It's an Inside Job

Jason Birkevold Liem
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Self-Improvement
  • Weekly

Imagine responding to challenges with quiet strength and living with a clearer sense of direction. It's an Inside Job, hosted by Jason Birkevold Liem, guides you there. This podcast is for anyone who believes cultivating inner resources is the most powerful way to shape their outer reality. We explore practical approaches for fostering resilience, nurturing well-being, and embedding intentionality into your daily rhythm. On Mondays, we feature a rerun of the most popular conversations with insightful individuals, uncovering practical wisdom on how your inner world serves as a compass for your outer experiences, shaping everything from your career to your relationships and personal fulfilment. After all,  actual growth is an inside job!

  1. 3d ago

    The best of "Its an Inside Job" - The Contrarian Mindset - Attacking the Fear of Accountability

    Get in touch with us! We’d appreciate your feedback and comments. We often associate accountability with blame, exposure, or failure. But what if accountability isn’t a threat—it’s a gateway? A gateway to clarity, leadership, and personal strength. In this episode of Bite Size Fridays, we explore the fear of accountability through the experience of Dwayne—a highly capable executive who found himself frozen when a major project began to unravel. Instead of confronting the problems, he avoided them—until a critical boardroom moment forced him to choose: defend the image or own the reality. Through Dwayne’s story, we explore how the contrarian mindset turns accountability into a powerful tool for growth, authenticity, and long-term resilience. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why high performers often struggle with accountabilityHow fear of blame can distort our decision-makingTools for separating self-worth from performance outcomesWhy embracing accountability builds—not breaks—your reputationHow to lead with integrity even when things go off courseIf you’ve ever avoided owning a mistake out of fear it might define you, this episode helps you reframe responsibility as strength—not self-sabotage. Contrarian Strategies from This Episode Focus on reality, not emotional reality Emotions can cloud facts. Learn how to pause and ask: What’s actually happening? What story am I telling myself—and is it true?Practice self-worth Your value is not defined by flawless outcomes. It’s found in how you show up when things get messy. Reclaim your worth from the pressure to perform.Let go of fixed outcomes Leadership is rarely linear. Dwayne learned to loosen his grip on perfection and embrace adaptive thinking when reality shifted.Embrace obstacles as opportunities What feels like failure might be the beginning of growth. Ask: What is this teaching me? rather than Why is this happening to me?Focus on progress, not perfection Trade in the myth of “nailing it” for the power of showing up honestly. Progress builds trust—and trust builds long-term resilience.Perfect for You If You’re Asking: Why does accountability feel so vulnerable—especially when I care the most?How can I lead honestly when I’m worried about being judged?What does healthy, empowering accountability look like in real life?How can I separate my self-worth from my professional results?Additional Resources This is Part 12 of the 15-part Contrarian Mindset series—each episode designed to help you transform limiting beliefs and emotional patterns into clarity, confidence, and psychological strength. Catch up on earlier episodes: Facing the Fear of VulnerabilityBreaking Free from PerfectionismMoving Through Imposter SyndromeOvercoming the Fear of Not Being Good EnoughReplacing Reactivity with ResponseEmbracing Change Instead of Resisting ItThe Fear of Deviating from the Known PathFinding Peace with the Path You’ve Chosen (FOMO)Redefining Relevance by Slowing DownBuilding Rejection ResilienceSpeaking Up Despite the Fear of JudgmentSupport the show Sign up for the weekly IT'S AN INSIDE JOB NEWSLETTER takes 5 seconds to fill outreceive a fresh update every Wednesday

  2. Nov 2

    The best of "Its an Inside Job" - The Contrarian Mindset: Jettison the Fear of Judgement

