Enduring the Journey: Embracing Discomfort for Lasting Growth | Luis Velasquez

Curious about your own resilience? As a coach, you can take the Resilience Assessment for free — our way of supporting you through the We Care About Coaches initiative.This episode is brought to you by the⁠ Resilience Institute Certifications and hosted by ⁠Brad Hook⁠. Order your copy of Brad's new book, ⁠Start With Values⁠, now!The guest:Dr. Marcia Reynolds is a Master Certified Coach (MCC), former president of the ICF, and author of several bestsellers including Coach the Person, Not the Problem. Known for her groundbreaking work on reflective inquiry and emotional intelligence, she helps leaders and coaches ignite breakthroughs that stick.Key TakeawaysGreat coaching creates a safe space for people to rethink who they are and what they want.Emotion is the gateway to transformation—it's not just about thinking differently, but feeling differently.Coaches shouldn’t rush to solutions; they must trust in the power of presence and curiosity.Reflective inquiry helps clients see their own thinking and open new doors of possibility.Real change requires discomfort—coaches walk alongside clients through that process, not around it.Links & ResourcesCoach the Person, Not the Problem – Buy the bookLearn more about Marcia: www.outsmartyourbrain.comExplore the Resilience Coach Certification: https://resiliencei.com/certification/

This episode is brought to you by the⁠ Resilience Institute Certifications and hosted by ⁠Brad Hook⁠. Order your copy of Brad's new book, ⁠Start With Values⁠, now! Book a Resilience Speaker. The guest: Tramaine El-Amin is a leader at the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, where she champions initiatives like Mental Health First Aid (MHFA). With over 20 years of experience, Tramaine is passionate about addressing mental health challenges through systemic change, education, and advocacy. Her work empowers organizations and individuals to cultivate well-being and resilience. Learn more about MHFA and its global impact at MHFA.org In this episode, Brad speaks with Tramaine El-Amin about creating mentally healthy workplaces and the essential role of leadership in fostering a culture of well-being. They explore how organizations can balance productivity with mental health, the role of Mental Health First Aid, and the opportunities presented by technology and AI in addressing mental health challenges. Key Takeaways 1. Leadership and Structural Change : Organizations must go beyond one-time initiatives and embed well-being into policies, culture, and daily practices. Leaders play a vital role by modeling healthy behaviors and fostering open conversations. 2. Balancing Productivity and Well-Being: Mental health and productivity are not opposing forces. Addressing systemic and individual mental health challenges boosts organizational performance. 3. Role of Technology in Mental Health :AI and other technologies can reduce admin burdens, enhance accessibility to mental health resources, and support early interventions for non-crisis situations. 4. The Power of Listening: simply listening to others without judgment can be transformative, both at work and in personal relationships. It’s a skill everyone can cultivate to make an impact.

This episode is brought to you by the⁠ Resilience Institute Certifications and hosted by ⁠Brad Hook⁠. Order your copy of Brad's new book, ⁠Start With Values⁠, now! Book a Resilience Speaker. About the guest: Dr. Lorri Sulpizio is a thought leader in leadership development, focusing on conscious leadership, resilience, and creating inclusive spaces. As the Director of the Conscious Leadership Academy at the University of San Diego, she works with individuals, teams, and organizations across industries. With a background in athletics as a college basketball coach, Dr. Sulpizio brings a unique perspective on the intersection of leadership, power, and voice, particularly in the context of women leaders. Dr. Lorri's Instagram www.lorrisulpizio.com Sign up for Dr. Lorri's newsletter In this episode, Brad sits down with Dr. Lorri Sulpizio to explore the evolving landscape of leadership. Dr. Sulpizio shares insights from her extensive work in leadership development and coaching, drawing from her experience in athletics and research into women, voice, and power. They discuss the principles of conscious leadership, the challenges women face in leadership roles, and how to build resilience and wellness as a leader. From the power of mindset shifts to practical tips for aligning with values, this episode provides a roadmap for leading with greater awareness and intention.Key Takeaways: 1. Conscious leadership involves self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and creating space for others to thrive. 2. Leadership and management are distinct yet complementary skill sets; effective leaders know when to shift between the two. 3. Women leaders often face stereotypes and dual expectations but can thrive by aligning with their values, setting boundaries, and practicing self-compassion. 4. Resilience and well-being are cultivated through intentional practices like sleep, movement, and reflection.

