Tim Stating the Obvious

Bending Time: Reclaim Your Health & Beat Burnout

Burnout, Normalized Stress, and Reclaiming Balance with Michelle Niemeyer
Burnout isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a growing epidemic in high-pressure careers like law, medicine, and corporate leadership. In this episode of Tim Stating the Obvious, I sit down with attorney Michelle Niemeyer to unpack the reality of burnout and the hidden dangers of “normalized stress.” Michelle shares her powerful story of pushing past her limits as a lawyer, only to face severe health consequences, including an autoimmune condition triggered by chronic stress.
We explore why ignoring stress is so dangerous, how integrating your personal and professional life creates healthier relationships, and why leaders must treat employees as whole human beings—not just job titles. Michelle introduces practical tools like identifying your “sparks”—the activities that bring joy and energy—and conducting a “sword analysis” to cut out goals that don’t align with your true desires.
This conversation goes deeper than quick fixes. We talk about holistic wellness, workplace culture, leadership strategies that build trust and loyalty, and even how lifestyle changes can reverse long-term health conditions. Whether you’re a leader trying to reduce turnover, a professional facing burnout, or someone seeking clarity in your next chapter, this episode offers a roadmap to balance, resilience, and purpose.
👉 Tune in to learn how to break free from the cycle of stress, strengthen your relationships, and create a life that fuels—not drains—you.
 
Connect with Michelle Niemeyer:
Website: https://www.michelleniemeyer.com/the-art-of-bending-time
email: michelle@michelleniemeyer.com
 
Connect with Tim:
Website: timstatingtheobvious.com
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/timstatingtheobvious
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHfDcITKUdniO8R3RP0lvdw 
Instagram: @TimStating
Tiktok: @timstatingtheobvious

Ride the Eustress Wave: Productivity Secrets from Film, Tech, and Happiness

Leadership struggles? You’re not alone. Hear how Steven turned career setbacks into success.
Steven drops this truth bomb: everyone’s got something special cooking. Get the right people on the bus who actually give a damn about the mission. Make sure they know what you’re all about and why it matters. When you spot what makes each person tick, you can help them soar.
Steven lays out his journey from code monkey to filmmaker and back again. He’s straight-up about it: success is part hustle, part lucky breaks. He’s been through the startup rollercoaster - both the highs and the face-plants - and sees it all as education.
Steven gets raw about his Fox days - wasn’t feeling the whole pump-out-sequels-for-cash vibe, so he bounced back to tech. Launched two startups that went nowhere. His pro tip? Journal those lessons while they’re fresh, and actually listen when people try to school you.
Enter Sukha - born from the remote work struggle and the endless quest for focus. Steven borrowed from his film days (where remote work is old news) to build something that helps people dodge distractions and get in the zone. The name? It’s Sanskrit for finding your lane and owning it.
Discover insights for building strong teams and managing stress. Find out how to create a workplace where everyone thrives. Transform your approach to leadership today!
Connect with Steven Puri
email: steven@thesukha.co
Website: https://www.thesukha.co
 
Connect with Tim
Website: timstatingtheobvious.com
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/timstatingtheobvious
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHfDcITKUdniO8R3RP0lvdw 
Instagram: @TimStating
Tiktok: @timstatingtheobvious
 
 
00:00 Leadership and Creative Talent04:22 Managing Stress and Preventing Burnout08:48 From Film to Tech: A Full Circle12:26 The Die Hard Experience and Career Shift16:01 Learning from Failure: The ‘Listen’ Lesson19:35 Suka: From Pandemic to Flow State25:15 Understanding and Implementing Flow States33:53 Practical Advice and Key Takeaways
Inspired? Subscribe for more leadership wisdom!
#leadership #motivation #success #inspiration #leadershipdevelopment

Book Review: Antifragile - Things that Gain from Disorder

What makes a leader truly strong? It isn’t about avoiding stress or building walls to stay “safe.” Real leadership grows through challenge, tension, and even failure. In this episode of Tim Stating the Obvious, I unpack the concept of antifragility—a mindset where individuals and organizations don’t just survive adversity but actually get stronger because of it.
Fragile leaders shatter under pressure. Robust leaders can take a hit but never improve. Antifragile leaders? They rise above setbacks, using stress as fuel to adapt, innovate, and evolve. From muscles built through resistance training to organizations sharpened by constructive pushback, antifragility is the life skill today’s leaders can’t afford to ignore.
We’ll talk about why overprotection creates fragile people and fragile cultures, how discomfort is the best teacher, and the practical steps leaders can take to build resilience, adaptability, and long-term strength. If you’re tired of seeing people crumble at the first sign of criticism, this episode will give you the tools to lead differently.
Connect with Tim:
Website: timstatingtheobvious.com
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/timstatingtheobvious
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHfDcITKUdniO8R3RP0lvdw 
Instagram: @TimStating
Tiktok: @timstatingtheobvious

The Principle of ACTION! Stop Overthinking!

