Pivot with Jenny Blake

363: 🌈 Taking a Quiet Sabbatical and Pausing the Podcasts — For Now . . .

Sat, 24 Feb 2024 10:00:00 -0000

As I round the corner into this ninth year of podcasting and after over 700 episodes, today I’m announcing a pause for both shows.

Listen in to hear what factors helped me reach this decision across time, money, energy, depressing industry articles, the pace of both shows’ growth, and mix of additional business factors that make this an important moment to pause and regroup. You might also appreciate the even deeper dive with my longtime friend (and first coach) Adrian Klaphaak in Pivot episode 360: 📦 Unpacking a Big Business Decision and Dissolving Related Doubts.

While I will be sad not to bring fresh episodes to your earbuds every week, I truly want to say thank you so much for being here. This only represents a small fraction of listeners, but I was genuinely touched receiving the Spotify Wrapped for Podcasters stats at the end of 2023, after I knew I would be pausing once all the episodes “in the can” went live.

Among Pivot listeners: for 681 this show is in your top ten on Spotify, for 373 it’s in your top five, and for 65 of you, this is your number one show (again, at least in Spotify’s podcast player)!
Among Free Time listeners: for 423 of you this show is in your top ten on Spotify, for 247 it’s in the top five, and for 57 it is your number one show in Spotify—the highest honor!! I was shocked to see even one, truly, with so much other incredible audio content out there.

There’s one thing I know for sure: I will miss you during this break 🥹

🌟 ;TLDR/L (Too Long Didn’t Listen) Top Takeaways:

In addition to pausing my private community, I am pausing both podcasts for a bit (duration TBD) so I can clear financial and energetic space to listen to what my broader business wants to become.
🎧 Stay subscribed to both shows: Pivot with Jenny Blake and Free Time with Jenny Blake so that you still get episodes when I release them, even if a bit more sporadically (for now); I may switch to seasons if/when I resume
📧 Subscribe to any/all of my three Substacks if you’re not already: I hope to experiment with live tapings with interesting friends and guests, ones that are for paying subscribers where we can go into even more nitty gritty detail behind-the-scenes.

📝 Permission

Pause and regroup on any of your creative projects so you can create space to hear what’s next.

🔗 Resources Mentioned

Rolling in D🤦🏻‍♀️h: 🏆 Time to Put the Trophies Away
Do What You Love and the Money Will Follow . . . IF
Rebuilding from Rubble
👟 A Strange and Wonderful Morning: Walking Photo Essay
Dear 2024: A Letter and From 2024: A Reply
What Works: Making the Content Math Work
Edison Research: Podcasting’s Big Hits and Long Tail
Adam Davidson: The Rise and Fall of Podcasting
The Daily Beast: Malcolm Gladwell’s Media Empire is Being Torn Apart
Podcast Production: One Stone Creative
ListenNotes: Pivot, Free Time

📚 Books Mentioned

🎧 Related Episodes

SPARKED: Jenny in Conversation with Jonathan Fields (Spotify Playlist)
BFF Bonus: Upcoming Quiet Sabbatical + Important Membership Updates
Pivot: 329: Five Types of People-Pleasers from The Joy of Saying No with Natalie Lue
342: “Whatever Comes Through Me Comes For Me First,” With Nicole Antoinette
360: 📦 Unpacking a Big Business Decision and Dissolving Related Doubts with Adrian Klaphaak
Free Time: 042: How I Run My Business Without Social Media (Pivot Replay)
203: 🎢 Riding the Emotional Rollercoaster of Launching with Natalie Lue
250: Do what you love and the money will follow . . . IF you meet at least 3 of these 20 criteria
🦧 What to Do When You Lose Your Biggest Client, Part One and Part Two

📝 Check out full show notes at http://pivotmethod.com/363

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362: Setting Creative Intentions Instead of Expectations with James McCrae

Sun, 18 Feb 2024 10:00:00 -0000

“Expectations are the enemy to the creative process. Sometimes you have to let go of the known to see the unknown.”

Today I’m speaking with James McCrae, an author, poet, and meme artist based in Austin, Texas. He is the founder of 🌻 Sunflower Club, a global school and community dedicated to conscious creativity.

As a creative strategist, he has worked with top brands and startups. James is the author of Sh#t Your Ego Says and How to Laugh in Ironic Amusement During Your Existential Crisis, and today we’re talking about his new book, The Art of You: The Essential Guidebook for Reclaiming Your Creativity.

🌟 3 Key Takeaways

Life falling apart is an opportunity to surrender: we all have ideas of where we want to go and where we want to be, but sometimes our higher self has other plans that are better than the ones we can see.
Set intentions, not expectations: It’s about orienting your consciousness in a certain direction. It’s about knowing your purpose and how you want to show up so that you aren’t just reacting to the external world. Expectations are the enemy to the creative process.
Look for your golden thread of teachers: Each of your teachers was taught by another teacher that goes back through time.

✅ Try This Next: Find Your Creative Lineage

Excerpted from The Art of You:

Think back to the people who were influential on your creative journey. They could be a novelist, a musician, a poet, an artist, a spiritual guide, a teacher, or even a friend.
Consider different types of guides. Who first inspired you to be creative? Who taught you the most about style and technique? Who helped to expand your cultural and artistic horizons? Who continues to push you to be better? Make a list of five to ten creative guides.
Is there a common thread, either stylistically or philosophically, that ties them together?
Now revisit their work with fresh eyes. Read their books. Listen to their music. Search YouTube and watch any talks or interviews available. See what you notice. What do you like? What don't you like?
Write down what you learned from each guide in a few sentences each.

🔗 Resources Mentioned

James on the web, IG, Twitter, LinkedIn
Website: Know Your Meme
Video: Interview with Danny Miranda—Creatives are Explorers

📚 Books Mentioned

The Art of You: The Essential Guidebook for Reclaiming Your Creativity by James McCrae
Sh#t Your Ego Says
How to Laugh in Ironic Amusement During Your Existential Crisis
The Selfish Gene by Richard Dawkins
The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin
Free Time: Lose the Busywork, Love Your Business
Pivot: The Only Move That Matters Is Your Next One
Life After College

🎧 Related Episodes

James’ show: 🌻 Sunflower Club
Spotify Playlists: Pivot x Career Pathfinder podcast episodes with Adrian Klaphaak
SPARKED with Jonathan Fields x Jenny Blake
Pivot: 85: Musician Trevor Hall on Karma, Healing, Soul Maps From the Stars + Fruitful Darkness Song Premiere
342: “Whatever Comes Through Me Comes for Me First,” with Nicole Antoinette
Free Time: 223: The Confidence Trap: Why You Don’t Need It to Do Big Things
198: Book Club ✨ OUTRAGEOUS OPENNESS: Letting the Divine Take the Lead
003: Liberate Your Life Force with Christine Arylo

❤️ Enjoying the show? I'd be grateful for a rating and/or review!

💌 Get my curated twice monthly PivotList newsletter

✍️ Connect with me on Substack: http://substack.com/@jennyblake

🎧 Make sure you’re subscribed wherever you listen to ‘casts

📝 Check out full show notes at http://pivotmethod.com/362

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

361: On Decision Engineering and Evaluating Quality instead of Outcomes with Michelle Florendo

Sun, 11 Feb 2024 10:00:00 -0000

Good decision-making is not about omniscience or clairvoyance—it's more about resilience, according to today’s guest, decision engineer Michelle Florendo. “Decision-making is harder than ever before, and it's not your fault,” Michelle says. “People feel like they ‘should just know’ how to decide.”

More About Michelle: Michelle Florendo is a decision engineer and executive coach who is passionate about teaching people how to make decisions with less stress and more clarity, from the small, consistent microdecisions over time that governs how you show up as a leader to the big macrodecisions you make about what direction to take next in business or life. Over the past decade, she has shown hundreds of driven professionals how to use the principles of decision science to grow their impact and fulfillment. She served on the inaugural coaching team for Seth Godin's altMBA, was a founding member of the Forbes Coaches Council, and helps train new coaches as a Faculty Coach at Berkeley Executive Coaching Institute. Michelle helped redesign the decision-making module in Stanford's famous Designing Your Life course and has taught courses on decision making for Stanford Continuing Studies, and hosts the podcast Ask a Decision Engineer.

🌟 4 Key Takeaways

Saying no to something “good” — What makes it good? How is it delivering the things you want? It might look good on paper to your peers or family or to society, but does it still work for you?
Every decision has three components: objectives (what is it you care about?), options (what are you choosing among), and information (about how those options might play out).
Intuition is the sum of our internal wisdom: It’s not separate; rather, it’s a quick synthesis of our inputs and rational processes. If you can’t explain a decision, remind yourself that “I just haven’t built the bridge . . . yet.”

✅ Try This Next

Tune into multiple sources of data: head+heart+body. Pro-con lists tend to mostly activate rational thinking. As an alternative, try an attractive-concerning table. Draw a 2x2 with a column for each option. What is attractive about each option? What is concerning? Look for themes that bubble up.

📝 Check out full show notes at http://pivotmethod.com/361

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

360: 📦 Unpacking a Big Business Decision and Dissolving Related Doubts with Adrian Klaphaak

Sun, 04 Feb 2024 10:00:00 -0000

What happens when you make a big decision but still have lingering doubt, fear, and even despair? How do you know when a “download” from the universe is worth following, and what does test-driving a decision look like? What happens on the other side or when a pivot is taking far longer than planned?

We’re unpacking all these topics in today’s twelfth and final (for now) conversation for the Pivot x Career Pathfinder series with Adrian Klaphaak.

More About Adrian: Adrian Klaphaak is a coach, purpose guide, entrepreneur, and founder of A Path That Fits Career and Life Coaching. His coaching approach is holistic—a constant balance between getting results and a quest for meaning and fulfillment. He describes himself as “a deep seeker with a constant itch to make things happen.”

✅ Try This Next

Examine your own relationship to rest and taking extended breaks. Ask yourself: What do I really need? How am I really doing? Where am I in the cycle of death, birth, creation, and rest?

🔗 Resources Mentioned

Adrian on the web, Yelp, Facebook, LinkedIn
Course: Career Pathfinder (promo code PIVOT)
Video: Finding Your Calling
Substack: Rolling in D🤦🏻‍♀️h
Articles: 👟 A Strange and Wonderful Morning: Walking Photo Essay
🏆 Time to Put the Trophies Away
Tools: Substack
Song: You Can’t Rush Your Healing by Trevor Hall

📚 Books Mentioned

The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks
The Examined Life by Stephen Grosz
Free Time: Lose the Busywork, Love Your Business
Pivot: The Only Move That Matters Is Your Next One
Life After College

🎧 Related Episodes

❤️ Enjoying the show? I'd be grateful for a rating and/or review! Even better? Share this episode with a friend :)

💌 Get my curated twice monthly PivotList newsletter

✍️ Connect with me on Substack: http://substack.com/@jennyblake

💻 Check out Pivot courses on LinkedIn Learning: Figuring Out Your Next Move, Holding 1:1 Career Conversations, Managing Introverts, Coaching New Hires, and Coaching New Managers

💬 I’d love to hear what’s on your mind! Take the Pivot listener survey

☎️ Submit a question or comment for future episodes

🎧 Make sure you’re subscribed wherever you listen to ‘casts

📝 Check out full show notes at http://pivotmethod.com/360

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

359: “You can’t give what you don’t have” — Expecting Greatness While Practicing Acceptance with Nataly Kogan

Sun, 28 Jan 2024 10:00:00 -0000

“You can’t give what you don’t have.” That’s just one of the powerful lessons that Nataly Kogan learned the hard way seven years ago, after suffering a debilitating phase of burnout. As a former refugee from the former Soviet Union, she began her American journey in the projects and on welfare, then going on to build an impressive career as a finance and tech executive and serial entrepreneur over the next 25 years. Until she crashed at thirty-eight years old and needed to find a new way of moving forward.

Today we’re talking about how she got through that tough burnout period, the ways she practices putting her full self into the world, why it’s never too late to start something new, and how to drop the self-care guilt when filling your own energy reserves.

More About Nataly: Nataly Kogan, a leading expert on emotional fitness and leadership, is a dynamic entrepreneur, best-selling author, and sought-after international keynote speaker. Despite starting from challenging circumstances, Nataly achieved remarkable success in her career, reaching top positions at McKinsey, Microsoft, a venture capital fund, and founding/executing five startups and tech companies.

Her influential books, including HAPPIER NOW, GRATITUDE DAILY, THE AWESOME HUMAN PROJECT, THE AWESOME HUMAN JOURNAL, reflect her mission to help others thrive. Nataly hosts The Awesome Human Podcast, recognized as a transformative "best-self hour."

🌟 3 Key Takeaways

You can either spend energy talking about why you are where you are, or spend that energy taking steps toward where you want to go.
Don’t try to be anything you’re not. Embody the fullness of who you are, boldly and openly. Part of the reason, Nataly says, is that “We don’t expect enough of ourselves; we are capable of so much. In some ways we don’t expect enough greatness from ourselves.”
You can’t give what you don’t have. A holon is something that is both a whole in itself (like a bicycle wheel) and part of another whole (the bicycle; without the wheels, it can’t function). Get rid of the self-care guilt by recognizing the gifts that self-care gives you.

✅ Try This Next

“Don’t let the leftovers of yesterday spoil the freshness of today.” Fill-in this sentence: I am an awesome human because: ______________.

🔗 Resources Mentioned

Nataly on the web, IG, Twitter, LinkedIn
Articles: Entrepreneur Nataly Kogan Discovered That Well-Being Is Key to Success
6 Science-Backed Ways to Improve Your Well-Being at Work
Malcolm Gladwell's O, MG newsletter on being instrumentally difficult versus malignantly difficult when referencing this much discussed and debated New Yorker profile of Succession actor Jeremy Strong.
Videos: TEDxBoston—Sharer of Joy: Nataly Kogan, Author Nataly Kogan Shares No. 1 Tip To Live A Happier Life
Tools: Procreate for iPad

📚 Books Mentioned

🎧 Related Episodes

Nataly’s The Awesome Human Podcast
Pivot: 282: The Honor Roll Hangover with Melody Wilding
Pivot x Career Pathfinder Series with Adrian (Spotify playlist)
329: Five Types of People-Pleasers from The Joy of Saying No with Natalie Lue
Free Time: 191: Structuring Free Time as a Single Parent while Grieving and Rebuilding with Karen Allen

📝 Check out full show notes at http://pivotmethod.com/359

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

358: Crossing the Cringe Chasm when Taking Career and Creative Risks with Henna Pryor

Sun, 21 Jan 2024 10:00:00 -0000

Bravery requires being off balance. You will only find the courage to “cross the cringe chasm” by remembering that the risk of losing your identity is greater than the risk of losing approval.

As today’s guest Henna Pryor writes in her wonderful debut book, Good Awkward:

“The idea of releasing this book into the world without knowing how you’ll receive it makes me cringe. But it makes me cringe even more to imagine walking through life as a person who doesn’t write and release the book that matters so much to her because she’s worried how it will land. Either one is a risk.”

The Approval Paradox that we all confront is that we are social, communal creatures; for most of us, what other people think of us does matter. And yet, we can’t allow others’ approval to outweigh whether we personally improve. Cheers to the real reel, and I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did! Awkward bits and all :)

More About Henna: Henna Pryor, PCC is a highly sought after Workplace Performance Expert and an award-winning keynote speaker, author, and executive coach. Her clients call her their “secret weapon for impossible change,” an honor she wears proudly. She’s known for her science-backed approach to improving the performance, habits, and actions of hungry high achievers – in her fun, no-nonsense, no-jargon way – to move them from their first level of success to their next one. Today we’re talking about her bestselling book, Good Awkward: How to Embrace the Embarrassing and Celebrate the Cringe to Become The Bravest You, which received the rare Kirkus Star for excellence in writing.

🌟 3 Key Takeaways

Awkwardness is a social emotion (we don’t normally feel it by ourselves), and it’s one of discomfort: there is a momentary gap between our internal identity (the person we want to be), and the person people see on display. Awkwardness lives in uncertainty.
Crossing the Cringe Chasm: Remember ICC—improvement comes after cringe. In these moments, if your self-improvement and even self-identity is more important to you than other people’s approval, it’s time to jump.
There are two main kinds of stories we tell about ourselves: “All of our stories tend to focus on standout events, both good and bad, because those are the experiences that shape us, that our brain uses to make sense of our lives. People who are driven to contribute to society, embrace friction, and take braver risks are more likely to tell redemption stories about their lives—transitioning from a bad situation or downturn to good end result or upturn. The opposite of a redemption story is a contamination story, interpreting the situation as going from good to bad.”

🔗 Resources Mentioned

Henna on the web, IG, Twitter, LinkedIn
Take the Self-Consciousness Scale: http://pryoritygroup.com/goodawkward
Articles: HuffPo—How To Embrace Your Inner Cringe And Make Awkwardness an Advantage
Research Studies: The Pratfall Effect, The Spotlight Effect
Rolling in D🤦🏻‍♀️h: The Business Yips and 51/49
Henna’s TEDx Talks: Why awkwardness is your secret weapon for risk-taking at work and The new way to brag in the modern world - and feel good doing it
Video: Vanessa Van Edwards interviewing Guy Raz—Successful People Can Be Awkward

📚 Books Mentioned

🎧 Related Episodes

📝 Check out full show notes at http://pivotmethod.com/358

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357: Addressing the Mental Health Challenges of Doing Humanitarian Work with Dimple Dhabalia

Sun, 14 Jan 2024 10:00:00 -0000

Holding space for thousands of others, primarily those who have experienced unspeakable trauma, is not for the faint of heart, nor should it be swept under the rug as simply par for the course of doing social work.

Today’s guest, Dimple Dhabalia has written a forthcoming book that’s part memoir, part manifesto—Tell Me My Story—Challenging the Narrative of Service Before Self—a must-read for humanitarian professionals. While working in the field in Zambia interviewing asylum-seekers from the Rwandan Genocide, she experienced autoimmune disease and recurring nightmares that she spent the last decade figuring out how to heal and solve for fellow service-oriented professionals.

In this conversation, Dimple shines an important light on what it’s really like to serve in this capacity, and how to do it sustainably. Only by addressing the debilitating side effects of burnout, compassion fatigue, and vicarious trauma, can humanitarian workers heal themselves while so generously serving others.

More About Dimple: Dimple Dhabalia is the founder of Roots in the Clouds, a boutique consulting firm specializing in using the power of story to heal individual and organizational trauma and moral injury. She is also a writer, podcaster, coach, and facilitator who brings over twenty years of public service experience working at the intersection of leadership, mindful awareness, and storytelling. Her first book, Tell Me My Story—Challenging the Narrative of Service Before Self launches in February 2024, and you can find her podcasts Service Without Sacrifice and What Would Ted Lasso Do? wherever you listen.

🌟 3 Key Takeaways

There are five nervous-system survival reactions: fight, flight, freeze, fix, and fake.
Moral injury: making choices that go against our own deeply held moral beliefs.
There is a five-step process for moving through service-oriented work more sustainably: shaping, surviving, seeing, shifting, and sharing.

✅ Try This Next

Notice one moment of your day where you’re trying to push through. Allow yourself to stop and take three nice, deep breaths. Come back and see how you feel.

🔗 Resources Mentioned

Dimple on the web, IG, Twitter, LinkedIn
Substack: Dear Humanitarian
Video: Leading Through Crisis—Human-Centered Leadership
Article: Why selectively muting your pain isn't an option
TV Show: Ted Lasso on Apple TV+
Kajal Dhabalia’s Wholesome Soul

📚 Books Mentioned

🎧 Related Episodes

Dimple’s podcasts: What Would Ted Lasso Do? and Service Without Sacrifice
Pivot: 173: Beautiful Questions for Challenging Times with Steve Morris
172: Self-Care for Empaths and HSPs with Sarah Santacroce
Free Time: 063: On Burnout and Business Intuition with Azul Terronez of Authors Who Lead

❤️ Enjoying the show? I'd be grateful for a rating and/or review! Even better? Share this episode with a friend :)

💌 Get my curated twice monthly PivotList newsletter

✍️ Connect with me on Substack: http://substack.com/@jennyblake

💻 Check out Pivot courses on LinkedIn Learning: Figuring Out Your Next Move, Holding 1:1 Career Conversations, Managing Introverts, Coaching New Hires, and Coaching New Managers

💬 I’d love to hear what’s on your mind! Take the Pivot listener survey

☎️ Submit a question or comment for future episodes

🎧 Make sure you’re subscribed wherever you listen to ‘casts

📝 Check out full show notes at http://pivotmethod.com/357

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

356: Four Brand Personas with Adam Chaloeicheep — Free Time Crossover (Part Two)

Sun, 07 Jan 2024 10:00:00 -0000

Are you running a Franken-Brand? A quick, inexpensive logo here. And then someone a few months later tries to write the brand strategy. And then another junior hire adds in graphics and you don’t even know where they came from. Suddenly, you have this brand that is cobbled together, and no one on the team is feeling compelled.

In part two of today’s Free Time crossover episode, returning guest Adam Chaloeicheep and I are diving into the four personas of clients who are ready to do brand work.

🌟 4 Brand Stages

Blank Canvas—You have a business idea and nothing else. A branding exercise is helpful at this stage because you’re getting down, on paper, the core of what this business is and how it’s showing up in the world. It’s a really nice opportunity to align from the very beginning in a brand-forward way, from the name, to the strategy, to the identity.
Jeckyll/Hyde—Your brand has only gotten you so far, and now it’s holding you back. You’ve got some traction, got something really special, but you are losing out on bigger opportunities and need that rebrand to launch your business to the next phase.
Frankenstein—Piecemeal elements from different contractors, but no cohesive strategy. You have a brand that is cobbled together, and no one on the team is feeling inspired by it. It’s confusing, not inspiring and everyone hates working with it because there’s no clear way in how to use it.
Tune-up—The foundational strategy is strong, now there is an opportunity to see what is out of date, what elements can be refreshed or tightened up.

✅ Try This Next

Sit with one of the creative questions from Together Agency’s client intake/exploration survey: What texture is your brand? If your brand were a plant, which one would it be? A song?

🔗 Resources Mentioned

Adam on the web, IG, Twitter, LinkedIn
Agency: Together, Instagram, LinkedIn
Together Portfolio: Free Time Brand Strategy
Substacks: Mind Brew, Re:Brand
Articles: Free Time feature in Print Magazine, Activate Your Brand: From Idea to Reality, Missing Missy, Worst Client Comments Turned Into Posters
Feature: Free Time brand on Behance’s Illustrator homepage
Jenny’s Substack: Rolling in D🤦🏻‍♀️h, Rebuilding from Rubble
Apparel: my favorite cozy cashmere sweats by Naadam
Tools: Upwork, Behance, Canva, Working Not Working, ChatGPT, Substack

📚 Books Mentioned

🎧 Related Episodes

❤️ Enjoying the show? I'd be grateful for a rating and/or review! Even better? Share this episode with a friend :)

💌 Get my curated twice monthly PivotList newsletter

✍️ Connect with me on Substack: http://substack.com/@jennyblake

💻 Check out Pivot courses on LinkedIn Learning: Figuring Out Your Next Move, Holding 1:1 Career Conversations, Managing Introverts, Coaching New Hires, and Coaching New Managers

💬 I’d love to hear what’s on your mind! Take the Pivot listener survey

☎️ Submit a question or comment for future episodes

🎧 Make sure you’re subscribed wherever you listen to ‘casts

📝 Check out full show notes at http://pivotmethod.com/356

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

355: Building a Brand Strategy from Scratch with Adam Chaloeicheep — Free Time Crossover (Part One)

Sun, 31 Dec 2023 10:00:00 -0000

What do a flying money emoji, a stray takeaway coffee cup, and a heart have in common? Those were the starting clues I brought to Adam Chaloeicheep and his cofounder Marisol at Together Agency before starting work on the Free Time brand—as now expressed in my latest podcast, website, and book.

This is a two-part crossover from the Free Time podcast; this episode originally aired in November 2021. We’re discussing the strategic thinking that goes into brand strategy long before the visual assets are produced, the biggest misconceptions clients have about the investment and process, and why brand is so important for a business.

More About Adam: Adam Chaloeicheep is co-founder of Together agency with his wife, Marisol Dahl, who I had the great pleasure of working with for five years in the early days of JBE. Adam is a creative business leader with over a decade of experience in a variety of startup areas including product and service concepting, building teams, operations, and brand-focused design and digital solutions.

He is one of my closest friends (12 years and counting!), and a creative business leader with over a decade of experience in product and service concepting, building teams, and brand strategy. Together Agency is behind every big brand I have launched into the world including Pivot and Free Time.

✅ Try This Next

Sit with one of the creative questions from Together Agency’s client intake/exploration survey: What texture is your brand? If your brand were a plant, which one would it be? A song?

🔗 Resources Mentioned

Adam on the web, IG, Twitter, LinkedIn
Agency: Together, Instagram, LinkedIn
Together Portfolio: Free Time Brand Strategy
Substacks: Mind Brew, Re:Brand
Articles: Free Time feature in Print Magazine, Activate Your Brand: From Idea to Reality, recent feature on Behance
Jenny’s Substack: Rolling in D🤦🏻‍♀️h
Tools: Upwork, Behance, Canva, Working Not Working, ChatGPT, Substack

📚 Books Mentioned

🎧 Related Episodes

Pivot: 12: Belly of the Pivot Beast: On Bouncing Back from Zero with Adam Chaloeicheep
Free Time: 005: Brand Obsessed with Emily Heyward

❤️ Enjoying the show? I'd be grateful for a rating and/or review! Even better? Share this episode with a friend :)

💌 Get my curated twice monthly PivotList newsletter

✍️ Connect with me on Substack: http://substack.com/@jennyblake

💻 Check out Pivot courses on LinkedIn Learning: Figuring Out Your Next Move, Holding 1:1 Career Conversations, Managing Introverts, Coaching New Hires, and Coaching New Managers

💬 I’d love to hear what’s on your mind! Take the Pivot listener survey

☎️ Submit a question or comment for future episodes

🎧 Make sure you’re subscribed wherever you listen to ‘casts

📝 Check out full show notes at http://pivotmethod.com/355

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

354: How Do You “Un-Rut” Yourself? Live Show with Adrian Klaphaak

Sun, 24 Dec 2023 10:00:00 -0000

How do you “un-rut” yourself? If you want to say yes to exploring a pivot, what do you need to say no to? What's the secret dream? These are just some of the questions that recurring guest host Adrian Klaphaak and I answer in today’s live Pivot podcast taping.

Are you looking for a little support and guidance on finding your purpose, or best next step? Check out Adrian’s Career Pathfinder Program and apply promo code PIVOT for a special offer on his group training. If you’d like to work with him 1:1, he just opened up a few new spots—book a free consultation here.

More about Adrian: Adrian Klaphaak is a coach, purpose guide, entrepreneur, and founder of A Path That Fits Career and Life Coaching. His coaching approach is holistic—a constant balance between getting results and a quest for meaning and fulfillment. He describes himself as “a deep seeker with a constant itch to make things happen.”

💬 Quotes

"But it's no use now," thought poor Alice, "to pretend to be two people! Why, there's hardly enough of me left to make one respectable person!"

—Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland

“The deeper that sorrow carves into your being, the more joy you can contain.

Is not the cup that holds your wine the very cup that was burned in the potter’s oven?”

—Kahlil Gibran, The Prophet—On Joy and Sorrow

🌟 Questions We Tackle

Who are you ready to stop pretending to be?
How do you know when you need to pivot versus chasing shiny objects?
How do you measure and even define success when you go out on your own?
How do you un-rut yourself when you’re stuck?

✅ Try This Next

Let yourself be moved by genuine, embodied, resonant excitement. Put yourself in the room with your experiments.

🔗 Resources Mentioned

Adrian on the web, Yelp, Facebook, LinkedIn
Course: Career Pathfinder, promo code PIVOT
Video: Finding Your Calling
Substacks: Rolling in D🤦🏻‍♀️h, Intuitive Writing School
Articles: Taffy Brodesser-Ackner
Tools: Substack, ChatGPT
Song: You Can’t Rush Your Healing by Trevor Hall

📚 Books Mentioned

Intuitive Writing by Jacqueline Fisch
The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron
Outrageous Openness by Tosha Silver
Free Time: Lose the Busywork, Love Your Business
Pivot: The Only Move That Matters Is Your Next One
Life After College

🎧 Related Episodes

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353: Pain, Purpose, and Portals—Pivoting from Massage Therapist to Coach with John O'Connor

Sun, 17 Dec 2023 10:00:00 -0000

“You have to condition your nervous system to feel free, to access and hold that state, no matter the context.”

In this conversation, we talk about leadership advisor John O’Connor’s pivot from masseuse to executive coach. He shares strategies for listening to your true calling, which often emerges from friction and frustration, and how those manifest physically in our bodies. John describes how we can tune into yearnings in different dimensions such as health, finances, relationships, community, and business; and how to create portals for new opportunities while noticing who is already orbiting around you.

More About John: John O’Connor is a leadership advisor to high performers looking to go deeper, find their calling, and align with their higher purpose. With over 10,000 hours under his belt coaching CEO’s, social impact entrepreneurs, athletes and post-exit founders, he is skilled at guiding people to uncover the things that are blocking them from creating a sense of freedom and fulfillment.

🌟 3 Key Takeaways

Calling often emerges out of friction and frustration, and can manifest physically. Reflect: what’s the desire under the frustration?
Swap out the word purpose with: What is meaningful? And what is most important? What are the most meaningful, important dimensions of life? What wants to emerge? What wants to come through my life in each dimension?
The Core Five: Health and wellness, finances, intimate relationships, community, business. In each of those, there is a calling—something that wants to come through, a yearning.

✅ Try This Next: When you find yourself complaining or irritated by something, honor how you’ve been, i.e. “The way this is happening doesn’t work for me.” That’s how it has been; then ask, “How would I like it to be different?” What are the three to five steps to make that happen? Write it down, and remember: you’re only a few simple moves away.

🔗 Resources Mentioned

John on the web, IG, Twitter, LinkedIn
The ManKind Project

📚 Books Mentioned

Healing Back Pain: The Mind-Body Connection by John Sarno
The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles by Steven Pressfield & Shawn Coyne
Free Time: Lose the Busywork, Love Your Business
Pivot: The Only Move That Matters Is Your Next One
Life After College

🎧 Related Episodes

❤️ Enjoying the show? I'd be grateful for a rating and/or review! Even better? Share this episode with a friend :)

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352: “A Goal Should Not Be a Chore” — How to Set Aspirational Pull Goals with Ayelet Fishbach

Sun, 10 Dec 2023 10:00:00 -0000

It is a mistake to frame motivation as a muscle, according to today’s guest, Dr. Ayalet Fischbach. If you set your goals well, they will pull you like a magnet. In this conversation, we cover why numerical goals can backfire, the best practices for choosing a goal, how to monitor progress and cope with setbacks, and why social support is critical.

More About Ayelet: Ayelet Fishbach, PhD, is the Jeffrey Breakenridge Keller Professor of Behavioral Science and Marketing at the University of Chicago, Booth School of Business, and the author of GET IT DONE: Surprising Lessons from the Science of Motivation. She is the past president of the Society for the Science of Motivation and the International Social Cognition Network. She is an expert on motivation and decision making.

🌟 3 Key Takeaways

A powerful goal defines an aspirational state, not the means to get there.
It’s a mistake to frame motivation as a muscle: If you set the goal right, it will pull you; it shouldn’t feel like a chore.
There are three traps to watch out for: framing it as a means to another goal instead of the end goal itself; setting a goal that is too specific or concrete instead of an abstract goal; and setting a goal in terms of something to avoid rather than something you wish to approach.

✅ Try This Next

Set one aspirational goal for the year ahead, emphasizing your ideal state (rather than the outcome, or what you’re trying to avoid).

🔗 Resources Mentioned

Ayelet on the web, IG, Twitter, LinkedIn
Articles: Ayelet’s OpEds
Video: TED—4 Proven Ways to Kick Your Procrastination Habit

📚 Books Mentioned

Get it Done by Ayelet Fishbach
How to Change by Katy Milkman
Ruff Love by Susan Garrett
The Messy Middle by Scott Belsky
Free Time: Lose the Busywork, Love Your Business
Pivot: The Only Move That Matters Is Your Next One
Life After College

🎧 Related Episodes

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📝 Check out full show notes at http://pivotmethod.com/352

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351: The Ultimate Guide to Great Mentorship with Scott Jeffrey Miller

Sun, 03 Dec 2023 10:00:00 -0000

Are you falling into “accidental jerk” mode while mentoring others without realizing it? Today’s guest, Scott Jeffrey Miller, is sharing nuances of mentoring that you have likely never considered. What it means to truly validate someone (with an example that made me blush!), how to set boundaries with your time and expectations, the thirteen different roles mentors can play, and his delightful six-step process for closing out with mentees.

More About Scott: Scott Jeffrey Miller is a sought-after speaker, WSJ-bestselling author, and podcast host. He currently serves as FranklinCovey’s senior advisor on thought leadership. Prior to his advisory role, Scott was a twenty-five-year FranklinCovey associate, serving as the Chief Marketing Officer and Executive Vice President. He is host of On Leadership With Scott Miller, and today we’re talking about his latest book, The Ultimate Guide to Great Mentorship: 13 Roles to Making a True Impact.

🌟 3 Key Takeaways

The 13 roles mentors can play (not mutually exclusive) are: The Revealer, The Boundary Setter, The Absorber, The Questioner, The Challenger, The Validator, The Navigator, The Visionary, The Flagger, The Distiller, The Activator, The Connector, and The Closer.
Don’t be an accidental jerk: The session and mentoring relationship are not about you! You are not your mentee. Don’t dominate the sessions by talking too much, or lean too heavily on advice-giving.
Scott’s 6-Step Close-Out Process: Revisit where your mentee started, share funny/tender learnings about their growth, re-identify and communicate go-forward commitments, resurface worthy concepts that were closed or tabled, celebrate the wins and learn from the losses, recap your confidence in them and outline any areas of potential support.
There are important differences between coaches, mentors, managers, allies, champions, and sponsors: Coaching is a profession; you have a process and a pedagogy. Mentors are usually in a leadership position; marshaling their wisdom for the benefit of someone else; it’s mission-centric and pro-bono, a little more informal. Allies and champions know how trustworthy you are, can recommend you for roles.

✅ Try This Next

Help your mentee clarify their goals of what they are really trying to accomplish. Be hyper-aware of what it’s like to be mentored by you. Bonus: Create a hand-crafted certificate of completion, from the heart, for the next mentee who closes out with you. As Scott writes, “I’m totally serious. Don’t download a certificate from some site. Draw one. With markers and crayons and illustrate what you’re certifying them in—what specifically you’re awarding them with.”

🔗 Resources Mentioned

Scott on the web, IG, Twitter, LinkedIn
Articles: Scott’s Inc.com column

📚 Books Mentioned

The Ultimate Guide to Great Mentorship by Scott Jeffrey Miller
The Road Less Stupid by Keith Cunningham
Your Next Five Moves by Patrick Bet-David
The Advice Trap by Michael Bungay Stanier
Free Time: Lose the Busywork, Love Your Business
Pivot: The Only Move That Matters Is Your Next One
Life After College

🎧 Related Episodes

On Leadership with Scott Miller: Your Next Five Moves with Patrick Bet-David
Pivot: 026: Tame the Advice Monster with Michael Bungay Stanier
Free Time: 057: You+ vs. You 2.0 with MBS

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350: The Simple Yet Powerful Three-Word Phrase that Shifts My Day

Sun, 26 Nov 2023 10:00:00 -0000

A short-and-sweet solo episode for you today on the three little words that instantly shift my mood from heavy obligation toward light, joyful action. Every time I remember to say this phrase, it’s like opening a window in a stuffy room—suddenly, there's space, air, and light.

🌟 3 Key Takeaways

See tasks as opportunities, not burdens: What within them are you grateful for? What are your reasons for doing them in the first place?
This phrase helps with three things: stress reduction—viewing tasks as opportunities lowers anxiety; increased motivation—hen we feel fortunate to do something, we're more energized to do it; and a happiness boost, as gratitude is a direct path to joy.
**If there is no possible way to shift, maybe it is time to stop doing that thing altogether. If certain activities are draining you, dragging you down, say no. If you can’t yet say no—at least not now—find the reasons you are sticking with them, and keep those top of mind.

✅ Try This Next

What’s one thing you’re dreading, procrastinating on, or avoiding this week? What happens when you shift your mindset from “I have to” toward “I get to”? Does anything feel lighter or freer?

🔗 Resources Mentioned

Articles: ✍️ Connect with me on Substack

📚 Books Mentioned

🎧 Related Episodes

❤️ Enjoying the show? I'd be grateful for a rating and/or review! Even better? Share this episode with a friend :)

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349: Embracing Doubt and Going for “Good-Enough” Work with Simone Stolzoff

Sun, 19 Nov 2023 10:00:00 -0000

As relationship expert Ester Perel says, “Too many people bring the best of themselves to work, and bring the leftovers home.” This is one of several notions that sparked today’s guest, Simone Stolzoff, to reconsider his relationship to work. We’re talking about his unique approach to researching his new book, The Good Enough Job, interviewing over 100 primarily white-collar workers, but only featuring nine stories in depth. His goal is that you’ll treat this book—and our conversations—less like a textbook and more like a mirror. “I hope [it] prompts you, as writing it did for me, to examine your own relationship to your job.”

More About Simone: Simone Stolzoff is an independent journalist and consultant from San Francisco. A former design lead at the global innovation firm IDEO, he regularly works with leaders—from the Surgeon General of the United States to the Chief Talent Officer at Google—on how to make the workplace more human-centered. His feature writing on the intersection of labor and Silicon Valley has appeared in The Atlantic, WIRED, The San Francisco Chronicle, and numerous other publications. Today we’re talking about his new book, The Good Enough Job: Reclaiming Life from Work.

🌟 3 Key Takeaways

If all your needs were met, what would you do with your life? How might that inform the work you do to get paid versus the activities that nourish your spirit?
Michael Norton at HBR asks millionaires two questions: How happy are you on a scale of 1 to 10? And how much more money would you need to get to a 10 out of 10? Regardless of whether people had $1 or $2 or $5 million, respondents all answered the same way: that they’ll be happier when they have two to three times more money than they have now.
You may still experience grief even if you’re making a decision that can be a better path for you in the future.

✅ Try This Next

Consider how your identity is shaped by the people you are surrounded by. Find communities that can reinforce an identity of yours beyond the commercial value you contribute to the world, beyond your professional life. What group/s can you join where what you do for work doesn’t matter to them at all? (Think intramural sports or even time outside with pets :)

🔗 Resources Mentioned

Simone on the web, IG, Twitter, LinkedIn
Simone’s Substack: Simone Stolzoff
Articles: NYT—Please Don’t Call My Job a Calling

📚 Books Mentioned

The Good Enough Job: Reclaiming Life from Work by Simone Stolzoff
The Pathless Path: Imagining a New Story for Work and Life by Paul Millerd
Free Time: Lose the Busywork, Love Your Business
Pivot: The Only Move That Matters Is Your Next One
Life After College

🎧 Related Episodes

Pivot x RadReads: Conversations with Khe Hy (Spotify Playlist)
Pivot: 341: Pivoting From Prestigious Consulting Jobs To The Pathless Path With Paul Millerd
321: ChatGPT as Universal Intern and Excellent Advice for Living with Kevin Kelly
Free Time: 203: 🎢 Riding the Emotional Rollercoaster of Launching with Natalie Lue
205: Why Paul Millerd Turned Down a $200K Two-Book Traditional Publishing Deal

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📝 Check out full show notes at http://pivotmethod.com/349

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348: How to Experience More Everyday Awe with Dacher Keltner

Sun, 12 Nov 2023 10:00:00 -0000

“The evolution of our species built into our brains and bodies an emotion, our species-defining passion, that enables us to wonder together about the great questions of living.”

That’s just one of many illuminating conclusions that researcher Dr. Dacher Keltner discovered in his scientific studies of awe. In this conversation, you’ll learn about the eight wonders of life, how to experience more everyday awe (and take yourself on awe walks), and what’s behind our current crisis of meaning.

As Dacher writes, “Our experiences of awe hint at faint answers to these perennial questions and move us to wander toward the mysteries and wonders of life.”

More About Dacher: Dr. Dacher Keltner is a professor of psychology at the University of California, Berkeley and the faculty director of the UC Berkeley Greater Good Science Center. A renowned expert in the biological and evolutionary origins of human emotion, Dr. Keltner studies the science of compassion, awe, love, and beauty, and how emotions shape our moral intuition. His research interests also span issues of power, status, inequality, and social class.

He is the author of the best-selling book Born to Be Good: The Science of a Meaningful Life and of The Compassionate Instinct, and today we are talking about his most recent book, AWE: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life. Dacher is also the host of the award-winning podcast, The Science of Happiness.

🌟 3 Key Takeaways

8 wonders of life: moral beauty (the strength, courage, overcoming, and kindness of others); collective effervescence; nature; music; visual design; mysticism (spiritual and religious); stories of life and death; and epiphanies.
Everyday awe: In our daily lives, we most frequently feel awe in encounters with moral beauty, and secondarily in nature and in experiences with music, art, and film.
The big idea of awe: We are part of systems larger than the self. “Awe is about knowing, sensing, seeing and understanding fundamental truths, and leads to epiphanies across the eight wonders of life—transforming how we see the essential nature of the world.”

✅ Try This Next—Go on an Awe Walk:

Tap into your childlike sense of wonder. Try to approach what you see with fresh eyes, imagining that you're seeing it for the first time. Take a moment in each walk to take in the vastness of things, for example in looking at a panoramic view or up close at the detail of a leaf or flower.
Go somewhere new. Each week, try to choose a new location. You're more likely to feel awe in a novel environment where the sights and sounds are unexpected and unfamiliar to you. That said, some places never seem to get old, so there's nothing wrong with revisiting your favorite spots if you find that they consistently fill you with awe. The key is to recognize new features of the same old place.
What’s mysterious around me? What’s the deeper story of what I’m perceiving?

🔗 Resources Mentioned

Dacher on the web and LinkedIn (No Twitter and IG accounts)
Video: The Diary of a CEO—The “Happy Life” Scientist (YouTube Video)
Articles: NYT—How a Bit of Awe Can Improve Your Health

📚 Books Mentioned

🎧 Related Episodes

Dacher’s podcast: The Science of Happiness
On Being with Krista Tippett: Dacher Keltner on the Thrilling New Science of Awe
Pivot: 292: Fun as the Ultimate Flow State with Catherine Price
Free Time: 170: 🌈 “Imagine a World of Abundance” ✨

📝 Check out full show notes at http://pivotmethod.com/348

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347: Claim Your Bragging Rights—From Hidden Gems to Halo Effects with Lisa Bragg

Sun, 05 Nov 2023 10:00:00 -0000

“By trying to appeal to everyone, you appeal to no one,” writes Lisa Bragg. “Instead of broadcasting, think of narrowcasting.” The clue to today’s conversation is in her name, an idea she grew up grappling with: to brag (or not).

“Hidden gems” are often told to work in the background or “be so great they can’t ignore you.” But the world is just too noisy for that now. Lisa is sharing how we can “shimmer with pride” gracefully, without veering into obnoxious braggadociousness (yes, I just made that word up).

More About Lisa: Living with the name Bragg, Lisa has had to master the art and science of self promotion. She’s seen when being too humble has cost international deals and when bragging right has unlocked opportunities leading to untold fortunes. Lisa helps high-achievers of all sorts to be seen, heard and share their value with the world. Her book, Bragging Rights: How to Talk about Your Work Using Purposeful Self Promotion, launched in May.

🌟 3 Key Takeaways

Self-Promotion Myths: Your work speaks for yourself; cream rises to the top; and if you wait for it, you will be chosen.
Bragging Rights Strategy: How are you? Who are you? Who do you serve? What do you know? Who do you know? Who knows you? What’s next?
Own your knowledgeable authority: You can be influential by having a point of view and articulating it, either as a: knowledge broker (curating ideas with a central theme), expert (developing your own thought-leadership), and/or visionary (seeing around corners or into the future and communicating a distinct vision).

✅ Try This Next: Journal on the following prompts—When do you wish you had been bolder? Reflect on a time you were bold. What happened? Bonus: Start your brag book—capture kudos that you didn’t get, compliments you want, “keeper” emails people have sent you (a smile file).

🔗 Resources Mentioned

Lisa on the web, IG, Twitter, LinkedIn

📚 Books Mentioned

🎧 Related Episodes

Lisa’s podcast: Bold(h)er: Stories of and for Women Who Stand Out, for BMO for Women.
Pivot: 293: Are You Saying Yes to Spaghetti-Throwers? and 013: Upside of Being Invisible with David Zweig
Free Time: 196: 🍩 What Do Donuts, Coffee, Conversation, and Energy Cliffs Have in Common? (My Mini Daily Audio Diary from Attending TED 2023)

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📝 Check out full show notes at http://pivotmethod.com/347

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346: Finding Clarity While Navigating Change with Marc Lesser

Sun, 29 Oct 2023 09:00:00 -0000

“If it’s not a paradox, it’s not true.” So says today’s guest Marc Lesser, long-time mindfulness teacher and business leader. In his latest book, he considers what would happen if Homer Simpson, the Buddha, and Alice in Wonderland walked into a proverbial bar. How would each react to tricky situations? What would be the integrated way forward? We also talk about being asked to leave his previous company, Brush Dance, after fifteen years and how he navigated a new phase of his career as a result.

More About Marc: Marc Lesser is a speaker, facilitator, workshop leader, and executive coach. He is the author of five books, including the Zen of Business Administration, and his latest, Finding Clarity: How Compassionate Accountability Builds Vibrant Relationships, Thriving Workplaces, and Meaningful Lives. Marc’s podcast Zen Bones: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Times features interviews, supportive tools for creating more meaningful work, and potent mindfulness practices to develop yourself, influence your organization, and change the world.

🌟 3 Key Takeaways

Humans have evolved to be anxious and dissatisfied (two distinct purposes of evolution to stay alive and to pass on our genes). During meditation practice, or throughout your day, ask yourself: What does it feel like, in my body, to be satisfied? To not need or want anything?
“There are even gaps in our efforts to close all these gaps between what we want and what is. Very little goes exactly as we might want it to, and if it ever does, that doesn’t last long.”
Wholeheartedness as the cure for exhaustion. As David Whyte says, “The antidote to exhaustion isn’t rest. The antidote to exhaustion is wholeheartedness.”

✅ Try This Next

The next time you feel anxious or stressed, try flipping your thoughts with these two prompts: “The story I’m telling myself is…” followed by “The story I want to live by…”

🔗 Resources Mentioned

Marc on the web, IG: @marclesser, Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook
Articles: Stop Giving Away Your Power, Cutting Through Frustration, Surprise Yourself, “The World is Its Own Magic” (a quote by Shunryu Suzuki in Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind)
TEDxPresidio: Leadership, Attention, Focus

📚 Books Mentioned

Marc’s books: Finding Clarity, Know Yourself, Forget Yourself and Z.B.A: Zen of Business Administration
Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind by Shunryu Suzuki
Search Inside Yourself: The Unexpected Path to Achieving Success, Happiness (and World Peace) by Chaede-Meng Tan
Free Time: Lose the Busywork, Love Your Business
Pivot: The Only Move That Matters Is Your Next One
Life After College

🎧 Related Episodes

❤️ Enjoying the show? I'd be grateful for a rating and/or review! Even better? Share this episode with a friend :)

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📝 Check out full show notes at http://pivotmethod.com/346

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345: How Are We Holding Ourselves Back? with Adrian Klaphaak of Career Pathfinder

Sun, 22 Oct 2023 09:00:00 -0000

How are you holding yourself back? From the whispers of your soul, your deepest power and purpose, from your highest calling? That’s what we’re diving into in today’s tenth (!) Pivot x Career Pathfinder series podcast episodes with Adrian Klaphaak.

You’re invited! Join us live for the next recording session on November 7 at 1:30 p.m. ET — ask questions in the chat or if you’re feeling brave, come off of mute to be in the coaching hot seat :) Register to join us here »

🌟 7+ Ways We Hold Ourselves Back from our Calling

Obligation, doing what we should
Being overly practical
Looking for perfection
Fear of failure
Doubting our abilities or undervaluing them
Not having enough time
Staying in our comfort zone
What would you add?

✅ Try This Next

Ask yourself: How am I holding myself back from finding my calling? Write about it, be honest about it. Next: What will you do differently as a result of this awareness?

🔗 Resources Mentioned

Adrian on the web, Yelp, Facebook, LinkedIn
Course: Career Pathfinder, promo code PIVOT
Video: Finding Your Calling
Articles: Pulling the Thread—How’s the Wanting Going?, The Free Press—You Can Be Addicted to Weed. I Was When I Was Twelve.
JB’s Rolling in D🤦🏻‍♀️h: The Business Yips & 51/49, Ignore the Odds
Tools: Substack app

📚 Books Mentioned

Write for Life by Julia Cameron
Free Time: Lose the Busywork, Love Your Business
Pivot: The Only Move That Matters Is Your Next One
Life After College

🎧 Related Episodes

Pivot: Pivot x Career Pathfinder podcast episodes with Adrian (Spotify playlist)
Free Time: 223: The Confidence Trap: Why You Don’t Need It to Do Big Things (SPARKED Crossover)

❤️ Enjoying the show? I'd be grateful for a rating and/or review! Even better? Share this episode with a friend :)

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📝 Check out full show notes at http://pivotmethod.com/345

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344: Navigating Workquakes in a Post-Career World with Bruce Feiler

Sun, 15 Oct 2023 09:00:00 -0000

Two-thirds of Americans say they’re unhappy with their work (70%), and three-quarters say they plan to look for new work over the next year—that’s 100 million Americans. Today’s guest breaks down what’s behind these workquakes; why they are happening more frequently; how he navigated a major “pile-up” in his 40s of death, disease, and financial disaster; ghost jobs; and the most powerful question you can ask yourself about what’s next.

More About Bruce: Bruce Feiler is the author of seven New York Times bestsellers, including Life Is in the Transitions, The Secrets of Happy Families, and The Council of Dads, and his newest book, The Search: Finding Meaningful Work in a Post-Career World. His three TED talks have been viewed more than four million times, and he teaches the TED course How to Master Life Transitions. A native of Savannah, Georgia, Bruce lives in Brooklyn with his wife, Linda Rottenberg, and their twin daughters.

🌟 3 Key Takeaways

Workquakes happen every 2.5 years; 55% begin outside of the workplace; the average person goes through 20 in the course of their lives
One of his favorite questions to ask work story subjects is, “Did you get a piece of advice from someone?” Three-fourths of people were given a variation of: listen to yourself. Do what you’re already thinking about doing, the answer is already within you. Give yourself permission to follow that.
Conduct a personal archeology: “The happiest people don’t just climb, they dig.” Look at lessons you learned about work from your family (upsides and downsides), what you loved as a child, role models you had growing up, what your parents and grandparents did for work and the values they held around family, work, and money.

✅ Try This Next

Write the rough draft of of the next chapter of your work story with Bruce’s template:

In this transition, I’ve realized that I want to be the kind of person who _________.
I want to do work that _________.
I’m at a moment in my life when _________.
I want to be in a place that _________.
My purpose right now is _________.
The best advice I have for myself right now is _________.

🔗 Resources Mentioned

Bruce on the web, IG, Twitter, Facebook
Newsletter: The Nonlinear Life
Articles: ‘The Search’ Review: Rethinking the Rules of Success, The Stories That Bind Us, Narrative Psychology, New York Magazine—Gail Sheehy (from the archives)
TED talks: The Council of Dads, Agile Programming — for Your Family, The Secret to Mastering Life’s Biggest Transitions
Service: Our Story Bridge

📚 Books Mentioned

🎧 Related Episodes

goop: Gwyneth Paltrow x Bruce Feiler: Are You in a Workquake?
Pivot: 168: Penney on Pandemic Opening Our Collective Pandora's Box (Part 1), 169: Penney on Pandemic Opening Our Collective Pandora's Box (Part 2), Penney & Jenny 8: Embracing Liminal Space (check out the full Penney & Jenny Show on Spotify)
Free Time: 138: ⛵️Stop Sailing the Sea of Shiny Shoulds

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343: 🥳 Five Questions and Attempted Answers for My 40th Birthday

Sun, 08 Oct 2023 09:00:00 -0000

I love celebrating big milestones here on the pod, so in honor of my 40th birthday tomorrow, I decided to do something a little different for today's solo episode.

In lieu of a “40 things I’ve learned in 40 years listicle,” since I am only sure of less as time passes, I asked my husband Michael if he could think of four questions for me to answer. He threw in a bonus in the middle that nearly made me spit out my coffee :)

🌟 Michael’s Five Questions

In this new world full of daily disasters, how do you find the courage to be vulnerable?
Systems play a big role in freeing up your time. What is THE system you implemented that had the most significant positive impact on your life?
Do you still love Tim Ferriss more than me? Why or why not? (See also: Michael’s googley-eyed book signing interaction at SXSW)
What are you most looking forward to in this new decade of your life?
Who are the 3 people, dead or alive you’d love to have on your podcasts?

🔗 Resources Mentioned

Articles: Oprah.com—What is Your Happiness Formula? (Jenny’s guest post after Pivot launched!) and The Oprah Winfrey Show Finale. Quote mentioned:

"I've talked to nearly 30,000 people on this show, and all 30,000 had one thing in common: They all wanted validation. If I could reach through this television and sit on your sofa or sit on a stool in your kitchen right now, I would tell you that every single person you will ever meet shares that common desire. They want to know: 'Do you see me? Do you hear me? Does what I say mean anything to you?’”

