Episode 37

Overcoming the Shadow within Us with Dr. Will Sparks

Dr. William Sparks is an associate professor of behavioral science and has consulted with numerous organizations in the public and private sectors, including the U.S. Navy, Transamerica, Duke Energy, Wells Fargo, and the U.S. Department of Energy. He is also a principal with Sparks & Associates, LLC, a professional services firm focused on leadership and team development, corporate creativity and innovation, and change management.

Today's episode is all about Jedi master training, and most importantly, the shadow within all of us that we'd rather not reveal. We also share tips on the power of self-awareness and why we need to acknowledge the dark side of ourselves to be fully integrated humans.

Topics Covered:

00:00 Introduction

03:17 Biggest challenges so far in Dr. Sparks' life

08:14 How Dr. Sparks owned up to his own shortcomings

10:48 The benefits of overcoming your radical self-interests

13:12 The role of humility in growth and success in life

15:24 How Dr. Sparks would coach Darth Vader and Princess Leia

19:25 The three main shadows in leadership

21:18 The concept of paradoxical intent

24:54 People often meet their destiny on the road they took to avoid it

26:34 Are you a self-actualized leader?

28:25 What it takes to live a life of abundance