S5:E13 “Either You Win Or You Learn” Timeout with Amir
Tue Feb 03 2026
Step into the dojo and the executive suite with Amir Khawaja, Senior Director at Discover Financial Services and co-founder of Black Belts and Boardrooms. This episode explores how the discipline of martial arts provides a high-performance blueprint for corporate leadership, resilience, and emotional intelligence.
Key Insights Include:
• The Sparring Mindset: How the physical adaptability required on the mat translates into confidence and quick decision-making under corporate pressure.
• Trust Through Mastery: Why delivering your best work is the ultimate foundation for building organizational trust and professional influence.
• The Power of Limitations: Understanding how self-awareness and acknowledging your boundaries can actually become your greatest leadership strengths.
• Tactical Mindfulness: Simple, grounding habits—like daily journaling and overcoming negative self-talk—to maintain clarity amidst organizational chaos.
• The Empathy Edge: Balancing technical competence with humility to lead teams with authenticity and mental agility.
Whether you are a seasoned executive or an aspiring leader, Khawaja’s philosophy demonstrates that true mastery is a holistic pursuit of mind, body, and spirit. Tune in to learn how to bridge the gap between physical discipline and professional excellence.
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Step into the dojo and the executive suite with Amir Khawaja, Senior Director at Discover Financial Services and co-founder of Black Belts and Boardrooms. This episode explores how the discipline of martial arts provides a high-performance blueprint for corporate leadership, resilience, and emotional intelligence. Key Insights Include: • The Sparring Mindset: How the physical adaptability required on the mat translates into confidence and quick decision-making under corporate pressure. • Trust Through Mastery: Why delivering your best work is the ultimate foundation for building organizational trust and professional influence. • The Power of Limitations: Understanding how self-awareness and acknowledging your boundaries can actually become your greatest leadership strengths. • Tactical Mindfulness: Simple, grounding habits—like daily journaling and overcoming negative self-talk—to maintain clarity amidst organizational chaos. • The Empathy Edge: Balancing technical competence with humility to lead teams with authenticity and mental agility. Whether you are a seasoned executive or an aspiring leader, Khawaja’s philosophy demonstrates that true mastery is a holistic pursuit of mind, body, and spirit. Tune in to learn how to bridge the gap between physical discipline and professional excellence.