Newsletter: Tim Ferriss’ Five-Bullet Friday
Coffee: Tim’s and I also love my monthly surprise bag via Trade
Rolling in D🤦🏻‍♀️h: Fearing the Other Shoe—Part One, Part Two; Getaway Car
The Mount in Lenox, MA (Edith Wharton’s Estate)
Loom Video: Walkthrough of Jenny’s Idea Collection bucket (Notion)
Tools: Readwise, Notion, Done-for-you Free Time Operations Dashboard, Substack

📚 Books Mentioned

Building a Second Brain by Tiago Forte
The 4-Hour Workweek by Tim Ferriss
Letters to a Young Poet by Rainer Maria Rilke
Three Novels of New York: The House of Mirth, The Custom of the Country, The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton
Free Time: Lose the Busywork, Love Your Business
Pivot: The Only Move That Matters Is Your Next One
Life After College

🎧 Related Episodes

✍️ Connect with me on Substack: http://substack.com/@jennyblake

❤️ Enjoying the show? I'd be grateful for a rating and/or review! Even better? Share this episode with a friend :)

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💻 Check out Pivot courses on LinkedIn Learning: Figuring Out Your Next Move, Holding 1:1 Career Conversations, Managing Introverts, Coaching New Hires, and Coaching New Managers

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☎️ Submit a question or comment for future episodes

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📝 Check out full show notes at http://pivotmethod.com/343

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342: “Whatever Comes Through Me Comes for Me First,” with Nicole Antoinette

Sun, 01 Oct 2023 09:00:00 -0000

“So many things in my past were painful because I stayed on too long.” How do you know when it’s time to say goodbye to something, no matter how good it may seem or how hard it is to leave? For today’s guest, Nicole Antoinette, staying too long created a pattern of “scorched earth change,” where dramatic moves became the only way out.

In this conversation, we discuss where she thinks the creator economy is heading, why she shut down her successful Patreon, and how she makes tough decisions about what to leave behind: whether it’s a romantic relationship, a job, a friendship, alcohol, or one of her biggest income streams.

More About Nicole: Nicole Antoinette is a writer, long-distance hiker, and former indoor kid who never imagined she’d wind up spending months of each year pooping in the woods. In 2017, stuck in a loop of codependency and people-pleasing, Nicole set off to find her self-belief and inner resilience by doing something she did not for one second believe she could actually do. The results are two adventure memoirs, How To Be Alone: An 800-mile hike on the Arizona Trail, and What We Owe to Ourselves, and a weekly newsletter on Substack called Wild Letters.

🌟 3 Key Takeaways

Think of your creative light on a dimmer switch: Is your work helping you feel alive and vibrant? Notice when the dimmer starts going down. As Nicole says, “I start have a sense that the heat or light is leaving something, I am not as energetically pulled any longer.”
Dig deeper to break the burnout cycle: While in a period of creative recovery, consider not just what a more sustainable business model looks like, but a more regenerative one.
Just because you can handle something, doesn’t mean it’s what is best for you. “Over and over again, I have been shown that wanting to change is reason enough, wanting to walk away from something is reason enough,” Nicole says. “98 plus percent of the time, it's not that I don't know what I want, it's just that it's easier to say I don't know than it is to say, ‘I know exactly what I want, but I'm afraid that I can't have it, or I don't know how to get it.’”

✅ Try This Next: Break out of the all-or-nothing mindset. Give yourself permission to end things early, with grace—and no other “good” reason than you want to—before you reach “scorched earth” burn-it-all-down mode from staying too long.

🔗 Resources Mentioned

Nicole on the web, IG: @nic.antoinette
Substack: Wild Letters
Adventure writing: Backpacking Books
Patreon: Honest Conversation Club
Coworking: Get Sh*t Done Club
Jenny’s BFF Community

📚 Books Mentioned

🎧 Related Episodes

❤️ Enjoying the show? I'd be grateful for a rating and/or review! Even better? Share this episode with a friend :)

📝 Check out full show notes at http://pivotmethod.com/342

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341: Pivoting from Prestigious Consulting Jobs to the Pathless Path with Paul Millerd

Sun, 24 Sep 2023 09:00:00 -0000

“I was in the wrong environment, playing the wrong game . . . so I started self-sabotaging.”

That’s how today’s guest, Paul Millerd, knew it was time to opt out of conventional thinking about his career, and turn slowly but deliberately in a new direction. In this conversation we talk about how important it is to define enough, develop an immunity to what other people are doing, and his mantra, “coming alive over getting ahead.”

Be sure to listen to our Free Time conversation 205: Why Paul Millerd Turned Down a $200K Two-Book Traditional Publishing Deal, and our conversation for Paul’s podcast, Pathless Path on 156: Saying "no" to something good.

More About Paul: Paul Millerd is an independent writer, freelancer, coach, and digital creator. He is the author of The Pathless Path: Imagining a New Story for Work and Life, in which he explores the invisible scripts that constrain our lives. He is also the host of The Pathless Path podcast where he talks with the most interesting people on unconventional paths**.**

🌟 3 Key Takeaways

Be wary of the achievement narrative: If you don’t define “enough” for yourself, it’s easy to default to more, which makes it impossible to understand when to say no.
The trap of prestigious career paths: Instead of thinking about what you want to do with your life, you default to the options, norms, and desires most admired by your peers.
Embracing the pathless path requires grappling with the feeling of being a bad egg

✅ Try This Next

Paul’s process for new ideas: ship, quit, and learn. What small experiments can you set up that you can quit quickly? How can you take action in the next week, and design it for quitting?

🔗 Resources Mentioned

Paul on the web, IG: @pathlesspaul, Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube
Articles: Paul’s Substack, essays, Ben Hunt’s Epsilon Theory—The Industrially Necessary Egg, Rad Reads—The $645,099 Business Pivot
Reflections on Saying No to a Book Deal & Betting on Myself #219, Original Twitter thread, and From Blog to Book: How to Self-Publish on Your Own Terms
Swag: StickerMule (Bubble Envelopes)
Tools and Templates: Jenny’s Author Toolkit

📚 Books Mentioned

🎧 Related Episodes

**The Pathless Path with Paul Millerd:** Ben Hunt on Industrially Necessary Paths & How To Live In The Now
Free Time’s full Behind-the-Book Playlist (Spotify), 205: Why Paul Millerd Turned Down a $200K Two-Book Traditional Publishing Deal, 173: Cut Your Losses—Even While Pivoting in Public—with Khe Hy
Pivot: Rad Reads x Pivot (Spotify playlist)

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☎️ Submit a question or comment for future episodes

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📝 Check out full show notes at http://pivotmethod.com/341

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340: 8 Lessons Learned from 8 Years of Hosting the Pivot Podcast

Sun, 17 Sep 2023 09:00:00 -0000

We are celebrating a very special milestone today—the Pivot podcast’s eighth birthday! It's a veritable third-grader by now.

This podcast first launched in September 2015 as a teeny tiny scrappy side project to supplement the Pivot book while I was writing it. I had so much fun interviewing people and hitting record that by the time the book launched in the fall of 2016 one year later, the podcast had almost eclipsed it as the favorite thing that I do on a day-to-day basis.

Now, thanks to you, we have over 2 million downloads and 340 episodes (not including another 230 on the Free Time podcast). There have been many ups and downs along the way, where I wondered if I should stop doing this podcast. Today, I'm sharing eight things that help me stay in the game.

🌟 8 Key Takeaways

Ride out the inevitable dips and plateaus: Ask, how can I fall in love with this again? Keep the bar high—strive for jump-out-of-the-chair-with-glee-to-record level of guests and topics.
(Re)connect with the even more meaningful metrics: Don’t obsess over download numbers or charts. They can be instructive, but they don’t have to be the one-and-only indicator of whether or not to continue.
51/49: My antidote to inexplicable nerves and overthinking: 49% fear and anxiety, 51% take one small step forward. Just tip the scale toward action by two percent.
Eyes on your own paper: Don’t get lost in what other people are doing or how fast they are going. Remind yourself what’s in it for you, regardless of what “the competition” is up to. There may even be downstream benefits of having others in the same space.
Keep up with new software, don’t worry too much about sunk costs: While you want to avoid chasing shiny software objects, don’t be afraid to jump from one lily pad to the next when it improves your systems and process.
Hire help! To truly achieve consistency escape velocity, hire a team so that someone else owns the outcome and you can show up and do what only you can do.
Go your own way: Be aware of diminishing returns on shiny shoulds that, if you were to chase them, would stop you from doing the creative thing you enjoy altogether.
Keep experimenting—one might say pivoting! There is no there there. The project will evolve alongside you, even when you lose steam for a little bit. You will always find a new way forward. And if you’re so stuck you truly can’t see straight, it’s okay to call it quits too.

🔗 Resources Mentioned

Articles: Rolling in D🤦🏻‍♀️h—The Business Yips & 51/49
Tools: Substack app, Kajabi, Notion, Riverside.fm, Descript
Loom Walkthrough: Day in the Life of a Podcast Episode

📚 Books Mentioned

🎧 Related Episodes

❤️ Enjoying the show? I'd be grateful for a rating and/or review! Even better? Share this episode with a friend :)

💌 Get my curated twice monthly PivotList newsletter

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📝 Check out full show notes at http://pivotmethod.com/340

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339: Moneyzen—Leaving the Cult of More with Manisha Thakor

Sun, 10 Sep 2023 09:00:00 -0000

“To live a rich, joyful, and connected life . . . achieve less.” That’s the counterintuitive path to MoneyZen that this week’s guest Manisha Thakor shares.

For the first half of her life, money represented a scorecard of self-worth and a sense of safety. She says, “For a long time, the equation I operated on was net worth = self worth (which has no end in sight).”

Even with abundant salaries from her financial services roles, Manisha fell into The Cult of Never Enough, often displayed in “the peacock feathers of possessions.” Listen to learn more about the powerful shifts she made toward joy-based spending instead.

More About Manisha: Manisha Thakor is the author of MoneyZen: The Secret to Finding Your "Enough” and has worked in financial services for over thirty years, helping individuals of all ages to balance financial health and emotional wealth.

🌟 3 Key Takeaways

Societal forces are constantly telling us we should earn more, so we can buy more, in order to be more, “the peacock feathers of possessions”
Buy few, but buy the best you can afford at that time
MoneyZen (calm, confidence, clarity) = Financial Health + Emotional Wealth

✅ Try This Next

Try joy-based spending. Take a piece of paper, and every time you spend money, write down the item and the amount. At the end of the week or month, highlight anything you spent money on that didn’t bring you joy, what Manisha calls money leaks. Bonus: Every day, eliminate one thing you no longer need from your life (either clutter around the house or even obligations or meetings you no longer want to keep).

🔗 Resources Mentioned

Manisha on the web, IG: @manishathakor, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, Facebook
Quiz: Are You Trapped in The Cult of Never Enough?
Articles: What If You Already Have Enough Money? (The Cut), How Your Money Mindset Can Lead to Burnout at Work (Forbes), Stop Lying To Yourself About Why You Work So Much (Fast Company)

📚 Books Mentioned

MoneyZen: The Secret to Finding Your "Enough” by Manisha Thackor
Your Money or Your Life by Vicki Robin and Joe Dominguez
Free Time: Lose the Busywork, Love Your Business
Pivot: The Only Move That Matters Is Your Next One
Life After College

🎧 Related Episodes

Pivot: 338: Is Midlife Messing with Your Enoughness? with Mandy Lehto
Free Time: 028: When the Financial Tides Recede

❤️ Enjoying the show? I'd be grateful for a rating and/or review! Even better? Share this episode with a friend :)

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📝 Check out full show notes at http://pivotmethod.com/339

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338: Is Midlife Messing with Your Enoughness? + Busting Not Enough Scams with Mandy Lehto

Sun, 03 Sep 2023 09:00:00 -0000

“Legacy isn’t something you leave, it’s something you live.”

These are just some of the wise words from this week’s guest, Mandy Lehto, who shares strategies for letting go of being a hard-o-holic, nexting, navigating mid-career pivots, and busting all manner of other “not enough” scams.

More About Mandy: Mandy Lehto is a speaker, writer and coach with a Doctorate from Cambridge University and in her former career she was a director at a global investment bank. Mandy is the host of Enough, the podcast, a show for recovering perfectionists and overachievers. When Mandy isn't coaching leaders, she's parenting her two musical teenagers with her husband, or walking Herbie, her toy poodle, on Wimbledon Common.

🌟 3 Key Takeaways

“Legacy isn’t something you leave, it’s something you live.” What if you embraced more of who you are, quirks and all, rather than trying to please or achieve?
Not-enough scams are false beliefs, that once we play through them enough times, becomes automated. Our mind wants to automate as much as it can.
Nexting is our compulsion to continue being dazzled by the mirage shimmering on the horizon that the next thing for sure will fill the void inside us.

✅ Try This Next

Pick your inner critic that hogs the mic and name it, even something provocative (Mandy’s is Judgy Janet). And also name your inner champion, the wise voice that’s always rooting for you. Give them fun names so you don’t take this all too seriously :)

📚 Books Mentioned

🔗 Resources Mentioned

Mandy on the web, Instagram: @mandylehto, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest
People: Arthur Brooks
Articles: Jennifer Lopez article in Vogue
Video: Mark Hyman’s podcast with Robert Waldinger

🎧 Related Episodes

❤️ Enjoying the show? I'd be grateful for a rating and/or review! Even better? Share this episode with a friend :)

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☎️ Submit a question or comment for future episodes

🎧 Make sure you’re subscribed wherever you listen to ‘casts

📝 Check out full show notes at http://pivotmethod.com/338

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337: Cut Your Losses—Even While Pivoting in Public—with Khe Hy (Free Time Crossover)

Sun, 27 Aug 2023 09:00:00 -0000

“How did you go bankrupt?" Two ways. Gradually, then suddenly.” —Ernest Hemingway

That’s the kick-off quote from returning guest Khe Hy’s recent pivot-in-progress big reveal, taking us behind the scenes of his business in a recent post titled, “The $645,099 business pivot.” Khe is the founder of RadReads and former Wall Street managing director.

Khe returns to the pod today (as our first three-peat Free Time guest) to share his experience from the belly of the Pivot beast. If you haven’t already, be sure to check out Khe’s earlier Free Time appearances, linked in the Resources section below and in this Spotify playlist: RadReads x Pivot x Free Time.

This crossover episode originally aired on the Free Time podcast on March 21, 2023.

More About Khe: Khe Hy is the founder and CEO of RadReads, an online education company that helps professionals lead productive, examined, and joyful lives. Khe is creator of the $10K Work productivity method and teaches the popular cohort-based course Supercharge Your Productivity. RadReads provides guides, trainings, and coaching for over 36,000 professionals to help them gain back free time, scale their impact and make their little dent in the universe.

🌟3 Key Takeaways:

You’re not alone: Don’t feel bad if you caught a momentum wave during the pandemic that has vanished since. It can feel like you’ve captured success in a bottle, and it will continue just the way you’re experiencing it now, but the same circumstances rarely last.
Borrowing other people’s goals can lead to chasing arbitrary success metrics and other people’s work-life balance. Instead, follow the fun! Ultimately, it will be much more sustainable.
There’s freedom and surrender in openly sharing your process. Many entrepreneurs are not straightforward about how difficult it can be to maintain and grow a business, and being outwardly transparent helps you be inwardly honest about what you really want to accomplish.

📝Permission: To feel. To cry. To fully experience and talk about what you’re going through. Your humanity in the situation is not at odds with who and how you want to be as a founder and CEO—they are perfectly intertwined.

✅Do (or Delegate) This Next: Get quiet: What is it that you truly want? What part of my business is driven by ego and “borrowing other people’s goals,” and what part is driven by the pure magic of it? For any friction area where you feel stuck or drained, take a page out of Khe’s business playbook and “follow the fun.” What would following the fun tell you to do next?

📘Books Mentioned:

🔗Resources Mentioned:

Khe on the web, Instagram: @radreadsco, TikTok: @radreadsco, Twitter, LinkedIn
Courses: Supercharge Your Productivity, $10K Work Accelerator, Life Operating System, Jenny’s Free Time Business Operations Dashboard
Rad Reads: The Magic of Doing $10,000 Per Hour Work

🎧Related Podcast Episodes:

Spotify playlist: RadReads x Pivot x Free Time
145: Tips for Training Part-Time Team Members with Kaneisha Grayson

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336: Letting Go of Productivity Guilt with Madeleine Dore (Free Time Crossover)

Sun, 20 Aug 2023 09:00:00 -0000

“You have to live spherically—in many directions. Never lose your childish enthusiasm—and things will come your way.” —Federico Fellini

This week’s delightful guest, Madeleine Dore, reminded me of this wonderful quote while reading her book, one that I know you will love as much as I did: I Didn’t Do The Thing Today: Letting Go of Productivity Guilt.

We talk about widening the measure and meaning of a day beyond our to-do lists, discovering the call of a new topic, shaping a big idea “blob of clay,” how she collects all the great quotes and stories for her book, why she sees herself as more of a guinea pig than an expert (and freelancer valuing independence even more than business owner), and how she decides when to sunset a project, rather than “maintaining something at all costs.”

This crossover episode originally aired on the Free Time podcast on April 25, 2023.

More About Madeleine: Madeleine Dore is a writer and interviewer exploring how we can broaden the definition of a day well spent. As a labor of love, Madeleine spent over five years asking creative thinkers how they navigate their days on her popular blog Extraordinary Routines and podcast Routines & Ruts. The lessons culminated in her first book, I Didn’t Do The Thing Today: Letting Go of Productivity Guilt. Madeleine continues to write, speak and ask questions—but mostly tries to hold things lightly.

🌟 3 Key Takeaways

We all go through creative phases of being a sponge vs. squeezing it: the former is a time to absorb the world and take in inspiration, even if it might look from the outside like we’re not doing anything.
When caught in a deflating comparison spiral: Get up close, use it as a guide, return to what you want to do, and do it!
Identify what is most important to you, and change the questions you ask as a result. For example, Madeleine’s decision to favor more time over more money means when considering a new project or direction, asking not “How much will this earn?” but “How much [free] time will this enable?”

📝 Permission: Stop measuring the day by how productive you were. Be curious and expansive when reviewing your day, including your internal accomplishments, moments of connection, or even moments of idleness. Instead of trying to optimize your day only through the lens of productivity, occupy and embrace your day for what it wants to be.

✅ Do (or Delegate) This Next: Identify one area of your business or creative projects that may be languishing. What would happen if you gave yourself permission to close it out completely to create space for what’s next?

🔗 Resources Mentioned

Madeleine on the web, Instagram: @madeline_dore, Facebook
Substack: On Things
Madeleine’s podcast: Routines & Ruts

📚 Books Mentioned

🎧 Related Episodes

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335: Be Irreplaceable with My Creative Coach Jay Acunzo (Free Time Crossover)

Sun, 13 Aug 2023 09:00:00 -0000

One thing I love about Jay Acunzo is that his body of work is a love letter to craft and quality. We talk about mindset shifts and practices to help you focus more on resonance than reach; how to do work that matters to you so that your work can matter more; how he worked through his own existential creative crisis upon hitting the 200th episode milestone of his podcast; thinking like an explorer, not an expert; and “making the leap from what best practices say you should do to what your intuition is urging you to try.”

This crossover episode originally aired on the Free Time podcast on April 18 2023.

More About Jay: Jay Acunzo is one of the world’s most sought-after business storytellers and brand consultants. He’s worked in marketing for Google, HubSpot, and ESPN before launching his award-winning podcast, Unthinkable, and authoring multiple books on creativity. Today he helps creators learn to increase the power of their creative work, not just the volume, through his membership platform, the Creator Kitchen.

🌟 3 Key Takeaways

Reach vs. Resonance: Reach is how many people see something. Resonance is how much they care. No amount of reach will ensure that people care. As David Bowie’s says, “Don’t play to the gallery.”
“Don’t be the best, be their favorite”: Create resonance with the audience relevance pyramid, starting with the base—how relevant you are in topic and theme. Moving up, your content should be enjoyable and entertaining, then impactful, where you are helping people reflect or take action. At the top of the pyramid is personal, where you (and your content) truly becomes irreplaceable.
Jay’s Mastery 3 P’s: Posture, Practice and Process. Posture is how you see yourself in the world. Practice is the cadence you are creating and shipping on (aim for consistent and purposeful), then process emerges.

📝 Permission: Focus on resonance before—or even at the expense of—reach. Let go of the idea of adding more people until you have a small group reacting in a big way.

✅ Do (or Delegate) This Next: Define your Even More Meaningful Metrics. For example, Jay’s Unsolicited Response Rate (URR): When he publishes something and someone feels urged to respond in some way without being prompted, or Cackles Per Piece (CPP): points during the process of creating that cause so much joy he cackles out loud.

🔗 Resources Mentioned

Jay on the web, Instagram: @jacunzo, Twitter, LinkedIn, Medium
People: Andrew Davis, Hrishikesh Hirway
TV Series: Song Exploder on Netflix
Video: David Bowie on why you should never play to the gallery, and AJ Jacobs: The Importance of Self-Delusion in the Creative Process
Article: The Surprising Thing About Expectations by Seth Godin

📚 Books Mentioned

Jay’s Books: Break the Wheel: Question Best Practices, Hone Your Intuition, and Do Your Best Work
Free Time: Lose the Busywork, Love Your Business
Pivot: The Only Move That Matters Is Your Next One
Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly by Anthony Bourdain

🎧 Related Episodes

Unthinkable: Fine, I’ll Talk About AI; Song Exploder Exploded, Welcome to the Jumble
Podcasts: Mike Birbiglia’s Working it Out, Song Exploder, Radiolab
2 Pages with MBS: Making What Matters Most: Jay Acunzo [reads] ‘Kitchen Confidential’
The Tim Ferriss Show: Managing Procrastination, Predicting the Future, and Finding Happiness with Tim Urban
Free Time: 127: Protect Your Idea Factory, Build a Creative Flywheel, and Go Behind-the-Scenes of Book Publishing with Todd Henry, 014: Why It Matters to Celebrate Wins
Pivot: 287: Solving Pivot Puzzles with A.J. Jacobs, 254: The Practice—On Generosity, Peculiarity, and Showing Up with Seth Godin

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334: 🍩 What Do Donuts, Coffee, Conversation, and Energy Cliffs Have in Common? (Free Time Crossover — Daily Audio Diary from TED 2023)

Sun, 06 Aug 2023 09:00:00 -0000

What’s it like to be at a conference with “fancy” people, when you’re the one feeling like you snuck in a side door as a seat filler? Okay, okay — that’s just my imposter monster talking. In today’s experimental episode, I’m taking you behind-the-scenes of the recent 5-day main TED conference in Vancouver, building on Pivot episode 325: 10+ Conference Networking Strategies with Alisa Cohn.

In full-on morning voice with a travel mic, I do a daily check-in about what I was nervous about, spontaneous serendipitous invites, fan-girling my favorite authors and podcasters, falling off the energy cliff, what gave me FOMO and JOMO, and my daily quest for coffee. Always. Find. The. Coffee.

This crossover episode originally aired on the Free Time podcast on June 9, 2023.

🌟 3 Key Takeaways

Identify when you’re at your conversation-sparking best: time of day and format (1:1, small group, big group; format vs. informal gatherings)
Trust that less can be more: Fewer, deeper conversations can be just as powerful, if not even longer lasting than more, shorter ones. Resist the pressure to maximize every single element of being at the event.
Put yourself in the path of people: Even when you’re not invited to the fancy formal events, place yourself in a central place — like the hotel lobby or a coffee station — to attract random conversation from other people who are also looking to meet someone new, but may be similarly unsure about how to break the ice of conversation.

📝 Permission: Embrace JOMO, knowing you’ll be at your best if you say no to situations that tend to bring out your worst.

✅ Do (or Delegate) This Next: Send a follow-up note to reconnect with someone you met in the last year. Bonus: schedule a small group reunion event over brunch or dinner (or Zoom).

🔗 Resources Mentioned

Apply to attend the TED Conference in Vancouver
Travel: Athletic Greens, TripIt Pro, Peloton, Tonal, my favorite Tumi carry-on bag
People: Alexandra Franzen, Alisa Cohn, Jon Levy, Cameron Herold, Gina Bianchini, Amy Cuddy, Dan Harris, Scott Belsky, Krista Tippett, Jacob Weisburg
Articles: Jon Levy Influencer Dinners

📚 Books Mentioned

🎧 Related Episodes

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333: Soul Shifts for the Weary with Rachel Macy Stafford

Sun, 30 Jul 2023 09:00:00 -0000

Today’s guest, New York Times bestselling author Rachel May Stafford, confided to her friend that the fruits of her successful career were starting to sour. She had become stressed, depleted, and was feeling used—all of it contaminating her joy and sense of purpose.

Her friend Shannon replied with a wise reminder, the way only our truest friends can:

“Rachel, you’re a mapmaker, not a baggage carrier, not a tour operator, and not a travel agent. You are there to guide and accompany people through their own journey; you are not responsible for carrying stuff that does not belong to you.”

The relief in releasing roles that were no longer serving her is one of many powerful Soul Shifts that Rachel and I discuss in today’s conversation. Listen in for strategies to drop self-judgement and the masks we wear for others, stepping more fully into authentic joy.

More About Rachel: Rachel Macy Stafford is the New York Times bestselling author of Hands Free Mama, Hands Free Life, Only Love Today, and Live Love Now. Her new book, Soul Shift: The Weary Human’s Guide to Getting Unstuck and Reclaiming Your Path to Joy. Rachel is a sought-after speaker and creator of her perennially popular course, Soul Shift Lift.

🌟 3 Key Takeaways

Try shifting “I can’t do this” to “I can’t do this today.”
Accept where you are: It’s okay to say, “I’m not where I want to be.”
Role Reflection: How do you want to show up in the world? Write your “I am not a ______” list. A few examples from Rachel: “I’m a connector, not an influencer,” and “I am an encourager, not an advice giver or problem fixer.”

✅ Try This Next: For a thought that’s causing you stress, especially one where you’re being hard on yourself, try Dr. Lisa Firestone’s exercise, starting with dividing a piece of paper in half. Write negative thoughts down the left side. On the right side, translate the same statement into the second person. On a second piece of paper beside the first, write a realistic and impartial view of yourself, your qualities, and your situation, using your name. “We have a choice each day. We can work against ourselves or for ourselves; we can push through life or ease through life.”

🔗 Resources Mentioned

Rachel on the web
Social: @handsfreerevolution (IG), Twitter, Facebook
Person: Dr. Lisa Firestone

📚 Books Mentioned

🎧 Related Episodes

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📝 Check out full show notes at http://pivotmethod.com/333

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332: IFS Part(s) Two—Understanding Our “Not Enough” Exiles with Adrian Klaphaak

Sun, 23 Jul 2023 09:00:00 -0000

Today we’re building on 319: Who’s Sitting in the Board Room of Your Brain? With Adrian Klaphaak . . . and 328: Accessing Your True Self Through IFS, full Pivot x Career Pathfinder podcast episodes (Spotify playlist).

If you are looking for a little support and guidance on finding your purpose, or best next step, check out Adrian’s Career Pathfinder Program and apply promo code PIVOT for a special offer on his group training. If you’d like to work with him one-on-one, he just opened up a few new spots—book a free consultation here.

✅ Try This Next: Be curious. Imagine your “not good enough” exiled part, and start a dialogue. At what age did it form? Ask: What do you want me to know about you? You can even journal around this, as if you’re writing a play. Ex: “Write from your core self to this part: I see you ____, and I can tell you’re feeling bad about yourself. Can I come hang out for a little bit?” Bonus challenge:

🔗 Resources Mentioned

Adrian on the web, Yelp, Facebook, LinkedIn
Course: Career Pathfinder, promo code PIVOT
Video: Finding Your Calling
TV Show: Couples Therapy (New Yorker profile on Orna Guralnik, The Therapist Remaking Our Love Lives on TV)

📚 Books Mentioned

Introduction to Internal Family Systems and No Bad Parts by Richard Schwartz
Free Time: Lose the Busywork, Love Your Business
Pivot: The Only Move That Matters Is Your Next One
Life After College

🎧 Related Episodes

Pivot:
319: Who’s Sitting in the Board Room of Your Brain? With Adrian Klaphaak
328: Accessing Your True Self Through IFS
Pivot x Career Pathfinder podcast episodes with Adrian (Spotify playlist)
Free Time: 031: Eleventh Hour Creative Gremlins

❤️ Enjoying the show? I'd be grateful for a rating and/or review!

🗣️ Even better? Share this episode with a friend :)

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☎️ Submit a question or comment for future episodes

🎧 Make sure you’re subscribed wherever you listen to ‘casts

📝 Check out full show notes at http://pivotmethod.com/332

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331: The Microstress Effect and What to Do About It with Karen Dillon

Sun, 16 Jul 2023 09:00:00 -0000

Research shows that negative interactions take a significant toll on all of us, carrying as much as five times the impact of positive ones. And yet, most people don’t realize how much microstress they’re under. As today’s guest helps reveal, we’re not just affected by the big, obvious stressors, but by the little moments throughout each day rippling beneath the surface. Karen Dillon and her co-author Rob Cross call this an “unrecognized epidemic,” one that’s invisible and relentless—in this conversation you’ll learn strategies for reducing even just a few microstresses in your life that can have a profound impact.

More About Karen: Karen Dillon is an author and former editor at Harvard Business Review magazine and the coauthor of three books with Clayton Christensen, including the New York Times bestseller How Will You Measure Your Life? Today we’re talking about her new book, co-authored with Babson College professor Rob Cross, The Microstress Effect: How Little Things Pile Up and Create Big Problems—and What to Do About It.

🌟 3 Key Takeaways

Microstress comes at us quickly and in small moments: it doesn't set off the typical fight-or flight vigilance systems that help us survive other, more noticeable forms of stress. Our bodies experience the cumulative impact of the microstress, but the cause of that stress remains invisible to us.
Secondhand stress: Our brains are highly sensitive to the emotions we pick up from others in our orbit. We become stressed or anxious because other people are. When our mind is consumed with this form of microstress, we worry, we ruminate, and we absorb the microstress and, in turn, pass it on.
Ten percenters are the one-out-of-ten interviewees (of 300 high-performers studied) who successfully navigate their microstress while maintaining full and satisfying personal and professional lives, especially having moments of connection with others and maintaining vibrant, joyful movement routines.

✅ Try This Next: With dozens of microstresses coming at you daily, how do you know where to begin? Do what the ten percenters do: think small. Take a page out of The Good Life by Robert Waldinger: Reconnect with people you’ve fallen out of touch with by suggesting an 8-minute phone call (not Zoom!) — even setting a timer to ensure it doesn’t go over.

🔗 Resources Mentioned

Karen on the web, Twitter, LinkedIn
Article: Quartz—There's a kind of stress our brains don't notice—and it's burning us out
Video: TED—Do You Have a Strategy for Your Life?

📚 Books Mentioned

The Microstress Effect by Karen Dillon and Rob Cross
Karen’s books co-authored with Clayton Christensen: How Will You Measure Your Life?, Competing Against Luck, and The Prosperity Paradox
The Good Life by Robert Waldinger
Free Time: Lose the Busywork, Love Your Business
Pivot: The Only Move That Matters Is Your Next One
Life After College

🎧 Related Episodes

Pivot: 316: “Don’t Suffer Twice” and 312: Are You Future-Tripping?
Free Time: 184:🚂Train Tracks vs. Tightrope🩰

❤️ Enjoying the show? I'd be grateful for a rating and/or review! Even better? Share this episode with a friend :)

💌 Get my curated weekly(ish) PivotList newsletter

💻 Check out Jenny’s Pivot course on LinkedIn Learning: Figuring Out Your Next Move

💬 I’d love to hear what’s on your mind! Take the Pivot listener survey

☎️ Submit a question or comment for future episodes

🎧 Make sure you’re subscribed wherever you listen to ‘casts

📝 Check out full show notes at http://pivotmethod.com/331

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330: What Reality TV Teaches Us About Ourselves with Danielle Lindemann

Sun, 09 Jul 2023 09:00:00 -0000

Raise your hand if you love Reality TV! Now admit to that in public. Now choose that as your academic discipline—to study and teach sociology through the voyeuristically fabulous (and often fabulously fringe) lens of reality TV—and you’ve got today’s wonderful guest, associate professor Danielle Lindemann.

If you, too, let these shows wash over you at the end of a hard day, binge-watching dating shows with increasingly quirky premises or even hate-watching famous families bicker and then make-up, you’re not alone.

“We want to peek into the lives of these interesting people,” Danielle writes. “But it’s their similarity to us that keeps us riveted. We’re voyeurs, but part of what tantalizes us about these freak shows is that the freaks are ourselves.”

More About Danielle: Danielle Lindemann is an Associate Professor of Sociology at Lehigh University who studies gender, sexuality, the family, and culture – particularly as they relate to occupations. Her third book, True Story: What Reality TV Says about Us, is the topic of today’s conversation. She’s also the author of Dominatrix: Gender, Eroticism, and Control in the Dungeon, and Commuter Spouses: New Families in a Changing World. Her work has also been published in scholarly journals such as Social Science & Medicine and featured in media outlets such as The New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, The Economist, The Atlantic, The Washington Post, U.S. News & World Report, CNN, Jezebel, USA Today, and Rolling Stone.

🌟 3 Reasons We Love Reality TV (Excerpted from True Story)

Reality TV is couch-potato fodder, and we shouldn’t apologize for it! “Part of its allure, for many of us, is that we can switch off our brains and let the content rush over us in a relaxing and anesthetic wave.”
Voyeurism and vicarious decision-making: “Yet, paradoxically, in some ways, we can more actively consume these shows than we can scripted TV. Their characters, often, are heightened versions of ourselves placed in more intriguing scenarios than we will typically encounter. You’re not just imagining yourself in the shoes of the ‘smart one,’ you’re imagining yourself in the shoes of the smart one sailing over Tuscany in a hot-air balloon as two men vie for your hand in marriage. The experience of watching these shows, like looking in any mirror, is interactive. We see ourselves, and then we groom ourselves accordingly.”
Hyper-versions of ourselves seen through a fun-house mirror: “In following the contours of our own caricatures, we come to a greater understanding of the forces that society exerts on us—how we organize our lives around beliefs that stem from and reinforce entrenched social hierarchies. From debutantes to doomsday preppers, and from homemakers to hoarders, these programs cast a searchlight on the center as well as the nooks and crannies of society.”

🔗 Resources Mentioned

Danielle on the web, Twitter
Articles: NYT—Reality Stars Are Just Like Us, Inside the Pods With ‘Love Is Blind,’ the Reality TV Juggernaut, Modern Love: Marooned on Love Island; New Yorker—How “Love Is Blind” Transcends the Norms of Reality Television, Literary Hub—Reality TV Is Getting Boring Again– And Maybe That’s a Good Thing
Shows: RuPaul’s Drag Race, Below Deck, Love Island, Love is Blind, Harry & Meghan, Vanderpump Rules, ROHNY, The Kardashians, IMPACT x Nightline S1 E29: Anatomy of a Scandoval: Our Obsession with Gossip and Scandal (Hulu), Farmer Wants a Wife

📚 Books Mentioned

True Story: What Reality TV Says About Us by Danielle Lindemann
Trick Mirror: Reflections on Self-Delusion by Jia Tolentino
Free Time: Lose the Busywork, Love Your Business
Pivot: The Only Move That Matters Is Your Next One
Life After College

🎧 Related Episodes

Podcasts: We Have the Receipts, Decoding Reality, The Ringer Reality TV Podcast, It Was All a Stream
Pivot: 142: Creative Economy Lessons from “The Great Race to Rule Streaming TV” and 209: On Seinfeld, Sensitivity, and Trend Spotting

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329: Five Types of People-Pleasers from The Joy of Saying No with Natalie Lue

Sun, 02 Jul 2023 09:00:00 -0000

As “recovering people pleaser” Natalie Lue opens her book, The Joy of Saying No, “Suppressing and repressing my needs, desires, expectations, feelings, and opinions to try to influence and control other people’s feelings and behavior was as natural to me as breathing. I thought it was normal to tell people what they want to hear (read: lie) to make them feel better. I believed I was ticking the boxes of being a Good Person by being kind, generous, hardworking, conscientious, loving, eager to help, attractive, and intelligent, and doing what others needed and wanted.”

If you, too, are ticking “Good Person” boxes while making yourself miserable, this episode is for you. Natalie and I discuss the five types of people pleasers, what we continue to struggle with today despite decades of awareness-building, and how to build the skill of saying no.

More About Natalie: Natalie Lue used to have very low self-esteem, a litany of problems including bad boundaries, toxic relationships with emotionally unavailable and shady folk, and a crippling immune system disease, but this all changed in the summer of 2005. Now, she is a recovering people pleaser. She’s the author of The Joy of Saying No: A Simple Plan to Stop People Pleasing, Reclaim Boundaries, and Say Yes to the Life You Want and for 8 years hosted The Baggage Reclaim Sessions podcast. Natalie helps people learn how to reclaim themselves from their emotional baggage and increase emotional availability through self-care, making a profound difference in their lives via her substack On Knowing Yourself.

🌟 3 Key Takeaways

When “resentment enters the room” that’s a sure sign that you’re caught in people-pleasing. Natalie says, “People pleasing is code for I am (or was) anxious about something. It’s an anxiety-management habit that ironically keeps you locked in a cycle of anxiety because it’s hyper-vigilance.”
Natalie’s five types of people-pleasing: Gooding, Efforting, Avoiding, Saving, and Suffering.
Saying no, and finding the joy in it, is a skill: You can’t change what you don’t know, and until you know your no, you can’t know your yes. Remember, “Boundaries are not miracle workers.” You may still need to call it at some point with a toxic relationship and let go. love care trust and respect make d

✅ Try This Next: Check in with yourself when you feel pressure to be or do something in a certain way—is this a preference or is this programming?

🔗 Resources Mentioned

Natalie on the web, Instagram: @natlue, Twitter, Facebook, Substack: On Knowing Yourself
Take the Quiz: Are You a People-Pleaser?
Video: Natalie’s TV Show appearance on How To Stop People Pleasing & Start Saying No With Author Natalie Lue! | Lorraine

📚 Books Mentioned

🎧 Related Episodes

📝 Check out full show notes at http://pivotmethod.com/329

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328: Accessing Your True Self Through IFS with Adrian Klaphaak

Sun, 25 Jun 2023 09:00:00 -0000

“There are no bad parts.” That’s a core idea behind Internal Family Systems, a form of psychotherapy that helps guide hidden parts of ourselves to the fore so they can be acknowledged and integrated. Today, recurring co-host Adrian Klaphaak and I are building on episode 319: Who’s Sitting in the Board Room of Your Brain? by talking about how IFS can clear blocks when navigating change, and modeling the process with JB in the hotseat.

Are you looking for a little support and guidance on finding your purpose, or best next step? Check out Adrian’s Career Pathfinder Program and apply promo code PIVOT for a special offer on his group training. If you’d like to work with him 1:1, he just opened up a few new spots—book a free consultation here.

🌟 3 Key Takeaways

IFS is a form of psychotherapy that says we’re all made up of multiple parts that serve to protect us and a core self—who we are beneath those protective mechanisms.
Exiles, Managers, and Firefighters: Our exiles are the parts of us that experience anxiety, fear, and trauma (often when we’re very young); managers dictate how we interact with the world to protect us from those fears; firefighters seek to protect us by pushing us toward distraction to numb our pain.
Unburdening: A process for helping an active, stuck exile rejoin the core, true self by reminding it that you have new tools now, compared to when you were a child.

✅ Try This Next: There is genius in our parts, and we can apply their gifts in our adult life. Try to identify how at least one of your manager parts and one firefighter might be stepping in to avoid feeling the pain of an exile (most likely formed in early childhood as an adaptive measure).

🔗 Resources Mentioned

Adrian on the web, Yelp, Facebook, LinkedIn
Course: Career Pathfinder, promo code PIVOT
Video: Finding Your Calling
Articles: Academy of Ideas—Carl Jung and the Shadow: The Hidden Power of Our Dark Side

📚 Books Mentioned

Introduction to Internal Family Systems and No Bad Parts by Richard Schwartz
On Our Best Behavior by Elise Loehnen
Dark Side of the Light Chasers by Debbie Ford
Free Time: Lose the Busywork, Love Your Business
Pivot: The Only Move That Matters Is Your Next One
Life After College

🎧 Related Episodes

Pulling the Thread: Recovering Every Part of Ourselves (Richard Schwartz, PhD)
Pivot: 319: Who’s Sitting in the Board Room of Your Brain? With Adrian Klaphaak, previous Pivot x Career Pathfinder podcast episodes with Adrian (Spotify playlist)
Free Time: 031: Eleventh-Hour Creative Gremlins and 064: The Vulnerability of Launching

❤️ Enjoying the show? I'd be grateful for a rating and/or review! Even better? Share this episode with a friend :)

💌 Get my curated weekly(ish) PivotList newsletter

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☎️ Submit a question or comment for future episodes

🎧 Make sure you’re subscribed wherever you listen to ‘casts

📝 Check out full show notes at http://pivotmethod.com/328

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327: 🐺The Wolf You Feed — On Addiction, Recovery & Codependency — and What We Get Wrong About All Three with Eric Zimmer

Sun, 18 Jun 2023 09:00:00 -0000

At 24 years old, Eric Zimmer was homeless, addicted to heroin, and facing jail time. In the decades since, he has found a way to recover from addiction and build a life worth living for himself, while coaching others through his programs and award-winning podcast The One You Feed, based on an old parable about two wolves at battle within us (a story I also share in Pivot).

We had the great pleasure of recording in person—while meeting for the first time! This was extra special because of how much Eric generously shares about his pivots through addiction and recovery, the deeper needs beneath destructive coping habits, how challenging addiction can be on friends and family, and what the literature often gets wrong about codependency.

More About Eric: For the past 20 years, Eric Zimmer has worked as a behavior coach. He’s also a Certified Interfaith Spiritual Director, podcaster, and writer, who is endlessly inspired by the quest for a greater understanding of how our minds work and how to intellectually create the lives we want to live. Since 2014, he has been hosting the award-winning podcast, The One You Feed, based on an old parable about two wolves at battle within us. His story and his work have been featured in the media including TEDx, Mind Body Green, Elephant Journal, the BBC, and Brain Pickings.

🌟 3 Key Takeaways

Gabor Maté says addiction is often “a person’s attempted solution to a deeper problem” of connection and love.
Giving up behaviors that comfort us, numb us, or artificially connect us is possible if we seek true assurance, acceptance, and real connection—those are the ingredients that lead to human thriving—but only in their true forms.
Anxiety and trying to “fix” things takes a lot of energy. If you have a loved one who is stuck in a cycle of addiction, start by shifting your focus from worrying to discovering what you can control, and what actions will allow you to refuel, so you can take care of yourself and others.

✅ Try This Next: Sometimes, in the moment, there isn’t anything to do about it other than be upset, and that’s okay. When you’re in a dark space, recognize it and feel what you’re feeling, while keeping your mind open to change.

🔗 Resources Mentioned

Eric on the web, IG: @one_you_feed, Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook
Eric’s podcast: The One You Feed
Articles: Behavior Change Components, Life’s “Dark Hallways”: Where Transformation Happens, Emotional First Aid: Uncertainty, Fear, and Anxiety, Fogg Behavior Model: What Causes Behavior Change?
Video: TEDxColumbus: The Battle of Changing Your Behavior

📚 Books Mentioned

The Wisdom of Anxiety by Sheryl Paul
Self-Compassion by Kristin Neff
In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts, When the Body Says No, and The Myth of Normal by Gabor Maté
Future Tense: Why Anxiety Is Good for You (Even Though It Feels Bad) by Tracy Dennis-Tiwary
Free Time: Lose the Busywork, Love Your Business
Pivot: The Only Move That Matters Is Your Next One
Life After College
Beyond Addiction: How Science and Kindness Help People Change: A Guide for Families

🎧 Related Episodes

📝 Check out full show notes at http://pivotmethod.com/327

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326: Fool Me Once—How to Avoid Accidental and Righteous Fraud with Kelly Pope

Sun, 11 Jun 2023 09:00:00 -0000

“Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me.”

—Anthony Weldon in The Court and Character in King James (1651)

Are you an accidental fraudster? An unknowing victim? A righteous whistleblower? The possibilities are closer than you think. Today’s guest, forensic accounting professor Dr. Kelly Richmond Pope, is here to remind us that fraud can happen to—and be committed by—any of us.

Among companies with over $10 billion in global annual revenues, 52% experienced fraud during the past 24 months. Since the pandemic hit, global online fraud has increased by 46%. Even worse, “We regularly miss the red flags that are swatting us in the face.”

Listen in to this conversation to learn why business is a victim hallmark, what makes us susceptible to fraudsters or to committing accidental fraud, and how to get better at spotting red flags.

More About Kelly: Dr. Kelly Richmond Pope is a nationally recognized expert in risk, forensic accounting, and white-collar crime research, and an award-winning educator, researcher, author, and award-winning documentary filmmaker. She is the Dr. Barry Jay Epstein Endowed Professor of Forensic Accounting at DePaul University in Chicago, IL. Her TED Talk entitled "How Whistle-blowers Shape History” has been viewed over 1.6 million times, translated into 20 languages, and serves as a resource to help organizations and individuals embrace internal whistleblowing. She is the author of Fool Me Once: Scams, Stories, and Secrets from the Trillion-Dollar Fraud Industry.

🌟 3 Key Takeaways

There are three key players in the fraud universe, each with several sub-types: perps (intentional, accidental, righteous), prey (innocent bystanders and organizational targets), and whistleblowers (accidental, noble, vigilante, crossover).
“Busyness is a victim hallmark,” especially among clients who are laser-focused on their businesses and not remotely interested in accounting. You might cut corners, miss details, review bills as thoroughly.
The Fraud Triangle: Opportunity, pressure, rationalization (created by criminologist Donald Cressey in the 1950s).

✅ Try This Next: Sign up for an accounting class so you know how to read a financial statement, and can spot red flags more easily. Ignorance is not bliss!

📚 Books Mentioned

🔗 Resources Mentioned

Kelly on the web, IG: @kellyrpope, Twitter, LinkedIn
Fool Me Once Fraud Experience (Quiz)
Documentary: All the Queen's Horses (2018, Amazon Prime)
TEDx Talk: How Whistle-blowers Shape History
Articles: NYT—The Harvard Job Offer No One at Harvard Ever Heard Of

🎧 Related Episodes

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325: 10+ Conference Networking Strategies with Alisa Cohn

Sun, 04 Jun 2023 09:00:00 -0000

Attending conferences can be overwhelming — even for the most excited extroverts among us—let alone the introverts who challenge their comfort zone in the registration process alone.

Today, my friend Alisa and I do an in-person debrief of our recent week-long adventure at the TED global conference in Vancouver (my second time attending, her fifth). We cover conversation openers, the power of a genuine compliment, trying (and sometimes failing) to approach people we admire as a peer, handling the inevitable FOMO and big feelings that arise, when to call it quits (what I call “falling off the cliff”), and so much more.

Be sure to also keep an eye out on the Free Time podcast (even better, subscribe!) for Friday’s episode #196, where I share a mini daily audio diary that I kept on each day of the conference, with some additional reflections at the end.

More About Alisa: Alisa Cohn has been coaching startup founders to grow into world-class CEOs for nearly 20 years. She is the author of From Start-Up to Grown-Up, and hosts a podcast of the same name. A onetime startup CFO, strategy consultant, and current angel investor and advisor, she has worked with startup companies such as Venmo, Etsy, and more.

🌟 10 Key Takeaways

Have a repertoire of different openers to approach people with.
Wear a “talk piece” clothing item that invites people to comment on.
Approach as a peer vs. fangirling (which might occur anyway!)
Sit in a central public place to catch conference passers-by.
Message people right after you meet them about something you spoke about.
Text a “wish you were here!” selfie to mutual friends as a way to keep in loose touch.
Prepare for the emotional ups and downs you’re going to feel when you’re in large groups.
Embrace JOMO when you need a break, knowing when you’re at your best.
Don’t be afraid to call it early in the evening if/when you’re feeling New Friend Fatigue.
Follow up with connections after you return home by scheduling a dinner reunion.

✅ Try This Next: Alisa: Go and meet one new person—strike up a conversation with someone you wouldn’t normally speak to and see what happens. Jenny: Put yourself in the path of people. Is there an event, a book reading, even a bench in the park where you can encounter people you normally wouldn’t?

🔗 Resources Mentioned

Alisa on the web, Twitter: @AlisaCohn, LinkedIn: @AlisaCohn
Articles: Andrew Wilkinson on Medium (founder of Tiny capital)
Video: Lizzo thanking Beyoncé at the Grammy’s

📚 Books Mentioned

From Start-Up to Grown-Up by Alisa Cohn
The Long Game by Dorie Clark
The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin
Presence by Amy Cuddy
The Courage to be Disliked by Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga
Free Time: Lose the Busywork, Love Your Business
Pivot: The Only Move That Matters Is Your Next One
Life After College

🎧 Related Episodes

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324: Six Golden Shadows of the Imposter Complex with Tanya Geisler

Sun, 28 May 2023 09:00:00 -0000

As today’s guest—imposter complex expert Tanya Geisler—notes, the global self-development industry is worth $41 billion as of 2021. She says, “That is a lot of money invested in making people feel terrible about themselves…and like they need to be fixed. (Think diet industry but for confidence.)”

In this episode, we’re talking about the six ways imposter complex manifests, the ways that trying to eliminate it can paradoxically exacerbate feelings of unworthiness, and even more importantly: the six illuminating values behind imposter-y habits that can help you step into your fullest expression.

More About Tanya: Tanya Geisler is a celebrated women's leadership expert, mentor coach, keynote and TEDx Women speaker, writer, and Ready Enough podcast host. After a successful career in advertising, she entered the world of coaching two decades ago and has worked with thousands of changemakers, innovators, and leaders to dislodge that not-good-enough feeling, perfectionism, procrastination, diminishment, people-pleasing, comparison, and leaky boundaries.

🌟 3 Key Takeaways

Six ways imposter complex manifests: perfectionism, procrastination, diminishment, people-pleasing, comparison, and leaky boundaries.
The more we spend time in the six habits of impostor syndrome, the more like imposters we feel. When we identify and resolve one imposter-related habit, stay curious, as another related manifestation will often rear up in its place.
Imposter complex arrives on the precipice of expansion: If you’re feeling it, you may be about to experience something new and meaningful. Think of it as a canary in the coal mine for your personal growth.

✅ Try This Next: Get curious about what is underneath your imposter complex: What beautiful value is it revealing? For guidance with this, take the quiz to discover your Iconic Identity.

🔗 Resources Mentioned

Tanya on the web, IG: @tanyageisler, Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Pinterest
Free course: Five ICONIC Shifts Leaders Use to Overcome Imposter Complex
Quiz: What’s your ICONIC identity?
Video: Tanya at TEDxIsfieldWomen—Owning Our Authority, The Art of Being Yourself - Caroline McHugh
Coach Training: Co-Active Training Institute

📰 Articles Mentioned

Tanya: The 12 Lies of the Imposter Complex, What’s the Difference Between Imposter Syndrome and Imposter Complex, The Sin of (Out)Shining, Yes, I Saw the Article in the New Yorker on the Imposter Syndrome re: the February 2023 New Yorker article by Leslie Jamison, Not Fooling Anyone: The dubious rise of imposter syndrome (online title is Why Everyone Feels Like They’re Faking It)
Siri Liv Myhrom (referencing Caroline McHugh) To Be Yourself Completely: The Collective Grief of Losing Prince
Tim Ferriss on 11 Reasons Not to Become Famous
Concept: Tall Poppy Syndrome

📚 Books Mentioned

🎧 Related Episodes

📝 Check out full show notes at http://pivotmethod.com/324

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323: Pivoting into a Professorship with Alex Budak

Sun, 21 May 2023 09:00:00 -0000

Have you ever considered teaching for a university? Even if you don’t take the path of Ph.D. student pursuing a tenure-track position, you can land adjunct roles after reaching a certain point in your professional career.

Today’s guest Alex Budak—who happens to be someone I went to high school and college with (and someone who gave me hope that I could succeed in the earliest days of self-employment!)—is taking us behind-the-scenes of pivoting into a professorship.

Alex shares how he got his foot in the door at UC Berkeley; going from googling “how to write a syllabus” to improving and curating his curriculum; how much time teaching requires; his process for revising materials after class based on how they land among students; and most of all, the “magic alchemy” rewards of teaching in a university setting even when the pay is lower than other opportunities.

More About Alex: Alex Budak is a UC Berkeley faculty member, social entrepreneur, author, and speaker. At UC Berkeley, Alex teaches his wildly-popular course “Becoming a Changemaker,” directs the Berkeley Haas Global Access Program, and teaches in Berkeley Executive Education programs. Alex co-founded StartSomeGood in 2011, which has helped over 1,200 changemakers in over 50 countries raise millions of dollars to launch and scale new change initiatives. His book, Becoming a Changemaker: An Actionable, Inclusive Guide to Leading Positive Change at Any Level, has been endorsed by Nobel Prize winners, Olympic athletes, and most meaningful of all—his students. He is a graduate of UCLA and Georgetown University.

🌟 3 Key Takeaways

The academic flywheel, as described by professor Morten Hansen at UC Berkeley: Teach a class, refine that material into a book, share it with a variety of audiences, collect new case studies, then repeat those steps so that each builds upon the one before it, improving the content that follows.
Teaching can be all-consuming at the beginning, but it does get easier and smooth out over time, especially as you get specific feedback from each round of students.
“One person teaches, two people learn.” The magic and serendipity of teaching is that every single class is different, due to the alchemy of who is in the room. Teaching can help you stay connected to younger generations, and stretch you to keep your thinking fresh.

✅ Try This Next: Write a list of three classes you’d be excited to teach—don’t be afraid to dream! Ignore the constraints of disciplines and what currently exists, just capture titles and a description of what at least one course could look like. Bonus: consider running it as a 45- to 90-minute virtual workshop to pilot the material.

🔗 Resources Mentioned

Alex on the web, Twitter, LinkedIn
Articles: NYT Magazine’s Interview with Laurie Santos, Inc—The Way We Count Our Time At Work Isn't Working: Instead of a 40-plus hour-per-week sprint, think of it as a relay race.
People: Seth Godin, Allison Kluger, Morten Hansen, Jim Collins
Jenny’s Pivot in the Classroom: Sample syllabi and case studies

📚 Books Mentioned

Becoming a Changemaker: An Actionable, Inclusive Guide to Leading Positive Change at Any Level
Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol Dweck
Multipliers, Revised and Updated: How the Best Leaders Make Everyone Smart by Liz Weisman
The Power of Moments: Why Certain Experiences Have Extraordinary Impact by the Heath Brothers
Different: Escaping the Competitive Herd by Youngme Moon
Free Time: Lose the Busywork, Love Your Business
Pivot: The Only Move That Matters Is Your Next One
Life After College

🎧 Related Episodes

Podcast: The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos
324: Six Golden Shadows of the Imposter Complex with Tanya Geisler
251: Listener Q&A on (Furry) Imposter Monsters
310: When the Career Grass Really is Greener — On Job Crafting with Rebecca Fraser-Thill

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322: Tips for Making Tough Decisions — Solo Spotlight with Sarah Young

Sun, 14 May 2023 09:00:00 -0000

“When there’s a fork in the road, take it.” That’s one of my favorite Yogi Berra classics of paradoxical wisdom. Pivoting is defined by its own set of paradoxes and tricky decision points, so today I invited a special guest to the pod to share two of her frameworks that I fell instantly in love with, and that I know you will too!

