165: Why Your Mind is Lying to You (And How to Fight Back) with James Fleming

Your brain is lying to you about what you can achieve - learn how to rewire your thinking with James Fleming, who went from nearly bankrupt to running a multi-million pound business by mastering the science of Motivational Intelligence. Truth, Lies, and Work is an award-winning psychology podcast from the HubSpot Podcast Network, hosted by Chartered Occupational Psychologist Leanne Elliott and business owner Al Elliott. Recording from the mountains of Northern Italy, Al and Leanne kick off 2025 with a powerful conversation about Motivational Intelligence (MQ) with James Fleming, co-founder of The Power Within Training and author of "You Can Have Success or Excuses: You Cannot Have Both." 🗓️ Episode Overview: James Fleming shares his journey from a six-figure oil and gas executive to nearly bankrupt entrepreneur, and how this experience shaped his groundbreaking approach to leadership development through Motivational Intelligence (MQ). 🎧 Key Topics Covered: Understanding Motivational Intelligence * What MQ is and why it matters more than IQ or EQ * How thoughts control emotions, not the other way around * The role of self-limiting beliefs in personal and professional growth Transforming Leadership Through MQ * Why traditional leadership training often fails * How to create lasting behavioural change in organisations * The power of shared language in cultural transformation Practical Applications of MQ * Breaking down goals into actionable steps * Managing negative thoughts and self-limiting beliefs * Building resilience through conscious choice 💡 Key Takeaways: * Success requires getting comfortable with failure * Real change happens when we address our thoughts, not just our emotions * Leadership development needs to focus on sustainable behavioural change * Small, consistent actions lead to significant results 📚 Featured Book: "You Can Have Success or Excuses: You Cannot Have Both" - Available on Amazon, Audible, and Kindle: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Have-SUCCESS-EXCUSES-Cannot-Both/dp/B0D9SV6RTD Connect with Our Guest: * Connect with James Fleming on LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/jamesflemingtpwtd * Visit The Power Within Training: https://thepowerwithintraining.com/ * Follow on social media @PowerWithinTraining 🎧 What's Next: Join us next week as we continue our Italian adventure, exploring more insights into workplace psychology and leadership development. Support with Mental Health and Well-being If you have been affected by any of the themes in this episode, or are currently struggling with your mental health, the following resources may be useful. Mind website: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/ If you are feeling in distress or despair, including feelings of suicide, please do consider calling the Samaritans for free on 116 123 (UK) or email [email protected] (Rest of World) Connect with Al and Leanne Join the Conversation on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/truthlieswork/ Connect with Al on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott/ Connect with Leanne on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanne Email: [email protected] Book a Call with Al & Leanne: https://savvycal.com/meetleanne/chat