Gaze Ahead Podcast: Recent Episodes
Melanie McClare
Build inner resilience to enhance performance and uncover the power to follow your truest path. For emerging leaders with deep curiosity, ambition to be better, and desire to find balance. Join Melanie McClare as she interviews influential authors, thought leaders, globally renowned researchers, and entrepreneurs to uncover the secrets of enhanced performance while living with mindfulness and purpose.
In this episode, Monica talks about her new book, A New Way To Be, and the four Keystones of Resilience. Our conversation extends to the realm of nutrition, examining the impact of coffee on the cognitive functions of high-performing leaders. Thank you for giving this episode the “gift of your attention”!
To learn more about Monica and her work, check out:
Leadership Wellness Group - https://www.leadershipwellness.ca/
Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/monica-bodurka-7a60532/?originalSubdomain=ca
Book: A New Way to Be -
https://www.amazon.ca/New-Way-Be-Becoming-RESILIENT/dp/B0CHDFWJK2
Coffee Research: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1356551/
A Gift From Monica! Three-Day Reset: https://www.leadershipwellness.ca/3-day-reset
This episode is all about Burnout - the signs, the symptoms, who is more susceptible, and how to avoid it. Siobhan Murray, author of the bestseller The Burnout Solution, has made this her focus - helping people avoid Burnout, which is often mistaken for depression. The good news? Burnout is avoidable with simple tactics and practices that don’t require a major life overhaul. Have a listen and think about whether or not you should look in the mirror and “admit it”, which Siobhan says is the first courageous step in your journey to well-being as a leader.
To learn more about Siobhan and her work, check out:
Website: https://www.twistingthejar.com/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/twistingthejar/
Order your copy of "The Burnout Solution: 12 weeks to a calmer you": https://www.amazon.ca/Burnout-Solution-weeks-calmer-you/dp/0717180948
About Siobhan Murray:
Siobhan is an accredited psychotherapist, certified life-coach, experienced public speaker, trainer and best-selling author. She helps people to overcome overwhelm, burnout and manage the demands of their personal and professional roles.
Start-up sales are tricky, especially before you have a market-ready product! Don’t worry, it’s never too early to start building a Sales Machine. In this episode, we dive into best practices for sales management, including the importance of focus, the pros and cons of certain sales tools on the market, how to interrupt your customer’s buying patterns and get attention, and the criticality of responsiveness. We also unpack the “ick” feeling of the word “sales” in a job title, and how a shift in mindset (and lexicon) can help.
To learn more about Shawn and his work, check out:
Website: https://shawncasemore.com/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawncasemore/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/shawncasemore
About Shawn Casemore:
As a speaker, consultant, advisor, and the author of multiple books, Shawn has traveled the globe working with organizations such as PepsiCo, Tim Hortons, and Bank of Montreal.
Shawn frequently delivers keynotes at large conferences and events as well as company kickoffs on topics related to selling in today’s economy.
He frequently writes for publications such as Forbes, Fast Company, Entrepreneur, and dozens of other online and print publications on how to accelerate sales results.
Allow your anxiety and nerves to melt away during this guided meditation before your upcoming presentation. Close your eyes and focus on your breath. Be present. Feel the tension leave your body and invite positive energy. Know that you prepared for this moment and “you got this”.
In this episode, we learn about communication styles with author Maryanne O’Brien whose book The Elevated Communicator helps us discover how to communicate with clarity, confidence, and kindness. Her approach to communication is people-centric, yet rooted in the drive to build better organizations through elevated leadership. I learned a lot from this conversation, like understanding what my style of communication under stress can do to me and others, and how “flexing” can help enable more productive and meaningful conversations at work.
To learn more about Maryanne and her work, check out:
The Conscious Company: https://conscious-company.com/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryanneobrien/
Order your copy of "The Elevated Communicator" today: https://www.amazon.com/Elevated-Communicator-Master-Strengthen-Well-Being/dp/1982154721
About Maryanne O'Brien:
Maryanne O’Brien has spent decades guiding people and cultures to foster open communication, cultivate empathy, and deepen trust. She has a depth of experience building iconic brands and purpose-driven organizations, and helping businesses to consciously transform. She’s worked with big brands like Nordstrom, Coca-Cola, and Apple, as well as small, independent businesses.
Her background in advertising, consulting, and executive coaching taught her to value authentic leadership and healthy cultures––and inspired her to found Conscious Company.
Maryanne is dedicated to supporting shifts in conscious leadership, communication, and culture. She lives with her husband, three dogs, and two cats on a hobby farm just outside Minneapolis.
Tim, a personal trainer by trade, is hired by corporations and executives seeking results beyond physical wellness. In this episode, he unpacks the difference between “wellness” and “well-being” and the criticality of senior leadership leading by example. If Tim had his way, every organization would have a financial incentive related to the well-being of their employees. And dear to my heart, Tim believes in bringing mindfulness into business via creative strategies to boost performance. If you’re looking for inspiration to crack out of workaholic patterns, this conversation can be the catalyst to get you started.
