Just Human

Episode 29 - Why High Performers Feel Empty (And How to Fix It) with Nell Derick Debevoise Dewey (Nell3D)

Ever look at your life and think, “Everything is working… but I don’t feel good”? That’s not failure — it’s misalignment. Let’s fix it fast. In this episode of Just Human, Jay Boykin talks with Nell Derick Debevoise Dewey (Nell3D), author of Going First, about how high performers can feel empty even with the title, money, and momentum. Nell shares her powerful story (including a wake-up-call car crash) and introduces a simple framework to diagnose what’s off — without blowing up your whole life. You’ll learn Nell’s Lead in 3D model (ME / WE / WORLD) and how it connects to purpose, wellbeing, relationships, and integrity. Then she breaks down her systematic subtraction approach: Stop, Drop, Roll — a practical way to create capacity, reclaim autonomy, and rebuild energy in a nonstop world. If this helped you, like, subscribe, and comment: Which dimension is lowest for you — ME, WE, or WORLD? CONNECT WITH NELL 3D SUBSTACK: https://nell3d.substack.com/guestpass LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nell3d/ INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/nelldd/ #leadership #purpose #burnout #alignment #personalgrowth #intrinsicmotivation #autonomy #mindset #productivity #meaning #values #highperformance #justhuman #nell3d #stopdroproll

Episode 28 - Kobi Yamada on Ideas, Problems & Courage (Not Just for Kids)

What do you do with an idea when you don’t feel ready? What do you do when the only honest words are: “I’m trying”? In this episode of Just Human, Jay Boykin sits down with #1 New York Times bestselling author Kobi Yamada (President & CEO of Compendium Inc.) to talk about why his books look like children’s books… but land in a much deeper place for adults. If you’re building a business, leading a team, or wrestling with self-doubt, this conversation will hit you right in the chest—in the best way. Kobi shares how picture books can speak to both kids and adults, why our inner critic makes problems feel like identity threats, and how fear quietly blocks creativity, chances, and momentum. He also breaks down the role of mentorship, the power of leaving “space” for the reader, and why creativity is birthed in boredom—something modern scrolling is stealing from us. 👍 If this helped you, like, subscribe, and comment: Idea / Problem / Chance / Trying — which one are you living right now? Connect with Kobi Yamada Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stories/livethegoodstuff/ Shop: https://live-inspired.com/ Kobi Yamada | Penguin Random House https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/authors/2338428/kobi-yamada/ #KobiYamada #JustHuman #PersonalGrowth #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #ImposterSyndrome #Creativity #Mindset #Mentorship #Compendium #WhatDoYouDoWithAnIdea #WhatDoYouDoWithAProblem #WhatDoYouDoWithAChance #PictureBooks #SelfDoubt

Episode 27 - Leaders Get This Wrong: “Lead Last” Changes Everything with Major Olaolu Ogunyemi

Most leaders think leadership means being first: first to speak, first to decide, first to act. But what if the move that changes your culture isn’t being louder… it’s being later? In this episode of Just Human, Jay Boykin sits down with U.S. Marine Corps Major Olaolu Ogunyemi, author of Lead Last, to unpack a leadership philosophy that flips the script: “He who leads last leads best.” You’ll hear how Olaolu learned leadership through real-world responsibility—walking into his first role in charge of 80 Marines—and why humility is often the missing ingredient in high-performing teams. We dive into why self-awareness for leaders is the starting point, how to build trust like an emotional bank account, and the most common “withdrawals” leaders make without realizing it—like not listening. We also explore the difference between a well-intended open door policy and why it can fail in practice, plus what it really takes to mentor emerging leaders, prepare the next generation, and leave a legacy that’s bigger than a title. If you lead people (or want to), this conversation will challenge you—in the best way. Connect with Olaolu Ogunyemi Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/olaolu.ogunyemi/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olaolu-ogunyemi-465ba453/ Website: https://parent-child-connect.com/

Episode 26 - Planning Doesn't Kill Romance, It Saves It | Interview with Dr. Robin Buckley

In this episode of Just Human, Jay Boykin sits down with Dr. Robin Buckley (author of Marriage, Inc.) to break down a powerful truth: planning doesn’t kill spontaneity — it protects it. When couples stop running on autopilot, they stop having the same fight every month and start building real connection again. You’ll learn practical relationship tools busy couples can use immediately, including: - The daily check-in that deepens connection in 5–10 minutes - Why “they should just know” is a romantic myth that destroys communication - How to use a safe word + a simple SOP to stop conflict spirals - What amygdala hijack looks like—and how to get back to calm, logical thinking - Why couples become “roommates” (and how to reverse it) - The 5 types of intimacy and how to build a “menu” of connection - How to use active listening so people feel heard (not argued with) If you want your relationship to feel less reactive and more intentional, start with ONE thing: try the daily check-in this week and notice what shifts. 🔔 Subscribe for more conversations on leadership, personal growth, and the practical human stuff that makes life work. CONNECT with Dr. Robin Buckley INSTAGRAM @drrobinbuckley LINKEDIN @dr-robin-buckley YOUTUBE  @DrRobinBuckley [https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UCpxQLxNPDmSVxKVJ2Vxw3_w]  TIKTOK @drrobinbuckley WEBSITE https://drrobinbuckley.com/ #RelationshipAdvice #Marriage #CommunicationSkills #Couples #MarriageInc #DrRobinBuckley #JustHumanPodcast #ConflictResolution #ActiveListening #EmotionalIntelligence #RelationshipGoals #Intimacy #HealthyRelationships #PersonalGrowth #Mindset

Episode 25 - Why “Being Managed” Feels Awful (And What Great Leaders Do Instead)

Have you ever worked for someone who knew your numbers… but didn’t know you? They knew your deadlines, KPIs, and calendar — but not what it cost you to keep producing. And at some point, you stop feeling supported and start feeling watched. In this episode of Just Human, Jay Boykin sits down with John R. Miles (author of Passion Struck) to unpack the difference between being managed and being seen accurately — and why “mattering” is the foundation of performance, loyalty, and psychological safety at work. You’ll learn: * Why micromanagement vs leadership feels so different in the body * How performance culture quietly erodes self-worth and work performance * What it means to build “self-mattering” before you can feel seen by others * Why frontline managers are the hidden engine of engagement (or disengagement) * A practical leadership shift: “eyes on, hands off” + commander’s intent * How great workplaces connect roles to mission so people feel valued — not measured If you’re a leader, founder, or manager who wants high performance without grinding people down — this conversation will change how you run 1:1s, how you give feedback, and how you build culture people don’t want to leave. 💡 One takeaway to try this week: start noticing the “yellow doors” — the small moments where a micro-choice can increase trust, connection, and energy on your team. 👉 Learn more about Jay’s work: www.jayboykin.com [http://www.jayboykin.com/] 📘 Learn more about John: John R. Miles | Official Website of the Award-Winning Author [https://johnrmiles.com/] #leadership #micromanagement #employeeengagement #workplaceculture #psychologicalsafety #leadershipdevelopment #highperformers #burnout #trust #purpose #management #communication #justhuman #passionstruck