In this episode of The Mindful CEO, Chris and Aaron crack open the hidden traps that keep founders stuck in urgency, productivity addiction, and identity-based performance loops. From martial arts metaphors to raw reflections on what drives hustle culture, this conversation invites listeners to question the pace they’re keeping and the stories they’re telling themselves about success. Tune in to explore what it really means to lead from presence instead of pressure—and how slowing down might be the smartest move you make this year.
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00:00 – Grandmasters, Ookis, and Cranberry Juice: Setting the tone
03:45 – The founder trance: Why urgency is the enemy of insight
10:10 – Identity-based performance and the illusion of ‘falling behind’
17:30 – What martial arts teach us about grounded leadership
23:50 – Rewiring from 'doing' to 'being': The power of pause
31:20 – How to interrupt hustle patterns without losing your edge
38:05 – Creating space for true productivity (that doesn’t burn you out)
45:00 – Final reflections: The CEO as Conscious Presence
