129. What Kills Innovation with GowriShankar Paramasivam

💭 Are you living a life by design or by default?

This week, we sit with award-winning entrepreneur CEO, Dianna Kokoszka. Her own siblings' battle with brain tumors sparked her crusade in neuroscience and brain training. In this episode, Dianna unravels her philosophy of transformation, explaining how repetitive, intentional thought patterns can lead to the rebirth of one's identity and reality, as she's detailed in her book "Becoming More."

Join us for this episode as we explore the depth of our minds and unlock the potential of our thoughts to craft the life we desire.

🌐 Connect with Dianna:
• Website: https://becomingmorebook.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diannak/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dianna.kokoszka/

📚 You can purchase Dianna's book at Amazon:
• Becoming More: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C75BZ8S1/

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

✅ Follow The Leadership Project on your favorite podcast platform and listen to a new episode every week!

📝 Don’t forget to share your thoughts on the episode in the comments below.

🔔 Join us in our mission at The Leadership Project and learn more about our organization here: https://linktr.ee/mickspiers

📕 You can purchase a copy of the Mick Spiers bestselling book "You're a Leader, Now What?" as an eBook or paperback at Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09ZBKK8XV

If you would like a signed copy, please reach to sei@mickspiers.com and we can arrange it for you too.

Today’s special guest is our very own Therese 'Sei' Spiers. Sei is the co-founder of The Leadership Project.  We are now three years and 150 episodes in, and Sei has been there every step of the way.

In today’s episode, we hear about Sei’s journey to become the leader and thought leader she is today. She shares her journey from quiet introvert to thought leader on LinkedIn with close to 10,000 followers.

Sei and Mick openly share leadership lessons learned from the TLP journey that include:
• The importance of deep listening and active listening
• The multiplication impact of thought leadership on social media and LinkedIn
• Inclusion and inclusive leadership
• Empowerment and being an empowering leader
• Glasser’s Choice Theory
• The difference between a growth mindset and a fixed mindset
• The competence–confidence cycle
• Differences between extroverts and introverts
• An introvert’s leadership superpowers
• Breaking through limiting beliefs
• Being vulnerable and authentic as a thought leader on social media

🌐 Connect with Sei:
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theresespiers/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seispiers/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/seimcalibo15
• Email: sei@mickspiers.com

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

✅ Follow The Leadership Project on your favorite podcast platform and listen to a new episode every week!

📝 Don’t forget to share your thoughts on the episode in the comments below.

🔔 Join us in our mission at The Leadership Project and learn more about our organization here: https://linktr.ee/mickspiers

📕 You can purchase a copy of the Mick Spiers bestselling book "You're a Leader, Now What?" as an eBook or paperback at Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09ZBKK8XV

If you would like a signed copy, please reach to sei@mickspiers.com and we can arrange it for you too.

💭 Are you having trouble with scaling your business?

Andy Hite helps leaders to find their full potential and to live full lives by working on the principles of leading powerfully, loving deeply and living fully. As we dissect his philosophy on scaling minds, it becomes clear how leading with conviction, loving with depth, and living a life of purpose can not only revolutionize our approach to leadership but also infuse our everyday interactions with profound meaning.

In this episode, Andy and Mick also put the spotlight on the magnetic power of vulnerability, authenticity, and the courage to choose love over fear in our quest for personal and organizational growth. Whether you're at the helm of a business or steering your own ship through life, this conversation offers a compass for charting a course toward breakthroughs that go beyond our limiting beliefs.

🌐 Connect with Andy:
• Website: https://www.scalingminds.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-hite/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andy.hite/

Book Mentioned:
The Untethered Soul: The Journey Beyond Yourself by Michael A. Singer

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

✅ Follow The Leadership Project on your favorite podcast platform and listen to a new episode every week!

📝 Don’t forget to share your thoughts on the episode in the comments below.

🔔 Join us in our mission at The Leadership Project and learn more about our organization here: https://linktr.ee/mickspiers

📕 You can purchase a copy of the Mick Spiers bestselling book "You're a Leader, Now What?" as an eBook or paperback at Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09ZBKK8XV

If you would like a signed copy, please reach to sei@mickspiers.com and we can arrange it for you too.

