Things you call dead haven't had a chance to be born
Welcome back to your favorite leadership podcast with your host, Bo McDonald! This episode is dedicated to the stutters of life, our self-imposed limitations and traumas that hold us in a vice - a tale intertwined with my journey and that of the unforgettable Scatman John!
Scatman John's story's connection with my own reveals similarities and gems about embracing our authentic selves and overcoming seemingly insurmountable barriers, so, join me as we dig into the grip of past traumas, the fear of vulnerability and how these affect the leadership path!
From my childhood classrooms to Scatman's John stuttering journey, I hope to illuminate lessons about overcoming what we think is holding us back and turning it into a catapult for extraordinary success. Get ready to redefine your setbacks into setups and awaken the dormant possibilities in your life. Here's to becoming better, not just as leaders but as individuals as a whole. Spoiler alert - every "stutter" has a silver lining!
Time Stamps:
[1:24] - I am reflecting on a song quote and how Ash Davis's book transformed my life.
[2:43] - I recollect childhood lessons about self-limitations and overcoming past traumas.
[4:08] - I discuss overcoming my public speaking trauma and embracing my leadership positions.
[6:14] - I spun Scatman John's upbeat hit at the skating rink, a song which made him rise from a struggling jazz musician to a global sensation.
[9:12] - Scatman John overcame a severe childhood stutter, taking a huge musical risk blending jazz, scat, dance, and hip hop, creating a new genre that resonated globally.
[11:13] - Scatman John, overcoming substance abuse and childhood questions, found clarity, realizing that his identity extended beyond his stutter.
[12:34] - I encourage you to redefine yourself beyond perceived limitations.
[14:47] - Scatman John transcended his stutter, receiving applause for his unique sound, proving that he was more than his perceived limitations.
[17:02] - In a keynote speech, Scatman John revealed that success didn't “fix” him; he just embraced being different.
[19:20] - I encourage reflecting on your own "stutters," reframing them as potential talents; past trauma shouldn't hinder progress.
[22:12] - It’s very important that leaders allow themselves to be vulnerable.
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