The Self Aware Leader with Jason Rigby – Details, episodes & analysis

🚨 WARNING: This conversation could fundamentally change how you think about success and leadership.

Oli Johnson had everything most executives dream of: a multi-million dollar tech business, a beautiful home in Ibiza, a young family, and the respect of his peers. From every external measure, he was winning at life.

So why was he sitting on a plane hoping it would crash?

This raw, unfiltered conversation exposes the hidden epidemic destroying high-performing leaders worldwide and reveals the revolutionary prevention system that's changing everything.

In this episode, you'll discover:

🎯 The Shocking Reality of Leadership Burnout

• Why 87% of executives report feeling like imposters
• The $1 trillion annual cost to the global economy
• How external success can become your internal prison
• Why "fake it till you make it" is literally killing leaders

💡 The Culture Infection Nobody Talks About

• How unconscious leader behavior spreads through organizations
• Why your late-night emails are poisoning your team
• The co-founder dynamics that destroy promising startups
• How to build anti-burnout cultures that actually thrive

🚀 The Prevention Revolution

• AI + biomarker technology that predicts burnout weeks in advance
• Why prevention beats recovery 100% of the time
• Heart rate variability as an early warning system
• Personalized supplementation based on genetic markers

🧠 Strategic Sustainability vs. Hustle Culture

• The marathon mindset that creates lasting success
• How to work strategically instead of just harder
• Building systems that prevent breakdown before it happens
• The technology breakthrough changing executive wellness

Most Powerful Moments:

"Everything looked like it should be perfect. The reality of living that was very different indeed."

"Culture is not about writing values on a board and walking away. It's about how you're showing up."

"Prevention is 100% better than trying to restore your health."

"If you're behaving like that as a leader, you're defining the culture of your business."

Oli Johnson is a serial entrepreneur, former investment banker, and founder of PrescribedLife.AI, a revolutionary platform using artificial intelligence and biomarker data to prevent executive burnout.

Background:

• Former investment banker at major institutions including Bank of England
• Built and scaled multiple successful tech ventures
• Experienced severe burnout despite external success
• Now pioneering preventative wellness technology for high performers
• Relocated from London's corporate towers to Ibiza (and learned location doesn't solve internal patterns)

Current Focus: Oli is revolutionizing executive wellness through PrescribedLife.AI, which combines cutting-edge AI technology with biomarker analysis to predict and prevent burnout before it destroys careers and companies.

🏢 The Corporate to Startup Transition

• Investment banking pressure cooker culture
• Why startup founders face even more intense stress
• The myth of entrepreneurial freedom

⚠️ Burnout Warning Signs Leaders Miss

• The dangerous "I'm fine" mentality
• How external success masks internal struggle
• Why high performers are 3x more likely to burn out

🌴 The Location Independence Myth

• Moving to Ibiza: paradise that became prison
• Why changing environment doesn't change patterns
• The loneliness of remote leadership

💰 The Economics of Burnout

• $1 trillion global economic impact
• How leader burnout cascades through organizations
• The ROI of prevention vs. recovery

🤖 Technology as Self-Awareness Tool

• AI-powered early warning systems
• Biomarker tracking for executives
• Heart rate variability as stress indicator
• Genetic testing for personalized wellness

👥 Culture Creation Through Leader Behavior

• How your stress becomes your team's stress
• The 24/7 availability trap
• Building psychologically safe environments
• Co-founder relationship dynamics

🔬 The Science of Prevention

• Why willpower fails and systems succeed
• Biomarker data interpretation
• Personalized supplementation protocols
• Executive coaching enhanced by technology

0:00 - Introduction: The hidden burnout epidemic 3:45 - Oli's background: From London banking to Ibiza 7:20 - The external success vs. internal reality paradox 12:15 - The plane ride moment that changed everything 18:30 - Why location changes don't fix internal patterns 23:45 - The culture infection: How leader behavior spreads 28:10 - Co-founder dynamics and startup relationship challenges 34:20 - The $1 trillion cost of leadership burnout 38:50 - Technology solutions: AI + biomarkers for prevention 43:15 - Building anti-burnout organizational cultures 47:30 - The future of executive wellness

🔗 Guest Resources:

• PrescribedLife.AI - Executive wellness platform: https://prescribelife.ai/
• Oli Johnson LinkedIn - Connect with the guest: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oli-johnson-s-johnson/

"Unless you learn how to make money while you sleep, you'll work until you die." - Warren Buffett

In this transformative episode, Bronson Hill reveals how he went from a $200K medical sales professional to raising over $50 million in real estate capital - and the mindset shifts that made it all possible.

