Passion Struck with John R. Miles: Episode 587 - Anne Marie Anderson on How to Build Your Front Row
In Episode 587 of Passion Struck with John R. Miles, host John R. Miles engages in a profound and insightful conversation with Anne Marie Anderson, a three-time Emmy Award-winning broadcaster for ESPN, keynote speaker, and author of the impactful book Cultivating Audacity. This episode delves deep into the essence of audacity, dismantling self-doubt, and taking bold risks to create a life of intentionality and fulfillment.
Introduction to Audacity
John R. Miles kicks off the conversation by exploring the concept of audacity with Anne Marie Anderson. Anne Marie redefines audacity, emphasizing its positive connotations and its role in personal and professional growth.
[12:50] Anne Marie Anderson: “Audacity by definition is the willingness to take bold risks. That's not negative. Doesn't have any kind of a negative ringtone to it to me.”
She explains that audacity isn't an innate trait but something cultivated through intentional practice, forming the cornerstone of her book, Cultivating Audacity.
Overcoming Self-Doubt and Embracing Risk
Anne Marie shares her pivotal moments that shaped her fearless approach to her career. Starting at ESPN at just 21, her temporary position pushed her to stand out and take bold initiatives from the get-go.
[09:01] Anne Marie Anderson: “There was no time to warm up. There's no time to be shy... I needed to be willing to take some bold risks in my career if I wanted to succeed.”
John relates this to his own experience as a Division 1 athlete, highlighting the importance of action and team support in building resilience.
Defining Audacity and Its Components
The discussion progresses to the multi-faceted nature of audacity. Anne Marie breaks it down into three core components:
- Mindset: Optimism and the belief in surviving any outcome.
- Audacious Action: Taking consistent, bold steps towards goals.
- Audacious Identity: Developing a self-image that embraces boldness and resilience.
[51:21] Anne Marie Anderson: “When you combine mindset and action consistently, you start to build an audacious identity. One bold risk leads to another, because you feel a freedom to try new things.”
Personal Stories of Risk and Resilience
Anne Marie recounts her first on-air experience with ESPN, where nerves got the best of her, yet she emerged stronger. She emphasizes that audacity is about the action, not the outcome.
[14:59] Anne Marie Anderson: “It's the audacity in the action. The victory is in the action, not in the outcome.”
A particularly inspiring anecdote is when Anne Marie took a leap of faith by quitting her dream job at ESPN to pursue a more fulfilling life in Los Angeles. This bold move not only enhanced her quality of life but also doubled her salary upon her return.
[19:17] Anne Marie Anderson: “I quit ESPN, an absolute dream job, and drove cross country because I wasn't enjoying my life. By the end of the year, I was back as LA bureau producer for double the salary.”
The Importance of Preparation and Mindset
The conversation highlights the interplay between meticulous preparation and a resilient mindset. Drawing parallels with elite athletes, Anne Marie underscores that rigorous preparation creates a safety net, enabling audacious actions without recklessness.
[33:16] Anne Marie Anderson: “Preparation is everything. It's about careful planning and having checks and balances to stay on the path.”
John adds that true preparation involves extensive research and flexibility, ensuring that each action is well-informed and adaptable.
Building Your Front Row
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the concept of the "Front Row"—a trusted circle of individuals who challenge, uplift, and provide honest feedback. Anne Marie explains that a strong front row is essential for personal and professional growth.
[43:50] Anne Marie Anderson: “Your front row consists of people who will push, challenge, uplift, and tell you the truth about where you're going.”
John relates this to his own "Mosquito Audit" philosophy, which involves regularly assessing and refining one's support system to eliminate negative influences.
Applying Audacity in Corporate Settings
Anne Marie extends the front row concept to organizational leadership, explaining how fostering connections and valuing employee input can combat disengagement. She emphasizes that creating a space for innovation and open communication reenergizes teams and drives collective success.
[47:44] Anne Marie Anderson: “Employers have to create a space to be able to say yes, welcoming ideas even if they're outlandish because innovation happens in groups.”
Cultivating Audacity in the Next Generation
Addressing the role of parents, Anne Marie shares heartfelt stories about teaching her children resilience and resourcefulness. She advocates for showing children both successes and failures as learning opportunities, empowering them to tackle challenges with confidence.
[38:45] Anne Marie Anderson: “If Jerry were to come up and whisper in your ear, you're dumb, you can't do math... what would you say to Jerry? I would say, shut up, Jerry.”
Choices and Intentional Living
John and Anne Marie discuss the profound impact of micro-choices on daily life. By shifting perspectives from seeing life as something that happens to recognizing it happens for us, individuals can make more intentional and fulfilling decisions.
[52:32] Anne Marie Anderson: “When you combine mindset and action consistently, you start to build an audacious identity.”
Metaphor of the Parachute
Anne Marie introduces the metaphor of the parachute to illustrate the importance of having contingency plans when taking bold risks. This ensures that audacious actions are calculated and supported by solid preparation.
[53:02] Anne Marie Anderson: “It's about all that planning. You have clauses to stay on the path instead of one reckless swing.”
Hope vs. Plan B
Concluding their discussion, Anne Marie challenges the notion of having a Plan B, arguing that hope is not a substitute for actionable plans. Instead of defaulting to secondary options, she encourages amending Plan A to stay true to one's core aspirations.
[55:10] Anne Marie Anderson: “Plan B is easier. It's always easier. Just keep amending Plan A.”
Conclusion and Key Takeaways
John wraps up the episode by highlighting the transformative insights from Anne Marie:
- Embrace Audacity: Cultivate a mindset of optimism and take consistent bold actions.
- Build a Strong Front Row: Surround yourself with trusted individuals who challenge and support you.
- Prepare Meticulously: Combine thorough preparation with flexibility to navigate uncertainties.
- Teach Resilience: Show the next generation that failures are stepping stones to success.
- Focus on Intentional Choices: Recognize the power of daily choices in shaping a fulfilling life.
[56:27] John R. Miles: “Courage isn't just about fearlessness, it's about stepping forward even when uncertainty looms.”
Anne Marie Anderson’s Cultivating Audacity offers a powerful roadmap for anyone looking to live with intention, overcome self-doubt, and take meaningful risks. Her stories and strategies provide listeners with actionable insights to build a life that truly matters.
For those inspired by this conversation, Anne Marie’s book is available on major platforms like Amazon, Target, and Barnes & Noble. You can also connect with her on her website annmarieanderson.com or follow her on Instagram @annmarieandersontv.
Key Quotes:
- Anne Marie Anderson [12:50]: “Audacity by definition is the willingness to take bold risks. That's not negative.”
- John R. Miles [55:39]: “Amend Plan A.”
- Anne Marie Anderson [38:45]: “If Jerry were to come up and whisper in your ear, you're dumb, you can't do math... what would you say to Jerry? I would say, shut up, Jerry.”
Reflect and Act
As you reflect on this episode, consider these questions:
- Where in your life are you playing it safe when you could be taking a bold step forward?
- How can you reframe rejection as a stepping stone rather than a setback?
- What's one action you can take today to cultivate audacity in your own journey?
If Anne Marie Anderson’s insights resonated with you, share this episode with someone who could benefit from her wisdom and consider picking up a copy of Cultivating Audacity to further empower your journey towards intentional living.
For more enriching conversations and resources discussed in this episode, visit the show notes at passionstruck.com/starterpacks.