Leading Like a Human, Not a Machine: Energy, Connection, and Courage to Do Good w/ Cole Nakatani (Ep. 78)

Are you a leader quietly carrying more than you let on, with burnout creeping in, loneliness draining you, and a fear it might cost you your health and future success? Meet Cole Nakatani, a social entrepreneur, educator, and certified professional coach. Cole has worked with leaders and organizations across the spectrum: from scrappy startup founders to senior executives, from social enterprises to public institutions. He helps people remember they’re not machines, and guides them back to their unique human gifts and deeper wells of energy. In fact, he was the coach who helped me grind less and flow more. That shift gave our team the clarity and capacity to create the very podcast you’re listening to now.What you might find most valuable from our deep conversation includes the following: How to recognize when burnout is creeping up on you before you feel trappedHow Cole (and you) can navigate mental health challenges while building a businessThe art of pausing during the day to stay focused and energizedWhy energy management is more important than time managementHow the power of community and deeper relationships with the right people can serve as guardrails to keep you healthy, happy, and courageous enough to infuse social good into your life and workGet present and get ready to transport yourself back in time as we kick the episode off with a defining story in Cole’s life.Flow through distractions and get precious work done with our community: https://centered.app/g/grind-less-flow-more-group?from=grindlessflowmore Find the links to resources mentioned on our website: https://grindlessflowmore.com/Follow Grind Less Flow More and its community:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grindlessflowmore/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grind-less-flow-more/

As a leader, are you feeling like your childhood trauma is affecting how you show up to your stakeholders and the most important people in your life? Meet Chad McFarlin. He is a business consultant, coach, and entrepreneur who’s led award-winning projects for global brands like Nintendo and Electronic Arts, helped telecom giants like TELUS and Bell launch innovative products, and supported companies in scaling to hundreds of millions in revenue.What you may find most insightful from our deep talk are the following:How sometimes your biggest successes can backfire if you don’t credit and appreciate others honestly.Why you should be extra aware of what you complain about and what you tend to avoid.How to get into the growing trend of men’s work and how it can help you level up.How to build courage and resilience with daily practice.Get present and get ready to transport yourself back in time as we kick the episode off with a defining story in Chad’s life.Flow through distractions and get precious work done with our community: https://centered.app/g/grind-less-flow-more-group?from=grindlessflowmore Find the links to resources mentioned on our website: https://grindlessflowmore.com/Follow Grind Less Flow More and its community:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grindlessflowmore/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grind-less-flow-more/

What happens when you achieve one of the biggest exits in Canadian DTC history—only to feel completely lost afterward? Meet Aaron Spivak, a 29-year-old Canadian serial entrepreneur, former elite hockey player, public speaker, and startup advisor, who co-founded Revitasize at 18 years old, and the founder of The Founders Club. What you might find most inspiring from our conversation today are the following:  The definition of the three layers of networking and why the third—often overlooked—is the most crucial for building deep, lasting relationships.How to strengthen self-integrity by planning your day the night before to build confidence and momentum.Why sharing credit with your team empowers them to take on more responsibility willingly, rather than with resistance.How to lead and live from a full cup—creating space to serve others without burnout, and embracing a mindset of giving back and paying it forward.Flow through distractions and get precious work done with our community: https://centered.app/g/grind-less-flow-more-group?from=grindlessflowmore Find the links to resources mentioned on our website: https://grindlessflowmore.com/Follow Grind Less Flow More and its community:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grindlessflowmore/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grind-less-flow-more/

In this special 75th episode, host Paul Davidescu shares a visionary take on work-life integration—how to design a life where wellness, productivity, and social connection flow naturally. Plus, insights from Jordan Tait and Chris Blachut on how they crafted their ideal rhythms for sustainable success.What you might find most inspiring from this episode are the following:  The myth of "work-life balance" vs. the power of work-life integrationA step-by-step walkthrough of a "magical Monday", designed for joy, connection, and effectivenessThe role of community and environment in reducing stress and increasing flowHow your daily rhythms can make peak performance feel human and joyfulWisdom from guests Jordan Tait and Chris Blachut on living life intentionallyA look into Flow Spaces—living environments engineered for well-being and productivityFlow through distractions and get precious work done with our community: https://centered.app/g/grind-less-flow-more-group?from=grindlessflowmore Find the links to resources mentioned on our website: https://grindlessflowmore.com/Follow Grind Less Flow More and its community:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grindlessflowmore/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grind-less-flow-more/

Are you chasing success, but feeling like you’re losing yourself along the way? Meet Samer Karam a prominent Lebanese entrepreneur, investor, and activist known for his pivotal role in shaping Lebanon’s startup ecosystem and promoting innovation across the World. What you might find most inspiring from our conversation today are the following:  How to Define your non-negotiables before the world tests them How to turning down an unethical opportunity might cost you comfort in the short term, but it builds long-term alignment, clarity, and inner peaceThe rise of powerful tools like DeepSeek means anyone can build and solve—but only if they’re equipped with critical thinking and curiosityThe role of the CTO is no longer a barrier and how with the right AI skills, founders can prototype and build without deep technical know-how Flow through distractions and get precious work done with our community: https://centered.app/g/grind-less-flow-more-group?from=grindlessflowmore Find the links to resources mentioned on our website: https://grindlessflowmore.com/Follow Grind Less Flow More and its community:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grindlessflowmore/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grind-less-flow-more/

