by Gene Crawford | Dec 16, 2024 | Podcast
Join us for an exhilarating conversation with Dan Jackson, fresh off his National Championship Grid win. We celebrate his team’s groundbreaking success as the first outside Florida to win since the league went national, reflecting on their five-year journey, the challenges they overcame, and the promising future of the sport of Grid. We also spotlight his remarkable comeback, insights from preseason camps, and the intense mental and physical demands of Grid and combat sports. Finally, we delve into CrossFit’s evolving landscape, athlete coaching dynamics, and the expanding culture of competitive fitness.
Dan Jackson – danejack61612
Head Coach – @atlantawild
Swim Coach – @kennesaw_masters_swim
Swim Coach – Direct Current Swimming
M. Ed. Coach Education and Athlete Development
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by Gene Crawford | Dec 9, 2024 | Podcast
Carl Smith and I discuss transitioning from a busy digital agency to a remote work setup brought lessons in autonomy, collaboration, and balance. In this episode, we share our journey of working with industry giants like Facebook and Epic Games, navigating the risks of overcommitting, and fostering diverse client relationships and creative spaces. We also explore personal growth through fear, martial arts, stoicism, and how practices like meditation, running, and community support shaped our leadership, especially during the pandemic. With stories of friendship, gratitude, and resilience, we reflect on the moments and mementos that symbolize growth and enduring connections.
https://bureauofdigital.com
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by Gene Crawford | Oct 7, 2024 | Podcast
Join us as we explore micromanagement in leadership, examining its causes, effects, and how to handle it. We question whether micromanaging stems from a need for control, sharing personal stories that show how anxiety over performance and pressure from higher management can contribute. We discuss its negative impact on creativity and respect, with examples from project management where excessive oversight hurt productivity. Through relatable scenarios like home remodeling,
we reflect on leadership, trust, and lessons from Jocko Willink’s Echelon Front, debating if trust must be earned from micromanaging leaders. We also consider the practicality of decentralized leadership and the responsibility to not enable micromanagement, challenging the idea of overcompensating for a controlling boss. The episode highlights the importance of communication, accountability, and trust, with personal stories emphasizing the benefits of autonomy and a trusting boss. We end with a humorous call for micromanagers to trust their teams—maybe even try a karate class to let go of control—and offer insights on improving leadership to create more respectful, effective work environments.
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by Gene Crawford | Jul 30, 2024 | Podcast
Ever wondered how a simple phrase could transform your life? This episode sheds light on “Chibario,” an inspiring Okinawan term that translates to “do your best” or “never give up.” Rooted in the rich culture of Okinawa and its martial arts traditions like Karate-do, Chibario embodies the spirit of resilience and determination. We’ll explore how this powerful concept can be a game-changer in everyday life, whether you’re facing a daunting project or gearing up for a marathon. You’ll discover how adopting Chibario fosters not only personal strength but also a sense of community support, pushing you to break past your limits and achieve your goals.
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by Gene Crawford | Feb 5, 2024 | Podcast
As the seasons of our careers change, so does our perspective on the work we do and the lives we lead. This heartfelt discussion with Greg Storey, a dear friend and former owner of Happy Cog, not only traces his professional voyage from bagging groceries in Alaska to the boutique agency world and through the corporate colossus of IBM Design, but it also unravels the beauty of midlife career introspection. Embracing change, Greg has moved from leading companies to imparting wisdom through coaching, a journey that mirrors my own pivot towards fitness and mental health coaching, where the reward lies in guiding others to their zenith.
Join us for a reflective and thought-provoking episode where we celebrate the rich tapestry of our past experiences, while keeping an eager eye on the horizon. We revel in discussions about the legends who’ve shaped our industry, touching on the privilege of choosing our own adventures and the vitality of continuous engagement with our creative endeavors.
This episode is also a candid exploration of the complexities of the workplace, from the integration of AI to the dynamics of leadership. We debate the current resistance to remote work models, advocate for leadership that empowers and supports, and tackle the tough emotional realities of decision-making, like firing employees. Whether you’re a seasoned vet or just starting out, there’s wisdom here for anyone navigating the undulating paths of their professional landscape. Join us and take away invaluable insights that will enrich your approach to work and life.
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