Episode 161: Bespoke Human Potential with Curtis McCullom

In this episode of the Healthcare Leadership Excellence podcast, I sit down with coach and podcaster Curtis McCullom to dig into human potential—what really changes behavior and how leaders can reach flow on purpose. Curtis shares his path from 35+ years in financial services to coaching with hypnotherapy, NLP, and Mental & Emotional Release (MER).

We clear up myths about hypnosis, talk about the conscious vs. subconscious split, and look at why language shapes state, which shapes behavior. Curtis explains anchoring, self-hypnosis, and a “learning/peripheral” state leaders can use before high-stakes work. We also press on evidence, sustainability, and how to work with skeptics. Curtis’ LEGIT framework—Learning, Growing, Expanding, Transforming—gives a simple arc for change, and his bespoke approach meets each leader where they are. I leave with practical ways to condition the mind daily, not just in the moment.

Show notes:

• Curtis’ path: sales records → coaching → certifications in clinical hypnotherapy, NLP (master practitioner), MER
• Clearing myths: stage hypnosis vs. therapeutic trance; why we slip into trance all day long
• The 5% / 95% idea: conscious goals vs. subconscious patterns and habits
• NLP in practice: the language we use → internal representation → state → behavior
• MER basics: find the root event, get the learning, release the stored charge, cascade the learning forward
• Sustainability: daily “mental supplement” audio + self-hypnosis to condition the new pattern
• Entering flow on purpose: anchoring peak states; brief trance; widening peripheral attention (“learning state”)
• Working with skeptics and hard-charging cultures: start with values, model of the world, and bespoke pathways

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