The Hot Mess and the Fray
Game of Zen Episode 5 - Interview with Geoff Shoun O'Keeffe
Hello Friends,
We’ve launched Episode 5 of the Game of Zen, titled “The Hot Mess and the Fray.” This is our first interview episode and I was thrilled to have my longtime friend and Dharma brother Geoff Shoun O’Keeffe join us for a wide ranging talk about putting Zen principles into practice in the business world.
The “hot mess” is the internal storms we face when we lose our center. The “fray” is the external chaos we face every day, especially in many work settings. A well-known consultant term for the fray is VUCA, standing for Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity and Ambiguity.
When we meet the fray with our own hot mess, we compound problems and fail to see solutions. We get wrapped up in others’ emotions, confusion and potential bad acting.
The most important thing from the Zen perspective is to deal with the hot mess on its own terms, so we can meet the fray on its terms. This gives you a whole new level of agency in your work and life.
I hope you will check out the episode, Subscribe to the pod, and share with your friends.
As always, I continue my one-on-one work with high functioning professionals showing up in higher purpose in the most challenging areas of their work. Sign up for a free 45-minute Discovery session if you would like to explore working with me. I’ve copied a few recent testimonials below.
Take care,
Paul
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Testimonials
“Throughout my career as a corporate executive and entrepreneur, I’ve encountered a number of executive coaches and Paul ranks among the best. Especially during times of transition and navigating uncertainty, working with Paul has been nothing short of transformational. He has an unusual ability to facilitate deep and lasting insights that have been instrumental in shaping my personal and professional growth. Paul brings patience, wisdom, and extensive experience that has been invaluable in helping me to manage through change, be it in corporate politics, team dynamics, complex decision making, work/life balance, and career planning.” - JP, Executive, Pharmaceutical Industry
“As a senior software engineer facing a period of unemployment, I have grappled with self-doubt, anxiety, and imposter syndrome. I began working with Paul to help me manage these negative thoughts. By sharing his mindfulness techniques and perspectives informed by Zen philosophy, Paul has helped me to better navigate these obstacles and use my job search as an opportunity for self-discovery and growth. My work with Paul has been profoundly positive.” - MG, Senior Software Engineer
“I learned of Paul’s work at a point in my life where I felt quite “stuck” regarding my work. I had achieved some success but felt unsatisfied and somewhat burned out. Paul was quickly able to identify the issues and help me discern what I felt passionate about. He gave me extremely practical advice that felt totally aligned with what I was looking for in the bigger picture. In addition to practical suggestions, his focus on meaningful work that aligns with my deeper values was highly appreciated and helpful. After just a few sessions, I was already on a clear and moving path toward the next stage of my career in a way that felt deeply “right” for me.” - SL, Entrepreneur