    Get in touch with us! We’d appreciate your feedback and comments. Have you ever held back in a meeting, hesitated to share an idea, or watered down your voice just to avoid criticism? You’re not alone. The fear of being judged isn’t just uncomfortable—it quietly shapes our choices, silences innovation, and drains confidence from even the most experienced professionals. In this week’s Bite Size Fridays episode of It’s an Inside Job, I unpack how to shift your mindset and show up with courage and clarity, even when judgment is in the room. Through David’s story—a seasoned marketing leader paralyzed by disapproval during a critical presentation—we explore how to reclaim your voice and separate your worth from others’ reactions. What You’ll Learn in This Episode How to stop letting others’ opinions dictate your self-worthThe difference between emotional reality and observable realityWhy fear of judgment often hides behind perfectionism and people-pleasingHow to practice small, courageous acts that build long-term confidenceWhat it means to be clear instead of perfect when you lead, create, or speak upThis episode is essential for anyone who has ever played small to avoid scrutiny—and is ready to start showing up fully. Contrarian Strategies from This Episode Distinguish emotional reality from observable facts What feels like rejection is often just interpretation. Ask: What do I actually know, and what am I assuming?Anchor self-worth internally Your value doesn’t depend on nods, praise, or applause. Make a list of 3 traits that are true about you—even in silence.Challenge unrealistic standards Not everyone will understand or applaud your vision on day one. Resistance might not be a red flag—it could be a sign you’re leading.Practice small acts of courage Confidence is a result. Courage is a decision. Speak honestly, share unpolished ideas, and hold your ground—even when it’s hard.Prioritize progress over perfection Trade the pressure to perform for the permission to grow. Ask: What did I learn? Where did I stay aligned with my values?Perfect for You If You’re Asking: Why does criticism shake me more than it should?How do I stop shrinking in rooms where I feel scrutinized?How can I lead with confidence when I know not everyone will agree?What would it look like to speak with more truth and less fear?Additional Resources This is Part 11 in a 15-part Contrarian Mindset series—designed to help you challenge limiting beliefs and show up with clarity and courage in uncertain moments. Facing the Fear of VulnerabilityBreaking Free from PerfectionismMoving Through Imposter SyndromeOvercoming the Fear of Not Being Good EnoughReplacing Reactivity with ResponseEmbracing Change Instead of Resisting ItThe Fear of Deviating from the Known PathFinding Peace with the Path You’ve Chosen (FOMO)Redefining Relevance by Slowing DownBuilding Rejection ResilienceSupport the show Sign up for the weekly IT'S AN INSIDE JOB NEWSLETTER takes 5 seconds to fill outreceive a fresh update every Wednesday

  3. Oct 26

    The best of "Its an Inside Job" - The Contrarian Mindset: Resolving the Fear of Rejection

    Get in touch with us! We’d appreciate your feedback and comments. In a world that praises visibility, success, and certainty, few things feel as personal—or as painful—as rejection. Whether it’s a job application, a creative project, or simply speaking your truth, rejection can stir up self-doubt, silence our voices, and leave us questioning our worth. In this week’s Bite Size Fridays episode of It’s an Inside Job, we explore how to build rejection resilience through the story of Aisha—a talented young writer who feared that her voice, rooted in her cultural heritage, might not be welcome in the publishing world. When rejections came, they felt deeply personal. But through the contrarian mindset, she shifted her lens and transformed rejection into growth, clarity, and creative freedom. What You’ll Learn in This Episode How to separate your identity from outcomes like rejection or criticismPractical tools to reframe rejection as information—not judgmentWhy your self-worth must be rooted internally, not externallyHow community and connection protect you from isolation and shameHow perfectionism masks fear—and what to ask instead to unlock creativityWays to turn obstacles into growth opportunities, not emotional setbacksThis episode is especially helpful if you’re navigating creative risks, pitching ideas, applying for jobs, or sharing your voice in any vulnerable way. Contrarian Strategies from This Episode Focus on reality, not emotional reality Rejection hurts, but the story we add to it often stings more. Ask: What actually happened—and what am I making it mean?Practice internal self-worth Don’t tie your value to yes or no. Anchor it in your effort, honesty, and willingness to show up.Build social bridges Rejection thrives in silence. Connection—especially with others who’ve been there—dissolves its grip.Progress over perfection Perfectionism is fear in disguise. Replace “Is this perfect?” with “Is this better than yesterday?”See rejection as a teacher Every “no” contains insight. Look for patterns. Learn. Adjust. Keep going stronger.Perfect for You If You’re Asking: How do I bounce back after being turned down or dismissed?Why does rejection feel so personal—and how do I stop it from defining me?What can I do when my self-confidence takes a hit?How do I keep creating when the world doesn’t seem to notice or care?Additional Resources This is Part 10 of our 15-part Contrarian Mindset series—helping you shift your perspective and strengthen your inner core through life’s challenges. Catch up on previous episodes here: Facing the Fear of VulnerabilityBreaking Free from PerfectionismMoving Through Imposter SyndromeOvercoming the Fear of Not Being Good EnoughReplacing Reactivity with ResponseEmbracing Change Instead of Resisting ItThe Fear of Deviating from the Known PathFinding Peace with the Path You’ve Chosen (FOMO)The Fear of No Keeping UpSupport the show Sign up for the weekly IT'S AN INSIDE JOB NEWSLETTER takes 5 seconds to fill outreceive a fresh update every Wednesday

