Paradigm Shifting Books: Recent Episodes
Stephen H Covey
What are the most important books I should read when it comes to personal and professional development? If you have ever asked yourself that question then you have come to the right podcast where we focus on reviewing 40 essential books everyone should read. Listen to the authors themselves articulate the key paradigms and principles needed to unleash your full potential.
In this episode of Paradigm Shifting Books, hosts Stephen and Britain Covey explore Habit 1, Be Proactive, from their grandfather Stephen R. Covey's The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. Featuring archival audio clips of their grandfather teaching in the 1980s and 90s, this "Power Principle" episode reveals the difference between proactive and reactive living. Dr. Covey shares Viktor Frankl's discovery of the "last human freedom," the power to choose your response to any circumstance, and the story of a nurse who realized she had chosen her own misery and could therefore choose otherwise.
In the second clip, Dr. Covey introduces the Circle of Influence vs. Circle of Concern through the story of Ben, an employee who transformed his organization by focusing on what he could control. Stephen and Britain reflect on why taking responsibility is not daunting but deeply empowering and why this timeless wisdom is more urgent than ever.
Tune in to hear Stephen R. Covey's own voice teach these powerful principles and discover how one simple shift in focus can change everything.
What We Discuss
- [00:00] Introduction
- [00:40] What makes this episode different
- [01:58] Habit 1 explained
- [02:26] The opposite of proactive
- [03:18] Viktor Frankl and the last human freedom
- [05:20] The nurse story: from prison to liberation
- [07:26] Why taking ownership feels daunting but is ultimately empowering
- [08:56] The circle of influence and circle of concern
- [09:19] Where proactive vs. reactive people focus their energy
- [12:00] The story of Ben
- [14:24] Conclusion
Resources
Paradigm Shifting Books
- Podcast
- YouTube
Book
- The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey
Stephen R. Covey
Britain Covey
Stephen H. Covey
Mentioned Episode
- Viktor Frankl – Man’s Search for Meaning
In Part 2 of this episode of Paradigm Shifting Books, hosts Stephen and Britain Covey continue their conversation with their father, Stephen M. R. Covey, bestselling author of The Speed of Trust. Picking up where Part 1 left off, this half dives deeper into what high-trust leadership looks like in practice, from boardrooms to family dinner tables, and why the companies that are already good at trust are the ones most determined to get better at it.
Stephen M. R. Covey walks through real-world examples of organizations that used trust as a performance multiplier, including Frito-Lay's Al Carey and the iconic Doritos Locos Taco partnership with Taco Bell, a billion-dollar product launched without a contract because two CEOs trusted each other completely. He unpacks the five waves of trust and makes the case that everything starts from the inside out, beginning with self-trust.
The episode also gets personal. Stephen and Britain revisit a teenage speeding ticket that became a masterclass in how trust is lost, owned, and rebuilt through behavior, not words. Stephen M. R. Covey shares his own story of having to restore trust with a colleague he had unfairly criticized as CEO, walking through what it actually looks like to behave your way back into a relationship. The episode closes with two immediately actionable takeaways for anyone who wants to increase trust this week.
What We Discuss
- [00:00] Introduction
- [01:30] Why companies that are already good at trust want to get even better
- [02:53] Case study: Frito Lay, Taco Bell, and the billion dollar Doritos Locos Taco
- [08:56] The five waves of trust
- [16:17] Making and keeping commitments to yourself to rebuild self-trust
- [18:13] Rebuilding trust once it's been lost: two paradigm shifts
- [22:50] Britain's teenage speeding ticket story
- [26:56] Stephen M. R. Covey's personal leadership failure
- [32:54] Two practical takeaways to increase trust this week
- [38:59] Closing reflections from Stephen and Britain
Resources
Paradigm Shifting Books
- Podcast
- YouTube
Book
- The Speed of Trust by Stephen M. R. Covey
Stephen M. R. Covey
Britain Covey
Stephen H. Covey
In Part 1 of this 2-part episode of Paradigm Shifting Books, hosts Stephen and Britain Covey sit down with their father, Stephen M. R. Covey, to revisit The Speed of Trust nearly 20 years after it was written. Together, they explore the ideas behind the book, what Stephen M. R. Covey has learned after two decades of teaching trust around the world, and why trust remains one of the most important forces in leadership, business, teams, and relationships.
Stephen M. R. Covey shares how the book grew out of his experience during the merger between Covey Leadership Center and FranklinCovey. Even though both companies had good people and strong values, years of competition created low trust inside the newly combined organization. Decisions slowed down, costs increased, people questioned motives, and the team became more internally focused than customer focused. That experience helped him see that trust is not just a social virtue, but a measurable economic force.
The conversation unpacks two major paradigm shifts at the heart of The Speed of Trust: trust is financial, not just social, and trust is learnable. Stephen M. R. Covey explains how leaders and teams can intentionally build trust through credibility, behavior, language, frameworks, and practical action. Stephen and Britain also connect these ideas to sports, football, the Los Angeles Rams, and high-performing teams, showing why trust changes everything and why it can be built on purpose.
What We Discuss
- 00:00 - Introduction
- 00:43 - Revisiting The Speed of Trust with Stephen M. R. Covey
- 08:18 - Why Trust Became Stephen M. R. Covey’s Life Work
- 10:47 - The Big Shift: Trust Is Financial, Not Just Social
- 12:36 - The Second Shift: Trust Is a Learnable Skill
- 21:16 - What Sports Teams Reveal About High and Low Trust
- 22:37 - The Backup Quarterback Test for Trust
- 23:48 - Why Talent Alone Is Never Enough
- 25:28 - The Power of Talent and Trust Together
Notable Quotes
- [11:55] "Trust is financial, not just social. There's a business case for trust, and it's a compelling case." — Stephen M. R. Covey
- [12:55] “Trust is learnable. It’s a learnable skill. It’s a learnable competency.” – Stephen M.R. Covey
- [18:39] "Trust is the one thing that changes everything." — Stephen M. R. Covey
Resources
Paradigm Shifting Books
- Podcast
- YouTube
Book
- The Speed of Trust by Stephen M. R. Covey
Stephen M. R. Covey
Britain Covey
Stephen H. Covey
In this episode of Paradigm Shifting Books, hosts Stephen Covey and Britain Covey dive into Daniel Pink's groundbreaking book Drive, which challenges everything we think we know about what motivates people. They explore why the traditional "carrot and stick" approach to motivation works for some tasks but actively undermines the kind of complex, creative work that defines most of what we do today. Drawing on decades of social science research, Pink lays out a compelling framework for understanding what truly drives human performance.
Stephen and Britain reflect on how these ideas apply far beyond the office, from NFL locker rooms to families to personal growth. Britain shares a vivid story from his time as a scout team player in the NFL, illustrating how a simple moment of recognition from a coach unlocked a sense of purpose he had not felt before. Stephen ties the book's core principles, autonomy, mastery, and purpose, directly to leadership, noting that when leaders design environments around these three drivers, motivation follows naturally. This episode is a must listen for anyone who leads a team, raises a family, or simply wants to understand what makes us do our best work.
What We Discuss
- [00:00] Introduction
- [00:35] Why Dan Wrote Drive
- [02:11] Carrots Sticks Problem
- [04:10] If Then Rewards: When They Work and When They Don't
- [06:43] Money as a Threshold Motivator, Not the Whole Story
- [13:09] Autonomy, Mastery, and Purpose: The Three Core Motivators
- [16:00] NFL Story on Purpose
- [18:33] Connecting Drive to Leadership, Sports, and Life
- [21:05] Resume Virtues vs. Eulogy Virtues: Redefining Success
Notable Quotes
- [04:30] "If-then rewards are very effective for simple tasks with short time horizons." – Daniel Pink
- [06:17] "The problem with if-then rewards is not the reward, it's the contingency, the if-thenness of it. Because if-thenness is a form of control." – Daniel Pink
- [08:37] "The best use of money as a motivator is to pay people enough to take the issue of money off the table." – Daniel Pink
- [13:14] "Once you're through the threshold, there are three core motivators for long-term performance on complex tasks: autonomy, mastery, and purpose." – Daniel Pink
- [22:59] "Find something you care about and get really good at it, because the act of getting good at something you care about is inherently satisfying." – Daniel Pink
Resources
Paradigm Shifting Books
- Podcast
- YouTube
Book
- Drive by Daniel Pink
Daniel Pink
- Website
- YouTube
Britain Covey
Stephen H. Covey
In this episode of Paradigm Shifting Books, hosts Stephen and Britain Covey take a deeper dive into one of the foundational ideas behind The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: the maturity continuum. Building on their recent conversation with Dan Coyle about flourishing and human connection, they explore the progression from dependence to independence to interdependence, and why so much of modern self-improvement culture stops short of the ultimate goal. Drawing directly from the teachings of Stephen R. Covey, they unpack why independence is often celebrated as the highest form of growth, even though life itself is inherently interconnected.
Stephen and Britain reflect on how these ideas apply to leadership, relationships, teamwork, and personal fulfillment. They discuss the dangers of victim thinking, the rise of hyper-individualism, and the growing appeal of “monk mode” culture in a world that increasingly rewards isolation and self-focus. Through personal stories, sports analogies, and timeless insights from The 7 Habits, they make the case that true flourishing happens not in separation from others, but through meaningful collaboration, trust, and shared growth. This episode is a powerful reminder that independence is not the final destination of maturity, but the foundation that allows us to fully thrive together.
What We Discuss
- [00:00] Introduction
- [01:43] The maturity continuum explained
- [02:13] Dependence: the starting point
- [02:58] Independence: personal responsibility and discipline
- [03:55] Interdependence: the highest level of the continuum
- [05:25] Reading from The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: the limits of independence
- [10:16] Self-reflection: where are you on the maturity continuum?
- [11:13] The role of “monk mode” and private victories
- [13:08] Modern life: isolation vs. interdependence
- [14:53] Conclusion
Notable Quotes
- [03:41] "Independence is the paradigm of I can do it, right? I am responsible, I am self-reliant, I can choose." – Britain Covey
- [10:03] "Strength is found in differences more than it is in similarities in a relationship." – Britain Covey
- [13:02] "Growth doesn't stop at independence. That's really just the foundation." – Stephen Covey
- [10:56] "Interdependence is a choice only independent people can make." – Stephen R. Covey
Resources
Paradigm Shifting Books
- Podcast
- YouTube
Book
- The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey
Britain Covey
Stephen H. Covey
Mentioned Episode
Why We Need Other People to Become Our Best Selves (Part 1) with Daniel Coyle
In Part 2 of their conversation on Paradigm Shifting Books, hosts Stephen and Britain Covey dive deeper with bestselling author Dan Coyle into the practical, human side of flourishing. Dan reveals why being a great teammate is actually the highest form of leadership, shares his kids' brilliant insight that "annoyance is the price of community," and explains how AI for all its power can't ask a single good question.
The episode is filled with personal stories, from Britain's NFL experience helping a competitor to Dan's upcoming "battle of the bands" with his dad friends in Brooklyn. They close with two simple but profound questions anyone can ask to start flourishing this week: Who do I feel most alive with? and What am I helping to grow?
Tune in to hear the full conversation and discover how to start flourishing today.
