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"You don't have to erase your struggles to heal—it's about learning to understand and care for them." - Laura Collins
In this episode, I sit down with Laura Hans-Segundo Collins, a former elite gymnast and diver turned psychotherapist. We explore what happens when the identity you’ve built around a passion, career, or pursuit suddenly shifts, leaving you feeling unmoored. Laura shares her personal journey from high-stakes athletics to navigating depression and ultimately finding purpose in mental health advocacy.
Her story sheds light on the hidden emotional toll of elite sports, the importance of trauma-informed coaching, and how we can reshape competitive environments to prioritize both performance and well-being. Whether you’re an athlete, coach, leader, or someone navigating a major life transition, this episode offers powerful insights into resilience, identity, and healing.
What We Cover in This Episode
The pressures of high-performance athletics and how they impact mental healthWhy many young athletes struggle with purpose after their sports careers endThe role of community and storytelling in healing and self-discoveryThe importance of trauma-informed coaching and creating safer sports environmentsHow we can balance competition with compassion in both sports and leadershipKey Takeaways
Identity isn’t defined by a single pursuit—expanding your perspective helps with transitions.Healing is about integrating, not erasing, past struggles and learning from them.Competitive environments can be high-performance and high-support at the same time.Emotional well-being is as critical as physical conditioning in elite sports.Having a strong community and trusted mentors can make all the difference in resilience.Bio
Laura Hahn-Segundo Collins' mission is to: "Cultivate whole-person well-being to develop healthier, more resilient, compassionate and connected athletes, coaches, and community."
A proud first-generation Korean-Filipina American, Laura's journey as a former elite athlete and two-decade career as a psychotherapist deeply informs her philosophy on personal growth and transformation. Her practice integrates psychoanalytic psychotherapy with trauma-informed care, narrative therapy, mindfulness, and practical tools for comprehensive healing and optimal performance.
As a distinguished mental health professional in New York City, Laura has built an impressive legacy across public, nonprofit, and private sectors. She provides specialized training at institutions including NYU Medicine and Health and Hospitals, while mentoring emerging practitioners from Columbia, NYU, and other leading academic programs.Connect
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lcollinslcsw/
Instagram:
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Perfectionism often hides behind ambition, high standards, and pride in our work. But left unchecked, it can drain our energy, paralyze progress, and chip away at our confidence. In this episode, I share Hunter’s story—a software engineer who tied his self-worth to flawless outcomes until a moment of failure forced him to rethink everything.
We walk through the transformation he made by adopting a contrarian mindset—learning to value progress over perfection, creativity over control, and flexibility over rigidity.
In this episode, I cover contrarian strategies that helped Hunter shift his thinking:
Focus on progress, not perfectionChallenge unrealistic standardsEmbrace obstacles as opportunitiesAccept imperfection as naturalPractice self-worth independent of outcomesCultivate equanimity in the face of pressure and uncertaintyHunter’s story is a reminder that resilience isn’t about perfection—it’s about adapting, learning, and growing through the messiness of real life.
Additional Resources:
Interested in building a contrarian mindset for resilience, fortitude, and psychological strength? Check out the other episodes in this series linked in the show notes, and subscribe to It’s an Inside Job for more insights on resilience, well-being, and personal growth.
Part 1 – Discover the Power of The Contrarian Mindset: A New Approach to Rewiring Your Brain for Resilience and Growth
Part 2 – Discover the Power of The Contrarian Mindset: A New Approach to Rewiring Your Brain for Resilience and GrowthSupport the show
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"We tend to rationalise ourselves out of intuition, but that quiet voice inside of us often knows the answer before our mind catches up." - Elysia Skye
In this episode, I sit down with Elysia Skye, an intuitive business coach, speaker, and host of The Brilliance Methodpodcast. We explore the power of intuition in decision-making, how to balance logic and gut instincts, and the role of mindfulness in reducing stress. Elysia shares practical strategies for trusting yourself, overcoming self-doubt, and making aligned choices as a leader or entrepreneur. She also tells a powerful story of how listening to her intuition literally saved her life.
What We Cover in This Episode
Why intuition is more than just a feeling and the science behind the brain-gut connectionHow to distinguish between fear-based decisions and true inner guidanceThe importance of self-trust and self-compassion in overcoming doubt and building confidenceHow to balance logic and intuition, especially in high-pressure situationsMindfulness techniques to clear mental clutter and gain clarityStrategies for overcoming decision fatigue and stopping overthinkingElysia’s personal experience with stage three breast cancer and how trusting her intuition led to life-saving actionKey Takeaways
Intuition is a practical decision-making tool backed by science, not just a fleeting instinct.
Slowing down to create space for reflection allows you to separate fear-driven thoughts from real inner wisdom.
Trusting yourself is a skill that grows when you reflect on past moments where your intuition guided you correctly.
Decision fatigue can be minimized by reframing challenges and focusing on clarity rather than overthinking.Bio
Elysia Skye is an intuitive business coach, speaker, and host of The Brilliance Method Podcast, dedicated to helping entrepreneurs and leaders trust themselves to make aligned decisions in both their personal and professional life.
She believes that true success stems from clarity, self-awareness, compassion, and the ability to embrace change.
