Leadership Isn't Supposed to Feel Like This

Leadership Isn't Supposed to Feel Like This

Why does leadership feel so exhausting? Why do so many smart, responsible leaders feel like they have to hold everything together? In this episode of Leadership Rewired, Michael Hunter from Uncommon Teams explores one of the biggest traps leaders eventually fall into: the belief that if they just try harder, plan better, or control more, they can guarantee the outcomes they want. But what if that's exactly what's making leadership harder? Drawing on systems thinking, decades of experience working with engineering leaders and founders, and lessons from navigating uncertainty, Michael unpacks why the need for certainty often creates more stress, overwhelm, and suffering—and why letting go isn't giving up. Inside this episode: 00:00 - Introduction 03:18 - The Princess Leia Rule 04:35 - The Illusion of Control 08:24 - If Not Control... Then What? 15:00 - The Change Model 23:02 - What is Your Real Definition of Control? 27:56 - Why Leaders Like Being In Control? 34:09 - Losing Control Can Be Scary 38:55 - Why You Don't Need to Debug Your Emotions 41:26 - Treat Emotions as Data 46:15 - The 2-Minute Rewire Challenge If you're a founder, engineering leader, executive, or someone navigating change, complexity, and the pressure to have all the answers, this conversation is for you. Subscribe to the YoutubeUncommon Leadership Podcast [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp9vaDKz5TI7gaWKLc801Dw] for more conversations on leadership, emotional intelligence, resilience, systems thinking, psychological safety, and becoming the kind of leader who can thrive in uncertain times. Prefer audio? Stream here: Apple- AppleUncommon Leadership [https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/uncommon-leadership/id1654637165] Spotify- SpotifyUncommon Leadership [https://open.spotify.com/show/2BkXGceaZgVWxGQCXcrmgj] This podcast is brought to you by Uncommon Teams: UncommonteamsHome - Uncommon Teams [https://uncommonteams.com/] About Michael Hunter Michael Hunter is an executive coach, leadership strategist, and the founder of Uncommon Teams. Drawing on his experience working with leaders at tech giants like Microsoft and Salesforce, Michael helps founders and Heads of People align personal fulfillment with sustainable business success. Work with Michael Hunter: LinkedIn: Linkedinlinkedin.com/in/humbugreality [https://www.linkedin.com/in/humbugreality/] Website: UncommonteamsHome - Uncommon Teams [https://uncommonteams.com/] Newsletter: UncommonteamsNewsletter Archive - Uncommon Teams [https://uncommonteams.com/newsletter-archive/] Read the book: UncommonteamsThe Resilient Tech Leader Online Workbook Companion - Uncommon Teams [https://uncommonteams.com/resilient-leader-workbook/] Work with Michael Hunter: UncommonteamsWork with me - Uncommon Teams [https://uncommonteams.com/work-with-me/] 🎵 Music Credits: Title: Emotional Background Author: Awesome_Music Source: Envato Elements License Code: 849DN2WG7A 🎵 Music Credits: Title: Soothing Author: Verclub Source: Envato Elements License Code: S5F84G9LCU

