Sharpen 2.0: The Podcast for Professionals

Kirby Green
  • 4.9 (55)
  • CAREERS
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

"As iron sharpens iron so one man sharpens another." Sharpen is the podcast for young professionals to sharpen their gifts and influence in the workplace and beyond.

  1. 4D AGO

    Sharpen 2.0 - Italy, Holland, and the Life You Didn’t Plan

    Kirby shares a powerful personal reflection inspired by the poem “Welcome to Holland” (Emily Perl Kingsley) and what it means when life takes a sharp, unexpected turn. Sometimes you plan for “Italy”… and you land in “Holland.” It’s not worse, just different. Key talking points The emotional reality of grieving the life you imagined Why it’s valid to mourn “Italy” (a real loss of a dream) The turning point: you can honor the dream and still live fully where you are Learning to notice the beauty of your “Holland” (even if it’s slower, less flashy, and unexpected) How the life you didn’t plan can change you and often for the better Sharpen Question of the Day Where might you still be grieving Italy instead of noticing the beauty of Holland in front of you?

    6 min

  2. FEB 23

    Sharpen 2.0 - All of Life Is Trade-Offs

    Kirby tackles a truth we all know but don’t always admit: every yes is a no to something else. The freedom comes from naming the trade-off and choosing to own it instead of quietly resenting it. Key talking points You can’t have everything at once without cost Trade-offs show up in time, energy, money, and attention Examples that hit home: Growth trades comfort Margin trades busyness Peace sometimes trades “being right” Why resentment often shows up when trade-offs are unacknowledged Different seasons require different trade-offs—and that’s okay Sharpen Question of the Day What trade-off are you making right now—are you aware of it, and are you owning it or resenting it?

    3 min

  3. FEB 16

    Sharpen 2.0 - The Power of the Pause

    In this episode, Kirby shares a deceptively simple “secret” that changes everything: pause before you react. Most messes aren’t caused by hard circumstances, they’re caused by fast reactions. The pause helps you respond with wisdom instead of panic. Key talking points The “don’t freak out” principle (aka: the power of pausing) Why quick reactions often create bigger problems than the original moment The thermostat vs. thermometer metaphor: set the tone, don’t just reflect it How pausing can prevent regret (words, emails, impulsive decisions) Sharpen Question of the Day Where in your life do you need to pause instead of panicking or reacting?

    3 min

  4. FEB 9

    Sharpen 2.0 Series — Part 4: Thick Skin, Soft Heart (Love That Shapes Leadership)

    In Part 4, we close out this mini-series with a leadership lesson shaped by unconditional love: the power of a “thick skin, soft heart.” This episode explores how special needs parenting can form a quiet strength—resilient enough to handle pressure, and compassionate enough to lead with empathy. It’s not weakness; it’s fortitude with humanity.

    3 min

  5. FEB 2

    Sharpen 2.0 Series — Part 3: Perspective Changes Everything

    In Part 3, we talk about the perspective shift that comes when life trains you in resilience. When you’re raising a child with special needs, the problems that used to feel overwhelming can become far more “figureoutable.” This episode is about bringing that calm, grounded problem-solving mindset into your workplace—without arrogance, and with real confidence.

    3 min

  6. JAN 26

    Sharpen 2.0 Series — Part 2: Grit Isn’t Glamorous (It’s Daily)

    In Part 2, we redefine “grit” beyond hype and hero stories. This episode reframes grit as steady patience, showing up day after day in ordinary, unglamorous ways. Whether you’re raising a child with special needs or simply carrying a heavy season at work, this is a reminder to play the long game and keep going.

    3 min

  7. JAN 19

    Sharpen 2.0 Series — Part 1: The Death of a Dream (and the New One)

    In Part 1 of this Sharpen 2.0 mini-series, we talk about a reality many professionals face: the “death of a dream”—when life turns and the future you pictured changes dramatically. From the perspective of a working parent raising a child with special needs, this episode explores grieving what you imagined while also holding yourself accountable to dream again. Because the end of one dream doesn’t mean the end of dreaming—it means the dream is different.

    4 min

  8. 11/24/2025

    Sharpen 2.0 - Learn From Who Not to Be

    We all hear the advice to “find a mentor,” but here’s the part no one talks about—it’s just as valuable to learn from people you don’t want to be like. In this episode, we dig into why bad examples can be some of our best teachers. Watching poor leadership, unchecked ego, or burnout in action gives us clues about what to avoid and who we want to become instead. Growth isn’t just about following the right role models—it’s also about recognizing the warning signs in the wrong ones. The people who show you what not to do might be shaping you the most.

    3 min
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4.9
out of 5
55 Ratings

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"As iron sharpens iron so one man sharpens another." Sharpen is the podcast for young professionals to sharpen their gifts and influence in the workplace and beyond.

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