James Rhee | How to Lead with Kindness over Ego, Dominance and Control

SPARKED

#Business #Podcasting Education #Self-Improvement #Spark Endeavors Inc #Jonathan Fields

1:54

Jerry Seinfeld jokes about the phrase "it is what it is' in his Netflix special, "23 Hours To Kill".

about a year ago 45:22

MP3•Episode home

Have you ever felt that the cutthroat, win-at-all-costs mentality celebrated in business today leaves you feeling empty instead of fulfilled?

In chasing status and wealth above all else, are we sacrificing our humanity along the way? How can we redefine success to prioritize significance over promotion and real human connection over control?

My guest today, James Rhee, proposes a radically more holistic vision of business and life in his new book Red Helicopter: Lead Change with Kindness. James argues that when leaders stay grounded in kindness and intrinsic motivation, they unlock the potential for companies to become true forces for good.

His story reveals how embracing empathy over ego and leading with compassion enabled him to turn around the fashion retailer Ashley Stewart. Now he's on a mission to inspire more leaders to follow his lead.

Together, James and I explore questions like: What will it take to integrate work and life instead of balancing them? How can we regain a sense of agency and demand accountability from those in power? And what will it take to prepare young people to bring their whole selves as they navigate the future of work?

We’re in conversation with:

SPARKED GUEST: James Rhee | Website | Book

James Rhee is a high school teacher turned private equity investor and CEO. James’ leadership story first grabbed global attention during his unlikely seven-year tenure as Chairman and first-time CEO at fashion retailer Ashley Stewart. After his radical approach fueled a transcendent comeback story for the company, James concretized his leadership philosophy—kindness plus a little math—in the form of red helicopter, his media-education platform. A graduate of Harvard Law School, he is now a Senior Lecturer at Duke Law School and MIT Sloan School of Management and the Johnson Chair of Entrepreneurship at Howard University—the first joint appointment of its kind in history. His TED Talk and Dare to Lead interview with Brené Brown have captured the imagination of millions. He is the author of Red Helicopter (HarperOne; April 9, 2024).

YOUR HOST: Jonathan Fields

Jonathan is a dad, husband, award-winning author, multi-time founder, executive producer and host of the Good Life Project podcast, and co-host of SPARKED, too! He’s also the creator of an unusual tool that’s helped more than 850,000 people discover what kind of work makes them come alive - the Sparketype® Assessment, and author of the bestselling book, SPARKED.

How to submit your question for the SPARKED Braintrust: Wisdom-seeker submissions

More on Sparketypes at: Discover Your Sparketype | The Book | The Website

Find a Certified Sparketype Advisor: CSA Directory

Presented by LinkedIn.

174 episodes

James Rhee | How to Lead with Kindness over Ego, Dominance and Control

SPARKED

35 subscribers

published about a year ago

MP3•Episode home

Have you ever felt that the cutthroat, win-at-all-costs mentality celebrated in business today leaves you feeling empty instead of fulfilled?

We’re in conversation with:

SPARKED GUEST: James Rhee | Website | Book

YOUR HOST: Jonathan Fields

How to submit your question for the SPARKED Braintrust: Wisdom-seeker submissions

More on Sparketypes at: Discover Your Sparketype | The Book | The Website

Find a Certified Sparketype Advisor: CSA Directory

Presented by LinkedIn.

174 episodes

#Business #Podcasting Education #Self-Improvement #Spark Endeavors Inc #Jonathan Fields

All episodes

SPARKED

1
How to Prioritize Fun and Still Get Brilliant Work Done | Bree Groff 1:06:13

1 day ago1:06:13

1:06:13

Have you ever found yourself dreading Monday, counting down the hours until Friday? And wondering, when did work get so devoid of joy and fun? When did we start sacrificing playfulness and authentic connection at the altar of professionalism? And is that really giving anyone, including your employer, what they want and need? Today, we're cracking open the door to a more joyful, fulfilling work experience. One where you can bring your whole, vibrant self without compromise. Where creativity and camaraderie flourish. And the very notion of "work" gets reimagined as a soulful pursuit to be savored. My guest today is Bree Groff, a trailblazing advisor pioneering new ways of working at the intersection of leadership and life. Bree has partnered with industry titans to transform organizational cultures. In her book "Today Was Fun: An Antidote to Humdrum Work Days," Bree maps out 7 liberating rules to reclaim the joy and magic of work. Drawing from years of consulting mastery and hard-won personal insights, she'll illuminate a path to more harmonious, human-centered workplaces and lives. Find: Bree Groff Website | Book Host: Jonathan Fields, creator of Good Life Project podcast and the Sparketype® Assessment , More on Sparketypes: Discover Your Sparketype | The Book | The Website Presented by LinkedIn.…

