There are seasons when the pace of life picks up and it almost feels like we’re being swallowed by our world. You check the boxes, meet the deadlines, keep moving, and yet something still feels unsettled. It’s not always easy to name, but there’s a quiet gap between doing and being.  Often, that “gap” lives in how we relate to what we feel, what we’re emotionally experiencing, and how we’ve been shaped to respond. In this episode, I sit down with Dan Newby, a longtime colleague and fellow practitioner, to explore the territory of emotional regulation, not as a fix, but as a way of working with ourselves more compassionately. We talk about the relationship between what we feel and how we act, how our body awareness and nervous system regulation shape our experience, and how small shifts in understanding can change the way we move through the world. Dan shares a clear framework grounded in the ever present world of Emotions that many of us didn’t learn growing up. These tools matter in everyday life, but they also have real impact in leadership. They help build psychological safety, support self-leadership, and expand our capacity for sustainable leadership development and personal growth.. This is the heart of ontological coaching, working with the full self: language, emotion, and body. As we gain distinctions in the realm of Emotions, we begin to see ourselves and the world in new ways, and new choices we didn’t see before begin to show up. That’s where tangible personal growth begins. If you're navigating a season of inner transformation, feeling stressed and overwhelmed, feeling stretched in relationships, or simply ready for a grounded mindset shift, I hope this conversation meets you right where you are.   Welcome to The Ontological Experience with Mark Robertson A space for connected, authentic conversations rooted in the ontological framework and tools. Whether you're a long-time listener or brand new to this work, I'm glad you're here.   Want help growing your podcast with organic marketing and strategy that actually works? Check out Juliana Barbati at https://www.julianabarbati.com/  She's a podcast growth strategist and SEO expert who truly understands the space. Let her know I sent you!   Let’s Keep the Conversation Going: 🔹 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markrobertsonpcc 🔹 Website: http://www.coachmark.com 📧 Email: mark@coachmark.com 

There’s a kind of tension that lives quietly inside many of us, especially those of us who’ve worked hard, achieved goals, and done “the work,” only to find ourselves still feeling off-track. Like we’ve changed everything around us, yet something inside still isn’t aligned. That’s where ontological coaching comes in, a practice that invites us to look beyond doing and into being, helping us see how language, emotion, and body all shape the way we live and lead. In this episode, we continue the conversation I had with Julio Olalla to explore the deeper roots of how we experience life and change. Together, we unpack the historical context of coaching and how it evolved from performance training into a profound path of human transformation. Julio shares the beginnings of coaching history, offering insight into how the language of coaching first emerged and how it continues to shape our modern understanding of growth and change. We move through reflections on conscious leadership, existential questions, and the different levels of consciousness that influence how we see and respond to the world. Julio’s stories and wisdom reveal how inner awareness and spiritual development become essential as we grow, not as techniques, but as genuine ways of being. If you’ve felt the call to slow down, to re-examine your patterns, or to step into deeper personal growth, this episode offers a grounded and compassionate path forward. It’s an invitation to expand who you are as an observer, and to live more fully into your own presence and possibility.   Welcome to The Ontological Experience with Mark Robertson A space for connected, authentic conversations rooted in the ontological framework and tools. Whether you're a long-time listener or brand new to this work, I'm glad you're here. Want help growing your podcast with organic marketing and strategy that actually works? Check out Juliana Barbati at https://www.julianabarbati.com/  She's a podcast growth strategist and SEO expert who truly understands the space. Let her know I sent you! Let’s Keep the Conversation Going: 🔹 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markrobertsonpcc 🔹 Website: http://www.coachmark.com 📧 Email: mark@coachmark.com 

