Shed and Shine – Episode 85: Start Where You Are: The Journey to Know Thyself

Hosts: Gino Wickman & Rob Dube
Date: October 22, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode delves deep into the third discipline from their book "Shine": Know Thyself. Gino and Rob explore the multifaceted journey of self-discovery for driven entrepreneurs, discussing both practical tools (like personality profiles) and more introspective, sometimes unconventional, methods, including energy work and exploring the shadow self. Their aim is to encourage listeners to honor wherever they are on their self-awareness path while ultimately striving to “free your True Self”.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Meaning and Importance of "Know Thyself"

• The phrase “know thyself” was etched at the Temple of Apollo at Delphi, reminding people to “recognize their own limits, understand their abilities, and accept their place in this world.” (Rob, 00:39)
• Self-knowledge leads to humility and wisdom. The hosts reiterate that every entrepreneurial journey to “shed your shit and shine” is rooted in this principle.

Memorable Quote:
“To fully be your true self and free your true self, you’ve got to know thyself first.”
(Gino, 02:18)

The Journey of Self-Discovery: Outer to Inner

• Gino shares his personal evolution:
  • 20s: Began with personality profiling tools and outer world self-assessment
  • Progression: Moved deeper into understanding strengths, weaknesses, and personality traits
  • Now: Focuses on identifying energetic blocks and releasing them to free his true self (Gino, 02:14-04:50)
• The process is unique for everyone, and it’s normal to start with “outer world stuff” like skills and work inward gradually.

Memorable Quote:
“For some out there, you just need to start by better understanding your skills and abilities. That’s okay. You don’t have to jump to the inner world stuff.”
(Gino, 04:35)

Personality Profiles: Surface or Starting Point?

• Rob raises the point that many dismiss personality profiles as basic, but questions the depth of engagement most people actually invest.
  (Rob, 06:54)
• Gino’s take: People are passionate about their favored tools (“Profiling tools are like religion”), but everyone should pick what resonates. For him:
  • Most Impactful: Myers-Briggs, DISC, Kolbe
  • Approach: Take what each offers, but focus efforts where you get true value (Gino, 07:49)

Memorable Quote:
“Profiling tools are like religion, okay? In terms of people feel very strongly about their profiling tools...You got to choose your path and choose your tools.”
(Gino, 07:50)

Beyond Profiles: Deeper Tools for Self-Knowledge

• Rob shares his experiment with Seydup soul healing (ancient Bon Buddhist practice balancing energy via five elements). He admits initial skepticism but found it impactful after six months. (Rob, 10:37)
• Gino describes his current work over the past two months on the “shadow self”, referencing Jung and revisiting Dr. Sarno’s book “Healing Back Pain” alongside teachings about love vs. fear as decision drivers. (Gino, 11:51)

Highlights:

• Shadow self: The darker aspects we hide, often unknowingly
• Dr. Sarno: Chronic pain as the result of suppressed emotions, especially amongst “people pleasers” and perfectionists
• Common entrepreneurial traits: Perfectionism, people-pleasing, and the associated suppressed anger or rage

Suppressed Emotions & Physical Manifestations

• Both hosts discuss the concept from Sarno/Ozanich – the idea that physical ailments (e.g., back pain, skin issues) can stem from unaddressed emotional pain, particularly for “goodests” (chronic people pleasers). (Rob, 15:07 – Gino, 16:42)
• Gino reflects on discovering his own buried anger, which was surprising and is now something he’s tackling.

Notable Quote:
“The last thing I ever thought I was, was an angry person. But that’s the power of the shadow self. It’s buried so deep you don’t even know what’s going on.”
(Gino, 17:10)

The Spectrum: Every Step Counts

• The journey to true self includes everything from learning you’re a “high quickstart” to identifying and shedding deep-seated emotional blocks.

Quote:
“It is stuff as deep as what we’re talking about… and things as simple as understanding that you’re a high quickstart. It all comes together in this magical formula that is uniquely you.”
(Gino, 18:29)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Self-Awareness:
  “True wisdom begins with self.” (Rob, 00:59)
• On Honoring the Journey:
  “You don’t have to jump to the inner world stuff.” (Gino, 04:35)
• On Profiling Tools:
  “Profiling tools are like religion… You got to choose your path.” (Gino, 07:50)
• On Emotional Suppression:
  “It’s more appropriate to have pain in your body than it is to express rage or anger.” (Gino, 13:27)
• On Perfectionism and Anger:
  “Perfectionists are secretly angry at the world. We walk around secretly angry.” (Gino, 16:42)
• On Practical Recommendations:
  “Follow your nose... notice what resonates.” (Rob, 18:05)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:39 – The origin and meaning of “know thyself”
• 02:14 – Gino’s personal evolution and process
• 06:54 – The real value of personality profiles; depth vs. surface understanding
• 07:50 – Gino’s favorite profiling tools and their nuanced value
• 10:37 – Rob’s experiment with Seydup soul healing
• 11:51-14:30 – Shadow self, Dr. Sarno’s work, and emotional roots of pain
• 15:07-17:45 – Rob and Gino on physical manifestations of suppressed rage, the “goodest” phenomenon
• 18:05-18:54 – Wrapping the spectrum from practical to profound; encouragement to honor your own path

Closing Encouragement (Final Takeaway)

“We keep encouraging you to turn that light inward. Honor what you discover and let your freak flag fly and your true self will absolutely shine.”
(Rob, 19:10)

Summary:
Gino and Rob provide a candid, comprehensive look at the true path to self-awareness for entrepreneurs, from practical tools like personality profiles to the liberating work of releasing deep-seated emotional blocks. Their conversation is a reminder: wherever you are on your journey to know thyself, it’s valid, it’s vital, and it all leads toward the entrepreneurial freedom—and joy—that comes from shining as your authentic self.