Are you a leader feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or on the hunt for fresh inspiration? Are you afraid of looking bad or do you cultivate a beginner mindset?
In this episode of Inspiring Possible, host Christy Pennison welcomes master certified coach and leadership expert Croft Edwards to explore the transformative power of embracing the “beginner’s mindset” in leadership and life. The conversation begins with Croft sharing his unique journey—from a chance encounter with World War II General Omar Bradley at age ten to an impactful military career, and how these experiences sparked his passion for understanding and teaching leadership.
Drawing from decades of coaching leaders across industries, Croft invites listeners to recognize that the greatest challenge—and opportunity—in leadership is often ourselves. He breaks down the barriers we face into three human domains: the language and stories we use, our emotional space, and our embodied habits. With real-world examples and fresh perspective, Croft encourages us to actively shift the language we use, observe the emotions we carry, and practice self-awareness in the most practical ways.
The discussion highlights the value of “practicing practice”—learning to celebrate discomfort, failure, and not knowing as the essential steps towards growth and mastery. From reframing “I have to” into “I get to” or even “I’m blessed to,” to learning new skills alongside his daughter or fixing old machinery, Croft demonstrates how choosing to be a beginner can cultivate resilience, authenticity, and joy.
As the episode wraps, they reflect on overcoming societal pressure to always “get it right,” and connect it to Viktor Frankl’s lesson that meaning is often found in how we choose to respond, not in external circumstances.
Together, they explore key themes including:
- The three domains of ontological coaching: language, moods/emotions, and the body
- How the stories we tell ourselves can both limit and liberate our leadership
- The importance of practicing gratitude and shifting from “I have to” to “I get to”
- Why being a beginner—and practicing new skills, mindsets, and emotional perspectives—is fundamental to self-leadership
- Linking our actions to our deeper purpose and meaning, even in the toughest of times
Croft shares practical exercises, thought-provoking examples (from shoveling horse manure to Paul McCartney’s mastery), and actionable advice for leaders at every level. If you’re ready to embrace growth, shift your perspective, and unlock new possibilities, this episode offers inspiration and tools to help you lead with clarity, confidence, and courage.
About Croft Edwards
Croft’s deeply focused study of leadership and command, which earned him an MA in Civil War Studies, was a perfect prologue to his coaching of hundreds of individuals at all levels of organizations. Croft is a Master Certified Coach (MCC), who has been serving an array of clients from energy and mining, to forestry and aviation, since 2000. He has created Performance Management Process courses and accompanying one-on-one coaching sessions with over 90 leaders of the largest platinum and palladium mining company in the western hemisphere.
In addition, Croft has designed and facilitated the training and coaching of an intensive 12-month course for the largest Native American Utility, allowing the organization’s leaders to visualize and execute their future. His over five years on active duty in the U.S. and the Far East, and over eighteen years in the Army National Guard and Army Reserve, give him a singular perspective on the many facets of walking in the boots of a leader (especially Tanker boots.) He is a sought-after keynote speaker, bringing his varied background in academics – history, business and finance – and his avid interest in the human psyche, to the topics of leadership, potential, and peak performance.
Connect with Croft:
Website: croftandcompany.com
Book: liquidaccordian.com
Follow on X: @CroftEdwards
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