💭 What does it mean to be truly rich?

Ken Rusk helps individuals follow a purpose-driven life without having to follow society's definition of a “rewarding life”.

Ken illustrates how shunning the traditional education route at 19 led him to a flourishing business empire, proving that success doesn't always come with a degree but can be built with ambition and the right mindset. He shares personal stories that underscore the beauty in creating memories, finding joy in simple moments, and serving others. We unpack how setting clear, purpose-driven goals can activate your entrepreneurial spirit, leading to a life where freedom and personal satisfaction are not just dreams but daily realities.

Join us for this transformative dialogue and start constructing a life of comfort, peace and freedom.

🌐 Connect with Ken:
• Website: http://kenrusk.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ken-rusk-2656a7175/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kenruskofficial/

📚 You can purchase Boo's book at Amazon:
• Blue Collar Cash: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07WSB5WRP/

Book Mentioned:
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People Book by Stephen Covey

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

✅ Follow The Leadership Project on your favorite podcast platform and listen to a new episode every week!

📝 Don’t forget to share your thoughts on the episode in the comments below.

🔔 Join us in our mission at The Leadership Project and learn more about our organization here: https://linktr.ee/mickspiers

📕 You can purchase a copy of the Mick Spiers bestselling book "You're a Leader, Now What?" as an eBook or paperback at Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09ZBKK8XV

If you would like a signed copy, please reach to sei@mickspiers.com and we can arrange it for you too.

💭 Are you ready to gather a flight log of strategic insights from a former fighter pilot?

Christian 'Boo' Boucousis is a former fighter pilot who now commands the boardroom as CEO of Afterburner, helping organisations to take an approach of a fighter pilot in developing leaders.

Our conversation takes flight as Boo shares his journey from an aspiring aviator to a seasoned jet jockey, revealing how the very skills that kept him sharp in the skies now fortify the foundations of corporations. He marries the adrenaline of aerial combat with the acumen of executive strategy, all while dismantling the myth that ADHD is a barrier to success—in fact, it might just be the jet fuel for excellence.

Unlike the solo flights of fame that define professional sports, Boo outlines a world where collective success trumps individual accolades, where every mission's outcome hinges on seamless collaboration. We navigate through life-or-death decision-making, distilling the essence of fighter pilot wisdom into lessons on agility, resilience, and the art of sustainable high performance without burnout—a blueprint for any professional aiming to reach new heights.

🌐 Connect with Christian 'Boo':
• Website: https://afterburner.com.au/ and https://callmeboo.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-boo-boucousis/
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/christianbooboucousis
• Instagram page: https://instagram.com/afterburner_inc

📚 You can purchase Boo's book at Amazon:
• On Time On Target: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1760293849/

Book Mentioned:
Art of Clear Thinking book by Hasard Lee

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

✅ Follow The Leadership Project on your favorite podcast platform and listen to a new episode every week!

📝 Don’t forget to share your thoughts on the episode in the comments below.

🔔 Join us in our mission at The Leadership Project and learn more about our organization here: https://linktr.ee/mickspiers

📕 You can purchase a copy of the Mick Spiers bestselling book "You're a Leader, Now What?" as an eBook or paperback at Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09ZBKK8XV

If you would like a signed copy, please reach to sei@mickspiers.com and we can arrange it for you too.

💭 Ever wondered how the smooth, improvisational flow of a jazz band could teach us about skyrocketing productivity in the workplace?

Gerald J. Leonard is the CEO of the Productivity Intelligence Institute where he focuses on helping people to master productivity so they can unlock their full potential for success. He harmonizes both worlds of music and business, emphasizing how teams can flourish by embracing the collaborative spirit of a jazz ensemble. Through personal stories and actionable strategies, Gerald transforms the way we perceive team dynamics and workflow, ensuring every individual's strengths contribute to the collective's success.

With Gerald's guidance, we uncover how the emotional vibe of an organization can resonate as harmoniously as our favorite songs, fostering a culture that sings to a tune of shared values and positive dynamics. By encouraging growth opportunities, we understand that fostering a growth mindset is crucial to business leadership.

🎧 Listen to this episode and be ready to conduct your own team's performance to new heights.

