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What happens when brilliant leaders hit invisible walls? In this episode of the Wednesdays Off Podcast, executive guide Eric Kaufmann joins Stavros Michailidis for a deep dive into the unconscious patterns that hold leaders back—especially the concept of "egomyopia," or the inability to see and regulate one’s ego in real time. Together, they explore why unchecked ego, not lack of skill or strategy, is often the real barrier to growth, and how intellectual humility, self-awareness, and even grieving past identities play a role in personal and organizational transformation. Stavros opens up about his own leadership journey, while Eric shares insights from decades of coaching executives and teams. Discover how naming your patterns, embracing change, and cultivating conscious leadership can unlock new levels of impact.
Episode Timeline:
[00:54] Introduction to Eric Kaufmann and the concept of egomyopia.
[04:53] Eric discusses his role as an executive guide and the importance of team dynamics.
[07:17] The shift in power from traditional roles to business executives.
[09:20] The influence of entrepreneurs compared to artists.
[13:36] The need to be right and its impact on organizations.
[17:03] Intellectual humility and self-identity.
[21:05] Grieving past identities and the concept of inner ancestors.
[25:23] The practice of naming emotions and transitions.
[34:33] Stavros's exploration of language and grammar.
[37:15] The three needs of the ego: to be right, liked, and have might.
[45:08] Stavros reflects on his own need to be right.
[51:36] Leadership and the regulation of the nervous system.
[56:00] The role of a purpose-driven steward in leadership.
[58:47] The importance of personal transformation for organizational change.
[01:02:20] Overview of the Conscious Operating System Assessment.
[01:12:26] Stavros's top activators: inner integrity, curiosity, and gratitude.
[01:15:07] Barriers: arrogance, prejudice, and anxiousness.
[01:20:19] The evolution of ambition and self-acceptance.
Resources:
Routine Rebel: routinerebel.com
Sagatica: sagatica.com
Episode Timeline:
[00:54] Introduction to Eric Kaufmann and the concept of egomyopia.
[04:53] Eric discusses his role as an executive guide and the importance of team dynamics.
[07:17] The shift in power from traditional roles to business executives.
[09:20] The influence of entrepreneurs compared to artists.
[13:36] The need to be right and its impact on organizations.
[17:03] Intellectual humility and self-identity.
[21:05] Grieving past identities and the concept of inner ancestors.
[25:23] The practice of naming emotions and transitions.
[34:33] Stavros's exploration of language and grammar.
[37:15] The three needs of the ego: to be right, liked, and have might.
[45:08] Stavros reflects on his own need to be right.
[51:36] Leadership and the regulation of the nervous system.
[56:00] The role of a purpose-driven steward in leadership.
[58:47] The importance of personal transformation for organizational change.
[01:02:20] Overview of the Conscious Operating System Assessment.
[01:12:26] Stavros's top activators: inner integrity, curiosity, and gratitude.
[01:15:07] Barriers: arrogance, prejudice, and anxiousness.
[01:20:19] The evolution of ambition and self-acceptance.
Resources:
Routine Rebel: routinerebel.com
Sagatica: sagatica.com
Creators and Guests
Host
Stavros Michailidis
Stavros Michailidis is a freedom-driven entrepreneur dedicated to helping others escape the grind and build lives of clarity, autonomy, and impact. He’s the creator of Routine Rebel, a movement for entrepreneurs who want to design businesses that serve their lives—not the other way around. Known for his grounded approach and rebellious spirit, Stavros brings real-world experience, deep curiosity, and a bias toward action to every conversation. Wednesdays Off is his latest practice: a weekly invitation to rethink work, freedom, and what really matters.
What is Wednesdays Off?
Wednesdays Off is the freedom podcast from Routine Rebel.
It’s for the leaders who are done being consumed by the very businesses they are building. Through raw conversations, personal insights, and behind-the-scenes stories, we explore what it really means to reclaim your time, energy, and joy—without sacrificing success.
This isn't a hustle podcast.
It’s a call to adventure—to practice freedom in real time, to simplify what matters, to build systems that get you out of the weeds, and to connect with others doing the same.
Each episode helps you challenge old patterns, reconnect with what matters, and build a life that’s spacious, meaningful, and yours.
Because freedom isn’t the reward. It’s the requirement.