1,000 Stories

How do leaders navigate crucial inflection points? That's what hosts Joe and Reid set out to find out on this season of 1,000 Stories. There are so many inflection points in the course of building, scaling, and sustaining a business–so what are the tools and tactics that today's best leaders have in their back pocket in order to navigate those inflection points in a way that is not only sustainable for the business, but also sustainable for them as people? Throughout the season, we've spoken to multiple business leaders to gain their perspectives on the matter. Join hosts Joe Mills and Reid Morris on this final episode of this season of 1,000 Stories as they synthesize what they've learned about identity and leadership from the past interviews. In this episode, you'll learn: Understanding their identity is critical to a leader's success. Filtering relevant and irrelevant information and advice is a skill leaders must hone. Holding the future less tightly allows leaders and businesses to change must easier. Jump into the Conversation: [00:36] Returning to the Season's Question [02:41] Building Identity with Mark Caswell [05:02] Preventing Roles from Defining Our Identity [07:28] Holding the Future Less Tightly [10:15] Uncovering Identity with Wes Cate [13:24] Evaluating Leadership Identities with Adam Ringo [15:38] Entering New Markets with Tim Leman  [17:25] Ad Break [18:30] Leading Brand Strategies to New Markets [21:12] Following What's Right for Your Business with Kelley Stacy [24:51] Filtering Advice with Tiffany Sauder [27:18] Following the Outcome You Want [29:33] Zooming Out and Seeing the Overarching Theme To claim 10% off of your first month of BetterHelp, use the code 1000STORIES here: https://betterhelp.com/1000stories Resources: Leave us a review: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/1-000-stories/id1642511925 Follow E3 on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/element-three-marketing-consultancy/  Follow Joe on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joemillse3/  Follow Reid on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reidmorris/   

There's never been more expert advice accessible to leaders than there is today. A quick search online and you'll find tips from countless resources on how you can navigate your particular leadership or business problem. Everyone has something to say.  But the catch is: Who should you follow? Tiffany Sauder, CEO of Element Three, sits down with Joe Mills on this episode of 1,000 Stories to share her perspectives on how she's able to openly receive feedback and advice, and confidently discern whether or not to follow it.    In this episode, you'll learn: How looking at whether or not the outcomes someone achieved aligns with what you want is a great indicator of whether you should follow their advice or not. How achieving small wins is a clue you're heading in the right direction. What you believe is what you create.   Jump into the Conversation: [05:25] Introducing Tiffany Sauder [07:00] Wisdom Exposure in Your Early 20s [09:46] Dealing with Long-Term Feedback Loops [11:50] Standing Behind Open-Book Financials [14:52] Committing to Big Changes [17:21] Considering Who's Giving Advice [20:39] Doing the Best You Can [23:36] Reid Insert: Listen to Brian Kavicky  [24:07] Separating Your Business and Personal Identity [25:28] Short-Term Bets for Long-Term Goals [29:48] Ad break [30:54] Following What Speaks to Your Soul [33:56] Choosing Your Reality [37:16] Deciding to Be Excellent [38:42] Being the Best [39:46] Reid Insert: What is DISC? [40:22] Being Yourself to Help Others Better [43:33] Comfort in Being Wrong [46:24] Post-show Debriefing   To claim 10% off of your first month of BetterHelp, use the code 1000STORIES here: https://betterhelp.com/1000stories   Resources: Follow Tiffany: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiffanysauder/ Listen to [Fear Journey] I am pursuing truth with Brian Kavicky on the Scared Confident podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/i-am-pursuing-truth-with-brian-kavicky/id1555762235?i=1000522488004 Check out The Great Game of Business: https://www.amazon.com/Great-Game-Business-Expanded-Updated/dp/0385348339   

Ever found yourself wondering if leaders should stick to the norm or do what's best for their own company? It's like wading through a jungle of "best practices" for leadership – a real head-scratcher. Especially when we're all bombarded with advice on how to be a top-notch leader, figuring out what clicks with you can be a real puzzle. And, let's be real, in times like the crazy rollercoaster of the pandemic, it's not about doing what everyone else says; it's about doing what actually works for your unique business (and the people who make it up). Kelley Stacy, President and CEO of SMC Corporation of America, embodies this mindset completely.  She joins host Joe Mills on this episode of the 1,000 Stories podcast to talk about the unrelenting work ethic behind her 29-year career. Listen to learn why a deep understanding of your business and holding strong to your beliefs is critical for your growth. In this episode, you'll learn: Filtering information is critical to choosing what's best for your business. If you aren't willing to put in the hours you're delegating to others, don't be a manager. You're only as good at the people you manage. Jump into the Conversation: [04:34] Coming to Understand the Purpose of a CEO  [06:14] Making Unpopular Decisions  [08:22] Navigating Cultural Differences  [11:30] Managing When the Role Feels Like an Error [12:40] Balancing Determination to Learn and Leave  [14:44] Proving the Grass Isn't Always Greener [15:40] The Difference Between Culture and People [17:03] Kelley's Growth in the Company [18:30] Working in an International, Male-Dominated Space [20:25] Understanding Acquisition with Adam Ringo [20:55] Growing Organically [21:42] Balancing a Hectic Schedule [23:03] Learning to Delegate [24:42] Ad Break [25:48] Treating People Fairly [26:42] Strict Streamlining [28:50] Filtering Out the Noise [31:52] Managing Your Inputs [32:26] What People Miss When Working Remotely [35:02] Post-show Debriefing  To claim 10% off of your first month of BetterHelp, use the code 1000STORIES here: https://betterhelp.com/1000stories Resources: Follow Kelly: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kstacy/ Listen to 1,000 Stories with Adam Ringo:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y_60aIbTxsM  