With a background in corporate consulting, mindfulness coaching, and course creation, Elysia helps businesses and individuals integrate stress management, intuitive leadership, and conscious decision-making into their daily practices.
She has worked with GAP Inc., Banana Republic, Paramount Global, Humanity HR, The Producers Guild, and other brands, empowering leaders to empower their mindset, enhance communication, and foster meaningful relationships with colleagues, clients, and themselves.Contact
Website: https://elysiaskye.com
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Podcast: https://elysiaskye.com/podcast
The Emerald Collective of The Brilliance Method: https://innercircle.thebrilliancemethod.com/emerald
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elysiaskye/
Facebook: https://www.faceDo you want to live an awesome life and to also inspire others? Fish is a world...
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In this episode of our Contrarian Mindset series, I explore a fear that silently influences many of our decisions—the fear of vulnerability.
I share the stories of Henning, a driven executive, and Laura, a dedicated healthcare professional. On the surface, they had it all together. But underneath, they were each grappling with a deeply rooted discomfort around emotional openness. Like many of us, they were shaped by early experiences and work cultures that equated vulnerability with weakness.
This episode is about turning that narrative on its head.
I walk you through how they applied specific strategies from The Contrarian Playbook—like practicing courage, challenging unrealistic standards, and letting go of fixed outcomes—to shift vulnerability from a perceived liability to a genuine strength.
Key Contrarian Plays Covered in This Episode:
Practicing self-worthEmbracing courageGrounding in reality over emotional distortionLetting go of fixed outcomesCountering rumination through journalingChallenging unrealistic standardsEmbracing obstacles as opportunitiesPracticing equanimityIf we want to build real resilience and psychological strength, we need to stop working around our fears and start moving through them. That’s what the contrarian mindset is all about.
Additional Resources:
Interested in building a contrarian mindset for resilience, fortitude, and psychological strength? Check out the other episodes in this series linked in the show notes, and subscribe to It’s an Inside Job for more insights on resilience, well-being, and personal growth.
Part 1 – Discover the Power of The Contrarian Mindset: A New Approach to Rewiring Your Brain for Resilience and Growth
Part 2 – Discover the Power of The Contrarian Mindset: A New Approach to Rewiring Your Brain for Resilience and GrowthSupport the show
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"Power is not about control—it’s about collaboration, influence, and shaping the perception of those around you." - Saliha Oukaci
Have you ever felt like you’re playing by the rules but still not getting the visibility, influence, or leadership presence you deserve? Do you find yourself holding back, questioning whether you belong at the table—even when you’ve earned your place?
In this episode, I sit down with Saliha Oukaci, a consultant who helps women over 40 break visibility barriers and step into leadership with confidence, authenticity, and impact.
Saliha has a background in corporate leadership, color psychology, image consulting, and personality profiling. She offers a science-backed approach to reshaping self-image and amplifying credibility. But this conversation isn’t just about appearance—it’s about identifying and overcoming internal barriers that often hold women back in male-dominated industries. We discuss:
How to reframe your narrative from limitation to leadershipThe role of color psychology in shaping perception and presenceWhy authenticity and authority are not at odds, and how to balance bothOvercoming challenges in male-dominated environments without compromising who you areThe power of intentional leadership and aligning internal strengths with external influenceSaliha’s insights go beyond theory. She provides actionable strategies to redefine power, communicate with impact, and cultivate leadership presence on your terms.
Key Takeaways
The Power of Narrative: How shifting your internal story changes how others perceive youAuthenticity & Authority: Why the two are not mutually exclusive and how to integrate bothEmbracing Your Leadership Palette: Understanding that leadership qualities, like colors, need to be adapted and blended with intentionBreaking Visibility Barriers: Why competence alone isn’t enough, and how to leverage your presence effectivelyEmotional Resilience: Developing the ability to bounce back quickly from self-doubt and external challengesBio
Saliha Oukaci helps women 40+ break visibility barriers and build leadership presence with intention, confidence, and impact.
With a background in corporate leadership and certifications in color analysis, color psychology, image consulting, and Personality Dimensions™ facilitation, she blends science and strategy to equip women with the tools to reshape their self-image, reclaim their narrative, and strengthen their credibility and influence.
Her approach goes beyond surface-level appearance. She addresses the internal doubts that shape self-perception and the external perceptions that shape leadership visibility by creating personalized solutions that foster well-being and ensure women feel empowered in their choices.Contact
LinkedIn:
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“Healthy relationships thrive on balance, not scorekeeping. Reciprocity is about fostering mutual respect and support, not tallying who did what.”
In this episode, I talk about the final skill for Mastering Resilience: Building Social Bridges. I share how relationships play a vital role in resilience, helping us not just survive life’s storms but thrive through them. While resilience often starts as an internal journey, it reaches its full potential when we create and nurture meaningful connections with others.I reflect on my own experiences, and how my family and close friends gave me the perspective and strength I needed to keep fighting. Through this process, I learned that reaching out to others isn’t a burden—it’s a vital part of resilience. I also dive into common myths about relationships, discuss key skills like active listening, empathy, and reciprocity, and share actionable strategies for strengthening personal and professional connections.