Growth can look like progress on the outside: new habits, clear goals, a full calendar. But that’s not possible if there’s something’s still out of sync on the inside, which is where we focus in Ontological Coaching.. In this episode, we explore personal development through the lens of ontological coaching, a grounded and holistic approach to learning that starts with who we are before what we do. The ontological framework invites us to look closely at the language we use, the emotions we inhabit and the body we move through the world with. These three areas: language, emotion, and body, shape how we see ourselves, others, and the world around us. Whether you're looking for leadership development, feeling stuck or wrestling with a challenge and don’t know what to do, want to communicate better, or simply wanting to create more connected relationships, the ontological framework and tools can help. Because real, sustainable change begins with a shift in how we observe or see the world. When we become more aware of the observer we are, we open space for lasting behavior change, deeper emotional awareness, and a more authentic presence in life. This episode is an invitation into that coaching journey, not just tips and coaching techniques, but a full-bodied transformation process. I’ll share reflections, stories, and the coaching tools I use in my own work. Each coaching session is a step toward habit change, which begins with a powerful mindset shift first. Thanks for being here. Let’s begin.   Welcome to The Ontological Experience with Mark Robertson A space for connected, authentic conversations rooted in the ontological framework and tools. Whether you're a long-time listener or brand new to this work, I'm glad you're here. Want help growing your podcast with organic marketing and strategy that actually works? Check out Juliana Barbati at https://www.julianabarbati.com/  She's a podcast growth strategist and SEO expert who truly understands the space. Let her know I sent you! Let’s Keep the Conversation Going: 🔹 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markrobertsonpcc 🔹 Website: http://www.coachmark.com 📧 Email: mark@coachmark.com 

Welcome to The Ontological Experience. I’m so glad you’re here. This podcast is a space for deep, meaningful conversations about who we are, how we show up, and what it means to live and lead authentically, from wholeness. If you’ve ever found yourself craving more connection, more emotional awareness, or a different way to relate to your work, your relationships, or yourself, you’re in the right place. In this episode, I’m joined by Julio Olalla, a teacher, mentor, and one of the most influential voices in the field of ontological coaching. Julio’s work has shaped how thousands of individuals, a majority of whom are coaches, engage with learning, transformation, and the human experience itself. Together, we explore the roots of this coaching philosophy, and why the ontological framework continues to be a powerful path for coaching, growth and living a full life. We also reflect on the shifts in organizational culture, the pursuit of real workplace satisfaction, and the deeper longing many of us feel in today’s fast-paced world. Julio speaks with the kind of clarity and care that invites reflection. Whether you're new to transformational coaching, wrestling with the tension between being vs doing, or simply seeking more soulful connection, this conversation is an invitation to slow down and consider who you’re becoming. Let’s begin.Welcome to The Ontological Experience with Mark Robertson A space for connected, authentic conversations rooted in the ontological framework and tools. Whether you're a long-time listener or brand new to this work, I'm glad you're here. Let’s Keep the Conversation Going: 🔹 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markrobertsonpcc 🔹 Website: http://www.coachmark.com 📧 Email: mark@coachmark.com Want help growing your podcast with organic marketing and strategy that actually works?Check out Juliana Barbati at https://www.julianabarbati.com/ She's a podcast growth strategist and SEO expert who knows her stuff. Let her know I sent you!

Welcome to the very first episode of The Ontological Experience. This new chapter is an invitation into personal growth, authentic presence, and human connection. In this episode, I just wanted to share what this new format is about, why I felt called to start something different, and what led me to bring the word “ontological” front and center after almost three decades of coaching.  I’ll talk about the ontological framework — what it is, why it matters, and how it's not just a coaching technique but a way of seeing and shaping your life in real time. We’ll start to look at how ontological coaching works through developing a habit of noticing your language, your emotions, and your body, and why being more aware of those is where real personal growth begins. You’ll hear why authenticity in leadership feels more important to me these days, and how I’m leaning into that in a more real and unfiltered way. I also touch on the value of deep, meaningful conversations, especially now, and how they help build connected, human relationships that so many of us are missing. This space is going to be about connection. Real emotional expression, authentic communication, and hopefully, some practical ways of creating change using grounded coaching tools that can meet you wherever you are. This conversation is the starting point. A place to explore meaning, presence, and learning in a deeper way. I’m glad you’re here. Let’s walk this path together.Welcome to The Ontological Experience with Mark Robertson A space for connected, authentic conversations rooted in the ontological framework and tools. Whether you're a long-time listener or brand new to this work, I'm glad you're here. Let’s Keep the Conversation Going: 🔹 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markrobertsonpcc 🔹 Website: http://www.coachmark.com 📧 Email: mark@coachmark.comWant help growing your podcast with organic marketing and strategy that actually works?Check out Juliana Barbati at https://www.julianabarbati.com/ She's a podcast growth strategist and SEO expert who knows her stuff. Let her know I sent you!

