PureReinvention Podcast

The cool thing about doing a sabbatical is that it isn't just for the person to get getting time off, but it's for everyone around them who has to fill in. When you look taking a sabbatical and we decided to put one forward where people of a certain point in the organization get one month off - paid at some point in time, they become available. Sabbaticals become available every five years. They’re based on seniority. So when I institute this, we took our most senior people and we limited them to two. We said two people can go every year. What you find out, is other people get to step up. People who are in sort of subordinate positions have to step up into the leadership position to take on some of those tasks for a month. You begin thinking a little bit differently about what you do as an organization. Most importantly, you give leadership lessons and on the job training to people who are your future leaders in the organization. I can tell you after doing this for six years we have seen some people graduate into those roles because they show themselves to be more than ready to take on some responsibilities that we hadn't been asking them to do. I've not heard one complaint so far. You hear people talking years out what they're going to do, and I think it's become something that helps us provide a little bit more people to get them to be happier in their work. As organizations, we don't have unlimited resources. We have to try to find those ways in which you could fill that pot with as much good stuff as you can often make up for a salary request. We’re trying to fill that place to really walk the walk, not just talk the talk about what makes us a good organization to work for. This is something we feel really firm about.

Transcript: My journey is not a fairytale journey, I think by any means. And I think that's where my kind of explains to you somewhere I guess I saw some things, and I wanted to do some things differently.   But most of that started with me. Because at that point in time in my life I started saying so what's in it for me what's in it for Chrissy. So what's the next step, right? So I got my degree. I'm ready to go like I want to be a director. I want to be a VP -  let's let's do it!   But that didn't come. And so I remember sitting there and I asked for promotions. I wrote really great letters that said why I should have been promoted. All of which got turned down by the CEO who just left - who is like my dad to me- an amazing man who really helped to build the character and me to help me transition into the CEO role.   But he turned me down many, many times and I remember walking out of his office going back. I felt like  I know nothing and I don't know what he's talking about.  I certainly deserve to be promoted. This is the next step.   I remember one day I came home and I was talking to my husband. I said  "I just don't get it. I love the credit union. I absolutely am in love with the industry and what the Credit Union Industry stands for. I love the people I work with, but it's just not fitting, I am I missing something.   That's when I kind of (figuratively) got smacked in the face by my husband (he's very good to me) and he said, and it was it was you - it's you, Chrissy. You're the problem. You're always looking for that self serving purpose. You're looking for the what's in it for Chrissy and what's next for Chrissy. You're not thinking about how do you go into that place every day and serve to exist or exist to serve others? And i remember going, oh my gosh, like that's the point that I'm missing, I'm in a service industry, but I'm meant to be a servant to the people that I'm working with and working for and the people that I was leading at that time.

We are taking our own advice and we are going to take a hiatus from producing weekly podcasts at PureReinvention. We have a big event coming up (Connect: Detroit on May 22 - there's still time to register)  and all of us here feel that we need to take a step back and assess how we can best build and present future content in more digestible and diverse ways. In order to make that happen, we need to take the advice we give so freely and take a timeout to assess how we can best create and convey future content to you. We meet and get inspired by many people in our PureReinvention journey and we will continue to share their stories with you. Audio podcasts will certainly play a role, but we want to add to the mix through other means of communication by adding video and blogs. We want to keep things fresh and present the content to you in a way that entertains as well as useful to you. In the meantime, tell us what you think. What do you like about our podcasts? What would you like to see changed? This is an invitation to connect with us. We certainly would love to hear from you! Stay tuned to this channel for future updates and remember, if you're ready to make a change, make it a change that lasts, make it PureReinvention!

Want to see reinvention in action? Look no further than the former Michigan Lodging and Tourism Association (now Check In Michigan). They have a new and innovative executive director and a board that is dedicated to serving the next generation in the Michigan hospitality industry. They hired the firm, Advance 360 to help guide them through the initial stage of this transition. Learn how reinvention ready organizations commence sustainable reinvention.   QUOTE IT   “It’s not a linear process by any means.” (9:07) “Yes, the landscape is changing, but our role and how we champion this industry hasn’t changed.” (12:59) “(Aspiration) not a dream state. It’s a destination that we have our eye and finger on.” (14:55)     DIG IN   (7:29) The feeling. The brand took flight. (10:22) Serious movement. (13:36) Engaging the marketplace. (14:59) Synchronizing collaboration. (18:16) Sifting through the raw data.   Tip of the Week A brand is more than a logo. A brand expresses the organizational culture.    