Challenges and opportunities. It's the inherent balance that comes with entering new markets. You'll overcome one and encounter the other.  But what is most important is how you navigate through both. Tim Leman, Chairman of the Board and CEO of Gibson Insurance, joins Reid and Joe to share the key to entering, navigating, and growing within new markets. With Gibson Insurance going from a regional to a national firm, Tim talks about the importance of focusing on navigating leadership transitions, building a supportive culture and community, and how to balance performance and avoid burnout.   In this episode, you'll learn: Leadership is one of the most important factors to nail when entering a new market.  Being aligned with your team is just as important as being aligned with the market needs.  Entering into a new market takes time. Patience is critical to your long-term success.   Jump into the Conversation: [04:02] How Gibson Insurance Works [05:05] Introducing Tim Leman [06:41] How Do Businesses Consider Hiring New Talent in New Markets?  [08:25] Hiring Up and Coming Talent [13:56] Lessons from Past Market Entry Failures [16:43] Encouraging Honesty in Work  [18:06] Creating a New Team Selling Model [20:42] Assessing New Market Data [24:54] Ad Break [26:00] Matching Ideal Customers with Ideal Producers [29:20] Balancing Replication and Individualization  [31:16] Bridging Belief Gaps in New Hires [34:15] Tim's Early-Career Changes [36:16] The Challenges of Balancing Burnout [38:43] Leading by Example [40:41] Calculating the Cost of Perfection [43:00] How Greg Downs Helped Tim  [44:12] Synthesizing Themes  [45:36] The Value of Patience for Leaders [48:04] Post-show Debriefing    To claim 10% off of your first month of BetterHelp, use the code 1000STORIES here: https://betterhelp.com/1000stories   Resources: Follow Tim: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timleman/ Listen to 1,000 Stories with John Gough: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DdT9lhy2MpA  

Business acquisition isn't just about considering the assets you'll gain but also the leader you'll work with. Can you work with them long-term? Are your values aligned? A leader's identity and personality can often complicate your plans, whether you're looking to buy a business or even partner with one. Understanding and respecting the different types of leaders will help you navigate these scenarios more productively.  In this episode, Adam Ringo, Managing Partner at Watercourse Investments, shares valuable insights about identity, leadership, and more.   In this episode, you'll learn: Impact can't happen without sustainable growth. Leadership buckets to understand different leaders. Relationships are your most important currency.   Jump into the Conversation: [04:15] Introducing Adam Ringo [05:51] Understanding Radical Simplification [07:58] Is Making Money a Bad Goal? [08:56] Ownership and Stewardship [10:48] What Makes a Good Leader to Invest In? [12:49] Why Leaders Sell Their Business [14:08] Dealing with Leaders Who Want to Stay [15:14] How Identity Complicates Acquisitions  [16:31] Finding Chemistry, Capacity, and Calling [18:33] Managing Leaders Shifting Identities  [20:04] Why It's “Lonely at the Top” [21:09] Feedback Loops for Leaders [22:35] Ad Break [23:41] Visionary and Integrator Leaders [24:13] What is an EOS? [25:31] Frameworks for Bucketing Leaders [26:42] What is Chemistry, Capacity, and Calling? [27:22] Frameworks for Bucketing Leaders (Con't) [28:23] Understanding Leaders' Strengths [31:08] Traits of an Entrepreneur  [35:14] The Reality of Loving the Process [37:11] Tips for Letting Go of the Outcome [40:26] Relationships are Your Currency [42:30] Post-show Debriefing    To claim 10% off of your first month of BetterHelp, use the code 1000STORIES here: https://betterhelp.com/1000stories   Resources: Follow Adam: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-ringo-955b0820/ Listen to 1,000 Stories with Johnathan Gough: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DdT9lhy2MpA  

“Who am I?” It's a lifelong question many of us ask ourselves. We all have many roles and responsibilities, yet those are not the answer to the age-old question. Where do you go to unpack this question and unlock the answer to help you grow?  Wes Cate, Founder of Creatio, a company that helps senior executives lead through complexity with clarity, courage, and compassion, shares in-depth insights to help us tackle this topic, illuminating the differences between identity and purpose.  In this episode, you'll learn:  How your identity is made up (and it might not be what you think)  What you can do to expand your self-perception  Why you should remove the pressure of trying to ‘find' an answer    To claim 10% off of your first month of BetterHelp, use the code 1000STORIES here: https://betterhelp.com/1000stories   Jump into the conversation: [04:42] Introducing Wes Cate [06:51] Creativity, Entrepreneurship, and Friendship [11:09] Over-identifying with Our Roles [11:40] Investigating the Question “Who do you want to be?” [14:32] Identity-Based on Love vs. Hate [15:31] Diminishing Returns of High Performance [16:00] Exploring the Other Sides of You [17:41] The Value of Non-Performative Hobbies [18:56] Finding Things to Be Bad At [22:25] Realizing Your Resilient Identity  [26:36] Drawing a Map of Your Identity  [28:13] Using Personality Tests [29:30] Continuously Realizing Your Identity  [31:45] Practical Identity Discovery Tips  [34:39] Writing Multiple Futures for Yourself [39:01] Accepting vs. Building Your Identity   

