The Black Belt In Leadership podcast

#MBA #Careers #Business #Aslak De Silva #Leadership #Blackbelt #Martialarts #Authors

35:24

Let’s talk about adulting— actual adulting. Not just paying bills or keeping a houseplant alive, but the kind that involves emotional maturity, healthy boundaries, and conscious self-leadership. Because let’s be honest, most of us weren’t taught how to be fully functioning adults… and it shows. Joining us is Michelle Chalfant , licensed therapist turned holistic life coach, creator of The Adult Chair® model, and author of the new book The Adult Chair: Get Unstuck, Claim Your Power, and Transform Your Life . With millions reached through her podcast, coaching programs, and retreats, she’s here to walk us through the five pillars of being a healthy, grounded adult. Here’s the truth: being an adult isn’t about checking boxes or pretending you’re fine. It’s about owning your truth. Feeling your feelings. Practicing compassion without letting yourself off the hook. It’s about setting firm boundaries—with no need for justification—and recognizing that your triggers are not flaws, they’re clues. None of us were handed a guidebook for how to grow up emotionally. We inherited patterns from people who were figuring it out as they went. But what Michelle shares today is empowering: it’s never too late to unlearn what no longer serves you and become the adult you were meant to be. Whether you’re starting this work or knee-deep in your personal development era, this episode will meet you where you are—and help you move forward with clarity, self-trust, and strength. Connect with Michelle: Website: https://theadultchair.com/ Book: https://theadultchair.com/book IG: https://www.instagram.com/themichellechalfant/?hl=en FB: https://www.facebook.com/@TheMichelleChalfant/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/michellechalfant Related Podcast Episodes: How To Build Emotionally Mature Leaders with Dr. Christie Smith | 272 Boundaries vs. Ultimatums with Jan & Jillian Yuhas | 297 Gentleness: Cultivating Compassion for Yourself and Others with Courtney Carver | 282 Share the Love: If you found this episode insightful, please share it with a friend, tag us on social media, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform! 🔗 Subscribe & Review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

The Black Belt in Leadership

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Welcome to The Black Belt in Leadership Podcast, hosted by Aslak de Silva. Tune in to discover how martial arts principles like discipline, resilience, and continuous learning can transform your leadership skills. Each episode will delve into real-life examples, practical advice, and inspirational stories to help you become a black belt in leadership. Join Aslak as he explores the path to peak performance and success in both personal and professional arenas.

17 епізодів

The Black Belt in Leadership

updated 21 день тому

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17 епізодів

#MBA #Careers #Business #Aslak De Silva #Leadership #Blackbelt #Martialarts #Authors

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1
Mastering Self-Leadership: From Martial Arts to the Boardroom with Lars Sudmann 49:48

21 день тому49:48

49:48

Lars Sundmann is an advisor, keynote speaker and executive trainer on leadership, strategy, innovation and communication for global corporations and their leaders. He is the owner of Sudmann & Company, a consulting and management training network. Lars is drawing on his business experience (e.g. as CFO Belgium of Procter & Gamble) as well as consulting expertise with Fortune500 companies to help companies achieve better business and organizational results. Before you lead others, you must first lead yourself. In this episode of The Black Belt in Leadership, host Aslak de Silva is joined by executive advisor, keynote speaker, and TEDx veteran Lars Sudmann to dive deep into the art and discipline of self-leadership. Drawing on his experience as CFO of Procter & Gamble Belgium, advisor to global giants like Microsoft and Siemens, and as a martial arts competitor, Lars shares powerful tools and stories to help leaders navigate pressure, overcome self-doubt, and stay balanced in the chaos. You’ll learn: Why leadership often doesn’t match your expectations How to run a “character traits check” to uncover blind spots What daily reflection and reframing can do for your clarity and composure How to handle imposter syndrome with perspective and courage Whether you’re an executive, entrepreneur, or just stepping into your first leadership role, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom. Find more from Lars at www.lars-sudmann.com To learn more, visit: https://www.selflystore.com/ Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters: https://missionmatters.com/author/aslak-de-silva/…

