Summary

Cy Wakeman is the author of No Ego: How Leaders Can Cut the Cost of Workplace Drama, End Entitlement, and Drive Big Results. She describes herself as a “Drama-researcher.” Her book is about reinventing leadership thinking to reduce the costs of drama in the workplace creating happy and more productive people and places.

We have an amazing conversation about suffering, about drama, about ego and how not only can we dispose of the waste drama causes in our workplace but also how it relates to the drama an ineffectiveness it can cause in our everyday lives. Brilliant stuff! 

BIO

Cy Wakeman is a dynamic international keynote speaker, business consultant, New York Times bestselling author, and global thought leader with over 25 years experience cultivating a revolutionary new approach to leadership. Grounded in reality, Wakeman’s philosophy has helped organizations and individuals all over the world learn to ditch the drama and turn excuses into results.

Coaching

Conversation Highlights

• What is suffering? Why does it exist? Understanding we are the creating of the conditions of our suffering.
• Drama in the workplace. Why drama is killing our happiness and productivity.
• Ego is a source of drama. What is ego? Understanding ego and how reflective practice can help us reduce the ego noise to help us move beyond.
• Why sharing feelings is better than venting and what it all means.
• Leaders cannot inspire and motivate but help others inspire and motivate themselves by teaching better mental processes.

Quick round questions

Do you have any routines and rituals that you believe contribute to your success?

Two 20 minute TM meditation a day.

What advice would you give your 20-year-old self?

Stop believing my thoughts.

What is the meaning of success?

Offering freedom to others and helping others reduce their suffering.

What is your number one productivity advice?

Ditch drama.

What advice would you give someone that needing/wanting to make a change?

Address things head on.

Favourite Food

Mango sticky rice.

Favourite Leisure Activity

Being on the lake with my kids.

Favourite Book

Traveling Mercies: Some Thoughts on Faith by Ann Lamott

No Ego: How Leaders Can Cut the Cost of Workplace Drama, End Entitlement, and Drive Big Results by Cy Wakeman

Favourite Quote

“Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing
and rightdoing there is a field.
I’ll meet you there.
When the soul lies down in that grass
the world is too full to talk about.” Rumi

Do we all have a why?

Absolutely! And I think it is more obvious than we think.

What does living with passion and purpose mean?

Living in the present moment while having great expectancy without expectations.

Connect with Cy Wakeman

You can connect and find our more about Cy and her work at Reality-BasedLeadershipp website here. 

Have a listen to her podcast, too. No Ego with Cy Wakeman

Further Reading and Resources 

TED Talks: Ideas worth spreading

Psychology Today: Psychology Today is devoted exclusively to everybody’s favourite subject – Ourselves

Life Hack: Tips for Life

Elite Daily: The Voice of Generation Y

Four Hour Work Week: How to escape the 9-5, live anywhere and join the new rich.

The Minimalists: How to pursue a minimalist lifestyle and be happier.

Mind Hacks: Tips and Tricks for Using Your Brain

Rich Roll: Plantpowered Wellness Advocate

The Art of Charm: Build confidence, feel comfortable and networking differently.

American Psychological Association: The largest scientific and professional organization of psychologists in the United State

The Art of Manliness: Encouraging men to be better husbands, fathers, brothers, citizens.

Tiny Buddha: Simple wisdom for complex lives.

Brain Pickings: An inventory of cross-disciplinary interestingness, spanning art, science, design, history, philosophy, and more.

Mind Body Green: Lifestyle media brand dedicated to inspiring you to live your best life.

Zen Habits: Find simplicity and mindfulness in life.

Creative NonFiction: “true stories well told.” 

Addicted 2 Success: Motivation & Inspiration Website full of quotes and inspiring articles for entrepreneurs.

Barking Up the Wrong Tree: science-based answers and expert insight on how to be awesome at life.

The Positivity Blog: Practical articles on happiness, self-esteem, productivity and social skills.

Coaching