Are you ignoring that inner voice telling you to make a big change? Meet Tom Lancaster, a leadership coach, adventurer, and former filmmaker who has spent 25 years pushing the limits of human potential. What you might find most inspiring from our conversation today are the following:  How ignoring your inner voice for years can keep you stuck and how listening to it can change everything.Why confidence isn’t the prerequisite for action, but the result of one bold moment of courage. How exposure to Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity (VUCA) in nature strengthens leadership skills. The importance of releasing fear-driven habits, limiting beliefs, and societal expectations to create real transformation.Get present, and get ready to transport yourself back in time as we kick the episode off with a recent “moment of truth” story in Tom's life.Tom’s recommendations:Breaking The Habit of Being Yourself by Dr. Joe DispenzaVUCA, an acronym for Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and AmbiguityFlow through distractions and get precious work done with our community: https://centered.app/g/grind-less-flow-more-group?from=grindlessflowmore Find the links to resources mentioned on our website: https://grindlessflowmore.com/Follow Grind Less Flow More and its community:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grindlessflowmore/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grind-less-flow-more

Have you ever wondered what it takes to build something that lasts, not just in profit, but in purpose? Meet Tom Shepansky. He's the co-founder of the world-renowned marketing agency, Rethink. In today's episode, we'll dive into the pivotal lessons he learned running this company for over a quarter century: How to effectively embrace shared leadership with your co-founders. Leveraging company values as guiding principles to navigate challenges and drive success. The importance of empowering your team as future co-founders through a structured equity model. The role of a belief framework in driving alignment, innovation, and resilience in your business.Get present, and get ready to transport yourself back in time as we kick the episode off with a recent “moment of truth” story in Tom's life.Tom’s recommendations: Berkman Method - which measures various personality traits to provide insights on how they might interact in a team setting. Let My People Go Surfing – by Yvon ChouinardFlow through distractions and get precious work done with our community: https://centered.app/g/grind-less-flow-more-group?from=grindlessflowmore Find the links to resources mentioned on our website: https://grindlessflowmore.com/Follow Grind Less Flow More and its community:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grindlessflowmore/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grind-less-flow-more/

Have you ever faced the brink of financial collapse, only to find a way to turn the tide and emerge stronger than ever? Meet Leigh Angman, a resilient entrepreneur with a demonstrated history of success in the internet technology & hospitality industries.    In today’s episode, we’ll dive into the pivotal lessons he learned:  When he turned a $850,000 restaurant debt into a thriving success story,  How to use free technology tools and the right mindset to power a business that has generated close to $50M in revenue, How strategic planning can salvage even the direst situations and the incredible role of community and environment in fostering success.   Get present, and get ready to transport yourself back in time as we kick the episode off with a recent “moment of truth” story in Leigh's life. Leigh’s tool suggestions: Google Drive – free tools that can provide the insight required to run a thriving business AI Tool: MidJourney – for creating high-quality visuals efficiently   Leigh’s Book Recommendation: How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie Flow through distractions and get precious work done with our community: https://centered.app/g/grind-less-flow-more-group?from=grindlessflowmore  Find the links to resources mentioned on our website: https://grindlessflowmore.com/ Follow Grind Less Flow More and its community: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grindlessflowmore/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grind-less-flow-more/

Have you ever been underestimated, only to prove everyone wrong and exceed all expectations? Meet Gagan Sivia, the Director of Finance and Analytics at Azure Group and a financial educator and real estate developer with a passion for community impact. In today’s episode, we’ll dive into the important lessons she learned:  How to handle unconscious bias and turn it into an opportunity to win people over,  The importance of aligning investments with community impact,  How she applies her diverse background to create innovative solutions in real estate development world. Get present, and get ready to transport yourself back in time as we kick the episode off with a recent moment of truth story in Gagan’s life. Gagan’s tool suggestion: AI meeting recording tools  Flow through distractions and get precious work done with our community: https://centered.app/g/grind-less-flow-more-group?from=grindlessflowmore  Find the links to resources mentioned on our website: https://grindlessflowmore.com/ Follow Grind Less Flow More and its community: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grindlessflowmore/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grind-less-flow-more/

Have you ever faced a moment that completely shifted your life’s direction? Meet Liza Rogers, founder of WREN (Women’s Real Estate Network), who translated her skills in volunteer coordination, operations, and customer relations into a thriving community, empowering women to confidently learn, invest, and prosper in real estate.  What you'll find most compelling in this episode are these takeaways: How she transitioned from the gig economy to owning real estate, empowering others along the way;  How to embrace co-ownership as a path to homeownership, the creative financing strategies she uses to make real estate accessible, and the importance of value-aligned partnerships,  How Liza’s experiences working on cruise ships shaped her understanding of community and collaboration; How these insights can help you navigate today’s housing and investment challenges. Get present, and get ready to transport yourself back in time as we kick the episode off with a recent moment of truth story in Liza's life. Liza’s author suggestion: Daniel Priestley inspires readers to embrace entrepreneurship, build wealth through value-driven strategies, and take control of their financial futures. Flow through distractions and get precious work done with our community: https://centered.app/g/grind-less-flow-more-group?from=grindlessflowmore  Find the links to resources mentioned on our website: https://grindlessflowmore.com/ Follow Grind Less Flow More and its community: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grindlessflowmore/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grind-less-flow-more/