REenergize Podcast

Join Steve for the last episode of ReEnergize! We are so grateful for the support you have given and opportunities this podcast has provided. As we begin our transition to something new, Steve explains the good that can come from change. While change can be uncomfortable, it is constant; however, progress is not constant. This requires both businesses and people to revisit their strategies and make sure their actions align with their goals. With that said, we are excited to announce two new Coltivar podcasts coming your way. One will focus on transformation within the construction industry, while the other will be a tool to boost financial literacy among business leaders. To learn more about what is new with Coltivar, visit coltivar.com. We are so excited to share these new resources with you!Support the show (http://www.stevecoughran.com)

Have you ever been completely caught off-guard or hurt by somebody's words? In this episode of ReEnergize, Steve shares the story of a time when he received a metaphorical punch to the gut that changed his life. At first, Steve felt cut to the very center with shock and fear that had him questioning his business and decisions. However, while the comment was completely unexpected and hurtful, it forced him to rethink and make changes to his business that ultimately changed his life for the better. Rather than letting situations like this destroy us, Steve encourages you to pivot and grow from criticism and punches to the gut. To do this, Steve shares three takeaways he learned: Put your best work forward, use your pain as leverage to drive transformation, and do not fear rejection or critical feedback. Support the show (http://www.stevecoughran.com)

While the COVID-19 pandemic has made this year especially difficult, it is not the only time of uncertainty--the future is always unknown. In this episode of ReEnergize, Steve shares three key areas of focus to help your business thrive despite the uncertainty of the future: cash, throughput, and people. Steve explains what it means to have 90 days of cash, why it is crucial for success both in your business and personal finance, and how to obtain this cash. Despite gaining profit from projects, the time it takes to complete these projects has a huge impact on your organization's overall revenue. Investing in human capital can be difficult or even unappealing. However, Steve explains why the importance of training employees and creating a productive team, as well as how we can do that despite the current circumstances. By focusing on these three areas, your business can prosper both now and in the ever-uncertain future.How to Get the Most Out of Your Strategic Planning EffortsSupport the show (http://www.stevecoughran.com)

Steve has been out of the office for the past week, disconnecting from the world to enjoy his own personal "Think Week." In this episode of ReEnergize, Steve returns to explain what Think Week is, why he prioritizes it, and why you need one too. While taking time to think and recenter is incredibly important, the busyness of our lives often makes it difficult to find time for this. However, prioritizing even just a day or a half-day to give yourself time to truly think and disconnect offers incredible and lasting benefits. From his experience, Steve shares his insights, tips, and tricks to help you create a Think Week that is personalized and tailored to your liking and needs, helping you re-prioritize every aspect of your life.Support the show (http://www.stevecoughran.com)

In Steve's first business he created an elaborate strategic plan, yet looking back, he realized that there was one major thing missing from this plan--the customer. In this episode of ReEnergize, Steve discusses how to create a human-centered strategy to drive meaningful value. Like Steve's original business, many organizations can become too company-focused, trying to beat the competition. But winning companies don't focus on competition; rather, they focus on creating value for their customers, enhancing customer and employee experience. Take on Steve's challenge and learn how placing the human perspective at the center of your strategy and goals can drive resiliency, innovation, and renewal.Support the show (http://www.stevecoughran.com)

Managing people can be draining and time consuming, taking you away from other important operations. In this episode of ReEnergize, Steve explores the responsibility managers hold for the success and productivity of their employees. Introspection is required to provide your team with the necessary means for success. This starts with role clarity--while job descriptions are a good start, employees need direction. Complete clarity allows for motivation, establishes accountability, and outlines the goals and boundaries for employees. Tune in to hear Steve's insights and tactics on creating an environment of balance and clarity that will allow your team to thrive and add exponential value to your company.Support the show (http://www.stevecoughran.com)