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From Problem to Purpose: The Real Secret to Building Great Companies with Mikael da Costa 37:38

28 днів тому37:38

37:38

What if the secret to building great companies wasn’t about chasing unicorns, but solving your own problems first? Mikael da Costa, a serial entrepreneur, CEO of WPSEOAI, with a passion for building and scaling businesses that solve real problems. Over the years, he founded and grown multiple companies across different industries, focusing on creating impact and driving sustainable growth. In this episode of The Black Belt in Leadership, I sit down with serial entrepreneur and Startup Warrior author Mikael da Costa. From recruitment tech to SEO tools, Mikael has built companies not by following trends, but by fixing real problems he faced as a founder. We talk about: - Why he believes the best leaders often don’t start with a title - How promoting from within creates stronger culture and trust - The five core pillars every startup must master - What changes when you lead for the people, not the ego - And the brutal leadership lesson that shaped his current approach This is a raw, honest conversation about leadership, culture, resilience—and why execution without energy is like a plane with no fuel. Whether you’re building your first business or scaling your fifth, Mikael’s insights will challenge how you think about entrepreneurship and leadership. To learn more, visit: https://www.selflystore.com/ Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters: https://missionmatters.com/author/aslak-de-silva/…

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The Science of Sustainable High Performance with Dr. James Hewitt 44:16

5 weeks тому44:16

44:16

Dr. James Hewitt, Human Performance Scientist, speaker, and author.James combines first-hand experience as a full-time racing cyclist with ground-breaking work and research, proven on Formula 1 tracks and with Fortune 500 companies, to provide actionable, inspiring, science-backed insights at the intersection of leadership, wellbeing, peak performance, and the future of work. In this episode of The Black Belt in Leadership, Aslak de Silva is joined by Dr. James Hewitt - a renowned human performance scientist who has coached Fortune 500 leaders, F1 drivers, and elite athletes. Together, they explore what it takes to perform at a high level without burning out. James shares why rest is a discipline, how our daily rhythms influence productivity, and why leaders should optimize rather than maximize. From microbreaks and chrono-working to the neuroscience behind recovery and performance, this episode offers a compelling mix of science, martial arts wisdom, and actionable insights for anyone navigating the demands of modern leadership. Key themes: - The timing principle in cognitive performance - Microbreaks, circadian rhythms, and recovery cycles - Why working smarter starts with self-awareness and rest - How leaders can model sustainable performance habits - The long-term power of “minimum effective dose” Whether you're leading a company, a team, or just yourself, this episode offers a blueprint to unlock your black belt in leadership through sustainable high performance. To learn more, visit: https://www.selflystore.com/ Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters: https://missionmatters.com/author/aslak-de-silva/…

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Scaling at the Speed of Stillness with Lars Johan Bjørkevoll 33:06

8 weeks тому33:06

33:06

What if scaling a business at lightning speed didn’t require burnout, but balance? Lars Johan Bjørkevoll is a Nordic business leader who effectively balances scaling of businesses and organizational leadership with inner development and growth. With extensive experience scaling three global organizations and helping nearly 300 companies accelerate their growth through ScaleupXQ, Lars Johan brings practical insights on leadership, building high-performing teams, and creating resilient organizational cultures that thrive when "sprinting marathons". Over the past 25 years, Lars Johan has dedicated himself to eastern practices, founding the Nordic Taiji & Qigong Centre where he teaches classes, workshops, and retreats within Qigong and meditation practices. His philosophy that "ultimate freedom is established on the inside, in order to fully experience life on the outside" informs both his leadership approach and teaching practice. LJ exemplifies how scaling businesses, conscious leadership, and cultivating inner wisdom can harmoniously support one another in today's complex business landscape. In this episode of The Black Belt in Leadership, host Aslak de Silva sits down with Nordic business leader and ScaleupXQ founder Lars Johan Bjørkevoll, a man who has helped nearly 300 companies grow fast without losing their soul. LJ brings a rare blend of high-performance leadership and deep inner wisdom, shaped by decades of practice in Qigong, Tai Chi, and eastern philosophies. Together, they unpack what it takes to scale a company when it feels like “sprinting a marathon,” how inner clarity creates external velocity, and why the secret to sustained leadership might just lie in the minutes between your meetings. You'll hear about: The mindset needed to thrive during hypergrowth How inner “cleaning” routines fuel outward performance Why confidence isn’t shouting but navigating uncertainty with calm How to train like you’ll bleed, so you’re ready when it counts If you're a leader chasing growth, but also searching for balance, this episode will resonate deeply. Take a stance. Bow. And unlock the Black Belt in Leadership within you. To learn more, visit: https://www.selflystore.com/ Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters: https://missionmatters.com/author/aslak-de-silva/…

