Mindful Momentum: Leadership Podcast

Anu Arora

Mindful Momentum: Leadership Podcast Leading with Wisdom and Compassion This podcast empowers you to become a more mindful leader. We bring together a diverse range of leaders in the field - from experienced practitioners to groundbreaking researchers and trailblazers. Through insightful conversations with these leaders, you'll gain the strategies, tools, and practices to cultivate mindful leadership. Learn from those who model mindful leadership in action, gain insights from cutting-edge research, and discover innovative approaches from the field's trailblazers. By integrating mindfulness into your approach, you'll gain clarity, foster compassion, and inspire greatness in those you lead. As your own well-being flourishes, you'll create a more positive and productive work environment for everyone. Are you ready to take action and lead with greater wisdom and compassion? Join us on the journey to mindful leadership! Disclaimer: The information in this podcast and on the website is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images and information, contained on or available through the podcast and web site is for general information purposes only. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have listened to, read on or accessed through this podcast or website.

  1. It Takes Both Allies and Adversaries | Heather Shafter

    OCT 8

    It Takes Both Allies and Adversaries | Heather Shafter

    What if the path to real change requires not just allies - but adversaries too? In this episode of the Mindful Momentum: Leadership Podcast, host Anu Arora sits down with Heather Shafter - strategic operations leader, founder of 3P Allies, speaker, and co-author of Life of Libby: Chasing Peace and Justice with Humor, Guts, and Passion. Heather shares powerful lessons learned from co-writing the life story of activist Libby Frank and introduces her Sacred Framework for creating meaningful change. Together, they explore: Why both allies and adversaries are essential for progress How to move from overwhelm to strategic action The surprising power of curiosity and listening to bridge divides This conversation is a timely reminder that deeper listening, not louder shouting, is what sparks transformation. 👉 Discover how you can lead with compassion, courage, and connection. ______________________________________ More about Heather Shafter: Heather Shafter is on a mission to inspire and empower people to create positive change. She is co-author of the book Life of Libby: Chasing Peace and Justice with Humor, Guts, and Passion written with and about Libby Frank, a lifelong peace and justice activist. Heather's Chasing Peace & Justice podcast and blog continue to highlight the work of people taking action for change. She founded 3P Allies to move missions forward through public speaking and consulting. Heather partners with purpose-driven leaders to clarify priorities and apply a proven process to achieve them. She is also the Chief Operating Officer of BRODY Professional Development, a consulting company that develops leadership communication through training and coaching

    23 min
  2. Discomfort as Feedback: Building Courage | Aaron Craig Mitchell

    SEP 24

    Discomfort as Feedback: Building Courage | Aaron Craig Mitchell

    What if discomfort isn't something to avoid -- but instead a feedback indicator? In this episode, Anu Arora speaks with Aaron Craig Mitchell, former Netflix executive, global people leader, and now coach helping leaders build resilience in uncertain times. Aaron shares how being "pushed out of the plane" from Netflix led to one of the most transformative chapters of his life. Together, they explore: Why discomfort often signals growth, not dysfunction The difference between endurance and resilience in leadership How freedom and authenticity can open doors (while closing the wrong ones) Practical strategies for building inner strength — from body-based practices to cognitive shifts and connection-based tools Why vulnerability is not weakness, but a filter for finding the right communities and opportunities Aaron reminds us that discomfort is not the enemy. It's feedback - it's an invitation to grow, adapt, and lead with courage. 👉 Follow Aaron on LinkedIn for his "Daily Dose of Discomfort" tips. ____________________ More about Aaron Craig Mitchell: Aaron is an LA based Executive Coach, Advisor and Keynote Speaker with nearly 20 years of experience across various industries. He is currently the CEO of Aaron Craig Mitchell Enterprises, LLC, a strategic advisory and executive coaching business. He was recently the Head of HR for Netflix Animation, one of the largest and fastest growing animation studios in history. Prior to that, he spent his career as a leader in Talent Acquisition across various geographies, industries and companies.  Aaron is an ICF certified Executive, Leadership and Career coach. He earned his MBA from Harvard Business School, and BBA from Temple University. He serves on several non-profit and advisory boards.

    47 min
  3. Making Connections: From the Stage to the Supermarket | JGo

    SEP 10

    Making Connections: From the Stage to the Supermarket | JGo

    What does it mean to really connect -- on stage or even in the supermarket? In this episode of the Mindful Momentum: Leadership Podcast, host Anu Arora sits down with educator, musician, and dynamic keynote speaker Jason Gordon (JGo) to explore the art of authentic connection in a world that all too often pulls us apart. From a small act of kindness in a grocery line to the energy exchange between performer and audience, JGo shares stories that reveal how presence, curiosity, and compassion can help transform the way we lead, love, and even live with one another in community. Together, Anu and JGo unpack: ✨ Why slowing down is the secret to deeper relationships ✨ How technology is impacting human connection ✨ The role of music, affirmations, and belonging in building trust ✨ Why asking for help is one of the most courageous acts of leadership This conversation is equal parts heartfelt and practical. Together Anu and JGo remind us that connection isn't just nice-to-have, it's a survival skill in this fast-changing world. Join us as we unpack it! ----------------------------------------- More about JGo: JGo Gordon is a captivating storyteller and dynamic speaker who draws upon a rich tapestry of experiences as an educator, entrepreneur, entertainer, and explorer. With degrees from Yale and Columbia Universities, JGo's deep understanding of learning and human development is informed by years spent as a middle and high school teacher, a middle school principal, and as a Senior Learning Strategist and Director of Content in the ed-tech sector. This diverse background provides a unique lens through which JGo crafts inspirational learning environments for audiences of all kinds. As the co-founder of Written Out Loud, an entrepreneurial venture focused on amplifying voices and fostering connection through storytelling, JGo brings a practical and innovative spirit to every engagement. Beyond the classroom and boardroom, JGo has also graced prestigious stages such as the Kennedy Center and Carnegie Hall, demonstrating a natural ability to connect and engage with audiences on a profound level. With a deep appreciation for human connection, JGo strives to cultivate and nurture authentic spaces of belonging, as he shares insightful perspectives and actionable takeaways that empower individuals and organizations to thrive. As an educator, JGo has taught Social Studies, Language Arts, Economics, Music, Storytelling, Computer Science, Theater, and Theory of Knowledge in multiple states and countries. JGo graduated from Yale with a B.A. in Anthropology and African & African American Studies, went on to get his masters in Educational Leadership from Columbia University's Teachers College, and has made every effort to learn from as many people and experiences as possible along the way.

    46 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

Mindful Momentum: Leadership Podcast Leading with Wisdom and Compassion This podcast empowers you to become a more mindful leader. We bring together a diverse range of leaders in the field - from experienced practitioners to groundbreaking researchers and trailblazers. Through insightful conversations with these leaders, you'll gain the strategies, tools, and practices to cultivate mindful leadership. Learn from those who model mindful leadership in action, gain insights from cutting-edge research, and discover innovative approaches from the field's trailblazers. By integrating mindfulness into your approach, you'll gain clarity, foster compassion, and inspire greatness in those you lead. As your own well-being flourishes, you'll create a more positive and productive work environment for everyone. Are you ready to take action and lead with greater wisdom and compassion? Join us on the journey to mindful leadership! Disclaimer: The information in this podcast and on the website is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images and information, contained on or available through the podcast and web site is for general information purposes only. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have listened to, read on or accessed through this podcast or website.