What We Discuss
- [02:25] Guardrails and Freedom: Why Living Systems Need Space to Breathe
- [05:21] The Elite Teammate Move: Looking Around for Someone to Help
- [10:30] Annoyance Is the Price of Community
- [13:30] AI and the Humanist Revival: What Artificial Intelligence Reveals About Us
- [15:41] Why Flourish Is Dan's Most Personal Book
- [18:06] Stupid Stuff With Friends: The Unexpected Gift of the Book
- [20:20] Red Doors, Green Doors, and Yellow Doors
- [21:35] Where to Start: Two Questions That Audit Your Flourishing
Notable Quotes
- [06:20] " When there's a good leader, people say, oh, what a good leader. When there's a great leader, the people say, we did it ourselves.'" – Dan Coyle
- [10:34] "Annoyance is the price of community. And community is the only way you're gonna be saved." – Dan Coyle
- [21:37] "Who do I feel most alive with? And what am I helping to grow? Those two questions are a little spotlight, a little auditing you can do of your world." – Dan Coyle
Resources
Paradigm Shifting Books
- Podcast
- YouTube
Book
- Flourishby Dan Coyle
Dan Coyle
- Website
- Books: The Talent Code, The Culture Code
Britain Covey
Stephen H. Covey
In this episode of Paradigm Shifting Books, hosts Stephen and Britain Covey sit down with bestselling author Dan Coyle, whose books The Talent Code and The Culture Code have already reshaped how we think about individual growth and team dynamics. Now, with his latest book, Flourish, Dan takes an even bigger step, exploring not just how we perform or collaborate, but how we build truly meaningful lives and communities. At the heart of it all is a radical reframe: flourishing isn't something you achieve alone. It's mutual, shared, and rooted in connection.
Stephen and Britain reflect on how Dan's ideas echo their grandfather's concept of the maturity continuum, the journey from dependence to independence to interdependence, and how Flourish makes the case that interdependence, not independence, is the real destination. Dan shares vivid stories from his research, including the miraculous survival of the 33 Chilean miners, the New England Patriots' Super Bowl run, and a $90 million deli ecosystem in Ann Arbor, to illustrate how questions, pauses, and shared vulnerability unlock something in people that answers and productivity never can. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who wants to move from self-improvement to shared flourishing in their teams, families, and everyday lives.
What We Discuss
- [00:00] Introduction
- [02:09] What Does It Mean to Flourish? Redefining Success
- [04:28] The Backpack of Individualism and How to Put It Down
- [05:45] Task Attention vs. Relational Attention: The Toggle Switch in Your Brain
- [07:39] Why Questions Unite and Answers Drive People Apart
- [10:31] Life as Treasure Creation, Not a Treasure Hunt
- [11:11] The Four H Exercise and the New England Patriots
- [22:01] Lessons from the Chilean Miners
- [26:21] Embracing the Beautiful Mess
Notable Quotes
- [02:10] "The scientific definition of flourishing would be: joyful, meaningful, growth shared. And the piece that surprised me was that last word." – Dan Coyle
- [08:01] "The places that really end up flourishing are ones that are able to really dig into deep questions and create space for people to circle up and explore those questions together." – Dan Coyle
- [23:52] "Paradigm shifts only happen with questions. They never happen with answers." – Dan Coyle
- [27:36] "If you're gonna have a system that's alive, imperfection should be celebrated. If you're doing it all a hundred percent perfectly, you're not doing it right." – Dan Coyle
Resources
Paradigm Shifting Books
- Podcast
- YouTube
Book
- Flourishby Dan Coyle
Dan Coyle
- Website
- Books: The Talent Code, The Culture Code
Britain Covey
Stephen H. Covey
Happy New Year! In this special episode of Paradigm Shifting Books, hosts Stephen and Britain Covey revisit a foundational principle from their grandfather, Stephen R. Covey, to set the tone for the year: "Life is not about accumulation, it is about contribution."
Moving beyond typical New Year's resolutions focused on achievement and acquisition, Stephen and Britain explore why shifting your focus to giving rather than getting is the key to deeper happiness and lasting fulfillment. They unpack the difference between "Primary Greatness" (character, integrity, contribution) and "Secondary Greatness" (titles, fame, fortune), explaining that while pursuing external success is not wrong, building a life on the bedrock of contribution is what makes success meaningful and enduring.
Britain shares a powerful personal story from the NFL, highlighting how veteran teammate Brandon Graham consciously fights a culture of transactional relationships by contributing to every new player. This serves as a model for choosing connection over comparison in any environment. Stephen reflects on a recent family experience serving at a local ministry, which recentered him on what truly matters as a parent.
Backed by research from Harvard, UCLA, and thinkers like Adam Grant, this conversation is a timely reset for anyone feeling the pressure to constantly achieve and acquire. It is a call to find greater joy in 2026 by focusing on the unseen, noble work of contributing to the people right in front of you.
What We Discuss
- [00:00] Introduction to Paradigm Shifting Books
- [00:57] Contribution over accumulation: a core principle
- [02:00] Research and studies supporting contribution
- [03:46] Primary vs. secondary greatness
- [04:46] Personal reflections on contribution
- [07:02] NFL insights: Brandon Graham's example
- [14:44] Family and community contributions
- [17:29] Conclusion and reflections for the new year
Notable Quotes
- [01:17] “Life is not about accumulation. It’s about contribution.” – Stephen R. Covey
- [04:02] “You can have secondary greatness without primary greatness, but it won’t last.” – Stephen R. Covey
- [05:24] “My happiness is greatly affected when I live out of a desire for contribution more than accumulation.” – Britain Covey
- [06:57] “ You don't have to be an extrovert to have contribution to other people.” – Britain Covey
Resources
Paradigm Shifting Books
- Podcast
- YouTube
Britain Covey
Stephen H. Covey
In this episode of Paradigm Shifting Books, hosts Stephen and Britain Covey explore Disrupt Yourself with the author herself, Whitney Johnson, to discuss the powerful framework for understanding personal growth, career evolution, and why progress often feels uncomfortable before it feels rewarding. Drawing on Clayton Christensen’s theory of disruptive innovation, Whitney applies the same principles used to explain market shifts to individual lives, revealing how meaningful growth requires intentional disruption.
Stephen reflects on why this episode is especially timely, inviting listeners to use moments of pause, like the holiday season, to reflect on where they are in their careers and lives. Through Whitney’s explanation of the S-curve of learning, the conversation unpacks why starting something new feels slow and discouraging, why momentum eventually accelerates, and why mastery can quietly become a trap. Growth, they explain, is not linear, it is cyclical.
The episode also dives into the seven accelerants that move people up the S-curve, including taking the right risks, embracing constraints, stepping back to grow, and reframing failure as a tool rather than a verdict. Whitney shares deeply personal stories from her time on Wall Street and her decision to disrupt her own career, offering a model for navigating change with courage and clarity.
This conversation is a must-listen for anyone feeling stuck, restless, or ready for their next chapter, and for leaders seeking to better understand how growth unfolds in themselves and others.
What We Discuss
- [00:00] Introduction
- [00:36] Holiday Reflection
- [01:33] Disrupt Yourself by Whitney Johnson
- [03:17] The S-Curve of Learning
- [08:15] Applying the S-Curve to Personal Growth
- [12:34] Seven Variables for Growth
- [16:08] Embracing Failure as a Tool for Growth
Notable Quotes
- [05:34] “Disruption isn’t just about products, it’s about people.” – Whitney Johnson
- [05:38] “If I'm going to accomplish what I feel I need to in life, I may need to disrupt myself.”– Whitney Johnson
- [09:13] “Every time I start something new, I am at the base of the S-curve, and growth is happening but it's not yet apparent.”– Whitney Johnson
- [10:56] “ When you know where you are, you increase your capacity to grow. You orient yourself and so that can impact you, and it can help you grow the people around you. So the S-curve is basically telling you where you are on the mountain..” – Whitney Johnson
- [16:46] “ Failure and mistakes are not actually the problem.It's the shame that we associate with the mistakes.” – Whitney Johnson
Resources
Paradigm Shifting Books
- Podcast
- YouTube
Book
- Disrupt Yourself by Whitney Johnson
Whitney Johnson
- Website
Britain Covey
Stephen H. Covey
In this episode of Paradigm Shifting Books, Stephen and Britain Covey return to the foundational principles behind Michael Bungay Stanier’s bestselling book The Coaching Habit. Building on their previous conversation about The Advice Trap, they unpack why most people jump too quickly into giving answers and how learning to “stay curious longer” transforms leadership, mentoring, and everyday conversations.
Stephen walks through the seven core coaching questions that form the backbone of Michael’s work, explaining how these simple prompts help leaders shift from advice givers to effective guides. Britain brings a unique perspective from the world of professional sports, reflecting on what great coaching looks like in high-pressure environments and why the best coaches help players discover insights for themselves.
Together, they explore how these seven questions create clarity, empower others, and strengthen relationships, whether in the workplace, on the field, or at home. This episode is a practical, wisdom-packed guide for anyone who wants to influence others in a more meaningful and effective way.
What We Discuss
- [00:00] Introduction
- [00:46] Overview of Michael Bungay Stanier’s books
- [01:51] The seven coaching questions
- [03:13] Brit’s perspective: Athlete’s perspective on coaching
- [05:27] Guiding others to their own solutions
- [07:20] Applying coaching in leadership
- [08:13] When direct advice is needed
Notable Quotes
- [01:22] " The main principle is this, which is to stay curious longer and to rush to advice a little more slowly." – Stephen
- [02:49] " Literally, if you just ask these questions, then you automatically are, in a way, like a pretty effective coach." – Stephen
- [05:12] I've always loved that concept of like, in order for you to influence someone, you almost have to help them come up with this idea or their own version of it organically.” – Britain
- [05:27] “ All these questions, they’re a guide to help other people come up with their own solutions. Because those solutions will always stick more.”– Britain
Resources
Paradigm Shifting Books
- Podcast
- YouTube
Book
- The Coaching Habit by Michael Bungay Stanier
- The Advice Trap by Michael Bungay Stanier
Britain Covey
Stephen H. Covey
In this episode of Paradigm Shifting Books, hosts Stephen and Britain Covey explore Michael Bungay Stanier’s transformative work, The Advice Trap, a companion to his earlier book, The Coaching Habit. Michael delves into the concept of the “Advice Monster,” explaining how the impulse to offer quick solutions often leads to ineffective problem-solving. Instead, he advocates for staying curious longer to encourage deeper understanding and foster self-sufficiency in others. This approach not only enhances leadership and coaching skills but also improves personal relationships and parenting.
Throughout the episode, Michael breaks down the three types of advice monsters: Tell It, Save It, and Control It, and offers practical tips on how to tame them. By shifting the focus from providing answers to asking the right questions, you’ll learn how to empower others to think critically and solve problems on their own. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to improve their coaching, leadership, and communication skills, especially in work environments, parenting, or coaching settings.
What We Discuss
- [00:00] Introduction
- [03:50] Three types of advice monsters and how they manifest in everyday life
- [07:40] How giving advice too quickly leads to solving the wrong problem
- [12:18] The art of asking questions instead of offering solutions
- [15:01] How the advice trap shows up in parenting, and how space can empower others
- [19:13] Why seeking control prevents growth and what true empowerment looks like
Notable Quotes
- [03:25] "The advice monster is a sneaky impulse that wants to jump in with answers before we truly understand what’s going on." – Michael Bungay Stanier
- [10:29] "We all rush to solve problems, but sometimes the first problem isn’t even the real problem." – Michael Bungay Stanier
- [12:00] "Advice is everywhere, but what people really need is space to think and explore for themselves." – Michael Bungay Stanier
- [19:13] "The act of listening to understand is not about being smart, it’s about giving up control and empowering the other person." – Michael Bungay Stanier
Resources
Paradigm Shifting Books
- Podcast
- YouTube
Book
- The Advice Trap by Michael Bungay Stanier
Michael Bungay Stanier
- Website
Britain Covey
Stephen H. Covey
In this episode of Paradigm Shifting Books, Stephen and Britain Covey dive into the profound teachings of Viktor Frankl, the legendary Austrian psychiatrist and Holocaust survivor. This episode marks the first in the Legendary Series, where the two highlight timeless authors whose ideas have had a lasting impact. Frankl’s Man’s Search for Meaning serves as the foundation for a deep exploration of how suffering can be endured when individuals find meaning in it.