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The Visionary Leader: Leading Beyond the Finish Line with Dr. Oleg Konovalov 38:47

10 weeks тому38:47

38:47

Dr. Oleg Konovalov is a global thought leader, bestselling author, business educator, C-suite whisperer, and the world’s top expert on visionary leadership. Named one of the Top 8 Global Leadership Experts by Thinkers50 and Global Gurus, and one of the 100 most inspirational leaders on the planet In this episode of The Black Belt in Leadership, we step into the future of leadership with one of the world’s foremost experts on visionary thinking - Dr. Oleg Konovalov. Often called the “Da Vinci of Visionary Leadership,” Dr. Oleg shares how true leaders don’t just manage the present—they build the future. Together, we explore the CAVIAR framework for crafting and sustaining a compelling vision: Clarity, Ability, Viability, Influence, Acting, and Revitalizing. Through stories from martial arts and business alike, we uncover the mindset required to break free from past success and avoid the trap of ego-driven leadership. We talk about: Why less than 0.1% of leaders have a real vision How previous success can be your next failure Vision as legacy: Why great leaders think in generations Parallels between preparing for a fight and preparing for the future Real-world examples from WD-40, The North Face, and beyond To learn more, visit: https://www.selflystore.com/ Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters: https://missionmatters.com/author/aslak-de-silva/…

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The Power of Encounters & Training Future Leaders with Salla Seppä 54:43

16 weeks тому54:43

54:43

Salla Seppä, Chief Customer Experience Officer at Nordic Business Forum What does it take to create an unforgettable customer experience—and how do you train future leaders to deliver it under pressure? In this episode of The Black Belt in Leadership, host Aslak de Silva sits down with Salla Seppä, Chief Customer Experience Officer at Nordic Business Forum, to explore the power of encounters and the art of leadership training. In the first part of the conversation, Salla and Aslak dive into the impact of interactions, using Maya Angelou’s famous quote: “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but they will never forget how you made them feel.” Just like in a martial arts fight, every moment matters—mental preparation, presence, and skill shape the experience. The second half of the episode shifts to training future leaders. Salla shares her insights on developing 14 team leaders each year to manage an event organization of 250–300 students. What makes a great leader? What red flags should you watch for in leadership selection? And can you spot leadership potential early—just like identifying who will earn a black belt in martial arts? Packed with real-world examples and insights from one of the world’s top business events, this episode is a must-listen for leaders, entrepreneurs, and anyone passionate about customer experience and leadership development. Tune in now and unlock the Black Belt in Leadership! To learn more, visit: https://www.selflystore.com/ Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters: https://missionmatters.com/author/aslak-de-silva/…

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Be Like Water: Natural Movement in Martial Arts & Leadership with Jori Pisilä 51:57

19 weeks тому51:57

51:57

Jori Pisilä, Head of Sales at Bayer Consumer Healt in Finland, 4th degree black belt in Boreal Han Moo Do What do martial arts and leadership have in common? Effortlessness, adaptability, and precision. In this episode of The Black Belt in Leadership, I sit down with Jori Pisilä—Head of Sales at Bayer Consumer Health and a 4th-degree black belt in Boreal Han Moo Do—to explore the concept of natural movement. We discuss how flowing with, rather than forcing, movement leads to better efficiency in combat—and how the same principle applies to leadership. From achieving results with minimal effort to adapting in high-pressure situations, Jori shares insights from both the dojo and the business world. Tune in to discover how mastering natural movement can elevate both your martial arts practice and leadership approach. To learn more, visit: https://www.selflystore.com/ Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters: https://missionmatters.com/author/aslak-de-silva/…

