The Wisdom of Life with Chad Stoloff

Chad Stoloff
  • 5.0 (16)
  • Self-Improvement
  • Updated Weekly

Chasing wisdom, excellence, discipline, and leadership chadstoloff.wordpress.com https://www.youtube.com/@ADisciplinedMind linkedin.com/in/ChadStoloff instagram.com/chadstoloff x.com/ChadStoloff facebook.com/ADisciplinedMind

  1. 3h ago

    #47: Matthew Bidwell-Why Staying in One Company Can Fast Track Your Career

    Most career advice gets the biggest question wrong. The real edge is not always jumping to the next job - it's knowing when staying put, building trust, and broadening your toolkit can accelerate your rise faster than job-hopping ever will. Matthew joins Chad Stoloff to unpack the surprising research behind career momentum, promotions, and the hidden power of being an insider. If you have ever wondered why some people seem to keep moving up while others stall out, this conversation gives you a sharper lens on what actually drives career growth. You will discover: Why the most successful executives often spend years inside one organization before reaching the topHow trust is built for jobs you have not done yet, and why promotions are usually more gradual than they lookWhen lateral moves can actually boost your pay and promotion oddsWhy a broader toolkit can make you more valuable to employers, but only up to a pointHow to think about networks as living assets, not just contacts to collect Matthew also shares insights from his upcoming book, The Insider Advantage, including the research that challenges the common “always move fast” career narrative. He explains why the strongest career outcomes often come from a mix of staying power, smart internal moves, and relationships that are real enough to last. This episode also goes beyond promotions. Chad and Matthew dig into work-life balance, the myth of productivity as status, and why success feels different when you measure achievement by outcomes instead of hours. If you are trying to grow your career without burning out, or wondering whether it is time to pivot, this conversation will help you rethink the next move with more clarity. Perfect for ambitious professionals, MBA students, managers, and anyone rethinking their path upward. If you want a more practical, research-backed way to think about careers, this one is essential listening. Matthew’s book, The Insider Advantage, comes out October 13th. He also writes the Substack, Careering On. https://chadstoloff.wordpress.com/

    #47: Matthew Bidwell-Why Staying in One Company Can Fast Track Your Career

  2. 3d ago

    #46: Paula Caligiuri-The Human Skills AI Can't Replace in Dating or Work

    Dating again is not just awkward—it is a crash course in uncertainty, vulnerability, and learning how to connect as a grown adult in a world that has changed. Organizational psychologist Paula Caligiuri reveals what she learned after becoming single again at 52 and going on 65 first dates—and why the skills that make you effective at work do not always transfer to modern dating. Paula shares research-backed ways to calm your brain before a high-stakes conversation, from reducing novelty to lowering the temperature of the moment. She breaks down why we are wired to judge too quickly, how curiosity beats premature certainty, and why familiar routines—even choosing the same place or seat—can make uncertainty feel more manageable. You’ll discover: Why later-life dating feels different from dating in your teens or twentiesHow ambiguity affects your nervous system—and what to do about itThe “study buddy” effect and why doing hard things with someone else can helpWhy good dates are less about impressing and more about helping someone feel seenHow values, rather than surface-level compatibility, can guide meaningful connection Paula also connects dating to culture and leadership, showing how the same principles apply in workplaces, classrooms, and cross-cultural teams. She explains how trust grows through proximity, shared goals, warmth, and competence—and why communication, humility, curiosity, and perspective-taking are skills we practice.This conversation is a reminder that connection can be harder to build in an age of isolation, scrolling, and AI—but it is more important than ever. Whether you’re navigating dating later in life, leading teams, or trying to stay human in a fast-moving world, this episode offers practical tools and a reminder that you’re not doing it alone. Paula Caligiuri is an organizational psychologist and professor known for her work on cultural agility and global leadership. Her book, Dating Again, comes out October 20, 2026 and is available on Amazon and wherever books are sold. Learn more at paulacaligiuri.com Follow Chad: chadstoloff.wordpress.com linkedin.com/in/ChadStoloff instagram.com/chadstoloff x.com/ChadStoloff facebook.com/ADisciplinedMind threads.com/@chadstoloff substack.com/@chadstoloff

