Dig to Fly

In this episode of The Systematic Leader, I sat down with Jason Bryll of Parable Associates to dive deep into how businesses can leverage structured learning, automation, and data-driven decision-making to improve efficiency and drive growth. 1. Why Systems-Driven Learning Matters Most businesses focus on execution, but structured learning opportunities create long-term success. Jason shared how his company builds intentional learning structures to empower employees and improve client outcomes: Monthly Learning Days – Employees dedicate time to learning skills like SQL or Python.Onboarding Checklists & Training Videos – New hires ramp up faster with customized learning paths.Internal Knowledge Sharing – "Show and Tell" sessions encourage employees to share insights from client projects. Key Takeaway: A culture of learning creates a smarter, more adaptable workforce. 2. Automating the Repetitive: The Power of RPA We also discussed Robotic Process Automation (RPA)—a game-changer for businesses drowning in repetitive tasks. Example: Jason's team automated insurance claim follow-ups for healthcare practices, reducing manual work and freeing up staff for higher-value tasks. 3. Data-Driven Decision-Making Smart leaders don't just collect data—they use it. Jason shared how Parable Associates builds feedback loops to refine their systems: Monthly Executive Leadership Committee (ELC) Meetings – Full-day strategic planning powered by data. Asana for Tracking Agenda Items – Ensures important issues are discussed. Employee Pulse Surveys – Five quick questions every month to gauge team sentiment. Key Takeaway: Reviewing data consistently leads to smarter business decisions. 4. Content as a System: Turning Knowledge into Assets Another key topic? Using structured content marketing to improve client engagement and training. Custom training videos – Used for internal learning and as a value-add for clients. Monthly blog performance reviews – Analyzing read counts and engagement to refine content strategy. Exploring a YouTube channel – Jason is considering a healthcare operations and data management content hub. Key Takeaway: Content isn't just marketing—it's a business asset. Learn more about Jason Bryll over at Parable Associates. You can also connect with him on LinkedIn.  You can get the Magnetic Systems Method (and other systems guides) to find issues before they become expensive problems. As always, if you have any questions or want to submit an amazing guest for the podcast, just reach out to me on the Systematic Leader website, and I'll do my best to get them on. If you enjoy the interview, please take 30 seconds to rate the Systematic Leader podcast on your favorite platform. Thanks!

What Happens When Organizations Run on Clarity Instead of Chaos? Most companies don't fail because of bad ideas—they fail because of bad systems. Employees drown in confusion, feedback loops break down, and leadership struggles to balance priorities. But what if there was a way to fix it? In this episode, we sit down with Garrett Delph, founder of ClarityOps, to explore the power of systems thinking in organizational design—and why clear processes and structured feedback are the unsung heroes of high-performing businesses. Highlights from the interview: 1. The Systems-Driven Organization The best organizations don't just “wing it.” They define their values, build for the long term, and create structures that align with their mission.Culture isn't what you say—it's how you operate. If leadership doesn't actively design a feedback-driven culture, one will form by default (often in ways you don't want). 2. How ClarityOps is Redefining Job Roles The Net Set 360 System transforms how companies handle job descriptions and career paths—turning outdated, misaligned roles into a searchable, structured database that provides clarity for employees and leaders alike. Why this matters: When roles aren't clear, confusion skyrockets, performance dips, and misalignment spreads like wildfire. 3. Feedback: The Lifeline of a Healthy Company Anonymous surveys only work if leadership truly listens and acts on the feedback. One-on-one interviews uncover deeper insights than quick, surface-level feedback. Companies that thrive require a culture of psychological safety—where employees feel comfortable speaking up without fear of retaliation. 4. Balancing Workloads: The Hidden Leadership Challenge One of the biggest silent killers of productivity? Leaders keep adding responsibilities without removing others. Activity maps help visualize and balance workloads, while temporary flex goals ensure shifting priorities don't become permanent overload. Regular check-ins are critical to adjust responsibilities as business needs evolve. 5. Leadership That Works: Lessons from Bill Campbell The legendary advisor to tech giants believed great leadership starts with great management. Key traits of strong managers: 1. Clear planning – No guessing games, just intentional strategy. 2. Integrity – Leading with transparency and fairness. 3. Crystal-clear communication – Setting expectations so there's no room for misalignment. Next Steps for Listeners Host regular “systems jam sessions” to find and fix friction points in your organization.Evaluate your feedback mechanisms—are you truly creating a safe space for employees to share?Audit your job descriptions and workloads to ensure they're clear, balanced, and aligned with company goals.Assess your company values—are they being operationalized in daily business, or are they just words on a wall? This conversation is a must-listen for any leader looking to build an organization that thrives on clarity, not confusion. Tune in now!  You can get the Magnetic Systems Method (and other systems guides) to find issues before they become expensive problems. Learn more about Garrett Delph over Clarity Ops. You can also connect with him on LinkedIn. As always, if you have any questions or want to submit an amazing guest for the podcast, just reach out to me on the Systematic Leader website, and I'll do my best to get them on. If you enjoy the interview, please take 30 seconds to rate the Systematic Leader podcast on your favorite platform. Thanks!

Join us for a discussion about the importance of building in systems when you have ADHD and run a business. Justin Vajko is the founder of Dialog With Us. One of my favorite parts of the interview is when Justin shared his systems to help him support his ADHD. You can get the Magnetic Systems Method (and other systems guides) to find issues before they become expensive problems. Highlights from the interview: 1. Content creation system Justin Vajko shares his content creation system that helps him consistently produce and publish content for his business. The system involves recording himself during client calls and podcasts, automatically uploading the recordings to Dropbox, and then having his team clip, write, and publish the content. This system helps Justin overcome his ADHD-related challenges with consistent content creation. Watch the 5 minute Systems Segment on YouTube 2. ADHD and building systems He discusses how his ADHD has impacted his work and life, and the importance of building systems to compensate for his weaknesses. He shares how he discovered his ADHD in high school and has since developed many systems and routines, like dedicated weekly time with his wife and friends, to help him stay organized and productive. .4 Delegating and reviewing work We discuss the importance of delegating tasks that play to one's strengths, and the challenges of building effective review processes. Justin acknowledges that reviewing work is a weakness for him, and they explore strategies for finding the right people to handle that responsibility. 5. Celebrating wins and expressing gratitude The conversation turns to the importance of celebrating wins and expressing gratitude, which Justin has struggled with in the past. They discuss how Justin's entrepreneurial mindset and ADHD can make it difficult to pause and appreciate progress, and the value of building systems to ensure consistent recognition of achievements. 6. Mentors and lessons learned He reflects on a former boss, John Eilie, who provided him with significant grace and support early in his career as he learned to build systems and overcome the challenges of his ADHD. He expresses gratitude for John's patience and guidance, which laid the foundation for Justin's current success. Key Takeaways: Justin leverages his ADHD as a strength in entrepreneurship, developing systems to compensate for challenges.Delegation and building a supportive team are crucial for managing ADHD-related struggles in business.Self-awareness and open communication about work styles help improve leadership and team dynamics.Systematic review processes and celebration of wins are areas for potential improvement in Justin's business Learn more about Justin Vajko over at Dialog Video Marketing. You can also connect with Justin over on Linkedin. As always, if you have any questions or want to submit an amazing guest for the podcast, just reach out to me on the Systematic Leader website, and I'll do my best to get them on. If you enjoy the interview, please take 30 seconds to rate the Systematic Leader podcast on your favorite platform. Thanks!

Join us for a discussion about building business relationships that last. Greg Wasserman is an expert connector and relationship builder. One of my favorite parts of the interview was his system for building relationships with people he wants to connect with. You can get the Magnetic Systems Method (and other systems guides) to find issues before they become expensive problems. Highlights from the interview: 1. Relationship-Building System Greg explains his system for building relationships, which centers around using his calendar and contact information to consistently reach out and connect with people, such as sending birthday wishes. He emphasizes the value of this simple yet powerful system in establishing trust and staying top-of-mind. 2. The Importance of Empathy and Supporting Employees Greg and Karl discuss how leaders often struggle to build genuine connections with their employees, focusing too much on results rather than understanding their team's needs and challenges. They highlight the importance of empathy, creating supportive systems, and prioritizing the well-being of employees to foster a positive company culture. 3. Embracing Authenticity and Openness  Greg shares a valuable lesson he has learned from past leaders - the importance of being authentic and embracing one's unique personality, rather than trying to fit a certain mold. He emphasizes that by being true to oneself, leaders can attract the right people and build meaningful connections. Learn more about Greg Wasserman over on LinkedIn. As always, if you have any questions or want to submit an amazing guest for the podcast, just reach out to me on the Systematic Leader website, and I'll do my best to get them on. If you enjoy the interview, please take 30 seconds to rate the Systematic Leader podcast on your favorite platform. Thanks!

Join us for a discussion about building business relationships that last. Greg Wasserman is an expert connector and relationship builder. One of my favorite parts of the interview was his system for building relationships with people he wants to connect with. You can get the Magnetic Systems Method (and other systems guides) to find issues before they become expensive problems. Highlights from the interview: 1. Relationship-Building System He explains his system for building relationships, which centers around using his calendar and contact information to consistently reach out and connect with people, such as sending birthday wishes. He emphasizes the value of this simple yet powerful system in establishing trust and staying top-of-mind. 2. The Importance of Empathy and Supporting Employees He and Karl discuss how leaders often struggle to build genuine connections with their employees, focusing too much on results rather than understanding their team's needs and challenges. They highlight the importance of empathy, creating supportive systems, and prioritizing the well-being of employees to foster a positive company culture. 3. Embracing Authenticity and Openness  He shares a valuable lesson he has learned from past leaders - the importance of being authentic and embracing one's unique personality, rather than trying to fit a certain mold. He emphasizes that by being true to oneself, leaders can attract the right people and build meaningful connections. Learn more about Greg Wasserman over on LinkedIn. As always, if you have any questions or want to submit an amazing guest for the podcast, just reach out to me on the Systematic Leader website, and I'll do my best to get them on. If you enjoy the interview, please take 30 seconds to rate the Systematic Leader podcast on your favorite platform. Thanks!

Join Jason and me for a discussion about building systems that work well for you and your team's culture. Jason Barnard is the founder of Kallicube, an AI branding company. One of my favorite parts of this interview is the system he uses for cross-team collaboration. You can get the Magnetic Systems Method (and other systems guides) to find issues before they become expensive problems. Highlights from the interview: 1. Mastermind system for cross-team collaboration He describes a system of cross-team masterminds where employees from different departments come together to share problems and brainstorm solutions. This helps improve communication, understanding, and problem-solving across the organization. Watch the 5-minute Systems Segment on YouTube 2. Automation and efficiency gains from mastermind insights An example is provided where the marketing team was able to automate processes after getting input from the more tech-savvy production team during a mastermind session. This led to significant time savings for the marketing department. 3. Jason's background and polymorphic career path  He shares how his diverse experiences, from economics to music to cartoons, have shaped his ability to think creatively and tackle complex problems, especially in understanding how search engines and AI work. 4. Maintaining regular communication with team leads He has weekly 30-minute calls with each department head to stay connected, understand challenges, and provide guidance, as well as a monthly all-hands meeting where everyone shares wins, struggles, and other updates. 5. Intentional reflection time and setting reasonable daily goals  He describes a daily routine of spending 10 minutes in the morning reflecting on the day ahead, assessing what is reasonable and possible to accomplish, rather than creating overly ambitious to-do lists. Learn more about Jason Barnard over at Kallicube. You can also connect with Jason on LinkedIn. As always, if you have any questions or want to submit an amazing guest for the podcast, just reach out to me on the Systematic Leader website, and I'll do my best to get them on. If you enjoy the interview, please take 30 seconds to rate the Systematic Leader podcast on your favorite platform. Thanks!

