Champions of Risk

Whether or not you want to admit it, you're in sales. It's not just a profession or title description. Anyone who introduces themselves, interacts with others, persuades and influences...is in sales. There is a lot of resistance and declaration of not wanting to "sound salesy" and it's high time you got over it because it often stands in the way of getting outcomes you say you want. Charlene DeCesare is here to help. Charlene is a Senior Consultant and Lead Facilitator for the research-based sales training company, The RAIN Group, and iauthor of "The Email Cemetery: Where Bad Sales Emails Go to Die & How to Resuscitate Yours." Learn practical steps to improving communication and buy-in. This episode has at least one new takeaway for everyone regardless of how long you've been in sales or avoiding saying you sell. Notes:Charlene IgnitesWynning Your Way for Senior Leaders

This is an encore episode from last season, reissued because it's been a recurring theme in leadership conversations lately.  I love to challenge myself and others to examine where we are playing small in life so we can breakthrough, set the bar a little higher and truly go after what we want in life.  Acknowledging there is an opportunity to step up is the first step. I break down how I caught myself playing small in an arena where I'm actually an expert. Catch my true confession, how I adjusted in the moment, and what I learned from the humbling experience. Show Notes:Wynning Your Way for Senior Leaders

Nearly every professional has felt like a fraud at one time or another and the higher you advance in leadership and responsibility, the more likely moments of inadequacy or "being found out" occur.  While the drive to be confident in professional roles can have its benefits, it also tends to raise the likelihood of imposter syndrome emerging.  Jen Coken  is a comedian, coach, speaker, and Imposter Syndrome expert. She transforms womxn executives and founders from being stuck and fearful of making the wrong decision, to owning their expertise, having confidence in the direction they're headed, and the courage to be with the uncertainty.  She shares client examples of recognizing where their imposter syndrome initiated, how it became their superpower, and how they moved through the "fraud" to become more effective leaders.  Hear the different types of imposters and ways to flip your narrative to work more for you. Show Notes:Jen CokenTake the QuizImposter Syndrome is your Super Power Wynning Your Way for Senior Leaders

When does integrity get in the way? I recently had to wrestle with this because of a health episode and it was a knockdown, dragged-out fight with myself. I take it seriously when I say I'm going to do something, show up for someone, or provide a completed product by a certain date. It's far from perfect, but it is a constant driver in my life. The opportunity is to be integral while keeping your sanity and in some cases, like the one I just went through, sanity needed to overrule all else. I'm sharing this experience in case you're going through a similar dilemma and hopefully what I've learned from this can help you, too.Show notes:Wynning Your Way for Senior Leaders

Nearly 1 in 3 people are perfectionists. While many carry it as a badge of honor, or use it as an explanation as to why they have not completed or started something, it really is a dream killer.  Perfectionism creates unnecessary pressure, amps up worry, fear and doubt.  It is one form of procrastination, something nearly all of us encounter at least occasionally, 20% of us chronically. It is possible, and I'd say necessary, to break-free from perfectionism and create an identity that is more self-supportive. Elizabeth Onyeabor is a leading international expert on perfectionist leaders and high achievers. As the Founder of InnerGenuity and Habitual Happiness Hub, she coaches leaders ready to move forward with ease, be their best, and achieve unstoppable results. She shares the four main reasons why people procrastinate,  7 Practical Practices for Perfectionists that will help you start letting go of your perfectionist tendencies, and Elizabeth reveals the one thing you can start practicing today that will help you lead a more joyful life. Show Notes:Elizabeth OnyeaborFree download on the 7 Practical Practices for PerfectionistsChampion YOU Group Coaching

As an independent journalist and two-time Emmy nominee, Georgia Fort is committed to providing visual stories about race and culture that build equity.  She's had plenty of material to work with right here in Minnesota.  She was one of two reporters in the courtroom for the sentencing of Derek Chauvin, the former officer who murdered George Floyd.  She's also covered the Kim Potter trial, and most recently Amir Locke, who was killed by police in a SWAT raid (happened on the day we recorded this podcast).   The murder of George Floyd once again raised the issue of responsible reporting and the need for change. It also shaped Georgia's purpose to help change the narrative in media to include different perspective from the perpetual white lens. Still truth. Different perspective. Perspective mainstream media has often failed to include in its storytelling.  Her reporting has been published on CNN, ABC, NBC, Fox and CBS affiliates. Georgia also started BLCK Press, an ecosystem for independent journalists to go to be equipped with what they needed to further the quality of their stories.  Hear how Georgia got her start, the importance of all narratives being represented, and the opportunities media has to better represent the full story and the communities it serves. Show Notes:Georgia Fort websiteBLCK PressExhibit Follow Georgia on InstagramFollow Georgia on Facebook 