  There's no question what you do affects how you think about yourself. What happens when you realize your role for years no longer fits? For Mark Caswell, that means stepping down as CEO of Resultant and discovering he's more than a title.   Mark Caswell is now a board member at Resultant but is still learning more about his identity. He joins host Joe Mills on 1,000 Stories to talk about transitioning and bringing in a new CEO, how it impacts his identity, and where he goes next. In this episode, you'll learn: How your role doesn't have to define you.  People rely on you as a leader, so taking care of yourself is essential.  Understanding how to grow a business sustainably includes your mental and physical health.    To claim 10% off of your first month of BetterHelp, use the code 1000STORIES here: https://betterhelp.com/1000stories   Resources: Follow Mark: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markocaswell/ I Am a 10 Regardless of What Happens with Brian Kavicky by the Scared Confident podcast: https://open.spotify.com/episode/56bREzreM0u3ov0IHTA8lC    

A business' inflection point is a critical moment that determines its future. Whether it's taking on more capital or getting acquired, leaders are bound to have stories of how they navigated through these difficult circumstances—and that's what hosts @Reid Morris and @Joe Mills intend to find out in the newest season of 1,000 Stories. Listen for a discussion about what you can learn from the episodes to come, how the show's format will change, and what effects inflection points could have on a leaders' personal life.   In this episode, you'll learn: Why you should listen to the third season of 1,000 Stories How hosts Reid Morris and Joe Mills intend to investigate company inflection points  What makes the stories behind inflection points so valuable   To claim 10% off of your first month of BetterHelp, use the code 1000STORIES here: https://betterhelp.com/1000stories   Resources: Follow Joe: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-mills-0ba62b42/ Follow Reid: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reidmorris/

Knowing and seeing what's possible is the first step to making it come true.  For Rachel Downey, Founder and CEO of Share Your Genius, it was discovering that it was possible to run a business at make time for her daughter simultaneously.  Rachel sits down with Joe and Reid on this episode of the 1,000 Stories podcast to tell the story of how the idea of Share Your Genius came to her on her hospital bed, just after having her daughter, and how her vision for the company played a role in its growth.  She also talks more about her non-linear career path, deciding what to be great at, learning how to dream, and more.  Her experiences as a mother and a founder can help you realize that it's possible to build a reality that matches what you want once you've committed to making it happen.   In this episode, you'll learn: You can love the process of seeing your visions come true but don't let it obscure the reason why you're doing it in the first place. Strengthening your dreaming muscle is essential to lead your business successfully.  Thinking you're good enough and deciding you can be great at something are two different things; you need the latter to really make a difference in your life. To claim 10% off of your first month of BetterHelp, use the code 1000STORIES here: https://betterhelp.com/1000stories   Resources: Follow Rachel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelelstsdowney/ 1,000 Stories episode starring Cornelius George: https://elementthree.com/resources/you-can-only-control-you-with-cornelius-george/   1,000 Stories episode starring Tiffany Sauder: https://elementthree.com/resources/leadership-and-the-value-of-vulnerability/  

What are you fighting for?  Most fighters might think that it's all about their record and having more wins than losses. But in Muay Thai, it's often about fighting to become a better version of yourself.  Jamie Bradley, Muay Thai instructor and Gym Owner of KruFit, joined the 1,000 Stories podcast to talk about the beauty of Muay Thai, its impact on her life, the transition from being an athlete to a business owner, and more.   In this episode, you'll learn: You improve more from your losses than from your wins. Process over product. It's better to lose from performing at your highest level than to win fighting dirty. Learning martial arts and prioritizing your fitness benefits all areas of your life, not just your physical well-being.   To claim 10% off of your first month of BetterHelp, use the code 1000STORIES here: https://betterhelp.com/1000stories   Resources: Follow Jamie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-bradley-61b55826/ KruFit website: https://krufit.com/  

As an ultramarathon runner, Nick Smarrelli knows that intensity can only get you so far. You're either all in or out. When he began feeling unhappy as a CEO of a company, he knew had to make a hard reset in his life. The people in his company deserved a fully committed leader—one that wasn't him.  He's since stepped down to chase new opportunities, such as being a Professor at Butler University. Now, he joins Joe and Reid on this episode of 1,000 Stories to talk about what it's like living as a self-admitted achiever, the life lessons running has taught him, taking action before feeling motivated, and more.    In this episode, you'll learn: While the drive to not disappoint others may get you to work hard and find success in some areas of your life, it's important to find a time to honor yourself and be OK with letting others down sometimes. The voluntary pain you feel while on a long run prepares you to face the involuntary pain the world throws at you unexpectedly.  You don't have to wait to feel motivated to take action. Doing something without waiting for that feeling gives you an opportunity to learn more about yourself and potentially find a new passion.   To claim 10% off of your first month of BetterHelp, use the code 1000STORIES here: https://betterhelp.com/1000stories   Resources: Follow Nick: https://www.linkedin.com/in/smarrelli/  