This episode is brought to you by the⁠ Resilience Institute Certifications and hosted by ⁠Brad Hook⁠. Order your copy of Brad's new book, ⁠Start With Values⁠, now! Book a Resilience Speaker. Guest Overview: Susan Cantrell, Vice President of Products Workforce Strategies at Deloitte Consulting, is a renowned expert on the future of work and human capital. She is the co-author of Workforce of One and has been widely published in Harvard Business Review, Wall Street Journal, and MIT Sloan Management Review. Susan brings decades of expertise in exploring innovative workforce strategies that bridge human sustainability and business outcomes. LinkedIn: Susan Cantrell Deloitte Insights: Explore the Human Capital Trends Report and more at Deloitte Insights. In this episode, Susan Cantrell dives into the concept of human sustainability, explaining how organizations can create value for workers as human beings while driving better business outcomes. She shares insights from Deloitte's research, discusses the evolving role of AI and technology in the workplace, and highlights leadership competencies essential for guiding organizations through rapid change. Susan also emphasizes the importance of microcultures, personalized workforce strategies, and a balanced approach to change management. Key Takeaways 1. Human Sustainability: Supporting worker well-being, equity, and growth drives long-term business success. 2.AI as an Enabler: AI augments human capabilities, fostering better outcomes when used ethically and transparently. 3. Microcultures: Allowing diverse team dynamics strengthens innovation and aligns with organizational values. 4. Future-Ready Leadership: Leaders must co-create, communicate openly, and prioritize imagination to navigate change. 5. Personalized Strategies: Hyper-personalized approaches engage workers and align individual and business goals. 6. Experimentation and Play: Creating space for iterative learning builds resilience and drives innovation.

This episode is brought to you by the⁠ Resilience Institute Certifications and hosted by ⁠Brad Hook⁠. Order your copy of Brad's new book, ⁠Start With Values⁠, now! Book a Resilience Speaker. Guest Overview: Shoshana Grossman-Crist is an expert in driving purposeful impact for both businesses and nonprofits. Based between the U.S. and Mexico, Shoshana helps companies achieve profit and purpose without excessive consulting costs and supports nonprofits in surpassing fundraising goals while avoiding burnout. Her unique approach combines technical expertise with kindness, enabling authentic and effective leadership. Website: socialimpactcompass.com LinkedIn: Shoshana Grossman-Crist In This Episode: Shoshana shares her journey from working with nonprofits and major organizations like Danone to becoming a trusted advisor for impact-driven leaders. The conversation dives into how businesses and nonprofits can balance purpose and profit, avoid burnout, and create meaningful change through practical strategies. Shoshana also reveals the importance of resilience, well-being, and team collaboration in achieving sustainable success. Key Takeaways: 1. Profit Meets Purpose: Businesses can integrate impact initiatives that strengthen both their operations and the communities they serve, as shown in Shoshana's work with Danone. 2. Burnout Prevention in Nonprofits: Building overhead into budgets, encouraging capacity-building investments, and fostering a culture of well-being are critical to preventing nonprofit burnout. 3. Fundraising as a Team Sport: Successful fundraising requires collaboration, realistic metrics, and focusing on relationship-building with funders. 4. The Power of Authenticity: Shoshana emphasizes showing up authentically in relationships with funders and stakeholders, creating trust and meaningful connections. 5. Simple Resilience Practices: Small habits like daily gratitude, forgiveness, and intention-setting can build personal resilience and improve overall well-being.