The interviews we conducted this month profiled success stories in reinvention readiness. Both Erin Patten and Dene Westbrook were ready to take the reinvention plunge. What did they have in common? We believe that they both had the four pillars of reinvention readiness: desire, curiosity, flexibility and confidence. Everything begins with a desire to change your situation. Both Erin and Dene surrounded themselves with people who inspired them and pushed them to take the next step. Both Dene and Erin also had Curiosity. A reinvention journey thrives on curiosity. They asked lots of questions and went outside their respective comfort zones. They also showed flexibility. Successful reinvention only happens when you stretch your flexibility. You have to listen to the people you've surrounded yourself with and keep all options open. Finally, both showed confidence. Once they did their homework, got a support group and they moved forward with the plan.   Want some help in your reinvention journey? Download this infographic (from the mobile app or go to our website) which can serve as a bookmark or an image you can keep by your desk.     QUOTE IT   “(0:44) "Are you willing to take on a new role?"   “(5:11) "The power of taking pause."   DIG IN (0:31) Flexibility. (2:59) Curiosity. (4:40) Confidence. (7:41) Desire.   Tip of the Week Confidence is the fourth pillar of reinvention readiness. Rely on your support group and plan to give you the added boost you need to move things forward.    

Erin Patten is very accomplished with a Harvard business degree and a Kresge Fellow highlighting her impressive resume. She walked away from the standard career path to chase her dream of being an entrepreneur. In January 2018 she launched DaO Detroit. DaO stands for "defy all odds" and Erin personifies that sentiment.   QUOTE IT   “[My big leap] A natural progression of my career journey, my life journey. It just had to happen.” (3:21)   “Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.” –Lao Tzu (6:33)     DIG IN (2:56) Disrupting one’s economic livelihood and thriving beyond fear. (4:59) Simplify your messaging. (10:04, 11:47) Connecting to the marketplace.   Tip of the Week Flexibility is the third pillar of reinvention readiness. Keep all options open.    

Dene is a graduate of our STARTERS program last May. We saw from the beginning that she was reinvention ready and was in a great position to fly with her new promotion and added responsibilities with the Michigan Municipal League. Dene is a perfect example of what it takes to be reinvention ready. Listen as Mike talks to Dene about how she has built a network of support from her STARTERS experience and has excelled in her new position.   QUOTE IT   “I certainly have enough room to make my stamp on this place and strive for everything I want it to be.” (10:30)     DIG IN (3:02) Knowing when you’re reinvention ready. (4:50) A pivot in your style. (9:01) Building on ah ha moments. (11:43) From a doer to a communicator.   Tip of the Week Curiosity is the second pillar of reinvention readiness. Are you asking questions and not judging answers?    

Are you ready for a change? In order to make it a change that lasts you need to be reinvention ready! We’ll spend this month laying out the four pillars of reinvention readiness. You can use these pillars and ask yourself if you have what it takes to make the necessary changes to yourself and/or your organization.   QUOTE IT   “Are you ready for change?” (0:53)     DIG IN Characteristics of reinvention readiness: (2:03) Flexible. (3:27) Curious; lean in. (8:50) Confidence. (9:44) Desire.   Tip of the Week Desire is the first pillar of reinvention readiness. You have to really want to change if you’re going to be successful.

We end our focus on the fundamentals of move and the value of storytelling with a great discussion between Mike Bills and Jodi Schafer. We learned from our month's guests the value of storytelling to move ideas forward. We also learn the value of connecting with others emotionally using shared experiences and values.   QUOTE IT   “At the core, it’s about connecting with people on a very real level.” (1:49)     DIG IN   (1:17, 1:30) Back to basics. (2:34) Multidimensional storytelling. (9:03) Be unique and fluid.   Tip of the Week Approach customers and stakeholders with "what do you need?" rather than "this is what I do."    

Cornetta suffered a tragedy not so long ago by losing her father and found out about the details on the evening news. She needed to process her grief and took the opportunity to share her father's story through the Secret Society of Twisted Storytellers. Cornetta found that process to be so cathartic that she has dedicated her career to helping others to tell their stories. Listen as Mike talks to Cornetta about how storytelling helps to heal and the value of telling your own story.   QUOTE IT   “(Storytelling) It was impactful to me.” (12:58)   "It didn’t exist so I created it.” (18:18)    DIG IN   (11:08) Transferring the value of storytelling. (11:40) Storytelling to connect neighborhoods. (12:56) The why.   Tip of the Week Look for what you share in common when communicating. You get much further when you make that connection.    

