Welcome back to the Connected Leadership Podcast! We kick off 2025 with a returning guest, commercial mediator Jane Gunn, who joins Andy Lopata to discuss her new book, "The Mole and the Mountain." This parable explores the journey of overcoming obstacles and finding personal fulfillment, offering valuable insights for goal setting and personal growth in the New Year.
Jane explains the two key principles of mediation that underpin the book: self-determination and being fully informed. She introduces the "Map of Experience" that guides the mole's journey and represents the stages of mediation. The first stage, "Now," involves understanding the
narrative and identifying the challenges we face. This is about stepping out of our comfort zones and embracing curiosity.
Andy and Jane then discuss the importance of mentorship in pushing ourselves out of
our comfort zones and overcoming fear. Jane emphasises the role of a mentor who
provides challenge without taking control.
Next, they explore the fear of being wrong, a common obstacle in both mediation and personal life. Jane talks about shifting from a "win-lose" mindset to a "win-win" approach, emphasising the importance of understanding people's needs and interests rather than focusing on who is right or wrong.
The focus turns to the importance of clarity in creating a vision for the future, the need to dig deep and understand what truly drives us. Andy and Jane also discuss the concept of "no one is coming to save us," the importance of self-determination and taking responsibility for our own decisions. Jane argues that mediation is a "grown-up" way of resolving disputes, allowing
individuals to find creative solutions by taking control.
Staying on track despite obstacles and setbacks, they share their personal experiences of perseverance and the importance of vision and a clear "why" to motivate them during difficult times.
The episode concludes with a discussion on the importance of celebrating successes and recognising that failure can often be a stepping stone to greater success.
What we discussed
· How to deal with change that snatches us out of our comfort zone
· How to overcome the fear that stops us following our dreams
· How to create a clear vision of the future and belief that we can make it
· How no one is coming to save us and we must dig deep when we are stuck
· How to stay on track and never give up despite the obstacles and setbacks
· How hardship and pain is part of the journey and path to triumph
· How in the end it is up to us to decide and no one can take the journey for us
Connect with Andy Lopata: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | X/Twitter | YouTube
Connect with Jane Gunn: Website |LinkedIn |X/Twitter
The Financial Times Guide to Mentoring