  4. Oct 19

    The best of "Its an Inside Job" - The Contrarian Mindset: Facing the Fear of Not Keeping Up

    Get in touch with us! We’d appreciate your feedback and comments. In fast-paced industries—and even faster-paced lives—it’s easy to confuse momentum with meaning. The pressure to stay ahead, stay visible, or stay relevant can quietly push us into a cycle of constant chasing, often leaving us feeling disconnected and empty. But what if real success isn’t about speeding up, but about getting clear? In this week’s Bite Size Fridays episode of It’s an Inside Job, I dive into the fear of not keeping up through the lens of the contrarian mindset. You’ll hear the story of Zoe, a rising interior architect who built a career by mastering trends—only to realize that what she was creating no longer felt like her own. Through self-reflection, she stopped reacting to external demands and started designing from within. What You’ll Learn in This Episode How to pause and reclaim your focus in a world that glorifies urgencyWhy internal alignment beats external validation—especially in creative and professional workHow to redefine success by letting go of borrowed expectationsTools for staying grounded and resilient when life gets noisyWhy discomfort can be a compass pointing toward authenticity and growthThese insights are especially valuable if you’re a leader, creator, or professional who feels like you're constantly reacting—and you’re ready to regain a sense of purpose and direction. Contrarian Strategies from This Episode Ground yourself in reality, not the rush – Ask: Is this aligned with what I value, or just what looks impressive?Redefine success – Move away from outside metrics and build your own rooted in clarity and integrityTreat resistance as a signpost – Let friction point you toward personal truth, not away from itAnchor in internal self-worth – Don’t rely on likes, praise, or visibility—lead from the quality of your craftStay steady when things get noisy – Practice equanimity and act from clarity, not urgencyChoose courage over comfort – Take one honest step toward what really mattersZoe’s story is a reminder: relevance doesn’t come from racing. It comes from knowing where you stand—and why it matters. Perfect for You If You’re Asking: How do I stop comparing myself to others?Why do I feel like I’m always behind?How can I lead or create from a place of purpose—not pressure?What does success look like on my terms?Additional Resources If you’re working to build a resilient, purpose-driven mindset that thrives in complexity and change, explore the rest of the Contrarian Mindset series below. Each short episode helps you tackle hidden fears and shift old habits—one mindset at a time. This is Part 9 of a 15-part series. Catch up on earlier episodes: Facing the Fear of VulnerabilityBreaking Free from PerfectionismMoving Through Imposter SyndromeOvercoming the Fear of Not Being Good EnoughReplacing Reactivity with ResponseEmbracing Change Instead of Resisting ItThe Fear of Deviating from the Known PathFinding Peace with the Path You’ve Chosen (FOMO)Support the show Sign up for the weekly IT'S AN INSIDE JOB NEWSLETTER takes 5 seconds to fill outreceive a fresh update every Wednesday