SPARKED

1
How to Cultivate Sustainable Ambition in Life and Work | Kathy Oneto 26:08

9 days ago26:08

26:08

Have you ever felt like your ambition was unsustainable? That drive to achieve and succeed was slowly draining you, leaving you unfulfilled despite your accomplishments? What if there was a way to align your ambitions with your deepest motivations and capacity for a lifetime of thriving? Today, we're turning our attention to the concept of sustainable ambition. We'll explore a fresh perspective that liberates ambition from its narrow professional confines and redefines it as a fluid force that ebbs and flows across all domains of life. Get ready to shed the toxic notion that ambition requires endless striving and embrace a more balanced "middle way." My guest today is Kathy Oneto, an executive and life-work coach, speaker, facilitator and strategy executive whose mission is to help organizations and individuals live and work differently for greater success and satisfaction. She is the founder of Sustainable Ambition®, host of the Sustainable Ambition podcast, and author of the forthcoming book, Sustainable Ambition: How to Prioritize What Matters to Thrive in Life and Work. Find: Kathy Oneto | Website | LinkedIn | Book Host: Jonathan Fields, creator of Good Life Project podcast and the Sparketype® Assessment , More on Sparketypes: Discover Your Sparketype | The Book | The Website Presented by LinkedIn.…

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How to Burn Bright Without Burning Out | Daisy Auger-Domínguez 41:41

16 days ago41:41

41:41

Ever felt the crushing weight of burnout slowly snuffing out your spark? That bone-deep exhaustion that leaves you questioning if this is really the path for you? Imagine a world where you can thrive without feeling endlessly drained, where purpose and joy intertwine in beautiful harmony. Today, we're embarking on a profound exploration of burnout - its insidious roots, its soul-sapping consequences, and most importantly, how to reclaim your fire. My guest is Daisy Auger-Domínguez, a trailblazing executive dedicated to building vibrant, supportive cultures. With decades driving transformation at powerhouses like Google and Disney, Daisy is known for innovative solutions to burnout, uncertainty, and fostering high-trust teams. In her book "Burnt Out to Lit Up," Daisy maps the path from depletion to aliveness. Through storytelling and hard-won wisdom, she'll illuminate your journey from burnout's ashes to a life and career that sets your soul ablaze. Find: Daisy Auger-Domínguez | Website Host: Jonathan Fields, creator of Good Life Project podcast and the Sparketype® Assessment , More on Sparketypes: Discover Your Sparketype | The Book | The Website Presented by LinkedIn.…

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1
How to Playfully "Date" Potential Careers and Callings | Charlie Gilkey 36:43

23 days ago36:43

36:43

Have you ever felt stuck pursuing a path that didn't truly resonate with you? A career, creative endeavor or major life change that you committed to fully, told the world it’s what you were doing, and who you were now…only to realize it wasn't what you really wanted? Today, we're going to explore a more forgiving approach - one that allows you to experiment and gather critical data before going all-in. Imagine if you could "date" a potential pursuit, getting to know it intimately, before deciding whether to take that next step. What if the weight of having to definitively choose was lifted, allowing a sense of playfulness and curiosity to guide your exploration? My partner in conversation today is Charlie Gilkey, a strategic advisor, executive coach, founder of the Productive Flourishing consultancy, and author of the multi-award-winning book, Start Finishing and Team Habits. Charlie brings a wealth of wisdom for trying on new identities through low-risk projects and experiments. Find Charlie Gilkey | Website Host: Jonathan Fields, creator of Good Life Project podcast and the Sparketype® Assessment , More on Sparketypes: Discover Your Sparketype | The Book | The Website Find a Certified Sparketype Advisor: CSA Directory Presented by LinkedIn.…

SPARKED

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How to Optimize Your Brain and Transform the Way You Work | Dr. Mithu Storoni 1:05:24

30 days ago1:05:24

1:05:24

Are you tired of feeling drained and unfocused at work? Do you wish you could harness your brain’s full creative potential without sacrificing productivity? In this thought-provoking conversation, Dr. Mithu Storoni, a neuroscience researcher and ophthalmic surgeon, reveals revolutionary insights from her book Hyperefficient: Optimize Your Brain to Transform the Way You Work. Imagine a world where you can effortlessly align your workflow with your brain’s natural rhythms, optimizing focus, creativity, and overall performance. Dr. Storoni exposes the flaws of the traditional 9-5 workday, shedding light on how our industrial-era approach to work actively undermines our cognitive abilities. But fear not, for she offers a transformative framework to redesign your workday around your brain’s unique needs. Discover how to “find your flame” – the work that ignites your intrinsic motivation, “get in gear” by aligning tasks with your optimal cognitive states, and “run in rhythm” by respecting your brain’s neurocycles. You can find Mithu at: Website | LinkedIn | Book Host: Jonathan Fields, creator of Good Life Project podcast and the Sparketype® Assessment , More on Sparketypes: Discover Your Sparketype | The Book | The Website Presented by LinkedIn.…

