In this episode, Kirby shares a deceptively simple “secret” that changes everything: pause before you react. Most messes aren’t caused by hard circumstances, they’re caused by fast reactions. The pause helps you respond with wisdom instead of panic.

Key talking points

• The “don’t freak out” principle (aka: the power of pausing)

• Why quick reactions often create bigger problems than the original moment

• The thermostat vs. thermometer metaphor: set the tone, don’t just reflect it

• How pausing can prevent regret (words, emails, impulsive decisions)

Sharpen Question of the Day

• Where in your life do you need to pause instead of panicking or reacting?

In Part 4, we close out this mini-series with a leadership lesson shaped by unconditional love: the power of a “thick skin, soft heart.”

This episode explores how special needs parenting can form a quiet strength—resilient enough to handle pressure, and compassionate enough to lead with empathy. It’s not weakness; it’s fortitude with humanity.

In Part 3, we talk about the perspective shift that comes when life trains you in resilience. When you’re raising a child with special needs, the problems that used to feel overwhelming can become far more “figureoutable.”

This episode is about bringing that calm, grounded problem-solving mindset into your workplace—without arrogance, and with real confidence.

In Part 2, we redefine “grit” beyond hype and hero stories. This episode reframes grit as steady patience, showing up day after day in ordinary, unglamorous ways.

Whether you’re raising a child with special needs or simply carrying a heavy season at work, this is a reminder to play the long game and keep going.

In Part 1 of this Sharpen 2.0 mini-series, we talk about a reality many professionals face: the “death of a dream”—when life turns and the future you pictured changes dramatically.

From the perspective of a working parent raising a child with special needs, this episode explores grieving what you imagined while also holding yourself accountable to dream again.

Because the end of one dream doesn’t mean the end of dreaming—it means the dream is different.

We all hear the advice to “find a mentor,” but here’s the part no one talks about—it’s just as valuable to learn from people you don’t want to be like. In this episode, we dig into why bad examples can be some of our best teachers. Watching poor leadership, unchecked ego, or burnout in action gives us clues about what to avoid and who we want to become instead. Growth isn’t just about following the right role models—it’s also about recognizing the warning signs in the wrong ones. The people who show you what not to do might be shaping you the most.

We live in a world drowning in information—but starving for action. In this episode, we challenge the old G.I. Joe saying and talk about why knowing something isn’t even close to half the battle. You can read all the books, watch all the videos, and listen to all the podcasts, but if you don’t do something with it, nothing changes. Growth happens when knowledge meets execution. So the next time you say, “Yeah, I know,” ask yourself—“But am I doing anything about it?”

Decision fatigue is real—especially when you’re juggling work, family, and everything in between. In this episode, we talk about how learning to say “no for now” can help protect your focus, energy, and best yeses for later. Not every question needs an instant answer, and not every opportunity deserves your time right away. Giving yourself permission to pause creates clarity and keeps your priorities in check. Sometimes the smartest move isn’t yes or no—it’s not yet.