Chris Olsen and Julie Burton knew when they met that they wanted to find a way to work together. Their combined passions of writing and helping women tell their stories was key. Chris Olsen is dedicated to amplifying women's voices through her social enterprise My Founder Story. Julie Burton is an author, co host of Her Next Chapter podcast and founder of ModernWell, the first female-centered co working collaborative space in Minneapolis. The two share their individual ventures and their new joint collaboration, Publish Her Press, a female founded hybrid publishing company that recently published "Her Path Forward: 21 Stores of Transformation and Inspiration".Buy the Book: Her Path Forward: 21 Stories of Transformation and Inspiration Modernwell | My Founder Story | Her Next ChapterChris and Julie recommend: Still Writing | On Writing | Bird by BirdChampion YOU Group Coaching

People are the biggest asset of any company, but companies don't always provide their people with the greatest experiences or opportunities. As the VP of Growth and Search Practice Lead and Partner at Fahren, a digital leadership company, Susan Rylance has a unique vantage point into the leadership shifts needed to meet today's business environment. She shares her wisdom about next level leadership and teams, and her experiences helping businesses achieve their goals while building next generation teams.  Hear how she champions the Minority Business Growth Alliance, an alliance of volunteer professionals who support non-profits who serve minority businesses.Check out FahrenSupport the Minority Business Growth AllianceSign up for Champion You Group Coaching

“Digideck is a cloud-based platform, allowing you to tell your business story in a verydynamic, movie trailer kind of way.”From Wallstreet to the hockey rink to the C-Suite, Angelina Lawton took her experiences and opportunities to create a new level of presentation experience with Digideck, the main product at Sportsdigita. As the founder and CEO, Angelina and her team are disrupting how sports teams and big brands are expressing and sharing their stories to generate more sales and fans. She shares the risks and rewards of running a successful SaaS company, making it in the world of sports, and the chapters of her life that made her who she is today. Check out Sportdigita.comSign up for Champion You Group Coaching

What does it mean to be a Ladyboss? Laura Caroon reflects that most women she knows are already leaders in some way, they just might not recognize it. She  shares about co-founding Ladyboss Midwest, which empowers and connects women leaders, and their upcoming FLOW retreat is this March. Additionally, Laura talks about her experience being elected to Moorhead city council and working with She Should Run, a nonprofit that helps give women the tools to run a successful political campaign. Register for Ladyboss Midwest's FLOW retreatChampion You Group Coaching

Chaz Sandifer set out to test her strength physically, mentally, and emotionally after a challenging life situation. She took back her personal power, became a bodybuilder, and created a business to be able to help others create their new versions of self through fitness and wellness. Chaz is the CEO/Founder of theNEWmpls which focuses on affordable fitness, wellness and nutrition. She shares what made the biggest differences for her, her motivation, and the importance of holding yourself accountable.  Show notes:theNEWmplsHer Path Forward BookChampion You Group Coaching

Planning for the new year doesn't have to be stressful or even time-consuming. You can learn to love numbers and set goals you've never achieved before with confidence. This episode challenges the notion that goal-setting is what creates success and offers a different approach to getting a whole new level of outcome. Make '22 the year that you went for the dream you haven't dared to write down or say out loud. Learn the one thing that will make a big difference in achieving your goals, plus a workshop that will expand your revenue potential. Register here:Grow Revenue in '22 Workshop

Chances are you identify as a high achiever. You pursue goals, you have high expectations of yourself, you get a lot done in a day and sometimes get irritated with others who don't "do" your same volume. Great. How wiped out are you? How much time do you take care of yourself and spend time with others that give you energy? There is another version of success and in this episode, I dissect the difference between high achieving and high performance, plus I offer three really easy actions you can take today that will start shifting you into high performance mode.Show notes:Get help making the shift from achieving to performing