To learn more about Tim and his work, check out:
Website: https://timborys.com/
FRESH! Wellness Group: https://freshgroup.ca/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timborys/
About Tim Borys:
Tim Borys is a former elite athlete and national level coach turned personal trainer turned corporate executive coach and wellbeing consultant and speaker. In this episode, we talk about the difference between wellness and wellbeing, the criticality of senior leaders leading by example, and what to watch out for when you’re building a performance-focused organization.
We touch on workaholism and the mysterious question of “can we have it all”.
This is a good one if you’ve got a touch of the workaholism (like me) and are looking for inspiration to take the next right step in your wellbeing journey.
Michael Robinson and I dive into Governance and its role in creating a successful venture. We talk about common mistakes that founders make in the name of hustling, which could create issues with invest-ability down the road. We cover tips about how to attract advisors and board members for your business, as well as how to compensate them. This is an educational epi that is chalked full of actionable advice from Michael – who truly walks the walk as an angel investor, professor, author and thought leader in this space.
To learn more about Michael and his work, check out:
Website: https://found-ed.ca/
Linkedin: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/michael-robinson-65942a3
Order your copy of "Founder's Guide to Governance" today: https://found-ed.ca/book/
Haskayne: https://haskayne.ucalgary.ca/haskayne_info/profiles/michael-robinson
About Michael Robinson:
Dr. Michael Robinson is a Professor and the Chen Fong Fellow in Entrepreneurial Finance in the Haskayne School of Business. His new book Founder’s Guide to Governance: Beyond a Good Idea, is available online.
He has a B. Math degree (Majoring in Computer Science) from the University of Waterloo, and an MBA and Ph.D. in Finance from the University of Western Ontario. He also is a holder of the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation granted by the CFA Institute in Charlottesville, Virginia, and the certified corporate director designation (ICD.D) from the Institute of Corporate Directors in Toronto, Ontario.
Resources mentioned in the interview:
https://nacocanada.com/commondocs
https://www.ycombinator.com/documents
Professor Catherine Sanderson is a world-renowned professor, author, speaker, and thought leader on subjects including happiness, success, parenting, and the bystander effect. In this epi, she and I dive into the science of happiness which is supported by research-based studies. This conversation is a jam-packed learning experience for those interested in the data behind happiness and success in business (and life!). As a self-proclaimed nerd who has to work on her happiness daily, Catherine leads by example in forging an authentic and meaningful career while keeping what matters most in the spotlight.
To learn more about Catherine and her work, check out:
Website: https://sandersonspeaking.com/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherine-sanderson-a259b642/
Order your copy of "The Positive Shift" or another one of her incredible books today: https://sandersonspeaking.com/books
About Catherine Sanderson:
Dr. Sanderson has bachelor's degree in psychology, with a specialization in Health and Development, from Stanford University, and received both masters and doctoral degrees in psychology from Princeton University.
Professor Sanderson has written trade books on parenting as well as how mindset influences happiness, health, and even how long we live (The Positive Shift). Her latest trade book, published in North America as Why We Act: Turning Bystanders Into Moral Rebels (Harvard University Press) and internationally as The Bystander Effect: The Psychology of Courage and Inaction (HarperCollins), examines why good people so often stay silent or do nothing in the face of wrongdoing.
Professor Sanderson speaks regularly for public and corporate audiences on topics such as the science of happiness, the power of emotional intelligence, the art of aging well, and the psychology of courage and inaction. These talks have been featured in numerous mainstream media outlets, including The Washington Post, The Boston Globe, USA Today, The Atlantic, CNN, and CBS Sunday Morning with Jane Pauley.
Close your eyes and allow this meditation to prepare you for delivering a difficult conversation. Pay attention to your breath and focus on your inhales and exhales. Feel the stress dissipate and a sense of calm rush over you.
In this show I talk to a wonderful thought leader and executive coach Clifton Carmody. He gives us advice on how to have difficult conversations and be more present in our day-to-day. We unpack the difference between coaching and therapy, the value in different styles of coaching, and how to get out of our heads, and be the best humans we possibly can. I felt warm and inspired after this conversation and I hope you do too!
To learn more about Clifton and his work, check out:
Website: https://www.mndflldr.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cliftoncarmody/
Article: https://community.thriveglobal.com/20-mindful-thought-leaders-guiding-us-into-a-better-2021/
In this episode, I am joined by Monica Bodurka, a Certified International Health Coach, yoga therapist, and co-founder of the Leadership Wellness Group. Monica shares everyday tips and tricks on how to build resilience and find a “new way to be”. Start to build healthy habits and begin your journey to resilience. Enjoy!
To learn more about Monica and her work, check out:
Leadership Wellness Group - https://www.leadershipwellness.ca/
Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/monica-bodurka-7a60532/?originalSubdomain=ca
World renowned researcher, associate professor and author, Dr. Khalsa joins me for a peek into the effects of yoga on the brain, the power of yoga in shifting societal norms, and how yoga can evolve into a spiritual practice. If you’re on the fence about whether yoga can increase your performance at work and at home, this episode may persuade you to give it a try.
