Want to Be a Better Leader? Get a New Set of Eyes
In the 1950s, IBM looked much different than it does today. Back then, they produced punch-card systems. Exciting stuff.
In fact, the company repeatedly rejected developing computers because the CEO at the time, Tom Watson Sr., thought they were overpriced and unreliable.
Unpacking True Leadership – Beyond Titles and Authority
Welcome back to The Defiant Spirit Podcast! Leadership is a critical aspect of any organization, but it’s often misunderstood or neglected. In this episode, Adam and B explore what leadership is, what makes effective leaders, and how to navigate the roadblocks that create breakdowns in leadership.
The Guy In The Glass
The following poem cuts to the heart of what it means to be a man rising up into and through the second half of life. The Guy In The Glass is a poem and theme woven throughout the Man UPrising curriculum.
A 2,000 Year Old Key to Unlock Limitless Potential
Bypass the $51B Self-Help Industry with an Ancient Roadmap to Unlock More Meaning, Purpose, Success, and Fulfillment in Your Life How a little known Spiritual Roadmap Helped me Discover New Lands and Create Greater Meaning, Purpose and Connection in my Life Save $100 on the Own Your Number Enneagram Program.
9 Ways to Communicate
Baruch HaLevi explores the importance of effective communication and how understanding the Enneagram types can deepen connection and improve dialogue. Each Enneagram type has a unique communication style and preferences.
Communication: A Conversation about Connection, Psychology, Enneagram and Spirituality
Baruch HaLevi and Adam Katzen discuss the importance of communication and its various components. They explore the role of nonverbal communication, tone, and words in conveying messages and delve into the impact of first impressions and the power of body language.
Wolverine Spirituality: Football, Meditation & What I Learned From J.J. McCarthy
Sure, it takes balls to walk onto that field as QB1, knowing you will get pummeled all day. However, I’d argue that it takes even more courage to sit in meditation before the kickoff of the pinnacle game of the year. Moreover, this wasn’t the championship volleyball game (no offense; I know you volleyball players are badass). Rather, it’s football, arguably one of the most hyper-macho and toxic-masculine cultures known to man.
Screw New Year’s Goals; This Year, Be The Goalie!
“The defiant power of the human spirit is man’s capacity as a spiritual being to resist and brave whatever conditioning, circumstances or suffering he may face or endure.” -Dr. Viktor Frankl I hate goals. I hate goal setting. Above all else, I hate this ridiculous ritual of setting goals for the New Year. Why? Because the goals are a cliche. Lose weight. Exercise more. Spend Less. Blah, blah, blah. More than just living another cliched year, the real reason is – that they don’t work! A whopping 9% of us actually stick to the goals we’ll set for 2024, let alone achieve them. So, all you’re really doing is guaranteeing the one goal you will achieve – being a failure at keeping New Year’s goals, yet again. Instead, what I’m doing this year is committing to being the goalie, yes, the goalie – like in hockey. Fine, that’s a goal, but just one, and one which isn’t a cliche, is totally attainable, and honestly, it’s badass! No, I’m not talking about playing hockey. I can’t ice skate, plus I like my teeth too much for that. Honestly, I couldn’t tell you the first thing about the sport, save this. You don’t F*ck with the goalie. I mean, seriously, is there a more intimidating position in all of sports? Maybe it’s because he reminds everyone of Jason from Friday the 13th. Maybe it’s because he’s more reinforced than a U.N.-paid-for Hamas terror tunnel (sorry, too soon?). Or maybe it’s because this dude sits there all game long with other dudes pummeling him with a rubber projectile over and over and over at speeds of over 100 mph. The guy not only doesn’t hide, he actually jumps into harm’s way. Like I said, badass! That’s what it means to be the goalie. You get pounded. You get knocked down. You mess up and let one get by. Then you get up and take another, and another, and another. If you want a more technical term for this, how about the one my teacher and mentor Dr. Viktor Frankl, gave to people like this? This is a dude who lives his defiant power of spirit. As Dr. Frankl taught, “The defiant power of the human spirit is man’s capacity as a spiritual being to resist and brave whatever conditioning, circumstances or suffering he may face or endure.” So, screw New Year’s goals. This year, commit to being the goalie. Commit to not hiding behind the goals, and get out in front of that net where you’re bound to get pummelled by all kinds of slapshots. Commit to getting up after you get knocked down. Commit to facing your failures, taking responsibility, and working through the shame. Commit to no longer being afraid. Commit to making your stand and summoning the defiant power of your spirit as you don your hockey mask, and face, embrace, and endure whatever painful pucks come your way.