How To Build Habits That Don't Break Under Pressure ft. CHRISTOPH merrill

Do your daily routines dissolve the moment pressure hits? If so, you aren't failing. And you definitely aren't broken. You just haven't had the chance to test your habits under duress. In this episode of the Uncommon Leadership Podcast, I sit down with CHRISTOPH merrill, The Habit Freak, to dismantle mainstream advice on habit formation. CHRISTOPH shares his take on why habits formed in perfect conditions often act more like hobbies, and why a leader's true responsibility is to apply just enough pressure to build their team's resilience without breaking their spirit. In this episode, we explore: * Why your team's true culture is only revealed when the pressure is on. * How to use Tiny Experiments to practice failing safely and eliminate the fear of failure. * Why removing obstacles is actually more effective than forcing a new path. * How to reframe high-stakes pressure as a valuable data-collection tool instead of a threat. Episode Timestamps 00:00 Introduction to Uncommon Leadership 01:38 Introducing Christoph Merrill: The Habit Freak 02:38 Aligning Personal Goals with External Expectations 14:14 Peter Sheehan's Insight: You're Not Special 18:21 The Problem with Untrained Leaders and Utopian Habits 23:16 Michael's Tiny Experiments Philosophy 28:02 Psychological Safety & Risks 35:25 What Kept Christoph Going Without a North Star 49:15 Habits Under Pressure: The Race Was Already Over Before It Started 53:59 A Leader's Role: Applying Pressure to Test Habits 56:38 Reframing Work as "Practice" 01:00:26 Finding Alignment and Mutual Benefit 01:03:50 How to Connect with Christoph Merrill 01:04:59 Final Advice: You Are One Habit Away Before you go- What is the first habit that slips for you when work gets overwhelming? I'm curious. Let me know! If you enjoyed this conversation and would like to see more, please subscribe to: Youtube Uncommon Leadership Podcast [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp9vaDKz5TI7gaWKLc801Dw] Prefer audio? Stream here: Apple- Apple Uncommon Leadership [https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/uncommon-leadership/id1654637165] Spotify- Spotify Uncommon Leadership [https://open.spotify.com/show/2BkXGceaZgVWxGQCXcrmgj] This podcast is brought to you by Uncommon Teams: Uncommonteams Home - Uncommon Teams [https://uncommonteams.com/] Speakers in this episode: CHRISTOPH merrill | Guest CHRISTOPH is a renowned keynote speaker, author, and the creator of the HabitFreak Formula, a revolutionary system designed to help individuals and organizations harness the power of habits to achieve extraordinary success and fulfillment. His approach combines vulnerability with actionable strategies, empowering others to overcome internal obstacles, break free from limiting habits, and design lives filled with purpose and fulfillment. Connect with CHRISTOPH merrill : Website: https://www.christophmerrill.com/ [https://www.christophmerrill.com/] Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@CHRISTOPHmerrill [https://www.youtube.com/@CHRISTOPHmerrill] Michael Hunter | Host Michael Hunter is an executive coach, leadership strategist, and the founder of Uncommon Teams. Drawing on his experience working with leaders at tech giants like Microsoft and Salesforce, Michael helps founders and Heads of People align personal fulfillment with sustainable business success. Work with Michael Hunter: LinkedIn: Linkedin linkedin.com/in/humbugreality [https://www.linkedin.com/in/humbugreality/] Website: Uncommonteams Home - Uncommon Teams [https://uncommonteams.com/] Newsletter: Uncommonteams Newsletter Archive - Uncommon Teams [https://uncommonteams.com/newsletter-archive/] Read the book: Uncommonteams The Resilient Tech Leader Online Workbook Companion - Uncommon Teams [https://uncommonteams.com/resilient-leader-workbook/] Work with Michael Hunter: Uncommonteams Work with me - Uncommon Teams [https://uncommonteams.com/work-with-me/] 🎵 Music Credits: Title: Piano Author: StudioKolomna Source: Envato Elements License Code: Z4EDMPKCF

How to Lead When Your Brain Wants to Go Into Survival Mode? ft. Mitch Weisburgh

Most leaders believe they are being rational. But when you only see two options, that is not a choice — it is a paradox. And it is one of the clearest signs your survival brain has taken over. In this episode of the Uncommon Leadership Podcast, I sit down with Mitch Weisburgh, author of MindShifting: Stop Your Brain from Sabotaging Your Happiness and Success, to unpack why even experienced leaders keep getting stuck in reactive patterns — and what it actually takes to shift out of them. We get into the neuroscience behind the five limbic mode reactions, how to recognise when your survival brain is running the show, and why your emotions are not obstacles to good leadership — they are data. We also talk through the rule of three as a practical decision-making framework for leaders operating under pressure. And there is something I found genuinely useful in this conversation: using AI to rehearse difficult conversations before they happen, including how to instruct it to actually push back on you so the practice feels real. If you have ever caught yourself reacting in a way you immediately regretted, this one is worth your time. Before you go- What is one thing you are doing today to make your life a little better? I'm curious. Let me know! Episode Timestamps 0:00 — Introduction 4:00 — The Truth About Work-Life Balance 7:04 — The Invisible Patterns Controlling Your Reactions 16:18 — The Rule of Three: A Better Way to Make Decisions Under Stress 19:37 — How to Exit Survival Mode 26:30 — How to Use AI to Rehearse Difficult Conversations 30:21 — Are You Leading From a Threat State? 35:42 — How to Get Comfortable With Discomfort 40:10 — Why Your Brain Can't Tell the Difference Between Fear and Excitement 44:15 — The 3 Gifts of Taking That First Step 48:26 — Why Your Emotions Are Data, Not Obstacles 55:11 — Ways to Connect With Mitchell Weisburgh 57:41 — The Business Value of Bringing Your Whole Self to Work 1:04:57 — Closing Thoughts Prefer audio? Stream here: Apple- AppleUncommon Leadership [https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/uncommon-leadership/id1654637165] Spotify- SpotifyUncommon Leadership [https://open.spotify.com/show/2BkXGceaZgVWxGQCXcrmgj] This podcast is brought to you by Uncommon Teams: UncommonteamsHome - Uncommon Teams [https://uncommonteams.com/] Michael Hunter | Host Michael Hunter is an executive coach, leadership strategist, and the founder of Uncommon Teams. Drawing on his experience working with leaders at tech giants like Microsoft and Salesforce, Michael helps founders and Heads of People align personal fulfillment with sustainable business success. Work with Michael Hunter: LinkedIn: Linkedinlinkedin.com/in/humbugreality [https://www.linkedin.com/in/humbugreality/] Website: UncommonteamsHome - Uncommon Teams [https://uncommonteams.com/] Newsletter: UncommonteamsNewsletter Archive - Uncommon Teams [https://uncommonteams.com/newsletter-archive/] Read the book: UncommonteamsThe Resilient Tech Leader Online Workbook Companion - Uncommon Teams [https://uncommonteams.com/resilient-leader-workbook/] Work with Michael Hunter: UncommonteamsWork with me - Uncommon Teams [https://uncommonteams.com/work-with-me/] Mitch Weisburgh| Guest Speaker Mitch Weisburgh is the founder of Academic Business Advisors, creator of the MindShifting Community, and author of the MindShifting: Stop Your Brain from Sabotaging Your Happiness and Success (2024). With over four decades of experience in education technology, nonprofit leadership, and personal development, Mitch has dedicated his career to helping people build the resilience and resourcefulness they need to thrive today. Connect with Mitch Weisburgh : * Website: Mindshiftingwithmitchmindshiftingwithmitch.com [https://www.mindshiftingwithmitch.com/] * Newsletter: MindshiftingwithmitchMindShifting with Mitch Blog [https://mindshiftingwithmitch.blog/] * LinkedIn: Linkedinlinkedin.com/in/mweisburgh [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mweisburgh/] * Instagram: Instagraminstagram.com/weisburghm [https://www.instagram.com/weisburghm/] * X: X weisburghm [https://x.com/weisburghm] * Continue exploring more on this topic: How the brain makes fast decisions [https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/qnuwmo4db0w79g7jav0i5/Mindshifting-2-How-the-Brain-Makes-Fast-Decisions.mov?rlkey=dxeqsj3kk8s63qolq515sntth&dl=0] * Book: MindShifting, Stop Your Brain from Sabotaging Your Happiness and Success: AAmazon.com [https://a.co/d/242NDWd] * MindShifting Courses: HumanitixMitchell Weisburgh | Humanitix [https://events.humanitix.com/host/mitchell-weisburgh] 🎵 Music Credits: Title: Podcast Intro Author: cleanmindsound Source: Envato License Code: CGZHSVENJF

