Martin Probst moved from Switzerland to Australia after working around the world and on cruise ships for many years, chasing a childhood dream of travel and having palm trees in his own backyard. Fifteen years later he's running PROfound Leadership, a coaching and leadership development company built on a simple belief: If you want things to change, you have to change. In this episode, Martin talks with Imran about the difference between being interested and being committed, why we need to have a "healthy relationship" in relation to obstacles, rather than seeing it as a threat, and how listening to his clients during COVID rebuilt his entire business from zero in under six weeks. He also opens up about his "mindset factory," the practice of Tai Chi as a form of slowing down, and why looking after yourself is the first step to serving anyone else.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Vision without action is just a dream. Action without vision is a nightmare on repeat. But vision aligned with action can change the world.
• There's a real difference between being interested in something and being committed to it. To achieve our vision, we must show commitment as there is no substitute for action.
• Obstacles aren't the enemy. They're opportunities for growth, to fulfill our values, and reveal who we are and what we're made of.
• When COVID wiped Martin's business to zero, listening to what his existing clients actually needed rebuilt it within four to six weeks.
• The "mindset factory" produces thoughts constantly. As leaders, our job is to model, inspire and produce better thinking.
• Innovation doesn't have to be complicated. Sometimes it's as simple as listening closely enough to see the solution.
• Looking after yourself is the starting point for being able to serve anyone else well.
• Work-life balance might be the wrong term. Martin prefers "work-life harmony," where the different parts of life move with each other instead of competing.

TIMESTAMPS

• 00:00 - Introducing Martin Probst and Profound Leadership
• 01:16 - Turning dreams into action: from bestselling author to "interested vs. committed"
• 03:26 - From cruise ships to a career in leadership
• 05:37 - The real challenges of building a business, from ignorance to COVID
• 09:19 - Rebuilding through listening: clients, mindset, and innovation
• 13:47 - Advice for dreamers and redefining work-life balance
• 19:44 - Selfishness as service, and what's next for Martin
• 24:44 - On leadership in the world today, and closing thoughts

GUEST INFORMATION

Martin Probst
Founder, PROfound Leadership
Leadership Development & Coaching

Connect with Martin:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martinprobst/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/profoundlead
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profoundleadership
• Website: https://www.profoundleadership.com.au/

Every migrant has a story - of dreams, struggles and triumphs. My Migrant Soul brings you powerful, real-life conversations with migrants from diverse backgrounds who have navigated the challenges of starting over in a new land. Hosted by Imran Abul Kashem, this podcast sheds light on personal migration journeys, cultural transitions, and the resilience that fuels success.

HOST INFORMATION

Imran Abul Kashem
Founder, My Migrant Soul
Serial Entrepreneur, Former Journalist and Personal Branding Expert

Connect with Imran:

• Website: https://westendpodcast.au/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mymigrantsoul-aus
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imran_abul_kashem_melbourne/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/imranabulkashem/

Subscribe for more real stories of migration, identity, and human experience.

Got a story to tell? Start your podcast with Westend Podcast: https://www.westendpodcast.com.au

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