Eric Thomas is a story teller. He's been one all his life. Now, he uses his unique skills to help his clients tell their stories. Listen this week as Mike gets Eric's unique perspective on how to move your cause forward through emotional connections.   QUOTE IT   “Storytelling saved my life.” (3:43)   "Remember that we are people." (11:17)     DIG IN   (3:32) The power of storytelling. (5:44) The formula. (15:47) Shifting the company culture.   Tip of the Week Effective leaders tap into emotions to move ideas forward.    

Mike talks with this month's co-host, PureReinvention's very own Jodi Schafer, owner, HRM Services, Inc. Mike and Jodi discuss how Jodi is moving her company forward as well as discuss the March line up of interviews that we have in store for you.   QUOTE IT   “Knowing what you want to do and then having the courage to do it is really where the fruit starts to comes to life.” (1:08)     DIG IN   (1:14) Key elements of move. (3:14) Have a measure of courage. (5:53) Expecting growth to take place.   Tip of the Week Knowing what you want is only part of the equation. It's the courage to move that idea forward that makes the success.  

Movement makes the whole PureReinvention process work. It's the purpose of the whole exercise. What makes movement work? Listen to Mike discuss the ingredients of movement with February's co-host, Shari Milliken, finance director of the Michigan Municipal League.   QUOTE IT   “Look outside the paradigm and go for it." (4:35)    DIG IN (1:04) It's uncomfortable. (1:28) Engagement. (6:37) Willingness to fail.   Tip of the Week Passion maximizes new opportunities and minimizes risk of failure.    

We've all heard of think tanks, but how many think and DO tanks have you heard of? Detroit Future City is committed to advancing the quality of life for all Detroiters. The organization accomplishes this by partnerships with residents and stakeholders using data driven strategies that promotes community and economic development. This week we talk with DFC's executive director, Anika Goss-Foster about how the organization works to move Detroit ahead for the next 50 years.   QUOTE IT     “Create partners to make action differently.” (15:29)   “It needs to be in everyone’s best interest.” (19:13)   DIG IN   (9:38) Think and do. (11:51) Activating the involvement. (14:07) The premise of reporting to solve a problem.   Tip of the Week Movement without accountability is not possible. You need to assign people responsible and deadines to facilitate real movement.  

The Detroit City Football Club was founded in 2012 and is one of the most successful minor league soccer teams in North America. The team was founded as a vehicle to organize the community and regularly sells out its 7,000 seat stadium in Hamtramck. Listen as Mike talks with Sean Mann, CEO and co-owner of Detroit City Football Club about the club's founding and how they earned a loyal fan base. QUOTE IT “A gathering place in the city at a time when there's only a handful of restaurants and bars." (6:39) “Being the host of the party instead of the life of the party." (11:03) DIG IN (4:03) Soccer as the vehicle for being active in the community. (5:19) A growth spurt. (7:16) A small neighborhood activity generates a large amount of enthusiasm. (18:58) Creating a stronger financial footing.   Tip of the Week Ask yourself: Is your customer experience being driven top down or bottom up?  

We continue discussing the move fundamental in PureReinvention with our February co-host, Shari Milliken, finance director with Michigan Municipal League. Mike and Shari discuss executive development and the importance of listening.   QUOTE IT   “You have to continue to better yourself." (1:42) “Bringing the leading edge to your people." (4:28)   DIG IN (1:23) Importance of continuous movement in executive development. (1:55) Executive awareness. (4:02) Pursue change. (4:39) Nurturing individualism. Tip of the Week The best listeners are also keen observers.  

We are so excited to announce the launch of a professional development opportunity like no other. Connect: Detroit will be a one day experience in Detroit on May 22. This experience is designed for high functioning executives who are interested in rolling up their sleeves, feeling a little uncomfortable and experiencing the reinvention that is happening in Detroit. With Connect: Detroit, you'll have an opportunity to immerse yourself in the many success stories that Detroit has to offer and learn how you can take those experiences home with you and apply them to your personal success story. This week's podcast is a discussion between Mike Bills and Bonnifer Ballard (Executive Director - American Water Works Association - Michigan Section) on how Connect: Detroit came to be and what excites them about sharing this experience with others.   QUOTE IT   “Be all in.” (2:14)   “The best things happen when we’re a little uncomfortable.” (5:43)   “Reflection is a part of professional development.” (7:13)    DIG IN (2:14) The role of empathy. (3:45) The value of unpredictability. (8:02) Creating accountability.   Tip of the Week If you do the same things, you get the same results. If you're not happy with those results, try something different.  

