It's an Inside Job

Jason Birkevold Liem
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Self-Improvement
  • Updated 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. 4d ago

    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

  2. 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

  3. Aug 31

    The best of "Its an Inside Job" - The Contrarian Mindset: Overcoming the Fear of Not Being Good Enough.

    Get in touch with us! We’d appreciate your feedback and comments. This week, we’re taking on a fear that hides in plain sight—the fear of not being good enough. In this episode, I share Gail’s story, a talented construction engineer working in a high-pressure, fast-paced industry. Despite a strong track record of success, Gail was driven by anxiety, relentless perfectionism, and constant self-doubt. One critical moment on a high-stakes project became a turning point—not just in her work, but in how she saw herself. We explore how Gail shifted from chasing perfection to embracing progress, using tools from the Contrarian Playbook to build real confidence from the inside out. Gail applied several contrarian strategies to reframe her thinking: Focus on progress, not perfectionChallenge unrealistic standardsReframe how feedback is received and processedDocument achievements to shift self-narrativesUse mindfulness to manage stress and negative self-talkBroaden identity beyond professional successAdopt a growth mindset rooted in curiosity and developmentGail’s story is a reminder that you don’t need to be flawless to be worthy. It’s not about proving yourself—it’s about knowing your worth, even when the stakes are high. 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 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

  4. Aug 24

    The best of "Its an Inside Job"- The Contrarian Mindset: Moving Through Imposter Syndrome.

    Get in touch with us! We’d appreciate your feedback and comments. This week on BiteSize Fridays, we unpack something that touches nearly everyone—imposter syndrome. Whether you're stepping into a new role, leading a team, or just pushing yourself into uncharted territory, that quiet inner voice questioning your competence can creep in. In this episode, I share Joseph’s story—a talented graphic designer whose outward success masked a constant fear of being “found out.” Despite praise and achievement, he struggled to see his own value. We walk through how Joseph learned to challenge this deeply ingrained mindset and gradually replace it with something stronger—a contrarian mindset rooted in self-worth, reality, and resilience. Joseph applied several contrarian strategies to rewire his thinking: Practicing self-worthFocusing on reality, not emotional distortionChallenging unrealistic standardsLetting go of fixed outcomesPracticing courage and vulnerabilityEmbracing obstacles as opportunitiesUsing mindfulness and reflection to build awarenessJoseph’s journey reminds us that overcoming imposter syndrome isn’t about faking confidence—it’s about reconnecting with the truth of our capabilities, learning to trust ourselves, and shifting how we respond to fear and doubt. 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 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. Aug 17

    The best of "Its an Inside Job": The Contrarian Mindset: Breaking Free from Perfectionism.

    Get in touch with us! We’d appreciate your feedback and comments. Perfectionism often hides behind ambition, high standards, and pride in our work. But left unchecked, it can drain our energy, paralyze progress, and chip away at our confidence. In this episode, I share Hunter’s story—a software engineer who tied his self-worth to flawless outcomes until a moment of failure forced him to rethink everything. We walk through the transformation he made by adopting a contrarian mindset—learning to value progress over perfection, creativity over control, and flexibility over rigidity. In this episode, I cover contrarian strategies that helped Hunter shift his thinking: Focus on progress, not perfectionChallenge unrealistic standardsEmbrace obstacles as opportunitiesAccept imperfection as naturalPractice self-worth independent of outcomesCultivate equanimity in the face of pressure and uncertaintyHunter’s story is a reminder that resilience isn’t about perfection—it’s about adapting, learning, and growing through the messiness of real life. 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 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. Aug 10

    The best of "Its an Inside Job": The Contrarian Mindset: Freedom From The Fear of Vulnerability.

    Get in touch with us! We’d appreciate your feedback and comments. In this episode of our Contrarian Mindset series, I explore a fear that silently influences many of our decisions—the fear of vulnerability. I share the stories of Henning, a driven executive, and Laura, a dedicated healthcare professional. On the surface, they had it all together. But underneath, they were each grappling with a deeply rooted discomfort around emotional openness. Like many of us, they were shaped by early experiences and work cultures that equated vulnerability with weakness. This episode is about turning that narrative on its head. I walk you through how they applied specific strategies from The Contrarian Playbook—like practicing courage, challenging unrealistic standards, and letting go of fixed outcomes—to shift vulnerability from a perceived liability to a genuine strength. Key Contrarian Plays Covered in This Episode: Practicing self-worthEmbracing courageGrounding in reality over emotional distortionLetting go of fixed outcomesCountering rumination through journalingChallenging unrealistic standardsEmbracing obstacles as opportunitiesPracticing equanimityIf we want to build real resilience and psychological strength, we need to stop working around our fears and start moving through them. That’s what the contrarian mindset is all about. 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 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

  7. Aug 3

    The best of "Its an Inside Job": The Contrarian Mindset Skill 12: Practice Building Social Bridges.