Most people think that data and gut feelings are opposite ends of a spectrum. But pairing them together can give you the confidence to do the things that others might not have.  Rachel Romer, CEO and Co-Founder of Guild Education, relied on both when, in 2015,  she decided to move her company from the bustling San Francisco to—what others believed—nowhere, Denver. Turns out, she was right.  Now, she chatted with @Joe Mills on this episode of the 1,000 Stories podcast to talk more about moving her company to Denver, how motherhood affected her perspective on life and work, her Enneagram, the books that made the biggest impact on her, and more.   In this episode, you'll learn: Parenthood shifts your life. You'll need to reevaluate your priorities and identity if your company has been your sole focus until you've become a parent.  Privilege is a non-productive buffer for failure.  5 impactful books that can help you change your perspective and better develop yourself.   To claim 10% off of your first month of BetterHelp, use the code 1000STORIES here: https://betterhelp.com/1000stories   Resources: Follow Rachel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelromer/ Guild Education website: https://www.guild.com/  

How well do you know yourself? Your dreams? Fears? Emotions? Reactions? When you take the time to learn more about yourself, it allows you to restructure your days the way that's best for you to perform at your highest level in all areas of your life.  Jacqueline Martinez, VP of People at GrowthDay and Human Design Strategist at Off the Record HR, joins Joe on this episode of the 1,000 Stories podcast to talk about the power of self-discovery, how to manage your energy, her approach to decision making, and more.  Jacqueline's insights into human design can help you identify your natural gifts and understand how to use it to benefit others.   In this episode, you'll learn: You shouldn't ignore your feelings and energy when planning your day or approaching ideas. Some ideas don't need to be acted on, and that's OK. Your purpose isn't something that you find, it's something you decide and do every day. When you've taken the time to really get to know yourself, you're better able to understand how to approach important decisions in your life.    To claim 10% off of your first month of BetterHelp, use the code 1000STORIES here: https://betterhelp.com/1000stories   Resources: Connect with Jacqueline: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacquelinehr/ Follow Jacqueline: https://www.instagram.com/itsjacquelinemartinez/ Off the Record: https://www.offtherecordhr.com/  

How do you deal with change as a leader?  It's a scary thing. No one can truly be comfortable with it, but believing that you'll find yourself in a more energizing position is crucial for moving forward.  Jeb Banner, CEO of Opendate and founder of Smallbox, joins Joe on this episode of the 1,000 Stories podcast to share his thoughts and insights about the role that change plays in our lives. Along the way, he discusses leadership, his passion for music, his meditation practice, and more.  As a leader, you need to be present—physically and mentally—if you want to do something great. Jeb's understanding and insights on spirituality will help you better connect with others and empower you to follow where your natural energy takes you.   In this episode, you'll learn: Being mindful and self-aware of what you're feeling is crucial to lead and build relationships effectively.  Change is definitely uncomfortable, but that doesn't mean it's impossible to survive through. Trusting that you'll eventually end up somewhere that energizes you is essential to moving forward with your life. Feelings are valid factors that more leaders need to consider while managing their business and team.   To claim 10% off of your first month of BetterHelp, use the code 1000STORIES here: https://betterhelp.com/1000stories   Resources: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jebbanner/ Opendate: https://www.opendate.io/ Smallbox: https://www.smallbox.com/  

How big of a role does passion play in your career? In your life?   Sometimes, it can move you to do unconventional things. One of them is to step down from a leadership role at your company. That's what Paul Ashley did.   Paul Ashley, VP & Consultant at NPS and Adjunct Professor at Butler University, joins Joe and Reid in this episode of the 1,000 Stories podcast to share his passions, from teaching to being a sommelier. He talks about his love of learning being the connecting thread in his life, following passions, being a parent, and more.  Paul's enthusiasm for his passions teaches you to be more self-aware of where your unique interests and strengths can better serve your company.    In this episode, you'll learn: Have patience with your passion. When you're twenty-something and still unsure of what to pursue in life, don't rush into anything until you're sure it's right for you. Lessons on pursuing your passion and setting an example for your children. Your passions make you more interesting, helping you connect with others far more.   To claim 10% off of your first month of BetterHelp, use the code 1000STORIES here: https://betterhelp.com/1000stories   Resources: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-ashley-cebs/ NFP: https://www.nfp.com/firstperson  

Struggling with perfectionism? Sometimes, success doesn't come from avoiding failure, but instead having permission to fail.  On this week's episode of 1,000 Stories, Courtney Bills, CEO of Tactive, joins Joe and Reid to talk about her drive to take on challenges. She shares her struggles with perfectionism, how it's OK to ask for help and permission from others, being a badass leader, and more.  Courtney's experiences with dealing with internalized pressure and taking on challenges outside your comfort zone can inspire you to reach your full potential. She explains that it's important to take a step back and realize what's your true motivation in life.   In this episode, you'll learn: There's nothing wrong with relying on a support system of people you trust to push you through your challenges in your personal and professional life. Your physical and mental health are connected; taking care of one improves the other. Success in business is more than about the money. It's about ensuring employees are enjoying what they do.   To claim 10% off of your first month of BetterHelp, use the code 1000STORIES here: https://betterhelp.com/1000stories   Resources: Tactive https://www.tactive.cc LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtney-bills-b3a4159/  