Frankl’s insights are especially relevant in today’s world, as they demonstrate that even in the darkest circumstances, the human spirit has the power to choose its response. He shows that purpose can provide a lifeline through suffering. Whether navigating personal challenges or seeking deeper fulfillment, Frankl’s wisdom offers transformative guidance.
This episode explores two of the most impactful paradigms from Frankl’s work, examining the power of personal freedom in choosing one’s response and the essential role that meaning plays in survival.
What We Discuss
- [00:00] – Introduction to the Legendary Series
- [02:34] – Who is Viktor Frankl?
- [03:24] – The Freedom to Choose Your Attitude
- [06:42] – The Power of the Gap Between Stimulus and Response
- [13:10] – Finding Meaning in Suffering
- [15:04] – The Importance of Action
Notable Quotes
- [05:08] " Everything can be taken from a man, but one thing, the last of the human freedoms. To choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances to choose one's own way." – Viktor Frankl
- [07:44] "The most beautiful thing about the human condition is that there’s a space in between stimulus and response. In that gap lies our freedom and our growth." – Britain Covey
- [17:19] ”This book is a way that can help you realize that there is a meaning, there is a purpose for you in this life. There is something unique for you that only you can do.” – Stephen H. Covey
Resources
Paradigm Shifting Books
- Podcast
- YouTube
Book
- Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl
Britain Covey
Stephen H. Covey
In this episode of Paradigm Shifting Books, hosts Stephen and Britain Covey dive into the fascinating science behind how habits quietly shape almost half of what we do each day. Joined by The Power of Habit author Charles Duhigg, they explore how cues, routines, and rewards work together to create powerful loops in the brain. By understanding how these loops operate, we can start to take real control over them.
Stephen and Britain unpack the “Golden Rule of Habit Change” and explain why relying on willpower alone often doesn’t work. They emphasize that habits can’t simply be erased; they need to be replaced with something new. To bring the science to life, they share personal stories, like Britain’s candy jar detours and how simple tools like phone-locking devices can make a real difference.
They also connect Duhigg’s research to the ideas in The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People and Atomic Habits, showing how these three books build on one another. This episode is a practical and inspiring listen for anyone who wants to build better habits, break old patterns, and take back control of their daily routines.
What We Discuss
- [00:00] Introduction
- [00:34] The science of habits
- [02:34] "The Power of Habit" and foundational habit books
- [06:57] Why Charles Duhigg wrote "The Power of Habit"
- [09:18] The challenge of changing habits
- [12:09] The habit loop: cue, routine, reward
- [20:58] Awareness as the first step to change
- [24:43] The golden rule of habit change
Notable Quotes
- [21:25] "You can’t erase a habit. You can only replace it." – Charles Duhigg
- [06:25] "We all have these little habits. And some of them are positive, some negative, and some neutral." – Britain Covey
- [11:30] "Under pressure, you don’t rise to the level of your goals, you fall to the level of your habits." – Stephen Covey
Resources
Paradigm Shifting Books
- Podcast
- YouTube
Book
- The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg
- The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey
- Atomic Habits by James Clear
Charles Duhigg
- Website
Britain Covey
Stephen H. Covey
In this episode of Paradigm Shifting Books, Stephen and Britain Covey explore a core principle from Dr. Craig Manning’s The Fearless Mind, how to turn fear into focus. Drawing from Dr. Manning’s work with Olympians, NBA champions, and top business leaders, they unpack the truth that fear cannot be eliminated but it can be reframed and redirected.
Britain opens up about one of the most pressure-filled experiences in sports: returning punts in the NFL before a stadium of 80,000 fans. He shares a deeply personal poem, Your Bravest Self, written as a reminder that courage is not the absence of fear, but the choice to move forward despite it. Together, they discuss how learning to carry fear rather than silence it, can unlock calm, clarity, and confidence.
They close with three simple, actionable steps inspired by Dr. Manning’s teachings: breathe, anchor, and act. They explain how these can help anyone, whether you are facing a high-stakes meeting, a big presentation, or a defining moment in life.
Tune in to discover how to reframe fear as your invitation to focus and perform at your best when it matters most.
What We Discuss
- [00:00] Introduction
- [00:17] Turning fear into focus from The Fearless Mind
- [02:22] Britain’s real-life experience facing fear in the NFL
- [04:33] The poem “Your Bravest Self” and its meaning
- [08:19] Redirecting fear
- [10:02] Three steps to turn fear into focus
- [11:51] Free throw routine analogy
Notable Quotes
- [01:33] “You can't eliminate fear, but you can train your mind to handle it differently.” — Stephen
- [08:17] “It's okay to feel fear. Stop trying to silence it, stop trying to get rid of it. You just redirect it.” — Britain
- [09:00] “'I think the best version of you is the one who feels all the fear and the struggle and still goes through it.” — Britain
- [14:07] “Do not see fear as your enemy. It's your invitation to focus.” — Stephen
- [10:47] “I literally reminded myself when I was feeling the fear to take a deep breath, anchor myself, and then take action.”— Stephen
Resources
Paradigm Shifting Books
- Podcast
- YouTube
Books
- The Fearless Mind by Dr. Craig Manning
- The Man in the Arena speech by Theodore Roosevelt
Britain Covey
Stephen H. Covey
In this episode of Paradigm Shifting Books, hosts Stephen and Britain Covey are joined by leadership expert Liz Wiseman, author of ‘Multipliers’. Together, they dive into the powerful principles that distinguish "multipliers", leaders who amplify the intelligence and abilities of others, from "diminishers," who, despite good intentions, unknowingly hold people back. Liz shares her research and experiences, revealing how leadership can either bring out brilliance or unintentionally stifle growth. This conversation highlights how these concepts can apply not only in the workplace but also in teams, families, and everyday life.
Stephen and Britain reflect on how these insights have shaped their own approaches to leadership. They discuss the importance of seeing potential in others and creating environments where people feel empowered to contribute their best. Stephen points out that it's not about being the smartest leader, but about finding ways to help others shine, while Britain shares how creating space for both safety and challenge is key to unlocking peak performance. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to foster growth, collaboration, and leadership in all areas of life.
What We Discuss
- [00:00] Introduction
- [01:23] The Power of Contributorship
- [04:10] Multipliers vs. Diminishers
- [13:35] Safety and Stretch: The Core of Leadership
- [20:10] The Importance of Viewing Genius in Others
- [22:36] Contribution over Competition
Notable Quotes
- [06:34] "Sometimes really, really smart people don't make the best managers." – Liz Wiseman
- [24:59] "People want to come to work every day wanting to contribute everything that they have." – Liz Wiseman
- [15:37] "What these leaders do is they create an environment where people feel safe, but then they create stretch." – Liz Wiseman
- [24:20] "Multipliers believe people are smart, and there is a way they are smart. It's my job to find it and use it." – Liz Wiseman
Resources
Paradigm Shifting Books
- Podcast
- YouTube
Book
- Multipliers by Liz Wiseman
Liz Wiseman
- The Wiseman Group Website
Britain Covey
Stephen H. Covey
In this episode, Stephen and Britain Covey focus on one transformative principle from Greg McKeown’s Essentialism, the 1-2-3 Method. This simple yet profound system is designed to help you cut through distractions and live each day with greater clarity and purpose.
The 1-2-3 Method encourages you to choose one essential project to focus on deeply, two urgent and essential tasks that must be completed to stay on track, and three maintenance items that prevent life from spiraling into chaos. Stephen and Britain explore how this daily practice can bring structure to even the busiest schedules.
Hear how Britain naturally experiences the 1-2-3 rhythm as a professional athlete through practice, film study, and recovery. Stephen shares how he applies the method both in his work life and on weekends with family, demonstrating that it works in every setting, from corporate offices to family trips to Disneyland.
They also address why some critics dismiss the method as “too simple,” and explain why simplicity itself is the secret to its power in a world overloaded with notifications, meetings, and demands. By linking the 1-2-3 Method to James Clear’s Atomic Habits, they show how building the right system helps you succeed even on your hardest days.
Tune in and discover how the 1-2-3 Method can help you design your day and lead your life with clarity and purpose.
What We Discuss
- [00:00] Introduction to Paradigm Shifting Books
- [00:36] Today’s focus: the 1-2-3 method from Essentialism
- [01:55] Explaining the 1-2-3 method
- [04:25] Applying the 1-2-3 method in sports
- [08:50] Real-life examples of the 1-2-3 method
- [13:45] Final thoughts and challenge to listeners
Notable Quotes
- [00:06:35] “Our schedule is naturally built out for us around this 1, 2, 3 method. In life, I feel like it's a lot harder because we wanna say yes to everything. There's so much gray area in life and we wanna say yes to everything.” — Britain Covey
- [00:08:25] “If you don't do something like this, and if you're not intentional in the morning when you plan your day, then your day will absolutely be hijacked by other people.” — Stephen Covey
- [00:11:14] “What's my number one priority today? It's to be present with my kids. That is the number one thing for this Saturday.” — Stephen Covey
- [00:12:35] “Even for non-work days, you feel like you apply this method.” — Britain Covey
- [00:13:13] “If you implement some kind of intentional planning system like this in the morning, even on a bad day and you just fall to the level of your base system, you're gonna have a much better day than if you just kind of throw your hands up and say, well, today's out the window.” — Stephen Covey
Resources
Paradigm Shifting Books
- Podcast
- YouTube
Books
- Essentialism by Greg McKeown
- Atomic Habits by James Clear
Britain Covey
Stephen H. Covey
In Part 2 of our conversation with social psychologist and best-selling author Amy Cuddy, we delve deeper into the transformative science of presence and its impact on our confidence, success, and personal growth. Known for her groundbreaking TED Talk and book Presence, Amy shares the power of body language and its profound impact on our emotional states and performance. From power poses to overcoming self-doubt, this episode explores practical tools for embracing your personal power, connecting authentically, and overcoming life's challenges with unshakable confidence.
Tune in to discover how small changes in posture and mindset can help you tap into your fullest potential when it matters most, whether in the boardroom, on stage, or in daily life. Amy's insights on how our bodies influence our minds and the world around us will leave you empowered to take on any challenge with poise and assurance.
What We Discuss:
- [00:00] Introduction to the Science of Presence
- [03:00] The concept of power posing and how it affects both our internal confidence and how we are perceived by others.
- [08:40] Amy discusses how power posing has made its way into popular media, from Ted Lasso to Grey's Anatomy, and what these portrayals teach us about confidence.
- [13:06] Practical ways to apply power posing and mental visualization techniques in everyday situations to boost personal power.
- [19:09] Amy reflects on the societal struggle with self-doubt and confidence, offering insights on how we can reconnect with our authentic selves to cultivate true inner power.
- [28:11] Amy shares a practical exercise to help listeners identify their core values and affirm their true selves for greater confidence and reduced stress.
