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Listen "Massimo Backus: Why Being Kind to Yourself Makes You a Better Leader"
Episode Synopsis
#80: Massimo Backus, author of "Human First, Leader Second," shares his transformative journey from high-achieving "sage on the stage" to authentic leader through the power of self-compassion.
Key Moments:
The Wake-Up Call - Massimo was running global leadership development when devastating 360 feedback revealed he was defensive, didn't create psychological safety, and was even described as a bully - the opposite of his intentions.
The Epiphany - After surrendering to the Hoffman Process, Massimo experienced his first moment of unconditional self-love in the woods - realizing he'd spent his life hiding doubts and imposter syndrome behind a "leadership costume."
The Power of the Pause - Why rushing from one role to the next keeps us stuck - and how the "neutral zone" allows for healing and repatterning.
Powerful Quotes:
"We wake up most days trying to be someone we already are."
"Courage is the small things: taking good care of yourself, setting boundaries, asking for help."
"I had to fully surrender - give up all the coping mechanisms and parts of my identity that on paper worked."
Key Takeaways:
Self-compassion isn't soft - it takes courage to confront yourself authentically
Internal validation is sustainable; external validation keeps you off-balance
Emotions are data points, not definitions
Transition periods are opportunities, not just gaps to fill quickly
Resources:
Human First, Leader Second by Massimo Bacchus
Brené Brown's Atlas of the Heart
Dr. Kristin Neff's self-compassion research
The Hoffman Process
Connect with Massimo:
Website: [email protected]
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/massimo-backus/
Instagram: @massismoleadership
Connect with The Courage Effect:
Host: Suzanne Weller / Weller Collaboration
Website: https://wellercollaboration.com/thecourageeffect
Social Media: https://linktr.ee/suzanneweller
Substack: Sign up for Suzanne’s Reimagine Growth newsletter at https://suzanneweller.substack.com/about
Support the Show:
If this episode resonated with you:
Leave a 5-star review on your podcast platform
Share this episode with someone who would benefit from Massimo’s story
Key Moments:
The Wake-Up Call - Massimo was running global leadership development when devastating 360 feedback revealed he was defensive, didn't create psychological safety, and was even described as a bully - the opposite of his intentions.
The Epiphany - After surrendering to the Hoffman Process, Massimo experienced his first moment of unconditional self-love in the woods - realizing he'd spent his life hiding doubts and imposter syndrome behind a "leadership costume."
The Power of the Pause - Why rushing from one role to the next keeps us stuck - and how the "neutral zone" allows for healing and repatterning.
Powerful Quotes:
"We wake up most days trying to be someone we already are."
"Courage is the small things: taking good care of yourself, setting boundaries, asking for help."
"I had to fully surrender - give up all the coping mechanisms and parts of my identity that on paper worked."
Key Takeaways:
Self-compassion isn't soft - it takes courage to confront yourself authentically
Internal validation is sustainable; external validation keeps you off-balance
Emotions are data points, not definitions
Transition periods are opportunities, not just gaps to fill quickly
Resources:
Human First, Leader Second by Massimo Bacchus
Brené Brown's Atlas of the Heart
Dr. Kristin Neff's self-compassion research
The Hoffman Process
Connect with Massimo:
Website: [email protected]
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/massimo-backus/
Instagram: @massismoleadership
Connect with The Courage Effect:
Host: Suzanne Weller / Weller Collaboration
Website: https://wellercollaboration.com/thecourageeffect
Social Media: https://linktr.ee/suzanneweller
Substack: Sign up for Suzanne’s Reimagine Growth newsletter at https://suzanneweller.substack.com/about
Support the Show:
If this episode resonated with you:
Leave a 5-star review on your podcast platform
Share this episode with someone who would benefit from Massimo’s story
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