The Grounded Man

John Douglas

The Grounded Man Podcast by Deru is for hardworking men building businesses, carrying responsibility, and providing for their families — who feel they should be freer.

The world has changed, and leading through hard work and long hours now limits a man’s influence.

Deru is changing how leaders lead - from the inside out. It's a way to carry the load without constant pressure - so you can enjoy what you’re building, and still have energy for life!

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Tuesday · 17 min
If you don't take the time, you won't have the energy
How much of your week is intentionally designed to protect and raise your energy? In this episode, John explores why making time for yourself isn’t selfish — it’s essential to how you lead. He shares a simple exercise around work, family, and yourself, and explains why where you actually spend your time and energy is a better reflection of your priorities than what you say matters most. John also introduces the idea of grounding yourself each morning, starting with just 10–15 minutes to reset, recharge, and sharpen your thinking. He looks at gratitude as a powerful way to move out of frustration, protect your energy, and create more space to lead your business, family, and life with greater clarity and presence. Interested in joining our next Grounded Man Hike? Click here for more: https://www.derunation.com/TGM-Hike 00:01:23 — Making Time for You 00:02:29 — Where Your Priorities Really Are 00:03:32 — Invest in Yourself First 00:06:31 — Protecting Your Energy 00:07:11 — Energy, Time & Freedom 00:09:39 — The 15-Minute Reset 00:10:37 — The Grounding Ritual 00:12:23 — Practicing Gratitude 00:13:19 — Gratitude Over Frustration 00:15:07 — Being Grateful for What’s Ahead
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August 17 · 15 min
How a hike can grow your business
What are you carrying that you no longer need to hold onto? In this episode, John reflects on the first Grounded Man Hike and the conversations that came from stepping away from business, pressure, and everyday noise. He shares the idea behind carrying a stone up the mountain, what it represented, and why letting go can sometimes be just as important as pushing forward. John also looks ahead to the next Grounded Man Hike in Glendalough and explains why community, clarity, challenge, and celebration are at the heart of the experience. Interested in joining our next Grounded Man Hike? Click here for more: https://www.derunation.com/TGM-Hike 00:01:04 — The Grounded Man Hike 00:03:06 — What Are You Carrying? 00:04:20 — Letting Go at the Summit 00:05:19 — The Next Hike 00:06:45 — Who It’s For 00:08:23 — Community, Clarity & Challenge 00:11:03 — What to Expect 00:14:13 — Join the Next Hike
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August 12 · 51 min
Success is being in my best energy everyday - Sam Harte
Can you grow a successful business without sacrificing your energy, your family, or the life you actually want to live? In this episode, John is joined by Sam Harte, director of Harte Outdoor Lighting, for a walk through Wicklow as they explore what it means to work on yourself while growing a business. Sam shares how purpose, presence, the Leadership Hour, and focusing on his daily energy have helped him step away from the constant grind, think more strategically, and create more space for the things that matter most. They also discuss trust versus control, why we tend to push harder when things get difficult, building a stronger culture within a business, and how coaching and accountability can help you become a better leader. Want to connect with Sam Harte and learn more about Harte Outdoor Lighting? Connect with Sam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-harte/ Explore Harte Outdoor Lighting: https://www.harteoutdoorlighting.ie/ Interested in joining our next Grounded Man Hike? Click here for more: https://www.derunation.com/TGM-Hike 00:01:12 — Meet Sam Harte 00:05:22 — Finding Purpose Beyond the Daily Grind 00:08:17 — Finding Growth in Hard Times 00:10:41 — Control vs Trust 00:14:24 — You Are Not Your Thoughts 00:16:41 — Finding Presence in Everyday Life 00:21:14 — The Leadership Hour 00:26:28 — Energy and Better Results 00:27:53 — Working On the Business, Not In It 00:31:50 — Building a High-Performance Culture 00:35:16 — Building a Life Around Family 00:36:17 — Redefining Success 00:40:20 — Why We Double Down Under Pressure 00:45:18 — Coaching and Accountability 00:50:31 — The Grounded Man Hike
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August 4 · 21 min
Growing your business – and freedom – by growing your people.
