Sometimes we need to get LOST, in order to find HOME
Dennis Larsson—
When I was in the corporate world, I believed that climbing the ladder and accumulating more—more things, more luxury, more recognition—was the path to freedom and success. But that pursuit often left me feeling unfulfilled, constantly seeking validation from outside sources. Some of you may know my journey from being a people-pleaser to embracing the mindset of being Unstoppable. One key lesson I’ve learned, and now has been my practice, is that less truly is more.
In this episode, I’m thrilled to introduce our next guest, someone who had what many would consider a successful life yet chose a different path—one that focuses on simplicity, passion, purpose, and true freedom.
We’re exploring “Living with Less: Path to True Freedom” with Dennis Larsson. With over 30 years of experience in business and leadership development, including 23 years at IKEA, Dennis has a wealth of knowledge. He’s also served as a Board Member and President of the Sweden Chapter of the International Coach Federation (ICF). Dennis is passionate about helping leaders and organizations reach their full potential, focusing on leadership excellence and business success. He believes that embracing the “Less is More” philosophy leads to sustainable growth.
“𝗡𝗼 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗹 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗿 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁”
Eleanor Roosevelt—
The Empowering Journey and Lessons You Don’t Want to Miss:
- 𝗟𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗘𝗺𝗯𝗼𝗱𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗩𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗲𝘀: Align your core values with your business, career, and life for a more intentional and fulfilling existence.
- 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗟𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗪𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗟𝗲𝘀𝘀: Embrace simplicity to unlock true joy, freedom, and abundance in life.
- 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝟯: Use this strategy for better prioritization and focus in both personal and professional areas.
- 𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗪𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲: Learn how to resist the constant desire for more and find contentment in simplicity.
- 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗤𝘂𝗼𝘁𝗲𝘀:
“You can’t compensate direction with speed.”
“I know too little to be pessimistic.” - 𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗤𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀: Ask yourself meaningful questions to experience true freedom and happiness.
- 𝗙𝗼𝗼𝘁𝗯𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗔𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆: Apply this metaphor to move the needle in leadership, both in business and life.
- 𝗟𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗽𝗮: Take ownership of your life and embrace the wisdom passed down through generations.
- 𝗔𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗧𝗵𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗕𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘀: Understand the importance of aligning your cognitive, emotional, and intuitive intelligence.
- 𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗻-𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗱𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀: Learn the value of keeping an open mind and turning feedback into learning opportunities.
“When the goal is clear, then the rest will follow into place”
Dennis Larsson—
Time Stamps:
- 02:07 – The Philosophy of Living with Less, Dennis Larsson’s 23 Years at IKEA, and His Story
- 05:22 – Finding Clarity and Your Inner Compass
- 07:01 – Minimalist Leadership: Leading with Less
- 09:14 – The Challenge of Always Wanting More
- 11:56 – Helping Clients Overcome Overwhelm and Take the Next Steps
- 14:38 – Practices for Embracing the “Less is More” Philosophy
- 23:58 – The Importance of Freedom in Life
- 26:38 – Understanding Spiritual Beings Having a Human Experience
- 31:11 – Does Everyone Have a Purpose and Mission in Life?
- 36:01 – How to Create and Manifest the Life You Want
- 38:29 – Handling the Blame Game
- 40:43 – The Power and Impact of Coaching
- 44:02 – Keeping Optimism Alive: Practical Tips
- 48:15 – Slowing Down to Speed Up Your Life
- 51:34 – How to Connect with Dennis Larsson?
Culture eats strategy for breakfast”.
Peter Drucker—
DEEP THINKING:
Let’s take a moment to reflect and take action on:
- 𝗘𝗺𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗦𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗶𝘁𝘆: Look at your life and see where you can simplify things. Reducing clutter and focusing on what truly matters can bring more joy and freedom. Ask yourself, “What can I let go of to make my life easier and more fulfilling?”
- 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘇𝗲 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀: 𝗨𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 “𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗧𝗵𝗿𝗲𝗲” to focus on your top three priorities. This helps you manage your time and energy better. Think, “What are the three most important things I need to focus on right now?”
- 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗡𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲: Reflect on your constant desire for more—more things, more achievements. Consider how this affects your happiness. Ask, “How can I find contentment with what I have and stop chasing endless goals?”
Reference Books: Radical Candor How to Get What You Want by Saying What You Mean (Kim Scott)
The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People
Remember, aiming for more isn’t a bad thing. What matters most is finding contentment with where you are right now. As you work toward your future and strive to achieve your mission and purpose, acknowledge and appreciate the present moment. The here and now is where we have the power to shape our lives and find true fulfillment. Embrace this moment, and let it guide you on your journey to a more meaningful and joyful life.
