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Change Wired

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Change Wired: Change in days - not in years! Ready to ditch slow change and start thriving sooner? Change Wired is your new favorite podcast for practical, punchy insights into personal growth, productivity, mindset mastery, and creating high-performing, purpose-driven, thriving cultures. Hosted by an Executive & High-Performance Coach with 15 years of global experience (who now runs a culture transformation consulting & coaching firm), each episode breaks down science-backed tools from biology, neuroscience, psychology of change and systems thinking into actionable tips you can start using today. Expect lively solo episodes, inspiring guests, and real-world strategies designed specifically for leaders, entrepreneurs, and growth-focused professionals eager to accelerate their impact—both personally and within their teams & communities. Tune in, wire your brain for change, and get ready to transform in days - not years!

Location:

United States

Description:

Change Wired: Change in days - not in years! Ready to ditch slow change and start thriving sooner? Change Wired is your new favorite podcast for practical, punchy insights into personal growth, productivity, mindset mastery, and creating high-performing, purpose-driven, thriving cultures. Hosted by an Executive & High-Performance Coach with 15 years of global experience (who now runs a culture transformation consulting & coaching firm), each episode breaks down science-backed tools from biology, neuroscience, psychology of change and systems thinking into actionable tips you can start using today. Expect lively solo episodes, inspiring guests, and real-world strategies designed specifically for leaders, entrepreneurs, and growth-focused professionals eager to accelerate their impact—both personally and within their teams & communities. Tune in, wire your brain for change, and get ready to transform in days - not years!

Language:

English


Episodes
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How to pursue multiple goals at once - fitness, business, relationship. 3 shortcuts to rewiring your brain's automation system.

7/1/2025
Ever feel like your life is a juggling act of career, fitness, relationships, and personal growth with too many balls in the air and not enough hands? You're not alone. And this podcast is designed for you. The struggle to make progress across multiple life domains simultaneously leaves many of us exhausted, overwhelmed, and on the fast track to burnout. The solution isn't choosing between your goals or waiting for that mythical "perfect time" to focus on self-improvement. Instead, it's learning how to run more things on autopilot. Our brain comes equipped with powerful automation software that, when properly leveraged, allows you to pursue multiple ambitions without depleting your mental resources. Drawing from groundbreaking research by scientists at MIT, Stanford, and New York University, this episode unpacks 3 game-changing habit formation amplifiers that transform how you build automated behaviors. You'll also discover why conscious decision-making drains your mental energy (did you know we make 200-300 food decisions daily?), and how shifting to automated habits can free your brain for truly creative and challenging work. Ready to stop choosing between your goals and start making simultaneous progress across multiple domains? Listen now, and learn how to transform your brain's natural automation capabilities into your secret weapon for sustainable, meaningful change. After implementing these strategies, you'll wonder how you ever managed without them! Text Me Your Thoughts and Ideas Support the show Brought to you by Angela Shurina Behavior-First Change Leadership & Culture Transformation Consultant EXECUTIVE & OPTIMAL PERFORMANCE COACH

Duration:00:30:44

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Why no one reads your email anymore. "Cognitive Budgeting" and how to pitch, sell and make people listen.

6/30/2025
Ever wonder why your brilliant emails go unread or your fantastic ideas seem to fall on deaf ears? The answer lies in cognitive budgeting - the brain's ruthless allocation of its limited energy resources. Your brain is remarkably hungry, consuming over 20% of your daily energy despite being just 5% of your body weight. As we're bombarded with more information than ever before, our brains have become increasingly selective about what deserves attention. Like picky eaters at a buffet, we carefully choose where to spend our precious cognitive resources. This episode dives into the fascinating science behind why people ignore most messages and how to ensure yours gets through. I share practical insights on matching your communication to your audience's current interests and needs. You'll discover why timing is everything, why being clear beats being clever, and how to tailor your detail level to different types of audiences. Whether you're trying to improve your marketing emails, design better products and services, or simply get your family to listen to your ideas, understanding cognitive budgeting will transform your approach. By respecting people's cognitive limitations and speaking to their actual interests, you dramatically increase your chances of not just being heard but actually influencing behavior. Ready to make people actually pay attention to what you have to say? Listen now, and share with someone who needs these insights. Text Me Your Thoughts and Ideas Support the show Brought to you by Angela Shurina Behavior-First Change Leadership & Culture Transformation Consultant EXECUTIVE & OPTIMAL PERFORMANCE COACH