We’re also celebrating the one-year bookiversary and recent Audiobook release of Sarah’s wonderful book, Expansive Impact: An Invitation to Lead in Everyday Moments.

If you haven’t already, be sure to listen to our earlier conversation in episode 277 on Spacious Scheduling, and subscribe to her fantastic Friday Favorites newsletter! It’s one of my favorite messages every week, always chock full of great resources and links—from yummy French cookies and lemon loaf tea to playlists for any mood or season :)

More About Sarah: Sarah Young is the Founder and CEO of Zing Collaborative and author of Expansive Impact: An Invitation to Lead in Everyday Moments. She works with conscious and committed clients who want to elevate and expand their leadership capacity. She has a deep appreciation for nature, travel, sunshine, warm weather, paddle boarding, rescue dogs, cooking, coffee, and the precious hours of the early morning.

🌟 3 Key Takeaways

Grounding—Connect to your highest self. Who are you when you are at your best? When you are operating from love, versus fear? What would your highest self do?
Exploring—Try on the different options. Imagine yourself there. What does each option feel like? What do you see in each scenario? What is happening, and how do you feel?
Clean energy is clear and flowing, with a natural feeling of psychological safety. You aren't wasting time or energy thinking about whether something is off. You can simply show up and be in relationship with the other person.

✅ Try This Next: As Oprah says, “Your life is whispering to you.” Sit with this as an inquiry—what is yours saying about a tricky decision or relationship?

🔗 Resources Mentioned

Sarah on the web, IG: @zingcollaborative
Newsletter: Friday Favorites
Playlist: Big Energy (Spotify)
Apps for asynchronous communication Marco Polo, Voxer, Telegram (iOS, Android)
Articles: Sarah’s blog posts on Tips for Making Tough Decisions and Clean, Clean Energy; Martha Beck on Victory by Surrender (clean vs. dirty pain), and Cheryl Strayed via Dear Sugar—The Ghost Ship That Didn’t Carry Us

📚 Books Mentioned

Expansive Impact: An Invitation to Lead in Everyday Moments by Sarah Young
Tiny Beautiful Things by Cheryl Strayed
Finding Your Own North Star and Steering by Starlight by Martha Beck
Free Time: Lose the Busywork, Love Your Business
Pivot: The Only Move That Matters Is Your Next One
Life After College

🎧 Related Episodes

❤️ Enjoying the show? I'd be grateful for a rating and/or review!

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321: ChatGPT as Universal Intern and Permission Not to Be a Billionaire with Kevin Kelly

Sun, 07 May 2023 09:00:00 -0000

“Cultivate 12 people who love you, because they are worth more than 12 million people who like you.”

That’s just one of many gems from Kevin Kelly’s new book Excellent Advice for Living: Wisdom I Wish I’d Known Earlier, bits of wisdom that he thinks of like handrails to grab when he needs a quick reminder about what is most important.

In this conversation, we revisit our 2016 discussion about the power of human-AI partnerships, give you permission not to become a billionaire, help you lean into serendipity and embrace paradox, and encourage you to buy your time (through delegation) so that you can focus on doing the work that only you can do. As Kevin says, “Don’t be the best, be the only.”

More About Kevin: Kevin Kelly helped launch WIRED magazine in 1993. He is a renowned technology and science writer, futurist, and thinker who has been at the forefront of digital culture for decades. Kelly's work explores the intersection of technology, culture, and society, and he is known for his thought-provoking insights on the future of innovation and the impact of technology on our lives. He has authored multiple books including The Inevitable, Out of Control, The Silver Cord, and What Technology Wants. His newest is Excellent Advice for Living: Wisdom I Wish I’d Known Earlier (May 2023). He lives in Pacifica, California with his family.

🌟 5 Favorite Takeaways from Excellent Advice for Living

ChatGPT and generative AI tools are becoming the intern that everybody can have; you’ll still need to check their work, but you no longer need to start from scratch.
You really don’t want to be famous. Read the biography of any famous person.
Measure your wealth, not buy the things you can buy, but buy the things that no money can buy. Delegate what you can.
Ask anyone you admire: Their lucky breaks happened on a detour from their main goal. So embrace detours. Life is not a straight line for anyone.
Be generous. Give ideas (and compliments!) away, and even more will return to you.

✅ Try this experiment: You’ll get invited to an argument in the next week or two. Decline the invitation; don’t attend!

🔗 Resources Mentioned

Kevin on the web, Instagram: @kevin2kelly, Twitter: @kevin2kelly, YouTube, podcast: Cool Tools
Articles: WIRED’s Picture Limitless Creativity at Your Fingertips, NYT—Bing’s AI Chat” I want to be alive,” and A Conversation with Bing’s AI Chatbot Left Me Deeply Unsettled
Video: TED—The Future Will be Shaped by Optimists
OpenAI’s ChatGPT

📚 Books Mentioned

🎧 Related Episodes

☎️ Submit a question or comment for future episodes

🎧 Make sure you’re subscribed wherever you listen to ‘casts

📝 Check out full show notes at http://pivotmethod.com/321

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320: Sustainable Ambition with Kathy Oneto

Sun, 30 Apr 2023 09:00:00 -0000

How ambitious are you? More importantly, how ambitious do you want to be in different areas of life and work? Today’s guest, Kathy Oneto, takes the long view on goals, especially for those of us who are naturally inclined to overwork until we burn out. Instead, we can be more intentional by toggling the dials of right ambition, right effort, and right time up and down as we move through different seasons.

In this conversation, Kathy and I discuss managing ambition anxiety, how to know if you’re bumping up against what Gay Hendricks calls an “Upper Limit Problem” versus your “truest fit reduced ambition,” mapping energy vs. urgency, and how to know when ambitions or life seasons have truly shifted versus handling a short-term setback.

More About Kathy: Kathy Oneto is a strategy executive and life-work coach who is passionate about helping people succeed on their terms at work and in life. She is the host of the Sustainable Ambition podcast. Kathy champions being consciously ambitious and crafting fulfilling work from decade to decade without sacrificing your life or yourself. She is the author of the Sustainable Ambition 12-Month Workbook and Planner: Your Life plus Work Resilience Prescription and My Little Book of Curiosity: 26 Inquiries to Inspire What’s Next for Your Life and Work.

🌟 3 Key Takeaways

For any area creating stress, ask "Is this an ambition I still want?" If so, how much effort do I want to put into it? What you wanted at once time might not match where you are now. As a result, you may need to dial the effort you are putting towards that area up or down.
Sometimes ambition can clash with what you're capable of, and that can contribute to not feeling like it’s worth the effort. Add structure to support your ambition and current capabilities.
Four areas to consider if it’s becoming harder to move along a certain path: Your vision for your life and your work, your core values, what you want to give and contribute in the world and your community, and what you love.

✅ Try This Next: Dial-in your ambition. For any given goal, task, project, or area of your life, decide: How good do I want to be? Good, very good, the best? How much effort do I want to put into this? Be discerning as you recalibrate your ambition and the level of effort required to match.

🔗 Resources Mentioned

Kathy on the web, IG: @sustainableambition, LinkedIn, YouTube
Kathy’s podcast: Sustainable Ambition
Article: Reclaim Ambition on Your Terms
Jenny’s private BFF Community for Heart-Based Business owners

📚 Books Mentioned

🎧 Related Episodes

❤️ Enjoying the show? I'd be grateful for a rating and/or review! Even better? Share this episode with a friend :)

💌 Get my curated weekly(ish) PivotList newsletter

📝 Check out full show notes at http://pivotmethod.com/320

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319: Who’s Sitting in the Board Room of Your Brain? with Adrian Klaphaak

Sun, 23 Apr 2023 09:00:00 -0000

Who is sitting in the boardroom of your brain? Who is sitting around the table, challenging your decisions, making noise, and offering critiques?

Today Adrian and I are walking through one of our favorite coaching exercises by offering up (and coaching each other through) identifying and describing three of our current loudest board members and who we want to hire moving forward. This work connects to a therapy tool called Internal Family Systems which Adrian will share more about in our next episode together.

We want to hear from you! Leave us a voice memo about this episode or to request a future topic for us to cover at http://pivotmethod.com/ask.

Are you working on a pivot-in-progress? For guidance on reconnecting with what lights you up and creating an action plan to move forward, check out Adrian’s flagship Career Pathfinder Program and apply promo code PIVOT at checkout.

🌟 3 Key Takeaways

We all have parts of us that seem like voices in our heads speaking from different perspectives. When experiencing change, separating them out can provide powerful clarity.
Ask questions and imagine (or write) the answers from each of your board members. What is each one's primary motivation? Their biggest fear? What are they trying to protect you from?
What is the bigger vision coming from your more critical board members? For example, that you experience greater peace, success, time with your family, etc.

✅ Try This Next: Brainstorm your current board members, either on a piece of paper or together with a friend. Make a list of as many as you’d like, and build out the description by personifying them: What are they wearing? How are they acting? What is their primary fear and their primary motivation? What do you want to say to each one? Bonus: Who are the three board members you’d like to hire moving forward to help bring out your best self?

🔗 Resources Mentioned

Adrian on the web, Yelp, Facebook, LinkedIn
Course: Career Pathfinder, promo code PIVOT
IFS Training: Internal Family Systems
Coach Training: CTI
Articles: Finding Your Calling by a Path the Fits
Selfleadership.org

📚 Books Mentioned

🎧 Related Episodes

❤️ Enjoying the show? I'd be grateful for a rating and/or review! Even better? Share this episode with a friend :)

💌 Get my curated weekly(ish) PivotList newsletter

💬 I’d love to hear what’s on your mind! Take the Pivot listener survey

☎️ Submit a question or comment for future episodes

🎧 Make sure you’re subscribed wherever you listen to ‘casts

📝 Check out full show notes at http://pivotmethod.com/319

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📣 Free Time is Nominated for a Webby! 💸 Would love your help voting by EOD 4/20 🙏

Wed, 19 Apr 2023 09:00:00 -0000

Hi Friends! I'm re-airing this announcement from the Free Time podcast as a friendly reminder that we made it to the nomination stage of the Webby Awards, the "Oscars of the Internet!"

The Webbys celebrate the best and most innovative online content across websites, podcasts, games, apps, and videos. This nomination alone is a major achievement, putting us in the top 12% of nearly 14,000 projects entered.

📣 Between now and TOMORROW, April 20th:

Please visit itsfreetime.com/webby and cast your vote for Free Time!

We're up for best individual episode in the Business category. I did a double-take when I saw the other nominees, as we're by far the smallest show and the only indie that's not part of a larger network. So if you want to cast a vote not just for me, but for independent creators everywhere, I would be incredibly grateful if you could . . .

✅ Visit itsfreetime.com/webby and cast your vote for Free Time before EOD on Thursday, April 20!

After that, you'll see the results of where we currently stand :) You do have to go through a small registration process (just a few questions), but after that you can peruse other categories and vote for your favorite show among those too :)

THANK YOU!! For being you, for being here, and for helping Free Time stay afloat through accolades like this one :) I also want to thank the One Stone Creative production team for making both of these shows possible. Without them, there's no way we would have landed this nomination. They help the trains run on time, ensuring every single one of 12 episodes goes live across these two shows—Pivot and Free Time—every single month.

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318: The Beauty of Late Bloomers with Jenna Valovic

Sun, 16 Apr 2023 09:00:00 -0000

“It’s OK to be a late bloomer as long as you don’t miss the flower show.” —Jane Fonda

That’s a quote that today’s guest, Jenna Valovic, pulled to remind herself that not all of us are what she calls straight arrows when it comes to career paths, landing on a singular purpose early without wavering, and experiencing success and achievement from a young age.

Late bloomers, on the other hand, can learn to embrace the winding road—at least once they stop shaming and blaming themselves for not having it all figured out yet.

After all, as Jenna says, “Few things make you appreciate achievement more than waiting years to experience it. Consequently, many late bloomers find success to be even more savory when it comes.”

Listen in to this week’s conversation for strategies on embracing the best parts of being a late bloomer, while having patience in the process of self-discovery and self-expression.

More About Jenna: Jenna Valovic is a Certified Professional Co-Active Career Coach (CPCC) who brings an open mind and holistic lens to help clients build a life that feels impactful, aligned, and fully in integrity. She is one of our Pivot coaches, and holds a masters degree in leadership and organizational development, with a background in positive psychology, breathwork, and vinyasa yoga. We met many years ago through Google, where Jenna has worked for nearly a decade, most recently in executive recruiting.

🌟 3 Key Takeaways

Three qualities of late bloomers: They take a circuitous path; they tend to be experimental, rather than conceptual; and they are often misunderstood.
Own your choices while still considering the soil you’re currently planted in: “When a flower doesn’t bloom, you don’t fix the flower, you fix the environment.”
Hindsight is helpful: Often the outcome of where you end up is so much better than what you could have imagined, so make a practice of reflecting on where you’ve been and the accomplishments that brought you to where you are now.

✅ Try This Next: Set up a small, low-stakes pilot (even at an hour a week) for something sparking your curiosity. Park your insecurities on the side while embracing a “willful suspension of disbelief.”

🔗 Resources Mentioned

Jenna on the web, LinkedIn, Pinterest
Work with Jenna as your Pivot Coach
Articles: Jenna’s Lessons From A Late Bloomer: How To Uplevel Your Post-Pandemic Life and In The Wrong Career? Consider Planning A Pivot Now, New Yorker: Late Bloomers by Malcolm Gladwell
Video: Why Some of Us Don’t Have One True Calling | Emilie Wapnick
Personality Tests: Enneagram, Myers-Briggs

📚 Books Mentioned

Free Time: Lose the Busywork, Love Your Business
Pivot: The Only Move That Matters Is Your Next One
Life After College
Switchers: How Smart Professionals Change Careers and Seize Success by Dr. Dawn Graham
The Way of Integrity: Finding the Path to Your True Self by Martha Beck
Late Bloomers: The Power of Patience in a World Obsessed with Early Achievement by Rich Karlgaard

🎧 Related Episodes

❤️ Enjoying the show? I'd be grateful for a rating and/or review! Even better? Share this episode with a friend :)

💌 Get my curated weekly(ish) PivotList newsletter

💬 I’d love to hear what’s on your mind! Take the Pivot listener survey

☎️ Submit a question or comment for future episodes

🎧 Make sure you’re subscribed wherever you listen to ‘casts

📝 Check out full show notes at http://pivotmethod.com/318

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317: “We are the Refresh Generation” — Shifting Out of Reality Escape Artist Mode with Paul Angone

Sun, 09 Apr 2023 09:00:00 -0000

Are you feeling trapped by the infinite scroll of distractions? According to today’s returning guest, Paul Angone, we have all become cultural escape artists, what he dubs the “Refresh Generation.” Paul writes, “We are constantly getting a hit from our phone for the latest update. The iPhone is our cigarette, and too many of us are chain-smoking our phones."

It’s time to get off the dizzying carousel of phone addiction, and relearn how to listen to ourselves and our day for aha moments instead. Paul believes that “the most successful and fulfilled people on this Earth are simply better at paying attention to what's important.”

More About Paul: Paul Angone is one of the most trusted and sought-after voices in the nation to college students, young professionals, and those going through career change. Paul is the bestselling author of 101 Secrets for Your Twenties, 101 Questions You Need to Ask in Your Twenties, 25 Lies Twentysomethings Need to Stop Believing, and today we’re talking about his new book, Listen to Your Day: The Life-Changing Practice of Paying Attention. He is also the creator of AllGroanUp.com and the All Groan Up podcast, and a dynamic keynote speaker at universities, corporations, and churches nationwide. He was previously on the show in April 2018, episode 92: Adulting to Win: Powerful Questions and Pivotal Plot Points.

🌟 3 Key Takeaways

Create space to do your best work: Sometimes we do our best thinking when not actively working at all. Pay attention to what helps you get in flow, and engineer those opportunities for yourself. As Paul says, “I'm really learning that I do my best writing when I'm not writing.”
Paying attention is the path to becoming an expert. “Experts focus on one thing through a lens that others are not willing, or cannot, see through.”
What is your secret sauce? The unique ingredients you're combining to “create a substance that the world really needs, that the world is hungry for, that the world is desperate for.”

✅ Try This Next: Practice different ways of paying attention: How would a monk consider this problem? What about a farmer or an entrepreneur?

🔗 Resources Mentioned:

Paul on the web, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Pinterest
Paul’s podcast: All Groan Up
TV Shows and Movies: The Last of Us (HBO), Chef’s Table (Netflix), Delicious (Amazon Prime), Searching for Sugar Man, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
Articles: Paul’s Top five all-time blog posts

📚 Books Mentioned:

🎧 Related Episodes:

❤️ Enjoying the show? I'd be grateful for a rating and/or review! Even better? Share this episode with a friend :)

💌 Get my curated weekly(ish) PivotList newsletter

💬 I’d love to hear what’s on your mind! Take the Pivot listener survey

☎️ Submit a question or comment for future episodes

🎧 Make sure you’re subscribed wherever you listen to podcasts

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/317

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316: “Don’t Suffer Twice”

Sun, 02 Apr 2023 09:00:00 -0000

Today’s solo riff is on a three-word phrase that has helped quell countless waves of anxiety in the decade since I first heard it, wisdom passed from my friend Monica McCarthy's (aka MonBon’s) mom then to the pages of Pivot. Pardon the occasional panting (lol) and background noise—err New York City soundscape—as I recorded this one on a big hill at the park, running up and down while throwing a giant log for Ryder to chase. He chases sticks, I chase ideas!

🌟 3 Key Takeaways:

Memento Mori, though it is by definition morbid, is a practice of reminding ourselves that we (and our loved ones) will die. As the monks at Wat Umong temple hand-wrote on a note posted to a tree, “Remember: In 100 years, all new people.” How can you allow this reality to inform how you engage in relationships without leading to excessive anxiety or worry?
The Second Arrow: Notice when you are suffering because of a story you are telling yourself after a painful event, grinding the gears of a problem and making it worse long after the fact.
Remember, “Worry is praying for what you don’t want.” Try not to worry for or about others either; it’s not a nice energy to project or to feel.

✅ Next Action: If you notice yourself worrying or anxious, try to remind yourself of those three little words from MonBon's mom: Don't suffer twice.

📚Books Mentioned

🔗 Resources

Articles: Many Animals—Including Your Dog—May Have Horrible Short-Term Memories, Memento Mori, The Second Arrow
People: Monica McCarthy, Tosha Silver, Penney Peirce

🎧 Related Podcast Episodes

❤️ Enjoying the show? I'd be grateful for a rating and/or review! Even better? Share this episode with a friend :)

💌 Get my curated weekly(ish) PivotList newsletter

💬 I’d love to hear what’s on your mind! Take the Pivot listener survey

☎️ Submit a question or comment for future episodes

🎧 Make sure you’re subscribed wherever you listen to podcasts

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/316

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315: Intuition-Building, Spotting Pedestal Syndrome, and Closing the Confidence Gap with Kelli Thompson

Sun, 26 Mar 2023 09:00:00 -0000

What would you do if you had more confidence? Today’s guest, Kelli Thompson, polled over 500 people with this question and received answers that were equal parts inspiring and heartbreaking.

In this conversation, Kelli shares the story of walking down the aisle at her first wedding when her intuition was whispering that the relationship wasn’t right, but she didn’t yet have the confidence to listen.

We discuss strategies for listening to that still, small voice within; how to stop “box-checking” for external validation; the flip side of the imposter monster: pedestal syndrome; and working through the “poop soup” of liminal space between major changes. As Kelli says, “You can’t criticize yourself into more confidence.”

More About Kelli: Kelli Thompson is a women’s leadership coach and speaker who helps women advance to the rooms where decisions are made. She has coached and trained hundreds of women to trust themselves, lead with more confidence, and create a career they love. She is the founder of the Clarity & Confidence Women's Leadership Program and a Stevie Award winner for Women in Business—Coach of the Year. She is the author of Closing The Confidence Gap: Boost Your Peace, Your Potential & Your Paycheck, which was selected as a must-read by The Next Big Idea Club.

🌟 3 Key Takeaways:

Your intuition is going to tell you things your brain doesn’t want to hear, but it isn’t always loud. Those little nudges and questions are trying to get your attention and are worth spending time with.
We often default to checking the boxes of what we, or our communities, think it means to be successful. Ask yourself: “Do I even want this? Does it feel good? Does this give me energy?”
New job smell wears off. The problems we bring with us into new environments are going to come up again and again unless we deal with the internal issues—boundaries, communication, confidence—that cause them in the first place.

Try This Next: Write down 3-5 things in your life that you no longer want. Where do you feel resentment? What is out of alignment? Choose one to have a conversation about or draw a boundary around as a next step.

📘Books:

🔗Resources:

Kelli on the web, Instagram: @kelliraethompson, Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook
People: Martha Beck, Kristin Neff, Marissa Knox
Article: Growing Wings: The Power of Change by Martha Beck
Book Club: The Next Big Idea Club
The Life Coach School Episode 9: It Doesn’t Get Better Than This

🎧Related Podcast Episodes

❤️ Enjoying the show? I'd be grateful for a rating and/or review! Even better? Share this episode with a friend :)

💌 Get my curated weekly(ish) PivotList newsletter

💬 I’d love to hear what’s on your mind! Take the Pivot listener survey

☎️ Submit a question or comment for future episodes

**🎧 **Make sure you’re subscribed wherever you listen to ‘casts

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at

http://pivotmethod.com/315

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314: Doing Less, Focusing More After Taking a Two-Month Leave with Adrian Klaphaak

Sun, 19 Mar 2023 09:00:00 -0000

Joy and frustration can be equally motivating. Sometimes joy pulls our focus like a magnet to where it needs to be. On the other hand, sometimes being grumpy and frustrated is a sign we need to pivot in another direction. They both help us understand what roles or activities, or ideas we need to say no to to make sure we have enough space for what we want to say yes to.

Today, I’m joined by recurring guest host Adrian Klaphaak, who is just returning from a two-month parental leave after welcoming his second child into the world. We’re talking about preparing for, and returning from, time off; the challenges of parenting while running a business; and working toward sustainable joy and focus amidst it all.

Are you working on a Pivot-in-progress? For guidance on reconnecting with what lights you up and creating an action plan to move forward, check out Adrian’s flagship Career Pathfinder Program and apply promo code PIVOT at checkout.

More about Adrian: Adrian Klaphaak is a coach, purpose guide, entrepreneur, therapist, and founder of A Path That Fits Career and Life Coaching. His coaching approach is holistic—a constant balance between getting results and a quest for meaning and fulfillment. He describes himself as “a deep seeker with a constant itch to make things happen.”

🌟 3 Key Takeaways:

If you’re feeling dread upon returning to work after a break (or even just the weekend), ask: What am I resisting coming back to? See the resistance as a message from a wiser part of yourself telling you something might be off.
Surrender to the reality of your life, and remember that you’ve chosen it, even amongst the challenges. Life is long, if we’re lucky, and no situation lasts forever.
Sometimes you have to say no and clear space first, before clarity on next steps emerges. Be patient: the biggest dreams take time.

✅ Try This Next: What do you want to say no—or not now—to right now?

📘Books:

Free Time: Lose The Busywork, Love Your Business
Pivot: The Only Move That Matters Is Your Next One
Life After College
The Dirty Life: A Memoir of Farming, Food, and Love by Kristin Kimball
Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown
Grumpy Monkey by Suzanne Lang
The Art of Happiness: A Handbook for Living by the Dalai Lama

🔗Resources:

Adrian on the web, Yelp, Facebook, LinkedIn
Course: Career Pathfinder (promo code PIVOT)
Articles: Startup Parent Substack, Parable of the Trapeze
Video: Finding Your Calling by a Path that Fits
Podcast: Startup Parent Podcast

🎧Related Podcast Episodes:

Pivot x Career Pathfinder Playlist (previous episodes with Adrian)
204: Radical Alignment: Getting to Hell Yes with Alex & Bob
Free Time 166: Crashing into Quiet Time 🏝️
320: The Beauty of Late Bloomers with Jenna Valovic

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313: What’s the pebble in your shoe? Pivoting from Wall Street to RadReads with Khe Hy

Sun, 12 Mar 2023 09:00:00 -0000

Is change whispering to you? For Khe Hy, a former investment banker on the fast track of keeping up with the corporate Joneses, the discomfort from following the status quo first started feeling like a pebble in his shoe. “Psst! There’s more out there for you,” it whispered.

In this conversation, we talk about his decision to leave Black Rock, how he follows his instincts when building his new content and education business, and how sneaky “shoulds” and insecurity often stem from unmet needs we had growing up.

Be sure also to check out Khe’s episodes on Free Time: 163: Leveraging Idea Kernels to Create Compelling Content with Khe Hy, and 129: The $10K Work Framework with Khe Hy.

🌟 3 Key Takeaways:

Make an angel investment in yourself: Designate (and save) an amount of money you can afford to lose that would give you enough time to pursue your ideas and experiment to see what sticks.
The 5 Whys Concept can help you identify the real feelings and motivations for your decisions. Ask yourself why you did something. Then ask why the answer is important to you. Then why that answer is important to you. After 5 “whys” you will almost always be at the root of what you want or feel.
Manage your energy instead of your time. Email, for example, can usually be done when feeling low-energy rather than using your best and highest energy on it. Techniques like RIZE (Reach Inbox Zero Everywhere) can help you do it quickly, efficiently, and in appropriate amounts.

✅ Try This Next: Twice a week, take a piece of paper and a pen, go somewhere quiet, and reflect on a question about your life or business. Ask yourself, "What is the pebble in my shoe?” or, “If everything went great, what would my life look like in ten years?” This is less about having precise answers and more about creating the space for reflection.

📘Books:

🔗Resources:

Khe on the web, Twitter, LinkedIn
Courses: Supercharge Your Productivity, Life Operating System, $10K Work Accelerator
Free Time Operations Dashboard
Video: Sheng Wang on Coscto Pants
Articles: The Magic of Doing $10,000 Per Hour Work, How to be the Chief Unblocking Officer (Article), CNN: Meet Khe He, the Oprah for Millennials

🎧Related Podcast Episodes:

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312: Are You Future-Tripping?

Sun, 05 Mar 2023 10:00:00 -0000

As the saying goes, “Worrying is praying for what you don’t want.” A close cousin is future-tripping: projecting and living in the future instead of being present with what is actually happening, keeping an open mind about whatever might happen next.

If you are inclined to catastrophize, you’re not alone! But getting caught in a fictional movie can mean missing out on important opportunities, ideas, and relationships. Today, I’m talking about why we do this, how future-tripping manifests, and strategies for shifting into what I call present-calming instead.

🌟 15 Strategies for Shifting from Future-Tripping to Present-Calming:

Notice when you’re in a movie where you’re projecting events and possibilities rather than being present to the actual facts at hand.
Be compassionate with your fearful side, as being hard on yourself doesn’t help.
Take a page from The Work with Byron Katie by asking, “Is that true? Can I absolutely know that it’s true?”
Pause and reflect: What are the facts versus what am I assuming?
Reframe what you are experiencing as an open-ended, creative question.
Trust yourself to be creative and resourceful at every next step as it arises.
Intuition happens in the moment, so ground yourself in the present.
Be grateful for the abundance that the problem you are facing represents.
Create and hold a positive vision of what is possible if all goes as well as it possibly can (instead of worst-case catastrophizing).
Listen to relaxing podcasts or meditations if you have trouble sleeping due to anxious thoughts.
Take a small step or positive action toward a solution.
Limit your exposure to negative news. Or all news, for that matter!
Get your endorphins flowing with 20-minutes of cardio or yoga
Talk to an energizing friend or family member to get an outside perspective
Surrender. Ask for clarity on what action to take (or not) and for grace and patience in the meantime.

✅ Try this next: Notice when you’re caught in a movie of the future, generating anxiety from a problem or situation causing you stress. Ask to be shown one next step, and stay attuned to clues or hits of inspiration or intuition in your environment.

Do you have any strategies for present-calming? Send me a note at hello@itspivotmethod.com or leave me a voice memo at pivotmethod.com/ask.

📘Books:

🔗Resources:

Byron Katie: TheWork.com and Judge Your Neighbor worksheet
TV Series: Harlem via Amazon Prime (clip pulled from S2 E4)
JB’s Ideal Day Madlib
Sleep Foundations: The Best Podcasts for Sleep
Jordan Harbinger: 6-Minute Networking Course

🎧Related Podcast Episodes:

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311: How to Get Unstuck with Lia Garvin

Sun, 26 Feb 2023 10:00:00 -0000

It’s time to leave guilt spirals, perfectionism, and hedging behind. Today’s guest, Lia Garvin, is sharing her favorite tools for reframing frustrating situations through powerful questions and helpful feedback.

More About Lia: Lia Garvin is the bestselling author of UNSTUCK: Reframe Your Thinking to Free Yourself From the Patterns and People that Hold You Back, leaning into nearly ten years of experience working in some of the most influential companies in tech, including Microsoft, Apple, and Google to explore the power of reframing to overcome common challenges found in the modern workplace. In her popular TEDx talk, “Your decisions aren't wrong, your inner critic is“, Lia shares the secret to reframing the stress we feel around making decisions. As the Founder & CEO of The Workplace Reframe organizational strategy firm, speaker, and coach, Lia is on a mission to humanize the workplace, one conversation at a time.

🌟 3 Key Takeaways:

If you find yourself stuck in the “nosebleed section” of a problem, especially if it’s a situation you don’t have direct control over, consider: What can this vantage point offer me? What can I learn from it? What might I consider for next time?
A decision is a best guess: Separate the drivers from the outcomes of your next move.
Unhook your self-worth from your work, and reframe your relationship to feedback: This project doesn’t have to be everything or for everyone; it doesn’t have anything to do with who you are as a person. If the feedback hits a nerve, collect more data.

✅ Try This Next: The next time you’re feeling stuck, try reframing your questions from “why?” to “what?” Write down all of the questions you are asking yourself, and re-construct them. So, “Why didn’t they pick me?” becomes: “What else might be going on in the situation that I’m not aware of?” and “Why does this always happen to me?” becomes “What else might be possible?”

📘Books:

🔗Resources:

Lia on the web, IG: @lia.garvin, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube
Bonuses: Do's and Don'ts for Talking About Your Work with Confidence, 5Tips to Unlock the Best in Your Teams
Article: Psychology Today’s Maximizers vs. Satisficers: Who Makes Better Decisions?
TEDx: Your decisions aren't wrong, your inner critic is
Masterclass: Chris Voss’ Win Workplace Negotiations, The Art of Negotiation

🎧Related Podcast Episodes:

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🎧 Make sure you’re subscribed wherever you listen to ‘casts

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310: When the Career Grass Really is Greener — On Job Crafting with Rebecca Fraser-Thill

Sun, 19 Feb 2023 10:29:00 -0000

I’m complete. Have you ever landed on that sense of satisfaction, perhaps after a peak experience when you’ve given everything you could? Often what quickly follows: Now, what’s next?

My guest this week — the very first partner coach I brought on to help in my business — pivoted out of academia after an accomplished trajectory into running her own coaching practice. Several years ago, she was featured in Shana Gaynor’s wonderful Business Insider article, I went to a career coach, so you don't have to—and it was a rude awakening, that has been bringing clients our way ever since!

In this conversation, we discuss creating the impact you want to have in the world, crafting jobs and roles to fit your strengths, and how to navigate the nerves of striking out on your own.

More About Rebecca: Rebecca Fraser-Thill is a Pivot Career Coach, the Senior Contributor at Forbes on meaningful work, and the owner of Fraser-Thill Coaching & Consulting, based near Portland, Maine. Rebecca taught psychology at Bates College for 18 years, where she led the design of their Purposeful Work program. She holds a Master’s degree in Developmental Psychology from Cornell University. You can find her at www.RebeccaFT.com

🌟 3 Key Takeaways:

Are you a coaching skeptic? The feedback, insight, and accountability can be transformative in ways you don’t expect.
Job crafting: Take every step you can to make the most of a current opportunity before making bigger moves, to know you gave it everything you had and gain clarity on when it will be time to go.
Look for hidden strengths that come so naturally to you that you barely recognize them for the advantages they are. We often downplay our own abilities, so ask for feedback from coaches (and friends and colleagues!).

✅ Next Action: Find a list of work-related or adjacent values online (or generate your own) and write them on index cards or slips of paper. Next, physically put them in order of what is most important to you. Return and reorder them over a week until you have no more changes. This list of values will help you make decisions and rules about your work—if something doesn’t align, it becomes much easier to say no to.

📘Books:

Free Time: Lose The Busywork, Love Your Business
Pivot: The Only Move That Matters Is Your Next One
Life After College
Don't Call It Quits: Turn the Job You Have into the Job You Love by Shana Lebowitz Gaynor
Agile: Essentials of Team and Project Management. Manifesto for Agile Software Development by Alex Campbell

🔗Resources:

Rebecca on the web, Twitter, LinkedIn
Learn more and schedule a Pivot Coaching intro call with Rebecca
Business Insider: I went to a career coach so you don't have to—and it was a rude awakening
Therapy Apps: Better Help, Talkspace
Career Values Lists: Mindtool, James Clear
The Tim Ferriss Show: What Is Important to You

🎧Related Podcast Episodes:

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309: Wayfinding and Developing Identity Agency with Ciela Hartanov

Sun, 12 Feb 2023 10:00:00 -0000

“The Sensitive Leader is a wayfinder, not a truth teller” with all the answers. Learn how serendipity helped today’s guest, Ciela Hartanov, successfully pitch an internal project to co-found and lead The Google School for Leaders; why sense-making is an essential skill when pivoting; and how to “right-size” a proposal until you get a yes.

We also discuss what it means to develop “identity agency,” how Ciela knew it was time to go out on her own, why building a personal brand isn’t the end-all-be-all, and how to build trend-spotting skills.

More About Ciela: Ciela Hartanov was part of the founding team of The Google School for Leaders and Head of Next Practice Innovation and Strategy at Google, where she developed projects designed to shape the future of leadership and work. She currently runs humcollective, a boutique strategy and innovation firm that helps companies, executives, and teams make sense of the forces shaping the future and prepare strategically, and cohosts a podcast called Questioning Work.

🌟 3 Key Takeaways:

Sense-making means asking: “What’s interesting here? What’s going on here?” It’s about entering more into playfulness than problem-solving.
Tension is essential in the innovative process because it provides energy to continue working on new ideas.
Identity agency: Develop a sense of who you are outside of your public-facing brand or even the brand association from working at a well-known company.

✅ Next Action:

Build your trend-spotting skills by taking a walk in your neighborhood. What are you noticing? What are the things you haven’t been seeing? What does that tell you about the world?

📘Books:

Free Time: Lose The Busywork, Love Your Business
Pivot: The Only Move That Matters Is Your Next One
Life After College
Reclaiming Sensitivity (early 2024)

🔗Resources:

Ciela on the web, IG: @cielarose, Twitter: @CHartanov, LinkedIn, Medium
Ciela’s Podcast: Questioning Work
Articles: It’s Finally Time to Retire ‘Good to Great’ From the Leadership Canon
Tool: chatGPT

🎧Related Podcast Episodes:

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308: Pivoting in Place with Adrian Klaphaak

Sun, 05 Feb 2023 10:00:00 -0000

“No [person] ever steps in the same river twice, for it’s not the same river, and they are not the same [person].” —Heraclitus, a Greek philosopher from ~500 BC

I share this quote in nearly every Pivot keynote because it speaks to the reality of uncertainty in every aspect of our lives, even when we’re not intentionally pursuing bigger career changes. Every day we are different, as are the companies we work for, the broader economy, our community, and even our physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional bodies.

Today, recurring guest Adrian Klaphaak and I are exploring how to keep moving and build momentum, even when you aren’t in a position to take big risks. How do you double down on your strengths and take small steps to pivot in place, creating room for bigger opportunities down the road?

Are you working on a pivot-in-progress? For guidance on reconnecting with what lights you up, and creating an action plan to move forward, check out Adrian’s flagship Career Pathfinder Program and apply promo code PIVOT at checkout.

More about Adrian: Adrian Klaphaak is a coach, purpose guide, entrepreneur, therapist, and founder of A Path That Fits Career and Life Coaching. His coaching approach is holistic—a constant balance between getting results and a quest for meaning and fulfillment. He describes himself as “a deep seeker with a constant itch to make things happen.”

🌟 3 Key Takeaways:

“What should I do?” is the second question. It should come after “Who am I?” when you are thinking about how to improve your work circumstances without leaving your role entirely.
Sometimes the role you want doesn't exist yet at your organization. Lean on faith and follow the clues your soul is guiding you with to create the space you want to occupy.
Relationships are what make everything happen. Talk to the people you like the most and who seem to be doing the most interesting work. Investing in those relationships gives you more access to opportunities.

✅ Next Action: the work activities that you get the most joy, energy, and flow from. How can you build upon those through smaller pilots?

📘Books:

🔗Resources:

Adrian on the web, Yelp, Facebook, LinkedIn
Course: Career Pathfinder, promo code PIVOT
Video: Finding Your Calling by a Path the Fits
Articles by Jenny on Oprah.com: The Questions You Need to Ask Yourself if You're Bored and Restless at Work, What Is Your Happiness Formula?
Newsletter: Adjacent Possible by Stephen Johnson
Podcast: In the Arena with Leah Smart

🎧Related Podcast Episodes: Pivot x Career Pathfinder Playlist (previous episodes with Adrian), 289: Stealing Wi-Fi as Career Strategy with Jenny Wood

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307: Pivoting from Google to Launching People Playbook with Tony McGaharan

Sun, 29 Jan 2023 10:00:00 -0000

Leaving the cool shade of a corporate tree with a great salary and benefits to start a business is never easy. But making the call mere months before a global pandemic hits seems on the surface to be ill-timed—to say the least. Or perhaps cosmic.

Don’t feel bad for Tony McGaharan, who is a pro at finding the silver lining in any situation. Suddenly the market for his budding business went from Belfast to global through virtual events, and his business is thriving because of it.

In this conversation, we cover how he knew it was time to give his two-weeks notice (and not just pivot internally), how he addressed financial fears of leaving a six-figure salary, navigating the first few months of the pandemic as a new business owner, and how he builds relationships to generate new business—including Google still a key part of his client roster. As his coach says to him, “Be careful what you do because what you do, you do more of.”

More About Tony: Tony is a Leadership Development expert who previously worked for Google's People Operations in Dublin, Singapore, and London. He is an experienced leader, effective facilitator, and qualified coach on and off the basketball court. He founded People Playbook in 2020, host of the Three Points podcast, and has partnered with a diverse range of organizations across the globe to design and deliver purpose-built leadership development programs.

🌟 3 Key Takeaways:

You’ll have more options and less pressure when pivoting if you live lean by lowering expenses and your expectations.
Silver linings are everywhere; lean into conditions that seem subpar
Set expectations with yourself after pivoting as you design your day-to-day: What are your goals? What do you expect to do with your time and your days? What do you want to do outside of work?

✅ Next Action: Outsource your confidence if you need a boost. We can get stuck in our own heads and not see ourselves clearly, so ask friends and family what they see your strengths as and what they think you can bring to the world.

📘Books: Free Time: Lose The Busywork, Love Your Business, Pivot: The Only Move That Matters Is Your Next One, Life After College

🔗Resources:

Tony on the web, IG: @peopleplaybook and @SilverLiningsQuiz, Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook
Tony’s Podcast: Three Points
People: Peter Barron, Producer Matt Thompson, Pamela Slim, Charlie Gilkey, Josh Muxen
Podcasts: Best of Belfast, Jenny on Three Points — Freeing Your Time with Jenny Blake

🎧Related Podcast Episodes:

Pivot

Free Time

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306: ⛵️Stop Sailing the Sea of Shiny Shoulds (Free Time Crossover)

Sun, 22 Jan 2023 10:00:00 -0000

Is it too late to wish you a Happy New Year? Larry David, one of my favorite curmudgeons, would say yes — I have surpassed the HNY statute of limitations.

While the “new year, new you” energy is still fresh, I invite you to conduct a calendar audit: What are your shiny shoulds? The coulds? The so goods?

Today I’m sharing a crossover from the Free Time podcast and book about one of the most popular topics that readers ask me about most: Sailing the Sea of Shiny Shoulds. This also ties into one of the Pivot Paradoxes I share in the Pilot stage of Pivot: The Fauxspiration Foe.

If you haven’t already, grab your copy of Free Time—winner of six book awards!—and subscribe to the w3 award-winning podcast wherever you listen »

You’re invited! I would love for you to join us in BFF, my private community for small Heart-Based business owners. If you want accountability, support, and strategies to stop sailing the sea of shiny shoulds so you can set more time free to do your best work. Visit itsfreetime.com/bff, and enter promo code PODCAST at checkout for a discount.

🌟Key Takeaway: If you want to dabble in something that might be a Shiny Should, treat it like an experiment. Set rules for engagement that respect your time, including firm start and end dates, then evaluate the impact on your energy and your business. Is the juice worth the squeeze?

✅ Action Step: Observe your calendar and projects for the next two weeks: What is most energizing? What’s most draining? Within the most energizing people and projects, conduct a second audit (you can do this by drawing three columns on a blank piece of paper or digital note): What are your shiny shoulds? The coulds? The so goods?

📘Books Mentioned:

🔗Resources Mentioned:

Jenny’s private BFF Community for Heart-Based Business owners
Article: The New York Times Workologist feature: Climbing Down the Corporate Ladder Without Alarming Your Boss
Strategic Social Media Sprints: Stephanie Huston
Podcast: SPARKED by Jonathan Fields, Free Time

🎧Related Podcast Episodes

JB episodes on SPARKED with Jonathan Fields

Pivot:

Free Time:

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305: Is What You’re Wanting Actually What’s Best For You? With Luke Burgis

Sun, 15 Jan 2023 10:00:00 -0000

The opening epigraph to Luke Burgis’ brilliant book gave me such a chuckle that I can’t resist sharing it here:

“We want what other people want because other people want it, and it’s penciled-in eyebrows all the way down, down to the depths of the nth circle of hell where we all die immediately of a Brazilian butt lift, over and over again.” —Dayna Tortorici via n+1 (as quoted in Wanting)

In today’s conversation, we’re talking about mimetic desire and our relationship to wanting. It’s a fundamental aspect of the fact that humans are social creatures: I see, therefore I want; I want, therefore I am.

But if what you’re wanting isn’t serving you, this conversation will be just the medicine you need to turn your attention inward again. As Luke says, “Mimetic desire is like gravity—it just is. Gravity is always at work. What gravity is to physics, mimetic desire is to psychology.” We can get better at escaping relational riptides and the rat race. Listen in to learn more about why Wanting is the key to unlocking our deepest desires and ridding ourselves of toxic comparison and competition.

More About Luke: Luke Burgis has co-created and led four companies in wellness, consumer products, and technology. He’s currently Entrepreneur-in-Residence and Director of Programs at the Ciocca Center for Principled Entrepreneurship where he also teaches business at The Catholic University of America. He writes and speaks regularly about the education of desire, and is the author of two books on these topics: Unrepeatable: Cultivating the Unique Calling of Every Person and Wanting: The Power of Mimetic Desire in Everyday Life.

🌟 3 Key Takeaways:

Our desires often don’t originate with us, but we do have agency and the freedom to rise above them
We often experience mimetic rivalry with those closest to us
Thick desires are ones in alignment with our own integrity and most meaningful pursuits, where status and recognition are byproducts (but not the aim) of deeper satisfaction

✅ Next Action: Be like the hawk (as featured in today’s conversation!)—notice what your subconscious Michelin Stars are and examine, Are they serving you? Do they represent your “thickest” desires, or merely what others in your life and industry tell you that you should want?

📘Books:

🔗Resources:

Luke on the web, Instagram: @lukeburgis, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn
Articles: Dayna Tortorici’s n+1 article My Instagram, The New Yorker—The Floating World: Have’s and the Have Superyachts
Videos: Rivalry: How to beat a basic instinct, How to know what you really want, movie trailer for Lamborghini: The Man Behind the Legend

🎧Related Podcast Episodes:

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304: Through the Crux—Pivoting from Acting to Entrepreneurship with Ryan Devlin

Sun, 08 Jan 2023 10:00:00 -0000

“Even when you think something is set in stone—literal, actual stone—it changes.” Take it from actor-turned-entrepreneur and rock-climbing aficionado Ryan Devlin: successful pivots involve constant micro-adjustments. Even when you feel most stuck, you can find a new way forward, but you’ll need to double down on your unique skills and abilities.

I had so much fun chatting with Ryan about starting his give-back company, This Saves Lives, and his journey from a successful actor living the Hollywood life to an experimental entrepreneur piloting a new podcast based on his passion.

Ryan shares why chasing celebrity can be a slippery slope, how getting used to rejection helps with business-building, contributing to something bigger than you, finding flow, and why getting bored in your career isn’t always bad.

More About Ryan: Ryan Devlin is a social entrepreneur, rock climbing enthusiast, and actor known for roles on shows like Brothers & Sisters, Veronica Mars, Cougar Town, Jane the Virgin, and Grey’s Anatomy. He hosts The Struggle Climbing podcast, where climbers share their struggles and breakthroughs in nutrition, training, tactics, and the mental game. He is also co-founder of This Saves Lives, a company dedicated to feeding children and helping them thrive.

🌟3 Key Takeaways:

What are the unique things that only you can do? What connections, skills, or insights do you have that no one else does? There are opportunities that only you can identify and take advantage of because of the skills, abilities, and connections that are unique to you.
From Tony Hsieh’s book, Delivering Happiness, consider three levels of happiness: something ephemeral (like shopping), flow state (over when the activity is over), and service (being part of something bigger than yourself).
The more you pivot, the more comfortable you become with change. Take comfort in knowing that if your next move doesn’t work, you can figure out how to adapt from there.

✅Next Action: Pick a niche passion of yours that has a zing of energy and excitement to it; what is one creative project you might be able to tackle in and for this area? Bonus: go to a local climbing wall!

📘Books:

Free Time: Lose The Busywork, Love Your Business
Pivot: The Only Move That Matters Is Your Next One
Life After College
Shameless Exploitation in Pursuit of the Common Good by Paul Newman
The Status Game: On Human Life and How to Play It by Will Storr
Wanting: The Power of Mimetic Desire in Everyday Life by Luke Burgis
Delivering Happiness: A Path to Profits, Passion, and Purpose by Tony Hsieh
Zero to One: Notes on Startups, or How to Build the Future by Peter Thiel

🔗Resources:

Ryan Devlin on the web, Instagram: @ryandevlinoutside and @thestruggleclimbingshow
Company: This Saves Lives
Podcast: The Struggle Climbing Show, Guests: Tommy Caldwell, Lynn Hill, Alex Honnold
Emily Holland: Podcast Coach, host of the Nature Untold Podcast

🎧Related Podcast Episodes:

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Free Time Framework for Moving from Friction to Flow in 2023 [BEST OF]

Sun, 01 Jan 2023 10:00:00 -0000

🎉 Free Time: Lose the Busywork, Love Your Business celebrates its one year bookiversary on 3/22/23!

In this episode I'm walking you through the Free Time Framework—Align, Design, Assign—so you have a technique to move from friction to flow in any project or area of your life and work in 2022.

Resources Mentioned:

Books: Free Time, Pivot, Who Not How
Podcasts: Free Time #052: Perceived Capacity vs. Actual Capacity, Centered in the City with Wade Brill
Websites: Agile Manifesto for Software Development

This episode originally aired in December 2022.

🎁 Give the gift of free time to yourself and others in 2023 by participating in our Buy One, Get One, Give One bonus, back for a limited time. Here's how it works:

Buy One: Order the hardcover edition and submit proof of purchase at http://itsfreetime.com/bogogo
Get One: Within one business day, you'll get access to the audiobook and Free Time Toolkit with over 15 new templates to set your time free in 2023!
Give One: You will get details on how to gift audiobook access to a friend :)

Thank you for listening! I can't wait to hear how you start freeing up time, and what you do with it :)

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303: What is Your Soul Path for 2023? Follow What’s Most Alive — With Adrian Klaphaak

Sun, 01 Jan 2023 10:00:00 -0000

Happy new year, my friends!! Transitioning from holiday time off to the frenetic energy of returning to work and regular life can be rough — so today, recurring guest (and my first career coach) Adrian Klaphaak joins me back on the pod to jam about calmer ways of reentering a new year, and recentering to decide what kind of planning and tracking is the most joyful for you.

🌟3 Key Takeaways:

Goals can be a loaded concept: they can be helpful or box us in. Try exaggerating your goals so far beyond what you would set typically, and see how your consciousness and creativity change to adapt to the new challenge.
To calculate your personal year number in numerology: Add the digits of your birthday, birth month, and year (i.e., 2023). For example, February 3, 2023. The personal year number would be 0+2+0+3+2+0+2+3 = 13 = 1+3 = 4. Then read the corresponding profile here »
Before committing to something new, ask, “Is this really necessary?” Sometimes the easiest way to find more time and ease is to simply do less. What can you do less of next year, and what might that additional time mean for you?

✅Next Action: Take a breath before launching into a new goal or declaration for the year. Rest and recharge, then came back to the questions of: What do I really want? What is most exciting to me? What do I most want to give my energy to? What is a project that aligns with my soul’s path?

📘Books:

Free Time: Lose The Busywork, Love Your Business
Pivot: The Only Move That Matters Is Your Next One
Life After College
Life Cycles: Your Emotional Journey To Freedom And Happiness by Christine DeLorey
Turning the Flywheel: A Monograph to Accompany Good to Great by Jim Collins

🔗Resources:

Adrian on the web, Yelp, Facebook, LinkedIn
Course: Career Pathfinder
Video: Finding Your Calling by a Path That Fits
Article: Trip vs. Vacation (Why traveling with kids is never a holiday)
Creative Numerology

🎧Related Podcast Episodes:

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Everyday Rituals and the 'Sparkling of the Sacred' with Casper ter Kuile [BEST OF]

Sun, 25 Dec 2022 10:00:00 -0000

This episode originally aired on April 4, 2021.

Casper ter Kuile is helping to build a world of joyful belonging. He is the author of The Power of Ritual and the co-host of the award-winning podcast Harry Potter and the Sacred Text. Casper is a Ministry Innovation Fellow at Harvard Divinity School and the co-founder of startup Sacred Design Lab - a research and design consultancy working to create a culture of belonging and becoming. He also co-authored “How We Gather” and collaborated with Holstee on his Ritual Life Planner.

Resources

Casper on the web, Twitter: @caspertk, IG: caspertk_, Facebook: @caspertk86, LinkedIn: caspertk, Newsletter: caspertk.com
Tech sabbath from sundown Fri-Sat.
Sacred Design Lab
Articles: NYT feature: God Is Dead. So Is the Office. These People Want to Save Both
Podcast: Harry Potter and the Sacred Text

Books:

Pivot
The Power of Ritual: Turning Everyday Activities into Soulful Practices
Co-author: How We Gather
Ritual Life Planner
Outrageous Openness by Tosha Silver
Agnostic by Lesley Hazleton
Wintering by Katherine May

Authors:

Related Pivot Podcasts:

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Cultivating Influence with Jon Levy [BEST OF]

Sun, 18 Dec 2022 10:00:00 -0000

“I don’t want fans, I want friends.” This is one of many approaches to relationship-building that I admire in this week’s guest, super-connector Jon Levy. I learned that when Jon texts with “free for dinner tonight?” you cancel all plans and say YES. Both times I did, I ended up at one of his influencer dinners with famous actors, public figures, pro athletes, and C-suite executives.

Jon’s secret? Designing experiences to facilitate a shared sense of awe, connection, and accomplishment—with job titles revealed only at the end of the evening. Today we’re talking about these principles and more behind his bestselling book, You’re Invited: The Art and Science of Cultivating Influence. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did!

This episode originally aired on July 24, 2022.

More about Jon: Jon Levy is a behavioral scientist and New York Times bestselling author known for his work in trust, human connection, belonging, and influence. More than a decade ago, Jon founded The Influencers Dinner, a secret dining experience for industry leaders ranging from Nobel laureates, Olympians, celebrities, and executives, to artists and musicians. Guests cook dinner together, but can’t discuss their career or give their last name, and once seated to eat, they reveal who they are. Over time, these dinners developed into a community. With thousands of members, Influencers is the largest community of its type worldwide.

🌟3 Key Takeaways:

Say yes to invites. If you want higher levels of creativity, new relationships, new ideas—it’s going to happen outside of your standard routines.
Novelty is critical if you want to be noticed. What are you doing that only you do? Make that one of the key things you talk about and promote.
Instead of asking why you’re not on social media, or forcing yourself into it, ask “Why should I be on social media? If you don’t have a good reason, don’t stress about it!

✅Next Action: What next group invitation can you send? How can you create a memorable experience around it?

📘Books Mentioned:

🔗Resources Mentioned:

Jon on the web, Instagram: @jonlevytlb, Twitter: @JonLevyTLB
New York Times feature: Want to Meet Influential New Yorkers? Invite Them to Dinner
Video: Ted Talk: What Makes Us Influential?, Fortune: The Science of Adventure
Resources: Upwork, Notion
TV Show: Old Enough
Reddit.com

🎧Related Podcast Episodes:

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Expansive Impact and Spacious Scheduling with Sarah Young [BEST OF]

Sun, 11 Dec 2022 10:00:00 -0000

Does your calendar reflect your values and priorities? Do you pause before responding to requests, or are you saying yes to things out of fear, pressure, or obligation?

