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Episode 12

Welcome to "Help Me Think"

Welcome to

"Help Me Think"

Mental Models for Greater Clarity and Better Decision Making

Throughout my years as an executive coach, I've noticed patterns in how the most successful executives think, problem-solve, and make decisions.

And I want to share that insight with you, so I created Help Me Think, where I will break down their mental models and best practices to give you simple, actionable, step-by-step processes you can use to think critically, make solid decisions, and get the results you want.

You can expect big ideas and simple hacks, all of which have the potential to change everything about how you approach your life and work.

There will be topics relating to all the thinking and decision-making that must go into:

  • managing yourself,
  • navigating your relationships,
  • leading others more effectively,
  • dealing with your daily challenges, and
  • seizing the opportunities that lie in front of you.


We'll dig really deep into all of this so that you can make the most of where you are right now while continuing to strategize for the future. 

Sometimes it will be just me talking with you. Other times I'll have an expert guest joining me. And there won't be any fillers or fluff, so some episodes will be shorter, and others will be longer depending on the topic. 

Subscribe now in your favorite podcast app, or find this podcast online on my YouTube channel.

If you are an ambitious professional who is ready to liberate your sense of freedom and control, you are in the right place, my friend. I'm glad you're here. Thank you for joining me on this journey. This is going to be a lot of fun.

Subscribe to the Podcast

Want to get notified of new episodes directly on your phone? Subscribe to our podcast using your favorite app!

Want to get notified of new episodes directly on your phone?

Subscribe to our podcast using your favorite app!

Show Notes, Links, and Resources for All Episodes

Click on the episode title below to find all the associated show notes and resources.

Subscribe Now So You Never Miss A Thing!

When you submit your name and email, you are opting in for my email newsletter and relevant upcoming updates from Starla West International. I respect your privacy. Your email address will not be shared or sold. You can unsubscribe at any time.

Sponsorship & Advertising

If you are interested in sponsoring the podcast, please email us at info@starlawest.com.

Suggest An Episode Topic for "Help Me Think"

Enter the episode topic you'd like covered (in 350 characters or less).

Subscribe to the Podcast

Want to get notified of new episodes directly on your phone?

Subscribe to our podcast using your favorite app!

All Episodes

(from newest to oldest)

Episode 12

October 24, 2023

In this episode of “Help Me Think,” we delve into the heart of effective leadership and problem-solving. Join me as I guide you through the crucial process of identifying the root causes of collaboration challenges within leadership teams, ranging from interpersonal conflicts to broader organizational cultural dynamics. By honing your observation skills and delving into thoughtful questioning, you can better unveil the underlying complexities of collaboration hurdles. Moving beyond quick fixes and embracing a more comprehensive approach will give you a deeper understanding of the issues and set the stage for long-lasting, effective solutions. Don’t miss this practical, hands-on journey toward improving leadership and teamwork.

Breaking Silos: Uncovering Hidden Barriers to Team Collaboration
Episode 11

October 5, 2023

In this episode of “Help Me Think,” I dive deep into the world of team decision-making, offering valuable insights and practical strategies for success. Discover five distinct methods for team decision-making and acquire the expertise to discern when and how to wield each approach to perfection. Plus, seize the opportunity to access a complimentary quick reference guide, a practical companion designed to facilitate the seamless integration of these strategies into your team’s decision-making processes. Tune in now to elevate your leadership game and enrich your decision-making toolkit!

Team Decision-Making Demystified: Choosing the Right Method
Episode 10

September 26, 2023

In this episode, we explore the transformative, but not so new, concept of entrusting your calendar to a skilled assistant, turning it into a roadmap for optimizing work and life. Much like the challenging video game Tetris, where one must masterfully orchestrate falling blocks into a puzzle, busy executives often need the help of an expert who can expertly navigate the puzzle of their daily commitments, ensuring their highest priorities receive the attention they deserve. Our guest, Tiffany Nguyen, an expert in Strategic Calendar Management, has achieved remarkable results in liberating time for strategic thinking, streamlining meetings, and reducing decision fatigue for busy executives. Discover the magic of a well-managed calendar and the empowering freedom it brings in this enlightening journey into the ‘Tetris of Time.’

Reclaim Your Time: A Journey Into Strategic Calendar Management
Episode 9

September 12, 2023

In this episode of “Help Me Think,” I interview Tiffany Nguyen, the Executive Assistant to the CEO of RepeatMD, known for her expertise in strategic calendar management and productivity within the administrative professionals community. My encounter with Tiffany and her insights at the Enlighten 2023 conference led to this enlightening conversation. Tiffany’s strategic calendar management skills revealed their magic by liberating her CEO’s time, providing 10½ extra hours for strategic thinking and reducing recurring meetings from 39% of the week to 23%. This episode highlights the indispensable role of an Executive Assistant, emphasizing their critical partnership with executives, and it offers a valuable worksheet with five steps to help maximize an Executive Assistant’s potential while reclaiming precious time on one’s calendar.