What motivates you—besides competition?   Is it greatness? Is it getting your hands messy? Yes, but above all, that purpose can be other people.   Sam Jacobs, CEO of Pavilion and Wall Street Journal best selling author, joins Joe and Reid on this week's episode of 1,000 Stories to talk about his journey towards creating a successful community-driven business. He discusses how the COVID-19 pandemic led him to building a platform for executive career development, his Enneagram score, personal growth, and more.    Sam's insights from working in community-driven business for high growth executives teaches you how to better think about what value you bring to the people you serve. He also shares valuable lessons on building a stronger relationship with your partner and others, to help unlock your full potential.    In this episode, you'll learn: It's important to avoid feeling like a victim of circumstance and instead find a way to take back control of your life and narrative. Your company's messaging needs to be powerful enough if you want to prevent them from switching to another product in a few years. Technology will be more and more important to satisfy your customers and provide them with a modern white glove service.    To claim 10% off of your first month of BetterHelp, use the code 1000STORIES here: https://betterhelp.com/1000stories   Resources: Pavilion: https://www.joinpavilion.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samfjacobs/  

Joanna Rees has been a trailblazer in the male-dominated venture capital and digital marketing industries, despite the many challenges she faced along the way. Through her unwavering determination and commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive team that champions underrepresented individuals, she has become an inspiration to many aspiring entrepreneurs. But what is Joanna's secret to success? Joanna Rees, an investor, entrepreneur, advisor, educator, mentor, and currently the Managing Partner at West, joined the 1,000 Stories podcast to share the importance of embracing diversity and inclusivity for driving innovation in the workplace, defeating biases and imposter syndrome by welcoming unique viewpoints, integrating charitable endeavors with profit-oriented ventures for collective societal benefits, and more.   Key Points  It's so important to get not just one woman into a room, but three or four because it really enables a change of the dynamic and the unconscious power structure when it's a male dominated room. We feel imposter syndrome when we're putting the other person on a pedestal rather than just embracing ourselves. You have a voice, it's your perspective, it's your expertise. It's not a comparison game! You can graduate with A's and B's from college, but if you don't look deeper into yourself and show what makes you unique and different, it's going to be hard to get a job. People look for texture in a person. Yes, good grades are great, but are those candidates going to add dimension in the workplace?   Resources Connect with Joanna on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/joannarees/ Check out Joanna's website: http://joannarees.org/ Learn more about West here: https://west.ventures/?click=1  

The world will often lie to you about what the meaning of life is. And while this is, unfortunately, the case, you have to find your meaning within yourself. Mark Caswell, CEO of Resultant, grew up in a small community and has been on the pursuit to living out his purpose in life and sharing his story. In this inspirational episode, Mark and Joe talk about work-life congruence, finding your meaning in life, creating intentional experiences, and seeing the uniquenesses of others. In conclusion, it comes down to a holistic mindset towards seasonality.   In this episode you will learn: Work-life congruence: how to have high productivity in your job without dedicating your life to work! Find your own meaning in life. Often the world will lie to you and tell you what it should be, but it all boils down to you and what you want. We are all different, unique, and we can't all be the same. Leave behind what is supposed to be left behind. There are seasons in life that are supposed to come at a certain time and leave at a certain time.   To claim 10% off of your first month of BetterHelp, use the code 1000STORIES here: https://betterhelp.com/1000stories   References: Connect with Mark: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markocaswell/ Resultant: https://resultant.com/

"You'll be in jail for the rest of your life by the time you're 16." Toph Day, CEO of Elevate Ventures, heard all of these words from teachers and mentors in his life by the time he was 16. He let every single one of these sentences affect him for the better. Toph Day has mastered the art of investing in the people and places around him to create an impact far beyond his goals and dreams. But, it didn't come without its fair share of adversity. In this episode, he shares with Joe how different people impacted his journey—for worse and for better—and how he overcame some biting words in his early years.   In this episode you'll learn: Words and communication are filled with so much power. They have the ability to change someone's world and give them the confidence they need to pursue their dreams. We're all going to go through struggles at some point in our lives, but you won't get to where you want to go unless you persevere and learn from the struggles. Experiences affect people in different ways. If we can have 1% more empathy for each other, the trickle-down effect can change the scope of the landscape.   To claim 10% off of your first month of BetterHelp, use the code 1000STORIES here: https://betterhelp.com/1000stories   References: Follow Toph: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopherday2/ Elevate Ventures: https://elevateventures.com/ Scale Computing: https://www.scalecomputing.com/