Duration:00:21:32

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Developing the Right AI-First Mindset Habits: how to get smarter, not dumber with AI. 4-step framework.

6/27/2025
The technological landscape is transforming at breakneck speed, but what determines your success in this new world isn't your mastery of the latest AI tools - it's your AI-first mindset. While everyone's focused on which AI applications to learn, we're neglecting something far more fundamental: the mental habits that will either propel us forward or anchor us in the past. Your AI mindset, the questions you habitually ask, the stories you tell yourself, and the thoughts you cultivate, it shapes your preparedness for an AI-first future more than any technical skill. The key shift isn't learning to use AI faster; it's rethinking your relationship with these tools. Instead of outsourcing your thinking, the most powerful approach is using AI as a collaborator that amplifies your uniquely human capabilities. Drawing from cutting-edge research, including MIT studies showing how passive AI use actually reduces brain activity, this episode provides a practical framework for effective AI collaboration. You'll discover how to preserve the creative, insightful aspects of your work while leveraging AI for refinement and enhancement. Through real-world examples from writing, coaching, and content creation, you'll learn specific techniques for using AI to make your thinking sharper and your work better, not to replace your intellectual skills. The most successful people in an AI-powered world won't be those who surrender their thinking to machines but those who become more intentional about how they think alongside their digital collaborators. The future belongs to those who enhance their thinking with technology, not those who outsource it. Text Me Your Thoughts and Ideas Support the show Brought to you by Angela Shurina Behavior-First Change Leadership & Culture Transformation Consultant EXECUTIVE & OPTIMAL PERFORMANCE COACH

Duration:00:30:07

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5 steps to build systems that prevent self-sabotaging, "bad" habits

6/25/2025
Ever wonder why it's so easy to fall into habits you know aren't good for you? The answer lies in the Law of Least Effort, a fundamental principle governing not just human behavior but systems throughout nature. The Law of Least Effort explains why we naturally choose "the bad thing", even when it doesn't serve our long-term goals. This isn't a character flaw; it's hardwired into our biology. The challenge? We've created a world perfectly designed to exploit our lazy brain. Food companies formulate products that override our satiety signals. Social media platforms engineer features that maximize scrolling time. Streaming services automatically play the next episode. In essence, we've built systems that keep our brain's addicted to the wrong thing. I'll walk you through my 5-question framework for creating systems that work for you rather than against you. You'll learn practical strategies like commitment devices, accountability structures, and habit tracking that can help you overcome these challenges. Whether you're struggling with phone addiction, mindless eating, or self-distracting productivity sabotage, these principles can help you design a life where doing the right thing becomes the path you take. Text Me Your Thoughts and Ideas Support the show Brought to you by Angela Shurina Behavior-First Change Leadership & Culture Transformation Consultant EXECUTIVE & OPTIMAL PERFORMANCE COACH

Duration:00:26:51

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The Goal-First Life-Work Design Framework: why your efforts don't pay off much

6/23/2025
Why do we so often work incredibly hard without seeing the results we want? The answer lies not in our effort, but in how we design that effort. Drawing from an insightful MIT Sloan Management Review study on leadership development programs, this episode reveals 3 critical mistakes that prevent both organizations and individuals from achieving meaningful growth. These same principles explain why many of us struggle to reach personal and professional goals despite genuine commitment. The first fatal flaw?... tune in to find out! With this powerful framework you'll ensure your valuable time and energy create the future you truly desire, rather than simply keeping you busy with tasks that ultimately lead nowhere. Are you just doing things, or are you designing efforts that add up to something meaningful? Text Me Your Thoughts and Ideas Support the show Brought to you by Angela Shurina Behavior-First Change Leadership & Culture Transformation Consultant EXECUTIVE & OPTIMAL PERFORMANCE COACH

Duration:00:18:46

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Finding Your Edge: 5 questions to help you stand out in the world of limitless options.