For over a year, I’ve had meaningful conversations here on Wake Up and Pay Attention.  Recently, I’ve been feeling a deeper sense of clarity and purpose calling me forward. This episode marks a transition.  It is the final episode under this name, but it is not the end of our journey. I am evolving the podcast into something even bigger. This next step will let us see and hear each other, and explore these conversations on a deeper level. In this episode, I share the personal and spiritual growth I’ve experienced over the past year, how it shaped my thinking, and how it helped me reconnect with what matters most. I also walk you through something I have never shared publicly before: my full message pyramid. This includes the who, what, how, and why behind the work I do. Ontological coaching has become the foundation of everything I offer, and after nearly three decades, this framework gave me the clarity I had been looking for.  You will hear what the ontological framework truly means, how language, emotion, and body shape our way of being, and why spiritual growth has been such a powerful part of my journey. We will also explore how deep connection with ourselves and others is at the heart of a meaningful life. Whether you have been with me since the beginning or you are tuning in for the first time, I am so glad you are here. This episode is personal, it is honest, and it is just the beginning of something new and powerful. Let’s wake up and pay attention together.Mark   Let’s connect: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markrobertsonpcc Email: mark@coachmark.com  Website: www.coachmark.com 

For the past two months, I’ve been in deep self-reflection, questioning all of my career and personal commitments, and whether I’m truly living in alignment with what matters most. I had to ask myself: Where did my wholeheartedness go? Where am I out of alignment with what I care about most at this stage of my life? In this episode, I open up about what this period of reflection has taught me about living a wholehearted life, and how I gained clarity on what truly matters to me - my health and authentic connection with myself and others. Realizing I was out of alignment, I stepped back to rethink my commitments, particularly my career commitments and what those were producing. I also explore how feeling unmotivated, a bit flat or even disengaged often stems from saying yes to things that don’t align with who we are and what we care about. That’s why I’m shifting away from being an Executive Coach full time to taking on more Life Coach-like commitments – to focus on deeper, more meaningful, and transformative work. A work rooted in authentic conversations and connected relationships, where all parties are wholehearted and personally fulfilled – the crucible for sustainable change! If you’ve been feeling disconnected, flat, stuck or even unmotivated, this episode is for you. Let’s talk about what happens when we stop, reflect, and finally start listening to what we truly care about it.   Let’s wake up and pay attention together. Mark   Let’s connect: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markrobertsonpcc Email: mark@coachmark.com  Website: www.coachmark.com

As the year comes to a close, I invite you to join me for a heartfelt reflection on a year filled with personal growth, change, and adventure. In this episode, I take you through the final leg of my transformative 33-day road trip. A journey that stretched across breathtaking national parks, reconnected me with my military upbringing and reminded me of the profound beauty of human connection.   I’ll share stories from the Grand Teton and Yellowstone, encountering wildlife and marveling at nature’s majesty, as well as revisiting my roots at Ellsworth Air Force Base after nearly 50 years. These experiences gave me new perspectives on my past, my relationship with my father, and the ways nature grounds me spiritually.   This episode also dives into the lessons I’ve learned from embracing conversations with strangers and how this trip has reshaped my view of life, community, and even home. Along the way, I’ll reflect on how longer vacations offer opportunities to disconnect to reconnect with what truly matters, providing the clarity and perspective needed to embrace life more fully.   If you’re seeking inspiration for your own journey, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual, or just need a moment to reflect on the beauty of life’s twists and turns, this episode is for you.    Let’s wake up and pay attention together. Mark   Let’s connect: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markrobertsonpcc Email: mark@coachmark.com  Website: www.coachmark.com 