  5. Oct 12

    The best of "Its an Inside Job" - The Contrarian Mindset: Tackling the Fear Of Missing Out (FOMO)

    Get in touch with us! We’d appreciate your feedback and comments. We live in a world that constantly shows us what we could be doing—careers we didn’t pursue, trips we didn’t take, opportunities we didn’t chase. It's easy to feel like whatever path you're on, it’s somehow not quite enough. That subtle, restless hum? That’s FOMO—the fear of missing out. In this week’s Bite Size Fridays episode of It’s an Inside Job, I explore how the contrarian mindset helps shift from comparison to clarity. Through Elena’s story—a successful architect who looked accomplished on the outside but wrestled with second-guessing and regret on the inside—you’ll see how grounding in the present transforms distraction into direction. What You’ll Learn in This Episode How to recognize and interrupt the subtle impact of FOMOTools to anchor your decisions in values rather than validationWhy your past choices don’t need to be perfect to be powerfulHow to reclaim energy and focus from rumination loopsWhat it looks like to build self-worth from the inside outIf you often feel pulled in a dozen directions by other people’s wins, this episode helps you shift from chasing everything to appreciating something—your current path. Contrarian Strategies from This Episode Focus on what you can control FOMO thrives in the realm of comparison. Shift your energy inward by asking: What’s one action I can take today that aligns with what truly matters to me?Disrupt the rumination loop When you catch yourself spinning in what-ifs, say: That path isn’t mine. Then ask: What part of this thought is useful—and what’s just noise?Reframe past choices as learning Instead of judging yourself for a decision, write down three things it taught you. See your past as groundwork—not as missteps.Aim for progress, not perfection Others’ lives aren’t perfect—they’re curated. Reflect weekly on:What moved me forward?What did I learn?Where did I show up fully?Strengthen self-worth from within List five things you respect about how you’ve navigated challenges—not what you’ve achieved. This roots your worth in character, not comparison.Perfect for You If You’re Asking: Why do I always feel like I’m falling behind—even when I’m doing well?How do I stop comparing my choices to others’?What can I do to feel more confident in the path I’ve chosen?How do I shift from fear-based decision-making to self-directed action?Additional Resources This is Part 8 of a 15-part Contrarian Mindset series—each episode helping you rethink reactive habits and grow a mindset that’s grounded, clear, and resilient. Catch up on earlier episodes: Facing the Fear of VulnerabilityBreaking Free from PerfectionismMoving Through Imposter SyndromeOvercoming the Fear of Not Being Good EnoughReplacing Reactivity with ResponseEmbracing Change Instead of Resisting ItThe Fear of Deviating from the Known PathScroll back to Season 7 for deep dives into the 12 core contrarian skills that build lasting resilience and psychological strength. Support the show Sign up for the weekly IT'S AN INSIDE JOB NEWSLETTER takes 5 seconds to fill outreceive a fresh update every Wednesday

  6. Oct 5

    The best of "Its an Inside Job" - The Contrarian Mindset: Deviating from the Known Path