This is the second part of the Impression 5 reinvention case study with Noah Smith, Partner, Capital Services, Inc. (Listen to part 1 here.) Part 2 covers how the I-5 team used the PureReinvention fundamentals simplify, connect and move to attain the incredible growth they have enjoyed in recent years.  QUOTE IT “We got away from distractions.” (5:10)  “The catalyst to bringing everyone else on board.” (10:37)  DIG IN (3:41) Create a focus to simplify. (7:32) Connecting networks in the community. (14:40) Doing what’s impactful and necessary.    Tip of the Week You can't move a plan forward without a focused, simple message.  

The Impression 5 Science Center in Lansing, Michigan has seen a tremendous turnaround over the last few years under the leadership of Noah Smith. Listen as Mike and Noah discuss how I5’s board applied the PureReinvention fundamentals to position the organization into the growth phase that it has enjoyed in recent years.    QUOTE IT “People were actually ready for a change … but there was nobody who was willing to spark it.” (7:00)  “I want to do this. Train me.” (16:18)    DIG IN (5:33) Disruption is an option. (11:38) Demonstration of ownership. (14:45) The brain trust parallels with mutual mentorship.   Tip of the Week Moving from “wouldn’t it be nice” to “let’s do it” is the key to any success story.

While we were interviewing Marlin Williams, we discovered that she was responsible for key elements of the Compuware move to downtown Detroit from Farmington Hills in 2003. The story was fascinating to us and we decided to dedicate an episode to this part of Marlin's story.   QUOTE IT “How do you cast a wider net?” (6:17)  “I wasn’t afraid to ask.” (15:56)    DIG IN (5:35) Making the move from suburbia. (8:03) Shifting the corporate culture. (13:24) A personal journey of continuous improvement.   Tip of the Week Own your fear.  

Happy New Year! We are starting 2018 off with a peek into what's next for PureReinvention. Are you reinvention ready? We have some great offerings (including this podcast) for those who are committed to the reinvention journey.   QUOTE IT “What’s next? … I’m looking for something that’s really going to stimulate me in a new way.” (4:35) “It’s important for high functioning executives to get their hands dirty. Roll up your sleeves and actually solve the problem that you’re talking about.” (5:48)    DIG IN   (1:58) Stepping into the move fundamental. (2:56) Connect: Detroit, a nontraditional executive leadership experience. (4:48) The value add with an experiential learning experience. (8:51) Are you ready to move with Connect: Detroit? Tip of the Week Now is the time to determine what is next for you.      

Dr. Gerry Roston brings an impressive resume to TechTown Detroit. He was on the Mars rover team and helped develop technologies which are making self-driving cars possible. He now brings his wealth of knowledge and connections to help TechTown Detroit excel in connecting ideas to the marketplace. Listen this week as we explore the value of connecting ideas to those we serve.   QUOTE IT “Go to the marketplace first, try to find what pain your potential customers are having to make sure what you want to develop meets their needs." (7:06)  “Getting people connected to the right resources is critically important." (11:42)  “Tell me about a day in your life. Where do you struggle?" (13:15)    DIG IN  (5:35, 12:29) Customer discovery. (13:06) Learning to pivot. (18:23) Provide actionable information.   Tip of the Week Connecting to your customers to find their pain points is critical to your success.    

 Lauren Kase is a San Francisco native that stayed in Detroit after receiving her degree from the University of Michigan. She is the Head of Marketing and Partnerships at Floyd Detroit. Listen this week as we discover what attracts the millennials to Detroit, Floyd's unique positioning in the furniture industry and the importance of mutual mentorship.   QUOTE IT   “The most sustainable thing is not throwing anything away.” (9:50)  “It’s really exciting to have people resonate with the product.” (10:56)   DIG IN (8:40) Floyd Detroit’s definition of sustainability. (9:55) The challenge of being too successful. (12:03) Tap into tacit knowledge.   Tip of the Week Mentorship is a two-way street.    

