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In this episode of the Real Intelligence Podcast, Jenny Swim explores observation as a defining skill shared by experts across disciplines, from leadership and parenting to aviation, medicine, and emergency response. Drawing on neuroscience and the OODA Loop (Observe–Orient–Decide–Act), Jenny shows how observation creates the critical pause between stimulus and response—and why our bias toward speed and certainty often causes us to miss what matters most.

You’ll learn the difference between true observation and judgment, how autopilot and stress distort perception, and what happens when observation is rushed, as seen in the Boeing 737 MAX crisis. Jenny also shares practical, evidence-informed ways to strengthen your observation muscle, including the 10% Slower Rule and separating data from story. Whether you’re leading a team, raising a family, or navigating everyday decisions, this episode reveals how observing first leads to clearer orientation, better choices, and more aligned action.

Additional Resources:

National Research Council (2000). How People Learn: Brain, Mind, Experience, and School (Chapter 5). Read online

Stanford Medicine (2014). Expert pilots process multiple visual cues more efficiently. Read online

Hoffman, K. A., Aitken, L. M., & Duffield, C. (2009). Novice vs. expert nurses: How cue collection drives decision-making. PubMed

Connect with Junto Coaching: https://www.juntocoaching.com/

Music by Pumpupthemind https://linktr.ee/Pumpupthemind

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As we head into a new year, many of us feel pressure to set goals and make resolutions—only to feel overwhelmed, resistant, or unsure where to start. In this episode of The Real Intelligence Podcast, host Jenny Swim introduces a powerful but often overlooked precursor to goal setting: visioning.

Using relatable examples from everyday life—like building a home or creating with Legos—Jenny explains why having a clear vision or “blueprint” matters before committing to resolutions or measurable goals. She breaks down the difference between visioning, resolutions, and goals, explains when each tool is most helpful, and shares a neuroscience-informed framework you can use to design the future you actually want.

You’ll learn:

• Why goals and resolutions often fail without a clear vision
• When visioning is the right tool (especially during transitions or uncertainty)
• The neuroscience behind visualization and neural rehearsal
• A simple 3-step visioning model you can use right away
• How to move from vision → resolution → goals without burnout or pressure

Whether you’re navigating a new year, a career shift, a health reset, or a personal transition, this episode offers a calmer, more intelligent way forward.

Additional Resources:

https://www.inc.com/marla-tabaka/study-shows-1-in-5-successful-entrepreneurs-use-vision-boards-backed-by-neuroscience.html

https://www.forbes.com/sites/traversmark/2024/03/29/a-psychologist-explains-the-power-of-vision-boarding-for-success

Connect with Junto Coaching: https://www.juntocoaching.com/

Music by Pumpupthemind https://linktr.ee/Pumpupthemind

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What if simplifying your life isn’t about doing less—but about living more intentionally?

In this episode of The Real Intelligence Podcast, host Jenny Swim is joined by Alish Anderson, a wife, mother of four, former teacher, and longtime practitioner of intentional living, to explore simplicity as a strategy—not a shortcut.

Together, they unpack how cutting the non-essential creates clarity, peace, and alignment in both leadership and family life. In a culture that equates busyness with worth, this conversation challenges the belief that doing more makes us more.

This episode is for parents, leaders, and anyone feeling overwhelmed by complexity, noise, and constant pressure to keep up.

Connect with Junto Coaching: https://www.juntocoaching.com/

Music by Pumpupthemind https://linktr.ee/Pumpupthemind