Financial literacy can be a daunting subject. In this episode of ReEnergize, Steve breaks down the language of money in a way that is simple and easy to understand. While memorization was necessary in the past, we now have easy access to information. Now, our focus should be on strategic thinking and application. Steve gives five basic focuses you can use to boost your financial literacy: learn key terminology, understand financial statements, focus on key performance indicators (KPIs), take a course that will help you achieve your financial goals, and get a financial mentor. By deepening your knowledge in finance, you will be able to drive incredible value for your customers, business, and your personal life.Support the show (http://www.stevecoughran.com)

Even more so than other years, 2020 has been a year of massive change and adaptation, and while it can be exciting to plan new strategies, there is often a gap between the strategy plan and the strategy execution. In this episode of ReEnergize, Steve explains why over 70% of strategies fall through, and what you can do about it. Strategy is making decisions to successfully position and differentiate your organization to deliver exceptional customer experience and foster exponential growth. Change can be uncomfortable and unwanted, yet it occurs no matter what. With strategy, you can make changes that are intentional and that can transform your organization for the better. Tune in to learn how to create a strategy with a framework that will allow it to stick and add immense value to your company.Support the show (http://www.stevecoughran.com)

In this episode of ReEnergize, Steve interviews Grant Lebahn to get his insights on strategy. Grant worked for Hensel Phelps, managing strategy and operations for 21 years before founding Resource Gravity, a business designed to guide organizations to success in the construction industry. With his background, he is able to provide a unique view on strategy for the listeners. While strategy may be dead without finance, Grant emphasizes that strategy is also dead without framework. This framework must be built around trying to best serve the customers rather than trying to beat the competition--your strategy should be derived from individuality. With Grant's insights, we can learn how to find value within our businesses and personal matters to elevate every life they touch.http://signup.benchmarker.pro/Click here to visit Coltivar on YouTubeSupport the show (http://www.stevecoughran.com)

Every organization has untapped potential that is waiting to be realized. In this episode of ReEnergize, Steve explains how to find this unlocked potential, as well as how to act on it and repeat this process to foster growth, innovation, and resilience. Through a story of a friend landing a plane in the fog, Steve expresses the importance of relying on indicators and metrics within your business to navigate and succeed amidst times of turbulence. Many companies are running on very little fuel while trying to land safely in unknown terrain. Steve shares two categories of financial bench marking to help you take advantage of the resources that will help you discover your business's unrecognized value, guiding you and your business to a safe landing in a fog of uncertainty. To learn more about how your organization can use benchmarking to uncover hidden value, click here: signup.benchmarker.pro/ Support the show (http://www.stevecoughran.com)

In this episode of ReEnergize, Steve takes the listeners through five key steps that will help keep you headed for success in the future even when things aren't working out in the present. First, stay true to your purpose--this may even involve finding your purpose if it is still unclear. The wide variety of voices and chaos in the world can cause you to lose your focus, so learn how to turn off these distractions. Next, focus on value both within your business and your personal life. As you try to find order and strategy, it is important to be patient with both yourself, those around you, and your company, which means that it is not just okay, but necessary to shift certain timelines. Finally, Steve advises that you need to give your strategy the same attention and rigor as your daily operations. By implementing these five guidelines, we can not only be successful in the future, but learn to embrace the storms we are facing in the now.Support the show (http://www.stevecoughran.com)

In the past couple of episodes, we discussed both the benefits and challenges that come with entrepreneurship and startup companies. In this episode of ReEnergize, Steve picks the brain of Michelle Yu, former HR executive turned Coach, Trainer and Human Capital Consultant. After spending a decade working in technology, VC/PE firms in various HR capacities, Michelle knows what makes people work well in business and how businesses can better serve their people. She coaches ambitious high achievers to move past overwhelm, burnout, and stagnation so they can thrive both personally and professionally. Tune in to hear her thoughts, experiences, and advice, as well as her journey leaving the corporate world to start her own practice.https://www.michellekyu.com/Support the show (http://www.stevecoughran.com)

