Podcast
Intrinsic First
Hosted by Intrinsic First · EN
Intrinsic Leadership is a thought-provoking podcast hosted by Aaron Robbins, Jimmy Karam, and Dr. Drea Zigarmi, delving into the multifaceted world of leadership. Join this dynamic trio as they explore the essence of leadership, dissect the Leadership in Context model, and navigate through essential topics like self-discovery, leading in diverse contexts, and mastering crucial leadership skills such as active listening, conflict resolution, and goal setting. Whether you're a seasoned leader or aspiring to become one, this podcast offers valuable insights to help you unlock your intrinsic leadership potential.
10episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Intrinsic First Leadership Podcast - Frank Muller
Dec 3101:02:23Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Intrinsic First Leadership Podcast, host Aaron Robbins is joined by Frank Muller for the second conversation in our new series on nonprofit leadership.Frank brings more than 40 years of experience across government contracting, technology, and nonprofit leadership. He currently serves as Chairman of the Gold Coast Conference, one of the most influential nonprofit events supporting the defense industrial base, and has held executive leadership roles across both for-profit and nonprofit organizations.Together, Aaron and Frank explore what it truly means to lead in a nonprofit environment—where authority, incentives, and traditional power structures are limited, but purpose, commitment, and relationships matter more than ever. The conversation dives into:-Servant leadership in volunteer-driven organizations-Leading without formal authority or financial incentives-Motivation, purpose, and mission-driven work-Navigating uncertainty, setbacks, and high-stakes decisions-Lessons learned from decades of leadership across sectors-Building trust, sustaining engagement, and keeping teams aligned during challenging timesFrank also shares behind-the-scenes stories from leading large-scale nonprofit efforts like Gold Coast through sequestration, COVID, and shifting government priorities—highlighting what steady, values-driven leadership looks like when the pressure is on.If you lead (or aspire to lead) in a nonprofit, volunteer, or mission-driven organization—or if you’re interested in how motivation and leadership really work when you can’t rely on titles or authority—this episode offers practical insight and hard-earned wisdom.Learn more about Frank’s work and resources mentioned in the episode:-Gold Coast Conference-Beyond Ordinary Software Solutions-Launching GovCon (book by Frank Muller & Jake Anderson)🚀 Want to practice real leadership conversations—not just learn about them? Check out Proactr, our AI-powered leadership conversation simulator designed to help leaders build real-world skills through practice and feedback:👉 https://proactr.comHashtags#Leadership #NonprofitLeadership #ServantLeadership #MissionDrivenLeadership #VolunteerLeadership #LeadershipDevelopment #Motivation #IntrinsicFirst #GovernmentContracting #GoldCoastConference #Proactr©2025 Intrinsic First, LLC. All Rights Reserved
Transcribe →Intrinsic First Leadership Podcast - Ramsey Bergeron
Nov 2501:08:55Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Intrinsic First Leadership Podcast, we sit down with Ramsey Bergeron, 8-time Ironman and leadership strategist. Ramsey shares powerful insights from his leadership journey, including his transformative experience completing a 10-day silent meditation program. With no talking and no distractions, he learned to tune into his own energy, sharpen his awareness, and reconnect with the present moment.We dive deep into the role of mindfulness in leadership, the importance of enjoying the journey instead of obsessing over outcomes, and how leaders can cultivate internal motivation and passion that fuel sustainable performance. This conversation weaves through purpose, presence, and what it really means to lead yourself before leading others. It’s honest, energizing, and packed with wisdom you can apply immediately—whether you’re leading teams, organizations, or your own life.Tune in for a thoughtful exploration of leadership, motivation, and the mindset that allows leaders to thrive.#LeadershipDevelopment #MindfulLeadership #MotivationScience #SelfAwareness #ExecutiveCoaching #MindfulnessPractice #LeadershipPodcast #IronmanMindset #PersonalGrowth #IntrinsicMotivationWant to practice your leadership conversations? Try ProACTr, the AI-powered leadership simulator: https://proactr.com©2025 Intrinsic First, LLC. All Rights Reserved
Transcribe →Intrinsic First Leadership Podcast - Matt Beekman