We kick off the month of December with this month's co-host Lauren Snyder, Marketing and Communications Specialist, American Hort and recent STARTERS graduate. This episode discusses the exciting line up we have in December as well as engaging discussion on how the connect fundamental works in the PureReinvention process. QUOTE IT “The idea of connection transcends so many aspects of success." (2:26) “They (TechTown) connect the right conversations, with the right people at the right time." (5:16) DIG IN (2:14) The importance of connect. (2:41) The epitome of the young person's ability to connect. (5:00) Connecting to influence technology and innovation. Tip of the Week Build a network of mentors to connect your ideas and passion to the right people.          

The holiday season is a time for reflection. Now is the time to think about how we are going to approach the next year. Make some space to think about how you want to continue to move yourself forward. How are you going to approach 2018? We are encouraging you to install some kind of sabbatical in your plans. It doesn't have to be months or weeks. It simply needs to be some kind of installed time to assess where you are and to think about what's next. Install time and think and experience something new.  QUOTE IT “Make space.” (2:01)  “We need to be refreshed.” (6:02)   DIG IN (1:24) The importance of a sabbatical. (3:00) Introduce the sabbatical concept into your life. (4:22) Connect with inspiration. Tip of the Week Take some time this holiday season to plan out 2018. Install some opportunities for a personal sabbatical in which you experience something different.    

Marlin Williams has found her calling in helping to diversify industries. Marlin's path to where she is now is amazing. She started as a mortician, implemented diversity programs for a couple Fortune 500 industries and now lends her talents to TechTown Detroit. She is also the founder of Sisters Code, which is dedicated to exposing women from the ages of 25-85 to the world of coding and technology. Her story is inspiring and we're glad she took the time to share it with us!   QUOTE IT   “Come talk to us.” (4:33) “It’s all about empowerment.” (11:26)  “Be prepared to reinvent yourself.” (15:54)    DIG IN (3:20) The open door policy. (10:05) Getting others engaged. (12:32, 14:04) Understanding your core. (14:33) Hone in on the why with a life sabbatical. Tip of the Week Feeling lost and confused? Taking a personal sabbatical may be what you need to assess what you need to do moving forward.          

We had so many gems from our talk with Melissa Butler, that we had to make two episodes! The first episode can be heard here. In this episode, Melissa discusses how she started The Lip Bar and her advice to would be entrepreneurs out there.   QUOTE IT “If you don’t like your situation, change it.” (6:21) “Don’t rush it … Launch with something that is electric.” (11:58) “Reinvention leaders have to tie whatever they're doing to the bigger story.” (18:49) DIG IN  (3:54) From Detroit to Wall Street and back. (9:21) Knowing when to quit. (11:43, 16:30) The infliction of arbitrary deadlines. (13:35) Shift in American dream. Tip of the Week Don't rush a project to market to meet self-imposed deadlines.  

PureReinvention team member Jodi Schafer joins us in November to discuss your podcast line up and our thoughts going forward for STARTERS and the WE.INVENT program. We'll also give you a hint of our new professional development offering that we'll offer in the Spring of 2018. We have learned so much in 2017 and will continue to build offerings that serve your needs.   QUOTE IT   “Why you do what you do?” (4:22) “The story comes to life in the connect phase.” (5:15)      DIG IN   (1:19) An upsize to the trade imbalance. (3:35) Redefining an industry standard. (6:08) Connect with curious minds. (6:08) STARTERS discussion. (7:36) Awesome women only -- WE.INVENT. (10:21) Executives and high performers.   Tip of the Week Always keep in mind why you're doing what you're doing when formulating the plan.    

Let's face it: even the the most shy of us require some degrees of human interaction. They're necessary on both a personal and professional level. In this week's episode, team members Sonya Robinson and Mike Bills discuss with our October co-host, Erin Patten of Ponyride, how we can build sustainable and enriching connections. QUOTE IT “If you don’t connect authentically, then it’s not going to be a sustainable relationship.” (4:13) “We are walking magnets just waiting for the opportunity to connect.” (6:46)   DIG IN (0:43) Organize the chaos. (2:28) Creating sustainable connections. (9:33) The power of differences. Tip of the Week Are you being authentic in your communications? Sustainable connections require authenticity.

This week we interview Noah Elliott Morrison, director of Ponyride. Ponyride is a nonprofit organization which runs out of a 30,000 square foot building in Detroit. It is committed to facilitating the growth of social missions within artists, entrepreneurs, makers, and serves as an incubator and a safe space to help its clientele grow into viable businesses.   QUOTE IT “What things do you need to move your business to the next place?” (11:21)   “It’s a magic that is really hard to point to.” (12:27)  DIG IN   (7:38) A work through space. (10:43) Discovering growth resources. (11:46) The role of listening and observing.   Observing one's behavior is just as important as listening when determining how best to serve a community.  

