Best Places to Lead

Entrepreneurs excel at launching new business ventures. As go-getters, they have the drive and follow through it takes to move great ideas from the idea stage to reality. But the entrepreneur's strengths are also their weaknesses, especially when it comes time to scale the business. The hardest thing for them to do? Let go of control. On this week's episode of Best Places to Lead. I sat down with Tyler Horsley, Founder and former CEO of Nuclear Networking. Nuclear Networking helped businesses improve their marketing to meet their revenue goals. As a Founder/CEO, Tyler had many insights about the growing pains that he went through as a Founder to earn his CEO seat. We discussed:

Entrepreneurs are well known for their resilience and ability to adapt to ever-changing markets. However, evolving from an initial business model to a more sustainable, scalable one often came with its unique set of challenges. One of the most difficult aspects of this transition was learning to trust and delegate rather than maintaining tight control over every aspect of the business.In this week's episode of our podcast, we were thrilled to have Nellie Akalp, the CEO behind CorpNet, who proved that it was possible to reinvent your business model successfully and come out stronger on the other side. As a seasoned entrepreneur, Nellie transitioned her company from a B2C model to a B2B model, steering her business towards new opportunities in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.We discussed:1️⃣ The importance of being aware of market dynamics and being willing to adapt to remain competitive.2️⃣ How to operate at your highest potential for greater efficiency and personal satisfaction.3️⃣ The 'Three Pillars of Success' that guided Nellie's business: customer success, employee engagement, and a sustainable business model.Connect with Nellie:On her LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nellieakalp/On her Company: https://www.corpnet.com/

Many business owners have overlooked the importance of creating value for people, often focusing on transactional relationships rather than transformative ones. However, investing time, energy, and resources to provide value to our people not only builds a positive reputation but also fosters meaningful relationships and strong connections.In this episode of Best Places to Lead, we dove into the mind of such a leader - Thomas Brainsky, the CEO behind Elite Operations, Bonifate, and ProfitMax. Reflecting on his own experiences, Thomas shared the wisdom he wishes he had known 20 years ago and the valuable lessons he has learned along the way.In this episode, we discussed:• How Thomas rebuilt trust in the aftermath of a company-shattering incident.• The transformative power of humility, vulnerability, and hyper-transparency in fostering strong relationships with employees.• The complexities and considerations of organic growth versus buy and build strategies.If you were seeking guidance on leadership, transparency, and navigating the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, this episode was a must-watch.Connect with Thomas:On his LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-brainsky-2453152/

Often, the road to success is dotted with unexpected twists and turns. Conquering adversity and navigating the choppy waters of the business world are feats that Kara Smith Brown, Founder and Chief Revenue Officer of LeadCoverage, knows all too well. With a track record of spearheading her own venture, Kara has remarkably transformed her challenges into stepping stones toward success. Drawing on her deep-rooted experience in sales, she has assembled a skilled team in a post-pandemic world, extending LeadCoverage's influence as a trusted name in the field.On this Best Places to Lead episode, I sit down with Kara to unpack her journey. Kara's path as an influential entrepreneur illustrates her resilient spirit and dedication to fostering female leadership in sales.In this episode, we discussed:  1. How Kara thrived amidst the trials of the "great resignation" period, building a high-performing team in a changing world. 2. Her time in the EO Harvard program and how her experiences there helped shape her approach to leadership.3. Fostering a culture of inclusivity and diversity in the post-pandemic era.If you're eager to explore how to transform hardships into fuel for success, or if you're seeking insights into the unique challenges and rewards of entrepreneurial leadership, this week's episode is a must-watch. Connect with Kara:On her LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karasmithbrown/On her Company Website: https://leadcoverage.com/company/

The line between competitors and customers is often quite distinct, yet Dave Walens, CEO of Exploring Digital, has managed to blur this boundary, turning his rivals into his clients. With roots in the trade show industry, Dave has taken a visionary leap through acquisition. After purchasing Brumark, a flooring solutions company, David set out to expand the business to include other related industries, such as fabrication and graphics. Now, his company provides clients with an array of design solutions for their needs.On Best Places to Lead, I'll sit down with Dave to dive into his fascinating journey from starting his own design-build firm in the '80s to acquiring a flooring company and subsequently expanding it into an industry-leading brand. His foresight demonstrates his prowess as a seasoned entrepreneur and forward-thinker.In this episode, we'll discuss:

Have you ever heard someone describe themself as “an idea person”? If you haven't, you likely know at least one person who is always pitching their friends a new, million-dollar idea. What sets the ideal person apart from the entrepreneur though, is execution. Entrepreneurs don't just have great ideas; they also commit to and follow through on an idea that ultimately, becomes a business. On this week's episode of Best Places to Lead, I sit down with Don Henig, co-founder of AccrueMe. A fintech company that invests in Amazon sellers to help them scale their business, AccrueMe is a project that brought Don out of a well-earned retirement. With a diverse career in finance and entertainment, Don is a fountain of wisdom about how to stop stalling and get started with your first– or fifth!– business. Tune in to hear us discuss: 

Entrepreneurs don't set out to start companies that recreate the conditions they want to escape. Yet too often, leaders forget that starting your own business also means creating the kind of company you want to work for. But if what you left is all you know, it can be hard to see the choice points to help get you there. So how do you avoid only looking in the metaphorical rearview mirror at the past and what didn't work and focus on the future out the windshield?On this week's Best Places to Lead, I sit down with Donnie Boivin, CEO of Success Champion Networking and Founder of Badass Business Summit, to discuss how nearly losing everything set him on a path to help others network smarter, not harder. A Marine Corps Veteran with over 20 years of experience in sales, Donnie knows the importance of silencing the worries in order to focus on achieving your goal. Tune in to this week's episode to hear us discuss:  1. Envisioning the business you want to build and aligning your ways of working to support it. 2. Taking accountability to focus on solutions, not what-ifs. 3. Getting your team to see that when the company wins, they all win.Listen now for an inspiring discussion on building your dream business, taking accountability, and creating a winning team.Connect with Donnie:On his LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donnieboivin/