There's a version of success where you build something real — a team, a reputation, clients who trust you — and somehow end up more trapped than when you started. This week on The Grounded Man, we get into why that happens — and why the fix isn't a better system, it's learning to grow people instead of managing tasks. We talk about the real cost of downsizing to avoid people problems, why not trusting your team is really about not trusting yourself, and who you are when you're not the hardest worker in the room. Growing your business — and freedom — by growing your people. If you'd like to connect with likeminded business owners to see how they are leading others better and with more freedom, attend the next Grounded Man Hike. Click here for more: https://www.derunation.com/TGM-Hike Timestamps: 00:00 — Intro: welcome to The Grounded Man 00:54 — Why delegation keeps landing back on your desk, half-done 03:36 — It eats at your ambition — the cost of downsizing to escape people problems 06:58 — Business is 90% people — so growth means growing people 08:50 — From manager of tasks to leader of people 11:21 — Not trusting others is really not trusting yourself 14:45 — Treating your business like a forest, not a machine 21:04 — This week's question: where do you need to develop people more?
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July 29 · 22 min
Does your business Revolve around you – or Run without you?
Are you spending too much time working in the business instead of on it? In this episode, John explores why strategy execution is not just about knowing what needs to be done, but creating the space, structure, and leadership rhythm to actually do it. He explains why business owners can get trapped in doing, fixing, and firefighting, and how shifting into clearer thinking, better decisions, and leadership alignment can help the business start running without everything revolving around you. Interested in joining our next Grounded Man Hike? Click here for more: https://www.derunation.com/TGM-Hike 00:01:05 — Working On the Business 00:02:30 — The Knowing-Doing Gap 00:04:20 — When the Old Way Stops Working 00:08:15 — Stop Being the Fixer 00:10:15 — Creating Space to Think 00:12:10 — Letting Go of Control 00:14:20 — Choosing What Is Important 00:15:40 — Building Your Leadership Team 00:18:20 — Working on the Bigger Picture 00:21:30 — The Grounded Man Hike
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July 22 · 22 min
Why can't they just get it — is it them or is it me?
Do you feel like your team still does not fully understand the vision, even after you have explained it? In this episode, John explores why communication is one of the biggest challenges for business owners and why real alignment comes from clarity, consistency, and repeating the vision often. He also looks at what can get in the way, including ego, people-pleasing, and waiting until everything feels perfect before you lead the conversation. Interested in joining our next Grounded Man Hike? Click here for more: https://www.derunation.com/TGM-Hike 00:01:00 — Why Communication Matters 00:03:05 — Clarity, Conciseness, and Consistency 00:04:05 — Why They Still Do Not Get It 00:06:05 — Bringing Vision Into the Conversation 00:09:40 — The Cost of Misalignment 00:11:05 — Seeing Yourself as the Visionary 00:14:00 — Sharing the Vision Means Sharing Yourself 00:15:35 — Letting Go of People-Pleasing 00:18:10 — The Leadership Alignment Workshop
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July 15 · 43 min
Letting go to get your energy back - with Barry Finnegan
