients, and open doors to unparalleled speaking opportunities for YEARS to come?

In this episode, Jason sits down with Everett O'Keefe, "The Book Whisper," who's behind over 200 bestselling launches. They dive deep into why authorship isn't just about writing—it's about igniting your legacy and multiplying your impact.

🎯 Key Takeaways:

• Why bestselling authors are rarer than doctors and lawyers
• The FAQ + SAQ method: Turn your expertise into chapters in days (not years)
• How one client increased speaking fees by 600% post-launch
• Print-on-demand secrets: Get books for $3.25 vs paying $10K+ for inventory
• The "editorial board" process that replaces expensive book coaches
• Why owning your ISBN = owning your future revenue

💡 Powerful Insights: "Time for your business card to get a spine" "You want to be the one who wrote the book, not the one who read the book" "There's nothing like a book to move a brand or an idea"

What You'll Learn: ✅ Traditional vs Hybrid vs DIY publishing (pros/cons of each) ✅ How to turn 20 FAQs into a bestselling business book ✅ The "unread book" power (why it works even sitting on a shelf) ✅ Speaking fee strategies using your book as leverage ✅ The biggest post-launch mistake that kills momentum

About the Guest: Everett O'Keefe has helped launch over 200 bestsellers and specializes in hybrid publishing that gives authors complete ownership while handling the complex logistics. He's the founder of Ignite Press and believes every leader has a book inside them waiting to transform their business.

Resources Mentioned:

• Everett's book: "The Power of the Published"  https://www.amazon.com/Power-Published-Rapidly-Authoring-Business/dp/1950710033
• Free consultation: ignitepress.us
• Free PDF download: mypodcastperk.com

Why This Matters for Self-Aware Leaders: Your expertise deserves a spine. In an AI-driven world, your unique human story, wisdom, and insights become MORE valuable, not less. A book isn't just marketing—it's your legacy in print.

This episode could be the catalyst that transforms your expertise into lasting authority. Your move, leader.

Subscribe to Self Aware Leadership for more no-BS insights that combine ancient wisdom with modern strategy to help you lead from clarity, not chaos.

🚨 WARNING: This conversation could fundamentally change how you think about success and leadership.

Oli Johnson had everything most executives dream of: a multi-million dollar tech business, a beautiful home in Ibiza, a young family, and the respect of his peers. From every external measure, he was winning at life.

So why was he sitting on a plane hoping it would crash?

This raw, unfiltered conversation exposes the hidden epidemic destroying high-performing leaders worldwide and reveals the revolutionary prevention system that's changing everything.

In this episode, you'll discover:

🎯 The Shocking Reality of Leadership Burnout

• Why 87% of executives report feeling like imposters
• The $1 trillion annual cost to the global economy
• How external success can become your internal prison
• Why "fake it till you make it" is literally killing leaders

💡 The Culture Infection Nobody Talks About

• How unconscious leader behavior spreads through organizations
• Why your late-night emails are poisoning your team
• The co-founder dynamics that destroy promising startups
• How to build anti-burnout cultures that actually thrive

🚀 The Prevention Revolution

• AI + biomarker technology that predicts burnout weeks in advance
• Why prevention beats recovery 100% of the time
• Heart rate variability as an early warning system
• Personalized supplementation based on genetic markers

🧠 Strategic Sustainability vs. Hustle Culture

• The marathon mindset that creates lasting success
• How to work strategically instead of just harder
• Building systems that prevent breakdown before it happens
• The technology breakthrough changing executive wellness

Most Powerful Moments:

"Everything looked like it should be perfect. The reality of living that was very different indeed."

"Culture is not about writing values on a board and walking away. It's about how you're showing up."

"Prevention is 100% better than trying to restore your health."

"If you're behaving like that as a leader, you're defining the culture of your business."

Oli Johnson is a serial entrepreneur, former investment banker, and founder of PrescribedLife.AI, a revolutionary platform using artificial intelligence and biomarker data to prevent executive burnout.

