It's an Inside Job

Hosted by Jason Birkevold Liem

Business Management Education Health Fitness

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Episodes

281

Latest episode

Sep 2026

Language

EN-CA

About the show

Imagine responding to challenges with quiet strength and living with a clearer sense of direction. It's an Inside Job , hosted by Jason Birkevold Liem, guides you there. This podcast is for anyone who believes cultivating inner resources is the most powerful way to shape their outer reality. We explore practical approaches for fostering resilience, nurturing well-being, and embedding intentionality into your daily rhythm. On Mondays , we feature a rerun of the most popular conversations with insightful individuals, uncovering practical wisdom on how your inner world serves as a compass for your outer experiences, shaping everything from your career to your relationships and personal fulfilment. After all, actual growth is an inside job!

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September 14, 2026Episode 3817 min

The best of "Its an Inside Job" - The Contrarian Mindset - Facing the Fear of Change.

Get in touch with us! We’d appreciate your feedback and comments. Change often knocks when we least expect it—and rarely when we feel ready. This week on BiteSize Fridays , we explore one of the most common and quietly limiting fears: the fear of change . In this episode, I share William’s story—a seasoned marketing leader with decades of experience and deep confidence in traditional ways of working. When his company underwent a major strategic shift, it pushed him into unfamiliar territory. And like many of us, William initially resisted. Not because he lacked skill, but because he feared letting go of what he knew. Through coaching and applying strategies from the Contrarian Playbook , William began to see change not as a threat, but as an opportunity—to grow, to lead differently, and to reconnect with curiosity. William used these contrarian strategies to shift his mindset: Embrace obstacles as opportunities – reframing discomfort as the doorway to growth Practice courage – facing vulnerability head-on and acting despite uncertainty Focus on progress, not perfection – seeing mistakes as data, not failures Build social bridges – creating space for open dialogue, curiosity, and collective problem-solving Let go of fixed outcomes – focusing on action and effort, not rigid expectations William’s journey reminds us that change is rarely comfortable—but it doesn’t have to be feared. With the right tools and a shift in mindset, we can transform it into fuel for leadership, innovation, and personal evolution. Additional Resources: Interested in building a contrarian mindset for resilience, fortitude, and psychological strength? Check out the other episodes in this series linked in the show notes, and subscribe to It’s an Inside Job for more insights on resilience, well-being, and personal growth. Part 1 – Discover the Power of The Contrarian Mindset: A New Approach to Rewiring Your Brain for Resilience and Growth Part 2 – Discover the Power of The Contrarian Mindset: A New Approach to Rewiring Your Brain for Resilience and Growth This is Part 6 in a 15-part Contrarian Mindset series where we confront the fears and mental habits that quietly limit our growth—and learn how to think differently. 🔹 Part 1 – Facing the Fear of Vulnerability 🔹 Part 2 – Breaking Free from Perfectionism 🔹 Part 3 – Moving Through Imposter Syndrome 🔹 Part 4 – Overcoming the Fear of Not Being Good Enough 🔹 Part 5 – Replacing Reactivity with Response 🔹 Contrarian Skills Series (Season 7) – Start in January 2025 for deep dives into each mindset strategy. Support the show Sign up for the weekly IT'S AN INSIDE JOB NEWSLETTER takes 5 seconds to fill out receive a fresh update every Wednesday

September 7, 202616 min

The best of "Its an Inside Job" - The Contrarian Mindset: Replacing the Reactive Mindset.