Key Takeaways
Misconceptions About Relationships:Myth 1: Relationships are optional. We are wired for connection. Resilience thrives within a community of people who care for and support us.Myth 2: Strong relationships are effortless. Building meaningful connections requires time, effort, and a willingness to navigate challenges.Myth 3: Vulnerability is weakness. Being open with others requires courage and fosters deeper bonds. It’s not a sign of weakness—it’s a pathway to strength.Core Skills for Building Social Bridges:Active Listening: I focus on being fully present, validating others’ experiences, and creating safe spaces where people feel valued.Empathy: I remind myself to step into others’ shoes, understanding their perspective while staying grounded in my own emotions.Reciprocity: Relationships thrive on balance, not keeping score. When I focus on mutual respect and shared support, my connections grow stronger.Additional Resources:
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Interested in building a contrarian mindset for resilience, fortitude, and psychological strength? Check out the other episodes in this series linked in the show notes, and subscribe to It’s an Inside Job for more insights on resilience, well-being, and personal growth.
Part 1 – Discover the Power of The Contrarian Mindset: A New Approach to Rewiring Your Brain for Resilience and Growth
Part 2 – Discover the Power of The Contrarian Mindset: A New Approach to Rewiring Your Brain for Resilience and GrowthDo you want to live an awesome life and to also inspire others? Fish is a world...
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"It's not about the answers. It's about your ability to sit in the discomfort of the questions." - Topaz Adizes
Have you ever stopped to consider not just the strength of your relationships, but their resilience? Can they withstand discomfort, uncertainty, growth, and adversity, or do they crack under pressure? In this episode, I sit down with Topaz Adizes, an Emmy Award-winning writer, director, and experienced design architect who has spent over a decade exploring human connection through his experience design studio, The Skin Deep. With over 1,250 filmed conversations between people in various types of relationships, Topaz brings profound insight into what strengthens and challenges our connections with others.
Our conversation dives into the power of questions and how they can deepen our relationships, the role of emotional maturity in communication, and why self-reflection is essential before making big relationship decisions. Whether in personal or professional life, this episode is packed with insights on how to engineer better conversations, foster resilience in relationships, and embrace discomfort as a path to growth.
Key Topics Covered
Why resilient relationships thrive on uncomfortable questionsThe role of emotional maturity in communicationHow self-reflection strengthens decision-making in relationshipsThe importance of crafting powerful questions for deeper conversationsHow relationships require consistent effort, just like physical healthBio
Topaz Adizes is an Emmy Award-winning writer, director, and experience design architect. He is an Edmund Hillary fellow and Sundance/Skoll stories of change fellow. His works have been selected to Cannes, Sundance, IDFA, and SXSW; featured in New Yorker magazine, Vanity Fair, and the New York Times; and have garnered an Emmy for new approaches to documentary and Two World Press photo awards for immersive storytelling and interactive documentary. He is currently the founder and executive director of the experience design studio The Skin Deep. Topaz studied philosophy at UC Berkeley and Oxford University. He speaks four languages, and currently lives in Mexico with his wife and two children.
Contact
Website: https://shop.theskindeep.com/
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Website: https://www.topazadizes.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_skindeep/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheSkinDeep/
X: https://twitter.com/the_skindeep?lang=en
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/theskindeep
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/theskindeep/videosDo you want to live an awesome life and to also inspire others? Fish is a world...
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“True resilience comes not from controlling the world around us but mastering the world within.”
In this Bite Size Friday episode of It’s an Inside Job, I explore the powerful concept of equanimity as part of my series on building a contrarian mindset. Equanimity goes beyond just staying calm under pressure—it’s about building an inner harmony amidst life’s chaos, whether it’s a personal health challenge, workplace crisis, or emotional turmoil.I share actionable strategies to develop equanimity by harnessing cognitive flexibility and emotional regulation, emphasizing the importance of mastering our internal world rather than trying to control external circumstances. Drawing from my personal experiences, I provide practical tools to help you respond to life’s inevitable storms with clarity, composure, and resilience.
Key Topics Discussed:
What Is Equanimity?
Moving beyond conventional notions of “staying calm.”Embracing challenges without suppressing emotions or seeking total control.Finding clarity and steadiness amid chaos, like the calm eye of a storm.The Contrarian Approach to Resilience:
Shifting focus from controlling external circumstances to mastering internal responses.Viewing adversity as an opportunity for growth rather than a setback.Building Equanimity with Foundational Skills:
Cognitive Flexibility:Adaptability in thought, like a sapling bending in the wind.Reframing challenges as opportunities for growth and learning.Examples include professional setbacks, health issues, or financial difficulties.Emotional Regulation:Understanding and channeling emotions constructively rather than suppressing them.Practicing a pause to reflect and respond thoughtfully in high-pressure situations.Practical Strategies for Cultivating Equanimity:
Pause and Reflect:
Ask yourself questions like “What am I feeling?” and “How do I want to respond?” to foster deliberate reactions.Reframe Challenges:
Train your mind to view obstacles as lessons or stepping stones for personal growth.Mindfulness Practice:
Dedicate time to sensory awareness to anchor yourself in the present moment.Emotional Agility:
Journal to identify triggers and develop emotional intelligence.Letting Go of Control:
Focus on influencing thoughts, actions, and attitudes rather than trying to control outcomes.Additional Resources:
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Interested in building a contrarian mindset for resilience, fortitude, and psychological strength? Check out the other episodes in this series linked in the show notes, and subscribe to It’s an Inside Job for more insights on resilience, well-being, and personal growth.Do you want to live an awesome life and to also inspire others? Fish is a world...