I’m delighted to be in conversation with my dear friend Sarah Young this week on creating clear containers, clean vs. dirty energy, navigating “spiritual tornados of leadership,” handling inevitable criticism, and moving past people-pleasing toward acting in the path of highest integrity. Be sure to check out Sarah’s beautiful book, Expansive Impact: An Invitation to Lead in Everyday Moments, and subscribe to her fantastic Friday Favorites newsletter! It’s one of my favorite messages in my inbox every week :)

This episode originally aired on April 3, 2022.

More About Sarah: Sarah Young is the Founder and CEO of Zing Collaborative and the author of Expansive Impact: An Invitation to Lead in Everyday Moments. She works with a handful of highly conscious and committed clients who want to elevate and expand their leadership capacity. Sarah runs retreats, workshops, and speaking events to help leaders further develop through an approach that blends corporate experience, research, mindfulness, leadership, coaching, and experiential learning. She has a deep appreciation for nature, travel, sunshine, warm weather, paddle boarding, rescue dogs, cooking, coffee, and the precious hours of the early morning.

🌟 3 Key Takeaways:

If you find it hard to create time for yourself, building time for personal projects and R&R right into your calendar. Ask to meet over the phone or while walking, instead of screen-fatigue inducing video calls.
Use a decision filter before saying yes. Ask yourself: “is this fully in line with my values and priorities?”
Remember that you can do everything right to communicate clearly and with integrity, and sometimes it still may not work if the other person doesn't have the desire to meet you halfway.

📝 Permission: Skip the comment section. You don’t need to engage where the energy doesn’t feel right. Sometimes people are just waiting to pounce, and you don’t have to provide the opportunity.

✅ Do or Delegate This Next: Pause. Find a moment in the day where you can pause before you respond to something, reflecting on whether it connects with your values and how you want to engage in the world.

📘 Books Mentioned:

🔗 Resources Mentioned:

Sarah Young on the web, Instagram, LinkedIn
Sarah’s book: Expansive Impact: An Invitation to Lead in Everyday Moments
Articles: 999 Problems, Why I don’t have Comments by Seth Godin, An Ex-Google Career Coach Tells Why Pleasing Everyone Will Never Help You in Your Career
Quiz: Gretchen Rubin’s Four Tendencies

Related Podcast Episodes:

Free Time 077: Happy Launch Day! Antonio Neves Guest Hosts (Part 1)
Pivot Episode 132: The Making of a Manager with Julie Zhuo

❤️ Enjoying the show? I'd be grateful for a rating and/or review! Even better? Share this episode with a friend :)

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📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/277

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Decoding Greatness with Ron Friedman [BEST OF]

Sat, 03 Dec 2022 10:00:00 -0000

"For generations, we’ve been taught there are two ways to succeed—either from talent or practice." My guest today, Ron Friedman, shares a powerful third path: reverse engineering. In this conversation you will learn how to unpack others' success to spark breakthrough ideas of your own, with an original twist.

This episode originally aired on November 28, 2021.

More About Ron: Ron Friedman is an award-winning social psychologist who specializes in human motivation. His first book, The Best Place to Work, was named an Inc. Magazine Best Business Book of the Year. His new book, *Decoding Greatness: How the Best in the World Reverse Engineer Success,* was selected by Amazon's editors as one of this year's best non-fiction books.

Resources Mentioned:

Connect with Ron: Ron on the web
Twitter: @RonFriedman
Instagram: @Nilofer, LinkedIn
Videos: Susan Cain The Power of Introverts, Sir Ken Robinson Changing Education Paradigms, Malcolm Gladwell Teaches Writing Masterclass
Related Pivot Podcast Episodes: 155: Becoming a Successful Speaker with Grant Baldwin, 207: How to Develop Your Book and Big Idea, 209: On Seinfeld, Sensitivity, and Trend Spotting
Related Free Time Episodes: 010: Batching & Boundaries with John Lee Dumas, 022: Become a Thought-Listener, 031: Eleventh-Hour Creative Gremlins, 034: Organizing Research and Ideas — Notion Walkthrough #1, 036: Shaping Big Ideas — Notion Walkthrough #2

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Check out other episodes of the Pivot Podcast here. Be sure to subscribe wherever you listen, and if you enjoy the show I would be very grateful for a rating and/or review! Sign-up for my weekly(ish) #PivotList newsletter to receive curated round-ups of what I’m reading, watching, listening to, and new tools I’m geeking out on.

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302: Moving Beyond Burnout with Dr. Susan Biali Haas

Sun, 27 Nov 2022 10:00:00 -0000

“When life takes you down, it changes you. You’re not the same after,” says Dr. Susan Biali in her new book, The Resilient Life. “When I look back on my career, my most cherished accomplishments all came with significant stress.”

And yet, sometimes, that work-related stress can tip into burnout if we’re not careful—something particularly prominent these last few years. Susan is one of my longest-time friendtors (fifteen years and counting!), and in this long-overdue Pivot conversation, we talk about what personality traits make someone most prone to burnout, social overwhelm the power of small doses of relaxation response activities, and more.

More About Susan: Dr. Susan Biali Haas is an award-winning medical doctor, internationally recognized for her expertise in mental health, stress management, burnout prevention, and resilience. Today we’re talking about her new book, The Resilient Life: Manage stress, prevent burnout, improve your physical and mental health, and live with more resilience. ****

In addition to her twenty years of primary care experience, she also coaches a broad range of clients — from senior executives to physicians and other health professionals — to take control of their mental and physical well-being. Dr. Susan’s popular Psychology Today blog has over 10 million views, and she has been featured in media such as the Today Show, Forbes, BBC World Service, Oprah.com, and others.

🌟3 Key Takeaways:

Even 10 to 20 min of mindful Relaxation Response activities can have a 24-hour positive impact on your mood and health.
When is burnout not burnout? Sometimes what we think is burnout is actually a psychological crash that feels very intense but can be worked through with extra rest, sleep, and other self-care. Real burnout is more serious and often needs the care of a professional to recover from.
Leverage your parasympathetic nervous system to counteract your stress response; take a few deep breaths and pay attention to how you feel afterward.

✅Do This Next: What do you need and want most? Create a social inventory of the different people in your life and interactions you want to have with them, and reflect on how those relationships are showing up or present in your life and if you are happy with that, or want to make changes.

📘Books:

🔗Resources:

Susan on the web, Instagram: @drsusanbiali, Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook
Articles: Susan’s Psychology Today column, Don’t Try to Reason with Unreasonable People, Create Free Time Within Your Overwhelmed Work Life
Podcast: The Jordan Harbinger Show
Big 5 Personality Test
Video: Relaxation Response Demonstration
Research: Resilience Research Center led by Dr. Michael Unger

🎧Related Podcast Episodes:

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📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/302

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301: The Future is Analog and Books Aren’t Going Anywhere with David Sax

Sun, 20 Nov 2022 10:00:00 -0000

What happens when you write a book called The Revenge of Analog, only to find a pandemic relentlessly converting everything to virtual a few years later?

David Sax answered the call with a follow-up book, the only one he could write from the confines of home, describing the malaise of digital pushed to its extremes, again making the case for RR: Real Reality (and you know we couldn’t resist a few pirate jokes to follow).

I know you’ll love this conversation as much as I did about the timeless nature of our most meaningful moments; the future of books, book clubs, and bookstores; and why the metaverse has nothing to do with our salvation as a species.

More About David: David Sax is a technology critic and bestselling author of five books, including Save the Deli, The Tastemakers, The Revenge of Analog, and The Soul of an Entrepreneur. His new book, The Future Is Analog: How to Create a More Human World, highlights the resurgence of analog goods and ideas in a digitally proliferated world. He reminds us all that we should look for community and humanity, not convenience and technology.

🌟Key Takeaway: There are things that are just better in AR: Actual Reality (as opposed to digital). Books, speaking engagements, school, bookstores. There’s nothing saying we have to choose the metaverse despite how relentlessly it’s marketed to us.

✅Next Action: When someone asks you about your plans for the future, consider: What makes you feel the most human? What kind of connection do you crave and desire? How can you bring more of that into your life? Take something back that has gone digital and return to analog, whether it’s buying a hardcover book or sending a handwritten thank you note.

📘Books:

Free Time: Lose The Busywork, Love Your Business
Pivot: The Only Move That Matters Is Your Next One
Life After College
A World Without Email: Reimagining Work in an Age of Communication Overload by Cal Newport
The Algebra of Happiness: Notes on the Pursuit of Success, Love, and Meaning by Scott Galloway
The Four: The Hidden DNA of Amazon, Apple, Facebook, and Google by Scott Galloway

🔗Resources:

David on the web, Twitter, LinkedIn
Article: New York Times—This is Life in the Metaverse
Scott Galloway: Newsletter, The Prof G Pod with Scott Galloway
Podcast: 3 Books with Neil Pasricha

🎧Related Podcast Episodes:

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📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/301

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300! 🎉 3 Creative Lessons Learned from 7+ Years of Podcasting

Sun, 13 Nov 2022 10:00:00 -0000

Since launching this show in September 2015, the podcasting landscape has grown and changed tremendously. What was once a niche sandbox of independent producers pursuing passion projects has blossomed into an abundant field where it seems as though every major media property, celebrity, side hustler, and business owner decided to throw their hat (mic?) into the audio arena.

Since I’m not nearly ambitious or prolific enough to share three hundred lessons learned in honor of today’s major milestone, or even thirty, I thought I’d boil it down to my top three creative lessons learned in seven years of creating content in a constantly changing space.

Before going any further, thank you from the bottom of my heart—this show wouldn’t be nearly what it is without you here listening and sharing with friends. Thank you for listening these last seven years, and I’m looking forward to seeing what the years ahead bring us!

🌟3 Key Takeaways:

Challenging myself to do a daily creative bootcamp for three months has made the production (and idea generation) process easier ever since.
Delegating is a game-changer, such as investing in a full-service production team—even before I was 100% ready. It truly helped me shift from sporadic, overwhelmed output to energized, consistent creativity.
Success is anything over a small handful of listeners: staying focused on the intrinsic rewards, the “autotelic” joy of podcasting, no matter the metrics, has kept the creative fires burning brighter.
Bonus: Most of all, have fun! When things get too hard, pause: there’s a mantra I repeat to myself often, “Let it be easy, let it be fun.” Or as my friend Leanne asks, “How can I fall in love with this again?”

📘Books:

Free Time: Lose The Busywork, Love Your Business
Pivot: The Only Move That Matters Is Your Next One, Life After College
The Work Revolution: Freedom and Excellence for All by Julie Clow
Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap...And Others Don't by Jim Collins
Turning the Flywheel: A Monograph to Accompany Good to Great by Jim Collins
The 10X Rule: The Only Difference Between Success and Failure by Grant Cardone
Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi
The Practice: Shipping Creative Work by Seth Godin

🔗Resources:

Free Time Operations Dashboard
Podcast Production: One Stone Creative
Podcast Recording: Riverside.fm
Audio and Video Editing Software: Descript
Jim Collins: The Flywheel Concept
Creative Coach: Jay Acunzo

🎧Related Podcast Episodes:

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📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/300

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299: Juggling Risk and Pursuing Passion while Pivoting in a Recession with Adrian Klaphaak

Sun, 06 Nov 2022 10:00:00 -0000

When times are uncertain should we be playing it safe? We all have a different relationship to risk—and recession-talk tends to turn the dial up on anxiety about what the future has in store. Today, I’m back in conversation with Adrian Klaphaak, talking about how to be pragmatic, taking the economic environment into account, while also keeping a flame lit for pursuing our bigger dreams.

More about Adrian: Adrian Klaphaak is a coach, purpose guide, entrepreneur, and founder of A Path That Fits Career and Life Coaching. His coaching approach is holistic—a constant balance between getting results and a quest for meaning and fulfillment. He describes himself as “a deep seeker with a constant itch to make things happen.”

Are you looking for a little support and guidance on finding your purpose, or best next step? Check out Adrian’s Career Pathfinder Program and use the code PIVOT for a special offer on the group training.

🌟3 Key Takeaways:

Your calling can evolve over time and adapt to your changing situation. Be open to altering or amending your immediate next steps to meet current needs while still working towards your ultimate purpose.
Even when it’s not a good time to make a big change, you can still plant seeds for the future: cultivate your relationships, enhance your skills and abilities, and start a new project.
We ask a lot of careers: that they provide for us financially, fulfill our emotional and aspirational goals, and meet our social needs, among other responsibilities. If your career can’t do all of that, the solution might not be to replace it but to add what is missing elsewhere.

✅Next Action: Take a success inventory for something you are feeling insecure or unsure about: What gifts has this area given you? What have you gained? When you listen deeply, what’s in you that wants to be expressed? Identify what is working, and decide from there if you need to make changes.

📘Books Mentioned:

🔗Resources Mentioned:

Adrian on the web, Yelp, Facebook, LinkedIn
Course: Career Pathfinder
Video: Finding Your Calling by a Path the Fits

🎧Related Podcast Episodes:

❤️ Enjoying the show? I'd be grateful for a rating and/or review! Even better? Share this episode with a friend :)

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🎧 Make sure you’re subscribed wherever you listen to ‘casts

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/299

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298: Networking in a New Niche and Becoming Broadway Investors with Dorie Clark and Alisa Cohn

Sun, 30 Oct 2022 09:00:00 -0000

Have you ever gotten a sudden sense of certainty that you need to pursue something — maybe something totally different than your career or typical areas of interest?

I had the pleasure of podcasting in-person with today’s guests, Alisa Cohn and Dorie Clark, to learn more about how their interest sparked to co-found a Broadway theater investing company together. Building upon their successful careers in the business arena, we talk about what it’s like to start from scratch in a new industry when it comes to networking, investing, collaborating, and experimenting.

More About Dorie: Dorie Clark helps individuals and companies get their best ideas heard in a crowded, noisy world. She is a keynote speaker and teaches executive education for Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business and Columbia Business School. Dorie is the author of The Long Game: How to Be a Long-Term Thinker in a Short-Term World (her latest), Reinventing You, Stand Out, and Entrepreneurial You.

More About Alisa: Alisa Cohn has been coaching startup founders to grow into world-class CEOs for nearly 20 years. She is the author of From Start-Up to Grown-Up. A one-time startup CFO, strategy consultant, and current angel investor and advisor, she was named the number one “Global Guru” of startups in 2021 and has worked with startup companies such as Venmo, Etsy, and more. She was also featured on Tim Ferriss’ podcast in episode 539, where she shared publicly for the first time that she coached his team for several years

🌟3 Key Takeaways:

When you’re starting something in a new industry, build your network in that direction by hosting, not just waiting for invites.
Try Alisa’s go-to opener for conferences—so simple it’s easy to skip: “Hi, my name is X, What’s yours?” At networking or professional events, most people are there because they want to make connections.
On failure: There is a difference between asking yourself, “Did you make a good decision?” and, “Did you get a good outcome?” If you are confident in your decisions, the outcome becomes less important.

✅Next Action: Host an event in the next few months where you can bring together a variety of people who wouldn’t ordinarily meet each other, ideally in an industry you are passionate about (even if you’re new to the space).

📘Books:

🔗Resources:

Dorie on the web, Instagram: @dorieclark, LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube
Alisa on the web, Twitter: @AlisaCohn, LinkedIn: @AlisaCohn
Alisa’s Podcast: From Start-Up to Grown-Up
Videos: The Real Reason You Feel So Busy and What to Do About It (Dorie's TEDx talk), How to Start Investing in Broadway Theater
Podcast Recording: Gotham Recording Studio

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297: How to Create a Failure Resume

Sun, 23 Oct 2022 09:00:00 -0000

What’s your favorite kind of failure? The question isn’t if you’ll fail or get rejected, but when. So don’t let it stop you from taking action or making decisions. Today I’m sharing more on a favorite practice that I’ve heard others espouse: creating a failure resume.

🌟3 Key Takeaways:

Being afraid is fine. Ask, “Is it enough to stop you?” If the answer is yes, what can you do to sidestep that issue or shift direction?
How do you define failure? Are you thinking about quantitative outcomes like financials or metrics, or is your definition more qualitative?
Remember to consider the third side of the coin: the neutral middle where you can reflect, learn, and adapt.

✅Next Action: Compile your failure resume. List everything that you personally consider a failure, including a few rejections large and small. While you’re doing so, consider what the outcomes of those failures were: What did you learn? Who did you meet? What next action did it inspire?

📘Books Mentioned:

Free Time: Lose The Busywork, Love Your Business
Pivot: The Only Move That Matters Is Your Next One
Life After College: The Complete Guide to Getting What You Want
Blitzscaling: The Lightning-Fast Path to Building Massively Valuable Companies by Reid Hoffman and Chris Yeh
The Power of Regret: How Looking Backward Moves Us Forward by Daniel Pink

🔗Resources Mentioned:

Jenny’s private BFF Community for Heart-Based Business owners
Submit your best do’s and don’ts by leaving Jenny a voicemail
Share this episode with a fellow Pivoter
Articles: Create a Failure Resume, Do You Keep a Failure Resume?, and Wearing Your Failures on Your Sleeve
TheFailCon.com
Videos: The Gambler, Three Sides of the Coin
Podcast: FLOPS: A Podcast About Failure

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296: Top 3 Do’s and Dont’s When Leaving a Corporate Job

Sun, 16 Oct 2022 09:00:00 -0000

We have had so many shakeups in the last couple of years that I’d be surprised if most of us haven’t considered pivots large, small, and totally surprising. Inspired by a thread in our BFF Community, I’ve put together a list of do’s and three don’ts for leaving a corporate job. How you leave any relationship is as important to how you begin, especially if there are personal or professional connections you want to bring forward with you!

If you’re all set, but you know someone who is in the midst of a big career transition, you can share this episode with them via pod.link/pivotmethod, allowing them to open the episode in the podcast player of their choice :)

If you have a question about navigating what’s next, leave me a voice note at Pivotmethod.com/ask »

✅ Do’s

Add work friends to LinkedIn while you work at your current organization. Even better, make a list and set reminders of the top 20 that you want to proactively keep in touch with over the next few years.
Craft a heartfelt message sharing what you’ll be up to in your next phase and ways to get in touch. Make sure to send one to your internal contacts and one to people outside of the company, like vendors you have good relationships with.
Spend time on your internal resume, focusing on reach, results, and impact of the projects you worked on.
Bonus: Create a guide to the role. What does the next person need to know? What will help them get up to speed? What would you suggest changing?

🚫 Don'ts

Leave the next team member in a lurch when it comes to your role and responsibilities. Create a transition doc with as much documentation and project next steps.
Fail to set boundaries for how available you will be to questions after you go. Decide in advance: how/when/for how long can people get in touch?
Worry if you need a month (or more) to downshift and decompress. If you can, take a pre-cation before starting your next opportunity, or you might risk a visit from the Furry Rest Monster!
Bonus: Don’t be hard on yourself if the next move doesn’t quite pan out…remember, decisions are data!

📘Books:

🔗Resources:

Jenny’s private BFF Community for Heart-Based Business owners
Submit your best do’s and don’ts by leaving Jenny a voicemail
Share this episode with a fellow Pivoter
Podcast: SPARKED by Jonathan Fields
Articles: Why You Should Take a Pre-Cation Before Starting a New Job and For Millennials, Is a "Pre-Cation" the Next Big Perk?

🎧Related Podcast Episodes:

JB on SPARKED with Jonathan Fields: How to Choose Freedom Over Familial Responsibility, How to Scale While Staying True to Yourself, and How to Know When to Jump Into Your Side Hustle
Pivot 045: Post-Launch Pivot Point + Visit From the Furry Rest Monster
Free Time 125: How to Create Your Own CRM with Alex Sherwood

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295: Create a Memory of Your Future Self — On Hypnotherapy with Inna Aizenshtein

Sun, 09 Oct 2022 09:00:00 -0000

Twenty years ago, my dear friend and today’s guest, Inna Aizenshtein, moved to New York City to pursue a career in fashion. She succeeded despite dealing with a succession of demanding, stress-inducing bosses and eventually realized she was no longer willing to suffer the health consequences of doing work that was no longer aligned. Today we’re talking about the many small shifts that led to a more monumental pivot into a completely different career, now running her own business as a hypnotherapist, leveraging the power of TikTok to attract clients.

More About Inna: Inna Aizenshtein is a hypnotherapist and coach who examines the role that shame and fear play in the unfolding of our lives. Prior to her career in hypnotherapy, Inna worked in the fashion industry for 14 years, most recently as a creative director. Inna initially became interested in hypnotherapy while searching for a healing modality to help repair her nervous system after years of physical and emotional burnout. She now helps people work through and release outdated subconscious blocks so they can reclaim their worthiness and become more magnetic, primarily through TikTok shorts (where she has over 1.5 million views) and in 1:1 sessions with clients.

🌟3 Key Takeaways:

The subconscious mind is responsible for the majority of your actions and impulses. When you can access it, a huge amount of your own mind becomes available to you.
Creating a memory of your future self, seeing yourself having achieved what you want to achieve, gives you the feeling of freedom, health, and happiness. Then your body can help you understand how to get there.
Be willing to notice when a scarcity mindset kicks in. Remember to allow more to come to you. Life is a creative process, and nothing is wasted.

✅Next Action: The next time you’re “in the grip” of a stressful experience, change your state by first noticing how those emotions feel in your body, allowing all sensations to have their say. Name what you are experiencing, and if you can, journal on what you are going to do about it.

📘Books Mentioned:

🔗Resources Mentioned: Inna on the web, Instagram, TikTok

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294: Confidence Conundrums and Attention Budgets with Terri Trespicio

Sun, 02 Oct 2022 09:00:00 -0000

“Creativity is a muscle, not a metric.” If you hold back because you’re afraid of feedback, you won’t have a life infused with creativity. After all, your attention budget is limited, so where do you want to spend it?

My friend Terri Trespicio is joining me today (in person!) to talk about navigating compliments and criticism, keeping our creative muscles strong, and slowly but surely building confidence along the way.

More About Terri: Terri Trespicio is an award-winning writer, speaker, brand advisor, and author of Unfollow Your Passion: How to Create a Life That Matters to You (Atria / Simon & Schuster, December 2021). Her TEDx talk Stop Searching for Your Passion has more than 7 million views, and Hubspot named her one of the Top 18 female speakers who are killing it.

🌟3 Key Takeaways:

If you can’t trust yourself, trust your audience — see what it feels like to be warm, open, connected, and vulnerable. This can go a long way in terms of how confident you feel and appear.
Uncouple wanting something from the idea of missing or lacking something. You can desire without coveting, and that wanting keeps us striving.
Having an intermediary can help you hold boundaries, especially when you know you may be likely to negotiate yourself down.

✅Next Action: Hit publish on something (anything!) even if you’re not fully confident in it yet, giving yourself the chance to be surprised.

📘Books:

🔗Resources:

Terri on the web, Unfollow Your Passion, Instagram: @ttrespicio
TEDx talk: Stop Searching for Your Passion
Videos: Girl, You Don’t Need Makeup, What Female Military Leadership Can Teach Us about Overcoming Self-Doubt
Marketing Mentor: Ilise Benun
Jenny’s blog post from 2017: Self-Love Formulas Are Bulls**t

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293: 🍝 Are you a Spaghetti-Twirler or a Spaghetti-Thrower?

Sun, 25 Sep 2022 09:00:00 -0000

Are you an asker or a guesser? In 2015 while I was deep in hermit mode writing Pivot while living in a tiny studio apartment in Nolita (North of Little Italy), a friend texted: “Hey, do you mind if I crash on your couch tomorrow night?”

To this day, I still feel somewhat bad about my answer . . . but every bone in my body was saying, “Yes, I mind.” I said no. Years later, I still wonder: Should I have rolled with the punches, accepted the spontaneous company, and just said yes?

Today I’m sharing a framework that changed my life when I first read about it in Jocelyn Glei’s book, Unsubscribe—the difference between ask culture vs. guess culture. Or, as I like to think about it, spaghetti throwers vs. spaghetti twirlers. Which one are you?

🌟3 Key Takeaways:

Would you go out of your way to initiate what someone just asked you for? If not, say no!
Build awareness about your own style: Are you a giver, taker, or matcher? A spaghetti twirler or a spaghetti thrower? If you know what you are by nature, you can respond to (and make!) requests more intentionally.
As Jocelyn Glei writes, “What if you stepped into the asker's shoes every time you got an email that felt like an imposition? Reframe the situation, put the ask in perspective, and consider the opportunity with a relaxed attitude.”

✅Next Action: Establish your own rule of thumb for asking and giving in your relationships. Do you want to wait for 10 touchpoints before making a request like Alex Rodriguez? A year of time like Dorie Clark? Find something that feels joyful and in integrity to you.

📘Books Mentioned:

🔗Resources Mentioned:

Articles: Tangerine’s (Andrea Donderi) reply to What's the Middle Ground Between FU!' and 'Welcome!'? and Oliver Burkeman’s Guardian column: Are You an Asker or a Guesser?
Podcast episode: Clearer Thinking—Ask Culture vs. Guess Culture

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292: True Fun vs. Fake Fun with Catherine Price

Sun, 18 Sep 2022 09:00:00 -0000

“Fun isn’t just a result of human thriving; it is a cause.” Our guest today, Catherine Price, is breaking down the difference between True Fun (the intersection of playfulness, connection, and flow) and Fake Fun, the hypnosis of passive consumption.

Fun creates the ultimate flow state: a self-reinforcing cycle that helps us prioritize the things that bring us joy. Life isn’t all joy, of course, and we also talk about the nerves that can result from things like preparing to give a TED talk. We discuss overcoming those nerves and how Cathering gave one of the most well-received talks that year.

More about Catherine: Catherine Price helps people scroll less, live more, and have fun. She is a science journalist, speaker, and the author of books including How to Break Up With Your Phone: The 30-Day Plan to Take Back Your Life and The Power of Fun: How to Feel Alive Again. Catherine is also the creator and founder of Screen/Life Balance.

🌟3 Key Takeaways:

Fun is a feeling, not an activity. It can result from anything, even trivial things! Seek out what gives you the feeling of playful connected flow.
What are your fun magnets? The situations, settings and groups you know are likely to be fun. If you identify where you’re the most likely to have fun, you can plan for it and enjoy it more often - but keep your mind open for unexpected, serendipitous fun, too.
Notice and call out the moments when you are having real fun. The more new experiences you have, and the more aware you are of the fun you’re having, the more opportunities you are going to have for it.

✅Next Action: Provided by Guest

Conduct a mini-science experiment on yourself to identify your fun magnets. Think of a few moments recently where you have felt true fun (playful, connected flow) and write them down. Do they have anything in common like people, setting, activity, and mood? Once you have identified something likely to be fun, try to schedule it for yourself in the next week. Notice if you have fun doing it, and what kind of impact it has on your energy and mood.

📘Books Mentioned:

🔗Resources Mentioned:

Catherine on the web, Instagram, Twitter
Personality Quiz: What's Your Fun Personality Type?
TED Talks: Why Fun is the Secret to a Happier Life, Flow, the Secret to Happiness
NYT Quiz: What's Your Fun Vibe?

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291: Free Time Crossover – Protect Your Idea Factory, Build a Creative Flywheel, and Go Behind-the-Scenes of Book Publishing with Todd Henry

Sun, 11 Sep 2022 09:00:00 -0000

Today’s episode is a crossover from the Free Time podcast. Enjoy!

Today’s guest is an expert in cultivating creativity — and in remaining consistent over the long arc of content creation. Todd Henry is the author of six books, and today we’re talking about how to stay motivated in the publishing industry, where the market reflects winner-take-all dynamics, and the long tail is verrrry long.

More About Todd: Todd is the author of six books, including The Accidental Creative, Die Empty, Louder Than Words, Herding Tigers, and Motivation Code, and host of The Accidental Creative podcast and the Herding Tigers podcast. He empowers companies and teams to be creative, prolific, and brilliant in their work through his books, podcasts, and keynote speaking. Today we’re going behind the scenes His new book, Daily Creative: A Practical Guide for Staying Prolific, Brilliant, and Healthy, encourages you to thrive as a creative through daily practice.

🌟3 Key Takeaways:

Solve a problem that people know they have; frame your products and services in terms of how they accomplish a job that people need done.
Your creativity is one of your most precious resources. Protect your Idea Factory and measure the quantity and quality of ideas you generate
Set Wildly Important Goals; Todd’s are: quality, awareness, and revenue diversity. Every day you should be figuring out how your work will help you achieve them.

📝Permission: Practice pruning; there’s probably something you’re doing right now that has already served its purpose and run its course. You hereby have permission to drop it!

✅Do (or Delegate) This Next: Outline your business model as a flywheel. For help with this, read Jim Collins’ fantastic monograph, Turning the Flywheel.

📘Books Mentioned:

🔗Resources Mentioned:

Todd on the web, Instagram: @toddhenry, Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook
Todd’s Podcasts: The Accidental Creative podcast, Herding Tigers podcast
Articles: NYT on the long tail of book publishing: Will the Biggest Publisher in the U.S. Get Even Bigger?,
Video: Elizabeth Gilbert’s TED Talks: Your Elusive Creative Genius, Success Failure and the Drive to Keep Creating
Cal Newport: Write an Attention Charter
Disney Business Model

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290: May Cause Side Effects—Life After Antidepressant Withdrawal with Brooke Siem

Sun, 04 Sep 2022 09:00:00 -0000

“The [drugs] exist only for my mind, each orange prescription bottle a subconscious reminder that I Am Depressed and I Am Broken and I Need Fixing.” Brooke Siem returns to the podcast today to talk about her new memoir, May Cause Side Effects, and her conviction that: “It’s not my responsibility to edit my story for the sake of somebody else’s feelings.”

Brooke believes that you can recover from long-term chronic depression, and after huge trauma and grief—that your brain and your body are primed to be in a state of healing, but you have to help. We also discuss the writing and publishing process, and how she stays true to herself while discussing these sensitive and often controversial topics. If you haven’t already, you might consider listening first to episode 107: (Un)Medicating Grief—Recovering Feeling After Decades on Anti-Depressants with Brooke Siem.

More About Brooke: Brooke Siem is the author of the upcoming book, May Cause Side Effects: A Memoir, in which she reveals the messy reality of antidepressants and withdrawals. She is also an award-winning chef, Food Network “Chopped” champion, and co-author of the cookbook, Prohibition Bakery. Brooke understands first-hand how antidepressants are not the solution to combating depression; ultimately it takes deep self-work to come out on the other side of depression.

For the full backstory of her experience going on and off prescription drugs, listen first to our previous Pivot conversation: 107: (Un)Medicating Grief—Recovering Feeling After Decades on Anti-Depressants with Brooke Siem.

🌟3 Key Takeaways:

Antidepressants don't help everyone, and there's nothing wrong with you if they don’t.
Similarly, roughly 50% of people will have withdrawal symptoms from antidepressants. That’s a huge chunk of people, and it’s not a reflection on anything about you if it happens.
Stream-of-consciousness writing can unearth surprising details and memories. If you set yourself a word quota and have to meet it whether or not you’re feeling inspired or on-topic, you can come up with some surprising ideas.

📘Books Mentioned:

🔗Resources Mentioned:

Brooke Siem on the web, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn
Articles: Washington Post: I spent half my life on antidepressants. Today, I’m off the medication and feel all right. New York Times: Many People Taking Antidepressants Discover They Cannot Quit, NYT: This Teen Was Prescribed 10 Psychiatric Drugs. She's Not Alone, NYT: What if the Placebo Effect Isn't a Trick?, Brooke's NY Post article: Why We Should Stop Casually Prescribing Antidepressents to Teens
Brooke on Medium
Videos: The Legacy Show: Taking Control, Chopped - Season 32, Episode 6

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289: Stealing Wi-Fi as Career Strategy with Jenny Wood

Sun, 28 Aug 2022 09:00:00 -0000

Believe it or not, you can get mentorship from anyone you’d like by employing a strategy today’s guest calls “stealing Wi-Fi.” According to today's guest, Jenny Wood, the creator of Own Your Career at Google, you can get mentorship from anyone you like by paying closer attention to what they do and how they do it.

In this episode, The Jenny-s dig into multiple elements of career strategy, including navigating plateaus, sidelining imposter syndrome, and course-correcting when you screw up.

More about Jenny Wood: Jenny is mom to Ari, aged six, and Noa, aged almost five, and the Director of Americas Media Operations at Google. She is currently working on her first book. Learn more at ItsJennyWood.com.

🌟3 Key Takeaways:

When you’re asking for someone to sponsor you (or provide any other kind of mentorship), make it specific and time-bound, and don’t forget to include what you can provide to them as well.
When at a plateau: Consider making a lateral move. Sometimes a little zig-zag can help you push through stagnation.
Keep a failure resume, and celebrate those failures as reminders of when you take risks and make mistakes; remember that being vulnerable and sharing those stories allows others to empathize and connect with you.

✅Next Action: Ask for what you want. Your manager is busy, they don’t remember what you’re working on, what you need, or even what types of project excite you most. Remind them. (For pointers on this, check out Jenny’s LinkedIn Learning course, Figuring Out Your Next Move).

📘Books Mentioned:

🔗Resources Mentioned:

Jenny on the web, LinkedIn
Jenny’s Articles: Serendipity: 1, Spreadsheet: 0, Did Your Company Just Go Through A Reorg? Here's How to Thrive In It, The Rule of 3
David Moldower of Bookitect

🎧Related Podcast Episodes:

Bethanie Baynes’ podcast, Working Wife, Happy Life!
Three Points Podcast with Tony McGarahan
275: Charisma and Cues with Vanessa Van Edwards
Dorie Clark episodes: 184: Reinventing You + Pivoting in the Crisis with Dorie Clark, 066: Create Multiple Streams of Income with Dorie Clark, 058: Monetize Your Ideas with Dorie Clark, 033: Find Your Breakthrough Idea and Build a Following with Dorie Clark
Free Time episodes 103: How to Land a Literary Agent and Publisher with David Moldawer (Part One) and 105: “Don’t write the wrong book!” with David Moldawer (Part Two)

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288: Embracing Uncertainty — Mic Flip with Adrian Klaphaak

Sun, 21 Aug 2022 09:00:00 -0000

When did you discover what you wanted to do with your life? I knew from a young age that I wanted to connect and communicate with people, and later refined that into a lot of people, helping them feel a sense of relief when navigating change, with plenty of practical tools to circumvent unnecessary confusion.

Learning to trust myself, and trusting that there is always something new emerging even when I’m in a dip, has been a lifelong process. My guest today, Adrian Klaphaak, returns to the show by interviewing me about career drivers and ongoing challenges. Be sure to also check out our earlier conversation in episode 283: What Are You Here to Do? How to Find a Path That Fits.

Do you ever feel that you are meant to be doing something else? Adrian has a special offer for Pivoters: If you aren’t sure what career path is right for you, check out his signature Career Pathfinder coaching program. It has helped thousands of people find their calling and use it to take their career to the next level. Visit apaththatfits.com/pivot and use the promo code PIVOT when you enroll. Happy pathfinding!

🌟 Key Takeaways:

You don’t need to settle on a single title or elevator pitch when asked “What do you do?” Share whatever you’re most excited to talk about at the moment.
Try to emphasize curiosity when you’re in the thick of uncertainty, even when you are getting impatient. Trust that solutions will emerge, but often take longer than your mind might think they should.

📘Books Mentioned: Free Time: Lose The Busywork, Love Your Business, Pivot: The Only Move That Matters Is Your Next One

🔗Resources Mentioned:

Adrian on the web, Yelp, Facebook, LinkedIn
Course: Career Pathfinder
Video: Finding Your Calling by a Path the Fits
Voxer Coaching Pilot

🎧Related Podcast Episodes:

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287: Solving Pivot Puzzles with A.J. Jacobs

Sun, 14 Aug 2022 09:00:00 -0000

Do you like puzzles? If you do, you’re far from alone. An estimated 50 million people do crosswords every day and more than 450 million Rubik’s Cubes have been sold. People like puzzles. In his new book, today’s guest, A.J. Jacobs, quotes Maki Kaji—the late godfather of Sudoku, who said puzzles are a journey, articulated with just two punctuation marks:

? → !

“Kaji said the key is to embrace the middle part, the arrow, the journey. Don’t be obsessed with endings and perfection.” Today, we’re talking about that arrow, the journeys we find ourselves on, and the different ways puzzles can come up in our lives.

More About A.J.: A.J. Jacobs is an author, journalist, lecturer, and human guinea pig. He has written four New York Times bestsellers that combine memoir, science, humor, and a dash of self-help. Today we’re talking about his latest book, The Puzzler: One Man's Quest to Solve the Most Baffling Puzzles Ever, from Crosswords to Jigsaws to the Meaning of Life.

🌟3 Key Takeaways:

While outsourcing is critical to growing your business and freeing up more of your time, consider keeping research on your own desk. No one else will pick up exactly the same key ideas, details, or inspiration that you will.
Many of our ideas go nowhere, and that’s fine because that 1% that sticks can be huge. If an idea keeps popping up for you weeks after having it, pay attention to it.
Don’t keep up with the details of every news story. It’s bad for you, and for the world. It keeps you from seeing the big picture of how you can help the world.
Wear overalls.

✅Next Action: Try to go a week without gossiping. Some gossip can be good and valuable, but most of it isn’t helpful. Long term, it won’t make you feel good, so try not saying any negative things about people for a week and see how you feel.

📘Books Mentioned:

🔗Resources Mentioned:

A.J. Jacobs on the web, Twitter: @ajjacobs, Facebook, LinkedIn
Article: My Outsourced Life
World Jigsaw Puzzle Championship
Spelling Bee
Duolingo

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286: Slow-Cooked vs. Pressure Cooker

Sun, 07 Aug 2022 09:00:00 -0000

Are you living in a pressure cooker? One of my all-time favorite meals is two-day slow-cooked ribs from a fancy restaurant, where the meat is so soft it falls right off the bone. (Sorry to my vegetarian and vegan friends who might not appreciate today's metaphor!)

I have an Instant Pot at home — a pressure cooker that produces a meal in mere minutes. Take stock about the work you’re doing and the path you’re taking: are you unnecessarily “cooking” your projects and goals with high-pressure settings, sacrificing quality in the process?

Today’s episode is about making sure that you’re spending time where you get the most joy and value, and being intentional about what you throw in the pressure cooker to complete quickly (and overcome perfectionism in the process).

🌟3 Key Takeaways:

Put your time and care into the projects that matter most, and try to be patient with yourself; as the Zen saying goes, “Nature doesn’t rush a flower.”
The glass could be half full or half empty, but is it the right container for what you want to drink? Don’t get so caught up in the details that you forget to ask if you’re going in the right direction.
Keep what Penney Peirce calls “an idea pantry” full of insights and nuggets that you can rummage through when you need to get something shipped quickly.

✅Next Action: Start a file or folder where you can collect ideas, inspirations, snippets, quotes and anything else you might want to revisit. When you need to create quickly, you’ll have a ready-made place to start thinking.

📘Books Mentioned: Free Time: Lose The Busywork, Love Your Business, Pivot: The Only Move That Matters Is Your Next One

🔗Resources Mentioned: Instant Pot

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285: Cultivating Influence with Jon Levy

Sun, 24 Jul 2022 09:00:00 -0000

🌟3 Key Takeaways:

Say yes to invites. If you want higher levels of creativity, new relationships, new ideas—it’s going to happen outside of your standard routines.
Novelty is critical if you want to be noticed. What are you doing that only you do? Make that one of the key things you talk about and promote.
Instead of asking why you’re not on social media, or forcing yourself into it, ask “Why should I be on social media? If you don’t have a good reason, don’t stress about it!

✅Next Action: What next group invitation can you send? How can you create a memorable experience around it?

📘Books Mentioned:

🔗Resources Mentioned:

Jon on the web, Instagram: @jonlevytlb, Twitter: @JonLevyTLB
New York Times feature: Want to Meet Influential New Yorkers? Invite Them to Dinner
Video: Ted Talk: What Makes Us Influential?, Fortune: The Science of Adventure
Resources: Upwork, Notion
TV Show: Old Enough
Reddit.com

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284: The Art of Horse Whispering and Trust-Building with Grant Golliher

Sun, 10 Jul 2022 09:00:00 -0000

“Trust is not just a feeling. It’s also an action, and it’s a process that happens over time. Be slow to take, and quick to give.” These are just some of the gems that Grant Golliher has picked up in three decades of horse whispering, training, and teaching the art of trust-building. Today we’re talking about what horses can teach us about reading people and intuition.

More About Grant: Grant Golliher is a horseman and the proprietor of the historic Diamond Cross Ranch in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, where he teaches corporate executives, coaches, celebrities, and families from all around the world the skills necessary to tame troubled horses and become leaders and better people. Today we’re talking about his new book, Think Like a Horse: Lessons in Life, Leadership, and Empathy from an Unconventional Cowboy.

🌟3 Key Takeaways:

Honor the smallest try; congratulate the smallest progress.
We like to work hard for people we respect. We need to lead by example and be the type of leader that people are excited to be loyal to.
An argument can be made that we’re so afraid of abuse that we’ve stopped disciplining. There is an important place in work and life for firmness and boundaries.

📘Books Mentioned:

🔗Resources Mentioned:

Grant on the web, Instagram: @grantgolliher, @diamondcrossranch
Articles: Wyoming Honor Farm: Inmate/Wild-Horse Program
Video: The Superpower in You, How to Train Your Dog to Leave It with No Command

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283: What Are You Here to Do? How to Find a Path That Fits with Adrian Klaphaak

Sun, 26 Jun 2022 09:00:00 -0000

Instead of asking, “What should I do?” Ask yourself, “Who am I?” Today you’ll hear from someone who has been deeply influential in my life and career: my very first coach and longtime friendtor, Adrian Klaphaak, founder of A Path That Fits.

🌟3 Key Takeaways:

Getting discouraged is a part of figuring out what you should be doing with your life. The ‘dip’ is normal, and the way out is to explore your gifts and interests.
You can be laid off from a job, but you can’t be laid off from your purpose. Knowing your purpose is the ultimate protection.
Name the parts of you that feel the most strongly about the decisions you are making, it will make it easier to explore how you are really feeling.

✅Next Action: Be yourself. There are so many expectations for us to be a certain way, but we all have our own genius and unique way. The path to a fulfilling life is being authentic, using your gifts, and doing what you love to do.

📘Books Mentioned:

🔗Resources Mentioned:

Adrian on the web, Yelp, Facebook, LinkedIn
Course: Career Pathfinder
Articles: New York Times: The World’s a Mess. So They’ve Stopped Saving For Tomorrow, How to Discover Your Purpose
Video: Finding Your Calling by a Path the Fits

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282: The Honor Roll Hangover with Melody Wilding

Sun, 12 Jun 2022 09:00:00 -0000

Believe it or not, your emotions are a competitive advantage: 90 percent of top performers are also high in emotional intelligence, and 92 percent of executives rate soft skills like the ability to manage emotions as a critical priority in today’s business environment.

That said, if you relate to the idea of being a Sensitive Striver, you may still be suffering from what Melody Wilding calls The Honor Roll Hangover—a tricky trifecta of perfectionism, people-pleasing, and overfunctioning. Listen in to this conversation for the antidote.

More About Melody: Melody Wilding, LMSW is an executive coach, human behavior expert, and author of Trust Yourself: Stop Overthinking and Channel Your Emotions for Success at Work. She is a human behavior expert and executive coach and teaches graduate-level human behavior and psychology at the Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College in New York.

🌟 3 Key Takeaways:

Leave margin in your life for serendipity and fluctuations. Don’t be afraid to book yourself to only 80% capacity.
Protect your time and energy by protecting your calendar. Sensitive strivers need the time to switch gears between activities.
Trusting yourself is the antidote to perfectionism, overfunctioning, and people-pleasing. Depend on your intuition more.

📝 Melody’s Permission List:

I hereby grant myself complete and unlimited permission to:
In order to:
Specifically, I have permission to feel:
I have permission to be:
Specifically I have permission to push when:
I have permission to rest when:
I have permission to start:
I have permission to try:
I have permission to stop:
I have permission to let go:
Giving myself full permission and wholeheartedly believing in myself is important right now because:
I trust myself to:

📘 Books Mentioned:

🔗 Resources Mentioned:

Melody on the web | LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram
Video: Celebrating one year of Trust Yourself
Articles: Medium Article on Trust Yourself, Forbes on Being an Overfunctioner at Work

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281: Feeling Impostery? Become a Qualified Curator Instead of an End-All-Be-All Expert

Sun, 29 May 2022 09:00:00 -0000

Self-doubt isn’t all bad. It means you’re stretching outside of your comfort zone, that you’re willing to learn, and that you aim to surround yourself with people who challenge you. So if you often grapple with imposter syndrome (or as I like to call it, an Imposter Monster sitting beside you), you are not alone. If you sometimes fall into the trap of feeling like you’re not good enough or ready yet to tackle your biggest creative aspirations, here’s a new perspective to consider.

🌟 3 Key Takeaways:

There is a big difference between acting like you are the ultimate expert, and being a curious and informed curator of ideas and resources.
One of the biggest gifts you can give others is curating people, and allowing them to connect and share with each other.
We have no control how a project is going to land in the world, so “don’t suffer twice,” in terms of worrying before you hit publish and after — just put it out there, then deal with what follows in the moment.

✅ Next Action: Shift your mindset from “I need to be an expert before . . .” to “I’m curious.” Start curating the people and ideas that inspire you, then share them with others through your unique lens and experiences.

📘 Books Mentioned:

🔗 Resources Mentioned: Shane Snow’s article on Intellectual Humility

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280: Supercharged with Simon Alexander Ong

Sun, 15 May 2022 09:00:00 -0000

“Energy introduces you before you even speak.” We all sense that energy is contagious; the question is, how well are you protecting and recharging yours? That’s what we’re discussing today with Simon Alexander Ong: strategies for creating a not to-do list, for recognizing energizers and drainers in your life, and why slowing down is a superpower.

More about Simon: Simon Alexander Ong is the author of the brand new book Energize: Make the Most of Every Moment. He is also a personal development entrepreneur, coach, and public speaker. His work has seen him invited onto Sky News, BBC Radio London and LBC Radio to be interviewed, while in 2018, Barclays UK featured him in a nationwide campaign asking him questions on how families could embrace better lifestyle habits. His insights have been featured in HuffPost, Forbes, Virgin, and the Guardian.

🌟 3 Key Takeaways:

Stop treating your health as a side hustle, and shift your focus from time management to energy management.
Create a “Not-To-Do” List of items you commit to not do that will free up time to focus your energy on things that really matter to you.
Say “no” more often so that you can say “yes” to bigger opportunities later.

📘 Books Mentioned:

🔗 Resources Mentioned:

Simon on the web, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube
Exercise: Ideal Day Mad Lib
Video: Bill Gates and Warren Buffett on Charlie Rose
Josh Allan Dykstra, #lovework, LoveWork

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279: Seven Strategies for Accelerating Aha Moments When Coaching

Sun, 01 May 2022 09:00:00 -0000

Today’s episode is adapted from a workshop I teach within organizations for managers, mentors, and coaches on how to apply the four-stage Pivot Method framework as a 1:1 coaching framework. I’m sharing seven of my go-to coaching questions and practical tips to make rapid progress and generate memorable aha moments in any career coaching conversation.

What’s your favorite strategy for accelerating aha moments? Share with me for a future follow-up podcast episode at http://pivotmethod.com/ask.

If you’re interested in hosting a session like this within your organization, learn more at http://pivotmethod.com/companies.

🌟 3 Key Takeaways:

Breathe life into idea balloons: Pay attention to the little clues in body language and/or voice tone, then prompt them by noticing and inviting them to “say more about that.”
You don’t need the most creative or original questions of all time—or even original at all. Simple is best: What do you really want to happen? What else? What’s important to you about that?
Ask for insights or aha moments: Invite your coachee to share what stood out most from your conversation, and what small resonant steps they want to take action on.

✅ Next Action: Practice allowing awkward silence, especially when you ask a zinger like, “What does your gut say?”

📘 Books Mentioned:

🔗 Resources Mentioned:

Coach: Adrian Klaphaak
Adrian’s Program: Career Pathfinder

Jenny’s LinkedIn Learning Courses:

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278: Radically Content with Jamie Varon

Sun, 17 Apr 2022 09:00:00 -0000

From cupcake tweetups to avoiding compare-and-despair traps, Jamie Varon is a long-time friend—the first person I met from Twitter back in 2008—who I always appreciate catching up with. Today we’re talking about her debut book, Radically Content: Being Satisfied in an Endlessly Dissatisfied World.

More about Jamie: Jamie Varon is a writer, designer, course creator, and creative consultant. Her writing has been featured across the internet for over a decade, from Complex to the Huffington Post, Teen Vogue, The Liberty Project, and GOOD.

🌟Key Takeaways:

Recognize and choose not to play the unwinnable games like looking a certain way, or being liked by everyone.
Mind the gap. Appreciate the time and space in between where you are and the outcomes you’re working towards for the joyful journey it is, rather than waiting for a finish line that might never come.
Have conviction in the work you create, and promote it confidently.

✅ Next Action: Embrace non-conformity. It may feel like a flaw, but it is the source of your strength and creativity. Cherish it.

📘 Books Mentioned:

🔗 Resources Mentioned:

Jamie on the Web, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter,
Jamie’s Course: Live with Intention
Jim Carrey on Being Famous (Start at 18:25)

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277: Expansive Impact and Spacious Scheduling with Sarah Young

Sun, 03 Apr 2022 09:00:00 -0000

Does your calendar reflect your values and priorities? Do you pause before responding to requests, or are you saying yes to things out of fear, pressure, or obligation?

Be sure to check out Sarah’s brand new beautiful book, Expansive Impact: An Invitation to Lead in Everyday Moments, and subscribe to her fantastic Friday Favorites newsletter! It’s one of my favorite messages in my inbox every week :)

🌟 3 Key Takeaways:

If you find it hard to create time for yourself, building time for personal projects and R&R right into your calendar. Ask to meet over the phone or while walking, instead of screen-fatigue inducing video calls.
Use a decision filter before saying yes. Ask yourself: “is this fully in line with my values and priorities?”
Remember that you can do everything right to communicate clearly and with integrity, and sometimes it still may not work if the other person doesn't have the desire to meet you halfway.

📘 Books Mentioned:

🔗 Resources Mentioned:

Sarah Young on the web, Instagram, LinkedIn
Sarah’s book: Expansive Impact: An Invitation to Lead in Everyday Moments
Articles: 999 Problems, Why I don’t have Comments by Seth Godin, An Ex-Google Career Coach Tells Why Pleasing Everyone Will Never Help You in Your Career
Quiz: Gretchen Rubin’s Four Tendencies

Related Podcast Episodes:

Free Time 077: Happy Launch Day! Antonio Neves Guest Hosts (Part 1)
Pivot Episode 132: The Making of a Manager with Julie Zhuo

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276: Behind the Free Time Pivot

Sun, 20 Mar 2022 09:00:00 -0000

While the Pivot ecosystem and this podcast aren’t going anywhere, when my speaking gigs stopped during the pandemic I gave myself permission to also branch out and start talking about something new. Specifically, doubling down on and digging into my passion for businesses powered by Delightfully Tiny Teams — and helping other heart-based entrepreneurs do the same. This week I am taking you behind-the-scenes of launching the Free Time book and podcast.

Reminder: through end of March If you order a hardcover you can get a free audiobook - go to ItsFreeTime.com (Once you’ve read it, please consider leaving a rating and review on Amazon - it’s a huge support!)

📘 Books Mentioned:

Pivot: The Only Move That Matters Is Your Next One,

Free Time: Lose The Busywork, Love Your Business,

Life After College

The Lean Startup

Quit (Annie Duke)

Find Your Zone of Genius (Laura Garnett)

🔗 Resources Mentioned:

Penny and Jenny Show

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275: Cues - On Charisma with Vanessa Van Edwards

Sun, 06 Mar 2022 10:00:00 -0000

Did you know that we can predict a leader’s charisma based solely on five seconds of exposure? That nonverbal signals account for 65 to 90 percent of our total communication?

Today we’re talking about cues, specifically the formula for charisma (hint: a combination of cues that project warmth and competence).

As a self-described “recovering awkward person,” Vanessa’s secret sauce is combining the latest research, real-life case studies of success, and fascinating examples of notable figures (like Oprah and Britney Spears) with practical strategies you can start using immediately.

More About Guest Vanessa: Vanessa Van Edwards is a speaker, researcher, and national bestselling author. More than 50 million people have seen her engaging YouTube tutorials and in her viral TED Talk, You Are Contagious. Vanessa is Lead Investigator at Science of People. She is the bestselling author of Captivate: The Science of Succeeding with People, translated into 16 languages. Today we’re talking about her new book, Cues: Master the Secret Language of Charismatic Communication.

Key Takeaways:

Your all-important first impression starts at the very first moment of an experience with someone: when you walk into the room, or when the camera flips on, and not with the first word you speak.
We all have patterns for when we feel awkward and out of place, which are not the ingredients for charismatic communication. But we also have patterns for when we are at our most confident and natural. Tracking those and taking advantage of them to give yourself more comfort and ease in your communications can immediately increase your charisma.
It’s extremely hard to lie with your voice, so spending time (and creating the best environment) for your body is going to make your competence and warmth much more evident in the subtle cues of your voice.

⭐️ Permission: Skip the happy hour! Drop the scheduled phone calls! Think about the times and places where you feel the happiest and most confident, and engage with people then, instead of sticking to the ‘normal’ times and places you feel you should.

⭐️ Do (or Delegate) This Next: Practice “I see you” acknowledgments when you first start talking to people in person or over video. A wave, a nod, or a smile all show the people you are talking to that they belong.

📘Books Mentioned:

🔗Resources Mentioned:

Related Podcast Episodes:

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📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/275

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274: Separate Decisions from Difficult Conversations

Sun, 20 Feb 2022 10:00:00 -0000

For a big decision you’re facing: What if you could suspend judgment or disapproval from others? What if you didn’t have to make anyone else happy? Would that make it easier to follow your heart? It might - and you can! Using the steps in the Pivot Process: Plant, Scan, Pilot, and Launch, you can separate the decision you need to make from the fact that you need to communicate it to others. This gives you the space to be clear and honest with yourself about what you really want to do.

In this episode you’ll learn how to separate the decision itself from the pressure to communicate it to others, giving you space to be clear and honest with yourself about what you really want to do.