Nature has this incredible way of reflecting back on what we need to see if we’re willing to slow down and listen.   In this episode, I take you with me on a leg of my 33-day journey through the breathtaking landscapes of Sequoia, Kings Canyon, and Yosemite National Parks. But this isn't just a travel story—it's about what these towering trees, sweeping vistas, and quiet moments taught me about presence, intuition, and finding balance in life.   You'll hear about my connection to El Capitan (or “the Chief”) and how it helped me reflect on my own journey and connect to something bigger. We’ll talk about why slowing down, embracing spontaneity, and showing up fully are so important—not just on the trail, but in our everyday lives. I’ll also take you through some meaningful conversations with fellow travelers and how they reminded me of the power of connection and curiosity.   I believe life is always teaching us—if we’re willing to pay attention. Whether you’re navigating your own transitions, looking for clarity, or just need a reminder to slow down and trust your intuition, this episode is for you.    Let’s wake up and pay attention together. Mark   Let’s connect: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markrobertsonpcc Email: mark@coachmark.com  Website: www.coachmark.com

Taking a break from our usual routines can really open our eyes to new ways of seeing and doing things.   In this episode, I dive deep into the lessons I learned from my recent 33-day sabbatical journey, specifically how our understanding of ourselves influences our daily decisions and experiences.   Throughout this road trip, I embraced the role of the observer, making decisions based on my current understanding and needs, and allowing each new experience to shape me into a different observer by the day's end.    We often don't realize how our perceptions shape our reality, and on this trip, I lived how freeing it can be to not overcommit and to manage my expectations. This allowed me to truly relax and immerse myself in the experience, adjusting on the fly, which brought a profound sense of peace and enjoyment.   Whether you're someone who meticulously plans every detail or you thrive on spontaneity, this episode will offer insights into how your role as an observer affects your life and how you can become more adaptable and fulfilled.   So let's unpack these ideas together—how we perceive, react, and ultimately live our lives based on the continuous learning about ourselves. Join me as I share not just the sights and sounds of my adventure, but the transformative lessons about living more authentically.    Grab your headphones, and let's get into it.   - Mark Let’s connect: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markrobertsonpcc Email: mark@coachmark.com  Website: www.coachmark.com   

In this special episode, I sit down with my dear friend and former business partner, Chalmers Brothers, for a candid, unscripted conversation about personal growth, communication skills, and the transformative power of ontological coaching. Chalmers has been a huge influence on my journey, and together, we reflect on how we first met, our early work experiences, and how a life-changing workshop completely shifted how we both saw relationships and ourselves.   You’ll learn about the importance of recognizing that everyone is a unique observer of the world—and how letting go of the need to always be "right" can open up new possibilities in your relationships. Chalmers shares some of his own experiences, including how one powerful distinction reshaped his approach to business and life.   Find out how you can avoid building resentment by addressing unspoken expectations and the power of having "missing conversations" to clear the air. We also explore the connection between the body, language, and emotions—and how becoming aware of these can change the way you show up in the world.   Tune in and discover how a few simple shifts in thinking can lead to deeper, more fulfilling relationships.   - Mark Let’s connect: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markrobertsonpcc Email: mark@coachmark.com  Website: www.coachmark.com 

Have you ever stopped to think about the power of your words?    Not just the words you say to others, but the ones you say to yourself?    Whether we realize it or not, we’re constantly declaring things about ourselves, and these declarations can have a huge impact on our lives.   In this episode, I dive into the powerful concept of declarations and how they shape our lives in ways we might not even realize. You'll learn about the importance of the words we use to describe ourselves and how these declarations can either lift us up or hold us back. I share some personal stories, including my recent experience with burnout and my plans for a much-needed sabbatical out West.   Find out how you can create your own positive declarations to shift your mindset and be your best self in the world. Discover why statements like "I forgive you" or "I'm not enough" are so impactful, and how to start using language to your advantage. I also talk about my own declaration and how it helps me stay grounded and focused.   Whether you’re looking to make a big change or just want to understand yourself better, this episode is all about using the power of words to design the life you want. Tune in and let’s explore how to declare yourself into being!   - Mark Let’s connect: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markrobertsonpcc Email: mark@coachmark.com  Website: www.coachmark.com