What happens when the pressure of business starts affecting your health? In this episode, John walks with Barry Finnegan, founder of a technology business based in County Meath, to explore what it really means to carry responsibility without letting it consume you. Barry shares how a mild heart attack became a wake-up call to rethink stress, personal responsibility, health, and the way he was holding on to outcomes in business. Together, they talk about letting go of what you cannot control, staying grounded in gratitude, building a business without losing yourself, and learning to define success from the inside out. Interested in joining our next Grounded Man Hike? Click here for more: https://www.derunation.com/TGM-Hike 00:00:42 — Welcome to The Grounded Man Podcast 00:01:20 — Meet Barry Finnegan 00:05:35 — Walking at Lough Crew 00:09:30 — Barry’s Health Wake-Up Call 00:15:30 — Letting Go of the Outcome 00:17:30 — Gratitude and Control 00:20:20 — Talking Through Problems 00:24:00 — Taking Personal Responsibility 00:27:20 — Finding Balance Again 00:30:55 — Defining Success from Within 00:34:10 — Inner Pride and Daily Action 00:40:15 — Advice for Men Under Pressure 00:42:45 — The Grounded Man Hike
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July 8 · 24 min
If There's Not Enough Hours in the Day — You're Counting Them Wrong
Do you feel like there are never enough hours in the day? In this episode, John explores why so many business owners feel trapped by their own calendars, constantly chasing time, success, and opportunities outside of themselves. He explains why your real value is not in the number of hours you work, but in your presence, focus, strengths, and ability to choose what truly deserves your energy. For more on the Deru approach to leadership from the inside out, visit https://www.derunation.com/TGM-Hike 00:01:04 — When There’s Never Enough Time 00:03:00 — Amazon vs. Rolex and Ferrari 00:06:25 — The Signs You Have a Problem with Time 00:08:35 — Stop Chasing Success 00:10:14 — What Really Built Your Business 00:13:20 — Letting Go of Proving Yourself 00:16:15 — The Hierarchy of Waste 00:20:10 — The Three Buckets of Work 00:22:30 — Making the Hours Count 00:23:55 — The Grounded Man Hike
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July 1 · 22 min
Your financial pressure has nothing to do with money
Do you ever feel like cash flow, sales, and money pressure are keeping you up at night? In this episode, John explores the deeper mindset behind financial pressure in business. He explains why money is not something to be chased, but a byproduct of the value we create. He also talks about underpricing, saying yes to the wrong clients, avoiding the numbers, and learning to shift from a scarcity mindset into a more abundant way of leading yourself, your team, and your business. For more on the Deru approach to leadership from the inside out, visit https://www.derunation.com/TGM-Hike 00:01:00 — Sales, Cash Flow, and Money Mindset 00:03:30 — Financial Pressure as a Symptom 00:05:30 — Money Is a Byproduct of Value 00:07:30 — Business Is About Solving Problems 00:10:30 — Seeing Money as a Tool 00:13:30 — Underpricing and Saying Yes to the Wrong Clients 00:16:00 — Lack of Financial Visibility 00:18:00 — Letting Go of Scarcity 00:20:00 — Giving Yourself Permission to Receive
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June 24 · 16 min
Am I the only one that cares about the business?
Do you ever feel like you are the only one who truly cares about your business? In this episode, John explores the loneliness and pressure that can come from carrying too much responsibility alone. He explains why business is not just a machine built on systems and output, but a living thing built on people, trust, relationships, and purpose. He also talks about letting go of the belief that you are missing something, reconnecting with your deeper purpose, and learning to grow the people first so the people can grow the business. For more on the Deru approach to leadership from the inside out, visit www.derunation.com 00:01:13 — Feeling Like the Only One Who Cares 00:03:10 — Loneliness in Business 00:04:06 — Separating Yourself from the Business 00:05:00 — You Are Already Enough 00:06:15 — Business Is Built on People 00:08:13 — The Cost of Isolation 00:12:18 — Creating Vision and Purpose 00:14:02 — Treating Business Like a Living Thing 00:15:14 — What Would You Do If Nothing Was Missing?
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June 16 · 21 min
Running on empty - or just dirt in the fuel line?
