Episode #648 The Power of Presence and Softening — James Brett
“Listening is presence. In our highest listening, we’re not thinking.”
— James Brett, Mindfulness Coach and Speaker
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Discover how James Brett transformed adversity into healing, presence, and leadership through the power of softening and deep listening.
Episode Summary
In Episode 648 of The Audacious Living Podcast, Audley Stephenson sits down with Australian leadership coach and retreat facilitator James Brett for a powerful conversation about transformation, healing, leadership, and the life-changing impact of presence.
James shares his deeply personal journey from high-performing corporate sales environments to a more heart-centered life focused on coaching, mindfulness, healing, and emotional awareness. Along the way, he opens up about surviving stage three cancer, the emotional and spiritual lessons that emerged from that experience, and how it reinforced the importance of slowing down, softening, and truly listening.
Together, Audley and James explore how many leaders become trapped in overthinking, control, and ego-driven performance, often disconnecting themselves from genuine presence and meaningful relationships. James explains that leadership is less about force and more about creating connection through listening, emotional regulation, and energetic awareness.
The conversation also dives into practical techniques leaders can use to cultivate presence, including breathwork, somatic awareness, gratitude, softening physical tension, and heart coherence practices. James emphasizes that our energy directly impacts those around us and that authentic leadership begins with internal alignment.
Ultimately, this episode is a reminder that some of life’s greatest transformations emerge from adversity, and that presence may be the most powerful gift we can offer ourselves and others.
Top 4 Key Takeaways:
Presence is Power - True leadership and connection begin when we are fully present, not distracted by past or future thinking.
Softening Leads to Healing - Letting go of control and tension creates space for growth, insight, and emotional healing.
Listening is a Leadership Superpower - Deep listening builds trust, connection, and allows for authentic co-creation.
Challenges Are Catalysts for Transformation - Life’s toughest moments often become the greatest opportunities for personal evolution.
Episode Chapters
The Search for Success and Happiness
James reflects on his early career in sales and his pursuit of achievement, influence, and external validation.
The Shift Toward Inner Peace
A discussion about moving from external success toward inner healing and self-awareness.
Cancer, Healing, and Perspective
James shares the emotional and transformational lessons from surviving stage three cancer.
Leadership Through Presence
Exploring why listening, emotional awareness, and authentic connection are essential leadership traits.
Somatic Practices and Heart Coherence
Practical tools leaders can use to quiet the mind, regulate emotions, and cultivate presence.
Meet Our Guest:
James Brett is a mindfulness coach and speaker based in Australia, specializing in leadership development. With a background in high-performing sales and a deep passion for understanding the mind, James combines his experiences with Eastern practices to help individuals achieve inner peace and resilience.
Special Offers:
For more insights and resources, visit James's website at Oasis Within.
Additional Resources
Related Blog Post: Why Deep Listening Is One of the Most Underrated Leadership Skills
Explore how intentional listening strengthens trust, improves relationships, and transforms the way leaders connect with others.
Audley's Personal Insights
One of the things that stood out most to me during this conversation was James’ idea of “softening.” We often think strength means becoming harder, tougher, or more guarded. But James reminded me that true growth often comes when we become more open, more present, and more willing to truly hear others and ourselves.
Best Point of Contact
Listeners can connect with James through his website Oasis Within
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