Unlocking the Full Potential of Your Executive Assistant and Reclaiming Valuable Time on Your Calendar
Episode 8

August 28, 2023

I recently had an unexpected encounter with three persistent flies during a leisurely day by the infinity pool, and surprising leadership lessons emerged from observing these tiny creatures. They left me with lessons from knowing when to assist others, fostering resilience, and providing structure. Join me as I delve into these three transformative principles that might change how you approach challenges and growth.

Tiny Instructors, Big Lessons: How Three Flies Offered Insights into Effective Leadership
Episode 7

August 15, 2023

In this installment, we delve into a journey that took my husband and me to Costa Rica for a life-altering Ayahuasca Retreat.

If the term “Ayahuasca” raises eyebrows, fear not – we break it down in this episode for you. Join us as Ayahuasqueros Matt Mormello and Jeanae White share their invaluable expertise and unveil the world of Ayahuasca. Drawing from their extensive plant medicine experience since 2014, Matt and Jeanae bring authenticity to the table, having guided countless ceremonies and trained rigorously in Iquitos, Peru. Dive into a diverse array of topics as our discussion unfolds, and rest assured – an accompanying informational sheet in the show notes keeps everything organized for you.

This episode is your gateway to understanding Ayahuasca – its profound benefits, potential risks, and crucial considerations. Empower yourself to make an informed decision about whether this healing modality aligns with your intentions and needs.

What Is Ayahuasca and Is It Right For You?
Episode 6

July 31, 2023

In this episode of “Help Me Think,” Mary Beth Oaks, CEO and co-owner of Business Furniture + CO, and I discuss WHEN organizations should be asking employees to come into the office and HOW to create a work environment that creates a gravitational pull that makes them want to do so.

Building a Hybrid Work Oasis and Deciding When to Bring Employees into the Office
Episode 5

July 18, 2023

What are the five characteristics of exceptional decision-makers? This thought-provoking episode delves into the five crucial traits that pave the way for effective decision-making. In my years of coaching high-achieving executives, I have found that they all employ five key characteristics that make decision-making and leadership easier: humility, empathy, risk tolerance, patience, and self-assurance. How can you develop these traits? Tune in to discover how to train your brain to develop these essential skills.

Cracking the Code: The Five Characteristics of Exceptional Decision Makers
Episode 4

June 30, 2023

Decisions are one of any leader’s most important responsibilities. Yet, not enough time is dedicated to helping leaders develop a systematic process for doing so so that when they make decisions, they can make them quickly and efficiently while getting the desired outcomes.

What has led me to this conclusion is the observation of leaders consistently making the same mistakes that either make the decision-making process more difficult than it needs to be or lead to results that are less than desirable. In this episode of Help Me Think, I share these mistakes with you so you can avoid the pitfalls that lead to poor decision-making.

The Seven Most Common Mistakes Leaders Make When Making Decisions
Episode 3

June 19, 2023

In this episode of “Help Me Think,” I emphasize why top-performing executives must protect their optimal thinking times in their schedules, including when and how they do it.

This episode aims to help you identify your ideal mental state for productive thinking and provide insights into when and how to cultivate this state more frequently. I guide you to identify your best mental states for deep thinking and then share strategies to incorporate those into your routines for maximum productivity and efficiency.

The Secret Sauce of Top Executives: Exploring the Power of Optimal Thinking Times

All Episodes

(from newest to oldest)

Episode 12

October 24, 2023

In this episode of “Help Me Think,” we delve into the heart of effective leadership and problem-solving. Join me as I guide you through the crucial process of identifying the root causes of collaboration challenges within leadership teams, ranging from interpersonal conflicts to broader organizational cultural dynamics. By honing your observation skills and delving into thoughtful questioning, you can better unveil the underlying complexities of collaboration hurdles. Moving beyond quick fixes and embracing a more comprehensive approach will give you a deeper understanding of the issues and set the stage for long-lasting, effective solutions. Don’t miss this practical, hands-on journey toward improving leadership and teamwork.

Breaking Silos: Uncovering Hidden Barriers to Team Collaboration
Episode 11

October 5, 2023

In this episode of “Help Me Think,” I dive deep into the world of team decision-making, offering valuable insights and practical strategies for success. Discover five distinct methods for team decision-making and acquire the expertise to discern when and how to wield each approach to perfection. Plus, seize the opportunity to access a complimentary quick reference guide, a practical companion designed to facilitate the seamless integration of these strategies into your team’s decision-making processes. Tune in now to elevate your leadership game and enrich your decision-making toolkit!

Team Decision-Making Demystified: Choosing the Right Method
Episode 10

September 26, 2023

In this episode, we explore the transformative, but not so new, concept of entrusting your calendar to a skilled assistant, turning it into a roadmap for optimizing work and life. Much like the challenging video game Tetris, where one must masterfully orchestrate falling blocks into a puzzle, busy executives often need the help of an expert who can expertly navigate the puzzle of their daily commitments, ensuring their highest priorities receive the attention they deserve. Our guest, Tiffany Nguyen, an expert in Strategic Calendar Management, has achieved remarkable results in liberating time for strategic thinking, streamlining meetings, and reducing decision fatigue for busy executives. Discover the magic of a well-managed calendar and the empowering freedom it brings in this enlightening journey into the ‘Tetris of Time.’