Learn how you can protect your most valuable business assets by building magnetic systems. It's these lighthouses that all business owners can build to find the friction in their company and eliminate it so you can grow your company.

Join Russel me as we discuss the value of building authentic relationships with your employees. They discuss Russel's specific system he uses to build relationships and support his team. Russel is the host and producer of the "Relationships at Work" podcast.  You can get the Magnetic Systems Method (and other systems guides) to find issues before they become expensive problems. 1. The "PERFORM" system for employee retention Russel shares his "PERFORM" system, which stands for: Personal one-on-ones, Empowerment, Relationship building, Feeling valued, Ownership, Relatability, and Meaningful experience. He explains how each of these elements has helped him retain the same team for over 12 years. 2. Importance of personal one-on-ones He highlights the personal one-on-one meetings as a key part of his PERFORM system. He shares how his team strongly resisted when he tried to cancel these meetings, as they found immense value in the dedicated time and space to connect with Russel. 3. Connecting employee values and motivations to their work He explains how he worked to understand each team member's individual values, passions, and motivations, and then found ways to connect their work to those personal drivers. This helped create a more meaningful experience for the employees. 4. Challenges of leadership and self-awareness He discusses his tendency to be very passionate in conversations, which can sometimes come across negatively. He shares strategies he uses, like leaving himself reminders, to be more intentional about his communication style and how it is received. 5. Importance of iterative improvement and reflection He highlights the value of practices like meditation and journaling to help him reflect on his leadership and continually improve. He emphasizes the importance of being open to learning, even from poor leadership examples in the past. Learn more about Russel Lolacher over at his website Russel Lolacker website. You can also connect with him on LinkedIn.  As always, if you have any questions or want to submit an amazing guest for the podcast, just reach out to me on the Systematic Leader website, and I'll do my best to get them on. If you enjoy the interview, please take 30 seconds to rate the Systematic Leader podcast on your favorite platform. Thanks!

Join Rob Roy and me as we discuss building a culture that encourages ownership and creative problem solving. Rob Roy is the founder of Trident CC. One of my favorite parts of this interview was when he talked about using feedback loops to encourage continuous improvement at his company. 1. Empowering employees through recognition Rob Roy shares his system for recognizing and valuing his employees. He makes a point to acknowledge 2-3 people at every event, providing personalized praise that is meaningful to each individual. This helps foster a sense of belonging and appreciation, rather than just a transactional relationship. You can watch Rob's 5 Minute System Segment on YouTube. 2. Cultivating a culture of trust and empowerment  Rob describes how he empowers his team to make decisions and strategize on the company's vision and plans. He holds annual planning sessions where the team collaborates to map out the year, with Rob providing the high-level direction and the team working out the details and logistics. This allows his employees to take ownership and feel invested in the company's success. 3. Feedback loops and continuous improvement Rob has implemented feedback systems to gather ongoing input from clients on his coaches' performance. This allows him to identify areas for improvement and provide additional training and support to his team. He also seeks feedback from the clients to understand the real impact of the coaching, not just surface-level metrics. 4. Cultivating meaningful relationships  Rob discusses the importance of building genuine relationships with his employees, clients, and mentors. He highlights the advice and support he has received from successful business leaders like Yakov and Lance, who have emphasized the value of putting people first. Rob strives to embody this mindset in his leadership approach. Learn more about Rob Roy over at Trident Coaching and Consulting. You can also connect with him on LinkedIn.  As always, if you have any questions or want to submit a fantastic guest for the podcast, just reach out to me on the Systematic Leader website, and I'll do my best to get them on. If you enjoy the interview, please take 30 seconds to rate the Systematic Leader podcast on your favorite platform. Thanks!

Join Seth Spears and me as we discuss using customer feedback and his own intuition to make decisions. Seth Spears is the founder of Wellnesse. One of my favorite parts of this interview was when he talked about taking risks and driving growth rather than optimizing an existing process. Highlights from the interview: 1. Remote Work Systems Seth discusses how his e-commerce company uses Loom videos and AI-generated transcripts to create standard operating procedures (SOPs) for remote employees. This helps document processes and train new hires when existing team members leave or change roles. 2. Customer Service Processes Seth explains how the company uses macros and pre-written responses in their email and chat tools to efficiently handle common customer inquiries. They also track frequently asked questions to identify opportunities for better product education or new product development. 3. Balancing Data and Intuition Seth discusses the importance of using both customer data/feedback and his own intuition when making product and business decisions. He notes that sometimes customers don't know what they want, so innovating beyond their stated preferences can be key. 4. Fostering a Culture of Innovation Seth emphasizes the need to take risks and try new things to drive growth, rather than just optimizing existing processes. He cautions against becoming complacent and boring, which can happen as a company matures. 5. Servant Leadership Seth reflects on a former boss who exemplified servant leadership, always being willing to do the work herself and supporting her team. He strives to emulate this approach in his own leadership. Learn more about Seth Spears over at Wellnesse. You can also connect with him on LinkedIn. As always, if you have any questions or want to submit an amazing guest for the podcast, just reach out to me on the Systematic Leader website, and I'll do my best to get them on. If you enjoy the interview, please take 30 seconds to rate the Systematic Leader podcast on your favorite platform. Thanks!

Join Douglas and me for a discussion about using AI in your business. Douglas Campbell is the founder of Raizor. One of my favorite parts of this interview was when we discussed the future of business and how we need to learn to better use AI to compete. Highlights from the interview: 1. Douglas' AI-powered content automation system Douglas describes an automated system he has built to streamline his content creation and distribution processes. This includes an AI-generated daily newsletter, automated social media posts, and an AI-narrated podcast - all from a single news article or blog post input. The system saves him significant time while maintaining quality and consistency. Watch the five minute systems segment on YouTube where Douglas explains his automation system. 2. Importance of human oversight and values-alignment with AI Douglas emphasizes the need to have clear standards and checkpoints when using AI, to ensure it aligns with one's values and avoids undesirable outputs. He describes his process of mapping out workflows, identifying appropriate automation opportunities, and strategically placing human review steps. 3. Future trends in AI and intelligent agents Douglas discusses the rise of intelligent agents that can remember context, take actions on one's behalf, and become more interactive than current chatbots. He believes these will have significant business applications beyond just consumer tasks like booking travel. 4. Automating video content creation Douglas shares a new automation system he has built to streamline the process of creating and publishing video content. This allows him to focus on the creative aspects while automating the technical tasks like editing, formatting, and distribution. Learn more about Douglas Cambell over at Raizor. You can also connect with him on Linkedin. As always, if you have any questions or want to submit an amazing guest for the podcast, just reach out to me on the Systematic Leader website, and I'll do my best to get them on. If you enjoy the interview, please take 30 seconds to rate the Systematic Leader podcast on your favorite platform. Thanks!

Most businesses don't fail because of bad ideas. They fail because they lack systems to turn those ideas into sustainable success. In this episode, Dustin Riechmann sits down with me, to break down how strategic systems can transform the way you work. Karl's journey is anything but ordinary—from running a thriving mushroom business in college to balancing a Fortune 100 career while scaling his own ventures. His secret? Building systems that eliminate friction and create momentum. What You'll Learn in This Episode:

Join us for a discussion about authenticity and relatability as the foundation of effective leadership. Kyle McDowell is the bestselling author of "Begin With WE." One of my favorite parts of this episode is when he explains his system for setting clear expectations and inspiring people to do great work. You can get the Magnetic Systems Method (and other systems guides) to find issues before they become expensive problems. Highlights from the show: 1. Importance of authenticity and relatability in leadership Kyle discusses how he has always believed that authenticity and relatability are the foundation of effective leadership. He shares how he has focused on connecting with the people he leads, rather than just the processes and procedures, in order to build trust and enable their success. 2. Establishing clear expectations and enabling employee success He  explains his approach to setting clear expectations with his team members during onboarding, and then working to remove any obstacles or roadblocks that prevent them from being successful. He emphasizes the importance of having open conversations to understand what each person needs from him as a leader. 3. Inspiring and motivating the team through challenges  He discusses how he inspires and motivates his team, not just by focusing on metrics and results, but by understanding the personal and professional challenges they face. He shares a story about owning up to a $10 million mistake and how that built trust and loyalty with his team. 4. The 10 "We" principles for building a culture of excellence  He outlines the 10 "We" principles he has developed to build a culture of excellence, including doing the right thing, leading by example, owning mistakes, and challenging each other. He explains how these principles have become embedded in the culture of the organizations he has led. 5. Influential leaders who shaped Kyle's approach  He shares two leaders who have significantly influenced his leadership approach - Harry Kramer, the former CEO of Baxter International, and William Krenz, a COO he reported to earlier in his career. He discusses the valuable lessons he learned from each of them about the importance of values-based leadership and caring for employees as people. Learn more about Kyle McDowell over at his website. You can also connect with him on LinkedIn. As always, if you have any questions or want to submit an amazing guest for the podcast, just reach out to me on the Systematic Leader website, and I'll do my best to get them on. If you enjoy the interview, please take 30 seconds to rate the Systematic Leader podcast on your favorite platform. Thanks!