    Get in touch with us! We’d appreciate your feedback and comments. “This isn’t about abandoning your experience—it’s about shaping it to meet today’s challenges. The road ahead might look different, but the courage to step off the old one is where real growth begins.” Change is the new constant—but it rarely feels that way when you’re the one standing at a crossroads. Many of us build careers, reputations, and lives on a set of strategies that used to work. So what happens when the world shifts, but we resist shifting with it? In this episode of Bite Size Fridays, we explore the fear of deviating from the known path—and how the contrarian mindset helps us make brave, thoughtful pivots when the familiar starts to limit us. Through the story of Sophia, a seasoned marketing leader, you’ll see what it means to move from rigid routines to adaptive thinking—and how that shift can reignite both purpose and performance. What You’ll Learn in This Episode How to spot when old strategies are holding you back, even if they once led to successPractical tools to reframe uncertainty as opportunityWhy letting go of fixed outcomes opens up new pathways to progressHow to normalize change through experimentation instead of big leapsThe importance of leaning on others for insight, courage, and creative breakthroughsIf you’ve ever felt stuck doing “what worked before,” this episode offers practical strategies to help you lead, create, and grow with confidence in the unknown. Contrarian Strategies from This Episode Reframe uncertainty as opportunity When things get unclear, don’t rush to fix them—pause and ask: What could I learn from this? What might be possible here that I haven’t yet considered?Let go of rigid outcomes Flexibility doesn’t mean compromising goals—it means exploring new ways to reach them. Think in Plan A, B, and C—not just one “right” answer.Turn obstacles into signals Friction isn’t failure—it’s feedback. Identify what’s not working and use it to spark change.Build a habit of experimentation Small, low-risk changes add up. Test new methods regularly to normalize innovation and reduce resistance to change.Lean on connection Surround yourself with people who think differently. Curiosity thrives in conversation, not isolation.Perfect for You If You’re Asking: How do I know when to shift my approach—even if it worked in the past?Why does change feel so threatening, and how can I move through it with less fear?What does healthy risk-taking look like for a team or leader?How can I stay relevant without abandoning who I am or what I’ve built?Additional Resources This is Part 7 of the 15-part Contrarian Mindset series—each short episode helping you challenge old habits and build the mental flexibility to thrive in uncertainty. Catch up on previous episodes: Facing the Fear of VulnerabilityBreaking Free from PerfectionismMoving Through Imposter SyndromeOvercoming the Fear of Not Being Good EnoughReplacing Reactivity with ResponseEmbracing Change Instead of Resisting ItSupport the show Sign up for the weekly IT'S AN INSIDE JOB NEWSLETTER takes 5 seconds to fill outreceive a fresh update every Wednesday

  7. Sep 14

    The best of "Its an Inside Job" - The Contrarian Mindset - Facing the Fear of Change.

    Get in touch with us! We’d appreciate your feedback and comments. Change often knocks when we least expect it—and rarely when we feel ready. This week on BiteSize Fridays, we explore one of the most common and quietly limiting fears: the fear of change. In this episode, I share William’s story—a seasoned marketing leader with decades of experience and deep confidence in traditional ways of working. When his company underwent a major strategic shift, it pushed him into unfamiliar territory. And like many of us, William initially resisted. Not because he lacked skill, but because he feared letting go of what he knew. Through coaching and applying strategies from the Contrarian Playbook, William began to see change not as a threat, but as an opportunity—to grow, to lead differently, and to reconnect with curiosity. William used these contrarian strategies to shift his mindset: Embrace obstacles as opportunities – reframing discomfort as the doorway to growthPractice courage – facing vulnerability head-on and acting despite uncertaintyFocus on progress, not perfection – seeing mistakes as data, not failuresBuild social bridges – creating space for open dialogue, curiosity, and collective problem-solvingLet go of fixed outcomes – focusing on action and effort, not rigid expectationsWilliam’s journey reminds us that change is rarely comfortable—but it doesn’t have to be feared. With the right tools and a shift in mindset, we can transform it into fuel for leadership, innovation, and personal evolution. Additional Resources: Interested in building a contrarian mindset for resilience, fortitude, and psychological strength? Check out the other episodes in this series linked in the show notes, and subscribe to It’s an Inside Job for more insights on resilience, well-being, and personal growth. Part 1 – Discover the Power of The Contrarian Mindset: A New Approach to Rewiring Your Brain for Resilience and Growth Part 2 – Discover the Power of The Contrarian Mindset: A New Approach to Rewiring Your Brain for Resilience and Growth This is Part 6 in a 15-part Contrarian Mindset series where we confront the fears and mental habits that quietly limit our growth—and learn how to think differently. 🔹 Part 1 – Facing the Fear of Vulnerability 🔹 Part 2 – Breaking Free from Perfectionism 🔹 Part 3 – Moving Through Imposter Syndrome 🔹 Part 4 – Overcoming the Fear of Not Being Good Enough 🔹 Part 5 – Replacing Reactivity with Response 🔹 Contrarian Skills Series (Season 7) – Start in January 2025 for deep dives into each mindset strategy. Support the show Sign up for the weekly IT'S AN INSIDE JOB NEWSLETTER takes 5 seconds to fill outreceive a fresh update every Wednesday

