Gratitude is one of the most powerful forces we can tap into—for our mindset, relationships, and work. Yet it's also full of paradox. It can be hard to access authentic gratitude when things are messy, stressful, or hard and it can even become hollow when we use it to cover up discomfort. On this episode, I talk about the power and the paradox of gratitude, especially at this time of year. I share how genuine appreciation can help us stay grounded, connected, and strong, even in the midst of uncertainty or challenge.

Resources:

We're All in This Together (book), by Mike Robbins

Mike Robbins Website

Mike Robbins Blog

Mike Robbins Podcast

Mike Robbins on LinkedIn

Mike Robbins on Instagram

Mike Robbins on Facebook

Mike Robbins YouTube Channel

Mike Robbins on TikTok

Mike Robbins on X

Mike Robbins on BlueSky

Gratitude and Grief Can Coexist (blog post)

This is an episode to honor the late, great John Beam who passed away last week. John was the Athletic Director and former Head Football Coach at Laney College in Oakland, CA. He and I met in 1989 when I arrived at Skyline High School in Oakland where he coached football for 22 years. John and his Laney College Eagles were featured in the series Last Chance U on Netflix in 2020. As an incredibly successful high school and college football coach over more than 40 years, John knew a lot about how to build a winning culture – in football, business, and life. This interview was conducted in August of 2020 and we are re-airing this conversation in honor of John's great life, wisdom, and legacy.

Resources:

We're All in This Together (book), by Mike Robbins

Mike Robbins Website

Mike Robbins Blog

Mike Robbins Podcast

Mike Robbins on LinkedIn

Mike Robbins on Instagram

Mike Robbins on Facebook

Mike Robbins YouTube Channel

Mike Robbins on TikTok

Mike Robbins on X

Mike Robbins on BlueSky

Skyline High School

Laney College

Last Chance U on Netflix

John Beam on Wikipedia

John Beam on X

In challenging times, optimism can seem hard. But honest optimism isn't about ignoring the difficulties or uncertainties; it's about choosing to see what's possible while telling the truth about what's real. On this episode, I talk about the difference between false positivity and genuine hope, and why authentic, grounded optimism is one of the most powerful traits we can bring to leadership, culture, and life right now. I also share specific ways to practice honest optimism in our work and relationships every day.

Resources:

We're All in This Together (book), by Mike Robbins

Mike Robbins Website

Mike Robbins Blog

Mike Robbins Podcast

Mike Robbins on LinkedIn

Mike Robbins on Instagram

Mike Robbins on Facebook

Mike Robbins YouTube Channel

Mike Robbins on TikTok

Mike Robbins on X

Mike Robbins on BlueSky