Covid forced Tammy Lee's medical device company to change its sales strategy. Since reps could no longer visit hospitals and clinics, she needed to find other ways to get Opal Cool for women and Onyx Cool for athletes into consumer hands. As the CEO of Xena Therapies, Tammy is creating new product uses as well as retail outlets for the core products, and her small ask, big impact approach to sales is an approach anyone in sales could incorporate. A lot has changed in the company since the last time Tammy was a guest on the podcast and this episode shares the challenges, progress, new thinking and participation in The Dayton's Project. Show Notes:Tammy LeeOpal CoolOnyx CoolDayton's ProjectChampion You Group Coaching

In last week's episode I shared about a moment in my life when I took a huge risk. Today, I reveal how that decision was really just the beginning: from that experience, I realized I could do something I'd never done before. In fact, I could do it several times over. In this episode of Champions of RISK, I reflect on the chances I took next: traveling, living abroad, and making big career moves - some of which panned out better than others. But I have no regrets. Taking these risks helped me decide what kind of person I was going to be, and shaped who I am today.Show notes:Tell me your Risk storyCheck out Champion YOU Group Coaching

Nearly two years ago I launched the Champions of RISK podcast because I love hearing how people came to a decision at a particular moment to take action in absence of clarity of the outcome. We all go through phases where we experience an abundance of uncertainty. Sometimes fear stops us in our tracks and other times we don't let anything stop us. In this episode,  I share one of the periods in my life where I took a huge risk by declaring my goals, what I was going to do when I achieved them, and the actions I took to make it possible. This is Part 1 of the story. Part 2 will reveal how this one decision opened up an entirely new world of possibility. Show notes:Tell me your greatest risk5 Elements to Energized Free Download

I love to challenge myself and others to examine where we are playing small in life so we can breakthrough, set the bar a little higher and truly go after what we want in life. So imagine my surprise when I was caught playing small in an arena where I'm actually an expert. Catch my true confession, how I adjusted in the moment, and what I learned from the humbling experience on this week's Champions of Risk episode. Show notes:Tell me your Playing Small storyDownload 5X Your Personal Power 

Day to day, people exchange information, share perspectives, attempt to persuade one another. What if I told you there was a genuine way you could structure your conversations that would strengthen relationships, improve agreeability, and yield better outcomes for both sides? Would you try it? I lay out four steps that will better prepare you for any conversation personally or professionally. Each step is easily doable, preparation can take as little as three minutes, and it's proven to improve the quality of your discussions. So much of it is human nature yet most people fail to tap into it and then wonder why meetings end in frustration. Learn the four steps, begin applying them immediately, and notice the different responses you start receiving. (I'll provide the link)  Show NotesTell me how it went!Workshop – 3 Roadblocks Keeping Your Team From Winning

Here are the show notes for Getting Your Mojo Back:What happens when you lose your Mojo? You, know the thing that drives you, keeps you accomplishing and achieving, keeps the energy and enthusiasm firing. So many of us have lost our fire-in-the-belly this year at one time or another. But what do you do if you've had the blahs and the mehs for a while and you'd like to get it back? We don't all work at Axe Capital and have Wendy Rhoades to put us back on track. So in this episode, I share my elixir to the mojo ho-hums – WWWWW. It's been a well-received recipe and I'm betting it just might just do the trick for you.               Show Notes:Wendy Rhoades Fixing MindsetsSend me your results from 5WFree Workshop – 3 Roadblocks Keeping Sales Teams From Winning

What if you listened to that internal rumble, made the leap, and trusted it would work out? What difference could that make in your life? Whether it's a career change or launch into entrepreneurship, most people want to know the next move before they take it but what if you decided to just go for it? Shannon Olson loved her career and she was really good at it. At the same time, she knew she needed to keep stretching and growing, and it was time for a new adventure. Without knowing what that was, or how she would discover it, she left her corporate job and gave herself time to talk and learn from others. She's now the Founder of Indee, a modern marketing co-op. Be ready to be inspired and challenged to go for it. Show Notes:Shannon OlsonIndee

We're about to take RISK to a whole new level today with my guest Marc Wallert. Twenty years ago, he was kidnapped with 20 other hostages, by terrorists on a Philippine island and held captive in the jungle for 140 days. The jungle didn't destroy him, but once he returned to Germany, everyday life drove him to burnout. These two experiences helped him better understand how to be resilient and move through crises. Today he shares his jungle strategies as a speaker, consultant and author of the book Strong Through Crises: The art of not losing your head. His story is incredible and his tips are practical for every day life.  Show notes:  www.marcwallert.com Strength through crises: The Art of Not Losing Your Head www.linkedin.com/in/marcwallert Be Do Have Series 

Personal and professional development have been at the core of my adult life. Hard to coach and promote evolving and growing if I'm not committed to doing it myself! On the latest Champions of RISK episode, I'm joined with friend and fellow colleague Laurie-Ann Murabito, as we share our biggest takeaways, shifts and discoveries we've had since we started incorporating the Be Do Have approach. We've both transformed our lives from the inside out and wanted to share what's happened and how you can, too. Show notes:Be in Demand Podcast with Laurie-Ann MurabitoBe Do Have Series Send me a note on your Be Do Have experience!

