Run Your Life Show With Andy Vasily

Andy Vasily

Host Andy Vasily interviews inspiring leaders from professional sports, the field of education, and the health/wellness industry to unpack what striving for excellence means and to learn more about the guiding principles that shape their work. read less
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#265: Transforming Schools: How Culture Shapes Learning and Leadership with Anne van Dam
6d ago
#265: Transforming Schools: How Culture Shapes Learning and Leadership with Anne van Dam
Send us a textIn today’s episode, I’m thrilled to sit down with the brilliant Anne van Dam, an educator, leader, and consultant with a wealth of experience working in schools across the globe. And in our conversation, Anne shares her unique journey—from her early days as a learner to her current work helping schools and organizations build cultures that bring out the best in everyone.Although she’s most recognized for her expertise in early years learning, Anne’s knowledge spans far beyond that as she brings deep insights into leadership, team culture, collaboration, and what it takes to help schools thrive in today’s ever-changing educational landscape.Anne opens up about her personal journey—reflecting on how her early learning experiences shaped her as an educator and leader. We also discuss whether or not school helped her discover her passion and what might have better supported her learning during her formative years.Having worked extensively in a variety of schools and roles around the world, Anne has invaluable perspectives on the role of culture in schools and organizations, so hearing that in mind, we also explore how the relationships we build shape the environments we create and the conditions necessary to foster a culture that elevates everyone involved.We also dive into how the best educators and leaders use language to inspire and empower those around them and how the words we choose—especially in key moments—can have a profound impact on success.Another key theme we discuss is the power of personal narrative—how the stories we tell ourselves shape not only our mindset but also our learning and growth. Anne reflects on the pivotal moments in her life that shifted her perspective and helped her evolve as a wife, parent, educator, and leader.Even if you’re not an educator, there’s plenty in this episode that will help you understand the need for continuous growth and learning in life—and how to prioritize what truly matters.I encourage you to connect with Anne—after hearing today’s episode. You can find out more about her in the show notes. Although Anne has been a guest on the podcast before, this is our first face-to-face interview, which we recorded last weekend in Budapest, Hungary. It was such a pleasure meeting her in person and getting to know her better. Thanks for listening. Anne's BioAnne van Dam is an experienced educator and educational consultant who is deeply passionate about the role of play in children's learning process. She believes in the power of documentation as a tool for educators to reflect on and grow in their practice by exploring the various threads, ideas, and connections that underpin children's investigations.Throughout her career, Anne has held various roles in the field of education, including teacher, curriculum coordinator, head of school, and vice-principal. Her international experience includes working in schools located in China, Singapore, Switzerland, and The Netherlands. Anne's passion for education and dedication to empowering educators and young learners led her to collaborate with the International Baccalaureate (IB) regional office in The Hague, where she worked with the PYP (Primary Years Programme) development team on the IB PYP review. Her focus areas during this collaboration included learner agency, early years education, inquiry-based learning, and aspects of creating a strong learning community.Since 2015, Anne has been working as an independent educational consultant. Her primary goal is to support schools and educators in developing a shared pedagogy that recognizes and honors young children as incredible learners and meaning makers.Connect with Anne:Website

Episodes

#265: Transforming Schools: How Culture Shapes Learning and Leadership with Anne van Dam
6d ago
#265: Transforming Schools: How Culture Shapes Learning and Leadership with Anne van Dam
Send us a textIn today’s episode, I’m thrilled to sit down with the brilliant Anne van Dam, an educator, leader, and consultant with a wealth of experience working in schools across the globe. And in our conversation, Anne shares her unique journey—from her early days as a learner to her current work helping schools and organizations build cultures that bring out the best in everyone.Although she’s most recognized for her expertise in early years learning, Anne’s knowledge spans far beyond that as she brings deep insights into leadership, team culture, collaboration, and what it takes to help schools thrive in today’s ever-changing educational landscape.Anne opens up about her personal journey—reflecting on how her early learning experiences shaped her as an educator and leader. We also discuss whether or not school helped her discover her passion and what might have better supported her learning during her formative years.Having worked extensively in a variety of schools and roles around the world, Anne has invaluable perspectives on the role of culture in schools and organizations, so hearing that in mind, we also explore how the relationships we build shape the environments we create and the conditions necessary to foster a culture that elevates everyone involved.We also dive into how the best educators and leaders use language to inspire and empower those around them and how the words we choose—especially in key moments—can have a profound impact on success.Another key theme we discuss is the power of personal narrative—how the stories we tell ourselves shape not only our mindset but also our learning and growth. Anne reflects on the pivotal moments in her life that shifted her perspective and helped her evolve as a wife, parent, educator, and leader.Even if you’re not an educator, there’s plenty in this episode that will help you understand the need for continuous growth and learning in life—and how to prioritize what truly matters.I encourage you to connect with Anne—after hearing today’s episode. You can find out more about her in the show notes. Although Anne has been a guest on the podcast before, this