Key Takeaways:

Often what keeps us stuck in decision fatigue is worry about how it will impact others - you can create a sense of psychological safety by making the decision itself a separate task from talking about it.
You can try on a decision like an outfit, just to see how it feels. Everything else related to the decision; acting on it, and communicating it, can come later.
If you’re feeling conflicted about a decision, take a moment and ask yourself three questions: 1) What does my head say? 2) What does my heart want? And 3) What does my gut say? Your gut is often the referee between the others.

Books Mentioned: Pivot: The Only Move That Matters Is Your Next One

Resources Mentioned: Pivot Coaching (Use code PODCAST at checkout)

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📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/274

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273: On Powerful Questions and New Neural Pathways

Sun, 06 Feb 2022 10:00:00 -0000

What happens when you ask someone a question they’ve never heard before? Today I’m answering a question from a listener about what questions do to our brains and exploring the magic of neuroplasticity: the property of our brains that allow them to physically change to encourage creative thinking and new knowledge.

Books Mentioned:

Resources Mentioned:

Pivot Coaching (Use code PODCAST)
Neural Pathways - Wikipedia
What Effect Do Questions Have On Our Brain?
How Experience Changes Brain Plasticity
The Neuroscience of Asking Insightful Questions

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272: Love It or Leave It with Samantha Clarke

Sun, 23 Jan 2022 10:00:00 -0000

Is it time to break up with your work? Samantha Clarke is a happiness consultant, TEDx & Keynote Speaker & author of Love It or Leave It: How To Be Happy at Work. She is on a mission to help individuals decide whether to LOVE IT or LEAVE IT and get to the crux of what it means to work and live with real meaning, purpose and intention.

Books Mentioned: Pivot, Love It or Leave It: How To Be Happy at Work

Resources Mentioned: Samantha on the web, Instagram: @Samanthaand_, Love It or Leave It, Be a Changemaker

Podcasts: Love It or Leave It and How to Be a Changemaker

TEDx: Are You Ready to Break Up With Work?

Related Episode: Take a Stand with Antonio Neves

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271: Listener Q&A—"I'm tired of working from home!"

Sun, 09 Jan 2022 10:00:00 -0000

Is anyone else exasperated by too much time working from home? If so, you are not alone! Whether it's the level of distractions or monotony, many of us are ready for a break—even if we still aren't interesting in returning to an office full time.

In this episode I'm answering a listener question from Omar who says, "It's getting to the point where I just extremely dislike it."

Resources Mentioned:

Books: Free Time, Pivot
Pivot Podcast: 🦠163: 25 Favorite Tips for WFH (Working From Home), 246: What is Your Job Today? (You Decide), 250: Staycation in the City
Free Time Podcast: 018: Workcation in the City, 052: Perceived Capacity vs. Actual Capacity
Websites: WeWork OnDemand ($29/day)
App: HotelTonight — Use my code JBLAKE9 to get up to $50 back after your first booking
Amazon: Foam Door Hangers if you live with others, for indicating what type of meetings you're in, whether you're open to interruptions or not

🎉 Free Time: Lose the Busywork, Love Your Business launches on 3/22/22! Give the gift of free time to yourself and others in the new year by participating in our Buy One, Get One, Give One bonus.

Here's how it works:

Buy One: Preorder the hardcover edition and submit proof of purchase at http://itsfreetime.com/bogogo
Get One: Within one business day, you'll get early access to the audiobook and brand new Free Time Toolkit with over 15 new templates to free your mind, time, and team!
Give One: You will get details on how to gift early audiobook access to a friend :)

Thank you in advance for your support! I can't wait to hear how you start freeing up time, and what you do with it :)

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270: Free Time Framework for Moving from Friction to Flow in 2022

Sun, 26 Dec 2021 10:00:00 -0000

🎉 Free Time: Lose the Busywork, Love Your Business launches on 3/22/22!

In this episode I'm walking you through the Free Time Framework—Align, Design, Assign—so you have a technique to move from friction to flow in any project or area of your life and work in 2022.

Resources Mentioned:

Books: Free Time, Pivot, Who Not How
Podcasts: Free Time #052: Perceived Capacity vs. Actual Capacity, Centered in the City with Wade Brill
Websites: Agile Manifesto for Software Development

🎁 Give the gift of free time to yourself and others in the new year by participating in our Buy One, Get One, Give One bonus.

Here's how it works:

Buy One: Preorder the hardcover edition and submit proof of purchase at http://itsfreetime.com/bogogo
Get One: Within one business day, you'll get early access to the audiobook and brand new Free Time Toolkit with over 15 new templates to free your mind, time, and team!
Give One: You will get details on how to gift early audiobook access to a friend :)

Thank you in advance for your support! I can't wait to hear how you start freeing up time, and what you do with it :)

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

🎁 Give the Gift of Free Time! Buy One → Get Two Free (🎧 Early Audiobook Access)

Tue, 14 Dec 2021 10:00:00 -0000

🎉 Free Time: Lose the Busywork, Love Your Business launches on 3/22/22!

Give the gift of free time to yourself and others in the new year by participating in our Buy One, Get One, Give One bonus.

Here's how it works:

Buy One: Preorder the hardcover edition and submit proof of purchase at http://itsfreetime.com/bogogo
Get One: Within one business day, you'll get early access to the audiobook and brand new Free Time Toolkit with over 15 new templates to free your mind, time, and team!
Give One: You will get details on how to gift early audiobook access to a friend :)

Thank you in advance for your support! I can't wait to hear how you start freeing up time, and what you do with it!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

269: How to Stand Out When Everyone is Peddling the Same Sh*t with Terri Trespicio

Sun, 12 Dec 2021 10:00:00 -0000

How do you "stand out when "everyone is peddling the same sh*t"? That's what Terri Trespicio and I are talking about today—a deep dive into how her early experiences with poetry writing, jewelry sales, magazine editing, and stand-up comedy gave her lifelong career skills and taught her what it really takes to stand out.

More About Terri: Terri Trespicio is an award-winning writer, speaker, brand advisor, and author of Unfollow Your Passion: How to Create a Life That Matters to You (Atria / Simon & Schuster, December 2021). Her TEDx talk, “Stop Searching for Your Passion,” has more than 7 million views and Hubspot named her one of the “Top 18 female speakers who are killing it.” More at territrespicio.com.

Resources Mentioned:

Connect with Terri: Terri Trespicio
Instagram: @ttrespicio
Terri's book: Unfollow Your Passion
TEDx talk: “Stop Searching for Your Passion”
Books Mentioned: The Practice: Shipping Creative Work, The Long Game: How To Be A Long Term Thinking In A Short Term World, Sell or Be Sold: How To Get Your Way In Business And Life
Related Pivot Podcast Episodes: 264: Embrace Your Onlyness with Nilofer Merchant
Related Free Time Episodes: 012: Generating Personal MBA Momentum with Josh Kaufman, 035: The Long Game with Dorie Clark

❤️ Enjoying the show? Pivot Podcast is listener supported—consider donating to become a podcast BFF Insider and you’ll get access to a monthly Q&A call with Jenny and private feed.

💌 Get my curated weekly(ish) PivotList newsletter

💬 I’d love to hear what’s on your mind! Take the Pivot listener survey

🗣 Submit a question or comment for future episodes

🎧 Make sure you’re subscribed wherever you listen to ‘casts

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned

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268: Decoding Greatness with Ron Friedman

Sun, 28 Nov 2021 10:00:00 -0000

"For generations, we’ve been taught there are two ways to succeed—either from talent or practice." My guest today, Ron Friedman, shares a powerful third path: reverse engineering. In this conversation you will learn how to unpack others' success to spark breakthrough ideas of your own, with an original twist.

❤️ Enjoying the show? Pivot Podcast is listener supported—consider donating to become a podcast BFF Insider and you’ll get access to a monthly Q&A call with Jenny and private feed.

💸 Enroll in the complimentary Free-up Founder Time mini-course before the price goes up

💌 Get my curated weekly(ish) PivotList newsletter

💬 I’d love to hear what’s on your mind! Take the Pivot listener survey

🗣 Submit a question or comment for future episodes

🎧 Make sure you’re subscribed wherever you listen to ‘casts

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned

Resources Mentioned:

Connect with Ron: Ron on the web
Twitter: @RonFriedman
Instagram: @Nilofer, LinkedIn
Videos: Susan Cain The Power of Introverts, Sir Ken Robinson Changing Education Paradigms, Malcolm Gladwell Teaches Writing Masterclass
Related Pivot Podcast Episodes: 155: Becoming a Successful Speaker with Grant Baldwin, 207: How to Develop Your Book and Big Idea, 209: On Seinfeld, Sensitivity, and Trend Spotting
Related Free Time Episodes: 010: Batching & Boundaries with John Lee Dumas, 022: Become a Thought-Listener, 031: Eleventh-Hour Creative Gremlins, 034: Organizing Research and Ideas — Notion Walkthrough #1, 036: Shaping Big Ideas — Notion Walkthrough #2

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267: Tracking Wonder with Jeffrey Davis

Sun, 14 Nov 2021 10:00:00 -0000

Are you tuned into radio station WRRY, playing your "downer mind's" favorite hits? If so, Jeffrey Davis is here to help you shift from worry into wonder. Today we're talking about his new book, Tracking Wonder: Reclaiming a Life of Meaning and Possibility in a World Obsessed with Productivity (Sounds True, November 2021).

Ask yourself instead each morning: What am I devoted to? What am I curious about today?

More about Jeffrey: Jeffrey Davis is an author, team culture consultant, educator, and CEO of Tracking Wonder Consultancy. For over 25 years, he's inspired thousands of change-makers, leaders, and creatives to unlock their best ideas through the pursuit of curiosity, innovation, and wonder. In addition to Tracking Wonder, he **is also the author of Obsessed with Productivity (Sounds True, November 2021), The Journey from the Center to the Page (Monkfish Publishing) the poetry collections City Reservoir (BarnBurner Press) and Coat Thief (Saint Julian Press), and other books. He lives with his wife and two daughters in a farmhouse in the Hudson Valley of New York.

❤️ Enjoying the show? Pivot Podcast is listener supported—consider donating to become a podcast BFF Insider and you’ll get access to a monthly Q&A call with Jenny and private feed.

💸 Enroll in the complimentary Free-up Founder Time mini-course

💌 Get my curated weekly(ish) PivotList newsletter

💬 I’d love to hear what’s on your mind! Take the Pivot listener survey

🗣 Submit a question or comment for future episodes

🎧 Make sure you’re subscribed wherever you listen to ‘casts

📝 Check out full show notes from thi s episode with links to resources mentioned

Resources Mentioned:

Jeffrey on the web: Tracking Wonder
Instagram: @JeffreyDavis11
Twitter: @JeffreyDavis108
Books: Tracking Wonder, Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals, How to Take Smart Notes, Bittersweet
Related Free Time Episodes: 027: Time Management for Mortals with Oliver Burkeman

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266: Are You High Net Freedom?

Sun, 31 Oct 2021 09:00:00 -0000

This is a special preview from my forthcoming book: Free Time: Lose the Busywork, Love Your Business (launches March 22, 2022). I talk in Pivot about pivoters being high net growth; Free Timers optimize for another central value: high net freedom,

If you want to join the book launch team to get insider access and community leading up to the launch, sign-up at itsfreetime.com/join and you’ll be the first to know when that kicks off!

📘 Books Mentioned: Free Time: Lose the Busywork, Love Your Business, Pivot

🔗 Resources Mentioned: Join the Free Time Book Launch Team, BFF with Jenny Blake

❤️ Enjoying the show? Pivot Podcast is listener supported—consider donating to become a podcast BFF Insider and you’ll get access to a monthly Q&A call with Jenny and private feed.

💬 I’d love to hear what’s on your mind! Take the Free Time listener survey

💌 Subscribe to the Time Well Spent newsletter: http://itsfreetime.com/join

🗣 Submit a voice question or comment for future episodes: http://itsfreetime.com/ask

📝 Check out full show notes and links from this episode and share it with a friend! http://itsfreetime.com/episodes/044

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265: Free Time Crossover — Eliminate Email with Cal Newport

Sun, 17 Oct 2021 09:00:00 -0000

Thank you for your patience as I've been in deep work hibernation mode behind the scenes! I launched my new podcast Free Time in March of this year, and I'm really excited to bring you a crossover episode, one of the early listener favorites with Cal Newport on his latest book, A World Without Email. I also *just* sent my next book to the printer, which I was honored to have Cal provide a cover blurb for! Free Time: Lose the Busy Work, Love Your Business launches in March of 2022.

Cal is not pulling any punches with his latest treatise on how we can combat Hyperactive Hive Mind with smarter systems for communication. Email has become a source of guilt and stress for so many of us — listen in for strategies to reclaim your peace and focus.

About Cal Newport: Cal Newport is an Associate Professor of Computer Science at Georgetown University. He is the author of six books, including Deep Work, which argues that focus is the new I.Q. in the modern workplace. His latest, A World Without Email: Reimagining Work in an Age of Communication Overload, is in many ways his magnum opus on the topic of technology and the workplace. Be sure to also check out his podcast, Deep Questions.

Key questions:

How can you approach email as a process observer (and architect), not a do-er?
What people or workflows can you put in place to eliminate email?
Where are you still reacting to the Hyperactive Hive Mind? What experiment can you run this week?

📘 Books Mentioned: Pivot, A World Without Email, Digital Minimalism, Deep Work, So Good They Can’t Ignore You

🔗 Links Mentioned: Cal on the web...and he’s not on Twitter! Or Facebook.

💌 Subscribe to the Time Well Spent newsletter: http://itsfreetime.com/join

📝 Check out full show notes and links from this episode and share it with a friend! http://itsfreetime.com/episodes/002

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264: Embrace Your Onlyness with Nilofer Merchant

Sun, 06 Jun 2021 09:00:00 -0000

What is the difference between uniqueness and Onlyness? Nilofer Merchant is here to help us figure out how the room changes when we walk in, how to turn feeling othered or overworked into opportunities to help ourselves and everyone around us shine.

More About Nilofer: Nilofer Merchant is ranked by Thinkers50 as one of the world's leading business thinkers, and has personally launched more than 100 products netting $18 billion in sales. In 2013 she gave a top-ranking TED talk, "Sitting is the Smoking of Our Generation." Her most recent book is The Power of Onlyness: Make Your Wild Ideas Mighty Enough to Dent the World (2017). By centering on that source of all innovation, Onlyness, Nilofer Merchant enables you to create more value. Her cover story for Harvard Business Review (HBR) Magazine is a case study in the crucial role trust plays in creating scale.

❤️ Enjoying the show? Pivot Podcast is listener supported—consider donating to become a podcast BFF Insider and you’ll get access to a monthly Q&A call with Jenny and private feed.

💌 Get my curated weekly(ish) PivotList newsletter

💬 I’d love to hear what’s on your mind! Take the Pivot listener survey

🗣 Submit a question or comment for future episodes

🎧 Make sure you’re subscribed wherever you listen to ‘casts

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned

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263: Conduct a Relationship Audit with Ximena Vengoechea

Sun, 23 May 2021 09:00:00 -0000

With exhaustion and empathy fatigue encroaching upon so many of us, perhaps it's time to take a relationship audit: who are the takers in your life and work, and who are the energizers? Equally important, how are you showing up for others?

In her new book, Listen Like You Mean it: Reclaiming the Lost Art of True Connection, and in this conversation, Ximena Vengoechea is helping us elevate our listening lenses so we can be more present with others, while still managing our own energy reserves.

Ximena Vengoechea is a user researcher, writer, and illustrator whose work on personal and professional development has been published in Inc., The Washington post, Newsweek, and Huffington Post. She is the author of the new book, Listen Like You Mean it: Reclaiming the Lost Art of True Connection. Ximena is best known for her project The Life Audit. An experienced manager, mentor, and researcher in the tech industry, she previously worked at Pinterest, LinkedIn, and Twitter.

❤️ Enjoying the show? Pivot Podcast is listener supported—consider donating to become a podcast BFF Insider and you’ll get access to a monthly Q&A call with Jenny and private feed.

💸 Enroll in the complimentary Free-up Founder Time mini-course

💌 Get my curated weekly(ish) PivotList newsletter

💬 I’d love to hear what’s on your mind! Take the Pivot listener survey

🗣 Submit a question or comment for future episodes

🎧 Make sure you’re subscribed wherever you listen to ‘casts

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned

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261: Cosmic Health—Why Your Wound is Your Wisdom with Jennifer Racioppi

Sun, 18 Apr 2021 10:00:00 -0000

What’s your sun, moon, and rising? That’s the shorthand for our inner blueprint, created the moment each of us took our first breath, based on where the planets were in the sky. In this conversation, we’re talking about her brand new book Cosmic Health: Unlock Your Healing Magic with Astrology, Positive Psychology, and Integrative Wellness.

Jennifer Racioppi is a certified Duke Integrative Medicine Health Coach, a holistic health counselor, a Positive Psychology coach, and an astrologer. In fact, she is the first person who ever gave me a natal chart reading, which sparked my own great love for—and deep dive into—astrology!

❤️ Enjoying the show? Pivot Podcast is listener supported—consider donating to become a BFF Insider and you’ll get access to a private monthly Q&A call with Jenny

💸 Enroll in the complimentary Free-up Founder Time mini-course before the price goes up

💌 Get my curated weekly(ish) PivotList newsletter

💬 I’d love to hear what’s on your mind! Take the Pivot listener survey

🗣 Submit a question or comment for future episodes

🎧 Make sure you’re subscribed wherever you listen to ‘casts

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned: https://pivotmethod.com/261

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260: Everyday Rituals and the 'Sparkling of the Sacred' with Casper ter Kuile

Sun, 04 Apr 2021 10:00:00 -0000

❤️ Enjoying the show? Pivot Podcast is listener supported—consider donating to become a Pivot Insider and you’ll get access to a private monthly Q&A call: http://pivotmethod.com/insider

💸 Enroll in the complimentary Free-up Founder Time mini-course before the price goes up

💌 Get my curated weekly(ish) PivotList newsletter

💬 I’d love to hear what’s on your mind! Take the Pivot listener survey

🗣 Submit a question or comment for future episodes

🎧 Make sure you’re subscribed wherever you listen to ‘casts

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned: https://pivotmethod.com/260

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259: Introducing Free Time with Jenny Blake!

Sun, 21 Mar 2021 13:30:00 -0000

Hi Friends! As I mentioned in the last solo episode, my team and I have been hard at work creating a brand new podcast that will run in parallel to Pivot! I'm thrilled to welcome you to Free Time — your home for Heart-Based Business.

I'm sharing the inaugural episode here with you on Pivot, but be sure you go subscribe to that one too, if the subject matter interests you! Search for "Free Time with Jenny Blake" or click here to subscribe in your favorite podcasts app.

In this preview episode, I share what inspired me to start the show, how I’m handling the Imposter Monster sitting right next to me, and what’s next for Jenny Blake Enterprises. A pivot for Pivot, if you will :)

❤️ Enjoying the show? The best way to say thank you is leaving a rating or review. Free Time is listener supported—consider donating to become a podcast BFF Ins ider and you’ll get access to a monthly Q&A call with Jenny and a private podcast feed

📘 Books Mentioned: Pivot, Essentialism, Finite and Infinite Games

🔗 Links Mentioned: Gimlet Media’s StartUp, Pivot podcast episodes 228 (how I run my business without social media) and 251 (Imposter Monsters)

💌 Subscribe to the Time Well Spent newsletter: http://itsfreetime.com/join

💸 Enroll in the Mini-Course: Free-up Founder Time

💬 I’d love to hear what’s on your mind! Take the Free Time listener survey

🗣 Submit a voice question or comment for future episodes: http://itsfreetime.com/ask

🎧 Make sure you’re subscribed wherever you listen to ‘casts: http://pod.link/freetime

📝 Check out full show notes and links from this episode and share it with a friend! http://itsfreetime.com/episodes/001

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258: Big Things Brewing + the Power of Tiny Sprints

Sun, 28 Feb 2021 14:00:00 -0000

Hi Friends! I’m back with another “staycation” solo episode on what I’ve been up to. It’s a quick take on systems to support seasons of retreat for creativity and rest, my favorite books of the year so far, and a peek into my forthcoming projects.

Key questions:

What are you ready to let go of? How can you say no to “good” to say yes to what’s next?

For your new projects, ask: Who Not How? (Strategic Coach, Impact Filter PDF)

How can you design systems to support cyclical work? (Check out Stefan Sagmeister’s TEDx Talk on 7-year sabbaticals)

📘 Books Mentioned: Pivot, Wintering, Who Not How, Clockwork, The Power of Full Engagement

💸 Enroll in the complimentary Free-up Founder Time mini-course before the price goes up

❤️ Enjoying the show? Pivot Podcast is listener supported—consider donating to become a Pivot Insider and you’ll get access to a private monthly Q&A call with Jenny

💌 Get my curated weekly(ish) PivotList newsletter

💬 I’d love to hear what’s on your mind! Take the Pivot listener survey

🗣 Submit a question or comment for future episodes

🎧 Make sure you’re subscribed wherever you listen to ‘casts

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned

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257: Gentle Business Revolution with Sarah Santacroce

Sun, 21 Feb 2021 15:30:00 -0000

I’m thrilled to be back from holiday hiatus (and a deep work creation cave on my new book and podcast - more on that soon!) with an episode from someone who inspires me greatly in heart-based business: Sarah Santacroce.

Sarah’s new book is called The Gentle Marketing Revolution: A Radical Business Approach to Get New Clients with Integrity and Kindness. I was honored to co-write the foreword with Penney Pierce in a fun, delightful, in the moment, flowing way. You'll hear more about that and how to launch with serendipity and ease in this episode! Be sure to also check out Sarah’s Gentle Business Revolution Manifesto, and our most recent conversation on her podcast, Kindness in Business.

❤️ Enjoying the show? Pivot Podcast is listener supported—consider donating to become a Pivot Insider and you’ll get access to a private monthly Q&A call: http://pivotmethod.com/insider

💌 Subscribe to the PivotList newsletter, a curated weekly(ish) round-up of my favorite finds ‘round the web: http://pivotmethod.com/pivotlist

💬 I’d love to hear what’s on your mind! Take the Pivot listener survey at http://pivotmethod.com/survey

🗣 Submit a question or comment for future episodes at http://pivotmethod.com/ask

🎧 Make sure you’re subscribed wherever you listen to ‘casts: https://pod.link/1054817076

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/257

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256: Saner Arguments—Discourse vs. Debate with Bob Gower

Thu, 19 Nov 2020 12:30:00 -0000

When discussing fraught, divisive, or high-stakes issues it's so easy to get defensive, triggered, and hurt—sometimes even doing irreparable damage to relationships we hold dear. Communications pro Bob Gower returns to Pivot to help us understand something crucial before we engage in our next argument: is this discourse or a debate?

He outlines the difference between the two in his fantastic piece, Rules of Engagement: 5 Steps to Better Arguments: "In discourse, the goal is to eventually align. Debate is discourse's more flamboyant cousin where people with opposing views intend to remain that way at the end of the conversation.”

In this wandering conversational stroll, we explore what it means to be a “good person,” when "agree to disagree" does and doesn't work, intent versus impact, when not to "poke the bear," releasing the urge to have an opinion on everything (or enter into an argument with every person in the first place), why Bob shut-down several of his social media profiles, and how he boils this all down into his day-to-day practices and intentions.

As longtime listeners know well by now, awkward is the name of the game for subjects as tricky as these! For intrepid listeners, our hope is that by hearing us work through (in real-time) some of these more challenging aspects of tough conversations, it will give you a chance to explore where you stand and what approach you want to take—knowing there isn't always just one "right" answer.

Resources Mentioned:

Bob’s website, LinkedIn, Instagram

Bob's books: Radical Alignment: How to Have Game-Changing Conversations That Will Transform Your Business and Your Life and Agile Business: A Leader’s Guide to Harnessing Complexity

Articles: Rules of Engagement: 5 Steps to Better Arguments, How to Be Wrong Like a Man, From Sex Cult to C-Suite

Podcast: Conspirituality

Book: Descartes' Error: Emotion, Reason, and the Human Brain

Reddit: Late Stage Capitalism

❤️ Enjoying the show? Pivot Podcast is listener supported—consider donating to become a Pivot Insider and you’ll get access to a private monthly Q&A call: http://pivotmethod.com/insider

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💬 I’d love to hear what’s on your mind! Take the Pivot listener survey at http://pivotmethod.com/survey

🗣 Submit a question or comment for future episodes at http://pivotmethod.com/ask

🎧 Make sure you’re subscribed wherever you listen to ‘casts: https://pod.link/1054817076

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/256

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255: Dr. MJC on Vaccine Trial Updates and Post-Election Pivots

Thu, 12 Nov 2020 10:00:00 -0000

Pandemic-response expert Dr. MJC is back for our Sweet 16th (!) installment in the Pivoting Around a Pandemic series. We discuss updates on the Pfizer vaccine trial he’s participating in, fantasies about “when there’s a vaccine,” challenges to global rollout, our reaction to the election results, and the need for deep rest after all that we’ve collectively been through this year, and particularly this season.

💌 Get my curated weekly(ish) PivotList newsletter at http://pivotmethod.com/pivotlist

💬 I’d love to hear what’s on your mind! Take the Pivot listener survey at http://pivotmethod.com/survey

🗣 Submit a question or comment for future episodes at http://pivotmethod.com/ask

🎧 Make sure you’re subscribed wherever you listen to ‘casts: https://pod.link/1054817076

❤️ Enjoying the show? Pivot Podcast is listener supported—consider donating to become a Pivot Insider and you’ll get access to a private monthly Q&A call with Jenny: http://pivotmethod.com/insider

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/255, and our related (previous) conversation: 🦠248: Horseshoe Theories and Ongoing Pandemic Pivots with Dr. MJC.

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254: The Practice—On Generosity, Peculiarity, and Showing Up with Seth Godin

Tue, 03 Nov 2020 10:00:00 -0000

"The marketing-industrial complex has been on a tear for a hundred years to make almost everyone feel inadequate, because it's the single best way to sell you something. If that game isn't giving you joy, don't play that game.”

My next guest needs no introduction — though he deserves one nonetheless! Seth Godin is an inventor, thought-leader, contrarian, mentor, mensch, and an ongoing inspiration to so many of us. He is the author of 19 bestselling books, and this week we are celebrating his latest! The Practice: Shipping Creative Work, one that inspired me to get back on the mic after a two-month hiatus, to record this interview in early September.

Listen in as we celebrate our (almost) ten-year friendiversary and discuss a range of topics for those in the business of playing with ideas: shipping creative work even when tired, generosity and building with word-of-mouth in mind, choosing which information “rooms” to hang out in online, Tik Tok and social media tourism, and speaking to (and selecting for) the yearning of the people you seek to serve.

Although I’m at my awkward finest when interviewing my biggest heroes, Seth chief among them, I hope you enjoy this conversation on all things leadership and creativity :)

Links Mentioned:

Book: The Practice: Shipping Creative Work by Seth Godin

Seth’s Podcast: Akimbo and Blog

Courses: The Podcasting Workshop and (He)art of Podcasting

Jenny’s Author Toolkit: http://pivotmethod.com/authors (including the new book marketing spreadsheet, and the Behind-the-Book Toolkit for writing, editing, marketing, and launching)

💌 Get my curated weekly(ish) PivotList newsletter at http://pivotmethod.com/pivotlist

💬 I’d love to hear what’s on your mind! Take the Pivot listener survey at http://pivotmethod.com/survey

🗣 Submit a question or comment for future episodes at http://pivotmethod.com/ask

🎧 Make sure you’re subscribed wherever you listen to ‘casts: https://pod.link/1054817076

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/254

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253: MIRACLES—What was your word of 2020? What word chose you?

Thu, 29 Oct 2020 09:00:00 -0000

This is a quick reflection episode, recorded on-the-go on my iPhone while throwing the frisbee for Ryder in the park. Although it’s a bit noiser than usual, I hope you enjoy the New York City soundscape.

So many of us were feeling incredibly hopeful and optimistic heading in to this new decade. In keeping with the theme of radical reimagining, my hope is that this episode helps you reflect not just on the theme you set at the start of this year, but what theme has chosen and shaped you.

Key questions: What are you secretly relieved has dissolved or disappeared this year? What are the different permissions granted, that you might not have had the courage to do on your own?

Heart-Based Business Owners: Join us in the private Momentum Community

❤️ Enjoying the show? Pivot Podcast is listener supported—consider donating to become a Pivot Insider and you’ll get access to a private monthly Q&A call with Jenny: http://pivotmethod.com/insider

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💬 I’d love to hear what’s on your mind! Take the Pivot listener survey at http://pivotmethod.com/survey

🗣 Submit a question or comment for future episodes at http://pivotmethod.com/ask

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📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/253

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252: On Spiritual Awakening, Faith, and Surrender in 2020

Thu, 22 Oct 2020 09:00:00 -0000

This episode kicks off with a listener “note of encouragement” from Andrei in LA on the spiritual awakening under way, and the off-and-on dopamine cycle we’re experiencing as we continue practicing trust, faith, and surrender.

I read passages from one of my favorite authors, Tosha Silver (if you haven’t already read them, get your hands on Outrageous Openness, Change Me Prayers, and It’s Not Your Money ASAP!). I talk about protecting our energy with a whole-body yes, and a clear no—and how this plays out in my current cranky curmudgeon mode of “no new friends” (as odd as it to say that out loud!).

Key questions: What is the one next step I can take toward a big decision? (Then surrender) How has 2020 already shaped you? Looking back on the year, where were you resisting this change or grasping to how things should be? How are you being shaped, reimagined, by this time?

Heart-Based Business Owners: Join us in the private Momentum Community

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📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/252

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251: Listener Q&A on (Furry) Imposter Monsters

Thu, 15 Oct 2020 09:00:00 -0000

When was the last time you felt like an imposter in your career? Last year? Yesterday? This morning? It’s so normal (and way more common than you’d realize!) that we cycle through Imposter Syndrome, especially when considering our next moves.

Today I’m riffing on why I think we should ditch the word “syndrome” all together when it comes to this phenomenon, and how to give yourself permission to start taking steps in a new direction (instead of waiting on external approval or credentials). I’ll share when additional schooling does come in handy, and how I’ve made these decisions in the past.

Key questions: Whether you pursue more training or not, what would that next certification (or degree) give you permission to do? What doors would it open? What results would be available in your life and work? How can you start taking small steps forward now, regardless of your decision?

Heart-Based Business Owners: Join us in the private Momentum Community

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💬 I’d love to hear what’s on your mind! Take the Pivot listener survey at http://pivotmethod.com/survey

🗣 Submit a question or comment for future episodes at http://pivotmethod.com/ask

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📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/podcast/staycation

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250: Staycation in the City

Thu, 08 Oct 2020 09:00:00 -0000

Solo episode on a sanity-saving strategy for #2020 on the perks (and quirks!) of staycationing in the city you live in . . . especially when hotel rates are at record lows :) Pardon the mic noises — it’s a travel mic and therefore part of my #PerfectlyImperfect audio that gets the episode out at all.

Key questions: What makes your soul sing? What is most important to your spirit? Remember, Radical Reimagining means everything is up for grabs.

HotelTonight: Use my code JBLAKE9 to get up to $50 back after your first HotelTonight booking.

Heart-Based Business Owners: Join us in the private Momentum Community

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💬 I’d love to hear what’s on your mind! Take the Pivot listener survey at http://pivotmethod.com/survey

🗣 Submit a question or comment for future episodes at http://pivotmethod.com/ask

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📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/podcast/staycation

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249: Self-Defense Strategies with Sensei Ando Mierzwa

Thu, 01 Oct 2020 09:00:00 -0000

“Your smile is your shield and your sword.” That’s just one of many wisdom gems from today’s guest and longtime Pivot advocate, Sensei Ando Mierzwa. He’s sharing many of the principles from his free self-defense basics course on turning intuition into action, the importance of projecting (and feeling!) confident, ignoring social niceties when it comes to making “bad guys” uncomfortable, and how to maintain a zen state even in tense situations. I hope you love this conversation as much as I did!

Ando’s Free Course: Self-Defense Basics

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📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/249

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248: Horseshoe Theories and Ongoing Pandemic Pivots with Dr. MJC

Mon, 28 Sep 2020 09:00:00 -0000

Pandemic-response expert Dr. MJC is back for our 15th (!) installment in the Pivoting Around a Pandemic series. In this “pandepic” two-hour round, we riff on: what we’ve been up to this summer, the five gnarly viruses we’re experiencing (COVID being only one), the horseshoe theory of political ideologies, discourse and censorship, tyranny and the fall of empires, vaccine trials, vitamin D, second-hand social media, and more.

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🗣 Submit a question or comment for future episodes at http://pivotmethod.com/ask

🎧 Make sure you’re subscribed wherever you listen to ‘casts: https://pod.link/1054817076

Topics Covered:

What we've been up to this summer

21:20 - Business ups and downs this year, coming out the other side

25:00 - At least 5 gnarly viruses of 2020:

32:19 - On Tyranny by Tim Snyder, the Fall of Empires, and hubris

42:52 - Horseshoe theory of far-left, centrist, far-right

44:13 - On Joe Rogan and the campaign from Spotify staffers to implement editorial involvement

1:00:35 - Censorship and cancel culture

1:09:54 - Vaccines: is it possible? Would you sign up for a trial? Would you get it in the first wave? Do you trust pharmaceutical companies?

1:34:06 - Vitamin D's role in our immunity

1:44:11 - Questioning how we work as it relates to our health

1:45:44 - Considering the downstream effects of so much accelerated technological advancement

1:47:34 - Surge capacity depletion

1:51:27 - Second-hand social media

1:52:10 - Cut out anything extraneous: do you miss it?

1:54:10 - Topic teasers for next time: travel, going to the movies, schools

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/248

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247: Cultural Appreciation and Remote Team-Building with Chris Littlefield

Thu, 24 Sep 2020 09:00:00 -0000

(Recorded July 2020) Thanks to Chris, we’ve got a new term for 2020: “Coronavating” — a portmanteau of coronavirus and innovating. Chris is an expert in employee appreciation, recognition, and workplace culture, and I think you’ll love this episode on how to build trust and teamwork even in virtual (and often chaotic) settings. He is the founder of Beyond Thank You, and author of 75+ Team Building Activities for Remote Teams – Simple Ways to Build Trust, Strengthen Communication, and Laugh Together from Afar.

🚴🏻‍♀️ Peloton Bike—If you're in the US, Canada, or the UK, use referral code 7ED7VQ to receive $100

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📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/247

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246: What is Your Job Today? (You Decide)

Thu, 17 Sep 2020 13:45:00 -0000

What’s your job today? It might not be what you think . . . and you get to decide anew every day, especially for sanity and health preservation in #2020. In this solo episode, I’m riffing on perfectionism, streaks, and combinatorial questions to create possibility.

Peloton—If you're in the US, Canada, or the UK, use referral code 7ED7VQ to receive $100 towards accessories at purchase.

💌 Get my curated weekly(ish) PivotList newsletter at http://pivotmethod.com/pivotlist

💬 I’d love to hear what’s on your mind! Take the Pivot listener survey at http://pivotmethod.com/survey

🗣 Submit a question or comment for future episodes at http://pivotmethod.com/ask

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📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/246

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245: Radical Reimagining—Everything is Up For Grabs

Thu, 10 Sep 2020 09:00:00 -0000

Peeking out from another plateau with my first solo episode since June 19’s 5 Reorienting Inquiries for Revolutionary Times. It’s been a rough ride on the #CoronaCoaster these last few months — even with so much to be thankful for. I’m grateful for our physical health (knock on wood), but mental health has been another story! This episode is a bit of a rambler; more for longtime listeners looking for an update (and perhaps something to relate to). Even if there aren’t clear templates or takeaways, I invite you to ponder on my summer theme: Radical Reimagining—everything is up for grabs.

Links Mentioned:

Article: Your 'Surge Capacity is Depleted' — It's Why You Feel Awful
Books: The Practice: Shipping Creative Work by Seth Godin, The Gift of Fear by Gavin DeBecker, Self-Compassion by Kristin Neff
Podcast: Centered in the City with Wade Brill
TV Show: Call My Agent! on Netflix
Heart-Based Business Owners: Join us in Momentum at http://pivot.love/momentum

Jenny’s Fave Raves:

Peloton—If you're in the US, Canada, or the UK, use referral code 7ED7VQ to receive $100 towards accessories at purchase.
Delicious frozen meals—$20 off your first box of Mosaic (use that link or promo code FRIEND-SZHR2R9) and our other favorite, Trifecta
For coffees and coconut-based creamers, check out Laird Superfoods
$10 off our new "everything" pot for cooking, h/t Sarah Young! From Our Place, a new mission‑driven kitchenware brand.

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💬 I’d love to hear what’s on your mind! Take the Pivot listener survey at http://pivotmethod.com/survey
🗣 Submit a question or comment for future episodes at http://pivotmethod.com/ask
🎧 Make sure you’re subscribed wherever you listen to ‘casts: https://pod.link/1054817076

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/245

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[Best Of] Penney & Jenny 12: Pandemic Opening Our Collective Pandora's Box (March 2020)

Thu, 10 Sep 2020 08:00:00 -0000

Happy summer, friends! I’m taking a short break to pause and design what’s next for the podcast content-wise. Please enjoy this series with Penney Peirce, released M/W/Fri in keeping with my latest experiment.

Penney is consistently named as a listener favorite when I get feedback notes, and after our first interview together we jokingly started naming these follow-up conversations “The Penney & Jenny Show.” Until now, these interviews were spread out over the last four years — now they’ll be bingeable as a consecutive series :)

🗣 Want to help shape what’s next? Take the listener survey if you haven’t already! http://pivotmethod.com/survey »

Original air date: March 2020

I’m delighted to have Penney Peirce back on the podcast to unpack her essay in conversation together, on How Coronavirus is Speeding Us Toward Transparency.

View full show notes from this episode at http://pivotmethod.com/168 » and http://pivotmethod.com/169

📝 View full show notes from this episode at http://pivotmethod.com/podcast/penney12 »

***

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[Best Of] Penney & Jenny 11: Pivoting Out of Toxic Situations (December 2019)

Wed, 29 Jul 2020 08:00:00 -0000

🗣 Want to help shape what’s next? Take the listener survey if you haven’t already! http://pivotmethod.com/survey »

Original air date: December 15, 2019

The Penney & Jenny Show is back! The latest installment (PJ Show #11!) answers a listener Q&A about pivoting out of toxic situations at work. Penny and I discuss how we evaluate when to stay vs. go, discerning normal ups and downs from true toxicity, and the highest emotional state that acts as a tuning fork and compass to pull you forward into a new direction and a new lease on life.

Enjoying the podcast and want to support the show? Become a Pivot Insider for as little as $8 each month and get access to a live monthly Q&A call—you’ll get six months of archived calls, a slew of bonus resources, including a two-hour Upgrade Your Energy workshop. Our next call is Wednesday, January 8—join now as a powerful way to kick-off this next decade!

Have a question related to this episode, or any in our Penney & Jenny series? Ask us here in a quick voice note. We look forward to rolling all of your questions together and creating a listener Q&A show soon :)

View full show notes from this episode at http://pivotmethod.com/148.

📝 View full show notes from this episode at http://pivotmethod.com/podcast/penney11 »

***

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[Best Of] Penney & Jenny 10: Self-Entertainment & Not Fitting In (August 2019)

Mon, 27 Jul 2020 12:00:00 -0000

🗣 Want to help shape what’s next? Take the listener survey if you haven’t already! http://pivotmethod.com/survey »

Original air date: August 11, 2019

Why do we hesitate when it comes to being more of ourselves? In this episode, which happens to be released on Penney’s birthday (woohoo!) we discuss why we fears and limitations that hold us back from our fullest expression.

In this conversation, we talk about the cultural pressure to fit in, self-entertainment as spiritual practice, setting big goals and going too big or too small, willingness to be a “misfit,” why transparency attracts more joyful friendships, and what’s behind comparison to others—how noticing a quality in someone else means that you have that quality somewhere within you.

View full show notes from this episode at http://pivotmethod.com/129.

Enjoying the podcast and want to support the show? Become a Pivot Insider and get access to Jenny’s Monthly Q&A call—the next one is coming right up on August 14!

Have a question related to this episode, or any in our Penney & Jenny series? Ask away here in a quick voice note. We look forward to rolling all of your questions together and creating a listener Q&A show soon :) Read the full transcript here.

📝 View full show notes from this episode at http://pivotmethod.com/podcast/penney10 »

***

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[Best Of] Penney & Jenny 9: Truth and Making "Good Choices" (July 2019)

Fri, 24 Jul 2020 08:00:00 -0000

🗣 Want to help shape what’s next? Take the listener survey if you haven’t already! http://pivotmethod.com/survey »

Original air date: July 14, 2019

Penney and I are back in action, with the 9th (!) installment of our Penney & Jenny show. If you missed last week’s episode (#124) on liminal space and embracing the in-between, check it out here.

This is installment is all about discriminating truth, just rightness, and making good choices. How do you trust your truth and anxiety signals? How do you know when it's time to Pivot? What's the difference between authenticity, honesty, and humility versus hiding, avoidance, and apathy?

As poet David Whyte says, some beautiful questions need to be lived. We explore how the body is the first level of knowing in the physical world, and how we can better trust and tune into our bodies to know if something is true or not.

For full show notes, visit http://pivotmethod.com/125. Have a question related to this episode, or any in our Penney & Jenny series? Ask away here in a quick voice note. We look forward to rolling all of your questions together and creating a listener Q&A show soon :) Read the transcript for this episode here.

Pivot Podcast is listener supported: Contribute as a Pivot Insider and you’ll get access to a private monthly Q&A with Jenny, with access to the recordings in case you can’t make it live.

📝 View full show notes from this episode at http://pivotmethod.com/podcast/penney2 »

***

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[Best Of] Penney & Jenny 8: Embracing Liminal Space (July 2019)

Wed, 22 Jul 2020 08:00:00 -0000

🗣 Want to help shape what’s next? Take the listener survey if you haven’t already! http://pivotmethod.com/survey »

Original air date: July 7, 2019

Penney and I are back in action, with the 8th (!!) installment of our Penney & Jenny show. This week we dive into why it can be so difficult to embrace liminal space, also known as a transitional state of “in-between.”

Penney equates the liminal space to the time when a caterpillar has created and entered the cocoon, but has not transitioned into a butterfly. It is the space in which we are given the chance to rest, reset, and recharge before moving into the next phase. It sounds lovely when put that way, so why do we often want to rush the process?

Tune into this episode to learn all about why hindering the liminal state is like fighting a tidal wave, and why taking the time to stop is so important to your life, brain, and success.

For full show notes, visit http://pivotmethod.com/124. Have a question related to this episode, or any in our Penney & Jenny series? Ask away here, in a quick voice note. We look forward to rolling all of your questions together and creating a listener Q&A show soon :) Read the transcript here.

Pivot Podcast is listener supported: Contribute as a Pivot Insider and you’ll get access to a private monthly Q&A with Jenny, with access to the recordings in case you can’t make it live.

📝 View full show notes from this episode at http://pivotmethod.com/podcast/penney2 »

***

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[Best Of] Penney & Jenny 7: On Spirituality and Small Business (July 2018)

Mon, 20 Jul 2020 08:00:00 -0000

🗣 Want to help shape what’s next? Take the listener survey if you haven’t already! http://pivotmethod.com/survey »

Original air date: July 15, 2018

I'm delighted to bring you the seventh (!) episode in a side series of this podcast we affectionately call the Penney & Jenny show :) It's a growing set of conversations with one of my dear friends and mentors (friendtors), Penney Peirce. We had so much fun during our first interview together that we added a second . . . which became a third . . . and so on, until it was a regular feature on the Pivot Podcast!

This week we're riffing on the intersection of spirituality and small business—how we apply intuition, transparency, non-physical realms, and personal practices toward business-building, attracting clients, and earning a living in a way that feels easeful and joyful. You can check out all of our interviews here, and for easier listening, tune in on our SoundCloud playlist.

📝 View full show notes from this episode at http://pivotmethod.com/podcast/penney7 »

***

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[Best Of] Penney & Jenny 6: Conscious Creation, Non-Icky Marketing, and Manifestation (February 2018)

Fri, 17 Jul 2020 08:00:00 -0000

🗣 Want to help shape what’s next? Take the listener survey if you haven’t already! http://pivotmethod.com/survey »

Original air date: February 26, 2018

We're back! Penney Peirce and I continue our ongoing series based on her vast spiritual oeuvre—this time with the microphone tables turned. She's interviewing me as we dive deeper into past lives, alignment practices, saying no to "sexy shoulds," clearing one's personal field to contribute to collective energy healing, marketing and manifesting in an authentic way, and so much more. Be sure to check out Penney's new book, Transparency: Seeing Through to Our Expanded Human Capacity, for which I was delighted and deeply honored to write the foreword :)

This episode of the Pivot Podcast is the sixth in our series series together—the Penney & Jenny Show! Check out our previous conversations here: Transparency Part 1: What does your soul know?, Transparency Part 2: Soul Groups, Intuition and Frequency, Dreams as a Doorway to 24-Hour Consciousness, and Perception: Navigating Our Non-Linear Universe.

For full show notes, visit PivotMethod.com/podcast/penney-interviews-jenny

📝 View full show notes from this episode at http://pivotmethod.com/podcast/penney6 »

***

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[Best Of] Penney & Jenny 5: Soul Groups (November 2017)

Wed, 15 Jul 2020 12:00:00 -0000

🗣 Want to help shape what’s next? Take the listener survey if you haven’t already! http://pivotmethod.com/survey »

Original air date: November 25, 2017

“See yourself from the soul's point of view: flaws are just temporary mistakes of perception."

—Penney Peirce, Transparency

We're back at it, folks! There was so much juicy material from Penney Peirce's new book, Transparency: Seeing Through to Our Expanded Human Capacity, that we decided to dive in even deeper in a follow-up episode of the Pivot Podcast (if you haven't already, check out first part, Transparency Part 1: What does your soul know?

In this conversation, we talk about transparency as it relates to relationships: how does it help us connect with soul groups and soul mates? What happens when we're trying too hard or putting on a show just to gain approval? Why, if we're all part of a collective soul group, does it seem like there's so much chaos and violence in the world? What's it like to connect with a business or book community from a transparent/soul perspective rather than marketing shoulds? I absolutely loved hearing Penney's insights on all of the above, and I know you will too :)

This episode of the Pivot Podcast is the fifth our series series together—the Penney & Jenny Show! Check out our previous conversations on Transparency Part 1, Intuition and Frequency, Dreams as a Doorway to 24-Hour Consciousness, and Perception: Navigating Our Non-Linear Universe.

📝 View full show notes from this episode at http://pivotmethod.com/podcast/penney4»

***

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[Best Of] Penney & Jenny 4: Flow and Transparency (July 2017)

Mon, 13 Jul 2020 12:00:00 -0000

🗣 Want to help shape what’s next? Take the listener survey if you haven’t already! http://pivotmethod.com/survey »

Original air date: October 7, 2017

“To know yourself as a soul . . . you must dissolve everything in the way. The clutter composed of fear, fixed beliefs, and unconsciously ingrained habits."

—Penney Peirce, Transparency: Seeing Through to Our Expanded Human Capacity

What does it mean to make enlightenment normal? How do you remove the filters that dim your soul's wisdom? How can you feel into what wants to happen and find greater flow in life and work? What does it mean to be so authentic and transparent that we live as truth with nothing to hide? Penney and I dive into these questions and many more on this week's show as we discuss her new book, Transparency: Seeing Through to Our Expanded Human Capacity, which I was incredibly honored to write the foreword for.

This episode of the Pivot Podcast is the fourth our series series together—the Penney & Jenny Show! Check out our previous conversations on Intuition and Frequency, Dreams as a Doorway to 24-Hour Consciousness, and Perception: Navigating Our Non-Linear Universe.

📝 View full show notes from this episode at http://pivotmethod.com/podcast/penney4 »

***

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[Best Of] Penney & Jenny 3: Perception and Navigating Our Non-Linear Universe (June 2016)

Fri, 10 Jul 2020 12:00:00 -0000

🗣 Want to help shape what’s next? Take the listener survey if you haven’t already! http://pivotmethod.com/survey »

Original air date: June 5, 2016

“The new attention span is about scope. Time stops, everything is instantaneous, coordinated and synchronous. You can already feel the result existing.”

—Penney Peirce, Leap of Perception

I have had such a blast talking with Penney Peirce about her Transformation Trilogy on intuition, frequency, and now perception. Talk about a dream come true! Today’s Pivot Podcast is our third in the series, and we dive deep into the nature of our holographic universe, the shift toward right-brain perception, why attention is the new intention (forget the law of attraction), how to find flow in projects, and how to navigate the void after major life or work phases are complete.

📝 View full show notes from this episode at http://pivotmethod.com/podcast/penney2 »

***

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[Best Of] Penney & Jenny 2: Dreams and 24-Hour Consciousness (May 2016)

Wed, 08 Jul 2020 12:00:00 -0000

🗣 Want to help shape what’s next? Take the listener survey if you haven’t already! http://pivotmethod.com/survey »

Original air date: May 8, 2016

“At night, the soul is rejuvenating the personality. All dreams are data about our own personal process of growth and evolution.”

—Penney Peirce

Dreams. Although we often laugh them away today (if we remember them at all), many ancient and tribal cultures treated the dream world as absolutely real and worthy of our respect, an extension of the waking world. As Penney Peirce writes in Be the Dreamer, Not the Dream: A Guide to 24-Hour Consciousness (previously published as Dreams for Dummies), “Everything we do in the dream world is real; it’s just happening at other dimensions of our awareness.”

So what’s going on in that noggin’ of yours in the (hopefully) 8 hours of the day that you’re not on your feet? In today’s show we talk about the fascinating and ever-elusive subject of dreams: how to better remember and even program dreams, how to interpret them, and much more.

📝 View full show notes from this episode at http://pivotmethod.com/podcast/penney2 »

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[Best Of] Penney & Jenny 1: Intuition and Frequency (April 2016)

Mon, 06 Jul 2020 18:30:00 -0000

Want to help shape what’s next? Take the listener survey if you haven’t already! http://pivotmethod.com/survey »

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Original air date: April 10, 2016

Reading The Intuitive Way kicked off two years of coincidence tracking, intuition studying, and surrendering to serendipity—and completely transformed the way I go about my day-to-day life. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did, and stay tuned: we’ll be doing a follow-up on dream interpretation in a future episode!

View full show notes from this episode at http://pivotmethod.com/podcast/penney1

📝 View full show notes from this episode at http://pivotmethod.com/podcast/penney1 »

***

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244: Design The Life You Love with Ayse Birsel

Fri, 03 Jul 2020 16:45:00 -0000

Named by Fast Company as one of the 100 most creative people in the world, Ayse Birsel is giving us a special preview of her Deconstruction + Reconstruction process to Design the Life You Love at this crucial inflection point of halfway through the madness that is 2020.

In this Momentum Book Club (a live Pivot podcast taping with my private community for heart-based business owners), Ayse walks us through two key exercises: identifying your superpowers and kryptonite, then mapping what to keep and let go of across four key areas as we enter the second half of the year.

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💬 I’d love to hear what’s on your mind! Take the Pivot listener survey at http://pivotmethod.com/survey

🗣 Submit a question or comment for future episodes at http://pivotmethod.com/ask

🎙 Make sure you’re subscribed wherever you listen to ‘casts: https://pod.link/1054817076

🎧 Enjoying the show? Pivot Podcast is listener supported—consider donating to become a Pivot Insider and you’ll get access to a private monthly Q&A call with Jenny: http://pivotmethod.com/insider

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/244

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243: Crowdfunding Venture Capital And Accessible Angel Investing with Chuck Petid

Wed, 01 Jul 2020 09:00:00 -0000

As the Republic website states, “Talent is evenly distributed, but opportunity is not.” That’s why they are democratizing angel investing by creating a platform where diverse founders and mission-driven start-ups can get the capital they need—and even those of us without millions in the bank can invest in emerging companies we believe in, for as little as $10.

This conversation with Chuck Petid was recorded pre-pandemic (back in 2019), but is relevant more than ever with so many companies looking for assistance during these trying economic times.

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📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/243

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242: Nahko—Take Your Power Back + "Love Letters to God" Live

Mon, 29 Jun 2020 09:00:00 -0000

Nahko is an artist, a seeker, a storyteller, and a medicine man through soulful music. I love that his music sits at the intersection of deep personal introspection with social justice activism.

Although we didn’t discuss it in this conversation, Nakho was born as a result of human trafficking—his birth mother gave him up for adoption when she was fourteen years old; he was nine months old, then raised in Oregon just 20 minutes away. You can learn more about that in this conversation with Rachel Brathen: Believe In The Good Things Coming.

Nahko and Medicine for the People has provided the soundtrack to everything important in my life these last five years: solo journeying, writing and then launching Pivot, meeting my husband, getting married, and navigating the 2020 coronacoaster.

🎵 Listen to the end for a special acoustic performance

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📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/242

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241: Get Off Autopilot & Be Your Own Benefactor with Antonio Neves

Fri, 26 Jun 2020 09:00:00 -0000

What happens when you find yourself on autopilot, even with a perfect-on-paper role or business? It can be hard to admit—even to oneself—not being 100% #grateful, #blessed, and #fulfilled.

Longtime friendtor Antonio Neves and I talk about how to find the courage to boldly go your own way—to be your own benefactor—even when your next direction isn’t a proven Pivot yet. You’ll hear about Tony’s aha moment that helped him kick a secret coping habit, and starting taking authentic steps in a new direction into a new phase of life and work where he’s betting on himself.

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💬 I’d love to hear what’s on your mind! Take the Pivot listener survey at http://pivotmethod.com/survey

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🎧 Enjoying the show? Pivot Podcast is listener supported—consider donating to become a Pivot Insider and you’ll get access to a private monthly Q&A call: http://pivotmethod.com/insider

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/241

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240: The Beauty of Conflict with CrisMarie Campbell and Susan Clarke

Wed, 24 Jun 2020 08:00:00 -0000

This is one of my favorite conversations in five years of podcasting — AND I made the silly error of not checking my inputs when switching over to Zoom for this one! 🤦🏻‍♀️ Forgive me, and I hope you’ll bear with the audio on my side to hear the many priceless gems from CrisMarie Campbell and Susan Clarke, two instant friends who I know you will love as much as I do!

