Right-side Up Leadership Podcast

In the first part of this two-part conversation, Alan Briggs sits down with Steve Cuss, author of The Expectation Gap, to explore the challenges of managing expectations, staying human-sized in overwhelming spaces, and starting the year with curiosity instead of pressure. Steve shares personal stories about imposter syndrome, the power of micro-habits, and practical tools to help you "stub your toe" on God's love throughout your day. This episode is packed with insight for leaders, parents, and anyone feeling the weight of expectations as the year begins. Highlights from Part 1: Why New Year’s resolutions often miss the mark and how to set achievable goals. The concept of staying “human-sized” in rooms that feel too big. Practical ways to manage the inner critic and reconnect with God’s love. Steve’s reflections on his own predictable patterns and how to break free. Resources Mentioned: Steve Cuss’s book: The Expectation Gap Demystifying Sabbaticals Webinar - January 29th (Register now!) Follow us on YouTu

It’s a new year, and we’re diving headfirst into 2025 with fresh perspectives, inspiring reflections, and a whole lot of excitement!

In this special Christmas edition of the Stay Forth Leadership Podcast, hosts Alan Briggs and Jonathan Collier invite you to take a deep breath, step back, and embrace the power of gratitude. As the year winds down, they share practical insights for leaders to close out the year with intentionality and step into the next chapter with clarity and focus. This episode is packed with reflections on: How gratitude rewires your brain and transforms your leadership approach. Two powerful year-end exercises: creating a gratitude list and embracing "necessary endings." Heartfelt shoutouts to the Stay Forth team, coaching clients, and loyal listeners. Alan and Jonathan also revisit some of the year's standout podcast episodes. Get ready to be inspired by their conversation with Patrick Lencioni on organizational health and leadership and an energizing chat with Tabitha Scott on aligning productivity with purpose. Whether you're cozying up with family this holiday season or finding solitude in nature, Alan and Jonatha

After a transformative six-week sabbatical, Alan Briggs returns to the Stay Forth and the Stay Forth Leadership Podcast to unpack his experience. Join co-host Jonathan Collier as he dives deep with Alan into the why, how, and unexpected joys of stepping back to recharge and recalibrate. In this episode, Alan reveals: The pivotal reasons behind his sabbatical decision after seven years. How "place, pace, and perspective" reshaped his vision for work and life. The unexpected clarity and creativity that emerged from intentional rest. Practical tips for leaders contemplating a sabbatical of their own. Discover how intentional rest isn't just a luxury but a necessity for sustainable impact. Whether you're a visionary leader, coach, or someone feeling the weight of burnout, this episode will inspire you to explore your own rhythms of rest and renewal. Highlights:

Alan dives deep into the world of creativity and team dynamics with author, international speaker, and consultant, Todd Henry. His seven books have been translated into more than a dozen languages.

In this heartfelt episode, Alan Briggs sits down with Lantz Howard, a coach, mentor, and advocate for wholehearted living. Together, they unpack the journey from burnout to living with purpose and intention. Lantz shares his story of leaving the corporate grind of ministry, embracing an 18-month wilderness season, and rediscovering his identity as a husband, father, and leader. Key topics include: The danger of "quiet resignation" and living half-heartedly. The transformative power of risk, adventure, and community. Practical ways men can reconnect with their purpose, strengthen their marriages, and cultivate meaningful friendships. The importance of mentorship—both giving and receiving—and how it can change your life. Lantz also shares his passion for guiding men through spiritual leadership expeditions and marriage adventures, offering insights into how taking intentional time away can lead to breakthroughs in every area of life. Featured Advertisement: Magic Mind Struggling with focus and mental clarity

Happy Thanksgiving from the Stay Forth Leadership Podcast!

Business futurist Tabitha Scott shares her expertise on the fascinating concept of organizations as living organisms and the importance of energy dynamics in effective leadership. Tabitha challenges traditional models of change management, advocating for a more adaptive and fluid approach. She also highlights the profound value of sabbaticals for re-centering leaders, the essential link between productivity and purpose, and her predictions for the evolving future of leadership and organizations. Listeners will gain actionable insights on how to align personal energy with organizational goals, unlock the potential of their teams, and embrace a mindset of empowerment in the face of constant change. Key Takeaways: Organizations, like living organisms, must innovate to thrive. Change management is outdated; leaders need to learn how to flow with change. Energy management is critical for avoiding burnout and sustaining leadership impact. Sabbaticals are an essential tool for leaders to gain perspective and re-ene

Ever wonder why some leaders consistently rise above challenges and achieve extraordinary results? In this episode, we dive into the 3 surprising habits that set the most effective leaders apart. Discover how seizing even the smallest opportunities, facing obstacles head-on, and having a clear outcome can transform your leadership journey. Get focused energy and sharper clarity without the caffeine crash! Use code BRIGGS at checkout for a discount. Check it out here!

