Becoming Buddha: How to Be Happy – Jerry Colonna

Dave Asprey

May 7, 2024

Episode description

On today's episode, Jerry Colonna shares his transformative journey from a high-powered venture capitalist to a Buddhist coach. You'll learn about the profound impact of “radical self-inquiry" on leadership and life, illustrating how deep personal development can reshape personal and professional relationships. You'll also learn how mindfulness and self-awareness are crucial for effective leadership. Whether you're a seasoned leader or simply aspiring to improve, this conversation offers invaluable insights into executive coaching, Buddhism and personal transformation, making it essential for anyone aiming to foster a compassion and understanding. 



Highlights:

  • (00:01:01) - Jerry Colonna's Transformative Journey 

  • (00:05:51) - The Impact of Material Success 

  • (00:13:27) - Mindfulness in Leadership 

  • (00:17:32) - Deep Mental States Through Meditation 

  • (00:22:10) - Themes of 'Reunion' 

  • (00:30:17) - Philosophy of Radical Self-Inquiry 

  • (00:34:27) - Leadership and Self-Awareness 

  • (00:39:34) - The Practice of Continuous Personal Development 

  • (00:41:54) - Becoming a Leadership Coach 

  • (00:51:18) - Connecting Mindfulness with Professional Relationships 

  • (00:56:10) - Long-Term Benefits of Self-Inquiry 

  • (01:00:42) - Insights from Executive Coaching 

  • (01:03:00) - Future of Leadership and Compassion 

 

Sponsors: 

LEELA Q | Visit LeelaQ.com/Dave for 10% off 

Timeline Nutrition | Go to TimelineNutrition.com/Dave and get 10% off your first order. 

 

Resources: 

Episode description

On today's episode, Jerry Colonna shares his transformative journey from a high-powered venture capitalist to a Buddhist coach. You'll learn about the profound impact of “radical self-inquiry" on leadership and life, illustrating how deep personal development can reshape personal and professional relationships. You'll also learn how mindfulness and self-awareness are crucial for effective leadership. Whether you're a seasoned leader or simply aspiring to improve, this conversation offers invaluable insights into executive coaching, Buddhism and personal transformation, making it essential for anyone aiming to foster a compassion and understanding. 



Highlights:

  • (00:01:01) - Jerry Colonna's Transformative Journey 

  • (00:05:51) - The Impact of Material Success 

  • (00:13:27) - Mindfulness in Leadership 

  • (00:17:32) - Deep Mental States Through Meditation 

  • (00:22:10) - Themes of 'Reunion' 

  • (00:30:17) - Philosophy of Radical Self-Inquiry 

  • (00:34:27) - Leadership and Self-Awareness 

  • (00:39:34) - The Practice of Continuous Personal Development 

  • (00:41:54) - Becoming a Leadership Coach 

  • (00:51:18) - Connecting Mindfulness with Professional Relationships 

  • (00:56:10) - Long-Term Benefits of Self-Inquiry 

  • (01:00:42) - Insights from Executive Coaching 

  • (01:03:00) - Future of Leadership and Compassion 

 

Sponsors: 

LEELA Q | Visit LeelaQ.com/Dave for 10% off 

Timeline Nutrition | Go to TimelineNutrition.com/Dave and get 10% off your first order. 

 

Resources: 

Mindsip insights from this episode:

Engage in radical self inquiry for true personal growth

True personal growth starts by asking tough questions about your own beliefs and behaviors. Radical self inquiry means gently examining the masks you wear and how you might be contributing to your own struggles. This practice helps you make conscious choices and move toward lasting happiness.

Upgrade blood flow daily for enhanced longevity

Healthy blood vessels are key to longevity because they deliver nutrients and remove waste from your body. Dave Asprey recommends protecting your arteries’ inner lining (the glycocalyx) with supplements like Arterial HP for better circulation. Good blood flow helps everything in your body work better, making it an important daily focus.

Seek fulfillment within, not just in success

Achieving wealth and career success doesn’t automatically lead to happiness. Many high achievers feel empty or unhappy despite outward success. Real fulfillment comes from within, not just from external accomplishments.

Pursue curiosity, service, and joy for a meaningful long life

Longevity isn’t just about physical health—it’s also about emotional peace and purpose. If you want to live a long life, focus on being curious, serving others, and finding joy in everyday living. Don’t let fear of death run your life; aim to be healthy, wise, and at peace.

Establish boundaries for healthy empathy without absorbing pain

True empathy is about seeing the world through someone else’s eyes, not taking on their pain as your own. Too much empathy without boundaries can become overwhelming. Healthy empathy starts with knowing yourself and being present for others without needing to fix them.

Practice self-forgiveness to promote healing and growth

Forgiving yourself can be harder than forgiving others, but it’s crucial for growth. Notice how holding onto guilt or self-blame might be trying to protect you, then gently let go. Self-compassion and understanding your past helps you move forward.

Build peer groups to combat loneliness and burnout in leadership

Leaders and high performers often feel lonely because they can’t always share their struggles with their team. Finding or creating a peer group provides a safe space to be authentic and supported. Regular connection with others helps avoid isolation and burnout.

Develop transcendence skills through meditation and breathwork

Profound, meaningful experiences aren’t reserved for a select few or those who use psychedelics. Practices like meditation, breathwork, and simply sitting with your thoughts can help you access deeper states of peace and connection. Anyone can develop this skill with practice.

Cultivate calm in discomfort to reduce stress

Learning to be calm and accepting during uncomfortable situations, like cold plunges, teaches your body and mind that discomfort isn’t dangerous. This skill can reduce stress and make it easier to handle life’s challenges without unnecessary suffering.

Face challenges mindfully without romanticizing struggle

There’s no extra reward for making life harder than it needs to be. Doing hard things can build resilience, but constant struggle isn’t required for growth. Aim to face challenges mindfully and focus on your goals, not on the pain itself.

Practice kindness to break old patterns and negative habits

Letting go of negative habits or emotional triggers isn’t a one-time fix—it’s a lifelong practice. Old behaviors feel comfortable, so you might slip back into them, especially during stress. Noticing when this happens and being kind to yourself is key to lasting change.

Optimize gut health for enhanced energy and mood

A healthy gut can improve energy, digestion, and even mood. At-home microbiome tests now use advanced technology to give you personalized diet and supplement advice. Knowing how your gut works helps you make smarter choices for long-term health.

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© Mindsip 2025 – Made with ❤ in Vilnius