is our first face-to-face interview, which we recorded last weekend in Budapest, Hungary. It was such a pleasure meeting her in person and getting to know her better. Thanks for listening. Anne's BioAnne van Dam is an experienced educator and educational consultant who is deeply passionate about the role of play in children's learning process. She believes in the power of documentation as a tool for educators to reflect on and grow in their practice by exploring the various threads, ideas, and connections that underpin children's investigations.Throughout her career, Anne has held various roles in the field of education, including teacher, curriculum coordinator, head of school, and vice-principal. Her international experience includes working in schools located in China, Singapore, Switzerland, and The Netherlands. Anne's passion for education and dedication to empowering educators and young learners led her to collaborate with the International Baccalaureate (IB) regional office in The Hague, where she worked with the PYP (Primary Years Programme) development team on the IB PYP review. Her focus areas during this collaboration included learner agency, early years education, inquiry-based learning, and aspects of creating a strong learning community.Since 2015, Anne has been working as an independent educational consultant. Her primary goal is to support schools and educators in developing a shared pedagogy that recognizes and honors young children as incredible learners and meaning makers.Connect with Anne:Website
#264: Radical Candor in Practice with Amy Sandler (Part 1)
Nov 18 2024
#264: Radical Candor in Practice with Amy Sandler (Part 1)
Send us a textBefore diving into today’s conversation with my guest, Amy Sandler, I want you to pause for a moment and think about your own career journey, whatever that may be and reflect on all the places you’ve worked, the teams you’ve been a part of, and the experiences—both challenging and rewarding—that have shaped your professional life. Whether you’ve been in a leadership position or not, consider those everyday moments—the interactions, the wins, and the setbacks—that ultimately influenced how you felt in your workplace. When thinking about these things, what comes up for you and how did those environments shape your sense of belonging, growth, and self-expression?How comfortable did you feel being honest and openly transparent about your emotions when dealing with both your triumphs and the struggles you had? And when it came to providing feedback to your peers or leaders, how safe did you feel doing so? Was your feedback heard and welcomed, or was it dismissed? These are all questions that tie into today’s conversation, where we’ll explore candor—not just the literal definition which has to do with the quality of being honest and straightforward in attitude and speech, but more so the deeper essence of creating spaces where openness and feedback can thrive.I’m thrilled to introduce my guest, Amy Sandler, a leader whose work has helped shape how thousands of people think about communication in the workplace. Amy is the principal coach and podcast host of Radical Candor, where she has also served as Chief Marketing Officer and Chief Content Officer at the Radical Candor organization. Over the years, she’s worked with countless people, from CEOs and leadership teams to recent graduates just starting their careers.Amy’s leadership philosophy is rooted in empowering individuals to develop greater self-awareness, resilience, and compassion—qualities she firmly believes are essential for building strong teams and achieving shared success. Alongside Kim Scott, the brilliant author of the book Radical Candor, and CEO Jason Rosoff and the rest of their team, Amy has been part of groundbreaking work that’s helping organizations create environments where all voices are valued and feedback is embraced.Amy is also a Harvard graduate with an MBA and an MFA in Screenwriting from UCLA. She’s a certified breathwork and meditation teacher, and she’s woven many of the guiding principles from these practices into her leadership coaching. On a deeply personal note, Amy has openly shared how coming out as a member of the LGBTQ+ community in the mid-90s catalyzed her own journey of inner healing and self-inquiry.It was truly an honor to sit down with Amy for this conversation. We found so much flow in our discussion,,,, that we decided to make this a two-part series, where we’ll dive even deeper into her work with Radical Candor in our next episode together which will come out later in December. I think you’ll appreciate Amy’s thoughtful, empathetic style of communication and gain valuable insights from today’s episode that I hope you’ll be able to apply in your own personal and professional life. Thanks for listening.Connect with Amy Sandler:LinkedInRadical Candor PodcastRadical Candor Book
#263: Healing Through Compassion: Dimitra Kalogeropoulou’s Journey of Recovery
Nov 11 2024
#263: Healing Through Compassion: Dimitra Kalogeropoulou’s Journey of Recovery
Send us a textIn this episode, Andy introduces Dimitra Kalogeropoulou, a bilingual Greek/English Registered Clinical Psychologist and certified Compassionate Inquiry practitioner. Dimitra’s journey is deeply inspiring—having overcome a serious drug addiction, she has been clean for over 14 years and now dedicates her life to helping others heal. Through her work, she provides a safe and compassionate environment where clients can explore the root causes of their pain and suffering.The episode explores the principles of Compassionate Inquiry, a therapeutic approach that helps people understand and address the deeper emotional and psychological issues that contribute to their struggles. Dimitra emphasizes the importance of being present in the moment as a core aspect of healing, a concept she has embraced personally in her own recovery.Andy expresses deep admiration for Dimitra's thoughtful and caring nature, describing her as a true gift to the world. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own mental health and wellness, and the episode offers valuable insights on how we can all cultivate resilience, insight, and freedom in our own lives. The conversation is aimed at inspiring those who may be facing their own challenges to embrace healing and transformation. Thanks for listening and please share this episode with anyone who you feel will benefit from tuning in. Connect With Dimitra:If you are interested in connected with Dimitra, you can find her here.
