
Leadership often feels like kayaking a wild river—thrilling but uncertain. The key isn't control, but adaptability. This week, Linda Clark brings her invaluable insights into leading with presence and purpose, drawn from her adventures outdoors. Linda shares her unique perspective on how embracing unpredictability in nature can shape a more human-centric, effective leadership style. Her journey from executive to adventurer offers a model for growth and resilience. In this episode, we explore: - The illusion of control in leadership - Confidence vs. certainty in decision making - The importance of adaptability and preparation - Redefining failure in leadership contexts - How to create supportive leadership environments - Ecosystemic thinking and its application in modern organizations - The balance of adaptation and self-abandonment - Harnessing collective strengths in teams Linda is not just an executive and leadership coach but a real-world adventurer whose stories are both engaging and enlightening. You can find Linda on LinkedIn or visit her website at linda-clark.com. Leadership isn't about perfection; it's about navigating uncertainty with grace. As we continue to adapt, remember—humans still matter, and every leader has the potential to be a great guide.
Oct 12
37 min

When was the last time you deliberately did something that made you uncomfortable? Following Angie's conversation with Spencer Jones, this Midweek Momentum explores what the outdoors can teach us about leaving our comfort zones — and why we don't need a mountain, trail, or big adventure to practice being uncomfortable. Discomfort is a capacity we can build. Try something you might suck at. Speak up. Ask for something. Walk into the room where you don't know anyone. Do the thing you'd rather avoid. Because the more willing we are to choose manageable discomfort, the better prepared we may be for the discomfort life chooses for us.
Oct 7
6 min

We often underestimate what we can achieve until we face an unexpected challenge, but adding a little adventure to your life can provide an intentional proving ground for hidden potential. Stepping outside our comfort zone can reveal the best parts of who we are. In today's episode, we explore how adventure can teach resilience, self-reliance, and the art of being present as Angie Callen chats with Spencer Jones, an adventurer who turns outdoor experiences into life lessons. His work focuses on helping leaders and individuals rediscover their capabilities through intentional retreats and outdoor activities. In this episode, we explore: - The transformative power of stepping outside your comfort zone - How adventure challenges self-limiting beliefs - The role of mentors and guides in navigating new experiences - The balance between rest and adventure - Lessons from nature: presence and perspective - The intersection of adventure and leadership development Adventures aren't just thrilling; they're transformative. They teach us resilience, adaptability, and a new way of seeing the world—and ourselves. About Today's Guest: Spencer Jones is a speaker, author, and founder of Jones and Four, helping people live life to the fullest through adventure. His philosophy centers around using challenges to unlock personal growth. Learn more at jonesandfour.com. Remember, life is what you make of it. Choose to seek what challenges and changes you for the better.
Oct 5
34 min

What's something you know about yourself… but somehow keep having to learn again? After three conversations about self-leadership, Angie looks back at what Ebony McNeil, Corinne Crabtree, and Jay Abbasi said when asked what they still have to relearn about themselves — from seeking validation to remembering their own capability to navigating rejection and criticism. Because growth doesn't mean the old thoughts never come back. Sometimes it means recognizing them faster, questioning what no longer serves you, and choosing differently. So, what do you need to unlearn — or maybe just remember?
Sep 30
8 min

What if embracing failure was the key to success? In a world where certainty is a luxury, Jay Abbasi joins us to explore the art of being wrong. This conversation dives deep into resilience and adaptability as necessary tools in both our professional and personal lives. Jay's not new to the concept of change. Moving from a leadership role at Tesla to becoming a coach and speaker, he's mastered the growth born from disruption. This episode is an invitation to redefine failure as a path to insight and potential. In this episode, we explore: - Why humans tend to resist change and the consequences of this resistance - The transformative power of acknowledging our failures - Strategies to develop a mindset that thrives on uncertainty - How our devices may be feeding our fear of being wrong - Jay's personal journey through loss and unexpected hardships - Harnessing boredom as a backdrop for creativity and self-discovery - The true meaning of resilience: balancing energy, space, and choice Life's hurdles are opportunities in disguise, urging us to look beyond our fears. Jay Abbasi's approach to personal growth challenges us to embrace the discomfort of being wrong. Guest Bio: Jay Abbasi is a former leader at Tesla turned speaker and coach, focusing on helping individuals and organizations cultivate resilience and adaptability. He's the founder of Persuade on Purpose and host of the Unstuck podcast, sharing insights on personal and professional development. Discover more about Jay's work through his upcoming book, Unstuck podcast, and SOS newsletter available at jayabbasi.me. Remember, uncomfortable moments are merely steps to a more aligned path. Trust the process, and let the art of being wrong guide you forward.
Sep 28
40 min

