The H2 Leadership Podcast

In this insightful episode, Alan sits down with Dan Rockwell, acclaimed author of The Vagrant, seasoned leadership coach, and consultant. Together, they dive into the ways we often stand in our own way, the personal growth practices that can elevate us, and the essential qualities leaders need to embody now more than ever. Packed with practical wisdom, this conversation hits close to home for us at Stay Forth and speaks directly to the heart of meaningful leadership.

About Dan Rockwell

Dan Rockwell delivered his first presentation at sixteen and has been captivating audiences with his insights and workshops ever since. In 2010, his passion for leadership inspired him to start the Leadership Freak blog, now read in nearly every country and followed by almost 500,000 people across social media.

Named among Inc. Magazine’s "Top Fifty Leadership and Management Experts" and one of the “Top 100 Great Leadership Speakers,” Dan’s work has been widely recognized. The Center for Management and Organization Effectiveness has called Leadership Freak the “most socially shared leadership blog on the Internet.”

Dan’s reach extends beyond the digital sphere through his keynotes and workshops with an impressive range of clients, including the National Institutes of Health, Home Depot, Ascension Health, Geisinger Health System, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Holding an MBA and degrees in Theology, Pastoral Ministry, and Construction & Design, Dan’s diverse background includes owning two businesses and working as a Workforce Development Consultant for Penn State. In this role, he designed courses, mentored instructors, and gave hundreds of presentations to audiences worldwide. Today, he continues his work as a leadership coach and consultant while actively serving in his local community.

Dan lives in central Pennsylvania with his wife, his high school sweetheart of over 40 years.

Connect with Dan

Website: Leadership Freak

Book: The Vagrant: Inner Journey of Leadership Parable

In this conversation, Alan Briggs shares his journey of self-discovery and leadership, emphasizing the importance of balancing future aspirations with present engagement. He discusses the psychological aspects of leadership, particularly the tension between hope and fear when planning for the future. Through practical tools like the Right Side Up Journal and the Innovation Triangle, he encourages leaders to reflect on their past, assess their current state, and strategically plan for the future. The conversation culminates in a call for self-reflection and the importance of maintaining health and sustainability in leadership roles.

takeaways

• Leaders often focus on the future, which can lead to anxiety.
• It's essential to balance future planning with present engagement.
• Small practices can help leaders stay grounded in the present.
• A weekly review can highlight victories often overlooked.
• Quarterly audits provide a deeper reflection on goals and achievements.
• The Innovation Triangle helps leaders assess their focus areas.
• Self-reflection is crucial for personal and professional growth.
• Healthy leaders create healthy cultures around them.
• Understanding fears about the future can lead to better planning.
• Leaders are wired for impact, but must prioritize their well-being.

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.