Every company needs high-achievers who execute and drive results for the team. But some people make shit happen, and others just can't get to the finish line.That's why I'm excited to share my proven execution framework with you, centered around what I call the "5 T's" of execution. With this framework, you'll be able to understand, diagnose, and take corrective action on how to cultivate ownership inside your organization. As a CEO who has led five companies in five industries to high growth, been featured in Franchise 500 and Inc 500, and earned Best Places to Work, I've discovered the secrets to building a compelling company while creating a great place to work.In this week's episode, you'll learn how to drive exceptional results and achieve your goals with my proven 5 T's framework. We'll cover: 1. Discovering the indispensable "T's" and why they're critical in execution. 2. Optimizing your time management to get the most out of your day. 3. Driving accountability and exploding performance through clarity.If you want to have a fast-growing company and take your execution to the next level, you'll want to check this episode!Don't miss out on all the good stuff that is coming your way!

Most people don't set out to start a business with the intention of selling it. Even leaders of small businesses that grow into million-dollar enterprises don't start every new day looking for a buyer. But sometimes, you have to know when to let go and start on a new adventure. This week, I'll sit down with Dave Molenda, Founder of Positive Polarity, who made the tough choice to do just that. After starting and leading his own company for almost 30 years, he made a choice to walk away due to a difference in vision with his business partner. For David, the choice was easy because he was ready to take a step towards the new goal he had in mind after achieving success. On this episode of Best Places to Lead, we'll discuss:  1. How to navigate the emotional aspects of going through a buyout.  2. The importance of investing in people to strengthen your organization and the industry. 3. Recent trends in what leaders are looking for in their own professional development. If you're on the cusp of a big career pivot and want to learn how to trust your instincts, listen to this episode!Connect with Dave:On his LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmolenda/Don't miss out on all the good stuff that is coming your way!

Just because you're a leader, doesn't mean you need to do everything. It also doesn't even mean you're necessarily good at everything. True leadership is possible when you recognize where to use your energy is best spent to help your organization achieve success. But when you're so used to doing it all to make it to the top, knowing how to let go and get back to basics can be harder than you think. This week, I'll sit down with Tyler Pigott, founder and CEO of Lone Fir Creative. Lone Fir Creative helps B2B companies with more than just HubSpot support; they also help companies tell their story in a way that harnesses HubSpot's many resources. Unsurprisingly, in both his personal and professional lives, Tyler is adept at stripping away the excess to get at the problem needing a solution. On this episode of Best Places to Lead, we'll discuss:  1. How to stay in your sweet spot and avoid the high achiever's trap 2. The importance of asking questions to identify the problem the product tries to solve 3. Getting back to basics and simplifying does not mean “dumbing” it downIf you're feeling overwhelmed and like your attention is being pulled in a million directions, listen to this episode!Connect with Tyler:On his LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tylerpigott/Don't miss out on all the good stuff that is coming your way!

Sometimes, business moves so fast that it can feel like the worst thing you could do is pause. And sometimes, circumstances beyond your control force you to halt all business and reassess. While your first instinct may be to either push through doing what you've always done or close shop forever, those are rarely your only options. But how do you figure out what those other options are? Moreover, how do you know which one is the right one for the business, especially when there's limited information available?This week, I'll be speaking with Matt Kleinrock, CEO of Rockway Exhibits + Events, about pulling his business through the COVID pandemic to come out better than ever on the other side. Rockway Exhibits + Events is a wholly event-based company helping organizations design bold customer experiences for their next tradeshow. With halt to in-person events, they had to adapt and downsize to stay afloat. During this week's episode, we'll discuss: 

Do you ever find yourself struggling to make decisions in your business? Whether it's choosing which project to pursue or deciding on the best way to allocate your resources, decision-making can be a challenging process. But it doesn't have to be that way. In our upcoming episode of the Best Places to Lead Show, I'll be sharing my top tips for implementing a decision-making process that really works.In this week's episode, I'll walk you through the steps you need to take to make well-informed decisions that can move your company forward and create a process that helps you stay focused, confident, and in control even when faced with difficult choices.During the show, I covered the following topics:  • How to weigh short-term vs. long-term benefits while staying aligned with your business goals and values  • Key steps to follow to ensure your process is transparent, inclusive, and effective.  • Best practices for communicating the decision in a clear and empathetic manner.Whether you're facing a major strategic decision, navigating a crisis, or simply looking to improve your everyday decision-making processes, listen to this! Don't miss out on all the good stuff that is coming your way!

There are many hats that a CEO has to wear, including coach, mediator, problem-solver, to name only three. It can be overwhelming to juggle so many competing priorities and needs, especially when first launching your business. As your company grows, it only gets more challenging. But there is a tool every CEO should have in their toolbox that cuts through the noise and gets to the root cause sooner, so you can act faster: frameworks for decision-making and process consistency.This week is a solo episode with me, your host, Jerry Macnamara. We'll be talking about the core frameworks I use to run Proven Chaos, through which I provide business coaching to CEO's that helps them keep their promises to customers, vendors, and most importantly, their employees. Before Proven Chaos, I was a leader struggling with high stress, 100-hour work weeks, and nights sleeping on the couch in my office instead of at home with my family. Then I implemented frameworks that brought calm to the chaos. In this episode, we'll cover:   

You've heard me say this many times: no one shows up to work thinking, “I want to suck today.” As we know, underperformance is usually a symptom of a larger issue, such as a lack of time or training. It's also true that sometimes, the type of work is emotionally draining, and it's our responsibility as leaders to provide the tools and knowledge to help our teams avoid burning out. But what does that look like in one of the saddest industries out there: the funeral industry?This week, I'm sitting down with Hamza Khan and Cameron Allahverdi of GetUrns.com. The funeral urn business is a family one for Hamza, whose grandfather started making urns in 1967; now, Hamza and his father run Love Urns, LLC as a wholesale distributor to funeral homes. Cameron is a fulfillment guru, who happened to pick up an after-hours phone call from Hamza one night, who was seeking assistance with timely delivery. The rest is history in the making. Now, GetUrns.com brings stylish urns directly to the consumer and is ranked 528 on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing companies. On this episode of Best Places to Lead, I'll be talking with Hamza and Cameron about:

