Ever wonder why the best leaders are also the most self-aware?

In this episode, I sit down with Dain Dunston to unpack what it really means to lead consciously. We talk about the kind of leadership that starts from the inside out, the kind that asks you to look at yourself honestly, stay open to feedback, and be willing to grow, even when it’s uncomfortable.

Dain shares his own path and how it taught him the power of building a deep sense of self and helping others do the same. We dive into concepts like beginner’s mind and relational intelligence, and how those can transform the way you show up for your team and yourself.

This isn’t just another leadership chat. It’s a reminder that the willingness to feel the pain of growth and stay curious is what separates good leaders from truly exceptional ones.

Key Takeaways:

Conscious leadership is essential for both business and life.

Feedback serves as a powerful tool for growth and learning.

Vulnerability allows leaders to connect and grow.

Self-awareness is crucial for effective leadership.

Learning agility is necessary in a rapidly changing world.

Beginner's mind fosters creativity and innovation.

Self-awareness impacts not just leaders but everyone in an organization.

Resources Mentioned:

Show Your Work by Austin Kleon: https://austinkleon.com/show-your-work/

Reboot by Jerry Colonna: https://www.amazon.com/Reboot-Leadership-Art-Growing-Up/dp/0062749536

Connect with Dain:

Website: https://daindunston.com/ , https://reservoir.llc/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daindunston/

More About Building Thinkers:

I'm your host, Tracy Clark, and this is where potential becomes reality through deliberate curiosity, reflection, practice, and play. The Building Thinkers podcast is based on the realization that there's exponential potential in the things we build.

And so, in my little corner of the internet and podcasting land, I want to take my 12 favorite problems, these are my constant curiosities, and I want to go deeper. I want to build thinkers. This is a community of multi-potentialites who may be disoriented by all the possibilities of success we envision but haven't yet achieved.

If any of that sounds like you, come listen in. Welcome to the Building Thinkers podcast.

If you’re running a business, conflict isn’t a sign that something’s wrong. It’s proof that you’re growing.

That’s one of the biggest takeaways from my conversation with Borja Cuan, a digital marketing strategist who’s worked across industries and knows firsthand what it takes to build strong teams and sustainable growth.

We dive into why conflict at work is inevitable, and how learning to navigate it with intention can actually strengthen your team, your client relationships, and ultimately your business.

Borja also shares why entrepreneurs need to embrace delegation as more than just time management. It’s about trusting others to carry your vision forward. And in marketing, especially, patience and testing are essential. Quick wins might feel good, but long-term strategies are what create lasting results.

Another theme we unpack is employee well-being. Your people are your biggest asset, and the way you support them will ripple through your culture and your outcomes. And yes, we touch on AI, not as a replacement, but as a tool to help people work smarter.

Key Takeaways:

The biggest barrier to growth is trying to do everything yourself.

Strategic delegation can lead to breakthrough growth.

Effective communication is crucial for client relationships.

Understanding client expectations is key to success.

Patience and testing are essential in digital marketing.

Employee well-being impacts overall business performance.

Conflict can be healthy and necessary in business.

Connect with Borja:

Website: https://four15digital.com/

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/borjacuan

More About Building Thinkers:

I'm your host, Tracy Clark, and this is where potential becomes reality through deliberate curiosity, reflection, practice, and play. The Building Thinkers podcast is based on the realization that there's exponential potential in the things we build.

And so, in my little corner of the internet and podcasting land, I want to take my 12 favorite problems, these are my constant curiosities, and I want to go deeper. I want to build thinkers. This is a community of multi-potentialites who may be disoriented by all the possibilities of success we envision but haven't yet achieved.

If any of that sounds like you, come listen in. Welcome to the Building Thinkers podcast.

Ever struggled to get your message across with someone from a different culture?

On this episode of Building Thinkers, I’m sitting down with Anita Anthonj, the founder of Talaera, a platform that helps professionals communicate confidently and effectively across languages and cultures. We dive into why active listening is one of the most underrated skills, how language learning and cultural nuances go hand in hand, and what it actually looks like to build confidence when you’re not a native English speaker.

We also talk about the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, including the myth of “having it all,” and why small wins (and even mistakes!) are such powerful tools for growth.

Key Takeaways

Effective communication goes beyond perfect grammar.

Active listening is crucial for building connections.

Understanding cultural nuances can enhance communication.

Mistakes are valuable learning opportunities.

Empowerment comes from recognizing choices in life design.

Asking for help can open new opportunities.

Cultural differences in parenting can provide valuable insights.

Connect with Anita:

Website: https://www.talaera.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anitaanthonj/

More About Building Thinkers:

I'm your host, Tracy Clark, and this is where potential becomes reality through deliberate curiosity, reflection, practice, and play. The Building Thinkers podcast is based on the realization that there's exponential potential in the things we build.

And so, in my little corner of the internet and podcasting land, I want to take my 12 favorite problems, these are my constant curiosities, and I want to go deeper. I want to build thinkers. This is a community of multi-potentialites who may be disoriented by all the possibilities of success we envision but haven't yet achieved.

If any of that sounds like you, come listen in. Welcome to the Building Thinkers podcast.