Join Hannah and me as we discuss the importance of building systematic approaches to her leadership style. Hannah MacDonald-Dannecker is the managing partner of Better Together Group. One of my favorite parts of this interview was her system for coaching people. I'm going to use this in my business. Highlights from the interview: 1. Importance of Empathy and Curiosity in Leadership Hannah shares a story about driving 4 hours to fill in for a staffing role, demonstrating her commitment to the team and the business. She emphasizes the importance of leaders being fully engaged and showing up for their team, no matter the personal cost. This sets the tone for the discussion on Hannah's leadership approach. 2. Systematic Approach to One-on-One Meetings Hannah describes her weekly 15-30 minute one-on-one meetings with each of her 15 direct reports. The structured format includes: 1) Asking how they are doing, 2) Understanding their current priorities and what's not getting done, 3) Discussing how they plan to address gaps, and 4) Offering to take anything off their plate. This consistent process builds trust and uncovers important insights about her team. 3. Overcoming Judgment and Assumptions Hannah shares a personal story about being demoted from a leadership role early in her career due to being perceived as judgmental. This experience taught her the importance of leading with curiosity, listening to understand, and avoiding assumptions. She emphasizes the need for leaders to create a safe space for open feedback and vulnerability. 4. Mentors and Lessons Learned  Hannah reflects on two key mentors who have shaped her leadership approach - her 8th grade teacher who modeled grace and inclusion, and her father who challenged her with high expectations but unwavering support. These stories highlight the value of learning from others and being willing to step outside one's comfort zone. Learn more about Hannah MacDonald-Dannecker over at Better Together Group. You can also connect with her on Linkedin.  As always, if you have any questions or want to submit an amazing guest for the podcast, just reach out to me on the Systematic Leader website, and I'll do my best to get them on. If you enjoy the interview, please take 30 seconds to rate the Systematic Leader podcast on your favorite platform. Thanks! You can get the Magnetic Systems Method (and other systems guides) to find issues before they become expensive problems. Related podcasts and articles: Scaling Success with Vulnerability with Justin Moore How Leaders Can Build Efficient Teams

Join Liane Davey and me discuss the importance of healthy conflect in an organization. Liane Davey is the teamwork doctor. One of my favorite parts of this interview was when she explained her system of encouraging healthy conflict and the example she uses to explain how to work through the conflict. You can get the Magnetic Systems Method (and other systems guides) to find issues before they become expensive problems. 1. Importance of understanding different perspectives Karl and Liane discuss the challenges of teamwork, noting that cognitive biases and the tendency to overemphasize our own reality make it difficult to truly understand others' perspectives. They emphasize the need to create an environment where healthy conflict and tension can thrive, rather than avoiding conflict altogether. 2. Systematizing healthy conflict Liane explains the difference between "productive tension" and "unhealthy friction" in teams. She outlines an exercise to help team members understand the unique value they bring, the stakeholders they represent, and the tensions they are obligated to introduce. This allows teams to have constructive debates and discussions, rather than personal conflicts. 3. The three phases of decision-making Liane describes a three-phase approach to decision-making: 1) Deliberation, where healthy conflict and tension are encouraged, 2) Implementation, where team members must "disagree and commit" to the decision, and 3) Evaluation, where the decision is openly reviewed and assessed. She emphasizes the importance of maintaining the right level of conflict in each phase. 4. Managing thought load and productivity Liane shares her personal struggle with "thought load" - the combination of distraction, anxiety, and burnout that plagues many professionals. She outlines the systems she has put in place to manage her attention, anxiety, and energy, including a "Thought Load Planner" and various mindfulness practices. She emphasizes the importance of these strategies for improving productivity and overall well-being. 5. Closing and next steps Liane provides information on how listeners can connect with her further, including her website, YouTube channel, and LinkedIn presence. Karl thanks Liane for the insightful conversation and offers to provide feedback or connect her with potential guests for his podcast. Learn more about Liane Davey over at 3Coze. You can also connect with him on LinkedIn. As always, if you have any questions or want to submit an amazing guest for the podcast, just reach out to me on the Systematic Leader website, and I'll do my best to get them on. If you enjoy the interview, please take 30 seconds to rate the Systematic Leader podcast on your favorite platform. Thanks!

Join us for a discussion about how finding ways to help us ponder can help us unlock ideas in our business. Eric White is the founder of Ponder. One of my favorite parts of this interview is his system You can get the Magnetic Systems Method (and other systems guides) to find issues before they become expensive problems. Highlights from the interview 1. Importance of pondering and reflection Eric and Karl discuss how modern society has lost the ability to ponder and reflect, often filling any gaps in attention with technology and data consumption. They explore how this tendency to seek immediate answers and efficiency can hinder deeper thinking and innovation. 2. Childhood experiences and imagination He shares formative experiences from his childhood, such as long car rides and church services, that fostered his natural inclination for pondering and imagination. These early experiences shaped his later approach to problem-solving and understanding human behavior. 3. Helping clients ponder and gain customer insights He describes his approach to working with clients, which involves creating "simulated sales" experiences to elicit emotional responses and uncover deeper customer insights. This involves using visual prompts, asking probing questions, and providing time for the client team to reflect on the feedback. 4. Balancing data and emotion in decision-making We discuss the importance of balancing data-driven and emotional decision-making, noting that customers often make purchases based on emotion rather than pure logic. They emphasize the value of creating experiences that evoke emotional responses to uncover underlying customer needs and motivations. 5. Developing systems and routines for innovation Eric and Karl explore the role of systems and routines in fostering innovation, noting the need to carefully manage variables and test hypotheses in a methodical way. They highlight the value of creating feedback loops and being willing to challenge one's own assumptions in order to drive meaningful progress. Closing thoughts and next steps The conversation concludes with a discussion of the importance of seeking outside perspectives and being open to new ways of thinking.  Learn more about Eric White over at Ponder. You can also connect with him on LinkedIn. As always, if you have any questions or want to submit an amazing guest for the podcast, just reach out to me on the Systematic Leader website, and I'll do my best to get them on. If you enjoy the interview, please take 30 seconds to rate the Systematic Leader podcast on your favorite platform. Thanks!

Join us for a discussion about designing on our team routines with intention and structure that helps people thrive at work. Shaun Lee is the co-founder of the 6 Levers Framework. One of my favorite parts of this interview is when he talked about using building cohesion on a team. You can get the Magnetic Systems Method (and other systems guides) to find issues before they become expensive problems. Why Your Team Needs Structure to Succeed (And How to Build It Right) Highlights from the interview: 1. The 6 Levers framework Shaun provides an overview of the 6 Levers framework, which covers identity, leadership, rhythm, momentum, focus, and cohesion. He explains how these levers help teams and organizations establish shared purpose, align on priorities, and build healthy ways of working. 2. Shaun's leadership journey and challenges Shaun shares a personal story about a challenging period when he was the COO of a growing nonprofit organization. He discusses how he struggled to maintain work-life balance and the importance of setting clear boundaries as a leader. 4. Systems and frameworks for self-care and support  Shaun describes the personal practices he developed to manage stress and maintain perspective, including daily prayer and journaling, as well as a weekly support group with other leaders. He emphasizes the value of having trusted advisors who can provide honest feedback. 5. Iterating and experimenting with new approaches  Shaun and Karl discuss the importance of a culture of experimentation and continuous improvement, where teams are willing to try new things, gather feedback, and make adjustments based on what they learn. They highlight the need to balance this with structured rhythms for reflection and refinement. Learn more about Shaun Lee over at 6 Levers Framework website. You can also connect with him on LinkedIn. Check out his book At the Heart of Work on Amazon. As always, if you have any questions or want to submit an amazing guest for the podcast, just reach out to me on the Systematic Leader website, and I'll do my best to get them on. If you enjoy the interview, please take 30 seconds to rate the Systematic Leader podcast on your favorite platform. Thanks!

Join us for a discussion about building systems in your business that develop trust with employees and customers. John D. Marvin is the President of TSO (Texas State Optical). One of my favorite parts of this interview was when he talked about the value of giving his time to his staff so he can learn about them and their needs. You can get the Magnetic Systems Method (and other systems guides) to find issues before they become expensive problems. 1. Perspective on Leadership John Marvin discusses his view of leadership, emphasizing that leadership is about influence rather than just authority or title. He believes leaders must be able to connect with and serve their team, building relationships based on trust and vulnerability. Marvin highlights the importance of active listening, empathy, and creating an environment where people feel comfortable being open and honest. 2. Building Relationships Through Intentional Presence He explains his approach to building strong relationships with his team, including regularly scheduled one-on-one meetings where he makes a point to be fully present and engaged. He discusses the importance of controlling one's own mindset and discipline to avoid distractions and truly listen. Marvin also shares how he follows up on commitments using digital tools to ensure he doesn't drop the ball. 3. Reflection and Personal Growth He describes his daily morning routine of reflection, where he reviews his personal and professional goals, affirmations, and contemplates ways to improve himself and the company. He also discusses his end-of-year review process, where he looks back on the past year's accomplishments and challenges to identify areas for growth. Marvin believes personal development is key to professional development, and he aims to instill this mindset in his team. 4. Gratitude and Celebrating Milestones He shares how he makes an effort to recognize important milestones, such as birthdays, for his team members. He believes these small gestures help people feel valued and special, strengthening the relationships. Marvin also expresses gratitude for the time and attention his team members give him, seeing it as a privilege rather than an obligation. 5. Closing Thoughts on Leadership and Personal Growth In closing, Marvin reflects on the leaders and authors who have most influenced his own personal and professional development, including Napoleon Hill, James Allen, and John Maxwell. He emphasizes the importance of intentional, consistent effort towards self-improvement, and how this ultimately benefits both the individual and the organization they serve. Learn more about John Marvin over at the TSO (Texas State Optical). You can also connect with him on Linked. As always, if you have any questions or want to submit an amazing guest for the podcast, just reach out to me on the Systematic Leader website, and I'll do my best to get them on. If you enjoy the interview, please take 30 seconds to rate the Systematic Leader podcast on your favorite platform. Thanks!

Join us for a discussion about developing a marketing strategy for your team that meets your customer's needs. Tommy Walker is the author of the State of Discontent and consultant to startups so they create powerful content that works. One of my favorite parts of this interview was the story of a failed a launch and how it shifted his business systems. You can get the Magnetic Systems Method (and other systems guides) to find issues before they become expensive problems. Highlights from the interview: 1. How to create products your customers want I love the story that Tommy shared about a failed product launch and what he did to learn and grow from it. 2. How to create more powerful content He shares how leaders can listen to marketing department and their customers to gather great content.  3. Why leader need to listen to their employees Leaders often want instant results and don't listen to what will help the marketing team understand the pain points of the customers so they can create better content. 4. The importance of research Why leaders often avoid research and what they can do to give themselves and their employees the time to dig deeper into creating great content. 5. The power of sharing ideas with employees Learn how you can show employees that the leadership team is listening and wants to highlight people's great work in every part of the company. To dive deeper, listeners can visit Tommy at The Content Studio website. You can also connect with him on Linkedin. As always, if you have any questions or want to submit an amazing guest for the podcast, just reach out to me on the Systematic Leader website, and I'll do my best to get them on. If you enjoy the interview, please take 30 seconds to rate the Systematic Leader podcast on your favorite platform. Thanks!

Join us for a discussion about aligning your priorities with your vision, so everyone knows what they need to focus on each day. Harry Max is the author of Managing Priorities: How to Create Better Plans and Make Smarter Decisions. One of my favorite parts of this interview is the story that Harry shares when he went way over budget on a new microphone and how his boss handles it. You can get the Magnetic Systems Guide (and other business system guides) to find issues before they become expensive problems. Highlights from the interview: 1. Priorities and Vision Leadership success starts with focusing on what matters most. True priorities stem from having a clear vision and leveraging systems to revisit and refine those priorities regularly. Harry shared how a near-death bicycle accident at age 15 taught him that control is an illusion, sparking a lifelong commitment to identifying and focusing on what truly matters. This lesson reemerged in his executive leadership roles, where he learned that consistent review and alignment with vision are critical for effective prioritization. 2. The Balancing Act of Decision-Making Decision-making as a leader requires a delicate balance of confidence and humility. Leaders must portray confidence when they are at least 51% certain but stay humble enough to adjust as new information emerges. Harry highlighted the value of using tools like confidence intervals to improve precision, noting that with practice, leaders can act decisively when 90% confident. Calibrating confidence over time helps leaders make better decisions while maintaining the humility to admit when they're wrong and adapt accordingly. 3. Understanding Others' Priorities Success as a leader also hinges on understanding and aligning with the priorities of others—whether employees, colleagues, or stakeholders. Building strong relationships requires curiosity about what drives others' decisions and goals. By asking questions, showing empathy, and aligning your goals to support theirs, you create trust and foster collaboration. This approach not only strengthens relationships but also helps secure buy-in for your priorities. 4. Building Leadership Strength Finally, effective communication and feedback are critical components of strong leadership. Harry emphasized the importance of paying attention to subtle cues like body language and tone to identify incongruities between verbal and non-verbal communication. Addressing these signals allows leaders to test their understanding and refine their approach. Over time, prioritizing relationship quality over immediate tasks builds long-term leadership strength and resilience, creating a foundation for sustainable success. To dive deeper, listeners can visit Harry at harrymax.com, connect with him on LinkedIn, and check out his book Managing Priorities on Amazon. Harry also invites feedback on his upcoming chapter on execution, encouraging collaboration to refine and promote these impactful ideas.