Do you feel like there is more energy, focus, and power inside you, but something is blocking it from coming through? In this episode, John explores burnout, overwhelm, and the hidden blocks that stop men from operating at their full potential. Using the story of a tractor losing power because of dirt in the fuel line, he explains how men can have the energy, vision, and ability inside them, but still feel drained when fear, control, and pressure get in the way. John talks about the difference between physical tiredness and deeper mental drain, why trying to control everything can leave you exhausted, and how people pleasing, proving, perfectionism, and protecting can quietly steal your energy. He also shares why trusting the process, accepting where you are, and giving energy back to yourself is the key to moving from burnout back into freedom. For more on the Deru approach to leadership from the inside out, visit www.derunation.com 00:01:20 — Running on High or Running on Empty 00:02:30 — Dirt in the Fuel Line 00:04:15 — Burnout and Overwhelm 00:06:35 — Alignment and Energy 00:08:45 — Trusting the Process 00:10:30 — Control and Mental Drain 00:13:05 — The Four Cloaks of Fear 00:16:10 — Giving Energy Back to Yourself 00:18:20 — Permission to Trust Life
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June 10 · 21 min
Why It's So Hard To Not Doubt Yourself
Do you find yourself stuck because you are afraid of making the wrong decision, even when you know something needs to change? In this episode, John explores how decision-making shapes the lives of hardworking men who feel trapped despite their success. He talks about how decisions keep life moving forward, why fear of letting people down can lead to hesitation, and how trusting yourself allows you to lead with more confidence, courage, and freedom. For more on the Deru approach to leadership from the inside out, visit www.derunation.com 00:00:00 — The Importance of Decision-Making 00:01:14 — Identifying Your Tribe 00:02:10 — The Fear of Letting People Down 00:06:43 — The Cost of Indecision 00:12:25 — Building Certainty in Yourself 00:14:23 — Fear vs. Intention 00:17:03 — Your Tribe Wants You, Not Perfection 00:19:01 — Closing Remarks
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June 3 · 18 min
Doing everything you can and still feeling like it’s not enough
Do you feel guilty for not doing enough, even when you are already carrying so much for your business, your family, and the people around you? In this episode, John explores how guilt can quietly eat away at your energy, confidence, and ability to grow. He talks about the impossible expectation of keeping everyone happy, the danger of constantly giving without receiving, and why letting go of guilt helps you return to the present moment with renewed focus. For more on the Deru approach to leadership from the inside out, visit www.derunation.com 00:01:18 — Guilt and Self-Worth 00:03:09 — Impossible Expectations 00:06:32 — When Guilt Becomes Identity 00:08:18 — Guilt and Financial Pressure 00:10:07 — How Guilt Blocks Progress 00:11:57 — The Danger of Constant Giving 00:13:53 — Guilt as Judge, Jury, and Jailer 00:15:41 — Accepting Your Limitations 00:17:28 — Wipe the Slate Clean 00:18:19 — Closing Remarks
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May 24 · 20 min
If the business owns you – it’s time to own yourself.
The Grounded Man Episode 09 Do you feel like your business was meant to give you freedom, but somehow it now owns your time, energy, and headspace? In this episode, John explores why many hardworking men feel trapped by the very business they built. He talks about separating your identity from your business, setting clearer boundaries, and building the self-awareness needed to respond instead of react. For more on the Deru approach to leadership from the inside out, visit www.derunation.com and explore more resources from John 00:01:03 — Freedom and Business 00:03:18 — When the Business Owns You 00:05:20 — The Impact at Home 00:06:26 — Setting Boundaries 00:08:13 — You Are Not the Business 00:09:09 — Ego and Identity 00:11:06 — Taking Responsibility 00:12:49 — Building Self-Awareness 00:14:58 — Changing Your Mindset 00:17:35 — A Healthier Business Relationship 00:19:29 — Closing Remarks
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May 18 · 17 min
If you can't switch off - switch on
Do you find it hard to switch off from business and work? - Well, maybe you're not built to switch off, maybe you're built to be on. This episode explains how to stay present and have peace of mind without switching off. Interested in working with John? Book a Grounded Call here: https://calendly.com/johndouglas-coaching/deru-conversation 00:00:00 — Introduction 00:01:09 — Reframing Switching Off 00:02:04 — The Racing Mind 00:03:01 — Being Present at Home 00:04:54 — You Are Not the Business 00:05:52 — The Cost of Pressure 00:08:37 — Fear and Ego 00:11:25 — Your Relationship With Work 00:12:34 — Permission to Rest 00:13:29 — Focus on What You Can Control 00:15:52 — The Impact of Presence 00:16:32 — Who Are You Behind the Titles? 00:17:13 — Closing Remarks