How good of a communicator are you? We spend our days expressing ourselves and our thinking in the words we use, our tone, hand gestures, pauses, emojis, volume. But how often do we stop and consider whether or not we're communicating effectively? Dr. Amelia Reigstad, has studied, practiced, and taught others how to become better communicators for nearly 20 years. Learn what most commonly goes wrong in conversations, how we can all improve the way we communicate, the importance of effective communication in the workplace, and how communication style can help empower women. (link to be provided) Show notes:Dr. Amelia ReigstadJust Not Sorry – The Google Plug-InThe Women Empowerment SeriesCommunication Style Assessment5 Elements to Energized

 “I really do have kind of that mentality of, if it feels hard or challenging, I want to try it. I want to take it on.” – Pam Kosanke  This is an episode for ballers.  Pam Kosanke has excelled a lot in life. As an athlete and coach, she has been in championships in three different sports. As a global marketer, she's elevated, rebranded and reorganized brands. She coaches entrepreneurs using EOS and as an entrepreneur herself, she's looking to change the course of how women's sports are supported and celebrated with the launch of Sport Bigs, the world's first plush toy focused on promoting women athletes and athletics. One is even modeled after past Champions of RISK guest Rebekkah Lamar Brunson. Pam shares how her sports life merged with her business life that created an entrepreneurial track, which led her through an inspiring sequence of introductions and connections that resulted in Sport Bigs. Hear the key lessons that continue to serve Pam well, the women who Sport Bigs are modeled after, and her $42,000 mistake. Show Notes:  Pam KosankeSport Bigs5 Elements to Energized 

If a stranger were to take a look at your weekly calendar, what would they say you're committed to? Would the actions and to dos represent what you want to be committed to? If not, what's getting in the way? If you're like most people, commitment gets associated with others - clients, family, work peers, community, friends. For some there's a good balance between professional and personal commitments, while others feel more pulled to one side. What often gets missed is the dedication to self and what you need to need to be productive, energized, joyful. How is your level of dedication, or lack of it, impacting your life? Learn three areas to examine how commitment is playing out in your life and how to amplify it where it matters most to you. Plus, you can have me as your accountability partner if you're one of the first people to email me what you're committing to. Listen to find out more.Show notes:michael@michaelwkithcart.com5 Elements to Energized

“I knew that I wanted to create a place I wanted to work. I had this passion around the fact that I could live my values and be successful. I wanted to prove that and not have to compromise between those two and just be my whole self.” – Leslie HolmanHumans show up for work but so often environments don't support having human experiences during working hours. Leslie Holman is out to prove that it's possible to be successful having humanity in the workplace. As CEO of Pinnacle Performance Group – a woman-owned management consulting firm, she is modeling the motto “take care of yourself, take care of your family, do good work, in that order” for her company and the companies they work with. In this episode we discuss humanity, deprogramming, modeling the behavior, and stopping the “I'm sorry's”.  Show notes: Pinnacle Performance GroupLeslie HolmanChampion You Group Coaching

What are you so interested in learning so much that you'd be willing to follow someone around and work for free? Rebecca Monet was an established therapist for business owners and a speaker but when travel got to be too much, she sought out her next thing. Her willingness to work for free for a business broker led her to the franchise industry and the creation of her company, Zorakle Profiles, which provides assessment tools for the franchise space. Their Spot On! Science determines franchisee- franchisor compatibility and predicts performance. We cover the power of curiosity, franchise as an entrepreneurial path, how franchises thrived during COVID, and trends of the industry.  Show notes:  Zorakle ProfilesThe Coterie for WomenWhere Passion and Purpose Collide PodcastChampion YOU Group Coaching       

