Brian Levenson on The Talent Grow Podcast

We have two different but complementary mindsets, according to Brian Levenson--- one for preparing effectively, and one for performing. Brian is the author of Shift Your Mind and the founder of Strong Skills, an organization that provides coaching, speaking, and consulting to elite organizations, performers, and leaders. On this episode of The TalentGrow Show, Brian joins me to discuss nine mental shifts that will allow you to thrive in preparation and in performance. Discover why we don’t have to be -- and in fact shouldn’t be -- the same person in preparation and in performance, why authenticity is “elastic, not rigid,” and what strategies you can use to develop your two complementary mindsets and achieve maximum results. Brian shares actionable tips you won’t want to miss, including what he calls “having a grandma in your back pocket,” so be sure to tune in and share this episode with others!

ABOUT BRIAN:

Brian Levenson is the founder of Strong Skills, which provides executive coaching and mental performance coaching, speaking and consulting to elite organizations, performers and leaders. He has been fortunate to work with CEO’s, professional athletes and with teams in the NBA, NHL, and MLS, Division 1 athletic departments, the Federal Reserve, the Department of Homeland Security, Hilton, Young Presidents Organization (YPO) and many other organizations. He also has a weekly podcast, Intentional Performers, where he interviews a diverse group of elite high performers. His new book, Shift Your Mind, was published in October 2020. Brian currently lives in Bethesda, MD, with his wife and two kids.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:

  • Halelly shares an exciting personal announcement-- you heard it here first! (7:08)

  • In his new book Shift Your Mind, Brian writes: “Authenticity is elastic, not rigid.” What does this mean? Why does Brian say that we don’t have to -- and in fact shouldn’t -- be the same person in preparation and in performance? (9:21)

  • Halelly shares a brief overview of the nine mental shifts in Brian’s framework, and Brian follows up with a discussion of two of the pairs: ‘discomfort and comfort,’ and ‘selfish and selfless’ (13:16)

  • Taking the ‘humble and arrogant’ pair as an example, Brian and Halelly discuss exercises and examples that will help you shift your mindset (20:22)

  • “Having a grandma in your back pocket”-- a useful tip to help you practice your performance mind! (24:18)

  • Other strategies to develop your performance mind-- and why it seems many leaders tend to focus on developing their performance mind over their preparation mind (25:06)

  • What’s new and exciting on Brian’s horizon? (27:54)

  • One specific action you can take to upgrade your leadership effectiveness (30:30)

RESOURCES:

Brian Levenson