What does leadership look like when life hands you an ending you didn't choose?

In this episode, I sit down with my friend and mentor, Robert H. Thompson, for a deeply personal and perspective-shifting conversation about what leaders truly need today.

Robert is the author of The Offsite: A Leadership Challenge Fable and has spent more than 30 years advising senior leaders around the world. His clients have included AT&T, Amgen, Hewlett-Packard, Johnson & Johnson, Lockheed Martin, Nike, Visa, and many others. He has also served as a senior consultant with the Tom Peters Company.

During our conversation, Robert shares something deeply personal — a diagnosis none of us ever want to receive. Yet what emerges is not fear, but clarity. Not urgency, but perspective.

Listen in as we talk about:

• What leaders truly need right now
• The difference between reacting and responding
• The weight leaders carry — and how to carry it well
• Legacy, stewardship, and presence
• Robert's sixth C: Care

This is not a polished, high-production interview. It's an honest conversation between two leaders reflecting on what matters most. If something resonates with you, I'd love to hear what stands out. And I'll make sure Robert sees your reflections as well.

Also, be sure to share this episode with a leader who needs perspective right now.

In this episode, host Shawn Ellis interviews Mike Lee, former coach of elite athletes like Steph Curry and Joel Embiid, who now focuses on empowering leaders and organizations. Mike shares his journey from sports coaching to dealing with personal challenges like depression, and how embracing presence and mindfulness transformed his life and career.

The conversation dives into practical tips for overcoming anxiety, burnout, and remaining present in both professional and personal settings. The episode also explores Mike's unique approach to teaching mindfulness in both sports and corporate environments, and how his experiences have shaped his mission to alleviate human suffering.

Whether you're a parent, coach, or corporate leader, this episode is packed with actionable insights on winning the battleground of the mind.

Tune in for a deeply engaging and transformative discussion!

00:00 Introduction to Mike

01:19 Mike Lee's Journey: From Coaching Athletes to Corporate Leaders

03:41 Overcoming Personal Challenges: Mike's Battle with Depression

07:05 Mindfulness and Meditation: Teaching the Next Generation

16:23 Applying Mindfulness in the Workplace

30:31 Heart-Centered Leadership: Stories and Impact

36:01 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

For More from Mike and Shawn:

• Visit Mike's website at https://mindshiftlabs.com/
• Get Mike's book at https://amzn.to/3ZikRnq
• Book Mike to speak at your event at https://www.thespeakersgroup.com/speakers/mike-lee
• Visit Shawn's website at https://www.shawnellis.com
• Get Shawn's book at https://amzn.to/4ekgP2q

In this episode, host Shawn Ellis explores the theme 'Community Is Your Competitive Advantage.' He reflects on personal experiences, including his marriage, book release, and speaking at Toastmasters' 100th Annual Convention, to demonstrate the critical role community plays in achieving success and well-being. As an introvert, Shawn shares insights on the importance of building and maintaining a supportive network to navigate life's challenges and thrive. Practical steps are offered to help listeners assess and strengthen their own communities, emphasizing that true personal and professional growth is often fueled by our connections with others.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast
01:14 The Power of Community
02:01 Personal Stories of Community Support
05:18 The Importance of Community in Achievements
08:57 Practical Steps to Build Your Community
15:18 The Role of Community in Personal and Professional Growth
20:51 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
23:18 Conclusion and Future Episodes

Additional Resources:

1. Get Shawn's new book Mastering the Moments: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DBGJM6ZX
2. Enroll in Shawn's "Rock the Reboot" online course: https://courses.shawnellis.com/courses/rock-the-reboot
3. Book Shawn to speak at your event: https://www.shawnellis.com
4. Find additional speakers at: https://www.thespeakersgroup.com

✨ Subscribe now and start your journey to live a better life and build a better business!

_____________________________________

Connect and follow for more inspiration:

Instagram: @‌shawnjasonellis

YouTube: @‌shawnjasonellis

Facebook: @shawnjasonellis

Twitter: @‌shawnjasonellis

TikTok: @‌shawnjasonellis

_____________________________________

Don't forget to leave a review and share this episode with someone who needs to hear this!