“Why be tired of being exhausted when instead you could be tired of being so excited? Doesn't the latter sound better?” Michael KithcartAren't you so over feeling exhausted in your bones AND in your mind? Me, too. I recently went against all the things I coach and paid the price. Remember the gap between knowing and doing? Yeah, I fell into that chasm and if you're anything like me, chances are good you've been there, too. Luckily there are ways out of the overwhelm and ways to get back to being excited about life. I kept this episode short so you can quickly hear one thing that you want to try and put it into action immediately…and then tell me how much better you feel. Seriously. This episode contains “one way” in five areas you can add a little pep into your day. Try one and let me know in the comment section how it helped you.  Show notes:5 Elements to EnergizedChampion You Group Coaching

“It was just this epiphany for me that no one avoids having to evolve and change.” – Jaime TaetsAs the CEO of Keystone Group International, Jaime Taets focuses on leadership development, organizational strategy, growth, and change. She is also generous in sharing her personal experiences and insights to help entrepreneurs grow and evolve, which we can all get a glimpse of through her Superpower Success podcast. Today we talk about her new book You Are Here, Kick-Ass Inspiration for Navigating Your Journey to Success. You'll hear what all entrepreneurs have in common, her take on failing, the good that's come from Covid, how she uses personal experiences to help businesses grow, plus sneak peaks into the wisdom contained in her new book before it's released!  Show Notes:Jaime TaetsKeystone Group InternationalYou Are Here: Kick-Ass Inspiration For Navigating Your Journey to SuccessSuperpower Success PodcastJaime Taets on Character Defining Moments 

“If you get in by referral, you have a 40% chance of getting that job. If you get introduced to a decision maker, you have a 60% chance of getting hired. If you get introduced to the hiring manager, you've got a 92% chance of getting a job. So talk to people, because it dramatically cuts your job search down by 55%.” - Cat BreetCat Breet has been playing career matchmaker for 23 years, and along the way has had a few career changes herself. Her experiences help others evaluate and mitigate their career risks especially now in the new world of work. She is the Chief Stripe Changer, President and founder of Arbez, and has taught over 167,000 people how to get more money, freedom and fun out of work. She also hosts Planet Work Live on LinkedIn on Tuesdays and Thursdays to add perspective and the full human experience of work. Cat shares how COVID is changing the workplace, what's become more important to employees, and how companies need to change in order to be a desirable place to work in the post-Covid era. Gain job search tips and how to evaluate if it's a new career or entrepreneurship you're seeking.  Show Notes:ArbezCat BreetPlanet Work LivePriority Scorecard Champion You Group Coaching

“I've realized that hiring smarter, more capable people and putting them around me, has been the best risk that I've ever taken”  - Michelle MyersOne of the biggest challenges in business, and especially for entrepreneurs is the people equation. It’s risky to have people be part of the business you’re working so hard to build, especially when you’re looking to others have contact with your customer base. It’s also turned out to be a great business model for Michelle Meyers, who started a business out of necessity and grew into a model that serves the needs of both employees and customers. She is the Founder and CEO of Pink Callers, an administrative support solution that assigns customer service rockstars to support home service businesses remotely. Michelle also has a podcast with three other women entrepreneurs called Fight Club 4 Business. Hear her tips on entrepreneurship and hiring on this week’s Champions of Risk podcast. Show notes: Pink CallersFight Club 4 Business 

May 26th - Eva Lovisa on Airstream LivingEver wonder what it’s really like to live in a tiny house or be a nomad by choice? There is something romantic and freeing about the idea of hitting the road, exploring new places and living minimally. Many think about it, few do it.  Eva Lovisa and her husband, Nick, are in the camp of living life in an Airstream. Former condo owners and current web and design professionals, they decided to sell everything, buy an Airstream, and set out to find where in the country they might want to live permanently. Learn the unimagined benefits, the realities of truly living and working remotely, and how a spark of an idea can create an even more abundant life. For Eva, that applies to both her Airstream living and the new business she created, Lucky Yarrow. Instagram : evalovisa3LinkedIn: Eva Lovisa NelsonShow Notes:Eva LovisaLucky Yarrow

May 19th - Jayne Ellegard on Women and MoneyWhat gets in your way of talking about money? Was it the way you were brought up? Is it a chore to understand investments? Don’t know how to get money to work for you? How about YES to all of the above? Jayne Ellegard, Founder and Coach at Ellegant Wealth, is determined to make it easier for women to talk about and understand money. Early in her career, she stumbled into managing wealth for others and in her examination of her own thoughts and beliefs about money, she understood on a different level what influences our relationship with money and building wealth. Jayne is a Women and Wealth coach, money confidence creator, engaging speaker and the author of her new book “Financial Empowerment for Women: Your Guide to Courage, Confidence, and Wisdom!” In this episode shares why we struggle to talk about money, why we need to understand how money works, and how to get ahold of our finances regardless of where we’re starting from with her six pillars to financial empowerment.  LinkedIn: Jayne EllegardInstagram: jayne_ellegard Show notes: Jayne EllegardEllegant WealthFinancial Empowerment for Women: Your Guide to Courage, Confidence and WisdomMichaelwkithcart.comChampions of RISK 