This episode is brought to you by the Resilience Assessment Certification Program and hosted by Brad Hook. Order your copy of Brad's new book, Start With Values, now! Guest Overview:Dr. Constance Scharff is the founder and director of the Human Resilience Project, a global researcher focusing on resilience at the intersection of trauma and climate change. With over 26 years of sobriety and a background in addiction and trauma treatment, Dr. Scharff has authored several books, including Ending Addiction for Good and Rock to Recovery. She advocates for integrating indigenous practices, storytelling, and somatic therapies into modern approaches to mental health. Constance website TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn @drscharff YouTube, X @docscharff In This Episode:Dr. Scharff shares how her personal journey of overcoming trauma and addiction informs her work. She delves into the transformative power of somatic therapies, music, and storytelling, offering a fresh perspective on building resilience. The conversation spans topics like cultural wisdom, the future of mental health, and how everyday acts of bravery can lead to profound change. Key Takeaways: Connection is the Antidote to Addiction: Recovery thrives on connection, whether through relationships, shared experiences, or creative practices like music and storytelling. Healing Resides in the Body: Somatic therapies, including movement and trauma release exercises, can unlock stored trauma and create space for recovery. Cultural Wisdom Matters: Indigenous practices like communal singing, dancing, and storytelling offer powerful insights into collective healing and resilience. Rewrite Your Story: The stories we tell ourselves shape our reality. Identifying and transforming limiting beliefs can unlock personal and professional growth. Memorable Quotes: “Whatever story you tell yourself becomes your reality—choose a story that empowers you.” “Healing doesn’t happen in isolation; it happens when the whole community comes together.” “Resilience is not about avoiding adversity; it’s about thriving through it.”

This episode is brought to you by the Resilience Assessment Certification Program and hosted by Brad Hook. Order your copy of Brad's new book, Start With Values, now! The guest: Sara Taylor, a leading Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) practitioner with 35 years of experience, is the founder of Deep Sea Consulting. Sara’s work focuses on DEI training and consulting, helping organizations navigate cultural competence, effective communication, and productive conflict resolution. She is also the author of Filter Shift and Thinking at the Speed of Bias. Connect with Sara: Website: Deep Sea Consulting LinkedIn: Sara Taylor Book: Thinking at the Speed of Bias  In this thought-provoking episode, Sara Baxter dives into the essential role of diversity and inclusion (D&I) in driving innovation and shaping the future of work. Drawing from her extensive experience as a strategist and advocate, Sara shares actionable insights on how leaders can create workplaces where diverse voices thrive. Key Takeaways: Diversity is a Catalyst for Innovation:Diverse teams bring fresh perspectives and drive better problem-solving. Inclusion amplifies these benefits, ensuring all voices are heard. The Role of Leaders:Leaders must actively foster environments that celebrate differences. Inclusion is not a one-time effort but a continuous process of listening, adapting, and championing equity. Breaking Barriers:Sara emphasizes dismantling systemic biases and creating pathways for underrepresented groups in leadership. Measuring Success in D&I:Metrics matter. Organizations must track progress in representation, equity, and employee experiences to ensure accountability. Future of Work:The future belongs to organizations that prioritize empathy, adaptability, and collaboration. Inclusion is at the core of sustainable innovation. Quotes: “Diverse teams aren't just good for morale; they drive innovation.” “True inclusion requires more than representation—it requires action.” “Organizations that value diverse voices will shape the future of work.”

