Welcome to the Intrinsic First - Podcast!
Check out our latest episode ->
Join us, your three dynamic hosts - Aaron, Jimmy, and Drea, as we delve deep into the world of motivation, leadership, and personal growth.
Each week, we'll bring you insightful conversations to help you unlock your full potential and lead with purpose.
Get ready to be inspired, equipped, and empowered to take your leadership skills to the next level.
Meet the Hosts…
Hello there…
It’s Aaron
In our third episode of "Intrinsic Leadership," we present the insightful introduction of co-host Aaron, sharing his compelling personal and professional journey with nearly two decades of leadership experience across various domains. Aaron's introduction sets the stage for enriching discussions and meaningful insights in this podcast series, catering to leaders at every career stage.
S01E22 - Leading in Team Context (2 of 3)
In Episode 22, we continue our discussion about about the intricacies of effective team leadership, emphasizing the importance of clear communication and collaborative decision-making. We discuss the significance of chartering, establishing norms, and defining objectives for high-performing teams.
S01E20 - Leading in One-to-One Context (3 of 3)
In Episode 20 of the Intrinsic First Leadership Podcast, we continue our discussion about supportive leadership behaviors. We delve into the concept of discerning, a phase where individuals may no longer have the energy or motivation to continue with a task or role they once excelled in.
S01E16 - Leadership & Power (1 of 2)
In Episode 16, we dive into a thought-provoking discussion on the various forms of power in leadership. We explore the concept of power, emphasizing its control over limited resources that others desire. We discuss the impact of these power dynamics on leadership and how they can be both positive and negative.
S01E13 - Deciding the Next Topic
In Episode 13, we engage in a lively discussion about the direction of our podcast. We reflect on previous episodes, with uncertainty about the upcoming topics and whether to delve into motivation or begin a discussion on the 1-to-1 context.
Hello there…
It’s Jimmy
In the second episode of "Intrinsic Leadership," co-host Jimmy shares his captivating journey and insights into leadership, offering a valuable starting point for those exploring intrinsic leadership. Join us for an engaging exploration of leadership philosophy and personal growth in this podcast series.
Check Out Our Latest Interviews…
Intrinsic First Interviews - Featuring Brian Keller
Join us as Brian shares his remarkable career trajectory, from transitioning from an individual contributor to an executive leader, to embarking on a whole new chapter in the tech space. Discover how Brian navigated the challenges of moving from defense consulting to mastering RPA bot programming, showcasing unparalleled leadership skills and adaptability every step of the way.
Intrinsic First Interviews - Featuring David Hickey (1 of 2)
In this first episode, we explore David's journey with Alirrium and the groundbreaking SalesFed product. David shares the iterative process behind the creation of SalesFed, a revolutionary tool that automates the development of compliance matrices for defense contracts. Discover how David's vision and persistence led to the creation of this game-changing solution.
Check Out Our Latest Episodes On Leadership…
S01E15 - Motivation (2 of 2)
In episode 15, we continue our discussion on motivation and jump into its application in different situations. We emphasize the importance of creating an environment that encourages individuals to thrive and experience autonomy, growth, and a sense of connection. We share practical examples such as coaching experiences in youth football, parenting youth volleyball, and organizational rewards.
S01E12 - Prepare: Persona 2 of 2
In Episode 12, we explore the concept of persona in leadership. We discuss the importance of self-awareness, aligning personal values with leadership roles, and the challenges of external expectations. We also share anecdotes, including a story about a baseball player who realized he didn't want to play anymore after a leadership training session.
Hello there…
It’s Drea
In the inaugural episode of "Intrinsic Leadership," we kick off the series with a warm and insightful introduction from our co-host, Drea. Join us as Drea shares his unique journey and experiences in the world of leadership, offering a glimpse into his passion for personal growth, values, and the pursuit of intrinsic leadership.
S01E21 - Leading in the Team Context (1 of 3)
In episode 21 of the Intrinsic First Leadership Podcast, we delve into the dynamics of team leadership, contrasting it with one-on-one interactions. We explore the distinctions between teams and groups, emphasizing the importance of interdependence and common goals in teams. We discuss the behaviors required for effective team leadership.
S01E18 - Leading in One-to-One Context (1 of 3)
In Episode 18, we discuss leadership in the 1-to-1 context. We emphasize that leadership is not a static thing but a set of behaviors. A key aspect of leadership is the development of an individual's skills and commitment to meet the company's needs or job requirements.
S01E04 - Defining Leadership 1 of 2
In this episode of the Intrinsic First Leadership Podcast, co-hosts Aaron Robbins, Dr. Drea Zigarmi, and Jimmy Karam discuss the dynamic nature of leadership, emphasizing its development through practice and learning. They explore the impact of genetics, environment, and emotional intelligence on one's leadership abilities.
S01E05 - Defining Leadership 2 of 2
In this follow-on episode from Episode 4, the Intrinsic First Leadership Podcast continues the exploration of defining leadership, focusing on values alignment, meaningful debate, and the impact of leadership on the welfare of all involved. The discussion also addresses the challenges of a polarized society and the role of leadership in promoting more productive discussions and decisions.
S01E19 - Leading in One-to-One Context (2 of 3)
In Episode 19, we continue our discussion about leadership in the one-to-one context. The focus of this episode is on how leaders can provide support and inspiration to individuals in the latter phase of development. We emphasize the importance of not only teaching skills but also supporting attitudes and motivation.