Coming off of my conversation with Corinne Crabtree earlier this week has me stopping to look at many of my habits. Where am I self-sabotaging? Where have I given myself too much grace? Where am I being too hard on myself? What's the happy medium!? So many questions as we find the fine line between excuses and punishment...but it's possible. It's possible to be the best version of yourself while also living life a little! Trust me!
Sep 23
5 min

Have you ever felt like you know exactly what you should do, yet find yourself not doing it? In this enlightening episode, join me, Angie Callen, and Corinne Crabtree, as we explore why self-awareness often doesn't lead to self-action. Corinne is renowned for her work in behavior change and weight loss, but her insights go far beyond just the scale. We uncover the complexities of habits, brain function, and the voices in our heads that get in the way. In this episode, we explore: - The critical gap between knowing and doing - How our brain's wiring impacts behavior change - Emotional eating as a metaphor for deeper issues - Strategies for self-coaching and accountability - The importance of small, sustainable changes - Navigating the tension between discipline and self-compassion - Recognizing and challenging unhelpful mental narratives The takeaway? Change isn't about doing a complete life overhaul overnight. It's about managing the stories we tell ourselves and building a foundation of small successes. Corinne Crabtree is not just an expert in weight loss; she's a master of turning thought into action. Her approach involves understanding emotional and mental patterns, making her a guide for anyone seeking purposeful change. You can follow her work and get helpful resources at nobisweightloss.com. Remember, humans still matter—and that starts with you. Take ownership, defy mediocrity, and embark on your journey to change.
Sep 21
44 min

"That's just who I am." But is it? After my conversation with Ebony McNeil about character, accountability, and who we're becoming, I kept thinking about the difference between knowing yourself and deciding you can't change. In this More Work Mondays, I'm digging into the tension between authenticity and growth — and why being yourself doesn't mean every current version of you deserves permanent protection. Plus, I'm introducing something new for this season of No More Mondays: three-episode arcs that let us explore one big idea from different perspectives, with MWM as my chance to reflect on what I'm still thinking about after each conversation. This first arc: self-coaching and learning to lead yourself.
Sep 16
5 min

Who are you becoming in a world that constantly tells you who to be? In this episode, Angie Callen sits down with Ebony McNeil, founder of The Forge, to explore the nuanced journey of self-coaching and identity. Ebony isn't just asking men to become more successful in the classic sense. He's challenging them to be intentional about their growth, dismantling societal expectations, and crafting a future where ownership changes everything. In this episode, we explore: - The impact of societal messages on identity - How social media skews perceptions of manhood - Ways to cultivate positive, realistic imagery of masculinity - The interplay between internal identity and external influence - Tools for defining and reinforcing personal values - The importance of community in personal growth - Ebony's insights on personal validation and self-worth Ebony McNeil is the passionate founder of The Forge, dedicated to fostering intentional growth in men through character, connection, and leadership. You can learn more about him through The Forge's programs and events. Who we become is shaped by both internal reflection and external support. As Ebony and I discussed, the journey is ongoing, but one thing is clear: Humans still matter. Mediocrity is expensive. Ownership changes everything. More on this episode at https://careerbenders.com/episode-273/
Sep 14
42 min

Shannon Arner and her husband Jerry had a successful pet care business — and it was killing them. In 2017, Shannon found herself sitting in the surf on the coast of North Carolina, mentally and physically done. In the weeks that followed, they sold the business, sold the house, sold most of their stuff, and moved into a 500 square foot tiny home on the coast. People thought they'd lost their minds. What they'd actually found was their lives. Shannon is the co-founder of Arner Adventures, a blog and community dedicated to helping others simplify, downsize, and design a life that actually fits them. She joins Angie to talk about the real face of burnout, what the healing period after a major life reset actually looks like, how minimalism reduces mental clutter (not just physical), and how to define adventure on your own terms — even if that just means trying a new restaurant. In this episode: What burnout actually looks like when you've hit the wall How Shannon and Jerry sold everything in 30 days and didn't have a plan The healing period: sunshine, rainbows, and getting to know each other again Minimalism as a mental health tool — physical clutter and mental clutter are connected Defining adventure for yourself (it doesn't require hang gliding) Done is better than perfect — and why waiting for the perfect moment keeps you stuck The 30-day declutter challenge at arneradventures.com Book recommendation: Blue Mind by Wallace J. Nichols Connect with Shannon: Website + free resources: arneradventures.com Also listen: Angie's episode on the Arner Adventures podcast
Aug 10
47 min
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