🎯 WHAT YOU'LL DISCOVER:
- Why 90% of "passive income" strategies actually create more work
- The difference between financial freedom and TIME freedom
- How to reduce your taxes by 80-90% through strategic investments
- The "wealth worthiness" breakthrough that unlocks abundance
- Ancient wisdom principles for modern wealth building
- How to structure your week for maximum freedom (145 days off!)

KEY INSIGHTS:
- The real test of passive investing (10X scalability without becoming a job)
- Why rental properties aren't actually passive income
- Tax strategies for high earners that most CPAs don't know
- The psychology behind wealth building (80% mindset, 20% strategy)
- How to develop "whisperings" that rewire your money beliefs

Bronson shares his exact frameworks for building truly passive income streams and developing the psychology of wealth that separates millionaires from everyone else.

GUEST: Bronson Hill - Managing Member of Bronson Equity, Author of "Fire Yourself," $45M+ in Real Estate Capital

Get Bronson's free "Mailbox Money Blueprint" - text CASHFLOW to 33777

Connect with Bronson:
- Website: bronsonequity.com
- Instagram: @bronsondavidhill
- LinkedIn: Bronson Hill
- YouTube: @bronsonequity

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The Self Aware Leader Podcast guides modern entrepreneurs and leaders to deeper self-awareness and impactful action through ancient wisdom for contemporary challenges. 

Host Jason Rigby explores the intersection of consciousness, leadership, and practical success - helping you build wealth while building character.

Subscribe for weekly episodes on leadership development, passive income strategies, and building thriving communities.

KEYWORDS: passive income, real estate investing, financial freedom, wealth building, leadership development, tax strategies, mindset, entrepreneurship, self awareness, ancient wisdom

Are you a leader seeking a truly transformative approach to leadership? In today's complex world, traditional leadership models often fall short, leaving many leaders feeling disconnected and seeking deeper impact.

On this groundbreaking episode of The Self Aware Leader Podcast, host Jason Rigby speaks with Charley Johnson, a TEDx speaker, founder of Chief Consciousness Officer Training, and a visionary in conscious leadership. Charley Johnson, a former high-powered business president, shares his profound journey from conventional success to a strategic exploration of consciousness in leadership.

This episode is a must-listen for any leader ready to evolve beyond the status quo. Charley unpacks how embracing core principles like clarity in leadership, neutrality, and presence can lead to a seismic shift from ego-driven actions to essence-driven impact. Discover why the role of a Chief Consciousness Officer is not "woo-woo," but a tactical necessity for modern organizations.

Key Learnings for Leaders:

• The Leadership Shift: Understand the critical transition from ego-based decisions to essence-driven leadership.
• Consciousness for Leaders: Explore how personal consciousness dissolves bias, fuels innovation, and bridges divides within your team and corporate culture.
• Beyond Traditional Leadership: Challenge conventional wisdom on wellness and consulting to achieve true organizational transformation.
• Clarity for Leaders: Learn practical tools to foster inner stillness, navigate chaos, and make decisions from a place of profound clarity.
• Humble Leadership: Embrace the power of leading from a place of shared humanity, not competing ideologies.

If you're an aspiring or established leader committed to self-aware leadership and elevating your organizational culture, this episode provides the strategic insights you need. Tune in to learn how to unlock your true potential as a leader and guide your team with authentic purpose.

Message Charley here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cjconsciousness/

Keywords: Leadership, Leader, Conscious Leadership, Charley Johnson, Chief Consciousness Officer, Self-Aware Leader, Humble Leadership, Emotional Intelligence, Clarity in Leadership, Conscious Business, Organizational Culture, Corporate Culture, Leadership Transformation, Strategic Leadership, Leadership Development, Business Leadership, The Self Aware Leader Podcast.

