Introduction
Welcome to the latest episode of the “Mind Your Leadership” podcast! In this episode, we are thrilled to have Amy Sandler as our guest. Amy is an executive coach, corporate mindfulness trainer, and professional speaker with over 20 years of experience in senior roles. She is the lead coach and podcast host at Radical Candor, where she brings her expertise in leadership and communication to audiences worldwide. Amy holds an AB and MBA from Harvard University and an MFA in Screenwriting from UCLA. She is also a certified teacher of Search Inside Yourself, Google’s leadership program.
Amy Sandler’s Journey into Mindfulness
Amy Sandler’s journey into mindfulness began over 30 years ago when she received her first mantra as an undergraduate student. Despite her early involvement in mindfulness practices such as breath work, Qigong, and yoga, integrating these practices into her professional life took time. Amy found herself managing two parallel streams: her personal spiritual development and her professional career in marketing and communications.
A significant turning point came when Amy learned about the Search Inside Yourself program, an internal initiative developed at Google. This program uniquely combines neuroscience, mindfulness, compassion practices, and emotional intelligence to foster leadership development. Amy was among the first 30 certified teachers of this groundbreaking program in 2014, which empowered her to bring these practices into the corporate world.
The Transformative Experience of Walking on Fire
One of the most intriguing aspects of Amy’s journey is her experience with fire walking. Amy has walked on fire seven times, an activity she associates with setting intentions and overcoming fear. During these fire walks, Amy engages in a breathwork meditation to prepare herself mentally and physically. She explains that the process involves setting a clear intention, such as love, abundance, or readiness, which guides her through the experience.
Amy’s fire walking experience highlights the importance of preparation and presence. She emphasizes that the actual act of walking on fire is just a moment within a broader practice. This analogy can be applied to leadership, where the daily practices and preparations are as crucial as the moments of decision-making and action.
Understanding Radical Candor
The core of our conversation with Amy revolved around the concept of Radical Candor, a communication framework that balances caring personally with challenging directly. Amy first encountered Radical Candor through Kim Scott’s book, which advocates for building strong relationships based on these two principles.
Radical Candor involves a two-by-two matrix where caring personally and challenging directly intersect. This framework helps leaders provide feedback that is both honest and compassionate. Amy explains that Radical Candor is not about being nice or avoiding tough conversations; instead, it’s about delivering feedback in a way that shows you care about the person and their development.
Amy shared a memorable story from her early career, where her boss provided her with Radical Candor. She learned the importance of letting her team members shine and the value of constructive feedback. This experience reinforced the idea that honest communication strengthens relationships and builds trust.
Emotional Awareness in Leadership
Another critical aspect of our discussion was the role of emotional awareness in leadership. Amy stressed the importance of recognizing and addressing emotions in the workplace. She believes that leaders must model vulnerability and create a safe space for open and honest communication. By acknowledging and addressing emotions, leaders can foster a supportive and productive work environment.
Amy also highlighted the need for continuous learning and self-reflection in leadership. She believes that leaders should always be willing to learn from their experiences and adapt their approach to better serve their teams. This mindset of growth and adaptation is crucial for conscious leadership.
Conclusion
Our conversation with Amy Sandler was filled with valuable insights into mindfulness, Radical Candor, and conscious leadership. Her journey from practicing mindfulness personally to integrating it into her professional life is inspiring. Amy’s experiences with fire walking and her commitment to Radical Candor offer practical lessons for leaders looking to create a more open and honest work environment.
We hope you enjoyed this episode of the “Mind Your Leadership” podcast. Don’t forget to tune in for more inspiring conversations with leaders who are making a difference.
Full Bio:
Amy Sandler is an executive coach, corporate mindfulness trainer, and professional speaker with over 20 years of experience in senior roles. She is the lead coach and podcast host at Radical Candor, where she brings her expertise in leadership and communication to audiences worldwide. Amy holds an AB and MBA from Harvard University and an MFA in Screenwriting from UCLA. She is also a certified teacher of Search Inside Yourself, Google’s leadership program. Amy’s work focuses on integrating mindfulness practices into leadership development, fostering a culture of Radical Candor, and empowering leaders to build strong, honest relationships in the workplace.