Much like entrepreneurship, the reality of startup companies is frequently misconstrued. While working in a startup company can be exciting and new, it requires risk, hard work, and adaptability. In this episode of ReEnergize, Steve shares the knowledge he has gained through his experience with startup companies to reveal the truth behind them. Unlike corporate jobs, startup companies require employees that are willing to do a variety of tasks and wear multiple different hats for the success of the company. While this may seem scary, it can allow employees to explore fields and grow tremendously, while also becoming part of a small, close-knit team. Though startup companies are not all fun and games, the culture can be lively and effective. Learn not only about the many factors that make up startup companies, but how to apply similar culture into larger, older organizations.Support the show (http://www.stevecoughran.com)

While entrepreneurship is rewarding, the way it is portrayed in the media today can often be very misleading. In this episode of ReEnergize, Steve explains the truth about what being an entrepreneur really takes. What may appear as a life of luxury is actually a constant grind that requires an incredible amount of hard work and motivation--it can be draining. So what makes it worth it? Steve shares his insights on how to get started, what keeps him excited and motivated, and how to pursue your entrepreneurial ambitions while maintaining balance in your life. Entrepreneurship can be intimidating and requires difficult trade-offs, but can pay off tremendously when done with purpose and reason.Support the show (http://www.stevecoughran.com)

Implementing strategy is not simply setting goals and laying out steps to achieve these; rather, it is an entire cultural shift. In this episode of ReEnergize, Steve explains the necessity of accountability and gives insight on how to achieve such an environment. In the last episode, we discussed the importance of keeping every employee informed and committed to the strategy. Without accountability, employees cannot be aligned or motivated, making strategy impossible to implement successfully. Steve dives deeper into how things such as the "return and report" method, technology, and finding a balance between complete freedom and micromanagement can help train members of all levels of an organization stay focused and engaged. Learn the difference between responsibility and accountability, and how they work together to make strategy and transformation stick for both your business and your personal life.Support the show (http://www.stevecoughran.com)

Last week we discussed the importance of making changes within your organization, but doing so effectively is often difficult. In this episode of ReEnergize, Steve explains key factors to implementing change that will stick within your organization. One of the biggest obstacles preventing changes from taking hold is lack of employee understanding and buy-in. Tune in to learn how to make sure employees not only understand the strategy, but are aligned and motivated to execute and move the strategy forward. By extending empathy to your employees, communicating through both your words and actions, and monitoring and celebrating progress, transformation becomes exciting and effective rather than intimidating and difficult.Support the show (http://www.stevecoughran.com)

Under the current circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic, businesses all over the world have been forced to make drastic changes to their processes and models. In this episode of ReEnergize, we break down the importance of revisiting your strategy to guide your organization through the short term as well as the long term. It can be easy to make quick adjustments to an organization in order to survive in uncertain times, but too often businesses make changes that only work in the present or near future. By revisiting strategy, organizations can make decisions that will not only help them succeed in the short term, but will create advantages and allow for growth in the future. Steve explains the necessary (and damaging) transformations and pivots that must be considered when changing operations that can determine the future of an organization to not just make it through difficult circumstances, but grow and thrive as time goes on.Check out our latest online coursesSupport the show (http://www.stevecoughran.com)

In last week's episode we discussed the current technology pivot and the benefits that can come by implementing a cohesive digital strategy within your organization. In this episode of ReEnergize, Steve explains the software that Coltivar has launched to make this digital pivot simple, convenient, and advantageous--Coltivar Connect. Coltivar Connect is a web-based platform that allows your business to implement and follow through with strategy in real time, eliminating unnecessary meetings or interruptions. This platform allows you to keep all your data in one place, align employees on all levels of the organization, empower accountability, and track the progress of your strategy, allowing you to capitalize on scarce resources and create value for both your customers and employees. Learn how Coltivar Connect differs from other platforms and how it can elevate and transform business as well as people.Learn more about Coltivar ConnectStart your free trial of Coltivar ConnectCheck out our latest online coursesSupport the show (http://www.stevecoughran.com)

