These Are Not Uncertain Times: Ways to Pivot, Lead and Thrive – Simon Sinek with Dave Asprey – #740

In this episode of Bulletproof Radio, my guest is someone who considers himself to be an unshakable optimist.

“Optimism is not the denial of the current state,” says Simon Sinek. “Optimism is the belief the future is bright and so, to be optimistic is the same as saying, Look, we’re in a dark tunnel. It’s hard and I don’t know how long this tunnel is, I don’t know how long we’re going to be in this tunnel, but I see a light at the end and I know we’re going to get there and we just have to keep marching forwards together and we may even be stronger when we come out of it.”

Simon has set his sights on advancing a vision of the world that does not yet exist… A world in which the vast majority of people wake up every single morning inspired, feel safe wherever they are, and end the day fulfilled by the work that they do.

He started with why and then asked people to find their why. He believes leaders need to eat last and together is better. And now, he’s looking at the finite and infinite games being played out in all areas of life.

“One of the aspects of a finite mindset versus an infinite mindset is a finite mindset clearly wants to win, says Simon. “Except what happens if the game has no finish line and if you play to win in a game that has no finish line, you destroy trust, cooperation and innovation? One of the characteristics of a finite mindset is they are afraid of surprises and afraid of uncertainty.”

And that can be a detriment. Especially now. Where you just can’t do what you used to do in the same way.

“Crisis is the great revealer, right?” he says. “In an instant [during the world-wide pandemic], we discovered which companies had strong cultures and which company had weak cultures.”

“Somebody asked me recently, how has leadership changed during these times?” says Simon. “And the answer is, it hasn’t. This is an amazing opportunity. All the tenets of good leadership are more important now than ever. So, think of others and look after others, especially the people you know. Take care of yourself and take care of each other is really what it’s all about.”

“That’s called good leadership,” he continues. “We don’t need a global pandemic for you to do that. You should be doing that all the time.”

Simon also gives one of the Top 10 pieces of advice from experts in more than 700 episodes of this show. You’ll have to listen on to find out what it is. You’re going to get a lot out of today’s episode, as Simon talks to us about how to build better leaders, teams and companies in times of great change.

Enjoy! And get more resources at Dave.Asprey/podcasts.