In this special cross-podcast episode, Alan Briggs, host of the Stay Forth Leadership Podcast, joins Roger and Amanda Joy on the Come to Listen Podcast. Together, they dive into Alan’s journey in leadership, coaching, and entrepreneurship, discussing his passion for empowering others, tackling burnout, and building sustainable impact. They also explore Alan’s new book, Anti-Burnout: A Lighter Way to Live and Lead in a Heavy World, packed with actionable insights for leaders committed to making a meaningful difference. Listeners will hear about: The importance of community in combating burnout Alan’s “mountain guide” approach to leadership coaching His unique take on balancing health, growth, and impact How leaders can reframe success for sustainable influence About Alan Briggs Alan Briggs is the founder of Stay Forth Designs, a leadership coaching organization focused on supporting leaders and teams to thrive without burnout. A former pastor turned entrepreneur, Alan brings a deep understanding of meaningful

In this insightful episode, Alan sits down with Dan Rockwell, acclaimed author of The Vagrant, seasoned leadership coach, and consultant. Together, they dive into the ways we often stand in our own way, the personal growth practices that can elevate us, and the essential qualities leaders need to embody now more than ever. Packed with practical wisdom, this conversation hits close to home for us at Stay Forth and speaks directly to the heart of meaningful leadership. About Dan Rockwell Dan Rockwell delivered his first presentation at sixteen and has been captivating audiences with his insights and workshops ever since. In 2010, his passion for leadership inspired him to start the Leadership Freak blog, now read in nearly every country and followed by almost 500,000 people across social media. Named among Inc. Magazine’s "Top Fifty Leadership and Management Experts" and one of the “Top 100 Great Leadership Speakers,” Dan’s work has been widely recognized. The Center for Management and Organization Effectivenes

Alan Briggs discusses the significance of sabbaticals for leaders, sharing his personal experiences and insights gained from previous sabbaticals. He emphasizes the importance of planning, renewal, and recalibration during this time away from work. The discussion also touches on the challenges of stepping away from work, the need for engagement in everyday life, and the activities he looks forward to during his upcoming sabbatical. Ultimately, the conversation highlights the transformative power of sabbaticals in fostering personal growth and well-being.   Takeaways Sabbaticals help leaders renew their energy and recalibrate their vision. Personal experiences during sabbaticals can be both delightful and challenging. Planning for a sabbatical is crucial to ensure a smooth transition. Engagement in everyday life is more fulfilling than seeking escape through travel. Rest can take many forms, including physical activity and mental space. Sabbaticals are an opportunity to reconnect with family and friends. The i

In this conversation, Alan Briggs shares his journey of self-discovery and leadership, emphasizing the importance of balancing future aspirations with present engagement. He discusses the psychological aspects of leadership, particularly the tension between hope and fear when planning for the future. Through practical tools like the Right Side Up Journal and the Innovation Triangle, he encourages leaders to reflect on their past, assess their current state, and strategically plan for the future. The conversation culminates in a call for self-reflection and the importance of maintaining health and sustainability in leadership roles. takeaways Leaders often focus on the future, which can lead to anxiety. It's essential to balance future planning with present engagement. Small practices can help leaders stay grounded in the present. A weekly review can highlight victories often overlooked. Quarterly audits provide a deeper reflection on goals and achievements. The Innovation Triangle helps leaders assess their f

In part two of our directions series, Alan shares his transformative experience during a bucket list trip to Scotland, emphasizing the importance of being present in both extraordinary and everyday moments. He discusses the challenges leaders face in maintaining presence amidst distractions and the need for intentional habits to foster engagement with family, friends, and teams. Alan wraps up this episode with practical questions for leaders to enhance their mindfulness and reflection, ultimately aiming for sustainable impact in their lives and communities.   takeaways The trip to Scotland was a bucket list experience. Staying present is crucial for leaders. Distractions can steal our attention from loved ones. Intentional habits help maintain presence. Reflection is vital for personal growth. Leaders shape the future but must stay grounded. The attention economy challenges our focus. Small disciplines can lead to significant changes. Engaging in the moment enriches relationships. Creating healthy cultures st