In the midst of the global pandemic, businesses have been forced to rely on technology to communicate and function. However, these technologies were available long before they became popular. So why did it take so long for us to make the change? In this episode of ReEnergize, Steve explains the necessity of technology as we move forward into the future as well as what has kept people from using available technology in the past. If applied correctly, digitization is not something to be feared but rather something to be excited about that can transform both your business and personal life for the better. With Steve's insights, learn the how and why of implementing technology into your organization, and begin to see the opportunities that arise as the world experiences this digital pivot.Support the show (http://www.stevecoughran.com)

Understanding strategy and implementing one into your organization that will drive value and success is a difficult process. In this episode of ReEnergize, Steve helps break down the basics of successful strategy as well as the dangerous habits of poor strategy. Tune in to learn how making decisions and allocating scarce resources create the key fundamentals to building strategy, and why it is so important. As critical as it is to understand what a good strategy is, it is just as significant to understand what major pitfalls lead to a bad one; for this reason, Steve busts five common strategy myths and explains the mistakes that many organizations make when designing and executing a plan for the future. Explore the how and why of Coltivar's firm belief that by emphasizing the intersection of finance and strategy, organizations can generate value and optimize their potential.Take the FREE course: An Innovative Approach to StrategyCheck out Coltivar ConnectSupport the show (http://www.stevecoughran.com)

Designing a strategy is like the “Honeymoon” stage of marriage. It’s really exciting and engaging to design a strategy. However, designing and implementing are two very different things. When organizations get to the point of executing their strategies, most fall short because they fail to follow a process. For the last step in Outsizing, Steve explains what it means to Forge Patterns and how to follow a repeatable process. Through years of data collection and experience, Coltivar developed the IAR framework to help organizations follow a repeatable process that fosters innovation and drives meaningful results. In this episode of ReEnergize, Steve offers a brief overview of how the IAR framework is the best way for your organization to forge patterns.Get your free copy of OutsizingCheck out our latest online coursesLearn more about the IAR frameworkSupport the show (http://www.stevecoughran.com)

In last week’s episode, we converted advantages into value with 3 different approaches, earning a price premium, cost and capital efficiencies, and strategic growth. Now that we’ve laid out the plan on how to convert advantages into value, we’re going to explain who converts these advantages. This week, we move onto step 5 and introduce the value maximizer. Value maximizers are rockstar employees and in this episode, Steve explains how to unlock the potential your value maximizers bring to your organization. Support the show (http://www.stevecoughran.com)

Last week we discussed how to build from advantages and the major benefits that can come from finding the key strengths in your business and personal life. In this episode of ReEnergize, Steve explains how to generate value from these advantages. There are three ways to generate value that are discussed in Outsizing: earning price premiums, implementing cost and capital efficiencies, and being strategic about growth. Steve describes how to strategically pursue these through processes such as diversification, market penetration and expansion, and product development. Tune in to learn the steps that will take your advantages to the next level and maximize your value potential today!Get your free copy of OutsizingCheck out our latest online coursesSupport the show (http://www.stevecoughran.com)

“Focus on your strengths, not your weaknesses.” In this episode of ReEnergize, we talk about step 3 of Outsizing: Building from Advantages. When we focus on our weaknesses, we can only perfect them to the point of satisfactory. When we build on our advantages, that’s when we start to see extreme improvements. It’s important for organizations to realize their advantages and focus on how to optimize them through creating and capturing value. We break down the different types of advantages and how organizations can optimize their key strengths moving forward. Get your free copy of Outsizing Check out our latest online coursesSupport the show (http://www.stevecoughran.com)

Last week we discussed how people within a business play a role in strategy, but what about the people that the business serves? In this episode of ReEnergize, Steve explains how to form a strategy centered around your customers rather than just your company. Learn the difference between customer service and customer experience, and how being proactive can play a key role in your strategy. Steve explains both what an ideal customer is and what values make up these ideal customers. Whether it be needs, passions, circumstances, social factors, or pressure, all customers are made up values that derive from these motivations. Listen in as Steve explains how to use these motivations and values to maximize the quality of customer experience and create advantages within your business.Contact@Coltivar.comLink to your free copy of OutsizingLink to Coltivar's Online CoursesSupport the show (http://www.stevecoughran.com)