Most of us are subject matter experts in something. For some of us, it's sales, for others, it's a specific formula for a cleaning agent, and for others still, it's understanding a process so well that the consultation and public speaking requests keep pouring in. When we move into leadership roles though, we rarely need to call on that expertise directly.But sometimes, we're lucky enough that the business we lead is exactly in the thing we're incredibly talented at. So how can we avoid getting stuck in the rut of our own expertise to see the big picture and scale the company? I'll be sitting down with William Harris, Founder and CEO of Elumynt, an e-commerce marketing agency, and the head of marketing for Sellbrite, a SaaS company that focuses on multichannel e-commerce growth and management. (And yes, for those of you wondering, it's pronounced: “element.”) William is a problem-solver who, after years of helping others resolve smaller issues, was hungry for larger, more complex problems. After deciding to focus on the problems he was really passionate about, he brought on a partner and, in March 2020 hired his first employee. Elumynt's growth has since continued, and so have William's insights. On this episode of Best Places to Lead, I'll be talking with William about: • Using your expertise to grow your own business instead of someone else's.• Shifting our view perspective on being busy to see it as an opportunity for process improvement. • Letting joy trickle down through every part of the business.Ensure not to miss the chance to learn from William Harris how to transform your idea into a prosperous business. Connect with William:On his LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wmharris/Don't miss out on all the good stuff that is coming your way!

We have many responsibilities as leaders. One of the most important responsibilities is keeping an eye on the financials. From monitoring project budgets to reviewing income statements, we know that everything in business comes with a cost, especially when the goal is to add value. Imagine what our organizations could achieve if every individual at every level was taught to think about the value they add and how it contributes to the bottom line. This week I had the pleasure of speaking with Mark Herschberg, a professor at MIT, author of The Career Toolkit, and creator of the Brain Bump app, about why we should intentionally instruct our teams about the business. From tracking criminals and terrorists on the dark web to creating marketplaces and new authentication systems, Mark has spent his career launching and developing new ventures at startups and Fortune 500s and in academia, with over a dozen patents to his name. He also helped to start MIT's Undergraduate Practice Opportunities Program, dubbed their “career success accelerator.”On this episode of Best Places to Lead, I'll talk with our Mark about: - Everyday opportunities to upskill your entire organization. - Ways to get everyone thinking about the value they can generate. - Practical lessons from the tech world that apply in any industry.Don't miss this another insightful episode of the Best Places To Lead Show. Connect with Mark:On his LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hershey/Don't miss out on all the good stuff that is coming your way!

Everyone wants to know what their Executive Leadership Team really thinks. And our Executive Leaders rarely have time to spend detailing the process behind every decision they make. But this week, they do! On this week's episode of Best Places to Lead, join me for a special peek inside the Boardroom with 18 senior leaders. You'll hear from industry leaders in everything from Human Resources, Construction, Marketing, Business Development, and more! Over the course of the hour, I'll speak with panels made up of 3-5 leaders. You'll witness firsthand how those who hold the top seats in an organization manage common leadership dilemmas and keep their companies striving for success. On this episode of Best Places to Lead, I talked with our Leaders about: 

Remote work has given employees back a level of autonomy over how to best use their time that was sorely missed in the workplace. And despite the worries of many, companies that adopted hybrid or fully remote models long after the COVID-19 lockdowns ended to continue to do well.But with more employee autonomy comes less employer control.On a new segment for Best Places to Lead, I take the interviewee seat and develop coaching guidance for CEO Jamie Dimon (the fictional business owner who often needs a little help) on how to get remote work right. Rita Richa, Content Strategist for Be the Stage and a Producer for Best Places to Lead, makes sure the mic is hot when capturing my advice to CEO Jamie Dimon on shifting his remote work policy to one that is strategic, inclusive, and sure to transform his business into one of the best places to work. On this episode of Best Places to Lead, we'll discuss: - The importance of trust in remote and hybrid environments. - Strategies from the past for collaborating in our present remote workplaces. - Why people need clear explanations for how they can add value to the organization.  - Why as a leader, it's imperative to decenter yourself when considering new ways of working. If like CEO Jamie Dimon, you're on the fence about remote work or a stalwart in your preference for a return to the office, you won't want to miss this episode!Don't miss out on all the good stuff that is coming your way!

Leaders know that communication is an essential skill. Whether closing a sale or managing a delicate change initiative, being able to clearly and directly express yourself is at the center of leading others. And it's not just in our work lives where the ability to communicate what we need or the vision we're working toward matters. It also impacts the always tenuous work-life balance that many of us struggle to maintain.But if you were to ask someone what scares them the most, they would be just as likely to say “public speaking” as they would “spiders.”  That's why on this week's episode, I'm speaking with Brenden Kumarasamy about shifting our perspective so we stop seeing communicating as a chore and start seeing it as a way to positively impact someone's day. Founder and President of MasterTalk, a free, interactive workshop helping people improve their communication skills, Brenden also shares his insights about effective communication with over 30 thousand subscribers to his popular YouTube channel of the same name. Since college, when he coached his case presentation teammates to success, Brenden has been helping anyone and everyone learn daily habits to jump start their speaking game. On this episode of Best Places to Lead, I'll be talking with Brendan about:

Leaders are tasked with making many high-impact decisions on a daily basis. It's important to feel confident not just in the choices you make, and in the process used to make them. But, with the extreme daily pressures, making effective decisions as fast as you need to keep pace with the business is difficult.This is why I'm bringing Clint Rusch on the show to share his decision-making formula for who, how, and what decisions need to be made in the business. Clint is the current President of NorthPoint Logistics and a former U.S. military member. His career path after leaving the military is non-linear, taking him from operations to finance to consulting in industries as diverse as aviation, health care, mining, hospitality, government, retail, technology, and utilities. Rather than a sign that he cannot succeed in any one industry, Clint views his journey as an example of what keeps him engaged in logistics: seeing every day as an opportunity to learn something new. On this episode of Best Places to Lead, Clint and talked about 1. The right way to make decisions as fast as possible. 2. Hiring lifelong learners for their translatable skills. 3. The positive outcomes of cultivating accountability and ownership for your team. If you're looking for new ways to inspire your team to reengage and find innovative solutions to your businesses' problems, big and small, listen to this episode!Connect with ClintOn his LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steel14/Don't miss out on all the good stuff that is coming your way!

