The Real Intelligence Podcast with Jenny Swim

In this episode of The Real Intelligence Podcast, Jenny Swim talks with executive coach, speaker, facilitator, and author Keith Lewis about feedback, blind spots, and the role feedback plays in leadership, relationships, and personal growth.We all have blind spots. The challenge is that we often can’t see them without help. Keith draws on his experience as a mascot for Northwestern University and the Chicago Bulls to explain why we sometimes need “guides” around us—people who can see what we can’t.Jenny and Keith explore:• Why receiving feedback can feel threatening• The difference between criticism and useful feedback• How to find the “kernel of truth” in difficult feedback• What makes feedback “clean” rather than reactive or personal• How specificity can reduce defensiveness and increase clarity• Why positive feedback matters just as much as corrective feedback• How feedback can become a source of greater self-awareness and better decision-makingIf you’ve ever struggled to receive feedback, avoided giving it, or wondered why a simple comment can trigger such a strong reaction, this conversation offers a different way to think about feedback—not simply as criticism or correction, but as information that can help you see what you may not be able to see for yourself.Connect with Keith Lewis (https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithdlewis/):VeraSpark: www.veraspark.comFacebook: VeraSpark ConsultingGet your copy of Sparking Your Inner Leader by Keith Lewis:https://www.amazon.com/Sparking-Your-Inner-Leader-Perspective/dp/B0FRX18V94/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2J8AT3TNTMZKV&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.am_ycEKYycjeVN_Fcu0uuQ.111pLmLKwzEYjHlIdaWRZycZIhvMbHAZHqorlbtzBCY&dib_tag=se&keywords=sparking+your+inner+leader+keith+lewis&qid=1779487093&sprefix=sparking+your+inner+l%2Caps%2C451&sr=8-1Connect with Junto Coaching: https://www.juntocoaching.com/Music by Pumpupthemind https://linktr.ee/Pumpupthemind

Have you ever had a feeling about something before you could explain it? A thought that came out of nowhere, a sense that something was off, or an instinct you couldn't ignore?In this episode, Jenny explores intuition as an often-overlooked source of intelligence. She shares personal stories and practical insights on what intuition is, why we tend to dismiss it, and how to tell the difference between intuition and anxious feelings.You'll learn why intuition can help in a world full of noise and information and how we might build a better relationship with our intuition.-----------------------------------References & Resources:This episode draws on ideas from the following sources:Gary Klein, Sources of Power — Research on intuition, expertise, and pattern recognition in decision-making. Daniel Kahneman, Thinking, Fast and Slow — Insights into intuition, judgment, and decision-making. Stephen Porges, The Polyvagal Theory — The concept of neuroception and the body's ability to detect safety and danger. Robert B. Tucker, "Why Intuition Is the Highest Form of Intelligence" (Forbes, January 2026). The Diary of a CEO with Steven Bartlett (March 1, 2026) featuring Gavin de Becker discussing intuition.New York Post (April 16, 2026), "Why Do Nearly 20% of Americans Believe They're Basically Psychic?" highlighting research on Americans' beliefs and experiences related to intuition. Quote referenced: "The intuitive mind is a sacred gift and the rational mind is a faithful servant." — Albert EinsteinConnect with Junto Coaching: https://www.juntocoaching.com/Music by Pumpupthemind https://linktr.ee/Pumpupthemind