Welcome back to Tim Stating the Obvious, where we cut through the noise and get to what really works. In this episode, we're breaking down the “DO” principles of leadership—taken straight from the U.S. Army Field Manual 22-100—and translating them into practical tools you can use today in business, life, and leadership.
Core Takeaways You Can Act On Immediately:
Influence with PurposeDon’t just give tasks—explain why they matter. When people understand the reason behind the work, they show up differently. Get input. Praise effort. Influence starts with clear communication and genuine motivation.
Operate with FlexibilityPlans are great—until they get punched in the face by reality. That’s why effective leaders build plans that can bend, not break. Trust your team to make decisions, and assess what’s working so you can pivot with purpose.
Improve Through Coaching and FeedbackYou don’t get better by avoiding mistakes. You grow by learning from them. Give real-time feedback. Build trust. And create space for your team to fail forward. Growth starts when you stop fearing failure.
Lead by DoingThe “DO” principle means action. Not theory. Not titles. Action. Real leaders don’t just delegate—they engage. They walk around. They stay human. They coach, connect, and correct with humility.
Whether you're leading in the office, the military, your community, or your own household—these principles apply. They aren’t fancy. They’re obvious. And they work.
If this episode hits home, share it. Subscribe. And tag me @TimStatingTheObvious to show me how you're putting these principles into practice.
Connect with Tim:
Website: timstatingtheobvious.com
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/timstatingtheobvious
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHfDcITKUdniO8R3RP0lvdw 
Instagram: @TimStating
Tiktok: @timstatingtheobvious
#Leadership #ArmyLeadership #FieldManual22100 #LeadershipDevelopment #PersonalGrowth #TeamBuilding #EmotionalIntelligence #GrowthMindset #MilitaryLeadership #PodcastLeadership

Your Leadership Potential: The Truth About Charisma and Influence

In this episode, we tackle a critical leadership gap — the missing interpersonal skills no one teaches but everyone needs. We explore why great leadership isn’t reserved for titles or positions — it’s something every person deserves at home, work, and in the community.
Our conversation dives into Richard Reid’s book, Charisma Unlocked, which breaks the myth that charisma is something you’re born with. Instead, charisma is a learnable skill built on four key pillars:
Presence — the ability to be fully engaged in the moment
Power — projecting confidence without dominance
Warmth — connecting with genuine care
Competence — earning trust through your skills
We unpack how these pillars amplify your impact in leadership, business, negotiations, and personal relationships. As Reid shares, charisma isn’t just an advantage — it’s a leadership “force multiplier” that helps you connect, influence, and inspire authentically.
You’ll hear practical steps on mastering first impressions, nonverbal communication, and building emotional connections that people won’t forget — echoing Maya Angelou’s wisdom that people remember how you made them feel.
Whether you’re leading a team, making your next pitch, or stepping into a tough conversation, this episode gives you actionable insights from Charisma Unlocked to help you unlock your influence and grow your authentic leadership style.
Link to book: https://a.co/d/41OO4Zk
Connect with Richard: richard@pinnaclewellbeingservices.com
Connect with Tim:
Website: timstatingtheobvious.com
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/timstatingtheobvious
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHfDcITKUdniO8R3RP0lvdw 
Instagram: @TimStating
Tiktok: @timstatingtheobvious
#leadership #charisma #personalgrowth #communication #influence#emotionalintelligence #authenticity #leadershipdevelopment#books #skills