#262: The Science of Motivating Young People with Dr. David Yeager
Nov 1 2024
#262: The Science of Motivating Young People with Dr. David Yeager
Send us a textToday’s episode is a special one as I had the chance to interview Dr. David Yeager, professor of psychology at University of Texas at Austin and a co-founder of the Texas Behavioural Science and Policy Institute. Dr. Yeager is widely recognized for his groundbreaking research alongside the inspiring Dr. Carol Dweck, the author of the brilliant book Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, and Dr. Angela Duckworth, who authored the very impactful book Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance, and well-known psychologist  and researcher Dr. Greg Walton from Stanford. Together, they've developed short but impactful interventions that shape adolescent behaviors in areas like motivation, engagement, healthy eating, bullying, stress, and mental health.Dr. Yeager has consulted for major organizations including Google, Microsoft, Disney, and the World Bank, as well as advising for the White House and governments in California, Texas, and Norway. His work has been featured in The New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, Scientific American, CNN, Fox News, the Guardian, The Atlantic and many more.In our conversation today, we dive into his latest book, 10-25: The Science of Motivating Young People. This insightful book reveals the conditions necessary to empower young people to make better choices and achieve greater success in their lives.Our discussion not only covers the key themes in his book, but we also explore Dr. Yeager’s personal experiences in life and the deeper significance behind his work. If you’re a parent, teacher, coach, or leader, you’ll find tremendous value in what David shares. He offers profound wisdom on how we can authentically support 10 to 25-year-olds, helping them reach their fullest potential and find genuine success in their lives.Dr. Yeager’s book challenges the common myths that young people nowadays are apathetic, entitled, unmotivated and lazy. Instead, he encourages us to reframe this narrative and adopt proactive mentoring strategies that empower youth to contribute positively to their communities and the world. This shift, as we know, is essential for the betterment of our society.I hope you leave this episode not only wanting to grab a copy of his invaluable book 10-25: The Science of Motivating Young People, but also inspired to change how you interact with important young people in your life in order to bring out their best.Thank you for tuning in! I’d appreciate it if you could share this episode on social media, helping more people discover Dr. Yeager’s important work. Connect with Dr. David YeagerWebsiteLinkedInBuy David's book here
#261- Wisdom of Alignment Series: Being the Lead Learner in Your Life
Oct 14 2024
#261- Wisdom of Alignment Series: Being the Lead Learner in Your Life
Send us a textIn this short Wisdom of Alignment podcast episode, Andy emphasize the transformative power of adopting a learner's mindset, especially when it comes to challenging our own assumptions and stepping outside our comfort zones. We often cling to familiar beliefs, choosing comfort over growth. However, true development—both personally and professionally—occurs when we break this cycle by embracing discomfort, reflecting honestly on our habits, and being open to change.Daniel Goleman’s insights on self-awareness are central to this, highlighting that understanding our emotions, strengths, and weaknesses is key to growth. This self-awareness allows us to recognize when our thinking is rigid and prevents us from evolving. More than personal growth, the article encourages creating a learning culture that fosters collective development through curiosity and vulnerability.This episode’s importance lies in its practical strategies for leaders, coaches, and anyone looking to grow: embrace discomfort, cultivate self-awareness, and create a learning culture. It’s a reminder that progress doesn’t come from sticking to the status quo, but from consistently challenging our beliefs and making learning a lifelong process. By reflecting on where we might be stuck, we can break free from limitations and inspire those around us to do the same. This message is crucial for anyone striving to become their best self, lead others effectively, or build environments where growth thrives. We hope you enjoy this short episode and share it with anyone who you feel will benefit from listening. Thank you!Connect with Andy VasilyTwitterLinkedIn
#260- Mastering Performance: How Actions Shape Our Success with Mark Bennett
Oct 6 2024
#260- Mastering Performance: How Actions Shape Our Success with Mark Bennett
Send us a textIn today’s episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Mark Bennett, a Performance Architect whose work in performance psychology has shaped the way individuals and teams think about success. Our conversation dove into some powerful concepts that have the potential to transform the way you approach both performance and well-being in your life and work.Mark Bennett has worked with elite athletes from multiple different sports for more than 25 years. As well he works closely with business leaders and other organisations helping them create the formula for success in their companies. Mark's approach, is built on the foundational principle that "performance is a behavior, not an outcome," In our conversation, he offers profound insights into how we can shift our focus from results to actions—actions that, when consistently applied, lead to lasting success. We also explored his unique philosophy on need-centered coaching, which differs from the traditional athlete- or person-centered models, as well as the symbiotic relationship between performance and wellness. Mark argues that many organizations treat wellness as a safety net rather than a proactive investment, and that shift in mindset is critical to maximizing potential.There are plenty of tools and strategies you will walk away with in this episode such as the Action Review Process, a tool that improves judgment and self-awareness in real-time, an essential foundation for anyone seeking to better themselves and their skillset, whether in sports or business. Mark’s approach is deeply rooted in the fundamental believe that we are the drivers of our own growth and learning and that once we make a decision we must fully commit to it and execute. Regardless of success or failure, fully committing and executing is the key to this process of learning which is also deeply rooted in honest, genuine reflection that allows us to truly unpack what went well and what we might do better next time around. You’ll find out about this and so much more in our conversation today.  Thank you for listening this episode and please do share it with anyone who you feel will benefit from tuning in. Connect with Mark Bennett:Website LinkedIn Twitter 'X'YouTube 25% Discount Code for Mark's Online Training Resources- yourlife25 You can access his training hereFind out about Edge Golf College here
