I.N.S.P.I.R.E.

Drew and Steve discussed the concept of "Navigate" in their leadership podcast series, focusing on how leaders can lead from their true selves using their core values and identity as navigational tools. Steve shared personal examples of how he used values like "team comes before individual" to make decisions, including his retirement decision and turning down family plans for existing commitments. They explored practical navigation tools, with Steve highlighting PQ reps (progressive muscle relaxation) as a technique he used during meetings to stay centered, and Drew emphasized the importance of taking time for thinking and using analog methods like writing by hand on whiteboards. The conversation concluded with plans to explore more navigation tools and techniques in future episodes, followed by a discussion of the SPIRE framework (Spiritual, Physical, Intellectual, Relational, and Emotional) as the next phase of their series.

Episode Title: Season 1 Finale: Identity — Landing the Plane Episode Summary: What if the way you've been defining yourself isn't actually true? In the Season 1 finale, Drew and Steve bring the conversation full circle by landing on the most important piece of the INSPIRE framework: Identity. Too often, we build our sense of self on performance, success, failure, or the opinions of others—things that constantly shift. But what happens when those foundations crack? This episode invites you to step into something more stable. Drew and Steve unpack what it means to have a grounded identity—one that isn't earned, compared, or taken away—and why that changes everything. When you know who you are at your core, decisions get clearer, pressure loosens its grip, and life begins to flow from a place of purpose rather than proof. As they close out Season 1, they reflect on the journey so far and set the stage for what's ahead. Because understanding your identity is just the beginning—learning how to live from it is where real transformation happens. If you've been chasing clarity, confidence, or direction, this episode helps you stop striving and start standing. Season 1 ends here—but the real work is just getting started.

Episode Notes: Season 1 Finale - Identity (I in INSPIRE) Drew and Steve wrap up Season 1 by providing practical tools to consolidate all the identity work covered in previous episodes. After exploring unwanted identities, false identities, and true self through values discovery, this episode offers multiple metaphors and frameworks to keep your authentic leadership front and center. Key Frameworks Discussed: Three Circles Diagram - A simple visual separating unwanted identities (middle ring), false identities (outer ring), and true self (center) that clients use daily for self-awareness checks The House of Me / Boardroom Metaphor - Creating a mental space where your true self leads from the "kitchen table" while other parts of you have their proper place in different "rooms" Captain & Crew - Your true self as the captain directing all other parts of your internal team with structure and consistency Constellation of Me - A visual mapping exercise showing the relationship between all your parts and where you position yourself among them Me Manual - A shareable document containing your DISC profile, strengths, values, and how you want to show up as a leader Practical Takeaways: Create vulnerability and awareness in your leadership by naming when false identities show up Choose one metaphor/tool that resonates and make it visible (poster, band, desktop image) Before your next leadership moment, pause and ask: "Who's showing up in me right now?" Start small - practice with a few decisions before running every choice through your framework Quote of the Episode: "What is a weed? A plant whose virtues or values have not been discovered." Coming in Season 2: Navigate (N in INSPIRE) - Taking your identity work into practical application, including creating your leadership anthem, defining your brand, and crafting a purpose statement.  

Episode #8: Identity, Values, and Returning to What Matters Most In this episode of INSPIRE, Drew Lawson and Steve Nadig continue their deep dive into identity and the True Self, focusing on the practical work of values clarification—not as an abstract exercise, but as a lived, daily practice. Using a simple yet powerful metaphor of weeds and plants, Drew and Steve explore how many of us spend years trying to eliminate our "weeds" (saboteurs, false selves, unwanted identities) without ever discovering the unique plant we're meant to grow. The invitation is not self-improvement, but self-discovery. Together, they walk through two core values exercises: Identifying values through energy, frustration, heroes, stories, and what moves us Distilling long lists of values into one to three core anchors that can actually guide daily decisions Steve shares how values like altruism, good character, and agape love show up in leadership, sports, and relationships, while Drew reflects on his own core values of Inspire, Embrace, and Whimsy—and the tension that arises when values are deeply held but not fully expressed. A key insight emerges: Values are not goals to achieve; they are anchors to return to. The conversation also explores: What it means when a value is high in importance but low in expression How grace matters more than guilt when we drift from our values Why judging others' values limits our own growth How rituals like value bands, reflection, and daily intention-setting help keep the True Self front and center The episode closes with a look ahead to what's next in the INSPIRE journey: building the "House of Me," clarifying purpose, creating a personal anthem, and eventually integrating strengths and Sage powers—moving from insight to embodiment. This episode is an invitation to pause, reflect, and ask a simple question: What values do I want to return to—again and again—in the life I'm living right now?