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“Daring to say it as it is—being transparent, even when you don’t have all the answers—builds trust and resilience in an organisation.” - Kristin Omreng
Mergers and acquisitions are complex, and one of the biggest challenges isn't just combining business operations—it's integrating two distinct cultures, leadership styles, and ways of working. In this episode, I sit down with Kristin Omreng, EVP of People and Culture at TGS, to explore the human side of organisational change.
Kristin has nearly two decades of experience in HR and organisational development within the energy industry. She’s been at the forefront of integrating teams, managing transitions, and fostering resilient cultures in times of uncertainty. Today, she shares her firsthand experience navigating a recent merger in the energy data sector, including what worked, unexpected challenges, and key lessons learned.
Key Takeaways
Merging Cultures Effectively: Strategies for integrating different company cultures and aligning employees with a shared vision.The Role of Leadership in Change: How leadership communication and role modeling shape organizational resilience.Stress Management & Employee Well-being: The impact of clear communication on reducing uncertainty and maintaining engagement.Trust & Adaptability: How fostering a culture of calculated risk-taking and learning from mistakes empowers teams.Lessons Learned in M&A Integration: Insights from TGS’s approach to communication, transparency, and building alignment.Bio
Kristin Omreng holds the role as EVP People & Culture at TGS. Bringing nearly 20 years of HR and Organizational Development experience, managing and developing global organizations in the energy industry, Kristin leads the initiatives that enhance TGS people and culture strategies. She joined PGS as SVP Global HR in 2020, and prior to that held leadership roles within several global organizations overseeing HR, IT facilities, communications and legal, including over seven years at Aker Solutions. She holds a Masters of Business and Economics from the Norwegian School of Management, and an additional degree in Entrepreneurship from Boston University.
Contact
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristino/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristinomreng/
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“Self-worth is not something you gain—it’s something you uncover within yourself.”
In this episode, I explore the concept of self-worth - the second skill under Mastering Resilience. Through the window of the contrarian mindset, redefining it as something intrinsic and independent of societal expectations or external validation.I challenge the traditional notions of value and worth, emphasising that self-worth is not something to be earned or granted by others—it’s an unshakable, inherent truth. By adopting the contrarian mindset, you detach from perfectionism, external comparisons, and the relentless need for approval. Instead, I introduce practical strategies for cultivating a stronger, more resilient sense of self-worth, rooted in self-awareness, authenticity, and radical self-acceptance.
Key Topics DiscussedMyths That Undermine Self-Worth
Myth 1: Self-Worth Must Be Earned – I reject the idea that your value is tied to achievements or milestones.Myth 2: Self-Worth Depends on Others’ Opinions – I encourage you to build internal stability that’s immune to shifting external judgments.Myth 3: Self-Worth Equals Perfection – I invite you to embrace imperfection as a natural and valuable part of who you are.The Three Pillars of Self-Worth
Radical Self-Acceptance: Embrace your strengths, flaws, and everything in between. Self-worth begins with recognizing you are valuable as you are.Detachment from External Validation: Learn to value external feedback as a tool, not as the foundation of your self-esteem.Authenticity: Align your actions with your values, set boundaries, and live true to yourself—without fear of judgment.Practical Strategies
Daily Affirmations: Start each day with affirmations that speak to your challenges, like, “I am enough” or “My worth is not defined by others’ opinions.” Look at yourself in the mirror and say it like you mean it.Reframe Self-Talk: Notice negative self-talk and replace it with more compassionate thoughts. For example: “I made a mistake, but I’m learning and growing.”Set Healthy Boundaries: Protect your well-being by saying no to things that drain you and learning to say yes with conditions when necessary.Celebrate Small Wins: Keep a success log of daily accomplishments, no matter how small. Progress builds confidence.Practice Gratitude: At the end of each day, identify three small, unique things you’re grateful for. It shifts your focus inward and reinforces your sense of value.Detach from Comparison: Stop measuring your worth against others. Instead, focus on your unique strengths and contributions.Additional Resources:
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“We don’t just store trauma in our minds—we store it in our bodies. Healing starts when we bring awareness to those patterns.” – Debi Fries
Have you ever felt emotions stuck in your body but struggled to articulate them? Do certain patterns in your relationships or reactions seem to play out like a broken record? In this episode, we dive into the connection between mind and body—how our nervous system, breath, and self-awareness shape our emotional responses and resilience.
Joining me is Debi Fries, a somatic psychotherapist with over 20 years of experience in Integrative Body Psychotherapy (IBP). Debi specializes in helping individuals process trauma, navigate relationship challenges, and break free from outdated emotional patterns. Through her work, she bridges cognitive, emotional, somatic, and even spiritual aspects of healing.
Together, we unpack how breathwork, self-awareness, and nervous system regulation can help us shift from reactivity to resilience. Debi also shares powerful techniques for recognizing triggers, improving self-talk, and fostering emotional balance in relationships and everyday life.
