In the final episode of the Anti-Burnout summer series, Jonathan Collier and Alan Briggs discuss the topics of cynicism and curiosity. They explore the difference between being critical and being cynical, and the dangers of cynicism in leadership. They emphasize the importance of curiosity in overcoming cynicism and finding new possibilities. The conversation also touches on areas where cynicism is prevalent, such as politics, economics, and even preseason football. The hosts encourage leaders to cultivate curiosity and hope, and to believe in the possibility of change.
 
Takeaways
Cynicism is a mindset marked by deep skepticism and distrust, while curiosity is the opposite of anxiety and opens up new possibilities.
Cynicism keeps leaders stuck and prevents them from shaping the future, while curiosity invites exploration and growth.
Cynicism can show up in various areas of life and leadership, such as politics, economics, and personal relationships.
Being critical is different from being cynical, as critical thinking involves asking questions and seeking understanding.
Leaders need to cultivate curiosity and hope, and believe in the possibility of change in order to make a positive impact.
Sound Bites
"There's a difference between being critical and being cynical."
"Cynicism is a dead end, curiosity is an on-ramp."
"If we don't believe that it's possible for leaders to change, then we need to get out."
 

In this episode, Alan Briggs discusses the topic of resistance and how it can hold us back from taking action and pursuing our goals. He emphasizes the importance of normalizing and demystifying resistance, as well as the need to move forward despite it. Briggs encourages listeners to identify areas in their lives where they are experiencing resistance and take small steps to push against it. He also introduces the concept of an annual energy map and offers a tool to help listeners navigate the challenges and opportunities of the fall season.
Resistance is a common experience in life and leadership, and it can hold us back from pursuing our goals.
Normalizing and demystifying resistance can help us overcome it and take action.
Identifying areas of resistance and taking small steps forward can help us make progress and overcome fear.
An annual energy map can be a helpful tool for navigating the challenges and opportunities of different seasons.
 
Sound Bites
"The obstacle is resistance. The opportunity is movement."
"When we bravely take steps forward, we are whispering to ourselves, this is worth it."
"Resistance cannot be seen, touched, heard or smelled, but it can be felt."
Chapters
00:00Introduction and Setting the Context
03:19The Obstacle: Resistance and the Opportunity: Movement
06:38Normalizing and Demystifying Resistance
09:09Identifying Areas of Resistance and Taking Small Steps Forward
13:02Navigating the Challenges and Opportunities of the Fall Season
14:26Conclusion and Next Steps

In this episode of the Stay Forth Leadership Podcast, Jonathan Collier and Alan Briggs discuss the importance of clarifying expectations to avoid disappointment. They explore the concept of the expectation gap and how unmet expectations can lead to disappointment. They emphasize the need to name and clarify expectations in order to protect relationships and move beyond disappointment. 
 
takeaways
The Right Side Up Journal is a helpful tool for grounding oneself and clarifying priorities
Disappointment often arises from unmet expectations, both internally and externally
Naming and clarifying expectations is crucial for protecting relationships and avoiding disappointment
Taking action and course correcting are key to moving beyond disappointment
Sound Bites
"We wanted to spend just a few minutes to talk about this guy and why we believe it is the standard."
"We often don't even realize what we expected until we experience this awful thing called disappointment."
"When you experience disappointment, it's always about unmet expectations."
Chapters
00:00Introduction to the Right Side Up Journal
04:05Disappointment and Naming Things
09:07Clarifying Expectations
12:39Taking Action and Course Correcting

Hal Donaldson, CEO of Convoy of Hope, shares his personal story and the lessons he has learned about serving and avoiding burnout. He emphasizes the importance of taking care of oneself physically, emotionally, and spiritually in order to continue serving others effectively. Hal discusses the mindset shifts and practices that leaders can adopt to prioritize their own well-being while still making a difference in the world. He also encourages leaders to embrace hardship as an opportunity for growth and to seek out mentors who exemplify humility and faithfulness.
Takeaways
Taking care of oneself physically, emotionally, and spiritually is essential for long-term service and avoiding burnout.
Leaders should prioritize their own well-being and model a healthy culture within their organizations.
Success can be more dangerous than failure if it leads to self-reliance and neglect of personal health.
Hardship is often followed by opportunities and miracles, and leaders should embrace the lessons and growth that come from difficult times.
Leaders should be selective in their response to needs and seek guidance through prayer to discern their role in serving others.
Key Quotes
"Everyone can do something, just do the next kind thing that God puts in front of you."
"Success is more dangerous than failure."
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In this episode of the Say Forth Leadership Podcast, we delve into why every leader must confront pain. Pain is an inevitable part of being human and even more so as a leader. The more people you influence, the more pain you'll be exposed to.
This discussion unpacks how leaders often overlook their own pain while focusing on the next task or goal, much like a rock climber so focused on the climb that they ignore their injuries.
We emphasize the importance of acknowledging both macro and micro pains to move toward healing and connection. We also explore the role of friends, therapists, coaches, and fellow strugglers in navigating this journey.
By confronting pain head-on, leaders can foster deeper connections and healthier communities. Tune in to learn practical steps to manage pain and build supportive relationships.

