Good Work with Barrett Brooks

Mike Macdonald, the youngest head coach in the NFL, shares his journey from high school coach to leading the Seattle Seahawks. He discusses the importance of servant leadership, emphasizing that coaching is about serving players' growth. Macdonald highlights the balance between tradition and innovation, and how trust is built through humor and a 'loose but focused' culture. He reflects on lessons learned from coaching icons and the significance of mental training, aiming to redefine the Seahawks as the NFL's standard in culture and performance.

In a heartfelt conversation, Barrett Brooks opens up to his friend James Clear, bestselling author of *Atomic Habits*. They explore pivotal moments from Barrett's life, discussing his childhood patterns, the emotional growth he's achieved, and the impact of baseball on his resilience. Barrett shares insights on processing change through unique exercises and emphasizes the importance of self-worth beyond external validation. Together, they delve into fatherhood, the balance of ambition and family life, and the psychology that fuels successful entrepreneurs.

This season kicks off with a dive into the deeper meaning of work, emphasizing purpose over title or wealth. The host explores how a fulfilling career should call us higher, focusing on inner journeys rather than surface-level tactics. Big questions about personal purpose, service, and our unique contributions to the world take center stage. It’s not just about doing more, but about becoming more, as Barrett encourages us to seek authentic success rooted in our values.

Matt D. Smith, a world-class designer and founder of Shift Nudge, discusses the deeper journey behind his career success. He reflects on pivotal life moments, like the impact of his supportive marriage, and shares lessons from his childhood working as a crop duster. The conversation explores his transition from seeking external validation to finding joy in his work, the challenges of launching online education, and the emotional complexities that accompany success. Smith's journey emphasizes resilience, community, and personal growth.

This week, Tina Tower, founder of Her Empire Builder and a successful entrepreneur, shares her fascinating journey. She discusses how her chaotic childhood and a pivotal moment with Tony Robbins fueled her entrepreneurial spirit. After scaling a franchise too quickly and facing burnout, Tina reveals her path to creating a $2M membership business supporting women. She emphasizes the power of balance, shares valuable lessons on avoiding the pitfalls of rapid growth, and highlights the importance of aligning success with joy and personal well-being.

Anne-Laure Le Cunff, a neuroscientist, writer, and founder of Ness Labs, discusses her new book, 'Tiny Experiments,' revealing how small, intentional actions can unlock creativity and personal growth. She explores the importance of navigating life's crossroads and following intuition in decision-making. Anne-Laure shares insights on embracing vulnerability through psychoactive journeys and the significance of cultural identity. Her reflections on healing generational wounds and fostering authenticity encourage listeners to embrace their true selves for transformative growth.

Bonnie Wan, a trailblazing strategist with 30 years in advertising, shares her inspiring journey from a bullied immigrant to a leading figure in brand strategy. She discusses her transformative tool, The Life Brief, and how storytelling can drive social change, including a national campaign against child pornography. Bonnie reflects on embracing vulnerability as a leader, navigating the complexities of gender dynamics in personal growth, and the importance of confronting trauma to foster empowerment. Her insights challenge us to redefine what truly matters in our lives.

Ann Brooks, a seasoned expert with nearly 40 years in sales and leadership, shares invaluable insights on navigating the corporate world. She discusses building high-performing teams and the balance between support and accountability. Ann reflects on her early career at Xerox and the challenges of being a primary breadwinner in a male-dominated environment. Personal stories filled with humor and resilience emphasize the importance of cultural identity, hard work, and leading with integrity in both life and business.

Join Justin Moore, founder of Creator Wizard and a seasoned YouTuber, as he shares his journey through the highs and lows of the creator economy. He candidly discusses the challenges of balancing entrepreneurship with family life, especially after facing a setback when his agency collapsed during the pandemic. Justin elaborates on his transformative experiences, from launching a YouTube channel to navigating online negativity. His story is a testament to resilience, the importance of family time, and the ever-evolving dynamics of modern parenthood.

Kieran Snyder, co-founder and former CEO of Textio, dives deep into her transformative journey from academia to tech leadership. She shares insights on raising over $40 million in funding while building equitable teams. Kieran candidly discusses her experience with burnout and the difficult decision to step down as CEO. Passionate about mentoring women, she highlights her efforts in coaching girls' basketball and her unique storytelling approach in her newsletter, Nerd Processor. This conversation offers both inspiration and practical advice for aspiring leaders.