In this riveting conversation, our host, Cathleen sits down with the inspiring Jones Loflin. Jones masterfully draws parallels between the principles of gardening and leadership, emphasising creativity, space for thinking, and nurturing sustainable growth.

In this episode, you'll hear about the origins of Jones' book Juggling Elephants, born from a casual discussion on life’s circus-like chaos, and Cathleen’s reflections on fostering creativity amidst our busy lives. Together, they tackle the ever-present challenge of balancing work efficiency with your personal life, stressing the importance of intentional habits and mindfulness.

Tune in to discover how to embrace the "gardener mindset" for proactive leadership, learn effective strategies for saying no, and explore how intentionality and small steps can lead to significant personal and professional development.

Episode Timeline:

15:34 Authentic writing comes from lived experiences.

19:36 Helping people identify unmet needs and make necessary changes in their lives and workspaces.

23:31 Storytelling and communication encourages positive change and possibility.

31:05 Surround yourself with encouraging mentors who are a few steps ahead of you.

33:36 Office friendships can create unnecessary pressure.

42:04 An elephant is anything that limits you.

43:38 Leaders aim to improve in key areas.

59:02 Showing palms indicates trust and confidence.

01:10:08 Delegate meetings to empower team members, and gain time.

Key Takeaways:

• Jones Loflin emphasises the importance of adopting a ‘gardener mindset’ for leaders, focusing on creativity, growth, and nurturing sustainable systems rather than merely fixing problems.

• Both Jones and Cathleen discuss the challenge of finding time for creativity and personal development, highlighting the significance of starting small and being intentional in cultivating habits that support free time and balance.

• The episode underscores the value of storytelling and fostering open communication to drive change, with Jones advocating for leaders to delegate decision-making and empower their teams for strategic growth.

ABOUT Jones Loflin

Jones Loflin has made it his life’s work to deliver powerful ideas and practical solutions to individuals around the world so they can achieve more of what is most important to them. His books are described as “illuminating” and his presentations as “unforgettable.” In his 29 years as a speaker and coach he has helped countless people regain confidence in their ability to achieve greater success in work and life.

Connect with Jones:

Business: https://jonesloflin.com/

Linkedin - JonesLoflin.com | LinkedIn

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jonesloflin

Facebook

Juggling Elephants: https://www.facebook.com/jugglingelephants/

Youtube - Jones Loflin - YouTube

Instagram - Jones Loflin (@jonesloflin)

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jonesloflin

Connect: 


Find | Cathleen O’Sullivan

Business: cathleenmerkel.com

Email: cmc@cathleenmerkelcoaching.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/cathleen-merkel-2b0991151

Instagram: www.instagram.com/cathleenmerkel

Twitter: twitter.com/CathleenMerkel7

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Cathleen is joined by Jim Bishop from Conjunction Leadership, who brings over 20 years of global leadership experience to the table. Together, they explore essential topics for modern leaders, from embracing authenticity and emotional dexterity to navigating complex workplaces and fostering meaningful connections. Jim shares actionable insights on empowering leaders to take responsibility for their destiny, using direct communication, and developing resilience and adaptability within their teams. Cathleen and Jim engage in a thought-provoking discussion about gender dynamics, the pressures of social identity, and the journey toward finding one's true voice in a corporate world.

Episode Timeline:

04:11 We aim to make the world of work not suck so much anymore.

08:05 Nervous system shapes identity through social interaction.

14:59 Initial chemistry call determines coaching relationship compatibility.

25:30 Found purpose and balance during sabbatical.

27:07 Pivoted to coaching, found success during COVID.

33:17 Unite teams through shared vision for cooperation.

38:23 Avoid discomfort to stay safe but you limit growth.

44:32 Encouraging growth mindset and self-actualisation in culture.

52:15 Finding identity, setting boundaries, and being present.

54:59 Nurturing entrepreneurial spirit while balancing family security.

01:00:05 Employees value social connections and purpose at work.

Key Takeaways:

• Leaders need to make empowered choices and develop emotional dexterity to manage complex emotions and foster connection and empathy in the workplace.

• Jim suggests using the "north star exercise" to align divisions and create a common vision, addressing conflicts and encouraging creative problem-solving for your teams

• Jim and Cathleen discuss the intricacies of gender dynamics in leadership. They promote curiosity, openness, and empathetic communication to break down traditional gender expectations and enhance team cohesion.