Military Leadership Skills Every CEO Needs Today ft. Chris Hallberg

Leadership doesn't have to be confusing, but it does need to be precise. If you've heard of EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) but aren't sure how to make it work in the real world, this episode is exactly what you need. On today's episode, I'm joined by Chris Hallberg, better known as the Business Sergeant. From the high-pressure environments of the military and law enforcement to the boardroom, Chris's journey is anything but traditional. In his signature style, Chris explores how the very principles that keep people safe in the field serve as the ultimate keys to scaling a successful business. As an Expert EOS Implementer and the founder of GoExpand, Chris helps entrepreneurs replace chaos with deep discipline, accountability, and healthy conflict. Together, we discuss: * Why 100% authenticity is your best business strategy. * The "Bad Apple Effect" and how to handle toxic team members. * How to translate military-grade discipline into actionable business execution. * The danger of the "gray area" in leadership and team alignment. If you're ready to stop surviving and start thriving with a no-nonsense approach to leadership, this episode is for you. A question for you: What is the longest you have seen a bad employee stay at a company just because they had seniority? Let us know your experience in the comments! Episode Timestamps 0:00- Introduction 1:22 - Meet Chris Hallberg 2:37 - Why authenticity is your best business strategy 7:07 - How to Stand Out in a Crowded Market [ using Personal Branding] 17:10- Military & Corrections Background 24:15- Creating Healthy Conflict 32:12- Feeling Fear vs. Having Courage 41:15- The Six Key Components of EOS 48:05- What Happens When Your Team is on the Same Page 58:22- Put the Right People in the Right Seats 01:07:25- How to Connect with Chris Hallberg Prefer audio? Stream here: Apple- https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/uncommon-leadership/id1654637165 [https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/uncommon-leadership/id1654637165] Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/show/2BkXGceaZgVWxGQCXcrmgj [https://open.spotify.com/show/2BkXGceaZgVWxGQCXcrmgj] This podcast is brought to you by Uncommon Teams: https://uncommonteams.com/ [https://uncommonteams.com/] Speakers on this episode of the Uncommon Leadership Podcast Chris Hallberg | Guest Speaker As an Expert EOS Implementer and founder of GoExpand, Chris Hallberg uses nine years of military and law enforcement experience to bring radical clarity to business. He helps entrepreneurs align their vision, drive massive accountability, and build healthy leadership teams. By implementing a proven operating system, Chris ensures that your top talent is excited to "re-enlist" in the company's mission quarter after quarter. Connect with Chris Hallberg: * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-hallberg-01516315/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-hallberg-01516315/] * Email: chris@bizsgt.com [chris@bizsgt.com] * Website: https://bizsgt.com/ [https://bizsgt.com/] [ Please find free leadership course and community admission for Veterans here] Michael Hunter | Host Michael Hunter is an executive coach, leadership strategist, and the founder of Uncommon Teams. Drawing on his experience working with leaders at tech giants like Microsoft and Salesforce, Michael helps founders and Heads of People align personal fulfillment with sustainable business success. Work with Michael Hunter: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/humbugreality/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/humbugreality/] Website: https://uncommonteams.com/ [https://uncommonteams.com/] Newsletter: https://uncommonteams.com/newsletter-archive/ [https://uncommonteams.com/newsletter-archive/] Read the book: https://uncommonteams.com/resilient-leader-workbook/ [https://uncommonteams.com/resilient-leader-workbook/] Work with Michael Hunter: https://uncommonteams.com/work-with-me/ [https://uncommonteams.com/work-with-me/] 🎵 Music Credits: Title: Ambient Uplifting Inspiring Piano Background Author: Starry_Music Source: Envato License Code: 6T8WB9Y7PD