In this heartfelt and reflective episode, Drew and Steve continue their exploration of living into our values—unpacking the next set of values exercises from Drew's Values Clarification series. Through candid stories, humor, and vulnerability, they dive into what our secret passions reveal about who we truly are, and how even our overdone values can get in the way of living authentically. Steve shares his long-held love of singing and how music connects to his spiritual and inspirational values, while Drew opens up about rediscovering whimsy, curiosity, and playfulness—and how his inner "Hyper-Rational Spock" sometimes resists them. Together, they reflect on how aligning daily life with core values creates energy, joy, and meaning, and how imbalance can signal a saboteur at work. Listeners are invited to try reflective prompts like: "If time and resources were unlimited, what would I long to do?" "Where might I be taking a value to the extreme?" "What activities have heart and meaning for me?" They close with a fun "values interview" exercise: ask loved ones what magazine you'd be on the cover of, what your story would be, and what unique gift they see in you. It's an episode full of laughter, insight, and practical tools for rediscovering what makes you come alive.

Excavating the True Self: Discovering the Values That Shape Our Leadership Show Notes In this episode of the INSPIRE Podcast, Drew Lawson and Steve Nadig continue their exploration of Identity and Not Identity by turning inward—to the heart of our True Self. After unpacking false and unwanted identities in earlier episodes, they now focus on the inner circle: clarifying the core values that define who we are and guide how we lead. Drew introduces his decades-in-the-making Values Clarification Framework, a set of reflective exercises designed to surface the words and energies that bring us most alive. Together, Drew and Steve model the process in real time—sharing candid stories, honest self-reflections, and even a few laughs as they rediscover what matters most. Steve shares how altruism has shaped his life and leadership, while Drew reveals his distilled values of inspiration, whimsy, and embrace—and how they serve as antidotes to his "hyper-rational" saboteur. Their dialogue highlights the tension between our protective patterns and our authentic energy, showing that the key to growth isn't perfection but awareness. From Viktor Frankl to Brené Brown, from traffic metaphors to Japanese proverbs, the conversation is both practical and deeply human. As Drew reminds us, quoting Daniel Harkavy: "Leadership is the decisions we make and the influence we have. When those decisions come from our true identity, that's our calling." 🔑 Key Takeaways Slowing down to speed up: Reflection fuels authentic action. Values as a lens: Clarity brings alignment to choices and relationships. Energy matters: Fear drains, love replenishes. Less is more: Focus on one to three guiding values. Authenticity over activity: True leadership flows from identity, not image. Memorable Quotes "To unearth buried treasure, we have to dig deep into our soul." — Drew Lawson "You can't lead authentically until you've done this work." — Steve Nadig "One is fear and me; the other is love and we." — Drew Lawson   Reflection Prompt What's one value that energizes you when you live it—and drains you when you ignore it?   Resources Mentioned Daniel Harkavy — Becoming a Coaching Leader Brené Brown — Dare to Lead Viktor Frankl — Man's Search for Meaning Building Champions Values Clarification Tool  

In this episode of the INSPIRE podcast, Drew Lawson turns to the innermost circle of identity: the True Self. Building on earlier conversations about False Selves and Unwanted Selves, this episode invites listeners to step beyond performance, approval, and shame, and discover the essence of who they are beneath the noise—the part of us that is whole, beloved, and anchored in God.   With wisdom from voices like Thomas Merton and Richard Rohr, Drew explores the difference between the False Self (driven by control and striving), the Unwanted Selves (voices of shame and sabotage), and the True Self (the light and gold within that cannot be tarnished). He highlights why this matters for leadership and life: authenticity sustains influence, resilience grows from identity not activity, and belovedness fuels courage, creativity, and connection.   The conversation then turns practical, offering first practices for uncovering and living from the True Self:   Values Clarification and purpose statement creation. Anthem writing as a way to ground identity. Drawing from Positive Intelligence, the Sage Powers of empathy, curiosity, innovation, navigation, and action as expressions of the True Self—integrated with the MetaSkills Wheel of Intention. Using strengths frameworks (Gallup, Strengths Profile, LCP competencies) to celebrate gifts instead of obsessing over deficits. Learning self-compassion, befriending saboteurs, and embracing our common humanity.     Drew closes with a reflective invitation: "What is one moment you've felt most alive, most yourself? What was present in you?"   This episode is both a gentle uncovering and a bold calling—to live from the True Self and to lead with presence, peace, and purpose.

In this episode of INSPIRE: Life and Leadership Conversations That Go Deeper, Drew Lawson and Steve continue their exploration of identity by diving into the Unwanted Selves and Exiled Parts we often try to hide. Using Drew's three-circle bullseye framework, they name the difference between False Selves (who we pretend to be), Unwanted Selves(who we don't want to be), and the True Self (who we're created to be).   Drawing from Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Brené Brown's work on shame, Drew and Steve unpack how unwanted selves—the voices of shame and wounds from our formative years—often drive us into false identities. They explore the "Big Brother" metaphor, showing how protective identities like the Achiever, Pleaser, or Perfectionist try to keep us safe by covering up fears of being seen as stupid, incompetent, not enough, or lazy.   The conversation also highlights the psychology of the Wounded Child (the vulnerable, shamed parts of us) and the Adaptive Child (the protective strategies we learned to survive). These patterns, while once necessary, can keep us disconnected from joy, creativity, and love if left unexamined.   Through stories, metaphors, and reflection questions, this episode invites listeners to:   Recognize the unwanted voices they carry. Understand the cost of exiling parts of themselves. Begin practicing compassion and integration—naming, noticing, and nurturing the exiled parts so the True Self can lead with wisdom and wholeness.     Far from being unworthy, these unwanted selves point us toward healing, self-compassion, and the journey from brokenness to belovedness.