Welcome back to the Self-Aware Leader podcast! In today's episode, we're diving deep into the art of embracing solitude for personal growth. Often, loneliness and isolation are seen as negative experiences, but by shifting our perspective, we can turn these moments into opportunities for growth and self-discovery.

Loneliness vs. Solitude

Loneliness and solitude are often used interchangeably, but they carry distinct meanings. Loneliness is the feeling of sadness or distress resulting from a lack of companionship, while solitude refers to the state of being alone without necessarily feeling lonely. By reframing our understanding of these terms, we can begin to appreciate the benefits of solitude.

The Power of Solitude

When we consciously choose to embrace solitude, it can become a powerful tool for personal development. Here are some of the ways solitude can positively impact our lives:

1. Self-Reflection: Spending time alone allows us to delve into our thoughts and emotions, leading to a deeper understanding of ourselves. This self-awareness can ultimately lead to personal growth and emotional intelligence.

2. Creativity: Solitude provides the perfect environment for exploring our creative potential. Without distractions, we can focus on our passions and ideas, allowing for the birth of innovative concepts and projects.

3. Problem-Solving: Time spent in solitude can help us gain clarity on the issues we face, making it easier to brainstorm solutions and develop new perspectives.

4. Recharging: In our busy lives, solitude can serve as a sanctuary for mental and emotional recharging, allowing us to return to our daily routines with renewed energy and focus.

5. Building Resilience: Embracing solitude can teach us to rely on ourselves for emotional support and validation, fostering resilience and independence.

Tips for Embracing Solitude for Personal Growth

1. Schedule Alone Time: Set aside a specific time each day or week to be alone, whether it's through meditation, walks in nature, or journaling. This dedicated time can help you form a positive relationship with solitude.

2. Disconnect: Turn off electronic devices or social media to minimize distractions and truly immerse yourself in your solitude.

3. Set Goals: Use your time alone to identify personal goals and create an action plan for achieving them.

4. Practice Mindfulness: Engage in mindfulness practices, such as meditation or deep breathing, to enhance self-awareness and focus during solitude.

5. Embrace the Discomfort: Accept and acknowledge any feelings of loneliness or discomfort that may arise during solitude. Remember that personal growth often involves facing discomfort head-on.

Conclusion

Embracing solitude can be a transformative experience, opening the door to personal growth and self-discovery. By learning to appreciate and utilize our time alone, we can develop resilience, boost creativity, and foster a deeper understanding of ourselves. So the next time you find yourself alone, seize the opportunity to turn loneliness into a powerful catalyst for personal growth.

Give your support to the Self Aware Leader Podcast by rating us on Apple Podcasts or awarding us a 5-star review on Spotify. Stay connected and join our growing community by following us on Instagram at @selfawareleaderpodcast and on Twitter at @selfawarepod. Your engagement helps us continue delivering thought-provoking content and inspiring stories for leaders like you.

Age differences can sometimes be a challenge in the workplace, especially when you find yourself in a leadership position over people who are older than you. While this might seem intimidating, it's essential to remember that effective leadership transcends age. In this blog post, we'll explore tips and strategies for leading people older than you, building strong relationships, and fostering a collaborative work environment.

Recognize and Respect Experience
Older team members often bring valuable experience and insights to the table. Recognize and respect their expertise, and make an effort to learn from their wisdom. Show genuine interest in their perspectives, and involve them in decision-making processes.

Emphasize Collaboration and Open Communication
Create a work environment that encourages open communication and collaboration. Encourage team members to share their ideas and opinions, and make sure everyone's voice is heard. By fostering a collaborative atmosphere, you can demonstrate that age is just a number, and what truly matters is the ability to work together effectively.

Be Confident and Assertive
As a leader, it's important to be confident and assertive in your role. While it may be challenging to assert your authority when leading people older than you, remember that you were chosen for this position for a reason. Stand firm in your decisions, but also be open to feedback and willing to adjust when necessary.

Focus on Building Relationships
Building strong relationships with your team members is crucial, regardless of their age. Make an effort to connect with them on a personal level, and show genuine interest in their lives outside of work. By creating these bonds, you'll establish a foundation of trust and mutual respect.

