Moment 138: The Power of Letting Go & Embracing the Unknown Bozoma Saint John | The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett

Intro

In this episode of “The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett,” Steven interviews Bozoma Saint John, a marketing executive and businesswoman known for her work with companies like PepsiCo, Apple Music, and Uber. Bozoma shares her insights on the power of letting go and embracing the unknown, emphasizing the importance of intuition and defining one’s own success.

Main Takeaways

The Power of Letting Go

• Bozoma Saint John’s career took a significant turn when she encountered Spike Lee’s agency in New York.
• She graduated from Wesley University and initially planned to apply to med school but ended up in New York out of curiosity.
• Letting go is an active process, not just surrendering, and involves letting go of preconceived ideas and being open to new possibilities.
• Creating space for new opportunities by not actively seeking them but also continuing to develop skills and intuition.

Embracing the Unknown

• Destiny is not about predetermined events but about the movements and choices individuals make that lead them to their destinies.
• Constant movement and discovery are what bring destiny to individuals, not sitting and waiting for it.
• Life experiences and relationships happen because of the actions individuals take, and it’s their choice whether or not to take them.
• Intuition plays a crucial role in making choices, and individuals should listen to their intuition rather than seeking advice from others.

Defining Success and Freedom

• Success is about being happy, at peace, and enjoying what you do, not just about titles or material possessions.
• Freedom means being excited about what you’re doing, not just doing whatever you want.
• Defining your own success is crucial, as others may try to define it for you, leading to feeling lost.

Recognizing and Addressing Issues

• Recognizing the “Sunday scaries” as a signal for reevaluation.
• The importance of recognizing problems as the first step in problem-solving.
• Applying the concept of “Sunday scaries” to all aspects of life, including relationships and work.
• Seeking freedom by not engaging with people or situations that evoke negative feelings.

Summary

Letting Go and Embracing the Unknown

Bozoma Saint John’s career took an unexpected turn when she encountered Spike Lee’s agency in New York. Despite initially planning to apply to med school, her curiosity led her to explore new opportunities. Bozoma emphasizes that letting go is an active process that involves releasing preconceived ideas and being open to new possibilities. By creating space for new opportunities and continuously developing skills and intuition, individuals can embrace the unknown and shape their own destinies.

The Role of Intuition and Defining Success

Bozoma highlights the importance of intuition in decision-making. Instead of seeking advice from others, individuals should trust their intuition and listen to their inner voice. She also emphasizes that success is not solely defined by titles or material possessions. True success lies in finding happiness, peace, and enjoyment in what one does. It is crucial for individuals to define their own success rather than allowing others to impose their definitions, as this can lead to feeling lost and unfulfilled.

Recognizing and Addressing Issues

Bozoma encourages individuals to recognize the “Sunday scaries” as a signal for reevaluation. This concept can be applied to various aspects of life, including relationships and work. By acknowledging and addressing problems, individuals can take the first step towards problem-solving and personal growth. Additionally, seeking freedom involves disengaging from people or situations that evoke negative feelings, allowing individuals to prioritize their well-being and happiness.

Conclusion

Bozoma Saint John’s insights on letting go, embracing the unknown, and defining success offer valuable lessons for individuals seeking personal and professional fulfillment. By actively letting go of preconceived ideas, trusting intuition, and defining their own paths, individuals can navigate uncertainty and shape their destinies. Recognizing and addressing issues, both personally and professionally, is essential for growth and happiness. Ultimately, true success lies in finding joy and fulfillment in one’s pursuits.