Notable Quotes:
- [25:59] - “Presence is about getting people to a place where they really see each other and can affirm them in that way.” - Amy Cuddy
- [26:18] - “When we are present with somebody else, we invite them to be present with us. Genuine attention is so rare, and it’s a gift we can give.” - Amy Cuddy
- [13:26] - “Confidence isn’t about being perfect. It’s about owning who you are, flaws and all, and embracing the power you already have within you.” - Amy Cuddy
- [20:59] - “To avoid criticism, do nothing. But when you’re focused on growth, even mistakes become part of your progress.” - Amy Cuddy
Resources
Paradigm Shifting Books
- Podcast
- YouTube
Book
- Presence: Bringing Your Boldest Self to Your Biggest Challenges
Amy Cuddy
- Website
Britain Covey
Stephen H. Covey
- X
In this first part of a two-part conversation, Amy Cuddy, renowned social psychologist and author of Presence: Bringing Your Boldest Self to Your Biggest Challenges, joins Stephen and Britain Covey to explore the powerful concept of presence. Amy delves into how our ability to bring our authentic, best selves to high-stakes situations, whether it’s a job interview, public speaking, or even sports, can drastically shift our confidence and performance. Drawing on years of research, she explains how presence is not a permanent state but a skill we can develop in order to show up with calm, composure, and confidence when it matters most.
Through engaging discussions, Amy shares actionable insights into how we can all embrace our bravest selves during stressful moments, access authentic self-affirmations, and overcome the paralyzing effects of self-doubt and hyperawareness. This episode also explores the science behind self-affirmation theory and how small but powerful mental shifts can improve performance in unrelated challenges. Tune in to discover how cultivating personal power and agency can turn every challenge into an opportunity for growth and success.
What We Discuss:
- [00:00] Introduction
- [01:57] Defining Presence: Being your authentic self in high-stakes situations
- [07:04] The role of confidence in preparation: Gaining confidence through training and practice
- [14:43] Over-preparation and its pitfalls: Finding the balance between preparation and mindset
- [19:52] How self-affirmation theory impacts performance, even in unrelated situations
- [29:41] The impact of hyperawareness: How to overcome distractions and perform at your best
Notable Quotes:
- [02:31] "Presence is about our ability to access and bring forth our authentic, best selves in our most challenging situations." – Amy Cuddy
- [15:25] "We often have to stop preparing the content or the skill and start preparing our mindset." – Amy Cuddy
- [29:14] "If we get hung up on what we didn’t do well, we’re less likely to be present the next time." – Amy Cuddy
- [08:58] "Confidence is not about tricking yourself; it’s about getting out of your own way." – Amy Cuddy
Resources
Paradigm Shifting Books
- Podcast
- YouTube
Book
- Presence: Bringing Your Boldest Self to Your Biggest Challenges
Amy Cuddy
- Website
Britain Covey
Stephen H. Covey
- X
In this episode of Paradigm Shifting Books, hosts Stephen and Britain Covey continue their thought-provoking conversation with Dr. Craig Manning, author of ‘The Fearless Mind’. In this second part, Dr. Manning expands on how understanding your core identity and staying true to your strengths is the key to unlocking consistent high performance in any area of life. This episode digs deep into the concept of "task orientation" vs. "ego orientation" and how to shift your mindset for success.
Dr. Manning, a performance psychologist, provides a masterclass on building mental resilience, explains the profound impact of fear on human performance, and gives practical advice for overcoming insecurity in both professional and personal contexts. Whether you’re an athlete, a business leader, or someone looking to improve everyday performance, the principles discussed here are universally applicable.
What We Discuss:
- [00:00] Introduction
- [00:17] How task-oriented focus leads to better performance
- [01:41] Trust is earned through competence, not titles
- [05:08] How staying present and focused on tasks reduces anxiety and improves performance
- [15:11] How to overcome insecurity and trust yourself more deeply
- [17:39] Why focusing on the process, not the outcome, is essential for sustained success
- [18:26] Dr. Manning’s final advice on embracing your strengths and continuing the journey to self-improvement
Notable Quotes:
- [00:06:45] “When you know who you are and you trust yourself, you don’t care what others think, you just perform.” — Dr. Craig Manning
- [00:10:29] “Fear is a concept we create. The opposite is learning. A learning mentality opens up new possibilities.” — Dr. Craig Manning
- [00:13:42] “Focus on the process, not the outcome. The outcome will take care of itself when you execute the process well.” — Dr. Craig Manning
- [00:19:08] “Flow state is a superpower. Knowing who you are is the gateway to unlocking it.” — Dr. Craig Manning
Resources
Paradigm Shifting Books
- Podcast
- YouTube
Book
- The Fearless Mind: 5 Steps to Achieving Peak Performance
Dr. Craig Manning
- Website
Britain Covey
Stephen H. Covey
- X
In this episode of Paradigm Shifting Books, hosts Stephen and Britain Covey begin a powerful two-part conversation with Dr. Craig Manning, author of The Fearless Mind. Part 1 unpacks why knowing who you truly are and unapologetically embracing your strengths is the foundation of consistent high performance.
Dr. Manning shares his journey from athlete to performance psychologist, explains why he reframed “high performance” as human performance, and reveals how to build skills around your unique strengths instead of chasing someone else’s path. From the science of confidence to stories of elite athletes like Giannis Antetokounmpo scoring 50 points in the NBA Finals, this conversation makes mental performance training both practical and inspiring.
The episode also highlights how the same principles apply outside of sports, in business, leadership, and everyday life. Because at its core, high performance isn’t about outcomes, it’s about identity.
If you’ve ever felt the weight of comparison, pressure from authority figures, or uncertainty about your strengths, this episode offers a new framework to unlock your potential.
What We Discuss
- [00:00] Introduction
- [01:27] Why Dr. Manning wrote The Fearless Mind and how it began as a personal project
- [08:18] Giannis Antetokounmpo’s “unapologetically ourselves” mindset before scoring 50 in the NBA Finals
- [11:19] Why comparison leads to insecurity and how to break free from it
- [22:32] Generational shifts: why Gen Z thinks differently and how collaboration beats hierarchy
- [30:39] Why trying to be someone you’re not sabotages performance
- [32:05] The power of owning your lane in a collaborative, commitment-based culture
Notable Quotes
- [00:08:54] “When you know who you are and you trust yourself, you don’t care what others think—you just perform.” — Dr. Craig Manning
- [00:11:37] “Comparison leads to insecurities. Insecurities lead to needing approval. And needing approval destroys confidence.” — Dr. Craig Manning
- [00:14:42] “The key to success is not being a stereotype. It’s being the best version of yourself.” — Dr. Craig Manning
- [00:22:07] “Your identity is here in the present. Too many people live out in the future, and that future never arrives.” — Dr. Craig Manning
Resources
Paradigm Shifting Books
- Podcast
- YouTube
Book
- The Fearless Mind: 5 Steps to Achieving Peak Performance
Dr. Craig Manning
- Website
Britain Covey
Stephen H. Covey
- X
Despite rapid changes in the workplace and technological advancements, many leaders continue to rely on outdated “command and control” methods.
In this episode of Paradigm Shifting Books, hosts Stephen and Britain Covey continue their powerful conversation with their father, Stephen M. R. Covey, about his groundbreaking book Trust and Inspire. Part 2 of the discussion dives even deeper into how leaders can shift their mindset, their language, and their relationships to become the kind of leader people actually want to follow.
Stephen explores the difference between managing things and leading people, the practical application of stewardship agreements, and how even in moments of pressure, when our “style gets in the way of our intent”, we can choose to lead with trust and inspiration. From stories about Steve Jobs and Lin-Manuel Miranda to personal family experiences, this conversation makes Trust and Inspire practical, relatable, and transformational.
The episode also highlights how trust and inspire leadership apply far beyond the workplace, in parenting, teaching, coaching, and everyday relationships. Because at its core, leadership isn’t a position, it’s a choice.
If you’ve ever wondered how to balance accountability with empowerment, or how to unleash the potential already inside your team, this episode offers the roadmap.
What We Discuss
- [00:17] Introduction
- [01:29] Steve Jobs and the tension between inspiration and micromanagement
- [07:00] Command and control as the “native tongue” of leadership
- [08:07] Becoming a Trust and Inspire person before becoming a leader
- [10:16] The difference between management and leadership
- [16:00] Lin-Manuel Miranda’s teacher and the power of seeing potential
- [19:04] Why Trust and Inspire is not just idealistic, but practical
- [25:13] Practical steps: clarifying expectations and accountability
- [32:30] A practical invitation: identify one relationship to transform with Trust and Inspire
Notable Quotes
- [13:00] “Always remember this: with people, fast is slow and slow is fast.” — Stephen M. R. Covey
- [17:22] “Leadership is seeing and communicating people’s worth and potential so clearly that they come to see it in themselves.” — Stephen M. R. Covey
- [33:50] “Trust and Inspire is not soft leadership. It’s the strongest form of leadership there is because it’s grounded in expectations, accountability, and belief in people.” — Stephen M. R. Covey
Resources
Paradigm Shifting Books
- Podcast
- YouTube
Books
- Trust and Inspire by Stephen M. R. Covey
- The SPEED of Trust by Stephen M. R. Covey
- The 8th Habit by Stephen R. Covey
Stephen M. R. Covey
Britain Covey
Stephen H. Covey
- X
Did you know that despite the changing workplace dynamics and technological advancements, many leaders still adhere to outdated "command and control" models?
In this episode of Paradigm Shifting Books, hosts Stephen and Britain Covey sit down once again with their father, Stephen M. R. Covey, to dive into his book Trust and Inspire. They explore why so many leaders are still stuck in an outdated “command and control” model, even though the world, the workforce, and the nature of collaboration have changed dramatically.
Stephen explains the origins of the Trust and Inspire framework, rooted in his work with The Speed of Trust and inspired by lessons from his father, Stephen R. Covey. He shares the core leadership paradigm shifts that move organizations from micromanaging to unleashing the greatness already inside their people.
The conversation tackles common misconceptions, like the idea that Trust and Inspire is “soft” or unrealistic in high-pressure industries. With real-world examples from football coaching, Fortune 500 companies like Microsoft, retail standouts like Wegmans, and even the military, Stephen shows that this leadership style delivers results without sacrificing accountability.
One of the big takeaways: leadership isn’t just about getting results, it’s about growing people, building trust, and inspiring them to give their very best. And that’s not just idealistic; it’s a competitive advantage.
What We Discuss
- [00:17] Introduction
- [02:04] Origins of Trust and Inspire
- [05:53] Key leadership paradigm shifts
- [12:02] What Trust and Inspire is and isn’t
- [15:35] Strong leadership without micromanaging
- [20:09] Authenticity in leadership styles
- [22:00] Global response to Trust and Inspire
- [24:31] From idealism to practical application
- [29:45] Thriving cultures and unleashing greatness
Notable Quotes
- [13:35] “Trust and Inspire is a style of leadership that gets results in a way that grows people and inspires trust.” — Stephen M. R. Covey
- [16:06] “A Trust and Inspire leader can be strong without being forceful. They can be demanding without being demeaning.” — Stephen M. R. Covey
- [20:10] “The key thing is I see the greatness inside of people. I try to unleash it, but that might include being demanding.” — Stephen M. R. Covey
- [29:55] “Inspiring is learnable as a skill, that's like a paradigm shift.” — Stephen M. R. Covey
Resources
Paradigm Shifting Books
- Podcast
- YouTube
Books
- Trust and Inspire by Stephen M. R. Covey
- The SPEED of Trust by Stephen M. R. Covey
- The 8th Habit by Stephen R. Covey
Stephen M. R. Covey
Britain Covey
Stephen H. Covey
- X
In this episode of Paradigm Shifting Books, hosts Stephen and Britain Covey dive into The Four Disciplines of Execution by Chris McChesney, Sean Covey, and Jim Huling — joined by Chris McChesney himself to share insights firsthand. Together, they break down how the book’s core ideas of focusing on what really matters, tracking the right actions, using simple scoreboards, and sticking to regular check-ins can make a huge difference not just in business, but in everyday life, family routines, and even sports.