Key Topics Covered:
How Trauma is Stored in the Body – Understanding how past experiences shape present-day reactions
Breathwork for Nervous System Regulation – Practical techniques like Tactical Breathing (16-Second Breath)and the 4-7-8 Breath
Breaking Free from Old Patterns – Why we repeat emotional cycles and how to update our responses with new information
The Power of Self-Talk – How internal dialogue shapes our behavior and relationships
CHCCC Method for Emotional Regulation – Crisis, Humor, Courage, Compassion, and Curiosity as a framework for self-awareness
Mindfulness & Active Rest – How everyday activities like sketching, listening to music, or watching fish can regulate the nervous system
Healing Through Relationships – Why conflict can strengthen relationshipsBio
Debi Fries, MFT is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Los Angeles, CA. She is an Integrative Body Psychotherapy (IBP) practitioner and has taught IBP in the United States and Europe since 2006.
As a Somatic Psychotherapist, Debi believes that our bodies hold tremendous wisdom and information and are also a repository for all that has happened to us. Her strategies enable access to this wisdom while allowing for new neural pathways to take hold.
In addition to being a therapist, Debi considers herself a guide, healer, alchemist and archeologist, unearthing and transforming patterns that no longer serve us. Utilizing the breath and the body, Debi helps provide a template for how to face the intolerable, the difficult, and the unavoidable, as well as how to live from an expansive, abundant, and joyful place.Contact
Website:
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"Courage is not the absence of fear—it’s choosing to lean into fear, to learn from it, and to act despite it."
In this BiteSize Friday episode, Jason explores the concept of contrarian courage—a mindset that challenges conventional thinking about fear and resilience. He dives into the importance of embracing fear as an ally, redefining vulnerability as strength, and practicing courage as an intentional, incremental process. Through the contrarian lens, Jason offers strategies to transform fear into a driving force for personal empowerment and growth.Key Topics Covered:
What Is a Contrarian Mindset?It’s about challenging the usual ways of responding to life’s obstacles, choosing thoughtful and unconventional paths for resilience and success.The contrarian mindset is structured into three clusters:Mastering SelfMastering PerspectiveMastering ResiliencePracticing Courage Through the Contrarian Lens:Fear is not an adversary to be defeated but a companion to understand and transform into a motivator.True courage is not about fearlessness but about engaging with and learning from fear to foster growth and self-awareness.The Role of Vulnerability in Courage:Vulnerability is often misinterpreted as weakness, but it’s the foundation of authentic courage.Leaders and individuals alike grow stronger when they embrace vulnerability, fostering trust, connection, and personal development.Three Practical Strategies to Cultivate Contrarian Courage:Fear Reflection:Use introspection or journaling to identify the origins and triggers of fear.Map out fears to diminish their power and track progress over time.Incremental Exposure:Gradually face fears in manageable steps, building tolerance and resilience over time.A technique borrowed from psychology that desensitizes fear’s intensity.Courage Accountability:Partner with a trusted individual or mentor to stay accountable for your growth.Regular check-ins provide motivation, perspective, and constructive feedback.Contrarian Courage in Action:Examples include entrepreneurs and artists who face fear head-on to achieve their goals.Embracing fear as an ally leads to personal empowerment and new opportunities for growth.Additional Resources:
Interested in building a contrarian mindset for resilience, fortitude, and psychological strength? Check out the other episodes in this series linked in the show notes, and subscribe to It’s an Inside Job for more insights on resilience, well-being, and personal growth.
Part 1 – Discover the Power of The Contrarian Mindset: A New Approach to Rewiring Your Brain for Resilience and Growth
Part 2 – Discover the Power of The Contrarian Mindset: A New Approach to Rewiring Your Brain for Resilience and GrowthSupport the show
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“Adaptability is the number one skill set we need in 2025 and beyond. The ability to pivot, stay composed, and problem-solve in real time is what will separate strong leaders from the rest.” – Cynthia Pong
In this episode of It’s an Inside Job, I sit down with award-winning executive coach, speaker, and thought leader Cynthia Pong, founder and CEO of Embrace Change. Cynthia specializes in career advancement and leadership development, particularly for women of color. As a Forbes contributor and LinkedIn Top Voice, her expertise has been featured in Harvard Business Review, The Atlantic, NPR, and NBC.We dive into leadership in uncertain times and explore the skills necessary to lead oneself and others through change, volatility, and complexity. Cynthia shares strategies for sharpening self-awareness, building adaptability, fostering resilience, and creating psychological safety in teams. If you’re navigating leadership challenges in 2025 and beyond, this episode is packed with insights and practical tools you can apply right away.
