The Book Leads - Episode 71: Dr. Bridget Cooper (Cannon) & Unflappable: How Smart People Quit Overthinking, Ditch the Drama, & Thrive at Work

This is my second episode with cage-rattler, prolific author, and leadership advisor Dr. B. For those only meeting Bridget for the first time in this episode, she walks me through her career journey, from empowering her coaching clients to that same work taking on even greater meaning when she experienced life-altering changes after a traumatic motor vehicle accident.

This conversation speaks to how our past is impacting our present and future. We need to heal and reconcile correctly, most importantly for ourselves, before we can really move forward.

And so much bullshit from our past gets in our way today. Yes, they are tools, and yes, they serve a purpose. But when they toxify what we're trying to do, they become bullshit.

We can design what we choose to do with those past traumas and disruptions. But most of us never take the time to look back and really see what's what. Bridget provides so many tools in this book -- and in her previous publications -- to tap into the best of ourselves, a part we typically let fall away.

Conversation Highlights

When it comes to traumatic moments..."how dare that moment take away one more moment of our life?"
"Trauma is an interruption of what we were put here to experience…how we were formed was to see only beauty, feel only inclusion, have only love…anything shy of that, leaves marks."
Intent vs. Impact
Referenced "If you never heal what hurt you, you'll bleed on people who didn't cut you." — Yehuda Berg

Mentioned or Applicable Books

The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing by Bessel van der Kolk
Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don’t Know by Adam Grant
The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom by Don Miguel Ruiz
Radical Candor: Be a Kick-Ass Boss Without Losing Your Humanity by Kim Scott
Who Not How: The Formula to Achieve Bigger Goals Through Accelerating Teamwork By Dan Sullivan

The MAIN QUESTION underlying my conversation with Bridget is, Which tools do you have at your disposal to make your way through (and heal from) the obstacles, challenges, and traumas of your life?

About Dr. B.

Dr. B a cage rattler who helps teams and leaders think and communicate more clearly and strategically so they can work and navigate problems proactively and effectively. She works with clients to overcome the attitudes, tactics, and patterns that derail their success through coaching, corporate consulting, and leading workshops that guide and inspire people to live more authentic, peaceful, and powerful lives. TEDx speaker and best-selling author of seven books on communication, conflict, change, and empowerment (including the 2023 toolkit, "Unflappable”), her mission is to change the world, one life at a time. Dr. B volunteers for Junior Achievement, Lasagna Love, The Miss America Organization, Connecticut Children’s Medical Center, and various other charities near and dear to her heart.

Dr. B's been with me on the series before when in Episode 24 we covered her book Pain Rebel: How We Take Our Power Back. That was in April of 2022…we’re in October of 2023…a year and a half ater.

Learn More About Dr. B

Website: www.drbridgetcooper.com
Email: bridget@drbridgetcooper.com
Amazon Author Page:https://www.amazon.com/stores/Bridget-Cooper/author/B00LXT7R26?ref=ap_rdr&store_ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true
YouTube - TEDx Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XtsAuqu-TxI&ab_channel=TEDxTalks
Instagram: @drbridgetcooper
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrBridgetCooper/ and https://www.facebook.com/bridget.cannoncooper

Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtNpTQTFjuN6Tjs52JB7zUQ

Learn more about The Book Leads: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/got-lead-great-book-thats-impacted-your-work-life-me-john/