Stephen and Britain point out something a lot of us feel: execution often falls apart because of human nature. But instead of just blaming ourselves, the fix is setting up systems that keep us on track. They share real, relatable examples, like how a sales team stayed motivated with a basic scoreboard or how NFL teams zoom in on just a few key plays to win big games.
One big idea they keep coming back to is this: sometimes what seems like a “people problem” is actually a “system problem.” Britain talks about his time in the NFL and how practicing under pressure helped him stay cool when it really counted. Stephen shares how a weekly review habit helps him stay focused on what matters most.
The episode is packed with practical takeaways, but one stands out. Choose just one area in your life that feels a bit out of control, give it some focused attention like it’s in the ICU, and apply these simple, proven disciplines to start seeing real results.
What We Discuss
- [00:17] Introduction
- [01:13] Overview of the four disciplines
- [03:34] Origins of the book & methodology
- [05:24] Is execution a people or systems problem?
- [11:30] Rifle vs. shotgun: The power of focus
- [12:17] Intensive care metaphor for prioritization
- [15:35] The power of a scoreboard
- [19:13] Accountability & weekly commitments
- [21:18] Ownership and buy-in
- [23:08] Sports example: Accountability from top players
- [24:20] Summary & key paradigm shifts
Notable Quotes
- [00:04:24] “We were trying to solve the problem, not write a book” — Chris McChesney
- [00:08:48] “I really genuinely feel like practicing helped me control and relax my body when I came to high-pressure situations in other sports.” — Britain Covey
- [00:10:54] “If I have my weekly review and do that habit, I’m much more likely to focus on my biggest priorities for that week because I block it out in advance.” — Stephen Covey
- [00:11:30] “What the Four Disciplines of Execution is, is it’s a rifle, not a shotgun.” — Chris McChesney
- [00:15:35] “People play very differently when they’re keeping score.” — Chris McChesney
Resources
Paradigm Shifting Books
- Podcast
- YouTube
Books
- The 4 Disciplines of Execution
- Atomic Habits by James Clear
- Getting Things Done by David Allen
Britain Covey
Stephen H. Covey
In this episode, Stephen and Britain Covey dive into Crucial Conversations by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan, and Al Switzler. This book completely changes the way we think about tough conversations.
We’re talking about those moments when tensions rise, opinions clash, and saying the wrong thing feels risky. Stephen and Britain unpack why we tend to avoid these talks, how the stories we tell ourselves can mess with our emotions, and why cutting down on lag time, the delay between noticing a problem and actually addressing it can make such a difference in both relationships and organizations.
You’ll also hear from Joseph Grenny himself, who joined the conversation to share how the lessons in Crucial Conversations show up in real life, from business to family to personal leadership. He explains what most people get wrong in high-stakes conversations and how to approach them with courage and clarity.
From business meetings to NFL locker rooms, this episode is packed with real-life examples that show just how powerful these tools can be. You’ll come away with practical ideas to reduce lag time, handle conflict better, stay calm under pressure, and communicate with more clarity and confidence.
Tune in, and get ready to change the way you handle your next tough conversation.
What We Discuss
- [00:00] Introduction to Paradigm Shifting Books
- [01:49] The impact of lag time
- [03:53] Consequences of avoiding conversations
- [06:50] Three stages of crucial conversations
- [12:11] Mastering your story
- [16:33] Moving past unhelpful stories
- [17:45] Defining success with purpose
- [20:30] The hedonic treadmill and lasting fulfillment
- [22:38] Paradigm shifts and key takeaways
Notable Quotes
- [01:52] “The health of relationships, the health of teams, even the health of entire organizations can be largely predicted by one simple thing, and that is the average lag time between when people see something and when they say something.” — Joseph Grenny
- [07:26] “Effective, crucial conversations aren't about some kind of esoteric diplomatic skills. It's not cobbling together the right combination of words to get past somebody's defenses. It really is about where you're coming from.” — Joseph Grenny
- [17:46] “The way to be successful is to make sure that you're defining success in purposeful terms, not just in terms of an exit and building an organization or rising to a certain place in an organization.” — Joseph Grenny
Resources
Paradigm Shifting Books
- Podcast
- YouTube
Books
- Crucial Conversations by Joseph Grenny, Kerry Patterson, Ron McMillan, and Al Switzler
- The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle
- Start With Why by Simon Sinek
Joseph Grenny
- Website
Britain Covey
Stephen H. Covey
In a world that glorifies talent and quick wins, this episode of Paradigm Shifting Books offers a refreshing take on what true success requires. Stephen and Britain Covey revisit Angela Duckworth’s Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance, exploring how real achievement isn’t about being born gifted; it’s about loving what you do enough to keep showing up.
Through personal stories, from NFL training to parenting challenges, they unpack Duckworth’s core message: grit is the blend of long-term passion and perseverance. It’s not about grinding for the sake of it, but about aligning your effort with what matters most.
They challenge the myth of talent, reflect on how passion develops gradually through exploration, and offer honest insights about raising resilient kids in a world that wants to cushion every fall. They also explore how grit doesn’t diminish happiness; it deepens it. When your effort aligns with your values, fulfillment follows.
Whether you’re navigating your own career path, helping your kids build resilience, or simply trying to stay consistent with your goals, this episode will shift how you think about success. Grit isn’t just about surviving the hard days; it’s about being fueled by purpose through all of them. Tune in and discover what grit really looks like in action.
What We Discuss
- [00:00:02] Introduction
- [00:01:31] Redefining grit: Passion and perseverance
- [00:05:27] Developing passion over time
- [00:10:55] The romance and reality of talent
- [00:14:44] Effort vs. talent at the highest levels
- [00:18:47] Fixed traits vs. malleable qualities
- [00:24:16] Parenting tips for grit: Letting kids struggle
- [00:29:17] Grit and happiness: Avoiding burnout
- [00:32:13] Living with integrity and alignment
Notable Quotes
- [01:31] “I define grit as the combination of perseverance and passion for long-term goals. It's not just about brute force; it's more about loving what you do for a very long time.” — Angela Duckworth
- [05:27] “The development of a passion is probably a better way to phrase this process than the discovery of a passion. Most of us grow into, develop, mature, and evolve into our eventual passions.” — Angela Duckworth
- [14:17] “So much of our success in life is really about what we do and not about what we were born with. It's the long, hard road to climb, but that's the truth of it.” — Angela Duckworth
- [29:49] “Happiness and grit are compatible. The moments in my life where I have felt the most good are when everything is lined up, that what I do well is good for others.” — Angela Duckworth
Resources
Paradigm Shifting Books
- Podcast
- YouTube
Britain Covey
Stephen H. Covey
Mentioned
- Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth
- Writings of Epictetus (Ancient Roman Stoic Philosopher)
In this episode, Stephen and Britain Covey dive into Getting Things Done (GTD) by David Allen, a groundbreaking book that redefines productivity. They explore how GTD isn’t just about checking off tasks but about creating a trusted system to free your mind, reduce stress, and focus on what truly matters.
Stephen shares his personal connection with David Allen, having worked closely with him early in his career. Together, they unpack the core principles of GTD, from "appropriate engagement" to the five-step workflow, and how these concepts can transform your work, relationships, and daily life.
Through engaging storytelling and practical insights, this episode challenges the traditional view of productivity and offers a paradigm shift for managing your mind and tasks with clarity. Let's jump in!
What We Discuss
- [00:00] Introduction
- [05:44] Appropriate engagement: clear mind ⇒ full presence
- [09:13] Structure × freedom on the playing field
- [13:15] GTD as an “installed thought-process” for teams
- [17:37] The 5 steps: Capture · Clarify · Organize · Reflect · Engage
- [25:36] Next-action thinking stops mental “open loops”
- [28:52] Procrastination: signal of high stakes, not laziness
- [32:59] Paradigm shifts: presence over productivity & minds for ideas
Notable Quotes
- [05:44] “The methodology is about being appropriately engaged with your life… Are you appropriately engaged with your cat? …with your career and your future?” — David Allen
- [07:05] “Productivity has a lot of baggage: work harder, sweat harder, clock more hours… Real productivity is doing what clears your mind so you can stay focused and present.” — David Allen
- [19:15] “Your brain is a crappy office—it can juggle about four things before it’s hijacked by the latest and loudest.” — David Allen
- [25:36] “If you haven’t nailed the next physical, visible action, you haven’t finished thinking—so your mind keeps looping: What about the Saturday meeting? The cat food?” — David Allen
Resources
Paradigm Shifting Books
- Podcast
- YouTube
Books
- Getting Things Done by David Allen
- Deep Work — Cal Newport
- Four Thousand— Oliver Burkeman
David Allen
- Website
Britain Covey
Stephen H. Covey
In this episode, Stephen and Britain Covey spotlight one of the most transformational ideas from The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Habit 1: Be Proactive. Featuring rare, archival audio from Stephen R. Covey himself, this episode explores the foundational mindset behind personal growth, empowerment, and leadership.
Stephen R. Covey’s voice rings through decades to offer one of the most important paradigm shifts: that between what happens to us and how we respond, there lies our ultimate freedom. With stories from Viktor Frankl to frontline caregivers to corporate leaders, the episode shows how taking responsibility isn’t just a behavioral shift, it’s a life-altering lens for viewing the world.
Whether you’re navigating career setbacks, relational challenges, or societal pressures, this episode will help you reclaim your agency and expand your influence.
What We Discuss
- [00:00] Introduction to power principle episodes
- [01:09] The legacy of Stephen R. Covey and Habit 1.
- [03:03] Viktor Frankl and the last human freedom
- [07:26] Why taking ownership is empowering, not daunting
- [08:56] Circle of Concern vs. Circle of Influence
- [10:19] The rise of Ben: How one proactive employee changed everything
Notable Quotes
- "Between stimulus and response is a space. In that space lies our power and our freedom to choose our response." — Stephen R. Covey
- "Your life is a product of your values, not your feelings... your decisions, not your conditions." — Stephen R. Covey
- "Proactive people work on the inner circle. Reactive people focus on the outer circle." — Stephen R. Covey
Resources
Paradigm Shifting Books
- Podcast
- YouTube
Books
- The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R, Covey
Britain Covey
Stephen H. Covey
In this episode, Stephen and Britain Covey revisit a modern classic: Essentialism by Greg McKeown. They dive into the core message of doing “less but better,” exploring how prioritizing what truly matters can lead to a more meaningful, purpose-driven life.
Stephen reflects on his friendship with Greg McKeown, sharing stories that highlight the man behind the message. Together, the hosts explore how essentialism isn't just about time management; it's a fundamental paradigm shift. They unpack how this mindset applies in careers, early adulthood, leadership, and even family life.
Through thoughtful storytelling and personal insight, this episode challenges listeners to rethink the constant pursuit of more and instead, embrace the transformative power of intentional living.