As leaders, we all strive for success and understand that achieving it can be difficult. Yet we often overlook the challenge of staying humble on the way to the top. The truth is that without maintaining a measured attitude in life and business, you run the risk of losing everything. On this week's episode, Marques Ogden will share with me the story of how he was able to bounce back from adversity even after his construction business collapsed, leaving him with nothing. Marques has since grown into an inspiring CEO and public speaker whose story about overcoming hardship to rebuild both himself and his business inspires others to stay true to their values and vision. By exemplifying resilience, humility, and leadership throughout his journey, Marques sets a powerful example for anyone aspiring to be a CEO or a more authentic version of themselves.On this episode of Best Places to Lead, I'll be talking with Marques about:• How losing his business didn't cause him to lose his purpose.• What having a brother in the Hall of Fame taught him about humility.• Where resilience comes from and how to cultivate it. Whether you're a football fan or not, you won't want to miss this episode.Connect with Marques:On his LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marques-ogden-2a745a57/Don't miss out on all the good stuff that is coming your way!

Leaders need to grow to succeed and must have the right mindset to embrace change in a turbulent economy. Change is inevitable in life. And change can be both positive and negative. It is essential for leaders to embrace a growth mindset to help them be open to new ideas, think outside of the box, and take risks that could lead to great rewards. But, leaders feel like a victim when confronted with change. It's an Eeyore “sky is falling” reaction instead of a growth mindset response.This is why I've asked Dai Manuel to join us. Dai's inspiring Ted Talk, “Vulnerability is a Human Thing,” provides an inspirational look at embracing change and the person you aspire to become. Dai Manuel is an author, keynote speaker, and former partner and Chief Operating Officer of an eight-figure company.Dai highlighted following topics that are guaranteed to be beneficial to everyone:• How one becomes a champion of change vs. feeling like a victim of change.• How to find balance when dealing with the struggle of the juggle of life.• The biggest lessons learned (and struggles) he experienced scaling an 8 figure business. Don't miss this fun conversation filled with practical and unique insights for leaders. Connect with Dai:On his LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daimanuel/Don't miss out on all the good stuff that is coming your way!

As the dust settles from our New Year's resolutions and we go deeper into the work, we realize how much positive change comes from our mindsets. A bulletproof mindset is one that evolves from knowing yourself, your mission, and your goals through and through but also meeting this with effort.Our guest Timmy Gallagher--an executive leader, retired law enforcement lieutenant, spiritual elder, and endurance athlete--knows a lot about how the mind can push you to new heights. His coaching and leadership services provided through Evolute Performace are all about transformation.As always, Timmy will be generous with his insight and wisdom on many topics, including:The survive mindset (working for a check) versus the sage mindset (working to make a difference)How to know yourself on an ontological level, and why that is vital for any leader's mindsetThe difference between things happening to you and things happening for youWe are excited to bring insights and inspiration throughout 2023 with our hour-long sit down with Timmy Gallagher!Connect with Timmy:On his LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothygallagherevolute/On his company: https://evoluteperformance.com/Don't miss out on all the good stuff that is coming your way!

Leaders want it all! This is especially true at the beginning of every year (hello, gym memberships!). Excelling at work and also your healthy relationships become the driving force of your daily work.So, what gets in the way? Your own self-limiting beliefs, which can take away opportunities for you to be fulfilled and accomplish your goals.That's why I'm excited to kick the new year off by having JM Ryerson on the show to talk about the keys to unlocking fulfillment in life. JM is an international speaker, host of the Let's Go Win Podcast, and best-selling Author of "Let's Go Win, The Keys to Living Your Best Life."JM will walked us through his methods of helping leaders:

I made a goal how can I intentionally help CEO Charlie, an avatar I speak to, he's in his early 40s, have a successful company but want to get to the next level. I believe it's possible for any company to attain greatness. It's the leader who paves the way for that to come true or prevents it from doing so.That's why I am working with the help of high achievers to learn how they create strong companies that surpass expectations yet still make it home for dinner. If we can build engaging businesses that are so exciting that people are shocked they get paid to do their work, that is when we win.As we close out 2022, I want to share what I and CEO Charlie learned through the podcast I launched, the Best Places To Lead, as well as the valuable insights I got from interviews with CEOs and business experts with them unique frameworks and actionable ideas to the table that I, my audience as well as CEO Charlie can learn from and help us improve and become better versions of ourselves.After doing 38 episodes and interviewing 28 unique and brilliant guests, what have we learned so far? What better way to cap this milestone than to walk down memory lane and unpack the most insightful moments of the show?On its 39th episode, I took the stage to share my top insightful moments:

Most CEOs would like to master how to build quality relationships within their organizations. It's important to know more about personnel, senior leaders, and partners to discern the most sound decisions and to take appropriate actions to give themselves the best chance of success. However, many of us leaders don't realize we've put up barriers that keep us from pursuing the one action that creates, nurtures, and defines relationships: conversations. And many of us don't know how to break these barriers.Fortunately, Dr. Ed Slover visited to discuss how having crucial conversations is the key to building quality relationships. Dr. Slover is the President and founder of Quest Consulting and the host of The Quest4Life Podcast. The Doctor's considerable expertise includes a Doctor of Management in Organizational Leadership, a Master of Science in Psychology, and a Master of Arts in Organizational Management, as well as being a Master Coach in Life Transformation and a Certified Resilience Practitioner.During his visit, the Doctor unpacked the following points for us:1. How conversations define and create quality relationships.2. What relationship fitness means, why it matters, and how it's done.3. How is your conversation vis-à-vis the relationship with yourself affecting your relationship with others?Indeed, an insightful learning experience from Dr. Ed Slover. Don't miss this episode of the Best Places to Lead!Connect with Dr. Slover:On his LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dredwardslover/On his website: http://www.questconsultingservice.com/Don't miss out on all the good stuff that is coming your way!

