Hello, and welcome back to another episode of "The Art of Making Things Happen" with your host, Steve D. Sims. Today, we are thrilled to have a very special guest, Kara Loewentheil, the brilliant mind behind the School of New Feminist Thought and the creator of the Feminist Self Help Society.

In this compelling episode, Kara delves into the transformative power of mindset in building a successful business. She shares her journey from being a reproductive rights litigator to becoming a sought-after coach, and how changing your thoughts can lead to profound personal and professional outcomes.
Kara also talks about her first book, "Take Back Your Brain: How a Sexist Society Gets in Your Head and How to Get It Out," which consolidates years of insightful podcast content and tackles the societal and philosophical questions often ignored in the self-help industry.

Join us as we explore the importance of addressing societal norms, the nuances of feminist thought, and the mind-shifting strategies that can empower you to create real change in your life and beyond. Whether you're interested in personal development, feminism, or just improving your overall mindset, this episode is packed with valuable insights that you won't want to miss.

So hit that subscribe button, share with your friends, and get ready to take action, because life is too short to play it safe. Let's dive in!

In this insightful episode, Steve Sims chats with Michael Bungay Stanier, an award-winning coach, Rhodes scholar, and author of the acclaimed book "The Coaching Habit." The conversation delves into various aspects of coaching, leadership, and the importance of curiosity and continuous learning.

Michael emphasizes the significance of having a structured process in coaching to bring out the best in each other while avoiding negative patterns. Steve draws an analogy between hiring a coach and starting a narcissistic relationship, highlighting the need for self-awareness and openness to feedback to enhance the coaching experience.

The discussion also covers the universal goal of major companies to foster excellence in their people through coaching, as well as the cultural nuances in leadership styles between Western and Eastern countries. Michael shares his experiences working with global companies and navigating the challenges posed by different hierarchical structures and attitudes toward authority.

A key theme of the episode is the importance of curiosity in leadership. Both speakers advocate for a shift from a "to know it" mentality to a learner mentality, encouraging leaders to stay curious and make connections. Michael discusses the accessibility of coaching through his book "The Coaching Habit," which is designed to make coaching less intimidating and more beneficial for managers and leaders. Steve, initially skeptical, finds value in the book for enhancing relationships and self-reflection.

The episode also explores the potential of AI in coaching, with Michael expressing optimism about automating coaching mechanics but cautioning that the deep sense of being seen and heard might be lost. The conversation ends with mentions of Michael's website, MBS Works, where listeners can find more resources and stay updated with his work.

Welcome to another episode of "The Art of Making Things Happen," where host Steve D Sims dives deep into the world of leadership and corporate culture with intriguing guests. In today's episode, Steve sits down with Martin Gonzalez, a remarkable leader who was the first movers fellow recognized by the Aspen Institute in 2023 and featured on the Thinkers 50 radar list in 2024. Martin's mission is to understand and enhance leadership and corporate culture, helping make work more fulfilling for people everywhere.

In this conversation, Martin shares wisdom from his successful career, including the impacts of early decisions on company success and the common pitfalls of speed, inner circles, and overconfidence among founders. We'll delve into Martin's insights from his influential book, "The Bonfire Moment," and his groundbreaking research at Google that spans across 70 countries, aiming to understand what differentiates successful founders.

Get ready to explore themes like the cultural influences on entrepreneurship, the display of wealth, and the fascinating concept of imposter syndrome, which even the best of us experience. Hear about the importance of disagreement in decision-making and the challenges of letting go as your business grows. Plus, find out what’s in store for Martin's next book and a planned follow-up conversation with Steve.

Stay tuned for an enriching episode packed with lessons on leadership, corporate culture, and the entrepreneurial journey, right here on "The Art of Making Things Happen."