Get in touch with us! We’d appreciate your feedback and comments. This week, we’re tackling a mindset many of us fall into without realizing it— the reactive mindset . Reactivity isn’t always bad. In life-or-death situations, reacting fast keeps us safe. But in daily work, relationships, and emotionally charged conversations, reacting without reflection can lead to poor decisions, conflict, and regret. In this episode, I share Allison’s story. A seasoned project manager, she once believed fast responses meant strong leadership—until it cost her clarity, connection, and team trust. Her journey offers a powerful reminder that slowing down internally , even in high-pressure moments, can change the trajectory of how we lead, communicate, and relate to others. Allison’s shift to a contrarian mindset included key strategies like: Separating emotion from reality – creating space to reflect before reacting Practicing equanimity – finding calm in the storm to lead with clarity Building social bridges – responding with curiosity and empathy, even during conflict Embracing obstacles as opportunities – reframing tension as a chance to grow Letting go of fixed outcomes – allowing solutions to unfold through thoughtful dialogue Allison’s story reminds us that choosing how we respond—especially under pressure—is one of the most powerful forms of leadership. The contrarian mindset doesn’t reject emotion; it integrates it with intention. Additional Resources: Interested in building a contrarian mindset for resilience, fortitude, and psychological strength? Check out the other episodes in this series linked in the show notes, and subscribe to It’s an Inside Job for more insights on resilience, well-being, and personal growth. Part 1 – Discover the Power of The Contrarian Mindset: A New Approach to Rewiring Your Brain for Resilience and Growth Part 2 – Discover the Power of The Contrarian Mindset: A New Approach to Rewiring Your Brain for Resilience and Growth This is Part 5 in a 15-part series where we confront the hidden fears and reactive patterns that hold us back—and build resilience by rewiring how we think. 🔹 Part 1 – Facing the Fear of Vulnerability 🔹 Part 2 – Breaking Free from Perfectionism 🔹 Part 3 – Moving Through Imposter Syndrome 🔹 Part 4 – Overcoming the Fear of Not Being Good Enough 🔹 Contrarian Skills Series (Season 7) – Begin in January 2025 in the episode feed for deeper dives into each mindset strategy. Support the show Sign up for the weekly IT'S AN INSIDE JOB NEWSLETTER takes 5 seconds to fill out receive a fresh update every Wednesday

August 31, 2026Episode 3411 min

The best of "Its an Inside Job" - The Contrarian Mindset: Overcoming the Fear of Not Being Good Enough.

Get in touch with us! We’d appreciate your feedback and comments. This week, we’re taking on a fear that hides in plain sight— the fear of not being good enough . In this episode, I share Gail’s story, a talented construction engineer working in a high-pressure, fast-paced industry. Despite a strong track record of success, Gail was driven by anxiety, relentless perfectionism, and constant self-doubt. One critical moment on a high-stakes project became a turning point—not just in her work, but in how she saw herself. We explore how Gail shifted from chasing perfection to embracing progress , using tools from the Contrarian Playbook to build real confidence from the inside out. Gail applied several contrarian strategies to reframe her thinking: Focus on progress, not perfection Challenge unrealistic standards Reframe how feedback is received and processed Document achievements to shift self-narratives Use mindfulness to manage stress and negative self-talk Broaden identity beyond professional success Adopt a growth mindset rooted in curiosity and development Gail’s story is a reminder that you don’t need to be flawless to be worthy. It’s not about proving yourself—it’s about knowing your worth, even when the stakes are high. Additional Resources: Interested in building a contrarian mindset for resilience, fortitude, and psychological strength? Check out the other episodes in this series linked in the show notes, and subscribe to It’s an Inside Job for more insights on resilience, well-being, and personal growth. Part 1 – Discover the Power of The Contrarian Mindset: A New Approach to Rewiring Your Brain for Resilience and Growth Part 2 – Discover the Power of The Contrarian Mindset: A New Approach to Rewiring Your Brain for Resilience and Growth Support the show Sign up for the weekly IT'S AN INSIDE JOB NEWSLETTER takes 5 seconds to fill out receive a fresh update every Wednesday

August 24, 2026Episode 3214 min

The best of "Its an Inside Job"- The Contrarian Mindset: Moving Through Imposter Syndrome.

