Just Human with Jay Boykin

Jay Boykin
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Management
  • Updated Weekly

Leadership, connection, and the 0.1% that divides us. We share 99.9% of our DNA with every person we'll ever meet, and almost all the trouble lives in the last tenth of a percent. Not the difference itself, but what we build on top of it. Just Human with Jay Boykin is for people who lead other people: CEOs, CHROs, managers, and anyone who has realized the hard part of the job is human. Each week Jay, founder of Just Human, executive coach, and leadership consultant, sits down with a guest or works through one idea on his own: self-awareness under pressure, why your team stops telling you the truth, what makes people feel heard, and how connection turns into results. Three threads run through every episode: connection to self, connection to others, and connection to shared purpose. Awareness, alignment, action. New episodes weekly. Follow the show, and lay the first brick.

  1. Jul 24

    The Leader Who Collapsed on Her Office Floor, with Rachael Edmondson-Clarke

    Ever notice how confidence can hold up right until the pressure stacks — and then the cracks show? The defensiveness. The over-explaining. The silence. In this episode, Jay sits down with Rachael Edmondson-Clarke — founder of Ellevar and a human performance partner for senior leaders — to unpack a different kind of confidence: the steady kind that can say "that was on me," hold a high standard without a power struggle, and lead calmly when the room is tense. Rachael blends the biology and psychology of leadership, and shares the moment she collapsed on her office floor from pushing through — and what she rebuilt on the other side. You'll learn: ● Why confidence comes from competence and courage — and where ego actually sneaks in ● The difference between reframing stress and truly restoring (sleep, daylight, nature, movement, connection) ● The five social needs every team has — and how meeting them builds real psychological safety ● How to hold a high standard without breaking the relationship (the trust triangle) ● Why "capacity to lead" matters more than "capability" — and how to build it ● How to train the 10–15 second pause that turns a reaction into a response Chapters / timestamps: 00:00 The Shift in Leadership Dynamics 02:36 Understanding High Performance and Personal Well-being 11:24 Toxic Leadership vs. Responsible Leadership 15:13 Confidence Without Ego 22:04 The Evolution of Executive Presence 30:31 Psychological Safety in Leadership 30:59 The Importance of Psychological Safety in the Workplace 34:45 Balancing Accountability and Relationships in Leadership 36:36 The Role of Emotional Intelligence in Leadership 40:17 Developing Leadership Skills Over Time 42:41 Recognizing Warning Signs of Burnout 45:31 Practices for Rest and Recreation 47:41 Micro Practices for Self-Awareness 55:40 The Power of Self-Talk and Language Try this this week: When something feels off, ask one question before you react — "Where is this signal coming from?" Am I under-restored (sleep, food, movement, connection), or did something trigger me? Name it before you respond. Connect with Rachael ● Website: https://www.ellevar.co.uk/ ● LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachaeledmondsonclarke/ ● Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachaeledmondsonclarke/ ● Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rachael.edmondson.clarke ● TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rachael_edmondson_clarke?_r=1&_t=ZN-916I7oVes8U Connect with Jay + subscribe ● Website: https://www.jayboykin.com ● YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jayboykinofficial ● LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayboykin/ ● Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jayboykinofficial/ ● Podcast (Apple): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/just-human/id1773095157 ● Podcast (Spotify): https://open.spotify.com/show/2zWqEiYcawOXnhC1tTtaW4 ● Newsletter (Book of Jay): https://www.jayboykin.com/newsletters/just-human-book-of-jay If this one hits home, subscribe and share it with a leader who needs it. Be kind to yourself.