What We Discuss
- [00:02] Introduction to essentialism
- [02:26] Greg's personal story that gave birth to essentialism
- [04:40] Principle of prioritizing your life
- [08:09] Life as a diamond mine
- [09:11] Less but better
- [13:04] Essentialism as a paradigm and not a hack
- [17:21] Essentialism for early career
- [21:22] Detecting life's mission
- [25:21] Reflection and experience
- [27:28] Prioritization and control
Notable Quotes
- [03:54] “If you don't prioritize your life, someone else will.” — Greg McKeown
- [08:04] “Life is much more akin to a diamond mine where it's not about how much stuff you get out. It's whether you can identify those few things that are exceptionally valuable.” — Greg McKeown
- [13:04] “If you try to do it all, all the time for everyone, you don't get it all. You get exhausted, you get burned out.” — Greg McKeown
- [13:24] “The essentialist is waking up in a way, a little bit like a Matrix moment, but you just wake up and you go, what? This isn't how it works at all.” — Greg McKeown
- [21:30] “There is an essential and unique mission in life that needs to be detected, not just designed, not just selected.” — Greg McKeown
Resources
Paradigm Shifting Books
- Podcast
- YouTube
Books
- Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown
Britain Covey
Stephen H. Covey
In this special episode, Stephen and Britain Covey sit down with their father, Stephen M. R. Covey, to explore the real origin story behind The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey. From childhood family councils to a 20-year publishing journey, they uncover the behind-the-scenes moments that shaped one of the most influential personal development books of all time.
The episode dives deep into how the habits evolved over time, why paradigms matter more than behavior, and how primary greatness, not just success, leads to lasting fulfillment. With heartfelt stories, insightful breakdowns, and meaningful listener questions, this episode brings the 7 Habits to life in a way you’ve never heard before. Let's dive in!
What We Discuss
- [03:01] How the 7 Habits began as stand-alone principles
- [07:13] How the habit names and structure evolved
- [12:02] Why the 7 Habits took over 20 years to develop
- [16:08] Choosing purpose over profit: Stephen M. R. Covey’s career decision
- [27:11] Private victory as the key to public victory
- [29:38] Mental resilience in competitive environments
- [32:46] The hardest habit to live consistently
- [37:16] What would the 8th habit be?
- [39:19] Are the 7 Habits still relevant today?
- [57:28] Practical applications to live more effectively
Notable Quotes
- [04:47] “You have to decide what your highest priorities are and have the courage pleasantly, smilingly, unapologetically to say no to other things.” — Stephen H. Covey
- [20:53] “Secondary greatness is success. Primary greatness is character.” — Stephen M. R. Covey
- [25:21] “Peace doesn’t come from accumulation. It comes from contribution.” — Britain Covey
Resources
Paradigm Shifting Books
- Podcast
- YouTube
Books
- The 8th Habit by Stephen R. Covey
- The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R, Covey
Stephen M. R. Covey
Britain Covey
Stephen H. Covey
In this relaunch episode of Paradigm Shifting Books, hosts Stephen and Britain Covey share exciting updates about the podcast's new direction while blending personal stories with profound insights. Britain, a Super Bowl champion, reveals what winning the Super Bowl really feels like (including a hilarious kindergarten project involving "Flat Stanley"), while both hosts explore their grandfather Stephen R. Covey's timeless wisdom about paradigm shifts and why changing your perspective alters everything.
As part of the relaunch, they’re revisiting the 15 transformative books and authors already featured on the show—mining them for deeper insights and fresh relevance—before continuing their journey toward uncovering 40 must-read books for personal and professional growth. With new weekly episodes, this reboot promises a more structured and thoughtful approach to transformation, one paradigm at a time.
Tune in to discover why Britain's teammates laughed at Flat Stanley, how to apply Einstein's problem-solving principle to daily life, and what makes this podcast's approach to personal growth unique. Let's jump in!
What We Discuss
- [00:02] Introduction to Paradigm Shifting Books
- [01:20] Super Bowl Experience
- [03:24] Flat Stanley in the Super Bowl
- [06:03] Podcast relaunch
- [12:52] Why "paradigm shifting"?
- [14:45] Listening to Stephen R. Covey and Einstein's secret
- [17:50] Roots vs. branches concept
- [19:36] Invitation to join the journey
Notable Quotes
- [00:11:08] “What we'll do initially is go back through the 15 books and then get back into the ultimate goal of reviewing 40 books that everyone should read when it comes to personal and professional development.” — Stephen Covey
- [00:14:00] “Changing your paradigm will change your behavior far quicker than trying to fix the behavior itself.” — Britain Covey
- [00:18:23] “Focus on the roots, not the branches. That’s where real transformation happens.” — Stephen Covey
Resources
Paradigm Shifting Books
- Podcast
- YouTube
Britain Covey
Stephen H. Covey
Unlocking Confidence and Presence with Amy CuddyIn this powerful episode of Paradigm Shifting Books, Stephen and Britain Covey sit down with Amy Cuddy, renowned social psychologist and author of Presence: Bringing Your Boldest Self to Your Biggest Challenges. Together, they explore the transformative concept of presence and how it enables us to show up authentically and confidently in life’s most demanding moments.
Amy shares fascinating insights from her research, including how body language and self-affirmation techniques can help individuals tap into their most empowered selves—even in high-stakes situations like job interviews, public speaking, or competitive sports. Britain as an NFL Punt Returner talks through how Amy’s work has been directly applicable to his role as an NFL player. The conversation dives into the science behind power posing, the profound impact of aligning with your core values, and how to overcome self-doubt and imposter syndrome.
From practical strategies for building confidence to stories of real-world application, this episode offers listeners actionable tools to cultivate personal power and authenticity. Whether you’re preparing for a pivotal presentation, navigating a challenging conversation, or striving to perform under pressure, Amy’s insights will inspire you to approach life’s challenges with greater courage and connection.
Tune in for an engaging discussion that’s as practical as it is empowering, and discover how to bring your boldest self to your biggest challenges.
00:00 Introduction to Presence
05:10 Applying Presence in Various Scenarios
10:39 Preparation, Confidence & Self-Affirmation
30:38 Dealing with Hyper-Awareness and External Judgement
36:18 Exploring the Paradox of Nerves and Performance
39:06 The Importance of Personal Power
46:07 Power Posing: The Science and Application
55:02 Practical Tips for Cultivating Personal Power
01:03:13 The Broader Impact of Confidence and Self-Doubt
01:07:53 Affirming Others and Building Presence
01:12:30 Final Thoughts and Practical Advice
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Previewing ‘Presence: Bringing Your Boldest Self to Your Biggest Challenges’ by Amy Cuddy
In this preview episode of Paradigm Shifting Books, Stephen and Britain Covey set the stage for their upcoming interview with Amy Cuddy, the renowned social psychologist behind Presence. The brothers share their excitement about discussing a book that has transformed the way we think about confidence and personal power.
They explore the concept of “presence,” likening it to an inner strength that allows you to show up as your best self in critical moments—whether it’s a job interview, a high-stakes presentation, or a pivotal sports moment (like returning punts in the Super Bowl). Drawing from Cuddy’s groundbreaking research, they unpack how presence isn’t an innate quality but a skill that can be developed through intentional shifts in body language and mindset.
The episode touches on key themes from the book, including the science of power posing, the transformative idea of “fake it until you become it,” and the role of presence in overcoming imposter syndrome. Stephen and Britain also share the questions they’re eager to ask Amy in the full interview, including insights into her research process and her thoughts on applying presence in everyday life.
Join the conversation as the hosts dive into why Presence is a must-read for anyone looking to bring their boldest self to life’s biggest challenges.
00:00 Introduction to Presence
03:06 Practical Applications of Presence
06:27 Amy Cuddy's Background
08:32 Questions to explore
If you like this podcast and the books we discuss it would mean a lot if you left a positive rating and review on Apple Podcasts ;)
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In this episode of 'Paradigm Shifting Books,' hosts Stephen and Britain discuss their father Stephen M. R. Covey's book 'Trust and Inspire' and reflect on the previous episode with him. Highlights include real-world examples of trust and inspire leaders like NVIDIA's CEO Jensen Huang and Golden State Warriors' coach Steve Kerr. They also dive into practical applications of stewardship agreements and how these methods can revolutionize leadership both in corporate settings and at home.
00:00 Intro & NFL Update
05:11 Jensen Huang & Steve Kerr
12:22 Stewardship Agreements
Elements of a Stewardship Agreement:
1 - Desired Results - What do we want to accomplish and why?
2 - Guidelines - Within what boundaries?
3 - Resources - What do we have to work with?
4 - Accountability - How will we know how we’re doing?
5 - Consequences - What are the implications if we do or don’t achieve the desired results?
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Exploring the book ‘Trust and Inspire: How Truly Great Leaders Unleash Greatness in Others’ by Stephen M.R. Covey.
We have a leadership crisis today, where even though our world has changed drastically, our leadership style has not. Most organizations, teams, schools, and families today still operate from a model of “command and control,” focusing on hierarchies and compliance from people. But because of the changing nature of the world, the workforce, work itself, and the choices we have for where and how to work and live, this way of leading is drastically outdated.
Stephen M.R. Covey has made it his life’s work to understand trust in leadership and organizations. In his newest and most transformative book, Trust and Inspire, he offers a simple yet bold solution: to shift from this “command and control” model to a leadership style of “trust and inspire.” People don’t want to be managed; they want to be led.
In this episode, Stephen M.R. Covey takes us on a deep dive into the origins and key paradigms of the ‘Trust and Inspire’ leadership model, contrasting it with the traditional ‘command and control’ approach. He shares powerful insights drawn from his experiences, highlighting the value of creating stewardship agreements and demonstrating how this new leadership style can transform our ability to lead. This conversation offers both practical advice and inspiration for aspiring leaders and anyone looking to enhance their interpersonal relationships.
00:00 Intro
01:24 Genesis of Trust & Inspire
05:36 Key paradigms of Trust & Inspire
13:34 What Trust & Inspire is not
26:52 Real world examples
43:18 Leadership vs. management
53:59 Practical applications: stewardship agreements
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Previewing 'Trust and Inspire' by Stephen M.R. Covey - A Paradigm Shift in Leadership
Stephen & Britain preview 'Trust and Inspire' by Stephen M.R. Covey, a groundbreaking book on leadership. The hosts discuss the book's relevance in modern leadership, emphasizing its importance not just in corporate settings but also in family, sports, and educational environments. The book proposes a shift from the traditional 'command and control' style to a 'trust and inspire' model, essential in today's rapidly changing world. The episode also includes an announcement for a book giveaway.
00:00 NFL pre-season update
02:24 Book preview: Trust and Inspire
07:02 The world has changed but our leadership style hasn’t
13:28 Excerpt introducing trust & inspire
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Applying the Seven Habits: Integrity and Inside-Out Change
In this episode of Paradigm Shifting Books, Britain & Stephen discuss the practical application of 'The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People' by Stephen R. Covey. Britain shares his experience balancing fall camp with personal growth and highlights the crucial concept of private victory preceding public victory. They delve into examples of integrity from movies like 'Gladiator' and 'Braveheart', and real-world stories like that of Glen Powell & John Huntsman Sr. They explore how a paradigm shift can transform one's outlook and behavior and stress the importance of becoming the creative force in one's life. Finally, actionable steps are provided for applying the first three habits to foster a proactive and organized life.
Link to notion page - Applying habits 1-3
00:00 Introduction
01:37 Private victory, inside-out approach & being the creative force
07:33 Keep the main thing, the main thing - Jalen Hurts or Stephen Covey?
