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We sit down with April Whitson, Global VP of HR for ABB and author of The Stay Challenge, to unpack seven leadership regrets and how intentional habits prevent them. From regrettable retention to culture drift, we share practical moves that raise standards, protect trust, and improve results.

• work–life integration replacing identity-through-work
• regrettable retention and the cost of keeping disengagement
• silent complicity and fear of conflict
• asking for and giving useful feedback
• missed growth through lack of stretch assignments
• intentional leadership over adding more tasks
• values as observable behaviors, not posters
• clarifying purpose and aligning with company values
• team-level culture shaped by daily leader habits
• emotional blind spots and practical EQ
• decision drift and timely hard calls
• burnout betrayal and modeling healthy limits
• culture drift and keeping hands on the wheel

Highly suggest you get her book, The Stay Challenge, and subscribe to her newsletter. Follow April on LinkedIn for updates on the Intent2Lead app launching by April 1.

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Send me a text: 918-397-0327

Executive Producer: Ben Townsend
Creative Consultant: Matthew Blue Townsend

Shot with a 1080P Webcam with Microphone, https://amzn.to/32gfgAu

Samson Technologies Q2U USB/XLR Dynamic Microphone Recording and Podcasting Pack
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Voice Actor: Britney McCullough
Logo by Angie Jordan https://blog.angiejordan.com/contact/
Theme Song by Androzguitar https://www.fiverr.com/inbox/androzguitar

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What if sitting with one story could change how you see your life? We launch the Up Project with a bold commitment: fifty viewings of Pixar’s Up, each one an experiment in attention, emotion, and meaning. Rather than chasing the next hot take, we trade speed for depth and explore how repetition turns a familiar plot into a mirror that reflects who we are today.

We talk about the first-viewing jolt of that quiet opening montage, then trace the shift that happens on the tenth and twentieth passes, when surprise fades and noticing takes over. Without novelty to hide behind, the only variable left is us—our mood, our season, our grief, our gratitude. That’s where the film reveals its quiet power. The house becomes more than a balloon-lifted icon; it’s weight, memory, and the cost of holding on too long. Russell transforms from comic relief into an unexpected invitation to soften. Carl’s arc feels less like a lesson and more like a lived reminder that letting go is not betrayal, but a form of love.

Across this conversation, we lean into questions that open rather than close: Why does the same scene hurt one day and heal the next? What do we miss when we only watch once? Can patience turn entertainment into insight? By staying with a single story, we practice a slower way of seeing that honors nuance over noise. You’ll leave with a fresh lens for rewatching, a framework for noticing, and an invitation to revisit a favorite film, chapter, or poem until its quiet truths surface.

If this resonates, follow the show, share this episode with someone who loves Up, and leave a review with the one scene you notice differently now. Your reflections shape where we go next.

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I ♥ my podcast host @Buzzsprout. This link will get us both a $20 credit if you upgrade! https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1087190

The Scott Townsend Show Merchandise https://teespring.com/stores/tsts-2

Resources and Links
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My contact info:
LinkedIn https://bit.ly/2ZZ4qwe
Twitter https://bit.ly/3enLDQa
Facebook https://bit.ly/2Od4ItO
Instagram https://bit.ly/2ClncWl
Send me a text: 918-397-0327

Executive Producer: Ben Townsend
Creative Consultant: Matthew Blue Townsend

Shot with a 1080P Webcam with Microphone, https://amzn.to/32gfgAu

Samson Technologies Q2U USB/XLR Dynamic Microphone Recording and Podcasting Pack
https://amzn.to/3TIbACe

Voice Actor: Britney McCullough
Logo by Angie Jordan https://blog.angiejordan.com/contact/
Theme Song by Androzguitar https://www.fiverr.com/inbox/androzguitar

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In this third annual Christmas tradition, I welcome Eric back to the show for a wide-ranging conversation about books, reading, and the lifelong pursuit of understanding. We talk about his ambitious “great books” journey—now stretching toward what may become a 40-year project—covering everything from Greek tragedies and Plato’s dialogues to Confucius, Viktor Frankl, and modern classics.

We dig into Eric’s disciplined reading habits, his yearly practice of starting January and February by reading the Bible (including his experience with the King James Version this year), and how he structures his reading year to stay motivated without burning out. We also explore big ideas like Plato’s theory of forms, the difference between philosophers and sophists, how ancient texts continue to shape modern thinking, and how AI can be used responsibly to deepen understanding—after you’ve done the hard work of reading.

Eric shares the books that stood out most to him this year, including The Picture of Dorian Gray, Man’s Search for Meaning, The Analects of Confucius, and The Idea Machine, along with the powerful concept of finding a “single thread” that ties together everything you read. We close with practical, encouraging advice for anyone who wants to read more: start with what you love, and let curiosity do the rest.

This is a thoughtful, inspiring conversation for readers, thinkers, and anyone looking to build a richer reading life—perfect for closing out the year and setting the tone for the next one.

Click here to see Erik's list of books read in 2025 https://books.booksoftitans.com/2025-reading-list/

Support the show

I ♥ my podcast host @Buzzsprout. This link will get us both a $20 credit if you upgrade! https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1087190

The Scott Townsend Show Merchandise https://teespring.com/stores/tsts-2

Resources and Links
--------------------------------------------
My contact info:
LinkedIn https://bit.ly/2ZZ4qwe
Twitter https://bit.ly/3enLDQa
Facebook https://bit.ly/2Od4ItO
Instagram https://bit.ly/2ClncWl
Send me a text: 918-397-0327

Executive Producer: Ben Townsend
Creative Consultant: Matthew Blue Townsend

Shot with a 1080P Webcam with Microphone, https://amzn.to/32gfgAu

Samson Technologies Q2U USB/XLR Dynamic Microphone Recording and Podcasting Pack
https://amzn.to/3TIbACe

Voice Actor: Britney McCullough
Logo by Angie Jordan https://blog.angiejordan.com/contact/
Theme Song by Androzguitar https://www.fiverr.com/inbox/androzguitar