Get in touch with us! We’d appreciate your feedback and comments. This week on BiteSize Fridays , we unpack something that touches nearly everyone— imposter syndrome . Whether you're stepping into a new role, leading a team, or just pushing yourself into uncharted territory, that quiet inner voice questioning your competence can creep in. In this episode, I share Joseph’s story—a talented graphic designer whose outward success masked a constant fear of being “found out.” Despite praise and achievement, he struggled to see his own value. We walk through how Joseph learned to challenge this deeply ingrained mindset and gradually replace it with something stronger—a contrarian mindset rooted in self-worth, reality, and resilience. Joseph applied several contrarian strategies to rewire his thinking: Practicing self-worth Focusing on reality, not emotional distortion Challenging unrealistic standards Letting go of fixed outcomes Practicing courage and vulnerability Embracing obstacles as opportunities Using mindfulness and reflection to build awareness Joseph’s journey reminds us that overcoming imposter syndrome isn’t about faking confidence—it’s about reconnecting with the truth of our capabilities, learning to trust ourselves, and shifting how we respond to fear and doubt. Additional Resources: Interested in building a contrarian mindset for resilience, fortitude, and psychological strength? Check out the other episodes in this series linked in the show notes, and subscribe to It’s an Inside Job for more insights on resilience, well-being, and personal growth. Part 1 – Discover the Power of The Contrarian Mindset: A New Approach to Rewiring Your Brain for Resilience and Growth Part 2 – Discover the Power of The Contrarian Mindset: A New Approach to Rewiring Your Brain for Resilience and Growth Support the show Sign up for the weekly IT'S AN INSIDE JOB NEWSLETTER takes 5 seconds to fill out receive a fresh update every Wednesday

August 17, 2026Episode 3012 min

The best of "Its an Inside Job": The Contrarian Mindset: Breaking Free from Perfectionism.

Get in touch with us! We’d appreciate your feedback and comments. Perfectionism often hides behind ambition, high standards, and pride in our work. But left unchecked, it can drain our energy, paralyze progress, and chip away at our confidence. In this episode, I share Hunter’s story—a software engineer who tied his self-worth to flawless outcomes until a moment of failure forced him to rethink everything. We walk through the transformation he made by adopting a contrarian mindset —learning to value progress over perfection, creativity over control, and flexibility over rigidity. In this episode, I cover contrarian strategies that helped Hunter shift his thinking: Focus on progress, not perfection Challenge unrealistic standards Embrace obstacles as opportunities Accept imperfection as natural Practice self-worth independent of outcomes Cultivate equanimity in the face of pressure and uncertainty Hunter’s story is a reminder that resilience isn’t about perfection—it’s about adapting, learning, and growing through the messiness of real life. Additional Resources: Interested in building a contrarian mindset for resilience, fortitude, and psychological strength? Check out the other episodes in this series linked in the show notes, and subscribe to It’s an Inside Job for more insights on resilience, well-being, and personal growth. Part 1 – Discover the Power of The Contrarian Mindset: A New Approach to Rewiring Your Brain for Resilience and Growth Part 2 – Discover the Power of The Contrarian Mindset: A New Approach to Rewiring Your Brain for Resilience and Growth Support the show Sign up for the weekly IT'S AN INSIDE JOB NEWSLETTER takes 5 seconds to fill out receive a fresh update every Wednesday

August 10, 2026Episode 2812 min

The best of "Its an Inside Job": The Contrarian Mindset: Freedom From The Fear of Vulnerability.

Get in touch with us! We’d appreciate your feedback and comments. In this episode of our Contrarian Mindset series, I explore a fear that silently influences many of our decisions— the fear of vulnerability . I share the stories of Henning, a driven executive, and Laura, a dedicated healthcare professional. On the surface, they had it all together. But underneath, they were each grappling with a deeply rooted discomfort around emotional openness. Like many of us, they were shaped by early experiences and work cultures that equated vulnerability with weakness. This episode is about turning that narrative on its head. I walk you through how they applied specific strategies from The Contrarian Playbook —like practicing courage, challenging unrealistic standards, and letting go of fixed outcomes—to shift vulnerability from a perceived liability to a genuine strength. Key Contrarian Plays Covered in This Episode: Practicing self-worth Embracing courage Grounding in reality over emotional distortion Letting go of fixed outcomes Countering rumination through journaling Challenging unrealistic standards Embracing obstacles as opportunities Practicing equanimity If we want to build real resilience and psychological strength, we need to stop working around our fears and start moving through them. That’s what the contrarian mindset is all about. Additional Resources: Interested in building a contrarian mindset for resilience, fortitude, and psychological strength? Check out the other episodes in this series linked in the show notes, and subscribe to It’s an Inside Job for more insights on resilience, well-being, and personal growth. Part 1 – Discover the Power of The Contrarian Mindset: A New Approach to Rewiring Your Brain for Resilience and Growth Part 2 – Discover the Power of The Contrarian Mindset: A New Approach to Rewiring Your Brain for Resilience and Growth Support the show Sign up for the weekly IT'S AN INSIDE JOB NEWSLETTER takes 5 seconds to fill out receive a fresh update every Wednesday

