Dr. Larry Senn, an 82-year old businessman, often completes a sprint triathlon on a Saturday, as part of his exercise regime. He took up the sport at the age of 70. The founder of the global culture-shaping firm, Senn Delaney, he believes that to be a good leader, you first have to take care of yourself. He practices what he preaches, although Larry shares his wisdom with a twinkle in his eye and is far from preachy in his approach. Sometimes referred to as the Father of Corporate Culture, Larry works with Fortune 500 companies and business leaders around the world, improving mindsets and creating high-performance teams. In this LLAMA podcast interview, with Peter Bowes, Larry discusses his new book, The Mood Elevator, and describes a lifestyle that embraces a full working week, regular daily exercise, long-distance travel and an active family life. He even finds time to go skydiving with his 18-year old son.

Posted: 8 May, 2018 @ 1526 PST

NOTES AND QUOTES

Connect with Larry: Website | Twitter | LinkedIn | Latest book: The Mood Elevator

• Larry Senn’s doctoral dissertation, Organizational Character as a Tool in the Analysis of Business Organizations, was the inspiration for Senn Delaney, and was published in 1970.
• Senn Delaney, founded in 1978, works primarily with Global 1000 and Fortune 500 companies around the world
• Larry was a champion in gymnastics at UCLA, and later coached the sport. He took up triathlons at the age of 70 and has completed in over 60 events. He lifts weights, runs, cycles and swims, and has taken home many medals.

“One of the beliefs I have is that when you stop learning and growing and stopping being active, you become old. I don’t ever want to be old. I may gain some years, but I’m not going to be old. That takes a commitment to having a growth mindset.”

• Self-care makes you a better leader, according to Larry.

“If I take care of myself, and I’m really fit, I make better decisions, I’m a better leader. I influence people better. So it’s better not to work too many hours and to take care of yourself.”

• Family is a large part of why Larry exercises every day, and maintains a healthy diet. He wants to be around his kids and grandkids.

“What greater motivation is there to taking care of yourself for that purpose?”

• You don’t have to be perfect at working out – do it for health and fun, Larry says.

“I’m not great at it, but I just do it, and that’s how life should be. Just keep doing it.”

• Our thinking creates our experience in life, we are the directors of our own life-movie, says Larry. Allow yourself to let go of something that causes anger and stress, things will be okay tomorrow.
• What does being purpose-driven mean, and how does it affect our lives?
• What does Larry do, the moment he wakes up, every day?
• How does Larry manage a 9-6 working day, alongside family life and a busy schedule of phsyical training?
• Which pearls of wisdom would Larry most like to share about his life?

“I would have worried less. I would have realized that most things I worried about never did happen. I got through them.”