8:58 Glen Powell paradigm shift example
13:01 John Huntsman Sr. story of integrity
17:05 Applying habits 1-3
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Exploring the Origins and Impact of 'The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People'
In this episode of Paradigm Shifting Books, the hosts welcome their father, Stephen M.R. Covey, to discuss the renowned book 'The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People' by their grandfather, Stephen R. Covey. They delve into the book's origins, the unique perspectives Stephen M.R. Covey brings from his professional and familial experiences, and the evolution of paradigms and principles central to the book. The discussion also addresses listener questions about applying the habits in today's rapidly changing world, the challenges of living by these habits, and the concept of primary and secondary greatness.
00:00 Introduction and welcome
01:53 The origin, development & release of the 7 habits
18:07 Personal reflections and Impact
21:22 Primary vs. secondary greatness
27:52 Applying the 7 habits in the NFL
34:03 The power of habit 1 - be proactive
37:30 The hardest habit to live?
42:37 The 8th habit
44:28 Relevance of the 7 habits today
48:12 Understanding paradigms and how to shift paradigms
01:05:00 How to apply the 7 habits to your life
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Previewing and exploring the legacy of the book ‘The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People’. Discussion around why the book remains influential today. Personal stories from Britain & Stephen growing up with Stephen R. Covey as their grandfather. The hosts also discuss questions they plan to ask their father, Stephen M.R. Covey, in an upcoming interview, which will delve deeper into the origins and core concepts of the book. Listeners are encouraged to send in their questions!
00:00 Why review the 7 Habits?
07:57 Stephen R Covey Life
13:38 Questions about the 7 Habits
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Applying Book Insights: The Fearless Mind Recap and Real-Life Applications.
Britain and Stephen recap the insights from Dr. Manning and discuss how to practically apply these ideas in real life. The hosts share personal and external applications of self-awareness and reflection techniques from the book. They discuss the importance of daily journaling to boost self-awareness and how focusing on the process rather than the outcome can build a resilient mindset. Notable stories and quotes, such as experiences from sports figures and ancient Chinese wisdom, enrich the conversation, providing powerful insights for listeners to incorporate into their own lives.
00:00 Introduction to a New Podcast Format
01:10 Personal Applications from 'Fearless Mind'
04:39 Brandon Graham Super Bowl Application
08:17 Nick Saban's Process Over Outcome Philosophy
13:39 Chuang Tzu Wisdom
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Unlocking Human Performance: An Interview with Dr. Craig Manning - https://thefearlessmind.com/
In this episode, Dr. Manning, author of 'The Fearless Mind,' joins the podcast to discuss the transformative principles of mental performance. Dr. Manning shares his journey of writing the book, the importance of knowing one's strengths, and the significance of building skills upon those strengths. Both hosts, and notably Britain Covey in his NFL career relate personal experiences of overcoming anxiety and enhancing performance through these principles. Dr. Manning underscores the essence of focusing on the present, setting goals that align with personal growth and identity, and differentiates between ego-oriented and task-oriented mindsets. Practical advice, including daily journaling, helps listeners to start identifying their strengths and maintaining a growth mindset. Dr. Manning's insights are rooted in both personal anecdotes and extensive research, offering valuable guidance for excelling under pressure in both sports and everyday life.
Highlights:
00:00 Introduction to the Fearless Mind
04:38 Defining High Performance
06:04 The Importance of Knowing Your Strengths
17:20 The Role of Goals and Identity
23:48 Generational Differences in Motivation
29:24 Handling Authority Figures
33:46 Commitment Culture and Owning Your Lane
34:54 Ego vs. Task Orientation
40:56 The Science of Fear and Learning
44:38 Super Bowl Reflections and Mental Skills
51:15 Practical application
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Exploring 'The Fearless Mind' by Dr. Craig Manning: https://thefearlessmind.com/dr-manning/
Stephen and Britain discuss the book's core concepts about high performance, overcoming fear, and the mental state required to achieve success, whether in sports, business, or personal life. We talk through some personal insights and experiences with the book, emphasizing task-oriented versus ego-oriented mindsets. Also some of the questions we want to ask Dr. Manning, including what it’s been like working with the Milwaukee Bucks and NBA star Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Highlights:
00:00 The Fearless Mind & Dr. Manning
01:23 The Role of Fear and Anxiety
02:50 Sports as a Lens for High Performance
05:51 Exploring Confidence and Competitiveness
07:14 Task-Oriented vs. Ego-Oriented Mindsets
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Introducing New Co-Host Britain Covey - A Fresh Perspective on Paradigm Shifting Books.
In this episode, Stephen H Covey introduces his younger brother and new co-host, Britain Covey, who is currently an NFL player for the Philadelphia Eagles. Britain shares his unique perspective as a professional athlete, while Stephen highlights the legacy and influence of their grandfather, Stephen R. Covey. Together, they delve into the inspiration for the podcast and the powerful lessons they hope to share and learn alongside listeners.
Follow Britain on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brit_covey2/
Funny story of Britain being denied entrance into the player's parking lot his first game in Philadelphia: https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/34637972/philadelphia-eagles-rookie-britain-covey-parked-fans-being-denied-access-players-lot
Highlights:
00:00 Introduction to Britain Covey
02:00 Britain’s Welcome to the NFL Moment
04:01 Travis & Jason Kelce Inspiration
05:58 Different Perspectives: Corporate vs. Sports
09:53 Influence of Grandfather Stephen R. Covey
13:49 Podcast Goals and Future Plans
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A quick update at the start of 2023. Upcoming episodes outlook and my personal resolution for 2023!
The next book review episode won't be until later in 2022. Stephen explains the reasons behind this and the ultimate end in mind for this podcast ;)
Daniel H. Pink is the author of seven books, including the forthcoming The Power of Regret: How Looking Backward Moves Us Forward (Riverhead, 2022). His other books include the New York Times bestsellers When and A Whole New Mind — as well as the #1 New York Times bestsellers Drive and To Sell is Human. Dan’s books have won multiple awards, have been translated into 42 languages, and have sold millions of copies around the world. He lives in Washington, DC, with his family.
For this episode, we specifically focus on Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us, which draws on 50 years of behavioral science to overturn the conventional wisdom about human motivation. Along with being a Wall Street Journal, Boston Globe, Los Angeles Times, San Francisco Chronicle, and Publishers Weekly bestseller, Drive spent 159 weeks on the New York Times (main and extended) bestseller lists. A national bestseller in Japan and the United Kingdom, the book has been translated into 40 languages.
Highlights:
00:00 - Intro
1:24 - Dan Pink background & career insight
5:18 - Why he wrote the book Drive
8:43 - Motivation 1.0 & 2.0
14:25 - What about money as motivation?
20:45 - Motivation 3.0 - Autonomy, Mastery & Purpose
37:09 - What is a practical action step to move to Motivation 3.0?
38:49 - What is success and how can I be successful?
40:25 - The Power of Regret - Preview of next book
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Whitney Johnson is considered one of the top ten business thinkers in the world as named by Thinkers50, Whitney is an expert at smart growth leadership. Whitney has worked at FORTUNE 100 companies, and as an award-winning equity analyst on Wall Street. She co-founded the Disruptive Innovation Fund with Harvard Business School’s late Clayton Christensen. She has coached alongside the renowned Marshall Goldsmith, selected by Goldsmith in 2017 as a Top 15 Coach out of a pool of more than 17,000 candidates. Whitney understands how companies work, how investors think, and how the best coaches coach.
An award-winning author, Johnson teaches the S Curve of Learning to managers and companies as both a keynote speaker and a frequent lecturer for Harvard Business School’s Corporate Learning. She is a LinkedIn Top Voice (2020) with 1.8 million followers. Her course Fundamentals of Entrepreneurship has been viewed more than 1 million times.
An innovation and disruption theorist, Whitney is a frequent contributor to Harvard Business Review and MIT Sloan Management Review. Author of the bestselling Build an A Team (a Financial Times Book of the Month) and Disrupt Yourself, fittingly described by Publisher’s Weekly as “Savvy . . . often counterintuitive . . . superb.” She hosts the weekly Disrupt Yourself podcast with guests including Brené Brown, Adam Grant, Susan Cain, and General Stanley McChrystal.
Disrupt Yourself Podcast: https://whitneyjohnson.com/disrupt-yourself-podcast/
Learn more about her book Disrupt Yourself and her other books including her upcoming book Smart Growth: https://whitneyjohnson.com/books/
Highlights:
00:00 - Introduction
1:04 - Clayton Christensen Impact
6:02 - Origin of the book Disrupt Yourself
10:47 - Personal disruption applies to all strong performers
15:04 - The S-Curve
21:37 - The 7 variables along the S-Curve & the two most important
26:02 - Give failure its due
34:42 - What is a practical action step to disrupt yourself?
36:39 - What is success and how can I be successful?
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To learn more about Daniel Pink and his book 'Drive' visit: https://www.danpink.com/books/drive/
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To learn more about Whitney Johnson and Disrupt Yourself please visit: https://whitneyjohnson.com/
The full episode with Whitney will release in December 2021.
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Michael Bungay Stanier is at the forefront of shaping how organizations see coaching as an essential leadership competency. His book The Coaching Habit is the best-selling coaching book of this century, with over a million copies sold. In 2019, he was named the #1 thought leader in coaching. The Advice Trap is his follow-up book that incorporates everything great about The Coaching Habit and expands it even further.
Michael founded Box of Crayons, a learning and development company that helps organizations transform from advice-driven to curiosity-led. He currently leads MBS.works, a place where people find the clarify, confidence and community to be a force for change.
To learn more about Michael Bungay Stanier and the advice trap you can visit:
https://www.mbs.works/best-books-training-for-coaches-leaders-and-mentors/the-advice-trap/
Also check out his next upcoming book: https://www.mbs.works/how-to-begin/
From Michael: "I want you to think differently and boldly, about your goals, your ambition, and the difference you want to make in the world. My new book How to Begin: Start Doing Something that Matters will help you find, define and start your own Worthy Goal."
Highlights:
00:00 - Intro
4:47 - Michael’s journey to becoming an author
11:24 - Who or what is the advice monster?
14:05 - Tell it, save it and control it
18:25 - Advice giving is overrated
23:14 - Advice giving motivated by superiority?
26:51 - Solving a problem and growing a person
29:01 - Easy change vs hard change
33:40 - Why is it so hard to truly listen to others?
37:46 - What is a practical action step to tame my advice monster?
39:02 - What is success and how can I be successful?
If you like this podcast and the books we discuss it would mean a lot if you left both a positive rating and review ;)
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To learn more about Michael Bungay Stanier and the advice trap you can visit:
https://www.mbs.works/best-books-training-for-coaches-leaders-and-mentors/the-advice-trap/
The full episode with Michael will release in November 2021.
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In The Power of Habit, award-winning New York Times business reporter Charles Duhigg takes us to the thrilling edge of scientific discoveries that explain why habits exist and how they can be changed. With penetrating intelligence and an ability to distill vast amounts of information into engrossing narratives, Duhigg brings to life a whole new understanding of human nature and its potential for transformation.
At its core, The Power of Habit contains an exhilarating argument: The key to exercising regularly, losing weight, raising exceptional children, becoming more productive, building revolutionary companies and social movements, and achieving success is understanding how habits work. Habits aren’t destiny. As Charles Duhigg shows, by harnessing this new science, we can transform our businesses, our communities, and our lives.
To learn more visit: https://charlesduhigg.com/books/the-power-of-habit/
Highlights:
0:00 - Intro & origin of The Power of Habit
4:35 - What percentage of our actions come from habits?