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Getting Things Done with Claus Raasted 41:50

22 weeks тому41:50

41:50

In this episode of The Black Belt in Leadership, host Aslak de Silva sits down with Claus Raasted—a creative powerhouse who has authored 46 books, organized over 1,000 events, and delivered 100 keynotes in just 100 days. Together, they dive into the art of getting things done in a world where action is the ultimate advantage. From making tough decisions to embracing experimentation, Claus shares his philosophy on building a bias for action, overcoming perfectionism, and staying inspired in the face of uncertainty. Along the way, they explore why failure is a stepping stone to success, how leaders can balance feedback and cheerleading, and the surprising power of recharging between sprints of productivity. Whether you’re a leader striving to take bold action or simply looking to get more done, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you unlock your black belt in leadership. Tune in and take your first step toward making things happen today. Claus Raasted has worked with designing extraordinary experiences for almost a quarter of a century. Today, he serves as the Director for The College of Extraordinary Experiences, is a Coach at McKinsey & Company, and hosts the podcast ”The Business of Extraordinary Experiences”. He is also a prolific author, with 30 books to his name, and has just finished ”The Innovation Cycle”. Raasted also has a past in reality TV, but these days, who hasn’t? To learn more, visit: https://www.selflystore.com/ Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters: https://missionmatters.com/author/aslak-de-silva/…

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The Leadership Edge: Mastering AI with Edgar Perez 29:27

25 weeks тому29:27

29:27

In this episode of The Black Belt in Leadership, host Aslak de Silva and AI expert Edgar Perez delve into why artificial intelligence is reshaping the business landscape, much like Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu revolutionized MMA. BJJ became essential for success because it introduced a completely new dimension to the fight, forcing athletes to adapt or lose. Similarly, AI is changing the game for businesses, requiring leaders to learn and apply these new tools to remain competitive. Tune in to uncover the strategies, mindset, and techniques needed to harness the power of AI and unlock your black belt in leadership. Edgar Perez is an American-Peruvian business author, keynote speaker and corporate trainer who has spoken at a number of academic and professional institutions. He is the author of The Speed Traders and Knightmare on Wall Street, and has been interviewed internationally on the topics of artificial intelligence and deep learning, quantum computing, cybersecurity and high-frequency trading. To learn more, visit: https://www.selflystore.com/ Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters: https://missionmatters.com/author/aslak-de-silva/…

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Resilient and Human-Centric Leadership with Gudrun Snorradottir 42:21

27 weeks тому42:21

42:21

In this episode of The Black Belt in Leadership, we sit down with Guðrún Snorradóttir, an executive coach with a background in applied positive psychology and a passion for future-focused leadership. Drawing parallels between martial arts and leadership, we explore topics like building resilience under pressure, mastering emotional intelligence, leveraging strengths, and developing perseverance in the face of challenges. Guðrún shares actionable insights and coaching techniques to help leaders empower their teams, navigate stress, and unlock their potential. Whether you're in the boardroom or on the mat, this episode will inspire you to lead with strength and focus. Gudrun Snorradottir is one of the most sought-after executive leadership coaches in Iceland. She has created a unique set of relatable and practical strategies for leaders. That she has done by combining more than a decade of senior leadership experience with her passion for cutting-edge research in positive and organisational psychology. Her foundation is built on a PCC executive coach degree from the International Coaching Federation, Master of Applied Positive Psychology from Anglia Ruskin in Cambrige. She is also I certificated team coach and has a diploma in Emotional Intelligence from the Langley Group. Gudrun is an executive coach, a leadership consultant and a motivational speaker. She is the founder and CEO of her own company, Human Leader. To learn more, visit: https://www.selflystore.com/ Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters: https://missionmatters.com/author/aslak-de-silva/…

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From White Belt to Black Belt: Mastering the Stages of Leadership with Jason Shupp 59:00

