Business Profound: Getting Real About Success

Karen Tax

I’ve Been Exactly Where You Are Right Now I know it can be difficult when you combine profit with purpose. How can you go beyond just focussing myopically on the bottom line into work that reflects the values of your heart and soul? What are you supposed to do when you’re overcome by your monster to-do list? How do you act when what you clearly see as the right thing to do is in conflict with other interests? These are just some of the challenges I’ve had to overcome in my 30+ years working in corporations and as an entrepreneur, and it's the entire reason I launched the Business Profound Podcast. I've developed a leadership framework called IAMX to help individuals, teams, and organizations align with their strategy, operationalize their culture, and through all of that, thrive collectively. As a technically-minded person who is also unapologetically heart-centered, I've been inspired to develop many different tools to resolve some of the biggest challenges we face in corporate America. The Business Profound Podcast is my way of sharing what I've learned with you. Together, we explore and share real-world stories of leaders who are creating bold, new versions of success, and effective ways to integrate mindfulness & sustainability at work. —Karen Tax Creator of IAMX Learn more about Karen’s work https://www.iamx.one Take our transformational leadership course https://www.iamx.one/define-your-true-self/course Connect with Karen on LinkedIn and YouTube

Episodes

  1. 12/23/2024

    When More Work Hours Create Worse Results

    Are you leading your organization like a factory or a forest? This distinction may be the key to unlocking sustainable success and meaningful transformation in your workplace. In this episode, I explore how our industrial-era approach to leadership - rooted in Frederick Taylor's mechanistic efficiency models - continues to shape modern organizations, often to their detriment. Through real-world examples from my executive coaching practice, I reveal how shifting from a "factory mindset" to a "forest mindset" can dramatically improve team resilience, innovation, and engagement. I share the story of two manufacturing facilities under different leadership styles, where one leader's approach led to employees willingly working longer hours while maintaining high morale - not because they were pushed, but because they felt genuinely supported and valued. This counterintuitive result highlights a crucial truth about sustainable performance that many leaders miss. But what exactly makes a forest-based leadership approach so powerful? And how can you begin implementing these principles in your own organization without sacrificing efficiency or results? Listen to the full episode to discover the surprising answers and learn about a powerful technique I call "the flip" that can transform your leadership impact. Ready to cultivate a more resilient, purposeful organization? Explore my 8-week Define Your True Self course at https://www.iamx.one/define-your-true-self/course and learn how to lead from your authentic best self while creating sustainable value for all stakeholders.

  2. 11/04/2024

    Help! My boss is a motor-mouth and I can't get him to shut up.

    Have you ever found yourself trapped in your boss's office at the end of a long day, nodding politely while they continue talking... and talking... and talking? In this episode, I explore this common challenge through a coaching conversation with a client who faced this exact situation at their startup. Through their experience with an enthusiastic (but overly talkative) CEO, we unpack the complex dynamics of setting boundaries with those in positions of power. Listen as we discuss why simply "sucking it up" isn't sustainable and how letting these situations fester can lead to deeper organizational issues. But setting boundaries isn't just about saying "no" – it's about creating new possibilities for authentic dialogue and co-creative solutions. Together, we explore the crucial mindset shifts and practical approaches that can transform challenging power dynamics into opportunities for growth. Ready to step into your power and speak your truth in difficult situations? My 8-week course, Define Your True Self, will guide you through the exact process of becoming the conscious leader you're meant to be. Whether you're dealing with boundary issues or other leadership challenges, you'll learn how to create meaningful change while staying true to yourself. Learn more at https://www.iamx.one/define-your-true-self/course Tune in to discover the surprising breakthrough moment when my client finally took action with their CEO...

  3. 04/10/2024

    Is it okay to be POWERFUL?

    In this podcast, host Karen Tax discusses the concept of power dynamics in the corporate world. She shares her personal experiences with power-related dynamics, including examples of manipulation and lack of responsibility. She encourages listeners to embrace their personal power for the advancement of their careers and organizations, referring to Martin Luther King's definition of power, highlighting that power should be grounded in love. She emphasizes the need for business cultures to shift and allow employees to express powerful ideas. Karen also discusses the need for leaders to incorporate feedback and transparency, thereby developing a culture that facilitates empowering people. This episode covers:  - Introduction to Power and Leadership - Understanding the Concept of Power - The Host's Journey and Mission - Exploring the Fear of Power - Real-life Experiences with Power Dynamics - The Role of Humility and Kindness in Power - The Assumption of Avoiding Discomfort - The Power of Choice and Self-Reflection - The Struggle of Being Heard and Understood - Defining Power: An Insight from Martin Luther King - The Role of Love in Power - The Extremes of Power: Domination vs. Spinelessness - The Difference Between Inner and External Power - Inviting Others to Share Power - Creating a Culture of Empowerment - Addressing the Discomfort Around Power - The Need for Powerful, Compassionate Leaders - Conclusion and Final Thoughts - Podcast Credits and Additional Resources

    Is it okay to be POWERFUL?

About

I’ve Been Exactly Where You Are Right Now I know it can be difficult when you combine profit with purpose. How can you go beyond just focussing myopically on the bottom line into work that reflects the values of your heart and soul? What are you supposed to do when you’re overcome by your monster to-do list? How do you act when what you clearly see as the right thing to do is in conflict with other interests? These are just some of the challenges I’ve had to overcome in my 30+ years working in corporations and as an entrepreneur, and it's the entire reason I launched the Business Profound Podcast. I've developed a leadership framework called IAMX to help individuals, teams, and organizations align with their strategy, operationalize their culture, and through all of that, thrive collectively. As a technically-minded person who is also unapologetically heart-centered, I've been inspired to develop many different tools to resolve some of the biggest challenges we face in corporate America. The Business Profound Podcast is my way of sharing what I've learned with you. Together, we explore and share real-world stories of leaders who are creating bold, new versions of success, and effective ways to integrate mindfulness & sustainability at work. —Karen Tax Creator of IAMX Learn more about Karen’s work https://www.iamx.one Take our transformational leadership course https://www.iamx.one/define-your-true-self/course Connect with Karen on LinkedIn and YouTube