Right-side Up Leadership Podcast

Alan Briggs discusses the significance of sabbaticals for leaders, sharing his personal experiences and insights gained from previous sabbaticals. He emphasizes the importance of planning, renewal, and recalibration during this time away from work. The discussion also touches on the challenges of stepping away from work, the need for engagement in everyday life, and the activities he looks forward to during his upcoming sabbatical. Ultimately, the conversation highlights the transformative power of sabbaticals in fostering personal growth and well-being.   Takeaways Sabbaticals help leaders renew their energy and recalibrate their vision. Personal experiences during sabbaticals can be both delightful and challenging. Planning for a sabbatical is crucial to ensure a smooth transition. Engagement in everyday life is more fulfilling than seeking escape through travel. Rest can take many forms, including physical activity and mental space. Sabbaticals are an opportunity to reconnect with family and friends. The i

In this conversation, Alan Briggs shares his journey of self-discovery and leadership, emphasizing the importance of balancing future aspirations with present engagement. He discusses the psychological aspects of leadership, particularly the tension between hope and fear when planning for the future. Through practical tools like the Right Side Up Journal and the Innovation Triangle, he encourages leaders to reflect on their past, assess their current state, and strategically plan for the future. The conversation culminates in a call for self-reflection and the importance of maintaining health and sustainability in leadership roles. takeaways Leaders often focus on the future, which can lead to anxiety. It's essential to balance future planning with present engagement. Small practices can help leaders stay grounded in the present. A weekly review can highlight victories often overlooked. Quarterly audits provide a deeper reflection on goals and achievements. The Innovation Triangle helps leaders assess their f

In part two of our directions series, Alan shares his transformative experience during a bucket list trip to Scotland, emphasizing the importance of being present in both extraordinary and everyday moments. He discusses the challenges leaders face in maintaining presence amidst distractions and the need for intentional habits to foster engagement with family, friends, and teams. Alan wraps up this episode with practical questions for leaders to enhance their mindfulness and reflection, ultimately aiming for sustainable impact in their lives and communities.   takeaways The trip to Scotland was a bucket list experience. Staying present is crucial for leaders. Distractions can steal our attention from loved ones. Intentional habits help maintain presence. Reflection is vital for personal growth. Leaders shape the future but must stay grounded. The attention economy challenges our focus. Small disciplines can lead to significant changes. Engaging in the moment enriches relationships. Creating healthy cultures st

In this first episode of the "Directions Series," leadership coach Alan Briggs invites us to reflect on the past and its impact on our leadership journey. Through personal stories and thought-provoking insights, Alan explores how our memories—both beautiful and painful—can shape us as leaders. Key Topics Covered: The Balance of Past, Present, and Future: Learn how the healthiest leaders embrace all three timeframes, without overemphasizing one, to live and lead with impact. The Power and Pain of Memories: Alan shares a deeply personal story about a memorable road trip with his sons, reflecting on how cherished moments can bring both joy and sadness. Selective Memory in Leadership: Discover the danger of romanticizing the past and how it can prevent you from embracing new opportunities. Turning Pain into Purpose: Hear inspiring examples of how deep pain can become a catalyst for meaningful work that impacts others. Letting Go and Moving Forward: Alan discusses the challenge many leaders face in letting go of p

This conversation explores the nuances of effective leadership, emphasizing the importance of creating a positive organizational culture, the balance between efficiency and effectiveness, and the role of communication in leadership. The speakers discuss the internal and external fulfillment that comes from effective leadership and provide insights into recognizing scattered versus grounded leadership. They conclude with reflections on personal experiences and actionable steps for leaders to enhance their effectiveness. takeaways Ineffective leaders create a dysfunctional culture around them. Effective leaders create life and vitality around them. Work should bring dignity and meaning to us and those we serve. Effective leaders prioritize and eliminate unnecessary tasks. Being effective with people is more important than being efficient with tasks. Leaders need to create and innovate to solve problems. Clarity in leadership reduces feelings of overwhelm. Trusting your team allows for better focus on important

In this conversation, Alan Briggs and Jonathan Collier discuss the difference between activity and action, and the importance of being effective rather than just efficient. They emphasize the need for leaders to prioritize and eliminate tasks that are not the most helpful or important. They also highlight the dangers of rushing and the benefits of slow, well-crafted work. The conversation concludes with reflection questions for listeners to consider in their own lives and leadership.   Notes Activity is not the same as action; leaders should focus on effectiveness rather than just efficiency. Elimination and prioritization are key to being effective; leaders should eliminate tasks that are not the most helpful and prioritize those that are. Deep work, which requires concentration and focus on a difficult task for a prolonged period of time, is essential for effectiveness. Clarity and courage are important qualities for effective leadership; leaders should understand and communicate the truth, identify next st