  2. Jun 26

    Why Leadership Feels So Heavy, with Renee Hastings

    If leadership has felt heavier than it should, you're not alone. Most leaders don't get stuck because they lack talent. They get stuck because they're carrying the whole operation on their own shoulders — and they've quietly become the bottleneck. In Episode 30, Jay sits down with Renee Hastings, President and CEO of Executive Help Now, to unpack the difference between tactical and strategic leadership: why it's so easy to get trapped in the weeds, what's really keeping you there, and how to free up the brain space to finally lead. Renee shares her story — from a farm in an Amish community to becoming a teen mom at 16 to building a fractional back-office company that serves leaders across the country — and the exact mindset shift that lets you hand work off without it falling apart. **You'll learn:** - The first signs you're stuck in tactical mode (hint: decision fatigue and being the approver of everything) - The $10 Canva test: why your time math is costing you more than you think - What's really underneath the inability to let go — fear, ego, perfectionism, and trust - The difference between delegating a task and delegating an outcome - Why "I tried delegating and it didn't work" almost always traces back to training, not the person - One thing you can do this week to start digging out **Chapters:** 00:00 Leadership shouldn't feel this heavy 02:10 Meet Renee Hastings 02:35 From an Amish-community farm to a love of organizing 07:41 Teen mom at 16 — and a mother who said "keep going" 09:59 The friend who reminded her she was built for this 15:02 The first signs a leader is stuck in tactical mode 18:10 The $10 Canva decision (and the cost of your time) 20:50 What's really keeping leaders stuck: fear and ego 23:48 Strategic vs. tactical: freeing up space to cast vision 25:51 Why "delegation didn't work" 28:29 Delegating a task vs. delegating an outcome 33:33 Why this isn't just for big companies (the fractional model) 36:28 The mindset shift: letting yourself be served 40:27 Realistic expectations and the learning curve 44:53 The one thing she swore she'd never give up — her calendar 51:51 More than a doer: thought partners on your team 56:20 One or two steps for the overwhelmed leader this week **Try this this week:** Set a 15-minute timer and write down everything that's overwhelming you. Then circle what could go to someone else, and cross off what doesn't need doing at all. That single list is the start of getting your time back. **Connect with Renee Hastings:** - Website: executivehelpnow.org - LinkedIn (company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/executive-help-now/ - LinkedIn (personal): https://www.linkedin.com/in/reneehastings17/ - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/executivehelpnow/ - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ExecutiveHelpNow - Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@reneehastings **Connect with Jay Boykin:** - Website: https://www.jayboykin.com - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jayboykinofficial - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayboykin/ - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jayboykinofficial/ - Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/just-human/id1773095157 - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2zWqEiYcawOXnhC1tTtaW4 - Newsletter (Book of Jay): https://jayboykin.com/book-of-jay If this one hit home, hit subscribe, leave a comment, and share it with a leader who needs to hear it. It helps more than you know. #JustHuman #JayBoykin #Leadership #StrategicLeadership #Delegation #AuthenticLeadership #SelfAwareness #PersonalGrowth #Entrepreneurship #ReneeHastings #ExecutiveHelpNow #Burnout #TimeManagement

  3. Mar 21

    Why High Performers Feel Empty, with Nell Derick Debevoise

    Ever look at your life and think, “Everything is working… but I don’t feel good”? That’s not failure — it’s misalignment. Let’s fix it fast. In this episode of Just Human, Jay Boykin talks with Nell Derick Debevoise Dewey (Nell3D), author of Going First, about how high performers can feel empty even with the title, money, and momentum. Nell shares her powerful story (including a wake-up-call car crash) and introduces a simple framework to diagnose what’s off — without blowing up your whole life. You’ll learn Nell’s Lead in 3D model (ME / WE / WORLD) and how it connects to purpose, wellbeing, relationships, and integrity. Then she breaks down her systematic subtraction approach: Stop, Drop, Roll — a practical way to create capacity, reclaim autonomy, and rebuild energy in a nonstop world. If this helped you, like, subscribe, and comment: Which dimension is lowest for you — ME, WE, or WORLD? CONNECT WITH NELL 3D SUBSTACK: https://nell3d.substack.com/guestpass LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nell3d/ INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/nelldd/ #leadership #purpose #burnout #alignment #personalgrowth #intrinsicmotivation #autonomy #mindset #productivity #meaning #values #highperformance #justhuman #nell3d #stopdroproll

