The Restless Executive

A major shift is stirring in the corporate world today.

Leaders at all levels are feeling a sense of restlessness, with many questioning the value of what they do and why they do it. Intuitively they already know there is a different way to operate - to show up, honour their values, build trust and positively influence others…and now finally here is a road map that shows them how, from the inside out!

The Restless Executive – is a modern fable from an author with over 25 years corporate experience, which includes coaching top international business leaders. This story reveals how aligning personal values with leadership style can transform performance and job satisfaction, and cure the restlessness so many of today’s professionals are experiencing.

Are you leading aligned to your values? Or are you restless in a role where you’re overworked, frustrated and pulled in all directions? The Restless Executive offers an alternative to being conditioned by your external environment and invites you to discover your own personal values, to lead with energy and purpose and to transform your working life and that of those around you.

• Packed full of practical tools, tips and techniques
• Practical guide which shows you how to explore your own restlessness and discover the gifts it holds
• Transform the way you live and lead as you develop deeper levels of engagement, motivation and trust

Introduction ix

Part 1: The Disconnect 1

1 A Moment of Realization 3

2 Hitting Crisis Point 15

3 A Long Lunch 31

4 Will You Go There? 55

Part 2: The Discovery 61

5 Values Discovery 63

6 Defining Your Values 87

7 The Power of the Priority Order 95

8 Using Values with Conscious Intent 113

Part 3: The Transformation 141

9 Shared Values and Courageous Conversations 143

10 Conscious Choices and Expressing Your Truth 163

11 Goals, Intentions and Visions 183

Part 4: Leading in the New World 201

12 Energy for Evolution 203

13 Staying on the Path 219

From Restless Executive to Courageous Leader 227

Epilogue 229

An Invitation For You – The Leader 233

More Resources 235

Making a Positive Difference in the World 237

About the Author 239

Acknowledgements 243

“An excellent book, worthy of space on your bookshelf or Kindle. It is a good read, informative and packed with resources” (HR magazine, November 2015)

JO SIMPSON has a unique talent for transforming “Restless Executives” into courageous modern leaders.

An engaging keynote speaker, executive leadership coach and respected thought leader, Jo has over 25 years experience in the corporate world, coaching international business leaders and facilitating teams to achieve greater success.

Jo empowers leaders to transform themselves through honouring their core values and listening to their intuition.

Her clients include: Barclays Bank, Cisco, KPMG, Lloyds Bank, L’Oréal, Microsoft, Nokia and Virgin Management.

To connect with Jo, learn more about how to transform your “Restlessness” and receive her regular blogs and “Lead as You” tips, please visit: www.josimpson.com

“William tossed and turned as questions kept reappearing in his mind. Why didn’t he enjoy his job anymore or get satisfaction from climbing the career ladder? Work used to be a pleasure, but right now there seemed to be more changes, demands and pressures than ever before. He didn’t feel ‘right’ inside and couldn’t put his finger on why.”

William Cleverley has worked his way to the top with ambition and enthusiasm, but is now restless and losing sight of who he is. However, it’s this sense of restlessness that gives him the energy to begin his journey of transformation.

The Restless Executive speaks to a growing challenge faced by today’s leaders – how to overcome feelings of unrest and frustration and lead, once again, with purpose. Through reflective questions and practical advice, you’ll learn the power of staying true to yourself in every area of life.

DISCOVER HOW TO:

• Define and prioritize your core values and ignite them personally and professionally
• Engage in courageous conversations about what’s truly important, inspiring others to commit to a more meaningful vision
• Develop aligned goals and intentions that will make a lasting impact on you and your organization
• Let go of old habits and patterns and embrace a more empowered and authentic style of leading.