Most leaders assume that working more hours means getting more done. But what if doing less actually produced better results—and a healthier, more loyal team? In this episode of Badass Softie, Dr. J.J. Peterson sits down with Hannah Lee, co-founder and CEO of Second Mile. Hannah helps organizations shift from a five-day to a four-day work week without losing productivity or profit. Hannah has led this transformation inside her own business and seen firsthand how redefining productivity changes everything. Together, J.J. and Hannah explore how rest, trust, and smarter systems can fuel creativity and focus. You’ll learn why “time” is the most overlooked leadership tool—and how reclaiming it can make both your business and your people thrive. Here’s what you’ll take away: -Why working fewer days can increase profit, focus, and retention -How to spot and eliminate wasted effort across your team -Why rest and recovery are the true drivers of long-term performance -How AI can give you hours back each week when used strategically -Practical steps to test and implement a four-day model without disruption If you’re ready to start reclaiming time and leading more effectively, explore these ideas mentioned in the episode: -It Doesn’t Have to Be Crazy at Work — Jason Fried & David Heinemeier Hansson -Shorter and Rest by Alex Soojung-Kim Pang -Connect with Hannah at TheSecondMile.com or at LinkedIn.com/in/Hannah-R-Collins/ 📺 Watch full episodes on YouTube @BadassSoftie 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts 🎧 Listen on Spotify When you stop measuring success by how long you work and start focusing on what truly matters, you’ll build a business—and a life—that’s both productive and human. That’s the heart of being a Badass Softie. www.BadassSoftie.com

Most leaders feel caught between impossible expectations. Be driven, but stay humble. Strive for excellence, but give yourself grace. Speak with candor, but never lose kindness. If that tension sounds familiar, this episode will change how you lead. Dr. J.J. Peterson sits down with Tim Arnold — international keynote speaker, best-selling author, and leadership coach — to reveal how embracing tension instead of trying to solve it is the true mark of great leadership. Something Tim and J.J. have come to call “the dance.” You’ll learn how to stop chasing perfect balance and start managing life’s most critical leadership paradoxes — drive and grace, striving and accepting, candor and kindness — so you can lead with confidence and compassion. By the end, you’ll know how to create a culture where people feel both challenged and cared for — and where your leadership finally feels sustainable. Here’s what you’ll take away: -Why balance is a myth — and tension is the real goal -How to hold high expectations without losing grace -The difference between striving and accepting (and why you need both) -Why true confidence requires humility -How candor and kindness together build trust that lasts 📺 Watch full episodes on YouTube @BadassSoftie 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts 🎧 Listen on Spotify

When you stop trying to solve the tension and start learning to dance with it, you’ll discover a whole new way to lead — with both strength and softness. That’s the heart of being a Badass Softie. www.BadassSoftie.com

Have you ever worried that if you’re honest about your struggles, your team will lose respect for you? Many leaders default to fear and control to protect authority but that approach actually kills creativity and trust.

On this episode of Badass Softie, Dr. J.J. Peterson shows why being “safe” doesn’t mean being weak. True safety creates environments where teams can take risks, tell the truth, and do their best work. Skill may get you in the room, but character is what keeps you there.

This week J.J. is joined by Blaine Hogan — a creative director and storyteller who has worked with Nike, LeBron James, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and more. Blaine shares how panic attacks, failure, and rebuilding character shaped his leadership and why honesty and vulnerability became the very tools that made him stronger. His story shows you how to stop leading from fear, build the kind of trust that fuels creativity, and turn personal setbacks into the credibility your team needs to follow you.

You’ll take away: -Why “safe” doesn’t mean “soft” and how safety drives performance -How fear-based leadership destroys creativity and trust -Why character outlasts skill in every leadership role -How honesty and vulnerability strengthen your authority -Practical ways to build teams that take risks and deliver results

📺 Watch full episodes on YouTube @BadassSoftie 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts 🎧 Listen on Spotify

When you stop leading from fear and start leading with courage and character, you’ll create the kind of culture where people and performance can truly thrive. That’s the essence of being a Badass Softie. www.BadassSoftie.com