In this episode, Alan and Jonathan discuss the topic of change and the importance of embracing experiments as a way to navigate through change. They highlight the need for clarity and awareness before taking appropriate action, and encourage small steps and experiments to shift the needle and gain momentum. They also emphasize the importance of not trying to control things that are outside of our responsibility. Overall, the episode provides practical insights and encouragement for leaders facing change.
 
Takeaways
Change is a constant in life and leadership, and it is important to embrace it rather than resist it.
Experiments are a powerful tool to navigate through change, as they allow us to test the future without pressurizing it.
Clarity and awareness are essential before taking appropriate action in times of change.
Small steps and experiments can help shift the needle and gain momentum in the midst of change.
It is important to focus on what is within our responsibility and not try to control things that are outside of our control.
Quotables
"Experiments test the future without pressurizing it."
"Experiments limit the pressure and increase our curiosity."
"You can't try something new until you know where to free up space"

Welcome back to episode three of our Anti-Burnout Summer Series! This week, we tackle a phrase many leaders find all too familiar: "I'm so tired." 
On this episode we dive into the different types of fatigue leaders face and the journey from exhaustion to replenishment. Discover practical strategies to identify and combat expected, extended, and extreme fatigue. Learn the importance of intentional replenishment cycles and how daily and weekly habits can transform your energy levels and the trajectory of of your leadership.
If you're feeling drained, this episode is your guide to finding renewed vitality and balance. Tune in and take the first step towards a lighter, more fulfilling leadership journey. #AntiBurnout #Leadership #Replenishment #PodcastSeries #SelfCare
TakeawaysExhaustion and fatigue can lead to burnout and should not be ignored.There are three types of fatigue: expected fatigue, extended fatigue, and extreme fatigue.It is important to identify the level and source of fatigue, whether it is physical, mental, relational, emotional, or spiritual.Creating a replenishment cycle with daily and weekly habits can help combat fatigue and replenish energy.The Right Side Up Journal is a useful tool for self-reflection and accountability in maintaining a replenishment cycle.
Quotables"I'm so tired. I am so tired.""Exhaustion: The Obstacle to Replenishment""Energy leaks effortlessly, but replenishment requires intentionality."
 
Grab a right side up journal: https://www.rightsideupjournal.comJoin a leadership development cohort: https://effective.stayforthcoaching.com

Tanner, the CEO of Every Home for Christ, shares his journey from rural Montana to leading a global ministry. He discusses the audacious mission of Every Home for Christ and the various ways they carry Christ to everyone and every place. Tanner also talks about his experience of taking over leadership from the legendary Dick Eastman and the challenges of succession. He emphasizes the importance of boundaries, play, and seeking support in maintaining health while traveling. Tanner shares his favorite cereal, guilty pleasure song, and a quote that inspires him. He concludes with a message of encouragement for those feeling discouraged.TakeawaysEvery Home for Christ has an audacious mission to carry Christ to everyone and every place.Succession can be a challenging process, but intentional communication and trust-building are key.Setting boundaries and prioritizing health, both physically and mentally, is crucial for leaders who travel frequently.Play and humor can humanize leadership and strengthen relationships within a team.Gratitude and taking small steps are important during difficult times.Every Home for Christ's website (www.everyhome.org) is a great resource to learn more about their work.Sound Bites"I think getting good at saying no, really weighing out whether this is truly important or not.""Play disarms and allows us to have relational connection.""Listen, you're in good company. The world is a hard spot. I think everybody in the world at some point experiences some kind of suffering."