Steve Widder built the Susan G. Komen Mid-Michigan Race for the Cure in Lansing into a major event with over 6000 runners in his heyday. Steve shares his thoughts with us on how to understand an audience. He also shares with us his passion for biking and his recent travels to France to take on challenging legs of the Tour de France. QUOTE IT “Understand your audience.” (5:22) “Make a grand spectacle at the beginning.” (9:27) “I’ve been wanting to do this. This is my best chance. I’ve never gotten this far before and I’ve gotta go.” (20:29) “Three times I didn’t make it. The fourth one I’m gonna do it.” (20:44)  DIG IN (4:50) Growth stride and creating a community. (11:29) Leader philosophy of being all in. (20:58) Overcome self-doubt. Successful products or programs address immediate pain points people face. Connect with your target audience and know what motivates and hinders them.

Building a culture is one of the primary responsibilities of all leaders. A major ingredient for successful cultures is authenticity and this week's guest excels in this trait. Listen this week as we interview Dr. Tonya Matthews, president and CEO of Detroit Science Center and discuss what it takes to build a successful business culture and how nurturing authenticity plays a vital role. QUOTE IT “Wanting to save the world.” (3:07) “We look at things that look nothing like us.” (4:55) “A culture eats budget for breakfast.” (11:19) “Understanding our part of the larger whole.” (17:08)  DIG IN (4:55) Connect to gain the competitive advantage. (9:09) Embrace and nurture authenticity. (15:51) Paying forward reinvention. Tip of the Week There's only one you - Be authentic and find your passion. It's your distinct competitive advantage.

October starts our focus on the connect fundamental of the PureReinvention process. We can't think of a better person who personifies connect like this month's co-host, Erin Patten, Director of Retail and Marketing, Pony Ride. Listen as Mike and Erin discuss this month's interviews and how Erin uses the connect fundamental in advancing the mission of her organization. QUOTE IT “Part of the connection is intentionality.” (7:25)  DIG IN (3:04) The energy behind connect. (5:49) The importance of patience. (7:12) Sustainable energy. Tip of the Week Building a vibrant network takes patience. Don't be discouraged if you're not getting immediate results for your efforts    

The end of September brings to an end our focus on the simplify fundamental of the PureReinvention process. We thought we would leave you with a short episode with our co-host Anita Quillen, CEO of Quillen Holdings, talking about tips she uses to simplify her management and personal life and how she balances both of them.   QUOTE IT [box] “Control your fear so it doesn’t consume you.” (8:18)   [/box]      DIG IN (0:28) Next generation thought for employers. (8:56) The culture of growth. (10:04) Use time for yourself to enhance.     Tip of the Week Rarely can you perfectly balance work and personal obligations on any given day. One or the other demands more attention. Give yourself permission to focus on one that needs your immediate attention and then make up the other so that they even out over time.  

Melissa Butler is a dynamic person. We met her when touring Pony Ride with our spring STARTERS program. She is the founder and CEO of The Lip Bar. She was on Shark Tank and although they didn't get funded, they got tremendous exposure and Melissa had the ability to take advantage of the added interest in her product. Her marketing shatters all traditional molds for beauty products and she knows her target audience so well that she's named her and knows what she does on any given day. We got so much from Melissa that we broke the interview into two parts. The second part will be released later this fall. Both podcasts are inspiring!   QUOTE IT “You’re not just selling products, you’re selling yourself. You’re selling a story.” (4:52) “People don’t buy what you sell, they buy what you believe.” (10:45)    DIG IN (4:52) Basics of brand loyalty. (6:40) Craft a compelling story (The Why). (14:20) How to tell the story. (15:41) Build a profile of your customer.   Tip of the Week Simplify your marketing by developing a persona of your target market. Think about that person when creating your promotional materials.  

Mark Denson, director of business attraction at the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation, gives a unique perspective on Detroit's current resurgence and its roots in the planning that led to Detroit hosting the Super Bowl in 2006. Listen as Mark shares his observations of the Detroit story from his unique perspective.  QUOTE IT “Our problems were great and in that we needed great and creative solutions to move the city forward.” (4:53) “Completing projects, making a difference in a visible way and creating partnerships to make these things happen.” (7:45) DIG IN (4:24) Dig out the hope factor. Sell the vision and make believers. (7:29) Manage expectations by delivering. (8:26) Invest in deep thought and think into the future. (12:31) Shake the trees. (16:31) Creating a sustainable growth cycle. Tip of the Week A "can do" attitude and patience can make all the difference.  