Key Topics Covered:
Adaptability as a Core Leadership Skill – How to pivot and respond effectively to change
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The Power of Self-Leadership – Understanding your sphere of control (what you control, influence, and cannot control)
Managing Panic & Uncertainty – Overcoming the brain’s negativity bias and staying grounded in difficult moments
Deep Listening & Effective Questioning – Strengthening communication by asking the right questions and truly listening
The Role of Silence in Leadership – How intentional pauses can encourage reflection and deeper insights
Bio
Cynthia Pong, JD, is an award-winning executive coach and speaker who empowers women of color leaders to advance their careers into positions of power. A Forbes Contributor and LinkedIn Top Voice for Job Search and Career, she has been featured in HBR, The Atlantic, and on NBC, CBS, NPR, and more. As Founder and CEO of Embrace Change, Cynthia leads an elite, all-BIPOC team who provide specialized coaching and training programs for high-performing women of color up to the C-suite. Equipped with Cynthia’s strategic guidance, her clients break down barriers, lead with authenticity, and have collectively negotiated over $750K in salary increases. Her Anthem Award-winning Leadership Accelerator program has propelled women of color to prestigious fellowships, promotions, and top graduate program admissions. Cynthia’s book, Don’t Stay in Your Lane: The Career Change Guide for Women of Color, has cemented her as a foremost voice on career advancement, negotiation, and thought leadership.
Contact
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/embracechangenyc/
Facebook: https://facebook.com/cynthia.pong.7
Instagram: https://instagram.com/embraceDo you want to live an awesome life and to also inspire others? Fish is a world...
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"Progress celebrates movement, even messy, because it values the process of becoming over the illusion of already being."
In this episode of BiteSize Fridays, I continue the Contrarian Mindset series by exploring the fourth skill under "Mastering Perspective"—Focusing on Progress, Not Perfection. This essential mindset shift replaces the rigidity of perfectionism with the dynamic, adaptable power of progress. I share actionable strategies to overcome perfectionism, celebrate incremental improvements, and build a life of resilience, adaptability, and fulfilment.Key Takeaways:
Perfectionism vs. Progress:Perfectionism fosters anxiety, paralysis, and dissatisfaction by chasing unattainable ideals.Progress celebrates action, learning, and adaptability, prioritizing growth over flawlessness.Why Progress Matters:Perfection demands you arrive fully formed; progress allows you to grow into your potential.Studies show that progress-oriented thinking promotes creativity, resilience, and emotional well-being.Overcoming Barriers to Progress:Reframe failure as feedback: Analyze setbacks for lessons instead of personal flaws.Normalize feedback and mistakes as part of the learning process.Replace impatience with a focus on incremental, achievable steps.Progress-Oriented Thinking for Teams:Leaders who prioritize progress create environments of trust, innovation, and engagement.Case studies and retrospective analyses transform failures into stepping stones for future success.Additional Resources:
Interested in building a contrarian mindset for resilience, fortitude, and psychological strength? Check out the other episodes in this series linked in the show notes, and subscribe to It’s an Inside Job for more insights on resilience, well-being, and personal growth.
Part 1 – Discover the Power of The Contrarian Mindset: A New Approach to Rewiring Your Brain for Resilience and Growth
Part 2 – Discover the Power of The Contrarian Mindset: A New Approach to Rewiring Your Brain for Resilience and GrowthSupport the show
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“You can’t split a person in half—what happens in their personal life affects their work. Truly caring leaders acknowledge this and create space for real conversations.” - Germain St-Denis
In this episode, I sit down with Germain St-Denis to explore caring leadership—what it truly means to lead with empathy, build trust, and create strong, people-first workplace cultures. Drawing from decades of leadership in tech consulting, Germaine shares powerful insights from his experience navigating industry upheavals, mergers, acquisitions, and even his personal battle with cancer.We dive into how leaders can balance performance and well-being, manage tough conversations like layoffs and restructuring, and why emotional intelligence is essential—not just for leading others, but for leading ourselves. Germaine also shares practical strategies for fostering psychological safety, empowering employees, and making tough leadership decisions with compassion and integrity.
This episode is packed with real-world wisdom that any leader, manager, or coach can apply today.
The Living in Clarity Podcast, with Fish & Coach
Bio
Germain St-Denis is an advocate for Caring Leadership, a style that he embodies and promotes through his extensive experience as a middle manager and executive in Tech Consulting Services.
His professional journey, marked by resilience and adaptability, emphasizes the importance of nurturing and empowering individuals to build high-performing, cooperative, and loyal teams. Awarded for his outstanding achievements and having navigated significant industry challenges, including the aftermath of 9/11 and three acquisitions, Germain's leadership approach is deeply rooted in trust, empowerment and people-first strategies.
After overcoming cancer, he embraced a reflective sabbatical before returning to the consulting sphere, now focusing on fostering caring leadership and people-centered cultures, and sharing his insights through speaking, coaching and mentorship.
St-Denis is creator of Architect of People First™, a strategic approach to becoming a successful Caring Leader and achieving the right mindset that goes with it. In January 2024, Germain published a new book, Empowering People Through Caring Leadership: Strategies That Actually Work. He is on a mission to share proven principles of Caring Leadership mindset and People First culture and develop caring leaders and a better workplace for everyone.
Contact
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/germain-st-denis
Website: https://germainstdenis.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=572059489
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/germainstdenis/Do you want to live an awesome life and to also inspire others? Fish is a world...
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"Your imperfections are not just natural—they’re extraordinary. Embrace them as a testament to your resilience and growth."
