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. 54m ago

    The best of "Its an Inside Job": The Contrarian Mindset Skill 5: Challenging Unrealistic Standards

    Get in touch with us! We’d appreciate your feedback and comments. "By letting go of unrealistic standards, we reclaim our autonomy and align our actions with what truly matters, creating a life of authenticity and fulfillment." In this Bite Size Fridays episode, Jason explores the second cluster of skills in the Contrarian Mindset series: Mastering Perspective. Specifically, he delves into the importance of identifying, challenging, and reshaping unrealistic standards that often hinder personal growth and well-being. Jason discusses how these unattainable expectations, driven by societal norms, inner critics, or external pressures, can lead to dissatisfaction, anxiety, and self-doubt. Through rational examination, mindfulness, and cognitive restructuring, Jason introduces practical strategies for breaking free from perfectionist mindsets and cultivating authenticity. Key Takeaways: The Perils of Unrealistic Standards:Many of us set unattainable expectations in our careers, relationships, health, and personal goals.These ideals are often shaped by societal pressures, family dynamics, or our own inner critics.Unrealistic standards create cycles of dissatisfaction, anxiety, and fear of failure.The Power of Rational Examination:Reflect on whether your standards align with your values or are driven by external influences.Challenge unattainable goals by questioning their origins, feasibility, and purpose.Shift focus from perfectionism to self-compassion, viewing setbacks as opportunities for growth.Strategies for Redefining Standards:Cognitive Restructuring: Re-engineer thought patterns by questioning distorted beliefs like all-or-nothing thinking or magnification.Mindfulness Practices: Cultivate awareness of your thoughts without judgment, fostering a more flexible and grounded mindset.Daily Reflection: Begin each day by identifying what is within your control and practicing acceptance for external outcomes.Leveraging Modern Psychological Approaches:Techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can help dismantle distorted thinking and foster a value-driven approach to life.These therapies emphasize emotional regulation, self-compassion, and taking purposeful actions aligned with your values.Living Authentically:Moving away from unattainable standards allows for a life aligned with personal values and aspirations.By embracing imperfection, individuals can cultivate a stronger sense of fulfillment and resilience.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

    19 min

  2. Jun 8

    The best of Its an Inside Job: The Contrarian Mindset Skill 4: Embracing Uncertainty

    Get in touch with us! We’d appreciate your feedback and comments. "By challenging established fears and mindsets, we unlock the door to greater resilience, clarity, and the ability to thrive in life’s uncertainties." In this Bite Size Fridays episode of It’s an Inside Job, Jason Liem dives into the fourth and final skill in the Mastering Self cluster of the contrarian mindset: embracing uncertainty. Jason explores why humans have an inherent drive for certainty and how the contrarian mindset equips us to face life’s unpredictability with resilience and strength. This episode provides practical steps to overcome our fears of the unknown, helping listeners build a life marked by courage, adaptability, and a sense of inner peace. Key Takeaways: Understanding the Need for Certainty: Jason explains the evolutionary roots of our need for certainty and how, while no longer essential for survival, this drive affects our modern lives. By redefining our relationship with uncertainty, we open ourselves up to growth and resilience.Embracing Uncertainty as a Pathway to Growth: Success often requires venturing into the unknown. Rather than viewing uncertainty as a barrier, Jason reframes it as an opportunity for innovation, creativity, and self-discovery.Practical Steps to Cultivate Comfort with Uncertainty: Jason provides actionable strategies such as setting flexible goals, practicing mindfulness, seeking diverse experiences, and building a supportive network. These steps help us move forward even when the outcome is unclear, reinforcing the contrarian principle of mastering self.Episode Highlights: The Paradox of Certainty in Modern Life: Jason discusses how, despite providing comfort, an over-reliance on certainty can stifle personal growth. He encourages listeners to find a balance between routine and the courage to explore beyond the “castle walls.”Developing Resilience through a Learning Mindset: Facing uncertainty activates creativity, adaptability, and resilience. By viewing challenges as learning opportunities, we empower ourselves to navigate life’s inevitable ups and downs.Practical Tools for Embracing Uncertainty: Jason shares techniques to help listeners face uncertainty more comfortably, such as focusing on effort over outcome, practicing mindfulness, and seeking diverse experiences that push them out of their comfort zones.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

    20 min

  3. Apr 27

    The best of "It's an Inside Job" - The Contrarian Mindset Skill 3: Letting Go Of Fixed & Desired Outcomes

