Mindful Monday / Issue #500
Why Do You Want To Be a Leader?
December 8, 2025 · By Ryan Hawk, host of The Learning Leader Show
Welcome to Mindful Monday!
This is the 500th consecutive Monday I have shipped a “Mindful Monday” email. It’s become a forcing function for me to (constantly) be on the lookout for useful essays, videos, books, and speeches that could make me a better leader. Then I share them with you if you’ve gotten value from them, send this to your friends. Thank you! This week, we focus on an emotional conversation with Pat Lencioni, a cool project to declare what you believe, learning how to learn, the untold story of Charlie Munger’s final years, and some wise words from Jim Collins.
Like what you’re reading? Get it every Monday.
One free email a week from Ryan Hawk: the best ideas from his conversations, and a few things worth your attention. Join 100,000+ leaders. Unsubscribe any time.
#665: Patrick Lencioni – Fear-Based Success
Pat Lencioni is the founder of The Table Group and a bestselling author of 14 books, including The Five Dysfunctions of a Team and The 6 Types of Working Genius. Behind his achievements (valedictorian, straight A’s, business success) were childhood wounds that drove him to prove himself. We discuss: the #1 skill he’s developed after years of working with the world’s most impactful leaders, raising children, the teammate trifecta, building an excellent team, and much more. You can WATCH our conversation on YouTube.
“This I Believe”
As part of our capstone project for my Learning Leader Circle members, we each create a “This I Believe” video. You write a short essay about what’s most important to you and what you believe. Then turn that essay into a 2-3 minute video. I love it. CLICK HERE to watch mine.
Learning How To Learn
Cornell Notes offer the biggest bang for the buck when it comes to processing new information, i.e., learning. What are Cornell Notes? Here’s an image for you to get familiar… CLICK HERE to learn more.
The Untold Story of Charlie Munger’s Final Years
Charlie Munger owned a house with spectacular ocean views in Montecito, Calif. The Berkshire Hathaway vice chairman had designed the entire gated community, which locals called “Mungerville.” At one point, he told a friend he expected to spend his last years there. Instead, Munger chose to remain in his longtime home in Los Angeles. The place didn’t even have air conditioning. During a heat wave a few years ago, friends brought electric fans and bags of ice to cool his library. Munger didn’t care. The home was close to people he liked and projects he found stimulating. Rather than a quiet life by the sea, Munger spent his final years chasing gutsy investments, forging unlikely friendships and facing new challenges. HERE is the untold story of how he lived his final years…
Wise Words
“The most treasured gifts in the world are kind words spontaneously tendered.” — Jim Collins
