Marc Lesser is a CEO, executive coach, and Zen teacher. He founded and was CEO of 3 companies, and helped develop a mindfulness program inside of Google’s headquarters. He is the author of Finding Clarity.

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Guest Resources

MarcLesser.net – Ancient Wisdom for Modern Times. Learn How to Build Vibrant Relationships, Thriving Workplaces, and a Meaningful Life.

Finding Clarity: Marc’s Book – Grab a copy of Marc’s book about how compassionate accountability builds vibrant relationships, thriving workplaces, and meaningful lives.

3 Value Bombs

1) Becoming skilled at doing nothing and letting go of expectations to achieve success is essential. By releasing expectations, you can fully embrace and embody a successful vision.

2) To be a successful leader in business, training yourself to become more aware of conflicts and skillfully navigating them is essential.

3) Developing both confidence and humility is essential.

Sponsors

HubSpot: HubSpot CRM’s powerful tools will help marketers WOW prospects, sales teams lock in deals, and service teams improve response times and overall service. Get started for free at HubSpot.com!

FranBridge: Many EOFire listeners have launched franchises in a variety of industries outside of food – and FranBridge Consulting has guided them to these premier opportunities! Sign up for a free consultation with Jon – or get a free copy of his book, “Non-Food Franchising” – at FranBridgeConsulting.com!

Show Notes

**Click the time stamp to jump directly to that point in the episode.

Today’s Audio MASTERCLASS: Finding Clarity in Your Work, Relationships, and Life with Marc Lesser

[1:30] – Marc shares something he believes about becoming successful that most people disagree with.

• He believes becoming skilled at doing nothing and letting go of expectations to achieve success is essential. By releasing expectations, you can fully embrace and embody a successful vision.

[2:15] – What do you mean when you say, “Be curious, not furious”?

• Everyone should be reminded to practice curiosity.
• Your tender-hearted nature as a human can lead you to fall into blaming or defending yourself easily, but cultivating curiosity can help you avoid these reactions.
• Although it may seem simple, it takes ongoing self-awareness and effort to develop the habit of being curious instead of furious.

[3:40] – What advice do you have regarding conflict?

• To be a successful leader in business, training yourself to become more aware of conflicts and skillfully navigating them is essential.
• Avoiding conflict can lead to problems and misalignments with the people you work with. Having meaningful conversations with those around you is crucial to prevent any misunderstandings.

[5:12] – What advice do you have for overcoming the limiting stories we tell ourselves?

• It is essential to recognize that we all have inner stories and inner critics that try to keep us safe. However, these stories can also become very limiting, defining you as a success or a failure, introvert or extrovert, etc.
• Emotions play an influential role in these stories, and as a core practice for business success, you need to learn how to create space from them.
• Although stories are a natural part of being human, you must consciously choose which stories to hold onto and which to let go of.

[6:48] – Marc gives a real-world example of a limiting story he overcame and how it opened up new opportunities.

• Most executives often struggle with a limiting story about their power and influence, leading to feeling powerless and lacking confidence.
• It can be incredibly challenging when reporting to boards and investors. However, it is essential to recognize that our ability to feel confident and inspired is contagious, and so is our feeling of powerlessness.

[8:32] – A timeout to thank our sponsors!

• HubSpot: HubSpot CRM’s powerful tools will help marketers WOW prospects, sales teams lock in deals, and service teams improve response times and overall service. Get started for free at HubSpot.com!
• FranBridge: Many EOFire listeners have launched franchises in a variety of industries outside of food – and FranBridge Consulting has guided them to these premier opportunities! Sign up for a free consultation with Jon – or get a free copy of his book, “Non-Food Franchising” – at FranBridgeConsulting.com!

[11:21] – Marc talks about the four most important words: How are we doing?

• Alignment is critical to accountability
• “How are we doing?” is a powerful question that can help you check in with others and maintain alignment.

[13:44] – What can Homer Simpson teach us about being a better leader?

• Marc named Homer Simpson as an accountability expert in his book, but suggested doing the opposite of what he does.
• Homer’s famous exclamation, “Why does everything have to be so hard?” resonated with Marc as a feeling of frustration and powerlessness.
• Marc becomes a student of Homer’s quotes and shares the advice, “It is easy to appear wise. Just think of something stupid to say, and don’t say it.”

[15:14] – How do you cultivate a clear vision to succeed?

• A clear vision includes what and why you want to accomplish, how you want to achieve it, and your vision for your culture.
• Regular journal writing can help clarify and hone your vision, but you must also be aware that it can change due to various factors.

[17:00] – Marc’s takeaway.

• Developing both confidence and humility is essential. Even though they may seem opposite, they work well together.
• Confidence allows you to listen, be curious, and be vulnerable. Vulnerability helps you test the support of others and ask for help.
• Finding a sweet spot between confidence and openness is vital. It takes hard work to build trust.

[18:27] – Marc’s calls to action.

• MarcLesser.net – Ancient Wisdom for Modern Times. Learn How to Build Vibrant Relationships, Thriving Workplaces, and a Meaningful Life.
• Finding Clarity: Marc’s Book – Grab a copy of Marc’s book about how compassionate accountability builds vibrant relationships, thriving workplaces, and meaningful lives.

[19:21] – Thank you to our Sponsors!

• HubSpot: HubSpot CRM’s powerful tools will help marketers WOW prospects, sales teams lock in deals, and service teams improve response times and overall service. Get started for free at HubSpot.com!
• FranBridge: Many EOFire listeners have launched franchises in a variety of industries outside of food – and FranBridge Consulting has guided them to these premier opportunities! Sign up for a free consultation with Jon – or get a free copy of his book, “Non-Food Franchising” – at FranBridgeConsulting.com!

Killer Resources!

1) The Common Path to Uncommon Success: JLD’s 1st traditionally published book! Over 3000 interviews with the world’s most successful Entrepreneurs compiled into a 17-step roadmap to financial freedom and fulfillment!

2) Free Podcast Course: Learn from JLD how to create and launch your podcast!

3) Podcasters’ Paradise: The #1 podcasting community in the world!

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