Grappling with the Gray with Yonason Goldson

The Mind Takeaway Podcast

In this episode, we speak to Yonason Goldson. He is a director of Ethical Imperatives, LLC, and works with leaders to create a culture of ethics that builds trust, sparks initiative, and drives productivity. He’s a keynote and TEDx speaker, trainer, coach, and community rabbi, as well as a podcast host, columnist and author, repentant hitchhiker, world traveller, and retired high school teacher in St. Louis.

He’s published hundreds of articles applying ancient rabbinic wisdom to the challenges of the modern secular world, and six books, most recently “Grappling with the Gray: an ethical handbook for personal success and business prosperity.”

Connect with Yonason here

Website: https://www.yonasongoldson.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yonason-goldson/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/yonasongoldson

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yonasongoldson/

Podcast: https://www.yonasongoldson.com/podcast-the-rabbi-the-shrink

Timestamps

01:57 Whilst backpacking, Yonason ended up in Israel, where he discovered a rich tradition of heritage, philosophy, practical wisdom and community that changed his life.

05:34 Most of our culture today is designed to self-sabotage us because of our often misaligned definition of success.

09:02 Why is it so important to have a sense of community and play an active role in it.

15:12 Yonason shares a story of how he would pay for his ride by listening to understand when he was hitchhiking.

16:55 Why great leaders benefit from having coaches, mentors and trusted advisors?

20:21 The dangers of not allowing dissent and opposing views in your company.

32:40 Can there be a universal set of principles for leaders that sets a balance between what is eternal and the ever-changing world of reality?

37:08 One of the principles from Yonason’s new book is to encourage constructive disagreement as opposed to when each side digs in, negates and vilifies the other, which can often lead to extremism.