Join us for a conversation about overcoming psychological barriers as a leader. Mo Bunnell is the author Give to Grow and CEO of Bunnell Idea Group. One of my favorite parts of the interview was how we tell ourselves lies to avoid doing the hard project. You can get the Magnetic Systems Guide (and other business system guides) to find issues before they become expensive problems. Here's a five-part summary highlighting the best ideas from the podcast interview: 1. The Power of Systems in Leadership and Relationship Building Mo and Karl emphasized the importance of identifying and leveraging systems in both leadership and relationship development.  Using a "10x mindset": Focus on providing value 10 times to build trust, expecting only one success out of ten efforts. Balancing tasks: Leaders must manage the duality of "winning the work" (persuasive relationship-building) and "doing the work" (execution with precision). The actionable insight: Approach relationships with intentionality, structure, and clear processes to maximize effectiveness and impact. 2. Overcoming Psychological Barriers and the Five Lies Mo shared the "Five Lies" that hinder relationship building. Leaders can use these insights to identify personal roadblocks and take actionable steps toward growth. 3. Leading Through Emotional Awareness Mo's example of organizing a large-scale event revealed how labeling emotions (e.g., stress, worry) can foster team collaboration. By sharing his concerns openly with his team, he transformed stress into actionable solutions, leading to a successful event. System Insight: Recognize emotions as indicators, articulate them to trusted collaborators, and use collective brainstorming to navigate challenges effectively. 4. Strategic Giving and Its Boundaries The distinction between "successful givers" and "unsuccessful givers" lies in setting boundaries: Successful givers say no to unnecessary demands and scale the size of their contributions relative to the expected impact. Examples: Offering small, manageable assistance to lower-priority requests while reserving deeper engagement for high-impact relationships. The core idea: Giving should be generous but sustainable, ensuring that it does not drain the giver's energy or resources. 5. Leadership Bottlenecks and Business Growth Mo introduced a four-box model to diagnose and address bottlenecks in business growth: Solution: Ensure differentiation and ease of purchase. Learn more about Mo Bunnell over at Bunnell Idea Group. You can also check out his book Give to Grow (Amazong Link). Connect with him on LinkedIn.  As always, if you have any questions or want to submit an amazing guest for the podcast, just reach out to me on the Systematic Leader website, and I'll do my best to get them on. If you enjoy the interview, please take 30 seconds to rate the Systematic Leader podcast on your favorite platform. Thanks!

Join us for a discussion about developing a simple marketing system that works for your company. Billy Broas is the author of Simple Marketing for Smart People. One of my favorite parts of this interview is the 5 lightbulb method that he uses to attract his ideal clients. You can get the Magnetic Systems Guide (and other business system guides) to find issues before they become expensive problems. Billy Broas introduces himself as the author of "Simple Marketing for Smart People" and a marketing consultant. He shares how he got into marketing after initially working in the energy industry and how he had to learn marketing from scratch to promote his online beer brewing courses. 1. The five-light bulbs framework He explains his "five light bulbs" messaging framework. My favorite was number 5. The customer's desired future state and the benefits of your solution He emphasizes the importance of making a compelling argument for your approach (light bulb 3) rather than just focusing on the offer. 2. Applying the framework internally I ask how the five light bulbs can be used to sell ideas and projects internally within an organization rather than just to external customers. Billy advises that the framework can be applied the same way, by clearly defining your unique approach and making a well-reasoned argument supported by evidence. 3. Feedback and continuous improvement  He recommends regularly reviewing and updating your "message map" that captures the five light bulbs, incorporating customer feedback and insights. He suggests doing this on a weekly basis as part of a marketing meeting. 4. Closing and next steps The discussion concludes with Billy encouraging listeners to check out his book "Simple Marketing for Smart People" to learn more about his approach. Karl thanks Billy for the insightful conversation. Learn more about Billy Broas over at his website. You can also connect with him on LinkedIn. As always, if you have any questions or want to submit an amazing guest for the podcast, just reach out to me on the Systematic Leader website, and I'll do my best to get them on. If you enjoy the interview, please take one minute to rate the Systematic Leader podcast on your favorite platform. Thanks!

Join us for a discussion about building a business that supports your needs and helps you run it more efficiently. Dustin Riechmann is the founder of 7 Figure Leap. One of my favorite parts of the interview was how he got through burnout by creating better systems. You can get the Magic of Feedback Guide (and other business system guides) to find issues before they become expensive problems. Highlights from the interview: 1. Dustin's business journey Dustin provides an overview of his background, starting as an engineer and transitioning to entrepreneurship about 6 years ago. He describes the rapid growth of his current business, Seven Figure Leap, which helps entrepreneurs scale their marketing and offers through podcast guesting. Dustin shares the trajectory of growing from $50K in 2022 to a $250K quarterly run rate in early 2024. 2. Reaching a burnout point Dustin describes a pivotal moment in January 2024 when the demands of running his business, including hosting Zoom calls from conferences and managing a growing program, made him feel overwhelmed and resentful. This prompted him to reevaluate his approach and consider scaling his business more sustainably. 3. Shifting to a 10M CEO mindset With the help of a coach, Dustin explored the mindset shift of seeing himself as the CEO of a $10M company, rather than a solo entrepreneur. This prompted him to start building out systems, processes, and a team to support the growth of his business in a way that aligned with his values and goals. 4. Hiring an executive assistant He hired a dedicated executive assistant, Tiffany, to take administrative tasks off his plate and help him focus more on the CEO-level responsibilities. He describes the structured hiring process, the importance of finding the right fit in terms of temperament and skills, and how Tiffany has helped create boundaries and efficiency. 5. Establishing operational systems He outlines the three main operational platforms he has implemented - ClickUp for project management, Circle for client-facing activities, and High-level for sales and marketing. He explains how he is intentionally creating silos and ownership for each system, with the goal of eventually having team members manage these domains while he oversees the overall strategy. 6. Ongoing challenges with fulfillment He acknowledges that while he has made significant progress in building systems and a team, he is still grappling with how to best handle the fulfillment and delivery aspects of his core programs. He is exploring ways to delegate more of this work while maintaining his client involvement and connection. Learn more about Dustin Riechmann at 7 Figre Leap and connect with him on LinkedIn. As always, if you have any questions or want to submit an amazing guest for the podcast, just reach out to me on the Systematic Leader website, and I'll do my best to get them on. If you enjoy the interview, please take 30 seconds to rate the Systematic Leader podcast on your favorite platform. Thanks!

Join us for a discussion standing out in a crowded leadership space. Mark Levy is a Differentiation expert and former advisor to Simon Sinek. One of my favorite parts of the interview is how he encourages clients to gather stories and use them at work. You can get the Magic of Feedback Guide (and other business system guides) to find issues before they become an expensive problem. Highlights from the interview: 1. Differentiation and positioning Mark discusses the importance of differentiation and positioning for businesses and leaders. He explains how he helps organizations and individuals stand out through unique ideas, messaging, and strategies. They discuss examples of how leaders can differentiate themselves and their organizations. 2. Gathering and using stories Mark shares techniques for gathering and leveraging stories within an organization, including having leaders share "proud moments" and systematically collecting stories about reliability, problem-solving, and other vital themes. They discuss how this can empower employees to communicate the company's unique value effectively. 3. The power of free-writing Mark introduces the free-writing technique he learned from author Peter Elbow. This technique involves 10-minute bursts of uninterrupted writing to access new ideas and insights. He explains how this process can help overcome the limitations of the internal editor and lead to creative breakthroughs. You can learn more about Mark Levy over at Levy Innovation. You can also connect with him on LinkedIn. As always, if you have any questions or want to submit an amazing guest for the podcast, just reach out to me on the Systematic Leader website, and I'll do my best to get them on. If you enjoy the interview, please take one minute to rate the Systematic Leader podcast on your favorite platform. Thanks!

Join us for a discussion about leading people so they feel appreciated and understood. Allen Cooper is the President/CEO of Ancilla Ventures. One of my favorite parts of this interview was when he discussed his approach to his feedback loops so he understands what his employees need and how he can align them with the company's goals. You can get the Magic of Feedback Guide (and other business system guides) to find issues before they become expensive problems. Highlights from the interview: 1. Servant leadership approach Allen describes his leadership style as a "servant leadership" approach, where he tries to remove barriers for his employees, hold them accountable, and enable them to be their best. He believes in getting the most out of people by being a mentor and sounding board. 2. Prioritizing and balancing work He discusses how he helps employees prioritize their work and balance "shiny objects" (new, exciting tasks) with necessary routine work. He uses a Scrum-based approach to spread work across all projects and clients, allowing employees to gain breadth of experience. 3. Feedback loops and core values He explains how he has implemented monthly reviews of the company's core values, including clearly defining what each value means. He also has a "monthly shout-outs" program to recognize employees who embody the core values. This helps reinforce the culture and gives employees a voice. 4. Documenting processes and continuous improvement He discusses how the company has documented standard operating procedures (SOPs) for various processes, which helps with onboarding and ensures consistency. These SOPs are regularly reviewed and updated to adapt to changing needs. You can learn more about Allen Cooper over at Ancilla Ventures. You can also connect with him on LinkedIn. As always, if you have any questions or want to submit a guest for the podcast that you think would be amazing, just reach out to me on the Systematic Leader website, and I'll do my best to get them on. If you enjoy the interview, please take 30 seconds to rate the Systematic Leader podcast on your favorite platform. Thanks!