🌐 Connect with Gerald:
• Website: https://www.turnberrypremiere.com and https://geraldjleonard.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/geraldjleonard/
• Email: gleonard@turnberrypremiere.com
• Free resources for listeners of The Leadership Project: https://productivityintelligenceinstitute.com/TLP

📚 You can purchase Gerald's books at Amazon:
• A Symphony of Choices:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CCXQLYDX/
• Workplace Jazz: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08R7Z91CL/ 
• Culture Is The Bass: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YMP3Q2Z/

Books Mentioned:
Conversational Intelligence by Judith E. Glaser
The Goal Book by Eliyahu Goldratt

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

✅ Follow The Leadership Project on your favorite podcast platform and listen to a new episode every week!

📝 Don’t forget to share your thoughts on the episode in the comments below.

🔔 Join us in our mission at The Leadership Project and learn more about our organization here: https://linktr.ee/mickspiers

📕 You can purchase a copy of the Mick Spiers bestselling book "You're a Leader, Now What?" as an eBook or paperback at Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09ZBKK8XV

If you would like a signed copy, please reach to sei@mickspiers.com and we can arrange it for you too.

💭 Have you ever wondered how you can extend your impact across the world?

Rusty Shelton is the influential mind behind Zilker Media and the author of "The Authority Advantage”. He reveals the power of thought leadership and the profound impact books have in our hyper-connected world. From a fervent intern to a guiding light for authors and leaders, Rusty unwraps his own narrative and the pivotal role of authenticity in building a personal brand that stands out and resonates deeply.

Navigating the digital currents, we tackle the transformative force behind writing a book and how it serves as a vessel for becoming a thought leader in your chosen profession. We dissect how establishing trust through thought leadership is not just crucial but foundational for business relationships, using financial advisor Patty Brennan's story as a testament to the power of a robust online persona in forging trust even before the first interaction.

The conversation then pivots to the art of personal branding, highlighting the steps to emerge as a mission-driven educator and the importance of a LinkedIn profile that mirrors one's mission. 

Join us for an episode packed with insights that promise to guide you on your path to becoming a trusted authority in your space.

🌐 Connect with Rusty:
• Website: https://rustyshelton.com/
• Get his newest book: theauthorityadvantage.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rustyrshelton/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rustyrshelton/

📚 You can purchase Rusty's books at Amazon:
• The Authority Advantage:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/1955884862/
• Authority Marketing: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07HKSFXHD/ 
• Mastering the New Media Landscape: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01AYLJVR2/

Books Mentioned:
Daniel Goleman - Father of Emotional Intelligence
Speak-up Culture, Book by Stephen Shedletzky
The ONE Thing Book by Gary W. Keller and Jay Papasan

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

✅ Follow The Leadership Project on your favorite podcast platform and listen to a new episode every week!

📝 Don’t forget to share your thoughts on the episode in the comments below.

🔔 Join us in our mission at The Leadership Project and learn more about our organization here: https://linktr.ee/mickspiers

📕 You can purchase a copy of the Mick Spiers bestselling book "You're a Leader, Now What?" as an eBook or paperback at Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09ZBKK8XV

If you would like a signed copy, please reach to sei@mickspiers.com and we can arrange it for you too.

💭 What shapes your leadership abilities?

When faced with this daunting question, we often overlook the shadows of our past. Yet, it is exactly these hidden influences that executive coach Cynthia Corsetti expertly brings to light. She helps leaders and top performers to resolve things from their past that are preventing them from being successful in their present and their future.

Cynthia opens up about her own experiences, drawing parallels between them and the leadership challenges many of us face. We dissect the subtle yet powerful impact of nonverbal communication, the ripple effects of leaders' behaviors on team dynamics, and the critical role empathy plays in creating a supportive work environment.

Journey with us as we unpack how early societal conditioning and deep-rooted traumas can become the 'dark drivers' behind our decisions, steering us down paths we unconsciously follow. If you're poised to challenge the status quo of your personal development and leadership style, this episode is an essential listen.

