In our work, there’s often pressure to focus on getting results, closing deals, or following scripts that can feel transactional or impersonal. But for those of us who value genuine connection, this approach often feels misaligned, leaving us questioning how we can serve others in a way that’s true to our values and leads to more meaningful impact.

This week, I’m thrilled to welcome Toku McCree, a close friend, coach, and someone who has redefined the way we think about client relationships. Toku’s background as a Zen practitioner and coach led him to develop a unique approach to building connections with clients—one that centers around authenticity, respect, and integrity. His upcoming book, Coaching Beyond Yes and No, dives into the power of a values-driven approach in fostering lasting client relationships.

In this episode, Toku shares his philosophy on creating client relationships that go beyond “yes” or “no.” Instead of relying on tactics or pressure, he shows us how to use openness and sincerity to build trust and deepen connections. Toku’s insights reveal how shifting our perspective can transform the way we interact with clients, leading to more fulfilling and enduring relationships.

Tune in as we explore how to bring our true selves into our work and create client relationships that reflect our deepest values.

• The concept of values-driven client relationships
• Moving beyond transactional sales to create genuine connections
• Toku’s journey from Zen student to transformative coach
• Building trust and authenticity in client interactions
• How to approach client relationships with integrity and respect
• Shifting from sales tactics to values-based conversations
• Overcoming the fear of selling by focusing on service
• Techniques for fostering deeper, lasting client relationships
• Toku’s philosophy on collaborative, life-changing conversations
• Creating meaningful impact through authenticity in coaching

You can find the transcript on the episode's web page by clicking here.

Toku McCree is a distinguished executive coach, speaker, and writer, celebrated for his one-of-a-kind combination of ancient wisdom and modern psychology. His life journey weaves an extraordinary tapestry of diverse experiences, contributing to a profound understanding of human nature and personal growth.

With a degree in philosophy from George Washington University, to eight years working in the entertainment business alongside record labels and award-winning artists, to over two years dedicated to training as a Zen monk, Toku's multifaceted expertise fuels his approach to coaching. Today, he leverages this unique blend of academic, spiritual, and professional experiences to empower others on their paths of self-discovery and personal growth, making him a leading figure in the field.

• Coaching: ceo.unexecutive.com
• Coaching MBA: coachingmba.co/mastermind

Zen Habits Blog

Fearless Living Academy

Fearless Mastery

Coaching with Leo

When we aim for perfection in our work, it’s easy to fall into a cycle of anxiety and procrastination. We hesitate to start, or we push ourselves until we’re burned out, afraid that anything less than flawless won’t be good enough.

In this episode, I invite you to reconsider the value of imperfection. I discuss why flaws can make our work more unique and valuable, how imperfection is an inevitable part of challenging projects, and ways to shift from striving for the ideal to embracing the messy process of growth. I also dive into the Japanese concept of wabi-sabi, which finds beauty in imperfection, and explore how this mindset can help us work more joyfully and authentically.

Tune in to learn how embracing imperfection can transform the way we approach our work, fostering more flow, joy, and authenticity in every step.

• How perfectionism acts as a protective mechanism
• The impact of fear of failure on motivation and creativity
• Techniques for embracing mistakes and seeing them as growth opportunities
• Understanding the beauty of flaws through the concept of wabi-sabi
• Meditation practices to confront the discomfort of failure
• Shifting from a "right way" mindset to playful exploration in work
• The role of imperfection in learning and creative processes
• Embracing setbacks in long-term habits and projects
• How to cultivate playfulness and heart-centered productivity
• Reframing failure as a natural part of any meaningful journey

You can find the transcript on the episode's web page by clicking here.

Zen Habits Blog

Fearless Living Academy

Fearless Mastery

Coaching with Leo

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Email: podcast@zenhabits.net

Music: Salem Belladonna & Robrecht Dumarey

Editor: Justin Cruz

Post-production: Diana C. Guzmán Caro

Many people approach productivity by focusing on systems and discipline, trying to push through tasks with force. This approach often leads to burnout and frustration, especially when we don't address the internal resistance that holds us back. We push ourselves harder, only to feel more closed off and disconnected from the work we aim to do.

In this episode, we dive deep into what it means to cultivate an inner state of flow. I explain how being open—filled with curiosity, love, and purpose—can make even the most challenging tasks feel lighter and more fulfilling. I also discuss how a closed state, marked by frustration and resistance, creates obstacles to productivity and how befriending that closed state can unlock new energy and ease.

Join me as we uncover how to transform our inner state to make productivity a natural outcome of openness, helping us bring more presence and purpose to our daily work.

• The distinction between open and closed inner states
• How an open state fosters ease and flow in tasks
• The challenges of working from a closed state
• Befriending our closed state instead of resisting it
• The impact of openness on productivity and energy
• Practical ways to shift toward an open state
• The role of curiosity, compassion, and love in productivity
• How to notice and track your inner state during tasks

You can find the transcript on the episode's web page by clicking here.

Zen Habits Blog

Fearless Living Academy

Fearless Mastery

Coaching with Leo

YouTube channel

Instagram

X (Twitter)

LinkedIn

Facebook

Email: podcast@zenhabits.net

Music: Salem Belladonna & Robrecht Dumarey

Editor: Justin Cruz

Post-production: Diana C. Guzmán Caro