Like those in any industry, owners and leaders that are considered ‘blue-collar' usually want to grow their businesses and build successful people-first companies.But most of us don't know how to transform our mindset to empower teams.Fortunately, Kyle Gillette is arriving to impart his framework, which helps leaders shift their mindsets toward treating people the right way and running a business for more than profit. Kyle is the author of SAGE Leadership: A 4-Part Framework for Becoming a People First Leader. He explained how the SAGE mindset and leadership methods work, using the framework's four pillars:  1. How self-awareness is the foundation of his framework. 2. How accountability is significant in holding leadership from falling apart. 3. How a growth mindset allows business remodeling. 4. How empowerment demonstrates your success as a leader.  This will certainly be another episode filled with unique and practical insights for leaders.  Remember to share this episode and tag your friends so they can all benefit from Kyle's insights. Connect with Kyle:On his LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyle-gillette/On his company: https://linktr.ee/sagemindsetDon't miss out on all the good stuff that is coming your way!

Many business leaders are realizing the need to level up client engagement strategies, and studies have shown how much this matters since acquiring new customers can cost several times more than retaining them. Many of us still struggle to build relationships with clients, though. We often get stuck focusing on closing deals quickly and treating client relations as simple transactions.This is why I engaged in this interesting conversation with Sebastian Schieke, the CEO Coach and Mentor at Sebastian Schieke & Company GmbH, an agency that provides group and one-on-one executive coaching for entrepreneurs and C-level executives.Sebastian unpacked the following points on the show: 1. How do your relationships with clients impact businesses in the long term? 2. How to build a relationship with your clients. 3. Why awareness of your client's journey is significant.This is another episode filled with valuable insights and practical ideas that will certainly help leaders and businesses outperform their competition. Don't miss this!Connect with Sebastian:On his LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sebastianschieke/On his company: https://www.sebastianschieke.com/, https://www.wynto.com/Don't miss out on all the good stuff that is coming your way!

Many business owners, leaders, and executives want to propel their businesses to success like Jeff Bezos did with Amazon, and the frameworks they're using today are definitely worth studying.But most of us think of these frameworks as secrets, and it might be difficult for many of us to understand how Amazon's practices can drive our businesses to massive success.Fortunately, Steve Anderson is gracing my show with his presence to share what he has uncovered from Bezos' 21 letters to Amazon shareowners. Steve Anderson is an expert in strategic risk and business growth, Co-Founder and CEO at Catalyit, and the author of the international best-selling book The Bezos Letters: 14 principles to Grow Your Business like Amazon. Steve highlighted the following principles from his book which resonated most with me and aligned with my values:1. How encouraging (successful) failures can actually propel businesses toward success.2. How obsessing over customers helps build businesses and serves them for the long term.3. How to accelerate success by simplifying complexities.4. How would a mindset of believing it's always day 1 scale a business.Without a doubt, this episode of the Best Place to Lead show is another insightful and fun conversation. Listen to this!Connect with Steve: On his LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevetn/On his company: http://www.catalyit.com/On his website:  http://www.thebezosletters.com/ Don't miss out on all the good stuff that is coming your way!

As American workers leaving their jobs continue to set records this year, many leaders want to get a firm grasp on a formula to curb this trend. Attracting more people and retaining them is crucial for any business's success and growth.Most leaders end up with engagement tactics that only offer a band-aid solution, though, and they continuously fail at addressing this leadership challenge. To cap this month's thematic series about purpose-driven leaders and companies, I'm going to break down my own mission of impacting 5 million people in five years, and the engagement strategy behind this mission. The goal is to help to shape a mindset among leaders--about showing up with a higher purpose and treating your people as people. To expand on this strategy, I will unpack the following points:- Why and how I embarked on this mission.- Why people basically hate their jobs, and how this negatively impacts productivity.- Why and how a higher purpose can impact your people and business.Another fun and impactful episode you won't want to miss! Don't miss out on all the good stuff that is coming your way!

Many of us business leaders strive to be financially successful responsibly, and we find that it's important to care for human talent and the environment.Sometimes we struggle with realizing the importance of people versus making money, and many don't know how to achieve the balance of the triple bottom: profit, people, and the planet.That's why I'm so excited to welcome Lindsay Johnson, current CEO and Managing Director at Wordbank. She shares how her company operated under the framework of a B Corp--even before they got certified in 2020--and how it has helped their business grow since then, responsibly and ethically.Lindsay Johnson will unpack for us the following points:- Why it's important to be responsible and ethical in doing business.- How to balance making profits and caring for your people and the planet.- How being a certified B corporation helps businesses grow.Don't miss this episode!Connect with Lindsay:On her LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsayjohnsonhayter/Don't miss out on all the good stuff that is coming your way!

As companies grow, senior leaders must always consider how they can attract and retain more people to sustain the same quality of business.However, leaders might not see how much a clear purpose as a company impacts their reputation in becoming a talent destination.That's why my next interview is with Jay Wilkinson, whose track record shows how servant leadership and pursuing a mission that impacts communities and society can promote sustainable growth in businesses.Jay is the founder and CEO of Firespring, which has nearly 250 employees and thousands of clients in all 50 states and globally. His company became Nebraska's first Certified B Corp in 2014, and it was named by Inc. Magazine as one of the “50 Best Workplaces"  in 2016.  Jay is also the co-founder of the Do More Good movement, which aims to educate and empower companies and business leaders to do more good for their own communities. During the interview, Jay unpacked the following important points:• The ‘Power of Three' program, and how it works for companies• The challenges and impact of a purpose-driven company• How the abundance mindset works versus the scarcity mindsetThis is yet another interesting and insightful episode of the Best Places to Lead Show. Come join me this Thursday, 3:30 PM ET, and throw in some questions for our guest, who is gracious enough to answer your queries live! Connect with Jay:On his LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaywilkinson/Don't miss out on all the good stuff that is coming your way!