Your current thinking around winning is messing you up.Chances are your definition of winning is influenced by others’ definitions. Maybe you picked up a piece from a leadership book, a section from corporate goals, maybe a smattering from a mentor or from playing a team sport. How’s that working for you?I want to talk to you about the difference you can make in your life by redefining what it means to YOU to win at work and in your life. I’m not talking about winning at all costs and smashing unrealistic goals set by people with little skin in the game (or understanding of the game in some instances.) I’m talking about how you define what it’s like for you to feel like you are operating at your best, showing up as your best self in situations that matter to you, and feeling like you’re participating according to your own rules. I’m talking about Wynning Your Way. Listen to what it takes to Wyn Your Way and how you can define it and live it on the latest Champions of RISK episode. Season 2, Episode 19 Show Notes:Michaelwkithcart.com

“The military and the business sector just handle chaos differently.” – Erik TherwangerCancer, Combat and Covid. What do all three of these have in common? Chaos and Erik Therwanger. He uses his personal, professional and service experiences to help businesses and teams reach new levels of success. As the Founder of Think GREAT, Erik sees a great opportunity with returning work forces to have CEOs and managers lead in a different way to create work cultures that represent a new era post COVID. He shares how he’s counted on his Marine training to navigate other chaotic times in his life, and how understanding the three stages of chaos can better equip leaders and build better teams. Season 2: Episode 18.Show notes:Think GreatThink Great Experience PodcastMasterclass: How to Move from Exhausted to Energized: For Leader on the Brink of Burnout

Buckle up, buttercup. This episode covers a lot of ground as Nancy Lyons and I talk about death, grief, racism, white privilege, mindset in the workplace, making work better, how Wells Fargo could make banking better coming out of COVID, and being kind. Nancy is thecofounder and CEO of Clockwork, an award-winning digital agency. She has been a leader in the technology industry for more than 25 years and has proven that people first business strategy wins. She is also a national speaker, great conversationalist, and the author of “Work Like a Boss: A Kick in the Pants Guide to Finding (and Using) Your Power at Work”. Check it out on the Champions of RISK podcast (Season 2, Episode 17)  Shownotes:Nancylyons.comWork Like a BossClockwork.comDr. Joi LewisMasterclass: Secrets of the World's Most Successful People

“The way we look at it is, when you have a business partner, your business partnership is built on trust. And if you can't trust your spouse, you got a whole different set of issues, right? It actually helps that you're never questioning the other person's motives – they are both automatically going in the same direction.” – Mike Grinberg on being in business with a spouseThere are many reasons entrepreneurs start their businesses, including necessity. Mike and Gaby Israel Grinberg created Proofpoint Marketing, a remote people first business to business revenue marketing agency, out of necessity to generate income that also met specific family needs. Mike and Gaby share their personal journey that includes their now thriving daughter who was born four months prematurely. Hear how the partners in life became business partners, what works well working with a spouse, the surprising risk of being in business together, and how they’ve extended their family first value into their company culture on Champions of RISK Show notes:ProofpointChampion You Group Coaching

“It felt like my whole life changed once I made the necessary shifts to get in thrive mode.” Have you ever felt like you’re working hard but you’re not sure where it’s getting you?Do you wonder what you’re working towards? I used to be the same way. I was striving and achieving, it’s just it was coming at a high cost to me and the people around me. It took a lot of unwinding of old beliefs - like I had to work hard to get ahead – and really identifying what work and activities mattered…and which ones didn’t. I’m not going to lie. I didn’t make it easy on myself. I took the long route, but now that I’m on the other side, I want to share ways you can move from striving to thriving at a much faster pace than I did. Psst…it’s easier than I thought it would be.If you pride yourself on being a hard worker, but you’d like more ease in your life. If you want to feel more energized in your day instead of exhausted. Or, if you want or need a vision to work toward, then you’re going to love today’s podcastMasterclass: Secrets of the World's Most Successful People