  8. Sep 7

    The best of "Its an Inside Job" - The Contrarian Mindset: Replacing the Reactive Mindset.

    Get in touch with us! We’d appreciate your feedback and comments. This week, we’re tackling a mindset many of us fall into without realizing it—the reactive mindset. Reactivity isn’t always bad. In life-or-death situations, reacting fast keeps us safe. But in daily work, relationships, and emotionally charged conversations, reacting without reflection can lead to poor decisions, conflict, and regret. In this episode, I share Allison’s story. A seasoned project manager, she once believed fast responses meant strong leadership—until it cost her clarity, connection, and team trust. Her journey offers a powerful reminder that slowing down internally, even in high-pressure moments, can change the trajectory of how we lead, communicate, and relate to others. Allison’s shift to a contrarian mindset included key strategies like: Separating emotion from reality – creating space to reflect before reactingPracticing equanimity – finding calm in the storm to lead with clarityBuilding social bridges – responding with curiosity and empathy, even during conflictEmbracing obstacles as opportunities – reframing tension as a chance to growLetting go of fixed outcomes – allowing solutions to unfold through thoughtful dialogueAllison’s story reminds us that choosing how we respond—especially under pressure—is one of the most powerful forms of leadership. The contrarian mindset doesn’t reject emotion; it integrates it with intention. Additional Resources: Interested in building a contrarian mindset for resilience, fortitude, and psychological strength? Check out the other episodes in this series linked in the show notes, and subscribe to It’s an Inside Job for more insights on resilience, well-being, and personal growth. Part 1 – Discover the Power of The Contrarian Mindset: A New Approach to Rewiring Your Brain for Resilience and Growth Part 2 – Discover the Power of The Contrarian Mindset: A New Approach to Rewiring Your Brain for Resilience and Growth This is Part 5 in a 15-part series where we confront the hidden fears and reactive patterns that hold us back—and build resilience by rewiring how we think. 🔹 Part 1 – Facing the Fear of Vulnerability 🔹 Part 2 – Breaking Free from Perfectionism 🔹 Part 3 – Moving Through Imposter Syndrome 🔹 Part 4 – Overcoming the Fear of Not Being Good Enough 🔹 Contrarian Skills Series (Season 7) – Begin in January 2025 in the episode feed for deeper dives into each mindset strategy. Support the show Sign up for the weekly IT'S AN INSIDE JOB NEWSLETTER takes 5 seconds to fill outreceive a fresh update every Wednesday

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About

Imagine responding to challenges with quiet strength and living with a clearer sense of direction. It's an Inside Job, hosted by Jason Birkevold Liem, guides you there. This podcast is for anyone who believes cultivating inner resources is the most powerful way to shape their outer reality. We explore practical approaches for fostering resilience, nurturing well-being, and embedding intentionality into your daily rhythm. On Mondays, we feature a rerun of the most popular conversations with insightful individuals, uncovering practical wisdom on how your inner world serves as a compass for your outer experiences, shaping everything from your career to your relationships and personal fulfilment. After all,  actual growth is an inside job!

Information

  • Creator
    Jason Birkevold Liem
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    287
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 © 2022 It's an Inside Job
  • Show Website
    It's an Inside Job