6/21/2025
Feeling lost in the noise of a hyper-connected world? Too many things to do, to learn, to try, and seems like every place is taken and everything you want to do is done? Actually, it's the best time to be uniquely you! The secret to standing out in a noisy world isn't shouting louder, it's communicating clearer. Be different. This podcast is about HOW to actually do it. What makes you uniquely you in a sea of sameness? When everyone shares similar titles, credentials, or designations, how do you differentiate yourself? This question plagues professionals across industries, from coaches and consultants to leaders and entrepreneurs. The answer lies not in what you call yourself, but in how you do things - your unique approach, methodology, and perspective. Your uniqueness is born from your experiences, that beautiful tapestry of life events, challenges overcome, and lessons learned that no one else can precisely replicate. Just as two cups may serve the same function yet carry entirely different stories, two professionals sharing the same title can operate in completely different universes. The key is identifying and clearly articulating what sets you apart. This episode offers 5 transformative questions to help you discover your edge. Take out your journal, pause after each question, and discover what makes you not just another "generic white cup," but a distinctive offering that the right people will seek out with confidence. Because in a world where everything seems connected and available, the winners will be those who know how to communicate their difference clearly. Text Me Your Thoughts and Ideas Support the show Brought to you by Angela Shurina Behavior-First Change Leadership & Culture Transformation Consultant EXECUTIVE & OPTIMAL PERFORMANCE COACH

Duration:00:22:21

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The Mathematics of Change: how to create predictable outcomes in health or business.

6/19/2025
We're obsessed with outcomes but rarely talk about the engine that creates them: consistent, tracked actions. This transformative episode challenges the magical thinking around results. Every meaningful change, from fitness transformations to business growth to cultural shifts, follows the same fundamental principle. Results aren't random; they're mathematical. The episode explores how this principle applies across domains: business leaders tracking client conversations rather than just hoping for growth; cultural transformation requiring observable behavior changes; health improvements demanding sustainable daily practices. We examine how the "repeatable" aspect is often overlooked, causing initially successful changes to fail when they prove unsustainable. Most importantly, we discuss how to ensure your aspirations align with the level of reps you're willing to perform - Olympic medals require Olympic-level inputs. Ready to transform wishful thinking into predictable results? Tune in! Text Me Your Thoughts and Ideas Support the show Brought to you by Angela Shurina Behavior-First Change Leadership & Culture Transformation Consultant EXECUTIVE & OPTIMAL PERFORMANCE COACH

Duration:00:17:13

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First Principles Thinking: why your last diet & business plan failed and how Elon Musk's thinking can help you fix it.

6/16/2025
Ever wonder why diets fail, business strategies collapse? The answer lies not in the approach itself, but in how we think about implementing change. Thinking in first principles, Elon Musk's favorite mental model that helped him build seemingly impossible businesses, transforms how we approach challenges across all domains. When we stop following rules and shortcuts we don't understand and instead dig into the foundational elements of how things actually work, we create sustainable systems that adapt as our lives evolve. Consider the difference between "thinking in diets" versus "thinking like a nutritionist." The former might lead you to cut carbs without understanding their crucial role in brain function, hormone regulation, and overall health. The latter empowers you to make informed decisions based on your unique biology, lifestyle, and goals. This same principle applies whether you're building a business, improving relationships, or transforming your fitness. That's why personalized coaching works so effectively, it combines foundational principles with your specific context, strengths, weaknesses, and aspirations. Generic advice from the internet or social media can't account for your unique circumstances. Even advanced AI tools lack the lived experience necessary to fully grasp what implementation looks like in your particular life. Ready to transform your thinking and create lasting change diet or business? Tune in today! Grow into a better thinker. Text Me Your Thoughts and Ideas Support the show Brought to you by Angela Shurina Behavior-First Change Leadership & Culture Transformation Consultant EXECUTIVE & OPTIMAL PERFORMANCE COACH