We have received lots of positive feedback from our listeners concerning the resources we have extended lately, yet we have forgotten to offer one of our best resources, Outsizing: Strategies to Grow Your Business, Profits, and Potential. In this episode of ReEnergize, Steve explains his reasons for and experience writing the book, as well as a key principle discussed in this book. Tune in as Steve discusses the human side of strategy and how to control it in a way that benefits your company rather than slows its progression. Often times things such as toxic work environments, stubborn employees, and biases can make good strategy difficult to follow through with. How can businesses create objective strategies that the whole company is excited for? Steve dives deep into the many ways we as humans can refocus both our personal and business lives for the better.Support the show (http://www.stevecoughran.com)

Our listeners have sent in several questions for Steve lately. In this episode of REengergize, Steve answers five of these relevant questions. Is it possible to have strategy with so many unknowns? How do you make cuts when you have so many great employees that you don't want to lose? What are the long term ramifications of the stimulus programs that the government has put into place to prop up the economy? What are Steve's thoughts on the stock market? Is it a good time to invest? How do we keep momentum within our business and employees with all the fear and uncertainty we are facing? Tune in to hear Steve's latest insight and advice on staying re-energized during these unprecedented times.Support the show (http://www.stevecoughran.com)

In this episode of Re-Energize, the host becomes the guest when Steve sits down to be interviewed by Coltivar's Institute Manager, Ashley Orewiler. Usually on the editing side of the podcast, Ashley gets the opportunity to chime in on the conversation and ask the questions. Steve and Ashley explore Steve's life journey and the strategic decisions he made to get to where he is today. Reminiscing youthful times and staying resilient through strategic decisions come together in this episode of Re-Energize. Tools and Resources for this episode:Fostering a Mindset of Growth, Innovation, and Resilience online course"Unlocking Value and Strengthening Your Financial Position" whitepaper Support the show (http://www.stevecoughran.com)

Many businesses have been forced to make drastic cuts and changes due to the COVID-19 outbreak. In this episode of ReEnergize, Steve discusses how to make cuts that will help your company succeed rather than limit its capacity and halt progression. Steve emphasizes methods to strategically make cuts that encourage a mindset of hopeful investment instead of fearful decision making. He explains that by making smart and thoughtful decisions in your business, it will not only remain effective and successful in these unprecedented times, but be able to rise above competition as the world returns to normalcy. Through a comparison of an untamed shrub, Steve explains that by cutting excess and unnecessary things out of both your business and personal life, you can grow back even stronger and better than before. By looking at the current conditions as a time to seek efficiency and improvement rather than a time to ration and implement short-term solutions, these current circumstances can heighten our potential rather than diminish it.If you are determined to grow you and your organization stronger, utilize Coltivar's curriculum below: Fostering a Mindset of Growth, Innovation, and Resilience CourseSupport the show (http://www.stevecoughran.com)

As COVID-19 sweeps across the globe, people are forced to change and find alternate methods to maintain their ways of life. In this episode of Re-Energize, Steve calls upon Jack Bowen, President of EMJ Construction, to share his thoughts on innovating and adapting, as well as his approach to this in an ever-changing world. Jack explains how the path that he took to reach his current position has developed a mindset of diversification and innovation as he has been able to expand his company's capacities, a characteristic that has come to define EMJ Construction. Jack explains that while executive decision making is key to successful change, those decisions can be daunting as their outcome remains unknown when the decision is made. To help surmount this fear, Jack explains that while failure will happen, we must learn to look for ways to grow from this failure rather than obsess over what went wrong and look for blame. While uncertainty makes change uncomfortable or undesirable, Jack explains an element of faith that you must have that makes it possible to continue forward despite every odd stacked against you and your business. With Jack's many insights, he establishes that change is not only good, but necessary for success.Support the show (http://www.stevecoughran.com)

