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Most leaders believe they're self-aware. The research disagrees — dramatically.

In this episode, Kate and Sam dive deep into one of the most underused leadership skills in small business: genuine self-awareness. Not the "I know myself pretty well" kind — but the kind that closes the gap between how you think you show up and how others actually experience you.

They cover:

• The Tasha Eurich research that stops most people cold (the 95% vs 15% stat)
• The difference between internal and external self-awareness — and why you need both
• What a 360-degree LSI assessment revealed about Kate's leadership (and why she cried)
• Why fixed mindset blocks self-awareness before you even get started
• The Enneagram — what it is, why it's confronting, and why that's exactly the point
• Curiosity, vulnerability, and comfort with uncertainty as the three-part path forward
• Psychological safety at work — and why it starts with the leader knowing themselves first

Whether you've never taken a personality assessment or you've done them all, this episode will give you a fresh lens on why self-awareness isn't a one-time exercise — it's a lifelong practice.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Tasha Eurich — researcher and author on self-awareness; her TED Talk is a great starting point
• LSI (Life Styles Inventory) — 360-degree behavioural assessment tool
• The Enneagram — nine-type personality framework; free test available online (Kate recommends getting some support interpreting your result)
• Myers-Briggs — useful particularly for career direction
• BankCode — four-colour personality profile (Blueprint, Action, Nurture, Knowledge); fun in a team setting
• Ted Lasso (Apple TV+) — Sam's recommendation as an unlikely masterclass in curiosity and self-awareness
• Kate's Happiness Key eBook — includes links to the personality tests discussed; reach out to Kate directly for access

Next episode: Emotional Intelligence — Daniel Goleman's four-layer model, starting with self-awareness as the foundation.

Coming up: Leading from your values, a wrap-up episode, and the Bali Business Retreat.

Workshop — 24th June: Details at thrivingbusinesspodcast.com

Thriving Business Podcast 🌐Website: https://www.thrivingbusinesspodcast.com/

Connect with Your Hosts:

Kate De Jong, PhD | Inspired Business

🌐 Website: https://katedejong.com/

📱 Instagram: @katedejong.inspiredbusiness

✉️ Email: kate@katedejong.com

Sam Morris | The O8

🌐 Website: https://www.theo8.com/

📱 Instagram: @the_o8crew

✉️ Email: sam@theo8.com

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NOTE - OUR WORKSHOPS AND RETREAT WILL BE BACK IN 2027!