We talk about why conflict is necessary to move past mediocrity, tools for tough conversations, calming ourselves when triggered and tempted to use familiar (unhelpful) coping mechanisms, and why courage = vulnerability + curiosity.

Get full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/240 »

🎙Last call to join us! My 3-hour live (He)art of Podcasting Masterclass is tomorrow, June 25 at 10am ET. Register for the live masterclass here »

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239: Resilience and Compassion Fatigue with Colleen Pelar

Mon, 22 Jun 2020 10:00:00 -0000

“Self care is the best business plan.” That’s Colleen Pelar’s philosophy that she shares with pet care professionals in her private community and on her Unleashed podcast.

By nature of being heart-centered givers and animal-lovers, those who care for our furry friends are often at risk for compassion fatigue. On top of that, the last few months have challenged all of us to develop greater resilience — and find much-needed pockets of rest amidst ongoing unrest.

Big thanks to Momentum member Regina for the introduction—I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did about how to take care of ourselves, and secret superpowers animal whisperers can bring into their businesses.

View show notes and resources mentioned from this episode at http://pivotmethod.com/239 »

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238: 5 Re-Orienting Inquiries for Revolutionary Times

Fri, 19 Jun 2020 08:00:00 -0000

Happy #PrideMonth and happy Juneteenth! These are revolutionary times that require re-orienting questions to spark a new way forward, from the inside out.

Today I’m sharing the five inquiries that have had a profound impact on me these last few weeks, building on episode 173: Beautiful Questions for Challenging Times with Steve Morris.

A little more context on the holidays we’re honoring:

#PrideMonth via Charities.org: “In honor of the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in Manhattan - considered the tipping point for the Gay Liberation Movement in the United States - each June Americans come together to celebrate LGBTQIA+ Pride Month.”

Juneteenth via Wikipedia: “Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, and Cel-Liberation Day, is an American holiday celebrated annually on June 19. It commemorates June 19, 1865, when Union general Gordon Granger read federal orders in Galveston, Texas, that all previously enslaved people in Texas were free.”

Get show notes from this episode at http://pivotmethod.com/238

Find ongoing resources for Black Lives Matter at http://pivotmethod.com/blacklivesmatter

Submit a question for the Pivot Podcast at http://pivotmethod.com/ask

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237: 16+ Software Tools Behind the Pivot Podcast

Wed, 17 Jun 2020 16:30:00 -0000

Software geeks, rejoice! In today’s show I’m sharing every tool I use to produce the Pivot Podcast. This episode builds on 233: Stepping up Systems—How I Shifted to Daily Podcasting (across five key areas: mindset, motivation, systems, skills, and software).

Both are in preparation (and to give you a head-start) for my upcoming LIVE (He)art of Podcasting masterclass! I have the ambitious goal of taking you from zero to show, because the world needs your voice, and we need it now.

I’m facilitating a 3-hour workshop on June 25 where you can ask me anything, get my best templates for visioning, interview prep, and post-production, and request walkthroughs of the most confusing aspects of podcasting and systems. Learn more at http://pivotmethod.com/heart »

Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/237 and the full Pivot podcast archive at http://pivotmethod.com/podcastarchive »

I’d love to hear what’s on your mind! Take the Pivot listener survey at http://pivotmethod.com/survey and submit a question for future episodes at http://pivotmethod.com/ask

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236: We're All In This Together—From Blame to Belonging with Mike Robbins

Mon, 15 Jun 2020 14:15:00 -0000

How can we create the psychological safety and belonging needed for the crucial conversations this moment demands of us? How can we apply the privileges we have for the highest good? How do we shift from blame to belonging to create change?

We are diving in to these topics and more with my longtime friendtor, Mike Robbins, based on themes from his latest book We're All in This Together. Mike also hosts a fantastic podcast of the same name, We’re All In This Together.

Get show notes from this episode at http://pivotmethod.com/236 »

Find ongoing resources for Black Lives Matter at http://pivotmethod.com/blacklivesmatter

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235: Co-Journeying and Re-Opening—Roundtable with Dr. Anthony Harris and Dr. MJC

Fri, 12 Jun 2020 13:30:00 -0000

I’m delighted to be hosting a roundtable as the most recent installment in the Pivoting Around a Pandemic series with Dr. MJC (who you know well from 13 episodes together!) and Dr. Anthony Harris, Chief Innovation Officer for WeCare who is helping implement 1,000,000 tests every day to help businesses re-open.

We talk about Dr. Harris’ background at the intersection of faith, medicine, and entrepreneurship; processing the unrest of these last two weeks, his take on co-journeying through the Black Lives Matter movement, inequities in society as it relates to business and healthcare, and what drives and orients him as he prepares to welcome a son into the world.

What’s on your mind? Submit follow-up questions for a future conversation at http://pivotmethod.com/ask

Check out show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/235

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234: Black Lives Matter. Listening, Learning, Growing, Acting.

Wed, 10 Jun 2020 09:30:00 -0000

We have hit a boiling point of rage and heartbreak. What we witnessed through George Floyd's murder was evil incarnate, not to mention the countless others who have come before him, and the massively dysfunctional systems in America that perpetuate injustice, racism, and senseless violence.

But pointing fingers at bigger systems also misses and important point: we — I — must start within.

I want to start this post and episode by thanking two people who kicked off the latest round of deep inquiry around anti-racism for me: Michael Bungay Stanier in his MBS.works newsletter, who shared a link to Rachel Rodger’s Instagram Live video from May 30 on “the good white liberal response.” (If you catch this in time, she has a Town Hall called Reimagining Small Business on Wednesday 6/10 from 6-8pm ET.)

I met Rachel many years ago, and have followed her work for many years—particularly at her new platform and podcast Hello Seven. It shouldn’t have taken until now, but seeing and hearing her pain, passion, and determination woke me up and stopped me in my tracks anew. It inspired me to dig deeper, to dive into social media in a way that I usually don’t. To listen more deeply.

Staying “out of it” is no longer an option (it’s a privilege), and I thank Rachel for calling me and others in to revisit many of the topics in today’s episode that, though I dipped in and out of over the years, I haven’t been focusing on nearly enough. Especially now, when our collective voices are needed more than ever.

If you are one of the many activists already working in this space, THANK YOU. ❤️ 🎙 To further #amplifymelanatedvoices, I invite you to submit voice recordings to air on the Pivot Podcast via SpeakPipe, or for longer messages, send your recording link to hello@pivotmethod.com.

Let me briefly say, while in deep listening and learning mode: *I* must do better as a podcaster, listener, coach, friend, community member, and leader to continue building anti-racism skills and taking meaningful action.

In the meantime, I am absorbing as much as I can to do my part, and am deeply grateful for all who are helping raise awareness and our collective consciousness. Please bear with me and others as we catch-up to making sense of the biggest, most inclusive picture. I recognize that even this podcast and post is sensitive and imperfect in ways I don't yet see or understand, and I welcome your feedback.

Black Lives Matter.

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233: Riffing on Rogan (Part 2) & Podcasts as Mirror with Dr. MJC

Mon, 01 Jun 2020 07:00:00 -0000

Dr. MJC is back for part one of this week’s recent installment in the Pivoting Around a Pandemic series (listen to episode 232 first). In this session we riff more on the Rogan-Spotify deal, Amazon/Audible jumping on to the podcast acquisition bandwagon, and the podcasting superpowers of transparency and authenticity. What’s on your mind? Submit follow-up questions for a future conversation at http://pivotmethod.com/ask Check out show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/233

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232: What's Past Summer? Interim "Pop-up" Pivots with Dr. MJC

Sun, 31 May 2020 07:00:00 -0000

“Action is the antidote to despair.” —Joan Baez

Dr. MJC is back for part one of this week’s recent installment in the Pivoting Around a Pandemic series. We talk about the healing nature of caring for pets during the pandemic, interim “pop-up” pivots and not being able to plan beyond summer, and how Michael’s military upbringing taught him agility, situational awareness, and backwards planning.

What’s on your mind? Submit follow-up questions for a future conversation at http://pivotmethod.com/ask

Check out show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/232

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231: Vulnerability As a One-Way Ticket to Trust with Billy Anderson

Sat, 30 May 2020 07:00:00 -0000

“Vulnerability is a one-way ticket to trust,” says today’s guest Billy Anderson, founder of The Courage Crusade and mutual friend of longtime friendtor Michael Bungay Stanier (two-time guest of the Pivot Podcast). Billy is the author of Your Comfort Zone is Killing You: Finding the Courage to Be You. In this conversation we cover finding the courage to move past others’ expectations toward greater authenticity, transparency, vulnerability, and self-expression. Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/231

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230: Creating Flow States (BookRx)

Fri, 29 May 2020 07:00:00 -0000

When was the last time you experienced a truly ecstatic flow state when working? Where time was flying, and you didn’t even notice it passing? Do you know how to create more of these in the future?

It took 10 years for The Office to find success after it aired. What would you create for the intrinsic reward of the project itself? What if you knew it wouldn’t find popular success until 10 years from now, if at all? Would you still create it?

The very notion of a “flow” state was popularized and explored in Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi’s seminal book, Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience. We’re unpacking the first half of his book, flow ingredients and impediments, in this “BookRx” episode.

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I’d love to hear what’s on your mind! Take the Pivot listener survey at http://pivotmethod.com/survey

Submit a question or comment for future episodes at http://pivotmethod.com/ask

Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/230

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229: Create What You Need

Thu, 28 May 2020 07:00:00 -0000

What do you wish you had that doesn’t exist? Whether it’s a podcast episode, an article, or a physical product — innovation requires pausing the “infinite stream” of passive content we consume in receiver mode, and intentionally pausing to ask the question: how can you create what you need?

Your magnet means something . . . pause and pay attention to it.

This episode ties into topics covered in 142: Creative Economy Lessons from “The Great Race to Rule Streaming TV” and episode 219: Swimming Upstream—A tale of two platforms.

Get my curated weekly(ish) PivotList newsletter at http://pivotmethod.com/pivotlist »

I’d love to hear what’s on your mind! Take the Pivot listener survey at http://pivotmethod.com/survey

Submit a question or comment for future episodes at http://pivotmethod.com/ask

Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/229

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228: How I Run My Business Without Social Media

Wed, 27 May 2020 07:00:00 -0000

If social media drains you, yet continues to dangle itself as a “sexy should,” this episode is for you. I share my own process—mindset shifts and business focuses—that allow me to keep moving, even without platform-building or posting on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, or Tik Tok. From a business perspective, social media is a means to two primary ends: social connections and media (consuming and contributing). I share how I work toward both of those in ways that energize me, even without directing my attention toward the platforms above. This episode ties in to topics covered in 142: Creative Economy Lessons from “The Great Race to Rule Streaming TV” and episode 219: Swimming Upstream—A tale of two platforms. Subscribe to my weekly(ish) curated PivotList newsletter at http://pivotmethod.com/pivotlist » I’d love to hear what’s on your mind! Take the Pivot listener survey at http://pivotmethod.com/survey Submit a question or comment for future episodes at http://pivotmethod.com/ask Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/228

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227: "Super Extrovert" Pivot Strategies with Photographer Phillip Van Nostrand

Tue, 26 May 2020 08:00:00 -0000

When Michael and I were throwing together our very agile wedding at City Hall in New York City back in November 2018, with just a few weeks notice I asked two friends for a photographer recommendation. Both separately replied with the same person, today’s guest, which was all the serendipity I needed to say yes!

That photographer is Phillip Van Nostrand, an instant friend and exactly the kind of guy you’d want on board for big events. When Phil told me how he was networking during the pandemic, and earning more revenue than ever despite so many events cancelled, I knew I needed to have him on the show. A self-described super extrovert, he’s provides a much-needed balance to my introverted curmudgeon :)

We’ll also dive into his recent Medium article, How to Live an Epic Freelance Life (in the time of Covid-19), where he describes what he’s been up to for the past five weeks to help my (photo) business and how he put over $15,000 into his bank account during this time.

Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/227

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226: Wired for Disruption—5 Agility Shifts with Henna Inam

Mon, 25 May 2020 08:00:00 -0000

Henna Inam is on a mission to impact one million people by 2030, partly by helping us “Marie Kondo our mindset.” In this episode, you’ll learn about the five shifts in agility we can all make and the antidote to burnout, starting with our built-in neuro-emotional capability for resilience and collaboration.

She is the CEO of Transformational Leadership Inc., a company that helps Fortune 500 organizations grow transformational leaders. A former C-suite executive, Henna drove transformation throughout her corporate career before pivoting toward coaching. She is the author of Wired for Authenticity, and a new forthcoming book, Wired for Disruption: Five Shifts in Agility to Lead in the Future of Work (available June 1).

Get show notes from this episode at http://pivotmethod.com/226

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225: Pandemic Bubbles, Talent Trends, Self-Education, and Luck with Dr. MJC (Part 2)

Sun, 24 May 2020 08:00:00 -0000

Dr. MJC is back for part two of our most recent installment in the Pivoting Around a Pandemic series (listen to episode 224 first). In this session we riff on not quite feeling ready to leave our pandemic bubbles, the meta skill of self-education, and conscious luck (Gay Hendricks’ new book).

What’s on your mind? Submit follow-up questions for a future conversation at http://pivotmethod.com/ask

Check out show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/225

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224: Riffing on Rogan, Education, and Superskills with Dr. MJC (Part 1)

Sat, 23 May 2020 08:00:00 -0000

Dr. MJC is back for the first time since episode 203, when we talked about re-opening three weeks ago. Today we riff on a range of timely topics: Joe Rogan’s exclusive Spotify deal and how it mirrors larger pandemic and content-creation trends, “blue” versus “red” ocean when it comes to competition, the important meta skill of self-education, and not quite feeling ready to leave our pandemic bubbles.

And for curious minds! Our new word of the episode: ar·ma·men·tar·i·um (är′mə-mĕn-târ′ē-əm)

The complete equipment of a physician or medical institution, including books, supplies, and instruments.
The complete range of materials available or used for a task.

What’s on your mind? Submit follow-up questions for a future conversation at http://pivotmethod.com/ask

Check out show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/224

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223: Stepping up Systems—How I Shifted to Daily Podcasting

Fri, 22 May 2020 08:00:00 -0000

Today I’m peeling the curtain back on the shifts I’ve made to move from weekly to daily podcast publishing during the pandemic across five key areas: mindset, motivation, systems, skills, and software.

Interested in learning more? Join me LIVE for a much-requested update on my (He)art of Podcasting course!

I’m facilitating a 3-hour masterclass on June 25 where you can ask me anything, get my best templates for visioning, interview prep, and post-production, and request walkthroughs of the most confusing aspects of podcasting and systems. Learn more at http://pivotmethod.com/heart »

Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/223 and the full Pivot podcast archive at http://pivotmethod.com/podcastarchive »

I’d love to hear what’s on your mind! Take the Pivot listener survey at http://pivotmethod.com/survey

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222: Pronoia and Why I Love the Placebo Effect

Thu, 21 May 2020 08:00:00 -0000

Can the universe possibly be always working “for” you and not just happening to you? How can that be if bad things that happen to good people?

In this episode I respond to a listener question with my take on helpful ways to apply the placebo effect and pronoia, the belief that “the world around you conspires to do you good.” I talk about noticing what you’re noticing, and how to discern fears versus wants through your inner magnet (aka intuition). I recorded on a Saturday afternoon at the park, so pardon the background noise! I took it as extra emphasis for various points :)

As Eckhart Tolle writes in A New Earth, “Life will give you whatever experience is most helpful for the evolution of your consciousness. How do you know this is the experience you need? Because this is the experience you are having at this moment.”

If you are a recent grad looking for a portable coach to help you hold your highest vision even while navigating the nuts-and-bolts of adulting during these challenging times, check out my first book Life After College (first launched 2011, revised edition launched 2018). Compliment it with Pivot: The Only Move That Matters Is Your Next One, and you’ll be well-equipped to navigate change now and in the future.

Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/222

I’d love to hear what’s on your mind! Take the Pivot listener survey at http://pivotmethod.com/survey

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221: Be Willing to Be the Exception (For 2020 Grads)

Wed, 20 May 2020 08:00:00 -0000

Don’t bench yourself before the game begins. Be willing to be the exception. What problems can you solve during this unique time? What skills can you teach yourself? For any disempowering article or statistic, what if the opposite were true?

Systemic inequality, student debt, lack of social support — these are massively broken systems in America. But that doesn’t mean you need to hang your head in defeat from now until forever.

This episode is a message to 2020 grads (and anyone else who needs to hear it): do not let headlines like the one below hang over your head like dark, depressing rain clouds for the rest of your career, no matter how tough the job market might be right now. Shake it off, and be willing to be the exception (even if statistically speaking, we can’t all be).

Just this week The New York Times published on the front page, Facing Adulthood With an Economic Disaster’s Lasting Scars: “Those entering the job market in a downturn may never catch up in pay, opportunities or confidence.” It continues, “The question is what kind of scars this will leave in the hearts, minds and pockets of younger people.”

See this scar as a good thing: how is it uniquely shaping your heart, mind, and pocket? What lessons are you learning that will serve you for the rest of your career?

If you are a recent grad looking for a portable coach to help you hold your highest vision even while navigating the nuts-and-bolts of adulting during these challenging times, check out my first book Life After College (first launched 2011, revised edition launched 2018). Compliment it with Pivot: The Only Move That Matters Is Your Next One, and you’ll be well-equipped to navigate change now and in the future.

Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/221

I’d love to hear what’s on your mind! Take the Pivot listener survey at http://pivotmethod.com/survey

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220: Protect Your Flame with Michael Karsouny + Adventure Meditation!

Tue, 19 May 2020 08:00:00 -0000

Welcome to Part 3 of Wandering with Michael (Part 2 here) — we talk about my favorite band, how to protect your flame, the importance of not planning or problem-solving too much around one’s creative process . . . and then! Around minute 22, Michael jumps into facilitating (his first!) spontaneous guided meditation with more passion than most :)

More background: Feeling stuck and bored for the first time in a loooong time last Saturday, Michael and I decided the only thing that would alleviate our Groundhog’s Day discomfort on yet another freezing New York City weekend would be to hop on the podcast mic with no direction in mind (his idea not mine!). This is the third of several such sessions we recorded that day :)

Get show notes from this episode at http://pivotmethod.com/220

Leave us a message at http://pivotmethod.com/ask

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219: Swimming Upstream—A Tale of Two Platform Pivots

Mon, 18 May 2020 08:00:00 -0000

“Everything is the pandemic’s fault,” said Jeffrey Katzenberg, co-founder of nascent streaming platform Quibi last week. Is it? I share my thoughts in this week’s riff on how streaming companies are responding and piloting during this time.

Building on episode 142: Creative Economy Lessons from “The Great Race to Rule Streaming TV”, I share a tale of two platforms — and encourage you to examine where you might still be stuck in unhelpful thinking.

I’d love to hear what’s on your mind! Take the Pivot listener survey at http://pivotmethod.com/survey

Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/213

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218: We've Gone Over-Bored (Part 2) with Michael Karsouny (Listen at Your Own Risk!)

Sun, 17 May 2020 08:00:00 -0000

I’m releasing exactly the kind of episode I can’t usually stand . . . but maybe that’s a good thing? Michael even said in all seriousness, “I don’t think you should release this one on the main channel.”

We cover everything and nothing, and digressions in-between. Welcome to Part 2 of Wandering with Michael. Our alternative titles for this one are, “Infinitely Boring” and “The Household Ramble”— so listen at your own risk! More background:

Feeling stuck and bored for the first time in a loooong time last Saturday, Michael and I decided the only thing that would alleviate our Groundhog’s Day discomfort on yet another freezing New York City weekend would be to hop on the podcast mic with no direction in mind (his idea not mine!). This is the second of several such sessions we recorded that day :)

This is decidedly not an episode with a clear agenda, takeaways, or template! In fact, you’ll probably wonder how we even manage to get along given our completely different approaches to life. Opposites attract as they say ;-)

Our biggest hope is that we provide just a little entertainment and reprieve on any future day you might find yourself bored too . . .

Get show notes from this episode at http://pivotmethod.com/218

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217: We're Bored—Wandering with Michael Karsouny (Listen at Your Own Risk!)

Sat, 16 May 2020 11:00:00 -0000

Life on lockdown means a perfect opportunity to capture spontaneous thoughts from a very special guest . . . and no, it’s not Ryder :)

Feeling stuck and bored for the first time in a loooong time last Saturday, Michael and I decided the only thing that would alleviate our Groundhog’s Day discomfort on yet another freezing New York City weekend would be to hop on the podcast mic with no direction in mind (his idea not mine!). This is the first of several such sessions we recorded that day :)

Listen at your own risk, as this is decidedly not an episode with a clear agenda, takeaways, or template! In fact, you’ll probably wonder how we even manage to get along given our completely different approaches to life. Opposites attract as they say ;-)

Our biggest hope is that we provide just a little entertainment and reprieve on any future day you might find yourself bored too . . .

Get show notes from this episode at http://pivotmethod.com/217

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216: Pivoting Stand-up (NY) with Dani Zoldan

Fri, 15 May 2020 08:00:00 -0000

Dani Zoldan is a lifelong entrepreneur. In 2008, he purchased Stand Up NY, the famous comedy club on the Upper West Side of Manhattan that made its name in the 80’s and 90’s with many of the world’s best comics including Jerry Seinfeld, Chris Rock, Robin Williams, Louis CK and Jon Stewart.

Today, (at least pre-pandemic when we could still gather in person!) the club has been home to many current A-listers including Amy Schumer, Michael Che, Pete Davidson and Judah Friedlander.

I met Dani through James Altucher, who bought into club ownership in 2016, and was honored to participate in their inaugural Podcast Row. When I saw Dani quoted in the New York Times March 18: Open Your Laptops, the Comedy Show Is About to Begin, as businesses started shutting down, I knew he’d have an interesting Pivot perspective to share!

Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/216

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215: Stay Relevant, Sense What's Next, and Solve Difficult Problems with Stephen Shapiro

Thu, 14 May 2020 08:00:00 -0000

Why are so many of us allergic to the word innovation, solving the wrong problems, and experiencing idea-fatigue? Because, as Stephen Shapiro brilliantly shares in his new book, Invisible Solutions: 25 Lenses that Reframe and Help Solve Difficult Business Problems, what we’re really aiming for is relevance.

How can you apply the 5D’s of disruption to solve difficult problems? We dive into that and so much more during this conversation—one I can’t wait to listen back to at least twice more to absorb all the powerful pivot-related concepts! I’ll tell you one thing: you’ll never brainstorm the same way again . . .

Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/215

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214: Nerding Out w/Mitch Joel—On Ideas, Systems, Credibility, and Connections

Wed, 13 May 2020 08:00:00 -0000

Seth Godin recently described Mitch Joel (in celebration of his 700th episode) as “in the pantheon, one of the greats.” I couldn’t agree more.

Mitch is a well-respected friend and colleague to so many of us in the business, writing, and speaking communities. He sees trends and platforms coming long before they hit mainstream, and his output, ideas, and incisive interviewing style consistently leaves me with inspiration and new information.

He was gracious to have me on his Six Pixels of Separation Podcast when Pivot launched, and the conversation (among dozens and dozens) left such a mark on me that I quoted him in the afterword for the paperback edition of Pivot in 2017 the following year. Here’s an excerpt:

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213: Flex Your Flywheel (for Solopreneurs)

Tue, 12 May 2020 10:30:00 -0000

Building on the previous episode that covered virtuous circles (or cycles), this is an excerpt from my Pivot to Profit course where I go deeper into Jim Collins’ Hedgehog and Flywheel concepts. This will help you think more strategically about the highest impact activities in business and career that create self-perpetuating, unstoppable momentum.

Join us in Momentum at http://pivotmethod.com/momentum

I’d love to hear what’s on your mind! Take the Pivot listener survey at http://pivotmethod.com/survey

Help us tip Pivot over the 200 reviews on Amazon milestone! At the time of recording, we are just TWO reviews short!! Visit http://bit.ly/Pivotpaperback

Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/213

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212: Virtuous Circles in Pivot Portfolio Planning

Mon, 11 May 2020 16:00:00 -0000

How can virtuous circles (or cycles) help us think more strategically about the highest impact activities in business and career that create self-perpetuating momentum? That’s the topic of this episode; how we can transform even “time for money” or marketing activities into something more.

I’d love to hear what’s on your mind! Take the Pivot listener survey at http://pivotmethod.com/survey

Help us tip Pivot over the 200 reviews on Amazon milestone! At the time of recording, we are just TWO reviews short!! Visit http://bit.ly/Pivotpaperback

Join us in Momentum at http://pivotmethod.com/momentum

Work with a Pivot Coach at http://pivotmethod.com/coaching

Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/212

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211: Financial Planning Through a Pandemic With Kathryn Brown

Sat, 09 May 2020 08:00:00 -0000

"If you truly are diversified, that means something is underperforming (in the short-term).”

Today’s Pivot conversation is with wealth manager Kathryn Brown, whose mission is changing families’ traditional relationship with money to foster a healthy relationship between money and life for the families she serves.

What’s on your mind? Submit follow-up questions at http://www.pivotmethod.com/ask

Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://www.pivotmethod.com/211

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210: Why Bother? With Jennifer Louden

Fri, 08 May 2020 08:00:00 -0000

Jennifer Louden is a personal growth pioneer who helped launch the concept of self-care with her first bestseller, The Woman’s Comfort Book.

Since then, she’s written seven additional books on well-being and whole living, including The Woman’ s Retreat Book and The Life Organizer, with close to a million copies of her books in print in nine languages. She’s been profiled or quoted in two of Brené Brown’s books, Daring Greatly and Dare to Lead; and even appeared on Oprah.

Jen and I met way back in the day at SXSW 2012 — my first time attending, and have kept in touch from afar ever since. Today we’re talking about her newest and most personal book, Why Bother? Discover the Desire for What’s Next.

What’s on your mind? Submit follow-up questions at http://pivotmethod.com/ask

Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/210

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209: On Seinfeld, Sensitivity, and Trend Spotting

Thu, 07 May 2020 08:00:00 -0000

This riff is inspired by the synchronous confluence of two things: re-reading a note to self on “sensitivity as a tool for trend spotting” and a recent NYT interview with Jerry Seinfeld (who I also highlight in the chapter on pilots in Pivot), Jerry Seinfeld Is Making Peace With Nothing: He’s ‘Post-Show Business.’

Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://www.pivotmethod.com/209

I’d love your help tipping Pivot over the 200 reviews milestone! If you’ve read the book, please share your honest thoughts at http://www.bit.ly/Pivotpaperback

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208: Your Book and Big Idea (Part 2)

Wed, 06 May 2020 08:00:00 -0000

Part two of my recent Momentum Masterclass on Your Book & Big Idea (recorded 3/3/20). Whether you’re creating a course, a speech, or a book learn how to map the transformation you’re trying to create, and the difference between different stages such as harvesting, thinking, outlining, writing, editing, and launching. As Richard Bach says, “A professional writer is an amateur who didn’t quit.”

Listen to part one at http://pivotmethod.com/207

I’d love your help tipping Pivot over the 200 reviews milestone! If you’ve read the book, please share your honest thoughts at http://bit.ly/Pivotpaperback

To dive deeper into these topics: join us in Momentum at http://pivotmethod.com/momentum or take the week-long course, He(art) of Book Publishing. Be sure to also check out the free Author Toolkit (the tools and templates that were most helpful for writing, editing, and marketing Pivot).

Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/207

What’s on your mind? Take the Pivot listener survey at http://pivotmethod.com/survey

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207: How to Develop Your Book and Big Idea (Part 1)

Tue, 05 May 2020 20:00:00 -0000

In this replay of a Momentum Masterclass on Your Book & Big Idea (recorded 3/3/20), I’m walking you through how to hone in on a powerful, resonant message that will connect with and help you build your ideal community, as well as next steps to getting it out into the world.

As one of my earliest book mentors Michael Larsen said to me, "It's not a question of if you'll get published, but when and how."

I’d love your help tipping Pivot over the 200 reviews milestone! If you’ve read the book, please share your honest thoughts at http://bit.ly/Pivotpaperback

What’s on your mind? Take the Pivot listener survey at http://pivotmethod.com/survey

Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/207

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206: I Don't Know

Sun, 03 May 2020 08:00:00 -0000

A morning riff at the park, taking a page out of Valerie K. Martin’s podcast book ❤️ Thank you for listening!

I’d love to hear what’s on your mind! Take the Pivot listener survey at http://pivotmethod.com/survey

Join us in Momentum at http://pivotmethod.com/momentum

Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/206

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205: Delightful "5-Star" Relationships with Marriage Coach Maggie Reyes

Sat, 02 May 2020 08:00:00 -0000

It’s right there in her last name: Maggie Reyes is a ray of sunshine who brightens every room she enters. Maggie’s energy in contagious, particularly when it comes to creating delightful, conscious relationships full of affection and appreciation.

We’ve both hired each other as a coach, and in just three sessions (and a surprise book she mailed me), Maggie completely transformed my approach to sticky relationship situations. I hope you enjoy this conversation around what it means to create a “5-star” marriage—and even who we’d each cast in the TV sitcom of our lives :)

What’s on your mind? Submit follow-up questions at http://pivotmethod.com/ask

Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/205

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204: Radical Alignment: Getting to Hell Yes with Alex & Bob

Fri, 01 May 2020 08:00:00 -0000

Joining the Pivot Podcast today are two of my closest friends in NYC, Alex Jamieson and Bob Gower. I spend Friendsgiving with them almost every year, and Bob is actually featured in the Pilot section of Pivot.

Alex and Bob are one of those couples we all admire—they are warm, loving, respectful, and creative. Today we’re talking about their new book, called Radical Alignment: How to Have Game-Changing Conversations That Will Transform Your Business And Your Life. If you want to help them get a big boost of momentum, please consider pre-ordering today!

What’s on your mind? Submit follow-up questions at http://pivotmethod.com/ask

Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/204

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203: Re-Opening: What's Next? When and How Will You Leave the House? With Dr. MJC

Thu, 30 Apr 2020 17:30:00 -0000

(Recorded 4/30/20) No matter when your area “opens back up,” when and how will you go on public transportation, or to restaurants, for example? (If you have the luxury to make that choice independent of your livelihood)

These are the questions Dr. MJC and I tackle in this week’s pandemic podcast conversation. We start with a brief overview of how different states and countries are approaching re-opening, and how we are wrapping our minds around it.

We don’t have the answers, but we are exploring how to frame thinking and important questions about risk, safety, and personal responsibility.

What’s on your mind? Submit follow-up questions for a future conversation at http://pivotmethod.com/ask

Check out show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/203

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202: Diamond Mind—"Inside Out" Coaching with Bev Willcocks

Wed, 29 Apr 2020 08:00:00 -0000

Universal Mind, Universal Consciousness and Universal Thought.

From the Three Principles Foundation website: “In 1973, Sydney Banks, an ordinary working man, experienced a spontaneous and profound spiritual enlightenment. His experience uncovered three foundational Principles; elemental principles that create and govern the human experience: Universal Mind, Universal Consciousness and Universal Thought.”

These are the three principles that guide Inside Out coaching, which I first heard about from today’s guest, Bev Willcocks. Bev is a Cape Town based adventurer, artist, and coach who “finds freedom in coming alive to the joy and raw energy of life” and helping her clients do the same.

Bev first reached out in July 2018 to share more about the practice, and after this conversation I’m sure you’ll be interested to learn more too, with powerful tools to find your footing during times of immense uncertainty.

Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/202

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201: Strengthen Your Systems (for Solopreneurs)

Tue, 28 Apr 2020 11:00:00 -0000

Do your systems spark joy, or are they cluttering your mind and creating bottlenecks in your business? If the flow of your work is a river, where are the eddies? Where is the water flowing, and where are the rapids ahead?

Are you telling yourself unhelpful stories like, “I’m not good at technology?” If so, or even if you love systems (like me!) and want to improve your systems-thinking mindset even further, this episode is for you.

This is excerpted from a 90-minute lesson within the Pivot to Profit bonus course in Momentum ($997 value). To access the video version with detailed walk-throughs of how I use apps like TextExpander, Asana, Google Drive, Dropbox, Kajabi, etc — join us in Momentum at http://pivotmethod.com/momentum.

The investment is just $220 per month (you can cancel at any time), and you’ll get access to the entire Pivot to Profit course, along with 5+ years of archives and a private Facebook group with heart-based business owners.

Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/201

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200: Flow

Mon, 27 Apr 2020 08:00:00 -0000

From my heart to yours, in celebration of episode 200 ❤️ Thank you for listening!

Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/200

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199: In Brilliant Conversation with Steve Morris

Sun, 26 Apr 2020 08:00:00 -0000

Steve Morris is on a mission to help organizations and their leaders rise to their potential to live and work wholeheartedly, all while making a positive impact on the world. We last spoke in episode 173 on Beautiful Questions for Challenging Times, which many of you gave us great feedback on—thank you!

Today we’re taking a page out of the Co-Active Training Institute’s playbook on Brilliant Conversations, the context for their recent open Zoom call. As CTI defines it, a Brilliant Conversation has the following qualities:

Larger than how we hold a regular conversation
Intentional conversation where there is no answer, no destination, no problem to solve
Resist the temptation to converge; allow ourselves to expand, to explore, and to play
Place and a space where contributions come from ideas, emotions, intuitive hits or spirit or strategy—we use all of us as a resource and our entire field to contribute.
Divergent nature, where as so many conversations aim to converge
Call upon on our “brilliant mind” or collective consciousness. We create a brilliant mind together, rather than a singular mind.
The process is organic and flowing, much like polishing a brilliant diamond.
You leave with more questions than you had when you came
We tap into a larger mystery and unfolding that is playing out around us
You are attuned to what life then starts offering you back as you walk the world with these questions in your heart, spirit, and mind

I hope you enjoy this unfolding, wandering, improvised, in-the-moment conversation with Steve! Be sure to also check out his free Care Package for COVID-19.

What’s on your mind? Submit follow-up questions at http://pivotmethod.com/ask

Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/199

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198: Comforting Words From the Momentum Community

Sat, 25 Apr 2020 07:00:00 -0000

I’ve got a big smile today to be sharing sharing this experimental compilation episode with you! Please enjoy some comforting words from the Momentum Community, from our hearts to yours.

Big thank you to our Momentum members who contributed to today’s episode!

Solopreneurs: Want support in navigating these crazy times, with ease, joy, and crazy-smart systems? Join us in the Momentum Community: http://Pivot.love/Momentum

Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/198

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197: Should You Start a Podcast? "It's A Love Game" — Interview by Petra Kolber

Fri, 24 Apr 2020 04:01:00 -0000

Is the market too saturated? Have people stopped listening to podcasts given that they no longer have a commute? Is it worth all the effort? How do you know if you have something meaningful to say?

Building on yesterday’s Listener Q&A around Agile Public Original Thinking, I’m sharing the interview from Petra Kolber’s recent Re-Imagine summit on the pros and cons of podcasting.

What’s on your mind? Submit follow-up questions for a future conversation at http://pivotmethod.com/ask

Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/197

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196: Agile Public Original Thinking

Thu, 23 Apr 2020 16:00:00 -0000

Today I’m answering a listener Q&A from Kerstin on how to serve during this time, without getting too caught up in systems and perfection.

What’s on your mind? Submit follow-up questions for a future conversation at http://pivotmethod.com/ask

Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://PivotMethod.com/196

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195: Our Moment of Oneness—United Religions Initiative with Bishop William Swing

Wed, 22 Apr 2020 04:01:00 -0000

I love a good serendipity story, and this is one of my favorites! Bill and my brother were both 20 minutes early, waiting for a store to open in San Francisco; they started chatting, talking about business and books — and next thing I know, I got a text saying that Bill and I had to meet.

This is our first conversation, and I was riveted! Bishop William Swing is doing incredible work in the world — he is on a mission to build bridges between people and religions; helping people of (what seem to be) competing religious loyalties to discover each other and work together. The 20th anniversary of his organization, the United Religions Initiative, is in June, and he has over 1 million participants in over 1,000 interfaith cooperation circles.

As Bill says, "If you’re really committed and you’re on the right track, the right person shows up at just the right time.” This mindset, and saying yes at every open door, led to meetings with the Pope, Mother Teresa, the Dalai Lama, and many other religious leaders in his efforts to create the United Nations of religions.

Happy Earth Day! I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did :)

View full show notes from this episode at http://pivotmethod.com/195

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194: Deep Souls with Kathryn Haydon

Tue, 21 Apr 2020 04:01:00 -0000

Pivot Insider and creativity expert Kathryn Haydon is back to discuss her emerging studies of Deep Souls, building upon her background in education and creativity. As she describes in her article, 7 Strengths of Deep Souls: The Thinkers We Need But Rarely Understand:

"Is Everyone a Deep Soul? The underlying traits that fuel deep soul strengths are universal characteristics of creative thinking. Research shows that nearly all of us have an intense combination of these strengths in early childhood, but they get dulled over time—especially during our school years. Deep souls, however, have resisted this dulling. They can't help it. The intensity of their ability to think differently cannot and will not be stopped.”

Listen in as we discuss the seven strengths, and how to best support and encourage the deep souls around you in life and work.

View full show notes from this episode at http://pivotmethod.com/194

What’s on your mind? Submit follow-up questions for a future conversation at http://pivotmethod.com/ask

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193: Zoom Pro Tips for Presenters with Leanne Hughes

Mon, 20 Apr 2020 04:01:00 -0000

First Time Facilitator host Leanne Hughes and I team up today to bring you our best pro tips for presenting on Zoom. She covers a range of great advice from the importance of run-throughs to whiteboards, polls, and group participation—and I chime in with tips on maintaining high energy while speaking into “the void,” and managing the many incredible (yet sometimes overwhelming) features while speaking.

What’s on your mind? Submit follow-up questions for a future conversation at http://pivotmethod.com/ask

Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/193

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192: The Silver Lining of Self-Doubt with Olivia D'Silva

Sun, 19 Apr 2020 04:01:00 -0000

Pivot Insider and coach Olivia D’Silva is here to help people to “realize the value of dissatisfaction and self-doubt in their live” and use these energies as the sources of power and motivation they can represent when harnessed intentionally. I was honored to be the first featured guest for her new community, The Doubters, and am sharing here on the Pivot Podcast with her permission :)

Enjoying the show? Pivot Podcast is listener supported—consider donating to become a Pivot Insider and you’ll get access to a private monthly Q&A call where you can ask me anything, and discuss the latest books, tools and topics I’ve shared in recent episodes.

Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at PivotMethod.com/192

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191: 7 Strategies (and Permission) for Digital Introverts

Sat, 18 Apr 2020 04:01:00 -0000

Are you feeling digitally overwhelmed or maxed out during this time? Big thanks to Brooke, who submitted this week’s Listener Q&A on something I mentioned in a previous Pivot podcast: digital introversion.

Contrary to the dictionary definition of introverts as “shy or reticent” (lame!) I resonate more with the etymology of the word from the mid-17th century: in latin intro- (to the inside) and vertere (to turn) combine to be defined as: to turn one’s thoughts inwards (in spiritual contemplation). How epic is that?!

Susan Cain, author of the mega-bestseller Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking and accompanying 2012 TED Talk with nearly 26 million views, has been a central leader in redefining the term introversion to correspond more with how one gets energy and recharges. She founded a movement called Quiet Revolution, and I encourage you to take her online assessment.

In this episode, I share 7 strategies that I’m still practicing as it relates to navigating this new, even more digital world as I answer Brooke’s question: How can I connect with heartfelt community in this digital world?

What’s on your mind? Submit follow-up questions for a future conversation at http://pivotmethod.com/ask

Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/191

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190: The Commitment to Create with Michael Bungay Stanier (Momentum Book Club)

Fri, 17 Apr 2020 04:01:00 -0000

How lucky are we? One of my favorite friendtors, Michael Bungay Stanier, is back to share his wisdom on creating while pivoting in this special Pivot Podcast + Momentum Book Club.

We talk about his favorite powerful coaching questions, navigating uncertainty, and his new book, The Advice Trap, as it relates to the pandemic—particularly with advice flying fast and furious everywhere these days!

He was recently on the podcast episode 156 talking about pivoting out of the CEO role of Box of Crayons, the company he founded nearly 20 years ago, and before that he helped kick things off waaay back in episode 26. Today you can find him at MBS.works, and check out his new podcast, We Will Get Through This.

Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at PivotMethod.com/190.

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189: The Convening, Collaborations, and Parallel Paths while Job-Hunting with Penney Peirce (Part 3)

Thu, 16 Apr 2020 04:01:00 -0000

(Recorded 4/8/20) In Part 3 of our Pivot Insider Q&A with Penney Peirce, she responds to Theo’s question about how to find momentum with a job search when it seems like no one is hiring.

Michael mentions Albert Camus’ The Plague (related article: Alain de Botton’s Camus on the Coronavirus) and the challenge of leading with transparency, and Penney closes out this three-part series with her perspective on merging the physical and non-physical realms, along with what those who have passed know.

Be sure to also listen to Part 1 (episode 185) and Part 2 (episode 187), and subscribe to Pivot with Jenny Blake so you don’t miss a future episode. We have many earlier conversations in the Penney & Jenny show. In episodes 168 and 169, we unpack her essay in conversation together, How Coronavirus is Speeding Us Toward Transparency.

If you’d like to submit a question for us for a future episode visit http://PivotMethod.com/ask »

View full show notes from this episode at http://pivotmethod.com/189 »

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188: The Pondering Method (for Rebels) with Michael Karsouny

Wed, 15 Apr 2020 04:01:00 -0000

Life on lockdown means a perfect opportunity to capture spontaneous thoughts from a very special guest . . . and no, it’s not Ryder :)

First I give an overview of Gretchen Rubin’s Four Tendencies framework (take the quiz along with nearly 3 million others!) and how you can tackle this time according to your personality. Then you’ll hear from my favorite “Rebel” on tackling contemplation without the guilt of procrastination.

Get show notes from this episode at http://pivotmethod.com/188 »

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187: Vibrational Hygiene and Identity Attachments with Penney Peirce (Part 2 of 3)

Tue, 14 Apr 2020 04:01:00 -0000

(Recorded 4/8/20) “We don’t run out of energy, we just stop being present. Energy goes in a circle, like a figure 8. Just stay in the turn; the flow is the energy.” —Penney Peirce

I was thrilled to welcome Penney Peirce to April’s Pivot Insider private Q&A last week; listen to Part 1 if you haven’t already (episode 185). In Part 2 of this call, Penney shares how to practice “vibrational hygiene” (hat tip to Patrick for the great question!), going with the flow, finding spaciousness, and loosening our identity attachments.

We have 11 conversations in the Penney & Jenny show so far, and be sure to also check out episodes 168 and 169 — listen in as we unpack her essay in conversation together, How Coronavirus is Speeding Us Toward Transparency. We talk about the stock market, how money is like a child and responds to our inner energy blueprint, and making the most of creative lulls (when ready). Do the next courageous thing.

If you’d like to submit a question for us for a future episode visit http://PivotMethod.com/ask »

Join us at http://PivotMethod.com/insider by supporting the podcast with a small monthly donation, and you’ll also get instant access to 7+ months of archives and a slew of bonus resources, including a two-hour Upgrade Your Energy workshop.

View full show notes from this episode at http://pivotmethod.com/187 »

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186: Apokalypsis, Improvisation, and Light with Dr. MJC

Mon, 13 Apr 2020 04:01:00 -0000

(Recorded 4/11/20) Dr. MJC and I start this week’s check-in with the New York Times article, “To people of many religions, crisis has signs of apocalypse.” As the intro states, this is the first time in nearly two decades all three of the major April holidays overlap: Easter, Passover, and Ramadan.

In Greek “apokalypsis" means an unveiling, a revelation. Michael and I discuss collective catharsis and gratitude, finding meaning and light in the dark, and how improvisation can help with acceptance.

What’s on your mind? Submit follow-up questions for a future conversation at http://pivotmethod.com/ask

Check out show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/186 »

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185: Year of Choice—Find Your Preferred State of Being with Penney Peirce (Part 1)

Sun, 12 Apr 2020 04:01:00 -0000

(Recorded 4/8/20) I was thrilled to welcome Penney Peirce to April’s Pivot Insider private Q&A this past week, and knew that her refreshing perspective would be the perfect breath of fresh air for this holiday weekend.

In Part One of this call, Penney shares how to drop our attachment to suffering (and bad news) and shift into our preferred state of of being instead. Penney sees 2020 as the Year of Choice: the time to choose your reality after this all clears. Make sure you stay tuned and subscribe to the Pivot podcast so you don’t miss the next installment :)

If you’d like to submit a question for us for a future episode visit http://PivotMethod.com/ask »

View full show notes from this episode at http://pivotmethod.com/185 »

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184: Reinventing You + Pivoting in the Crisis with Dorie Clark {LinkedIn Live Replay}

Sat, 11 Apr 2020 04:01:00 -0000

(Recorded 4/9/20) Join me and business bestie Dorie Clark as we discuss how we’re reinventing and navigating our way through the unknowns of this crisis on a day-by-day basis.

In our recent LinkedIn Live session we covered a range of topics including: When is it time to pause, and when is it time to double-down? How can we create offerings during this time in a way that is sensitive and respectful, not salesy? What about those who are furloughed and feeling in a state of limbo?

If you haven't already, listen to our previous episodes together on how to Find Your Breakthrough Idea and Build a Following, How to Monetize Your Ideas, and Creating Multiple Streams of Income. Check out Dorie's Recognized Expert Evaluation Toolkit and her Entrepreneur Self-Assessment, which we mention in this episode.

Get full show notes and links from this episode at http://pivotmethod.com/184 »

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183: Cultivating Opposites and Checklists with Alexandra Franzen

Fri, 10 Apr 2020 04:01:00 -0000

(Recorded April 8) There is no one I was more delighted to connect with during this wild, winding time than longtime friendtor Alexandra Franzen. I’ve been following her work since 2011, and consistently delighted by the devotion, care, and creativity she gives to her community.

Alex is a writer, consultant, entrepreneur, retreat leader, and proud “checklist freak” based in Hawaii. She is the founder of the Tiny Press, a publishing imprint specializing in very short books–100 pages or less.

Today we’re talking about her 6th book, The Checklist Book: Set Realistic Goals, Celebrate Tiny Wins, Reduce Stress and Overwhelm, and Feel Calmer Every Day. Other books include You’re Going to Survive and So This Is the End: A Love Story.

In this conversation we touch on many of the topics she writes about: life, love, grief, unplugging from technology, creativity, focus, simplicity, time–and yes, the power of checklists for self-care, not just productivity!

Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/183

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182: Collective Problem-Solving + Negotiating Fearlessly with Mori Taheripour

Thu, 09 Apr 2020 14:00:00 -0000

(Recorded April 8) Mori Taheripour is an award-winning educator and globally-recognized executive with over fifteen years of experience leading initiatives at the intersection of sports, social change, and negotiations in both the public and private sectors.

Today we’re talking about her new book, Bring Yourself: How to Harness the Power of Connection to Negotiate Fearlessly. We cover what it’s like launching amidst a global crisis, how negotiation has accelerated for all of us these days, why anyone can be a good negotiator, and strategies for problem-solving and relationship-building during crazy times like these.

Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/182

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181: Find Your Edge (And Collect 10 No's to Pass Go) with Laura Huang

Mon, 06 Apr 2020 10:30:00 -0000

(Recorded 2/12/20) Laura Huang is a professor at Harvard Business School who studies interpersonal relationships and implicit bias in entrepreneurship and in the workplace. In this conversation, we’re talking about her new book Edge: Turning Adversity Into Advantage.

You’ll learn about her framework: Enrich, Delight, Guide, Effort — and how she recovered from almost getting kicked out of Elon Musk’s office within the first two minutes of their meeting.

Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/181

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180: Pivot-in-Progress—12 Reflection Questions

Sun, 05 Apr 2020 04:01:00 -0000

Here in the U.S., a record 10 million people have filed for unemployment in the last two weeks, and employment estimates are at a mind-boggling 13%—which doesn’t even include gig economy workers.

I have friends who are pregnant, slated to get married, and who have family members who are sick that they can’t visit. On a personal level, I am staying buoyant, although in the last few weeks I have lost 90% of my projected income for Q2, including money that I had been planning on putting directly into a six-month business reserves account long before the pandemic hit.

I did end up applying for the Small Business Association’s COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (also called the Payroll Protection Plan), despite initial hesitations that there were people who needed it more than me.

We are all feeling it. I have been trying to journal through this, both in my 5 Star Spiral Notebook (a 15+ year staple) and my new One Line a Day: Five-Year Memory Book.

Along those lines, today I’m sharing some reflection questions that have been helpful for me and others. We’re still early in all this, so I recommend revisiting these even on a monthly basis (as well as episode 173 with Steven Morris on beautiful questions that reorient one’s life trajectory).

I am purposefully not going through my analysis on the podcast yet, because I want to give you the space to reflect on your own without influence from my responses, but I’m happy to share in a future episode.

❤️ Finally, remember the Buddhist saying: nothing is permanent, personal, or perfect.

What’s on your mind? Submit follow-up questions for a future conversation at http://pivotmethod.com/ask

Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/180

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179: Generation P and Antifragile Business with Dr. MJC

Sat, 04 Apr 2020 11:00:00 -0000

(Recorded 4/1/20) Dr. Michael J. Conseulos and I are back for part two of this week’s “huddle” as we discuss what’s in the news now, along with practical tips and tools for the business side of things.

What’s on your mind? Submit follow-up questions for a future COVID-19 conversation at http://pivotmethod.com/ask

Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/179

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178: Dr. MJC on Make-at-Home Supplies and Medical Updates

Fri, 03 Apr 2020 07:00:00 -0000

(Recorded 4/1/20) Dr. Michael J. Conseulos and I are back for part one of this week’s “huddle” as we discuss what’s in the news now on the medical front. I ask about make-at-home supplies like masks, and re-washing gloves, and managing our energy (and workload) through the daily ups and downs.

What’s on your mind? Submit follow-up questions for a future COVID-19 conversation at http://pivotmethod.com/ask

Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/178

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177: Pivot Method as 4-Stage Coaching Framework [Workshop Replay]

Thu, 02 Apr 2020 07:00:00 -0000

(Recorded March 25, 2020) How do we help others navigate change, particularly during moments of crisis?

In this episode, I’m including a replay from another recent workshop I delivered on March 25: Pivot for Managers, Mentors, and Coaches. This mirrors the keynote I give within organizations around helping managers and coaches improve their career conversation capabilities, but I have shifted (ahem—pivoted) the content to more directly address what we’re all going through now.

Listen for strategies and reflection questions on how to apply the Pivot Method as a coaching tool, even just to help others envision one day, one week, or one month from now. To watch the video version of this session, with slides, visit http://pivotmethod.com/watch.

Submit follow-up questions or audio notes for a future conversation at http://pivotmethod.com/ask

Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/177

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176: Daily Pivots—Map What's Next [Workshop Replay]

Wed, 01 Apr 2020 07:00:00 -0000

(Recorded March 18, 2020) How do we map what’s next when the ground underneath us shifts on a daily, if not hourly, basis? How do we navigate change when change is accelerating so quickly?

In this episode, I’m including a replay from the recent Map What’s Next workshop I ran for individuals. This mirrors the keynote I give within organizations and my annual “Set Your Strategy” podcast episode, but I have shifted (ahem—pivoted) the content to more directly address what we’re all going through now.

Listen for strategies and reflection questions on how to adapt the Pivot Method to envisioning even just one day, one week, or one month from now. To watch the video version of this session, with slides, visit http://pivotmethod.com/watch.

Submit follow-up questions or audio notes for a future conversation at http://pivotmethod.com/ask

Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/176

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175: Sizing People Up with Former FBI Agent Robin Dreeke

Tue, 31 Mar 2020 07:00:00 -0000

(Recorded March 4) How do you know when to trust your intuition? What is it about certain people that prickles your spidey senses? I’m delighted to bring you this conversation with former FBI Agent Robin Dreeke on how to read behavior signals for who we can trust — and who we can’t.

Robin and I also discuss one of the lowest points of his career, six months after 9/11. As he writes in his book, Sizing People Up, “The destruction of my dreams left me with nothing to lose, and my mindset shifted, as if on its own, and settled in a place that said it was acceptable to help one person at a time. It felt like neither capitulation nor epiphany.”

Although this was recorded just on the cusp of things getting quite serious around the pandemic here in the U.S., that advice is more true now than ever.

Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/175

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174: Screen Fatigue—15+ Sanity Strategies for Organizers and Participants

Mon, 30 Mar 2020 14:45:00 -0000

Do your eyeballs hurt?! No matter my joy and awe at humanity’s creativity in times of crisis in terms of moving everything online—everything. is. online. Even pre-pandemic, our phones were already spitting out weekly Screen Time reports to help us put down the devices . . . now we’re glued to them as the only outlet for social connection, culture, and productivity.

In a New York Times article, When a Home Becomes Headquarters—also titled “Logged on from the Laundry Room” (LOL)—even the CEO of Cisco, the company that runs meeting software WebEx, Chuck Robbins acknowledged the difficulties. He said, “I tell you…this whole teleworking thing — as much as we sell it to our customers, I’m not sure I want to do it 100 percent of the time. Nobody prepares for this,” he said.

At the same time, people want to connect! We are hungry for it, going stir crazy, and missing our cultural outings. I wholeheartedly agree with Sundar Pichai, CEO of Alphabet, who said “It’s a miracle you can run a company this way."

So today I’m sharing 16 strategies for staying sane amidst the endless screens—particularly for work-related meetings—across three categories: for meeting leaders, participants, and during the meeting best practices.

Got a brilliant solution I’m missing? Submit follow-up questions or audio notes for a future conversation at http://pivotmethod.com/ask

Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/174

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173: Beautiful Questions for Challenging Times with Steve Morris

Sun, 29 Mar 2020 04:01:00 -0000

“There’s nothing more powerful than a united group of souls ignited in a common cause with love at the core.” – Steven Morris

Steve Morris is on a mission to help organizations and their leaders rise to their potential to live and work wholeheartedly, while making a positive impact on the world. In this conversation we talk about beautiful questions that reorient one’s life trajectory, moments of truth, and the practice of pivoting, or evolving.

We me after he sent me a handwritten thank you note, then two years later we got to meet in person when I took his 2018 workshop on how to cultivate a life of curiosity.