“There's a really big disconnect between some of the systems we put in place, and what our community really needs. And that was the struggle for me was trying to figure out how do we bridge this gap? And really show up?” – Kori StephensWhat if our words, actions, systems, and culture were all aligned? What could that do for communities, businesses, and the alteration of leadership? This is a deep conversation that covers a lot of territory with Kori Stephens (she/her), a culture curator, leadership coach, organizational consultant and wholeness revolutionary. Yes, a wholeness revolutionary and you’re going to want to listen to discover how much we need this movement. Kori is the Founder of Resonance Rising which supports her mission through consulting, coaching and the development of the Resonant Leader Lab. Hear how radical alignment is both possible and necessary on this episode of Champions of  RISK michaelwkithcart.com/podcastShow notes: www.resonancerising.orgChampion You Group Coaching

“If you’re not sure, you’re sure.” – Eric HarkinsIf your culture sucks, it stems from the top. It’s really that simple. Even simpler, there are a few key areas leaders need to focus on that can and do create great workplace culture. This week we talked with Eric Harkins, President, and Founder of GKG Search & Consulting. His company helps leaders get, keep and grow talent, all of which require certain leadership skills. Eric organized his key lessons from 25 years in HR leadership in his new book “Great Leaders Make Sure Monday Morning Doesn’t Suck”. We talk all about the little things leaders can do to create cultures high performers want to be a part of…and a few of the things leaders don’t do that cause more trouble than they need to. Michaelwkithcart.com/podcastShow notes:“Great Leaders Make Sure Monday Morning Doesn’t Suck: A Guide to Building Great Workplace Culture” by Eric HarkinsGKG Search and ConsultingChampion YOU Group Coaching 

“I knew I wanted to share this product with the community around me.” – Rebekkah Lamar BrunsonRebekkah Lamar Brunson and Bobbi Jo Lamar Brunson created their company, Sweet Troo•Vī Waffle, as a vessel for good.Not only do they serve up deliciously kind waffles and luxury sweetness, but they’re also committed to spreading love, encouraging change, and doing the most good within their community. Hear about their commitment to youth, partnering with other small minority/woman/LGBTQ+ businesses, and modeling being a TROO human (To Realize your Optimal Opportunities). Hope, love, and inspiration, all on this episode of Champions of RISK. Michaelwkithcart.com/podcast Show notes:Sweet Troo•Vī Waffle Champion YOU Group Coaching

“Champion is about being a warrior and an advocate. When you break it down, if you’re rallying a team, building a business, working on being the best version of you, how could you be anything other than a champion?” – Michael W KithcartThe only thing I love more than winning is helping other people win.Everyone needs a champion in their corner, someone who sees the potential before you do, who believes in your ability when you’re not quite yet there.At the same time, it’s essential to learn how to champion yourself, make your voice heard, champion your dreams. This week’s episode breaks down the many ways champion is not reserved for athletic elites, but rather a movement to bring out the very best in yourself and others.  Show Notes:Michaelwkithcart.com/CYFGroup

Why aren’t women more supportive of other women? For all the women’s organizations, networking groups, and women empowerment programs, so many of us have experienced times when other women didn’t have our back, that we weren’t united or even interested in empowering others. This is a conversation that’s been had by many privately, and we want to change that. On this episode of Champions of RISK, Jodi Duncan and I talk about what’s changed from when we first started our professional careers and the barriers we still witness. Jodi has long championed women in the workplace. She is the President of Flint Communications, a full-service marketing communication agency headquartered in Fargo, ND., and writes about her experiences and observations in her blog series Women in Business.Show notes:Women in Business blogFlint CommunicationsLadyboss MidwestChampion YOU Group Coaching

“Forget safety. Live where you fear to live. Destroy your reputation. Be notorious.” - RumiI read this quote every day. And some days, it scares me. Other days, it excites me. But every day, it reminds me that we all have a choice to live a courageous life. In this episode of Champions of RISK, I help you identify what courage means to you, point out the types of pain fear generates and walk you through where you can elevate your level of courage. Determine if you’re a worrier, a waiter, or a warrior. And learn what to do with each.