#259- Building and Maintaining Trust in the Workplace with Charles Feltman
Sep 28 2024
#259- Building and Maintaining Trust in the Workplace with Charles Feltman
Send us a textIn today's episode, you'll hear from Charles Feltman, a trust expert and leadership coach known for his work on building and sustaining trust in relationships, particularly in the workplace. His book, The Thin Book of Trust, is widely recognized for breaking down trust into four key distinctions: sincerity, reliability, competence, and care. What I most appreciate about Charles’ work is how practical and actionable it is, making it highly applicable in live time for leaders who want to foster trust, improve communication, and create stronger, more cohesive teams. His insights are particularly valuable in helping leaders navigate difficult conversations and maintain trust during challenging situations.World renowned, best-selling author Brene Brown herself has embraced Charles’ work over the years, recently saying that one of her favourite books on trust is the Thin Book of Trust by Charles Feltman. He definitions so beautifully capture what emerged from our data on trust. The 3rd edition of the book is now available and very much worth the read….In the conversation you are about to hear, we not only talk about what’s new in the 3rd edition of his book, we also take a deep dive into how the best leaders are able to build, maintain and most importantly, repair trust when it has been ruptured. It was a special treat to be able to spend time face to face with Charles recording this podcast. I hope you find as much value as I did in our conversation. You can find out how to contact Charles and where to buy his Thin Book of Trust by checking the links below. Connect With CharlesWebsiteLinkedInHis Trust on Purpose PodcastYou can buy the 3rd edition of his Thin Book of Trust here. I appeared on Charles Feltman and Ila Edgar's Trust on Purpose earlier in 2024. You can find part 1 and 2 of our episode below:Trust Around The World Part 1Trust Around the World Part 2
#258- Always Asking the 'Why' Behind Learning & Leadership with Kevin Bartlett
Aug 3 2024
#258- Always Asking the 'Why' Behind Learning & Leadership with Kevin Bartlett
Send us a textIt gives me great pleasure to introduce Kevin Bartlett, the Founding Director of the Common Ground Collaborative. This episode is part of my 'Perspectives on Pedagogy' podcast series which are education-based in nature, but rooted deeply in what it means to lead and learn with purpose and intentionality. A quote comes to mind when I think about Kevin: "A great educational leader possesses a unique set of qualities and skills that enable them to effectively guide and shape the educational institutions they oversee."Kevin does just that and has done it for decades in the field of education. He has a long history of creating true change in educational institutions. Throughout his decades of experience in the field of education, Kevin has learned to combine visionary thinking, strong communication, empathy and his genuine commitment to learning and growth into everything he does both personally and professionally in his life. He leads with integrity and is a true advocate for inclusivity which is evidenced by the schools he's helped transform over the years. Not only does he speak his truth with clarity and conviction, he is probably one of the biggest supporters of teachers I have ever come across. As a very experienced educational leader, Kevin has committed himself to making the professional lives of teachers more meaningful, manageable and rewarding. He knows how difficult a teacher’s job is and, as a consultant, he works on the ground with them, in their own space. He choses to teach and learn alongside them rather than from an ivory tower preaching about what good teaching practice is. In our conversation today, Kevin shares his thoughts on educational leadership and what each leader's role/responsibility is in creating schools that truly prioritize meaningful learning. We also dive into Kevin’s story and what drives him in the work that he does. Kevin also shares a genuine example of what a great school actually looks like in action, using one of the organizations that he works closely with through his consulting role. You will hear all about this school in our podcast today. I want to thank Kevin for his time and energy and agreeing to come on my podcast. It was an honor to have this conversation with him. I hope that any educational leader out there listening to this learns something new from Kevin today that they can immediately applied in their own leadership practice.Thanks for listening and please share this episode and my new podcast with any educator who you feel will benefit from tuning in.About Kevin:Kevin has held leadership positions in the UK, Tanzania, Namibia, Austria, and Belgium, where he was most recently Director of the International School of Brussels from 2001-2015.Kevin has co-designed accreditation systems for the European Council of International Schools (ECIS), the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEAS&C) and is currently engaged with a small team developing ACE, an innovative new accreditation protocol for NEAS&C.Kevin is a regular author of articles on a range of topics, a keynoter/workshop leader at multiple international and national conferences, and on-site consultant on a wide range of topics.He is a writer and trainer in the field of curriculum design and leadership for learning for the Principals’ Training Center. As a curriculum designer, he was the initiator and early leader of the IB Primary Years Programme.Connect With Kevin:TwitterLinkedInWebsite
#257- Wisdom of Alignment Series: Human-Centered Leadership
Jul 26 2024
#257- Wisdom of Alignment Series: Human-Centered Leadership