7:10 - Basic makeup of a habit
13:06 - The golden rule of habit change
16:08 - Breaking the habit of procrastination
32:34 - What is a practical action step to change a habit?
33:19 - What is success and how can I be successful?
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To learn more about The Power of Habit visit: https://charlesduhigg.com/books/the-power-of-habit/
The full episode with Charles Duhigg will release the beginning of October 2021.
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Stephen M. R. Covey is co-founder of CoveyLink and of the FranklinCovey Global Speed of Trust Practice. A sought-after and compelling keynote speaker and advisor on trust, leadership, ethics, and high performance, he speaks to audiences around the world. He is the New York Times and #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling author of The Speed of Trust, and coauthor of the #1 Amazon bestseller Smart Trust. He advocates that nothing is as fast as the speed of trust and that the ability to establish, grow, extend, and restore trust with all stakeholders is the critical leadership competency of the new global economy.
To learn more visit: https://www.speedoftrust.com/
Highlights:
0:00 - Intro
4:54 - Stephen Covey imposter syndrome
7:35 - The Speed of Trust origin
11:58 - Trust Paradigms
14:14 - The 5 waves of trust & the inside out approach
22:31 - Wave 1 - Self-trust
27:57 - Can you fake trust?
31:19 - Wave 2 - Relationship trust
41:30 - The risk of trusting & the risk of not trusting
46:38 - Is it possible to restore trust?
56:07 - Trust & Inspire - New book preview
1:00:13 - How can I get better at trust?
1:02:04 - What is success and how can I be successful?
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Previewing our next book:
The Speed of Trust - The One Thing That Changes Everything by Stephen M.R. Covey
The episode with Stephen M.R. Covey will release in August of 2021. Do you have a question about the Speed of Trust or a question about trust in general you'd like to ask Stephen M.R. Covey? Shoot an email to: paradigmshiftingbooks@gmail.com
You can learn more about The Speed of Trust here.
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We've all had experience with two dramatically different types of leaders. The first type drain intelligence, energy, and capability from the ones around them and always need to be the smartest ones in the room. These are the idea killers, the energy sappers, the diminishers of talent and commitment. On the other side of the spectrum are leaders who use their intelligence to amplify the smarts and capabilities of the people around them. When these leaders walk into a room, lightbulbs go off over people's heads, ideas flow, and problems get solved. These are the leaders who inspire employees to stretch themselves to deliver results that surpass expectations. These are the Multipliers. And the world needs more of them, especially now, when leaders are expected to do more with less.
Liz Wiseman is a researcher and executive advisor who teaches leadership to executives around the world. Some of her recent clients include: Apple, AT&T, Disney, Facebook, Google, Microsoft, Nike, Salesforce, Tesla, and Twitter. Liz has been listed on the Thinkers50 ranking and in 2019 was recognized as the top leadership thinker in the world.
You can learn more about Multipliers & Liz Wiseman here.
Highlights:
00:00 Intro & origin of the book Multipliers
09:44 Multipliers vs Diminishers
14:13 Multipliers & Synergy
21:22 Surprising findings of Multipliers
28:21 The Multiplier Paradigm
34:11 Can you be both a Multiplier & Diminisher?
39:43 Trust, Safety & Stretch
44:36 Multipliers see potential
50:26 Practical action step to be a Multiplier
54:33 What is success and how can I be successful?
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Previewing our next book:
Multipliers: How the Best Leaders Make Everyone Smarter by Liz Wiseman
The episode with Liz Wiseman will release in May of 2021. You can learn more about Multipliers here.
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The 4 Disciplines of Execution is not theory. It is a proven set of practices that represents a new way of thinking essential to thriving in today’s competitive climate.
The 4 Disciplines of Execution are used by more than 100,000 teams around the world in business, government, and education, and are changing how teams and organizations achieve their most important goals.
The 4 Disciplines of Execution is a simple, repeatable, and proven formula for executing your most important strategic priorities in the midst of the whirlwind. By following the 4 Disciplines—Focus on the Wildly Important; Act on Lead Measures; Keep a Compelling Scoreboard; Create a Cadence of Accountability—leaders can produce breakthrough results, even when executing the strategy requires a significant change in behavior from their teams.
Although written to a business audience the principles are just as effective for personal or family goals.
Highlights:
00:00 - Intro
00:52 - Why a book on execution?
02:35 - 4DX is not theory
05:15 - Is this applicable to individuals or just companies?
06:42 - Is execution a people problem or a systems problem?
09:47 - What is the whirlwind?
13:49 - Discipline 1 - Focus on the Wildly Important
30:47 - Discipline 2 - Act on Lead Measures
36:55 - Discipline 3 - Keep a Compelling Scoreboard
40:39 - Discipline 4 - Create a Cadence of Accountability
44:37 - One practical action step to execute better
45:37 - What is success and how can I be successful?
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Previewing our next book: The 4 Disciplines of Execution: Achieving Your Wildly Important Goals
The episode with Chris McChesney will release the first week of April. To learn more you can watch this five-minute overview.
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Backed by thirty years of social science research, Crucial Conversations skills represent the standard in effective communication and the marker of high-performance individuals and organizations everywhere.
Whenever you’re not getting the results you want, it’s likely an important conversation either hasn’t happened or hasn’t been handled well. In fact, success is largely determined by how quickly, directly, and effectively we speak up when it matters most.
Joseph Grenny is a four-time New York Times bestselling author, dynamic keynote speaker, and leading social scientist for business performance. Over the past thirty years, Joseph has delivered engaging keynotes at major conferences including the HSM World Business Forum at Radio City Music Hall. Joseph’s work has been translated into 28 languages, is available in 36 countries, and has generated results for 300 of the Fortune 500.
Highlights:
0:00 - Intro
2:31 - Crucial Conversations disproportionally impact everything
7:49 - Truth drives improvement
8:58 - How most people handle crucial conversations
10:54 - Can you be honest & keep friends?
14:11 - A new paradigm: The Pit vs. Staircase
17:23 - How the book is organized
20:01 - Overview of the 7 key principles
31:14 - How this work has impacted Joseph
33:05 - Practical action step to improve crucial conversations
35:22 - What is success and how can I be successful?
If you are interested in learning more about Crucial Conversations you can visit: https://www.vitalsmarts.com/crucial-conversations-training/
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Previewing our next book:
Crucial Conversations: Tools For Talking When Stakes Are High
The episode with Joseph Grenny will release the first week of March. You can read the first chapter for free here.
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At the end of each interview, this question is posed: "Imagine you were sitting one on one with someone early on in their career and they asked you about success. Both what is success and how to be successful. How would you answer this question?"
Hear answers from Sean Covey (The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People), Ken Blanchard (One Minute Manager), David Allen (Getting Things Done), Greg Mckeown (Essentialism) & Angela Duckworth (Grit).
Highlights:
1:59 Sean Covey
7:33 Ken Blanchard
9:20 David Allen
12:58 Greg Mckeown
16:19 Angela Duckworth
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From Angela: "Grit is passion and perseverance for long-term goals. One way to think about grit is to consider what grit isn’t. Grit isn’t talent. Grit isn’t luck. Grit isn’t how intensely, for the moment, you want something.
Instead, grit is about having what some researchers call an ”ultimate concern”–a goal you care about so much that it organizes and gives meaning to almost everything you do. And grit is holding steadfast to that goal. Even when you fall down. Even when you screw up. Even when progress toward that goal is halting or slow.
Talent and luck matter to success. But talent and luck are no guarantee of grit. And in the very long run, I think grit may matter as least as much, if not more."
Highlights:
03:23 - Why Angela wrote the book Grit
07:01 - What is Grit?
09:10 - The development of a passion
12:29 - Talent vs hard work
16:43 - Grit equations
23:05 - (1) Interest (2) Practice (3) Purpose (4) Hope
37:19 - Parenting tips for raising children with Grit
40:05 - Does more Grit = less happiness?
43:52 - Practical action step to have more Grit
46:00 - What is success and how can I be successful?
If you are interested in learning more about Angela's work please visit https://angeladuckworth.com/ or listen to her podcast with Stephen Dubner: No Stupid Questions
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Previewing our next book:
Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth
The episode with Angela will release on February 1, 2021. Read the book beforehand or check out Angela's podcast with Stephen Dubner: No Stupid Questions
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"The way of the Essentialist isn’t about getting more done in less time. It’s not about getting less done. It’s about getting only the right things done. It’s about challenging the core assumption of ‘we can have it all’ and ‘I have to do everything’ and replacing it with the pursuit of ‘the right thing, in the right way, at the right time’. It’s about regaining control of our own choices about where to spend our time and energies instead of giving others implicit permission to choose for us.
In Essentialism, Greg McKeown draws on experience and insight from working with the leaders of the most innovative companies in the world to show how to achieve the disciplined pursuit of less." -essentialism.com
Highlights:
01:31 - What lead Greg to write the book Essentialism?
4:28 - The idea behind "less but better"
10:42 - Shifting your mindset to be an essentialist
15:40 - How to be an essentialist with email and being intentional
24:57 - What are the biggest obstacles to become an essentialist?
31:29 - Is essentialism realistic?
39:21 - How can I apply Essentialism today?
42:28 - What is success and how can I be successful?
If you are interested in learning more about essentialism check out Greg's podcast: What's Essential or visit essentialism.com and sign up for the 21-day essentialism challenge.
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Previewing our next book:
Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg Mckeown
The episode with Greg will release on January 11, 2021. Read his book beforehand or check out Greg's own podcast: What's Essential with Greg Mckeown
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Ken Blanchard is considered one of the great thought leaders of our time on management and leadership. He's co-authored over 60 books selling over 21 million copies (best known for The One Minute Manager). This episode is a little different in that rather than focusing on one of Ken's books we discuss the body of his work.
Highlights:
4:27 - The world is still in need of a new leadership model
7:11 - What is situational leadership?
10:05 - How Ken keeps an abundant mindset
12:20 - What Ken wants to be remembered by
18:34 - Actionable advice to be a better leader
21:07 - What is success and how can I be successful?
If you are interested in learning more about Ken's books and work you can find a brief overview here.
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Getting Things Done has sold millions of copies since it was first published in 2001 and is considered a must-read when it comes to personal productivity. When you actually read the book however you will find it addresses much more than just being "productive". The author David Allen joins us to discuss the book and some of the key insights from GTD.
Highlights:
1:09 - David Allen shares his background leading to GTD
9:21 - What GTD is REALLY about
18:19 - 5 steps to mastering workflow
23:25 - Lifelong pursuit of mastery
25:48 - The power of next action thinking
29:16 - Discussion around procrastination
40:30 - How can I apply GTD today?
41:08 - What is success and how can I be successful?
If you are interested in learning more about the GTD methodology you can find a brief overview here.
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The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People is one of the best selling business and personal development books of all time (over 40 million copies sold in 2020). Stephen R. Covey who wrote the 7 habits passed away in 2012. In his place, we have the honor of hearing from his son Sean Covey who has been heavily involved with the 7 habits for over 25 years.
Highlights:
3:58 - What are paradigms?
16:56 - The importance of principles
19:20 - Story behind the 7 habits
27:29 - The maturity continuum & 7 habits overview
34:38 - How can I apply the 7 habits today?
38:40 - What is success and how can I be successful?
If you are interested in learning more about the 7 habits you can find a good overview here.
If you like this podcast and the books we discuss it would mean a lot if you left a positive rating and review on iTunes/Apple Podcasts ;)
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A brief introduction regarding what this podcast is about.
Highlights:
2:18 - Why the name paradigm shifting books?
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