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HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons hosts the most downloaded sports podcast of all time, with a rotating crew of celebrities, athletes, and media staples, as well as mainstays like Cousin Sal, Joe House, and a slew of other friends and family members who always happen to be suspiciously available.
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"I don't want to live a stressed out human experience. And that I think can be a choice."
Libby Swan has run Axioned, a global design consultancy, for 25 years without burning out. Her biggest insight? Staying calm isn't just good for your wellbeing - it's a competitive advantage that makes you a better leader, creates better team dynamics, and leads to smarter decisions.
In today's episode, I'm joined by Libby Swan, CEO and Co-founder of Axioned, a design consultancy with teams across the world. After starting her career at GE and spending years working internationally across India and the US, Libby has built a business rooted in sustainable growth rather than stress-driven hustle. Her journey includes learning from second-generation business owners, navigating the loss of her father-in-law, and discovering that clarity on your values is the foundation for calm leadership.
Together we unpack:
- Why second-generation founders stay calmer and what first-generation founders can learn from them
- How clarifying your value system creates a filter for what actually matters
- The danger of letting emotion drive prioritisation in the wrong direction
- Why ChatGPT can act as a "third person" to de-emotionalise difficult conversations
- How to find the sweet spot between calm leadership and maintaining high standards
👆 If you're a founder feeling overwhelmed by the pressure to hustle harder, or struggling to separate urgent from truly important, this conversation will help you build a calmer, more sustainable approach to leadership.
About Libby Swan
Libby Swan is the CEO and Co-founder of Axioned, a global design consultancy that has been operating for 25 years. With experience spanning corporate roles at GE to building multinational teams across India, the US, and beyond, Libby has developed a leadership philosophy centred on sustainable growth, clear values, and staying calm under pressure. She's proved that you don't need to sacrifice your wellbeing to build a successful business.
Connect with Libby Swan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/libby-swan-axioned-enabling-digital-endeavours/
More from James:
Connect with James on LinkedIn or at peer-effect.com
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