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May 13 · 31 min
Taking the work out of life with Ross Griffin
Ross Griffin grew up on a farm in the west of Ireland, built a business, across multiple countries with his partners, and still thought he wasn't doing enough for Kosmos Company. In this conversation he talks about the guilt of taking a walk in the sun. The thinking he did in front of the TV instead of being present with his family. The frustration that had nothing to do with the business and everything to do with what was going on inside him. Today Ross shows up differently — calmer, more present, more confident in the journey. The difference between then and now — is that Ross stopped long enough to question what he was doing and say yes to putting himself first. Interested in working with John? Book a Grounded Call here: https://calendly.com/johndouglas-coaching/deru-conversation 00:00:00 — Teaser 00:00:33 — Introduction 00:01:34 — Meet Ross Griffin 00:03:25 — Pressure Behind Business Growth 00:06:37 — Self Awareness and Ego 00:10:39 — Changing the Relationship with Business 00:15:19 — Building a Better Culture 00:21:03 — Culture and Profitability 00:25:41 — Advice for Leaders 00:30:03 — Closing Thoughts If you'd like to connect with Ross, Email: ross@kosmos.company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ross-griffin-kosmos/
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May 4 · 17 min
Enjoy the build - Look forward to Mondays again
Show Notes Have you built the life you've always dreamed of - family, business, team, revenue but struggle to enjoy it? John talks about how constant pressure, responsibility, and the fear of slowing down can quietly lead to burnout and take the enjoyment out of the process. He introduces the Smart Freedoms Framework, a five layer approach to creating a more aligned and fulfilling life. It focuses on Spiritual, Mental, Action, Resource, and Time freedom, showing how your internal state directly shapes your external results. Through the analogy of a drill stuck in reverse, John highlights how pushing harder doesn’t always move you forward if you’re not aligned. Instead, he encourages a shift toward freedom, flow, and being intentional with how you build both your work and your life. For more on the Deru approach to leadership from the inside out, visit www.derunation.com Timestamps 00:00:00 – Taking Breaks & Enjoying the Process 00:03:15 – Why Joy Matters in Leadership 00:04:08 – SMART Freedoms Framework 00:07:08 – Mental Clarity & Aligned Action 00:10:39 – Time Freedom Explained 00:13:32 – The Drill Analogy 00:15:40 – Building Real Freedom 00:17:21 – Reflection & Closing Sequence of Topics Covered Introduction & Context • Enjoying what you build • Feeling trapped by pressure Understanding Pressure • Constant pressure and burnout • Why slowing down feels hard SMART Freedoms Framework • Overview of the five freedoms • Working from the inside out Alignment & Action • Focusing on what actually matters • Time and energy going to the right places Closing Reflection • Freedom vs feeling stuck • Building a life you enjoy
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April 27 · 20 min
How To Lead with Freedom When Pressure is Constant
Show Notes In this episode of the Grounded Man Podcast, host John Douglas explores the constant pressure faced by men building businesses and supporting their families. He breaks down the difference between the chosen pressure of an exciting challenge versus the constant pressure that slowly drains your energy and headspace. John explains that pressure is not coming from your responsibilities, but from how you relate to them internally, often driven by fear, scarcity, and unconscious conditioning. He unpacks how the fear of loss, failure, and rejection keeps many men stuck in a cycle of tension and overthinking. By shifting toward an abundance mindset, practicing presence, and building self awareness, you can begin to release unnecessary pressure. This allows you to lead with more clarity, freedom, and enjoyment in both your business and your life. For more on the Deru approach to leadership from the inside out, visit www.derunation.com Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@derunation Timestamps 00:00:00 — Introduction 00:01:17 — What Constant Pressure Feels Like 00:02:15 — Chosen vs Constant Pressure 00:04:08 — Pressure is Internal 00:05:05 — Fear and Pressure 00:08:00 — The Cost of Indecision 00:09:52 — Scarcity Mindset 00:10:56 — Moving to Abundance 00:15:35 — Presence and Letting Go 00:17:45 — Observe When Pressure Rises 00:20:03 — Closing Thoughts Sequence of Topics Covered Introduction & Context • Podcast purpose and eliminating pressure Understanding Pressure • What constant pressure feels like • Hidden burnout and mental weight Chosen vs Constant Pressure • Growth vs draining pressure Pressure is Internal • Driven by perception and the future Fear and Scarcity • Fear of loss and survival thinking • Scarcity mindset Shifting to Abundance • Energy is abundant • Focus on what you can control Presence and Letting Go • Acting with clarity and faith • Detaching from outcomes Root Causes of Pressure • Conditioning and need to prove Self Awareness Practice • Noticing tension and asking why Freedom from Pressure • Leading with presence and freedom
