Welcome to episode 149 with Jason Shen.

In this week’s episode of The Executive Edge, I am joined by guest Jason Shen, an executive coach and CEO of Refactor Labs. On today’s episode, Jason shares his unique journey from being a gymnast to his current career. He emphasises the relevance of resilience and reinvention in today’s dynamic environment.

The episode explores the concept of pivoting in business and the resilience that’s needed during critical transitions. It highlights the importance of adapting to change, especially during challenging times. Jason discusses the discipline he needed to be an elite athlete and gymnast and how having a coach elevated his performance. Coaching not only sets goals but also boosts self-belief, helping individuals stay committed to their pursuits. Lessons from gymnastics are applied to the business world as he coaches so just as in sports, business endeavours require discipline. He believes it’s also important to find joy in the journey. Overcoming challenges leads to increased confidence and success.

What else do we discuss?

We talk about winning and how the enjoyment derived from an activity can be powerful as a motivator. Jason highlights the dopamine rush that comes from achieving success, inspiring individuals to persevere and improve.

We discuss a fuller picture of the dynamics of business, and this episode delves into mental toughness, using the example of a challenging gymnastics exercise. It illustrates the importance of managing psychology and believing in oneself when faced with difficulties.

Jason experienced a serious knee accident so his time as a gymnast had to end but as he developed his business strategy, so he applied the same principles he’d learned in sport. This included pivoting his life not only from being an elite athlete to being in business, but also the business itself when its multiple offerings were likely to be less successful than he’d hoped.

It’s a must-listen for anyone seeking to navigate change effectively, and a really interesting insight into the world of sport too!

That’s all for this week. Stay tuned for the next episode, where we continue to explore cutting-edge topics in business and leadership.