In this episode of BiteSize Fridays, Jason dives into the third skill in the "Mastering Perspective" cluster of the Contrarian Mindset series: Accepting Imperfection as Natural. Drawing inspiration from Japanese philosophy, personal stories, and practical insights, this episode unpacks how embracing imperfections strengthens resilience and fosters authentic connections.Jason explores the idea that imperfections aren't flaws to fix but gifts to cherish, offering lessons and a chance to grow. Through examples like the Japanese art of Kintsugi, anecdotes about overcoming fears, and reframing mistakes, Jason inspires listeners to see the beauty in imperfection and adopt a more liberating mindset.
Key Takeaways:
Reframe Imperfections as Strengths:Imperfections are not weaknesses but markers of growth, resilience, and individuality.Drawing from Kintsugi and Wabi-Sabi philosophy, embrace cracks and flaws as part of your unique story.The Courage to Be Vulnerable:Vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness. Sharing your struggles or asking for help deepens connections and builds trust.As Brene Brown states, vulnerability means showing up as your authentic self, even without control over the outcome.Practice "Good Enough" Thinking:Striving for perfection can be paralyzing. Instead, focus on effort and process over outcomes.Sometimes delivering 80% is not just sufficient but liberating.Celebrate Mistakes as Learning Opportunities:Mistakes are not failures but stepping stones to wisdom and growth.Reflect on what you learned from each challenge to build a stronger sense of resilience.Embrace Self-Compassion:Treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding you would offer a friend.Acknowledge small wins and affirm your worth, even in moments of struggle.Additional Resources:
The Living in Clarity Podcast, with Fish & Coach
Interested in building a contrarian mindset for resilience, fortitude, and psychological strength? Check out the other episodes in this series linked in the show notes, and subscribe to It’s an Inside Job for more insights on resilience, well-being, and personal growth.
Part 1 – Discover the Power of The Contrarian Mindset: A New Approach to Rewiring Your Brain for Resilience and Growth
Part 2 – Discover the Power of The Contrarian Mindset: A New Approach to Rewiring Your Brain for Resilience and GrowthDo you want to live an awesome life and to also inspire others? Fish is a world...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
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“Feedback isn’t about the past—it’s about building a better future together.” – Vindou Duc
In this episode of It’s an Inside Job, I sit down with Vindou Duc, a seasoned leader with over 25 years of global experience in marketing, human resources, and business transformation. Together, we dive into the nuances of team dynamics, the importance of building trust, and the critical role of communication in creating resilient, cohesive teams.Vindou shares practical strategies for overcoming self-doubt as a leader, fostering psychological safety, and developing a culture of open dialogue and feedback. Whether you're stepping into a new leadership role or managing a virtual team across time zones, this episode is filled with actionable insights to help you lead with confidence and adaptability.
Key Topics Discussed:
Understanding how cultural diversity, individual values, and communication styles influence team cohesion.The importance of creating a "team contract" to define shared values, behaviors, and expectations.
The Foundations of Team Dynamics:Overcoming Self-Doubt as a Leader:
Strategies for new leaders to build confidence and establish trust with their teams.Recognizing and addressing the root causes of closed or reserved behaviors among team members.Feedback and Feed-Forward Culture:
Shifting from traditional feedback to a "feed-forward" approach that emphasizes future growth and innovation.Embedding a culture of reciprocal feedback to foster transparency and continuous improvement.Navigating Virtual Team Challenges:
Tips for managing team cohesion across time zones and remote settings, such as shorter, structured meetings and regular one-on-ones.Establishing norms to respect cultural differences and time zone constraints.Actionable Takeaways:
Create a Team Contract:
Define team norms and expectations collectively to ensure alignment and mutual understanding.Foster Psychological Safety:
Build trust by encouraging open dialogue and creating a space where team members feel safe to express themselves.Adopt a Feedback Culture:
Regularly seek feedback from team members to refine your leadership and address potential issues early.Respect Diversity:
Recognize and adapt to different cultural and communication styles to avoid misunderstandings.Stay Attentive and Present:
Practice active listening and remain aware of subtle cues that reveal underlying issues or needs.If you found this episode valuable, subscribe to It’s an Inside Job for more insights on building resilient teams and fostering collaboration. Share this episode with a colleague or friend who could benefit from these strategies.
The Living in Clarity Podcast, with Fish & CoachDo you want to live an awesome life and to also inspire others? Fish is a world...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
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"Obstacles aren’t barriers; they are the stepping stones to becoming your best self."