We kick off September with Anita-Marie Quillen, CEO Quillen Holdings. In this episode, Mike talks with Anita about how she uses the simplify process in PureReinvention to effectively communicate with employees.   QUOTE IT “A thoughtful reduction to solutions.” (3:13) “[The responsibility of a boss or leader] Continue growth from all the individuals underneath you.” (12:15)   DIG IN   (2:52) Shifting culture and measuring performance. (5:17) Responding to behaviors. (7:02) Transparency in communication.   Tip of the Week Clearly communicate expectations and follow up regularly with staff.    

Mike Bills of Team PureReinvention and Bonnifer Ballard, this month's co-host and Executive Director of the Michigan Section of the American Waterworks Association discuss the main take aways from our August episodes. QUOTE IT “You can not begin to embrace what's happening today if you stay in your own little world and your talk to the same people about the same things." (6:35)   DIG IN (2:49) Openness to disruption. (4:04) Selective use of trends. (5:03) Learning how to think differently. (8:30) The environment to practice simplifying. Tip of the Week Gain a different perspective by talking with people who think differently from you.  

If you want to see someone who lives the "what's next?" mantra, look no further than Dan Gilmartin of the Michigan Municipal League. The Michigan Municipal League has received national attention for its placemaking approach to community building and isn't resting on its laurels. Listen as Dan explains how he's given license by his board and stakeholders to think big and how he's building the team to execute on this expanded vision. QUOTE IT “You’ve gotta leave time for people to reflect a little bit.” (7:21) “Innovate . . . Standardize . . . Optimize. (7:55) DIG IN   (5:12) Pioneering thought on your 2.0. (7:21) Identify your singular role. (13:25) Expand your rolodex.   Tip of the Week Make sure you're executing on your current mission well before expanding your part of the pie.    

Summer Minnick has achieved high levels of success through drive and planning. Unfortunately, even the best-laid plans can't prepare you for everything. Summer shares her experiences on how several unexpected turns of events affected her and how she turned these situations into positive outcomes. QUOTE IT “Everybody likes an element of control (5:56)" “You know you can finish. You've done this a bazillion times. Just go do it. When you have to walk, just walk and get through it." (14:47) “I had let go of all my expectations and preconceived outcomes and just decided I would just run." (15:42) DIG IN (3:11) The importance of the unexpected. (3:28) Doubling up bundles of joy; adjusting to disruption. (6:24) Running the distance to break the 4-hour barrier. (11:52) Alternative goals. (15:15) Crossing the finish line at 3:53:11. Tip of the Week Adjust and relax if your plan isn't working out.

We have a couple of exciting interviews lined up in August and a new co-host! Join Mike and Bonnifer Ballard, Executive Director, Michigan Section of the American Water Works Association, as they discuss how simplifying the message is important in securing support for a cause. QUOTE IT “Being able to tell a story in a very simple and clear way is very important.” (1:38) “Embracing change: Learning to be flexible and deal with chaos.” (10:01)  DIG IN Lessons Learned from the Michigan Municipal League: (2:38) How they tackle really big ideas in a simple way. (3:01) Their one word: place making. (5:15) Bringing the board along. Tip of the Week What’s your word? What is your very simple phrase to help people understand why you’re in business?

The PureReinvention team wraps up July discussing lessons learned from our guests this month. Simplification is very important in messaging and in serving customer needs. Organizations that focus on the customer experience and successfully communicate that are better positioned to thrive in this new economy. Listen as PureReinvention team members Mike Bills and Will Carlson discuss these lessons and reflect on how taking time to simplify complex issues is vital to advancing your mission. QUOTE IT “The simplification concept, for most people, becomes the pivot point.” (3:29) DIG IN (0:44) Getting ready to simplify. (3:29) Lessons learned from simplification. Tip of the Week Successful solutions are almost always the simple ones.

Grand Rapids has had a vibe for some time and has become a prime Midwest destination in spite of not having a major sports team. This week’s guest is chief experience officer of Experience Grand Rapids, Doug Small and is the promoter in chief of this gem of a city. Doug shares his thoughts on how team building and thinking differently has built Grand Rapids to the destination it is today. Doug also shares a personal story that was a life changing event that provides a valuable lesson to all of us. QUOTE IT “A Collaborative pioneering smart.” (4:01) "Attitude, character and enthusiasm.” (8:05) "We’re willing to do differently.” (18:30) DIG IN (4:21) Handsome growth. (5:35) Stay true to brand pillars. (13:51) The responsibility of a leader to listen. Tip of the Week Listen to your body. Don't ignore subtle persistent pain. It could be a signal of a bigger problem.

