Albuquerque Business Podcast

Discernment vs. Judgment: The Leadership Divide Judgment is a sneaky trap for leaders. It masquerades as confidence, decisiveness, and authority. But let’s be real: judgment doesn’t build teams, it breaks them. It doesn’t solve problems, it compounds them. And it doesn’t make you a better leader—it keeps you stuck. If you’re a leader, especially in middle management, you’ve probably found yourself caught between the weight of expectations from above and the demands of your team below. When things get messy, judgment becomes the default. But judgment isn’t leadership. Discernment is. And there’s a critical difference between the two. Judgment: A Reactive Mindset Judgment stems from fear, insecurity, and unresolved inner conflict. It’s a knee-jerk reaction that labels people and situations as “good” or “bad,” “right” or “wrong.” Judgment says: “My boss is impossible.” “This team member is lazy.” “This plan is doomed to fail.” When you lead with judgment, you alienate your team and limit your ability to

Hey there, Jason here. I just wrapped up a video podcast about something I'm deeply passionate about - helping new leaders succeed in their first 90 days. As someone who's been through the leadership crucible multiple times, I want to share some hard-earned wisdom about what it really takes to thrive in those crucial early months. Let's get real for a minute. Those first 90 days as a new leader? They're intense. You're drinking from the firehose while trying to look like you've got it all figured out. I've been there, and I want to help you navigate this challenging transition with confidence and authenticity. 1. Build Your Credibility From Day One Here's something I learned the hard way: credibility isn't about knowing everything or being the smartest person in the room. It's about being authentic and demonstrating competence while staying humble. Show your team you're capable, but don't be afraid to admit when you don't know something. I've found that saying "I don't know, but I'll find out" actually builds

Awakening Your Inner Giant: My Personal Take on Tony Robbins' Actionable Steps Hey there, Self Aware leaders! I recently revisited Tony Robbins' masterpiece, "Awaken the Giant Within." It's a treasure trove of practical wisdom for personal transformation. Today, I want to share my personal perspective on some of the key actionable steps that have resonated with me. 1. Raising My Standards It all starts with a decision. A decision to refuse mediocrity. To stop tolerating anything less than the best version of myself. I've started setting higher standards for myself in every area of life. It's not about being perfect, it's about striving for excellence. It's about pushing my boundaries and refusing to settle. 2. Changing My Limiting Beliefs We all carry beliefs that hold us back. For me, it was the nagging voice saying "I'm not good enough" or "Success isn't for me." I'm actively working on replacing those limiting beliefs with empowering ones. Every day, I remind myself that I'm capable of achieving anything I

Leadership is a demanding path. We're constantly navigating complex challenges, making tough decisions, and trying to inspire those around us. But in the midst of all this, it's easy to lose sight of our own personal growth and spiritual well-being. Recently, I embarked on a 12-stage journey towards spiritual transformation. I'm excited to share the first three stages with you today. My hope is that my experiences might resonate with you, or perhaps even inspire you on your own path. 1. Awakening Awareness Understanding and Admitting My Limitations The first step was about waking up. I had to look in the mirror and honestly acknowledge that I don't have all the answers. As leaders, we often feel the pressure to appear infallible, but the truth is, we're all human. Admitting my limitations wasn't easy, but it was an act of courage. It opened the door to growth, allowing me to seek help, learn from others, and foster a more collaborative environment. Realizing That My Current Path Is Unsustainable I also came t

As a self-aware leader, I’ve learned that one of the biggest challenges we face isn’t external—it’s the internal battle with our own ego. Ego can be tricky; it often disguises itself as confidence or ambition, which is why many leaders don’t even realize when it's in control. But make no mistake: if left unchecked, ego will slowly erode your leadership, relationships, and your team's ability to thrive. I’ve fallen into the ego trap myself, and I’m not afraid to admit it. The ego wants to be in the spotlight, to be the one with all the answers, and to silence dissent. It makes us defensive when we should be open, and it compels us to micromanage when we should be empowering others. Worse, it leads us to take credit for victories and deflect blame when things go wrong. Sound familiar? Let’s be real: we’ve all been there. Whether you're a business leader, military officer, or spiritual guide, that voice inside sometimes says, “You did this. You made it happen. You’re indispensable.” While this might feel good in