🌐 Connect with Cynthia:
• Website: https://www.cynthiacorsetti.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cynthiacorsetti/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cynthiacorsetti/
• Preorder her book, Dark Drivers: https://darkdrivers.presale.manuscripts.com/registration/select

Book Mentioned:
Buddha's Brian Book by Rick Hanson

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

✅ Follow The Leadership Project on your favorite podcast platform and listen to a new episode every week!

📝 Don’t forget to share your thoughts on the episode in the comments below.

🔔 Join us in our mission at The Leadership Project and learn more about our organization here: https://linktr.ee/mickspiers

📕 You can purchase a copy of the Mick Spiers bestselling book "You're a Leader, Now What?" as an eBook or paperback at Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09ZBKK8XV

If you would like a signed copy, please reach to sei@mickspiers.com and we can arrange it for you too.

💭 Ever wonder how true leaders nurture success in small businesses? 

Bill Nikolouzakis is an esteemed keynote speaker, executive coach, and growth consultant. This conversation takes a deep dive into the challenges and victories that shape the entrepreneurial journey, emphasizing the pivotal role of business acumen in weathering the storm of the initial five years.

Bill sheds light on the transformative power of embracing continuous learning, and the indelible impact small businesses have on the economy's fabric. And at the heart of a thriving workplace culture lies servant leadership, the kind which fosters radical candor and genuine care, ensuring every team member feels valued and heard. We discuss the delicate art of balancing high expectations with empathy, and how, by wholeheartedly serving your team, you inadvertently excel in serving your customers.

Learn how to artfully integrate servant leadership principles into your management style and witness the cascade of positive change that follows, both within your team and the wider sphere of your business influence.

🌐 Connect with Bill:
• Website: https://levelsgc.com/ & https://billniko.com/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billniko10/
• LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/levelsgc/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/billniko10/ & https://www.instagram.com/levelsgrowth/

Book Mentioned:
Screw It, Let's Do It Book by Richard Branson

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

✅ Follow The Leadership Project on your favorite podcast platform and listen to a new episode every week!

📝 Don’t forget to share your thoughts on the episode in the comments below.

🔔 Join us in our mission at The Leadership Project and learn more about our organization here: https://linktr.ee/mickspiers

📕 You can purchase a copy of the Mick Spiers bestselling book "You're a Leader, Now What?" as an eBook or paperback at Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09ZBKK8XV

If you would like a signed copy, please reach to sei@mickspiers.com and we can arrange it for you too.

💭 How do you foster a growth-focused culture through feedback?

Aga Bajer is the CEO and founder of Culture Brained,  a virtual community that helps leaders build cultures that foster belonging, innovation, and high performance. Her interest in organizational culture started as she grew up in a totalitarian regime where despite the government having absolute power over its people, it did not have full control over how people behaved in their respective homes. That was when she first realized that culture is a movement, not a mandate. And it is not a leader’s job to make people happy, but rather to create an environment where they can show up as their best selves while making meaningful connections with colleagues. 

In this episode, Aga shares how leaders should start cultivating a culture where people solicit feedback themselves, particularly on areas they want to grow. This creates a culture in teams where people are focused on growth, and are humble enough to ask others on their views of how they could improve. And before you can give it, acknowledge that feedback is a privilege built on trust and truly caring for someone’s growth and success. 

🎧 Download this episode to discover how you can unlock growth by cultivating a feedback culture in your teams.

🌐 Connect with Aga:
• Website: https://www.agabajer.com/
• Join Culture Leaders Community: https://www.agabajer.com/culturebrained-community/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/agabajer/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aga_bajer/

📚 You can purchase Aga's book at Amazon:
• Building and Sustaining a Coaching Culture:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0728GM4MD/

Book Mentioned:
Meditations Book by Marcus Aurelius

✅ Follow The Leadership Project on your favorite podcast platform and listen to a new episode every week!

📝 Don’t forget to share your thoughts on the episode in the comments below.

🔔 Join us in our mission at The Leadership Project and learn more about our organization here: https://linktr.ee/mickspiers

📕 You can purchase a copy of the Mick Spiers bestselling book "You're a Leader, Now What?" as an eBook or paperback at Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09ZBKK8XV

If you would like a signed copy, please reach to sei@mickspiers.com and we can arrange it for you too.