This episode is brought to you by the Resilience Assessment Certification Program and hosted by Brad Hook. Order your copy of Brad's new book, Start With Values, now! The guest: Ravin Jesuthasan is a global leader in workforce transformation at Mercer, recognized among the 25 most influential consultants by Consulting Magazine and one of the leading management thinkers by Thinkers 50. An author of six books, including Work Without Jobs and The Skills-Powered Organization, Ravin is at the forefront of reshaping how organizations approach AI, human capital, and the evolution of work. Connect with Ravin: Website: ravinjesuthasan.com Mercer Resources: mercer.com Books: The Skills-Powered Organization, Work Without Jobs In this episode, Ravin Jesuthasan dives into the rapid transformation of work, fueled by AI, automation, and evolving people strategies. He shares insights on building resilient organizations, integrating technology into workforce planning, and the changing role of leadership in a world of uncertainty. Ravin also explores how companies can adapt to these shifts by embracing agility, fostering a culture of learning, and aligning technology with human potential. Key Takeaways: 1. Evolving People Strategies: Traditional models no longer work. Companies must integrate AI and automation into talent strategies while embracing flexible workforces like gig workers and outsourced teams. 2. AI’s Role in Work: Transactional tasks are being automated, expertise work is enhanced by AI, and relational tasks still rely on human empathy, though AI can augment communication. 3. Resilience in Leadership: Leaders must focus on certainties, embed learning and wellbeing into workflows, and build emotional connections with their teams to handle uncertainty. 4. Skills Over Roles: Skills are the new currency in the workplace. Reskilling current employees is often more effective than hiring new talent. 5. Culture as Structure: As organizations flatten, culture replaces hierarchy, driving alignment, trust, and shared purpose in the workplace. 6. Workplace Wellbeing: Intentional design, like the "right to disconnect," improves performance and prevents burnout. Practical Applications: For Leaders: Develop AI fluency and use technology to enhance, not replace, human potential. For HR Professionals: Redesign people strategies to include automation, flexible work models, and multi-generational talent. For Organizations: Build cultures that prioritize trust, adaptability, and intentionality in wellbeing initiatives.

This episode is brought to you by the Resilience Assessment and hosted by Brad Hook. Order your copy of Brad's new book, Start With Values, now! The Guest: Daniel Tolson is recognized as Asia's number one business coach, helping leaders and entrepreneurs enhance their emotional intelligence, resilience, and confidence. He is an entrepreneur, author of 21 books, and a champion of personal and professional growth. Daniel’s mission is to guide others in breaking self-sabotaging patterns and unlocking their full potential. Website: danieltolson.com Mind Report Free Book: Know Thyself Try our Resilience Assessment Key takeaways: Resilience Is Learned, Not Innate: Resilience involves physical, emotional, and social strength. It’s built over time through adversity and persistence. Confidence Over Competence: Confidence drives success. Praising behaviors that build confidence helps create high-performing individuals and teams. Emotional Intelligence Simplified: Emotional intelligence is about self-awareness, escaping mental ruts, intrinsic motivation, empathy, and clear communication. Breaking Generational Patterns: Self-sabotage often stems from inherited beliefs or behaviors. Recognizing and replacing these stories is key to personal growth. Focus on Direction, Not Just Goals: Goals can be fragile. Instead, focus on a clear direction aligned with your values to maintain motivation and fulfillment.

This episode is brought to you by the Resilience Assessment and hosted by Brad Hook. Order your copy of Brad's new book, Start With Values, now! The Guest: Luis Velasquez is an executive coach, ultra-endurance athlete, and author of Ordinary Resilience. With a background that spans from molecular biology to leadership coaching, Luis uses his personal story of overcoming poverty, a brain tumor, and multiple life challenges to help others unlock resilience. He coaches influential leaders in Silicon Valley and teaches at Stanford University, encouraging individuals to find strength and purpose in adversity. Connect with Luis: on LinkedIn visit his website Get ⁠Resilience Assessment⁠ for yourself or your team In this episode, Luis shares his transformative journey and the key principles he uses to foster resilience and adaptability. He explores how resilience involves more than just endurance, instead focusing on finding fulfillment and recharging effectively. Through both his book and coaching work, Luis emphasizes the importance of adapting with a growth mindset and seeing setbacks as opportunities for strength. Key Takeaways Resilience Means Thriving: True resilience goes beyond enduring; it’s about becoming stronger because of challenges. Fulfillment Fuels Resilience: Aligning actions with values supports resilience by providing purpose and energy. Recovery vs. Recharging: Recharging by doing fulfilling activities is essential to sustain energy, not just resting. Tools for Resilience: Pacing, persistence, and seeking feedback help leaders maintain resilience and grow. Celebrate Small Wins: Focusing on progress rather than flow creates momentum and builds resilience. Shift from Victim to Creator: Taking ownership over circumstances empowers growth and adaptability. Luis closes with a reminder that everyone has what they need to pursue their boldest goals. Starting with commitment and a willingness to adapt, we can create our paths forward.