Background:

• Former investment banker at major institutions including Bank of England
• Built and scaled multiple successful tech ventures
• Experienced severe burnout despite external success
• Now pioneering preventative wellness technology for high performers
• Relocated from London's corporate towers to Ibiza (and learned location doesn't solve internal patterns)

Current Focus: Oli is revolutionizing executive wellness through PrescribedLife.AI, which combines cutting-edge AI technology with biomarker analysis to predict and prevent burnout before it destroys careers and companies.

🏢 The Corporate to Startup Transition

• Investment banking pressure cooker culture
• Why startup founders face even more intense stress
• The myth of entrepreneurial freedom

⚠️ Burnout Warning Signs Leaders Miss

• The dangerous "I'm fine" mentality
• How external success masks internal struggle
• Why high performers are 3x more likely to burn out

🌴 The Location Independence Myth

• Moving to Ibiza: paradise that became prison
• Why changing environment doesn't change patterns
• The loneliness of remote leadership

💰 The Economics of Burnout

• $1 trillion global economic impact
• How leader burnout cascades through organizations
• The ROI of prevention vs. recovery

🤖 Technology as Self-Awareness Tool

• AI-powered early warning systems
• Biomarker tracking for executives
• Heart rate variability as stress indicator
• Genetic testing for personalized wellness

👥 Culture Creation Through Leader Behavior

• How your stress becomes your team's stress
• The 24/7 availability trap
• Building psychologically safe environments
• Co-founder relationship dynamics

🔬 The Science of Prevention

• Why willpower fails and systems succeed
• Biomarker data interpretation
• Personalized supplementation protocols
• Executive coaching enhanced by technology

0:00 - Introduction: The hidden burnout epidemic 3:45 - Oli's background: From London banking to Ibiza 7:20 - The external success vs. internal reality paradox 12:15 - The plane ride moment that changed everything 18:30 - Why location changes don't fix internal patterns 23:45 - The culture infection: How leader behavior spreads 28:10 - Co-founder dynamics and startup relationship challenges 34:20 - The $1 trillion cost of leadership burnout 38:50 - Technology solutions: AI + biomarkers for prevention 43:15 - Building anti-burnout organizational cultures 47:30 - The future of executive wellness

🔗 Guest Resources:

• PrescribedLife.AI - Executive wellness platform: https://prescribelife.ai/
• Oli Johnson LinkedIn - Connect with the guest: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oli-johnson-s-johnson/

"Unless you learn how to make money while you sleep, you'll work until you die." - Warren Buffett

In this transformative episode, Bronson Hill reveals how he went from a $200K medical sales professional to raising over $50 million in real estate capital - and the mindset shifts that made it all possible.

🎯 WHAT YOU'LL DISCOVER: - Why 90% of "passive income" strategies actually create more work - The difference between financial freedom and TIME freedom - How to reduce your taxes by 80-90% through strategic investments - The "wealth worthiness" breakthrough that unlocks abundance - Ancient wisdom principles for modern wealth building - How to structure your week for maximum freedom (145 days off!)

KEY INSIGHTS: - The real test of passive investing (10X scalability without becoming a job) - Why rental properties aren't actually passive income - Tax strategies for high earners that most CPAs don't know - The psychology behind wealth building (80% mindset, 20% strategy) - How to develop "whisperings" that rewire your money beliefs

Bronson shares his exact frameworks for building truly passive income streams and developing the psychology of wealth that separates millionaires from everyone else.

GUEST: Bronson Hill - Managing Member of Bronson Equity, Author of "Fire Yourself," $45M+ in Real Estate Capital

Get Bronson's free "Mailbox Money Blueprint" - text CASHFLOW to 33777

Connect with Bronson: - Website: bronsonequity.com - Instagram: @bronsondavidhill - LinkedIn: Bronson Hill - YouTube: @bronsonequity

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The Self Aware Leader Podcast guides modern entrepreneurs and leaders to deeper self-awareness and impactful action through ancient wisdom for contemporary challenges. 