    Get in touch with us! We’d appreciate your feedback and comments. In this Bite Size Fridays episode of It's an Inside Job, Jason White Birkevold Liem explores the third skill of the contrarian mindset—letting go of fixed outcomes and focusing on our actions and efforts. Jason delves into how this principle empowers us to live authentically and fully, embracing life’s uncertainties with grace. By emphasizing effort over outcome, we build resilience, develop a growth mindset, and find fulfillment in the journey rather than just the destination. Three Key Takeaways from This Episode: Effort Over Outcome as a Mindset Shift: Jason discusses how valuing the process over fixed outcomes allows us to approach life’s challenges with a resilient and adaptable mindset. By focusing on our actions rather than the results, we can better navigate the unpredictable nature of life.Fostering Resilience and Adaptability: The contrarian principle of focusing on effort cultivates resilience and fortitude, enabling us to face setbacks with courage and tenacity. This approach ensures that we remain open to possibilities even in adversity.Living with Intentionality and Gratitude: Jason emphasizes that focusing on the journey and the effort itself enhances our appreciation for life. Living with presence, authenticity, and gratitude enriches our experience and creates a ripple effect that positively influences those around us.Episode Highlights: The Contrarian Mindset of Letting Go of Fixed Outcomes: Jason introduces the idea that focusing more on effort and less on specific outcomes allows for greater flexibility and inner peace, fostering an empowered approach to challenges.Personal Reflections on Effort Over Outcome: Drawing from his personal journey, Jason shares how this mindset has helped him confront recent life challenges, fueling a positive and optimistic outlook.Practical Steps to Apply Effort Over Outcome: Jason encourages listeners to celebrate small wins, find satisfaction in taking meaningful actions, and approach setbacks as opportunities for growth.Impact Beyond Personal Growth: By embodying this principle, we can inspire others, creating a ripple effect that promotes resilience and adaptability in our communities and workplaces.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

    15 min

  4. Apr 20

    The best of "It's an Inside Job" - The Contrarian Mindset Skill 2: Focusing on Reality Over Emotional Reality for Resilience

    Get in touch with us! We’d appreciate your feedback and comments. In this Bite Size Fridays episode of It's an Inside Job, host Jason  Liem continues the series on the contrarian mindset by exploring the second skill: focusing on reality over emotional reality. Jason delves into how we can use emotional wisdom and disciplined perception to interpret life events more accurately. By understanding emotions as valuable messengers rather than obstacles, we learn to make informed decisions and build resilience, transforming challenges into opportunities for growth. Three Key Takeaways from This Episode: Distinguishing Reality from Emotional Reality: Jason emphasizes the importance of perceiving situations as they are, rather than through the lens of emotions and biases. By adopting a disciplined approach to perception, we can make clear-headed decisions rooted in both rational thought and emotional insight.Practices for Developing Emotional Wisdom: To harness the full potential of our emotions, Jason shares practical strategies like reflective practices, emotional literacy, seeking multiple perspectives, and building a strong mind-body connection. These skills help us understand our emotions deeply and use them as guides in decision-making.Integrating Emotional Wisdom in Decision-Making: Jason discusses ways to incorporate emotions into decision-making, such as through emotional check-ins, balancing emotion with reason, scenario analysis, and building resilience. This balanced approach ensures our choices reflect our values and promote long-term well-being.Episode Highlights: Understanding the Contrarian Mindset: Jason defines the contrarian mindset as an approach that encourages questioning ingrained responses to challenges, aiming to foster resilience and adaptability.Skill 2: Focusing on Reality, Not Emotional Reality: Jason explores how disciplined perception allows us to see situations clearly, free from emotional distortions. He underscores the value of viewing emotions as informative signals rather than barriers.Practical Strategies for Cultivating Emotional Wisdom: Jason shares tools to develop emotional wisdom, including reflective practices like journaling, enhancing emotional vocabulary, reframing perspectives, and exploring physical responses to emotions.Applying Emotional Wisdom to Decision-Making: Jason provides actionable tips for using emotional insights in decisions, such as emotional check-ins, balancing feelings with logic, and visualizing the potential outcomes of choices.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

    17 min

  5. Apr 13

    The best of "It's and Inside Job" - The Contrarian Mindset Skill 1: Focusing on What You Can Control for Resilience