In this BiteSize Fridays episode, Jason explores the second skill in the "Mastering Perspective" cluster of the Contrarian Mindset series: Embracing Obstacles as Opportunities. He unpacks the psychology behind challenges, the natural human aversion to failure, and how adopting a contrarian mindset can reframe obstacles as stepping stones for personal growth, resilience, and creativity. Jason shares personal insights, psychological strategies, and practical tools to help listeners approach life's challenges with grace, courage, and adaptability.Key Takeaways:
Reframing Obstacles as Growth Opportunities:Challenges often feel overwhelming, but they hold hidden opportunities for learning, adaptability, and self-discovery.The Contrarian Mindset encourages viewing obstacles not as roadblocks but as catalysts for personal growth.Psychological Flexibility and Resilience:Psychological flexibility—the ability to adapt thoughts, emotions, and behaviors—is key to overcoming challenges.Resilience is built through confronting obstacles and learning from setbacks.Learning from Failure:Failure is not an endpoint but a teacher. It fosters humility, creativity, and resilience.A growth mindset, as coined by Dr. Carol Dweck, sees failure as a natural step in the learning journey.The Role of Creativity in Problem-Solving:Creativity unlocks unconventional solutions to challenges.Drawing inspiration from other fields (e.g., biomimicry) or reframing perspectives can lead to innovative answers.Practical Strategies for Embracing Challenges:Break Problems Down: Deconstruct challenges into manageable parts to reduce overwhelm.Celebrate Incremental Wins: Recognize progress, no matter how small, to build confidence.Set Realistic Goals: Focus on what can be influenced, and let go of factors beyond control.Learn from Feedback: View feedback as an opportunity to grow, not as a personal attack.Explore Alternative Solutions: Seek inspiration from diverse perspectives or knowledge fields.Quotes to Reflect On:
"Obstacles are inevitable, but how we approach them defines our growth and resilience.""Failure is a mirror—it shows us our limitations, strengths, and areas for growth. Embrace it as a teacher.""Resilience isn't about avoiding storms; it's about finding the calm within the eye of the storm."Additional Resources:
The Living in Clarity Podcast, with Fish & Coach
Interested in building a contrarian mindset for resilience, fortitude, and psychological strength? Check out the other episodes in this series linked in the show notes, and suDo you want to live an awesome life and to also inspire others? Fish is a world...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
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“The heart pumps blood, the lungs pump oxygen. The brain—well, for me, it has always pumped survival. .. Everything the brain does has a positive intent, but sometimes the way it goes about it is counterproductive. Fortunately, we can change that." - Jason Liem
This week's episode, is from a conversation I had with Annette Dragland on her fascinating podcast, Leger om Livet (Doctors about Life). This conversation is about the challenges I've faced beginning in the early months of 2024 and the lessons I've learned about building resilience.
These lessons and insights I've had form The Contrarian Mindset series that I launched in January 2025. You can find the links to the series introduction at the end of the show notes.In the episode we talked about:
How do we build resilience? Can we reframe the way we view our life? Why is cognitive hygiene so important in life?Practical skills to improve our mental health and resilienceAdditional Resources:
The Living in Clarity Podcast, with Fish & Coach
Interested in building a contrarian mindset for resilience, fortitude, and psychological strength? Check out the other episodes in this series linked in the show notes, and subscribe to It’s an Inside Job for more insights on resilience, well-being, and personal growth.
Part 1 – Discover the Power of The Contrarian Mindset: A New Approach to Rewiring Your Brain for Resilience and Growth
Part 2 – Discover the Power of The Contrarian Mindset: A New Approach to Rewiring Your Brain for Resilience and GrowthDo you want to live an awesome life and to also inspire others? Fish is a world...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
Support the show
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"By letting go of unrealistic standards, we reclaim our autonomy and align our actions with what truly matters, creating a life of authenticity and fulfillment."
In this Bite Size Fridays episode, Jason explores the second cluster of skills in the Contrarian Mindset series: Mastering Perspective. Specifically, he delves into the importance of identifying, challenging, and reshaping unrealistic standards that often hinder personal growth and well-being. Jason discusses how these unattainable expectations, driven by societal norms, inner critics, or external pressures, can lead to dissatisfaction, anxiety, and self-doubt. Through rational examination, mindfulness, and cognitive restructuring, Jason introduces practical strategies for breaking free from perfectionist mindsets and cultivating authenticity.Key Takeaways:
The Perils of Unrealistic Standards:Many of us set unattainable expectations in our careers, relationships, health, and personal goals.These ideals are often shaped by societal pressures, family dynamics, or our own inner critics.Unrealistic standards create cycles of dissatisfaction, anxiety, and fear of failure.The Power of Rational Examination:Reflect on whether your standards align with your values or are driven by external influences.Challenge unattainable goals by questioning their origins, feasibility, and purpose.Shift focus from perfectionism to self-compassion, viewing setbacks as opportunities for growth.Strategies for Redefining Standards:Cognitive Restructuring: Re-engineer thought patterns by questioning distorted beliefs like all-or-nothing thinking or magnification.Mindfulness Practices: Cultivate awareness of your thoughts without judgment, fostering a more flexible and grounded mindset.Daily Reflection: Begin each day by identifying what is within your control and practicing acceptance for external outcomes.Leveraging Modern Psychological Approaches:Techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can help dismantle distorted thinking and foster a value-driven approach to life.These therapies emphasize emotional regulation, self-compassion, and taking purposeful actions aligned with your values.Living Authentically:Moving away from unattainable standards allows for a life aligned with personal values and aspirations.By embracing imperfection, individuals can cultivate a stronger sense of fulfillment and resilience.Additional Resources:
Interested in building a contrarian mindset for resilience, fortitude, and psychological strength? Check out the other episodes in this series linked in the show notes, and subscribe to It’s an Inside Job for more insights on resilience, well-being, and personal growth.
Part 1 – Discover the Power of The Contrarian Mindset: A New Approach to Rewiring Your Brain for Resilience and Growth
Part 2 – Discover the Power of The Contrarian Mindset: A New Approach to Rewiring Your Brain for Resilience aSupport the show
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