    #46: Paula Caligiuri-The Human Skills AI Can't Replace in Dating or Work

  3. Sep 28

    #45: Owen Fitzpatrick-Believing Better, Rewriting the Stories that Shape Us

    What if the beliefs keeping you stuck are not facts, but stories your mind keeps selling you? Owen Fitzpatrick shares the raw moment that stopped him from ending his life at 14, and the mindset shift that later became the foundation for his work on "inner propaganda," resilience, and believing better. From depression, bullying, and suicidal despair to the idea of "going the distance," Owen explains how emotion shapes belief far more than logic ever does. If you are a leader, parent, coach, or anyone trying to help yourself or others think more clearly under pressure, this conversation will challenge the way you understand confidence, identity, and change. You'll discover: Why depression is less about "thinking negatively" and more about believing a darker realityHow emotions act like the storytellers of the mind and filter everything you seeWhy high performers often win or lose based on state, not just skillThe difference between healthy skepticism and the trap of "do your own research"How Bayesian thinking and the "belief growth mindset" help you update your views without losing your identity Owen also makes the case for teaching kids emotional regulation, coping skills, and growth mindset earlier, especially in a world shaped by social media, comparison, and performative achievement. He pushes back on empty labels, participation-trophy thinking, and surface-level authenticity, arguing that people need real tools, real feedback, and real reasons to grow. This episode is also a sharp reminder that leaders, organizations, and educators cannot afford to mistake optics for impact. If you care about psychology, parenting, leadership, or personal development, and you want a framework for changing the stories that shape your life, this one is essential listening. https://owenfitzpatrick.com/ https://chadstoloff.wordpress.com/

    #45: Owen Fitzpatrick-Believing Better, Rewriting the Stories that Shape Us

  4. Sep 25

    #44: Elizabeth Svoboda-Why the Grind is Making You Less Productive

    The advice to "just keep grinding" is destroying more careers, creativity, and health than it saves. Elizabeth Svoboda, author of The Art of Pacing, explains how to stop swinging between all-out overwork and total burnout - and build a rhythm that actually lasts. If you've ever ignored sleep, skipped meals, or pushed through exhaustion because achievement felt like the only thing that mattered, this conversation will hit close to home. Chad and Elizabeth unpack why so many high performers treat pace like a moral issue, why that mindset is so deeply American, and why the real danger isn't slowing down - it's never learning how to recover. You'll discover: Why "achievement = worth" becomes a trap early in lifeHow to spot your natural energy peaks and match them to the right kind of workThe difference between cognitively demanding tasks and low-stakes work that can fill your slower hoursHow streamlining, delegation, and stronger relationships create more space for what matters mostWhy athletes often understand recovery better than knowledge workers doWhat the toxic "996" work culture gets wrong about productivity, sustainability, and long-term thinking Elizabeth shares how she applies pacing at home with her own kids, why letting others take on real responsibility is not a weakness, and how even short breaks can reveal what a healthier life design actually looks like. The conversation also digs into the hidden costs of performative busyness, the pressure to always look successful, and why so many people privately feel like they're barely holding it together.This is essential listening if you feel overcommitted, chronically tired, or stuck in a culture that rewards burnout and calls it excellence. If you're ready to rethink how you work, rest, and build a life that doesn't collapse under its own weight, this episode gives you a smarter way forward. Elizabeth Svoboda is the author of The Art of Pacing: A Guide to Balancing Short-Term Demands with Long-Term Thriving. She writes about pacing, recovery, and sustainable performance across work and life. Find Elizabeth at elizabethsvoboda.com and on Instagram at @svobodster. https://chadstoloff.wordpress.com/

    #44: Elizabeth Svoboda-Why the Grind is Making You Less Productive

  5. Sep 7

    #43: Patricia Faison Hewlin-The Hidden Cost of Pretending at Work-And How to Stop