Duration:00:15:25

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Relationships Matter Most: breaking down silos in modern worplace one interaction at a time with Bryan Miller

6/15/2025
Imagine organizations where relationships aren't just an afterthought but the foundation of everything. Where performance, innovation, and well-being flow naturally from meaningful human connections. That's the transformative vision Bryan shares in this profound conversation. Drawing from 30 years of talent management experience across five continents, Bryan reveals why focusing on relationships is the key to thriving workplaces. He makes a compelling case backed by science: "If anything you can die from, you die earlier if you're lonely." This biological imperative for connection extends directly to our work lives, where relationship quality determines everything from stress levels to problem-solving capacity. Bryan introduces his framework of four crucial organizational relationships: employee-employee, leader-employee, leader-leader, and company-employee. Each requires specific attention and nurturing to create environments where self-serving behaviors diminish and collaborative success flourishes. He explains why culture isn't something we directly fix but rather an outcome of our actions and relationships – similar to how winning emerges from proper execution, not from talking about winning. The conversation explores practical ways leaders can strengthen workplace relationships, from structured communication approaches that confirm understanding beyond simple head nods, to implementing the "relationships matter most" mindset inspired by John Gottman's research. Bryan offers immediately actionable advice: maintain a 5:1 ratio of positive to negative interactions, and always focus on commonality before differences. Perhaps most powerfully, Bryan emphasizes service as the cornerstone of thriving organizations. When we approach work with a mindset of serving our teams, our functions, and our organizations before ourselves, we create cultures where people find meaning, purpose, and fulfillment – and where business results naturally follow. Ready to transform your workplace culture through the power of relationships? isit Brian's website at bshtalentsolutions.com to learn more about his approach or purchase his book "Relationship Driven Cultures: Foster Unity, Enrich Self-Worth, and Build Resilience." ___________________ Bryan Miller BIO: Bryan brings nearly 30 years of talent management experience, serving as both head of talent management and a trusted consultant to small businesses, nonprofits, and Fortune 200 companies across five continents. Known for his innovative, relationship-focused approach, he helps organizations strengthen cultures, align strategies, and drive performance from the front line to the C-suite. He has built talent functions from the ground up, led major change and project management initiatives, and consistently empowered teams through collaboration, development, and shared purpose. Bryan holds a BS in Business Administration from Penn State and an MS in Positive Organization Development and Change from Case Western Reserve. He has completed executive programs at Harvard and MIT and is certified in numerous assessments that guide his work in improving individual and team effectiveness. Bryan lives in Westerville, Ohio, with his wife, Sherri, and daughter, Hannah. Text Me Your Thoughts and Ideas Support the show Brought to you by Angela Shurina Behavior-First Change Leadership & Culture Transformation Consultant EXECUTIVE & OPTIMAL PERFORMANCE COACH

Duration:01:09:39

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Breaking free from busyness and firefightening: how being busy makes you a bad time manager

