Ep #15 | 95% Of Us Think We Are Self Aware - WRONG!

Send a question or message to Kate & SamMost leaders believe they're self-aware. The research disagrees — dramatically.In this episode, Kate and Sam dive deep into one of the most underused leadership skills in small business: genuine self-awareness. Not the "I know myself pretty well" kind — but the kind that closes the gap between how you think you show up and how others actually experience you.They cover:The Tasha Eurich research that stops most people cold (the 95% vs 15% stat)The difference between internal and external self-awareness — and why you need bothWhat a 360-degree LSI assessment revealed about Kate's leadership (and why she cried)Why fixed mindset blocks self-awareness before you even get startedThe Enneagram — what it is, why it's confronting, and why that's exactly the pointCuriosity, vulnerability, and comfort with uncertainty as the three-part path forwardPsychological safety at work — and why it starts with the leader knowing themselves firstWhether you've never taken a personality assessment or you've done them all, this episode will give you a fresh lens on why self-awareness isn't a one-time exercise — it's a lifelong practice.Resources mentioned in this episode:Tasha Eurich — researcher and author on self-awareness; her TED Talk is a great starting pointLSI (Life Styles Inventory) — 360-degree behavioural assessment toolThe Enneagram — nine-type personality framework; free test available online (Kate recommends getting some support interpreting your result)Myers-Briggs — useful particularly for career directionBankCode — four-colour personality profile (Blueprint, Action, Nurture, Knowledge); fun in a team settingTed Lasso (Apple TV+) — Sam's recommendation as an unlikely masterclass in curiosity and self-awarenessKate's Happiness Key eBook — includes links to the personality tests discussed; reach out to Kate directly for accessNext episode: Emotional Intelligence — Daniel Goleman's four-layer model, starting with self-awareness as the foundation.Coming up: Leading from your values, a wrap-up episode, and the Bali Business Retreat.Workshop — 24th June: Details at thrivingbusinesspodcast.comConnect with Your Hosts:Kate De Jong, PhD | Inspired Business 🌐 Website: https://katedejong.com/ 📱 Instagram: @katedejong.inspiredbusiness ✉️ Email: [email protected] Morris | The O8 🌐 Website: https://www.theo8.com/ 📱 Instagram: @the_o8crew ✉️ Email: [email protected] Business Podcast 🌐Website:   https://www.thrivingbusinesspodcast.com/ JOIN OUR WORKSHOPS🌐 https://www.thrivingbusinesspodcast.com/workshopsCOME ON THE 2026 BALI RETREAT🌐 https://www.thrivingbusinesspodcast.com/baliretreat2026