Host Jason Rigby explores the intersection of consciousness, leadership, and practical success - helping you build wealth while building character.

Subscribe for weekly episodes on leadership development, passive income strategies, and building thriving communities.

KEYWORDS: passive income, real estate investing, financial freedom, wealth building, leadership development, tax strategies, mindset, entrepreneurship, self awareness, ancient wisdom

What's the real difference between working 80 hours a week and building a 7-figure business? According to David Price, who went from industry newcomer to insurance millionaire in just 36 months, it comes down to one critical mindset shift.

In this episode, Jason Rigby sits down with David for a masterclass in resilient leadership and the power of simplicity. David shares the brutally honest story of nearly giving up and the pivotal decision that transformed his business from a grueling grind into a scalable success story. This is a universal lesson for any leader who feels they are on the verge of burnout and is ready to turn intention into income.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• The critical mindset shift from "going through the motions" to "intentional action" that separates busy work from high-impact results.
• How to resist complexity by mastering one simple, scalable product or service to build a strong foundation for your business.
• The non-negotiable leadership principle of brutal honesty and how it builds the unwavering trust required to lead a high-performing team.
• Why the most successful leaders are willing to do anything they ask of their team, leading by example from the front lines.
• The foundational importance of a consistent lead generation system as the engine for any successful business.

Timestamped Highlights:

[01:48] The Decision to Persevere: The turning point six months in when David chose to fully commit. [04:35] Intentional Action vs. Going Through the Motions: Realizing long hours don't equal results without being a "student" of your craft. [06:32] From Salesperson to System Builder: The transition from being a "lone wolf" to a true business owner. [13:15] Resisting Complexity: How to maintain simplicity by mastering one thing and doing more of it. [15:30] The Power of Brutal Honesty: Why trust is the ultimate currency in leadership. [26:20] The Foundation of Success: Learning the critical importance of lead generation.

Connect with David Price:

Website: tpglife.com Instagram: @davidpriceofficial Facebook: DavidPriceOfficial

Subscribe to The Self Aware Leader and leave a review if you found this episode valuable. For deeper growth and to connect with other conscious leaders, join Jason's Inner Circle.

In this powerful episode of The Self-Aware Leader, Jason Rigby welcomes Ingrid Hu Dahl, author of "Sun Shining on the Morning Snow" and a renowned leadership coach. Ingrid bravely shares her raw story of navigating crushing racism and an identity crisis as a mixed-race "Hapa" child, growing up between white New Jersey suburbs and Taipei. This conversation delves into how her unique upbringing shaped her understanding of belonging and resilience, offering profound insights for self-aware leadership.

Ingrid illuminates the critical need for leaders to cultivate self-awareness and curiosity, especially when addressing issues of diversity, inclusion, and unconscious bias in the workplace. She discusses how her parents' interracial love story defied societal norms, influencing her own boldness and commitment to authenticity. The episode provides practical frameworks for leaders to unlearn ingrained behaviors, foster truly inclusive environments, and lead with empathy and heart rather than fear or ego.

Listeners will discover how embracing one's full story, vulnerabilities and all, is not only a path to personal healing but also a powerful foundation for building trust and inspiring innovation within teams. Ingrid's "Phoenix" metaphor for transformation and her grandmother's fierce, heart-driven leadership serve as guiding lights, encouraging every leader to live boldly, connect authentically, and create spaces where everyone feels they belong.

Have you ever felt like an outsider, even in your own community? In this compelling episode, "The Self-Aware Leader" dives deep into the heart of identity and resilient leadership with special guest Ingrid Hu Dahl. Ingrid, a trailblazing leadership coach and author, shares her journey as a mixed-race individual, revealing how contrasting cultural experiences—from navigating predominantly white New Jersey suburbs to embracing her Taiwanese heritage—profoundly shaped her self-aware leadership philosophy. This conversation unpacks the subtle, often unaddressed, forms of racism and bias that leaders must confront head-on to foster truly inclusive environments.