Send us a textIn the latest Wisdom of Alignment series, we explore the intrinsic and extrinsic motivations driving people to pursue leadership roles. While some leaders may be motivated by career advancement or recognition, many seek to drive positive change, mentor others, and bring out the best in their teams. However, leaders often face barriers that lead to complacency and stagnation, hindering their ability to inspire and motivate.The greatest leaders are aware of these barriers and consistently align their actions with a cause greater than themselves. They excel at connecting with their teams, making informed decisions, developing talent, and keeping empathy and compassion at the forefront.A powerful story from the Finding Mastery podcast with Dr. Michael Gervais illustrates this. A young pilot, after a series of mistakes, is supported empathetically by his commanders, who guide him through reflection and learning. This approach creates a psychologically safe environment, fostering growth and connection.The episode emphasizes that human-centered leadership, grounded in empathy and compassion, is the key to success. True leaders mentor, guide, and create platforms where everyone can thrive, learning from both successes and failures.Reflective questions are provided to help listeners assess their own leadership approach:To what extent do you choose empathy, compassion, and kindness over control and compliance?To what extent do you mentor those you lead, guiding them toward better versions of themselves?To what extent do you take full accountability for your own growth as a leader, admitting shortcomings and seeking support?Listeners are encouraged to share their thoughts and experiences on building trust and mentoring in the workplace. Thanks so much for your support. Connect with AndyPlease connect with me through any of the social media platforms below:Twitter 'X'LinkedInFacebook
#256- The Wisdom of Alignment Series: Finding the Right Path
Jul 22 2024
#256- The Wisdom of Alignment Series: Finding the Right Path
Send us a textIn today's Wisdom of Alignment episode, we explore Joseph Campbell's idea that "invisible hands" help us when we're on the right path in life. Delving into Aristotle's ancient teachings on eudaimonic well-being, we discuss how aligning our actions with our true purpose brings much deeper fulfillment and purpose in our pursuit of things that matter most to us. In today's episode, we'll also reflect on personal growth, meaningful goals, self-acceptance, positive relationships, autonomy, and environmental mastery.Through the story of a first responder finding a new career path, we see the courage required to pursue the right path for us based not only on our unique context, but also on the skills, talents and values we possess. I hope you enjoy this episode and that it helps you to reflect on your own path and discover ways to live more authentically in your life. Thanks for listening.Connect with AndyPlease connect with me through any of the social media platforms below:Twitter 'X'LinkedInFacebook
#255- Disciplined for Greatness: The Inspiring Story of Munashe Masawi
Jul 16 2024
#255- Disciplined for Greatness: The Inspiring Story of Munashe Masawi
Send us a textToday, we have an inspiring guest, Munashe Masawi, whose journey from Zimbabwe to Canada is a powerful testament to discipline, commitment, adaptability, and resilience. Known as Mu by his close friends and family, his story is nothing short of inspiring.Growing up in Zimbabwe, Mu faced numerous challenges and barriers. His mother’s courageous decision to seek a better life led her to Canada, leaving Mu and his sister behind for three years. Reuniting in Ontario at the age of 12, Mu had to navigate a completely new lifestyle. Despite the difficulties, his passion for sports, especially basketball and later football, became his guiding light.Mu’s athletic prowess earned him a successful collegiate career at Queen's University, but his story doesn’t end there. Beyond sports, he embraced health, wellness, and fitness, continually striving for personal growth. Meeting his partner, Sav, introduced him to the world of long driving in golf, where he is making significant strides with a personal best of 416 yards.In this episode, we delve into what high performance means to Mu, how he cultivates the conditions to pursue his best self, and the profound role spirituality plays in his life. Mu's journey is a remarkable example of what is possible when we are disciplined for greatness.Join us as we explore the inspiring story of Munashe Masawi and uncover valuable insights on resilience, commitment, and the pursuit of excellence.Connect with Munashi MasawiInstagramWebsiteLinkedIn
#254- The Wisdom of Alignment Series: The Shadow Side of Leadership
Jun 30 2024
#254- The Wisdom of Alignment Series: The Shadow Side of Leadership
Send us a textIn today's short Wisdom of Alignment podcast series, I dive into the work of Dr. Carl Jung and his focus on the 'shadow side' of self. His work has great application to leadership. In this episode, I share what it means to have a shadow side and how this side of us can greatly hinder our ability to lead in impactful ways. In terms of making this practical for any leaders listening to this, I've also included 4 very specific questions that can be used to gather the feedback needed to see what might be getting in the way of building the trust needed to lead with more authenticity in order to have the genuine impact we desire. Hope you enjoy this episode and that it provides you with some practical ideas to help you improve your leadership. Connect with AndyPlease connect with me through any of the social media platforms below:Twitter 'X'LinkedInFacebook
#253- Beyond the Ice: Daniel Carcillo's Path to Purpose, Meaning and Impact in Life
Apr 26 2024
#253- Beyond the Ice: Daniel Carcillo's Path to Purpose, Meaning and Impact in Life