Why Did He Leave Hollywood After Die Hard 5? ft. Steven Puri

Why would a senior Hollywood executive walk away from massive franchises like Die Hard, Wolverine, and Transformers to help leaders and executives unlock their flow states? In this episode of the Uncommon Leadership Podcast, join me, Michael Hunter, as we unpack the fascinating career pivot of Steven Puri. As a former 20th Century Fox and DreamWorks executive turned tech founder, Steven takes us inside the exact moment everything shifted—and why he decided to walk away from creating global blockbusters to study the neuroscience of the flow state. His story brings light to something I see working with leaders time and again: you can hit every metric of success, be at the absolute top of your game, and still feel completely misaligned. If you are working harder but achieving less, or if you're incredibly busy but can't seem to find a clear path forward— Steven's framework for healthy productivity & career alignment is exactly what you need to hear today. Are you ready to stop paddling against the current and start doing your best work? If yes, grab a seat and tune in now! Episode Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction 02:20 - From IBM to Hollywood: Can Early Success Trap You? 08:53 - When to Walk Away From a Massive Paycheck 15:49 - How to Pivot From a Career You Outgrew 19:41 - Why Entering A Flow State Is So Important? 25:09 - What is a Flow State 30:26 - How Your Workspace Affects Your Flow State 35:08 - The Science of Flow States 38:58 - How Trillion-Dollar Companies Steal Your Life 52:02 - One Simple Habit to Stop Wasting Your Potential Prefer audio? Stream here: Apple- https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/uncommon-leadership/id1654637165 [https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/uncommon-leadership/id1654637165] Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/show/2BkXGceaZgVWxGQCXcrmgj [https://open.spotify.com/show/2BkXGceaZgVWxGQCXcrmgj] This podcast is brought to you by Uncommon Teams: https://uncommonteams.com/ [https://uncommonteams.com/] A question for you: What is the number one distraction keeping you from reaching your flow state today? Let us know in the comments! -- Speakers on this episode of the Uncommon Leadership Podcast Steven Puri | Guest Speaker Steven Puri is the Founder and CEO of The Sukha Company. He has served as a senior executive at both 20th Century Fox and DreamWorks Pictures, and produced the Oscar-winning visual effects for Independence Day. A veteran of three tech startups, Steven now dedicates his work to helping leaders find their focus, achieve more, and build healthy work lives. Connect with Steven Puri: * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-puri/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-puri/] * Email: Steven@TheSukha.co [Steven@TheSukha.co] * Website: www.TheSukha.co [http://www.TheSukha.co] Michael Hunter | Host Michael Hunter is an executive coach, leadership strategist, and the founder of Uncommon Teams. Drawing on his experience working with leaders at tech giants like Microsoft and Salesforce, Michael helps founders and Heads of People align personal fulfillment with sustainable business success. Work with Michael Hunter: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/humbugreality/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/humbugreality/] Website: https://uncommonteams.com/ [https://uncommonteams.com/] Newsletter: https://uncommonteams.com/newsletter-archive/ [https://uncommonteams.com/newsletter-archive/] Read the book: https://uncommonteams.com/resilient-leader-workbook/ [https://uncommonteams.com/resilient-leader-workbook/] Work with Michael Hunter: https://uncommonteams.com/work-with-me/ [https://uncommonteams.com/work-with-me/] 🎵 Music Credits: Title: Podcast Intro Author: cleanmindsounds Source: Envato License Code: CGZHSVENJF #flowstate #producvitytips #leadershipalignment #attentioneconomy