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

Career advancement is often seen as a personal endeavor, but Nate Dinet reveals that 70-80% of your career growth is influenced by your direct manager. Drawing on over 15 years of experience, Nate explains how The Step Manager program empowers individuals to take control of their career trajectory, even when facing disengaged or unsupportive managers. He introduces the CARA method (Current Activities, Responsibilities, and Above and Beyond), a powerful framework for tracking accomplishments and negotiating promotions.

Nate and Jason discuss:

• The surprising 80% rule: Why your manager is so critical to your career.

• How to build effective relationships with managers, even difficult ones.

• Understanding your value and advocating for a raise.

• The CARA method: A foolproof system for tracking and presenting your impact.

• Why most managers lack training and how you can become a great manager.

• The power of internal campaigns for promotion.

This episode is a masterclass in career strategy and leadership, offering listeners the tools to take charge of their professional journey.

• [00:00] – Introduction: Career control and Nate Dinet’s journey.

• [02:22] – The 80% Rule: How managers impact career growth.

• [05:37] – The problem with untrained managers and Nate’s solution.

• [10:53] – Understanding your manager’s motivation with the Manager Compass.

• [14:25] – The CARA Method: A practical framework for tracking success.

• [20:31] – Building an internal campaign for promotion.

• [26:43] – Scaling without burnout: The Solid Manager Program.

• [30:42] – Leading up: How to manage up effectively.

1. "70-80% of your career growth is determined by your direct manager." – Nate Dinet

2. "The CARA Method is your career blueprint—track your impact, present your value." – Nate Dinet

3. "Your career is not just a ladder—it's a campaign. Strategize, advocate, and own your path." – Nate Dinet

• Visit The Step Manager Website: thestepmanager.com

• Book a 1-on-1 with Nate Dinet: Calendly Link

Connect with Nate Dinet on LinkedIn: Nate Dinet LinkedIn

• Career growth, leadership skills, manager relationships, career development, self-awareness, emotional intelligence, promotion strategy, Nate Dinet, The Step Manager.

Ready to take control of your career? Don’t leave your growth to chance. Visit The Step Manager and start your journey to leadership mastery. Subscribe to The Self Aware Leader Podcast and never miss an episode full of actionable insights.

Are you a leader grappling with startup burnout, decision fatigue, or feeling stuck despite your drive? This transformative episode reveals the counter-intuitive secret to leadership clarity and accelerated growth: discomfort.

Join Jason Rigby and Arielle Lechner, an acclaimed executive coach to leaders at Google, GitHub, and Peloton. They shatter the myth of the flawless founder and dive deep into how embracing resistance isn't a barrier, but your most accurate signal for progress and innovation.

🔑 In this essential leadership episode, you will discover:

• The Power of Discomfort: Learn how to lean into resistance and transform it into your competitive advantage for leader development.
• "Think Like a Scientist" Mindset: A radical approach to leadership that redefines failure as essential data, driving rapid learning and growth.
• Beyond Data Overload: How to harmonize your intuition with metrics for truly informed and strategic decision-making.
• The Lift & Thrust Model: A practical tool for diagnosing and energizing your team culture, fostering psychological safety.
• High-Leverage Communication: Master the direct, clear, and explicit strategies that separate effective leaders from those struggling with leadership gaps.
• Overcoming Impostor Syndrome: Practical insights for navigating identity challenges and leading with genuine authenticity.

Whether you're a seasoned startup CEO, an aspiring self-aware leader, or an executive seeking to deepen your emotional intelligence and drive organizational growth, this conversation offers practical tools and a profound leadership mindset shift. It's a masterclass in humble leadership that will reframe your entire leadership journey.

Timestamps for Easy Navigation:

• – Intro to Arielle Lechner: Disrupting the status quo
• – What founders really mean by frustration
• – You can’t think your way to clarity
• – Using discomfort as your competitive signal
• – What does “velocity of learning” mean?
• – Why your intuition is your most undervalued asset
• – Think like a scientist: Embracing failure as feedback
• – Lift and Thrust Model: A culture-check diagnostic
• – High-leverage communication: Clear. Explicit. Direct.
• – Impostor syndrome and identity gaps in leadership

Notable Quotes:

• “You can’t think your way to clarity—you experiment your way there.”
• “Discomfort isn’t a barrier—it’s a signal.”
• “Leadership is a learning loop; velocity matters more than perfection.”

Connect with Arielle Lechner:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ariellethecoach/
• Website: https://www.newpo.io/

Subscribe to The Self-Aware Leader for ongoing insights into conscious leadership, personal growth, and strategies for sustained organizational success. Your leadership evolution starts here.