Credible Leadership: Gain Trust and Inspire Others

In this episode, we’re digging into the second pillar of the Army’s leadership model: KNOW. Now, this isn’t just military theory—it’s a practical reminder that leadership isn’t about winging it. It’s about showing up prepared, grounded, and equipped. Whether you’re in uniform, running a business, or leading in your home, the principles are the same.
Leadership starts with who you are—your character, your values. That’s the BE. But once you’ve got that foundation, you need to sharpen what you KNOW—the skills and knowledge that make you credible and effective. This is where competence is built, and trust is earned.
To master the “KNOW” side of leadership, you’ve got to build in four key areas:Interpersonal, Conceptual, Technical, and Tactical skills. These aren’t just categories—they’re tools you carry every day. They help you lead with clarity, confidence, and relevance in a fast-changing world. Let’s break them down.
At the heart of leadership is the ability to connect with people. I’m talking about real connection—not just giving orders or checking boxes. This means listening, asking the right questions, and learning what drives the people around you.
If you want to build trust, get out of your office. Walk the floor. Ask your team what matters to them, how their job fits into the bigger picture, and what gets them fired up—or frustrated. People aren’t problems to be solved—they’re relationships to be built. And those relationships? They’re your force multipliers.
Leadership is a thinking game. It requires mental agility—being able to step back, look at the big picture, and make sense of complex, high-stress situations.
This includes critical thinking—spotting your own blind spots and questioning your assumptions. It’s creative thinking—asking, “What if we did this differently?” And it’s sound judgment—the ability to make the hard calls when the pressure’s on. No amount of skill can replace the power of good judgment forged through reflection and experience.
You don’t need to do everyone’s job—but you do need to understand it. You should know the systems, tools, and processes your team relies on. If you're leading a creative team, learn the basics of the software they use. If you oversee logistics, understand how the supply chain actually moves.
When you understand the tools, you earn credibility. And more importantly, you can make better decisions. This technical foundation strengthens your tactical edge.
This is where the rubber meets the road—decision-making in real time, under pressure. Tactical leadership isn’t theory—it’s action. It’s knowing how to move when the path isn’t clear and making calls when there’s no time to phone a friend.
The best way to build tactical skill is through experience—real or simulated. Get into environments where the stakes are high. Test yourself. Learn what it feels like to make decisions when everything’s on the line. Over time, you’ll start recognizing patterns, trusting your instincts, and leading with confidence—even in chaos.
Here’s the deal: competence grows with responsibility. The more people you lead, the more sharpened your skills need to be. You don’t “arrive” as a leader—you keep growing.
So how do you build that growth into your life? Try this:
Seek Feedback – Don’t lead in isolation. Invite input. Ask people you trust, “Where can I grow?”
Study and Reflect – Make reflection a daily practice. Think through decisions. Learn from outcomes.
Master the Tools – Learn your trade. Stay sharp. Stay relevant.
Train Under Pressure – Volunteer for the hard things. Get comfortable being uncomfortable.
Leadership is preparation. It's not just about knowing what to do—it's about being the kind of leader who’s ready when it counts. When you combine who you are with what you know, you build trust. And when people trust you, they’ll follow you—even when the way forward isn’t clear.
So focus on your KNOW. Stay a student. Keep sharpening your edge. Because leadership isn’t about being perfect—it’s about showing up ready, reliable, and real.
 
Connect with Tim:
Website: timstatingtheobvious.com
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/timstatingtheobvious
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHfDcITKUdniO8R3RP0lvdw 
Instagram: @TimStating
Tiktok: @timstatingtheobvious
 
00:00 Introduction to Leadership Framework01:06 Understanding the ‘Know’ Phase02:58 Interpersonal Skills: Building Connections04:41 Conceptual Skills: Critical Thinking and Creativity06:47 Technical Skills: Mastering Your Tools08:03 Tactical Skills: Decision-Making Under Pressure09:49 Practical Steps to Enhance Leadership Skills12:25 The Importance of Preparation in Leadership
#LeadershipDevelopment #ArmyLeadership #LeadershipSkills #ProfessionalGrowth #CareerDevelopment#CriticalThinking #CommunicationSkills #DecisionMaking #PersonalDevelopment #TimStatonTheObvious