SPARKED

1
How to Develop the 7 Traits of Emotional Fitness | Dr. Emily Anhalt 39:10

5 weeks ago39:10

39:10

Ever felt like your emotions were running the show? One moment you're mindfully present, the next hijacked by anxiety over the future or paralyzed by regrets of the past. If this resonates, you're not alone. But what if there was a way to cultivate profound emotional fitness - the ability to embrace the full range of your feelings while navigating life with resilience, empathy and playfulness? My guest today is Dr. Emily Anhalt, a clinical psychologist whose new book "Flex Your Feelings" outlines a pioneering framework for developing this vital emotional agility. Through decades of research and therapeutic work, she has identified seven core traits of emotionally fit individuals and how to strengthen them. Guest: Dr. Emily Anhalt is a psychologist, international speaker, and the CoFounder and Chief Clinical Officer of Coa, the gym for mental health. Find Emily: Book Host: Jonathan Fields, creator of Good Life Project podcast and the Sparketype® Assessment , More on Sparketypes: Discover Your Sparketype | The Book | The Website Presented by LinkedIn.…

SPARKED

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How to Stay Creatively Relevant in the Age of AI | Mitch Joel 34:47

6 weeks ago34:47

34:47

My guest today is Mitch Joel, a marketing visionary who has been at the forefront of exploring how generative AI can enhance rather than replace human creativity. When brands like Google, Starbucks, and GE want to leverage technology to connect with consumers, they call Mitch. He's the Co-Founder of ThinkersOne, and his books like "Six Pixels of Separation" and "CTRL ALT Delete" have established him as a leading voice on the intersection of technology and human experience. In this conversation, Mitch outlines his "PACE" framework for strategically integrating AI into your creative process. Imagine if you could use these tools not just to accelerate execution, but to actively expand your creative palette, deepen your sense of agency, and elevate your skills to new heights through constant iteration and growth. Guest: Mitch Joel is currently an investor, media personality, podcaster, journalist and Co-Founder of ThinkersOne Find Anne: Website | Six Pixels | ThinkersOne Host: Jonathan Fields, creator of Good Life Project podcast and the Sparketype® Assessment , More on Sparketypes: Discover Your Sparketype | The Book | The Website Presented by LinkedIn.…

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From Chief Technology Officer to Solopreneur 37:39

7 weeks ago37:39

37:39

Today’s Career Transformation Story features a trailblazer's journey from the apex of the corporate tech world to embracing the path of the solopreneur coach. It's a tale of reclaiming autonomy and giving voice to one's innermost callings. My guest today is Christian Röpke, who spent over a decade rising through AI leadership roles like Head of AI and Chief Technology Officer at startups in Berlin's white-hot tech scene. Despite the prestigious positions, an insistent voice stirred inside longing for more ownership and creative freedom. With the Primary Sparketype® Sage and Maven as his Shadow, Christian felt an innate drive to enlighten others through deep insight and perspective-shifting wisdom. Yet his corporate roles, however elite, inevitably boxed in that expression. So Christian took a leap into the uncertainty of solopreneurship, now guiding businesses on their AI journeys while finally honoring his soul's work as a catalyst for "aha" moments. ~~~ And if you’d like to share your career transformation story on the Sparked podcast, to inspire others who may be feeling stuck or unsure about their own career paths, we encourage you to apply to be a guest and check out the form in the show notes. Because we believe that everyone deserves to find fulfillment and purpose in their work. To apply, please check out this form. We can't wait to hear from you! Host: Jonathan Fields, creator of Good Life Project podcast and the Sparketype® Assessment , More on Sparketypes: Discover Your Sparketype | The Book | The Website Presented by LinkedIn.…

SPARKED

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The 2-year Experiment That’s Quietly Changing My Life | The 2×20 Project™ Update 1:50:25