Offer Support and Encouragement
As a leader, your role is to guide, support, and encourage your team members. Be available to provide assistance when needed, and offer constructive feedback to help them grow professionally. Recognize and celebrate their achievements, and make sure they feel valued and appreciated.

Be a Lifelong Learner
Embrace the opportunity to learn from your older team members. Approach your leadership role with humility and a growth mindset, recognizing that you, too, can continue to develop your skills and knowledge. This attitude will not only benefit you but also set a positive example for your team.

Adapt Your Leadership Style
Different people respond to different leadership styles, so be willing to adapt your approach as needed. While some team members may appreciate a more directive style, others might thrive under a coaching or mentoring approach. Remain flexible, and adjust your leadership style to meet the unique needs and preferences of each individual.

Conclusion:

Leading people older than you can be a rewarding and enriching experience. By focusing on collaboration, communication, and relationship-building, you can overcome age-related challenges and foster a productive and harmonious work environment. Remember, effective leadership is about empowering and inspiring others, regardless of their age. Embrace the opportunity to learn from your team members and grow together as you work towards shared goals.

In this episode, we explore the importance of distinguishing between reactive and reflective states of mind. Reactivity is often driven by fear, panic, stress, and anxiety, and it can be an indicator of a lack of trust in oneself and the business built. On the other hand, being reflective allows for the necessary space to think, evaluate options, and find solutions.

We discuss how it's easy to slip into a reactive state when facing problems, emphasizing the need to pause, calm down, and assess the situation. Trusting in your business to provide stability and support is essential. Breathe deeply and ask yourself, "What is the worst thing that could happen?" Take control of what's within your power and give yourself some space to distance from the issue.

We introduce the concept of fear-setting, a powerful exercise that helps conquer fears by defining and assessing them on a scale of 1 to 10. This exercise can reveal that some fears might not be as significant as initially thought, allowing you to address them more reflectively and proactively.

As a leader, operating from a reflective state is crucial. Taking time to assess and reflect on situations enables finding the best possible solutions. It's vital to recognize when you're in a reactive state and take the necessary steps to disengage and evaluate the situation. Trust in yourself and the business you've built, and strive to operate from a reflective state.

Give your support to the Self Aware Leader Podcast by rating us on Apple Podcasts or awarding us a 5-star review on Spotify. Stay connected and join our growing community by following us on Instagram at @selfawareleaderpodcast and on Twitter at @selfawarepod. Your engagement helps us continue delivering thought-provoking content and inspiring stories for leaders like you.

As a leader, it's crucial to surround yourself with the right people. You may think that you're strong enough to avoid adopting the worst of others, but the truth is that we unconsciously become what we're near. If you're surrounded by negativity, sooner or later, you'll become negative too. That's why few things are more important in life than avoiding the wrong people.

The Impact of Our Surroundings

One of the most significant factors that impact our behavior is the people we spend time with. Whether it's your colleagues, employees, friends, or family members, the people around us have a profound influence on our lives. Their attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors can rub off on us, whether we realize it or not.

For example, if you work for a toxic boss, you may start to develop toxic behaviors yourself. You may become short-tempered, irritable, and critical of others. Similarly, if you hang around with people who are lazy and unmotivated, you may start to adopt their negative attitude towards work and life.

It's not just negative behaviors that we pick up from others; we can also learn positive behaviors too. When you're surrounded by people who are ambitious, hard-working, and positive, you'll likely pick up those traits too. You'll be inspired to work harder, take risks, and push yourself to be the best version of yourself.

How to Avoid the Wrong People and Surround Yourself with the Right Ones

1. Identify the wrong people: The first step is to identify the people who have a negative impact on your life. This may include colleagues, friends, or even family members.

2. Minimize your exposure: Once you've identified the wrong people, try to minimize your exposure to them. This may mean avoiding them altogether or limiting your interactions with them.

3. Surround yourself with the right people: Instead, focus on spending time with people who have a positive influence on your life. Seek out colleagues, friends, and mentors who inspire you and bring out the best in you.

4. Be selective: When hiring employees or choosing business partners, be selective. Look for people who share your values and have a positive attitude towards work and life.