Oct 2801:09:33Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we sit down with Matt Beekman, Executive Director of Alpha Omega Group (AOG) and current President of the AFCEA San Diego Chapter (Armed Forces Communications & Electronics Association). Matt draws on his rich leadership experience in the nonprofit / association world to share how many of the core dynamics of leadership and motivation are the same across sectors — whether you’re leading a mission-driven chapter or a business operation — while also exploring how nonprofit leadership brings its own flavor of influence, stakeholder engagement, and community service.We dive into:-How mission, volunteer engagement, and service orientation shape leadership in the AFCEA setting-Similarities and differences between leading in the nonprofit/association world and more traditional organizational leadership contexts-What motivates people in volunteer or “service-oriented” roles, and how that overlaps with motivation in paid staff or business contexts-Practical leadership lessons from Matt’s role as President of AFCEA San Diego — how he builds influence, cultivates engagement, and drives action in a membership-based organizationKey takeaways for any leader who wants to improve their influence, motivation skills, and leadership culture — whether in nonprofit, corporate, or hybrid settingsIf you’re looking for insights on how to lead with purpose, influence people, and create meaningful engagement, this conversation offers a fresh lens from the association world.Stay Connected & Upcoming Events:Visit the AFCEA San Diego Chapter website to learn more about membership, upcoming events, and how to get involved: https://sandiego.afceachapters.org/One upcoming event you might want to check out: the 2025 C4ISR Symposium hosted by AFCEA San Diego, scheduled for November 4–5, 2025 at Courtyard San Diego Airport/Liberty Station. They also have a Golf Tournament event on Monday, November 3, 2025 at Admiral Baker Golf Course.#Leadership #MotivationScience #NonprofitLeadership #Influence #PurposeDrivenLeadership #VolunteerMotivation #AFCEA #AFCEASanDiego #DefenseCommunity #STEMLeadership #InspireLeaders #OrganizationalCulture #LeadershipDevelopment #MilitaryTechnology #intrinsicmotivation Want to improve your leadership? Try out the newest technology in leadership development, ProACTr, where you can practice realistic leadership conversations in a safe environment with a trained AI and receive academic-based coaching feedback on various leadership dimensions. https://proactr.com©2025 Intrinsic First, LLC. All Rights Reserved
Transcribe →Intrinsic First Leadership Podcast Interview - Dr Erin
Sep 1901:20:09Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Intrinsic First Leadership Podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Erin, a holistic wellness and attachment guide with a PhD in mindfulness, emotional intelligence, and relational leadership.Dr. Erin brings a unique perspective on leadership, drawing from her research on mindfulness practices with kindergartners and her expertise in attachment theory. Together, we explore how early patterns of emotional survival influence the way leaders show up today, and why nervous system regulation is a critical — yet often overlooked — foundation for effective leadership.She shares how anxiety, overwhelm, and the constant drive to “hold it all together” can undermine leaders’ ability to feel grounded, connected, and authentic. We also dive into practical strategies rooted in mindfulness, breathwork, and secure attachment to help leaders shift from overthinking and over-functioning to leading from intuition, emotional regulation, and embodied presence.Whether you’re a coach, educator, nonprofit leader, or executive, this conversation will resonate if you’ve ever felt like you “know all the tools” but still struggle to rest, recharge, and truly feel enough. Dr. Erin offers both hope and science-backed practices to help leaders rewire their inner programming, so they can build relationships and lead in ways that feel soul-nourishing instead of depleting.Tune in for an inspiring dialogue on emotional regulation, attachment styles, and the power of mindfulness in leadership — and walk away with fresh insights on how to lead from a place of wholeness.#LeadershipDevelopment #MindfulLeadership #EmotionalIntelligence #AttachmentTheory #EmotionalRegulation #ConsciousLeadership #SelfLeadership #WellbeingAtWork #AuthenticLeadership #mindfulnesspractice Discover the practice field where leadership skills come alive: https://proactr.com©2025 Intrinsic First, LLC. All Rights Reserved
Transcribe →Intrinsic First Leadership Podcast Interview - Fredrik Brannlund
Sep 201:03:10Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Intrinsic First Leadership Podcast, we sit down with Fredrik Brannlund, founder of Finally Together, a unique social accountability platform that helps people build positive habits through community support without shame, pressure, or external rewards.Fredrik shares his fascinating journey from running a multimillion-dollar remote SEO company across 12 time zones to developing a simple yet powerful app inspired by his curiosity about motivation, behavior, and well-being. What started as a team-building simulation evolved into a transformative tool that fosters autonomy, competence, and connection —core principles of Self-Determination Theory (SDT), which we explore throughout the episode.Whether you're a founder, people leader, coach, or simply curious about habit formation and leadership psychology, this episode offers a thought-provoking look at how meaningful change starts with the why, and flourishes through human connection.Learn more about Fredrik’s work at https://finallytogether.org or contact him directly at fred@finallytogether.org👇 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share your thoughts or questions in the comments!Check out the future of leadership development training at https://proactr.com #LeadershipDevelopment, #SelfDeterminationTheory, #RemoteWork, #IntrinsicMotivation, #HabitBuilding, #WorkplaceWellbeing, #HumanCenteredLeadership, #BehaviorChange, #TeamCulture, #LeadershipPodcast©2025 Intrinsic First, LLC. All Rights Reserved