6/13/2025
Ever feel trapped in a cycle of perpetual busyness? Wonder why, despite your best efforts, you never seem to have enough time to create better time management systems? The answer lies in what behavioral scientists call "the scarcity tunnel", a fascinating cognitive phenomenon that explains why the busier we get, the worse we become at managing our time. When we're short on time, our brains enter a survival mode where only immediate tasks matter. Like a jar filling with pebbles, each small task occupies precious mental space, leaving no room for strategic thinking or system-building. This creates a cruel paradox: precisely when we most need innovative solutions to our time problems, we're least equipped to develop them. This episode dives deep into the science of scarcity and its impact on decision-making. You'll discover why even intelligent, capable people make shortsighted choices under pressure, and how this affects everything from financial decisions to daily time management. More importantly, you'll learn the counterintuitive step required to break free from this cycle, deliberately setting aside time for strategic thinking when you feel you have none to spare. Your calendar doesn't lie; it reflects where your life is heading. By understanding the psychology behind time scarcity and implementing the practical strategies shared in this episode, you can escape the tunneling effect and build systems that create more meaning, impact, and fulfillment. Don't just survive each day - design a life you'll be proud to look back on. Text Me Your Thoughts and Ideas Support the show Brought to you by Angela Shurina EXECUTIVE & OPTIMAL PERFORMANCE COACH

Duration:00:14:59

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šŸ•¹ļøThe lie about willpower and discipline: 8 core drivers from applied gamification to get yourself write books, eat healthy, and overdeliver at work.

6/11/2025
Willpower is a lie that's been sold to us for generations. The truth? Even Elon Musk doesn't wake up every morning relying on "discipline" to build rockets and trillion-dollar companies. Something far more powerful is at work. Gamification expert Yu-kai Cho has identified 8 core drivers that move humans to action. This stuff make us want to do hard things consistently without the struggle of forcing ourselves through sheer willpower. When Yukai needed to write his book despite a packed schedule, he didn't set calendar reminders or try to "be more disciplined." Instead, he used used 8 core drivers to make doing irresistible. The research is clear: willpower depletes quickly. Even simple choices between cookies and carrots drain our mental resources. But by designing your environment, schedules, and processes to activate your unique motivational drivers, you transform difficult tasks from obligations into engaging challenges you actually want to pursue. This isn't just theory, it's the hidden mechanism behind every significant achievement and consistent behavior change. Tune in - let's learn to push our buttons to win the game of life šŸ•¹ļø Text Me Your Thoughts and Ideas Support the show Brought to you by Angela Shurina EXECUTIVE & OPTIMAL PERFORMANCE COACH

Duration:00:18:13

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Never feel overwhelmed & like wasting time again. Horizon Planning Methodology: from vision to fulfilling days.

6/9/2025
Ever feel like you're constantly busy but not making real progress toward what matters most? That's the frustration horizon planning solves. Your time is the only truly finite resource you have, 24 hours a day that, once spent, you never get it back. While the demands and options competing for your time multiply endlessly. Without a clear framework connecting your daily actions to your life's purpose, even the most productive days can leave you feeling empty. Introducing Horizon Planning Methodology. Horizon planning creates that vital connection, working from your highest vision down to your daily calendar. Based on David Allen's Getting Things Done methodology but simplified for practical application, this system starts with your "North Star", identifying your purpose, principles, and the person you aspire to become. From there, it cascades through progressively shorter timeframes: your 3-5 year vision, 1-2 year goals, short-term projects, and finally, your daily actions. The magic happens when these levels align. Decision-making becomes faster and less stressful. Saying yes or no to opportunities feels clear rather than guilt-inducing. Most importantly, your limited time builds toward something meaningful instead of evaporating on endless urgent-but-unimportant tasks. Ready to eliminate overwhelm and create more impact with your limited time? Download our free horizon planning worksheet HERE and schedule your first planning session. Your future self, looking back on a life of purpose and meaningful achievement, will thank you. Text Me Your Thoughts and Ideas Support the show Brought to you by Angela Shurina EXECUTIVE & OPTIMAL PERFORMANCE COACH

Duration:00:23:43

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When the Going Gets Tough: building systems that prevent failure, and scaling living to 100 and doing the right thing.

