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The Pocket Dojō

The Pocket Dojō

Written by: The Inner Game of Leading Ourselves And Others
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 The Pocket Dojō is hosted by Asha Singh and Paul Crick. In 2019, Forbes reported that $366BN was invested globally in leadership training and yet, as consulting firm McKinsey reported, most of these leadership programs fail to create the desired results. There is a disconnect between what is taught in the classroom and what happens on the field of play in our teams and organisations. Most of us want real leadership more, yet want the leaders we have less particularly as the majority of our organisations continue to play finite games in a world where the resources available are not. The Pocket Dojō podcast seeks to tell stories and have conversations about why and change how we lead ourselves and each other - however small that change is - and to accomplish this one leader, one team and one organisation at a time. Subscribe to The Pocket Dojō on Substack https://thepocketdojo.substack.com?utm_source=navbar&utm_medium=web&r=5flfv

thepocketdojo.substack.comPaul Crick Careers Economics Management Management & Leadership Personal Success
Episodes
  • S2 Ep 23: The Finale

    S2 Ep 23: The Finale
    Oct 28 2024

    Welcome to the last episode of this podcast co-hosted with Asha Singh and myself. Wow! What a learning curve it's been for us both.

    From getting to grips with all the technology and learning how to build, edit and publish an episode with scripts, visuals and library music to get over ourselves and out in front of the camera.

    It’s been a great deal of fun, and based on the feedback we’ve received, we’ve produced something that seems to punch well above its weight and sit alongside some of the more established and well-known online voices.

    Throughout the process, we both feel we have found our voices and managed to navigate the healthy and natural creative tensions that have arisen successfully and with a good sense of humour.

    In this episode, we reflect on the common themes that have emerged over the various conversations in Series 2. We originally planned the theme to be ‘The Spaces In Between’ and the conversations have been richer and more diverse embracing many points beyond that, and for the better.

    We’ve had some brilliant guests who have offered a wide variety of knowledge, wisdom and perspective to the conversations about regenerative leadership.

    It comes down to the need for a shift in societal mindsets and finding ways beyond the limitations of current economic models to move beyond the ‘do no harm’ mantra of sustainability activists to recognise the need to repair the damage we have done (and continue to do) to the planet and its people.

    Moving forward, we are both using our skills and experience to embark on new projects, ones that light us up and play to our strengths. In this episode, we share a little bit of where we’re up to next.

    To everyone who has watched or listened to one or more episodes, thank you. To our wonderful guests who gave up their time to share their wisdom, thank you. And from me to Asha, thank you for being my partner in mischief over the two series. This is a body of work I know we are both rightfully proud of and will, I’m certain, remain relevant for years to come.

    I will still be publishing here on Substack and have a new short-form biography series in the works about senior women leaders once they reach the peak of their careers and how they transitioned beyond that, how they redefined success and went on to do work that lights them up.

    📖 To read more of Asha's writing about regeneration and the regenerative economy and society, follow this link to her Substack and you can connect with her on LinkedIn here.



    Get full access to The Pocket Dojō at thepocketdojo.substack.com/subscribe
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    36 mins
  • S2 Ep 23 : The Finale

    S2 Ep 23 : The Finale
    Oct 25 2024

    In the final episode of Series Two of the Pocket Dojo Podcast, hosts Asha Singh and Paul Crick reflect on the series' evolution, discussing themes like "spaces in between," early life experiences shaping decisions, and transformative journeys.

    They highlight the need for a shift in societal mindsets and the limitations of current economic models.

    They discuss plans, emphasizing personal growth, sustainable practices, and the importance of community support.

    This is the last episode of the podcast, as both Asha and Paul are shifting their focus to new projects. Thanks to everyone for watching on YouTube and for listening online.



