The xMonks Drive

 With the new year upon us, many of us are reflecting on our goals and desires for the future.  Today we will discuss how purpose should be viewed as a guide rather than an identity we attach to. Ryan will also discuss sustainable approaches to goal setting that stem from inner truth rather than societal pressures.  Ryan compelled us to question - who do we believe ourselves to be?  How strongly a...

Welcome to our first episode of 2024!  As we begin a new year, many of us are reflecting on our purpose and vision for the future. What do we want to accomplish? Why do we work so hard? How can we craft more meaningful, fulfilling lives? So today we'll be exploring these big questions Robert C. Wolcott.  There's something about a new year that makes us to evaluate our direction and inten...

This year we are not making resolutions. But we are entering this year with well thought INTENTION STATEMENTS!  As the year comes to an end, I wish you make peace with the past and embrace the gifts of the present. The people and simple joys before you now. Make new memories alongside honouring old ones. Find meaning not in recapturing the past but in continuously opening your heart to the present...

Often, we think we know what drives us, only to be surprised when unexpected twists and turns lead us down a different path.  My guest today, Nathan Gold, experienced this firsthand. After being laid off not once, but twice, Nathan finally asked himself what he truly loved doing - and the answer was presenting and PEOPLE. Those difficult shakeups ended up being a blessing in disguise, forcing Nath...

Digital transformation. It's one of the hottest buzzwords in business. But what does it actually mean and why does it matter? In this episode, we cut through the hype and jargon to explore the real impacts of digital transformation on both businesses and people. We discuss why transformation is crucial for organizational survival in an increasingly complex and automated world. However, too of...

I don't know about you, but I think we could all use some inspiration when it comes to leadership lately. The world feels more divided than ever. Trust is fleeting. People feel burnt out and afraid of the future.  So I had this burning question - how can leaders spark real change starting from within? And who better to help me unpack that than the wonderful Renelle Darr. Welcome to another ep...

Leadership advisor Hortense shares her journey to becoming an "unlocked leader" - one who has freed themselves from mental obstacles and self-limiting beliefs to connect authentically and lead with humanity. Key Takeaways: Being "human" as a leader means showing vulnerability, asking for help, and connecting heart-to-heart with empathy. This goes against what many traditional l...

"With great power comes great responsibility.” As AI grows more capable, how will we stay aligned with ethics and human values? It’s something to ponder.  Nell has been working with AI since the early days and has a unique perspective on where things are headed. We’ll be getting into some fascinating topics around AI safety and building ethical systems. One thing's for sure - our guest N...

 What does it mean to be an exceptional communicator? What separates those who converse with confidence from those who crumble under pressure? In today's episode of The xMonks Drive, we have with us the communication expert Matt Abrahams. But communication is about more than skill - it's an "operationalized leadership," as Matt puts it.  How we speak and listen shapes our prese...

Discover the balcony view great leaders need. Edward Morrison joins us to share insider tips on mastering the balancing act. We spill secrets on motivating teams, solving thorny problems, and aligning strategy. Dive into decentralizing leadership without losing alignment. And find out why vision statements flop at inspiring people. Plus Edward’s wisdom from the executive trenches. All this and mor...

Nothing happens without people. In this episode, superconnector Judy Robinett shares why relationships are the foundation for success. Judy explains how she moved beyond transactional "networking" to build genuine bonds that enrich both parties. She stresses the importance of listening with empathy and finding shared values. Reflecting on her journey, Judy traces the link between her chi...

How to Create Belonging in a World of Suffering In this episode, Gaurav talks to Jerry Colonna, the CEO of Reboot.io and a renowned executive coach, about how to deal with the heartbreak and violence that pervades our world. Jerry shares his insights on how our ancestors, our spiritual traditions, and our own self-awareness can help us create a sense of belonging with ourselves and others. He chal...

How can somebody be 110 percent consumed?  Today’s guest is one of those people who is such a deep thinker, that just one episode with him was not enough.  He is Ramkumar Narayan, theVP Technology and Managing Director of VMWare India, a leading industry voice with a knack to breakdown tech in laymen terms.  In this episode, we're going to talk about how technology is changing the world, how...