Join us for a discussion about improving the sales process for you and the people you lead. John Meese is the author of Serve to Sell. One of my favorite parts of the interview is hearing the questions that John uses on a sales call. Such powerful questions that will alter how you approach a sales call.  You can join the 5 Day Proactive Feedback Challenge to build a feedback systems that improves your team and company's systems. Highlights from the interview: 1. Shifting from a sales mindset to a service mindset  John shares how he struggled with the pressure and failure of traditional sales calls, which led him to reframe them as "serve calls" focused on genuinely helping the client rather than just making a sale. He explains how this shift in mindset was a key starting point for developing his serve to sell framework. 2. The six-step serve to sell framework  John outlines the six steps of his serve to sell framework: 1) Relationship, 2) Results, 3) Roadblocks, 4) Resources, 5) Recap, and 6) Recommendation. He explains how each step is designed to deeply understand the client's needs and position the solution as a natural fit, rather than a hard sell. 3. Emphasizing the importance of listening and empathy  John stresses the importance of truly listening to the client, asking open-ended questions, and providing space for them to share what matters most. He explains how this empathetic approach builds trust and makes the client feel genuinely cared for, rather than just being sold to. 4. Capturing client success stories as social proof  John discusses the value of systematically collecting client success stories and testimonials, as this social proof helps demonstrate the real-world impact of the solutions being offered. He shares an example of how he uses automated emails to gather these stories. You can learn more about John Meese over at Serve to Sell. You can also check out his book Serve to Sell (Amazon Link). As always, if you have any questions or want to submit a guest for the podcast that you think would be amazing, just reach out to me on the Systematic Leader website, and I'll do my best to get them on. If you enjoy the interview, please take 30 seconds to rate the Systematic Leader podcast on your favorite platform. Thanks!

Join us for a discussion about building team culture as a leader. Bradley Hamner is the founder of Blue Print OS and Above the Business podcast. One of my favorite parts of the interview is how Bradley cultivates feedback loops so he learns from his employees and continues to find way to improve the business. You can join the 5 Day Proactive Feedback Challenge to build a feedback systems that improves your team and company's systems. 1. Importance of operations and processes Bradley discusses how entrepreneurs often focus on growth, sales, and marketing, but neglect the importance of operations and processes. He explains that this is because entrepreneurs value flexibility and freedom, which can clash with the structure and routine needed for operational efficiency. However, he emphasizes that putting the right processes in place ultimately enables greater creativity and success. 2. Cultivating feedback loops with team Bradley shares how he initially resisted implementing structure and processes, but learned that it was necessary to get the best from his team. He discusses the importance of building trust and understanding each team member's personal goals in order to create an environment where they feel comfortable providing honest feedback. This feedback loop allows the business to improve. 3. Designing a "perfect repeatable week"  Bradley outlines his approach to designing a "perfect repeatable week" that balances his personal and professional priorities. This involves blocking off time for deep work, limiting meetings to certain windows, and protecting his energy levels. He emphasizes the need to experiment and adjust this schedule on a quarterly basis to ensure it continues to work effectively. 4. Appreciation for a former manager  Bradley shares a story about a former manager, Sharma, who pushed him hard but ultimately helped him recognize his full potential. He explains how Sharma's high expectations and tough feedback, while difficult in the moment, inspired him to exceed his own expectations and become the best version of himself. You can learn more about Brady Hamner over at Blue Print OS and Above the Business podcast. You can also connect with him on LinkedIn.  As always, if you have any questions or want to submit a guest for the podcast that you think would be amazing, just reach out to me on the Systematic Leader website, and I'll do my best to get them on. If you enjoy the interview, please take 30 seconds to rate the Systematic Leader podcast on your favorite platform. Thanks!

Join us for a discussion about the power of vulnerability with Justin Moore of Creator Wizard. One of my favorite parts of this interview is when he shares his struggles with growing a business when his last one fell apart due to COVID-19. Listen to his interview on the Systematic Leader website and get the guides that help you build systems to make your life as a leader more productive, happier, and value-driven. Highlights from the interview: 1. Justin's background and Creator Wizard business Justin shares the story of how his sponsorship coaching business, Creator Wizard, has grown rapidly over the past couple years, going from a passion project to a full-fledged media and education company. He discusses the challenges of balancing growth with maintaining a healthy work-life balance as an entrepreneur. 2. Developing systems and processes Justin and Karl discuss the importance of developing systems and processes to manage a growing business, including tracking metrics, getting customer feedback, and delegating work to a team. They explore Justin's efforts to transition from being the sole provider to building a team to scale the business. 3. Embracing vulnerability and transparency Justin shares how he has tried to be more open and vulnerable about the challenges he faces as an entrepreneur, rather than projecting an image of having everything figured out. They discuss the benefits of this approach in building trust and connection with customers. 4. Feedback loops and customer insights Justin describes specific tactics he has used to gather customer feedback and insights, such as creating an assessment tool and sharing behind-the-scenes content. They emphasize the value of truly understanding your customers' needs and pain points beyond just your core product or service. 5. Expressing gratitude and celebrating wins Justin and Karl discuss the importance of expressing gratitude and celebrating wins, both for oneself and one's team. They acknowledge the difficulty of this, especially for driven entrepreneurs, and explore ways to build a culture of appreciation. You can learn more about Lauren Cockerell over at her website Kwedar & Co. You can also connect with her on LinkedIn. As always, if you have any questions or want to submit a guest for the podcast that you think would be amazing, just reach out to me on the Systematic Leader website, and I'll do my best to get them on. If you enjoy the interview, please take 30 seconds to rate the Systematic Leader podcast on your favorite platform. Thanks!

Join us for a discussion about building a team that cares about each other and supports one another. Lauren Cockerell is the CEO of Kwedar & Co. One of my favorite parts of the interview is when she shares how she leads Highlights from the interview: 1. Technique for coaching employees Lauren explains that she uses the Rockefeller Habits and Scaling Up methodology, with a focus on quarterly goals, KPIs, and team alignment. 2. Quarterly goal-setting and review process Lauren describes Kwedar's quarterly goal-setting process, where the team aligns on annual priorities, breaks them down into quarterly "rocks", and then tracks progress and celebrates successes at the end of each quarter. She emphasizes the importance of having measurable KPIs and involving the whole team. 3. Using core values to guide decisions Lauren shares how Kwedar's core values are central to their operations used to guide decisions and have difficult conversations. She explains how the values create a common language and framework for the team. 4. PR and marketing systems Karl and Lauren discuss Kwedar's approach to PR and marketing, emphasizing the importance of having an integrated, strategic system that aligns messaging across all channels. Lauren outlines Kwedar's process for planning, pitching, and executing PR campaigns. 5. Challenges of scaling and delegating Lauren shares one of her current challenges - continuing to remove herself from the center of the business and delegate more to her team as Kwedar scales. She discusses using frameworks like the Accountability Chart to map out roles and responsibilities. 6. Influential leaders and mentors Lauren reflects on two key leaders who have mentored and influenced her - her first boss, Paige Hendrix, and her recent EO coach, Robert Whitaker. She shares how she has applied lessons learned from them in building her own business. You can learn more about Lauren Cockerell over at her website Kwedar & Co. You can also connect with her on LinkedIn. As always, if you have any questions or want to submit a guest for the podcast that you think would be amazing, just reach out to me on the Systematic Leader website, and I'll do my best to get them on. If you enjoy the interview, please take 30 seconds to rate the Systematic Leader podcast on your favorite platform. Thanks!

Join us for a discussion about creating processes so your company can run more efficiently. Layla Pomper is the CEO of Process Driven. One of my favorite parts of the interview is how she protects her time and her team's time so they can do high-impact work. You can join the 5 Day Proactive Feedback Challenge to build a feedback systems that improves your team and company's systems. Highlights from the interview: 1. Layla's journey to becoming more process-driven Layla explains that her tendency towards creativity and chaos is what motivated her to develop more structured processes and systems in her business. She discusses how observing her own workflows and documenting the steps helped her systematize her work and eventually teach others. 2. Encouraging feedback and transparency on the team Layla shares how she has built a culture on her team that actively encourages critical feedback and the open reporting of mistakes as a way to continuously improve processes and avoid repeating issues. 3. Frameworks for protecting time and focus Layla outlines three key frameworks her team uses to defend their time and capacity from distractions: 1) a "no Friday tasks" policy, 2) a 20-hour weekly task limit for leadership, and 3) dedicated time for "shiny object" ideas and creativity. 4. Cultivating a playful approach to content creation Layla discusses her approach to the creative aspects of her business, such as her YouTube channel, where she allows herself to be more playful and experimental without too much structure. 5. Influential mentors and recommended resources Layla shares the impact of a college professor who helped her develop her communication skills, and recommends the book "Playing Big" by Tara Mohr as a resource for strategic thinking. You can learn more about Layla Pomper over at Process Driven. You can also watch her YouTube channel, of the same name, Process Driven on YouTube. She is also on LinkedIn if you want to connect with her there. As always, if you have any questions or want to submit a guest for the podcast that you think would be amazing, just reach out to me on the Systematic Leader website, and I'll do my best to get them on. If you enjoy the interview, please take 30 seconds to rate the Systematic Leader podcast on your favorite platform. Thanks!

Join us for a discussion about focusing on the one thing that matters in our lives. Jay Papasan is a best-selling author and CEO. One of my favorite parts of this interview is when he shares the question that Gary Keller asked him to hone in on finding the best executive assistant for him and his company. Highlights from the interview. Jay Papasan's background and partnership with Gary Keller Jay Papasan has been working with Gary Keller, the founder of Keller Williams Realty, for 24 years. They have co-authored 11 books together, including the bestselling "The One Thing". Jay's role involves managing content and creating strategic content for Keller Williams and their publishing company. The importance of finding the right Executive Assistant (EA) Jay has had 7 EAs over the years, and it took him some time to find the right fit. He emphasizes the importance of clearly defining the 3 critical skills the EA must have, rather than just listing out all the tasks. The right EA can help liberate the executive from administrative tasks and serve as a true business partner. Establishing priorities and systems for productivity  Jay uses a "411" system to set annual, monthly, and weekly goals, which he shares with his EA. This helps them stay aligned on priorities and make the right decisions about how to spend time. Jay also cautions against chasing the latest productivity tools or systems, instead focusing on making incremental improvements to the right processes. Empowering employees and building accountability Jay believes in building accountability relationships with his team, including his EA. He encourages them to provide honest feedback and push back when needed, rather than just deferring to him. This helps ensure he stays focused on his priorities and makes the right decisions. You can learn more about Jay Papasan over at his website Jay Papasan About Page. You can also connect with him on LinkedIn. Check out his brilliant book, The One Thing (Amazon Link), which he co-authored with Gary Keller. As always, if you have any questions or want to submit a guest for the podcast that you think would be amazing, just reach out to me on the Systematic Leader website, and I'll do my best to get them on. If you enjoy the interview, please take 30 seconds to rate the Systematic Leader podcast on your favorite platform. Thanks!