6/4/2025
What truly determines success in creating lasting change? Contrary to popular belief, it's not motivation, willpower, or even your inherent abilities. The research reveals something far more fundamental: your ecosystem shapes your outcomes far more than your genetic makeup. Your zipcode matters more than your genetic code. How do we shape ecosystems that bring the best in us? From Silicon Valley entrepreneurial ecosystems to Blue Zones where centenarians thrive. The social dimension of change proves particularly powerful, with studies showing proximity to high performers can boost your productivity by 15%, while nearby low performers can decrease it by 30%. When designing for sustainable change – whether for yourself, your team, or your organization – we often focus on motivation and clear communication. But what happens when energy wanes, time disappears, and routines get disrupted? This episode introduces the critical concept of "guardrails" – systems designed specifically to prevent failure when people are at their worst. Ready to transform how you approach change? Discover why social accountability outperforms willpower, how to design ecosystems that naturally encourage positive behaviors, and practical strategies for creating guardrails that catch people when they fall. Whether you're a leader driving organizational transformation or someone committed to personal growth, these research-backed tools will fundamentally change how you approach the change process. Listen now to build systems that make change stick – even when the going gets tough. Text Me Your Thoughts and Ideas Support the show Brought to you by Angela Shurina EXECUTIVE & OPTIMAL PERFORMANCE COACH

Duration:00:23:12

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How to be happy with your imperfect life. The Frustration List technique - path to inner peace and meaningful productivity.

6/2/2025
Is this feeling of never catching up normal? What if nobody, not even that person you admire who seems to have everything together, has actually figured it all out? This episode introduces a powerful 3-step Frustration List Technique that transforms how we handle the anxiety of unfinished tasks and unrealized potential. Drawing from well-researched strategies in stress management, wellness, and productivity science, this approach creates immediate relief and sustainable progress. The freedom comes not from completing everything, but from making peace with the unfinished nature of life while focusing your energy where it matters most. Your brain doesn't need you to finish everything, it simply craves progress and attention on what's important. By implementing this technique, you'll experience more presence, joy, and fulfillment, even with a long list of things still undone. Ready to stop feeling like you're always behind? Listen now to discover how writing it down, sorting what matters, and taking small actions can transform your relationship with your to-do list and ultimately, with yourself. Text Me Your Thoughts and Ideas Support the show Brought to you by Angela Shurina EXECUTIVE & OPTIMAL PERFORMANCE COACH

Duration:00:16:52

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Reps In, Goals Out: a 3-step system to turn falling short into future results

5/30/2025
Ever catch yourself frustrated by a lack of progress despite feeling like you're working hard? You're not alone. It's the most common reason for quitting ... early. The disconnect between effort and results often comes down to a simple truth: we expect extraordinary outcomes from ordinary input. Looking at myself in the gym mirror recently, I realized something powerful. I've achieved better physical results than most gym-goers not because I've obsessively chased fitness goals, but because I've consistently shown up for an hour every day. This pattern holds true across all domains of achievement, whether building a business, advancing a career, or mastering a skill. When my consulting clients express disappointment with their progress, I ask them one critical question: "Is it reasonable to expect the results you want from the work you've put in?" Objectively? There's a profound difference between subjective effort (how hard something feels) and objective effort (what's actually required). To bridge this gap between action and achievement, I've developed a 3-step system that prioritizes repetitions done right over goal-fixation. More hard work won't get you there. More work with strategy will! Ready to transform your approach to achievement? Tune in! Text Me Your Thoughts and Ideas Support the show Brought to you by Angela Shurina EXECUTIVE & OPTIMAL PERFORMANCE COACH

Duration:00:22:02

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The Gamification Advantage: how to make discipline fun to make it last. Build abs, business, better future you.

