Episode 266: In this episode of “Leadership Without Losing Your Soul,” David talks with Jack Craven, a trial lawyer turned CEO, aliveness mindset author, and executive coach. Jack shares his journey of leading business leaders toward more fulfilling lives, emphasizing the importance of feeling alive professionally and personally. They delve into the “aliveness mindset,” which focuses on bringing passion, purpose, and joy into everyday experiences. Jack introduces the idea of anchoring mindsets and the significance of practices like self-awareness, authenticity, and courage. They discuss the role of tenacity in achieving goals and the importance of love and connection in leadership. This episode encourages leaders to reflect on moments when they felt most alive and to integrate practices that foster continuous personal and professional growth.

Discovering the Aliveness Mindset

Transform your leadership approach with passion, purpose, and joy.

00:00 – The Power of Small Steps

If you ever feel stuck, remember that the goal isn’t always to get out of the hole immediately. Sometimes, just taking a step toward the ladder is enough. Give yourself grace on tough days.

00:15 – Welcome to Leadership Without Losing Your Soul

Host David Dye introduces the episode, sharing insights from a Pew Research study about the importance of job satisfaction and the surprising statistic that many leaders feel dissatisfied with their work environment.

01:47 – Introducing Jack Craven

Meet Jack Craven, a diverse leader with experience as a trial lawyer, CEO mindset author, and executive coach. Jack helps business leaders achieve more fulfilling, authentic lives.

03:02 – Jack’s Early Leadership Experience

Jack reflects on his early leadership role as a Rush chairman in college, highlighting how his leadership journey began and the long-lasting friendships he formed.

04:29 – Critical Questions for Aliveness

Jack asks two foundational questions from his book, “Aliveness Mindset“: “When did you last feel alive?” and “What if you could feel like that every day?” Reflect on your answers to these powerful questions.

Anchoring and Embracing Aliveness

05:48 – Defining Aliveness

Aliveness isn’t just a fleeting moment of excitement; it’s about feeling alive in mind and body, bringing the best version of yourself into your daily experiences.

07:02 – The Role of Anchoring Mindsets

Learn about anchoring mindsets like play, connect, learn, grow, and have an impact. These mindsets help you stay grounded and navigate challenges with an aliveness mindset.

09:42 – Facing Challenges with Aliveness

Jack discusses handling significant life challenges by asking yourself, “What’s one thing I could do to feel alive today?” Sometimes, small steps, like planning a date night, can make a big difference.

13:22 – Authenticity in Leadership

Authenticity is about bringing your true self to your leadership role. It’s essential for creating a genuine connection with your team and fostering an environment of trust.

17:40 – Tenacity and the Long Game

Embrace tenacity to achieve your goals. Whether you’re running a marathon or writing a book, tenacity keeps you moving forward, even when facing setbacks.