Episode 27: Unpacking Identity with Dr. David Drake
In this episode, Kathy welcomes Dr. David Drake, founder of the Moment Institute and a pioneer in narrative coaching, to delve into the fluid nature of identity. David shares his compelling journey, from joining MENSA to surviving a near-fatal car accident, which led him to reassess what truly defines identity.
David and Kathy explore the concept of identity as something ever-changing rather than static. David introduces the views of Robert Bly on the 'shadow'—the parts of ourselves suppressed from a young age—and stresses the importance of reclaiming these aspects in the second half of life. He underscores the need for a more open, learner-focused mindset, both personally and within organizations.
Their discussion traverses the challenges of personal transformation, co-creating mindful environments, and navigating professional identity's impact on learning and adaptation. David explains his innovative approaches, including narrative release practices and a map exercise designed to help individuals uncover the impact of significant life events on their identity.
In this episode, Kathy and Dr. David Drake discuss:
Understanding and Evolving Identity
The Impact of External Experiences on Identity
Creating Learning Communities
Methods for Growth and Learning
Reflecting on Diverse Perspectives and Cultural Narratives
Timestamps:
[00:00] Transitioning to a learning community with new projects.
[09:07] Grieving and illness shape identity but not consumed.
[14:06] Reflecting on past choices to make better decisions.
[20:40] Letting go of self-limiting beliefs and experiences.
[24:35] Unconscious societal pressure hinders self-acceptance and growth.
[31:54] Reflect on leaving, arriving, and self-awareness.
[33:15] Discovering disruptive past and facing unresolved issues.
[39:20] Rites and rituals shape community and transformation.
[45:46] Encouraging self-reflection, witnessing, and practicing communication.
[54:04] Desire to go back to core for change.
[01:00:23] Organize content to avoid old mindset thinking.
If Dr. Drake was a pill, what effect would he want to have on someone?
Being kinder to yourself
More About Dr. David Drake
Dr. David Drake is Founder/CEO of The Moment Institute. He has been a pioneer in the coaching space for 25 years, including as the founder of Narrative Coaching. He is a key Advisor for Ovida, an AI-informed start-up that accelerates the development of coaches.
He is also the founder of Integrative Development, a philosophy of life and a revolutionary theory of learning & development. He has used this work with clients in 70 organizations, including ARM, Dropbox, Google, Logitech, Nike, PwC, and government agencies on three continents.
David is a Thought Leader for Institute of Coaching. He is the author of soon to be published Report on The Five Maturities as a new paradigm for developing coaches. He has written 75 publications, and he is co-editor of SAGE Handbook of Coaching and author of Narrative Coaching: The Definitive Guide to Bringing New Stories to Life.
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