Send us a textToday’s conversation is with Daniel Carcillo, two-time Stanley Cup winner with the Chicago Blackhawks, and ten-year veteran of the NHL. Daniel also played with the Philadelphia Flyers, Los Angeles Kings, Phoenix Coyotes, and one season with the New York Rangers throughout his career.  Having had 4 Stanley Cup appearances over the last few years of his professional playing career, Daniel brings so much insight and wisdom into today’s discussion with me. From the highs of being an athlete at the top of his game to the lows of debilitating injuries that required multiple surgeries that ultimately resulted in a opioid addiction, he has seen and experienced it all and shares many gems of insight in this conversation.It’s clear that Daniel knows what it takes to be the best he can be when it comes to pursuing true passions in life, both personally and professionally. Despite having an amazing career that spanned ten years and two Stanley Cups over the course of 429 games and 164 fights in the NHL, Daniel is more defined by the human he is. He has done so much internal work to better understand his past trauma in order to live with much more authenticity, courage, resilience and purpose in his life. As a result, he continues to have such a positive impact on those who are lucky enough to come across his path. In our conversation today we cover the following themes:Early days in Daniel’s life and the strengths he developed that went on to serve him so well as an athlete and entrepreneurThe power of our internal voice and how to navigate it in ways that helps to bring out our best in lifeThe importance of having a mindfulness practice to help combat tough emotions brought on by past traumaThe power of vulnerability as a tool for being as honest as possible about our experiences, needs, and wants in lifeHow to maintain motivation and purpose regardless of our pursuitsAfter his playing days, Daniel began to suffer from mild-like dementia symptoms brought on by the many concussions he sustained while playing in the NHL. He knows all too well the physical and emotional toll that can accompany these injuries. Since retiring, Daniel has devoted his life to sharing his experiences, insights, and the transformative impact of emerging therapies, as well ancient and natural medicines in regaining brain health and quality of life. This conversation with Daniel was a special one that I hope you find value in. Please share it with anyone who you feel will benefit from listening. Hope you enjoy it!!Connect With Daniel CarcilloWebsite'X' Formerly TwitterLinkedInInstagramFacebookYouTube
#252- Real Life-The Journey From Isolation to Openness and Freedom with Sharon Salzberg
Apr 14 2024
#252- Real Life-The Journey From Isolation to Openness and Freedom with Sharon Salzberg
Send us a textThe podcast you are going to hear today is with Sharon Salzberg. She has been a true pioneer in the realms of meditation and mindfulness for more than four decades now. Sharon's influence has been pivotal in bringing these practices to the forefront of Western consciousness as far back as the early 1970s. As a co-founder of the Insight Meditation Society in Barre, Massachusetts, and a New York Times best-selling author, Sharon's wisdom resonates deeply with audiences worldwide because she makes meditation and mindfulness so much easier to understand and apply in people’s lives. In today’s conversation we unpack the themes of trauma, mindfulness, loving kindness, compassion and the importance of staying aligned to the core values that drive us in life. Although Sharon has written 12 books, it’s 3 of those 12 that we dive into the most in today’s conversation:Faith: Trusting Your Own Deepest Experience which was a deeply meaningful endeavor putting that book together as it was the first time she shared her true life story and the struggles she had to overcome in her life and how meditation and mindfulness allowed her to do so. As well we explore the theme of loving kindness and compassion which she wrote about in her 1995 book Loving Kindness, the Revolutionary Art of HappinessWe finish off today’s podcast talking about her latest book called Real Life: The Journey from Isolation to Openness and Freedom which she published a year ago in April 2023 and what it is she hopes audiences world wide will takeaway from reading this book. It was a genuine honor to have Sharon join me on the podcast. Her gentle, calm, and compassionate demeanor immediately shines through in our conversation, offering profound insights and life lessons drawn from her journey.As you listen, I hope you'll discover as much value as I did in our discussion. I encourage you to also explore Sharon's books, including her latest release, Real Life: The Journey from Isolation to Openness and Freedom.Connect with Sharon:WebsiteInsight Meditation SocietyTwitterFacebookLinkedInAs well, you can find all Sharon's books hereThanks for sharing my Run Your Life podcast with anyone who you feel will benefit from listening.
#251- Cultivating Authenticity in Coaching: Wisdom from Dr. Jim Knight
Mar 23 2024
#251- Cultivating Authenticity in Coaching: Wisdom from Dr. Jim Knight
Send us a textMy conversation today is with Dr. Jim Knight, Founder and Senior Partner of Instructional Coaching Group (ICG). Jim is also a research associate at the University of Kansas Center for Research on Learning and has spent more than two decades studying professional learning and instructional coaching. He earned his PhD in Education from the University of Kansas and has won several university teaching, innovation, and service awards. He’s also authored several books including Unmistakable Impact (2011), High-Impact Instruction (2013), Better Conversations (2015), The Impact Cycle (2018), and The Definitive Guide to Instructional Coaching (2021).What I appreciate about Jim is the thoughtful way that he shares his learning. He’s been on my podcast several times, and our conversations are not just about me asking questions and him sharing his knowledge. Jim is very authentic and genuine in the way he shares and he doesn’t ever imply that he has the so called ‘right’ answers but rather remains very curious and centered on what might be rather than what is absolute. In today’s episode we explore themes of:Learning to better know self in order to best show up for those who we coach and leadWe also dive into strategies that help to promote and facilitate peer coaching in organizationsThe impact for culture on coaching conversationsKnowing the importance of taking a flexible approach when coaching others….When I reflect on my friendship with Jim and who he really is…. this quote comes to mind: "A meaningful life is not about being rich, being popular, being highly educated or being perfect. It’s about being real, being humble, being able to share ourselves and touch the lives of others."To me this is who Jim is, so generous with his time and very real. He’s a humble person who always strives to learn and grow and in the process change the lives of so many leaders and educators that are so lucky to work with him. You can find out where to connect with Jim in the show notes of today’s episode. If you haven’t connected with him, I highly recommend doing so and signing up for any training that you can. I hope you find value in today’s discussion with Jim Knight Please share this episode with anyone who you feel will benefit from listening. Thank you!Connect With Jim:TwitterWebsiteLinkedInFacebookJim's books can be found here.