When was the last time you were asked for your 10-year plan? Did you have an answer? If not…that may be a good thing. Scott Whitlock, CEO of Flexware Innovation, joins Joe and Reid on this week's episode of 1,000 Stories to share his personal philosophy on accountability partners, the importance of asking questions, finding a job that you're passionate about, becoming an approachable leader, the Enneagram, and more. Scott shares his first-hand insight on these topics to help you become a strong leader in the workplace, love your job, and understand your co-workers on a deeper level—all while reminding us that not having your “next step” planned out might actually be the key to your growth.   In this episode, you'll learn: In order to find what you love, you need to sit down with different people and ask them questions about what they do. You were given a mouth to speak and ears to listen! It's better to decline a job offer that you are completely uninterested in than to take it. It's better to find a position that you love than be in one where you're miserable. Setting milestones, goals, and guideposts can help you stay accountable.   To claim 10% off of your first month of BetterHelp, use the code 1000STORIES here: https://betterhelp.com/1000stories   Resources: Follow Scott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottwhitlock/ Flexware Innovation's website: https://www.flexwareinnovation.com/  

“Sometimes you just have to take the leap and trust that everything is going to be okay.” Jake Miller had a banner first year as CEO of the Engineered Innovation Group—growing the company, beating revenue goals, and finding a niche that worked for their business. Even with all of this…he still experienced imposter syndrome. Why does this happen to people like Jake, and what can we learn from him? In this episode, Joe sits down with Jake as he shares his story of realizing that traditional school wasn't for him at a young age, the steps it took him to be successful, and how learning from your failures will almost always create something even better. In this episode, you'll learn: Trusting your intuition—that gut feeling—is likely more accurate than thinking logically. Trust your gut. Everybody thinks and learns in their own unique ways. The more and more we put constraints on measuring students' performances, the more it cuts out the fact that everybody thinks differently. Get a mentor, be a mentor. Sometimes, all it takes to take the leap is to hear someone say, ‘you can do this'. To claim 10% off of your first month of BetterHelp, use the code 1000STORIES here: https://betterhelp.com/1000stories Follow Jake: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakemillerindy/ Check out the EIG website here: https://www.engineeredinnovationgroup.com/

The most powerful thing to know in life is you can only control YOU. Cornelius George has a passion for impacting lives and making the world a better place than he found it. He is the co-founder and CEO of Chuqlab, a business with the focus of providing technology to those doing great things but have been underserved by the traditional technology start-up ecosystem. Cornelius George shared his powerful message on 1000 Stories - talking about his journey to finding what he considers to be the secret of life, and the power of philosophy, empathy, and mind. Listen to Cornelius's wisdom on mindset as a whole.   In this episode, you will learn: How to understand that you're the most powerful person in the world and not letting external events impact you. How emotional detachment to external outcomes will allow you to see the positives in every outcome. Finding your purpose in life through identifying your peace.   To claim 10% off of your first month of BetterHelp, use the code 1000STORIES here: https://betterhelp.com/1000stories   Resources: Follow Cornelius: https://www.linkedin.com/in/corneliusmgeorge/ Learn more about Chuqlab: https://www.chuqlab.com/

“When people feel seen, heard, and valued they want more of that.” Ali Cudby is the CEO of Alignmint Growth Strategies, a company she founded in 2014 as Your Iconic Brand. Ali also wrote the book on customer experience – literally. That's because Ali is the author of the bestseller, Keep Your Customers. From Fortune 500 to pre-revenue start-ups, Ali has spent 20 years refining her craft.  Ali first cut her teeth in the world of customer experience after graduating from Wharton Business School and joining The New York Times Company's corporate planning group. She also had stints in strategic marketing at the Golf Digest Magazine Group and Animal Planet TV Network before opening her own shop, where she focuses on making a difference for small to mid-sized companies that want the know-how to grow. These days, Ali teaches Entrepreneurship and Innovation at Purdue University and works with clients worldwide. When she's not working, you'll probably find her in the pottery studio or valiantly trying to tire out her two dogs.   In this episode you will learn the following: How improving employee experiences aids in customer retention for the long term. How finding your focus will impact all areas of your business. The importance of consistency when becoming excellent in your industry.   Get a free month of customer retention strategies at CXology.co using the exclusive coupon code STORIES   Resources: Ali Cudby's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alicudby/ Learn more about Alignmint Growth Strategies: https://alignmintforgrowth.com/about/ Learn more about CXology: https://www.cxology.co/pages/about-us

"Pain and frustration lead to great innovation, don't they?" Marcus Sheridan is an international keynote speaker and author of the book, "They Ask, You Answer". He is an expert in communication, sales, and marketing, and has used his knowledge to become one of the most trusted voices in his space. As an author and speaker, Marcus teaches others how to communicate in a way that builds trust and generates transformation: by getting in front of issues before they become a problem. Listen in as he dives deep into what he learned from the recession in ‘08, and how he has continued to grow in self-confidence and reduce his doubt among a few big career shifts. In this episode, you will learn the following: The impact of leaning into innovation during a recession How to remove doubt by using the “They Ask, You Answer” framework How vanguard communication can be used to resolve concerns, eliminate doubt, and encourage a positive response Resources: https://marcussheridan.com/ Follow Marcus: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcussheridan/ They Ask, You Answer: https://marcussheridan.com/they-ask-you-answer/

From college football player to business owner and investor, the dreams and goals of Matt Wren have shifted multiple times. But what's the through-line? Matt Wren is the Vice President of Business Development at Moser Consulting and the co-founder of Extract Energy, a CBD energy drink company. The list doesn't stop there, he's had his hands in many different businesses, ranging from an IT company to working with a Porsche racer. He has built close relationships with his business partners over the years, some of which have been lifelong friends and others whom he has only recently met. For Matt, the decision-making process boils down to shared vision and opportunity. Listen in to hear why he believes in leading by example and valuing the input of everyone in the room.

