North Star Conversations | Unlock Your Potential, Performance & Purpose

Episode Notes
AI Entrepreneur Reveals How To 10x Your Business: Why Most Startups Fail, How To Build Software That Sells & The Secrets To Learning Fast - Lee Russell | EP265
In this episode, I sit down with Lee Russel, a dynamic entrepreneur who has embraced a nomadic lifestyle while pioneering advancements in software, user experience, and AI for business. Together, we explore Lee's journey from a troubled teenager to an award-winning designer and tech leader, his philosophy on learning, and his innovative approach to solving problems through agentic AI and context engines. Discover practical insights into exponential growth, curiosity-driven learning, and how reimagining technology can unlock new value for customers and organizations.
Don't miss the opportunity to take the first step towards a more fulfilling life. Book your complimentary clarity call today and discover how Will Polston can help you achieve the success you deserve. 💡 https://willpolston.com/book-a-call/
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Video Chapters
00:00 - Introduction
00:01 - Lee Russell's Nomadic Life & Global Working
01:07 - Sacrifices and Realities of Nomadic Living
02:32 - Managing Challenges Abroad
03:33 - Escaping Danger: Fires & Falling Builders in Albania and London
05:04 - Teenage Aspirations: From Troubled Youth to Animator
06:58 - Obsessive Learning and Creativity
08:06 - Why Drawing Is Learning to Think
09:42 - Learning to Learn: Art, Science & Curiosity
13:14 - Following Curiosity and Gaining Unexpected Value
15:37 - Sliding Door Opportunities & Living in Alignment
16:23 - The Science and Magic of Exponential Learning
17:28 - North Star Thinking: Following Inspiration
18:05 - Operating in Your Zone of Genius—Growth Through Challenge
19:39 - Overcoming Boredom and Embracing Continuous Learning
20:50 - Transitioning from Art to Tech and Software
22:51 - Learning User Experience Design by Building Networks
24:46 - The Power of Being in the Right Room
25:43 - Paying for Proximity and Accelerated Learning
27:13 - Breaking Into EdTech & High-Stakes Software
29:36 - Designing Safety Technology for Children and Schools
31:57 - Moral Dilemmas and Leaving Corporate Leadership
33:52 - The Business of SaaS, AI, and Writing "Minimal Viable Launch"
36:22 - Building Products People Want: Fall in Love with the Problem
38:41 - Insights from Iconic Tech Brands: Basecamp & HubSpot
40:13 - Innovation, Disruption, and Simplification in Product Design
42:02 - Simplicity as Genius: Life Lessons from Art and Business
44:27 - The Rise of Agentic AI and Problem Scouting
46:17 - Cost Savers, Money Makers & Second Order Consequences in AI
50:54 - The Space Scientist Mindset: Big Picture Meets Detail
53:19 - Agents vs. Automations—Demystifying AI Micro-Employees
55:28 - Learning Languages: The Teletubbies in Italian Method
58:15 - How to Learn: Applying the Pareto Principle and Curiosity
61:13 - Goal Setting, Vision, and Stories We Tell Ourselves
67:12 - Lessons from Working Together: Speed of Decision and Action
71:46 - The Future: Context Engines and Personalized Business Growth
75:02 - One Question Lee Wishes More People Would Ask
77:42 - Where to Find Lee Russel and Get Involved
79:20 - Final Reflections and Call to Action
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Relevant Links For the Viewer and Citations
Website - https://www.willpolston.com
Instagram - https://instagram.com/willpolston
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/willpolstonmih
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/willpolston/
Twitter / X - https://x.com/willpolston
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@willpolston
Check out Lee's AI Masterclass by clicking here: https://www.minimalviablelaunch.io/
About Me: I am dedicated to helping individuals and businesses unlock their true potential through expert coaching and training programs. I'm passionate about empowering others to achieve their dreams and live a life they love. Subscribe for more insights and tips on personal development, productivity, and achieving your goals. Let's embark on this journey together!