#250- The Heart of Life and Leadership: Insights From Ila Edgar
Mar 15 2024
#250- The Heart of Life and Leadership: Insights From Ila Edgar
Send us a textMy guest today is the brilliant and inspiring Ila Edgar, a leadership development coach and trust-builder for organizations and businesses. Ila's story is a testament to the resilience we all require when challenged by  life’s mental and emotional obstacles. She deeply believes that who we are is how we lead and that being great leaders starts with us. It also requires honesty, looking inside of ourselves and committing to making real changes in our lives. In our conversation today, we talk about early days in her life, the strengths she developed and the challenges she had to overcome that ultimately led her on to the path of leadership coaching. In addition to this, we also cover the themes of resilience, self-compassion, knowing our own boundaries, and embracing vulnerability as keys to our own growth and learning. Most importantly, Ila opens up about serious health struggles she is currently going through and not only what this has taught her about herself, but how it has helped to shape her journey as a wife, mother and coach. As you listen to this episode today, you will see that there is no doubt that Ila is meant to do the work she is doing to serve the world. She is one of a kind and I feel so very fortunate to have had this time with her on the podcast. This was a really touching episode for me. I hope you find the same value in it as I did. Thanks for listening and please connect with Ila and let her know what you learned from our discussion. She would love to hear from you. Connect With Ila: WebsiteLinkedInInstagramTrust on Purpose PodcastEmail: ila@bigchangeinc.comSpecial Credit to Patrick Watson for his beautiful song To Build a HomeYou can purchase Patrick's music here. As well, Patrick's YouTube channel can be found here
#249- Compassion in Action: Inspiring Stories from Global Changemakers with Kathy Kelly and LeeAnne Lavender
Mar 1 2024
#249- Compassion in Action: Inspiring Stories from Global Changemakers with Kathy Kelly and LeeAnne Lavender
Send us a textToday’s episode was recorded in the studio of American Community School of Amman in Jordan which is located on the boarders of Syria, Iraq, Saudi Arabia and Palestine. A big shoutout and very special thanks to my inspirational friend Mo Hourani and his team at the American Community School of Amman for hosting the Compassion Summit, an event devoted to promoting peace.What ACS in Jordan believes is that "When there is no compassion there can be no peace, and that when we know compassion, we then might know peace."I was honored to have been invited to be a keynote speaker alongside 2 inspiringly, compassionate humans doing amazing work to make a difference in the world in their own unique ways, Kathy Kelly and LeeAnne Lavender.This chat covers a lot of ground, but in particular what it is that both Kathy and Leanne feel compelled to share through their work, what being self-compassion means, and how we can all take action on being more compassionate in a world that needs people to step up and be more kind and caring. Kathy will share the real story behind the beautiful short song you heard in the introduction to this podcast which was sung by two students at the school here in Jordan. Special thanks to Dunia and Faye for taking the time to record this song and share it with me. You are brilliant humans and ACSA is lucky to have you both as their students.Kathy is an international peace activist from the United States. She is an author and one of the founding members of Voices in the Wilderness, and is currently a co-coordinator of Voices for Creative Nonviolence. As part of peace teamwork in several countries, she has traveled to Iraq twenty-six times, notably remaining in combat zones during the early days of both U.S.-Iraq wars. Her recent travel has focused on Afghanistan and Gaza, along with domestic protests against U.S. drone policy. She has been arrested more than 60 times at home and abroad, and has written of her experiences among targets of U.S. military bombardment and inmates of U.S. prisons. LeeAnne cares a lot about compassion, storytelling and service. She is a storyteller and poet, as well as a coach and facilitator for international educators; she spends a lot of time exploring the power of stories to connect people in ways that promote peace, empathy and kindness. She’s committed to helping educators and students build changemaker/changeseeker cultures so we can all engage in positive, purposeful action. You can learn more about LeeAnne at https://www.leeannelavender.com/ This conversation covers a lot of ground but in particular what it is that both Kathy and Leanne feel compelled to share through their work, what being self-compassion means, and how we can all take action on being more compassionate in a world that needs people to step up and be more kind and caring. Kathy will also share the real story behind the beautiful short song you heard in the introduction to this podcast which was sung by Dunia and Faye who are both students at  ACSA. Hope you enjoy this podcast.  Connect With Kathy and LeeAnneKathy KellyTwiiterLinkedInWebsiteLeeAnne LavenderTwitter
#248- The Winning Edge: Building Trust and Psychological Safety for High Performance with Jean-Paul Circelli
Feb 19 2024
#248- The Winning Edge: Building Trust and Psychological Safety for High Performance with Jean-Paul Circelli
Send us a textIn today's episode, I sit down with Jean-Paul Circelli, head football coach at the University of Windsor in Ontario, Canada. This episode is a special one for me as I once played 5 seasons on this football team back in the 1990’s as a quarterback and punter. It was through this experience that I not only developed myself as a student athlete, but was also able to build a supportive network of close friends that stands strongly to this day. Jean-Paul and his dedicated coaching team have been instrumental in the Lancer football team's resurgence, emphasizing a holistic approach to player development. Beyond wins and losses, they focus on nurturing personal excellence and character growth in their student-athletes help best prepare them for life after football one day.In a world where young athletes face mounting pressures exacerbated by social media and academic demands, in our conversation, Jean-Paul offers insights into addressing the mental health crisis that is currently plaguing many young athletes. Through fostering