In this episode, Steve and Drew dive deep into the world of inner critics, saboteurs, and the unseen voices that shape our thoughts, behaviors, and identities. Building on their previous conversations, they explore the nine saboteurs from Positive Intelligence, revealing how these primitive, unskilled inner voices—often rooted in childhood—drive patterns of anxiety, avoidance, and self-judgment. You'll hear about: • The origins and archetypes of saboteurs like the Hyper-Rational, Avoider, and Pleaser. • The link between saboteurs and stress responses (fight, flight, tend-and-befriend). • The core fears that drive our reactive habits: fear of failure, not being enough, and not being loved.  • Strategies for identifying and engaging with saboteurs using humor, mindfulness, and compassion. • Tools like "wanted posters," the "Batman effect," and third-person self-talk to build perspective and resilience. Drew introduces powerful frameworks like the mansion metaphor and Drew's 3 Circles, while Steve offers personal color commentary with stories of his "Yes Man" and "See No Evil" saboteurs. The episode is rich with references—from Abraham Lincoln's reflective leadership to Harry Potter and The Legend of Bagger Vance—all illuminating how to move from self-sabotage to self-leadership. Homework / Reflection Prompts: • Name and notice your inner critics throughout the day. • Create a "wanted poster" for your top saboteur. • Use mindfulness moments (taste, smell, breath) to switch off autopilot.  • Try third-person self-talk to reduce reactivity in emotionally charged moments. This episode blends neuroscience, coaching, and real-life experience to help you recognize, disarm, and even appreciate the parts of you that try to protect—but sometimes hold you back. Books: "Chatter" & "Shift"– Ethan Kross "The Untethered Soul" – Michael A. Singer "Positive Intelligence" – Shirzad Chamine "No Bad Parts" & "Intro to IFS" – Richard Schwartz "Parts of ME"--Wyman "Boundaries for your soul"-Cook & Miller

In this episode, Drew and Steve dive deep into the dynamics of false and unwanted identities that emerge from core fears—failure, unworthiness, and the need for love. They explore how these fears shape reactive behaviors like fight, flight, and tend-and-befriend responses, drawing on neuroscience, Positive Intelligence (Shirzad Chamine), and leadership models like the Leadership Circle and DISC. The conversation weaves through practical insights on how these false identities impact personal growth and leadership, including the role of the inner critic (or "Judge"), survival mechanisms, and the stress-driven tendencies of high performers. Drew shares brain science analogies (human vs. rabbit brain), real-world coaching experiences, and creative strategies like naming inner saboteurs to create psychological distance. Together, they emphasize the importance of mindfulness, internal safety, and reclaiming identity from external validation.

Episode 1: Identity and Not Identity – "Shedding the Backpack" In the debut episode of the INSPIRE podcast, Drew and Steve dive deep into the powerful theme of identity—what it is, what it isn't, and why it matters for anyone seeking authentic personal growth and effective leadership. Using a three-circle model of the self—True Self, Unwanted Self, and False Self—they explore how these layers shape our behavior, decisions, and sense of purpose. They introduce the concept of "Not Identity"—the noisy, often unconscious parts of us that aren't truly who we are, but have learned to perform, protect, or please. Steve shares his journey of grappling with "not identity" and how his growing clarity around his core identity has brought more inner calm. Drew and Steve offer metaphors that bring the conversation to life, including the image of a mountain climber reaching the summit, unable to enjoy the view while still carrying a heavy backpack of false expectations and inner critics. They also unpack the neuroscience of change, including neuroplasticity, and discuss how naming our "saboteurs" (false selves) can help us shed old patterns and reclaim joy, purpose, and clarity. This episode sets the stage for the season ahead, offering a compelling and compassionate framework for understanding who we are—and who we are not.

In this very first episode of the INSPIRE Podcast, executive coach Drew Lawson welcomes listeners into a new kind of conversation — one that goes deeper into what it means to live and lead with intention, curiosity, and depth. Joined by his assistant Terence, Drew introduces the seven foundational themes of the podcast, each represented by a letter in the acronym I.N.S.P.I.R.E.: Identity, Not Identity, Spiritual, Physical, Intellectual, Relational, and Emotional.   Through a warm and authentic dialogue, they explore how each theme shows up in leadership and life, and how these categories will shape future episodes. You'll also hear a playful, real-time coaching tool (the coaching wheel) in action as Terence maps out his current focus areas — making this a grounded and relatable kickoff to what promises to be a meaningful journey.   Whether you're leading a team, navigating change, or just curious about how to grow as a person, this episode sets the tone for reflection, honesty, and inspiration.