    Get in touch with us! We’d appreciate your feedback and comments. “Healthy relationships thrive on balance, not scorekeeping. Reciprocity is about fostering mutual respect and support, not tallying who did what.” In this episode, I talk about the final skill for Mastering Resilience: Building Social Bridges. I share how relationships play a vital role in resilience, helping us not just survive life’s storms but thrive through them. While resilience often starts as an internal journey, it reaches its full potential when we create and nurture meaningful connections with others. I reflect on my own experiences, and how my family and close friends gave me the perspective and strength I needed to keep fighting. Through this process, I learned that reaching out to others isn’t a burden—it’s a vital part of resilience. I also dive into common myths about relationships, discuss key skills like active listening, empathy, and reciprocity, and share actionable strategies for strengthening personal and professional connections. Key Takeaways Misconceptions About Relationships:Myth 1: Relationships are optional. We are wired for connection. Resilience thrives within a community of people who care for and support us.Myth 2: Strong relationships are effortless. Building meaningful connections requires time, effort, and a willingness to navigate challenges.Myth 3: Vulnerability is weakness. Being open with others requires courage and fosters deeper bonds. It’s not a sign of weakness—it’s a pathway to strength.Core Skills for Building Social Bridges:Active Listening: I focus on being fully present, validating others’ experiences, and creating safe spaces where people feel valued.Empathy: I remind myself to step into others’ shoes, understanding their perspective while staying grounded in my own emotions.Reciprocity: Relationships thrive on balance, not keeping score. When I focus on mutual respect and shared support, my connections grow stronger.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 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. Jul 27

    The best of "Its an Inside Job": The Contrarian Mindset Skill 11: Practice Equanimity.

    Get in touch with us! We’d appreciate your feedback and comments. “True resilience comes not from controlling the world around us but mastering the world within.” In this Bite Size Friday episode of It’s an Inside Job, I explore the powerful concept of equanimity as part of my series on building a contrarian mindset. Equanimity goes beyond just staying calm under pressure—it’s about building an inner harmony amidst life’s chaos, whether it’s a personal health challenge, workplace crisis, or emotional turmoil. I share actionable strategies to develop equanimity by harnessing cognitive flexibility and emotional regulation, emphasizing the importance of mastering our internal world rather than trying to control external circumstances. Drawing from my personal experiences, I provide practical tools to help you respond to life’s inevitable storms with clarity, composure, and resilience. Key Topics Discussed: What Is Equanimity? Moving beyond conventional notions of “staying calm.”Embracing challenges without suppressing emotions or seeking total control.Finding clarity and steadiness amid chaos, like the calm eye of a storm.The Contrarian Approach to Resilience: Shifting focus from controlling external circumstances to mastering internal responses.Viewing adversity as an opportunity for growth rather than a setback.Building Equanimity with Foundational Skills: Cognitive Flexibility:Adaptability in thought, like a sapling bending in the wind.Reframing challenges as opportunities for growth and learning.Examples include professional setbacks, health issues, or financial difficulties.Emotional Regulation:Understanding and channeling emotions constructively rather than suppressing them.Practicing a pause to reflect and respond thoughtfully in high-pressure situations.Practical Strategies for Cultivating Equanimity: Pause and Reflect: Ask yourself questions like “What am I feeling?” and “How do I want to respond?” to foster deliberate reactions.Reframe Challenges: Train your mind to view obstacles as lessons or stepping stones for personal growth.Mindfulness Practice: Dedicate time to sensory awareness to anchor yourself in the present moment.Emotional Agility: Journal to identify triggers and develop emotional intelligence.Letting Go of Control: Focus on influencing thoughts, actions, and attitudes rather than trying to control outcomes.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 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
    281
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 © 2022 It's an Inside Job
  • Show Website
    It's an Inside Job