vulnerability, learning from failure, and deepening connection, he cultivates a supportive environment where his athletes and fellow coaches can thrive.We also explore the importance of feedback, highlighting Jean-Paul's approach to constructive criticism and the growth-oriented coaching framework that he and his fellow coaches embrace. Whether you're a leader in business, a parent, or simply striving for excellence in your pursuits, this episode offers invaluable lessons applicable to any journey of personal growth, development and achievement.Tune in as we uncover wisdom and learning that transcends the field of play. Please share this episode with anyone you know who may be seeking inspiration and guidance on finding their own path to excellence. Thank you. Connect with Coach Jean-PaulTwitterInstagramLinkedInUniversity of Windsor Football Team WebsiteReferences for this episode: Dr. Martin Seligman: Positive PsychologyBrene BrownSimon SinekCharles Feltman: Thin Book of Trust15 Commitments to Conscious Leadership Book
#247- Building Trust on Purpose with Charles Feltman & Ila Edgar
Feb 5 2024
#247- Building Trust on Purpose with Charles Feltman & Ila Edgar
Send us a textHow many times have you asked yourself, “what’s my purpose”?  If you’re like most of us, probably too many times to count.  As we get older, the question seems to get a little louder.  Today’s guests on the Run Your Life Podcast are just the dynamic duo you need to provide you with proactive, intentional tools to help you along that journey.  Charles Feltman and Ila Edgar are both executive and leadership coaches offering a distinctive twist on finding your purpose and creating meaning in your personal and professional life.   They achieve this through Charles’ trademarked model described in his book, The Thin Book of Trust and their growing podcast, Trust on Purpose. In today’s episode, expect to hear many things that are sure to provide you with a fresh perspective that you probably haven’t considered before.  This fresh perspective allows you to look at your current situation differently and thus move you in the right direction.  Both readily admit they don’t have all the answers and they are by no means perfect.  They are human just like the rest of us.  What they have is experience, expertise, empathy, and the courage to confront!Mind shifting truths to listen for in today’s episode:1.     Trust is foundationalWhen your team or family is built upon trust, you will outperform your wildest dreams and performance objectives.2.     Boundaries and self-expression are okayMany of us learn from our families of origin to suppress feelings, not express our needs, or not set boundaries.  Charles and Ila help us realize that all of this is okay and is vital in establishing trust in our homes and workplaces.3.     Life knocksWhen we fail to do what’s mentioned above, it can have damaging repercussions later in life.  Learn how to develop resiliency and better manage adversity when it occurs.4.     WAIT“Why Am I Talking?”  We all have heard that the “good Lord gave us two ears and one mouth for a reason”.  However, using Charles’ WAIT model is the master’s level for listening.5.     You DO have a choiceOftentimes in life we tell ourselves we don’t have a choice.  Charles fundamentally disagrees and believes you can unleash incredible personal power by simply recognizing that you always have a choice.6.     Perception is reality.  But is it really?Ila stresses that we need to withhold our personal judgements when we interact with our world.  Or examine why we are judging and how we got there.  Many times, it’s not what people are doing to us, it’s simply how they are behaving that is worth exploring more.  7.     Who we are is how we leadSelf-awareness and authenticity are keys to great leadership.  We as humans, all bring our own unique life experiences to everything we do.  Those who excel as leaders recognize this and invest great amounts of time and effort in better understanding that so they can maximize their own effectiveness as well as the effectiveness of those around them.  Find more at LinkedIn:Charles FeltmanIda Edgar
#246- Turning Feedback into Gold: Rod Black's Story of Broadcast Mastery
Jan 23 2024
#246- Turning Feedback into Gold: Rod Black's Story of Broadcast Mastery
Send us a textToday's episode features one of the greatest, most respected, and beloved commentators in Canadian sport broadcast history, Mr. Rod Black. As soon as you hear Rod’s voice, you will know immediately that he was destined for a career in broadcasting.Sportsnet president Scott Moore met with and told all the on-air talent, “You don’t have to be a jerk to be a star. Just look at Rod Black.”One of Rod’s favorite quotes is something his father used to tell him often. He would tell Rod, “If you find a job you love, you’ll never work another day in your life”. Rod took that to heart and dropped out of college at the age of 19 to pursue his career in broadcasting and the rest, as they say, is history. More than 40 years later, Rod has reached the pinnacle of his profession and continues to fearlessly reinvent himself. In this episode, Rod shares pearls of wisdom hehas collected along his journey that have helped him in both his professional and personal life. Rod’s enthusiasm and endless supply of positivity and energy are sure to inspire you to greatness.Some themes covered in this podcast include: 1. Community: Many people throughout Rod’s personal and professional life provided him with “nudges” to discover and pursue his life’s purpose. He is a firm believer in the need to have the right people around you.2. Resilience: You need to treat your lowest bottom as a trampoline and let it propel you to get back up and continue to move forward.3. Inner Voice: Pay attention to it. Whereas many people have a negative inner voice, Rod provides insight on how to foster a positive inner voice. Trust your own script.4. Acronyms for success: ABC, ICE, WIN, BED: Probably the foundation of Rod’s personal belief system and something he learned very early from a coach. Listen for them in the podcast and write them down and keep them where you can see them every day.5. Feedback: Be willing to seek and accept criticism and feedback.6. Patterns: Your life is full of patterns. Invest the time to study, learn, and act based on what you learn from them.7. Service: Play it forward! Live a life of service to others. You may not have money to donate but there are many ways to invest in the lives of others. Connect With Rod: TwitterInstagram