))
#320 Story time with Aaron
Manage episode 483078741 series 3557145
Content provided by Aaron Havens. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Aaron Havens or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://ppacc.player.fm/legal.
Have you ever wondered if a random Spanish phrase could save your life? That's exactly what happened to me one fateful night in Miami, and it taught me an invaluable leadership lesson.
From the safe confines of small-town Ordway, Colorado to the edge of Miami where street smarts matter most, I found myself woefully unprepared for urban dangers. When my friend Chico and I approached a stranger's bonfire hoping to make friends, we couldn't predict how quickly the situation would turn violent. As fists connected with our heads and kicks followed, I blurted out the only Spanish phrase that came to mind: "La vaca flaca esta muerta" (The skinny cow is dead). Those five absurd words confused our attackers, broke into laughter, and ultimately saved us from a worse beating.
This story isn't just about my youthful naivety – it's about the transformative power of whimsy in leadership. Too often, we approach personal and professional development with unrelenting seriousness, forgetting that sometimes it's the unexpected, even silly moments that create the most powerful connections. Leadership doesn't always require perfect polish and corporate jargon; sometimes it demands vulnerability, authenticity, and yes, a bit of foolishness. The willingness to tell a story, to laugh at yourself, and to introduce moments of levity can transform relationships and defuse tense situations in ways that conventional approaches never could.
What about you? Are you willing to embrace whimsy in your leadership journey? Can you take yourself a little less seriously while still driving meaningful growth? I'd love to hear your thoughts – call the Growth Instigators Hotline or email me at [email protected]. And if you're feeling brave, try saying "la vaca flaca esta muerta" – it might not save your life, but it could change how you think about leadership.
Chapters
1. Intro: Growth Instigators Hotline (00:00:00)
2. Whimsical Leadership Development Approach (00:00:11)
3. Aaron's Miami Bonfire Story (00:00:49)
4. The Skinny Cow Saves the Day (00:01:42)
5. Call to Embrace Whimsy in Leadership (00:02:22)
336 episodes
Share