Steve’s emphasis on curiosity, conscious business, and wholeheartedness are an inspiration to me, and I know you’ll love his take on how to cultivate habits and a path of choosing curiosity over fear. Be sure to also check out his free Care Package for COVID-19.

What’s on your mind? Submit follow-up questions at http://pivotmethod.com/ask

Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/173

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172: Self-Care for Empaths and HSPs with Sarah Santacroce

Sat, 28 Mar 2020 07:00:00 -0000

If you ever feel like a sponge for the energy (and moods) of people around you, particularly during times of massive change or crisis; if you feel flooded by emotion, overwhelmed with empathy, more sensitive than usual to sights, sounds, and media; and/or hit with powerful bursts of intuition, this episode is for you.

Sarah Santacroce and I recorded a two-way conversation for Pivot and her podcast, Gentle Business Revolution (be sure to also check out the PDF of her manifesto, Gentle Business Revolution Manifesto).

View full show notes from this episode at http://pivotmethod.com/172 »

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171: Dr. MJC on Business Scenario Planning, Buying Time, and Third Doors (Part 2)

Fri, 27 Mar 2020 07:00:00 -0000

Dr. Michael J. Conseulos and I are back for part two of this week’s “huddle” as we discuss what’s in the news now. And more importantly, we’re diving into practical tips and tools for the business side of things: journaling, scenario planning, buying time, “hot wash” analysis, and third door solutions.

What’s on your mind? Submit follow-up questions for a future COVID-19 conversation at http://pivotmethod.com/ask

Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/171

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170: Dr. MJC on What to Know and Do Next

Thu, 26 Mar 2020 07:00:00 -0000

Dr. Michael J. Conseulos and I are back in a “huddle” as we discuss what’s in the news now. And more importantly, we’re diving into practical tips and tools for as many aspects of this pandemic as we can, including: vaccines, what to do if you get sick, contact tracing, what he’s seeing and hearing from the medical community front lines, and his professional opinion on whether “the cure is worse than the cause.”

Make sure you’re subscribed to get part two of our conversation, on business scenario planning, business journaling, and “third door” solutions.

What’s on your mind? Submit follow-up questions for a future COVID-19 conversation at http://pivotmethod.com/ask

Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/170

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169: Penney on Pandemic Opening Our Collective Pandora's Box (Part 2)

Wed, 25 Mar 2020 07:01:00 -0000

Part 2 of yesterday’s conversation with Penney Peirce (episode 168) — listen in as we continue unpacking her essay in conversation together, How Coronavirus is Speeding Us Toward Transparency.

In this second half, we talk about the stock market, how money is like a child and responds to our inner energy blueprint, how to find and reconnect with your home frequency, and making the most of business lulls (when ready). Do the next productive thing.

Background: Since the pandemic started, I have been wondering what Penney’s take on all this would be. Longtime listeners know she needs no introduction, as people often remark to me that the episodes with her are their favorite! We have 11 conversations in the Penney & Jenny show so far, and in the previous episode (167) I read her essay on the crisis directly, How Coronavirus is Speeding Us Toward Transparency.

If you’d like to submit a question for us for a future episode visit http://PivotMethod.com/ask »

Special announcement! Penney will also be our featured guest for April’s Pivot Insider live video Q&A session. It will be on Wednesday, April 8 at 3:30pm ET. Join us at http://PivotMethod.com/insider by supporting the podcast with a small monthly donation, and you’ll also get instant access to 7+ months of archives and a slew of bonus resources, including a two-hour Upgrade Your Energy workshop.

View full show notes from this episode at http://pivotmethod.com/169 »

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168: Penney on Pandemic Opening Our Collective Pandora's Box (Part 1)

Tue, 24 Mar 2020 12:30:00 -0000

I’m delighted to have Penney Peirce back on the podcast to unpack her essay in conversation together, on How Coronavirus is Speeding Us Toward Transparency (Part 1).

Make sure you subscribe to get Part 2 of the conversation, and if you’d like to submit a question for us for a future episode visit http://PivotMethod.com/ask »

View full show notes from this episode at http://pivotmethod.com/168 »

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167: Penney Pierce on How Coronavirus is Speeding Us Toward Transparency

Mon, 23 Mar 2020 04:30:00 -0000

New York City is now in a state of emergency, the usually overflowing streets and parks are eerily vacant, and the line for Whole Foods was around a city block today, cordoned off by fences and a security guard. I’m so grateful to all grocery store workers, Amazon and USPS employees, teachers, and health care providers.

Since the pandemic started, I have been wondering what Penney’s take would be. Longtime listeners know she needs no introduction, as people often remark to me that the episodes with her are their favorite! We have 11 conversations in the Penney & Jenny show so far, and another one scheduled this week to discuss her essay on the crisis, How Coronavirus is Speeding Us Toward Transparency. In advance of that, she has given me her blessing the read the essay in full here on the podcast, for those of you who prefer listening over reading. We hope things brings you comfort and a refreshing perspective; it’s certainly has for me. More from us soon!

If you’d like to submit a question for us, visit http://PivotMethod.com/ask

View full show notes from this episode at http://pivotmethod.com/167 »

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166: Homeschooling While WFH with Kathryn Haydon

Sun, 22 Mar 2020 08:00:00 -0000

Pivot Insider member and creativity expert Kathryn Haydon is here to help parents “turn a difficult time into a time of possibility.” Over the past decade, she has written four books, several hundred articles, taught and trained thousands of kids, educators, and businesspeople, all while working from home and homeschooling her son, while her husband worked long hours at the office and on weekends.

Before we get into her many helpful ideas for homeschooling while WFH, a caveat: just hours after we finished recording, I read a New York Times article titled, “I Refuse to Run a Coronavirus Home School.” If you’re already maxed out with kids and home and trying to get your own work done, that article may provide much-needed solace! You have permission not to Pinterest your pandemic, as we said in episode 162.

If/when you do want some best practices from someone who home schooled for over a decade while also working from home, this episode is always here for you!

Kathryn is also a great podcast success story: she listened to the episode with Rohit Bhargava from December 2017, 75: Become a Trend Curator, reached out to him, and next thing you know his imprint Non-Obvious Guides was publishing her book, The Non-Obvious Guide to Being More Creative, No Matter Where You Work!

For a deeper dive, check out Kathryn’s Course: Work From Home With Kids and THRIVE (Enter discount code PIVOTTHRIVE20 for 5% off) , and this great list of online learning resources for kids from my business attorney, Francine Love.

View full show notes from this episode at http://pivotmethod.com/166 »

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165: On Sadness with Rainer Maria Rilke — Letters To a Young Poet (#8)

Sat, 21 Mar 2020 08:00:00 -0000

Story time! ❤️📘🤓 Today I’m reading one of my all-time favorite passages for tough times, from Rainer Maria Rilke’s Letters to a Young Poet. I love this timeless letter (#8, written in 1904) so much that I included an excerpt at the very start of Pivot, and a second excerpt to close the book—both are included in the full text that I’m reading on this episode.

What’s on your mind? Submit follow-up questions for a future conversation at http://pivotmethod.com/ask

Background from our kick-off to this Pivoting Around A Pandemic series, episode 159: With so much happening daily in the world and global economy around coronavirus, we’re all dealing with massive amounts of uncertainty, pivots at work, and for many—fear and anxiety that comes with not only the health concerns, but questions around how to maintain our livelihoods moving forward.

When Momentum member and pandemic expert Dr. Michael J. Consuelos reached out to offer himself as a resource to the JBE team and the MoMo community, I jumped at the chance to record a conversation for all of you as well, which has now turned into a full-blown series:

View full show notes from this episode at http://pivotmethod.com/165 »

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164: Fix This Next (And Stop Keeping Up With The Entrepre-Joneses) with Mike Michalowicz

Fri, 20 Mar 2020 07:00:00 -0000

(Recorded pre-pandemic) I’m thrilled to bring you another one of my favorite friendtors, Mike Michaelowicz. He’s the author of several books that have dramatically improved my business: Profit First, Clockwork, and now this week we’re talking about his latest upcoming release, Fix This Next: Make the Vital Change that Will Level Up Your Business.

Mike was last on the show in episode 37, Surge: How to Spot and Ride Trend Waves.

This is also our second round of the live Pivot Podcast + Momentum Book Club, so you’ll hear a few Mo’ members ask questions at the end.

Reminder that doors for this round of Momentum enrollment close today! Join us here »

Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at PivotMethod.com/161.

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163: 25 Favorite Tips for WFH (Working From Home)

Thu, 19 Mar 2020 10:00:00 -0000

While it can seem distracting and disorienting at first, working from home is an incredible opportunity to tune into your circadian rhythms and exactly how you work best. Even though your new commute may be from the bed to the living room to the office, you can still create rituals and boundaries that set you up for success when you start the day, and sanity when you end it. These are 25 of my favorite tips from nine years of working from home.

What’s on your mind? Submit follow-up questions for a future conversation at http://pivotmethod.com/ask

Background from our kick-off to this series, episode 159: With so much happening daily in the world and global economy around coronavirus, we’re all dealing with massive amounts of uncertainty, pivots at work, and for many—fear and anxiety that comes with not only the health concerns, but questions around how to maintain our livelihoods moving forward.

Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://PivotMethod.com/163

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162: What It's Like—Two Weeks in to Self-Quarantine in the Seattle Area (Hint: Ditch the Pressure for a Pinterest-Worthy Pandemic Response)

Wed, 18 Mar 2020 04:01:00 -0000

While all of us have been adjusting to self-imposed social distancing and quarantine this week under new global guidelines, Lindsay Pedersen had a head start. She and her family live in the greater Seattle area, which was the site of the first major outbreak in the U.S. In this conversation with Lindsey and Dr. Consuelos, we talk about the emotional rollercoaster of the entire family staying home all day, and creative ways to infuse silliness, sanity, and connection.

Quick background on both: Lindsay Pedersen is a brand strategist and author of Forging an Ironclad Brand. Dr. Michael J. Consuelos is the Principal at MJC Solutions, a veteran-owned, small business that provides professional consulting and advisory services to organizations serving the healthcare sector. He has held several leadership roles in emergency preparedness and pandemic response since 1997.

What’s on your mind? Submit follow-up questions for a future COVID-19 conversation at http://pivotmethod.com/ask

Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://PivotMethod.com/161

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161: Personal Safety, Contingency Planning, and Crucial Conversations with Dr. Michael J. Consuelos

Tue, 17 Mar 2020 09:20:00 -0000

Just yesterday (after we recorded), the U.S. recommendation has gone from avoiding gathering in groups larger than 50 to groups larger than 10. Dr. Michael J. Conseulos and I are back in a “huddle” as we discuss what’s in the news now, and more importantly, practical tips and tools for as many aspects of this pandemic as we can cover.

In this episode, we discuss how all of us can stay safe, think through contingency plans, and have crucial conversations with our family members and others as we all practice unprecedented social distancing.

What’s on your mind? Submit follow-up questions for a future COVID-19 conversation at http://pivotmethod.com/ask

Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://PivotMethod.com/161

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160: 11 Ways to Maintain Momentum for Solopreneurs

Sun, 15 Mar 2020 20:00:00 -0000

“Don’t buy in to the fear / media hype” is something I’ve heard more than once this week. No matter how calm you are staying (or not) there is no doubt our lives are already significantly impacted by the spread and precautions around coronavirus, far beyond fear itself.

I feel an urgency to keep this conversation going, with real-time content that addresses what’s going on around us, particularly at the intersection of mind, body, and business (my website mission in 2013-2014 before I started this podcast).

Acting like nothing is happening and it’s all just “business as usual” strikes me as out of touch, and certainly not Truth While It’s Fresh (a JBE team value). It’s not business as usual for any of us, and I don’t have to tell you that. There are very real impacts we are all navigating daily.

For that reason, I have scrapped or postponed several already-scheduled episodes, and am going to release podcasts more frequently for this series, Pivoting Around a Pandemic.

This is something unique in most of our lives — the shuttering of broadway, sports, schools, businesses, — not to mention travel bans, self-quarantine, and the very real possibility our family members or we could get sick before year’s end. This episode is for solopreneurs, but I’ll be doing a range that speak to entrepreneurs, executives, employees, and parents throughout the series.

For full show notes from this episode, visit http://pivotmethod.com/160

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159: Pivoting Around a Pandemic—Maintaining Business Continuity and Caring for Self and Others with Dr. Michael Consuelos

Wed, 11 Mar 2020 04:01:00 -0000

With so much happening in the world and global economy around coronavirus, we’re all dealing with massive amounts of uncertainty, pivots at work, and for many—fear and anxiety that comes with not only the health concerns, but questions around how to maintain our livelihoods moving forward.

In this episode, we discuss how entrepreneurs, leaders and organizations can transition from fear and anxiety toward calm, measured action and experiments. How can we know what actions to take? We can’t. These times require responsiveness, vulnerability, transparency, releasing perfectionism, and a willingness to be far more innovative and creative than we have in the past.

Michael and I talk about how to shift from victim to hero, how to quiet internal concerns, and small daily actions to focus on—as well as what organizations and entrepreneurs can we learn from each other during “Black Swan” events like these.

This is a wide-ranging, imperfect, in-the-moment response so we could at least start the conversation around how to maintain business continuity while Pivoting around a pandemic, primarily for people in information-based roles and industries — and both of us are open to an ongoing series on this topic if/as you find it helpful! Feel free to submit follow-up questions for a future episode at http://pivotmethod.com/ask.

Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://PivotMethod.com/159.

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158: Trip Report—Oprah's 2020 Vision Tour

Sun, 08 Mar 2020 09:00:00 -0000

This week’s Pivot Podcast is a field report from seeing one of my heroes live! I attended Oprah’s 2020 Vision Tour: Your Life in Focus in Brooklyn in early February, and I was so curious going into this event that I thought you might like to hear about the experience and key takeaways.

Oprah is inviting a different headliner from each stop on the tour (ours was Michelle Obama), so if you want a peek into other cities and guests, listen to her Super Soul Conversations podcast — she’s had equally wonderful conversations with Jennifer Lopez, Lady Gaga, Kate Hudson, Tracee Ellis Ross, and more.

Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://PivotMethod.com/158.

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157: "It Doesn't Have to Be Crazy at Work" (Free-up Founder Time Excerpt)

Mon, 02 Mar 2020 11:45:00 -0000

What kind of company are you building (or working for)? Are you optimizing for chaos or for calm? One of my favorite books from recent years as it relates to company culture — even if you're a culture of one (or one+) — is It Doesn't Have to Be Crazy At Work, by Basecamp co-founders Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson.

Jason and David aim for a calm company, so every chapter (and business area) is about asking the question: How do we create calm? How do we choose calm?

This episode is preview lesson from my—totally free!—mini-course, Free-up Founder Time. I cover strategies for time blocking and content batching, and walk you through exactly how I set-up my schedule each week (knowing that life and work never go perfectly to plan).

After you listen, register for the course here — in 15 short actionable lessons, I cover topics like content batching, time blocking, getting ready for your big break, courage cookies, luck trucks, and a whole lot more. Each lesson as a combination of helpful tools, templates, podcast episodes, and book recommendations also available in audio format (most are 5-10 minutes long) for learning on the go.

Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://PivotMethod.com/157.

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156: MBS on Tipping Points and Pivoting Out of CEO (From His Own Company)

Sun, 23 Feb 2020 05:01:00 -0000

I’m so excited to share this week’s Pivot conversation with one of my longtime friends and most important mentors, Michael Bungay Stanier. We talk about tipping points, preparing for TED Talks, and transitioning out of the CEO role from the company he founded nearly 20 years ago, Box of Crayons. We are also celebrating the launch of his latest brilliant book, The Advice Trap: Be Humble, Stay Curious, and Change the Way You Lead Forever.

To enroll in free upcoming workshops on the Pivot Method as a coaching for managers, mentors, and leaders, visit PivotMethod.com/live. Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at PivotMethod.com/156.

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155: Becoming a Successful Speaker with Grant Baldwin

Sun, 16 Feb 2020 05:01:00 -0000

This week’s episode was recorded while on the road, preparing to speak at the International Monetary Fund to help them kick-off new career programs for 2020 (an honor!).

Thankful for a quiet hotel room all to myself in the midst of puppy-training (semi)chaos, I stacked a call with my attorney for a licensing contract, then recorded this interview and two solo shows — true to this week’s topic of navigating life as a professional speaker!

Grant and I discuss guidance from his new book, The Successful Speaker: Simple Steps to Make a Living Off Your Message, on everything from pricing, to outreach, to navigating life on the road.

Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at PivotMethod.com/155.

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154: Two-Month Report from the Puppy (and People!) Training Trenches

Sun, 09 Feb 2020 05:01:00 -0000

In this week’s solo episode, we have the two-month report from the puppy training trenches! Michael and I brought Ryder home December 8, our little angel-in-a-fur-coat — aka the pup-pup. Take one look at his 8-week old cuteness in the photo gallery below and you'll understand why!

For inquiring minds, he's a German Shepherd—albeit a tiny one in the early photos, he has doubled in size in just two months. As our neighbors tell us daily (we make so many friends now!), "Look at those paws! He's gonna be BIIIIIG!"

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/154

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153: How to Create an Internal Coaching Program for Your Organization

Sun, 02 Feb 2020 05:01:00 -0000

In 2007, while working within Sheryl Sandberg’s Online Sales and Operations organization at Google, I received a coaching session that changed my life. This was before the word coaching (and careers revolving around it) was ubiquitous outside of the sports arena.

In this episode I share more about how that one session helped spark an entire movement that’s still alive within Google today: an internal “drop-in” coaching program—to make coaching accessible, easy to sign up for, and free—for all employees at all levels of the company. I’ll dive into the big themes and mechanics of how to set this up if you’re hoping to run a pilot within your organization.

That first coach, Erik, in just two sessions also inspired me to attend coach training myself in 2008, restart my (at the time) sleeping website Life After College, and gave me hope that I could be an author someday . . . and the rest is history :)

Shoutout to Denny Clark for submitting the Listener Q&A that inspired this episode!

Learn more about Pivot Programs at PivotMethod.com/companies »

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/153

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152: Glowing in the Dark with Kristoffer 'KC' Carter

Sun, 12 Jan 2020 16:11:00 -0000

This week’s episode is another one of my favorite formats, just two new (soul) friends shooting the breeze in what we’ve dubbed a “podcast tango” :) Given that we both have podcasts, we decided to just hit record and do this joint conversation, neither of us officially interviewing the other. I hope you enjoy this conversation jam with insta-BFF Kristoffer “KC” Carter (shout-out to our mutual mensch mentor Jonathan Fields who introduced us!), whose new podcast This Epic Life is one I know you’ll also love. We deepen our budding BFF-ship and discuss the BIG topics of life—including death, dips, permission to shine, business pivots, his yogic and meditation practices, and much more.

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/152

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151: Joy of Movement with Kelly McGonigal

Sun, 05 Jan 2020 05:01:00 -0000

Kelly McGonigal joins us this week to kick-off 2020 with a candid conversation on why movement is integral to our happiness and our humanity. Learn how to harness the power of authentic, joyful movement to create meaning and connection that goes far beyond the way we look or what the scale reads.

And for those of you in the NYC area, join us this week, Thursday January 9, for Jumpstart Joy 2020: a LIVE Pivot Podcast and celebration of Kelly’s book launch, with dancing and Nia movement! Learn more and get tickets (which includes a signed copy of the book) at http://pivotmethod.com/joy.

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/151

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150: Pivot Insider Preview—Jenny's Favorite Things & Strategic Coach's "80% Approach"

Sun, 29 Dec 2019 05:01:00 -0000

This week’s episode is a special behind-the-scenes preview from my live monthly Pivot Insider community Q&A call. In our December call (last one of the decade!) I shared my favorite things Oprah-style, why I launch everything in an “imperfect,” incomplete state, my go-to workouts from home, and questions submitted from the group on side hustles and staying motivated.

Enjoy more intimate conversations like this one? Pivot Podcast is listener supported—consider donating to become a Pivot Insider at just $8/mo and you’ll get access to a private monthly Q&A call on Zoom in real-time, and the chance to submit questions in advance even when you can’t make it live.

You’ll also get instant access to over six months of archives and special bonuses, including the two-hour Upgrade Your Energy workshop.

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/150

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149: Career Homecoming with Laura Simms

Sun, 22 Dec 2019 14:00:00 -0000

Laura Simms and I have been traveling parallel Pivot paths for a while now — nearly a decade of tracking each other’s work, but finally for the first time speaking live, 1:1! Of course we hit it off as fast friends, as we discuss ageism, passion vs. purpose, and working through insecurities when navigating career pivots.

Laura is an expert in meaningful work who challenges conventional wisdom by asking people to ditch their passions and start with purpose. She’s the creator of Your Career Homecoming, a celebrated career change program that helps people discover the meaningful work that’s right for them.

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/149

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148: Penney & Jenny Show—Pivoting From Toxic Situations Toward Self-Entertainment

Sun, 15 Dec 2019 14:00:00 -0000

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/148

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147: Set Your 2020 Pivot Strategy

Sun, 08 Dec 2019 14:00:00 -0000

To help you kick-off the new year in style and soul-aligned next steps, I’m back with my annual Set Your Pivot Strategy episode! New and improved with the best resources and reflection questions to help you explore a powerful vision for 2020 :)

I encourage you to get out a pen and paper for this one—yes, analog-style—and pause frequently to journal for as long as you’d like on each prompt. Go big! Go for quantity, not quality, and don’t censor yourself or worry yet about whether or not what you are envisioning is possible—the time for that will come later.

When you think you’re done writing, keep going! That just means you’ve gotten your most obvious ideas down. Pushing through the pauses is where you create breakthroughs, and every time you sit with a question you’ve never heard before, you are creating new neural pathways in the brain.

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/147

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146: How to Rapid-Prototype a Course

Sun, 01 Dec 2019 05:01:00 -0000

Creating online courses does not require huge investment in time or money. Although they certainly can cost tens of thousands of dollars to produce, with professional video editing and branding, they don't have to. In fact, my favorite way to create and launch a course is with my future students!

This follows agile design principles (check out the agile manifesto here). The goal is developing rapidly, with frequent input from key stakeholders, not building so much behind-the-scenes that what you’re working on becomes out-of-date or out of touch with what your audience and potential future students actually need.

I this episode, I break down all the details on how I love launching and creating courses. You can also read a summary of the steps on this page of the Pivot website.

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/146

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145: The Self-Reliant Entrepreneur with John Jantsch

Sun, 24 Nov 2019 05:01:00 -0000

If you’re attempting any creative or business endeavor, you know that it’s one of the great personal development journeys a person can undertake. Dips, mood drops, discouragement, disillusionment — these are all natural byproducts of forging new territory and taking on the vulnerability and uncertainty that come with creating anything new in the world.

John Jantsch is one of my longtime business mentors-from-afar, someone I’m now lucky to call a friend. In his latest book, The Self-Reliant Entrepreneur: 366 Daily Meditations to Feed Your Soul and Grow Your Business, he combines timeless transcendentalist wisdom with his three decades of entrepreneurial time-in-the-trenches. I hope you enjoy this conversation on luck, pivoting, and the spiritual side of business-building.

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/257

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144: Listener Q&A—Keepers and Strategies for Too Much Sitting

Tue, 19 Nov 2019 14:00:00 -0000

We’re back with the latest listener Q&A! This round is on a podcast listener success story (and mentors-from-afar), as well as a great question from Mark on how to deal with so much sitting throughout the work day. As always, if you’d like to submit for a future round, leave me a brief voice note at PivotMethod.com/ask.

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/144

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143: Transmogrify with Neil Pasricha

Sun, 10 Nov 2019 05:01:00 -0000

“We don’t even need to talk about the new book,” Neil said as we started our Skype call, while I thumbed through the dog-eared, underlined, and marked-up pages of the You Are Awesome galley.

Ooh, fun!

Knowing I have a tendency to focus too much on the paper artifact in front of me while interviewing authors, rather than what’s True and present in the moment, I decided to chuck all my potential questions and just shoot the breeze with a longtime blog-friend (February marks our ten year friendiversary!).

Neil was on the Pivot Podcast in the early days (check out 44: Want Nothing, Have Everything: The Happiness Equation with Neil Pasricha), and that episode has been a long-time listener favorite. I think you’re going to love this unfiltered, unplanned conversation every bit as much!

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/143

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142: Creative Economy Lessons from “The Great Race to Rule Streaming TV”

Sun, 03 Nov 2019 04:01:00 -0000

Given the “mutation of television’s DNA” that reporter Jonah Weiner describes in his fantastic New York Times Magazine article, The Great Race to Rule Streaming TV, there is much we can learn about where the creative economy is heading, how to stand out, and how to Pivot your own creative projects.

This article is so juicy—so jam-packed with insights into where TV is heading that parallels publishing, podcasting and product creation—that I couldn’t resist jumping on the mic to do a point-by-point analysis of how they might apply to our own creative projects in this experimental episode.

The article—and what we’re going to dive into together—spans a fascinating swath of topics that I’ll help unpack. Everything from prestige content versus quick bites, hyper-abundance and the atmosphere of plentitude, infinite possibilities, unpredictability, celebrating fringe, “great-ish” and the golden age of good enough, quiet time meetings, licensing versus original content, hoarding, the great reclamation of content, perceived barriers to entry, and preserving storytelling.

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/142

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141: Be a Free Range Human—Busting Business Myths with Marianne Cantwell

Sun, 27 Oct 2019 04:01:00 -0000

I’ve been a big fan of Marianne’s writing, Be a Free Range Human, since my earliest days as a solopreneur; and in fact, she crossed my radar when my blog was just a budding baby side-hustle, but we hadn’t connected in real-time until this conversation.

A longtime advocate for going your own way in life and work, Marianne shares where many solopreneurs go wrong: leaving a suffocating, one-size-fits-all corporate environment just to feel equally penned in by a box of their own making with shoulds from the self-employment space.

In this episode, you’ll learn how to identify your Free Range Style, and why it is a big blind spot for many entrepreneurs. In fact, it’s one of the biggest detriments to the health and success of your business to go against your Free Range Style, even though many best practices would have you inadvertently doing just that!

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/141

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140: What Horse Whispering and Entrepreneurship Have in Common with Eileen Kenney

Sun, 20 Oct 2019 04:01:00 -0000

What does horse whispering have in common with entrepreneurship? More than you might think; unless you are already running your own show and know exactly how fickle taming a wild new business can be!

I loved this conversation with Eileen Kenney on her trials as a single mom building a business, her resilience in the face of dips and defeat, her obsession with horses, and how she navigates every next phase with joy, grace, and perseverance.

If you enjoy this conversation, check out another one of my all time favorite Pivot podcasts, The Soul of an Octopus—Exploring Animal Consciousness with Sy Montgomery.

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/140

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139: Rich Dad, Real Estate Investing, and Podcast Pro Tips with Erik Cabral

Sun, 13 Oct 2019 04:01:00 -0000

Quick reminder! Doors close for Momentum Enrollment on Tuesday, October 15 — learn more and enroll at PivotMethod.com/Momentum if you’re looking for super smart systems and strategies to design your ideal six-figure business in 2020 and beyond :)

This week’s episode is another fun Podcast Row conversation, and this time I got to geek out on two topics I haven’t talked much about publicly: one of the first personal development books I read in my early twenties that changed the trajectory of my life, business, and finances—and real estate!

With a brother in commercial real estate, I’m often having walk-and-talks on these topics with him whenever we’re in the same city, so I think you’ll enjoy this conversation with Erik Cabral. Listen closely, as he also shares a fantastic podcast pro tip for those of you who have your own shows!

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/139

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138: How Can You Earn Twice as Much in Half the Time with Joy and Ease? Momentum Doors Open!

Thu, 10 Oct 2019 04:01:00 -0000

If you are a heart-based business owner, and you want to learn how to earn twice as in half the time, with ease and joy while serving the highest good, then I invite you to join us as an official Momentum Member! Visit http://PivotMethod.com/Momentum to learn more about my private community for side-hustlers and solopreneurs, and how we can support you with systems and strategies to build your ideal six- (or seven!) figure business in 2020 and beyond.

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/138

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137: What's Your Brand Archetype? Unlock Your Innate Advantage with Kaye Putnam

Sun, 06 Oct 2019 04:01:00 -0000

Do you ever experience “design block” or personal branding BLEGH when you think about how to present yourself and your business online? If so, you are not alone! That makes at least two of us :)

You are going to love this episode with brand strategist Kaye Putnam on authentic expression, the 12 brand archetypes, and why sometimes understanding our own brand is like reading a label from the inside of a jar—and what to do about it.

Kaye believes that when you have a clear brand, your clients love, respect, and are willing to pay premium prices for your work—which gives you the clarity and confidence to scale your impact and income.

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/137

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136: Start Finishing—Pricing, Projects, and Momentum Planning with Charlie Gilkey

Sun, 29 Sep 2019 04:01:00 -0000

Sometimes the Audio Gods just do not shine upon you, and that’s what happened during this super fun experimental interview with my brilliant friend Charlie Gilkey! My mic is “hot” (aka way too loud), but I hope you’ll forgive me and listen anyway, as Charlie shares SO. MUCH. GOLD!! We even go into “extreme coaching” mode together at the end, as we discuss topics from his new book, Start Finishing: How to Go From Idea to Done.

A bit more backstory: we piloted a book club within Momentum for the first time this month, where MoMo’ers were on the podcast interview live with us on mute, then after my interview we opened it up for Q&A and coaching with Charlie. We cover all kinds of topics ranging from his Five Projects Rule, The Project Pyramid, comparisitis, creative constipation (LOL!), his awesome Momentum planning strategy, and pricing our services as a small business owner.

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/136

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135: The Bliss Engine with Jim Blake (aka Daddy-O!)

Sun, 22 Sep 2019 04:01:00 -0000

We have a verrrry special guest this week in honor of his big birthday month, and that’s my dad—Jim Blake!

He happened to be in town visiting on a day that I was participating in Podcast Row, an all-day podcasting extravaganza at Stand-up New York. My first guest had a last-minute emergency and had to bow out, so with no notice I pulled my dad onto the main stage and interviewed him about his books, his music, his creative process, and what he calls “mouth management.” We had so much fun!

If you've enjoyed either of my two books it's in large part thanks to his expert editing, content discussions, and ongoing inspiration—so I can’t wait for you to get to know him better through this week’s episode :)

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/135

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134: East Forest on Infinite Existence and The Guru Within

Sun, 15 Sep 2019 11:00:00 -0000

“When you witness a dark thought – you witness it, and love it. You love your dark thoughts. The witness is part of the soul, and the soul loves everything.”

—Ram Dass from “Dark Thoughts” with East Forest

In this episode, East Forest joins us to discuss his latest album, Ram Dass, and his time in Maui to record these exclusive new teachings from an enlightened master. After capturing Dass’ words of wisdom, East Forest returned to his studio to compose this incredible soundtrack to beautifully support each songs’ subject.

Together we explore themes like balancing guru worship with finding wisdom within, music as soul medicine, infinite existence, and creative expression. You know, the good stuff :)

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/134

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133: Free-up Founder Time Preview — Time Blocking and Content Batching

Sun, 08 Sep 2019 09:00:00 -0000

How can I earn twice as much in half the time, with joy and ease, while serving the highest good for all involved? This is one of the central questions in my solo+preneur-based business, one that builds a habit (okay, okay, obsession) of looking for simple systems and strategies to help free our time, mind, and money.

This episode is preview lesson from my new—totally free!—mini-course, Free-up Founder Time. I cover strategies for time blocking and content batching, and walk you through exactly how I set-up my schedule each week (knowing that life and work never go perfectly to plan). I define Founder Time as time that you dedicate to working on your business, as the owner of the whole operation. Ideally, you schedule it for your most creative windows—when you feel energized to do your best work.

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/133

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132: The Making of a Manager with Julie Zhuo

Sun, 01 Sep 2019 11:00:00 -0000

In her book, The Making of a Manager: What To Do When Everyone Looks To You, author Julie Zhuo takes us back to the childhood lemonade stand in a way that flipped a major “aha” lightbulb switch for me.

As the founder of a budding business, you might be the best at making lemonade, or at least think you are, even as you hire helpers to (wo)man the stand. But if you only ever make lemonade you’ll only be serving an additive role in your business. Instead, if you hire a small team and teach them how to make the lemonade, even if they’re not quite as skilled as you at first, you’ll be serving a multiplicative role.

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/132

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131: Indistractable with Nir Eyal

Sun, 25 Aug 2019 11:00:00 -0000

What’s the difference between distraction and traction? Why don’t we do the things that we know we should do? And how can we learn from techniques that tech companies use to hook us into their products in order to redirect our attention toward what we really want to be, do, and create in the world?

Nir Eyal and I discuss these topics and more in this week’s podcast conversation based on his new book, Indistractable: How to Control Your Attention and Choose Your Life. He also outlines the four steps of the Indistractable model: master internal triggers, make time for traction, hack back external triggers, and prevent distraction with pacts.

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/131

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130: Listener Q&A—Why I Can’t Stand the Question “Can I Pick Your Brain” And What to Offer Instead

Sun, 18 Aug 2019 13:30:00 -0000

This week kicks off a new Listener Q&A feature of the podcast, but before we dive in: I would love to hear from you! Yes, you. As a listener, you might think as a listener I’m getting lots of submissions already, but that’s not the case—things like this always take some momentum to get going.

So drop me a voice note at http://pivotmethod.com/ask and share a challenge you’re facing or something you’re curious about, and I'll share my thoughts along with a BookRx: a book prescription of two or three books that have been helpful for me in that area.

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/130

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129: Penney & Jenny Show—Why Do We Hesitate to Be Much More of Ourselves?

Sun, 11 Aug 2019 15:11:00 -0000

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/129

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128: Ultralearning with Scott Young

Sun, 04 Aug 2019 13:00:00 -0000

Imagine landing in a country and not allowing yourself to speak your native language even once (for many Pivot Podcast listeners that’s English), even with your roommates or fellow travelers. You’d be diving into the deep end, but you’d integrate FAR more quickly and effectively than if you took the “pop out of the bubble” approach, of only speaking the second language when you’re comfortable, thus never truly gaining traction.

As Scott Young, author of Ultralearning: Master Hard Skills, Outsmart the Competition, and Accelerate Your Career, describes it — the bubble method is the equivalent of getting cold water splashed into your face every day and never having a chance to adapt. That’s the difference between most approaches to learning and ultralearning, which he defines as stretching outside of the limits where you feel comfortable through strategic, intense, self-directed programs.

In this episode, Scott walks us through several of his 9 principles that underlie ultralearning: metalearning (Draw a map), focus (sharpen your knife), directness (go straight ahead), drill (attack your weakest point), retrieval (test to learn), feedback (don’t dodge the punches), retention (don’t fill a leaky bucket), intuition (dig deep before building up), experimentation (explore outside your comfort zone).

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/128

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127: Live from the Vulnerability Hangover! Launching @LifeOfALebaneseArtist with Michael Karsouny

Sun, 28 Jul 2019 13:00:00 -0000

As soon as Michael woke up and gave me the “what have I done?!” look after launching his latest project @LifeOfALebaneseArtist on Instagram just 24 hours prior, I knew we had a juicy creative gem on our hands. I also knew that he was experiencing what so many of us do when we release a put-yourself-out-there post or project—a major vulnerability hangover! All the more reason to talk about it, of course, especially in keeping with my new intention of truth while it’s fresh :)

I love seeing someone so enraptured by an idea that they stay up all night to work on it, and that’s exactly what Michael had done. He zipped through conception to launch of his hilarious (and deep!) meme project in a mere few hours, all with joy and ease—clear signals that he was onto a new soul goal endeavor. He’s now one month in, and continues to wake up excited every day bursting with ideas and ways to develop it further.

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/127

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126: How We Ran Our 2-Day Strategy Sprint (with Template)

Sun, 21 Jul 2019 11:30:00 -0000

This week’s episode comes fresh off the heels of a two-day strategy sprint that my team and I ran to tackle our biggest business frogs.

One commitment we made at the end was to “share truth while it's fresh” — with delightful specificity and crazy-smart systems — so that’s what I’m doing! This is a behind-the-scenes peek at what we're building (and how) during my “JB 3.0 Business Renaissance,” in as real-time as we can.

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/126

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125: Penney & Jenny Show — Discriminating Truth, Just-Rightness, and Making "Good Choices"

Sun, 14 Jul 2019 11:00:00 -0000

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/125

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124: Penney & Jenny Show — Embracing Liminal Space (the In-Between)

Sun, 07 Jul 2019 13:00:00 -0000

Tune into this episode to learn all about why hindering the liminal state is like fighting a tidal wave, and why taking the time to stop is so important to your life, brain, and success.

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/124

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123: Peeking Out from the Plateau — My Latest Pivots (and Why Plateaus Actually Signal Progress!)

Sun, 30 Jun 2019 14:00:00 -0000

I’m baaaaaack! Did you miss me? I sincerely apologize for (unintentionally) ghosting out on you. I hit a (Pivot) point of total overload and overwhelm with some BIG personal updates on school and my love life (you’ll have to listen in to get the full deets!).

All while mid-way through second semester at seminary, moving to a new home in Manhattan, and traveling every week for speaking busy season this spring. Spotting burnout potential (I know it a mile away), and after hitting a clear decision fork-in-the-road, I gave myself permission to pause on non-essentials. Unfortunately that included the podcast and #PivotList newsletter!

But what looked like a plateau from the outside (seeing as I haven’t released a new show in six months) sparked a mega-business renaissance on the inside. On Friday, July 5 I celebrate my eighth (!!) year of solopreneurship, and I’m getting ready to take things up to a whole new level of joy, revenue, meaning, momentum, and systems-ninjary.

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/123

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122: Digital Minimalism with Cal Newport

Fri, 08 Feb 2019 17:00:00 -0000

What are the hidden costs of digital clutter? How can we counter screen addiction and phantom phone vibrations? We explore these topics in this episode with Cal Newport as we discuss his new book, Digital Minimalism: Choosing a Focused Life in a Noisy World.

Cal Newport is a familiar voice on the Pivot Podcast and back by popular demand! On our first episode we discussed deep work—the increasingly important deliberate practice of focused work, especially in a world of cognitive junk. Now we turn to digital minimalism: applying a just enough mindset to our personal technology, freeing ourselves from the overwhelm, distraction, and “fear of missing out” side effects of the always-connected world. Or as Cal quotes Bill Maher from May 2017: “Likes is the new smoking . . . Philip Morris just wanted your lungs, The App Store wants your soul.”

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/122

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121: Raise Your Game (and Ditch Compare-and-Despair) with Alan Stein Jr.

Sun, 13 Jan 2019 12:00:00 -0000

Nobody knows the daily grind of competition and mental game better than athletes and coaches. Today I’m thrilled to share a conversation with basketball and performance coach Alan Stein Jr. on how we can apply these hard-fought principles to building better businesses.

Alan first blew me away with his networking skills — he joined a private group we’re both part of and quickly became an integral member, after I’d been mostly wall-flowering as the hidden introvert that I am. We talk about his strategies for building relationships and ditching unhelpful compare-and-despair for mindsets that are far more helpful and empowering.

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/121

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120: Mantras in Motion with Erin Stutland

Wed, 09 Jan 2019 16:11:00 -0000

What’s the difference between affirmations that feel fake and those that actually work? How can you move your body in a way that also transforms your mind? What falls under the category of spiritual bypassing versus actual transformation? Join me for a conversation with one of my favorite New York friends, Erin Stutland, as we discuss her new book: Mantras in Motion: Manifesting What You Want through Mindful Movement.

Happy happy new year everyone! I’m thrilled to be jumpstarting the podcast again with this episode :)

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/120

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[Best Of] Deep Work: Ditch Cognitive Junk Food with Cal Newport

Sun, 11 Nov 2018 12:00:00 -0000

As I get up to speed in my first semester at Union Theological Seminary, I’m re-launching a few of my favorite podcast episodes from four years of archives: I hope you enjoy some of these oldies but goodies, particularly if you missed them the first time around! Here’s a conversation I loved with Cal Newport from April 2016.

When was the last time you were in the zone?There’s nothing I love more than working with time flying. The sun rises and sets and I barely notice because I’m so engrossed in my work. Cal Newport calls this deep work, and says that contrary to what many assume, it is a skill, not a habit. That means it takes deliberate practice, and is a cognitive muscle that can atrophy with disuse—something we are all prone to as we get sucked into network tools like social media and email. I loved this conversation and I know you will too! Enjoy

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/

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119: Off the Clock—Finding Time Freedom with Laura Vanderkam

Sun, 14 Oct 2018 11:00:00 -0000

Laura Vanderkam is a productivity tour de force: she has written four books in the last several years, launched a podcast, and given talks all over the country—all while running a household with her husband and four children.

I’d tell you that I truly don’t know how she does it, except that she already wrote a book to answer that question called, what else, I Know How She Does It: How Successful Women Make the Most of Their Time. One of my other favorites was her runaway bestseller among the Fast Company crowd, What the Most Successful People Do Before Breakfast: A Short Guide to Making Over Your Mornings--and Life.

The focus of this week’s podcast conversation is her newest book, Off the Clock: Feel Less Busy While Getting More Done. Laura reveals the counterintuitive principles the most time-free people have adopted, and teaches mindset shifts to help you feel calm on the busiest days.

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/119

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118: Union Theological Seminary—Reflections on My First Month of Grad School

Tue, 09 Oct 2018 10:30:00 -0000

“Welcome to Holy Hogwarts,” my fellow first-year Ariel said to me with a smile, as I walked through the Union campus entrance into the school’s small courtyard for my first day of orientation. I was grateful for his warmth and levity, a brief reprieve from my nerves about what to expect from my classes and fellow students.

After those three days of orientation I felt like I was on a rickety, upward-climbing rollercoaster, ticking up toward a crescendo before the rush of adrenaline and momentum to follow from the big drop. Am I making a huge mistake? I wondered. Will I fit in here? What if I can’t juggle school, work, speaking travel, and the new commute? Did I really think this through enough?

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/118

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117: Activist Venture Capital and Teaching Yoga and Meditation at Rikers with Marcus Glover

Mon, 01 Oct 2018 15:00:00 -0000

I had the great fortune of sitting behind Marcus Glover on a bus ride to Wallkill Prison for a Defy Ventures business mentoring day, and time flew as we talked about everything from him teaching yoga and meditation at Rikers, to criminal justice work, to his mission of funding minority-owned businesses through disruptive venture capital.

I can’t wait for you to listen in on this conversation and get your own powerful dose of Marcus magic! You’ll hear about his passion for well-told stories, practicing empathy (rather than the misguided savior complex), cultural competency around dismantling privilege, and much more.

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/117

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116: Caught in Internet Infinity Pools? Make Time By Setting a Daily Highlight and 5-Day Sprints

Sun, 16 Sep 2018 12:00:00 -0000

Are you getting sucked into endless scrolling in Infinity Pools like email, YouTube, Instagram and Facebook? It's okay, we all do. We all know these apps are designed to be addictive. After all, tech is the only industry other than drugs that calls its customers "users."

It's so easy to look back on the day and wonder, "Where on earth did the time go?!" We've drained ourselves of all energy and yet often come up empty, feeling we have nothing to show for it. At least I'll speak for myself and say that's how I feel when inadvertently taking a ride on what John Zeratsky calls the "Busy Bandwagon."

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/116

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115: "People are People" — Exploring Neurodiversity with Mark Rufino

Sun, 09 Sep 2018 15:00:00 -0000

Mark Rufino is a social worker and audio engineer who works with adults with developmental disabilities and their families. However, even the term "developmental disability" or "intellectual disability" is becoming a misnomer. Mark is part of a growing movement of people who believe it's time we upgrade our old way of thinking "that we need to fix you to fit into our society."

The term neurodiversity is growing in popularity, and implies that there is no “normal” way of thinking and “autistic” way of thinking, for example; we are all wired to do different things. I think you'll love this conversation around exploring what's behind behavior, Mark's emphasis on deeper listening (in surprising and novel ways), and his reference to a book that states "the opposite of anxiety is not calm, it’s trust.”

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/115

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114: Illuminating Invisible Privilege with Karen Pittelman (and Why She Gave Away Her $3 Million Trust At 24)

Sun, 26 Aug 2018 14:00:00 -0000

This is one of my favorite interviews, and a conversation that is crucial for understanding and revealing the hidden influences that shape many of our views on society, wealth and power. I have heard terms like white privilege (which applies to me), but I hadn't thought to look into the notion of invisible privilege until earlier this year. You may think it doesn't apply to you (as I used to), especially if you're not in the "Top 1%."

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/114

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113: The Seeker's Journey with Daniel Aaron

Sun, 19 Aug 2018 13:00:00 -0000

So many of us are on a seekers journey—looking for greater knowledge, wisdom, healing, insight and transformation. And may even the ever-elusive holy grail of enlightenment, whatever that means. If you ask me, I believe we have three primary purposes on this planet: to learn, to love and to serve. And of course, to enjoy life along the way :)

Daniel Aaron is a fascinating fellow seeker who describes his own journey as guided by a divine power, as he explores all variety of mystical and practical practices and shares them with thousands of others through yoga, sangha (community), and coaching. His mission is "to bring in a new era, where the new-normal is love and truth – kindness, authenticity and radiance – for all beings, of every species." I hope you enjoy the this week's conversation!

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/113

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112: Whose Voice is in Your Head? Perfection Detox Round Two with Petra Kolber

Sun, 12 Aug 2018 11:00:00 -0000

I am beyond lucky to have the brilliant Petra Kolber as one of my best friends in New York City, and just delighted to celebrate her book launch this week!! It's been a long journey, and one that forced her to confront the very message of her book: overcoming the inner critic and imposter syndrome because "the world needs your voice, not your perfect silence."

As I wrote in the show notes for our first Pivot Podcast interview in January 2017, Petra just radiates joy and truly walks her talk. When she enters a room, it lights all the way up with her positivity, passion for life and joie de vivre.

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/112

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111: Ten Thousand Buddhas and Unlocking Creativity with Artist Amanda Giacomini

Sun, 05 Aug 2018 11:00:00 -0000

One of the best parts of having this podcast is who I am fortunate to cross paths with, and the ongoing surprise of who reaches out to me. Some of you may remember when I was falling out of my chair (or rather, the closet that doubles as podcasting studio) to interview one of my favorite musicians, Trevor Hall. Well, one of the best side outcomes was getting to know his team better, Tim and Isabelle at N3W LEVEL Management. We met in-person for the first time earlier this summer, and the hours flew by! Instant kindred spirits and friends for life :)

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/111

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110: Jesus, Mary and Joe Jonas—Jonathan Parks-Ramage’s Exploration across Religion, LGBTQ Equality and the Entertainment Industry

Sun, 29 Jul 2018 14:00:00 -0000

I love serendipitous podcast guest recruiting. This one starts over coffee with my longtime blog-turned-IRL friend Rachael King, who recently founded a company called PodPeople to connect new shows with creative teams.

When I told her about themes I had been exploring on the Pivot Podcast she said, "You HAVE to talk to Jonathan Parks-Ramage." She had just helped produce a new podcast for Medium where he read his article aloud, Jesus, Mary and Joe Jonas: A Journey Into LA's Hippest Evangelical Church. I was captivated by his story, and by his intention to research and write about topics at the intersection of faith, LGBTQ advocacy and the entertainment industry. A man after my own unique pivot intersection heart!

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/110

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109: Put Yourself in the Path of Pivot — My Big News and the Decision-Making Process Behind It

Sun, 22 Jul 2018 11:00:00 -0000

I'm sharing some big personal pivot news in this week's solo episode . . . I am starting a two year Masters program at Union Theological Seminary this fall! It's a partner school to Columbia here in New York City, and if it seems to come out of the blue for you, don't worry—it did for me too! I got the idea, applied and accepted in a matter of weeks earlier this Spring. It seems fitting to share now, given that my 7-year solopreneurship anniversary was just yesterday — I'm looking forward to seeing where these next two years take me :)

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/109

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108: Penney & Jenny Show Returns! On Spirituality and Small Business

Sun, 15 Jul 2018 11:00:00 -0000

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/108

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107: (Un)Medicating Grief—Recovering Feeling After Decades on Anti-Depressants with Brooke Siem

Sun, 08 Jul 2018 11:00:00 -0000

I'm so grateful to Brooke Siem for opening up and sharing her story with us this week. Not only is she a woman of many talents (ballerina! chef! Chopped champion! bakery owner! crossfitter! writer!), Brooke has spent the last two years sober. Sober from medications that doctors, the assumed authority figures of her life, had been prescribing for the last fifteen years and an estimated 30,000 pills.

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/107

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106: Music Without Sound—How Mandy Harvey Rebuilt a Thriving Singing Career after Losing Her Hearing

Sun, 01 Jul 2018 11:00:00 -0000

It was love at first listen when I first heard Mandy Harvey perform at a fundraiser for Erik Weinenmayer's No Barriers summit coming up here in New York City in October. Erik, a previous guest on the Pivot Podcast (Turning Pain Into Purpose: Blind Adventurer Erik Weihenmayer on Kayaking the Grand Canyon, Climbing Everest and Building No Barriers), said Mandy was a must-meet, and he was right. Her performance was exquisite, and I was mesmerized by her signing while singing and sharing her inspiring story with the audience.

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/106

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105: Tools for Transitions—Just Ahead Mentors, Jealousy Antidotes, and Powerful Small Steps to Find Jobs (or Clients) with Dev Aujla

Sun, 24 Jun 2018 11:00:00 -0000

Contrary to popular belief that trolling for a new job or client is the drag of all drags, a process that should be hurried through as quickly as possible, Dev Ajula believes our careers can be avenues for inquiry. His book, 50 Ways to Get a Job has a hidden curriculum that stretches so far beyond the job-search, and is relevant to everyone, including entrepreneurs. “Our careers and the questions they answer are lifelong pursuits,” Dev says.

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/105

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104: (A Course in) Miracles at Work—On Spiritual Intelligence with Emily Bennington

Sun, 17 Jun 2018 11:00:00 -0000

Emily Bennington and I have been on parallel pivot paths since we first connected online in 2011. So imagine my surprise when I was searching on Google images for a visual depiction of the word "Grace." I downloaded my favorite and lo and behold, it was pointing to Emily's site! She had set-upa landing page informing readers about her new direction: teaching others to live and lead with grace, based upon her interpretations of the Course in Miracles as it applies to work and careers

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/104

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103: Strong Inside Out—Pivoting from OCD and Depression toward Mind-Body Alignment with Amy Clover

Sun, 10 Jun 2018 11:00:00 -0000

Amy Clover has a powerful story to share about pivoting her mindset from one of self-flagellation and control toward acceptance and flexibility in body, mind and spirit. After battling for years with eating disorders, depression and a failed suicide attempt in a fitness industry that grew increasingly oppressive, she now teaches people how to build strength from the inside out. In her own words:

I know what it’s like to look in the mirror and hate who’s looking back, to feel like you have no control whatsoever over your mind or your life, to feel like you’re so broken that you’re beyond healing. I’ve struggled with clinical depression, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and eating disorders throughout my entire life. In fact, they almost killed me. I hit rock bottom in 2005 when I was hospitalized on suicide watch.

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/103

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102: How to Pivot Your Business When You Feel Trapped by Its Success with Jason Van Orden

Sun, 03 Jun 2018 13:00:00 -0000

Is pivoting just a way of rebranding failure as NYT writer Jacob Silverman would have us believe? I say no way José. In fact, pivots are often a product of our success. As I shared in the #PivotList newsletter I wrote in response to Silverman's somewhat snarky article, Silicon Valley start-ups do tend to talk about pivoting in response to their initial strategy failing. Or in the case of Ross from Friends, when a couch just won't fit around a tight corner :)

But the fact is that nothing in business is as stable as it was even ten years ago, and companies (and leaders) of all shapes and sizes are required to navigate micro-changes much more frequently than in the past.

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/102

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101: The Soul of an Octopus—Exploring Consciousness and Animal Communication with Sy Montgomery

Sun, 27 May 2018 11:00:00 -0000

When exploring a branch of highly evolved animal consciousness that evolved in parallel (and completely separate) from our own, Sy Montgomery is sure of one thing: “If I have a soul, an octopus does too.” If you want even the tiniest dose of confirmation, try to keep your eyes dry while watching this octopus thank its rescuer in a two-minute video that has garnered 11 million views and counting: releasing a stranded octopus. (If you have more time, Amazing Octopus: Most Intelligent Animal on Earth is a must-watch too!)

I am over-the-moon to bring you this week's interview with Sy, who became an instant soul-friend the moment we started talking. I'm in awe of her career as a naturalist writing about and befriending pigs, tigers, dolphins, hyenas, and now octopuses (not octopi as many assume for plural form!) around the world. I love her passion for animals, and the heart with which she shares their beautiful stories and spirits.

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/101

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100: Ten Lessons Learned in 3+ Years of Podcasting

Sun, 20 May 2018 12:00:00 -0000

This week marks a big milestone for the Pivot Podcast, as we celebrate the 100th episode! This has been more than three years in the making, from the show's early scrappy beginnings in late 2014 when I got the book deal for Pivot, to when I started publishing weekly in earnest in 2015.

Podcasting is a labor of love, but the biggest surprises for me have come from the priceless benefits: connecting more deeply with my author heroes, with all of you who are here listening, and learning every day along the way.

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/100

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99: My Morning Routine—How Successful People Start Every Day Inspired with Benjamin Spall

Sun, 13 May 2018 13:58:00 -0000

Although many of us aspire to rewarding morning routines (and enjoy geeking out on the best of what others come up with), on some days just getting out of bed is a victory. To this end, one of my favorite quotes from Benjamin Spall and Michael Xander's new book, My Morning Routine: How Successful People Start Every Day Inspired, comes from Ana Marie Cox, a political columnist and culture critic.

Cox says, "When you come up with a morning routine, understand that you’re undertaking it in order to do something good for yourself, not to meet some stranger’s standard of productivity."

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/99

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98: Defying the Odds — Jason Wang's Pivot from Prison to Helping Others Transform Their Hustle

Sun, 06 May 2018 15:11:00 -0000

Jason Wang knows a thing or two about being an underdog. Growing up as an only child of two immigrant parents living through poverty and abuse, he knows all too well the challenges of overcoming obstacles to transform generational legacies of poverty, crime, and violence.