8 weeks ago1:50:25

1:50:25

Learn more about working with Jonathan to craft your 2×20 Project™. A few months ago, I introduced my personal 2×20 Project™ – taking two years to intentionally design my ideal life for the next twenty. If you missed that powerful first discussion, you’ll want to start there . Now, I’m back with an unfiltered update. What if you could take two years to actively craft a path centered around your deepest values like health, passion, and connection? No more drifting on autopilot for me. In this profound follow-up, I pull back the curtain further on my bold life experiments across vitality, relationships, and creative contribution. Some sparked breakthroughs unlocking new simplicity and joy for me. Others faced epic failure…but provided priceless wisdom. You’ll hear the raw journey – the identity shifts I experienced, the long-avoided fears I confronted, and the radical decisions emerging from revisiting my priorities. It’s all uncensored and straight from my heart. Whether you’re feeling restless or craving more intentionality in your own life, this exploration offers an invitation: What could your version of a 2×20 Project™ unveil? A more vibrantly alive life may await after some courageous experiments. Learn more about working with Jonathan to craft your 2×20 Project™. Host: Jonathan Fields, creator of Good Life Project podcast and the Sparketype® Assessment , My New Writing Project: Awake at the Wheel More on Sparketypes: Discover Your Sparketype | The Book | The Website Presented by LinkedIn.…

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How to Turn Life’s Big Decisions into Tiny Experiments | Anne-Laure 1:03:51

9 weeks ago1:03:51

1:03:51

What if you could transform uncertainty from a source of anxiety into fuel for discovery? That’s the invitation former Google executive turned neuroscientist Anne-Laure Le Cunff extends in this illuminating conversation about living life as a series of tiny experiments. Drawing from her own journey – from prestigious tech career to startup founder to neuroscience researcher – and insights from her new book “ Tiny Experiments: How to Live Freely in a Goal-Obsessed World, ” Le Cunff reveals how breaking free from prescribed life scripts opened the door to genuine curiosity and fulfillment. Whether you’re questioning your career path, relationships, or daily habits, this conversation offers a refreshing alternative to traditional goal-setting. Le Cunff’s research-backed approach helps you embrace uncertainty while staying grounded in what matters most – your own experience of what brings genuine joy and meaning. Guest: Anne-Laure Le Cunff, author of new book “ Tiny Experiments: How to Live Freely in a Goal-Obsessed World, ” Find Anne: Website | Book Host: Jonathan Fields, creator of Good Life Project podcast and the Sparketype® Assessment , More on Sparketypes: Discover Your Sparketype | The Book | The Website Presented by LinkedIn.…

SPARKED

1
How to Transform Yourself From Job Seeker to Job Shopper | Madeline Mann 35:35

10 weeks ago35:35

35:35

Have you ever felt like the traditional job search process just isn't working for you? That sending out resume after resume into a black hole, praying for any response, is a soul-crushing cycle of rejection and disappointment? If so, you’re not alone. What if there was a way to rethink the job hunt? That’s where we're heading in today’s Sparked Hot Take. Joining me is Madeline Mann, a human resources leader and career strategist who turns job seekers into what she calls "job shoppers." Through her award-winning coaching empire and the insights gained from years as a corporate recruiter, she has reached millions with a radically fresh mindset, which she shares in her new book 'Reverse the Search: How to Turn Job Seeking into Job Shopping.' Guest: Madeline Mann, author of Reverse the Search - How to turn Job seeking into job shopping’ Website | Book Host: Jonathan Fields, creator of Good Life Project podcast and the Sparketype® Assessment , More on Sparketypes: Discover Your Sparketype | The Book | The Website Presented by LinkedIn. Coaches & Leaders: Tap a Game-Changing Credential - The Certified Sparketype® Advisor Training . Differentiate yourself as a certified professional with a powerful command of the Sparketype® body of knowledge, professional-level tools, processes, engagement formats, and strategies, while equipping yourself to guide individuals, groups and teams through change with confidence and clarity. Learn more & apply to the Certified Sparketype ® Advisor Training and Certification today.…

SPARKED

1
From Design Consultant to Culture Strategist 41:48

11 weeks ago41:48

41:48

In today’s Career Transformation Story, we're diving deep into one woman's incredible career transition from elite design consultant to launching her own business helping impact-driven organizations tackle their biggest challenges. My guest today is Kat Thackray, founder of a cutting-edge consultancy, People Equals Purpose, focused on transforming team dynamics and organizational culture. Kat Thackray’s Sparketypes: Primary Sparketype® is Maven, Shadow is Scientist, and ANTI Sparketype® is Nurturer. For Kat, hitting the director level at a top design consultancy should have been a dream. But something was missing. As the relentless climb drained her passion and even began manifesting physical symptoms of stress, Kat realized a deeper transformation was required. *** And if you’d like to share your career transformation story on the Sparked podcast, to inspire others who may be feeling stuck or unsure about their own career paths, we encourage you to apply to be a guest and check out the form in the show notes. Because we believe that everyone deserves to find fulfillment and purpose in their work. To apply, please check out this form. We can't wait to hear from you! Host: Jonathan Fields, creator of Good Life Project podcast and the Sparketype® Assessment , More on Sparketypes: Discover Your Sparketype | The Book | The Website Presented by LinkedIn. Coaches & Leaders: Tap a Game-Changing Credential - The Certified Sparketype® Advisor Training . Differentiate yourself as a certified professional with a powerful command of the Sparketype® body of knowledge, professional-level tools, processes, engagement formats, and strategies, while equipping yourself to guide individuals, groups and teams through change with confidence and clarity. Learn more & apply to the Certified Sparketype ® Advisor Training and Certification today.…

