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Feeling unsettled by world events, in the middle of a transition, or unsure of your next step? In this episode of the Real Intelligence podcast, Jenny Swim explores the skill of orienting—the simple but powerful practice of knowing where you are physically, emotionally, mentally, and relationally.

You’ll learn how orienting helps you differentiate what’s yours to carry, pause strategically instead of reacting, and calm your nervous system to build capacity. The episode includes practical reflections and simple practices you can use right away. Sometimes clarity doesn’t come from looking ahead—it comes from recognizing where you already are.

Additional Resources:

• The Orienting Reflex and Behavioral States (PMC)
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10010463/

• Irene Lyon — Orienting: Its Simplicity and Complexity Explained
https://irenelyon.com/2024/04/05/orienting-its-simplicity-and-complexity-explained/

• The Orienting Response (Video)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZO3vYrJlaY

Connect with Junto Coaching: https://www.juntocoaching.com/

Music by Pumpupthemind https://linktr.ee/Pumpupthemind

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In this episode of the Real Intelligence Podcast, Jenny Swim explores observation as a defining skill shared by experts across disciplines, from leadership and parenting to aviation, medicine, and emergency response. Drawing on neuroscience and the OODA Loop (Observe–Orient–Decide–Act), Jenny shows how observation creates the critical pause between stimulus and response—and why our bias toward speed and certainty often causes us to miss what matters most.

You’ll learn the difference between true observation and judgment, how autopilot and stress distort perception, and what happens when observation is rushed, as seen in the Boeing 737 MAX crisis. Jenny also shares practical, evidence-informed ways to strengthen your observation muscle, including the 10% Slower Rule and separating data from story. Whether you’re leading a team, raising a family, or navigating everyday decisions, this episode reveals how observing first leads to clearer orientation, better choices, and more aligned action.

Additional Resources:

National Research Council (2000). How People Learn: Brain, Mind, Experience, and School (Chapter 5). Read online

Stanford Medicine (2014). Expert pilots process multiple visual cues more efficiently. Read online

Hoffman, K. A., Aitken, L. M., & Duffield, C. (2009). Novice vs. expert nurses: How cue collection drives decision-making. PubMed

Connect with Junto Coaching: https://www.juntocoaching.com/

Music by Pumpupthemind https://linktr.ee/Pumpupthemind

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As we head into a new year, many of us feel pressure to set goals and make resolutions—only to feel overwhelmed, resistant, or unsure where to start. In this episode of The Real Intelligence Podcast, host Jenny Swim introduces a powerful but often overlooked precursor to goal setting: visioning.

Using relatable examples from everyday life—like building a home or creating with Legos—Jenny explains why having a clear vision or “blueprint” matters before committing to resolutions or measurable goals. She breaks down the difference between visioning, resolutions, and goals, explains when each tool is most helpful, and shares a neuroscience-informed framework you can use to design the future you actually want.

You’ll learn:

• Why goals and resolutions often fail without a clear vision
• When visioning is the right tool (especially during transitions or uncertainty)
• The neuroscience behind visualization and neural rehearsal
• A simple 3-step visioning model you can use right away
• How to move from vision → resolution → goals without burnout or pressure

Whether you’re navigating a new year, a career shift, a health reset, or a personal transition, this episode offers a calmer, more intelligent way forward.

Additional Resources:

https://www.inc.com/marla-tabaka/study-shows-1-in-5-successful-entrepreneurs-use-vision-boards-backed-by-neuroscience.html

https://www.forbes.com/sites/traversmark/2024/03/29/a-psychologist-explains-the-power-of-vision-boarding-for-success

Connect with Junto Coaching: https://www.juntocoaching.com/

Music by Pumpupthemind https://linktr.ee/Pumpupthemind