Life can feel overwhelming sometimes, but what if finding peace and joy was simpler than we thought? The secret lies in acceptance.   In this episode, I dive into acceptance and how it can transform your daily life. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed or frustrated by things you can't change, this episode is for you.   You’ll learn why acceptance is important and key to finding peace and how accepting the facts of our lives can reduce unnecessary suffering. I share personal stories, like dealing with aging and a recent eye surgery, and how a walk with my dog, Nellie, led to a breakthrough moment.   Discover practical steps you can take to embrace acceptance in life and of your current situation. I’ll also introduce you to two different ‘emotional trees’—one rooted in acceptance that leads to peace and joy, and one rooted in resistance that leads to resentment and fleeting excitement.   Join me as we explore how letting go of resistance and aligning our expectations and reality can lead to a more peaceful and fulfilling life.   Grab your headphones, take a deep breath, and let’s get into it!   - Mark Let’s connect: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markrobertsonpcc Email: mark@coachmark.com  Website: www.coachmark.com 

Have you ever noticed how two people can look at the same thing and see it completely differently, effectively seeing two different worlds?   In this episode, I talk about my recent eye surgery and how it viscerally reminded me of where our power lies to change our perspective on anything or anyone in our life- by changing yourself, in here, and not trying to change reality, what’s out there!..   I also dive into the power of making effective requests and why being clear and specific can make a huge difference in both personal and professional relationships. Find out the six key elements of an effective request and how they can help you avoid misunderstandings and get better results.   You’ll discover why we often fear hearing "no" and how giving people the freedom to decline can actually improve your relationships. Plus, I share some thoughts on the importance of asking for help and receiving help—a lesson I learned the hard way after my surgery.   Join me as I explore these themes and more. Let’s start seeing the world differently, not just as it is, but as we are—and as we can be.   - Mark Let’s connect: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markrobertsonpcc Email: mark@coachmark.com  Website: www.coachmark.com 

We all make promises, both big and small, every day.    But have you ever stopped to think about how these promises are shaping your life, stress levels, and relationships?    Understanding and managing these commitments can dramatically change how you navigate both personal and professional spheres.   In this episode, we dive into the crucial skill of managing commitments. Discover how the promises you make (or break) affect your trust, relationships, success, and self-esteem.    We explore why "time management" is not the answer to getting your schedule under control, thus lowering your stress and overwhelm. and introduce the concept of "capacity management." Learn practical strategies to manage your commitments more effectively, including how to say no or make counteroffers, and the importance of using tools to track your commitments.    Join me as we discuss how managing your promises can lead to a more balanced, productive, and fulfilling life.   - Mark Let’s connect: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markrobertsonpcc Email: mark@coachmark.com  Website: www.coachmark.com

Have you ever thought about how taking care of yourself and spending time with others both play huge roles in how happy and fulfilled you feel?   Life's a balancing act, especially when it comes to looking after ourselves and keeping up with our social and professional life.    In this episode, I explore the delicate balance between self-care ("the me") and interactions in both social and professional settings ("the we"), emphasizing the importance of both for personal growth and well-being.    I share personal reflections on recent challenges and insights, including how missing my routine exercises affected my mood and the energizing effects of social gatherings. I discuss the significance of managing both personal and communal relationships to maintain mental health and overall happiness.   Tune in, reflect with me, and let’s discover together how we can better connect with ourselves and the people around us to lead a more fulfilling life. - Mark Let’s connect: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markrobertsonpcc Email: mark@coachmark.com  Website: www.coachmark.com 