Dr. Kevin Berkopes is probably the smartest guy in most rooms. But his philosophy?   "I work from the paradigm that I'm always looking for the next thing to learn."   Dr. Berkopes is a CEO of XR Technologies and former teacher passionate about education equity. His chosen experiences teaching in places like the South Side of Chicago to rural Appalachia have led him to see that everyone is capable of greatness if they have the right circumstances and opportunities. He has seen firsthand how poverty can limit people's ability to succeed and is determined to make a change.   So how did he learn this? And how does that impact his leadership skills and the way he approaches life-long learning? Press play to find out.

Imagine: you're in your 20's. Overnight, you become the co-president of a 170-person company, with pretty much zero warning or preparation. What would your first day look like?   For Josh Block, it involved a lot of questions, and zero ego. And that's the way he's operated ever since.   Josh is the President of Block Imaging, a second-generation family business providing radiology and imagine equipment based out of Lansing, Michigan.   Josh's perspective on leadership was shaped by his early career working many different jobs with many different types of people. This allowed him to recognize the value and stability that employment brings to not only individuals but their families and ultimately the community as well—a mission he carries the banner for within his organization today.   In this episode, you will learn:   What it look like to truly leave your ego at the door as a leader—and its lasting effects on company culture How Josh and his family use their business to engage in community development How Josh has tempered his tendencies to want to rebuild for the sake of rebuilding for the betterment of the company

Throughout her experiences, she's learned valuable life, business and marketing lessons. Now, Becky Beckman is a Principal and the Director of Marketing at Gibson, where she says her job is to manage all the chaos behind-the-scenes to present a calm, sleek, unique brand to the community. Listen in as Becky reveals why positivity, family, and balance are key to growing and creating opportunity right where you are.

The next generation of our investigation kicks off, and who better to lead us into the future than a man who is bringing up the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs? Don Wettrick is a teacher-turned-startup founder with has an intense passion for tapping into young talent and reframing the way we approach education. Don spent well over 20 years in the classroom, flipping traditional education on its head and developing a curriculum for high school students to tap into their entrepreneurial side. From this sprung the founding of his state-backed education startup, STARTedUP. In this episode, Don shares insights into what his decades-long teaching career taught him about how we can all approach teaching (whether in a classroom or in our own organizations), and what can happen when we dare to not set a ceiling in our own lives. Learn more about the STARTedUP Foundation

The investigation comes to an end…or does it? It's the end of our first season. Joe Mills and Reid Morris set out to find an answer—to find the commonalities among growth-minded people. And candidly, that didn't happen the way they thought it would. And it maybe didn't happen at all. So what's next? The investigation continues. Listen in to hear Joe and Reid recap what they've learned and what they'll be investigating moving forward—including a new episode cadence. Tune in every other week to see where the investigation takes Reid and Joe—and, what questions they'll dig into next.

You've heard the saying You're only as strong as your weakest link. But what if your team was united around a shared purpose, each more fulfilled and engaged than the last? Strong links only. Wil Davis, Principal at Noble Why, reveals this is how successful entrepreneurs and business form their teams. But Rome wasn't built in a day. As a leader, you must identify your purpose, build an empowered team around that same mission, and engage your employees in a shared vision for the future. In this episode of 1,000 Stories, you'll also learn how to connect the dots between your employees' and company's goals and how to avoid being perceived as fake when creating your mission.

The investigation continues… Leading Joe and Reid to ask, “What kind of tools are out there to help develop growth-minded and people-first leaders?” Chip Neidigh is the CEO and Founder of Kairos Consulting, a leadership development agency. They use the enneagram to help executives implement a people-first culture. In this episode of 1000 Stories, he reveals how to avoid “invasive support,” what every employee wants from their work experience, and how to understand and use the enneagram in your company. You'll learn how to transform your relationships with your customers, employees, and even family—and, lead a better, more purposeful life.

And now the investigation turns to a man familiar with being under the lights… Leadership coach and author Gary Brackett knows all about winning. He's crushed every obstacle on his journey from Rutgers football walk-on to NFL Colts linebacker to restauranteur to executive advisor. He says reaching goals is about putting in the hard work, cultivating a success mindset, and never letting anyone else define your reality. In this powerful interview on self-motivation, Brackett reveals his winning approach to any goal—visualization, grit, a championship framework, and undiluted optimism. Listen in to a real champion share his strategies to turn adversity into opportunity and achieve in every aspect of your life.

From intuition to introspection… The investigation continues when Joe chats with a leader with extraordinary self-awareness—Jon Speer, founder of Greenlight Guru. Jon follows two core principles—trust and forgiveness—to guide his leadership style. Learning to trust others to perform as hired and forgiving himself for making mistakes in his pursuit of growth is foundational to a more fulfilling life and better relationships. In this revealing interview, Jon opens up about his work-life struggles and overcoming limitations through mindset work with Kevin Bailey. Breathwork, meditation, and journaling help him lead more effectively and focus on his real motivation—to make a positive impact on the lives of others.