  4. Mar 14

    Kobi Yamada on Ideas, Self-Doubt, and Courage

    What do you do with an idea when you don’t feel ready? What do you do when the only honest words are: “I’m trying”? In this episode of Just Human, Jay Boykin sits down with #1 New York Times bestselling author Kobi Yamada (President & CEO of Compendium Inc.) to talk about why his books look like children’s books… but land in a much deeper place for adults. If you’re building a business, leading a team, or wrestling with self-doubt, this conversation will hit you right in the chest—in the best way. Kobi shares how picture books can speak to both kids and adults, why our inner critic makes problems feel like identity threats, and how fear quietly blocks creativity, chances, and momentum. He also breaks down the role of mentorship, the power of leaving “space” for the reader, and why creativity is birthed in boredom—something modern scrolling is stealing from us. 👍 If this helped you, like, subscribe, and comment: Idea / Problem / Chance / Trying — which one are you living right now? Connect with Kobi Yamada Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stories/livethegoodstuff/ Shop: https://live-inspired.com/ Kobi Yamada | Penguin Random House https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/authors/2338428/kobi-yamada/ #KobiYamada #JustHuman #PersonalGrowth #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #ImposterSyndrome #Creativity #Mindset #Mentorship #Compendium #WhatDoYouDoWithAnIdea #WhatDoYouDoWithAProblem #WhatDoYouDoWithAChance #PictureBooks #SelfDoubt

  5. Mar 6

    Why the Best Leaders Go Last, with Major Olaolu Ogunyemi

    Most leaders think leadership means being first: first to speak, first to decide, first to act. But what if the move that changes your culture isn’t being louder… it’s being later? In this episode of Just Human, Jay Boykin sits down with U.S. Marine Corps Major Olaolu Ogunyemi, author of Lead Last, to unpack a leadership philosophy that flips the script: “He who leads last leads best.” You’ll hear how Olaolu learned leadership through real-world responsibility—walking into his first role in charge of 80 Marines—and why humility is often the missing ingredient in high-performing teams. We dive into why self-awareness for leaders is the starting point, how to build trust like an emotional bank account, and the most common “withdrawals” leaders make without realizing it—like not listening. We also explore the difference between a well-intended open door policy and why it can fail in practice, plus what it really takes to mentor emerging leaders, prepare the next generation, and leave a legacy that’s bigger than a title. If you lead people (or want to), this conversation will challenge you—in the best way. Connect with Olaolu Ogunyemi Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/olaolu.ogunyemi/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olaolu-ogunyemi-465ba453/ Website: https://parent-child-connect.com/

    Why the Best Leaders Go Last, with Major Olaolu Ogunyemi

  6. Feb 27

    Planning Doesn't Kill Romance. It Saves It. With Dr. Robin Buckley

    In this episode of Just Human, Jay Boykin sits down with Dr. Robin Buckley (author of Marriage, Inc.) to break down a powerful truth: planning doesn’t kill spontaneity — it protects it. When couples stop running on autopilot, they stop having the same fight every month and start building real connection again. You’ll learn practical relationship tools busy couples can use immediately, including: - The daily check-in that deepens connection in 5–10 minutes - Why “they should just know” is a romantic myth that destroys communication - How to use a safe word + a simple SOP to stop conflict spirals - What amygdala hijack looks like—and how to get back to calm, logical thinking - Why couples become “roommates” (and how to reverse it) - The 5 types of intimacy and how to build a “menu” of connection - How to use active listening so people feel heard (not argued with) If you want your relationship to feel less reactive and more intentional, start with ONE thing: try the daily check-in this week and notice what shifts. 🔔 Subscribe for more conversations on leadership, personal growth, and the practical human stuff that makes life work. CONNECT with Dr. Robin Buckley INSTAGRAM @drrobinbuckley LINKEDIN @dr-robin-buckley YOUTUBE  @DrRobinBuckley   TIKTOK @drrobinbuckley WEBSITE https://drrobinbuckley.com/ #RelationshipAdvice #Marriage #CommunicationSkills #Couples #MarriageInc #DrRobinBuckley #JustHumanPodcast #ConflictResolution #ActiveListening #EmotionalIntelligence #RelationshipGoals #Intimacy #HealthyRelationships #PersonalGrowth #Mindset