    Get full access to The Pocket Dojō at thepocketdojo.substack.com/subscribe
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    36 mins
  • S2 Ep 21: In Conversation With Bessi Graham

    S2 Ep 21: In Conversation With Bessi Graham
    Oct 14 2024
    The episode delves into the intersection of purpose and profit in business, emphasizing the potential for organisations to create positive social impact while achieving financial success. Bessi Graham is an entrepreneur, business owner, Angel / VC / Impact Investor, Philanthropist, Coach, Advisor, and founder of Benefit Capital. She shares her journey, philosophy, and actionable insights on leadership, business practices, and the importance of context in driving meaningful change.Bessi’s Journey and PhilosophyBessi Graham's career is a testament to her commitment to questioning the status quo and merging the concepts of money and meaning. From a young age, she wondered why society often forces individuals to choose between doing good and making money. This curiosity has shaped her career and led her to develop a "both-and" mindset, encouraging people to integrate purpose into their business practices without sacrificing profitability.Key Takeaways:A ‘Both-And Mindset’: Embrace the idea that businesses can achieve both financial success and social impact.Questioning the Status Quo: Continuously challenge existing norms and explore innovative ways to merge purpose with profit.The Challenge of Leadership TrainingPaul raises a critical point about the significant investment in leadership training worldwide, questioning why many leaders still struggle to navigate complex challenges. Bessi agreed, highlighting that leadership is often studied in isolation from real-world experiences. She believes that effective leadership requires practical experience, mentorship, and a deep understanding of the context in which one operates.Things You Can Do Now:* Think Like a System, Act Like an Entrepreneur: Leaders should zoom out to see the bigger picture while being grounded in practical applications.* Real-World Experience: Seek opportunities for hands-on learning and mentorship to bridge the gap between theory and practice.Apprenticing with the ProblemOne of the key concepts Bessi introduces is the idea of "apprenticing with the problem." This means immersing oneself in the context of the issue at hand before attempting to design solutions. Bessi shares her experiences working in various settings, from high-level advisory roles to grassroots initiatives in places like Papua New Guinea and Samoa.Things You Can Do Now:* Immerse in the Context: Spend time understanding the local environment, culture, and specific challenges.* Collaborative Approach: Work with local stakeholders to co-create solutions that are culturally appropriate and sustainable.The Importance of ContextBessi stresses that context is everything when it comes to designing effective business solutions. Understanding the local environment, culture, and specific challenges is crucial for creating meaningful impact. This approach allows businesses to avoid unintended consequences and ensures that their efforts are genuinely beneficial to the communities they serve.Things You Can Do Now:* Contextual Understanding: Conduct thorough research and engage with local communities to gain a deep understanding of the context.* Impact Assessment: Establish clear metrics to evaluate the contributions to society and ensure accountability.Shifting Focus to Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs)Bessi discusses the need for a shift in focus towards SMEs in discussions about environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues. She notes that much of the current discourse around ESG tends to centre on large corporations, leaving SMEs—who are often the backbone of local economies—overlooked.Things You Can Do Now:* Inclusive ESG Discussions**: Reframe the conversation around ESG to include the unique challenges and opportunities faced by SMEs.* Support for SMEs**: Recognize the crucial role of SMEs in driving economic growth and social change, and provide them with the necessary resources and support.ConclusionBessi’s insights on leadership, business, and the integration of purpose and profit offer a refreshing perspective on how we can create positive change in the world. By embracing a "both-and" mindset, apprenticing with the problem, and focusing on the unique needs of SMEs, we can develop more effective and sustainable business models that benefit both society and the economy.Things You Can Do Now:* Engage with the Ideas: Consider how you can apply these concepts in your own work and communities.* Connect with Bessi: Reach out to Bessi on LinkedIn to learn more about her work and insights.Bessi’s amazing work serves as a reminder of the potential for businesses, particularly small and medium-sized ones, to lead the way in creating a more sustainable and equitable world. Through thoughtful leadership and a commitment to integrating purpose into their operations, these organisations can make a significant impact on their communities and beyond. Get full access to The Pocket Dojō at thepocketdojo.substack.com/subscribe
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    27 mins
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