The H2 Leadership Podcast

In this first episode of the "Directions Series," leadership coach Alan Briggs invites us to reflect on the past and its impact on our leadership journey. Through personal stories and thought-provoking insights, Alan explores how our memories—both beautiful and painful—can shape us as leaders.

Key Topics Covered:

• The Balance of Past, Present, and Future: Learn how the healthiest leaders embrace all three timeframes, without overemphasizing one, to live and lead with impact.
• The Power and Pain of Memories: Alan shares a deeply personal story about a memorable road trip with his sons, reflecting on how cherished moments can bring both joy and sadness.
• Selective Memory in Leadership: Discover the danger of romanticizing the past and how it can prevent you from embracing new opportunities.
• Turning Pain into Purpose: Hear inspiring examples of how deep pain can become a catalyst for meaningful work that impacts others.
• Letting Go and Moving Forward: Alan discusses the challenge many leaders face in letting go of past successes, particularly in the post-pandemic world, and why mature leadership requires looking ahead.

Alan also offers reflective questions to help you process the most formative memories from your leadership, friendships, and family over the past decade.

Reflection Questions:

1. What are the three most formative memories from the last decade of your leadership?
2. What’s one beautiful and one painful memory from your friendships over the last decade?
3. What’s one beautiful and one painful memory from your family?

If we can appreciate how the past has shaped us through both beautiful and broken moments, we can leverage it to influence our present and future. Tune in next week as we explore the power of living in the present.

In this episode, we dive deep into a conversation that’s more important than ever: manhood. My guest, Jon Tyson, is a pastor, author, and thought leader. His latest book, Fighting Shadows, co-authored with Jefferson Bethke, takes a fresh look at the challenges men face today. Whether you’re a man or love one, this episode is for you.

We discuss the pressure on modern manhood, the influence of faith, and the guidance older generations need to offer Gen Z. John brings in perspectives from popular culture, his personal experiences, and a clear, actionable message of what it looks like to be a man in the way of Jesus.

Plus, we talk about the Primal Path—Jon’s framework for guiding young men through a meaningful rite of passage. If you’re a dad, you’ll want to check this out.

Key Topics Discussed:
– The challenges modern culture poses to manhood
– How faith plays a role in shaping men today
– The struggles Gen Z men face and how older men can support them
– Ambition, purpose, and what it means to be a man in the way of Jesus
– Jon’s Primal Path program and how it’s helped me guide my own son through a rite of passage

In this episode, Alan and Jonathan dive into the fall season, a crucial time for leaders to gain momentum and prepare for the challenges ahead. They explore how to maximize this season's potential through key questions every leader should ask themselves. Whether you're leading a team, a family, or a community, this episode will provide you with actionable insights to help you navigate the busyness of fall without burning out.

Key Takeaways:

1. Momentum in Fall:

   • Fall is a season of high momentum, with both opportunities and challenges. Alan and Jonathan discuss how leaders can harness this momentum to drive their teams and organizations forward.

2. Critical Questions for Leaders:

   • Alan outlines essential questions to ask yourself as a leader:
     • How can I schedule for what I really care about?
     • How can our team raise our level of impact?
     • How can I guard against burnout before it’s too late?
     • How do I get out of the weeds?
     • How can I raise the leadership capacity of my team members?
     • How can I be a unifying force in a disunified world?

3. Importance of Prioritization:

   • The hosts emphasize setting clear 90-day goals and the value of identifying and focusing on your top priorities. This ensures that leaders are not overwhelmed but are instead intentional about what truly matters.

4. Guarding Against Burnout:

   • With the increased pace of fall, it's crucial to be proactive in preventing burnout. Alan shares strategies for maintaining physical and mental health, highlighting the importance of keystone habits that anchor your well-being.

5. Raising Team Leadership Capacity:

   • Alan and Jonathan discuss the importance of developing your team members' leadership skills. They provide practical advice on how to help your team grow by focusing on a few key areas, rather than overwhelming them with too many expectations.

6. Being a Unifying Force:

   • In a divided world, leaders have a unique opportunity to be a voice of unity and hope. The hosts encourage leaders to stay grounded, remain hopeful, and avoid getting distracted by the chaos around them.

Resources Mentioned:

• Right Side Up Journal: A tool for leaders to set and track their 90-day goals, manage priorities, and maintain a balanced life.
• Declutter Quadrant: A framework to help leaders identify and eliminate low-value tasks to focus on what truly matters.
• Annual Energy Map: A tool to plan and allocate energy throughout the year, especially during high-intensity seasons like fall.

Cohort Opportunities:

• Effective Leader Cohort: Led by Chad, this cohort focuses on eight core leadership skills essential for any leader looking to grow.
• Anti-Burnout Cohort: Led by Alan, this cohort is based on his book, Anti-Burnout, and is designed to help leaders overcome obstacles and find opportunities amidst challenges.

Call to Action: If you're ready to grow as a leader and not be left behind this fall, consider joining one of the Stay Forth cohorts. They offer a community experience at a fraction of the cost of traditional leadership coaching, providing you with the tools and support needed to take your leadership to the next level.

Connect with Us:

• Visit Stayforth.com for more information on coaching and cohorts.
• Follow us on social media to stay updated on upcoming episodes and announcements.

Subscribe and Review: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the podcast and leave a review on your favorite platform. Your feedback helps us improve and reach more leaders like you!

Upcoming Episodes: Stay tuned for big announcements coming in the next few weeks. You won’t want to miss what we have in store!