ABOUT Jim Bishop

With over two decades of immersive experience in executive development, corporate leadership and human performance, Jim Bishop stands as a beacon of transformative leadership through his business, Conjunction Leadership. Jim's journey has taken him across the globe, coaching executives, diverse teams and orchestrating the modernisation of leadership systems for transforming business units. Having collaborated with industry giants like Eli Lilly, Roche, and Elanco, Jim recognised the pivotal role of a visionary leader willing to first work on themselves while revitalising their culture. This catalysed the birth of Conjunction Leadership in 2020, where Jim provides executive coaching and team development solutions. As a certified coach by the International Coaching Federation and a Certified Leadership Facilitator with Blanchard, Jim's methods are a blend of science and art. He empowers executives through executive coaching, corporate culture consulting, and team effectiveness programs, focusing on holistic development within volatile contexts. At Conjunction Leadership, transformation starts within. The exclusive DISRUPT, BRIDGE, and GROW process guides leaders on a journey of self-discovery, mindset shifts, and measurable growth.

Connect with Jim:

Website: https://conjunctionleadership.com/

Social Media Links:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conjunctionleadership/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/conjunctionleadership

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesdbishop/

Connect: 


Find | Cathleen O’Sullivan

Business: cathleenmerkel.com

Email: cmc@cathleenmerkelcoaching.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/cathleen-merkel-2b0991151

Instagram: www.instagram.com/cathleenmerkel

Twitter: twitter.com/CathleenMerkel7

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Cathleen explores the world of business leadership with the incredible Josh Perlman. Josh brings over 20 years of experience in shaping resilient businesses with executive roles ranging from CEO to COO. He shares invaluable insights into proving oneself as a smart, hardworking leader, and the critical importance of psychological safety in the workplace, especially during tumultuous times like the COVID-19 crisis.

Josh opens up about his unique journey from starting work in high school to leading his own company, Geek Exec, which places C-suite executives in small and medium-sized businesses. You'll hear first-hand stories of challenges he faced, mistakes made, and lessons learned, all reinforcing the essence of being customer-centric and staying true to your business's core purpose.

Tune in to learn more about leading with impact, empowering teams, and navigating the pressures of growth and innovation.

Episode Timeline:

• 06:59 Maintaining balance key to sustained energy levels.

• 12:44 Diverse upbringing shapes outlook on life.

• 18:47 Small and medium businesses can't easily afford consultants.

• 28:03 Focus on unique value; prioritise client satisfaction.

• 32:19 Flexibility and adaptation are crucial for success.

• 40:55 Acknowledge mistakes, listen, and learn from others.

• 47:06 Importance of psychological safety in challenging communication.

• 49:30 Founders should empower and trust their team.

• 56:56 Regret about not confronting the boss for bad advice.

• 01:02:46 Adapt, learn, and finish what's necessary.

Key Takeaways:

• The Importance of Psychological Safety: Josh Perlman emphasises the significance of creating a workplace environment where employees can express concerns and ideas without fear of job security.

• Balancing Personal and Professional Life: Both Cathleen O’Sullivan and Josh Perlman discuss the necessity of taking breaks and finding time for oneself and one’s relationships.

• Leading with Flexibility and Openness: Josh Perlman shares insights on the importance of being adaptable and open to various perspectives in leadership. He stresses the need for continuous learning, being open to change, and fostering an environment where new ideas are welcomed.

ABOUT Josh Perlman

Josh Perlman is a seasoned business executive with over 20 years of experience in shaping resilient businesses across various industries. He has held executive roles including CEO, COO, President, and Senior Vice President, with expertise in operations, sales, and product development management. Josh's career is marked by his dedication to bridging the talent gap for small businesses and startups, inspiring him to establish The Gig Exec. His mission is to make senior-level executive experience accessible to small, innovative companies, and family businesses, not just tech startups and large corporations. Currently, Josh is the Managing Director at The Gig Exec and the Founder & President of BËTR Productions, continuing his journey of empowering businesses with strategic leadership and innovative solutions.

Link to website: www.thegigexec.com

Connect with Josh:

Website: www.thegigexec.com

Social Media Links:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshperlman31/

Connect: 


Find | Cathleen O’Sullivan

Business: cathleenmerkel.com

Email: cmc@cathleenmerkelcoaching.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/cathleen-merkel-2b0991151

Instagram: www.instagram.com/cathleenmerkel

Twitter: twitter.com/CathleenMerkel7

FOLLOW LEGENDARY LEADERS ON APPLE, SPOTIFY OR WHEREVER YOU LISTEN TO YOUR PODCASTS.