5/28/2025
Ever wonder why thousands of people willingly sign up for grueling marathons and obstacle courses, yet struggle to maintain basic health habits? Games! The answer lies not in the level of difficulty, but in how our brains perceive challenges when they're framed as games rather than obligations. In this fascinating exploration of gamification, we decode the psychological techniques that companies like Facebook use to keep you hooked, and how you can harness these same powerful tools to achieve your personal and professional goals. When you transform mundane tasks into compelling quests with clear win states, visible progress, and milestone celebrations, you tap into the brain's natural motivation systems. The most disciplined people don't actually rely on discipline at all! They craft personal missions that generate intrinsic motivation, making hard work feel like play. Whether you're building healthier habits, developing professional skills, or pursuing ambitious personal goals, these gamification techniques can transform your approach to change. Ready to level up your life?šŸ˜‰šŸ† Listen now to discover how to turn your biggest challenges into your most rewarding adventures. Text Me Your Thoughts and Ideas Support the show Brought to you by Angela Shurina EXECUTIVE & OPTIMAL PERFORMANCE COACH

Duration:00:19:52

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The Impatience Paradox: how to develop more patience for getting results when progress is almost invisible

5/26/2025
Have you ever felt that nagging impatience when working toward an important goal? That almost physical itch wondering why success isn't happening faster? You're not alone. The truth is that transformative change rarely feels significant in the moment. While we expect to see daily improvement, real progress accumulates invisibly, only revealing itself after consistent effort over extended periods. What do you do while waiting for progress to show up? How do you stay consistent? How do you know it's working?... When we examine the journeys of those we admire—whether entrepreneurs, authors, or leaders—their success appears almost magical. What we don't see are the countless hours of imperceptible progress, the years of showing up when results weren't evident. Their "overnight" success typically represents decades of incremental improvement that went unnoticed by the world and sometimes even by themselves. The answer? Setting up better systems for tracking "the invisible" progress. And that's not all! Often, when pursuing goals that take decades, we decide to "entertain" ourselves with many other goals, just in case" this one doesn't work out. Often, stealing that success we desire so much. The episode also tackles another critical obstacle to achievement: our tendency to spread ourselves too thin. Much like trying to prepare a feast with only enough ingredients for one good meal, we dilute our impact when we distribute our finite resources—attention, energy, and time—across too many objectives. Research confirms that focusing on just one habit change dramatically increases success probability, while attempting multiple changes simultaneously often leads to complete failure. This explains why many people remain perpetually busy yet never achieve their most meaningful goals. Ready to transform your approach to growth? Listen now to discover practical strategies for tracking progress, maintaining motivation through invisible growth phases, and focusing your resources where they'll create the most significant impact. Text Me Your Thoughts and Ideas Support the show Brought to you by Angela Shurina EXECUTIVE & OPTIMAL PERFORMANCE COACH

Duration:00:17:47

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How to develop your character strengths. Or what to do when you get your next personality assessment or Enneagram.

5/23/2025
TUNE IN TO LEARN: How to you practically become a better you? You got your Enneagram, or results of StrengthsFinder, what's now? How do you develop new habits of being you... just different you? This episode explores the disconnect between how we approach career development versus character development, and why that gap keeps us from becoming who we truly want to be. What if the same systems that helped you excel professionally could transform your character? Drawing from coaching experience with high-performing leaders, this episode unpacks a practical framework for developing traits like courage and discipline. You'll discover why most character development fails (hint: it's not your psychology) and how to create effective feedback loops that drive measurable growth. You'll learn why focusing on just one character trait dramatically increases your chances of success. Rather than overwhelming yourself with multiple improvement areas, this targeted approach creates momentum that can transform how you show up in every aspect of life. Whether you're feeling stuck in patterns that limit your potential or simply ready to grow beyond your expertise into wisdom, this episode provides the roadmap for meaningful personal evolution. Ready to finally make progress on becoming the person you aspire to be? Schedule that meeting with yourself today and work on your character development plan with this strategy. Text Me Your Thoughts and Ideas Support the show Brought to you by Angela Shurina EXECUTIVE & OPTIMAL PERFORMANCE COACH

Duration:00:22:53

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Breaking Free from the 75% Thought Loop: and building habits for your future self faster

