Notes from Underground by Fyodor Dostoyevsky
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Exploring Fyodor Dostoevsky’s Notes from Underground, hosts unpack the dangers of self-deception and the challenge of living with integrity as a leader. They analyze how self-awareness without mastery leads to alienation, the importance of matching words with actions, and the societal consequences of habitual lying. The episode weaves Dostoevsky’s Legacy with real-world leadership, discussing how courage and honest self-examination are vital in modern organizations.

• Book Title: Notes from Underground
• Author: Fyodor Dostoevsky
• Guest Hosts: Jesan Sorrells (Host), Dr. Hana Kabele Gala (Guest)

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Time Stamped Overview
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00:00 The enduring power of truth

06:38 Introducing Co-Host Dr. Hana Kabele Gala

12:52 Discussing Dostoyevsky’s challenging books

20:55 Living and writing in Arkansas

22:52 Dostoevsky’s productivity and inspirations

30:58 Dr. Hana Kabele Gala’s Internship with Vaclav Havel

33:44 Christianity and modern evangelicalism

40:04 Dealing with societal challenges

48:26 Navigating choices as a leader

52:46 Discussing moral courage and context

56:37 Struggling with self-identity

01:03:10 Discussion on storytelling and conflict

01:09:16 Meaningless corporate mission statements

01:12:17 AI’s impact on middle management

01:20:07 Mentoring and Coaching team members

01:22:51 Putting aside self-righteousness

01:29:04 Seeking constructive feedback

01:36:46 Money and social status in Russia

01:42:45 American perception of wealth and class

01:45:33 Comparing serfdom and chattel slavery

01:53:27 American Christianity’s future challenges

01:57:30 Lessons from Dostoevsky’s characters

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• Dr. Hana Kabele Gala Substack, Tough Cookies – https://hanakabelegala.substack.com/ 
• Dr. Hana Kabele Gala LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/hanakabelegala/
• Dr. Hana Kabele Gala Website – https://www.rtncwithhana.com/
• The Way of Integrity by Martha Beck – https://www.amazon.com/Way-Integrity-Finding-Path-Your/dp/1984881507/
• On Bullshit by Harry Frankfurt – https://www.amazon.com/Bullshit-Harry-G-Frankfurt/

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• Opening theme composed by Felipe Sarro – Bach – Silotti – “Air”  from Orchestra Suite No. 3, BWV 1068 
• Closing theme composed by Brian Sanyshyn of Brian Sanyshyn Music.

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• Check out the Leadership Lessons From the Great Books podcast reading list!

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Jesan Sorrells Podcaster

Jesan is the Founder of Leadership ToolBox, LeaderBuzz, and LeadingKeys. He's a 3x "least selling" business book author, and host of Leadership Lessons From The Great Books podcast, and serves as a start-up advisor and leadership team member with GrowthCraft Start-Up Community out of Boston.