Leaders in a high-performance culture want to cultivate values that help organizations grow, and feedback is a vital factor.But CEOs and senior leaders often struggle with giving and receiving feedback, either because they undervalue it or because they overdo the process and come on too strong. This is why I am so excited to converse with my friend Kim Bach, the current SVP for Customer Success at Dailyhuman, an agency that is helping people deal with turnover and disengagement crises.Kim Bach will elaborate on why feedback is the food that keeps organizations alive by unpacking the following points:- How feedback feeds relationship growth across organizations- How feedback is closely tied to the culture of accountability - How to give and receive feedback; what works and what doesn't.An exciting episode you won't want to miss! Connect with Kim:On her LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberly-bach-inyourcorner/Don't miss out on all the good stuff that is coming your way!

CEOs and senior leaders want to communicate effectively in business, so they devote resources to acquire expertise and tools to achieve this goal.The way leaders communicate doesn't always correspond with how their clients and colleagues exchange information, however. That's why I'm presenting lessons, insights, and tips on how CEOs and senior leaders should communicate in the digital age. I will be unpacking the following points:Why is it important to catch up and adapt to communication advancements?How important is effective communication in business and leadership?How to engage your audience in the digital ageDon't miss this episode of the Best Places to Lead show!Don't miss out on all the good stuff that is coming your way!

With the growing power of consumers in today's market, CEOs need their sales teams to be as consistent as possible with the company's consumer-centric values and to draw more clients who seek trustworthy and authentic brands. As a result, sales leaders must consider ways to rewire their conversations to promote trust and cultivate genuine relationships.This is why Isaiah McPeak joined us, to get into the heart of the sales process. Isaiah is the CEO and co-founder of Skribe, a legal tech start-up that offers consultancy services through Isaiah McPeak. His mission is to prove that anybody can succeed by being a giver, no matter the circumstances of their organization.  We discussed why being authentic is important for building trust with your clients and how integrating your values intentionally leads to more success in sales communications. Isaiah shared his wisdom on:•How to lay the common ground or shared perspective for building trust in business communications•How to turn a ‘no' into a ‘yes' for a value proposition•How to unlock and communicate your authentic intentions to provide value for your clients.Listen to another insightful learning conversation on the Best Places to Lead Connect with Isaiah:On his LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/isaiahmcpeak/On his company: http://skribe.ai/Don't miss out on all the good stuff that is coming your way!

Dedicated CEOs and senior leaders strive to communicate their vision, values, and culture effectively and to positively impact employee retention, productivity, and revenue.Business leaders aren't always good storytellers, though. Many lack clarity on how to frame simple and engaging stories for their people and the market. In fact, US businesses lose $1.2 trillion every year to ineffective communication.This is the primary reason we invited a guest who has successfully mastered both the science and art of storytelling, Park Howell, with his ABT (And, But, Therefore) framework.Park Howell unpacks the following key points around the ABT framework for us:- Why do CEOs fail at connecting with their audiences?- Why simple and effective communication is important in business?- How does the ABT framework work?Park Howell is a successful brand storytelling strategist and a highly-sough international keynote speaker. He hosts the Business of Story podcast, which Feedspot named the #1 business storytelling podcast for 2022. Park Howell is the author of the books Brand Bewtichery: How to Wield the Story Cycle System™ to Craft Spellbinding Stories for Your Brand and The Narrative Gym for Business: Introducing the ABT Framework for Business Communication and Messaging.You  won't want to miss this episode!!!Connect with Park:On his LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/parkhowell/On his website: https://businessofstory.com/Don't miss out on all the good stuff that is coming your way!

Executive leaders always want clarity in determining their next impactful action and to focus their efforts on improving the quality of their decisions going forward.However, many in the higher leadership tier find themselves doing too much and don't know which aspects of the organization to focus on and how to do it. That's why I've invited Trey Taylor, author of ‘A CEO Only Does Three Things' to share how he has helped leaders find their focus in the C-Suite. Trey unpacked the following points for us:- Why it's important for CEOs to focus on only three things: Culture, People, and Numbers- How to say no to the urgently unimportant- Why striving to focus on the three things (even when you sometimes fail) is an act of excellenceTrey Taylor has created a strategic guide to help executives achieve their business goals. He is the Managing Director of trinity | blue and the CEO of Taylor Insurance Services. He has been featured as a keynote speaker, addressing attendees at the Human Capital Institute and the Ascend Conference. Listen to another inspiring episode of the Best Places to Lead.Connect with Trey:On his LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/treytaylor/On his company: http://taylorinsuranceservices.com/, https://trinity-blue.com/ Don't miss out on all the good stuff that is coming your way!

As leaders becoming intentional and value-driven at work and in life makes us want to share this impact with our communities. This often fuels our passion for doing business but also for opening discussions through avenues like podcasting.After some time, though--six months in my case--we can often stumble and feel exhausted. We might even start to feel a little burned out, and some of us even reach a point where we don't know how to move forward at that pace.That's why I'm sharing a case study of myself today, about how I run my business and how I produce this show every week in pursuit of my mission: to positively impact 5 million people in 5 years. To sum up all the lessons I've learned, I centered the conversation on the following points:- The root challenges of producing a live weekly show- How important people are inside every business- The 3 keys to leadership performanceDon't miss the Best Places to Lead Show this week at 3:30 PM Eastern Time, and learn why and how it works.Don't miss out on all the good stuff that is coming your way!

