Summary
In this conversation, Muhammad Ali Tariq and Willem Pennings explore the profound themes of leadership, family values, and personal growth. They discuss the importance of integrity, the role of upbringing in shaping manhood, and the sacred institution of family. The dialogue emphasizes love as an action, the impact of social media on family values, and the significance of role models and support systems. They also delve into the challenges of navigating relationships, the connection between faith and excellence, and the mental resilience gained through endurance sports. Ultimately, the conversation highlights the journey of self-discovery and the importance of consistency and sacrifice in achieving personal and professional success.
Can you grow a business and your humanity? Sustainable-business leader Ricardo J. Flores shares how to balance profit, people, and the planet—without burning out.
Summary
In this episode of Building Balance with Muhammad Ali, Ricardo Flores unpacks sustainable leadership, personal development, and the balance between purpose and performance. From formative childhood lessons and family values to mental health at work, we dig into practical ways to protect your energy, stay curious, and build a legacy that outlives your job title.
Top Takeaways
The first seven years shape lifelong patterns and values.
Sustainability = balancing profit, people, and planet.
Mental health at work is non-negotiable.
Much of our pressure is self-imposed—choose kinder standards.
Curiosity and open-mindedness fuel growth.
Nutrition and exercise help prevent burnout.
Travel and new cultures expand perspective.
Legacy is the impact you leave on others.
It’s okay not to be the best—focus on doing your best.
Life is a journey, not a finish line.
Chapters
00:00 — Introduction to sustainable leadership01:10 — Ricardo’s early life and influences07:37 — Upbringing and views on success12:44 — Parenting and leadership lessons16:45 — What sustainable leadership really means23:19 — Balancing profit and purpose30:12 — Purpose vs. profit: the leadership core32:57 — Spotting burnout: stress signals & supports37:51 — Practical strategies for balance & well-being46:37 — Legacy and impact: measuring what matters
Sound Bites
“Life is full of opportunities.”
“We are all interconnected.”
“Stay curious, keep your mind open.”
Links & Resources
Guest — Ricardo Flores
Watch on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@perfectocasa
Patreon (support the show): https://www.patreon.com/posts/mission-boosters-137142358
About the Guest
Ricardo J. Flores is a sustainable-business leader focused on aligning strategy with human well-being and environmental impact. He advocates for curiosity, mental-health awareness, and values-driven leadership.
Connect
Follow Building Balance with Muhammad Ali on Instagram / X / LinkedIn
YouTube
Rate & review on Spotify/Apple to help more listeners discover the show.
Disclaimer
Educational conversation; not a substitute for professional mental-health or medical care.
sustainable leadership, ESG, profit vs purpose, mental health at work, burnout, personal development, curiosity, legacy, well-being, growth mindset
Feeling stretched thin? Lawyer-turned-finance leader Robin Macpherson shares how rest, presence, and honest communication can reboot your career, marriage, and parenting—especially when ADHD and neurodiversity enter the chat.
Summary
In this episode of Building Balance with Muhammad Ali, Robin Macpherson reflects on a career across law and finance and the realities of being a husband and father. We unpack how to balance work, family, and self-care, why mentorship matters, and how emotional intelligence and better communication transform relationships. Robin opens up about parenting neurodivergent children, choosing values over optics, and practical ways younger professionals can protect their energy and grow.
Top Takeaways
Self-care isn’t selfish; it’s how you stay present for others.
Mentorship helps you navigate pivotal career choices.
Balance requires intention, boundaries, and frequent communication.
Emotional intelligence pays off at home and at work.
Understanding neurodiversity (e.g., ADHD) changes how you support your kids.
Regular self-reflection keeps values and goals aligned.
Choosing the right life partner shapes your entire journey.
Educate yourself about your child’s needs; be their advocate.
Be kind to yourself in a fast, noisy world.
Parenting is iterative—learn, adapt, repeat.
