Albuquerque Business Podcast

In this high-impact episode of The Self Aware Leader, host Jason Rigby sits down with elite executive coach Max Stephens—trusted advisor to top CEOs, pro athletes, and Hollywood creators. Max dismantles the myths behind traditional success and shares how high performers can finally find real fulfillment. Whether you're a founder, corporate leader, or entrepreneur on the edge of burnout, Max’s Contribution Alignment Model and radical truth-telling will help you stop chasing the wrong goals—and build a life of purpose, peace, and leadership impact. What You’ll Learn: Why success without inner healing is a trap The hidden cost of ambition no one talks about Why most leadership coaching fails—and how to fix it How to realign your leadership around purpose, not pressure Max’s 3-part framework: Forgiveness, Mortality, Radical Honesty Guest Bio: Max Stephens is a world-class performance coach and author of What the Fck Do You Actually Want?*. With over 1,500 sessions per year and clients across C-suite

What happens when a 20-year battle with bulimia meets ancient Stoic philosophy? In this episode, leadership coach Becky Schmooke shares how emotional intelligence, radical honesty, and core values helped her overcome addiction—and now empower elite NFL teams. Becky reveals her journey from anorexia at 13 to founding a mindful leadership practice that transforms chaos into clarity. You’ll learn: The true meaning of humble leadership How to apply Stoicism to daily stress and emotional triggers Why bulimia operates like a behavioral addiction Becky's powerful SAFE framework (Self-awareness, Action, Fortitude, Engagement) How to lead with integrity—even when it hurts Perfect for anyone seeking deeper self-awareness, emotional mastery, and values-based leadership. Whether you're a CEO, coach, or just stuck in survival mode—this conversation will help you lead with strength and purpose.

Are you a new manager struggling to find your footing? The transition from top performer to leader is the most challenging in any career. This episode is your roadmap to success. Jason Rigby and leadership expert Bobby Powers dive deep into the essential leadership skills you need to thrive. Forget theory—this is practical advice you can use today. In this episode, you will learn to: Master Delegation: Use the simple but powerful "80% Rule" to empower your team and free up your time. Give Effective Feedback: Implement the SBI (Situation, Behavior, Impact) Model to make feedback clear, kind, and actionable. Overcome Imposter Syndrome: Learn why you feel like a fraud and how to build genuine confidence in your role. Build Unshakeable Trust: Discover the keys to creating a transparent and supportive team culture. This episode is a must-listen for any aspiring or newly appointed leader who wants to avoid common pitfalls and fast-track their journey to becoming a respected, self-aware leader. Resources: Bobby

Are your people quietly quitting without ever handing in a resignation? In this powerhouse episode of The Self Aware Leader, host Jason Rigby dives deep with top leadership coach and strategist Dave Garrison, author of the highly anticipated book The Buy-In Advantage (June 3, 2025). Together, they expose the hidden disengagement epidemic costing companies billions—and unveil a clear path forward through humble leadership, emotional intelligence, and co-creation. What You'll Learn in This Episode: The real reason employees stop caring—it’s not what you think 7 signs your team is disengaging while still on the payroll Why free lunches and ping pong tables won’t fix culture How to use co-creation to build unstoppable teams Why vulnerability is the secret to high-trust leadership Memorable Moments: “Judgment and curiosity cannot coexist.” “If you don’t have time to invest in people, get ready to spend it interviewing.” “Leaders go last—except when it comes to vulnerability.” This isn’t theory—

What if I told you that your career success isn't really in your hands? Career advancement is often seen as a personal endeavor, but Nate Dinet reveals that 70-80% of your career growth is influenced by your direct manager. Drawing on over 15 years of experience, Nate explains how The Step Manager program empowers individuals to take control of their career trajectory, even when facing disengaged or unsupportive managers. He introduces the CARA method (Current Activities, Responsibilities, and Above and Beyond), a powerful framework for tracking accomplishments and negotiating promotions. Nate and Jason discuss: The surprising 80% rule: Why your manager is so critical to your career. How to build effective relationships with managers, even difficult ones. Understanding your value and advocating for a raise. The CARA method: A foolproof system for tracking and presenting your impact. Why most managers lack training and how you can become a great manager. The power of internal campaigns for pro

Are you a leader grappling with startup burnout, decision fatigue, or feeling stuck despite your drive? This transformative episode reveals the counter-intuitive secret to leadership clarity and accelerated growth: discomfort. Join Jason Rigby and Arielle Lechner, an acclaimed executive coach to leaders at Google, GitHub, and Peloton. They shatter the myth of the flawless founder and dive deep into how embracing resistance isn't a barrier, but your most accurate signal for progress and innovation.

