In today's episode, we delve into the transformative power of self-compassion in leadership with our recurring guest, Massimo Backus—an esteemed executive coach and author of Human First, Leader Second. Together, Andy and Massimo explore why self-compassion is a vital, yet often overlooked, skill for effective leadership, challenging the traditional emphasis on emotional toughness.

Massimo, who has been on the podcast multiple times, brings fresh insights from his new book and shares practical frameworks for incorporating self-compassion into daily leadership practices.

They discuss:

• The challenges leaders face in being kinder to themselves
• How this mindset shift can improve long-term resilience and team dynamics
• The importance of mindfulness, creating mental space, and balancing professional decorum with authenticity

This episode is packed with actionable advice, real-life examples, and the latest research to help leaders at all levels enhance their well-being, performance, and relationships within their organizations. So, whether you’re managing a team or trying to navigate your own career journey, this episode offers invaluable tools for driving sustainable success through self-compassion.

Massimo built his successful executive coaching practice based on the radical idea that self-compassion is a leadership epiphany. It is radical because it is in direct opposition to the traditional leadership orthodoxy that you have to become less of a human to be a better leader. Now through his coaching practice, group facilitation, speaking and the launch of his upcoming book Human First, Leader Second, Massimo is taking his message of self-compassion to the C-suites of the Fortune 1000.

Connect with Andy Storch:

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Connect with Massimo Backus:

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In this bonus Q&A with Brandon, he shares:

1. His proudest moment and biggest failure in his career so far
2. A trend that he is following in Talent Development right now
3. The biggest challenge he sees in Talent Development today
4. Books that have made a big impact on his life
5. One piece of career advice he has for you

Brandon Birkmeyer is a former Coca-Cola and Apple Media Director with over twenty year of experience in marketing at the Big Five advertising agencies in New York City and Los Angeles advising top FORTUNE 100 companies on brand strategy. Brandon also produces and hosts a top-five branding podcast and YouTube channel called Brands On Brands.

in 2024, Brandon wrote the book, Front & Center Leadership - How Leaders Use Personal Branding to Stand Out and How You Can Too, to help corporate employees and entrepreneurs stop getting overlooked and start using their personal brands to stand out in their lives and businesses. Brandon is now a sought-after personal branding coach, author, podcaster, and speaker.

Connect with Andy Storch:

Website

LinkedIn

Join us in the Talent Development Think Tank Community!

Join us at the Talent Development Think Tank Conference

Connect with Brandon Birkmeyer:

LinkedIn

Website

In today's episode, Brandon Birkmeyer shares his expertise on the transformative power of personal branding and its critical role in career advancement.

Brandon discusses:

• The importance of shifting the talent development mindset to include personal growth and self-awareness, alongside traditional job-related skills
• His "four laws of leadership," emphasizing the need for clear goals and intentional actions to build a strong personal brand
• How companies can support employees in building their brands, ultimately leading to greater recognition and success
• Recognizing and overcoming reluctance in leadership
• Practical steps for standing out in corporate environments through effective communication and networking

Brandon Birkmeyer is a former Coca-Cola and Apple Media Director with over twenty year of experience in marketing at the Big Five advertising agencies in New York City and Los Angeles advising top FORTUNE 100 companies on brand strategy. Brandon also produces and hosts a top-five branding podcast and YouTube channel called Brands On Brands.

In 2024, Brandon wrote the book, Front & Center Leadership - How Leaders Use Personal Branding to Stand Out and How You Can Too, to help corporate employees and entrepreneurs stop getting overlooked and start using their personal brands to stand out in their lives and businesses. Brandon is now a sought-after personal branding coach, author, podcaster, and speaker.

Connect with Andy Storch:

Website

LinkedIn

Join us in the Talent Development Think Tank Community!

Join us at the Talent Development Think Tank Conference

Connect with Brandon Birkmeyer:

LinkedIn

Website