What I Learned from Simon, Brene and Tony

In the last 15 years, I’ve learned a lot from people like Simon Sinek, Tony Robbins, and Brené Brown about leadership, purpose, trust, playing the long game, and mental fitness. Sometimes applying those lessons feels energizing. Other times, it’s uncomfortable and hard.

Here’s a few top bullet points I’ve learned to use in business, career and personal life: real growth isn’t loud. It’s quiet, consistent work. It’s choosing integrity when shortcuts are available. It’s staying curious instead of defensive. It’s learning how to sit with discomfort long enough to understand what it’s trying to teach you.

Leadership isn’t about titles or control. It’s about responsibility especially when things don’t go as planned. Purpose isn’t something you find once and keep forever; it evolves as you do. Trust takes time to build and seconds to break, including trust in yourself. And the long game only works if you’re willing to be patient when results aren’t immediate.

Some days you get it right. Some days you don’t. What matters is staying aware, staying honest, and staying willing to learn.

Not only did these speakers expand my perspective and help me see life from completely different angles, but my own deep personal development work did the same.

One of the most life-changing, hands-on experiences I’ve had was through DISC and other personal development assessments. It didn’t show me strengths and weaknesses which I genuiely don't believe in but it gave me awareness of my natural attributes, behavioral style, and core characteristics. Don't assume you know what the differences. I recommend looking up the definition. That understanding has shaped who I am today and how I apply my core in the right context.

The real magic is this: learning to live in your natural style instead of constantly fighting against who you are. When you stop forcing yourself into molds that don’t fit and start operating from your natural wiring, everything changes — your confidence, your relationships, your leadership, your results. If you don't it'll show up in failed careers, relatioships and life.

That level of self-awareness is a game changer. That’s the work and it’s been worth it.

Keep learning & growing,

Keri, Owner

WCSR

keri@wisconsincountrystaffing.com

TOP TALKS

Tony Robbins

1. “Why We Do What We Do” (TED Talk)This is the classic. It breaks down the six human needs and explains what truly drives behavior. Great for leadership, hiring, self-awareness, and understanding motivation.→ Best for: mindset, leadership, human behavior

2. “The Power of Beliefs”Focused on how beliefs shape decisions, confidence, and results. Very practical and easy to apply to career and life changes.→ Best for: career pivots, confidence, growth mindset

3. “State, Story, Strategy”One of his most useful frameworks. Explains why emotional state matters more than tactics and how people sabotage themselves with the wrong story.→ Best for: leadership, performance, decision-making

4. “The Hour of Power”A daily ritual talk. Less flashy, very actionable. About discipline, consistency, and owning your mornings and mindset.→ Best for: habits, structure, long-term success

5. “The Psychology of Success”Deep dive into why some people sustain success and others don’t. Strong overlap with business leadership and personal responsibility.→ Best for: executives, entrepreneurs, long-term thinkers

6. “Unleash the Power Within – Leadership Segments”Live-event excerpts focused on responsibility, standards, and leading yourself before leading others.→ Best for: leadership development, accountability

Brené Brown

1. “The Power of Vulnerability” – TEDxHouston (2010)

   • Probably her most iconic talk — widely regarded as one of the most-viewed TED Talks ever.

   • Brown explores vulnerability not as a weakness but as the birthplace of courage, connection, and creativity.

   • She shares research insights on shame, belonging, and what it means to be human.

2. “Listening to Shame” – TED (2012)

   • A follow-up to her vulnerability talk that focuses specifically on shame: what it is, how it drives us, and how facing it instead of hiding from it helps us live more fully.

3. “The Price of Invulnerability” – TEDxKC (circa 2010)

   • This earlier talk explores why people numb vulnerability — and how that also numbs joy.

   • It argues that embracing vulnerability deepens our capacity for happiness.

4. Brené on Leadership & Courage

   • In later talks and podcasts (e.g., ReThinking with Adam Grant), she applies her research to courageous leadership, trust-building, and values-based decision-making.

Short Pieces on Trust, Empathy, and Shame (RSA or SuperSoul)

• Brown has shorter videos explaining concepts like the seven elements of trust (BRAVING), the difference between empathy and sympathy, and how blame affects relationships.

Simon Sinek

1. How Great Leaders Inspire Action

This is Simon Sinek’s most famous talk — one of the most viewed TED Talks globally. He introduces the Golden Circle concept (Why → How → What) and explains why truly inspiring leaders and organizations start with “Why.” 

2. Why Good Leaders Make You Feel Safe

In this follow-up TED Talk, Sinek explores leadership as safety — how great leaders create environments where people feel secure, valued, and trusted.

3. How to Discover Your WHY in Difficult Times

A more recent talk (often virtual/online) focused on finding purpose and clarity especially during uncertainty like the COVID-19 pandemic.

4. Motivational Leadership Talks

There are many powerful Simon Sinek speeches outside TED that emphasize:

• Reframing nervousness as excitement under pressure.

• Guiding young professionals on how to make an impact in their careers.

• Speaking on leadership, empathy, and the human side of work culture.