Are you a leader seeking a truly transformative approach to leadership? In today's complex world, traditional leadership models often fall short, leaving many leaders feeling disconnected and seeking deeper impact. On this groundbreaking episode of The Self Aware Leader Podcast, host Jason Rigby speaks with Charley Johnson, a TEDx speaker, founder of Chief Consciousness Officer Training, and a visionary in conscious leadership. Charley Johnson, a former high-powered business president, shares his profound journey from conventional success to a strategic exploration of consciousness in leadership. This episode is a must-listen for any leader ready to evolve beyond the status quo. Charley unpacks how embracing core principles like clarity in leadership, neutrality, and presence can lead to a seismic shift from ego-driven actions to essence-driven impact. Discover why the role of a Chief Consciousness Officer is not "woo-woo," but a tactical necessity for modern organizations. Key Learnings for Leaders: The Lea

Unlock your organization's full potential by discovering who the real drivers of success are. Veteran leadership consultant Dr. Luis Luarca sits down with Jason Rigby on The Self Aware Leader Podcast to reveal a truth many leaders miss: the power lies within your employees. Drawing from 25 years of experience, Dr. Luarca explains how shifting from control to empowerment leads to radical improvements in processes, innovation, and employee engagement. Hear compelling stories and gain practical strategies for leading with self-awareness, avoiding ego traps, and leveraging the invaluable insights of your team. If you want to build a resilient, innovative, and high-performing organization, this conversation on employee empowerment and humble leadership is a must-listen. Subscribe and listen to the full episode today! Resources Mentioned in this Episode: Learn more in Dr. Luis Luarca's book, "Do Employees Really Like Working Here?": https://www.amazon.com/Employees-Really-Like-Working-Here/dp/1678746614/ Visit D

Are you tired of toxic leadership undermining your team's potential? Is a lack of credibility and authentic connection causing a leadership crisis in your workplace? In this powerful episode of The Self Aware Leader Podcast, host Jason Rigby interviews acclaimed leadership expert William Davis, who brings 38 years of experience transforming struggling teams into powerhouses. William reveals the core reasons behind today's toxic leadership challenges and provides actionable insights on how to build high-trust, high-performing teams. Learn about the critical difference between management and true ethical leadership, the importance of servant leadership, and how to cultivate essential leadership skills. Discover practical strategies for restoring trust, fostering genuine relationships, and leading with unwavering integrity. William shares lessons from his extensive career, offering a clear path for leaders ready to make a positive impact. If you're looking to improve team management and create a thriving workpla

n this episode of the Self-Aware Leader Podcast, host Jason Rigby sits down with Jones Loflin, author of Focus as a Bee, to uncover leadership strategies that transform chaos into clarity. Through Sydney’s bee-inspired journey, Loflin shares his 3P approach—powerful ideas, practical solutions, and personal touch—offering leaders actionable tools to prioritize, recharge, and celebrate wins. Learn how to shift from busyness to intentional focus, adopt a gardener’s growth mindset, and lead thriving teams with consistency and adaptability. Perfect for leaders seeking clarity and sustainable growth in a fast-paced world. Detailed Overview Jason Rigby hosts Jones Loflin, a globally recognized speaker with experience at FedEx and the U.S. military, to explore leadership through the lens of Loflin’s new book, Focus as a Bee. Using the narrative of Sydney and her friend Alicia, Loflin introduces the "hexagon of permissions"—a honeycomb-inspired framework with six steps to sharpen focus. Key insights include giving you

In a world obsessed with metrics, image, and crowd approval, Jason Rigby delivers a powerful call to arms for leaders to return to themselves. Drawing on the radical philosophy of Soren Kierkegaard, this episode explores the timeless leadership truth: lead from the inside out—or don’t lead at all. Kierkegaard’s belief that “the crowd is untruth” challenges today’s culture of consensus and invites us to take the hard road of individual responsibility. Jason weaves Kierkegaard’s concept of the “leap of faith” into modern leadership, making it clear that authentic leadership requires bold, often uncomfortable action without guarantees. He exposes the silent epidemic of leadership despair—not burnout, but existential misalignment. Through the archetype of the “knight of faith,” leaders are invited to walk calmly yet burn with divine purpose. This episode is a wake-up call for anyone who’s scaled success but lost themselves in the process. Timestamps: [00:44] – The Mirror Test: Are you becoming who you truly ar