Simplification of the message is vital to enlisting support and/or selling the product. Most successful endeavors end up being a simple solution to a complex problem. Complicated messages get lost and confuse customers and stakeholders. PR firms make a good living condensing messages to brands and slogans. However, in order to get to the simple slogan or elevator pitch, you have to thoroughly understand the issues and the problem at hand. Join team members Mike Bills and Will Carlson as they discuss simplifying the message and learn what's in store for our July podcasts. Quote it “What the hell does this mean?” (1:49) “Be thoughtful about the bullet points.” (2:54) Dig in (2:32) Condense your hour long speech to ten minutes. (3:33) Moving our passion and knowledge to a takeaway message for the listener. (6:57) The power of illustrating to solve problems. Don't be overwhelmed by the daunting task. Take a big problem and break it down to small parts.

QUOTE IT “[Detroit bankruptcy story] 170,000 creditors … 18.5 billion in debt … a pension system that was $3.5 billion underfunded … a service delivery insolvent city.” (0:46) "[Company rebranding] So many things about it branding wise that were difficult.” (3:29) "Our plan now drives how I spend everyday.” (5:48) DIG IN (1:10) Mining the daunting task and knowing where to start. Identify and reduce one single thing to a picture that others can understand. (3:47) Less is more. Simplify your message. (6:22) Streamline expectations with targeted focus. Tip of the Week Simplification is vital in your mission and your internal and external communications.

A successful life or career is rarely made from one dramatic event. It usually is a result of a work ethic developed over a series of small experiences and successes along the line. Listen to this week's episode as team members Mike Bills and Sonya Robinson discuss how you can develop a sense of ownership in your journey through taking small manageable steps to advance yourself both professionally and personally.  QUOTE IT “You have to own the work you want to do so you can get the work you’re destined to do.” (3:59) "Create basic success first.” (7:10) DIG IN (4:15) Identify personal values. (5:19) Start with small things to create a pattern of success. Tip of the Week Ownership starts with the small things. If you act responsibly you will get more responsibility.

The relationship between a board of directors and a CEO is often undefined and can change based on the management style of the leadership. This week we explore a successful case of board leadership working in tandem with their new CEO as we talk with Cindy Bowen, Chairperson of the Michigan Lodging and Tourism Association board of directors and Deanna Richeson, President and CEO of that organization. QUOTE IT “The association has to change and evolve ahead of its members to provide value." (6:11) "Be a listener. Engage your industry stakeholders. Have vision. Look for opportunities. Put that into an executable plan.” (9:07) DIG IN (3:50) Being the differentiator. (5:18) The importance of continued quantum growth. (6:18) Seeing ahead of your members. (9:35) Unique value and characteristics of a sustainable board. Tip of the Week Do the board of directors and the chief executive have defined roles? Constant friction between the board and the chief executive may be an indicator of undefined roles.

Deanna Richeson has accomplished a lot in her first year at the Michigan Lodging and Tourism Association. The association's annual conference set a record for attendance and she initiated a workforce development job fair that attracted over 400 attendees. That's quite a bit for a first year at the helm, but it sounds like she's just getting started. Listen to team member Sonya Robinson as she gets Deanna's thoughts on how she intends to work with her board of directors to move the association forward. QUOTE IT “The role of the board is to help create the vision from the industry’s perspective about where the organization will grow.” (4:36) "It’s critical that the board shows up.” (5:50) "Quantum growth: Big growth in a short time.” (9:16) DIG IN (5:42) Diversity of contribution. (8:18) Quantum growth vs incremental growth. (9:44) The importance of executive listening. Tip of the Week Sustainable growth can only be attained when you respond to the needs of your customers. Take the time to listen to your members/customers.

PureReinvention team members Mike Bills and Sonya Robinson kick off June discussing how curiosity is a critical element of ownership. Quote it “Personal curiosity … drives the ownership component” (5:47) “Use my curiosity to take things to the next level.” (8:40) “What’s the little thing I can change that will make a difference.” (9:03) Dig in (6:24) The hunger for curiosity (8:24) Pulling forward to understand Tip of the Week: Curiosity is the essence of ownership. Keep asking the "why"?