    Most people think authenticity means saying exactly what you feel. Dr. Patricia Hewlin says that mindset can backfire. The real challenge is learning how to stay true to yourself without burning bridges, exhausting yourself, or sabotaging your future. Chad Stoloff sits down with Dr. Hewlin, a leading scholar of social and organizational psychology at Columbia University and the creator of the concept of "facades of conformity," to unpack why so many people feel pressure to perform a version of themselves at work. The result is often dissonance, burnout, and a quiet sense that something is off, even when everything looks successful on the outside. You’ll discover: Why conformity is not always bad and authenticity is not always goodHow the "middle self" helps you navigate competing values without losing integrityA practical way to identify your real values by looking at your time, talent, and treasuryHow to tell whether your workplace culture aligns with who you are, before you get stuck in a role that drains youWhy a strong "circle of champions" can be more valuable than advice from a single mentorPatricia also shares how living in Singapore and interviewing leaders across Asia expanded her thinking about collectivism, harmony, and the different ways people define authenticity. That global perspective becomes the backdrop for a framework that is both deeply personal and surprisingly practical. This conversation matters if you’re feeling burned out, torn between belonging and self-expression, or wondering whether your job, relationships, or habits still fit the person you’re becoming. It’s also essential listening for young professionals, leaders, and anyone trying to make better decisions without defaulting to fear, people-pleasing, or all-or-nothing thinking. By the end, you’ll have a sharper lens for evaluating your own choices, your environment, and the people who shape your growth. If you want a more grounded, honest, and fruitful way to live and work, this episode delivers a powerful roadmap. Dr. Patricia Hewlin is a professor at Teachers College, Columbia University, internationally recognized for her research on authenticity, conformity, and facades of conformity in organizations. Her book, Staying True to You, extends that work into a practical guide for living with greater alignment and well-being. https://patriciahewlin.com/ https://chadstoloff.wordpress.com/

    #43: Patricia Faison Hewlin-The Hidden Cost of Pretending at Work-And How to Stop

  6. Aug 15

    #42: Melissa Swift-How to Turn Chaotic Work into Effective Results

    Work feels harder than it should because most organizations are trying to solve the wrong problem. Melissa Swift reveals why the real answer is not "work harder" or "add more AI" - it's learning how to design work, manage complexity, and focus human energy where it actually matters. If you’re a leader, manager, or knowledge worker who feels buried under meetings, chaotic priorities, and tech hype, this conversation will feel uncomfortably familiar and immediately useful. Melissa breaks down why so many teams are stretched thin, why AI pilots fail, and why the most effective organizations stop guessing about the work and start looking at it honestly. You’ll discover: Why "augmentation" beats the fear-based automation conversationThe four sources of power at work - knowledge, methods, people, and technologyHow "hyper-transparency" is reshaping leadership and trustWhy too many direct reports and too many meetings quietly destroy effectivenessThe hidden cost of pretending emotions at work do not existMelissa also explains why modern work resembles a wicked problem more than a simple efficiency challenge, and why leaders who ignore reality end up stuck in performative management, crisis mode, and endless brute-force fixes. Her framework is refreshingly basic in the best possible way: know the work, design the work, and stop mistaking activity for progress. We also get into the habits of high-stakes performers like Navy SEALs and firefighters, the power of debriefing without ego, and why "simple" strategies are often the hardest to execute in complex environments. If you want a smarter way to think about productivity, leadership, AI, and what actually makes teams effective, this episode is essential listening. Melissa Swift is the author of Effective: How to Do Great Work in a Fast-Changing World and the founder of Anthrome Insight, where she helps organizations tackle thorny, high-complexity workplace problems. Her work sits at the intersection of organizational design, leadership, and the human side of technology. Perfect for anyone who suspects the real problem at work is not effort, but structure. https://www.anthromeinsight.com/ chadstoloff.wordpress.com

    #42: Melissa Swift-How to Turn Chaotic Work into Effective Results

  7. Aug 4

    #41: Juan Garcia-The Power of Leading by Example: How Empathy Transforms Coaching and Relationships

