What if everything you've been taught about mental toughness is wrong?

Most of us think confidence comes from pushing harder, being tougher, and proving ourselves. But bestselling author and elite performance coach Jim Murphy believes the opposite.

In this conversation, Jim shares why authentic confidence isn't something you force - it's something you discover when you let go of fear, ego, and the need to prove yourself.

If you're chasing a dream, navigating change, or simply wanting to live with more purpose and peace, this episode will challenge the way you think about confidence, courage, and what it really means to live with Inner Excellence. Plus, we'll get you specific strategies to develop confidence that is authentic and allows you to do more of what you were put on the planet to do.

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Have you been thinking about being a Coach or a speaker… but you've been wondering whether you have the authority to make it happen?

The Authority Archetype Assessment is a free, research-based tool designed to help you identify your unique authority style and discover whether coaching, speaking, consulting, advising, or teaching might be part of your next season.

Take the free assessment at https://mitchmatthews.com/6

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• Why freedom - not pressure - is the foundation of peak performance

• Jim's three pillars of Inner Excellence: Belief, Freedom & Focus

• How to overcome the three biggest internal enemies: the Critic, the Monkey Mind, and the Trickster

• Why discomfort isn't your enemy - it's often your greatest teacher

• The incredible story behind A.J. Brown reading Inner Excellence during an NFL playoff game - and how it changed Jim's life overnight

• How to define success in a way that brings both achievement and peace

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Get Jim's books - Inner Excellence: https://amzn.to/4vrPsww

The Best Possible Life: https://amzn.to/4cr57U2

Connect with Jim at https://innerexcellence.com

Clip of viral NFL moment: https://youtu.be/16Zj0Xmh2MY?si=f5BEoo6B5Uik2x4P

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After you listen, ask yourself:

Where in my life am I performing from pressure instead of freedom?

Then choose one small step you can take this week toward becoming more fully who you were created to be.

If this episode encouraged you, share it with a friend. You never know who might need this reminder today.

Andrew Kroes joins Mitch to share the incredible story behind The Shoe That Grows - an innovative product that's now helping children in more than 100 countries.

But this conversation is about far more than shoes.

Andrew shares how one observation in Kenya sparked years of innovation, perseverance, and purpose. Together, Mitch and Andrew explore what it really takes to build solutions that last, why the best ideas often begin with messy first steps, and how meaningful work becomes even richer when it's built alongside people you love.

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Have you been thinking about being a Coach or a speaker… but you've been wondering whether you have the authority to make it happen?

The Authority Archetype Assessment is a free, research-based tool designed to help you identify your unique authority style and discover whether coaching, speaking, consulting, advising, or teaching might be part of your next season.

Take the free assessment at https://mitchmatthews.com/6

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• Why lasting solutions often outperform temporary relief

• What every entrepreneur can learn from years of product testing and failure

• How one unexpected viral moment completely changed Because International

• Why relationships - not just ideas - fuel long-term success

• Andrew's simple challenge that anyone can do this week to make a meaningful difference

If you've ever wondered whether your idea could make an impact - or needed encouragement to keep going when progress feels slow - this conversation is for you.

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Learn more about The Shoe That Grows - https://becauseinternational.org

Instagram - https://instagram.com/becauseinternational

Facebook - https://facebook.com/becauseInternational

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What stood out most to you?

• What's one problem you've noticed that others might simply accept?

• Where might you be settling for a temporary fix instead of building a lasting solution?

• Who could you intentionally encourage or serve this week?

Leave a comment and let us know.

And if someone came to mind while listening, send them this episode. You never know what one conversation - or one simple idea - might change.

Artificial intelligence is changing the way we work, create, and communicate.

But here's a question most people aren't asking...

Who gets to shape what AI becomes?

This week, Mitch sits down with executive coach, bestselling author, and AI thought leader Erica Rooney for a conversation that's about much more than technology.

Together they explore why everyday users, especially women, have a unique opportunity to influence the future of AI, why you don't have to be a tech expert to make a difference, and practical ways to move beyond simply using AI... to helping shape what's next.

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Have you been thinking about being a Coach or a speaker… but you've been wondering whether you have the authority to make it happen?

The Authority Archetype Assessment is a free, research-based tool designed to help you identify your unique authority style and discover whether coaching, speaking, consulting, advising, or teaching might be part of your next season.

Take the free assessment at https://mitchmatthews.com/6

- Why AI needs more women in the room

- The surprising MIT experiment that changed Erica's perspective forever

- How everyday users are already helping shape the future of AI

- Simple ways to move beyond basic ChatGPT prompts

- Why curiosity may become your greatest competitive advantage

Whether you've been experimenting with AI for months or you're simply wondering what's next, this conversation will leave you feeling more confident, more curious, and ready to engage.

• Website: https://www.ericaandersonrooney.com
• Book: The AI Gap - https://amzn.to/4eK7NgI
• Listen to our conversation on Erica's Podcast Glass Ceilings and Sticky Floors: https://mitchmatthews.com/glass
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ericaandersonrooney

Go one step beyond your usual AI routine.

Ask a bigger question.

Try a new use case.

Stay curious.

Because the future of AI won't be shaped only by the people who build it.

It will also be shaped by the people who choose to engage with it.

If this episode inspired you, share it with someone who needs to hear it.

Read the full show notes at https://mitchmatthews.com/460