Command Charisma: Authentic Connection Secrets

In this episode, we explore the idea that leadership isn’t about a title—it’s about how you show up, the influence you have, and the impact you leave behind. Richard and I break down the difference between charisma and charm. Charm might win a room for a moment, but charisma leaves a lasting impression—it’s about creating real, authentic connections that make people feel seen, heard, and better about themselves.
Charisma isn’t about spotlighting yourself. It’s about understanding others—their emotions, their motivations—and helping them see their own potential. That’s the kind of leadership people remember.
We also talk about how the speed of life and our dependence on technology can dull our human edge. Remote work, packed calendars, and back-to-back Zooms leave little room for reflection or meaningful connection. Richard points out that when every interaction feels transactional, we lose the emotional depth that real leadership requires.
The antidote? Be intentional. Create small pauses. Give yourself even a minute between meetings to reset, refocus, and reconnect—not just with others, but with yourself.
Charisma isn’t just something you’re born with—it’s something you can build. Richard shares practical steps:
Start by setting an intention before every interaction. Ask yourself, What kind of energy do I want to bring into this room?
Tune into your emotional state. If you're stressed or scattered, slow your breathing. Ground yourself.
Pay attention to how you show up—not just what you say, but how you make people feel.
Leadership lives in those quiet transitions—between meetings, before calls, in the spaces where you choose how to respond.
We also dig into authenticity and that quiet voice of doubt so many of us wrestle with—imposter syndrome. Richard shares a simple but powerful idea: run small experiments. Share a little more of who you are in low-risk spaces. Let people see the human behind the role. You’ll be surprised by how it builds connection—and confidence.
We talk about how authenticity isn’t weakness. It’s your strength. Especially for women in leadership who often navigate the tension between being assertive and being seen as “too much” or “not enough,” authenticity can be a powerful anchor. Practice vulnerability in safe circles. Then bring it into the bigger arenas where it matters most.
Leadership also means taking the time to reflect. Richard encourages building a daily rhythm of looking back—not just on what you did, but how it made you feel. What energized you? What drained you? These patterns reveal your values. And once you know what drives you, you can lead with more clarity and purpose.
We close the conversation by talking about psychological safety. It’s more than a buzzword—it’s the foundation for real leadership. If people don’t feel safe to speak up, you’ll never get their best thinking. As a leader, your job is to create space where people feel they can take risks, share honestly, and show up as themselves.
If leadership is about impact, then charisma, authenticity, and reflection are the tools that help you leave a mark that lasts. This episode is about learning how to lead not just with your head, but with your heart.
 
Connect With Richard: 
website: www.richard-reid.com
email: richard@pinnaclewellbeingservice.com
 
Connect with Tim:
Website: timstatingtheobvious.com
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/timstatingtheobvious
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHfDcITKUdniO8R3RP0lvdw 
Instagram: @TimStating
Tiktok: @timstatingtheobvious
 
#LeadershipDevelopment#Charisma#EmotionalIntelligence#AuthenticLeadership#PsychologicalSafety#CommunicationSkills#RichardBranson#OprahWinfrey#BusinessCoaching#LeadershipPodcast
 

Book Review: The 7 Commitments of a Great Team

Leadership has evolved. It’s no longer about titles or hierarchy—it’s about trust, influence, and connection. That’s why The Seven Commitments of a Great Team by Jon Gordon stands out. This book doesn’t just inspire—it equips. It gives you a practical framework for leading people in a way that builds trust, clarity, and shared purpose, especially when teams feel stretched, disconnected, or uncertain about their direction.
Leadership isn’t confined to boardrooms or org charts. It’s about how you treat people, how you handle pressure, and how you create an environment where others can thrive. Whether you’re leading in business, your home, or your community—people deserve leadership rooted in character. That’s what this book offers: usable, real-world insights for becoming the kind of leader others want to follow.
Gordon starts with what matters most: trust. Without it, a group of people is just that—a group. Not a team. He lays out practical trust-building habits like weekly check-ins where team members share wins and challenges. These small moments become the foundation for deeper connection and accountability.
Another critical takeaway is clarity. Misunderstandings, especially in hybrid or decentralized teams, can derail momentum fast. Gordon emphasizes that it’s not just about having a vision—it’s about repeating it, refining it, and helping people see how they fit into it. Clarity creates ownership.
Then there’s accountability, reframed in a way that’s not about micromanagement—it’s about commitment. He offers a tool I particularly like: personal commitment contracts. Simple, powerful, and effective. People don’t just say what they’re going to do—they put it in writing and own it.
This book is short, sharp, and full of takeaways you can use immediately. Each chapter ends with actionable steps, making it easy to translate principles into behavior. That said, if your team is dealing with deep dysfunction or serious cultural issues, this book may feel like a starting point rather than a full solution.
Still, it’s a book I’d recommend to any leader—new or experienced—who wants to build a team that performs with purpose. The Seven Commitments of a Great Team gives you a language, a structure, and a mindset that’s built for real life—not just the classroom. If leadership matters to you, this is one to keep close.
 
Connect with Tim
Website: timstatingtheobvious.com
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/timstatingtheobvious
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHfDcITKUdniO8R3RP0lvdw 
Instagram: @TimStating
Tiktok: @timstatingtheobvious
 
#Leadership #Teamwork #Trust #Communication #Accountability #EmployeeEngagement #LeadershipDevelopment #TeamBuilding #JohnGordon #SevenCommitments