As senior leaders, we always want to cultivate a positive mental space that allows us to focus on prioritizing the things that matter.However, sometimes we continue pushing forward through the chaos of life, even when it isn't the right thing to do, and we don't know how to reduce that noise that distracts us from the focus we need to succeed. That's why I'm sharing how--after I felt a little burned out between settling into a brand-new house, summer travel, business, personal and family essentials--I managed to do the right thing; to stop, take a break, and give myself that grace and guidance to go forward.I shared the following points:- Why taking a break is important for senior leaders- How noise distracts us from focusing on priorities- How to intentionally reduce noisePostponing my weekly live show two weeks ago was my call, and it was one of the best things I've done to get myself back on track. Don't miss the Best Places to Lead Show this week at 3:30 PM Eastern Time, and learn why and how it works.Don't miss out on all the good stuff that is coming your way!

CEOs and founders want their companies to grow and must sustain the factors that fuel such success.But as companies and organizations scale, leaders tend to lose touch with their people and eventually fail at retaining high performers, who are responsible for the growth. That's why I'm having a conversation with Tom Vranas, Chief of Staff for Innovation and People at Everywhere Wireless. He'll walk us through how improving systems and processes helps companies sustain growth, retain top talent and create a lasting impact. Oh, and still have fun.Tom will unpack:  How CEOs need a co-Captain to drive growth  How truly great organizations aren't driven from the top  How authentic enthusiasm and passion build successful businesses.Don't miss out on this episode! Connect with Tom:On his LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomvranas/On his company: https://ewfiber.com/ Don't miss out on all the good stuff that is coming your way!

In today's digital age, business leaders want to leverage the Internet's wide reach to billions of consumers globally and grow their brand's exposure to bridge the “know, like and trust” arc.But most leaders simply don't know how to do it authentically.This is what former CMO Erik Cabral will share with us. Erik is the founder of the fast-growing multi-media agency On Air Brands, host of the Entrepreneurs Circle podcast, and a partner in the Renault Winery & Resort, which is the 2nd oldest winery in the US. He will talk about a mind shift on how to build your brands today that aligns with exactly who you are to explode your success.   We discussed about:- Revealing and working on the most valuable asset in marketing: YOU.- Leveraging digital reputation and why it matters.- How can leaders do these with their hands full?Erik Cabral is considered a “quintessential serial entrepreneur.” You haven't heard it all. So listen to this episode! Connect with Erik:On his LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikcabral/On his company: https://onairbrands.com/Don't miss out on all the good stuff that is coming your way!

In a diverse and constantly evolving business world, CEOs and senior leaders put a high value on resolving conflicts in workplaces as quickly as possible and driving teams back to focusing on their goals.But most people suck at having crucial conversations. When the stakes are high, most people fear the conflict instead of leaning into it - especially when we don't know how to manage these situations. This is why I'm presenting how to use positive constructive conflict to your benefit as a leader and company. I'll be sharing frameworks that will teach leaders how to turn each dispute into opportunities for success and growth. You'll learn how positive constructive conflicts signal a healthy company - not a negative one. These are the same frameworks I've used to push companies onto the Best Places to Work and the Inc 500 Fastest Growing Companies.I presented lessons on: 1. How to “feel” your internal conflict - and what to do about it 2. How to take advantage of conflicts for clarity 3. How to hold crucial conversations for accountabilityI promise you'll never see “conflict” the same way again. Listen to this episode!Join the Best Places to Lead show every Thursdays at 3:30 pm ET!Don't miss out on all the good stuff that is coming your way!

Leaders want to effectively develop the best company culture and create the perfect conditions for their organization to grow.But oftentimes, leaders lack clarity in what area needs focus to produce the positive outcomes they want. Is it on their people, customers, or internal systems and process that are key to the company's success?That's why we're hosting Refine Labs' COO Megan Bowen. She'll be sharing how she's helped Refine Labs skyrocket from 0 to 125 people since 2019. Megan's recent manifesto, Building a Talent Destination, outlines how to build an organization that attracts, empowers, and enriches people to become their best versions at work. We discussed about:- How to build the type of company where employees jump at the chance to work with you- What inspired Megan to prioritize building a Talent Destination - and how it's going- Tips on how to maintain culture when the company is growing so quickly (and remote)Megan Bowen is an expert in customer experience and account management and has a demonstrated track record of helping teams scale and succeed. She co-hosts Refine Labs podcasts Talent Destination and the Demand Gen Live Series. Listen to this episode of the Best Places to Lead! It was awesome!Connect with Megan:On her LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meganwhitebowen/Don't miss out on all the good stuff that is coming your way!

Leaders need to focus on their real priorities and and unlock the opportunity to make every day the best day ever. But it's easy to get overwhelmed with so many demands and distractions. Overwhelm turns into frustration. Frustration leads to procrastination. The spiral of negative performance begins.That's why we have Scott White, the “Life is Too Short Guy,” coming to the Best Places to Lead Show. He's going to share his mindset on how to make today the best day of your life.Scott will shared his insights on:How to move past the mental hurdles causing procrastinationWhat is the "Life Is Too Short" philosophy?How to live your life in the momentScott White is the Chairman and CEO of Invesque a publicly traded real estate company. He is currently authoring a book, “Life is Too Short Guy: Making Every Day the Best Day Ever."Connect with Scott:On his LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-white-075195/Don't miss out on all the good stuff that is coming your way!

What Leaders Can Learn from the Spy's Code of TrustAs leaders, it's critical to build trust and give trust to grow the organization. Otherwise, It's lonely sitting at the table paranoid about the next move you'll make. Or, really lonely being the scared solopreneur.But, how do we know who to trust - and when we can trust them? That's why we've invited Robin Dreeke, the retired head of the FBI's counterintelligence behavioral analysis division to share his insights on trust. As you might imagine, the table stakes in the spy game are much higher than any of our business decisions. We  covered:- How to Focus on Others so you can get what you want- Human Behavior and the Five Steps to Building Healthy Strong Relationships  - The Six Signs of Behavior Prediction and TrustListen as Robin breaks down the frameworks and formulas from his three books and shares the insights from the front lines at the FBI. Connect with Robin:On his LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rdreeke/On his company: https://www.peopleformula.com/Don't miss out on all the good stuff that is coming your way!