Conclusion

In conclusion, as a leader, it's crucial to surround yourself with the right people. The people around us have a profound influence on our lives, and it's up to us to choose who we spend our time with. Avoid the wrong people and surround yourself with positive, ambitious, and inspiring individuals. Remember, the changes are too gradual to notice until they're too large to address, so choose wisely.

Give your support to the Self Aware Leader Podcast by rating us on Apple Podcasts or awarding us a 5-star review on Spotify. Stay connected and join our growing community by following us on Instagram at @selfawareleaderpodcast and on Twitter at @selfawarepod. Your engagement helps us continue delivering thought-provoking content and inspiring stories for leaders like you.

Have you ever found yourself constantly searching for something to fill an empty hole in your heart or chest? Do you turn to exercise, new purchases, or even relationships to try and find happiness, only to be left feeling empty again? If so, it's time to stop running away from your unresolved issues and learn to love yourself. In this blog post, inspired by a recent podcast, we'll explore the importance of self-love and how to cultivate it in your life.

Understanding True Self-Love

True self-love means accepting and embracing everything you feel and experience inside. Using external things to escape from your own experience is a temporary fix that will never provide lasting happiness. Emotions like sadness and emptiness may be uncomfortable, but the more you resist them, the more they will clamor for your attention.

Learning to love yourself means turning towards those difficult emotions, just as you would comfort a small child who feels upset. While exercise is important for physical health, it cannot provide total well-being. That sense of emptiness or sadness within your heart or chest cannot be filled by external things.

The Journey Within

It's time to shift your focus from chasing happiness on the outside to filling the hole in your heart from within. This requires identifying and resolving difficult emotions you may have been pushing away for years and changing negative beliefs into positive ones. Here are a few steps to help you on your journey:

1. Acknowledge your feelings: Recognize and validate your emotions, no matter how uncomfortable they may be. Remember, it's okay to feel sad, angry, or empty.

2. Practice self-compassion: Treat yourself with kindness and understanding, just as you would a close friend who is struggling.

3. Challenge negative self-talk: Identify and reframe negative beliefs about yourself with positive affirmations and self-encouragement.

4. Cultivate gratitude: Focus on the things you appreciate about yourself and your life. This can help shift your perspective and create a more positive mindset.

5. Set boundaries: Learn to say no to people and situations that drain your energy or undermine your self-love.

6. Seek professional help: If you're struggling to navigate your emotions and find self-love, consider seeking support from a therapist or counselor.

Conclusion

Don't be like the rich and famous who seem to have everything but are unhappy. Stop sabotaging your own happiness by turning to external things to fill a void that only self-love can truly address. Embracing self-love is a journey that takes time and effort, but the rewards are immeasurable. As you learn to accept and love yourself unconditionally, you'll find that the hole in your heart begins to fill, and lasting happiness becomes attainable. So, take the first step today and start nurturing the most important relationship of all – the one with yourself.

Give your support to the Self Aware Leader Podcast by rating us on Apple Podcasts or awarding us a 5-star review on Spotify. Stay connected and join our growing community by following us on Instagram at @selfawareleaderpodcast and on Twitter at @selfawarepod. Your engagement helps us continue delivering thought-provoking content and inspiring stories for leaders like you.

Leadership encompasses various skills, and one of the most crucial yet often overlooked traits is the ability to listen actively. Active listening involves giving your full attention to the speaker, avoiding distractions, and showing genuine interest in their thoughts and ideas. In this blog post, we will explore the importance of active listening in leadership, providing tips, examples, and benefits.

Why Active Listening Matters for Effective Leadership: Active listening is an essential skill for effective leadership, as it helps leaders create a supportive and collaborative environment where team members feel valued and encouraged to contribute their best ideas. When leaders prioritize listening over talking, they can gain valuable insights, build trust, and improve communication, leading to better decision-making and problem-solving.