How many times have you struggled to get your message across, to understand what someone else is saying, or to deal with a conflict or a misunderstanding?  How many times have you wished you could communicate better, clearer, and more effectively? If you can relate to any of these situations, then this episode is for you.  Our guest, Benjamin Guttmann, is a renowned expert in the field, and they&a...

We have crossed the point of NO RETURN! This Earth we are living on, we have ignored its cry for help. What happened to us? We used to be able to talk to plants, animals and nature.  When did we lose that bond with Mother Nature? Have we forgotten that nobody else is coming to our rescue?  A quick disclaimer, I really don't know how to describe our today’s guest, or even brief you about this...

Join us for a casual chat with Sanjeev Bhikhchandani, the man behind Naukri.com and a lot more. In this episode, he spills the beans on how it all started. Back in '97, he was just an average guy taking small steps as an entrepreneur. Naukri.com was just one of those ideas, but it turned out to be a game-changer. He tells us how luck played its part, but it was also about hard work and smart...

Today we are going to meet someone who has shaped the way we work and lead in the 21st century, Gary Boles, the co-founder of eParachute, and the author of The Next Rules of Work  Gary is also a frequent keynote speaker and workshop leader on the future of work, learning, and career development.  In this episode, we will talk about Gary’s personal journey of finding his purpose, his insights on ho...

Today, we've got a heavy hitter in the world of leadership with us. Greg Settle. He is a world-class expert on leadership and transformational change.  Greg has helped hundreds of organizations across the globe navigate complex and disruptive changes. A Lecturer at Wharton, accomplished entrepreneur, global executive and one of the foremost experts on transformation and change today, Greg hel...

Take a moment to think about the ideas of masculinity you have grown up with. How do they affect your life and the men around you?   Our guest today comes with a mission to break down these norms. Jindy Mann everyone. A coach and mentor. And facilitator who works with men to help them discover and express their authentic masculinity. This conversation is for everyone, not just men. Help this episo...

Are visionaries born? Are they built? Can any everyday Joe or Jane become a visionary? That's the curveball I throw Justin right off the bat. His answer? Well, Justin's got a thing or two to say about that. Justin is not your typical PR guy. He is a visionary who sees things differently and helps others do the same. He has a knack for finding and telling stories that resonate with the me...

From the streets of Nizamabad, India, to Silicon Valley, we were taken on the journey of Raju Reddy's evolution from employee to entrepreneur, the pivotal role of mentorship, and the power of giving back. This episode brings you to the epicentre of the power India holds. Raju draws a vision of where rural India will be the greatest job creators in the world. And in this quest, we cracked the...

Sally starts her tale – women with amazing skills, entering workplaces big time. But guess what? These skills rarely hit the strategic and leadership radars. Hold on, swish sound – ah, got your attention now? Sally's lightbulb moment hits – great ideas from women get lost in the corporate hubbub. Aha, and that's how she steps into the world of women's leadership. Fast forward, and S...

Not all stories are true.  Not all stories are helpful. Not all stories are healthy.  Some stories are distorted, some stories are incomplete, some stories are harmful. Some stories are holding us back, some stories are hurting us, some stories are killing us. In this episode, Raj Sisodia and I confront the stories that we have been telling ourselves about life and work. He reveals the traumas tha...

The OG Rags To Riches Story of Greg Beebe! Today, I want to take you on a journey of discovery, of wonder, of curiosity.  I want to show you how ordinary people can do extraordinary things, how they can overcome adversity, find meaning, and inspire others. I want to ask them not only what happened, but how it felt.  My guest today is Greg, a man who has lived many lives in one. He was born in a po...

What made Rishad say this? In the period of AI transition do we have to worry about being dead inside? Rishad Ahmed is an accomplished executive coach, speaker, trainer and author. As an AI Transition Specialist, he has a passion for helping individuals and organizations thrive in the age of AI. With a deep understanding of ancient principles and a focus on developing a new form of intelligence, R...