If you haven't heard it from someone else already today, I like you just the way you are. Those are words I've heard many times from Mr. Rogers and is the inspiration for today's #jammingwithjason #podcast episode. It's OK to be who you are, in fact as Oscar Wilde would say" be yourself, everyone else is already taken." And really if some people are going to judge and not like you regardless of what you do, you might as well BE who you really are authentically, and do what you want to do. That way you avoid so much of the guilt and shame most people experience by pretending to be someone they aren't. That's a broken strategy that has you wake up later in life full of regret, having lived a life of shoulda-woulda-couldas, being a fake, instead of living an authentic life of no regrets. If you are on LinkedIn and want to read the article I mentioned in this episode visit:  https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/being-uniquely-you-6884665897504665600/  Or if you aren't on LikedIn, or would rather find it easier on my website, here's the link: https://jasonmefford.com/i-like-you-just-the-way-you-are/ You can find more like this by going to: https://jasonmefford.com/posts/ and filtering on "Newsletters"

Each year and each day is a great opportunity for us to "turn the page" which is the topic of this #jammingwithjason #podcast episode. Since it's also the title of a song from Bob Seger, there just may be some music in this episode. There is something in this song for everyone and we discuss: gratitude for those who perform and entertain us, not giving up when you are three feet from gold, whether the Metallica or Bob Seger version is better, doing the work each day whether anyone is watching or giving you credit to create what you want in life. Tune in and watch the videos (Bob, Metallica, and me) at: https://www.jasonmefford.com/jammingwithjason246/

If you ever thought "I wish I felt better" or "I wish I was happier" then today's episode may be just for you!  In today's podcast we are joined by Andie Murphy who is here to help us improve our own mental well being. Andie has gone through quite a transformation after her son has come of age. After raising a child, the question arose of "what next?" Take a listen to Andie's journey and see how you can apply some of this knowledge to yourself! Reach out the Andie on Instagram @iamandiemurphy and at: andiemurphy.com.au Listen in at: https://www.jasonmefford.com/jammingwithjason245/

In today's #jammingwithjason #podcast I talk with my friend Gina Hansen about her experience when the rug got pulled out from under her life. When you listen to this entire episode you will learn all that Gina experienced in the span of six months, and how she was able to find her voice again. An amazing story! Going from feeling sad and alone to feeling peaceful bliss, and enjoying the beauty that surrounds her. It's a great reminder to live every day, laugh, smell the roses, and live in an environment that allows you to heal physically, emotionally, and spiritually... something we all desperately need. I'm sure you are already preparing financially for retirement (or whatever the next phase of your life will bring), but are you preparing emotionally and connecting with your real identity or living someone else's expectation of your life? When you hear reference to "TCP" during the episode that is the Transformational Coaching Program with Jim Fortin, where Gina and I met. Listen in at: https://www.jasonmefford.com/jammingwithjason244/

Life sometimes gets complicated, and that often leads to unnecessary stress and anxiety. Whether you realize it or not, much of the #stress and #anxiety you feel when things are complicated are caused by YOU! In today's #jammingwithjason #podcast episode, Kathy Gruver and Jason Mefford take the time to discuss various practical ways to help reduce stress and to make your day to day life much easier, and way less complicated! And... no jugs were harmed while making this podcast. You'll get the joke when you tune into this episode. Listen in at: https://www.jasonmefford.com/jammingwithjason/

A lot of people in the corporate world may find themselves entering into leadership roles, whether as their permanent position or just for a temporary amount of time.  Many of these people may only have had experience in the more technical aspects of their jobs, and may not be very prepared to lead others.  Stacey Graham has been helping many people adapt to leadership positions, and in today's podcast we are going to sit down with her and learn how to become better leaders! Reach out the Stacey on Instagram @staceysc Listen in at: https://www.jasonmefford.com/jammingwithjason242/

Conflict seems like a dirty word, one most people want to avoid. Unfortunately it is a part of everyday life at work and in our personal lives, so we need to understand it and learn how to deal with conflict. In this #jammingwithjason #internalauditpodcast episode I discuss conflict concepts with Ken Cloke from his book: Resolving Conflicts at Work: Ten Strategies for Everyone on the Job. Ken Cloke is a world-recognized mediator, dialogue facilitator, conflict resolution systems designer, teacher, public speaker,  author of numerous books and articles, and a pioneer and leader in the field of mediation and conflict resolution for the last 37 years.  Ken created the Center for Dispute Resolution in Santa Monica, CA, where he has been a mediator, arbitrator, facilitator, coach, consultant and trainer, specializing in communication, collaborative negotiation, dialogue facilitation, and resolving complex multi-party disputes, including thousands of marital, divorce, family, community, grievance and workplace disputes, collective bargaining negotiations, organizational and school conflicts, sexual harassment, discrimination, and public policy disputes; and designing preventative conflict resolution systems for public and private sector organizations.  Get your copy of Ken's book through Amazon at: https://www.amazon.com/Resolving-Conflicts-Work-Strategies-Everyone/dp/0470922249 Learn more and connect with Ken at: https://www.kencloke.com/ Listen in at: https://www.jasonmefford.com/jammingwithjason53/

You probably already know how much harder it is now to be a leader. What used to work, doesn't work so well now, and you may find yourself feeling more isolated, having difficult conversations with your peers and co-workers, and feeling a lot more stressed. Chances are you may be still using traditional leader skills and haven't switched yet to more effective modern skills. In this #jammingwithjason #podcast episode we discuss some of the new skills you need to be successful in this brave new world of working remotely under a new workplace culture, so you don't risk becoming a burned out dinosaur. If you are an audit leader, you should seriously consider joining the Audit Leader Forum, so you have access to these modern skills. The ONLY program to give you the tools to become a successful, confident leader for a modern audit team. Learn more at: https://bit.ly/AuditLeader #internalaudit #leadership  Listen in at: http://www.jasonmefford.com/jammingwithjason230/

This is a fun #jammingwithjason #podcast episode because I not only get to talk about music (which I love), but I also get to connect with a childhood friend who is an award winning musician, Joseph L. Young. From just listening to music you enjoy, to playing an instrument, music can provide many psychological benefits such as reducing stress or getting into your "flow" state.  Music provides many outlets that can enrich one's life. Listen in to learn more about the many positive effects that music can bring to you!   Whatever you do, check out Joseph's music on Apple, Pandora, Spotify, pretty much anywhere you can listen to music and his website: https://josephlyoung.com/ When you do, you will see the power music can have on your emotions, mindfulness, and help you transform you life. Listen in at: http://www.jasonmefford.com/jammingwithjason184/

How do you assess the value of learning opportunities? Perhaps you may look at it as a cost per hour type of expenditure.  Well in today's episode I'm here to discuss how that is a flawed mindset and in what ways one should be looking at the various opportunities that are out there. Listen in at: http://www.jasonmefford.com/jammingwithjason174/