Adjusting to new normals has been a challenge for us all. People are searching for guidance more than ever and it’s up to us as leaders to keep people on the path to success. In this episode of Re-Energize, Steve and Phil McGrath, friend and Human Resource Director of McKee Foods, explore the Pygmalion effect and how it relates to leadership. People perform based off the expectations you set for them. In his youth, Phil recalls his father as a well-respected basketball coach and how badly he and his siblings wanted to play basketball well. They performed well because their father expected them to. The same goes for our employees. Phil explains that our believes of an employee are manifested in our behaviors, our behaviors set the climate, and the climate directly impacts the employee’s outcomes. If we believe our employees have the capabilities to meet expectations, our faith in them will appear in our behaviors; thus, empowering our employees with the knowledge that they are capable, trustworthy, and successful. Phil says it best, “What gets watered, grows.” Support the show (http://www.stevecoughran.com)

In recent episodes, Steve stresses the importance of using this time to slow down and get connected with people, but what exactly does slowing down look like? In this episode of Re-Energize, Steve invites friend and mentor, John Berkley, President of Competitive Edge, to coach us through just that. John recites poetry and refers specifically to the different masks we put on for others. If we really slow down and stop to think about our influences and passions, are those authentic to our true selves or are we following someone else’s lead? John tells the audience how he went all through grade school without a date and before going to college, he was determined to change his story. By recognizing the unhealthy mask he’d been wearing, John formed a strategy to take the mask off. “People don’t realize they can take the masks off,” says John. We all have the power to recognize our masks and change our stories. Support the show (http://www.stevecoughran.com)

While the world is social distancing, Steve is finding ways to get more connected with people. In this episode of ReEnergize, Steve invites Rich Sexton, long-time friend and business owner, to talk about the environment COVID-19 has created and how to thrive in it. Rich gets down and personal when he recalls his 6+ years in the military, starting a business, and even, just recently, losing one of his businesses’ most significant clients. He’s a survivor and Steve believes he’s the perfect person to teach the listeners how to stay innovative, think positive, and thrive during these trying times. As Rich recalls a hard time in his past, he remembers the quote, “You can quit tomorrow, but you can’t quit today.” Support the show (http://www.stevecoughran.com)

Using this time as a period for self-reflection, Steve recalls a challenging situation and his revelation that came during those hard times. He distinctly remembers how clearly it became that people and relationships were the most important thing in his life. Thinking about how you appreciate people simply doesn’t cut it. Steve believes you should tell people how you feel, tell them you love them. Love doesn’t have to be a weird word. You love your pets, your friends, family, etc. So, say it aloud. Everyone can benefit from being told what is loved about them. Even though we are social distancing, Steve encourages you to make a video, send a text, and connect with the people you love. Support the show (http://www.stevecoughran.com)

Now, almost more than ever, is the perfect opportunity to slow down and get back to the basics of living life. In this episode of ReEnergize, Steve and wealth manager Brittany Jarocki use their skills in advising to talk down the fears many Americans are experiencing right now. This is not the first time America will experience an economic shock, neither will it be the last. Brittany says, “If you have a [financial] plan, stick to it. If you don’t have a plan, take the time to put one together.” She’s right, in both cases. This will subside and when it does, you want to still be on track with your original plan. And if you don’t have a plan, now is the time to slow down, get back to the basics, and be prepared for next time. Steve and Brittany agree, the American spirit is resilient. “We might not be perfect, but we’re still the best,” says Brittany. Support the show (http://www.stevecoughran.com)

Hard times can bring out the best or the worst in people. In this episode of ReEnergize, Steve talks us through another paralyzing week during the COVID-19 outbreak and how we can use this opportunity for good. Steve sees this circumstance and feels like this is a chance to slow down and connect with people. By slowing down, we allow ourselves to capture the moments. This week, Steve challenges you to connect with people during this time of disconnection. Send a text, video or something that insights joy to someone you haven't spoken to in a while. Be someone who spreads love, kindness and hope during hard times. Support the show (http://www.stevecoughran.com)