Too often, leaders fall into the trap of confusing motion with progress—especially in marketing. Jason Rigby challenges listeners to stop treating marketing as a checklist and start leading it as a strategic system. Drawing on his experience as a CMO and entrepreneur, Jason frames inconsistent branding, scattered campaigns, and poor lead quality not as marketing problems—but as leadership gaps. This episode offers a reflective yet practical roadmap for leaders ready to build unity across their marketing efforts. Jason explores the psychology of brand consistency, the importance of defining a clear vision, and the leadership habits that bring coherence to chaos. Learn how to reverse engineer your customer journey, enforce brand guidelines, and create a frictionless path for engagement. If you're tired of wasting time and money on disjointed efforts, this is your call to self-aware action. Keywords: emotional intelligence, leadership strategy, marketing ROI, brand consistency, servant leadership Timestamps 0

Episode Summary: Ever worked under a boss who blames, micromanages, or disappears in a crisis? You’re not alone—and you’re not powerless. In this episode of The Self Aware Leader, host Jason Rigby talks with corporate veteran and author Eric Charran to break down 9 types of toxic bosses and the real-life leadership tools you can use to rise above them. Drawing from decades in Fortune 500 boardrooms—including at Microsoft—Eric shares actionable strategies to help you manage up, protect your energy, and lead with humility—even when the leadership above you is dysfunctional.

In today's fast-paced world, seconds can mean the difference between a closed deal and a lost opportunity. In this powerful episode, Jason Rigby reveals the 5-Minute Rule—a proven leadership and sales strategy that 21x's your chances of converting leads into real appointments and sales. Whether you’re a sales leader, business owner, entrepreneur, or self-aware executive, mastering speed-to-lead response is non-negotiable for explosive growth. Discover why every second matters, how delayed response silently kills your sales, and how to build a high-performance team culture driven by speed, presence, and trust. Learn tactical frameworks for tracking lead KPIs, leveraging automation without losing the human touch, and cultivating leadership habits that dominate today's distracted, competitive marketplace. If you're serious about dominating sales, maximizing appointments, and leading with high self-awareness in your business, this is your wake-up call. The market rewards speed. The question is: are you fast enoug

Is your leadership aligned with your data practices? In this episode, Jason Rigby unpacks the 23andMe privacy disaster—and what it reveals about digital accountability. Learn how ethical data choices define modern leadership and why now is the time to act. Keywords: data ethics, leadership, data privacy, self-aware leader, digital trust

Unlock the transformative power of AI in leadership with this riveting episode of the Self Aware Leader podcast, hosted by Jason Rigby. Joined by Troy Plota, founder of Plotaverse—the world’s first all-AI social platform for creators—this conversation is a masterclass in high-agency leadership and resilience. From a 17-year-old “surf rat” photographer kicked out of his Florida home to a tech pioneer featured in GQ and Times Square, Troy’s journey embodies the self-aware leader’s ethos: own your path, serve others, and turn setbacks into systems that uplift. After Apple’s betrayal with his Plotograph app—a $6M giveaway followed by a lowball offer—Troy built Plotaverse to empower artists with customizable profiles, pixel-shifting patents, and equitable monetization, challenging Instagram’s 7.5% creator payouts. He shares how AI amplifies creativity, debunking myths that it “cheapens” art, and envisions a future of democratized filmmaking and dynamic digital art. Leaders will learn actionable strategies to embra

Introverts, this one’s for you!

As high-agency leaders, we juggle relentless demands on our time and energy. The most successful among us don’t rely on chance—they design strategic daily routines that compound into extraordinary productivity, creativity, and emotional clarity. In this episode, Jason Rigby shares 15 leverage-building habits tailored for busy, self-aware professionals. These aren’t luxuries—they’re high-impact rituals that drive long-term success, backed by science and personal experience. From mindful morning coffee to podcast-powered walks, these routines fit into packed schedules and elevate performance. Whether you’re a CEO, entrepreneur, or team leader, this episode will inspire you to engineer your days with intention and lead with greater focus, resilience, and well-being. Key Takeaways: Small, consistent habits create outsized results in leadership and life. Routines like morning meditation, handwritten to-do lists, and tech-free starts amplify focus and creativity. Practical tips to integrate these habits witho