Reclaim Your Time: A Journey Into Strategic Calendar Management
Episode 9

September 12, 2023

In this episode of “Help Me Think,” I interview Tiffany Nguyen, the Executive Assistant to the CEO of RepeatMD, known for her expertise in strategic calendar management and productivity within the administrative professionals community. My encounter with Tiffany and her insights at the Enlighten 2023 conference led to this enlightening conversation. Tiffany’s strategic calendar management skills revealed their magic by liberating her CEO’s time, providing 10½ extra hours for strategic thinking and reducing recurring meetings from 39% of the week to 23%. This episode highlights the indispensable role of an Executive Assistant, emphasizing their critical partnership with executives, and it offers a valuable worksheet with five steps to help maximize an Executive Assistant’s potential while reclaiming precious time on one’s calendar.

Unlocking the Full Potential of Your Executive Assistant and Reclaiming Valuable Time on Your Calendar
Episode 8

August 28, 2023

I recently had an unexpected encounter with three persistent flies during a leisurely day by the infinity pool, and surprising leadership lessons emerged from observing these tiny creatures. They left me with lessons from knowing when to assist others, fostering resilience, and providing structure. Join me as I delve into these three transformative principles that might change how you approach challenges and growth.

Tiny Instructors, Big Lessons: How Three Flies Offered Insights into Effective Leadership
Episode 7

August 15, 2023

In this installment, we delve into a journey that took my husband and me to Costa Rica for a life-altering Ayahuasca Retreat.

If the term “Ayahuasca” raises eyebrows, fear not – we break it down in this episode for you. Join us as Ayahuasqueros Matt Mormello and Jeanae White share their invaluable expertise and unveil the world of Ayahuasca. Drawing from their extensive plant medicine experience since 2014, Matt and Jeanae bring authenticity to the table, having guided countless ceremonies and trained rigorously in Iquitos, Peru. Dive into a diverse array of topics as our discussion unfolds, and rest assured – an accompanying informational sheet in the show notes keeps everything organized for you.

This episode is your gateway to understanding Ayahuasca – its profound benefits, potential risks, and crucial considerations. Empower yourself to make an informed decision about whether this healing modality aligns with your intentions and needs.

What Is Ayahuasca and Is It Right For You?
Episode 6

July 31, 2023

In this episode of “Help Me Think,” Mary Beth Oaks, CEO and co-owner of Business Furniture + CO, and I discuss WHEN organizations should be asking employees to come into the office and HOW to create a work environment that creates a gravitational pull that makes them want to do so.

Building a Hybrid Work Oasis and Deciding When to Bring Employees into the Office
Episode 5

July 18, 2023

What are the five characteristics of exceptional decision-makers? This thought-provoking episode delves into the five crucial traits that pave the way for effective decision-making. In my years of coaching high-achieving executives, I have found that they all employ five key characteristics that make decision-making and leadership easier: humility, empathy, risk tolerance, patience, and self-assurance. How can you develop these traits? Tune in to discover how to train your brain to develop these essential skills.

Cracking the Code: The Five Characteristics of Exceptional Decision Makers
Episode 4

June 30, 2023

Decisions are one of any leader’s most important responsibilities. Yet, not enough time is dedicated to helping leaders develop a systematic process for doing so so that when they make decisions, they can make them quickly and efficiently while getting the desired outcomes.

What has led me to this conclusion is the observation of leaders consistently making the same mistakes that either make the decision-making process more difficult than it needs to be or lead to results that are less than desirable. In this episode of Help Me Think, I share these mistakes with you so you can avoid the pitfalls that lead to poor decision-making.

The Seven Most Common Mistakes Leaders Make When Making Decisions
Episode 3

June 19, 2023

In this episode of “Help Me Think,” I emphasize why top-performing executives must protect their optimal thinking times in their schedules, including when and how they do it.

This episode aims to help you identify your ideal mental state for productive thinking and provide insights into when and how to cultivate this state more frequently. I guide you to identify your best mental states for deep thinking and then share strategies to incorporate those into your routines for maximum productivity and efficiency.

The Secret Sauce of Top Executives: Exploring the Power of Optimal Thinking Times
Show Notes, Links, and Resources for All Episodes

Click on the episode title to find all the associated show notes and resources.

Subscribe Now So You Never Miss A Thing!

When you submit your name and email, you are opting in for my email newsletter and relevant upcoming updates from Starla West International. I respect your privacy. Your email address will not be shared or sold. You can unsubscribe at any time.

Sponsorship & Advertising

If you are interested in sponsoring the podcast, please email us at info@starlawest.com.

Suggest An Episode Topic for "Help Me Think"

Please enter the episode topic you would like covered in 350 characters or less.

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