More about Dr. Khalsa:
Sat Bir Singh Khalsa, Ph.D. is the Director of Yoga Research for the Yoga Alliance and the Kundalini Research Institute, a Research Associate at the Benson Henry Institute for Mind Body Medicine, a Research Affiliate at the Osher Center for Integrative Medicine, and an Associate Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. He has conducted research on yoga and yoga therapy since 2001 and has been a practitioner/instructor of Kundalini Yoga since 1973. His research has evaluated yoga for insomnia, chronic stress, and anxiety-related disorders, and in workplace and public school settings. He works with the International Association of Yoga Therapists promoting yoga research as scientific director for the annual Symposium on Yoga Research and as editor-in-chief of the International Journal of Yoga Therapy. He is medical editor of the Harvard Medical School Special Report Introduction to Yoga, and chief editor of the medical textbook The Principles and Practice of Yoga in Health Care.
To learn more about Dr. Khalsa and his work, check out:
Books: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7509849.Sat_Bir_Singh_Khalsa
Research: https://connects.catalyst.harvard.edu/Profiles/display/Person/59415
Close your eyes and let this guided meditation talk you through your upcoming presentation. Focus on your breaths and watch your stress melt away.
In this high-energy episode, I interview chartered psychologist, award-winning author, and media personality, Dr. Audrey Tang. We talk about our persona at work vs. home, how to avoid toxic positivity, the beauty of positive affect, and putting our values into action. She is a total pro and I had a blast speaking with her - enjoy!
To learn more about Rudi and his work, check out:
Website: https://www.draudreyt.com/
Books: Leaders Guide to Resilience & Leaders Guide to Mindfulness
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/draudreyt/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnn8-Waxrg6TmuNPHL1NQmg
Podcast: https://www.draudreyt.com/podcast
This week, I am joined by Rudi Riekstins, entrepreneur, international speaker, author, and coach, to unpack ways to become the best versions of ourselves as leaders. Rudi shares tips on how to overcome imposter syndrome, awaken the subconscious mind, celebrate our strengths, and show up as whole beings in the workplace. Rudi was truly an inspiration to speak with and I cannot wait for everyone to hear the wisdom he has to share about mindfulness within corporate culture. Be sure to share the show with someone who will benefit and don’t forget to download your FREE copy of Rudi’s new book How To Scale Your Business By Aligning Your Team With Your Vision, only 50 copies available!
To learn more about Rudi and his work, check out:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rudiriekstins/?hl=en
Website: https://www.rudiriekstins.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rudi-riekstins/
Get your FREE copy of “How To Scale Your Business By Aligning Your Team With Your Vision”: https://go.rudiriekstins.com/howtoscale-ebook
Take a moment and let this guided meditation relieve your stress and anxiety before making your big decision. Join Melanie McClare for the next time you're feeling anxious to make an important decision.
Catherine Bell teaches us that joy and empathy in the fabric of a company can be a superpower. She talks about customizing culture and measuring the north star values of a business, the Enneagram, and future generations of leaders. Get your notebook and brace yourself, this episode is jammed with inspiring leadership gems of advice!
To learn more about Catherine and her work check out:
- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/theawakenedcompany/?hl=e
- Book - https://awakenedcompany.com/the-awakened-company-book/#buybook
- Website - https://awakenedcompany.com/ and https://catherinerbell.com/
Join Melanie McClare and registered psychologist and author, Erika Horwtiz, as they discuss MBSR as a practice, female empowerment, and questioning the beliefs we have as women. From mindfulness techniques to parenting tips, Erika encourages us to wonder why we live the way we do. Sit back and take it all in, you won’t want to miss this episode!
To learn more about Erika and her work check out:
- Website: https://mindfulnessyvr.com/dr-erika-horwitz/
- Book: Through the Maze of Motherhood: Empowered Mothers Speak
On this episode, Melanie is joined by national bestselling author of Let That Sht Go,* Nina Purewal to discuss business, leadership, balance, and mindfulness and how it relates to the corporate world. Together they discuss mindfulness tips that help leaders boost their performance and learn to “let go”. Nina was able to overcome a childhood tragedy through her journey with mindfulness and meditation, and continues to pursue her passion to help others find peace among the chaos. Today, Nina runs Pure Minds, a company that conducts mindfulness and meditation corporate workshops. Enjoy the episode!
To learn more about Catherine and her work check out:
- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/nina.pure.minds/?hl=en
- Book - https://www.amazon.ca/Let-That-Shit-Forgiveness-Understanding/dp/1723392987
- Pure Minds - https://www.pureminds.ca/
Welcome to the Gaze Ahead Podcast hosted by Melanie McClare! In this podcast Melanie dives deeper into the topics of mindfulness and performance enhancement for busy leaders. Join her as she navigates life as a female entrepreneur, mother of two, wife, and yoga enthusiast to uncover different ways that leaders can improve both themselves and their business. Starting November 9, Mel and her guests will be here with you every two weeks, don't miss out!