Primary Keywords: leadership, executive coaching, leadership development, self-aware leader, humble leadership

Secondary Keywords: startup burnout, emotional intelligence, discomfort, clarity, leadership mindset, founder growth, psychological safety, innovation, authentic leadership, team performance, decision making, C-suite, strategic leadership.

Are you a leader seeking a truly transformative approach to leadership? In today's complex world, traditional leadership models often fall short, leaving many leaders feeling disconnected and seeking deeper impact.

On this groundbreaking episode of The Self Aware Leader Podcast, host Jason Rigby speaks with Charley Johnson, a TEDx speaker, founder of Chief Consciousness Officer Training, and a visionary in conscious leadership. Charley Johnson, a former high-powered business president, shares his profound journey from conventional success to a strategic exploration of consciousness in leadership.

This episode is a must-listen for any leader ready to evolve beyond the status quo. Charley unpacks how embracing core principles like clarity in leadership, neutrality, and presence can lead to a seismic shift from ego-driven actions to essence-driven impact. Discover why the role of a Chief Consciousness Officer is not "woo-woo," but a tactical necessity for modern organizations.

Key Learnings for Leaders:

• The Leadership Shift: Understand the critical transition from ego-based decisions to essence-driven leadership.
• Consciousness for Leaders: Explore how personal consciousness dissolves bias, fuels innovation, and bridges divides within your team and corporate culture.
• Beyond Traditional Leadership: Challenge conventional wisdom on wellness and consulting to achieve true organizational transformation.
• Clarity for Leaders: Learn practical tools to foster inner stillness, navigate chaos, and make decisions from a place of profound clarity.
• Humble Leadership: Embrace the power of leading from a place of shared humanity, not competing ideologies.

If you're an aspiring or established leader committed to self-aware leadership and elevating your organizational culture, this episode provides the strategic insights you need. Tune in to learn how to unlock your true potential as a leader and guide your team with authentic purpose. Message Charley here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cjconsciousness/

Keywords: Leadership, Leader, Conscious Leadership, Charley Johnson, Chief Consciousness Officer, Self-Aware Leader, Humble Leadership, Emotional Intelligence, Clarity in Leadership, Conscious Business, Organizational Culture, Corporate Culture, Leadership Transformation, Strategic Leadership, Leadership Development, Business Leadership, The Self Aware Leader Podcast.

Unlock your organization's full potential by discovering who the real drivers of success are. Veteran leadership consultant Dr. Luis Luarca sits down with Jason Rigby on The Self Aware Leader Podcast to reveal a truth many leaders miss: the power lies within your employees.

Drawing from 25 years of experience, Dr. Luarca explains how shifting from control to empowerment leads to radical improvements in processes, innovation, and employee engagement. Hear compelling stories and gain practical strategies for leading with self-awareness, avoiding ego traps, and leveraging the invaluable insights of your team.

If you want to build a resilient, innovative, and high-performing organization, this conversation on employee empowerment and humble leadership is a must-listen.

Subscribe and listen to the full episode today!

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

• Learn more in Dr. Luis Luarca's book, "Do Employees Really Like Working Here?": https://www.amazon.com/Employees-Really-Like-Working-Here/dp/1678746614/
• Visit Dr. Luis Luarca's official website: https://luisluarcaphd.com/
• Connect with Dr. Luis Luarca on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luis-luarca-phd-0133022b/

Keywords: Employee Empowerment, Leadership, Organizational Transformation, Self-Aware Leader, Leadership Psychology, Business Growth, Humble Leadership, Workplace Culture, Leadership Skills, Dr. Luis Luarca, Management Tips.

Are you tired of toxic leadership undermining your team's potential? Is a lack of credibility and authentic connection causing a leadership crisis in your workplace?

In this powerful episode of The Self Aware Leader Podcast, host Jason Rigby interviews acclaimed leadership expert William Davis, who brings 38 years of experience transforming struggling teams into powerhouses.

William reveals the core reasons behind today's toxic leadership challenges and provides actionable insights on how to build high-trust, high-performing teams. Learn about the critical difference between management and true ethical leadership, the importance of servant leadership, and how to cultivate essential leadership skills.

Discover practical strategies for restoring trust, fostering genuine relationships, and leading with unwavering integrity. William shares lessons from his extensive career, offering a clear path for leaders ready to make a positive impact.

If you're looking to improve team management and create a thriving workplace culture free from toxic leadership, this episode is a must-listen.

Tune in to learn how to lead with heart and purpose. William Davis Website: https://www.williamcdavis.net/

#Leadership #ToxicLeadership #EthicalLeadership #ServantLeadership #TeamManagement #LeadershipSkills #CredibilityInLeadership #LeadershipCrisis #Trust #Integrity #Podcast #Business #Management #SelfAwareLeader #WilliamDavis