E.209 Goats, Firefighters, and Philosophy: Becky Schmooke's Unconventional Path

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Strength isn't the absence of weakness—it's how we transform our challenges into growth. In this riveting conversation with leadership coach and author Becky Schmooke, we explore stoic philosophy as a misunderstood yet powerful tool for navigating life's inevitable obstacles.

Becky shares her personal journey of using stoicism to overcome a twenty-year battle with bulimia, developing the STOA framework (Success, Targets, Obstacles/Opportunities, Action steps) that now helps everyone from executives to NFL players and first responders navigate high-pressure situations. Far from the emotionless stereotype, stoicism emerges as a practice of emotional awareness without emotional control.

"Leadership is a lifestyle, not a job title," Becky emphasizes, challenging conventional hierarchies with her SAFE framework that builds genuine capability rather than superficial "show muscles." Her approach transforms organizations from having "a team and a leader" to fostering "a team of leaders"—a critical distinction for environments where split-second decisions matter.

The Japanese art of kintsugi—repairing broken pottery with gold—becomes a powerful metaphor for resilience throughout our discussion. When we acknowledge our breaks rather than hiding them, we become stronger precisely where we were once vulnerable. This principle applies powerfully to trauma recovery, offering a path beyond mere survival to genuine transformation.

Whether you're leading a team, recovering from trauma, or simply trying to navigate life's complexities with more grace, Becky's practical frameworks provide immediate, actionable insights. Her husband, a fire captain, uses these same principles during emergency calls, demonstrating their real-world effectiveness under pressure.

Ready to choose the handle that holds? Join us for this enlightening conversation about stoicism, leadership, and the art of transforming obstacles into opportunities for growth. Find Becky's book "Choose the Handle that Holds" here and connect with her mindfulness retreats at www.beckyschmooke.com.

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