Episode 224
Leadership Burnout, Storytelling, and the Freedom to Choose: James Robbins on Doing Life Differently
Many high achievers build success externally but feel stuck, exhausted, or unfulfilled internally. Even leaders can lose their way, unsure what the next evolution of their purpose looks like. That’s exactly what happened to James Robbins. From the foothills of the Rockies to leading ministry teams and global business audiences, James was always seen as a leader. But behind the scenes, he wrestled with self-doubt, burnout, and a longing for deeper alignment. His experience navigating leadership, storytelling, and identity helped him build two businesses—and now, a powerful new message for those ready to reclaim their calling.
In this episode, James shares the behind-the-scenes story of building a speaking and leadership company, writing Nine Minutes on Monday, and his transformational new book, The Call to Climb. We explore how storytelling drives leadership, how to lead with empathy, and why your soul is calling you to something more.
Key Takeaways:
• From Ministry to Leadership Training: How James transitioned from church leadership to corporate consulting, and how his experience with volunteers became his “PhD in people.”
• The Power of Story: Why storytelling—not statistics—is the secret weapon for speakers, leaders, and educators who want to create lasting impact.
• Nine Minutes on Monday: James breaks down his simple weekly ritual to build engaged teams using just 9 questions—still used by leaders around the world.
• Burnout and Reinvention: His journey through midlife burnout inspired his new fable, The Call to Climb—a story for those feeling stuck, restless, or called to something greater.
• Designing a Business that Supports Your Life: James shares how he’s restructuring his work, choosing simplicity over scale, and planning for the next three years with purpose and intention.
About the Guest:
James is the founder of First Ascent Leadership. He is a rare mix of management consultant, behavior-change specialist, adventurer and inspirational speaker.
He helps organizations world wide reach higher levels of performance by transforming managers into inspirational leaders.
James was named one of the top leadership speakers by INC. Magazine and regularly shares the stage with other experts in business.
He is also the author of Nine Minutes on Monday; The Quick and Easy Way to Go From Manager to Leader which was named the 2012 Business Book of the Year by Canada’s Globe and Mail.
Links:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesrobbins97/
Fast Five Questions
1. If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? “Niche down and sell what you do best—James would teach speakers how to generate leads from stage, a skill that’s brought him 70–90% of the room.”
2. What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? “Launching a SaaS platform without understanding its complexity. The result? Bankruptcy of a partner, personal financial loss, and losing his house.”
3. What is a book that you would recommend? “Finding Meaning in the Second Half of Life by James Hollis—a deep, reflective read for anyone evaluating the “why” behind their path.”
4. What is a tool that you use every day that you would recommend? “ChatGPT (daily use for ideation, writing, clarity), Upgraded Camera Setup (elevated his brand presence for remote work)”
5. What is your definition of freedom? “Choosing your path—and owning the responsibility for it. Whether it's flying to Spain for 3 months or choosing not to grow a massive team, freedom is about intentional living.”
About Jeff:
Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation
Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at https://freedom-nation-podcast.captivate.fm/
Connect with Jeff:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkikel/
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