Yes, things are scary right now amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, but it is up to us as leaders to lead with optimism. In this short, bonus episode of ReEnergize, Steve answers the most pressing questions from businesses about Coronavirus, surviving a market plunge, and wading through paralyzing fear. Tune in now to hear Steve explain how to keep resilience, stay authentic and how to prepare for the future during the Coronavirus pandemic. Support the show (http://www.stevecoughran.com)

Self-awareness is key when it comes to your financial well-being. In this episode of ReEnergize, Steve has the pleasure of talking investment strategy with Certified Financial Planner, Jim Lunney. Jim is known for founding The Wealth Strategies Group, a comprehensive wealth counseling and independent investment advisory company. Jim explains how his vast experience in the investment industry helped him create The Seven Signs of a Changing Economy and how this tool made him more financially self-aware. The Seven Steps are a system that help Jim assess the market; which in turn, create a process that turns into a strategy that can be followed through towards success. Support the show (http://www.stevecoughran.com)

If you bend a stick and it snaps back into place, that’s what we call Resilience. In episode 32 of ReEnergize, Steve and Solar Construction Executive of Arraycon, Jeff Calabro, address how to foster a mindset of resilience. Jeff describes the rocky path he took in his adolescence and how it impacted the way he acts as an executive today. An executive, according to Jeff, is a person that can take on a new role and execute within the role. If you’re not satisfied with your role, you have the power of choice. You find a new job at a different company or you can find a new role within your company. Either way, “to be an executive, you must get out of the box and step into a new role,” says Jeff. Support the show (http://www.stevecoughran.com)

Authenticity of Leadership creates a culture that promotes employee authenticity. In this episode of ReEnergize, Steve examines the power of authentic leadership with Human Resources Manager, Chris Loncar of Timberline Landscaping in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Loncar discloses what it was like transforming the Human Resources role from a nasty stigma to an employee advocate. Leaders should not only be heavily invested in the strategy but also the culture. A leader who can be themselves gives the opportunity to employees to be themselves. According to Loncar, “If you give people opportunities to thrive, they’ll astound you.”Support the show (http://www.stevecoughran.com)

Steve picks the brain of Chief Strategy Officer, Stephanie Early, on maintaining company culture and employee report while implementing new technologies in a company. Early is the CSO of Timberline Landscaping in Colorado Springs, Colorado and has had a working business relationship with Steve for several years. Both commend Timberline’s leadership styles and their ability to grow with strong strategies. Companies like Timberline use strategies such as implementing new technologies, increasing employee inputs and continuing to have conversations about future change. Support the show (http://www.stevecoughran.com)

Living in the middle of America’s consumption culture makes it easy to fall in the trap of buying things. The amount of spending America has been doing is creating layers of stress among consumers. According to Forbes, 44% of Americans do not have enough cash to cover a $400 emergency. People have become so focused on their things that they are sacrificing relationships and connections with friends and loved ones. In this episode, Steve explains his journey with consolidating things to make space for people in his life. Do you really need 4 pairs of brown dress shoes? Steve says, “No. The most important thing in life is people.”Support the show (http://www.stevecoughran.com)

Where there is fear, love is absent. By leading with fear, we destroy relationships, push people away, and lose customers. In this episode Steve explores this topic deeply giving examples of how we let fear rule our parenting styles, relationships, and businesses. He then provides practical applications for embedding love in our interactions to promote happiness, joy, and peace. Learn how we can express unconditional love, create an abundance mentality, act on faith, and build businesses where employees are invested in and customers realize exceptional customer experiences. When we lead with love, we are truly practicing purpose driven leadership. Support the show (http://www.stevecoughran.com)

As we look to the future, it’s important to reflect on the past and celebrate the milestones along the way. In this episode Steve Coughran shares two tools that he uses in his life to record significant events and capture the things for which he is grateful for. Using these tools re-energizes him as he fosters positive feelings, celebrates success, and remembers in times of despair that achievement is built line upon line. As we record our progress, we can also ensure that we are in alignment with our cause and are practicing purpose driven leadership. Support the show (http://www.stevecoughran.com)