Transcribe →Intrinsic First Leadership Podcast Interview - Ken Garber
Aug 2100:56:40Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we’re joined by Ken Garber, owner and CEO of Del Rey Systems & Technology, for an engaging conversation about leadership across domains—from military service to private industry.Ken shares his journey from the U.S. Navy to the business world, eventually acquiring Del Rey and growing it into a company known for its people-first culture and mission-focused values. We dive into what it means to lead with purpose, how to build trust within teams, and the practical realities of running a values-driven company in today’s complex environment.Whether you’re a new leader or an experienced executive, Ken’s insights on discipline, growth, and human-centered leadership are both practical and inspiring.🎧 Tune in to hear about:-Navigating leadership transitions from military to civilian sectors-Creating a culture of trust and accountability-Balancing business performance with people-centered values#LeadershipDevelopment #PeopleFirst #VeteranLeadership #MissionDriven #ExecutiveLeadership #OrganizationalCulture #ServantLeadership #BusinessGrowth #TrustBasedLeadership #LeadershipPodcast©2025 Intrinsic First, LLC. All Rights Reserved
Transcribe →Intrinsic First Leadership Podcast Interview - Jack Turner
Jun 1100:50:20Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we talk with Jack Turner, former Navy pilot and now CEO & Founder of XSite, a defense contracting company. Jack shares powerful lessons from his time in the cockpit and how those experiences shape his people-first leadership style today. We dive into topics like building culture, leading with purpose, and what it takes to lead effectively in both military and business environments.©2025 Intrinsic First, LLC. All Rights Reserved
Transcribe →Intrinsic First Leadership Podcast Interview - Tim Snyder
May 2701:19:12Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we sit down with Tim Snyder, VP of Program Management at G2 Ops. Tim shares insights from his journey through the U.S. Navy, his experience in defense contracting, and his approach to effective leadership in high-stakes environments. From leading complex programs to building strong teams, Tim offers wisdom and perspective every leader can learn from. We wrap it up with a few laughs and some solid jokes—don’t miss it!©2025 Intrinsic First, LLC. All Rights Reserved
Transcribe →Intrinsic First Leadership Podcast - Trust In The Election
Oct 29, 202400:34:31Tap to summarizeIn this thought-provoking episode of the Intrinsic First Leadership Podcast, we delve into the complex dynamics of trust in the context of elections. With a special focus on the psychological factors that drive voter behavior and loyalty, we explore how trust is built and challenged during political campaigns. We discuss the phenomena observed in the current presidential election, such as the enduring support for high-profile figures despite numerous controversies. Join us as we unpack the mechanisms of trust, influence, and leadership that shape public opinion and voter decisions.#LeadershipPodcast #PsychologyOfPolitics #TrustInLeadership #ElectionInsights #VoterBehavior #PoliticalPsychology #NeutralPolitics #InfluenceAndLeadership #Election2024 #PublicOpinion©2025 Intrinsic First, LLC. All Rights Reserved
Transcribe →S01E27 - Leading With Trust (2 of 2)
Oct 22, 202400:36:06Tap to summarizeIn this continuation of our discussion on trust, Episode 27 of the Intrinsic First Leadership Podcast delves deeper into trust within hybrid work environments and the challenges of managing remote teams. Join us as we explore how trust operates not just through direct oversight but through the outcomes and productivity of remote work.In This Episode:Hybrid Work and Trust: How do managers ensure productivity and commitment when they can't see their employees in action? We discuss the shift from time-based to productivity-based management and its implications on trust.Side Hustles and Work Hours: The conversation also touches on the prevalence of side hustles and how they intersect with primary employment duties, especially in remote settings.Heart vs. Head Trust: We introduce the concepts of 'heart trust' and 'head trust' and discuss how these forms of trust influence managerial practices and the integration of new work models.Building Trust over Distance: Discover strategies to build and maintain trust when managing remote teams, including setting clear expectations and fostering a culture of accountability and mutual respect.Tune in to understand the nuances of trust in hybrid work models and learn how effective leadership can adapt to ensure team cohesion and high performance.If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and share your thoughts or questions in the comments below. For leadership training and consulting support, feel free to reach out to Intrinsic First at info@intrinsicfirst.com.See below for more information and references to articles, books, and topics discussed in this Podcast.Covey, S. M. R. (2006). The speed of trust: The one thing that changes everything. New York, NY: Free Press.Covey, S. R. (1989). The 7 habits of highly effective people: Powerful lessons in personal change. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster.©2025 Intrinsic First, LLC. All Rights Reserved
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