How does a born and raised New Jersey girl end up in Minnesota? Let’s just say it’s complicated . Donna Valentine is an on-air radio personality who spent over 20 years at K102 Morning Show before switching to Entertainment Talk radio as part of The Donna and Steve Show on My Talk 107.1. On today’s episode of Champions of RISK, Donna discusses the many risks she’s taken in her career and provides insight on the gifts of reinvention. You'll want to hear her Dolly Parton story, too! Show notes:Michaelwkithcart.com/podcastThe Donna and Steve ShowChampion YOU Group Coaching

Have you ever had to sit down and have a tough conversation with yourself? Something along the lines of get your shit together and make it happen? Yeah, me, too. I found myself on my own receiving end the other week and walked myself through a framework of eliminating excuses. As in take 100% responsibility for everything – my actions, thoughts, beliefs, outcomes. It was actually liberating so on today’s episode of Champions of RISK, I’m sharing the framework I use to remove the fear and indecisiveness that show up as excuses. I hope you have as much fun with it as I did – really! Show notes:Champion YOU Group coaching

"A lot of stubborn days made a pretty good career." - Jen MuellerHanging out with the guys is just part of Jen's day to day. As a sideline radio reporter for the Seattle Seahawks and a Seattle Mariners television broadcaster on ROOT Sports, Jen Mueller is charged with getting insights and perspective from some of the world's best athletes in a matter of seconds. On today's Champions of Risk episode, Jen shares how she has mastered the art of asking good questions to be able to get players to reveal their personalities and perspective on key plays. Hear how her role as an intramural football referee improved her communication skills and how she teaches those same skills to businesses. Her love of talking also sparked her company, Talk Sporty To Me, which offers keynotes, workshops, and courses on how to have better conversations and ask better questions. Jen demonstrates how working a sideline is similar to effective leadership. Learn communications tips and how she entered a life of sports on today's episode. Show notes:talksportytome.comAsk Better Questions video series Champion You Group Coaching

Is ‘freedom’ really the answer you’ve been searching for? In 2020, Freedom was my word of the year. I craved freedom in all aspects of my business. From who I worked with to when I worked, I wanted the freedom of my own choice.And then, my desire for freedom ended up being the thing that was holding me back. In my latest Champions of RISK episode, Freedom is Not What You're Seeking, I share how freedom held me back from reaching my full potential and how you can distinguish what freedom means to you. Book your one on one coaching appointment at https://www.michaelwkithcart.com/coaching

“Conflict happens when limited resources crash into differing goals.” - Jenn WhitmerConflict impacts all our lives. Handled poorly, it erodes relationships, alienates people, and impacts the quality of leadership. It doesn’t have to be that way. Conflict isn’t a bad thing. It’s how we deal with it that can mess things up. Today’s guest, Jenn Whitmer, is a speaker, leadership and Enneagram coach and training. Her own personal experience with a leader who refused to handle conflict led her to study the art of conflict. Her love of teaching made her want to help others better understand themselves and start to see conflict as a good thing. Hear how self-compassion and understanding our fears can lead to better conflict resolution. Jenn shares three tips you can implement not to resolve conflict and an overview of how the Enneagram helps us understand our “why” instead of “what”. Conflict and the Enneagram on today’s episode of Champions of RISK podcast. Show notes:Jenn’s Enneagram Overview Bookletjennwhitmer.com/freebies@JennWhitmer“The Road Back to You”“The Honest Enneagram”Champion You Group Coaching February 6th

What if you EASED your way through the year and as a result, you had greater results, more fun, better relationships, and more success? On today’s episode of Champions of RISK, I’m sharing how my word selection of the year has already helped me see what is possible when you do the work AND don’t force the outcome. You’ll learn the four C’s to Ease for an UNSTOPPABLE year! If you would like to connect to get on your path to being unstoppable this year - click here:https://www.michaelwkithcart.com/lets-connect

“How willing are we to be transparent? To show up in the world who we are rather than looking at that as vulnerable - “ I’m afraid to share my idea with you,” - how about if it’s transparency, authenticity, and an invitation to another to tap into their creativity and authenticity?” - Risë Severson KasmirskiAnne Pryor, an internationally recognized LinkedIn expert, and Risë Severson Kasmirski, founder of RightPath Careers, are close friends and business partners who were independently called to collaborate and create their new book “When Paradise Speaks.” The calling came from their mutual friend, Irene, who passed away. Today’s Champions of RISK episode is about having the courage to create and share what intuitively feels so right regardless of the outcome. In doing so, Anne and Risë have opened the conversation and possibility for others to share their afterlife experiences and step into their own authenticity. Show notes: When Paradise Speaks Lovitude.com Lovitude on Facebook Anne Pryor Risë Severson Kasmirski