SPARKED

1
How to Craft Your “Life Strategy” | Seth Godin 1:06:13

12 weeks ago1:06:13

1:06:13

Turns out strategy isn’t just for business, it’s for life. And that’s what we’re diving into with an old friend today, Seth Godin. Seth is an author, entrepreneur, and teacher who has spent decades helping people find clarity and take purposeful action. In his latest book This Is Strategy: Make Better Plans , Seth challenges us to abandon outdated systems and instant gratification in favor of smart, purposeful choices that shape a better tomorrow. Seth Godin is renowned for his pioneering work in marketing, leadership, and changing the status quo. He has written 21 bestsellers, including classics like “The Dip,” “Linchpin,” and “Tribes.” Seth has also founded several groundbreaking companies and inspired millions through his teachings on everything from effective promotion to the spread of world-changing ideas. Photo credit: Darius Bashar and Archangel Guest: Seth Godin, author of This Is Strategy: Make Better Plans Website | Instagram | Akimbo: A Podcast from Seth Godin Host: Jonathan Fields, creator of Good Life Project podcast and the Sparketype® Assessment , More on Sparketypes: Discover Your Sparketype | The Book | The Website Coaches & Leaders: Tap a Game-Changing Credential - The Certified Sparketype® Advisor Training . Differentiate yourself as a certified professional with a powerful command of the Sparketype® body of knowledge, professional-level tools, processes, engagement formats, and strategies, while equipping yourself to guide individuals, groups and teams through change with confidence and clarity. Learn more & apply to the Certified Sparketype ® Advisor Training and Certification today. Presented by LinkedIn.…

SPARKED

1
How to Separate Passion from Pressure 41:46

13 weeks ago41:46

41:46

Can social conditioning, past experiences, and external pressure affect the way we explore figuring out our Sparketype? Or, for that matter, any metric we might look to, as a way to help figure out what drives us? And how do we turn down the volume on social conditioning and perceived expectations, determine what our “truest truths” really are, and express ourselves in a more aligned way? Today’s listener, Sarah, asks these interesting questions, after re-taking the Sparketypes Assessment a year later and getting a result she felt was much closer to who she really was. In today’s episode we’re in conversation with: SPARKED BRAINTRUST ADVISOR: Jadah Sellner | Website Jadah is a multi-time founder and CEO of Jadah Sellner Media, the co-creator of the Simple Green Smoothies social and business phenom, sought-after advisor to entrepreneurs, and bestselling author, including her new book, ‘ She Builds: The Anti-Hustle Guide to Grow Your Business and Nourish Your Life’, now available here. LISTENER: Sarah - Sparketype: Sage (Primary), Scientist (Shadow), Advocate (Anti) QUESTION: Today’s listener, Sarah, shares her experience of supporting multi-billion dollar retail businesses, as the head of change management and helping people and businesses work through transformations. She has been the right hand to many high level execs and spearheaded big results and impact but like so many of us, done so at her own expense and with a lot of burnout. It brings her to her main question - can your past experiences, especially challenging or traumatic ones, distort your view of yourself and therefore affect your Sparketype results? Can social conditioning and external feedback interfere with finding work and expression that is more aligned for us - and if so, how do we reduce its impact or even eliminate it altogether? Host: Jonathan Fields, creator of Good Life Project podcast and the Sparketype® Assessment , More on Sparketypes: Discover Your Sparketype | The Book | The Website Presented by LinkedIn. Coaches & Leaders: Tap a Game-Changing Credential - The Certified Sparketype® Advisor Training . Differentiate yourself as a certified professional with a powerful command of the Sparketype® body of knowledge, professional-level tools, processes, engagement formats, and strategies, while equipping yourself to guide individuals, groups and teams through change with confidence and clarity. Learn more & apply to the Certified Sparketype ® Advisor Training and Certification today. Presented by LinkedIn.…

SPARKED

1
From FinTech Exec to Sexologist & Author 35:52

14 weeks ago35:52