August 3, 2026Episode 2633 min

The best of "Its an Inside Job": The Contrarian Mindset Skill 12: Practice Building Social Bridges.

Get in touch with us! We’d appreciate your feedback and comments. “Healthy relationships thrive on balance, not scorekeeping. Reciprocity is about fostering mutual respect and support, not tallying who did what.” In this episode, I talk about the final skill for Mastering Resilience: B uilding Social Bridges . I share how relationships play a vital role in resilience, helping us not just survive life’s storms but thrive through them. While resilience often starts as an internal journey, it reaches its full potential when we create and nurture meaningful connections with others. I reflect on my own experiences, and how my family and close friends gave me the perspective and strength I needed to keep fighting. Through this process, I learned that reaching out to others isn’t a burden—it’s a vital part of resilience. I also dive into common myths about relationships, discuss key skills like active listening, empathy, and reciprocity, and share actionable strategies for strengthening personal and professional connections. Key Takeaways Misconceptions About Relationships: Myth 1: Relationships are optional. We are wired for connection. Resilience thrives within a community of people who care for and support us. Myth 2: Strong relationships are effortless. Building meaningful connections requires time, effort, and a willingness to navigate challenges. Myth 3: Vulnerability is weakness. Being open with others requires courage and fosters deeper bonds. It’s not a sign of weakness—it’s a pathway to strength. Core Skills for Building Social Bridges: Active Listening: I focus on being fully present, validating others’ experiences, and creating safe spaces where people feel valued. Empathy: I remind myself to step into others’ shoes, understanding their perspective while staying grounded in my own emotions. Reciprocity: Relationships thrive on balance, not keeping score. When I focus on mutual respect and shared support, my connections grow stronger. Additional Resources: Interested in building a contrarian mindset for resilience, fortitude, and psychological strength? Check out the other episodes in this series linked in the show notes, and subscribe to It’s an Inside Job for more insights on resilience, well-being, and personal growth. Part 1 – Discover the Power of The Contrarian Mindset: A New Approach to Rewiring Your Brain for Resilience and Growth Part 2 – Discover the Power of The Contrarian Mindset: A New Approach to Rewiring Your Brain for Resilience and Growth Support the show Sign up for the weekly IT'S AN INSIDE JOB NEWSLETTER takes 5 seconds to fill out receive a fresh update every Wednesday

July 27, 2026Episode 2424 min

The best of "Its an Inside Job": The Contrarian Mindset Skill 11: Practice Equanimity.