Hey there, leaders! Just got back from an amazing trip to the Pacific Northwest, where I spent some time reflecting on the power of nature and how its principles can be applied to leadership. Today, I want to share some insights on how we can harness the natural flow of creation to build stronger businesses and teams. We're going to dive into three fundamental laws that I believe are key to unlocking your leadership potential. These aren't just abstract concepts; they're practical tools you can implement right away. 1. The Law of Origin and Interconnectedness (Cause and Effect) In nature, every action triggers a reaction. The same is true in business. Every decision you make, no matter how small, sends ripples throughout your organization. As leaders, we need to be mindful of the potential consequences of our choices and take responsibility for their impact. Remember, your actions shape your company culture. If you want a positive, collaborative environment, you need to model respectful communication and reco

As an introverted leader, I've always been fascinated by the dynamics of human interaction, especially when it comes to building and nurturing relationships. If you're like me, you might find social interactions a bit draining, but also recognize their immense value. So, how do we balance our need for solitude with the essential task of forging meaningful connections? Introversion as a Strength Contrary to popular belief, introversion isn't a weakness. In fact, it's a superpower! Our introverted nature grants us unique strengths like deep thinking, active listening, and empathy. We thrive in one-on-one conversations, and we excel at truly understanding others' perspectives. However, our preference for introspection can sometimes make initiating new relationships a challenge. The Dance of Human Interaction I've come to realize that human interactions often follow a fascinating pattern. It all starts with avoidance. It's natural to feel hesitant when meeting someone new. But as leaders, we need to step out of o

Hey leaders, Jason Rigby here, your host of The Self-Aware Leader Podcast. Today, we're diving into the first three of the 11 Leadership Principles of the United States Marine Corps (link here for PDF). These principles aren't just for the military – they hold powerful insights for any self aware leader looking to excel. Principle 1: Know Yourself and Seek Self-Improvement This is the foundation of leadership. It's about understanding your strengths and weaknesses, seeking honest feedback, and constantly working to improve. Think of it like this: Self-Evaluation: Use the leadership traits as a benchmark. Where do you shine? Where do you need to grow? Continuous Improvement: Don't just identify weaknesses – actively work on them. At the same time, maximize your strengths. Learn from Others: Seek feedback from trusted sources. Study the successes and failures of other leaders. They're a treasure trove of wisdom. Communication is Key: Master the art of writing and speaking. Your ability to communicate ef

Ever felt like you're stuck, like success is just out of reach? Robert Kiyosaki's "Rich Dad Poor Dad" hit me hard with this truth: our mindset is everything. Kiyosaki contrasts his "rich dad" (his mentor) and his "poor dad" (his own father), showing how different views on money and success can make or break us. I've struggled with this myself. Growing up, most of the people around me had that "poor dad" mindset. They were good people, hard workers, but they saw money as something you just earned at a job, not something you could grow. I started noticing how their fear of risk and their focus on just getting by was rubbing off on me. It was like a subtle pull, holding me back from even dreaming bigger. But reading "Rich Dad Poor Dad" was a wake-up call. It made me realize I needed to shake things up if I wanted a different life. Learning to Think Like a "Rich Dad" I started seeking out people who were already successful, people who thought like Kiyosaki's "rich dad." I read books on finance, took courses, and

To My Fellow Self-Aware Leaders, Procrastination is often painted as the villain of productivity, a time thief we must tirelessly battle. But what if I told you that procrastination can be a valuable ally, a signal worth heeding? As self-aware leaders, we know that our habits and behaviors often hold deeper meanings. By turning our attention inward, we can uncover hidden insights within our procrastination patterns. Understanding Procrastination Through Self-Awareness Self-awareness is our superpower. It's the ability to recognize our own character, feelings, motives, and desires. When applied to procrastination, it invites us to examine the thoughts, emotions, and behaviors surrounding tasks we tend to put off. Let's delve deeper. Ask yourself: Emotional state: Am I feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or afraid of failure? Physical state: Am I tired, hungry, or uncomfortable? Environment: Is my workspace conducive to focus? Am I surrounded by distractions? Task perception: Do I find this task boring, chall

