The Not So Breakfast Show

Listen, laugh and learn as we share our latest thoughts about staying relevant, contemporary leadership and doing life right. Ish Cheyne is the Head of Fitness in New Zealand for global fitness juggernaut Les Mills. Sacha Coburn is the COO of Coffee Culture, a leading group of boutique coffee shops, and the co-founder of The Company You Keep.co.nz.

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The Not So Breakfast Show

MWM - What Is Your Shadow?

January 28, 2026 • Sacha and Ish • Season 8

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The Not So Breakfast Show - Midweek Mini
Episode: What Is Your Shadow?

Episode Summary
Every strength has a shadow side. If Superman were evil, he'd have all his abilities but use them for harm. This quick mini explores the downside of your strengths—from being the idea person who never finishes anything, to being so helpful you burn out and resent everyone. The trick? Take micro-pauses to ask: Does this situation need my strength right now, or am I best served by pulling back?

Key Insights

• Your greatest strength, when overused or poorly timed, becomes your greatest weakness

• The shadow creates barriers when you're trying to connect

• Recognition is the first step—you can't manage what you don't acknowledge

• Take micro-pauses to ask: "Does this situation need this right now?"

• Sometimes Superman was just a journalist, and that's okay

The Practice

1. Identify your core strength

2. Ask: What's the downside when this is overused?

3. Notice: When does my strength create barriers instead of connections?

4. Pause: Before deploying your strength, ask if the situation actually needs it