Get in touch with us! We’d appreciate your feedback and comments. “True resilience comes not from controlling the world around us but mastering the world within.” In this Bite Size Friday episode of It’s an Inside Job , I explore the powerful concept of equanimity as part of my series on building a contrarian mindset. Equanimity goes beyond just staying calm under pressure—it’s about building an inner harmony amidst life’s chaos, whether it’s a personal health challenge, workplace crisis, or emotional turmoil. I share actionable strategies to develop equanimity by harnessing cognitive flexibility and emotional regulation, emphasizing the importance of mastering our internal world rather than trying to control external circumstances. Drawing from my personal experiences, I provide practical tools to help you respond to life’s inevitable storms with clarity, composure, and resilience. Key Topics Discussed: What Is Equanimity? Moving beyond conventional notions of “staying calm.” Embracing challenges without suppressing emotions or seeking total control. Finding clarity and steadiness amid chaos, like the calm eye of a storm. The Contrarian Approach to Resilience: Shifting focus from controlling external circumstances to mastering internal responses. Viewing adversity as an opportunity for growth rather than a setback. Building Equanimity with Foundational Skills: Cognitive Flexibility: Adaptability in thought, like a sapling bending in the wind. Reframing challenges as opportunities for growth and learning. Examples include professional setbacks, health issues, or financial difficulties. Emotional Regulation: Understanding and channeling emotions constructively rather than suppressing them. Practicing a pause to reflect and respond thoughtfully in high-pressure situations. Practical Strategies for Cultivating Equanimity: Pause and Reflect: Ask yourself questions like “What am I feeling?” and “How do I want to respond?” to foster deliberate reactions. Reframe Challenges: Train your mind to view obstacles as lessons or stepping stones for personal growth. Mindfulness Practice: Dedicate time to sensory awareness to anchor yourself in the present moment. Emotional Agility: Journal to identify triggers and develop emotional intelligence. Letting Go of Control: Focus on influencing thoughts, actions, and attitudes rather than trying to control outcomes. Additional Resources: Interested in building a contrarian mindset for resilience, fortitude, and psychological strength? Check out the other episodes in this series linked in the show notes, and subscribe to It’s an Inside Job for more insights on resilience, well-being, and personal growth. Part 1 – Discover the Power of The Contrarian Mindset: A New Approach to Rewiring Your Brain for Resilience and Growth Part 2 – Discover the Power of The Contrarian Mindset: A New Approach to Rewiring Your Brain for Resilience and Growth Support the show Sign up for the weekly IT'S AN INSIDE JOB NEWSLETTER takes 5 seconds to fill out receive a fresh update every Wednesday

July 20, 2026Episode 2231 min

The best of "Its an Inside Job": The Contrarian Mindset Skill 10: Practice Self Worth

Get in touch with us! We’d appreciate your feedback and comments. “Self-worth is not something you gain—it’s something you uncover within yourself.” In this episode, I explore the concept of self-worth - the second skill under Mastering Resilience. Through the window of the contrarian mindset, redefining it as something intrinsic and independent of societal expectations or external validation. I challenge the traditional notions of value and worth, emphasising that self-worth is not something to be earned or granted by others—it’s an unshakable, inherent truth. By adopting the contrarian mindset, you detach from perfectionism, external comparisons, and the relentless need for approval. Instead, I introduce practical strategies for cultivating a stronger, more resilient sense of self-worth, rooted in self-awareness, authenticity, and radical self-acceptance. Key Topics Discussed Myths That Undermine Self-Worth Myth 1: Self-Worth Must Be Earned – I reject the idea that your value is tied to achievements or milestones. Myth 2: Self-Worth Depends on Others’ Opinions – I encourage you to build internal stability that’s immune to shifting external judgments. Myth 3: Self-Worth Equals Perfection – I invite you to embrace imperfection as a natural and valuable part of who you are. The Three Pillars of Self-Worth Radical Self-Acceptance : Embrace your strengths, flaws, and everything in between. Self-worth begins with recognizing you are valuable as you are. Detachment from External Validation : Learn to value external feedback as a tool, not as the foundation of your self-esteem. Authenticity : Align your actions with your values, set boundaries, and live true to yourself—without fear of judgment. Practical Strategies Daily Affirmations : Start each day with affirmations that speak to your challenges, like, “I am enough” or “My worth is not defined by others’ opinions.” Look at yourself in the mirror and say it like you mean it. Reframe Self-Talk : Notice negative self-talk and replace it with more compassionate thoughts. For example: “I made a mistake, but I’m learning and growing.” Set Healthy Boundaries : Protect your well-being by saying no to things that drain you and learning to say yes with conditions when necessary. Celebrate Small Wins : Keep a success log of daily accomplishments, no matter how small. Progress builds confidence. Practice Gratitude : At the end of each day, identify three small, unique things you’re grateful for. It shifts your focus inward and reinforces your sense of value. Detach from Comparison : Stop measuring your worth against others. Instead, focus on your unique strengths and contributions. Additional Resources: Interested in building a contrarian mindset for resilience, fortitude, and psychological strength? Check out the other episodes in this series linked in the show notes, and subscribe to It’s an Inside Job for more insights on resilience, well-being, and personal growth. Part 1 – Discover the Power of The Contrarian Mindset: A New Approach to Rewiring Your Brain for Resilience and Growth Part 2 – Discover the Power of The Contrarian Mindset: A New Approach to Rewiring Your Brain for Resilience and Growth Support the show Sign up for the weekly IT'S AN INSIDE JOB NEWSLETTER takes 5 seconds to fill out receive a fresh update every Wednesday