Hey everyone, I've always believed in the power of personal growth, especially as a self aware leader. Recently, I've been diving deep again into Stephen R. Covey's "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People," and it's been a game-changer. I wanted to share some of my takeaways and how I'm applying these habits to my own leadership journey. Habit 1: Be Proactive This one's all about taking ownership. I've realized that I have more control over my environment and outcomes than I sometimes give myself credit for. I'm making a conscious effort to be more accountable and proactive in my decision-making. Habit 2: Begin with the End in Mind Having a clear vision is so important. I'm taking the time to really define my long-term goals, both personally and for my team. This helps me make sure my actions are aligned with where I want to be in the future. Habit 3: Put First Things First Prioritization is key! I'm learning to focus on what truly matters, rather than just reacting to the loudest demands. This involves some

Every System is Perfectly Designed... To Change Your Perspective Have you ever found yourself caught in a cycle of frustration, questioning why you and your team keep hitting the same walls despite your best efforts? I've been there too, feeling the weight of repeated failures and the temptation to point fingers at myself or others. But then I came across a profound insight from W. Edwards Deming, a pioneer in quality management, who famously said, "Every system is perfectly designed to get the results it gets." This single statement has the power to transform how we, as self-aware leaders, approach our challenges in both business and life. The System is the Culprit, Not You Deming's quote is not about resigning to fate but rather a powerful invitation to adopt a systems thinking mindset. Here's a deeper dive into what this means: The System: This encompasses every aspect of our environment, from processes and procedures to our mindset and the overarching culture. It’s the complex web of interconnected fact

As a leader, I often grapple with an unsettling feeling – that people are against me. It's a heavy burden to bear, casting shadows on even the brightest days. Perhaps you've felt this too, my fellow leader. It's a lonely path, one that can make us question our purpose and abilities. The Spiritual Roots of My Struggle In my heart, I believe this struggle is more than just professional challenges or interpersonal conflicts. It's a spiritual battle, a tug-of-war between my ego and my higher self. My ego, driven by a need for validation and control, whispers in my ear, convincing me that I am constantly under attack. It magnifies negativity, distorting my perception of reality. I've come to realize that this ego-driven perspective is a defense mechanism, a shield against perceived threats to my identity and self-worth. It's a natural human response, but one that can be incredibly damaging. Why Does My Ego Act This Way? Deep down, my ego is trying to protect me. It sees any challenge or criticism as a threat, a po

Hey Self-Aware Leaders, I've been diving into Jocko Willink's book "The Dichotomy of Leadership," and it's sparked some serious reflection on the role of humility in leadership. As someone who's committed to personal growth and self-awareness, I believe this is a topic we all need to grapple with. Jocko makes a bold statement: "Humility is the most important quality in a leader." Now, that might seem counterintuitive in a world that often celebrates confidence and charisma. But hear me out. The Ego Trap Ego can be a powerful motivator, but it can also be a dangerous trap. When our egos get inflated, we become resistant to feedback, blind to our own shortcomings, and unable to learn and grow. We start to believe that we have all the answers, which is a recipe for stagnation and failure. Think about it: how many times have you seen talented leaders derail their careers because they couldn't check their egos? It happens all the time. The Power of Humility Humility, on the other hand, opens up a world of possibil

Hey Self-Aware Leaders, Today's episode is a special one, inspired by a recent conversation I had with a friend who's leading a team through some major uncertainty. It got me thinking about a powerful concept I stumbled upon in the Harvard Business Review: the importance of developing a clear vision when managing ambiguity. Now, I know what you're thinking – "Vision? That's easy to say, but how do I actually create one when everything feels up in the air?" Trust me, I get it. As leaders, we're constantly navigating the unknown, and it can be tempting to just react to whatever comes our way. But here's the thing: when we don't have a clear vision, we're like ships without a rudder, tossed about by the waves of uncertainty. We lose sight of our goals, our values, and what truly matters. And that's when things can really start to unravel. So, what does it mean to develop a clear vision in the midst of ambiguity? It's about more than just setting a goal or having a plan. It's about defining what success looks lik