We're at the point in our investigation that the red-hot lead is hard to ignore…the best growth-minded leaders have an insane level of intuition. And, like every great investigative team, Joe and Reid are following the rabbit hole. It's time to bring in a subject matter expert who can shed some light on this hard-to-ignore discovery. Enter: Kevin Bailey Serial entrepreneur and CEO, Kevin is in the business of helping others win. His early successes in launching companies Slingshot and Powderkeg spurred his dream of becoming a high-performance coach. Dreamfuel, Kevin's latest venture, improves individual and team performance through neuroscience and mindset training. In this interview, he explains the techniques that fuel achievement, the power of meditation, and the difference between intuition and instinct—trust one but not the other. If you want to achieve your dreams, train your intuition, crush your limits, produce more under pressure, and avoid burnout, this episode is for you.

The investigation continues…with Sara Croft, professional innovator. Sara helps brands grow by thinking outside the box. As a marketing leader at Innovatemap, she applies instinct to problem-solving—and approaches her career the same way. Since life rarely goes according to plan, Sara says you may actually miss the best opportunities by being overly intentional. Intuitive decision-making is foundational to Sara. In this episode, she describes her unplanned journey from art history student to CMO, why alone time is mandatory for renewal and self-discovery, and how her best guide is her gut. Leading Joe and Reid to wonder: how do you practice the mindfulness and skills needed to live into the growth these interviews have uncovered so far?

Every investigation encounters a little shake-up. Enter Lindsay Boccardo—a professional disrupter. Her mission is to help people connect better and find purpose in their work. As a career strategist, keynote speaker, business owner, and Host of YouTube's The Porch, she empowers listeners to buck convention and do what they love. Her ideology mixes sociology, psychology, and gut-level intuition, and disrupting the status quo comes naturally to Lindsay—a rock drummer and former minister who lives life on her own terms. Her lectures on interpersonal dynamics and the human condition are direct and impactful. This episode highlights her motivations and how she gets others to avoid the trap of an uninspiring job for a more meaningful career. And eventually leads Joe and Reid to their next step in uncovering what it takes to grow people and business.

As the trail continues, it has led to Danielle Falconer. She's been training to win her entire life. As VP of Strategy at Element Three, she helps clients win by solving their problems and growing their brands. Her success has propelled her to the top in her field. Getting comfortable with discomfort is key to her success. Discipline, preparation, and grit are her natural gifts. The harder the challenge, the greater the victory. Don't miss this amazing episode, a masterclass in high-performance leadership from a former elite gymnast who found like-minded achievers at Element Three. Then, Joe and Reid realize it's time to bring a different source into the narrative—one who will change the course of their investigation.

You speak to where your passions are. And in this conversation, John Gough's passions are totally evident: his six children. But it begs the question: can passion at home translate to passion at work? Or does a watershed moment of prioritization have to take place? As the VP of Digital and Web at Element Three, John approaches every decision with integrity and intentionality. By aligning his principles with a long view toward satisfaction, he lives without regrets. In this deeply personal discussion, John shares the factors that shaped his leadership style—living abroad in his formative years, his close relationship to his father, his faith, and the values that guide him with humility and refreshing self-awareness. This striking self-awareness leads Joe and Reid to question if their next guest may be beyond the E3 walls…listen to find out.

Darren Halbig is, at his core, an artist. He's a designer by trade, and a massively creative individual. When he stepped into a leadership role at Element Three, he reached a boiling point—he had to give up design in order to prioritize leading his 25-person team. So..was it worth it? In this candid conversation, Joe and Reid connect the dots between Darren's parents fostering 70 to 100 children and Darren fostering growth in his colleagues. Finally, they contrast Darren and Tiffany Sauder's perspectives on growth, from our previous episode, and follow a new lede for our next conversation..

What does it take to foster growth in people and business? Or maybe the better question..is who? Let's start our investigation inside of the Element Three walls with CEO and founder of Element Three and host of her own podcast, Scared Confident. Tiffany is a 20-year vet of the marketing industry and leader of an award-winning business. In this episode, Joe helps Tiffany dive deep into the self-doubts that plagued her early career and the personal and professional motivations that guide her today. She explains why she isn't afraid to fail and how empowering colleagues keeps her evolving as a leader. And, Joe helps Tiffany make an insightful discovery about her own personal “flywheel” of growth-which inspires Joe and Reid to take the investigation in a new direction.

What does it take to foster growth in both people and business? Or-maybe the question really is: Who does it take? In this Element Three original show, co-hosts Joe Mills and Reid Morris set out on an investigation to answer that burning question. Join them as they sit down with leaders they admire to discover what makes the most growth-minded leaders tick-from E3 founder Tiffany Sauder to performance mindset coach Kevin Bailey to former Colts linebacker-turned-restaurateur Gary Brackett and beyond. Who will they talk to next? You'll find out right alongside them as their investigation progresses. 1,000 Stories gives present and future leaders alike full access to the minds and motivations behind mission-driven business and the people within them.