July 13, 2026Episode 2021 min

The best of "Its an Inside Job": The Contrarian Mindset Skill 9: Practice Courage

Get in touch with us! We’d appreciate your feedback and comments. "Courage is not the absence of fear—it’s choosing to lean into fear, to learn from it, and to act despite it." In this BiteSize Friday episode, Jason explores the concept of contrarian courage —a mindset that challenges conventional thinking about fear and resilience. He dives into the importance of embracing fear as an ally, redefining vulnerability as strength, and practicing courage as an intentional, incremental process. Through the contrarian lens, Jason offers strategies to transform fear into a driving force for personal empowerment and growth. Key Topics Covered: What Is a Contrarian Mindset? It’s about challenging the usual ways of responding to life’s obstacles, choosing thoughtful and unconventional paths for resilience and success. The contrarian mindset is structured into three clusters: Mastering Self Mastering Perspective Mastering Resilience Practicing Courage Through the Contrarian Lens: Fear is not an adversary to be defeated but a companion to understand and transform into a motivator. True courage is not about fearlessness but about engaging with and learning from fear to foster growth and self-awareness. The Role of Vulnerability in Courage: Vulnerability is often misinterpreted as weakness, but it’s the foundation of authentic courage. Leaders and individuals alike grow stronger when they embrace vulnerability, fostering trust, connection, and personal development. Three Practical Strategies to Cultivate Contrarian Courage: Fear Reflection: Use introspection or journaling to identify the origins and triggers of fear. Map out fears to diminish their power and track progress over time. Incremental Exposure: Gradually face fears in manageable steps, building tolerance and resilience over time. A technique borrowed from psychology that desensitizes fear’s intensity. Courage Accountability: Partner with a trusted individual or mentor to stay accountable for your growth. Regular check-ins provide motivation, perspective, and constructive feedback. Contrarian Courage in Action: Examples include entrepreneurs and artists who face fear head-on to achieve their goals. Embracing fear as an ally leads to personal empowerment and new opportunities for growth. Additional Resources: Interested in building a contrarian mindset for resilience, fortitude, and psychological strength? Check out the other episodes in this series linked in the show notes, and subscribe to It’s an Inside Job for more insights on resilience, well-being, and personal growth. Part 1 – Discover the Power of The Contrarian Mindset: A New Approach to Rewiring Your Brain for Resilience and Growth Part 2 – Discover the Power of The Contrarian Mindset: A New Approach to Rewiring Your Brain for Resilience and Growth Support the show Sign up for the weekly IT'S AN INSIDE JOB NEWSLETTER takes 5 seconds to fill out receive a fresh update every Wednesday

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Listen to episodes

The best of "Its an Inside Job" - The Contrarian Mindset - Facing the Fear of Change.

The best of "Its an Inside Job" - The Contrarian Mindset: Replacing the Reactive Mindset.

The best of "Its an Inside Job" - The Contrarian Mindset: Overcoming the Fear of Not Being Good Enough.

The best of "Its an Inside Job"- The Contrarian Mindset: Moving Through Imposter Syndrome.

The best of "Its an Inside Job": The Contrarian Mindset: Breaking Free from Perfectionism.

The best of "Its an Inside Job": The Contrarian Mindset: Freedom From The Fear of Vulnerability.

The best of "Its an Inside Job": The Contrarian Mindset Skill 12: Practice Building Social Bridges.

The best of "Its an Inside Job": The Contrarian Mindset Skill 11: Practice Equanimity.

The best of "Its an Inside Job": The Contrarian Mindset Skill 10: Practice Self Worth

The best of "Its an Inside Job": The Contrarian Mindset Skill 9: Practice Courage

Is this your show?

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