Join Marc Lesser and guest Abbot Jiryu Rutschman-Byler as we explore Zen teachings and their application to leadership and everyday life. Experience the power of navigating leadership through authentic presence.

Jiryu currently serves as a co-Abbot of San Francisco Zen Center through his role as Abiding Abbot of Green Gulch Farm Zen Center. He is also co-editor of Becoming Yourself a new collection of talks by Suzuki Roshi.

In this milestone 50th episode of Mindful Leadership with Marc Lesser, we explore the art of catching sparks—those subtle, powerful moments of connection, inspiration, and presence that can transform how we live and lead.

Marc draws from his experiences as a CEO, Zen teacher, and leadership coach to reflect on how mindfulness, breath awareness, and love help us tune into the energy exchanged between people. With references to Thich Nhat Hanh, Bob Dylan, and the power of nature, this episode invites listeners to become more awake to life’s offerings — and to practice offering their own sparks in return.

Whether you're a leader, a seeker, or someone navigating a life transition, this episode offers practical and poetic insights for deeper connection, personal growth, and purposeful leadership. Transcript at marclesser.net keywords: mindfulness, meditation, leadership, personal growth, inspiration, connection, Bob Dylan, Thich Nhat Hanh, energy, presence, breathing, Zen, catching sparks, emotional intelligence, conscious leadership, mindful communication, self-awareness

Marc speaks with Oliver Burkeman, author of Four Thousand Weeks, about how leaders can enhance effectiveness through mindfulness, time management, and Zen philosophy. This episode challenges conventional leadership models and offers practical insights to spark creativity and resilience. A must-listen for anyone looking to lead authentically and build thriving teams.