Practical Tips for Improving Your Active Listening Skills: If you want to improve your active listening skills as a leader, here are some practical tips:

• Be present: Focus on the speaker and avoid distractions, such as checking your phone or email.
• Be patient: Allow the speaker to finish their thoughts before responding or asking questions.
• Ask open-ended questions: Encourage elaboration and deeper insights by asking questions that prompt further discussion.
• Reflect and paraphrase: Show that you understand and value the speaker's perspective by summarizing their key points and asking for clarification if needed.
• Avoid interrupting: Allow the speaker to express themselves fully before interjecting or sharing your thoughts.

Examples of Active Listening in Leadership: Here are some examples of active listening in leadership:

• Mahatma Gandhi used active listening to understand his followers' needs and concerns, inspiring them to join his movement for social change.
• Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella emphasizes the importance of active listening in building a culture of empathy, curiosity, and growth mindset.
• A study by Google found that the best-performing teams have leaders who listen actively, showing empathy and respect for team members' opinions and ideas.

Benefits of Active Listening for Leaders and Organizations: Here are some benefits of active listening for leaders and organizations:

• Improved communication and collaboration
• Enhanced problem-solving and decision-making
• Increased trust and respect
• Higher employee engagement and motivation
• Reduced conflicts and misunderstandings

Conclusion: Active listening is a crucial skill for effective leadership, as it helps leaders create a culture of collaboration, innovation, and respect. By following the practical tips and examples provided in this blog post, aspiring leaders can improve their active listening skills and create a positive impact on their teams and organizations. Remember, good leadership begins with genuine listening.

Give your support to the Self Aware Leader Podcast by rating us on Apple Podcasts or awarding us a 5-star review on Spotify. Stay connected and join our growing community by following us on Instagram at @selfawareleaderpodcast and on Twitter at @selfawarepod. Your engagement helps us continue delivering thought-provoking content and inspiring stories for leaders like you.

Are you a manager struggling to have a tough conversation with a disgruntled employee? Navigating difficult conversations with team members who are unhappy or frustrated can be a daunting task. However, with a bit of planning and preparation, you can turn these conversations into productive opportunities for growth and development. In this article, we'll explore how to master the art of conversation and give you easy steps to improve your conversation skills to have conversations that matter.

Great leaders have demonstrated the importance of engaging in direct, honest conversations when challenges arise. For example, during the Civil Rights Movement, Martin Luther King Jr. emphasized the importance of open dialogue to bridge gaps and build understanding. Similarly, Abraham Lincoln, known for his exceptional leadership skills, often held private meetings to address conflicts and frustrations within his administration.

Here are some easy steps to improve your conversation skills and manage difficult conversations:

1. Schedule a one-on-one meeting: Schedule the meeting a few hours to one business day in advance to avoid causing unnecessary anxiety.

2. Set a meeting agenda: Provide a clear agenda to ease nerves and help both parties prepare for the conversation.

3. Enter the conversation with an open mind: Avoid making assumptions and strive to understand the employee's perspective.

4. Figure out why your employee is frustrated: Ask open-ended questions and empathize with their concerns.

5. Acknowledge what they share with you: Let the employee know that you've heard and understood their perspective.

6. Focus on performance, not personality: Ground the conversation in objective measures of performance.

7. Give constructive, direct feedback: Be honest, direct, and kind when delivering negative feedback.

8. Get to know their career goals: Understand employee ambitions to better support their growth and development.

9. Take meeting notes throughout: Keep a clear record of the conversation to track progress and follow up on action items.

10. Close out with a conversation recap: Summarize key talking points and align on next steps.

Remember, even the most experienced leaders must navigate difficult conversations. The key to success is adopting the right mindset and treating employees with respect. By following these tips, you can master the art of conversation and transform challenging conversations into opportunities for growth and mutual understanding.

In conclusion, mastering the art of conversation can help you become a better leader and improve your communication skills. If you are struggling with tough conversations, try these easy steps to manage them successfully. Remember to respect your team members and treat them with kindness and empathy. By doing so, you can create an environment that fosters growth and development for everyone.

Give your support to the Self Aware Leader Podcast by rating us on Apple Podcasts or awarding us a 5-star review on Spotify. Stay connected and join our growing community by following us on Instagram at @selfawareleaderpodcast and on Twitter at @selfawarepod. Your engagement helps us continue delivering thought-provoking content and inspiring stories for leaders like you.