Ingrid offers a practical framework for developing emotional intelligence for leaders, emphasizing the importance of self-reflection and challenging assumptions. Drawing from her own experiences, she provides actionable strategies for communicating across diverse styles, ensuring every team member feels heard and valued. Discover how to interrupt unconscious biases and slow down decision-making to cultivate a growth mindset. Jason and Ingrid also explore the power of vulnerability in leadership, highlighting how acknowledging imperfections and asking for help can transform team dynamics and accelerate business success. This episode is a must-listen for any leader seeking to enhance their empathetic leadership skills and build a culture of belonging.

• Discover how to lead with curiosity and empathy to build truly inclusive teams and challenge unconscious biases that hinder diversity.

• Learn the importance of self-awareness for leaders to understand how their own experiences and communication styles impact team dynamics.

• Master practical frameworks for breaking out of leadership "ruts" by actively listening and asking exploratory questions.

• Apply ancient wisdom principles to modern leadership challenges by cultivating "boldness with heart" and embracing vulnerability for stronger connections.

• Understand how to create environments where everyone feels they belong, regardless of background, by checking biases and fostering psychological safety.

Resources Mentioned:

• Ingrid Hu Dahl's Official Website: Learn more about Ingrid's work and leadership coaching. https://www.ingridhudahl.com/

• Sun Shining on the Morning Snow: Purchase Ingrid Hu Dahl's powerful memoir. https://www.sunshiningonmorningsnow.com/buy

• Ingrid Hu Dahl on Instagram: Connect with Ingrid on social media. https://www.instagram.com/ingridhudahl/?hl=en

• Episode Duration: 54:02

• Publish Date: June 29, 2025

• Host Information: Jason Rigby, The Self-Aware Leader

• Topic Categories: Self-Awareness Foundation, Resilient Leadership, Ancient Wisdom, Empathetic Leadership, Diversity & Inclusion, Emotional Intelligence

• Tags: Ingrid Hu Dahl, self-aware leadership, emotional intelligence, resilience, mixed-race identity, Hapa, leadership coaching, diversity, inclusion, unconscious bias, authentic leadership, ancient wisdom, empathetic leadership, crisis management, personal transformation, memoir, Sun Shining on the Morning Snow, Jason Rigby, conscious leadership, human-centered leadership, unlearning, vulnerability, belonging, Phoenix, family heritage.

• Transcript Availability: Full transcript available on the podcast website.

• Related Content Connections: Links to related episodes and Jason Rigby's community for deeper engagement.

In this high-impact episode of The Self Aware Leader, host Jason Rigby sits down with elite executive coach Max Stephens—trusted advisor to top CEOs, pro athletes, and Hollywood creators. Max dismantles the myths behind traditional success and shares how high performers can finally find real fulfillment.

Whether you're a founder, corporate leader, or entrepreneur on the edge of burnout, Max’s Contribution Alignment Model and radical truth-telling will help you stop chasing the wrong goals—and build a life of purpose, peace, and leadership impact.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why success without inner healing is a trap

• The hidden cost of ambition no one talks about

• Why most leadership coaching fails—and how to fix it

• How to realign your leadership around purpose, not pressure

• Max’s 3-part framework: Forgiveness, Mortality, Radical Honesty

Guest Bio: Max Stephens is a world-class performance coach and author of What the Fck Do You Actually Want?*. With over 1,500 sessions per year and clients across C-suite, sports, and film, Max helps leaders eliminate emotional blind spots and live with unshakable clarity.

Episode Highlights:

• [00:00] Why high performers feel empty at the top

• [08:00] The neuroscience of contribution vs. isolation

• [13:00] Max’s truth bomb: You’re not doing it “for your family”

• [24:00] The Purpose Framework: Forgiveness, Mortality, Honesty

• [36:00] Coaching culture is broken—here’s what works

• [45:00] How to reset your leadership thermostat

Subscribe for more on:

• Leadership development

• Executive coaching

• Emotional intelligence

• Strategic thinking

• Purposeful performance

Resources Mentioned: 📘 What the Fck Do You Actually Want?* by Max Stephens 🌐 Visit: https://maxstephenscoaching.com

What happens when a 20-year battle with bulimia meets ancient Stoic philosophy?