Technology is changing everything in this world, including how we do work. It’s changing traditional jobs, creating new roles, and is demanding the need for updated skills and abilities. We have all joked about how some jobs are so routine that computers can do them and now those jokes are becoming a reality. The superstars of today will soon become outdated as the skills and knowledge of the top performers go from applauded to required. In this episode Steve discuss what is upskilling and how companies can leverage its power to create competitive advantage and build organizations that foster growth, innovation, and resilience. To learn more about how the Coltivar Institute can upskill your workforce by providing cohesive training across 12 workshops in the areas of strategy, talent development, execution, and finance, visit coltivar.com/-coltivar-institute. Support the show (http://www.stevecoughran.com)

In his book Outsizing, Steve shares some surprising research—out of a large group of diverse leaders, less than 10 percent of respondents reported being highly satisfied with their company’s strategy, and 29 percent said they were only somewhat satisfied. Much of this dissatisfaction stems from organizations not achieving meaningful results due to a lack of alignment and specificity. In this episode, Steve provides 7 helpful tips for instilling a strategy within your company to create greater buy-in, alignment, and participation at all levels of the organization. For more information on or help with your organization’s strategy or strategic planning process, visit https://coltivar.com/strategy-design-workshop. Coltivar helps businesses create winning strategies and then implement them to achieve extraordinary results. Support the show (http://www.stevecoughran.com)

How many times do we hear words such as pleasure, happiness, and joy used interchangeably? The danger in this is that by using these words as one of the same, we skew our true expectations. In this episode Steve will discuss the distinction between short term pleasure and long-lasting joy and how we can build a life that promotes creation, growth, and fulfillment. Joy exists when we are living a life that matters. It comes when we are intentional with our time and we are aligned with our purpose and cause. Find out the three things that get in our way and prevent us from reaching our fullest potential. Support the show (http://www.stevecoughran.com)

It’s that time of year again when we pause and reflect on our successes and short comings over the last twelve months and plan for the new year to come. In the United States, setting New Year’s resolutions in January has been ingrained in our culture, but many struggle to do so effectively—especially in a manner that will make their goals stick. According to an article by Inc, researchers say that 60 percent of us make New Year’s resolutions, but only 8 percent are successful in achieving them. Why is that? In this episode Steve Coughran reveals his IAR framework that helps people define Initiatives, Actions, and Results that will form success patterns to make meaningful progress. Support the show (http://www.stevecoughran.com)

It’s always inspiring to be around people who have an affinity for serving others. We too can reach out and elevate those we interact with daily. Serving others doesn’t require us doing huge or outlandish things. It’s the small things that count. It’s more about consistent service and not falling into the trap of self-absorption and selfishness. When we do this we stop helping others and we develop “center of the universe syndrome”—where we believe the world revolves around us. In this episode Steve shares 5 surprising effects from serving others and how we all can benefit from spreading the love. Support the show (http://www.stevecoughran.com)

In our fast-paced world, companies have built empires on the promise of immediate results. Countless books proclaim that they share the keys to getting rich quick, losing ten pounds in a week, or feeling happy and confident today. These headlines call to the emotional parts of our brains that crave instant gratification. In our businesses and personal lives, we all want to see results quickly. However, can shortcuts really deliver on their promise? In this episode Steve will share a story about a shortcut gone bad and how doing the small and simple things can result in huge differences in our lives. Support the show (http://www.stevecoughran.com)

America has a major financial literacy problem. Overall, people want to make good financial decisions that lead to success both in the short and long-term, sadly most never had the opportunity to learn how to do it. Even top executives and leadership outside of the accounting and finance function struggle with financial literacy. From his research, Steve has found that on average professionals can only answer correctly 40% of basic financial questions pertaining to business. Huge opportunity exists from strengthening financial acumen and understanding the real story behind the numbers. In this episode Steve shares 7 tips that help business professionals, regardless of their role, get on the path towards financial literacy and success.Support the show (http://www.stevecoughran.com)