Hey friends, I've been pondering a quote by Dennis Waitley lately, and it's got me thinking about the language we use as leaders – and how it shapes our reality. Waitley said: "Winners say, 'I must, I can, I will.' Losers say, 'I should have, I could have, I wish I had.'" Now, before you roll your eyes at another motivational quote, hear me out. As someone who's committed to the journey of self-awareness and higher thinking, I believe this quote offers a powerful insight into the connection between our thoughts, our words, and our results. The Inner Dialogue of a Winner Think about the winner's language for a moment: I must: There's a fire in this phrase, a sense of purpose and urgency. It speaks to a deep-rooted belief that the goal is not just desirable, but essential. I can: This is pure confidence, a trust in one's abilities and resilience. It's the voice that says, "Challenges are opportunities for growth, and I'm up for the task." I will: This is the ultimate commitment, a vow to take action and s

If you're a leader – whether you're running a business, managing a team, or simply leading your own life – I've got a question for you: Have you ever felt torn between what you know is right and what others expect of you? Have you been called "stubborn" or "difficult" because you refuse to budge on your core beliefs? If so, you're in good company. I've worked with some incredibly successful people, from startup founders to Fortune 500 CEOs, and I can tell you – the best ones share a common trait: they are uncompromising in the pursuit of their goals. What Does It Mean to Be Uncompromising? Now, before you roll your eyes and think I'm talking about being bullheaded or inflexible, let's get something straight: Being an uncompromising leader isn't about ignoring feedback or steamrolling others. It's about having a rock-solid sense of purpose and the courage to stay true to it. Think about it: Vision: Uncompromising leaders have a clear, vivid picture of what they want to create. They don't just see the present

Welcome to the Self Aware Leader Podcast with Jason Rigby. In this episode, we have the pleasure of hosting Scott Freidheim, author of "Code of Conduct," a memoir and guide to crafting your own principles in an increasingly complex world. Scott takes us on a journey through the extraordinary highs and challenging lows of his life, from the boardrooms of Wall Street to the personal brink of bankruptcy. Through tales of adversity and triumph, close encounters with global leaders, and life-changing moments of clarity, Scott distills 32 chapters of noble tenets and moral insights. In this episode, we explore several key themes from Scott's book: Bravery: Scott shares his harrowing experience during the 9/11 attacks and the critical decision-making moment that likely saved many lives. Gratitude: We discuss the profound impact of first responders and the importance of recognizing their selfless service. Compassion: Scott reflects on a haunting encounter with mental illness and the need for a compassionate app

We've all been there. Those moments as leaders when a project stalls, a key team member leaves, or that big initiative feels like it's crashing and burning. It's so easy to slip into a spiral: frustration, blame (at others or ourselves), and a sinking feeling of helplessness. That's the victim mentality, and as comfortable as it seems in the moment, it's incredibly destructive to our leadership. The Trap: How We Give Up Our Power Here's the thing about playing the victim: we surrender. We convince ourselves that our fate is out of our hands – bad luck, unfair bosses, you name it – anything but ourselves. Thoughts become a chorus of "I can't...", "This always happens to me...", or "Why bother, it's pointless...". It feels easier than taking a hard look in the mirror, but make no mistake, this is us putting ourselves at the mercy of every setback. We all want to feel in control as leaders. The victim mentality is the illusion of control, where it's somehow safer to wallow than to confront the hard choices ahead

Dear Self Aware Leaders Just this week, I stepped onto a plane headed for a much-needed work trip. As the familiar safety briefing began, the flight attendant's voice caught my attention. "Remember," she said, "in case of an emergency, please secure your own oxygen mask before assisting others." Her next words hit me with newfound resonance: "...even though this trip is to Miami, I don't want to see any of you underwater." It was a playful reminder, but it struck a deeper chord. In the heart of leadership, amongst its demands and the noble drive to serve, lies a paradox: we must sometimes withdraw to truly give. We all know the flight attendant's instructions—secure your own oxygen mask before assisting others. But as leaders, do we truly live this principle? I believe nurturing our own spirit is the most generous act we can perform for our teams and the world we seek to impact. When we deplete ourselves, it's not just our personal energy that suffers. Our clarity dims, our empathy wanes, and our ability to i