In this episode of A Shot of Inspiration podcast with guest Eric Kaufmann, I talk with executive development leader Eric Kaufmann about the difference between conscientious leadership and conscious leadership—and why real leadership requires personal evolution, not just “doing the right thing.” Eric shares a powerful personal story about facing an inner critic in deep solitude, and we connect it to how leaders shape organizations, families, and society. We close with a practical framework: moving beyond the ego’s need to be right, liked, or in control into wisdom, love, and grounded power.
3 key takeaways
1. Conscious leadership requires inner maturity, not just ethical behavior.
2. Stillness and devotion are essential for self-acceptance and growth.
3. Ego blind spots block leadership; wisdom, love, and grounded power unlock it.
About Eric:
Eric Kaufmann is a Zen-trained executive coach and strategist who works with C-suite leaders navigating growth, complexity, and cultural transformation. He has advised executive teams at companies including Verizon, Facebook, SunPower, Circle, Dr. Bronner’s, and ASML. Eric is Chairman of the Board at Dr. Bronner’s, a Fellow at Harvard’s Institute of Coaching, a TEDx speaker, and the author of Leadership Breakdown and The Four Virtues of a Leader.
His work centers on helping leaders move beyond Ego-Myopia™—the need to be right, liked, or in control—and lead with wisdom, love, and grounded power. A lifelong Zen practitioner, Eric brings a rare blend of business insight, psychological depth, and presence-based practice to leadership development.
Resources:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/erickaufmann7
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