The Power of Presence, Listening, and Softening with James Brett
Sometimes the most powerful thing we can offer another person isn’t advice. It’s presence.
In this episode of The Audacious Living Podcast, Audley Stephenson sits down with James Brett for a thoughtful and deeply human conversation about leadership, healing, emotional awareness, and the transformative power of truly listening.
James shares his personal journey from high-performing corporate sales environments to a life centered around mindfulness, coaching, and inner peace. Along the way, he opens up about surviving stage three cancer, how adversity reshaped his understanding of life, and why “softening” became one of the most important concepts in his personal growth journey.
Together, Audley and James explore how many people spend their lives caught in overthinking, emotional tension, and the pressure to control outcomes. But through practices like deep listening, presence, breathwork, and self-awareness, James explains how we can reconnect with ourselves and others in more meaningful ways.
This conversation also challenges traditional ideas around leadership. Rather than focusing on dominance or performance, James makes the case that emotional regulation, empathy, and intentional listening are some of the most impactful leadership tools available today.
If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, emotionally disconnected, mentally exhausted, or simply trying to navigate life with more peace and clarity, this episode offers a grounded and reflective reminder that growth doesn’t always come from becoming harder. Sometimes it comes from learning how to soften.
In this episode, you’ll hear about:
- Why deep listening creates stronger relationships and leadership
- The connection between presence and emotional freedom
- How surviving cancer transformed James Brett’s perspective on life
- The hidden impact of overthinking and mental tension
- Practical ways to cultivate calm, awareness, and heart coherence
- Why “softening” can lead to healing and personal growth
Guest Bio
James Brett is a leadership coach, retreat facilitator, and founder of Oasis Within, a transformational wellness space located on the Mid North Coast of Australia. Drawing from decades of experience in corporate leadership, education, mindfulness, and personal healing, James now helps leaders and individuals cultivate presence, emotional awareness, and deeper human connection.
Guest Links
Oasis Within - https://www.oasis-within.com.au/
Listen on Major Platforms
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2jVR6V7X2kRiCCDXE0FTyl?si=b0k9ttytQm-YE6wFBxvyQA
Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-audacious-living-podcast/id1547447345
Amazon Music -https://music.amazon.ca/podcasts/9f7902bb-dec8-4bd9-918d-d1fef21b7c67/the-audacious-living-podcast?ref=dm_sh_NpHXWlprfZQhxvEn5CH5cXwvE
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