    The secret to consistent energy and lasting impact? Leading with empathy and mastering balance—Juan Garcia shares how pushing beyond limits teaches humility and connection. In a world that often equates grit with exhaustion, Juan Garcia reveals how finding true balance is the key to sustainable success—whether on the court, in coaching, or in life. From decades of experience in tennis and mentorship, Juan illustrates how pushing too hard drains energy and impairs performance, but intentionally scaling efforts and leading with empathy turns efforts into long-term growth. You'll discover: How to recognize the tipping point between effort and burnout—and avoid crossing itThe importance of modeling vulnerability and humility to foster genuine trust and engagementHow to use empathy as a tool for teaching, coaching, and building meaningful relationshipsThe power of continuous learning — seeking challenges that push you outside your comfort zonePractical stories from Juan’s journey: coaching elite athletes, navigating injury rehab, and leading by example through everyday hustle This episode is perfect for coaches, entrepreneurs, parents, and anyone committed to personal growth without sacrificing their well-being. Juan’s insights show that strength lies not just in pushing harder, but in understanding oneself and others—crafting a sustainable path to excellence.By embracing vulnerability and balance, you unlock new levels of performance and connection. If you’re tired of burnout or craving authentic leadership, this conversation will inspire you to redefine what winning truly means—both on and off the court. Guest Juan Garcia is a seasoned tennis coach and mentor with over 13 years of experience nurturing elite players and fostering long-term relationships. His journey from junior development to professional mentorship emphasizes the importance of humility, empathy, and intentional learning in creating sustained success. Elevate your game and your life—hit play now and start leading with empathy and balance. https://www.juangarciatennis.com/ https://chadstoloff.wordpress.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/chadstoloff/

    #41: Juan Garcia-The Power of Leading by Example: How Empathy Transforms Coaching and Relationships

  8. Jul 29

    #40: Lena Sisco-From Indiana Jones to James Bond, Former DOD Interrogator and Navy Intelligence Officer

    Unlock the secrets to mastering confidence, influence, and deception detection with Lena Sisco — a former Navy Intelligence Officer who’s been detecting lies and controlling conversations since 2003. From the battlefield to boardrooms, Lena reveals how your thoughts shape your behavior, and how you can harness this power to succeed in any high-stakes situation. Whether you’re negotiating, leading a team, or navigating personal conflicts, this episode teaches you the mental tools to stay calm under pressure and communicate with confidence. Lena shares her incredible journey from archaeology to becoming the “female James Bond,” uncovering the mindset shifts that transformed her from a shy student into a top interrogator and leadership expert. You’ll discover her proven techniques for establishing rapport quickly, reading nonverbal cues, and facing your fears head-on — all backed by scientific research and real-world experience. She discusses how to detect behavioral incongruence, flip negative self-talk into motivation, and control cortisol levels to stay centered when it matters most. Lena’s insights are life-changing for anyone looking to elevate their influence, resilience, and authenticity.We break down: How thoughts drive behavior and how to reprogram your mind for successThe art of building trust and rapport instantly, even virtuallyTechniques for detecting deception through body language and speech patternsStrategies to handle fear, anxiety, and self-doubt in moments of high stressPractical tips for improving leadership, parenting, and relationships by applying interrogation tactics Why this matters: In a world filled with misinformation, emotional triggers, and high-pressure interactions, knowing how to self-regulate and read others accurately is more valuable than ever. Lena’s lessons on mental resilience and authentic confidence open the door to more effective communication and deeper trust — personally, professionally, and spiritually.This episode is a masterclass in transforming stress into strength, blending neuroscience, psychology, and real-life espionage stories. Perfect for leaders, entrepreneurs, coaches, and anyone committed to self-growth and peak performance. Guest Lena Sisco is a former Navy Intelligence Officer, expert in deception detection, leadership, and verbal/nonverbal communication. With over 20 years specializing in human behavior analysis, she’s trained law enforcement, military, and corporations worldwide. Lena is the author of four books and a sought-after speaker on trust, influence, and resilience. Are you ready to stop doubting yourself and start leading with confidence? Hit play — and learn to command every conversation with clarity, calm, and control. Don't miss this! https://www.lenasisco.com/ https://chadstoloff.wordpress.com/ https://www.instagram.com/chadstoloff/

    #40: Lena Sisco-From Indiana Jones to James Bond, Former DOD Interrogator and Navy Intelligence Officer
See All (53)

Trailers

5
out of 5
16 Ratings

About

Chasing wisdom, excellence, discipline, and leadership chadstoloff.wordpress.com https://www.youtube.com/@ADisciplinedMind linkedin.com/in/ChadStoloff instagram.com/chadstoloff x.com/ChadStoloff facebook.com/ADisciplinedMind

Information

You Might Also Like