Being Human

#321 Leadership Beyond Titles - with Harry M. Jansen Kraemer, Jr

> Sign Up For Our Newsletter: http://www.firsthuman.com/being-human-newsletter/
 
My guest this week is Harry M. Jansen Kraemer, Jr, Professor of Leadership at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, author of multiple books on leadership and former CEO of Baxter International Inc., a $12 billion global healthcare company.
Harry's professional trajectory was marked by rapid ascension and notable achievements in corporate leadership. Rising to the position of CEO earlier than anticipated, Kraemer distinguished himself through a leadership philosophy centered on influence rather than mere authority. His approach emphasizes self-awareness, genuine humility, and the ability to foster productive relationships across all organisational levels.
His academic curriculum stresses the importance of self-reflection, work-life balance, and authentic leadership. His career exemplifies a blend of corporate acumen and social responsibility, positioning him as a respected figure in both business and academic circles.
Included in the episode:
A most unusual initiation to his future wife’s family
Self-reflection as rocket fuel for professional progression
Befriending everyone you meet
Harry’s daily self-reflection ritual
How to encourage even the most resistant to self reflect
Links:Harry’s BooksOne Acre FundDaily and Annual Self-Reflection Questions

#320 The Day Plant Medicine Changed My Life: A Corporate Leader's Radical Shift - with Matt Zemon

> Sign Up For Our Newsletter: http://www.firsthuman.com/being-human-newsletter/
Once a driven tech entrepreneur, Matt Zemon's life took an unexpected turn after a profound psychedelic experience. 
Selling his successful businesses, he embarked on a journey of self-discovery, pursuing advanced studies in psychology and neuroscience. His quest led him around the world, learning from shamans and exploring various psychedelics. 
Now, Matt dedicates himself to bridging the gap between science and spirituality in the realm of psychedelic medicine. Through his books and social media presence, he shares his insights, aiming to help others find healing and personal growth. From boardrooms to ayahuasca ceremonies, his transformation embodies the potential for radical change and a deeper understanding of the human experience.
We discuss:
A radical transformation from his first trip
Responsible consumption: source, mindset and setting
Increasing acceptance, study and legality
Why they're still banned in most places
A potential resource for leaders?
Links:Matt’s WebsiteThe Veteran's Guide to Psychedelics: A Preparation and Integration Workbook

#319 Bridging Technology and Philanthropy - with Josh Bloomfield

> Sign Up For Our Newsletter: http://www.firsthuman.com/being-human-newsletter/
My guest this week is Josh Bloomfield, a man whose journey began with an unexpected opportunity to develop grant management software straight out of high school, skipping traditional post-secondary education.
His career evolved through various tech projects, including work with under-resourced entrepreneurs and nonprofits. In 2017, inspired by his wife, he recognized the potential to support an entire underserved market of world-changers tackling global challenges. 
This led to the creation of Givecloud, a platform designed to empower nonprofits with technology. Throughout his life, Bloomfield has balanced his tech career with a deep commitment to his faith community. 
He's also openly discussed his family's history of addiction, which has shaped his perspective and approach to life and work.
We discuss:
Discovering his Dad's secret addiction
His faith's reaction to him seeking therapy
Recognising everyone is one bad choice away from addiction
The power of talking to yourself
Prayer as a state of being
Links:Givecloud - Josh’s Company

#318 From Mars to Earth: Transforming Business for the Better - with Jay Jakub

> Sign Up For Our Newsletter: http://www.firsthuman.com/being-human-newsletter/
My guest this week, Jay Jakub, started his professional journey as a strategist for Mars, Inc., where for 14 years, he navigated the corridors of the global headquarters. 
As part of the chief economist's team, he worked with Mars’ internal think tank with a groundbreaking idea: the "Economics of Mutuality."
The idea? That by investing in social, natural and human capital, you can increase your returns on financial capital. 
It erases the idea that investments outside the four walls of the business need to be traded off against profit. His work proves that it’s possible to achieve win-win-win-win’s.
We discuss:
The four types of capital
Chewing gum for good
Improving DIY sales by getting homeowners to trust handymen
Measuring Natural Capital
How Stakeholder Capitalism can appeal to the Left and the Right
Links:The Economics Of Mutuality AllianceJay’s LinkedIn ProfileCompleting Capitalism - The Book

#317 The Journey to Heart Coherence - with Dr. Edith Ubuntu Chan

> Sign Up For Our Newsletter: http://www.firsthuman.com/being-human-newsletter/
My guest this week, Dr. Edith Ubuntu Chan's journey into holistic wellness, is a tapestry of ancient wisdom and modern science. By integrating Chinese medicine, acupuncture, biology, and practices like qigong and Tai Chi, she guides individuals towards heart coherence and alignment with their true selves.
Dr. Edith’s work extends into the realms of education and parenthood, where she champions a revolutionary approach to nurturing young minds. Through her minimalist lifestyle, she discovers profound joy and invaluable lessons from her children. Her teachings inspire a mindful, sustainable path to personal and collective well-being.
We discuss:
The moment that had her quit her tech lifestyle
The instant healing that first opened her eyes to alternative approaches
Why diet nor exercise are the highest priorities for health
The practices more potent than yoga
Maintaining throughout the day without coffee
Links:Dr. Edith’s WebsiteSuperWellness - Dr. Edith’s latest book