Join us for a discussion about listening to your customers and how it can help you uncover hidden opportunities. Tim Grahl is the CEO of Story Grid Publishing. One of my favorite parts of this interview is when Tim talks about how he interviewed over 500 customers to get to the heart of his business. Storytelling framework for business Tim explains his framework for crafting a resonant story - deeply understanding his target audience through hundreds of customer interviews to uncover their true motivations and pain points, then aligning the company's messaging and offerings to directly address those needs. Empowering employees with the company vision Tim discusses how he sets a clear vision for the company and communicates it to his growing team. He emphasizes the importance of giving employees autonomy, making observations and asking questions rather than dictating, and ensuring they understand how their work connects to the overall mission. Tim also shares his approach to addressing problems as opportunities for improvement rather than crises. Staying connected to customers as the business scales As Storygrid has grown from 5 to 15 employees, Tim has maintained a regular cadence of customer calls and exit interviews to stay closely connected to his audience. He explains how this helps him anticipate issues, make data-driven improvements, and ensure the company's offerings continue to meet customer needs even as the business scales. Gratitude for a key business mentor Tim expresses gratitude for his business coach, Michael Walsh of Walsh Business Growth, who has been instrumental in guiding Tim to build out systems and empower his team as the company has grown, rather than trying to do everything himself. You can learn more about Tim Grahl over at Story Grid Publishing. You can also connect with him on LinkedIn. As always, if you have any questions or want to submit a guest for the podcast that you think would be amazing, just reach out to me on the Systematic Leader website, and I'll do my best to get them on. If you enjoy the interview, please take 30 seconds to rate the Systematic Leader podcast on your favorite platform. Thanks!

Join us for a discussion about helping people find value in their work. Michelle Scribner is the CEO of the Sum of All Numbers accounting firm. One of my favorite parts of the interview was when she talked about her Monday morning routine and why it helps with employee engagement. J 1. Embracing Systems Michelle discusses how she initially viewed systems as restrictive but now sees them as freeing when designed properly. She explains how systems can automate tasks and protect a business, even if the owner is no longer able to do them personally. 2. Monday Morning Routine Michelle describes her company's Monday morning meeting structure, which includes a leadership team meeting, an all-hands meeting to review the mission and provide training, and a middle management meeting. This system helps align the team, solve urgent issues, and provide consistent onboarding for new hires. 3. Understanding Employee Personalities Michelle emphasizes the importance of understanding her team's personality types and communication styles. She adapted her leadership approach to better suit the needs of her introverted, change-averse employees rather than expecting them to adapt to her extroverted style. 4. Transparent Communication Michelle discusses her approach to sharing information with her team, balancing transparency with avoiding unnecessary anxiety. She consults her leadership team to determine what details to share and how to frame difficult news in a way that empowers employees. 5. Empowering Employees Michelle strives to empower her team by setting high expectations, providing feedback and development opportunities, and allowing them to take ownership of their work. She struggles with the balance of supporting them and letting them learn from their own mistakes. 6. Recommended Resource Michelle recommends the book "Traction" as a valuable resource for leadership principles and implementing effective systems in a business. You can learn more about Michelle Scribner over at Sum of All Numbers. You can also connect with her on LinkedIn. 

Join us for a live coaching call with an entrepreneur who wants to improve his courses and scale his business. We talk through some of the internal system issues he is facing and how he can improve them. My favorite part of the interview is when he talks about the four powerful “Aha's” that came out of our session together. 1. The importance of systems and processes Karl emphasizes the value of having well-defined systems and processes in a business, rather than just chasing revenue and profit. He explains the concept of the "flywheel" and how consistent, iterative improvements to processes can lead to compounding results over time. 2. Therman's business and leadership challenges Therman discusses his background as a consultant, developer, and trainer, and his desire to focus more on the training aspect of his business, which he sees as more scalable. He shares his concerns about taking on a leadership role and managing employees, as he has not had that experience before. 3. Embracing the "Chief Repeating Officer" mindset Therman has an "aha" moment when Karl introduces the concept of being a "Chief Repeating Officer" - someone who consistently communicates the vision and importance of tasks to their team. Therman realizes that he already does this effectively with his customers, and can apply the same approach with his family and any future employees. 4. Focusing on one course and building a system Therman acknowledges that he has been trying to work on multiple courses simultaneously, which has prevented him from fully optimizing any one of them. He decides to focus his energy on his "Risk Register" course, building a structured process around it, including potentially hiring a co-host to help with accountability and production. 5. Developing a roadmap and setting expectations Therman and Karl discuss creating a 3-month roadmap, with the first 6 weeks focused on Therman embracing the "Chief Repeating Officer" mindset, particularly with his family. They also emphasize the importance of setting clear expectations and celebrating successes along the way. If you want to learn more about being a systematic leader join the 5 points newsletter. When you sign-up you get instant access to the Systematic Leader guides. You can learn how to improve your coaching system, develop SOPs to help you scale your business and leadership checklist to help you grow your skills and build better relationships.

Join us for a discussion about creating investment systems that help you in business and your portfolio. Rob Wolff is the founder of Digital Asset News. One of my favorite parts of this interview is his framework for investing. This segment alone is well worth your time. Rob first learned about Bitcoin in 2012 when his son told him about a friend who wanted to sell 500 bitcoins for $500. Rob was initially skeptical, but after seeing Bitcoin's price rise to $1,000 in 2013 and then $5,000 in 2017, he decided to start investing. He went through cycles of gains and losses but ultimately decided to keep investing through dollar-cost averaging. Building Digital Asset News In 2019, as Rob's friends and family grew tired of him talking about Bitcoin, he decided to start the Digital Asset News YouTube channel to share his insights with a wider audience. The channel has now grown to over 350,000 subscribers, with Rob and his team using a system to research, curate, and present daily crypto news and analysis. Investment Principles and Strategies Rob discusses his key investment principles. My favorite was #5. Take profits along the way. He also talks about diversifying across different asset classes like real estate and small businesses. Building a Productive Routine and Lifestyle Rob shares how he has structured his life and daily routine to maximize his time and minimize stress. He emphasizes the importance of simplicity and removing unnecessary burdens, rather than constantly adding more possessions or obligations. Rob's morning routine of walking the dogs, drinking coffee, and working out helps him prepare for the day's tasks. Recommendations Rob recommends the book "Meditations" by Marcus Aurelius and the writings of Ryan Holiday as great resources for developing a stoic, systematic approach to life and leadership. He also invites the listener to check out the Digital Asset News YouTube channel for more of his insights on crypto and investing. You can learn more about Rob Wolff over at Digital Asset News. You can also connect with him on Twitter/X. As always, if you have any questions or want to submit a guest for the podcast that you think would be amazing, just reach out to me on the Systematic Leader website, and I'll do my best to get them on. If you enjoy the interview, please take 30 seconds to rate the Systematic Leader podcast on your favorite platform. Thanks!

Join us for a discussion about the importance of stepping back to align your work with your goals. Simone Severino is the founder of Strategy Spints. One of my favorite parts of this interview is when Simone shares his framework that helps leaders create a more innovative team culture. 1. Importance of strategy Simone and Karl discuss why strategizing is often difficult for busy professionals who are focused on solving immediate problems and delivering results. They emphasize the need to periodically "pull your head out of the water" to assess if you're swimming in the right direction at the right pace. 2. The 90-day strategy sprint framework Simone explains the 90-day strategy sprint program used at Strategy Sprints, which focuses on incrementally improving 3 key metrics over 3 months to effectively double revenue: pricing power, win rate, and sales velocity. The process involves weekly strategy and implementation sprints, with a dashboard to track progress. 3. Embracing failure and learning Simone and Karl discuss the importance of embracing failure and using it as a learning opportunity. They encourage teams to experiment, try new things, and report on their failures during the weekly review sessions, as this is how true innovation happens. 4. Maintaining momentum and focus Simone describes two types of "business meditations" used at Strategy Sprints - the weekly 30-minute sprint review, and the 90-day focus card review when teams need to re-align on priorities. This helps maintain momentum while also providing space for reflection and course correction. You can learn more about Simone Severino over at Strategy Sprints. You can also find him on LinkedIn. You can check out the his book Strategy Sprints on Amazon. As always, if you have any questions or want to submit a guest for the podcast that you think would be amazing, just reach out to me on the Dig to Fly website, and I'll do my best to get them on. If you enjoy the interview, please take 30 seconds to rate the Systematic Leader podcast on your favorite platform. Thanks!

Join us for a discussion about documenting your leadership standards and why it's so important. Therman Trottman is the founder of The Sharepoint Helpdesk. One of my favorite parts of the interview is his story about why he didn't think he could document his leadership approach. Highlights from the interview: 1. Therman's leadership journey and challenges Therman shared that he has struggled with being intentional about his leadership, as he has naturally fallen into leadership roles but finds it challenging to directly manage and hold people accountable. He discussed how he is more comfortable providing advice and guidance when disconnected from the outcome, versus when he has a vested interest in the results as a business owner. 2. Documenting processes, values, and communication norms Karl suggested that Therman document his leadership approach, including standard operating procedures, core values, and communication norms. This would help new hires understand Therman's expectations and style, rather than relying solely on verbal guidance. They discussed the importance of balancing prescriptive processes with flexibility to allow for creativity and problem-solving. 3. Overcoming distractions and maintaining focus  Therman shared that he struggles with maintaining focus and feeling like he's not doing enough, even when he's accomplished his goals for the day. They discussed strategies like setting stretch goals, celebrating small wins, and using checklists or Pomodoro techniques to stay on track. 4. Gratitude and self-reflection Karl emphasized the importance of gratitude and regularly reflecting on what's going well, rather than constantly focusing on what could be improved. They discussed how this mindset shift can help leaders avoid burnout and maintain a positive, growth-oriented perspective. You can learn more about Therman Trottman over at The Share Point Help Desk. You can also connect with Therman over on LinkedIn. As always, if you have any questions or want to submit a guest for the podcast that you think would be amazing, just reach out to me on the Systematic Leader website, and I'll do my best to get them on. If you enjoy the inter

Join Austin LaRoche and me as we discuss balancing vision and execution as the leader of a company. Austin runs a technology consulting agency called Atak Interactive. One of my favorite parts of this interview is how Austin uses the company's core values to assess people's performances. Highlights from the interview: 1. Balancing vision and implementation  Austin shares how his company adopted the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) to help balance his visionary tendencies with the need for structured implementation. He explains the importance of repeatedly communicating the company's vision and goals to ensure alignment and buy-in from the team. 2. Managing underperforming employees  Austin discusses the cultural shifts and challenges that came with implementing EOS, including having to part ways with some employees who were not aligned with the new systems and processes. He outlines his approach of providing clear feedback and opportunities for improvement before making difficult personnel decisions. 3. Establishing standards for client relationships  Austin describes his company's "3 P's" framework for evaluating potential clients - people, product, and performance. He explains how this helps them ensure a good fit and set appropriate expectations before engaging in a client relationship. 4. Embracing mistakes and driving continuous improvement  Austin emphasizes the importance of creating a culture where people feel comfortable admitting and taking ownership of mistakes. He shares his "I am the problem, I am the solution" core value, which empowers employees to identify issues and propose solutions. 5. Lessons from mentors and personal growth  Austin reflects on the positive influence of his father's approach to parenting and problem-solving, and how he has applied those lessons to leading his company. He also discusses the importance of self-awareness and managing one's inner critic to maintain a growth mindset. You can learn more about Austin LaRoche over at ATAK Interactive. You can also connect with him over on LinkedIn. As always, if you have any questions or want to submit a guest for the podcast that you think would be amazing, just reach out to me on the Systematic Leader website, and I'll do my best to get them on. If you enjoy the interview, please take 30 seconds to rate the Systematic Leader podcast on your favorite platform. Thanks!