Chapters
00:00 — Building Balance: introduction to self-leadership02:28 — Navigating career choices and reflections09:20 — The importance of mentorship11:35 — Grounding through relationships and leadership18:30 — Marriage and emotional presence24:02 — The art of listening and communication26:00 — Emotional leadership in relationships30:22 — Self-reflection and personal growth32:11 — Balancing self-care and family responsibilities35:15 — Understanding neurodivergence in parenting38:58 — Reframing parenting approaches42:31 — Encouragement for fathers of neurodivergent children43:37 — Quickfire insights on family and leadership
Links & Resources
Guest — Robin Macpherson
Watch video episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/TYHSM3NfjOQ
Newsletter / Community: www.perfectocasa.com
Patreon (support the show): https://www.patreon.com/posts/mission-boosters-137142358
About the Guest
Robin Macpherson has led teams across law and finance while championing values-driven leadership. He’s a mentor, husband, and father who speaks candidly about rest, presence, and parenting neurodivergent children.
Connect
Follow Building Balance with Muhammad Ali on Instagram/X/LinkedIn
Rate & review on Spotify/Apple to help more listeners discover the show.
Disclaimer
This conversation is educational and not a substitute for professional mental-health or medical care.
rest, burnout, work-life balance, emotional intelligence, mentorship, self-leadership, communication, marriage, fatherhood, neurodiversity, ADHD, parenting strategies
Are men taught strength wrong? Psychologist Dr. John Schinnerer breaks down the “man box,” anger, and the emotional skills that actually build better lives and relationships.
Summary
In this episode of Building Balance, Dr. John Schinnerer discusses the evolving definitions of masculinity and the importance of emotional intelligence in men's lives. He explores the concept of the 'man box' and how societal expectations can hinder emotional growth and connection. The conversation delves into the significance of understanding and expressing emotions, particularly anger, and the distinction between guilt and shame. Dr. Schinnerer emphasizes the need for self-awareness, effective communication, and the cultivation of positive emotions to foster healthier relationships. He also shares insights on navigating challenges in relationships, the role of gratitude, and the journey of personal growth and change.
Takeaways
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Evolving Masculinity
02:43 Understanding the Man Box
05:22 The Impact of Socialization on Men
08:11 Emotional Awareness and Expression
11:01 The Role of Guilt and Shame
13:41 Navigating Emotional Turbulence
16:27 The Importance of Self-Awareness
19:03 Anger: A Double-Edged Sword
21:54 Healthy Expression of Anger
27:05 Cultivating Positive Emotions
36:33 The Journey of Loving Kindness
37:43 From External to Internal Validation
39:10 Emotional Management and Happiness
41:15 Common Emotional Mistakes in Relationships
44:25 Effective Communication in Difficult Conversations
47:08 Dealing with Mental Health Challenges in Relationships
50:01 Understanding Behavior Change in Relationships
53:22 Redefining Strength and Leadership
55:47 Characteristics of Healthy Masculinity
59:16 The Role of Compromise in Relationships
01:01:59 Personal Lessons on Masculinity
01:04:59 First Steps for the Emotionally Stuck
Links & Resources
Guest — Dr. John Schinnerer: www.guidetoself.com
Book: Guide to Self: The Beginner's Guide to Managing Emotion and Thought
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/e57TmpME5es
Newsletter / Community: www.perfectocasa.com
Patreon (support the show):
About the Guest
Dr. John Schinnerer is a psychologist specializing in men’s mental health and emotional intelligence. He helps men develop the skills to thrive at work and at home. (Tweak this line to match his exact bio.)
Connect
Follow Building Balance with Muhammad Ali on Youtube: www.youtube.com/@perfectocasa.com
Rate & review on Spotify/Apple to help more listeners find the show.
DisclaimerThis conversation is educational and not a substitute for professional mental-health care.
men’s mental health, masculinity, emotional intelligence, anger management, communication, relationships, mindfulness, self-awareness