In this first episode of the "Directions Series," leadership coach Alan Briggs invites us to reflect on the past and its impact on our leadership journey. Through personal stories and thought-provoking insights, Alan explores how our memories—both beautiful and painful—can shape us as leaders. Key Topics Covered: The Balance of Past, Present, and Future: Learn how the healthiest leaders embrace all three timeframes, without overemphasizing one, to live and lead with impact. The Power and Pain of Memories: Alan shares a deeply personal story about a memorable road trip with his sons, reflecting on how cherished moments can bring both joy and sadness. Selective Memory in Leadership: Discover the danger of romanticizing the past and how it can prevent you from embracing new opportunities. Turning Pain into Purpose: Hear inspiring examples of how deep pain can become a catalyst for meaningful work that impacts others. Letting Go and Moving Forward: Alan discusses the challenge many leaders face in letting go of p

This conversation explores the nuances of effective leadership, emphasizing the importance of creating a positive organizational culture, the balance between efficiency and effectiveness, and the role of communication in leadership. The speakers discuss the internal and external fulfillment that comes from effective leadership and provide insights into recognizing scattered versus grounded leadership. They conclude with reflections on personal experiences and actionable steps for leaders to enhance their effectiveness. takeaways Ineffective leaders create a dysfunctional culture around them. Effective leaders create life and vitality around them. Work should bring dignity and meaning to us and those we serve. Effective leaders prioritize and eliminate unnecessary tasks. Being effective with people is more important than being efficient with tasks. Leaders need to create and innovate to solve problems. Clarity in leadership reduces feelings of overwhelm. Trusting your team allows for better focus on important

In this conversation, Alan Briggs and Jonathan Collier discuss the difference between activity and action, and the importance of being effective rather than just efficient. They emphasize the need for leaders to prioritize and eliminate tasks that are not the most helpful or important. They also highlight the dangers of rushing and the benefits of slow, well-crafted work. The conversation concludes with reflection questions for listeners to consider in their own lives and leadership.   Notes Activity is not the same as action; leaders should focus on effectiveness rather than just efficiency. Elimination and prioritization are key to being effective; leaders should eliminate tasks that are not the most helpful and prioritize those that are. Deep work, which requires concentration and focus on a difficult task for a prolonged period of time, is essential for effectiveness. Clarity and courage are important qualities for effective leadership; leaders should understand and communicate the truth, identify next st

In this conversation, Alan Briggs and Jonathan Collier discuss the difference between efficiency and effectiveness in leadership. They explore the negative consequences of leading with a hyper-efficient mindset and the importance of shifting towards effectiveness. They highlight the fear, habits, and desire for control that drive people towards efficiency. They also provide a definition of an effective leader, which includes comprehending influence, living healthy, practicing self-awareness, working with the grain of gifting, and moving at a sustainable pace. The conversation ends with reflection questions for listeners to consider. keywordsefficiency, effectiveness, leadership, fear, habits, control, influence, health, self-awareness, gifting, pace takeaways Efficiency is the ability to accomplish a job with minimum time and effort, while effectiveness is doing the right things well. Fear, habits, and the desire for control often drive people towards efficiency. An effective leader comprehends their influenc

In this episode, we dive deep into a conversation that’s more important than ever: manhood. My guest, Jon Tyson, is a pastor, author, and thought leader. His latest book, Fighting Shadows, co-authored with Jefferson Bethke, takes a fresh look at the challenges men face today. Whether you’re a man or love one, this episode is for you. We discuss the pressure on modern manhood, the influence of faith, and the guidance older generations need to offer Gen Z. John brings in perspectives from popular culture, his personal experiences, and a clear, actionable message of what it looks like to be a man in the way of Jesus. Plus, we talk about the Primal Path—Jon’s framework for guiding young men through a meaningful rite of passage. If you’re a dad, you’ll want to check this out. Key Topics Discussed: – The challenges modern culture poses to manhood – How faith plays a role in shaping men today – The struggles Gen Z men face and how older men can support them – Ambition, purpose, and what it means to be a man in the w

In this episode, Alan and Jonathan dive into the fall season, a crucial time for leaders to gain momentum and prepare for the challenges ahead. They explore how to maximize this season's potential through key questions every leader should ask themselves. Whether you're leading a team, a family, or a community, this episode will provide you with actionable insights to help you navigate the busyness of fall without burning out. Key Takeaways: Momentum in Fall: Fall is a season of high momentum, with both opportunities and challenges. Alan and Jonathan discuss how leaders can harness this momentum to drive their teams and organizations forward. Critical Questions for Leaders: Alan outlines essential questions to ask yourself as a leader: How can I schedule for what I really care about? How can our team raise our level of impact? How can I guard against burnout before it’s too late? How do I get out of the weeds? How can I raise the leadership capacity of my team members? How can I be a unifying force in a di