Join us for a discussion about the importance of core values, building a community and why setting standards for your team is so important. Dave Stachowiak shares how he got into the coaching and leadership space, starting with a 15-year career at the Dale Carnegie training organization. He then pursued a doctorate degree and started the Coaching for Leaders podcast as a side project, which eventually became his main focus. 1. Core Values and Systems Dave discusses the three core values that have guided his podcast from the beginning: 1) Ensuring the content is useful for leaders, 2) Maintaining consistency by publishing new episodes weekly, and 3) Prioritizing high-quality audio. These values have helped him make tough decisions, like turning down interview requests that don't align with what's most helpful for his audience. 2. Building an Engaged Community Dave explains his approach to building an engaged community, focusing on a smaller group of Coaching for Leaders Pro members rather than trying to grow a massive following. He values depth of relationships over breadth, and has learned from mistakes like trying to provide too much long-form content that didn't resonate. 3. Lessons from a Mentor Dave shares stories about a former manager named Rhonda Kurtz, who taught him the importance of setting high standards for excellence and leading by example. These lessons around valuing quality and integrity have stuck with Dave and continue to shape his approach to leadership. 4. Continuous Improvement Dave discusses a current challenge of adjusting the length of his live events based on feedback from his community. He emphasizes the importance of being open to feedback, acknowledging blind spots, and iterating on processes to better serve his audience, even when it means making difficult decisions. You can learn more about Dave Stachowiak over at the Coaching for Leaders podcast. You can also connect with him on LinkedIn. As always, if you have any questions or want to submit a guest for the podcast that you think would be amazing, just reach out to me on the Systematic Leader website, and I'll do my best to get them on. If you enjoy the interview, please take 30 seconds to rate the Systematic Leader podcast on your favorite platform. Thanks!

Join us as we discuss the challenges of being a work-from-home father and how you can improve your productivity and work-life balance. Thom Gibson is the founder of Work From Home Dads. One of my favorite parts of this interview is the story he shares when he was a teacher and how he got buy-in from his students to help out in the classroom. It's a perfect Leadership 101 lesson that all leaders can learn from. Here are the highlights from the interview: Work-from-home challenges and solutions We discuss the challenges of working remotely, including the lack of in-person collaboration and the need to balance work and family responsibilities. Thom shares how he has created systems to stay productive and connected, such as delegating tasks to his team and using tools like TextExpander to streamline communication. Leveraging AI to improve productivity Thom and Karl explore how AI, specifically tools like ChatGPT, to help leaders and entrepreneurs become more efficient and effective. They discuss strategies for prompting AI to provide tailored solutions, such as asking specific questions one at a time and providing context, rather than just requesting a broad solution. Thom's background and work-from-home dad initiative Thom introduces his background as a former teacher and current social media and YouTube strategist at ConvertKit. He also discusses his side project, "Work from Home Dads", which aims to help fathers who work remotely be more productive and present with their families. Cultivating a lifelong learning mindset Thom shares how he has developed a passion for continuous learning, drawing inspiration from his mother's example and the teachings of podcasters like Jordan Harbinger. He emphasizes the importance of bringing your passion with you, rather than just chasing your "dream job". Systematic networking and relationship building Thom describes a system he has implemented for maintaining relationships and networking, inspired by Jordan Harbinger's "Six Minute Networking" approach. This involves regularly reaching out to contacts, logging interactions, and prioritizing those he hasn't connected with in a while. You can learn more about Thom Gibson over at Work From Home Dads. You can also connect with him over on LinkedIn and Twitter. As always, if you have any questions or want to submit a guest for the podcast that you think would be amazing, just reach out to me on the Systematic Leader website, and I'll do my best to get them on. If you enjoy the interview, please take 30 seconds to rate the Systematic Leader podcast on your favorite platform. Thanks!

Join us for a discussion about how to use storytelling in your business and career. Sean Platt is Founder of Sterling & Stone and Co-Founder Invisible Ink Media. One of my favorite parts of this interview was the framework he teaches to small business owners so that they can sell their services. Reflecting on storytelling and narrative Sean shares his background as a writer, noting how his wife encouraged him to start writing and how he discovered the power of storytelling. He discusses the importance of narratives, how they shape our experiences, and how being intentional about the stories we tell ourselves and others can lead to better outcomes. Applying storytelling to business and leadership We explore how effective storytelling can be leveraged in business and leadership contexts. They discuss the importance of crafting compelling narratives that resonate with and empower your audience, rather than making yourself the hero. They also touch on the dangers of performative vulnerability or shallow stories. Niching down in business to capture attention When you niche down in your business you are able to capture people's attention. If you write emails and copy on your site that is geared toward everyone you don't gather anyone's attention. In this interview he talks about his story telling framework that helps you create content for your niche audience. Systematizing storytelling and capturing insights Sean emphasizes the value of being intentional about collecting and cataloging the stories that arise in one's business and life. He suggests regularly reflecting on the "best stories" from a given week or period as a way to build up a robust narrative toolkit that can be applied to various situations. You can learn more about Sean Platt over at Sterling and Stone. You can also connect with him on LinkedIn. As always, if you have any questions or want to submit a guest for the podcast that you think would be amazing, just reach out to me on the Systematic Leader website, and I'll do my best to get them on. If you enjoy the interview, please take 30 seconds to rate the Systematic Leader podcast on your favorite platform. Thanks!

Join us for an interview about the importance of addressing the interconnection between personal and professional life, and helping clients dissolve inner blocks and triggers to free up mental space and creativity. Cathy Domoney is a coach who helps leaders release trauma and blocks to get the most out of their life and careers Highlights from the interview: 1. The shift towards proactive mental wellness Cathy discusses how high-performing leaders are increasingly recognizing the need to prioritize their own mental and emotional wellbeing, rather than just pushing through challenges. She highlights the importance of tuning into feelings and bodily signals as feedback, and taking radical responsibility for one's growth and development. 2. Establishing daily practices and routines Cathy shares her own morning routine of journaling and mantras as a way to start the day grounded and focused on abundance. She emphasizes the need for leaders to experiment and find the practices that work best for them individually, rather than trying to fit a one-size-fits-all mold. 3. Embracing feedback and blind spots Cathy discusses the value of having trusted advisors and loved ones who are willing to provide honest, constructive feedback - even if it's uncomfortable. She encourages leaders to actively seek out this input as a way to identify and address their blind spots. 4. Balancing professional and personal priorities Cathy shares a personal example of prioritizing time with her son over a high-level business meeting, and how this decision was ultimately respected and appreciated by her colleagues. She emphasizes the importance of leaders honoring their whole selves, including their family and personal commitments. 5. Recommended resources and final thoughts Cathy recommends the book "The Top Five Regrets of the Dying" as a powerful reflection on living a fulfilling life. She also shares her own journey of growth and self-discovery, and encourages leaders to embrace their own unique paths and not be afraid to be vulnerable. You can learn more about Cathy over at cathydomoney.com. You can also connect with her on LinkedIn. As always, if you have any questions or want to submit a guest for the podcast that you think would be amazing, just reach out to me on the Systematic Leader website, and I'll do my best to get them on. If you enjoy the interview, please take 30 seconds to rate the Systematic Leader podcast on your favorite platform. Thanks!

I'm sharing an episode of "Creating the Vision," Maria Maldonado Smith sits down with Karl Staib, the systems expert. We delve into the critical importance of creating Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to streamline business processes, mitigate friction, and drive both corporate and entrepreneurial success. Maria kicks off the discussion by expressing her excitement to have Karl on the show, highlighting his expertise in developing SOPs that save time and money for small business owners. Karl's approach involves examining current processes, identifying strengths and weaknesses, and designing simple yet effective SOPs for improved outcomes. This methodology not only benefits small businesses but also has significant applications in corporate settings. The conversation then pivots to the essence of good habits and structures in both personal and business realms. Karl emphasizes that while the initial perception might be that such systems are rigid, they are essential for consistency and success. He draws an analogy between maintaining healthy habits like exercise and diet and implementing effective business processes. Both require consistency and structure to avoid fluctuations and setbacks. Maria is curious about the journey that led Karl to create SOP Guy. Karl shares his story of evolving from running a consulting company called Work Happy Now to eventually finding his niche in SOPs. He touches on his diverse background, with his father's German precision and his mother's Icelandic creativity, which has influenced his approach to systems and processes. One of the key takeaways from Karl's methodology is the concept of creating a one-page document for new employees. This document outlines strengths, communication preferences, and support expectations, significantly accelerating the onboarding process and fostering better relationships from the start. This simple yet powerful tool eliminates the awkward initial phase of understanding a new manager's preferences and expectations, thus reducing friction and enhancing productivity. Karl also discusses the importance of continuous improvement, a principle inspired by Toyota's Kaizen philosophy. He stresses that systems and processes should always be in development to prevent plateauing. By setting a standard and continuously seeking ways to raise the bar, businesses can maintain engagement and drive better results. Maria underscores the alignment between their work philosophies, particularly around the importance of systems in achieving goals. They reference "Atomic Habits" by James Clear, highlighting how systems and processes are foundational to turning goals into reality. Karl expands on this by explaining that creating SOPs helps in setting clear expectations and providing the necessary guardrails for creativity and productivity. Towards the end of the episode, they discuss the practical application of these principles in mitigating friction within teams. Karl suggests creating a roadmap for improvement, focusing on high-impact, easily implementable changes. By starting with the most pressing issues and gradually addressing them, businesses can see significant improvements without feeling overwhelmed. Maria concludes by encouraging listeners to apply these concepts not just in their professional lives but also in their personal lives. Creating SOPs for personal routines can lead to better organization, more time for important activities, and overall improved well-being. Listeners interested in further exploring Karl's work can visit sopguy.com for more resources, including a friction assessment tool. Karl's book, "Bring Gratitude," is available on Amazon, offering insights into how gratitude can transform personal and professional lives. This episode serves as a comprehensive guide for anyone looking to enhance their business processes and achieve greater efficiency and success.

Join us for a discussion about how you can develop a simple CRM system that works well for your business. Adrienne Bellehumeur, author of 24 Hour Rule, shares her tips on developing a simple CRM system with simple tips to apply in your process. Karl also shares how you can build systems to create a CRM process that works well for your business. 1. Simple CRM Philosophies Adrienne discusses three key CRM philosophies: 1) CRM is about the process, not just the tool; 2) CRM is about keeping the door open with clients, not just opening it; and 3) CRM is especially important for non-sales people who only sell part-time, as it helps them stay organized. 2. Effective Follow-Up Strategies Adrienne shares two powerful follow-up techniques: 1) "Dripping" - doing a small amount of follow-up consistently (e.g. 2 contacts per day), which compounds over time; and 2) "Batching" - doing larger bursts of follow-up outreach (e.g. 20-30 emails) to maximize the chances of a sale. 3. CRM Cheat Sheet for Beginners Adrienne provides a simple CRM "cheat sheet" for those just getting started: 1) Maintain a contact database, 2) Track active sales campaigns, 3) Prioritize open opportunities, and 4) Set reminders and follow-up tasks. 4. The Power of the 24-Hour Rule Adrienne explains the "24-hour rule" - the idea that processing information and taking action within 24 hours of a client interaction is crucial, as our memory and connection to the details fades quickly over time. This is a key principle for effective CRM. 5. Recap and Next Steps Adrienne and Karl summarize the key takeaways from their discussion on simplified CRM strategies, noting that the simple approaches they covered can be highly impactful, even for more complex businesses. They discuss plans to potentially turn the conversation into a podcast. You can learn more about Adrienne Bellehumeur at Bellehumeur Company or on LinkedIn. As always, if you have any questions or want to submit a guest for the podcast that you think would be amazing, just reach out to me on the Dig to Fly website, and I'll do my best to get them on. If you enjoy the interview, please take 30 seconds to rate the Systematic Leader podcast on your favorite platform. Thanks!