According to a recent study, CEOs only trust 48% of senior executives to deliver results. Crazy right? Companies face a crisis of clearly articulating a plan, providing the tools and resources to succeed and an accountable culture to deliver results. Establishing a culture of accountability will accelerate your success faster than any other aspect of your business. Time nor money can replace a highly accountable culture. In fact, accountability can make good employees great and great employees unstoppable.But, it's hard to establish an accountable culture. Where does it start? How to perpetuate it? How do you get people over the fear of calling people “up” without calling people “out?”It's why I'm going to present what I've learned running companies and establishing highly accountable cultures over the last twenty-five years. You will learn the exact system and language I've used to drive dynamic results and put companies I've led on the Franchise 500, the Inc 500 Fastest Growing Companies, Business Journal Fast 50 and Best Places to Work. You'll learn (and be able to implement this afternoon):* The four core elements of an Accountable Culture * How Accountability starts with your hiring process* The seven positive outcomes of an accountable culture (hint: ridiculous results and less stress ahead)* How to avoid the mindset trap that positions "Accountability" as a four-letter wordCome aboard and buckle in. This will be a fast-paced presentation with actionable ideas as soon as you leave to drive results.Join the Best Places to Lead show every Thursdays at 3:30 pm ET!Don't miss out on all the good stuff that is coming your way!

As leaders, we put a ton of energy into casting a vision, and convincing our team it's for them.But if they don't want it themselves, it can throw you off your game, and limit your ability to reach the rest of the teamThat's why you need frameworks that will keep your energy on track, your motivation high, and your team wanting to follow you.This is what Andre Young- author, professional speaker, and leadership trainer shared with us.Andre taught us his frameworks around:- Get Great Questions: the key to getting what you need by understanding what they want- Vision Factors: the 5 things you need to do consistently for your vision to become a reality - Bookends of the Day: how your morning routine may be missing an evening routing for it to succeed- Why the key to avoiding failure is managing success- and more!Andre is a dynamic speaker, author of 7 Ways to Lead, and founder of You Evolving Now.  I promise you this show will leave you energized and armed with new tools that will extend winning streaks, break slumps, and increase your work/life harmony.Listen to this! Connect with Andre:On his LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/youevolvingnow/On his company: https://youevolvingnow.com/Don't miss out on all the good stuff that is coming your way!

The chaos happening around us right now- war, COVID, recession, etc.- is seeping into our business and personal lives, but we need to find a way to separate the news headlines from our personal stories. That's why creating a habit of contemplation is more important than ever.Enter Timmy Gallagher.His role in law enforcement leadership has forced him to navigate impossibly difficult situations during the recent era in his field.  Throughout it all, he was able to stay on mission, compete in ultra endurance events, and find his calling as a coach.Timmy will join us to teach you - how he stayed grounded and created the space to contemplate strategy through his morning routine- what his nutrition and exercise routine changed when he decided to focus longevity and staying power- why he's so focused on mindset techniques that allow you to hack your brain instead of it hacking youTimmy is one part Jocko Willick, one part Wim Hoff, one part Deepak Chopra.  You're not going to want to miss out on the chance to level up your frameworks for enduring chaos.Connect with Timmy:On his LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothygallagherevolute/On his company: https://evoluteperformance.com/Don't miss out on all the good stuff that is coming your way!

Leaders pride themselves on getting into flow, crushing goals and unlocking the next level of performance…but sometimes they just get stuck. It's even more frustrating when they can't figure out how to get back on track. Sound familiar?This is why Jerry presented his foundational performance framework, The Personal Pentagon. It's the framework he developed working with CEOs to get them on track and keep them on track. Undoubtebly, if you are stuck, there is something out of alignment with your own Personal Pentagon. This framework provides the five elements required to prime the pump of personal performance.If you want to stay in flow at a high-level, this show is for you. And, if you're in a funk and can't figure out why, The Personal Pentagon will shine a flashlight of insights to get you moving again. Simple, but powerful.We discussed: - How to maintain a positive mindset and respond to the Saboteurs and Sages in your head- Why maintaining control of your calendar allows you to get more of the right things done- How to develop a morning routine that sets your day up for successJoin the Best Places to Lead show every Thursdays at 3:30 pm ET! Don't miss out on all the good stuff that is coming your way!

As COVID declines, people share renewed hope of gathering. And, for many CEOs, the same is true about looking to return to their offices to foster community and collaboration. Employers raise concerns about their workforce's ability to be creative and the diminishing culture in a remote work setup.However, not all employees are as enthusiastic. In fact, 80% of knowledge employees want flexibility in where they work, citing "work-life balance, lower anxiety at work, and a better sense of belonging" as among the benefits.It's why we've brought in Inspirant's CEO, Meighan Newhouse to talk about remote work. Inspirant has been a remote-first company and has thrived since 2017. They were recently recognized as a Built In Best Remote-First Companies to Work.We discussed this hot topic of remote work and she provided us with more insights on:- How a remote work culture succeed- What values in a remote work setup should we instill- Why some leaders calling people to work from the office? Why resist this evolution?- What the future of the workplace is?It benefits us all to hear the answers straight from someone running their company remotely for several years now.Connect with Meighan:On her LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meighannewhouse/On her company: https://inspirantgrp.com/Don't miss out on all the good stuff that is coming your way!

We know leadership is about enabling others to do their best work, and it takes consistent communication to create the right environment for a winning culture.But if we are not deliberate with how we communicate, we won't be able to build anything.That's why Katie McLaughlin is so passionate about leading deliberately, and taught you howWe discussed:- how to avoid the temptation to micromanage in the moments you need to give your team space (often the hardest ones!)- why toxic work culture often stems from how the leader is perceived by their team members (and the leader has no idea!)- how she built a world class onboarding program for a major, public company that is still in place over a decade later (so you can too!)You won't want to miss this conversation with Katie.  Connect with Katie:On her LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mclaughlinkatie/On her company: https://www.mclaughlinmethod.com/Don't miss out on all the good stuff that is coming your way!