#316 Serving with Purpose and Leading at Starbucks - with Howard Behar

> Sign Up For Our Newsletter: http://www.firsthuman.com/being-human-newsletter/
 
From managing a single furniture store to President at Starbucks.
Meet my guest Howard Behar.
His philosophy is not something you will learn at business school, yet the growth of Starbucks during his tenure speaks for itself.
Howard’s approach is to lead with love.
We discuss:
Knowing who you are
The power of affirmation.
When the list of layoffs gets leaked
Breaking Japan
Compassionate emptiness
Links:Howard’s WebsiteIt’s Not About the Coffee - The Book

#315 The Power of Kindness in Business - with James Rhee

> Sign Up For Our Newsletter: http://www.firsthuman.com/being-human-newsletter/
 
My guest this week, James Rhee, has had an extraordinary path through life.
With a Harvard Law degree, he chose to become a middle school teacher. From there, James switched careers to join one of Boston's most prestigious private equity firms.  
His leadership star rose through his transformative leadership at Ashley Stewart, a company on the brink of collapse. During a solitary six-month struggle, he fought tirelessly to avoid liquidation, eventually dedicating seven years to revitalizing the business. 
Through his work, James champions a vision where kindness and compassion are integral to leadership, advocating for a life where work is just one sustainable aspect of overall joy.
We discuss:
The moment he learned the meaning of kindness
The real meaning of assets and liabilities
Small 'p' product vs big 'P' product
Kindness, Goodwill, and Math
Applying counterpoint in business
Links:James’ Websitered helicopter - The Book

#314 The Attributes You Need for Success - with Rich Diviney

> Sign Up For Our Newsletter: http://www.firsthuman.com/being-human-newsletter/
 
My guest this week is Rich Diviney, a retired US Navy Commander and former Navy SEAL, who, over his illustrious career, has become a thought leader in optimal performance, authoring the influential book "The Attributes: 25 Hidden Drivers of Optimal Performance".
Rich's journey emphasizes the critical role of soft skills and character traits in achieving excellence. Drawing from systems theory, he underscores that a team’s success hinges on the interactions between its members rather than their individual prowess.
With a mission to translate military-won insights into the business world, Rich advocates for the clear articulation and teaching of key performance attributes.
We discuss:
When he knew he was going to survive Hell Week
As a Navy Commander, the attributes he most values for high performance
How to develop attributes
What he misses most about the Navy
Why skills training is going to become less relevant
Links:Rich's WebsiteThe Attributes: 25 Hidden Drivers of Optimal Performance - The Book

#313 They Call Him Oneness - The Grand Illusion - with Brendan D. Murphy

> Sign Up For Our Newsletter: http://www.firsthuman.com/being-human-newsletter/
 
Oneness: that was my guest Brendan D. Murphy's nickname in his twenties, such was his early spiritual development.
He went on to write 'The Grand Illusion', a book that integrates paranormal phenomena with contemporary science, aiming to empower humanity and chart a new course for civilization.
His work methodically catalogues the wealth of scientific literature describing paranormal effects, providing a powerful bridge for those of us who are more scientifically minded into the world of spiritual phenomena.
His insights challenge our conventional notion of reality.
We discuss:
Photographic proof of the aetheric body
Playing computer games blindfolded
Torsion fields and DNA expression 
Sex adventures in the astral plane 
The real costs of ugly buildings
Links:Brendan's WebsiteThe Grand Illusion - The Book

#312 Discover the Art of Compassion - with Stephanie Mines, Ph.D.

> Sign Up For Our Newsletter: http://www.firsthuman.com/being-human-newsletter/
 
This week's guest is Stephanie Mines, Ph.D., shock and trauma researcher, founder of the TARA Approach (a unique fusion of Western neuroscience and Eastern energy medicine), and author of 'The Secret of Resilience'.Stephanie's work focuses on the transformative power of compassion and the inherent brilliance within each individual. She combines her background in creative writing and literature with her personal experiences to help others find stability, express their innate creativity, and sustain faith in humanity during difficult times.
We discuss:
Life as a bohemian in San Francisco
Discovering the link between her father's head trauma and sexual abuse
Finding Energy Medicine via a Japanese hippy
A remarkable relief from Cerebral Palsy
Rediscovering our original brilliance
Links:The Secret of Resilience - The BookStephanie's Website