    Get in touch with us! We’d appreciate your feedback and comments. In this Bite Size Fridays episode of It's an Inside Job, host Jason Liem introduces the contrarian mindset and its first skill: focusing on what we can control. The contrarian mindset is about challenging the status quo in our minds, questioning our typical reactions, and discovering unconventional yet effective ways to enhance resilience and navigate life’s unpredictability. Jason explores how the practice of focusing on controllable aspects can alleviate stress, streamline decision-making, and foster a proactive approach to achieving personal and professional goals. Three Key Takeaways from This Episode: Understanding Control vs. Influence: Jason explains the importance of distinguishing between what lies within our control and what does not. By focusing on controllable elements in our lives, we can direct our energies more effectively and feel more empowered. This approach minimizes stress and allows us to allocate resources toward meaningful actions.Shifting from Reactive to Proactive Thinking: Moving from a reactive stance to a proactive one is essential for building resilience. Jason encourages listeners to adopt a proactive approach by setting clear goals, anticipating challenges, and making informed decisions aligned with their core values. This shift ensures that we respond to life's uncertainties with flexibility and resilience.Mastering the Art of Letting Go: The art of letting go is integral to the contrarian mindset. Jason discusses the benefits of releasing our need for control over external outcomes and instead focusing on internal strengths and adaptability. This approach not only reduces stress but also enhances mental clarity and emotional well-being.Episode Highlights: Contrarian Mindset Overview: Jason defines the contrarian mindset and explains how it can simplify life by cutting through fears, dysfunctional thinking, and unhelpful mental patterns.Skill 1: Focusing on What We Can Control: The episode dives into the first skill in the contrarian mindset, focusing on controllable aspects and letting go of external uncertainties. Jason shares tips for implementing this approach to reduce stress, improve focus, and feel more empowered in daily life.Combatting Information Overload: Jason touches on information overload in the digital era and how focusing on what's within our control can help counter this modern-day challenge.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

    14 min
  6. Struggling with Negotiations? Learn the Key Communication Skills from an International Expert.

    Apr 5

    Struggling with Negotiations? Learn the Key Communication Skills from an International Expert.

    Get in touch with us! We’d appreciate your feedback and comments. Curious about what it takes to become a successful negotiator? What if you could learn from a negotiation expert with extensive international experience? If you're ready to enhance your negotiation skills and navigate complex discussions with confidence, this episode is for you. In this episode, I have the privilege of speaking with Dr. Remi Smolinski, a negotiation professor at HHL Leipzig Graduate School of Management. With a focus on negotiation theory and practice in international settings and innovation management, Dr. Smolinski brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our discussion. Imagine mastering the art of negotiation, overcoming common pitfalls, and effectively navigating complex discussions.  By listening to this episode, you can: Understand Successful Negotiation: Learn what it means to negotiate well and strategies for effectively overcoming common challenges.Measure Negotiation Performance: Discover key indicators and metrics used to assess the effectiveness of negotiation outcomes.Apply Innovative Approaches: Gain insights into innovative negotiation strategies and their impact on the negotiation landscape.Three Benefits You'll Gain: Comprehensive Negotiation Strategies: Learn practical strategies for navigating negotiations across cultures and diverse backgrounds.Skill Development: Understand the role of negotiation competitions in developing negotiation skills and how they differ from real-world scenarios.Future Trends: Stay ahead of emerging trends and developments that will shape the field of negotiation theory and practice.Are you ready to uncover the secrets of successful negotiation and enhance your negotiation skills? Scroll up and click play to join our enlightening conversation with Dr. Remi Smolinski.  Learn practical strategies, innovative approaches, and key skills to become an effective negotiator in an ever-evolving world. Dr. Remi Smolinski's  contact information:  LinkedIn:      @DrRemiSmolinski Website:       The Negotiation Challenge Book:              The Negotiation Challenge: How to Win Negotiation Competitions REFERENCES: S2 E21: Learn how you can build resilience & confidence in demanding conversations with one of Singapore's top mediators. Interview with Aloysius Goh. S1 E23:Learning How to Negotiate by Keeping The Brain in Mind. Interview with Roar Wægger. Executive Wins PodcastThe Executive Wins Podcast features inspiring Executives who share their biggest wins.Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify 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

    1h 15m

  7. Feb 23

    The Psychology of Emotional Abuse and Coercive Control: Rebuilding Self-Worth with Deena Korda