Originally aired: November 2021
Episode Number: 113
Many people think transformation starts by fixing their body—cutting foods, adding workouts, and chasing a number on the scale. But lasting change usually begins much higher up.
In this episode highlight of North Star Conversations with Will Polston, Coach, Author and Guinness World Record holder Jamie Alderton unpacks why real transformation starts with mindset, not meal plans. Learn why understanding your emotional drivers matters more than restriction, how moderation outperforms extremes, and why sustainable progress comes from clarity, self-worth, and patience rather than quick fixes.
Listen to the full episode here:
https://kite.link/jamiealderton

Originally aired: November 2021
Episode Number: 111
When your identity is built around performance, what happens when the spotlight disappears?
In this episode highlight of North Star Conversations with Will Polston, former musical theatre artist and creator of Wisdom From North Jannecke Øinæs shares about losing her voice, losing her sense of self, and the emotional unraveling that followed. Discover how self-love, curiosity, and meaning emerged from a dark period, why purpose can't be built on performance alone, and how an unexpected breakdown became the foundation for a life of deeper alignment and impact.
Listen to the full episode here:
https://kite.link/janneckeoinaes

Episode Notes
Relationship Psychologist: Dysfunctional Leadership Is Killing Your Company! How Emotional Intelligence, Trust & Communication Fix Teams & Save Marriages - Dr. Patty Ann | EP264
In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Patty Ann, an internationally recognized expert in emotional intelligence, relationships, and communication. We discuss why every business is fundamentally a relationship business, how trust and psychological safety impact leadership teams, and practical strategies to improve workplace dynamics and personal relationships. Tune in to discover actionable tips for nurturing healthy relationships and achieving success both in business and at home.
Don't miss the opportunity to take the first step towards a more fulfilling life. Book your complimentary clarity call today and discover how Will Polston can help you achieve the success you deserve. 💡 https://willpolston.com/book-a-call/
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Video Chapters
00:00 - Introduction
00:01 - Welcome Dr. Patty Ann
00:09 - Emotional intelligence, relationships, and communication: Why they matter
00:39 - Dr. Patty Ann's journey to international expertise
01:11 - Academic and professional background
02:29 - Transition from therapy to executive coaching
03:33 - The difference between coaching and therapy
04:40 - Are all businesses relationship businesses?
05:31 - Why relationships are key for business success
06:21 - Identifying relationship breakdowns in leadership teams
07:15 - Trust issues and team performance
08:22 - Importance of conflict and speaking truth in teams
09:39 - How to spot trust issues in business relationships
10:40 - Cultivating a culture of permission to fail
12:33 - Linking trust and psychological safety
13:22 - Respecting colleagues even if you don't love them
14:02 - How leaders can support dissenting team members
15:01 - Lincoln's Team of Rivals example in business
16:07 - How leaders should communicate decisions
17:51 - Practical advice for maintaining engagement
18:36 - The importance of nurturing relationships in leadership
19:48 - Thoughts on AI and leadership
20:34 - Discussion of Dr. Patty Ann's books
22:48 - Money as a tool for opportunities and experiences
24:00 - How relationship challenges show up in both business and personal life
25:41 - Top tip for entrepreneurs to safeguard relationships
27:12 - Emotional intelligence in handling negative energy
28:37 - The reality of compartmentalizing stress
29:37 - Listening to feedback and being open to correction
30:06 - Navigating money conflicts in relationships
31:22 - Avatars and emotional relationship with money
33:08 - Telltale signs of emotional intelligence in founders
34:52 - How to connect with Dr. Patty Ann
35:17 - The most important thing in the world: Relationships
35:54 - Closing remarks and how to submit listener questions
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Relevant Links For the Viewer and Citations
Website - https://www.willpolston.com
Instagram - https://instagram.com/willpolston
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/willpolstonmih
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/willpolston/
Twitter / X - https://x.com/willpolston
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@willpolston
Check out Dr. Patty Ann's website here: https://drpattyann.com/
About Me: I am dedicated to helping individuals and businesses unlock their true potential through expert coaching and training programs. I'm passionate about empowering others to achieve their dreams and live a life they love. Subscribe for more insights and tips on personal development, productivity, and achieving your goals. Let's embark on this journey together!

Originally aired: November 2021
Episode Number: 110
Many people chase success by copying what they see around them: working harder, doing more, and aiming for goals they've never truly questioned. Yet progress often stalls not because of a lack of effort, but because the destination itself isn't clear.
In this episode highlight of North Star Conversations with Will Polston, Actor, Presenter, and Writer Will Richards unpacks how unclear goals, external expectations, and borrowed definitions of success can lead to procrastination and frustration. Discover why success is personal, how clarity acts as a true North Star, and why aligning your work with who you really are changes everything.
Listen to the full episode here:
https://kite.link/willrichards