** This episode contains explicit language and references to dodgy meatballs.
The Courage To Do Things Differently
What meatballs of mediocrity and levels of consciousness have to do with being brave.
We recorded this conversation with John Poulsen, in his home, some months ago and we think its themes connect beautifully with our previous podcast episode with local entrepreneur Michael Coghill.
Where Michael walked us through his thinking on the responsibility of leadership, John unpacks a running thread in his life - one of offering courageous leadership or, more specifically, the courage to do things differently.
This is an enjoyable and meandering conversation that connects the seemingly unconnectable… from meatballs of mediocrity, to soft-hearted law firms, to the integration of one’s different levels of consciousness.
My own connection with John Poulsen came about seven or eight years ago. It was a not-for-profit “blind date”, if you will, between a fledgling charity CEO (moi!) and the Australian Managing Partner of a global law firm. Subsequently, John would become a long-serving and generous Board member of that children’s charity - 12 Buckets - and help it take its first steps towards stability.
My experience of John lines up with the heart of this reflective conversation with Michael Prince. John’s words, expressed desires and his stated purpose align with the behaviours I have witnessed of John and have been on the receiving end of. One of the things that makes this episode so rich is that it is steeped in the desire to serve and enrich the lives of others.
No Spoilers Just Sign-Posts
Given it’s winding nature, I am going to be restrained in saying too much about the terrain that John covers with Michael. What I will offer are a couple of notable features along the way:
Artful Coaching Conversations. For those interested in growing in their coaching ability, you may want to take note of how Michael positions this conversation and frames the questions being asked. What’s special is that, as listeners, we have the privilege of eaves-dropping on and witnessing some genuine a-ha moments and new connections being made as John re-tells his journey. This is what happens when you are sitting with a quality coach.
A Unique Recognition and Reward System. From his time in the legal domain, where billable hours and revenue generation are often the starting point, John gives an insight into his unique and courageous approach when it came to the recognition and reward of Partners during his time at Minter Ellison and then Squire Sanders. For John, it all comes down to having a clear (and possibly unorthodox) ‘flow of success’.
The Importance of an Articulated Purpose. Okay, mild spoiler! One of the striking moments in this conversation happens as John makes the connection that there has always been a sense of purpose deep within him from an early age and that there is something powerful about that deeply held purpose shaping up as a more formalised declaration. It left me wondering, as I listen to what has always been inside of me, how would I best describe who I want to be in the world?
Enjoy this insightful conversation with John Poulsen - and don’t miss his provocative take on why “work-life balance” is something of an illusion!
John Poulsen is the Principal Consultant of People, Passion Performance. John is focussed on supporting the transformation of workplace cultures through coaching and mentoring leaders and emerging leaders.