Episode Description:

In this episode of Mission Driven You, we welcome Morag Barrett, executive coach, leadership expert, and bestselling author of You, Me, We: Why We All Need a Friend at Work. Morag has worked with over 10,000 leaders across 20 countries, helping them develop strong professional relationships that drive success.

We dive into the Ally Mindset, the five practices that define high-performing teams, and why relationships—not just results—are the key to leadership success. Morag shares insights from her research on why 75% of employees say their boss is the most stressful part of their day and what leaders can do to change that. If you're looking to build stronger teams, foster connection, and create a thriving work culture, this episode is for you.

Show Notes:

Guest Information:

• Morag Barrett – Executive coach, leadership expert, and author.
• Website: Skyteam.com
• Take the Free Ally Mindset Profile: skyteam.cloud/youmewe
• Connect on LinkedIn: Morag Barrett

Key Topics Discussed:

The Leadership Gap & Workplace Relationships

• Why 75% of employees say their boss is the most stressful part of their job.
• The common leadership blind spots that cause disengagement and turnover.
• Why the "soft skills" myth is hurting leadership effectiveness.

The Ally Mindset & The Five Practices

1. Abundance & Generosity – Moving from scarcity to a shared success mindset.
2. Connection & Compassion – Building relationships beyond job titles.
3. Courage & Vulnerability – Creating a culture of trust and open feedback.
4. Candor & Debate – Encouraging honest conversations without fear.
5. Action & Accountability – Turning collaboration into results.

The Relational Ecosystem at Work

• The four relationship types: Allies, Supporters, Rivals, and Adversaries.
• How to identify your allies and turn rivals into allies.
• Why maintaining relationships is key to long-term success—and how to do it without feeling overwhelmed.

Workplace Trends & The Future of Leadership

• How return-to-office mandates are affecting workplace dynamics.
• Why interdependence is the future of work, not rugged individualism.
• The research behind how strong relationships impact performance, retention, and even workplace safety.

Reflection Questions for Listeners:

• Who would you jump at the chance to work with again—and why?
• How are you showing up as an ally in your workplace relationships?
• What small actions can you take to foster connection and accountability in your team?

Resources Mentioned:

• Books by Morag...

Episode Description:

We live in a world obsessed with speed—quick fixes, instant success, and overnight transformation. But what if the real key to meaningful change isn’t speed, but commitment? In this solo episode of Mission Driven You, I explore the urgency of slow change—why true transformation takes time and why deep, sustainable growth is the only kind that lasts.

I break down:

• Why quick fixes keep us stuck in cycles of failure
• How to create momentum without burnout
• The four-step framework for lasting transformation
• Why urgency isn’t about rushing—it’s about starting today with patience and intention

If you’ve ever felt frustrated by your progress, this episode will help you rethink your approach to change and build something that actually lasts.

Show Notes:

Key Topics Discussed:

The Illusion of Speed & The Cost of Quick Fixes

• Why our culture is addicted to instant results—and how that keeps us from real growth.
• The false promise of fast transformation—why weekend seminars, 30-day fixes, and crash courses don’t create lasting change.
• How the obsession with speed is harming leadership, personal development, and even our health.

What Slow Change Actually Looks Like

• Why slow change doesn’t mean passivity—it’s about being intentional, deliberate, and focused.
• The paradox of urgency—why you can be urgent without rushing.
• The “Festina Lente” principle—how to make haste slowly in your personal and professional growth.

The Four-Part Framework for Slow Change

Decide on what actually matters

• Most of what we think we need is really just a want—and that’s okay.
• Ask: If I looked back 10 years from now, what would I be grateful I started today?

Make the process the goal

• Success isn’t a destination—it’s a practice.
• Daily actions matter more than big, unsustainable bursts of effort.

Measure progress differently

• Track effort, consistency, and alignment—not just external results.
• Focus on depth over volume—it’s about integrating what you know, not just learning more.

Build a support system

• Surround yourself with people who value depth over speed.
• Find mentors, masterminds, or a life team to hold you accountable.

The Consequences of Ignoring Slow Change

• If you don’t prioritize your health, you’ll be forced to later.
• If you don’t invest in relationships, you’ll wake up lonely and disconnected.
• If your work isn’t aligned with your values, you’ll burn out wondering what happened.

Reflection Questions for Listeners:

• Where in your life have you fallen into the speed trap?
• What’s one small action you can take today to start building slow, meaningful...

Episode Description:

In this episode of Mission Driven You, we explore the future of remote work and thriving in a connected world with Ric Pratt, founder of Thrive Remotely. Ric shares how he went from organizing casual meetups in Asheville to leading a global movement helping remote workers build meaningful connections, foster collaboration, and create community impact. We discuss the evolving dynamics of remote work, the importance of flexibility in the modern workplace, and how remote communities are shaping the future of living. Whether you’re a remote worker, entrepreneur, or leader navigating the changing workforce, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration.

Show Notes:

Guest Information:

• Ric Pratt: Founder of Thrive Remotely
• Thrive Remotely Newsletter: news.thriveremotely.io

Topics Discussed:

Building Community and Thriving Remotely:

• Ric's journey from founding Asheville Digital Nomads to creating Thrive Remotely.
• The power of connection, collaborative learning circles, and community service projects.
• Examples of how remote workers have impacted Asheville’s economy and recovery efforts.

The Future of Remote Work:

• Trends in remote and hybrid work models.
• Challenges with return-to-office mandates and the cultural shift toward employee flexibility.
• The growing role of fractional work in the evolving job market.

Thrive Remotely Movement:

• Expanding from Asheville to multiple cities, including Austin, Chicago, and Raleigh-Durham.
• The rebranding journey from "digital nomads" to "thrive remotely."
• Stories of collaboration and problem-solving across diverse industries.

Insights on Remote Work:

• The balance between work and life, and how remote work supports holistic living.
• How to cultivate meaningful relationships and solve problems creatively in a remote environment.
• Thriving as a remote worker through lifestyle, wellness, and career development.

Key Takeaways:

• Remote work isn’t just about where we work—it’s about how we live.
• Building community and sharing knowledge creates exponential value for remote workers.
• Thriving remotely requires flexibility, trust, and a focus on individual well-being.

Resources Mentioned:

• The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey
• Thrive Remotely Newsletter: news.thriveremotely.io

Mentioned in this episode:

Speaking Enagements- Dr. Will Samson

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