    Get in touch with us! We’d appreciate your feedback and comments. In this episode of It’s an Inside Job, we take on the often overlooked reality of domestic abuse with Deena Kordt—advocate, author, and podcaster. Drawing on her lived experience of emotional and psychological trauma, Deena explains how non-physical abuse works, why it’s hard to name, and how it can reshape a person’s sense of self and safety. She shares her path from a strict conservative upbringing to surviving an abusive marriage for more than three decades. We talk about the patterns that keep abuse hidden: silence, “invisibility” as a coping strategy, and the slow build of control. Deena breaks down how hyper-vigilance and people-pleasing can become survival habits—and how they often persist even after someone leaves. Her reflections challenge the myth that abuse must be physical to be real, and spotlight the manipulation that makes emotional and psychological abuse so difficult to recognize and describe. Deena also offers practical guidance for supporting someone who discloses abuse: validate what they’re telling you, protect their confidentiality, and show steady, non-judgmental concern. We also address common misconceptions and stigma, including the fact that men can be victims too—and often face additional barriers to seeking help. Deena argues for more open, informed conversations so support becomes easier to access and shame loses its grip. The episode closes with three concrete actions for anyone experiencing—or witnessing—abuse: tell a trusted person, document what’s happening, and build a clear, practical exit plan for when it’s safe. Deena’s message is simple and hard-won: reclaiming your voice starts with recognising your worth, and none of this has to be faced alone. Life Changes Channel Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/7lvBpq6n1Otj42xcKTk5VX?si=6cbe25a55c704260 Websites: https://DeenaKordt.com/ https://LifeChangesMag.com/ Deena Kordt LI profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deenakordt/ UGlowGRL FB page: https://www.facebook.com/UGlowGRL19/ UGlowGRL IG acct: https://www.instagram.com/u.glow_grl/?hl=en Life Changes & Divorce IG: https://instagram.com/lifechanges_divorcemagazine_ca?igshid=NzZlODBkYWE4Ng%3D%3D&utm_source=qr Life Changes & Divorce FB Pg: https://www.facebook.com/lifechangesdivorcemagazinecanada/ Life Changes & Divorce LI Pg: https://www.linkedin.com/company/divorcemagazinecanada/ Life Changes & Divorce YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@U.Glow_GRL Shift Happens Talk Show: https://deenakordt.com/shifthappensshow Books: https://deenakordt.com/makeshithappen Executive Wins PodcastThe Executive Wins Podcast features inspiring Executives who share their biggest wins.Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify 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

    58 min

  8. Feb 16

    An Empty Planet: How Population Decline Will Reshape Society with Darrell Bricker

    Get in touch with us! We’d appreciate your feedback and comments. “The problem for the future isn’t production. It’s consumption.” - Darrell Bricker Global population decline is accelerating faster than anyone expected—and it will reshape economies, politics, and society. In this episode of It’s an Inside Job, I speak with population expert Darrell Bricker about fertility collapse, aging societies, and what leaders must understand to prepare for an “empty planet.” What happens to economies, innovation, and social stability when the world stops having children? Key Takeaway Insights and Tools  Global population decline is driven by fertility collapse, not mortality. Declining birth rates—across both developed and developing nations—are the single most important factor shaping future population size. 00:04:00–00:05:24Urbanization fundamentally changes family formation. As women gain access to education, careers, and income, partnership and childbearing are delayed—and family size shrinks permanently. 00:06:01–00:07:34Below-replacement fertility is now the global norm. China, India, Europe, and the Nordics have all fallen below replacement rate, making long-term population decline mathematically unavoidable. 00:10:16–00:12:16Economic growth is threatened more by lack of consumption than production. Aging populations consume less, innovate less, and hold most of the wealth—while younger generations shrink in number and purchasing power. 00:17:02–00:22:24Policy incentives alone do not reverse fertility decline. Even generous childcare, parental leave, and financial support (e.g., Norway, Canada) have failed to meaningfully increase birth rates. 00:36:44–00:39:17Bio Darrell Bricker is the Global CEO of Ipsos Public Affairs, one of the world’s largest public opinion research organisations. Based in Toronto, he is the co-author of Empty Planet, a bestselling and widely debated book that challenges the long-held belief that overpopulation is humanity’s greatest threat. Call to Action If this conversation challenged your assumptions, share the episode with someone who should be thinking about the future of society, leadership, or economics. Executive Wins PodcastThe Executive Wins Podcast features inspiring Executives who share their biggest wins.Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify 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

    58 min
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5
out of 5
2 Ratings

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
    268
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 © 2022 It's an Inside Job
  • Show Website
    It's an Inside Job

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