5/21/2025
Do you ever feel like you're stuck in a loop, making the same decisions day after day despite your best intentions to change? You're not alone. In this episode we'll explore this fascinating fact how 75% of our daily thoughts are nearly identical to yesterday's, creating a cycle that keeps us living in our past rather than growing into our future. Discover groundbreaking research that shows people with a close, friendship-like relationship with their future self make demonstrably better decisions today. Brain scans reveal that different neural pathways activate when we think about our future self as a friend rather than a stranger. This connection translates into healthier eating, better financial choices, and greater life satisfaction. I share insights from John Sonney's powerful "The Bridge" meditation technique that helps strengthen this crucial connection between your present and future selves. The key to meaningful change, bringing our future selves into the present sooner lies in understanding the psychology of habit formation. Whether you're struggling with health goals, productivity habits, or leadership development, these evidence-based techniques will help you bring your future self into your present reality much faster. Ready to break free from recycling your past and start embodying who you're truly meant to become? Listen now and share this episode with someone who needs to hear this message. Text Me Your Thoughts and Ideas Support the show Brought to you by Angela Shurina EXECUTIVE & OPTIMAL PERFORMANCE COACH

Duration:00:18:46

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The Mattering Deficit with Zach Mercurio. Communication masterclass to create workplaces where people thrive, and build relationships that fulfill.

5/18/2025
What if could upgrade performance at work, build deep relationships at home and in the workplace, heal loneliness everywhere by communicating 3 simple things? We're facing a crisis that's hiding in plain sight. It's not just loneliness or disengagement - it's what researcher Zach Mercurio calls a "mattering deficit." Despite our hyper-connected world, people simply don't feel seen, heard, and valued in their everyday interactions. The statistics are striking: one-third of people report persistent loneliness, 70% feel emotionally uninvested in their work, and half of students don't believe anyone would notice if they were absent. But Mercurio reveals that these aren't separate problems - they're symptoms of our collective failure to make each other feel significant. Why now? Since the early 2000s, digital communication has allowed us to bypass situations that once developed our human connection skills. We can respond to someone's bad news with a sad emoji rather than sitting with them, truly listening, and showing compassion. Zach Mercurio introduces a powerful framework - Notice, Affirm, Need - that transforms how we interact. Through compelling stories and research, Dr Mercurio demonstrates how small interactions can have profound impacts. A supervisor who keeps notes about team members' lives, a facilities manager who shows his team photos of people enjoying their work, or simply telling someone "if it wasn't for you..." can transform an ordinary exchange into one that fosters significance. Your next great act will happen in your next interaction. Don't overthink it. Instead of searching for the next big program or initiative, focus on optimizing how you notice, affirm, and need the people around you. Join the mattering movement and discover how making others feel significant creates a virtuous cycle that enriches everyone's lives. _____________________ Dr Zach Mercurio: https://www.zachmercurio.com/ Mattering Assessment for leaders and more book resources: https://www.zachmercurio.com/mattering/ "The Power of Mattering" book equips leaders to unleash the hidden superpowers in each individual by addressing the fundamental human need to feel significant: https://www.zachmercurio.com/the-power-of-mattering/ Connect with Dr Zach Mercurio on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachmercurio/ More about Dr Zach Mercurio: Dr Zach Mercurio is an author, researcher, and leadership development facilitator specializing in purposeful leadership, mattering, and meaningful work. He advises leaders in organizations worldwide on practices for building cultures that promote well-being, motivation, and performance. Zach holds a Ph.D. in organizational learning, performance, and change and serves as one of Simon Sinek’s Optimist Instructors, teaching a top-rated course on creating mattering at work. His new book is "The Power of Mattering: How Leaders Can Create a Culture of Significance." His previous book is "The Invisible Leader: Transform Your Life, Work, and Organization with The Power of Authentic Purpose.ā€ He’s been featured in The Harvard Business Review, Forbes, Psychology T Text Me Your Thoughts and Ideas Support the show Brought to you by Angela Shurina EXECUTIVE & OPTIMAL PERFORMANCE COACH

Duration:00:48:17