And just like that… I’m back on The 200% Life podcast with Adam. I know, I know… I just couldn’t stay away! What can I say, I love having interesting conversations with other leaders!
For those of you who are new(ish) to The Inner Circle and The Founder & The Force Multiplier, for the past decade or so I served as the right-hand partner (Executive Assistant, then Chief of Staff) to Adam Hergenrother (entrepreneur). One of the projects we worked on together was The 200% Life podcast – born out of Adam’s love of personal development and spirituality and my love of asking questions.
The 200% Life is a real conversation about leadership, personal growth, business, mindset, work, spirituality, health, current events. Having worked together for over 13 years we aren’t afraid to challenge each other’s thinking, dive into controversial topics, and share their perspective on both the inner world (meditation, the ego, identities, self-concepts, etc.) and the outer world (money, relationships, careers, social media, etc.) that makes up the 200% life.
Check out some of the topics we’ve covered to get a feel for the pod:
- Is leadership really lonely at the top?
- How to have an effective 1:1 meeting with an employee
- What does fulfillment really mean?
- Revenge bedtime procrastination
- Our take on Disney’s Soul
- How to cast the company vision
- How to start difficult conversations at work and at home
- Mistakes to avoid when scaling a business
- And this week’s episode – Career breaks and crazy world events
Hit reply and let me know what topics you would like us to tackle next. A new episode drops every Tuesday. We love exploring listener questions, so send them my way!
– Hallie
On the Blog
The 43 Best Quotes for Building a Strong Business Partnership
Most leaders, Executive Assistants, Chiefs of Staff, and other entrepreneurs and Force Multipliers want the same thing: To build a strong strategic business partnership with their, well, partner. And, I don’t blame them! Leadership is lonely. Building a business is hard. Being able to keep pace (and even a few steps ahead) of a CEO is intense. But, when both parties are committed to building and growing a strong partnership – success usually follows. After all, no one succeeds alone. Get a little inspiration.
Weekly Top 5
- I’ve been getting a lot of questions lately about building, engaging, and leading EA teams. So this episode of the REACH podcast, Building & Leading Powerhouse EA Teams Featuring Panel of Ex-Slack Executive Assistants, came at the perfect time. This episode is packed with first-hand experience from three incredible EAs. Listen in as they provide valuable perspectives on how they operate as Lead EAs, offering guidance on leadership responsibilities, mentorship, culture and how they navigate a managerial role within the realm of executive support.
- It’s official. Simone Biles is the most decorated U.S. Olympic gymnast in history. She now has 8 Olympic medals, five gold, surpassing the legendary Shannon Miller. Check out the Netflix documentary, Simone Biles Rising, to watch her train for the Olympics, how she balances her personal life, and her mental health journey. This is a great behind the scenes look at the sacrifices and triumphs of an elite athlete. I mean, who doesn’t love a sports documentary!? Cue Chariots of Fire theme song.
- Neutonic is my new go-to drink for a caffeine boost and enhanced focus. There is no crash from the natural caffeine, but what sets them apart is a unique blend of proven nootropic ingredients, including L-Theanine (Camellia Sinensis), Rhodiola Rosea, and Cognizin. Nootropics are substances that optimize brain function, and in Neutonic, they work together to enhance clarity, and improve concentration. So far, so good (in my opinion!). Doesn’t hurt that it was co-founded by Chris Williamson, host of one of my favorite podcasts, Modern Wisdom.
- Talk around uncertainty was at its height several years ago. But it’s a topic that shouldn’t be forgotten. Being in business means uncertainty is inevitable. The Harvard Business Review explores the 6 Strategies for Leading Through Uncertainty. I particularly liked the explanation between complicated and complex. They are not the same! Bottom line, when faced with uncertainty, leaders have to focus on what they can control. And all that you can control is you.
- Philosophers, spiritual teachers, and ancient world leaders examined the human experience, questioned the status quo, provided insights to inspire transformation and growth, and helped shape the world we now live in. Ryan Holiday’s book The Daily Stoic is such an accessible way to learn (every day) from ancient wisdom and apply it to our lives today. This is one of those books that sits on my desk. It’s a great way to start the day!
ICYMI—The Weekly Execution Plan
We know that Force Multipliers have extensive responsibilities, tasks, projects, and goals to keep track of. At all times, they are managing their own priorities, as well as the priorities of their leader and the entire organization that they support.
Chiefs of Staff and Executive Assistants know that the ability to stay organized and to always follow-through is absolutely essential to their success.
The weekly execution plan – which features yearly, monthly, and weekly planning – will help make sure that you never miss a beat.
I have used this tool every week for over 13 years as an Executive Assistant, Chief of Staff, and now as a soloprenuer and business owner. I can’t recommend it enough!
To learn more about how to use the weekly execution plan, click here.