    Planning Doesn't Kill Romance. It Saves It. With Dr. Robin Buckley

  7. Feb 20

    Why Being Managed Feels Awful, with John R. Miles

    Have you ever worked for someone who knew your numbers… but didn’t know you? They knew your deadlines, KPIs, and calendar — but not what it cost you to keep producing. And at some point, you stop feeling supported and start feeling watched. In this episode of Just Human, Jay Boykin sits down with John R. Miles (author of Passion Struck) to unpack the difference between being managed and being seen accurately — and why “mattering” is the foundation of performance, loyalty, and psychological safety at work. You’ll learn: Why micromanagement vs leadership feels so different in the bodyHow performance culture quietly erodes self-worth and work performanceWhat it means to build “self-mattering” before you can feel seen by othersWhy frontline managers are the hidden engine of engagement (or disengagement)A practical leadership shift: “eyes on, hands off” + commander’s intentHow great workplaces connect roles to mission so people feel valued — not measuredIf you’re a leader, founder, or manager who wants high performance without grinding people down — this conversation will change how you run 1:1s, how you give feedback, and how you build culture people don’t want to leave. 💡 One takeaway to try this week: start noticing the “yellow doors” — the small moments where a micro-choice can increase trust, connection, and energy on your team. 👉 Learn more about Jay’s work: www.jayboykin.com 📘 Learn more about John: John R. Miles | Official Website of the Award-Winning Author #leadership #micromanagement #employeeengagement #workplaceculture #psychologicalsafety #leadershipdevelopment #highperformers #burnout #trust #purpose #management #communication #justhuman #passionstruck

  8. Feb 6

    6 Listening Practices That Make People Feel Heard

    Ever “listened” so well you deserved a trophy… and still got in trouble? Let’s fix that with 6 simple listening practices that work at home and at work. Most of us confuse hearing with listening. Hearing is audio. Listening is connection. And when listening breaks down, relationships get tense, distance grows, and at work you get the same messy conversations on repeat—plus rework, resentment, and escalation. In this episode of Just Human, Jay Boykin shares practical, repeatable listening skills you can use immediately—no therapy speak, no fluff. You’ll learn how to make people feel accurately understood, reduce conflict, and create clarity that actually moves things forward. Timestamps / Key Takeaways 0:01 Why “hearing” isn’t listening7:20 The office bridge: how bad listening creates rework9:05 #1 Comfort vs solutions (what do they need?)12:12 #2 Mirror the last 3–5 words15:50 #3 Name the emotion (validation ≠ agreement)17:31 #4 “What did I miss?” summary19:44 #5 Ask one deepening question21:02 #6 Close the loop with action26:09 Bonus: the phone-down pro tipIf this helped, subscribe, hit like, and comment: Which one practice are you running for 7 days? #listening #activelistening #communicationskills #relationships #marriageadvice #conflictresolution #leadership #workplacecommunication #emotionalintelligence #personalgrowth #psychologicalsafety #productivity #betterrelationships #selfimprovement #justhuman

    6 Listening Practices That Make People Feel Heard
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About

Leadership, connection, and the 0.1% that divides us. We share 99.9% of our DNA with every person we'll ever meet, and almost all the trouble lives in the last tenth of a percent. Not the difference itself, but what we build on top of it. Just Human with Jay Boykin is for people who lead other people: CEOs, CHROs, managers, and anyone who has realized the hard part of the job is human. Each week Jay, founder of Just Human, executive coach, and leadership consultant, sits down with a guest or works through one idea on his own: self-awareness under pressure, why your team stops telling you the truth, what makes people feel heard, and how connection turns into results. Three threads run through every episode: connection to self, connection to others, and connection to shared purpose. Awareness, alignment, action. New episodes weekly. Follow the show, and lay the first brick.

Information

  • Creator
    Jay Boykin
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    32
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 © 2026 Jay Boykin LLC
  • Show Website
    Just Human with Jay Boykin