S01E06 - Leadership in Context 1 of 2
In this episode of the Intrinsic First Leadership Podcast, a new leadership framework is introduced, offering an initial overview that sets the stage for upcoming episodes exploring various aspects of leadership. The discussion spans the complexity of leadership in different contexts, from self-management to leading teams, organizations, and alliances, highlighting the exponential growth in challenges and dynamics.
Intrinsic First Interviews - Featuring Adam Schilling
Join us as we explore Dr. Schilling's insights into addiction and its profound impact on personal and professional development. From dissecting negative self-talk to unraveling the intricacies of motivation and values, our conversation goes into the core elements of leadership psychology.
Intrinsic First Interviews - Featuring Riley Jensen
Our first guest interview podcast episode features Riley Jensen, a mental performance coach, and author of the book " Pure Unadulterated Guts: Insights for Bravery, Courage, and Vulnerability." Riley shares his journey from a career in medical device sales to pursuing his passion in sports psychology, highlighting the pivotal role his wife played in encouraging him to follow his dreams.
S01E23 - Leading in Team Context (3 of 3)
In Episode 23 we delve into the intricacies of team dynamics, exploring the phases of team performance and the complexities of leadership within teams. We discuss the challenges of navigating through the forming, storming, norming, and performing stages.
S01E17 - Leadership & Power (2 of 2)
Episode 17 continues the discussion on the topic of power and its implications in leadership. Throughout the episode, we share anecdotes and insights related to the dynamics of power in organizations and society. We also touch on the concepts of restorative justice versus retributive justice in leadership contexts.
S01E14 - Motivation (1 of 2)
In Episode 14, we discuss various theories of motivation, including Freud's ideas on cell deprivation, Pavlov's classical conditioning, and Skinner's reinforcement theory. We end up focusing on self-determination theory (SDT), emphasizing autonomy, relatedness, and competence as key psychological needs. The concept of choice is highlighted as a crucial element in fostering autonomy.
S01E11 - Prepare: Persona 1 of 2
In Episode 11, we jump into the concept of persona as the third element of the prepare practice of leadership in context. Persona involves understanding the mask individuals put on, especially in response to societal expectations and pressures. The conversation covers the challenges leaders face when societal and organizational expectations conflict with their values and disposition.
S01E07 - Leadership in Context 2 of 2
In Episode 7 of the Intrinsic First Leadership Podcast, the focus is on leadership in various contexts, emphasizing the significance of self-development and the challenges of personal change. The episode touches on resistance to change, driven by fear and a lack of models for personal growth, and briefly explores the dynamics of power and influence in 1-to-1 interactions.
S01E08 - Prepare: Disposition
In this episode, we delve into the concept of disposition, exploring various modes of response such as extroversion, introversion, fight-or-flight, risk-taking, and acceptance versus control. Emphasizing the importance of self-awareness, we underscore how understanding one's disposition can enhance versatility and effectiveness, particularly in leadership, by recognizing its connection to unconscious affect and distinguishing it from the conscious application of learned skills like "flow."
S01E09 - Prepare: Values 1 of 2
In Episode 9, we explore the role of values in shaping behavior and decision-making, delving into the origins of intentions driven by instinct and disposition. The episode emphasizes the crucial influence of enduring beliefs, whether personal or socially oriented, on individuals' actions and decision processes, touching on examples like Lawrence Kohlberg's moral development stages and concepts of fairness, justice, and reciprocity.
S01E10 - Prepare: Values 2 of 2
In this episode, we delve into the impact of values on decision-making, distinguishing between acquired and developed values and emphasizing the importance of the latter. Using the example of smoking, we explore how individuals form values, discussing the balance between self and other rights, and the implications of decisions.
Intrinsic First Interviews - Featuring David Hickey (2 of 2)
In this episode, we tackle an intriguing ethical scenario surrounding the impact of technology on the workforce. Delve into thought-provoking discussions as we examine the implications of AI, RPA, and other emerging technologies on job roles, skill sets, and the overall workforce landscape.
Meet our Hosts
Meet our Hosts
Aaron Robbins
Aaron, an accomplished executive leader with nearly 20 years of experience, is recognized for his exceptional innovation and leadership, receiving awards such as the Government Civilian Exemplary Achievement Award and CSA Executive Award for Distinguished Performance. He holds a PhD in OB Psychology, an MS in I/O Psychology, and an MS and BS in Mechanical Engineering, along with certifications including SHRM-SCP, PMI-PMP, PMI-RMP, LSS-BB, and Scrum Master, showcasing his diverse qualifications in leadership, project management, and engineering.
Jimmy Karam, CPMC
Jimmy Karam, a retired US Naval Officer with 30+ years of leadership experience in Academic and Operational Administration, Curriculum Development, and Program Management, is renowned for his transformative and servant leadership style. A seasoned professional, he has successfully revitalized organizational cultures, most notably pioneering a STEM-centric Economics major at the US Naval Academy, showcasing outstanding leadership and administrative skills. He is also certified through the Association for Applied Sport Psychology as a Certified Mental Skills Consultant (CMPC).
Dr. Drea Zigarmi
Drea Zigarmi, a Founding Associate and Director of Research at the Ken Blanchard Companies, is also a faculty member in the Masters of Science in Executive Leadership Program at the University of San Diego School of Business. With multiple authored books and recognition for research excellence, including the Elmwood F Holton and Richard A Swanson awards, he holds advanced degrees in humanistic education and organizational studies, complementing his extensive expertise in leadership and research.