Managing Fear and Chaos
The Ant, the Elephant, and the Earthquake
Episode 277 (Vince is based in Dallas, Texas)
In this conversation with Vince Poscente we explore:
how fear operates in both the conscious and subconscious mind
why alignment between intention and emotion determines progress
the meaning behind “there’s no linear way out of chaos”
how to face personal earthquakes like loss, failure, or crisis
why breathing is the antidote to panic and paralysis
how curiosity and letting go create the “third reality” for problem-solving
the role of outside perspective in breaking self-sabotaging patterns
how to reframe fear as a source of drive rather than a block
why connection and community are critical after trauma
how leaders can model vulnerability and emotional awareness
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About our Guest, Vince Poscente:
Vince is a New York Times best selling author of eight books including his latest, The Earthquake.
He is president of Board Developer providing sound advice for high growth companies.
You can learn more about Vince Poscente and order his latest book at
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Key Lessons from this conversation with Vince Poscente:
Fear grows when we run away from it and shrinks when we face it directly.
The conscious mind (the ant) must align with the subconscious (the elephant) to move forward effectively.
There’s no straight path out of chaos — progress comes through curiosity and releasing control.
Breathing interrupts the brain’s fear response and helps bypass the amygdala’s freeze-flight-fight loop.
Fear can be reframed as a motivator rather than an obstacle — make fear your friend.
Personal earthquakes (crises) expose misalignment between conscious intention and subconscious patterns.
Healing requires acknowledging pain rather than suppressing it — the “solution loop” starts there.
Outside perspectives can reveal paths we can’t see on our own.
Connection and community are essential for long-term recovery — isolation fuels dysfunction.
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In these interviews we will explore presentation skills, public speaking, conversation, persuasion, negotiation, sales conversations, marketing, team meetings, social media, branding, self talk and more.
Your host is George Torok
George is a specialist in communication skills. Especially presentation. He’s fascinated by the links between communication and influencing behaviors. He delivers training and coaching programs to help leaders and promising professionals deliver the intended message for greater success.
Connect with George
www.SpeechCoachforExecutives.com
https://superiorpresentations.net/