In this conversation, Alan Briggs and Jonathan Collier discuss the difference between efficiency and effectiveness in leadership. They explore the negative consequences of leading with a hyper-efficient mindset and the importance of shifting towards effectiveness. They highlight the fear, habits, and desire for control that drive people towards efficiency. They also provide a definition of an effective leader, which includes comprehending influence, living healthy, practicing self-awareness, working with the grain of gifting, and moving at a sustainable pace. The conversation ends with reflection questions for listeners to consider. keywordsefficiency, effectiveness, leadership, fear, habits, control, influence, health, self-awareness, gifting, pace takeaways Efficiency is the ability to accomplish a job with minimum time and effort, while effectiveness is doing the right things well. Fear, habits, and the desire for control often drive people towards efficiency. An effective leader comprehends their influenc

In this episode, we dive deep into a conversation that’s more important than ever: manhood. My guest, Jon Tyson, is a pastor, author, and thought leader. His latest book, Fighting Shadows, co-authored with Jefferson Bethke, takes a fresh look at the challenges men face today. Whether you’re a man or love one, this episode is for you. We discuss the pressure on modern manhood, the influence of faith, and the guidance older generations need to offer Gen Z. John brings in perspectives from popular culture, his personal experiences, and a clear, actionable message of what it looks like to be a man in the way of Jesus. Plus, we talk about the Primal Path—Jon’s framework for guiding young men through a meaningful rite of passage. If you’re a dad, you’ll want to check this out. Key Topics Discussed: – The challenges modern culture poses to manhood – How faith plays a role in shaping men today – The struggles Gen Z men face and how older men can support them – Ambition, purpose, and what it means to be a man in the w

In this episode, Alan and Jonathan dive into the fall season, a crucial time for leaders to gain momentum and prepare for the challenges ahead. They explore how to maximize this season's potential through key questions every leader should ask themselves. Whether you're leading a team, a family, or a community, this episode will provide you with actionable insights to help you navigate the busyness of fall without burning out. Key Takeaways: Momentum in Fall: Fall is a season of high momentum, with both opportunities and challenges. Alan and Jonathan discuss how leaders can harness this momentum to drive their teams and organizations forward. Critical Questions for Leaders: Alan outlines essential questions to ask yourself as a leader: How can I schedule for what I really care about? How can our team raise our level of impact? How can I guard against burnout before it’s too late? How do I get out of the weeds? How can I raise the leadership capacity of my team members? How can I be a unifying force in a di

In the final episode of the Anti-Burnout summer series, Jonathan Collier and Alan Briggs discuss the topics of cynicism and curiosity. They explore the difference between being critical and being cynical, and the dangers of cynicism in leadership. They emphasize the importance of curiosity in overcoming cynicism and finding new possibilities. The conversation also touches on areas where cynicism is prevalent, such as politics, economics, and even preseason football. The hosts encourage leaders to cultivate curiosity and hope, and to believe in the possibility of change.   Takeaways Cynicism is a mindset marked by deep skepticism and distrust, while curiosity is the opposite of anxiety and opens up new possibilities. Cynicism keeps leaders stuck and prevents them from shaping the future, while curiosity invites exploration and growth. Cynicism can show up in various areas of life and leadership, such as politics, economics, and personal relationships. Being critical is different from being cynical, as critical

In this episode, Alan Briggs discusses the topic of resistance and how it can hold us back from taking action and pursuing our goals. He emphasizes the importance of normalizing and demystifying resistance, as well as the need to move forward despite it. Briggs encourages listeners to identify areas in their lives where they are experiencing resistance and take small steps to push against it. He also introduces the concept of an annual energy map and offers a tool to help listeners navigate the challenges and opportunities of the fall season. Resistance is a common experience in life and leadership, and it can hold us back from pursuing our goals. Normalizing and demystifying resistance can help us overcome it and take action. Identifying areas of resistance and taking small steps forward can help us make progress and overcome fear. An annual energy map can be a helpful tool for navigating the challenges and opportunities of different seasons.   Sound Bites "The obstacle is resistance. The opportunity is m