In this episode, leadership coach Becky Schmooke shares how emotional intelligence, radical honesty, and core values helped her overcome addiction—and now empower elite NFL teams. Becky reveals her journey from anorexia at 13 to founding a mindful leadership practice that transforms chaos into clarity.

You’ll learn:

• The true meaning of humble leadership

• How to apply Stoicism to daily stress and emotional triggers

• Why bulimia operates like a behavioral addiction

• Becky's powerful SAFE framework (Self-awareness, Action, Fortitude, Engagement)

• How to lead with integrity—even when it hurts

Perfect for anyone seeking deeper self-awareness, emotional mastery, and values-based leadership. Whether you're a CEO, coach, or just stuck in survival mode—this conversation will help you lead with strength and purpose.

🎯 Keywords: humble leadership, emotional intelligence, mental resilience, addiction recovery, values-based leadership, NFL coaching, stoicism, recovery stories

🔗 More at: SelfAwarePodcast.com https://www.beckyschmooke.com/

Are you a new manager struggling to find your footing? The transition from top performer to leader is the most challenging in any career. This episode is your roadmap to success.

Jason Rigby and leadership expert Bobby Powers dive deep into the essential leadership skills you need to thrive. Forget theory—this is practical advice you can use today.

In this episode, you will learn to:

• Master Delegation: Use the simple but powerful "80% Rule" to empower your team and free up your time.
• Give Effective Feedback: Implement the SBI (Situation, Behavior, Impact) Model to make feedback clear, kind, and actionable.
• Overcome Imposter Syndrome: Learn why you feel like a fraud and how to build genuine confidence in your role.
• Build Unshakeable Trust: Discover the keys to creating a transparent and supportive team culture.

This episode is a must-listen for any aspiring or newly appointed leader who wants to avoid common pitfalls and fast-track their journey to becoming a respected, self-aware leader.

• Bobby Powers' Substack: Leader and Learner

• Connect with Bobby on LinkedIn: Bobby Powers

• Explore more insights at bobbypowers.com

Listen to other episodes of the Self Aware Leader Podcast: selfawarepodcast.com

Keywords: Self-aware leader, leadership mastery, leadership skills, new manager, delegation, feedback, imposter syndrome, trust in leadership, team management, avoiding burnout, career growth.

Are your people quietly quitting without ever handing in a resignation?

In this powerhouse episode of The Self Aware Leader, host Jason Rigby dives deep with top leadership coach and strategist Dave Garrison, author of the highly anticipated book The Buy-In Advantage (June 3, 2025). Together, they expose the hidden disengagement epidemic costing companies billions—and unveil a clear path forward through humble leadership, emotional intelligence, and co-creation.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• The real reason employees stop caring—it’s not what you think

• 7 signs your team is disengaging while still on the payroll

• Why free lunches and ping pong tables won’t fix culture

• How to use co-creation to build unstoppable teams

• Why vulnerability is the secret to high-trust leadership

Memorable Moments:

• “Judgment and curiosity cannot coexist.”

• “If you don’t have time to invest in people, get ready to spend it interviewing.”

• “Leaders go last—except when it comes to vulnerability.”

This isn’t theory—it’s a practical masterclass for CEOs, founders, and emerging leaders ready to rebuild trust, unlock team potential, and lead with purpose in 2025.

Resources Mentioned:

• The Buy-In Advantage by Dave Garrison (Launched TODAY!): Amazon

• Leadership tools & workshops: GarrisonGrowth.com

• Connect with Dave on LinkedIn: Dave Garrison

Subscribe and Review If this episode sparked new ideas for you, hit Subscribe and leave a 5-star review. It helps more heart-centered leaders like you discover the show.

Join the movement at selfawarepodcast.com

#Leadership #EmotionalIntelligence #SelfAwareLeader #HumbleLeadership #BuyInAdvantage #EmployeeEngagement