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April 20 · 17 min
Carrying the weight without losing yourself
Show Notes In this episode of the Grounded Man Podcast, host John Douglas explores the relationship between responsibility and pressure for hardworking men building businesses and providing for their families. John explains that pressure doesn’t come from responsibility itself, but from how we carry it. He breaks responsibility into three categories: what you control (thoughts, actions, mindset), what you influence but don’t control (family, team, business), and what’s entirely outside your control (others’ reactions, outcomes). By focusing your energy on what you can control and trusting yourself and the process, you can carry responsibility more effectively and experience greater freedom. For more on the Deru approach to leadership from the inside out, visit www.derunation.com Timestamps 00:01:21 — Analogy: Manual Labor and Carrying Weight 00:02:16 — Redefining Responsibility and Pressure 00:03:19 — Energy, Cause and Effect 00:04:26 — Focus on What You Can Control 00:05:28 — Building Site Analogy 00:07:33 — The Role of Trust 00:08:32 — Three Categories of Responsibility 00:13:01 — Letting Go of the Uncontrollable 00:13:51 — Trusting the Process and Sharing the Load 00:16:01 — Building a Strong Relationship with Yourself 00:17:03 — Conclusion and Call to Action Sequence of Topics Covered Introduction & Context Responsibility vs. pressure Pressure comes from how it’s carried Analogy: Carrying Weight Manual labor analogy Carrying properly vs. poorly Redefining Responsibility Responsibility is ownership, not stress Separating pressure from responsibility Control vs. Outcomes Focus on actions, not results Let go of trying to control everything The Role of Trust Lack of trust creates pressure Overcontrol leads to burnout Three Categories of Responsibility What you control What you influence What you can’t control Letting Go & Trusting the Process Shift focus to inputs Share responsibility with others Self-Leadership & Application Build self-trust and awareness Lead without pressure Conclusion Reflect and apply Share the message
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April 13 · 17 min
Leading By Example Starts With Your State
Show Notes In this episode, John Douglas talks about what leadership really means today. He explains how leadership is shifting away from just hard work and control, and toward mindset, energy, and self-mastery. Your internal state doesn’t just affect you. It shapes your business, your team, and your family. John encourages letting go of outdated habits, taking personal responsibility, and showing up in a way that naturally inspires others. Leadership isn’t just about what you do. It starts with how you show up. When you lead with the right energy and direction, people step up, ownership grows, and results improve without constant pressure. If you want to lead with purpose, clarity, and calm, this episode is for you. For more on the Deru approach to leadership from the inside out, visit www.derunation.com Timestamps 00:00:00 — Improving leadership through energy 00:04:25 — Everything starts from within 00:09:29 — Modern leadership and inner mastery 00:10:38 — Focus on self-leadership first 00:16:19 — Focusing on personal growth Sequence of Topics Covered Introduction & Context Changing expectations of younger generations regarding leadership The importance of leading with purpose, presence, and peace of mind Purpose of The Grounded Man Podcast Vision for leadership in the 21st century What is Leadership? Definition: Influence and inspiration of others and events Leverage: Influencing without direct involvement Challenges: Team members not stepping up or taking responsibility The Role of Energy in Leadership Self-leadership’s impact on others Understanding energy: frequency and vibration Reference to Nikola Tesla’s views on vibration and frequency Numbers as the basis for scientific and business progress Influence through Energy and Identity Ripple effect metaphor: pebble in a pond Individual energy, identity, and behaviors shaping outcomes and environment Attraction of similar energy; repulsion of dissimilar energy Positive and negative states attracting corresponding outcomes The futility of expecting positive results from a negative state Identity in Business Leadership Fixer vs. Creator identities: Fixer: solving others’ problems, making decisions for others, drained of energy Creator: visionary, strategist, culture builder, empowers others Shifting from front-line doer to leader and organizer Value of self-perception as a leader Growth into leadership, not being born a leader
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