33 weeks тому59:00

59:00

In this episode of The Black Belt in Leadership, host Aslak de Silva welcomes Jason Shupp, the experienced leader of Ferguson Roofing and host of the From There to Here podcast, for a deep dive into the journey of leadership growth. Using the martial arts belt system as a metaphor, they explore how leaders progress from the early days of the "white belt" stage, where fundamentals are formed, through to the "black belt" mastery level, where continual learning becomes key. Jason shares invaluable insights from his own leadership experiences of more 20 years and stories from nearly 70 podcast guests, each of whom has transformed through significant life and leadership lessons. Together, they unpack the importance of resilience, breakthrough moments, self-reflection, and embracing the challenges that shape a leader’s journey. Whether you’re starting out in leadership or working toward mastery, this episode offers inspiration and practical wisdom on how each stage of development can unlock your potential to grow, lead, and inspire others. Jason Shupp is a business owner, entrepreneur, speaker, and podcaster. He is the third generation and nearly 20 year leader of the family construction business. Recently, he passed stewardship to another family business, effectively starting the 4th generation of a now blended family. Shupp’s leadership journey took him through both sides of generational transition, leading a tenured team while introducing young talent, navigating uncharted industry changes and unprecedented socioeconomic events. Jason’s time is now invested in his podcast platform. Rooted in curiosity and empathy, his approach blends nuance, context, and reflection to promote growth and perspective for his guest and audience. To learn more, visit: https://www.selflystore.com/ Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters: https://missionmatters.com/author/aslak-de-silva/…

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Mastering Leadership with Anna Kuusela: The Coach’s Guide to Progress and Precision 50:45

35 weeks тому50:45

50:45

In this episode of The Black Belt in Leadership, Aslak de Silva is joined by Anna Kuusela (M.Sc. (Econ), ICF Executive Coach, Ex-Big4, and former ballerina), the founder and CEO of EDGE Leadership. Anna specializes in transforming the most influential leaders and leadership teams through creative insight, emotional intelligence, and relational mastery. Drawing on her experiences as a former ballet dancer and her deep expertise in organizational and personal change, Anna shares her insights on balancing perfectionism with progress, cultivating mental toughness, and fostering leadership agility in today’s fast-paced world. Listeners will discover the importance of coachability, learn how to view coaching and to be coached as the stepping stones to mastery, and understand the critical role of focus and presence in leadership. Together, Aslak and Anna discuss how leaders can unlock their potential and elevate their leadership to new heights. Anna Kuusela (M.Sc. (Econ), ICF Executive Coach, Ex-Big4, former ballet dancer) is the founder & CEO of EDGE Leadership, facilitating the transformation of the most influential leaders and leadership teams through creative insight, and emotional & relational mastery. She’s the leading expert in both organisational and personal change, and her deepest passion lies in evolutionary emergence of our potential. She works with her clients around the world through her coaching, training and public speaking services. To learn more, visit: https://www.selflystore.com/ Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters: https://missionmatters.com/author/aslak-de-silva/…

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Unleashing Inner Strength: Tapping into Sisu with Dr. Elisabet Lahti 50:07

37 weeks тому50:07

50:07

In this episode of The Black Belt in Leadership podcast, host Aslak de Silva is joined by Dr. Elisabet Lahti, an expert in inner strength and the Finnish concept of sisu. They explore how sisu—a unique blend of determination, grit, and resilience in the face of adversity—can be applied to leadership challenges. Drawing from her research and personal endurance feats, Dr. Lahti shares practical insights on how leaders can tap into their hidden reserves of strength and push through tough times. Tune in to discover how to cultivate sisu and lead with unwavering resolve. Dr. Elisabet Lahti, is an international presenter on topics related to the applied psychology of inner strength, conscious leadership, and high performance. In her PhD for the Finland-based Aalto University, she laid a foundation for the research on the ancient Finnish construct of sisu, which denotes courage and determination in the face of extreme adversity and the ability to unlock hidden inner strength. Elisabet is an international keynote speaker and advices top-level executives internationally. To learn more, visit: https://www.selflystore.com/ Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters: https://missionmatters.com/author/aslak-de-silva/…

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Breaking Through the Block: Mastering Leaders Block with Ritu G. Mehrish 39:49