Are you ready to delve into one of life's most crucial relationship building skills —the ability to build, maintain and repair trust?    Whether it’s in personal relationships or professional environments, navigating and understanding trust can drastically enhance our interactions, our well-being, and literally shape the life we’re able to create!   Today, I'm thrilled to share a powerful four-dimensional trust framework that I’ve found instrumental in building trust, and also repairing it when it's been lost or broken    Join me as we explore how sincerity, competency, reliability, and care form the pillars of trusting relationships and how we can apply this framework to create healthier, stronger bonds and minimize the corrosive impact of distrust in our relationships.   Get ready to transform your approach to trust so you can almost guarantee your relationships have a strong, healthy foundation!    - Mark Let’s connect: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markrobertsonpcc Email: mark@coachmark.com  Website: www.coachmark.com 

Are you striving to be a better leader but unsure where to focus your efforts? Most leaders don’t really understand the underlying, fundamental ACTION that constitutes leadership, and so they don’t know where to focus their time and attention!   Leading effectively isn't really about giving orders or setting goals, it's about mastering the art of conversation and building relationships. Great leaders understand how their ability to converse literally creates the Network of Conversations and Relationships that constitute their teams and their entire organization!   In this episode, I'm diving deep into the essence of leadership, focusing on the foundational skills that every leader needs. I'll link those back to the two fundamental Ontological models that underpin effective leadership: the Observer-Action-Results Model and the Language-Emotion-Body Model.    We'll also dissect the five primary leadership conversations great leaders must know WHEN and HOW to have —Orientation, Relationship, Innovation, implementation or Execution, and Learning. Being agile enough to have each of these conversations when the situation calls for it separates average leaders from great leaders.    Join me as I share these insights and examples of what works and doesn’t work, helping you to not only lead but also thrive in your leadership journey.    Whether you're a seasoned executive or stepping into your first managerial role, this episode will equip you with the tools to lead with confidence and authenticity.   - Mark Let’s connect: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markrobertsonpcc Email: mark@coachmark.com  Website: www.coachmark.com

In a world that demands constant growth and development, learning is not just a luxury, it's a necessity.    But the truth is, most of us have never been taught how to learn effectively. We often find ourselves stuck in frustrating cycles of trial and error, or worse, we give up entirely when faced with the discomfort of the learning process.   In this episode, I introduce a powerful framework for understanding and optimizing the human learning process. By recognizing the difference between ineffective "suffering" approaches and the five levels of effective learning, you'll gain clarity on how to approach skill-building and personal transformation in a more intentional, patient, and ultimately successful manner.   Discover the key mindsets and practices that will help you embrace discomfort, vulnerability, and consistent practice as you work towards embodied learning and growth in any area of your life.    Whether you're looking to improve your health, relationships, career, or personal interests, this episode will equip you with the tools and insights you need to become a more effective lifelong learner.   - Mark Let’s connect: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markrobertsonpcc Email: mark@coachmark.com  Website: www.coachmark.com 

Are you feeling bitterness towards others, or feel like there’s nothing you can do to change things?    Do you find yourself constantly blaming others for your circumstances or feeling like there's no hope for a better future?    In today’s episode, I’ll share with you the "four basic moods" that heavily influence our life experiences— Resentment, Resignation, Peace, and Ambition. I'll provide practical strategies to transform “negative” moods into empowering ones, moving from resentment to peace and resignation to ambition.   I'll explain how these moods are created by the way we orient ourselves to the facts of our past and present, as well as the possibilities of our future. You'll learn how to identify which “negative” moods you're trapped in,  and why shifting to the more “positive” moods of peace and ambition/enthusiasm could dramatically change your day-to-day life experience!   This episode is your key to not just understanding your emotional responses but actively shaping them to enhance your life experience. Tune in to start the journey toward a more positive and proactive mindset.   - Mark Let’s connect: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markrobertsonpcc Email: mark@coachmark.com  Website: www.coachmark.com