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

Hal Donaldson, CEO of Convoy of Hope, shares his personal story and the lessons he has learned about serving and avoiding burnout. He emphasizes the importance of taking care of oneself physically, emotionally, and spiritually in order to continue serving others effectively. Hal discusses the mindset shifts and practices that leaders can adopt to prioritize their own well-being while still making a difference in the world. He also encourages leaders to embrace hardship as an opportunity for growth and to seek out mentors who exemplify humility and faithfulness. Takeaways Taking care of oneself physically, emotionally, and spiritually is essential for long-term service and avoiding burnout. Leaders should prioritize their own well-being and model a healthy culture within their organizations. Success can be more dangerous than failure if it leads to self-reliance and neglect of personal health. Hardship is often followed by opportunities and miracles, and leaders should embrace the lessons and growth that come

In this episode of the Say Forth Leadership Podcast, we delve into why every leader must confront pain. Pain is an inevitable part of being human and even more so as a leader. The more people you influence, the more pain you'll be exposed to. This discussion unpacks how leaders often overlook their own pain while focusing on the next task or goal, much like a rock climber so focused on the climb that they ignore their injuries. We emphasize the importance of acknowledging both macro and micro pains to move toward healing and connection. We also explore the role of friends, therapists, coaches, and fellow strugglers in navigating this journey. By confronting pain head-on, leaders can foster deeper connections and healthier communities. Tune in to learn practical steps to manage pain and build supportive relationships.

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

Welcome back to episode three of our Anti-Burnout Summer Series! This week, we tackle a phrase many leaders find all too familiar: "I'm so tired."  On this episode we dive into the different types of fatigue leaders face and the journey from exhaustion to replenishment. Discover practical strategies to identify and combat expected, extended, and extreme fatigue. Learn the importance of intentional replenishment cycles and how daily and weekly habits can transform your energy levels and the trajectory of of your leadership. If you're feeling drained, this episode is your guide to finding renewed vitality and balance. Tune in and take the first step towards a lighter, more fulfilling leadership journey. #AntiBurnout #Leadership #Replenishment #PodcastSeries #SelfCare Takeaways Exhaustion and fatigue can lead to burnout and should not be ignored. There are three types of fatigue: expected fatigue, extended fatigue, and extreme fatigue. It is important to identify the level and source of fatigue, whether it is ph

Tanner, the CEO of Every Home for Christ, shares his journey from rural Montana to leading a global ministry. He discusses the audacious mission of Every Home for Christ and the various ways they carry Christ to everyone and every place. Tanner also talks about his experience of taking over leadership from the legendary Dick Eastman and the challenges of succession. He emphasizes the importance of boundaries, play, and seeking support in maintaining health while traveling. Tanner shares his favorite cereal, guilty pleasure song, and a quote that inspires him. He concludes with a message of encouragement for those feeling discouraged. Takeaways Every Home for Christ has an audacious mission to carry Christ to everyone and every place. Succession can be a challenging process, but intentional communication and trust-building are key. Setting boundaries and prioritizing health, both physically and mentally, is crucial for leaders who travel frequently. Play and humor can humanize leadership and strengthen relati

In this episode of the Stay Forth Leadership Podcast, Alan and Jonathan  discuss the theme of finding newness and freshness when feeling stuck. They emphasize the importance of changing pace, place, and perspective to gain a new outlook. They also explore the mindset shifts necessary to move from feeling stuck to being a designer of one's own life. The conversation covers various strategies for finding newness, including getting away from technology, changing environments, and cultivating new relationships.   The episode concludes with reflection questions and a call to take action.   Takeaways Changing pace, place, and perspective can help bring newness and freshness when feeling stuck. Mindset shifts are necessary to move from feeling stuck to being a designer of one's own life. Strategies for finding newness include getting away from technology, changing environments, and cultivating new relationships. Reflection and taking action are key to transforming information into meaningful change.   Quotables "

In this episode, Jonathan and Alan introduce their summer series on living and leading in a lighter way. They discuss the purpose of the series and how it differs from their regular podcast episodes. The main theme of this episode is overwhelm and the opportunity for clarity. They explore the lies associated with overwhelm and the importance of taking action to find clarity. They provide examples and encourage listeners to identify the sources of overwhelm in their own lives and take steps towards greater clarity.   Takeaways The summer series is designed to provide a more transformational look at living and leading in a lighter way. Overwhelm is an obstacle that can be overcome through clarity. There are two types of overwhelm: positive overwhelm (having too many good things) and negative overwhelm (feeling burdened by responsibilities). The lies associated with overwhelm are the need for certainty and the belief that everything must be done by oneself. Taking action and seeking clarity are essential to over

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