Danielle McGeough: How to Bridge the Gap Between Intention and Action

Episode recap:

Marcel featured Danielle McGeough, Ph.D, an award-winning professor and transformation strategist, who shared her personal journey and expertise in helping individuals achieve balance through her Rise Ritual method. The discussion explored causes and solutions for workplace burnout, the importance of personal rituals and mindfulness, and strategies for maintaining presence and intentionality in leadership, concluding with recommendations for listeners to create their own personal rituals.

Bio:

Danielle McGeough, Ph.D. is an award-winning professor, transformation strategist, and host of the top 1.5% podcast Plan Goal Plan. She helps high-performing women and teams bridge the gap between intention and action through her RISE Ritual Method. Danielle blends research, identity work, and intentional planning to help ambitious people feel bold at work and present at home. 

Quotes: 

• "I help people and teams operate in alignment. I help them do it in a way that really connects them to their values and to their mission." 
• "If you are someone who feels like you are living on autopilot, more habits aren't going to help you, because habits are designed with the intention to eventually become unconscious." 
• "When individuals can operate from a space of well-being, the impact we can have on the collective is so much stronger—but the collective work has to happen." 

 

Takeaways: 

• Reflect on whether you’re experiencing burnout, demoralization, or just feeling stuck, and name it clearly to better address it. 
• Start each day by asking yourself which three things would make you feel satisfied by the end of the day. 
• Design a short personal ritual that helps you shift into your desired state, using sensory cues like a cozy blanket or a candle. 
• Before meetings or stressful moments, pause for a deep breath and set an intention for how you want to show up. 

 

Timestamps: 

[00:00] Welcome and Introduction 

[03:16] Introducing Danielle McGeough 

[06:42] Helping People and Teams Work in Alignment 

[15:26] Why Policy Decisions Shape Workplace Culture 

[17:43] The RISE Ritual Method Explained 

[20:10] Designing Rituals for Desired States 

[22:52] Micro Rituals That Shift Your Daily Presence 

[26:36] Rethinking the Myth of Work Life Balance 

[34:51] Final Invitation to Create Your Own Ritual 

[35:57] Where to Connect with Danielle  

 

Conclusion: 

Focus isn’t a fixed trait—it’s a skill that can be built with practice, even in a world full of distractions. People who achieve meaningful results often do so by creating clear systems that help them avoid busywork and stay centered on what matters most. Learning to say "no" to lesser tasks makes space for bigger, more important progress. And it doesn’t require massive effort—starting with just a minute each day can lead to lasting improvement. Small, steady actions often make the biggest difference. 

 

Links/Resources: 

Website: https://www.plangoalplan.com/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567778897663 

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/danielle-mcgeough-phd-b673334 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/plangoalplan

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