Wake Up and Pay Attention

How a 33-Day Journey Through Nature Taught Me to Slow Down, Trust My Gut, and Find Balance in Life (Part II)

Nature has this incredible way of reflecting back on what we need to see if we’re willing to slow down and listen.
 
In this episode, I take you with me on a leg of my 33-day journey through the breathtaking landscapes of Sequoia, Kings Canyon, and Yosemite National Parks. But this isn't just a travel story—it's about what these towering trees, sweeping vistas, and quiet moments taught me about presence, intuition, and finding balance in life.
 
You'll hear about my connection to El Capitan (or “the Chief”) and how it helped me reflect on my own journey and connect to something bigger. We’ll talk about why slowing down, embracing spontaneity, and showing up fully are so important—not just on the trail, but in our everyday lives. I’ll also take you through some meaningful conversations with fellow travelers and how they reminded me of the power of connection and curiosity.
 
I believe life is always teaching us—if we’re willing to pay attention. Whether you’re navigating your own transitions, looking for clarity, or just need a reminder to slow down and trust your intuition, this episode is for you. 
 
Let’s wake up and pay attention together.
Mark
 
Let’s connect:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markrobertsonpcc
Email: mark@coachmark.com 
Website: www.coachmark.com

33 Days, No Plans: The Surprising Life Lessons I Discovered on a Spontaneous Road Trip (Part 1)

Taking a break from our usual routines can really open our eyes to new ways of seeing and doing things.
 
In this episode, I dive deep into the lessons I learned from my recent 33-day sabbatical journey, specifically how our understanding of ourselves influences our daily decisions and experiences.
 
Throughout this road trip, I embraced the role of the observer, making decisions based on my current understanding and needs, and allowing each new experience to shape me into a different observer by the day's end. 
 
We often don't realize how our perceptions shape our reality, and on this trip, I lived how freeing it can be to not overcommit and to manage my expectations. This allowed me to truly relax and immerse myself in the experience, adjusting on the fly, which brought a profound sense of peace and enjoyment.
 
Whether you're someone who meticulously plans every detail or you thrive on spontaneity, this episode will offer insights into how your role as an observer affects your life and how you can become more adaptable and fulfilled.
 
So let's unpack these ideas together—how we perceive, react, and ultimately live our lives based on the continuous learning about ourselves. Join me as I share not just the sights and sounds of my adventure, but the transformative lessons about living more authentically. 
 
Grab your headphones, and let's get into it.
 
- Mark
Let’s connect:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markrobertsonpcc
Email: mark@coachmark.com 
Website: www.coachmark.com 
 

How Ontological Coaching Enhances Communication and Personal Growth with Chalmers Brothers

In this special episode, I sit down with my dear friend and former business partner, Chalmers Brothers, for a candid, unscripted conversation about personal growth, communication skills, and the transformative power of ontological coaching. Chalmers has been a huge influence on my journey, and together, we reflect on how we first met, our early work experiences, and how a life-changing workshop completely shifted how we both saw relationships and ourselves.
 
You’ll learn about the importance of recognizing that everyone is a unique observer of the world—and how letting go of the need to always be "right" can open up new possibilities in your relationships. Chalmers shares some of his own experiences, including how one powerful distinction reshaped his approach to business and life.
 
Find out how you can avoid building resentment by addressing unspoken expectations and the power of having "missing conversations" to clear the air. We also explore the connection between the body, language, and emotions—and how becoming aware of these can change the way you show up in the world.
 
Tune in and discover how a few simple shifts in thinking can lead to deeper, more fulfilling relationships.
 
- Mark
Let’s connect:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markrobertsonpcc
Email: mark@coachmark.com 
Website: www.coachmark.com 

How Positive Declarations Can Transform Your Life and Boost Personal Growth

Have you ever stopped to think about the power of your words? 
 
Not just the words you say to others, but the ones you say to yourself? 
 
Whether we realize it or not, we’re constantly declaring things about ourselves, and these declarations can have a huge impact on our lives.
 
In this episode, I dive into the powerful concept of declarations and how they shape our lives in ways we might not even realize. You'll learn about the importance of the words we use to describe ourselves and how these declarations can either lift us up or hold us back. I share some personal stories, including my recent experience with burnout and my plans for a much-needed sabbatical out West.
 
Find out how you can create your own positive declarations to shift your mindset and be your best self in the world. Discover why statements like "I forgive you" or "I'm not enough" are so impactful, and how to start using language to your advantage. I also talk about my own declaration and how it helps me stay grounded and focused.
 
Whether you’re looking to make a big change or just want to understand yourself better, this episode is all about using the power of words to design the life you want. Tune in and let’s explore how to declare yourself into being!
 
- Mark
Let’s connect:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markrobertsonpcc
Email: mark@coachmark.com 
Website: www.coachmark.com

The Importance of Acceptance to our Well Being

Life can feel overwhelming sometimes, but what if finding peace and joy was simpler than we thought? The secret lies in acceptance.
 
In this episode, I dive into acceptance and how it can transform your daily life. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed or frustrated by things you can't change, this episode is for you.
 
You’ll learn why acceptance is important and key to finding peace and how accepting the facts of our lives can reduce unnecessary suffering. I share personal stories, like dealing with aging and a recent eye surgery, and how a walk with my dog, Nellie, led to a breakthrough moment.
 
Discover practical steps you can take to embrace acceptance in life and of your current situation. I’ll also introduce you to two different ‘emotional trees’—one rooted in acceptance that leads to peace and joy, and one rooted in resistance that leads to resentment and fleeting excitement.
 
