In Episode 2 of the Leading Minds Revealed Podcast, host Michael Apollo is joined by Jacqueline Perrault, Corporate Wellness Director at Coral Isle Group Insurance, to explore the power of purpose-driven leadership and workplace wellness. This conversation delves into how a clear "why" can anchor teams through complexity and change, foster genuine connection, and create environments that champion health and engagement.

Jacqueline shares insights from her 15-year journey of spearheading transformative wellness initiatives, including integrating Blue Zones principles into corporate and community programs. From practical strategies for aligning daily tasks with a greater vision to the profound impact of purpose on mental health, this episode offers a roadmap for leaders looking to inspire their teams and cultivate a thriving, resilient workplace culture.

Tune in to discover:

Purpose-Driven Leadership

Anchoring Through Change & Complexity

Workplace Wellness & Corporate Culture

The Blue Zones Methodology

Fostering Team Connection & Engagement

Mindfulness for Leaders

The Power of "Why"

Key Takeaways:

Purpose serves as a critical anchor, providing stability and direction for teams navigating rapid change and uncertainty.

Leaders can help teams find meaning even in small tasks by connecting their contributions to a larger, shared vision, as inspired by the TV show The Bear.

A leader's personal involvement is key; "walking the talk" by participating in wellness programs and modeling healthy behaviors helps foster a thriving culture.

Building an environment that makes healthy choices easy and accessible—through initiatives like community farms, safe walking paths, and healthy food options—is fundamental to community and corporate wellness.

Lasting connection is built through consistent, day-to-day interactions, celebrating small contributions, and checking in (not just checking on) team members.

Chapters:

0:00 - Welcome to Leading Minds Revealed

0:56 - Exploring the Role of Purpose in Leadership

2:35 - What "Leading with Purpose" Truly Means

5:50 - How Purpose Acts as an Anchor in Times of Uncertainty

10:12 - The 15-Year Evolution of a Corporate Wellness Initiative

13:19 - Jacqueline's Path to Wellness Leadership

16:22 - Foundational Building Blocks for Resilient Leaders

19:33 - A Full Circle Moment: The Blue Zones Initiative in Bermuda

25:03 - The Role of Leadership in Fostering a Thriving Culture

26:58 - Key Insights from the Blue Zones & How They Apply to Wellness

34:10 - Does Your Purpose Evolve Over Time?

38:10 - Learn More About CG's Wellness & Blue Zone Work

38:50 - Thank You for Tuning In!

Quote of the Show:

"People need to feel like they matter in their job and what they're doing."

Hashtags:

#Leadership #PurposeDrivenLeadership #WorkplaceWellness #CorporateCulture #Mindfulness #BlueZones #TeamEngagement #LeadingMindsRevealed #EmployeeWellbeing #MichaelApollo

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In this special inaugural episode of "Leading Minds Revealed," the tables are turned as host Michael Apollo steps into the guest seat, interviewed by Nick Uresin. This introductory session offers a deep dive into the "why" and "what" of this exciting new podcast, a platform dedicated to pulling back the curtain on how today's foremost leaders leverage mindfulness and mental agility to thrive in the fast-paced business world.

Michael Apollo, founder of the Mindful Institute and a seasoned expert in leadership development and mindfulness with experience lecturing at the University of Toronto, shares his passion for uncovering the real, often untold, stories of C-suite executives, HR innovators, and influential figures across various sectors. He explains that "Leading Minds Revealed" aims to go beyond standard business literature, offering listeners authentic narratives of triumph over adversity, strategic decision-making under pressure, and the practical application of mental fitness practices.

Listeners will discover:

• The Genesis of the Podcast: Michael's motivation to create a space for leaders to share their "inner workings"—the mental processes and practices that fuel their success and resilience.
• Who Will Benefit: Executives, HR professionals, leadership development experts, and anyone keen on cultivating optimal leadership skills and personal growth.
• Key Learnings: Expect to gain actionable tools for effective leadership, strategies for navigating challenging conversations, enhanced decision-making capabilities, and profound insights into fostering resilience and well-being.
• Featured Guests: A preview of the diverse range of "leading minds" to be featured, from various industries including tech, finance, manufacturing, and even politics, all sharing their unique journeys and wisdom.
• Michael Apollo's Journey: Understand the personal and professional experiences that shaped Michael's expertise, from his unique multicultural upbringing and early entrepreneurial ventures to his deep study of contemplative practices and extensive work with global organizations and academic institutions.

This episode isn't just an introduction; it's an invitation to embark on a journey of discovery, learning how to cultivate the mindsets that drive extraordinary leadership and create meaningful change. Tune in to understand how "Leading Minds Revealed" will demystify the path to effective, mindful leadership, providing inspiration and practical wisdom that can revolutionize the way you live and lead.

Connect with us and learn more at mindfulinstitute.org.

Takeaways

• Focus of the Podcast: To hear stories and practices leaders engage in that aren't normally seen, which are inspiring and informative for other leaders.
• Power of Stories: Michael emphasizes that hearing others' stories of hardship and challenge is one of the most impactful ways to learn and grow.
• Benefits for Listeners: Change in understanding effective leadership, how to show up in challenging situations, clear thinking for decisions, and developing resilience and wellbeing.
• Importance of Pausing: Michael shares that the ability to pause, step back, and gain perspective is crucial for approaching situations effectively and helping teams flourish.
• Scope of Leading Minds Revealed of the Podcast: To create a platform for leaders to reveal how they show up, demonstrating that effective leadership isn't magic but attainable.
• Goal of the Podcast: To create a platform for leaders to reveal how they show up, demonstrating that effective leadership isn't magic but attainable.

Quote of the show

We want to be able to create a platform for these incredible leaders to literally reveal how they show up, so that we can see that it's not magic.

How to Connect

LinkedIn (Michael Apollo)

mindfulinstitute.org

podcast platforms (YouTube, Spotify)

email (info@mindfulinstitute.org)