I had the great pleasure of meeting him earlier this year at a mentoring night for Defy Ventures, an organization that teaches entrepreneurship to men and women with criminal histories to help "transform their hustle." (Find a volunteer opportunity near you here!) Jason's radiance, joy and contagious positive energy blew me away. And then I heard his powerful comeback story and knew I had to share it with all of you. But first, a little context about what brought me to that mentoring night . . .

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/98

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97: Conscious Business, Superconscious Capitalism, and The Meaning Revolution with Fred Kofman: a Teacher Who Changed My Life Without Knowing It

Wed, 02 May 2018 17:00:00 -0000

Although it wouldn't be like him to take much (if any) credit, Fred Kofman changed the trajectory of my life. This week I got the privilege of thanking him, live on the Pivot Podcast.

A little backstory: In 2006, while working at Google on the training team under Sheryl Sandberg’s Online Sales & Operations organization, I was fortunate to participate in a three-day immersion called Conscious Business, based on a book by visionary leader, teacher, and thinker Fred Kofman.

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/97

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96: The Million-Dollar, One-Person Business with Elaine Pofeldt

Sun, 22 Apr 2018 12:00:00 -0000

I have always been curious about solopreneurs who choose to stay small, like me. Seven years into running my own business, I still deliberately choose not to scale in a way that requires hiring any full-time employees or buy too much added infrastructure, to support two of my biggest business values of freedom and agility.

But that doesn't mean that I exclude higher earnings as a necessary byproduct. My business mantras: optimize for revenue and joy, look for ways to earn twice as much in half the time (with ease and with even greater impact), and let it be easy, let it be fun.

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/96

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95: Cultivate a Courage Habit with Kate Swoboda

Wed, 18 Apr 2018 02:48:00 -0000

Kate Swoboda believes that "courage can absolutely be cultivated,” just as we improve other skills with habit-building principles in mind. The problem is that sometimes we apply the cue-routine-reward to our fears instead. We get triggered, fall into familiar patterns, then gloss over it with a reward that's a pale replacement for what our heart really wants.

What's the alternative? Listen to this week's Pivot Podcast conversation to learn Kate's four-step process for avoiding common fear routine traps—perfectionist, saboteur, martyr, or pessimist—and building your courage muscles instead.

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/95

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94: Second Chance at Life After Kidney Donation with Keith McArthur

Sun, 15 Apr 2018 12:00:00 -0000

On a sunny, spring day in 2016 doctors told Keith McArthur his kidneys were about to fail. Over the next 12 months they continued to break down, no longer able to filter toxins. Poisons built up in his body and brain. He began to feel sick and tired and confused.

After a life-saving transplant from one of his sisters, and despite being a lifelong skeptic, Keith began "ingesting every self-help resource [he] could get [his] hands on." No longer convinced they were all "written by charlatans and mansplainers," he began a journey to discover how to truly live.

As he writes in his new book, 18 Steps to Own Your Life: Simple Powers for a Healthier, Happier You, “It’s not like I was unhappy before…but something was missing. Like most of us, I never really learned how to be human. No really. So, I made a decision to learn the skills I needed to finally own my life.”

In this conversation, we cover Keith's powerful story and insights about life before and after almost dying from kidney failure, lessons from raising a child with severe mental and physical disabilities, how he listens to his body's signals more after the operation, and what it means to "permit the pivot."

Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at PivotMethod.com/podcast/keith-mcarthur.

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93: Social Startup Success: How the Best Nonprofits Launch, Scale Up, and Make a Difference with Kathleen Kelly Janus

Sun, 08 Apr 2018 11:00:00 -0000

You all know how I love serendipity—well, this week's guest, Stanford professor and philanthropist Kathleen Kelly Janus, and I met in one of my favorite ways! Sitting next to each other on an airplane. Kathleen was traveling to New York City to meet with publishers to try to get a book deal, Pivot was about to come out, and I had known her agent Lisa DiMona for many years (she represented Seth Godin at the time I met him).

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/93

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92: Adulting to Win: Powerful Questions and Pivotal Plot Points with Paul Angone

Sun, 01 Apr 2018 13:00:00 -0000

What is fear keeping you from doing? Is it worth it? Are you afflicted with an additional form of OCD, Obsessive Comparison Disorder? What are the pivotal plot points of your story, the triumphs and the tragedies? What sacrifices are you willing to make to honor your soul values?

These are the powerful questions that my longtime friend Paul Angone asks and collects in his new book, 101 Questions You Need to Ask in Your Twenties. The book covers four categories that we also dive into on the podcast: adulting to win, careerish, relationshipping and finding your signature sauce. I love Paul's humility and humor, and I can't wait for you to see which of the questions we cover might just change your day, your week, or your life :)

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/92

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91: Divine Time Management — Putting Faith Forward in Business and Love with Elizabeth Grace Saunders

Sun, 25 Mar 2018 11:00:00 -0000

When my friend Elizabeth pivoted from time management author and coach to divine time management, her faith-based practice of "trusting God's loving plans for you," and with the release of her new book in November, I wanted to have her on the show. But I was nervous at the same time.

Is it okay to put faith forward in business? On the podcast? I'm not Christian—would that adversely affect the interview? Would it be divisive in any way for listeners? Our culture prides a separation of church and state, but what about spirituality and business?

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/91

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90: Inside the Mindset, Systems and Strategies of charity: water's Chief Operating Officer Lauren Letta

Sat, 17 Mar 2018 11:00:00 -0000

In Pivot I ask what your sliding doors career/s might be: in a parallel universe, if time, money and judgement from others were not a factor, what other career paths could you see yourself taking?

I play this game with friends even while going about life in New York, calling out alternate reality careers when I see them. For example, in one scenario I’m a book-color-coding consultant for wealthy people's personal libraries, traveling up and down Manhattan and beautifying their bookshelves.

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/90

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89: Turning Pain Into Purpose — Blind Adventurer Erik Weihenmayer on Kayaking the Grand Canyon, Climbing Everest and Building No Barriers

Wed, 14 Mar 2018 16:15:00 -0000

"My father had been like a broom, constantly sweeping me out into the world, and my mother was like the dustpan gathering up the shattered pieces and rebuilding me, only to have my father sweep me out again."—Eric Weihenmayer, No Barriers: A Blind Man’s Journey to Kayak the Grand Canyon

This week's guest, Erik Weihenmayer, needs no introduction beyond his incredible life story and mission, and I cannot wait for you to meet him. Erik is an adventurer, author, activist and motivational speaker, who has also become a celebrated and accomplished athlete despite losing his vision at the age of 13.

" 📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/89

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88: Artist Seth Price on Finding Freedom in Bad Ideas, Balancing Commerce and Creation in Business

Mon, 05 Mar 2018 21:09:00 -0000

“Ultimate freedom would mean having just enough money not to have to think about money, and not to have to work all the time.”—Artist Seth Price, F*ck Seth Price

*Language warning for this week's episode if you have kiddos around! Per the book title above :)*

I am so excited about this week's guest that I was at peak awkwardness during the interview, so please forgive a few choppy edits here and there! I normally don't edit "in line" for the Pivot pod to keep things as natural (and perfectly imperfect!) as possible, but in this case I cleaned up the recording for clarity and concision so that you could get the very best of Seth Price's brilliant mind and philosophy as a renowned multi-disciplinary visual artist.

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/88

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87: Penney Interviews Jenny—We Are Souls: On Past Lives, Alignment Practices, Conscious Creation and Non-Icky Marketing and Manifestation

Mon, 26 Feb 2018 15:30:00 -0000

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/87

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86: Grab Bag! Upcoming NYC Workshop, BookRx on Interviewing Tips, and the Upside of Awkwardness

Sat, 17 Feb 2018 13:00:00 -0000

If you're based in NYC or know someone who is, come to my workshop for reluctant writers on Saturday, February 24! Register at http://caveat.nyc/events and use promo code WRITENOW for $5 off.

Introducing BookRx! Submit Your Question for the Pivot Podcast

I read anywhere from 5-10 books a month, and probably to a fault, I'm the friend that is always throwing out book recs or "cures" for issues that friends are experiencing. In this week's Grab Bag episode I pilot a brand new feature that I've had in mind for a while, called BookRx. It's a listener-submission format where I suggest non-fiction book "prescriptions" for what ails you or what you're most curious about—and riff on the benefits of awkwardness.

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/86

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85: Musician Trevor Hall on Karma, Healing, Soul Maps From the Stars + Fruitful Darkness Song Premiere

Fri, 09 Feb 2018 14:00:00 -0000

"Mama well she told me time / is such a wonderful gift / You're not running out / You're really running in."—Lyrics to You Can't Rush Your Healing, by Trevor Hall

I am absolutely elated to bring you this week's guest—one of my favorite artists, singer/songwriter Trevor Hall. Trevor's divinely-guided music is infused with soul and spirit, and lifts me (and so many others) up who crave connection to meaningful lyrics and exquisite melodies.

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/85

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84: Former CIA Agent Michele Assad Returns: On Transforming Insecurities Into Intuition and Faith

Sat, 03 Feb 2018 17:31:00 -0000

"Though trepidation has haunted me every step of this journey, I have a trusted force that I cannot see."

—Michele Rigby Assad, Breaking Cover: My secret life in the CIA and what it taught me about what's worth fighting for

When faced with life-or-death situations on a daily basis, Michele Rigby Assad knew she had to turn to something greater than herself for support. Drawn toward international affairs as a child obsessed with reading National Geographic, she later spent 10 years working undercover in the CIA, interrogating terrorists while stationed in the most dangerous war zones across the Middle East.

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/84

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83: Pivot From Working in the Morgue to the Ministry with Former Forensic Pathologist Dr. Thomas Andrew

Sat, 27 Jan 2018 12:00:00 -0000

As soon as I saw this New York Times feature story, As Overdose Deaths Pile Up, a Medical Examiner Quits the Morgue, I knew I had to have Dr. Thomas Andrew on the show.

A shift from our typical author guest, Dr. Andrew is working on an incredible career pivot-in-progress. Upset by how many opioid deaths he observed after 20 years as a forensic pathologist (he performed over 5,800 autopsies in the morgue), Tom recently retired and is heading to divinity school so that he can counsel people in his community while they’re still alive.

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/83

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82: Hunch—How to Translate Intuition into Business Ideas with Bernadette Jiwa

Sat, 20 Jan 2018 12:00:00 -0000

"Anxiety over being more innovative leads entrepreneurs to create solutions instead of problems. But what if you could use your intuition to identify an existing problem that’s begging for a solution?”—Bernadette Jiwa, Hunch: Turn Your Everyday Insights Into The Next Big Thing

When Bernadette Jiwa’s little book that packs a big punch, Hunch, arrived in the mail, I immediately thought, “I wish I wrote that book!” But I’m thrilled that she did, because Bernadette’s beautiful heart shines through every page as she describes tools and stories to help you transform everyday insights into big ideas that make an impact.

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/82

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81: Create, Serve, Receive, Be Prosperous: Soulful Business with Jeffrey Shaw

Sat, 13 Jan 2018 12:00:00 -0000

"Prosperity is not something we achieve, it's something we receive."—Jeffrey Shaw, author of LINGO: Discover Your Ideal Customer’s Secret Language and Make Your Business Irresistible

I had such a blast talking with Jeffrey Shaw for this week’s episode. He has been running his own photography and coaching business for over 33 years, including a podcast called Creative Warriors to help heart-centered entrepreneurs create, serve and be prosperous. We talk about how Jeffrey went from overlooked to overbooked, how to find, connect and speak to your ideal customers, and the energetics of business—how to tune-in to your intuition to guide strategy and next steps.

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/81

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80: What Happens After You Pivot? (New Paperback Afterword)

Sat, 06 Jan 2018 12:00:00 -0000

What happens after you pivot? In today’s episode I’m sharing the afterword I wrote for the paperback edition of Pivot, that I recently recorded for the audiobook version. That’s right, Pivot is on Audible, read by yours truly in case you want me to read to you as you cook, commute, clean, etc!

In this short audiobook snippet episode, I share a little bit about the audiobook recording process, then dive in to two post-pivot stages that you might have missed if you read (or listened) to the first edition of the book: the pilot derby and surfing the void. I also share an approach that helps me better navigate both: Don’t-Know Mind, from the Korean Zen tradition.

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/80

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79: Set Your 2018 Pivot Strategy with Jenny Blake

Sat, 30 Dec 2017 12:00:00 -0000

To help you kick-off the new year in style and soul-aligned next steps, I’m back with my annual Set Your Pivot Strategy episode—new and improved with the best resources and reflection questions I’ve got.

I encourage you to get out a pen and paper for this one—yes, analog-style—and pause frequently to journal for as long as you’d like on each prompt. Go big! Go for quantity, not quality, and don’t censor yourself or worry yet about whether or not what you’re envisioning is possible—the time for that will come later. When you think you’re done writing, keep going! That just means you’ve gotten your most obvious ideas down. Pushing through the pauses is where you create breakthroughs, and every time you sit with a question you’ve never heard before, you are creating new neural pathways in the brain.

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/79

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78: How to Stop Feeling Like Sh*t — With Andrea Owen

Sat, 23 Dec 2017 12:00:00 -0000

"I stopped following, bypassing my inner critic, knowing full well the future of my total physical and mental health was not dependent on Ms. Bendy Six Pack Von Instagram."—Andrea Owen, How to Stop Feeling Like Sh*t

Although it seems like the holidays should be nothing but rosy and bright, filled with gratitude and good cheer, sometimes being back in our home of origin (with family, longtime friends, and/or in-laws) can send us into a personal growth regression machine. In past years I’ve caught myself reverting to my worst habits—whether it’s using the tone of voice of a high-schooler, layering on guilt for not being my best self, or not taking care of myself in the ways I know that I need in order to recharge and stay sane amidst the extraversion and people-immersion this time of year.

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/78

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77: 21+ Travel Tips, Tools and Apps — with Jenny Blake

Sat, 16 Dec 2017 12:00:00 -0000

As you board planes, trains and automobiles to head home (or adventuring) over the holidays, I'm sharing 21+ of my best travel tips, apps and tools—everything from preparing to booking to packing, to travel day and routines on the road.

Keynote speaking is one of my favorite ways to earn a living, and this year I took about 30 trips, or one every other week. In today’s episode I share the strategies, routines, apps, and products that keep me relatively healthy, happy and sane while traveling, and that help me recharge when my batteries are running low but I’m away from home.

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/77

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76: On Plan Z, Creative Finish Lines and the Graceful No—with Alexandra Franzen

Sat, 09 Dec 2017 12:00:00 -0000

"Please remember that every person you love and admire—every author, every artist, every business owner, every luminary who seems to 'have it all together'—just remember that their story is filled with hundreds of awkward firsts, too."

—Alexandra Franzen

It was love at first read when I encountered Alexandra Franzen online, and it has been ever since. She's a delightful, talented, prolific writer and thinker who seems to always write just what I need to hear. I love how Alex has pivoted her business over the years, and she's someone I love looking toward for inspiration and insight.

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/76

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75: Become a Trend Curator + Non-Obvious Trends for 2018 with Rohit Bhargava

Sat, 02 Dec 2017 10:12:00 -0000

"The secret to predicting the future is to get better at understanding the present."—Rohit Bhargava, Non-Obvious 2018 Edition: How to Predict Trends and Win the Future

I've always been fascinated by futurists and trend spotters (turns out the latter is a myth). How do they see trends coming before the rest of us? What are they doing to sift through the noise to extrapolate a clear signal of where things are heading? Turns out, true to the Pivot Method, that the key to predicting the future lies right under our feet: we just need to get better at understanding how to spot ideas, capture them effectively, and sift through them.

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/75

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74: Soul Groups: Transparency in Relationships with Penney Peirce

Sat, 25 Nov 2017 12:00:00 -0000

“See yourself from the soul's point of view: flaws are just temporary mistakes of perception."—Penney Peirce, Transparency

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/74

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73: What's more important to you than perfection? With Jenny Blake

Sat, 18 Nov 2017 12:00:00 -0000

What is more important to you than perfection? This week's show is coming to you unpolished and unedited . . . to prove a point to myself and my inner perfectionist.

I realized it had been a while since I did a solo show (one where there’s no guest), just me riffing on a topic that’s on my mind. And why not? Because my perfectionism monster started running the show! I worried that if conditions weren’t perfect, if I didn’t have my fancy mic while on the road for speaking gigs, or a perfect content outline, that I’d be better off not doing one. Pfft! So for this 30-minute show I just awkwardly shared from the heart ways I push past perfection when it starts blocking my life and creative work.

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/73

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72: BREATHE. From Burned-Out Bodybuilder to Yin Strength Trainer with Anders Varner

Sat, 11 Nov 2017 12:00:00 -0000

"I was broken. Everything hurt. How could I know so much but constantly be in pain? I could go fast with the best, but I was a complete amateur at going slow."

—Anders Varner, founder of The Lower Back Fix

When Anders Varner reached out to me to share his story, I only got halfway through his about page when I knew it was an immediate YES! for a podcast conversation. Many of you know that one of my passions is exploring the intersection of mind, body and business—particularly how we make time to rest, recharge, and take care of ourselves during intense career-building times so that we don't burn out, and can instead build sustainable careers (and bodies) we love.

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/72

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71: Finding Faith, Courage and Confidence as a Secret Agent—Michele Rigby Assad's Pivot from CIA to Author

Sat, 04 Nov 2017 11:00:00 -0000

"Was it hard to be a CIA officer with all of the challenges and change that entailed? Yes. Scary? Of course. But if I was going to fulfill my life mission, I had to conquer my instinctual tendency to freeze in place. Fear would get me nowhere. Faith, however, would take me to places I could never have imagined."

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/71

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70: Build a Referral Engine with John Jantsch

Sat, 28 Oct 2017 11:00:00 -0000

There a few classic books—and business concepts—that I declare must-reads for every solopreneur and side-hustler I work with, and The Referral Engine is one of them. Especially if you're someone who bristles at so much of the online marketing tactics out there like I do, referrals are one of the best ways to get new clients. There is already a foundation of trust established with the incoming client, and it means that you exceeded expectations enough for the referring client to authentically spread the word about your services. In this week's show, business master-thinker John Jantsch and I dive into exactly how to create delightful experiences and systems that will make referrals a key part of your business, not just a happy accident.

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/70

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69: Worrier's Guide to the End of the World with Torre DeRoche

Sat, 21 Oct 2017 11:00:00 -0000

Contrary to what she'd probably tell you herself, Torre DeRoche is one of the bravest people I know. When we first encountered each other online, she had just finished sailing the world for two years with her boyfriend at the time. Just the two of them . . . on the open seas . . . despite her deathly fear of sharks. I've been captivated by her story and her writing, under the moniker Fearful Adventurer, ever since, and I had the pleasure of meeting her in person for a meal in Chiang Mai when we crossed paths there in 2013.

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/69

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68: On the self-help taboo of staying inside your comfort zone with Andy Molinsky

Sat, 14 Oct 2017 12:00:00 -0000

As Andy Molinksy writes in Reach, chances are if you've ever been interested in the topic of personal growth as it relates to risk, you've heard tropes like "life begins at the end of your comfort zone" and have encountered this meme-of-all-memes:

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/68

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67: What Does Your Soul Know? Flow and Transparency with Penney Peirce

Sat, 07 Oct 2017 11:00:00 -0000

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/67

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66: Create Multiple Streams of Income with Dorie Clark

Sat, 30 Sep 2017 13:00:00 -0000

So you become known for your ideas: now what? Many entrepreneurs find out the hard way that being a recognized expert is still not enough to guarantee a healthy living. One of my best friendtors in New York City, Dorie Clark, returns to the show for the third time to complete our Pivot Podcast trilogy—a conversation about her brand new book, Entrepreneurial You: Monetize Your Expertise, Create Multiple Streams of Income and Thrive.

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/66

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65: Master Public Speaking and Performance with Michael Port

Sat, 23 Sep 2017 11:00:00 -0000

My guest today, Michael Port, has written six books, including one that changed my life: Book Yourself Solid, which I read in 2010 just before leaving Google to strategize how to launch my coaching practice. I have since recommended it to every coach I've ever mentored! Fun fact, Michael also guest starred in one of my favorite Sex and the City episode in his early acting days :)

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/65

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64: Only the Truth Sounds Like the Truth — with Former Starbucks President Howard Behar

Sat, 16 Sep 2017 13:00:00 -0000

My guest this week is a pivot pro who navigates life and work with heart and soul. Howard Behar is a renowned business leader, author, speaker, and mentor. Part of the leadership triumvirate that built the Starbucks brand, Behar is the ultimate “servant leader” who is known for his work ethic, values based leadership, mentorship, and such memorable lessons as “The Person Who Sweeps the Floor Should Choose the Broom” and “Only the Truth Sounds Like the Truth.”

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/64

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63: Artist as CEO with Jenny Blake, Michel Karsouny & Kerri Lowe

Sat, 09 Sep 2017 14:00:00 -0000

Hi friends, long time no talk! I am super excited to be gearing up the Pivot Podcast again with a special episode on Artist as CEO, featuring my guy, Michel Karsouny. Michel and I met over a year ago walking in opposite directions down a New York City sidewalk — how's that for the magic of serendipity?!

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/63

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62: Real Artists Don't Starve with Jeff Goins

Sun, 04 Jun 2017 10:30:00 -0000

Is it possible to do creative work and make a living? What does it take to thrive, not just survive?

This week I'm thrilled to chat with bestselling author, keynote speaker, and popular blogger Jeff Goins. Listen on as we bust myths behind the starving and solo artist, discuss the return to creative patronage (and how you can become your own best patron), why "exposure gigs" are out and charging for your work is in, and striking the balance between exploring a variety of interests while focusing enough so see meaningful projects through.

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/62

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61: Virtual Freedom: Overcome Superhero Syndrome and Start Outsourcing with Chris Ducker

Sat, 20 May 2017 16:54:00 -0000

When it comes to growing and scaling a business, the very superhero skills that facilitate your success may also one day become your biggest weakness. How can it be that you—the entrepreneur—might be the very person holding yourself back in the quest to move from employee-at-everyone-else's-whims to strategic business owner building a scalable operation?

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/61

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60: How Emotionally Agile Are You? Strategies for Setbacks with Susan David

Sun, 14 May 2017 15:00:00 -0000

There's good news about bad moods—contrary to what it may seem in the moment, they can actually facilitate more creative, out-of-the-box thinking than when we're sailing along on autopilot during happier times, according to researcher Susan David. This is just one of the tidbits that leaped off the page for me from her acclaimed #1 Wall Street Journal best selling book, Emotional Agility: Get Unstuck, Embrace Change, and Thrive in Work and Life (a close cousin to Pivot in content and launch date—they share the same book birthday!).

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/60

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59: Captivate: Secrets from Viral TED Talks with Vanessa Van Edwards

Sat, 29 Apr 2017 11:30:00 -0000

What makes a person captivating? How can some instantly connect with an audience, while others fall flat?

This week I'm thrilled to have one of my kindred spirits on the podcast with me. Vanessa Van Edwards is a professional people watcher, self-described "recovering awkward person," and author of the new book Captivate: The Science of Succeeding with People.

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/59

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58: Monetize Your Ideas with Dorie Clark

Sun, 26 Feb 2017 18:03:00 -0000

What's the secret to becoming a recognized expert? Once you are well-known in your field, how do you monetize those ideas (without being sleazy) to build a successful business?

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/58

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57: What's a Silent Meditation Retreat Like? Sweet Sound of Silence (Part 2)

Sat, 04 Feb 2017 15:40:00 -0000

Silent meditation retreats always intimidated me. What would it be like? Would I get bored? Antsy beyond belief? So uncomfortable I can't stand it anymore? Could I handle something like that? Do I even want to try?

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/57

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56: Perfection Detox with Petra Kolber

Sun, 15 Jan 2017 12:00:00 -0000

Petra Kolber radiates. When she walks into a room, it lights all the way up with her positivity, passion for life and joie de vivre.

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/56

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55: Rebirth: On Fear, Flow, Love and Magic with Kamal Ravikant

Sun, 08 Jan 2017 15:00:00 -0000

What lies on the other side of our fear? According to Kamal Ravikant, magic. "That's the promise of the heart," he writes in an early chapter of his wonderful new book, Rebirth: A Fable of Love, Forgiveness, and Following Your Heart. This is one of my all-time favorite Pivot Podcast conversations: Kamal inspires courage in vulnerability, living with an open heart, and road-tested practices on loving yourself and living your truth. Every moment of talking with him was a delight, and I hope you enjoy this week's conversation on life's biggest topics as much as I did!

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/55

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54: Plan Your 2017 Pivot

Sun, 01 Jan 2017 11:00:00 -0000

HAPPY NEW YEAR!! I'm grateful every day to all of you for being here listening—it's an honor to be walking our pivot paths together. I'm on Day 2 of my first five day silent meditation retreat, but didn't want to leave you hanging! Today I'm sharing the latest Q&A call recording for Momentum, my private community for side-hustlers and solopreneurs, to help you plan your 2017 pivot and set "soul goals" and intentions for the new year.

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/54

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53: The Sweet Sound of Silence (Part 1)

Thu, 29 Dec 2016 14:00:00 -0000

Tomorrow I head out for my first 5-day silent meditation retreat . . . I have no clue what to expect! The idea of doing something like this used to terrify me, even just 24 hours of silence seemed almost impossible. Now, especially after all the book marketing commotion, I am absolutely craving it.

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/53

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52: Martha Beck on Enlightenment and Messages our Bodies Send

Sun, 04 Dec 2016 12:00:00 -0000

This week we tackle a tiny little topic—enlightenment—with one of my all-time favorite authors and thinkers, Martha Beck. I have read all eight of Martha's books (two or three times each) as they helped me through some of my biggest transitions in life and work.

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/52

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51: Die Empty — With Todd Henry

Sun, 20 Nov 2016 13:00:00 -0000

Many people want to avoid thinking about death, let alone talking about it—not to mention writing a book with "die" in the title. Not Todd Henry. True to the concept of memento mori, reflecting on death to be more present and grateful in life, Todd believes contemplating death helps us fully explore and realize our creative gifts. I absolutely loved this conversation and Todd's thoughts on how to "die empty" without feeling pressure to do it all; how to minimize minutiae and pursue great work while also riding out natural dips in creativity, transition, or clarity.

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/51

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50: Post-Election Pivot Point: Find Order in Chaos

Sun, 13 Nov 2016 17:25:00 -0000

What an epic pivot point for our country with this presidential election. Wild week for all involved, as half the country celebrates with relief and the other half navigates its grief.

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/50

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49: The (He)art of Book Publishing Excerpt: Land a Traditional Publishing Deal — Q&A with My Editor at Portfolio/Penguin Random House

Sun, 06 Nov 2016 16:06:00 -0000

1 in 3 people say they want to write a book someday. Are you one of them? As Michael Larsen puts it, it's no longer a question of if you can publish a book, but when and how. This week's podcast, an excerpt from my 5-Day The (He)art of Book Publishing, dives into the how of getting a book deal with a traditional publisher. (Pardon the brief echoey-ness at points!)

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/49

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48: Life is Not Scalable: On Ditching Tired Business Rules with Scott Stratten

Sun, 23 Oct 2016 10:30:00 -0000

How do you eliminate competition? According to Scott Stratten, who earns $1 million per year in speaking fees, the answer is simple: ignore it. Be yourself, and there is no competition.

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/48

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47: Live Fiercely, Study Deeply . . . While Earning a Living — with Jonathan Fields

Sun, 16 Oct 2016 10:00:00 -0000

Jonathan Fields' mission is to "live fiercely and study deeply." How does he do that while earning a living? That's what we unpack in this week's episode. According to Jonathan, "There are only two ways to earn a living: you're either solving a problem or delivering a delight. If you're lucky and creative, you do both simultaneously."

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/47

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46: What's Your Pivot Profile? Unpacking Pivotability with Dr. Tom Guarriello

Mon, 10 Oct 2016 16:53:00 -0000

What do the most agile pivoters have in common? That's what I unpack in this week's episode with Professor Tom Guariello, founder of RoboPsych and my co-pilot in creating the Pivotability Index self-assessment.

Researches often cite the "Big Five" personality traits: openness to experience, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism (often listed under the acronyms OCEAN or CANOE). But in today's environment, we must all develop ourselves on a sixth dimension: pivotability, or the capacity to weather change, particularly when it comes to our careers.

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45: Post-Launch Pivot Point + Visit From the Furry Rest Monster

Sun, 02 Oct 2016 16:00:00 -0000

What happens just after you pivot? Can you sit at the edge of uncertainty—and its ensuing discomfort—and not try to fix it? After two very exciting weeks launching PIVOT, I returned home from a mini book tour and immediately got sucked into The Void.

Although I knew it would come (I even blocked the entire last week off so that I had no meetings), and although I maintained all my mind-body practices leading up to the launch, the Furry Rest Monster still conspired with my couch to swallow me whole for a week. One morning I meditated for 20-minutes—sitting upright, yay!—then immediately tipped over on my couch to go back to sleep. Checking email was too much to handle. I skipped a week on the podcast, and on sending my #PIVOTlist newsletter.

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/45

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46: Smartcuts: The Breakthrough Power of Lateral Thinking with Shane Snow

Thu, 15 Sep 2016 10:00:00 -0000

How do hackers, innovators and icons accelerate success? Find out in this week's episode with one of my favorite authors, Shane Snow.

I loved Smartcuts so much when I first picked it up that I would walk down the streets of New York holding the hardcover version so I could continue reading while walking. Move over annoying texting-while-walking pedestrians! I brought distracted strolling to a whole new level. Now that's a true testament to how hard this book was to put back down once I picked it up, and it's now out on paperback for your reading pleasure!

📝 Check out full show notes and links from this episode and share it with a friend! http://itsfreetime.com/episodes/46

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45: Happy Launch Day!! Pivot for the Podcast: James Altucher Interviews Jenny

Tue, 06 Sep 2016 10:00:00 -0000

One of my favorite authors, bloggers and friends—James Altucher, author of Choose Yourself and the Choose Yourself Guide to Wealth—takes over the Pivot Podcast this week to interview yours truly. I couldn't imagine a better way to celebrate the book launch—be sure to grab your copy wherever books are sold!!

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/45

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44: Want Nothing, Have Everything: The Happiness Equation with Neil Pasricha

Thu, 01 Sep 2016 10:00:00 -0000

Neil Pasricha's writing is like a cup of hot chocolate, or as he would describe it in Awesome Thing #119, like watching butter melt on a hot piece of toast. It is comforting and delightful. His latest book is about what he learned along his own roller coaster ride of reaching smashing success with his 1,000 Awesome Things blog and books, then realizing he still wasn't happy. We break down topics like The Saturday Morning Test, the three time buckets, and many more. Enjoy!

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/44

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43: Humans are Underrated with Geoff Colvin

Sun, 28 Aug 2016 10:00:00 -0000

What can people do that computers never will? According to Geoff Colvin, that's the wrong question. It is futile to ask what computers will never be able to do, since they are accomplishing new, previously unthinkable feats at an astonishing rate. Instead, we must ask what it is that humans will insist continue to be performed by other humans?

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/43

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42: Are You High Net Growth?

Sun, 21 Aug 2016 10:00:00 -0000

The final countdown is on! PIVOT: The Only Move That Matters Is Your Next One launches in two weeks . . . !!! Today's episode is an excerpt from one of my favorite chapters, High Net Growth. I give an overview of career operating modes, how to assess your risk threshold, and share my pivot story of leaving Google, then resuscitating my business when I almost "blew up" two years later. You can download this as a PDF here.

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/42

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41: The Progress Paradox with Gregg Easterbrook

Sun, 14 Aug 2016 13:00:00 -0000

According to Gregg Easterbrook, "The men and women at middle-class standards or above in the United States and European Union now live better than 99.4 percent of the human beings who have ever existed," including most of the royalty of history. And yet, we are no happier. How can this be?

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/41

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40: The Upside of Stress with Kelly McGonigal

Tue, 09 Aug 2016 09:00:00 -0000

Have you fallen into the trap of thinking that all stress is toxic? If so, you may be unknowingly compounding the effects of it on your body and mind—or at least missing out on some of the benefits and insights stress has to offer. Kelly McGonigal, a pioneer in the field of "science help" and one of my favorite authors, debunks a number of stress myths in the episode. I hope you enjoy the conversation as much as I did!

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/40

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39: Unmistakable: Why Only is Better Than Best with Srinivas Rao

Sun, 31 Jul 2016 21:35:00 -0000

This week’s guest, long-time blog friend Srini Rao, raises the bar on creativity. Don’t just create art, he says, strive for unmistakable art—output so unique it doesn’t even require a signature, and by nature eliminates all competition. It is yours and yours alone. And of course, achieving this is not a simple, straightforward feat. Check out this week’s episode on what Srini has learned from his own lowest moments, and from interviewing over 600 guests for his Unmistakable Creative podcast over the last six years.

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38: Behind the Book: Pre-Launch Rollercoaster Climb

Sun, 24 Jul 2016 21:33:00 -0000

A week after I returned home from the safari, I fell into a bit of a bliss crash (as my dad would call it). The trip was so exciting and rejuvenating, and on my way home I realized: my book is launching in TWO MONTHS. Two months!

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/38

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37: Surge: How to Spot and Ride Trend Waves

Sun, 17 Jul 2016 21:41:00 -0000

I always have a blast talking with Mike Michalowicz—Mike is the author of several business books, one of which—Profit First—completely changed how I handle my expenses and banking. But alas, today we’re talking about his latest book, Surge, on how entrepreneurs can make their own luck by learning to spot trend waves and ride them effectively, and when to “dump” a wave as it’s about to crash upon the shore.

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/37

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36: Kevin Kelly on Techno Literacy, Systems Thinking, Artificial Intelligence and Virtual Reality

Sun, 10 Jul 2016 22:13:00 -0000

I almost fainted when today’s guest, Kevin Kelly, said yes to be on the Pivot Podcast. Kind, brilliant and the king of techno-literacy, Kevin is one of the great technologists, futurists, and thinkers of our time. We talk about how to get better at systems thinking, become more techno-literate in an ever-changing environment that fosters a constant “newbie state,” artificial intelligence, centaurs and robot whispering, virtual and augmented reality, why now is the best possible time to start a company, and much much more. I could listen to Kevin talk all day, but alas! Today’s episode is a digestable power-packed 50 minutes.

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/36

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35: Ego is the Enemy with Ryan Holiday

Sun, 03 Jul 2016 22:17:00 -0000

What happens when you reach previously unimaginable pinnacles of success . . . and still find yourself miserable? I’m stoked to bring you today’s Pivot Podcast with Ryan Holiday—marketing master, studier of Stoic philosophy, and author of several bestselling books. His first, Trust Me, I’m Lying—which the Financial Times called an “astonishing, disturbing book”—was a debut bestseller. His next books, Growth Hacker Marketing and The Obstacle is the Way were both published by Penguin/Portfolio, and his latest, Ego is the Enemy launches in two weeks! Fun fact: he has the last two book titles tattooed on each arm.

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/35

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34: Perception: Navigating Our Non-Linear Universe with Penney Peirce

Sun, 05 Jun 2016 22:20:00 -0000

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/34

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33: Find Your Breakthrough Idea and Build a Following with Dorie Clark

Sun, 29 May 2016 22:24:00 -0000

Today I’m thrilled to share an interview with my good friend and business author doppelgänger, Dorie Clark. I interviewed Dorie while writing Pivot on the big ideas from her book Stand Out: How to Find Your Breakthrough Idea and Build a Following Around It. When we’re not scrounging up interesting New York activities to try, we both love thinking about how to reinvent careers and the best way to develop and share ideas that make a difference in others’ lives.

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/33

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32: How Meditation Re-Wired My Brain + 5 Tips for Making the Habit Stick

Sun, 22 May 2016 22:26:00 -0000

Meditation has re-wired my brain. I don’t walk on clouds every day, but I do feel like a new person three years in to maintaining a daily practice (and 120 days in to a consecutive streak). I know, I know. One shouldn’t promote meditation as a miracle cure. But if you have an active mind, one that veers toward anxiety and stress like me, take a listen to this week’s Pivot Podcast.

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/32

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31: Illuminate - How to Lead a Movement with Nancy Duarte

Sun, 15 May 2016 22:29:00 -0000

What are the key ingredients to leading a movement? How do you motivate fellow travelers to traverse the change process, within themselves and within your organization or community, even when all they want to do is quit? What happens when you hit a natural plateau in the growth cycle? These are the topics I explore in today’s show with Nancy Duarte, master of systems thinking, speech writing, and the subject of her latest book, Illuminate: How to Ignite Change Through Speeches, Stories, Ceremonies, and Symbols.

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/31

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30: Dreams: A Guide to 24-Hour Consciousness with Penney Peirce

Sun, 08 May 2016 22:31:00 -0000

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29: Deep Work: Ditch Cognitive Junk Food with Cal Newport

Sun, 24 Apr 2016 22:33:00 -0000

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/29

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28: Tradeoffs: 5 Things I Was Terrible At While Writing Pivot

Sun, 17 Apr 2016 22:36:00 -0000

All big projects require trade-offs. Scratch that, all big life choices do. What trade-offs are you making right now? What are your non-negotiables while working on a soul goal? What are you willing to let slide a bit in exchange for intense focus?

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/28

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27: Intuition and Frequency with Penney Peirce

Sun, 10 Apr 2016 22:40:00 -0000

Intuition is an innate gift, one available to all of us, and a skill—a muscle that you can build with practice and attention. I am thrilled to bring you today’s podcast, an interview with intuition expert Penney Peirce, whose books have had an enormous impact on my life. Reading The Intuitive Way kicked off two years of coincidence tracking, intuition studying, and surrendering to serendipity—and completely transformed the way I go about my day-to-day life. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did, and stay tuned: we’ll be doing a follow-up on dream interpretation in a future episode!

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/27

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26: Tame the Advice Monster with Michael Bungay Stanier

Sun, 03 Apr 2016 22:44:00 -0000

We have all had the experience of sharing something that’s on our mind with a friend, family member, partner, or co-worker — then bristling in frustration or quiet defeat as they jump straight into trying to solve our problem with their brilliant advice.

What’s the alternative? Curiosity and a few simple coaching questions. That what I dig into on today’s Pivot Podcast with Michael Bungay Stanier, whose new book The Coaching Habit: Say Less, Ask More & Change the Way You Lead Forever launches today! Not just for managers and coaches, today’s conversation will help all of us become better black-belt listeners. Written as a haiku, Michael’s message is:

Tell less and ask more.Your advice is not as goodAs you think it is.

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25: Opt Out: Say No to the Good So You Can Say Yes to the Great

Sun, 27 Mar 2016 22:46:00 -0000

Why is it so challenging to say no to something good even when we know we have outgrown it? The devil you know is better than the devil you don’t. We often accept “the devil we know” for longer than we should out of fear. Hey, at least there is some security and safety in our current devil. Who knows what lurks on the other side! And what if we can’t find a better one? What if we regret our choice to leave this devil behind? What if we are being too picky in the first place? Is the grass greener on the other side or not?!

These are the topics I explore on today’s Pivot Podcast. The precursor to every pivot is saying no to something. It could be a job, a relationship, a city, religion, social norms, habits, or even a perspective that is no longer serving you. We know that to keep our email inboxes clean we have to opt out when messages no longer resonate—but how do we do the same in major life moments?

Check out the show notes at www.pivotmethod.com/podcast/opt-out

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24: Behind the Business: How Long Does it Take to Write a Book?

Sun, 21 Feb 2016 05:15:00 -0000

I can hardly believe it, but the Pivot manuscript is DONE! D-O-N-E, done. It didn’t sink in until after I reviewed the copy edit and made my most recent round of changes. After I turned it in, my editor told me I wouldn’t be touching the Word file again. Huh?! Are you sure you don’t need me to take just oooooone more look? Says the perfectionist afraid to let go. Nope.

The next (and final) time I get to review the book, it will be printed on 11×17 pages for hand edits before the advance copies get printed, also known as galleys.

The relief started to sink in slowly, over several days, when I realized that for three years this project had taken up residence in a very large portion of my brain. Only when it was out of my consciousness did I realize how all-consuming it had been, churning in my sleep, my waking hours, my walks, and my showers.

Check out full show notes and links from this episode and share it with a friend! http://itsfreetime.com/episodes/24

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23: Happiness for People Who Can't Stand Positive Thinking with Oliver Burkeman

Sun, 31 Jan 2016 23:39:00 -0000

“The effort to try to feel happy is often precisely the thing that makes us miserable. It is our constant efforts to eliminate the negative — insecurity, uncertainty, failure, or sadness — that causes us to feel so insecure, anxious, uncertain, or unhappy.”—Oliver Burkeman, The Antidote

I read Oliver Burkeman’s The Antidote a few years after it came out, and it quickly ascended to the top of my all-time favorite books list. At one point during the most intense part of my tumultuous pivot year, I gave up on trying to be happy and focused on equanimity instead. Ah, the sweet relief! I no longer felt the self-imposed pressure to meet some benchmark of bliss every day, and instead surrendered into how I was really feeling: sad, confused, and tired.

📝 Check out full show notes and links from this episode and share it with a friend! http://itsfreetime.com/episodes/23

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22: Success on Your Own Terms with Derek Sivers

Sun, 17 Jan 2016 23:48:00 -0000

“To have something (a finished recording, a business, or millions of dollars) is the means, not the end. To be something (a good singer, a skilled entrepreneur, or just plain happy) is the real point. When you sign up to run a marathon, you don’t want a taxi to take you to the finish line.”—Derek Sivers, Ask Me Anything

My dad started a band called Mr. Gasoline that he ran for 25 years, and recalls uploading his Mr. Gasoline albums to CD Baby “back when Derek was still sleeping on a couch in the office.” I smiled when I heard that story—Derek’s dedication and humility are two of the traits I most admire about him, and what compelled me to follow his work more closely and start my own /now page.

In his recently released book, Anything You Want, he shares the story and mindset behind the rise of his smashingly successful CD Baby venture, and the tough years leading up to his exit. What first attracted me to Derek was not that he built a $22 million business—but that when he sold the company, he gave all the proceeds to a charitable trust. Who does that? Someone who defines success on their own terms.

📝 Check out full show notes and links from this episode and share it with a friend! http://itsfreetime.com/episodes/22

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21: Reinvent Yourself with James Altucher

Fri, 01 Jan 2016 23:50:00 -0000

Happy New Year Everyone!! Greetings from Tulum, Mexico where I’m taking a (solo) week of R&R with yoga, reading, and hanging out by the ocean. Gotta get myself prepped to head back to snowy NYC!

I am also celebrating (and decompressing from!) ten years of running Life After College, and turning in the final draft of Pivot mid-December. After 14+ months of working on the manuscript, we are now moving on to a final copy edit and page layout this month. Read more and get my latest book and tool recommendations in my twice monthly behind-the-business newsletter.

📝 Check out full show notes and links from this episode and share it with a friend! http://itsfreetime.com/episodes/21

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20: Set Your 2016 Strategy

Mon, 21 Dec 2015 05:19:00 -0000

It’s the final countdown! Time to wrap-up the final days of 2015 then dream-and-scheme for what’s to come. I don’t set New Years Resolutions, but I do choose a theme for the year, do fun mind-mapping exercises, set quarterly targets, and hold myself accountable with mastermind groups.

In today’s final Pivot Podcast of the year, I share practical tips to help you set a 2016 strategy by doubling-down on what’s working, and setting up small experiments to test what’s next. AKA, the Pivot Method!

A quick favor: I can’t believe this is episode 15 already! If you have gotten value from the episodes so far, I would be very grateful for a rating and/or review in these early days of getting it off the ground. Thank you in advance! One of my top goals in 2016 is to continue bringing you awesome content, experts and ideas.

📝 Check out full show notes and links from this episode and share it with a friend! http://itsfreetime.com/episodes/20

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19: Vertigo

Sun, 13 Dec 2015 05:23:00 -0000

I woke up and the room was spinning clockwise.

Am I wasted? No . . . I haven’t had a sip of alcohol in weeks. Is this some kind of immaculately conceived hangover?

After an hour of laying in bed hoping it would pass, I stood up and stumbled. Grabbed for a nearby wall to prop me up. I felt nauseous.

Do I have food poisoning? No . . . I haven’t eaten anything different this week, or any typical poisoning potential foods.

Maybe I just need something to eat . . . a bagel. That will soak up these symptoms.

It was hard to get dressed, I felt so nauseous, but I had no food in the house.

I walked down the street, into a local cafe. Every step was a challenge. If a cop pulled me over for walking under the influence, I would not have passed his straight line test.

I ordered my bagel. I don’t think I can even make it through this transaction . . . Before I could pay, I ran outside to throw up.

Thank goodness for New York City and its trash cans on every corner. I crouched nearby the trash can for a few more minutes just in case. Two very friendly delivery guys got out of their truck and brought me a cup of water.

📝 Check out full show notes and links from this episode and share it with a friend! http://itsfreetime.com/episodes/19

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18: How to Become a Robot Whisperer with Dr. Tom Guarriello

Sun, 06 Dec 2015 05:28:00 -0000

Get your geek on! This week’s Pivot Podcast is all about robots, artificial intelligence, and automation. How can we become more agile in an economy that is increasingly transformed by these areas? What skills and mindset will best position us for success in the future? How can you become a “robot whisperer” like today’s guest, professor Tom Guarriello? I could talk with Tom about all this for hours, but we contained ourself (for now!) in keeping this week’s episode to one jam-packed 60-minute conversation.

Tom Guarriello has a Ph.D. in psychology and have spent most of his career helping individuals and organizations to improve the quality of their lives and relationships. Fifteen years ago, he co-founded a consulting firm called TrueTalk, Inc., and in 2009, he became a Founding Faculty member in the Master’s in Branding program at New York City’s School of Visual Arts. Over the past few years, he became fascinated with the ways in which modern technologies, especially robots, were changing the psychological landscape, leading him to create a new platform and field of study called RoboPsych.

📝 Check out full show notes from this episode with links to resources mentioned at http://pivotmethod.com/16

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17: On Creative Sabbaticals and Social Media Fatigue

Sun, 06 Dec 2015 05:25:00 -0000

Don’t bite the hand that feeds you. That’s the gremlin I hear behind the slight nerves I feel about sharing today’s conversation with my good friend Nicole Antoinette.

As we both hit eight years of blogging this year (ten since I started Life After College), we decided to take an honest look at the social media fatigue that sometimes washes over a life lived online.

These periods of being public versus private ebb and flow, just as any creative journey will. While blogging and social media are mediums we credit for countless blessings in our lives (including our friendship!), we also wanted to share openly and honestly about the pressure to write, blog, tweet, insta—you name it—regularly, for . . . well, who knows how long?

I hope you enjoy today’s episode, and I look forward to hearing how you set yourself up for long-term success and sustainability around these topics in the comments!

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16: Stacy Sims on Somatics — Why How You Sit Might Cause Stress

Sun, 29 Nov 2015 05:31:00 -0000

Did you know that just the way you sit might be causing anxiety? Or that by straightening your spine and scanning the horizon you can calm your central nervous system, just as deer in the savannah do?

Stacy Sims, founder of True Body Project, is an expert on somatics, or how our physical and psychological bodies relate to one another. I had the great fortune of stumbling across her workshop in Bali when we were both there in 2013, and we have kept in touch since.

📝 Check out full show notes and links from this episode and share it with a friend! http://itsfreetime.com/episodes/16

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15: Special, Not Special — How to Work Your Way Out of a Dip

Sat, 21 Nov 2015 07:33:00 -0000

“The explorer is the person who is lost.”—Tim Cahill

I rode the high of hitting my 50,000-words-in-a-month NaNoBlogMo goal for exactly one day last week.

For one day I was over the moon! I did it! I wrote almost every morning for one month, and came out with 50,000 words by the end of November. It was like running a mental marathon! Combined with my October practice of trying to write for 30 minutes each day, I had amassed 100,000 words of a book draft. For those who aren’t word nerds, that’s about 350 pages double-spaced. Definitely cause for celebration!

📝 Check out full show notes and links from this episode and share it with a friend! http://itsfreetime.com/episodes/15

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14: Systems, Hacks and Shortcuts for Solopreneurs

Sun, 08 Nov 2015 05:33:00 -0000

Happy November! As I shared in my latest JB.me behind-the-business update, Pivot for Pivot, we have postponed the book launch from March to next September. My initial resistance turned to great relief as I realized I could actually enjoy some time off over the holidays! Read the behind-the-scenes recap for the biggest mindset mistake this move highlighted, and how I corrected course.

While my editor Natalie reviews the latest draft, I spent the month of October furiously studying podcasting and audio editing. I am getting ready to take the Pivot Podcast “pro” by getting it on iTunes . . . with fancy intro and outro music and all that jazz. I am very close! In the meantime, check out the 9 existing episodes on SoundCloud.

📝 Check out full show notes and links from this episode and share it with a friend! http://itsfreetime.com/episodes/14

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13: Upside of Being Invisible with David Zweig

Sun, 01 Nov 2015 07:18:00 -0000

“These days we are expected to live our lives at the same time we brand the shit out of it,” my friend Stacy said to me last year. That sentiment stuck with me, and I haven’t been able to get it out of my head since.

Selfies, Snapshat, blog posts, Periscope, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter—when do we get a break to simply live our lives and do the work?

It can be a tough tradeoff to make—particularly to those of us who have chosen more public-facing careers—toil behind the scenes and risk obscurity, or obligingly participate in Social Everything to build our platforms?

It was hard enough for me to deal with daily life during the roughest moments of my 2013 pivot, let alone think about what to blog about during that time.

📝 Check out full show notes and links from this episode and share it with a friend! http://itsfreetime.com/episodes/13

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12: Belly of the Pivot Beast: On Bouncing Back from Zero with Adam Chaloeicheep

Sun, 25 Oct 2015 06:20:00 -0000

When is it time to wipe the slate clean and start over when you hit a breaking point in your career?

How can travel play a role in the reflection process?
How do you bounce back from zero when you have wiped out your savings?
What makes graduate school worth the time, energy and money?
How do you build a business, even when you don’t love the initial work that is coming in?
How can you embrace fear, uncertainty and failure?

Today’s episode features one of my closest friends, Adam Chaloiecheep, brand strategist and founder of ABC Design Lab. I hope you enjoy the interview as much as I did!

📝 Check out full show notes and links from this episode and share it with a friend! http://itsfreetime.com/episodes/12

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11: How to Optimize for Revenue and Joy

Sun, 18 Oct 2015 06:25:00 -0000

How often do you come down with a Case of the Mondays? It can be a strange feeling to avoid your to-do list on a big project when you run your own business or side hustle: if you are the one calling the shots on schedule and strategy, shouldn’t it be energizing much more often than not?

However, for one reason or another, we often let fear and shoulds take-over (myself included) and suddenly find ourselves at a fork-in-the-road with projects we care deeply about.

📝 Check out full show notes and links from this episode and share it with a friend! http://itsfreetime.com/episodes/11

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10: Behind the Book: Organizing, Writing and Gremlin-Taming

Sun, 11 Oct 2015 06:31:00 -0000

HUGE thanks to everyone for all of the wonderful emails, tweets and comments about last week’s announcement for The Pivot Method. I think my emoticon-loving heart might explode from seeing so many exclamation marks in one week! As promised, I’ve recorded two very scrappy “podcast” calls for those who submitted questions.

📝 Check out full show notes and links from this episode and share it with a friend! http://itsfreetime.com/episodes/10

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9: Big News . . . We Have a Book Deal!! Behind the Proposal Process

Fri, 09 Oct 2015 06:29:00 -0000

Yes, we—there is no way this would be possible without you here reading, and for that I am grateful beyond words.

The Pivot Method will be published in hardcover by Portfolio/Penguin in early 2016, one of the top business and career imprints, and I could not be more thrilled! Their vision for the book blew me away, and I feel very lucky to be in such great hands over this next leg of the JB journey.

📝 Check out full show notes and links from this episode and share it with a friend! http://itsfreetime.com/episodes/9

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8: Cyber Security for Dummies: The Least You Need to Know with Willie Jackson

Sun, 04 Oct 2015 06:35:00 -0000

Cyber crimes are increasing at a staggeringly multi-exponential rate. Ignorance about our devices and online security is no longer acceptable; cyber crimes affect over 1.5 million victims per day. That’s 18 victims per second, 556 million victims per year, and over 600,000 compromised Facebook accounts per day. [Source] The recent Sony hack was so sophisticated the FBI says it would have gotten past 90 percent of firms. This is not something we can afford to ignore, especially for those of us who run online businesses.

Today I am thrilled to introduce you to my good friend, web strategist and performance expert Willie Jackson. As he says on today’s podcast:

📝 Check out full show notes and links from this episode and share it with a friend! http://itsfreetime.com/episodes/8

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7: How to Find Your Zone of Genius with Laura Garnett

Sun, 27 Sep 2015 06:37:00 -0000

What does it take to find your Zone of Genius and stay there?

What are the key ingredients to peak performance?
What are the biggest barriers?
If you think of your career as a car, what are the two biggest “headlights” that help you see clearly and do your best work?
How can our challenges serve as fuel for opportunity?

I had the pleasure of asking these questions to Laura Garnett, peak performance strategist for Fortune 100 CEOs, in a recent interview for my Pivot book.

Our conversations were so inspiring and informative that I couldn’t bear to wait an entire year to share with you when the book comes out! I hope you enjoy as much as I did

📝 Check out full show notes and links from this episode and share it with a friend! http://itsfreetime.com/episodes/7

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6: How I Work with My VA: Systems and Strategy

Sun, 21 Dec 2014 07:23:00 -0000

For those of you considering hiring a virtual assistant in 2014, I cannot recommend it highly enough — this is easily one of the best things I did for my life and business last year. And yet, control freak that I am, I did not go down without a fight!

For YEARS I had read all the books (4-hour Work Week chief among them), and knew the importance of delegating and not being a bottleneck. But each time I tried to move forward with hiring someone, I got overwhelmed, discouraged and gave up. Who to hire? US or overseas? What should I delegate? How do I do it efficiently? Can I trust them?

Thankfully I gave it another go by hiring someone in October, and I’ve been hooked ever since. After just four days of working together, she became indispensable to my daily workflow.

📝 Check out full show notes and links from this episode and share it with a friend! http://itsfreetime.com/episodes/6

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