Join me as we explore how letting go of resistance and aligning our expectations and reality can lead to a more peaceful and fulfilling life.
 
Grab your headphones, take a deep breath, and let’s get into it!
 
- Mark
Let’s connect:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markrobertsonpcc
Email: mark@coachmark.com 
Website: www.coachmark.com 

The Power to Change and Asking for What You Really Want in Life

Have you ever noticed how two people can look at the same thing and see it completely differently, effectively seeing two different worlds?
 
In this episode, I talk about my recent eye surgery and how it viscerally reminded me of where our power lies to change our perspective on anything or anyone in our life- by changing yourself, in here, and not trying to change reality, what’s out there!..
 
I also dive into the power of making effective requests and why being clear and specific can make a huge difference in both personal and professional relationships. Find out the six key elements of an effective request and how they can help you avoid misunderstandings and get better results.
 
You’ll discover why we often fear hearing "no" and how giving people the freedom to decline can actually improve your relationships. Plus, I share some thoughts on the importance of asking for help and receiving help—a lesson I learned the hard way after my surgery.
 
Join me as I explore these themes and more. Let’s start seeing the world differently, not just as it is, but as we are—and as we can be.
 
- Mark
Let’s connect:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markrobertsonpcc
Email: mark@coachmark.com 
Website: www.coachmark.com 

Time Management Isn’t Possible! Better Capacity Management is the Answer

We all make promises, both big and small, every day. 
 
But have you ever stopped to think about how these promises are shaping your life, stress levels, and relationships? 
 
Understanding and managing these commitments can dramatically change how you navigate both personal and professional spheres.
 
In this episode, we dive into the crucial skill of managing commitments. Discover how the promises you make (or break) affect your trust, relationships, success, and self-esteem. 
 
We explore why "time management" is not the answer to getting your schedule under control, thus lowering your stress and overwhelm. and introduce the concept of "capacity management." Learn practical strategies to manage your commitments more effectively, including how to say no or make counteroffers, and the importance of using tools to track your commitments. 
 
Join me as we discuss how managing your promises can lead to a more balanced, productive, and fulfilling life.
 
- Mark
Let’s connect:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markrobertsonpcc
Email: mark@coachmark.com 
Website: www.coachmark.com

Living a Healthy Life: The Me and The We!

Have you ever thought about how taking care of yourself and spending time with others both play huge roles in how happy and fulfilled you feel?
 
Life's a balancing act, especially when it comes to looking after ourselves and keeping up with our social and professional life. 
 
In this episode, I explore the delicate balance between self-care ("the me") and interactions in both social and professional settings ("the we"), emphasizing the importance of both for personal growth and well-being. 
 
I share personal reflections on recent challenges and insights, including how missing my routine exercises affected my mood and the energizing effects of social gatherings. I discuss the significance of managing both personal and communal relationships to maintain mental health and overall happiness.
 
Tune in, reflect with me, and let’s discover together how we can better connect with ourselves and the people around us to lead a more fulfilling life.
- Mark
Let’s connect:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markrobertsonpcc
Email: mark@coachmark.com 
Website: www.coachmark.com 

The Trust Episode: How to build strong trust, and repair broken trust, in any relationship

Are you ready to delve into one of life's most crucial relationship building skills —the ability to build, maintain and repair trust? 
 
Whether it’s in personal relationships or professional environments, navigating and understanding trust can drastically enhance our interactions, our well-being, and literally shape the life we’re able to create!
 
Today, I'm thrilled to share a powerful four-dimensional trust framework that I’ve found instrumental in building trust, and also repairing it when it's been lost or broken 
 
Join me as we explore how sincerity, competency, reliability, and care form the pillars of trusting relationships and how we can apply this framework to create healthier, stronger bonds and minimize the corrosive impact of distrust in our relationships.
 
Get ready to transform your approach to trust so you can almost guarantee your relationships have a strong, healthy foundation! 
 
- Mark
Let’s connect:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markrobertsonpcc
Email: mark@coachmark.com 
Website: www.coachmark.com 

The Leadership Episode: The Art of Conversation and Building Trusting Relationships

Are you striving to be a better leader but unsure where to focus your efforts? Most leaders don’t really understand the underlying, fundamental ACTION that constitutes leadership, and so they don’t know where to focus their time and attention!
 
Leading effectively isn't really about giving orders or setting goals, it's about mastering the art of conversation and building relationships. Great leaders understand how their ability to converse literally creates the Network of Conversations and Relationships that constitute their teams and their entire organization!
 
In this episode, I'm diving deep into the essence of leadership, focusing on the foundational skills that every leader needs. I'll link those back to the two fundamental Ontological models that underpin effective leadership: the Observer-Action-Results Model and the Language-Emotion-Body Model. 
 
We'll also dissect the five primary leadership conversations great leaders must know WHEN and HOW to have —Orientation, Relationship, Innovation, implementation or Execution, and Learning. Being agile enough to have each of these conversations when the situation calls for it separates average leaders from great leaders. 
 
Join me as I share these insights and examples of what works and doesn’t work, helping you to not only lead but also thrive in your leadership journey. 
 
Whether you're a seasoned executive or stepping into your first managerial role, this episode will equip you with the tools to lead with confidence and authenticity.
 
- Mark
Let’s connect:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markrobertsonpcc
Email: mark@coachmark.com 
Website: www.coachmark.com