39 weeks тому39:49

39:49

In this episode of The Black Belt in Leadership podcast, host Aslak de Silva sits down with executive coach and author Ritu G. Mehrish to dive deep into the concept of Leaders Block—a phenomenon where even the most seasoned leaders can feel stuck, uninspired, or disconnected from their purpose. Drawing parallels to martial arts, where practitioners often face physical and mental plateaus, Aslak and Ritu explore how leaders can break through these blockages with resilience, discipline, and self-awareness. From recognizing the signs of Leaders Block to practical strategies for regaining clarity and momentum, Ritu shares insights from her years of coaching global executives. Tune in to learn how to shift your mindset, unlock your potential, and break through your leadership barriers like a true martial arts master. Whether you’re in the midst of a leadership challenge or looking to elevate your leadership to the next level, this episode will equip you with the tools to overcome obstacles and master your inner leader. Dr. Ritu G. Mehrish, an executive coach, author, and speaker with over 20 years of experience in leading global teams. Ritu has pioneered the concept of Leaders Block and written a fantastic book on the subject, offering practical strategies to overcome those periods when leaders feel blocked or disconnected from their purpose. Her insights, drawn from years of working with top executives, offer a fresh perspective on how to regain clarity and momentum To learn more, visit: https://www.selflystore.com/ Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters: https://missionmatters.com/author/aslak-de-silva/…

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Feras Alhlou: Mastering Strategic Leadership with a Black Belt Mindset 37:35

41 weeks тому37:35

37:35

In this episode of the Black Belt in Leadership podcast, host Aslak de Silva sits down with Feras Alhlou, a seasoned entrepreneur, business strategist, and co-founder of E-Nor, a leading digital analytics consultancy that he successfully led to an acquisition by Dentsu, one of the world’s largest advertising and digital marketing agencies. With a proven track record of sparring with entrepreneurs and helping them scale their businesses to 7 and 8 figures, Feras brings a wealth of knowledge in strategic leadership and business growth. In this insightful conversation, Feras shares how the principles of martial arts—such as discipline, strategic planning, and resilience—can be powerful tools in driving business success. Whether you're aiming to scale your venture, prepare for acquisition, or simply refine your leadership approach, this episode is packed with actionable insights on how to apply a black belt mindset to achieve extraordinary business outcomes. Tune in to discover how Feras Alhlou has guided businesses to new heights and how you can apply these lessons to your own entrepreneurial journey. Feras has founded, grown, and sold businesses in Silicon Valley and abroad, scaling them from zero revenue to 7 and 8 figures. In 2019, Feras sold e-Nor, a digital marketing consulting company, to dentsu (a top-5 global media company). Feras has served as an advisor to 150+ founders. In his current venture, Start Up With Feras, he's on a mission to help entrepreneurs in the consulting and services space start and grow their businesses smarter and stronger. To learn more, visit: https://www.selflystore.com/ Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters: https://missionmatters.com/author/aslak-de-silva/…

The Black Belt in Leadership

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Alf Rehn and the Yin-Yang and contradictions of Leadership 38:22

43 weeks тому38:22

38:22

In this episode of "The Black Belt in Leadership," we sit down with Alf Rehn, a professor of innovation, design, and management, to explore the paradoxes and complexities of modern leadership. We delve into how leaders can effectively balance being both strong visionaries and supportive team players, how to navigate the fine line between decisiveness and empathy, and the importance of embracing contradictions in leadership. Alf shares his unique insights on failure, success, and the critical traits that leaders must cultivate to thrive in today's fast-paced world. This episode offers practical wisdom for leaders seeking to lead with both strength and heart. Alf Rehn, a professor of innovation, design, and management at the University of Southern Denmark. Alf describes himself as a jack-of-all-trades when it comes to ideas—he writes books, advises business leaders, and speaks on various stages around the world. To learn more, visit: https://www.selflystore.com/ Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters: https://missionmatters.com/author/aslak-de-silva/…

The Black Belt in Leadership

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4 Core Lessons from Martial Arts 23:27

48 weeks тому23:27