Join us for a conversation about building a team that thrives with and without you. Dennis Dowdell is a best-selling author of Maximize You. One of my favorite parts of the interview is the story of how he trains people to replace him. 1. Leadership principles and frameworks Dennis shared frameworks for leadership like knowing what comes next, importance of tasks, and utilizing available resources. Effective leadership is about performance, not position. 2. Developing leaders through systems and processes Dennis explained his tell-show-do system for training others through demonstration and practice. Regular check-ins and encouragement build competence and confidence over 90 days. 3. Building confidence through competence Trainees learn by teaching, deepening their skills and replacing Dennis. Continuous growth happens through challenging roles like training others. 4. Transitioning to a new phase of work At 74, Dennis launched Maximize You to share his experience developing leaders worldwide. Marketing himself is challenging without previous support systems. He hired coaches to refine his processes. 5. Assumptions that enable leadership Dennis assumes people do what makes sense to them and want to grow, make a difference and avoid failure. By focusing on others' potential, one can accomplish more than believed possible through encouragement. You can learn more about Maria Maldonado Smith over at MMS Consulting. You can also connect with her on LinkedIn. As always, if you have any questions or want to submit a guest for the podcast that you think would be amazing, just reach out to me on the Dig to Fly website, and I'll do my best to get them on. If you enjoy the interview, please take 30 seconds to rate the Systematic Leader podcast on your favorite platform. Thanks!

Join us for a conversation about being flexible with how you connect and lead people. Maria Maldonado Smith is the Chief Empowerment Officer of MMS Consulting and creator of the Executive Vision Imagery program. One of my favorite parts of the interview was when she explained how to adapt to employees' personalities will help build our relationship with them. 1. Prioritizing goals through self-reflection Maria stresses regularly reflecting on true desires to avoid distraction, focusing inward to understand motivations before outward actions. How to communicate with people so they meet us where we are and accept us. 2. Reducing things down to make them manageable Leaders often struggle to take action on the right things because they are overwhelmed.In this section you'll learn how you can break things down to smaller chunks so they are manageable. You can make improvements by focusing on the things that matter and making small adjustments as you get feedback from the results. 3. Developing others through understanding motivations It's important to set standards for leadership and how people need to meet those standards before they are fired. Understanding each person's motivations beyond work, like family needs, informed Maria's leadership style shift to meet people as individuals through listening and notes. 4. The importance of visualization in goal achievement Maria explains how daily visualization of goals through personal imagery supports focus and reminds us of our priorities, activating brain areas for motivation and driving us forward. 5. Rapid fire questions She shares who one of her favorite leaders was in her career and what she learned from him. She also shares her most shared book, favorite podcast and most adored toy as a little girl. You can learn more about Maria Maldonado Smith over at MMS Consulting. You can also connect with her on LinkedIn. As always, if you have any questions or want to submit a guest for the podcast that you think would be amazing, just reach out to me on the Dig to Fly website, and I'll do my best to get them on. If you enjoy the interview, please take 30 seconds to rate the Systematic Leader podcast on your favorite platform. Thanks!

Join us for an in-depth conversation about leadership challenges and strategies for connecting with your people. Lucy Rowell has 20+ years of corporate leadership experience and now runs her agency. One of my favorite parts of the interview was her story about one of her favorite leaders from her career and why she was so good. 1. Leadership challenges and solutions Lucy discusses an experience when she struggled as a leader and realized she needed to take action. She then shares how communicating context and being transparent with teams helps overcome challenges even if all members don't fully agree. It's not about getting everyone to buy in, but about explaining the why, which helps people get on board even if they aren't in full agreement with the decision. 2. Communication strategies for leaders Weekly emails from Theresa, Lucy's mentor, helped teams feel connected by sharing wins across departments with a personal touch, teaching the importance of communication style and frequency for engaged followership. 3. Decision-making frameworks for leaders Considering diverse perspectives helps mitigate blindspots, though not all will fully agree; transparency in drivers and vision aids understanding to get buy-in even from dissenters. Experimenting also helps us learn from inevitable mistakes. 4. Importance of diverse perspectives for leaders Surrounding oneself with differing thinkers offsets weaknesses and prevents echo chambers, though introverts may need reminders to broaden networks; regular self-reflection further enhances awareness of blind spots. 5. Building self-awareness as a leader Journaling daily wins and areas for improvement plants seeds for growth, as does clarifying values to make choices aligning with long-term vision. Coaching also aids in recognizing habitual thought patterns. 6. Experimenting and learning from mistakes Viewing attempts as experiments shifts mindsets from failure to learning, allowing for small tests before committing; even costly errors become growth accelerators when met with self-forgiveness and understanding of ego-stories. 7. Top Recommendations Learn what books Lucy likes to share with friends and colleagues. Learn more about Lucy Rowell on the Impactful Authenticity website. You can also connect with her on LinkedIn. As always, if you have any questions or want to submit a guest for the podcast that you think would be amazing, just reach out to me on the Dig to Fly website, and I'll do my best to get them on. If you enjoy the interview, please take 30 seconds to rate the Dig to Fly podcast on your favorite platform. Thanks!

Join us for an interview about delivering on expectations inside your business. This conversation was with Jim Stevenson, a founder and international growth consultant. One of my favorite parts of the interview is when he  Highlights from the interview: 1. Agile methodologies and continuous improvement Jim explained how agile principles of prioritizing value over process and delivering work iteratively helped transform how he builds organizations. Continuous improvement is key to reviewing whether the work remains optimally directed. 2. Tracking value over activity and delivering early Jim argued for focusing on outcomes, not outputs, by delivering work incrementally and constantly validating its value. This prevents wasting months on potentially misguided work. Small, frequent deliveries also make course corrections easier. 3. Communication challenges and building trust Communication difficulties often arise between organizational silos. Jim advocated for regular, informal check-ins to foster understanding and connection across teams. An open-door policy encourages addressing issues proactively. 4. Leadership lessons from mentors Key mentors taught Jim sales, introduced agile practices, and how to prioritize outcomes. Adopting new strategies requires patience and educating skeptical colleagues over reprimanding them. Learning happens gradually when people feel heard. 5. Learning from mistakes and improving processes Jim admitted to botching a client deal due to overreliance on experience over process. He now has stricter onboarding procedures to catch funding issues earlier. Success stems from acknowledging errors to continuously enhance one's work. You can learn more about Jim Stevenson over at Founder and CEO of Bletchley Group. You can also connect with him on LinkedIn. As always, if you have any questions or want to submit a guest for the podcast that you think would be amazing, just reach out to me on the Dig to Fly website, and I'll do my best to get them on. If you enjoy the interview, please take 30 seconds to rate the Dig to Fly podcast on your favorite platform. Thanks!

Join us for a conversation about using data to tell better stories. John Linford co-founded Deckability, a company that helps leaders tell better stories using data. One of my favorite parts of the interview was when he shared how he thinks about personal and career growth so he continues to develop his career and leadership skills. Highlights from the interview: 1. Overcoming obstacles through feedback John details how seeking constant feedback from his mentor helped him improve, though ego can get in the way of receiving criticism. Regular reviews are key to growth. 2. Storytelling in pitch decks John explains the importance of establishing an emotional connection by addressing a real problem before introducing solutions. Conflict draws people in, as no one wants to hear about perfect lives. 3. Implementing systems for improvement Karl stresses implementing review processes to catch issues before losing clients. Systems are needed to dissect problems and make informed decisions, not just try different strategies. Honest self-examination is paramount. 4. Cultivating a growth mindset John pushed past comfort zones by seeking difficult roles outside his core strengths. Manifesting a vision 20% beyond current reality ensures continuous growth. Forcing functions like failures spur change. 5. Finding discipline through forcing functions John's willingness to take career risks led to compressed learning and rapid growth. Aiming high and accepting discomfort ensures one exceeds expectations through discipline and passion for challenging oneself. You can learn more about John over at Deckability. You can also connect with him on LinkedIn. As always, if you have any questions or want to submit a guest for the podcast that you think would be amazing, just reach out to me on the Dig to Fly website, and I'll do my best to get them on. If you enjoy the interview, please take 30 seconds to rate the Dig to Fly podcast on your favorite platform. Thanks!

In this interview, you'll learn about the core foundation of developing SOPs and processes so you can streamline your team and company. I was interviewed by a student, and at first, I thought it was a fun interview and that I would never share it. But then, as I listened to it, I realized that it's important to share the foundation of SOPs and processes. We don't talk enough about creating standards in a company and how to remove friction to get better results.

Join us for an interview about career frameworks to level up your business. Callum Borchers is a Wall Street Journal columnist specializing in career research, advice, and ideas. One of my favorite parts of this interview is when he explains how to use Highlights from the interview: 1. Work-life balance and mental health benefits Callum discussed the changing workplace in light of the pandemic, with companies now offering better mental health benefits but still expecting high availability from employees. He explains why he thinks these perks aren't going away any time soon. 2. Measuring success and setting expectations Callum advised setting clear metrics for evaluating decisions to avoid biased assessments, using coaching as an example where expectations like profits must be set upfront. 3. Taking breaks to avoid burnout Callum recommended scheduling breaks like exercise classes to reset, while Karl advocated disconnecting outdoors; both aim to prevent overload and its consequences like poor health. They also discuss the importance of blocking your calendar to focus on taking care of yourself. 4. Self-reflection and decision-making frameworks Callum stressed knowing one's self-critique tendencies to craft useful journaling, while Karl valued reflection's role in connecting with others and considering different views. A key takeaway from this part of the interview is why successful people journal and what framework they use to grow their skills. 5. Creating autonomy while avoiding fear of failure Callum noted the need to clarify expectations and leeway to feel confident in decisions and not fear quick removal, important for developing culture. It's important to have these difficult conversations so everyone is on the same page. 6. Long-term vision and job security concerns Callum suggested communicating a multi-year strategic direction to give stability amid the whiplash of the past years in the labor market and economy. It's about understanding your standard for success. 7. Recommendations Callum recommended Agassi's autobiography to help illustrate the importance of finding passion in life, and they thanked each other for the insightful discussion on leading well. You can learn more about Cal over at the column On the Clock (Wall Street Journal link). You can also connect with him on LinkedIn.  As always, if you have any questions or want to submit a guest for the podcast that you think would be amazing, just reach out to me on the Dig to Fly website, and I'll do my best to get them on. If you enjoy the interview, please take 30 seconds to rate the Dig to Fly podcast on your favorite platform. Thanks!